THERMALLY PROTECTIVE COUPLING FOR A LIGHT CONDUIT LIGHTING SYSTEM

摘要

A light directing, load bearing, thermally protective coupling (26) for connecting a light conduit (16), such as a light pipe, to a light source (10 ) includes a body member having a first end connected with the light source (10) and a second end connected with the light pipe (16). The body member (26) contains a longitudinal channel (32) which extends from the first end (28) to the second end (30) and includes an inner surface (34) defining the channel (32) which directs light from the light source (10), through the coupling (26), to the light pipe (16 ). To reduce light loss, the inner surface (34) is provided with a highly reflecti ve finish. The coupling (26) is formed of a thermally conductive metal which dissipates heat from the light source (10) and has a length sufficient to produce a temperature drop which allows the light pipe (16) to be connected with the coupling (26) without damaging the light pipe (16). The first end (28) of the coupling (26) includ es a lip portion (26a) which is connected with a gasket (50) provided on a Light source reflector cone ( 12), and the second end (30) of the coupling (26) can inclu de a collar (172) which interlocks with a mating collar (178) provided on an adjacent light pipe (216).