AU707377B2 - Recessed light fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

The main components are the base (2), the light distribution diffusor or reflector (3, 4), pref. four holders (21) for mounting in an aperture (6) in a body (7), an edge portion (8), and power supply equipment (9) for lamps (11) in eg. two lampholders (10). The base and the light distributor are fitted to the holders (21) so that they can be detached and can execute only limited movement between operative and inoperative positions, their connection being offset from the centre of the assembly.

Description

1 Recessed light fitting The invention relates to a recessed light fitting which is set up for installation into an installation opening.

Thereby, the recessed light fitting may be attached to the component having the installation opening. Such a configuration is present for example with a recessed light fitting which is set up for installation in a wall opening.

With a recessed ceiling light, this can be attached either to the ceiling or the false ceiling having the installation opening, or the recessed light fitting can be attached to a carrier means arranged above the ceiling or false ceiling, e. g. by means of wires or bands.

From the publication DE 37 39 076 Al there can be understood a recessed light fitting of the first kind described above, with which the recessed light fitting is in each case attached to the body having the installation opening. On the other hand, there is described in DE 39 32 881 C2 a recessed light fitting which is attached by means of a wire to a ceiling arranged above the associated false ceiling.

Several demands are made of a recessed light fitting. On the one hand, this is a typical mass-production item the individual components of which should be of simple and economical construction, so that the recessed light fitting as a whole is also of economical price. For this reason there is also sought a manner of construction which is economical with materials and also of a slight weight, which facilitates transportation and installation. On the other hand, the installation of the recessed light fitting in the installation opening is associated with a considerable amount of effort, since on the one hand the recessed light is finally installed in the region of the installation opening and on the other hand an installation opening is as a rule accessible with difficulty, e. g. from 2 a ladder, so that the installation is difficult and time consuming. Further, a secure installation must be ensured so that security of the mounting is ensured even after a period of years.

Recessed light fittings in a variety of different constructions have already been developed. In US 2 939 669 there is described a suspension device for a recessed light fitting, consisting of a bridge-shaped carrier device to the underside of which a reflector is screwed. This bridge device has a middle carrier part which extends transversely of the reflector and is connected at its ends with respective support legs in the shape of support angled pieces the free ends of which are designed for support at a ceiling having the installation opening. The carrier part and the support legs are adjustable transversely of the elongate installation opening by means of an adjustment device, and can be fixed in the respective adjusted position. Retaining means for retaining at least one lamp, and for current supply of the same, are not described in this publication.

There is described in US 3 388 247 a recessed light in the form of an elongate tube light, which has two cap-shaped base parts at the ends with short upper angled pieces which are each penetrated by a vertical screw the downward head of which provides an element which can be engaged by a tool for turning. The screws are located in the vicinity of the neighbouring edges of the installation opening. Further, a reflector is provided. A tensioning part sits on each screw with a tensioning arm projecting over the edge of the opening. Through rotation of the screws occupying an aperture in the reflector by means of a rotation element applied from below, the tensioning parts can be drawn against the ceiling. Clearly, the reflector is held solely by means of the downward heads of the screws. Further fastening means for the reflector are not described.

From EP O 499 044 Al there can be understood a recessed ceiling light fitting which has a retention means in the form of a pot-shaped base part which is placed into the installation opening, a circular cylindrical hollow body inserted into the base part having a diffusion plate in its lower region and a halogen reflector lamp in the hollow body. There are provided installation means for retaining the recessed light fitting in the installation opening, consisting of retention springs each having two limbs of which one limb bears against the edge of the aperture and the other limb lies on the ceiling. With this known configuration, the retention means must be so constructed that they automatically snap into their fastening position upon emplacement of the base part and therefore must exactly match. Manual manipulation of the retention means from the interior space of the base part is not possible, since the base part is closed in the manner of a pot. Further, access to the halogen reflector lamp is difficult since apparently the attachment of the hollow body must first be released and the hollow body removed downwardly, in order to make free the access to the halogen reflector lamp.

The object of the invention is to so configure a recessed light fitting that its installation or final assembly is simplified and/or its accessibility is improved.

:',According to the present invention, there is provided a recessed light fitting including 20 installation means for attachment in an installation opening, retention means for retaining at least one lamp and components for electrical current supply to said at least one lamp, light influencing means for influencing the radiation of light radiated from *the said at least one lamp, 25 said retention means being releasably connected to said installation means by first connection means that restricts the path of movement thereof between an operational position and an installation position wherein said S. light influencing means being releasably connected to parts of said recessed °"Slight fitting by second connection means that restricts the path of movement thereof between an operational position and an installation position said light influencing means being arranged deeper in its said installation position than C T RA said retention means in its said installation position.

The configurations in accordance with the invention make possible a repositioning of the retaining means and/or of the light influencing means out C:%Wir4WOFtD SHARONVANDREW\t4ODELETEX489721A.DOC of their operational position into an installation position in which the interior space of the recessed light fitting is completely or at least partially open and thus access is facilitated and improved. Thus, connection, repair, and installation or de-installation can be carried out more easily, with ready manipulation and more quickly. Thereby, it is ensured that the retention means and/or the light influencing means cannot be lost, since these parts remain connected with the recessed light fitting by means of the connection means. Within the scope of the invention it is possible to arrange the retention means and/or the light influencing means to be foldable up or down, or tiltable up or down, or so that they can be unhooked. By these means, the access to the interior space of the recessed light fitting is made possible without this part having to be de-mounted and placed in a particular disposition.

The advantages which can be achieved by means of the invention can be achieved not only with a recess light fitting, but also with surfacemounted light fittings or light fittings which hang free in a room. For this reason, the invention is not restricted to a recessed light fitting. Surfacemounted light fittings and free hanging light fittings are, with regard to the significant individual parts of the light fitting, such as the retention means 20 and the light influencing means, in substance the same, whereby it is I* however usual to provide these lights with a closed housing forming the retention means or a base part, or to arrange the retention means or the ~base part and the light influencing means in the housing.

In one embodiment of the invention, the base part and/or the light influencing means are respective separate components, of which the base part is releasably connected, by means of an associated connecting device, on the carrier part, and the light influencing means are likewise releasably attached with an associated connection means, preferably on to the base part. By these means both the installation and the access to the recessed light fitting are substantially C: WINWORDSHAROWUNDREWNODELETE88721AO

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simplified. It is possible to install the retention device consisting of the carrier part and the installation means in the installation opening by itself or together with the base part, which can be effected in a manner permitting ready manipulation. It is also possible to employ a preinstalled base part of a carrier part. It is further possible to dismount the base part from the installed carrier part, in order e.g. to connect, to check or to exchange electrical functional parts arranged in particular on its rear side. After attachment of the base part, the reflector can likewise be connected with the recessed light fitting in a readily manipulable manner.

With some known recessed light fittings, the fittings or mounting parts for the lamps, and the light influencing means, for example formed of a reflector having strips, are retained on a base part in the shape of a tub standing on its head, which by means of special attachment devices is attached either to the false ceiling or to the ceiling located above the latter. The tub-shaped base part extends with its side walls into the installation opening, whereby the tub-shaped base part at the lower side wall edge has a laterally projecting edge part, formed in one piece thereon, which overlaps the edge of the installation opening or covers over the edge of the installation opening and forms a lower boundary for the tub-shaped base part.

The light influencing means is arranged in the tub-shaped base part above the edge part or arranged to terminate below flush with the edge part, and attached to the base part.

Because of the above-described known manners of construction, the known recessed light fittings involve considerable outlay in terms of materials and furthermore are expensive in manufacture, whereby the outlay in terms of materials has as a consequence a relatively great weight of the recessed light fittings. Further, the installation or attachment in the side region of the base part is difficult since access from below to the attachment elements is necessary, as can be understood from DE 37 39 076 Al.

According to one embodiment of the invention the following advantages are realised. The base part no longer needs to be formed with side walls extending downwardly, but can have a substantially flat constructional shape, which if appropriate may have a bulging directed towards the interior of the recessed light fitting or directed outwardly, for receiving means for supplying the lamp with an operational voltage.

By these means, the manner of construction for the base part is substantially simplified, whereby materials are saved and manufactured is simplified. Further, with this manner of construction, since side walls for the base part can be omitted either partially or completely lateral means for retaining the recessed light fitting are freely accessible from its interior space, whereby the installation and the de-installation of the recessed light fitting is substantially simplified and eased.

In another embodiment of the invention there is ensured a lateral -';adjustability and a fixing, in the respective position of the retention device, on the base part. This configuration is advantageous for several reasons. On the one 20 hand, the recessed light fitting can be adjusted in that the base part is laterally shifted relative to the retention device and then fixed. The recessed light fitting can thus also be laterally aligned. A further advantage consists in that the recessed light fitting can be adapted to installation apertures of different widths and therefore one and the same recessed light fitting can be installed in installation apertures of S 25 different widths. Thus, there is no need to provide for each width of aperture a base part of associated width. This configuration in accordance with the invention is particularly advantageous together with an edge part for covering over the °;aperture edge which may be arranged in the lower edge region of a tub-shaped base part or preferably on the light distributor. Thereby it is particularly advantageous when the size of the degree of the possible displacement between the retention device and the base part is adapted to the width of the edge part. In RA~, this way, the recessed light fitting can not only be adapted to different aperture widths but there is also ensured a covering of the aperture edge.

C-'AWINWORDSHAROW~NDREVANODELETEIA872A.DO -I C Further embodiments contribute to simplification and in one particular embodiment the configuration makes possible a readily manipulable access to lateral retention means for the recessed light fitting through the free space.

Other features of the invention additionally contribute to a simplification of the manner of construction and of the installation and de-installation and also simplify and improve the manufacture.

Below, the invention and further advantages which can be achieved thereby are described in more detail with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments and the

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drawings, which show: Fig. 1 a recessed light fitting in accordance with the invention, in a vertical section; Fig. 1A the recessed light fitting of Fig. 1 in a modified configuration or arrangement; Fig. 2 retention means, here in the form of a base part, for retaining a lamp and electrical components of the recessed light fitting, in a view from above; Fig. 3 a reflector of the recessed light fitting, in vertical longitudinal section; Fig. 4 the reflector in a view from above; Fig. 5 the partial section V-V of Fig. 3; Fig. 6 the recessed light fitting in a view from below; Fig. 7 and 8 recessed light fittings in accordance with the invention, in other cross-sectional forms, each in a view from below; Fig. 9 a recessed light fitting in accordance with the invention, in the form of a light band, in a view from below; Fig. 10 a recessed light fitting in accordance with the invention, in vertical longitudinal section; Fig. 11 the detail designated with X in Fig. 10, in a sectional representation to a larger scale; Fig. 12 a recessed light fitting in accordance with the invention, in vertical longitudinal section, in a modified configuration and in a different installation arrangement; Fig. 13 the detail designated with Y in Fig. 12, in a representation to an enlarge scale; Fig. 14 a closure element for a recessed light fitting in accordance with Fig. 10 and 11; Fig. 15 a light distributor having an edge part for a recessed light fitting; Fig. 16 a recessed light fitting in accordance with the invention, in vertical cross-section, with a modified height-adjustable retention device; Fig. 17 a recessed light fitting in accordance with the invention, in a modified configuration and having a modified retention device, in vertical crosssection; Fig. 18 a recessed light fitting in accordance with the invention, in vertical cross-section, in modified configuration; Fig. 19 a base part of the recessed light fitting according to Fig. 18, as an individual part, in cross-section; Fig. 20 a partial view of the base part in accordance with Fig. 19, in a view from the side; Fig. 21 the base part of Fig. 18 and 19 in extended arrangement, in a view from above; Fig. 22 a carrier part of the recessed light fitting according to Fig. 18, as an individual part, in a horizontal transverse view; Fig. 23 the carrier part in a side view from the left; Fig. 24 the carrier part in a side view from the right; Fig. 25 the carrier part in extended arrangement, in a view from above; Fig. 26 a support limb for the recessed light fitting according to Fig. 18, in a horizontal longitudinal view; Fig. 27 the support limb in a side view; Fig. 28 the support limb in extended arrangement, in a view from above; Fig. 29 a clamping part for the recessed light fitting according to Fig. 18 and the following Figures in a horizontal left-hand view; Fig. 30 the clamping part in a side view; Fig. 31 the clamping part in extended arrangement, in a view from above; Fig. 32 a latch spring for a recessed light fitting according to Fig. 18 and following Figures, in a horizontal longitudinal view; Fig. 33 the latch spring in a side view; Fig. 34 a recessed light fitting in accordance with the invention, in vertical cross-section, in a further modified configuration; Fig. 35 a recessed light fitting in accordance with the invention, in vertical cross-section, in a further modified configuration; Fig. 36 a recessed light fitting in accordance with the invention in an intermediate installation disposition, in vertical section view; Fig. 37 the recessed light fitting in a further immediate installation position, in vertical cross-section; Fig. 38 the recessed light fitting in a further installation or de-installation intermediate position; Fig. 39 the finally assembled recessed light fitting, in vertical cross-section.

The main parts of the recessed light fitting 1 are the base part 2, light influencing means e. g. for deflecting, distributing, damping and/or filtering light, such as one or more light distributors 3, which are here formed by means of a diffusor (opaque plate or perforated sheet), a reflector without raster or a reflector with raster, installation means 5 for releasably retaining the recessed light fitting in an installation opening 6 of a body 7 receiving the recessed light fitting 1, an edge part 8 for the finishing of the recessed light fitting 1 at the edge of the installation opening 6, operational apparatuses 9 for supplying electrical current to the at least one lamp 11 and one or more, e. g. two, fittings 10 for one or more lamps of corresponding number.

The base part 2 is a flat or plate-shaped component, the width a and length b of which are preferably smaller than the associated cross-sectional dimensions of the preferably t quadrilateral shape of the installation opening 6, whereby I Q 12 the width a is preferably also smaller than the spacing c between the installation means 5, so that a placement of the base part 2 from below into the installation opening 6 of the recessed light fitting 1 here formed as a ceiling light is possible. The width or the length b may, however, be larger than the corresponding dimension of the installation opening 6. With such a configuration, the base part 2 can moved through the opening 6 in an oblique position. This is possible because of the flat manner of construction of the base part.

With the present configuration, in which the recessed light fitting 1 has an elongate constructional form set up for at least one tube as lamp 11, the base part 2 is formed by means of a longitudinally extending profile piece, in particular of metal, e. g. steel sheet, and thus stabilized by means of the profile shaping. A central profile channel 12 is present into which the operating apparatus 9, for example a ballast, can be arranged recessed at the upper side, and thus in a space-saving manner. With the present configuration, the side walls of the profile are preferably bulged out in an angled shape with internal oblique sections 14 extending divergently from the base section 13 of the profile channel 12, and adjoining oblique sections 15, extending convergently, from which there extend outwardly preferably horizontal width sections 16 to which adjoin likewise for the purpose of stabilization upwardly or downwardly projecting short angled pieces or bent pieces. Near to the ends of the base part 2, there are, in the base section 13, fitting parts 10 preferably inserted from above into cut-outs 18 and clipped in by means of elastically bendable latch arms 19.

The retention means 5 is or are provided by means of four like, but with regard to the vertical middle plane, in particular the longitudinal middle plane 20, of the recessed light fitting 1, mirror-image arranged retention t 13 devices 21, which are arranged opposite to one another in the case of a elongate recessed light fitting 1 as in this case, arranged in the end regions of the broad sides. In Fig. i, there are provided to the left and to the right differently attached retention devices 21, which with regard to a broad side are in each case the same, so that below only one retention device 21 will be described.

The right retention device 21 is supported only at the body 7 having the installation opening 6, here on the false ceiling 7a, whereby the mounting of the false ceiling 7a is not illustrated. It may be hung from a ceiling part located thereabove. This retention device 21 is suitable also for retaining bodies 7 which are not formed by a false ceiling 7a, e. g. in the case of a wall light.

The left retention device 21 is integrated into or supported on the suspension device 23 of the false ceiling 7a. The retention devices 21 are preferably, despite these different supports, identical to one another, whereby they are suitable for different supports, so that here also only one retention device 21 needs to be described. It consists of a support leg 24, in the shape of a support angled piece, with an approximately horizontal support limb 24a attached to the base part and an approximately vertical support limb 24b, a counter-bearing 25 height adjustably positionable on the vertical support limb 24b, preferably likewise in the form of an angled piece with a counterbearing limb 25a attached height-adjustably to the support limb 24b and an approximately horizontal, outwardly projecting, counter-bearing limb 25b, and a clamping part 26 height-adjustably positionable, in particular steplessly, on the vertical support limb 24b, which likewise has a laterally projecting clamping limb 26a and an approximately perpendicular clamping limb 26b, in particular projecting upwardly, whereby the latter is vertically displaceable, and fixable in any selected 14 displacement position, by means of a displacement guide 27 on the support limb 24b. The displacement guide 27 can be formed in that the clamping limb 26 engages over the support limb 24b or engages, with an attachment not illustrated, in a slit 28 in particular terminating downwardly. Thereby, the arrangement is so made that with an upwardly directed rotation of the clamping part 26, to the right in Figure 1, in counterclockwise direction, the displacement guide 27 clamps automatically. For this purpose there is suited preferably a clamping part 26 of elastically bendable material, in particular spring steel.

In the apex region of the support angled piece 24 there is preferably provided a semi-circular shaped bend 29 of the support limb 24a, directed upwardly and inwardly, into which the guide 27 or the slit 28 extends, when such is present. By these means, it is possible to displace the clamping part 26 into an installation position schematically illustrated in Fig. 1, in which it with regard to the position of the support limb 24b is displaced in position inwardly and projects upwardly, so that upon placement in the installation opening 6 it is located within its cross-sectional area and does not disrupt the installation. Preferably, the support angled piece 24 is fixable on the base part 2 with its support limb 24b, laterally adjustably. For this purpose there serves a longitudinal aperture 31 formed on the base part 2 or on the support limb 24b, through which an associated attachment means, in particular an attachment screw 32, extends. A comparable vertical adjustment can also be provided for the counter-bearing part 25. For this purpose there can likewise serve the guide 27 or the slit 28, through which there extends a suitable fastening means, here a fastening screw 33.

The suspension device 23 has a suspension part 34 which is formed with two lateral suspension hooks 34a in a doublehooked shape or in the shape of an inverted T, if appropriate as a longitudinally developing rail, whereby its middle, upwardly projecting suspension web 34b is height-adjustably attachable to a wire 35 or a perforated band, by means of a suitable attachment means. The wire 34 or the perforated band is attached in a manner not shown to a ceiling part arranged above the false ceiling 7a.

The suspension hooks 34a may stand out laterally in a flat manner or may be upwardly angled, as in shown in Fig. 1. In particular with a flat configuration, the suspension hooks 34a can engage with the false ceiling 7a at its lower side 7c and lay flat thereon (Fig. 17). With such a configuration, the associated suspension hook 34a is visible. It may be partly or completely covered over by means of the edge part 8 still to be described of the recessed light fitting 1. With the configuration illustrated in Fig. 1 there is provided a hidden suspension device 23. With such a configuration, the false ceiling 7a comprising the installation opening 6, or a false ceiling part 7b adjoining the installation opening 6 has in the apertured wall 38 an undercutting 39 with an approximately horizontal bearing surface 39a with which the false ceiling 7a or the associated false ceiling part 7b lays on the associated suspension hook 34a, preferably with a groove 41, whereby there is provided a means preventing lateral slipping. The apertured wall 38a arranged above the bearing surface 39a is outwardly offset, in the sense of an enlargement of the installation opening 6, so that the suspension web 34b finds space in this enlargement.

The false ceiling 7a may consist of a plurality of like false ceiling parts 7b, which in the manner of the facetted ceiling are bounded at parallel or crossing vertical planes containing the wires 35, whereby in the region, in which no installation opening 6 is present, abut one another and are suspended on the associated suspension hooks 34a, whereby 2 they lay thereupon (visible arrangement) or with the 16 bearing surface 39a of the undercut 39 may lay thereupon (hidden suspension). It is the purpose of the edge part 8 to provide for the recessed light fitting 1 a matching termination element with regard to the body 7, whereby it can be arranged at least partially recessed into the installation opening 6 and there is present a seam between its peripheral surface and the aperture wall 38, or whereby the false ceiling 7a can lie upon the underside 36 and preferably covers over the edge of the installation opening 6. The edge part 8 extends preferably over the entire periphery of the installation opening 6 in the manner of a frame, and it may thereby be formed in one piece or with frame parts 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d extending as far as into the corners of the frame. The configuration in accordance with Fig. 1A, in which the same or similar parts are provided with the same reference signs, shows a manner of construction having an edge part 8 that is arranged at least partly recessed into the installation opening 6.

The reflector 4 consists of a plurality of parts which are put together in a form-fitting manner and are thus held one to another, namely mutually oppositely lying side and end walls, and transverse strips. With the present elongate configuration there are provided two mutually oppositely lying side walls 45, to mutually oppositely lying end walls 46 and a plurality of transverse strips 47. The side walls are curved in S-shape, mirror-imaged one to another, or are curved concavely in the upper region and in the lower region arranged downwardly divergently obliquely (Fig. 1).

The end walls 46 are vertical, slightly downwardly divergently inclined or vertical in the upper region and in the lower region formed downwardly obliquely or concavely divergently. The side walls 45, end walls 46 and transverse strips 47 are preferably of metal sheet, preferably of aluminium sheet, with reflection faces which are prefabricated metallic polished and thus reflecting, at p their reflection surfaces. The transverse strips 46 consist of folded sheet strips, whereby the apex of the fold is downward and the mutually oppositely lying side walls are curved slightly concavely outwardly. For retaining the side walls 45 and the transverse strips 47 on one another there are stamped into the side walls 45 corresponding V-shaped cut-outs 48, which the transverse strips 47 penetrate with end retention strips 49 which on the outside are stamped outwardly. The retention strips 49 are offset, above and below, from the upper edges 47a and the lower apex edges 47b, whereby there are formed on the side walls 47d of the transverse strips 47 shoulder surfaces 47c adapted to the contour of the side walls 45, on which the side surfaces are held in form-fitting manner. As shown particularly by Fig. 4, in the upper corners of the recesses 48 there are provided slits 48a for the retention strips 49, which form shoulder surfaces on which the side walls 47d are supported against bending into the recess 48.

A plug-in connection is also provided between the side walls 45 and the end walls 46. Here, there are provided by means of extended sections, retention strips or retention tongues 51 at the ends of the side walls 45, which engage over the side walls 46 and may be bent over behind them, so that they also engage behind them. With the present configuration, the side walls 46 are larger than the respective end faces bounded by the two side walls whereby the retention tongues 51 penetrate the end walls 46 in small cut-outs 52 and are bent over therebehind.

The side walls of the transverse strips may be stabilized by means of stabilization limbs 47e which are bent in towards one another and which extend over a large part of their upper edges 47a.

The edge part 8 is preferably formed in one piece on the reflector 4, preferably at the lower edges of the side and end walls 45, 46. With the present configuration, the edge part 8 is formed by extended, bent away strips at the lower edges of the side walls and end walls 45, 46. The strips are jointed to one another at their butt joints 53 running in the corners of the reflector 4, and stabilized by means of suitable attachment elements, e.g. appropriately formed abutting parts 54 which bridge the butt joints 53 and which are attached to the strips 55 neighbouring one another, e.g. glued thereto.

The strips 55 are stabilized preferably by means of an upright limb 55a (Fig. 1) angled at their free edges or by limbs 55b (Fig. 5) bent over horizontally inwardly.

The edge part 8 has an underside 57 which preferably extends horizontally (Fig. 1) or roundedly or obliquely upwards, preferably at an angle w to the lower side of the reflector 4 of approximately 300. With the present configuration, the lower edges of the side walls 45 and end walls 46 are more deeply arranged, by the extent d, than the lower side of the false ceiling 7 and the strips 55 are correspondingly bent off upwardly. The width e of the edge part 8, preferably the same at all peripheral sections 8a to 8d, by the amount d, can be approximately 10 to 100 mm, in particular about 30 to 60 mm, e.g. about 30 to 45 or to 60 mm.

The edge part 8 may also be of non-metallic material, e.g.

wood.

The reflector 4 thus forms a prefabricated construction and installation unit of the side walls 45 and the end walls 46 with the formed-on the edge part sections 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and transverse strips 47.

For releasable attachment of the reflector 4 directly or indirectly on the base part 2 or on the retention device 21 or on the suspension device 23 there is a plug-in 19 connection or a quick-fastening connection 58, e.g. in the form of a plug-in connection which can be clipped on or clipped in with latch elements 59 which automatically latch in upon plugging together and upon release come out of latching with the expenditure of a certain force, and which in the attached disposition latch into a latch recess. With the configuration according to Fig. 1, the latch elements 59 are arranged on elastically outwardly tiltable or bendable latch arms 60 which are attached to the upper edges of the side walls 45, e.g. by means of rivets penetrating apertures 61. With the present elongate form of the recessed light fitting 1 there are provided four such plug-in connections or quick-fastening connections 58, in particular in the end regions of the side walls 45. The latch noses of the latch elements 59 latch in, with the present configuration, behind the outer oblique sections of the base part 2, whereby here the inner oblique sections 14 form introduction obliques for the latch elements 59 and the outer oblique sections 15 form retraction obliques for the latch elements 59.

Further, it is advantageous to provide between the base part 2 and the reflector 4 a form-fitting centering means 62 which provides a defined positioning between the base part 2 and the reflector 4. With the present configuration this centering means 62 is formed by means of the inner oblique sections 14 and correspondingly obliquely angled edge strips 63 at the upper edges of the side walls which in the installed position lie against one another.

Because of the wedge shape of this centering means 62, upon bringing together of the components, the assembly position is automatically located.

The above-described recessed light fitting 1 consists preferably of two structural units, namely on the one hand the base part 2 with the retention devices 21 built thereon, the fittings 10 and the operating apparatuses 9, as prefabricated constructional unit, and on the other hand the light directing means or light distributor or reflector 4 with the edge part 8 as a prefabricated constructional unit. For installation, initially the base part 2, with clamping parts 26 pushed upwardly, is pushed into the installation opening 6 against the counter-bearing parts which if appropriate are also to be adjusted, and then the clamping parts 26 are pushed downwardly against the body 7 (right) or against if appropriate rail-shaped suspension parts 34 (left) and clamped. Height adjustments are thereby conveniently possible by means of a corresponding adjustment of the counter-bearing parts Thereafter, it is only required that the reflector 4 be put in place and connected with the base part 2 by means of the quick-fastening connection 58, whereby at the same time the edge part 8 is brought into its finishing position with regard to the installation opening 6 or the body 7.

Thereafter, the lamp 11 can be placed in fittings 9, insofar as this has not already been done. The dis-assembly can be effected with ready manipulation and rapidly with reversed steps.

In the case that the end walls 46 are located in the region of the fitting parts 10, there is arranged in the end walls 46 in each case a recess 63 preferably matched to the shape of the fitting parts, which is open towards the upper edge.

The invention is suitable not only for a recessed light fitting 1 of rectangular cross-section, as described above and illustrated in Fig. 6, but is suitable for all possible cross-sectional forms, in particular also for a quadratic and round cross-sectional form, as Fig. 7 and 8 show in each case in a view from below. With a round or rounded form, the edge part 8 may be formed in one piece in the peripheral direction. In particular with round or quadratic cross-sectional forms of the recessed light fitting 1, and with corresponding width of the edge part 8, the 21 installation opening 6 can have an in substance round or quadratic cross-sectional form (Fig. 8).

With the configuration or arrangement according to Fig. 9 a plurality, in this case three, recessed light fittings 1 in accordance with the invention are brought together in the longitudinal direction, lying directly one behind the other, to form a lighting band 65. The two recessed light fittings la which form the ends of the lighting band and the middle or, if appropriate plurality of middle recessed light fittings Ib, may be constituted in the manner of the above-described construction, but they differ with regard to the configuration of the edge part 8 in the region of the transversely running vertical butt joints 66 at which they are placed against one another. In the region of the butt joints 66 there is omitted, for all three recessed light fittings la, Ib, the transversely running section 8b or 8d of the edge part 8. Instead of this, the longitudinally running edge parts 8a, 8c have an end surface running into the butt joint 66 and thus running transversely, at which they are placed against one another and form the associated butt joint 66. Thus, the middle recessed light fittings lb have no transversely running frame part sections 8b, 8d at all, whilst the end recessed light fittings have transversely running edge part sections 8b, 8d at their free ends. The length of the recessed light fittings la, lb is adapted to the raster R of the ceiling 7, here assembled as a so-called coffered ceiling of individual ceiling plates of the same dimensions. As a consequence, the end transversely running edge parts 8b, 8d project over the associated dividing joint T of the coffered ceiling.

The width f and in particular the length g of an installation opening 6 can in particular be simply and economically provided in a ceiling 7 when the width f and \in particular the length g correspond to the raster dimensions R, r present, so that the installation opening need not be provided in some special manner in the ceiling 7, e. g. cut in, but rather that the installation opening 6 can be formed by the omission of a narrow ceiling plate

P.

In practice, with regard to the width and length configuration of the recessed light fitting 1, there are however the following particular factors. On the one hand, in practice, different raster dimensions R, r have become established, which may have a variety of origins, e. g.

different manufacturers and/or different raster dimensions for the purpose of better division of the ceiling surface.

There are e.g. raster dimensions R of 1200 mm and 1250 mm, see Fig. 10 and 12. On the other hand, with one and the same width f of the fitted installation opening 6, there are available different fitting widths for the recessed light fittings 1, depending upon whether a suspension device 23 (Fig. 1, left) or a retention device 21 (Fig. 1, right) is employed for retaining the recessed light fitting 1. As Fig. 1 clearly shows, the vertical support limb of the support part 24 in Fig. 1 on the right, takes up less space than the combination of suspension device 23 with the T-shaped suspension part 34 and the associated support leg 24. Because of the lateral adjustability in the region of the setting screw 32, the support parts 24 can be adapted to the kind of mounting and position of mounting concerned in each case. Further, this adjustment makes possible an adaptation of the recessed light fitting to installation openings of different widths f. Since the edge part 8 of the recessed light fitting makes possible a covering in its width region e, one and the same recessed light fitting 8, having the base part 2, a corresponding light distributor 3 and the retention devices 5 can be employed for installation openings 6 differing in width and length over a particular width range, if the length difference DL and the width difference DB is not larger than the width e of the edge part and is in the range of the maximum and minimum width of the edge part 8. This can be recognized also from Fig. 1, in which on the left an installation opening 6 of maximum width and on the right an installation opening 6 of minimum width is illustrated. In the latter case, the edge part 8 is capable also of covering over the counter-bearing part 25b engaging below the false ceiling 7a. Thereby, the light distributor 3 and the base part 2 as well as the support parts 24 are to be adapted to the respective smallest widths of the width range concerned.

This can also be recognized on the basis of Figs. 10 and 12 with regard to the length g of the installation opening 6.

In Fig. 10 there is illustrated an installation opening 6 of smaller length g, to which the recessed light fitting 1 is adapted with its base part 2 and the light distributor 3. This recessed light fitting 1 is suitable for installation in the installation opening 6 of larger length g in accordance with Fig. 12, since the edge part 8 is able to cover over the length difference DL of the aperture length.

Further, different length installation openings 6 in accordance with Fig. 10 and 12 make possible the employment of different lamps 11, whereby in accordance with Fig. 12 the lamp present may project beyond the end wall 46 of the reflector 4 in the range of the length difference DL. For retaining such a lamp 11 there may be provided schematically illustrated foot parts 67 for fittings, which are attached to the base part and project beyond its ends, as is shown in Figs. 10 and 12. In contrast, with the configuration according to Fig. 10, the two illustrated fitting parts 10 are at a spacing from the ends of the base part 2. With the configuration according to Fig. 10 there are therefore employed two U-shaped bent contact tubes.

Thus, the recessed light fitting 1 is not only variable with regard to its adaptation to different widths f and lengths g of the installation opening but also with regard to the lamps 11 employed. Also with these recessed light fittings 1, the associated light distributors 3 may have reflectors with or without raster and/or transparent or opaque coverings, or the like.

In the case of employment of a shorter lamp 11 it is advantageous for the purpose of improving reflection in the region of the reflector 4, to close the two openings 63 present by means of respective closure parts 68 illustrated in Fig. 1, 11 and 16, which closure parts are preferably connectable with the associated end wall 46 of the reflector by means of a quick-fastening connection or plugin connection. With the configuration according to Fig. 14, the closure part 68 is formed by the plate 69 which is larger than the dimensions of the openings 63 or which may be adapted to the shape of the recess 63 and which has at least two angled clamping or retention arms 71 which on their outer side are attached in the region of the opening 63 to its edge and engage behind the associated end wall 46 with their angled arms. Preferably, spring arms are involved which bias the plate 69 against the end wall and thus avoid rattling noises. With the present configuration there are provided an angled retention arm 71 in the lower region of the opening and two retention arms 71 in the upper region.

The configuration of the reflector 4 and of the edge part 8 in accordance with Fig. 15, in which the same or similar parts are provided with the same reference signs, differs from the above-described configurations in two respects. On the one hand, the edge part 8 is not formed onto the reflector 4 in one piece, but is a separate component which may be connected with the lower outer edge of the reflector 4 releasably or non-releasably, e. g. by gluing. Thereby it is advantageous, for positioning of the edge part on the reflector 1, to provide both a vertical bearing surface 73 and also a horizontal bearing surface 74.

A further difference consists in that on the edge part there are provided retention means 75 for parts to be arranged on the light distributor 3 or reflector 4 on the underside, such as e.g. an underside plate 76 having particular optical properties, e.g. opacity, or a protective plate. Otherwise, the edge part 8 or the light distributor 3 correspond to the above-described configuration. Here, the retention means 75 are formed by means of longitudinal grooves which are inwardly open and bounded by a hook-shaped limb 77.

With the configuration of the recessed light fitting 1 according to Fig. 16, which is related to the configuration in accordance to Fig. 1, there is associated with retention means 5 in each case a level setting device 81 which is in each case integrated in the retention devices 21. With this configuration, the counter-bearing part 25 or 25b, engaging below the edge of the installation opening 6 or the retention part 34, is arranged on a slider 82 which is vertically adjustable by means of a setting screw 84 in a guide 83 formed between it and the vertical support limb 24b, and due to the thread inclination is positioned in the respective setting. The setting screw 84 is in each case mounted rotatably between the slider 82 and the vertical support limb 24 and mounted axially, i.e. vertically, nondisplaceably, whereby it is accessible from below by means of a suitable tool (screwdriver). With the present configuration, the setting screw 84 is held on the support limb 24b axially non-displaceably and consists of a threaded engagement at 85 between the slider 82 and the thread of the setting screw, which can formed by means of stampings into the wall of the slider 82 bearing on the setting screw 82. From the slider 82 there extends on the outside of the support limb 24b, a further support limb 24d which is formed correspondingly to the support limb 24b of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but which is not connected with the base part 2, rather ending freely upwardly with an inwardly bent stop part 86 for the movement of the associated clamp part 26 in the guide 27.

The setting screw 84 is, when the light distributor 3 or reflector 4 is removed, accessible from below for the purpose of a height or level setting or alignment.

Instead of the above-described clamping parts 26 automatically fixed on the support limb, with the configuration according to Fig. 17 there are associated with the retention devices 21 retention parts 91 in each case with a laterally projecting retention limb 91a for engaging over the false ceiling 7a or parts of the suspension device 23, e.g. for engaging over the railshaped suspension part 34, so that here also a retention between the counter-bearing limb 25b and the retention limb 91a takes place, whereby these parts may also exercise a clamping effect between themselves. The retention part 21 is mounted vertically displaceably on the support limb 24b in a displacement guide 27 and is fixable in the respective displacement position. For this purpose, the retention part 91 may have an attachment limb 21b extending upwardly or downwardly, which is releasably attached to the support limb 24b in the manner of the counter-bearing 25 in the shape of an angled piece by means of a fixing screw 33, which penetrates the attachment limb 91b in an aperture and the support limb 24b in the slit 28.

With all above-described configurations, the retention devices 21 are, due to the flat or plate-like configuration of the base part 2, readily accessible from the space present in the light fitting 1 after removal of the light distributor 3 from between the retention devices 21, so that the installation or de-installation or also a level setting of the light fitting 1 can be carried out in an Ne easily manipulated manner.

Within the scope of the invention it is possible with all above-described configurations to attach the light distributor 3 not to the base part 2 but to the retention devices 21, at the lower end of the support limbs 24b or also to the counter-bearing limbs 25b. Here also, quickfastening connections, such as e.g. a latch device, can serve in order to attain a rapid and easily manipulable installation or de-installation of the light director 3.

Instead of a latch device effective directly between the base part 2 and the light distributor 3 there may be provided a similar or different quick-fastening connection 58 between the light distributor 3 and the retention devices 21 or the retention means 5. With the configuration according to Fig. 18 there are arranged in the free end regions of the support limbs 24b retention elements for the light distributor 3, in particular for its edge part 8. The retention element may be held on the associated counterbearing limb 25b. It may also be arranged moveable between a retention position and a release position in a guide and a preferably be acted upon by a spring force into its retention position. In accordance with Fig. 18, hook or claw-shaped retention parts 92 on the associated counterbearing limb 25b are mounted displaceably between an inward retention position, in which a retention claw 92a engages over and below the -edge part 8 from the outside, and an outer release position in which the retention claw 92a releases the edge part 8 and the light distributor 3 with its mutually opposing edge parts 8 can be moved from below to be placed between the retention claws 92a, and in the retention position is fixable by means of a fixing device or held by means of a spring force.

The recessed light fitting 1 illustrated in Fig. 18, in which the same or similar parts are given the same reference signs, differs from the above-described configurations in several respects.

On the one hand, the base part 2 is of different constructional form and is not directly connected with the support legs or support angles 24, but is indirectly connected by means of two or more carrier parts 101 having a longitudinal spacing from one another, with which the support legs or support angles 24 are releasably connected, preferably by means of a quick-fastening connection or latch device 102. Each carrier part 101 forms with two support legs 24, arranged to the two sides, a bridge-shaped retention device 103 on which the base part 2 is releasably or foldably connected by means of a connection device 104.

The releasable connection device 104 is preferably formed by means of a quick-fastening connection or latch device 105, whereby with an arrangement of the base part 2 which can be folded in or folded out the base part is connected with the retention device 103, here the carrier part 101, by means of a preferably releasable joint 106, which is located at one longitudinal side of the base part 2, whereby the latch device 105 is arranged on the other longitudinal side. By these means it is possible, with removed light director 3, to fold out the base part 2 whereby the electrical connection elements and operating apparatuses 9 for electrical current supply, which are arranged on the base part 2, come into a readily manipulable working position, in which e.g. the electrical connecting cable can be connected to the connection elements with ready manipulation and rapidly. Thereafter, the base part 2 can be swung back again into its swung-in installation position and connected in a readily manipulable and rapid manner.

A further difference of configuration relates to the quickfastening connection or latch device 58 with which the light director 3 can be installed in a readily manipulable and rapid manner. With the present configuration, latch springs 107 having latch noses 108 are provided to the two Ng sides of the reflector 4, which latch noses each engage in a sprung manner behind an associated latch projection on the base part 2, in particular in the region of bent out or angled out limbs 109 of the base part 2.

Further, the clamping parts 26 are of different configuration, which will be described further below.

Furthermore, for covering over of the open ridge region of the reflector 4 there is provided an additional reflector part 111, which by means of a quick-fastening connection or plug-in connection or latch device 112 can be readily manipulably and rapidly connectable with the base part 2, at the lower side of the base part 2. With the present configuration there are cut out of the base part 2 respective mutually oppositely lying and inwardly directed retention tongues 113, which are upwardly obliquely bent out, engaged behind the reflector part 111 with lateral reflector parts illa. The connection of the reflector part 111 can be effected in that it is manually pressed together, so that the edge parts lila can be inserted between the retention tongues 113 and are therebehind elastically spread apart due to the self elasticity of the reflector part 111, or the reflector part 111 can be inserted in the longitudinal direction between the retention tongues 113.

Below, the individual components of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail.

As Fig. 19 clearly shows, the base part 2 is in crosssection U-shaped having a preferably straight extending base web 114 and the base limbs 109, whereby in the end regions of the base limbs 119 semicircular bent out longitudinal grooves 115 are formed on, which form latch projections, behind which the latch noses 108 can elastically latch in.

In the end regions of the base limbs 109 there are formed in each case an insertion recess 106 of particular shape, which is part of the joint 106. The insertion recess 106 extends only over a part of the length of the base limb 109, whereby it begins at a spacing h from the base web 114, extends downwardly through the longitudinal groove 115 and ends at a small spacing i from the free edge of the base limb 109 extending approximately parallel to the base web 114. In the upper region, the insertion recess 116 has on one side or both sides an insertion widening 117 the function of which will be further described below.

At the ends of the base part 2 there are provided bent out end walls 118, which partially bound the hollow space of the base part 2 at the ends.

The base part 2 is manufactured as a stamped/bent part in one piece from a sheet of steel plate illustrated in a view from above in Fig. 21.

The carrier part 101 consists of a U-shaped first connection part 101a, for connecting the support legs 24, and a second connection part 101b for connecting the base part 2. The carrier part 1 is formed U-shaped in crosssection with a web part 119 and limbs 101 bent up from its longitudinal edges, whereby it is equipped for an arrangement extending transversely of the base part 2. In the end regions of the limb 121, the latch devices 102 are respectively provided for releasable connection of the associated support leg 24. The part of the latch device 102 associated with the carrier part 101 is formed by means of an insertion recess 122 in the one limb 121 and by means of a latch tongue 123 in the other limb 121. The latch tongue 123 is cut out of the associated limb 121 by a free section 124 and is bent inwardly obliquely (see Fig. 23) whereby it extends obliquely downwardly as far as the vicinity of the web part 119. The free end of the latch tongue 123 may be tapered to a latch pin 125, as shown in Fig. 22. The two latch devices 102 are arranged on opposite sides, so that in each limb 121 there are arranged an insertion recess 122 and a latch tongue 123.

The second connection part 101b is formed by two connecting limbs 126, 127 which extend from the web part 119 to the side away from the limbs 121, here downwardly, and are preferably bent out in one piece, whereby the spacing of the connection limbs 126, 127 is so dimensioned that the base part 2 can be placed therebetween. With the present configuration there is provided in the foot region of the two connection limbs 126, 127 a right-angled stepped inbending 128, whereby the arrangement is so effected that the base part 2 fits between the first step sections 129 with small play for movement.

There are provided two carrier parts 101 with associated installation means 5 the spacing of which from one another is adapted to the middle spacing j of the insertion recesses 116 in the base part 2. At the ends of the connection limb 126 there are arranged on one or both sides adjoint pieces 131. The width dimensions of the connection limb 126 and of the adjoint pieces 131 is so adapted to the width dimensions of the insertion recess 116 that the adjoint pieces 131 can be plugged into the insertion widening 117 and with a displacement to the end region of the insertion recess 116 can engage behind this. In the middle lower region of the adjoint piece 101 there is provided a cut-out 130 for electrical components or cables.

In the free end region of the connection limb 127 there is arranged an aperture 132. Furthermore, there may be provided in the end edge of the connection limb 127 an insertion recess 133. As can be understood from Fig. each carrier part 101 is also a stamped/bent part, which is Sstamped and bent in one piece from a sheet plate.

In the region of the horizontal support limb 24a, there is on the one side a laterally projecting insertion pin 137 and on the other side an insertion recess 138, which are part of the latch device 102. The insertion pin 137 can be inserted into the insertion recess 122 with some play for movement, whereby the horizontal support limb 24a lies upon the web part 119. In this position, the insertion recess 138 of the latch tongue 123 or of the latch pin 125 is so arranged that the latter latches into the insertion recess 138. By these means, the support limb 24a is releasably fastenable on the carrier part 101 reliably and stably and with easy manipulation. Preferably, the insertion pin 137 and insertion recess 138 are tapered down to a reduced width k in the region of a, referred to the vertical, shaft of the support leg 24, with which it fits between the limbs 121 of the carrier part 101 with slight play for movement.

By these means there are provided two step surfaces 139, arranged if appropriate offset in the longitudinal direction, which can abut at the end on the carrier part 101 and through this facilitate both the manipulation on plugging together and also improve the stability. At the foot end of the support leg 24, the counter-bearing limb is bent away horizontally, preferably in the region of a constriction in the form of two mutually oppositely lying grooves 141 which make it possible to slightly angle the side edge sections 142 extending up into these grooves 141, whereby there is formed an approximately spherical bearing surface for the body 7.

The displacement guide 27 has a longitudinal slit 135 in the support leg 24 which extends from the foot region of the vertical support limb 24b up to the bow or the bend 29 and in the case of the presence of a vertical support limb 24e between the bow 29 and the support limb 24a can extend up into the support limb 24e. The vertical support limb 24e is present if the bow 29 should project beyond the carrier p part 101. At the end of the longitudinal slit 135 towards the support limb foot there adjoins a narrow slit 142, preferably centrally, which opens out in a slit widening 143. The latter is arranged on the bent part and in the installed condition arranged in the section of the support leg 24 projecting from the carrier part or in the horizontal section or step in-turn 134.

With the configuration of the clamping part 26 and its clamping connection KV in accordance with Fig. 18 and 29 to 31, the clamping part 26 is formed by lower and upper clamp limbs 26a, 26b which enclose an outwardly open acute angle wl of about 450, whereby the apex is preferably rounded. In the region of the curvature or its end region there are located in the clamping limbs 26a, 26b, on both sides, two guide grooves 144, 145, one above another, of which the upper ones are formed by lateral recesses and the lower ones are formed by angled free sections 147 forming initially outwardly directed tongues 146. The tongues 146 are preferably bent downwardly, in a rounded manner, whereby a sharp recess edge is avoided and instead a rounded bearing surface 148 is provided. In the free end region of the upper clamping limb 26b there extends a narrow slit 149 which opens out into a preferably rounded slit widening 151. In the region of the lower clamping limb 26a there is arranged an elongate cut-out 152 from the inwardly directed end of which a narrow slit 153 extends, which opens out in a preferably rounded slit widening 154.

The arrangement is so made that the slit widenings 151, 154 are located approximately vertically above one another. For stabilisation of the clamping limb 26a it is advantageous to provide this with lateral, upwardly bent reinforcement limbs 155. In the free end region, the clamping limb 26a is cut off below in approximately Z-shape, whereby its bearing section 156 tapers and may have laterally somewhat upwardly bent edge strips 156a. The free end of the upper clamping limb 26b is preferably rounded or brought to a point in a anner of a wedge. The clamping part 26 is in accordance with Fig. 31 a stamped/bent part, e. g. of steel or spring steel, preferably produced in one piece.

The displacement guide 27 is in the present exemplary embodiments formed by the longitudinal slit 135 and the edge strips 156 of the support limb 24b bounding the slit.

Here, the spacing m between the guide grooves 144, 145 is made slightly smaller than the width n of the longitudinal slit 135, by a slight play for movement, so that the transverse edges of the guide grooves 144, 145 engage behind the edge strips 156 with play for movement. Fig. 18 and 29 show the clamping part 26 in its clamping position, in which it lays upon the installation body 7 and is clamped with the support limb 24b. The clamping is effected through the bearing of the outer transverse edge 157 of the upper guide groove 145 on the outer side of the edge strip 156 and of the bearing surface 148 on the inner side of the edge strip 156. Because of the relatively large length ratio of the effective spacing o between the transverse edges 157 and the associated bearing surfaces 148, and of the length P of the clamping limb 26a, there results automatically a clamping in the displacement guide 27 when the clamping part 26 is displaced upwardly, which also occurs with a bending of the clamping limb 26a upwardly.

The clamping effect is further increased through an edge effect of the transverse edges 157. In contrast, the clamping part 26 can be relatively easily displaced, when the point of engagement for its displacement is located in the vicinity of the guide grooves 144, 145, see spacing q.

When the clamping part 26 is moved against the installation body 7 the clamping connection KV in the displacement guide 27 occurs automatically because of the clamping or bending tension appearing at clamping limb 26a, which is indicated by the upwardly directed arrow 158.

The displacement may be effected manually or by means of a displacement device. In the first case is may be effected in a readily manipulable manner in the region of the free space between the base part 2 and the installation body 7.

For the second case, the slit widenings 151, 154 are preferably provided, to which further reference will be made.

The quick-fastening connection or latch connection 105 is formed by a latch nose 161 and a latch edge behind which the latch nose engages, which nose and edge engage into one another in an elastically yielding manner and are thus releasable. In the present configuration, the latch nose 161 is part of a latch spring 162 which engages elastically yieldably behind a latch projection 163. The latch spring 162 is attached to the retention device 103, preferably formed by an extension of the connection limb 127 and in particular attached thereto as a separate component, e.g.

screwed or riveted by means of a screw or rivet penetrating the apertures 132 and 132a. The latch nose is formed in one piece on the latch spring 162 by bending, whereby the latch nose 161 has on the under side an engagement incline 164 which ensures an automatic outward bending and snapping in of the latch nose 161 behind the latch projection 163 upon closing of the latch device 105. The latch spring 162 is preferably manufactured of flat spring steel. In order to prevent a rotation in the screw or rivet connection, the latch spring 162 has at its foot end a small angled-off piece 165 which engages in a recess in the component carrying it, here in a recess 165a on the connection limb 127. Preferably, the shaft 160 of the latch spring 162 is formed in its foot region in the shape of an inverted U, whereby the length is increased and its elasticity is improved. The free end region of the latch 162 stands, in the latch position, laterally away from the reflector 4 present, so that it can serve as a readily engageable gripping element 166 for bending out and opening of the latch device 105. There is provided one central quickfastening or latch device 105, or there are provided two quick-fastening latch devices 105 in the end regions of the recessed light fitting 1.

A quick-fastening or latch device of the above-described construction and function can also be provided for the latch device 58. With the present configuration, the latch device 58 is likewise formed by means of a latch spring 107 with a latch nose 108 formed thereon in one piece, which may be attached to the retention device 103 or preferably on the reflector 4. The latch spring 107 is preferably formed with an S-shape, whereby its upper curve forms the latch nose 108. In its foot region 102, the latch spring 107 is attached to the outer side of the reflector 4, e. g.

screwed or riveted, which is schematically illustrated. In order also here to prevent a rotation of the attachment, the free end of the spring foot 173 is angled off inwardly, e. g. in the form of an insertion pin, and it engages in an insertion aperture in the reflector 4.

The latch nose 108 is shaped in the form of an oblique engagement surface 174, which ensures an automatic bending out and latching-in behind the associated longitudinal bead 115 forming the latch projection 163. Preferably, the latch nose 107 is also formed at its side opposite to the engagement surface 174 as an oblique engagement surface 175, so that an automatic release by means of the exercise of a pulling force on the latch device 112 is ensured. In this case the biasing force of the latch spring 171 should be so great that a release due to the weight of the reflector is prevented and takes place only with the exercise of a particular manual pulling force. Within the scope of the invention it is possible to provide in the middle region of the recessed light fitting 1 a pair of latch devices 58, arranged mirror-image to one another, to both sides, or to provide two such pairs in the end regions of the recessed light fitting 1.

The configuration according to Fig. 34, in which the same or similar parts are given the same reference signs, differs from that of Fig. 18 in two respects. On the one hand, the counter-bearing parts 25 or counter-bearing limbs 25b engage below associated suspension webs 34b of a suspension device 23, whereby the suspension webs 34b engage below the false ceiling 7a with their outer limbs, preferably in an underside recess 176.

Both with the configuration according to Fig. 18 and also that according to Fig. 34, the arrangement is so effected that the transverse over the vertical support limb 24b or the associated support limb sections of the stepped bends 134 approximately correspond to the associated transverse size of the installation opening 8 or of the suspension webs 34b, whereby a lateral positioning of the recessed light fitting 1 is ensured.

A further difference from the configuration according to Fig. 18 consists in that between the ends of the carrier part 101 and the roundings 29 there is provided a spacing, whereby the displacement guide path can be increased and the height of the support legs reduced.

Also with the present exemplary embodiment it is advantageous to so configure the retention device 103 that the spacing of the support legs 24 from one another is adjustable and thus the recessed light fitting 1 can be adapted to installation openings 8 of different widths. For this purpose there may be provided different support legs 24 with horizontal support limbs 24a of different lengths or carrier parts 101 of different lengths, the length differences of which are adapted to the step changes of width of the installation opening 8 present. Within in the scope of the invention it is also possible to provide several latch device parts of the latch device 102 on the carrier part 101 or on the horizontal support limbs 24a, 38 whereby also here the spacing between several latch device parts present is adapted to the step change of installation openings 8 of different widths.

With the configuration according to Fig. 35, which shows only one side half of the recessed light fitting 1, a mechanical adjustment device 181 is associated with the clamping part 26, in particular for its displacement into the clamping position. The adjustment device 181 is formed by means of a drawing device with a drawing cable 182 which engages on the clamping element the vicinity of the displacement guide 27 and is accessible from the free inner space 183 in front of installation body 7, e.g. in that the drawing cable 182 e.g. with a de-installed light distributor 3 or reflector 4 hangs down into the inner space 183. For such a cable drive there are provided the slit widenings 143, 151, 154 in the support legs 24 and the clamping parts 26. As Fig. 35 clearly shows, the drawing cable 182 extends on the outside of the associated support leg 24, here of its vertical support limb 24b. Preferably, the drawing cable 182 does not engage on the lower clamping limb 26a but on the upper clamping limb 26b, whereby it passes through the lower clamping limb in a throughaperture with play for movement, preferably with a protection sleeve 184 attached to the drawing cable 182, which protects the drawing cable from damage at the aperture edge. At the upper free end of the drawing cable 182 there is fastened a preferably round head 185 which engages over the upper clamping limb 26b, here the slit widening 151. A head 186 on the drawing cable 182, improving manual gripping, can also be arranged at the lower end of the drawing cable. Upon manual pushing up of the associated clamping part 26, the drawing cable 182 is automatically taken along. The engagement of the drawing cable 182 on the upper clamping limb 26b is advantageous because the pulling force effective on the latter brings about a lifting of the transverse edges 157 from the support limb 24b and thus an easier displacement. Such an adjustment device 181 is associated with each support leg 24. By means of a manual drawing on the drawing cable 182, with the light distributor 3 not yet installed, the clamping part 26 can be drawn out of its pre-installed standby position against the associated ceiling part 7 or 34b, whereby automatically clamps with the support leg.

A suspension or pendant device 191 is provided for the light distributor 3 or the reflector 4, which has at least one cable or the like which is attached with one of its ends in the region of the installation opening 8, e.g. on a part of the suspension device 23 or on a support leg 24, whereby the light distributor 3 is attached or attachable with a suspension device 192 so to the cable that in the de-installed position it can hang pendantly. The extent s of the pendancy is to be determined taking into account conditions for ready manipulability. Preferably the extent of pendancy s is selected to be so large that the pendant light director 3 can be slightly swung out to the side in order to further improve access to the recessed light fitting 1. Further, it is advantageous to make the extent of pendancy s so large that the pendant light director 3 is located beneath the folded down base part 2. It is further advantageous to arrange the pendant device, here a cable, laterally offset in the region of the recessed light fitting 1, i. e. to attach the upper end of the cable laterally offset on parts of the recessed light fitting, in particular of a support leg, and to attach the lower end of the cable likewise laterally on the light director 3. With such a configuration there is at the same time integrated into the pendant device 191 a fold-out or swing-out device, because due to the lateral arrangement the pendant light director 3 falls or tilts downwardly. With elongate lights, as is the case with fluorescent lamps with tubes, it is advantageous to provide two pendant devices 191 at a 1 longitudinal spacing from one another or in the end regions of the recessed light fitting 1, which are preferably similarly formed.

It is further an advantage, to arrange the suspension or pendant device 191 laterally offset on the side on which the laterally offset joint 106 is located.

With the present configuration, the pendant device 191 is integrated into the mechanical displacement device 181, i.e. the cable 182 of the adjustment device 181 serves for holding the light director 3 pendant, so that an additional pendant element is not necessary. In this case it is advantageous to arrange on the cable 182 a further engagement element, e. g. in the form of an in particular round head 186, at a spacing from the engagement element 186.

In the arrangement of a pendant device 191, it is of significance to attach the pendant element in such a position on the light director that the pendant element or cable 182 is not visible in the final assembled position of the recessed light fitting 1. Therefore, the pendant device 191 and/or the adjusting device 181 are very well suited for the present exemplary embodiment, in which the light director 3 has an edge part 8 covering over the installation opening 8 over the entire periphery or in particular with elongate recessed fitting lights 1 only on the two longitudinal sides.

As Fig. 35, 36 and 37 show, the hanging device 192 is arranged on the associated rear side of the reflector 4. It is formed by means of an insertion aperture 193 and an insertion slit 194 extending from this aperture, preferably in the region of the latch spring 107 in the vicinity of the reflector. The insertion aperture 193 is somewhat larger than the head 185 on the cable 182, whereby the X insertion slit 194 is somewhat wider than the cross-section of the cable 182, so that the head 185 hooks in behind the insertion slit 194. Thereby the arrangement is preferably to be so effected that in the pendant position in accordance with Fig. 38 the cable 182 is drawn towards the closed end of the insertion slit 194 due to the weight of the light director 3 and thus an automatic unhooking of this connection is prevented. With the present configuration, the insertion slit 194 extends from the insertion aperture 193 in the direction of the free end of the latch spring.

Below, process steps for installing the recessed light fitting 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 36 to 39.

For preinstallation of the recessed light fitting 1, the base part 2 with the associated electrical components 9, preferably arranged on the rear side, and the carrier part 101 are pre-installed by being plugged together in the joints 106 and by closure of the connection device 104, 105, and then delivered together with the associated support legs 24 and the light director 3 as separate, not pre-installed components to the installation site, whereby the support legs 24 with the associated clamping part 26 in the released position and preferably with the adjustment device 181, form a.structural unit. To this extent, the recessed light fitting 1 includes only three kinds of components which are to be installed at the installation opening, namely the constructional unit B1 formed by the base part 2 and the carrier part 101, four support leg constructional units B2 and the light director 3 likewise constituting a constructional unit B3.

The assembly of the support legs 24 onto the carrier part 101 can be effected with easy manipulation and rapidly by plugging together, at the installation site or in the installation opening 8, as is made clear by Fig. 36.

A so far further complemented constructional unit B4 in accordance with Fig. 37 can be inserted into the installation opening 8 in a readily manipulable manner, whereby the clamping parts 26 are previously pushed into the non-disturbing installation position, in which they are inwardly displaced, if they are not already located in this standby position. Then there is needed only the drawing down and tensioning of the clamping parts 26 against the installation body 7, here the false ceiling 7a, whereby the clamping parts automatically clamp onto the support legs 24.

A further installation step consists in accordance with Fig. 38 of folding away the base part 2 so that the electrical connection elements q arranged on the reverse side thereof come into a readily manipulable accessible position, in order to effect the electrical connection.

Thereafter, the base part 2 is swung up into its end position, whereby it latches automatically. Thereafter, the putting in place of the lamp 11, here a tube, and the putting in place and connection of the light director 3 in the recess light fitting 1 can be effected. Thus installation is completed.

It is of advantage to connect the light director 3, before it is put in place,- with the cable 182 of the suspension device 191 or of the displacement device 181, as shown in Fig. 38, and then to put it in place in the recessed fitting light 1 and therewith to connect it, whereby the cable 182 may build at least one loop 195 in accordance with Fig. 35 or may lay on the edge part 8. When the light director 3 is installed in this way a subsequent opening, e.g. for the purpose of exchanging a lamp 11, is substantially simplified because the light director 3 can be hooked off in simple manner and therefore this work can be carried out in a more easily manipulable manner, more simply and better. With the pendant devices 191 arranged 43 respectively opposite to one another, the cable 1 is not connected with the reflector 4. The free cable end may lie on the reflector, here on the edge part 8.

The adjustment devices 181 associated with each support leg 24 or the four support legs 24 in the present exemplary embodiment may also be arranged separately from one, or in the case of an elongate recessed light fitting, preferably two pendant devices 191, which are preferably arranged in the region of the support legs 24.

Claims (18)

1. A recessed light fitting including installation means for attachment in an installation opening, retention means for retaining at least one lamp and components for electrical current supply to said at least one lamp, light influencing means for influencing the radiation of light radiated from the said at least one lamp, said retention means being releasably connected to said installation means by first connection means that restricts the path of movement thereof between an operational position and an installation position wherein said light influencing means is releasably connected to parts of said recessed light fitting by second connection means that restricts the path of movement thereof between an operational position and an installation position said light influencing means being arranged deeper in its said installation position than said retention means in its said installation position.

2. A recessed light fitting according to claim 1, said first and/or second connection means being arranged offset with respect to the centre-line of 20 said recessed light fitting.

3. A recessed light fitting according to claim 2, said first and second connection means being arranged offset with respect to the centre-line of S* said recessed light fitting, and towards the same side thereof. ooo*

4. A recessed light fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3, said S" retention means and/or said light influencing means being arranged tiltably or suspendably.

5. A recessed light fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first or second connection means includes a cable, or a chain, or a joint. C:\WINWORDSHAROVANDREWNOELETE\489721DOC

6. A recessed light fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said installation means includes displaceable retention means and said second connection means being formed to be mutually adjustable with said displaceable retention means.

7. A recessed light fitting according to claim 6 when dependent on claim wherein one end of said cable or said chain is connected to at least one adjustable element of said recessed light fitting and the other end is connected to said light influencing means.

8. A recessed light fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, said light influencing means being connectable with said second connection means by means of a quick-fastening connection.

9. A recessed light fitting according to claim 8, said quick-fastening connection being a plug-in connection. ,r

10. A recessed light fitting according to claim 8 or 9, said quick fastening or plug-in connection being arranged on the rear side of said light 20 influencing means.

11. A recessed light fitting according to claim 10, said quick fastening or .o plug-in connection being formed by .an insertion eyelet which is formed on an adjoint part of said light influencing means.

12. A recessed light fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, aincluding a base part having a front and rear side, said front side facing in the direction of said light influencing means, and means provided for the supply of electrical current to said at least one lamp arranged on said rear side of said base part. C:XVWNWORO\SHARONANDREWANODELETE%48g721.OOC 46

13. A recessed light fitting according to claim 12, including means for operating said at least one lamp, said means being arranged on said rear side of said base part.

14. A recessed light fitting according to claim 12 or 13, including a connection device for connecting said installation means to said base part on the rear side thereof.

A recessed light fitting according to claim 14, at least one carrier part being connected to said installation means, and said connection device being positioned between said carrier part and said base part, said connection device being formed as a latch device having an elastically yieldable nose for elastically engaging behind a latching edge of said base part or said light influencing means.

16. A recessed light fitting according to any one of claims 12 to 15, said base part has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional form with downwardly directed limbs, whereby the end regions of said limbs are bent out in flange or bead shape.

17. A recessed light fitting according to any one of preceding claims, including an edge part at least partially surrounding said recessed light fitting and projecting laterally, said edge part being connected to said So •light influencing means being formed in one piece therewith. *see

18. A recessed light fitting substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED: 30 March 1999 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK 0 Attorneys for: ZUMTOBEL LICHT GMBH C:\WINWORflSHAROANDREWANODELETE1489721.lOC