BE1025981B1 - CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR LUMINAIRE HOUSING - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a luminaire housing arrangement comprising a luminaire housing that can contain a first electrical connector inside the housing, which can itself be connected to electronic components and lighting elements within the housing. housing. A connection interface is attached to the luminaire housing and includes a first mechanical connection arrangement. The arrangement further includes a power box for holding a second electrical connector that is connected to or connectable to a power cable, the power box further comprising a second mechanical connection arrangement for to fit into the first mechanical connection arrangement, so as to ensure the mechanical attachment of the connection interface, and thus the luminaire housing, and the power supply box to each other, to the use.

Description

CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR A LUMINAIRE BOX

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to an arrangement of connectors for a luminaire housing, and in particular relates to a luminaire housing intended for underground transport areas such as a mine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lighting for underground transport generally comprises a housing capable of being fixed or suspended from a support structure, the housing containing the necessary electrical components and lighting elements. These lights are generally electrically connected to an underground cable with steel wire armor composed of insulated copper conductors surrounded by a steel wire armor ensuring protection and mechanical resistance. A PVC sheath wraps the armor and secures the components.

At present, the steel wire armor is usually severely damaged (even cut) when the case is connected to the internal conductors, which is clearly deleterious. In addition, since the electrical components and lighting elements are housed inside the housing, it is inconvenient and difficult to replace these components.

Consequently, the object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement of connectors for a luminaire housing aimed at facilitating the maintenance and replacement of these electrical components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luminaire housing arrangement comprising:

a luminaire housing which can contain a first electrical connector inside the housing, which can itself be connected to electronic components and lighting elements inside the housing;

BE2018 / 5065 a connection interface fixed or capable of being fixed to the luminaire housing and comprising a first mechanical connection arrangement; and a power supply box intended to contain a second electrical connector which is connected or capable of being connected to a power cable, the power supply box further comprising a second mechanical connection arrangement intended to fit into the first mechanical connection arrangement, so as to ensure the mechanical fixing of the connection interface, and therefore of the luminaire housing, and of the power supply to one another, in use, thus allowing first and second electrical connectors to be electrically connected to each other.

In one embodiment, the power box includes a power box base and a power box cover arranged to define a cavity when mounted; said cavity containing the second electrical connector and the supply box cover defining a female receptacle which has a recessed flange to define a first key profile.

In one embodiment, a portion of the second electrical connector emerges from the first key profile to facilitate connection to the first electrical connector of the light housing.

In one embodiment, the feed box cover includes a pair of second connection members which together define the second mechanical connection arrangement, each of the second connection members comprising a flange body defining a receiving opening.

In one embodiment, the ends of the power box include mounting arrangements for fixedly receiving the power cable; the interface between the power box base and the power box cover defining an opening allowing the power cable to pass through the power box and to be connected to the second electrical connector within the box power.

In one embodiment, each mounting arrangement comprises a support body oriented away from the supply box and intended to support the supply cable, cable clamps being provided to fix the cable securely on the body of support.

In one embodiment, the connection interface comprises:

BE2018 / 5065 a connector base, which can be fixed to the luminaire housing;

a recessed flange and an enclosure wall defining a cavity, the recessed flange defining a second key profile; and a male connector part extending from the recessed flange and which can be received inside the female receptacle of the supply box cover.

In one embodiment, the connection interface comprises a pair of first connection elements defining between them the first mechanical connection arrangement.

In one embodiment, each of the first connection elements comprises a projecting tab provided with a blocking element oriented inwards, the blocking elements of the first two connection elements being arranged to fit elastically into a receiving opening. corresponding of the second connection elements.

In one embodiment, the first connection element is designed so as to be able to cooperate only with a predetermined element among the second connection elements, thus ensuring the correct polarity when the first and second electrical connectors are electrically connected. one to another.

In one embodiment, the luminaire housing includes a base component comprising a base and a surrounding (transparent) surrounding side wall so as to define a cavity for containing the first electrical connector, as well as a cover.

In one embodiment, the basic component of the luminaire housing defines a well intended to follow the connector base of the connection interface.

In one embodiment, the basic component of the luminaire housing includes at least one mounting formation allowing the basic luminaire to be installed on a support.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a connection interface is provided for a luminaire housing arrangement comprising a luminaire housing and a power supply box, the connection interface being fixed or capable of being fixed to the housing. luminaire and comprising a first mechanical connection arrangement, which can be connected to a second mechanical connection arrangement present on the supply box so as to

BE2018 / 5065 ensure the mechanical fixing of the connection interface, and therefore of the luminaire housing, and of the power supply to each other.

In one embodiment, the luminaire housing contains a first electrical connector inside the housing, which can itself be connected to electronic components and lighting elements inside the housing, and the box d the power supply contains a second electrical connector which is connected or capable of being connected to a power cable, so that when the first and second mechanical connection arrangements interlock, the first and second electrical connectors are electrically connected to each other.

In one embodiment, the connection interface comprises:

a connector base, which can be attached to the luminaire housing;

a recessed flange and an enclosure wall extending from the connector base; and a male connector part extending from the recessed flange and which can be received inside a corresponding female receptacle defined in the supply box.

In one embodiment, the connection interface comprises a pair of first connection elements defining between them the first mechanical connection arrangement.

In one embodiment, each of the first connection elements comprises a projecting tab provided with a blocking element oriented inwards, the blocking elements of the first two connection elements being arranged to fit elastically into a receiving opening. corresponding to the second mechanical connection arrangement present on the supply box, the second mechanical connection arrangement comprising a pair of second connection elements.

In one embodiment, the first connection element is designed so as to be able to cooperate only with a predetermined element among the second connection elements, thus ensuring the correct polarity when the first and second electrical connectors are electrically connected. one to another.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power box for a fixture housing arrangement comprising a fixture housing that can contain a

BE2018 / 5065 first electrical connector inside the housing, which can itself be connected to electronic components and lighting elements inside the housing, and a connection interface fixed or capable of being fixed to the luminaire housing and comprising a first mechanical connection arrangement, the supply box containing a second electrical connector which is connected or capable of being connected to a supply cable, the supply box further comprising a second connection arrangement mechanical connection intended to fit into the first mechanical connection arrangement, so as to ensure the mechanical fixing of the connection interface, and therefore of the luminaire housing, and of the power supply to each other , in use, thereby allowing the first and second electrical connectors to be electrically connected to each other.

In one embodiment, the power box includes a power box base and a power box cover arranged to define a cavity when mounted; said cavity containing the second electrical connector and the supply box cover defining a female receptacle having a recessed flange.

In one embodiment, the feed box cover includes a pair of second connection members which together define the second mechanical connection arrangement, each of the second connection members comprising a flange body defining a receiving opening.

In one embodiment, the ends of the power box include mounting arrangements for fixedly receiving the power cable; the interface between the power box base and the power box cover defining an opening allowing the power cable to pass through the power box and to be connected to the second electrical connector within the box power.

In one embodiment, each mounting arrangement comprises a support body oriented away from the supply box and intended to support the supply cable, cable clamps being provided to fix the cable securely on the body of support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 to 5 show various views of a luminaire housing arrangement according to the invention;

BE2018 / 5065

Figures 6 to 9 show various views of a power box for the luminaire housing arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 5;

Figures 10 to 13 show various views of a connection interface for the luminaire housing arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 5; and

Figures 14 to 17 show various views of a sub-assembly of the luminaire housing arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 5, the sub-assembly comprising the connection interface of Figures 10 to 13 attached to a housing lamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

The purpose of the description of the invention below is to provide a sufficient description of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made relative to the embodiment described while still obtaining the advantageous results of the present invention. It will also appear that some of the advantages sought in the context of the present invention can be achieved by implementing some of the characteristics of the present invention and by omitting others. Furthermore, those skilled in the art are aware that certain modifications and adaptations can be made to the present invention, and may even be desirable in certain circumstances, and these modifications and adaptations are therefore included in the present invention. Therefore, the description below is offered by way of illustration, and in no way limiting, of the principles of the present invention.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an arrangement of luminaire housing 10. As can best be seen from Figures 2, 3 and 5, arrangement 10 comprises a luminaire housing 12 which may contain a first electrical connector (not shown) inside the housing 12. The first electrical connector generally has the form of a first connection block, which can itself be connected to electronic components and lighting elements (not shown) to inside the housing 12.

The arrangement 10 further comprises a connection interface 14 fixed or capable of being fixed to the luminaire housing 12 and comprising a first mechanical connection arrangement 16.

The arrangement 10 may also include a supply box or socket 18 intended to contain a second electrical connector (not shown, but generally being in the form

BE2018 / 5065 of a second connection block) which is connected or capable of being connected to a power cable (not shown). The power supply box 18 further comprises a second mechanical connection arrangement 20 intended to fit into the first mechanical connection arrangement 16 of the connection interface 14, so as to ensure the mechanical fixing of the connection interface 14, and therefore of the luminaire housing 12, and of the supply box 18 to each other, in use, thus allowing the first and second electrical connectors to be electrically connected to each other. other.

In one embodiment, the supply box 18, as best seen in Figures 6 to 9, comprises a supply box base 22 and a supply box cover 24 arranged to define a cavity 26 once mounted. The cavity 26 contains the second electrical connector, the cover 24 defining a circular female receptacle 28 which has a recessed flange 30 to define a first key profile 32.

In one embodiment, part of the second electrical connector protrudes from the first key profile 32 to facilitate connection to the first electrical connector of the light housing

12.

The feed box base 22 and the feed box cover 24 include complementary reinforced corner fittings 34 which terminate in a pair of coincident openings for receiving screws 36 for securely securing the box base feed 22 and the feed box cover 24 to each other. Support legs 38 may also be provided to support the corner fittings 34. Gripping formations 40 may be provided on the base of the supply box 22 to facilitate handling of the supply box 18.

In one embodiment, the outside of the cover 24 has a pair of second connection elements 42.1 and 42.2 (on opposite ends of the cover 24) which together define the second mechanical connection arrangement 20, each of the second connection elements 42.1 , 42.2 comprising a flange body 43 defining an elongated opening or receiving slot 44.

In one embodiment, the ends of the power box 18 have mounting arrangements 46 for fixedly receiving the power cable. The interface between the power box base 22 and the power box cover 24 defines an opening 48 allowing the power cable to pass through the power box 18. AT

BE2018 / 5065 in use, part of the power cable, and in particular the electrical conductors, is separated from the rest of the cable (the armor remains intact, however) and is connected to the second electrical connector within the power box 18.

In one embodiment, each mounting arrangement 46 comprises a support body 50 oriented away from the supply box 18 and intended to support the supply cable, cable clips 52 being provided to fix the cable on the support body 50 (and therefore on the power supply box 18). Support legs 54 can also be provided to reinforce the support bodies 50.

Referring now to Figures 10 to 13, the connection interface 14 comprises a connector base 56, which can be fixed to the luminaire housing 12. The connection interface 14 further comprises a recessed flange 58 and a wall d enclosure 60 defining a cavity 62, the recessed flange 58 defining a second key profile 64.

The connection interface 14 further comprises a male connector portion 66 circular starting from the recessed flange 58 and which can be received inside the female receptacle 28 of the cover 24 of the supply box 18.

In one embodiment, the connection interface 14 comprises a pair of first connection elements 68.1, 68.2 on opposite ends of the connection interface 14, oriented away from the enclosure wall 60, and spaced apart of the male connector part 66, defining between them the first mechanical connection arrangement 16.

In one embodiment, each of the first connection elements 68.1, 68.2 comprises a projecting tongue 70 provided with an elongated locking element 72 oriented inwards. The locking elements 72 of the first two connection elements 68.1, 68.2 are arranged to fit elastically into a corresponding receiving opening or slot 44 of the second connection elements 42.1 and 42.2.

In one embodiment, the first connection elements 68.1, 68.2 are designed so as to be able to cooperate only with a predetermined element among the second connection elements 42.1, 42.2, thus ensuring the correct polarity when the first and second connectors are electrically connected to each other.

BE2018 / 5065

The connection interface 14 has reinforced corner fittings 74 provided with openings which may coincide with corresponding openings defined in the luminaire housing 12, to facilitate mounting of the connection interface 14 on the luminaire housing 12 Support legs 76 may also be provided to support the corner fittings 74, generally extending between the corner fittings 74 and the enclosure wall 60 of the recessed flange 58.

Returning now to Figures 1 to 5, and having regard also to Figures 15 to 17, the luminaire housing 12 comprises a base component 78 comprising a transparent base 80 and a transparent surrounding peripheral side wall 82 so as to define a cavity intended to contain the first electrical connector, as well as a transparent cover 84.

In one embodiment, the base component 78 of the luminaire housing 12 defines a well intended to match the connector base 56 of the connection interface 14.

In one embodiment, the basic component 78 of the luminaire housing 12 comprises a pair of mounting formations 86 spaced from one another and making it possible to install the luminaire housing 12 (for example by strapping) on a support.

In one embodiment, the ends of the transparent side wall 82 define recessed openings 88 allowing a power cable to penetrate directly into the luminaire housing 12.

Claims (24)

1. Fixture housing arrangement comprising: a luminaire housing which can contain a first electrical connector inside the housing, which can itself be connected to electronic components and lighting elements inside the housing; a connection interface fixed or capable of being fixed to the luminaire housing and comprising a first mechanical connection arrangement; and a power supply box intended to contain a second electrical connector which is connected or capable of being connected to a power cable, the power supply box further comprising a second mechanical connection arrangement intended to fit into the first mechanical connection arrangement, so as to ensure the mechanical fixing of the connection interface, and therefore of the luminaire housing, and of the power supply to one another, in use, thus allowing first and second electrical connectors to be electrically connected to each other. The fixture housing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the power box comprises a power box base and a power box cover arranged to define a cavity when mounted; said cavity containing the second electrical connector and the supply box cover defining a female receptacle which has a recessed flange to define a first key profile. 3. A fixture arrangement according to claim 2, wherein a portion of the second electrical connector protrudes from the first key profile to facilitate connection to the first electrical connector of the fixture housing. A fixture arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the power box cover has a pair of second connection members which together define the second mechanical connection arrangement, each of the second connection members comprising a flange body defining a receiving opening. BE2018 / 5065 5. A luminaire housing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the ends of the power box have mounting arrangements for fixedly receiving the power cable; the interface between the power box base and the power box cover defining an opening allowing the power cable to pass through the power box and to be connected to the second electrical connector within the box power. 6. A luminaire housing arrangement according to claim 5, wherein each mounting arrangement comprises a support body oriented away from the power box and intended to support the power cable, cable ties being provided. to fix the cable securely on the support body. 7. A luminaire housing arrangement according to claim 6, in which the connection interface comprises: a connector base, which can be attached to the luminaire housing; a recessed flange and an enclosure wall defining a cavity, the recessed flange defining a second key profile; and a male connector part extending from the recessed flange and which can be received inside the female receptacle of the supply box cover. 8. A luminaire housing arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the connection interface comprises a pair of first connection elements defining between them the first mechanical connection arrangement. 9. A luminaire housing arrangement according to claim 8, in which each of the first connection elements comprises a protruding tongue provided with a blocking element facing inwards, the blocking elements of the first two connection elements being arranged for fit elastically into a corresponding receiving opening of the second connection elements. 10. A luminaire housing arrangement according to claim 9, in which the first connection element is designed so as to be able to cooperate only with a predetermined element among the second connection elements, thus ensuring the correct polarity. BE2018 / 5065 when the first and second electrical connectors are electrically connected to each other. 11. A luminaire housing arrangement according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the luminaire housing comprises a base component comprising a base and a surrounding peripheral side wall so as to define a cavity for containing the first connector electric, as well as a cover. The luminaire housing arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the base component of the luminaire housing defines a well for conforming to the connector base of the connection interface. The luminaire housing arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the basic component of the luminaire housing comprises at least one mounting formation allowing the basic luminaire to be installed on a support. 14. Connection interface for a luminaire housing arrangement comprising a luminaire housing and a power supply box, the connection interface being fixed or capable of being fixed to the luminaire housing and comprising a first mechanical connection arrangement, which can be connected to a second mechanical connection arrangement present on the supply box so as to ensure the mechanical fixing of the connection interface, and therefore of the luminaire housing, and of the supply box one to the other the other. 15. Connection interface according to claim 14, in which the luminaire housing contains a first electrical connector inside the housing, which can itself be connected to electronic components and lighting elements inside the housing, and the power box contains a second electrical connector which is connected or capable of being connected to a power cable, so that when the first and second mechanical connection arrangements interlock, the first and second electrical connectors are electrically connected to each other. 16. Connection interface according to claim 15, in which the connection interface comprises: a connector base, which can be attached to the luminaire housing; BE2018 / 5065 a recessed flange and an enclosure wall extending from the connector base; and a male connector part extending from the recessed flange and which can be received inside a corresponding female receptacle defined in the supply box. 17. Connection interface according to claim 16, in which the connection interface comprises a pair of first connection elements defining between them the first mechanical connection arrangement. 18. Connection interface according to claim 17, in which each of the first connection elements comprises a projecting tab provided with a blocking element oriented inwards, the blocking elements of the first two connection elements being arranged to s' resiliently fitting into a corresponding receiving opening of the second mechanical connection arrangement present on the supply box, the second mechanical connection arrangement comprising a pair of second connection elements. 19. Connection interface according to claim 18, in which the first connection element is designed so as to be able to cooperate only with a predetermined element among the second connection elements, thus ensuring the correct polarity when the first and second connectors are electrically connected to each other. 20. Power box for a luminaire housing arrangement comprising a luminaire housing which may contain a first electrical connector inside the housing, which can itself be connected to electronic components and lighting elements at the interior. inside the housing, and a connection interface fixed or capable of being fixed to the luminaire housing and comprising a first mechanical connection arrangement, the supply box containing a second electrical connector which is connected or capable of being connected to a power cable, the power supply further comprising a second mechanical connection arrangement intended to fit into the first mechanical connection arrangement, so as to ensure the mechanical fixing of the connection interface, and therefore of the luminaire housing, and power box to each other, for use, thereby enabling the first and second c electrical connectors to be electrically connected to each other. BE2018 / 5065 21. A feed box according to claim 20, wherein the feed box comprises a feed box base and a feed box cover arranged to define a cavity when mounted; said cavity containing the second electrical connector and the supply box cover defining a female receptacle having a recessed flange. The power box according to claim 21, wherein the power box cover includes a pair of second connection members which together define the second mechanical connection arrangement, each of the second connection members comprising a flange body defining a receiving opening. 23. The power supply box according to claim 22, wherein the ends of the power supply box have mounting arrangements for fixedly receiving the power cable; the interface between the power box base and the power box cover defining an opening allowing the power cable to pass through the power box and to be connected to the second electrical connector within the box power. 24. Power supply box according to claim 23, in which each mounting arrangement comprises a support body oriented away from the power supply box and intended to support the power cable, cable clips being provided for securely tighten the cable on the support body.