EP1004816B1 - Luminaire with internal supporting plate which can be mounted on one of two different levels - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to the luminaires of the kind comprising a base, which has a bottom, and a plate, which, for the support of various constituents, intervenes at a distance from this bottom, the base comprising, for the maintenance of this plate, securing means suitable for such maintenance.

More specifically, but not necessarily exclusively, it those of these lights, then commonly called portholes, which include, also, to close the assembly, and, preferably, to close this together tightly, a cover or a cover, which, of course, is at least partly translucent.

For example, and this is the case for recessed luminaires, the base may have, in addition to its bottom, a side wall, and, thus forming itself a box body, a simple cover is enough to close it.

Alternatively, and this may be the case for a luminaire to be arranged in protruding, the base can essentially be reduced to its bottom, and, to close the assembly, a cover is then implemented, in the general shape of a bell, which presents by itself the necessary side wall.

The problem here is that in either case the cover closing the window, the volume available both below the deck and above of it is limited, and well determined.

Now, for a given overall volume for the whole, the distribution to be made between the free volume under the turntable and the free volume above it is different depending on the nature of the light source used, this light source can be either a fluorescent source or a source incandescent.

Indeed, the constituents to be used in both cases are different, and therefore, too, their size, and the constraints are also different.

In practice, the other conditions being equal, a source incandescent light requires, above the plate, a volume higher than that satisfied with a fluorescent light source, and conversely, she is satisfied with a lower volume below this platinum.

To meet such conditions, it is customary, to date, to provide two different realizations, one specific to the implementation of a source incandescent light, the other specific to the implementation of a source fluorescent light, at the expense of manufacturing and management costs these achievements.

The present invention generally relates to a provision which, by allowing a standardization of the manufacturing, leads advantageously to a reduction of these costs.

More specifically, it relates to a luminaire of the kind comprising a base, which has a bottom, and a plate, which, for the support of various constituents, intervenes at a distance from this bottom, the base comprising, for the maintenance of this plate, means of securing specific to a such support, this luminaire being generally characterized in that the base includes securing means at two different levels by compared to its background.

Thanks to such an arrangement, which makes it possible to vary so reverse the volume available above the deck and the volume available in below it, the same base, and the same plate, are suitable advantageously both when using a light source incandescent than when using a fluorescent light source, allowing, each time, to respect in the best conditions the heating and space constraints linked to each of these sources bright.

It suffices, in fact, for an incandescent light source, to fix the platinum on the lower level, and, for a fluorescent light source, attach to the upper level.

The document EP-A-0 199 230 describes a lighting device comprising two compartments in each of which is fixed a printed guide card in a guide groove.

It appears from Figures 1, 5, 6 of this document that, for each compartment, two guide grooves are provided.

However, the reason why two grooves are provided is not disclosed by document EP-A-0 199 230 in which, in any event, the problems defined above do not arise.

At least for the higher level, the means of subjugation provided on the base have, at a distance from each other, in a preferred form of the invention, at least two fixing chimneys, and, for access to the means for securing the lower level, the plate comprises, jointly, at a distance from each other, in correspondence with these fixing chimneys, two recesses.

As a result, to move the deck from the upper level to the level lower, just rotate it around itself about a perpendicular axis to his plan, so that the recesses it contains allow him to enter the upper level fixing chimneys and thus reach the means of subjugation provided otherwise waiting for it at the level inferior.

la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un luminaire suivant l'invention ;

la figure 2 en est une vue en perspective éclatée ;

la figure 3 reprend, à échelle supérieure, la partie de la figure 2 correspondant au socle et à la platine que comporte ce luminaire ;

la figure 4 est, à échelle différente, et suivant la flèche IV de la figure 3, une vue en plan de ce socle, représenté isolément ;

la figure 5 est, à la même échelle que la figure 4, et suivant la flèche V de la figure 3, une vue en plan de la platine, représentée isolément ;

la figure 6 est une vue en coupe axiale de l'ensemble, pour une première position de la platine ;

la figure 7 est une vue en plan de cet ensemble, pour cette première position de la platine, suivant la flèche VII de la figure 6 ;

la figure 8 est une vue en coupe axiale analogue à celle de la figure 6, pour la deuxième position de la platine ;

la figure 9 est, suivant la flèche IX de la figure 8, une vue en plan analogue à celle de la figure 7, pour cette deuxième position de la platine ;

la figure 10 est une vue en perspective éclatée, qui, analogue à celle de la figure 3, mais avec un arrachement local, se rapporte à une variante de réalisation du luminaire suivant l'invention.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, by way of example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a luminaire according to the invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view;

Figure 3 shows, on a larger scale, the part of Figure 2 corresponding to the base and the plate that includes this fixture;

Figure 4 is, on a different scale, and according to arrow IV of Figure 3, a plan view of this base, shown in isolation;

Figure 5 is, on the same scale as Figure 4, and along the arrow V of Figure 3, a plan view of the plate, shown in isolation;

Figure 6 is an axial sectional view of the assembly, for a first position of the plate;

Figure 7 is a plan view of this assembly, for this first position of the plate, according to arrow VII of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an axial sectional view similar to that of Figure 6, for the second position of the plate;

Figure 9 is, along arrow IX of Figure 8, a plan view similar to that of Figure 7, for this second position of the plate;

Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view, which, similar to that of Figure 3, but with a cutaway, relates to an alternative embodiment of the luminaire according to the invention.

As illustrated in these figures, and in a manner known per se, the luminaire 10 according to the invention comprises, in particular, a base 11, which has a bottom 12, and a plate 13, which, for the support of various constituents, and, in particular, for that of a light source 14A, 14B, as shown schematically in broken lines in Figures 6 and 8, intervenes at a distance from the bottom 12, the base 11 comprising, for the maintenance of this plate, and according to arrangements described in more detail later, means subjugation 15A, 15B specific to such maintenance.

The base 11 will only be partially described in the following.

More precisely, only the elements necessary for the understanding of the invention.

As, in the embodiments shown, a luminaire 10, of porthole type, intended to be built-in, the base 11 comprises, in addition to its bottom 12, and, in practice, integrally with it, a side wall 16, which, at its outlet, forms, peripherally, projecting outwards, a ledge 18.

This base 11 thus generally forms a box body.

In the embodiments shown, and for reasons which need not be explained here, the side wall 16 of the base 11 forms, along of its periphery, in recess from its current part 19, at distance from its outlet, a bench 20, which projects towards the inside of the base 11, and which, in practice, extends to the bottom 12 thereof.

In the embodiment more particularly represented on the Figures 1 to 9, the base 11 has, in plan, a generally circular outline.

The plate 13 has, moreover, itself, a generally circular contour.

More specifically, the outline of this plate 13 is substantially complementary to that of the main part 19 of the side wall 16 of the base 11, this running part 19 of the side wall 16 being the portion of the latter which extends between the bench seat 20 and its outlet.

In the embodiments shown, the luminaire 10 comprises, also, in addition to the base 11 and the plate 13, a cover 22, which closes the base 11, and which, of course, is at least partly translucent.

This cover 22 has only been shown in the figures for the shape of realization of Figures 1 to 9.

For example, and as shown, this cover 22 comprises, in its central zone, a verrine 23, which forms a diffuser, and, at its periphery, around of this verrine 23, for its fixing to the base 11, a crown 24, which forms hubcap.

For example, and as shown, the crown 24 of this cover 22 presents, from place to place, wells 25, for the passage of screws 26 suitable for its attachment to the rim 18 of the base 11, the wells 27 opening out correspondence to the surface of this rim 18 for the screwing of these screws 26.

According to the invention, the base 11 comprises means 15A, 15B at two levels NA, NB different from its background 12.

For the higher NA level, at least, the means of subjugation 15A include, at a distance from each other, in the embodiments shown, at least two fixing chimneys 28A, and, for access to securing means 15B of the lower NB level, the plate 13 includes, at a distance from each other, in correspondence with these chimneys fixing 28A, two recesses 29A.

In the embodiments shown, the fixing chimneys 28A of the upper level NA intervene in the vicinity of the side wall 16 of the base 11, and the corresponding recesses 29A of the plate 13 are notches which act on the periphery of this plate 13.

For the higher NA level, at least, the means of subjugation 15A also include, in the embodiments shown, distance from each other, and distance from the fixing chimneys 28A, at at least two support ribs 28'A, and, for access to the means 15B of the lower NB level, the plate 13 comprises, at distance from each other, in correspondence with these support ribs 28'A, two recesses 29'A.

Like the fixing chimneys 28A, the support ribs 28'A of the higher level NA intervene, in practice, in the vicinity of the side wall 16 of the base 11, and the corresponding recesses 29'A of the plate 13 are, as before, notches which intervene at the periphery of this plate 13.

In the embodiments shown, the support ribs 28'A alternate with the fixing chimneys 28A.

They are also flush with the outlet of these.

When, as in this case, the side wall 16 of the base 11 forms a bench 20, the fixing chimneys 28A of the upper level NA make projection on this bench 20, and, more precisely, on the upper surface 30 thereof, towards the outlet of the base 11, and it is the same for the support ribs 28'A.

In practice, in the embodiments shown, the chimneys 28A fasteners are arranged at a slight distance from the main part 19 of the side wall 16, and they are each connected thereto by a rib of stiffening 31 which extends substantially perpendicular to this part side 19 of the side wall 16.

Likewise, in the embodiments shown, the ribs 28'A support each extend substantially perpendicular to the part current 19 of the side wall 16, from the latter, and over the entire width of the bench 20.

For the lower NB level, the means of securing 15B also, at a distance from each other, in the embodiment shown, at least two fixing chimneys 28B.

In the embodiments shown, only two chimneys of fixing 28A, 28B are provided, both for the higher NA level and for the lower NB level.

In the embodiment more particularly represented on the Figures 1 to 9, these fixing chimneys 28A, 28B are arranged in positions diametrically opposite one with respect to the other at each of the levels NA, NB, and, from one level NA, NB to the other, they are arranged in a cross.

In other words, in this embodiment, the fixing chimneys 28A, 28B are 90 ° two by two.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing chimneys 28B of the lower NB level are at least partially engaged in the bench seat 20, or, more precisely, in the side 32 of this bench seat 20.

For example, and as shown, they extend substantially to half on either side of this flank 32.

In practice, the fixing chimneys 28B of the lower NB level extend from the bottom 12 of the base 11, and they protrude slightly on the bench 20, and, more precisely, on the upper surface 30 of this, in the direction of the outlet of this base 11.

When, as shown in Figures 1 to 9, the base 11 has a circular outline, the fixing chimneys 28A of the higher level NA and the fixing chimneys 28B of the lower NB level are preferably established along the same circumference C, which corresponds, substantially, with the outline of the sidewall 32 of the bench seat 20, FIG. 4.

As a corollary, for the passage of fixing screws, not shown, suitable for cooperating with the fixing chimneys 28A or with the chimneys 28B fixing, the plate 13 has two holes 33, which are established along a circumference C 'of the same diameter as the circumference C along from which these fixing chimneys 28A, 28B are established, and which are arranged in diametrically opposite positions relative to each other.

In the embodiments shown, the holes 33 of the plate 13 are elongated in keyholes.

When, as shown in Figures 1 to 9, the base 11 has a circular outline, these holes 33 are thus circumferentially elongated, along the circumference C 'of the plate 13.

For example, and as shown, they extend substantially in a cross with respect to the recesses 29A, and they are each respectively relatively close to the recesses 29'A.

Finally, for the lower NB level, the means of subjugation 15B also, at a distance from each other, in the forms of embodiment shown, at least two support ribs 28'B.

As before, these support ribs 28'B alternate with the fixing chimneys 28B.

They are also flush with the outlet of these.

As before, also, the support ribs 28'B each extend substantially perpendicular to the main part 19 side wall 16, from the latter, over the entire width of the bench 20, and the fixing chimneys 28B are themselves each connected to this main part 19 of the side wall 16 of the base 11 by a stiffening rib 34 which extends substantially radially with respect to to base 11.

Finally, in the embodiments shown, the plate 13 includes, for reasons which have not been explained here, other days that the only recesses 29A, 29'A and that the only holes 33.

We will assume, first of all, with reference to Figures 6 and 7, that the light source 14A to be used is a light source fluorescent.

As is known, must be associated with such a light source 14A fluorescent, in addition to a 35A terminal block, a ballast 36, which is relatively bulky.

Of course, this fluorescent light source 14A is installed on the upper surface of the plate 13, as shown schematically in lines interrupted in Figure 6.

As a corollary, terminal block 35A and ballast 36 are installed on the lower surface of this plate 13, as also shown diagrammatically in lines interrupted in this figure 6.

Other constituents can be jointly provided on one or the other of the surfaces of the plate 13 if necessary.

According to the invention, the plate 13 thus equipped, at least, with such a 14A fluorescent light source, 35A terminal block and 36 ballast, is located at the higher NA level in the base 11.

To do this, it is applied against the fixing chimneys 28A and the support ribs 28'A of the securing means 15A correspondents, in an orientation for which its holes 33 are each respectively opposite the fixing chimneys 28A, FIG. 7.

It suffices, then, to ensure its subjection to the base 11, engage the fixing screws in the 28A fixing chimneys, through its holes 33.

In practice, the corresponding fixing screws can advantageously be installed in advance in the chimneys of fixing 28A, without however being entirely screwed into them, and, after have been engaged on these fixing screws by the rounded part of its holes 33, the plate 13 is, as shown diagrammatically by the arrow F in FIG. 7, pivoted around the axis A of the assembly at an angle sufficient for it to engage under the head of these fixing screws by the elongated part of these holes 33.

Then just tighten the fixing screws.

We will now assume, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, that the light source 14B to be used is a light source incandescent.

As before, this light source 14B is located on the upper surface of the plate 13, and, on the lower surface thereof, is installed a 35B terminal block.

According to the invention, the plate 13 thus equipped with such a source luminous 14B incandescent and this 35B terminal block is installed on the NB level lower in the base 11.

To do this, it is engaged, by its recesses 29A, on the fixing chimneys 28A, and, through its recesses 29'A, on the ribs support 28'A associated with these fixing chimneys 28A, until they come to rest on the fixing chimneys 28B and on the support ribs 28'B of the level NB lower, as represented on figure 8.

Its holes 33 are then each presented respectively to the right of fixing chimneys 28B.

If, as before, these fixing chimneys 28B have been equipped in advance with fixing screws, it is also proceeded as previously, to a pivoting of the plate 13 around the axis A of the assembly, according to arrow F in FIG. 9, before the final tightening of these screws of fixation.

As is easy to understand, the angular extension of the recesses 29A, 29'A of the plate 13 is, by construction, sufficient for that the fixing chimneys 28A of the securing means 15A of the upper level NA and the supporting ribs 28'A associated with these chimneys fixing 28A do not oppose this pivoting of the plate 13.

As will be noted, the plate 13 intervenes, each time, globally transversely in the base 11, that is to say globally perpendicular to the axis A of the assembly, substantially parallel to the bottom 12 of this base 11.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the base 11 a, in plan, a generally rectangular contour, and it is the same for the plate 13.

For the rest, the provisions are similar to those previously described, and, in this figure 10, the same references have been used for designate the same elements.

In particular, the base 11 has two fixing chimneys 28A, only one of which is visible in FIG. 10, two fixing chimneys 28B, only one of which is also visible in this figure 10, two support ribs 28'A and two support ribs 28'B.

As a corollary, the plate 13 has, at its periphery, two recesses 29A, in this case notches, one of which occurs in a corner area, two recesses 29'A, and two holes 33.

But these, which are, as before, in keyholes, are elongated substantially parallel to the longitudinal sides of the plate 13.

In FIG. 10, the plate 13 is shown in the position for which it is capable of being located at the lower NB level, not shown, of the base 11, its holes 33 appearing in line with the fixing chimneys 28B of it, however that its recesses 29A are to the right of fixing chimneys 28A, and that its recesses 29'A are in line with support ribs 28'A.

For its establishment at the higher NA level, not shown, it suffices to rotate it 180 ° around an axis perpendicular to its plane, before to put it in place in the base 11.

Its holes 33 then appear in fact at the right of the chimneys of fixing 28A.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the forms of shown, but includes any variant.

We would not go beyond the scope of the invention either, if the the base of the luminaire was essentially reduced to its bottom, and if, in correspondence, it was substituted for a simple cover a cover comprising a side wall.

Claims (16)

1. A lighting unit comprising a base (11) which has a bottom (12), and a plate (13) which, for carrying various components, is disposed at a distance from said bottom (12), the base (11) comprising for holding said plate (13), fastening means (15A, 15B) at two different levels (NA, NB) with respect to its bottom (12), characterised in that, for the upper level (NA), at least, the fastening means (15A) comprise at a spacing from each other at least two fixing sleeves (28A) and, for access to the fastening means (15B) of the lower level (NB), the plate (13) comprises at a spacing from each other and in corresponding relationship with the fixing sleeves (28A), two openings (29A).
2. A lighting unit according to claim 1 characterised in that, the base (11) having a side wall (16), the fixing sleeves (28) of the upper level (NA) are disposed in the vicinity of said side wall (16) and the corresponding openings (29A) of the plate (13) are notches which are disposed at the periphery of said plate (13).
3. A lighting unit according to either one of claims 1 and 2 characterised in that, for the upper level (NA), at least, the fastening means (15A) comprise at a spacing from each other and at a spacing from the fixing sleeves (28A) at least two support ribs (28'A) and, for access to the fastening means (15B) of the lower level (NB), the plate (13) comprises at a spacing from each other and in corresponding relationship with said support ribs (28'A) two openings (29'A).
4. A lighting unit according to claims 2 and 3 in combination characterised in that the support ribs (28'A) of the upper level (NA) are disposed in the vicinity of the side wall (16) of the base (11) and the corresponding openings (29'A) of the plate (13) are notches which are disposed at the periphery of said plate (13).
5. A lighting unit according to either one of claims 3 and 4 characterised in that the support ribs (28'A) alternate with the fixing sleeves (28A).
6. A lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that, for the lower level (NB), the fastening means (15B) also comprise at a spacing from each other two fixing sleeves (28B).
7. A lighting unit according to claim 6 characterised in that there are only two fixing sleeves (28A, 28B), both for the upper level (NA) and for the lower level (NB).
8. A lighting unit according to claim 7 characterised in that, the base (11) being of a circular contour, the fixing sleeves (28A, 28B) are disposed in crossed relationship from one level (NA, NB) to the other.
9. A lighting unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8 characterised in that, the base (11) having a side wall (16) and said side wall (16) forming along its periphery at a spacing from its opening a ledge (20) in set-back relationship with respect to its general portion (19), the fixing sleeves (28A) of the upper level (NA) project on said ledge (20).
10. A lighting unit according to claim 9 characterised in that the fixing sleeves (28B) of the lower level (NB) project slightly on the ledge (20).
11. A lighting unit according to any one of claims 6 to 10 characterised in that, the base (11) being of a circular contour, the fixing sleeves (28A) of the upper level (NA) and the fixing sleeves (28B) of the lower level (NB) are disposed along the same circumference (C).
12. A lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11 characterised in that the plate (13) has two apertures (33) for passing fixing screws.
13. A lighting unit according to claims 11 and 12 in combination characterised in that the apertures (33) in the plate (13) are disposed along a circumference (C') of the same diameter as the circumference (C) along which the fixing sleeves (28A, 28B) are established, and they are disposed in mutually diametrally opposite positions.
14. A lighting unit according to either one of claims 12 and 13 characterised in that the apertures (33) in the plate (13) are elongated in a keyhole shape.
15. A lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14 characterised in that, for the lower level (NB), the fastening means (15B) also comprise at least two support ribs (28'B) at a spacing from each other.
16. A lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 15 characterised in that, the base (11) having a side wall (16), it also comprises a cover (22) which closes said base (11) and which is at least in part translucent.

Images