EP1213533B1 - Enclosure containing a plate supporting lighting devices, in particular luminescent tubes - Google Patents

Abstract

The lamp enclosure is tubular, and has a lamp support plate (2) spanning its diameter. One end enclosure has an elastic support for the plate, and the other end an annular guide (9) with diametrically opposed lateral grooves (93d,93g). The plate edge is retained by tongues (95d,95g). By pushing upward on the plate, the tongues are released, and so the plate may be slid from the enclosure.

Description

The invention relates to an enclosure containing a removable plate, support of lighting members.

It applies more particularly to an enclosure containing a removable support plate of one or more lamps (luminescent tubes, for example fluorescent type).

EP 0 935 093 A, which is considered to be the closest state of the art, describes an enclosure according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the context of the invention, the term "enclosure" must be understood in its most general sense. It relates in particular, but not exclusively, tubular speakers, glass, plastic or similar material, transparent or translucent. Such an enclosure is intended to contain a removable plate supporting one or more laps, for example of the above-mentioned fluorescent tube type, and its usual accessories: electrical circuits, "starters", etc. More generally, the removable plate can also support other types of lighting members, tubular or non-tubular.

Such a device is particularly used in buildings of commercial or industrial types. For this type of application, the enclosure is generally associated with sealing members, so that the internal electrical circuits do not present a danger to the external environment, especially in a humid atmosphere.

For the purpose of fixing the ideas, without this being in any way limiting the scope of the invention, the following will be set out, unless otherwise stated, in the case of the preferred application of the invention, namely: a luminescent removable enclosure for industrial application.

In this context of applications, it should be noted that the length of these speakers commonly reaches the meter or more, and they are fixed or hung in generally inaccessible places: high ceilings, high walls, etc. It follows that when it is desired to access these devices, more particularly to the internal removable plates, the maintenance personnel must use ladders or similar devices, and that the withdrawal and insertion are not easy, because in particular the size of the removable plates. Indeed, to extract the removable plate, it is normally necessary to use both hands, one at one end, the other at the other end, which is at least uncomfortable or impossible for some configurations. In this case the only possibility is to deposit the enclosure entirely.

However, these operations must be carried out not only to carry out specific repair operations, in case of failure, but also, as is well known, to perform scheduled maintenance, the systematic change of luminescent tubes to be considered at regular intervals of time , which greatly increases the number of interventions.

The invention aims both to overcome the disadvantages of the devices of the prior art, some of which have just been recalled, and to meet the needs that are felt, namely including easy maintenance.

The invention sets a goal for an enclosure comprising a removable plate supporting lighting members for longitudinal sliding of the removable plate and having locking / unlocking means. These locking / unlocking means are arranged such that the removable plate can be manipulated by one hand of an operator to operate the sliding in one direction or another, and the locking or unlocking.

To do this, the removable plate is provided, at a first end, with first guide means allowing a longitudinal translation inside the enclosure, advantageously constituted by a flat part whose outer cutout has a substantially dual shape of the section of the inner wall of the enclosure. The second end of the enclosure and the corresponding end of the plate comprise locking / unlocking means cooperating with each other. This second end of the enclosure further comprises, on its inner wall, second guide means of the plate in its translational movement.

In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure being provided, at its first end, with at least one so-called bottom wall located opposite the first end of the removable plate, the locking / unlocking means are constituted by members of complementary shapes, clinging into each other, and cooperating with resilient means disposed at the first end of the removable plate. Still in a preferred embodiment, these resilient means consist of a leaf-like spring exerting a longitudinal repulsion force on the removable plate, by pressing on said bottom wall when the removable plate is fully inserted into the enclosure.

It is arranged that said second guide means allow a slight clearance substantially orthogonal to the direction of translation.

When the removable plate is fully inserted into the enclosure and locked, it is sufficient to push the latter towards said bottom wall and move it along said direction of movement. The elastic means continue to exert a force on the removable plate which pushes it towards the second end of the enclosure and allows, both said unlocking and a subsequent longitudinal translation, until complete extraction.

In the opposite direction, once the removable plate inserted partially into the enclosure, simply push it towards the bottom of the latter. When the elastic means are brought into contact with the bottom wall, it is sufficient to exert a bearing force in a longitudinal direction, which compresses the spring, then to move the removable plate in said direction of movement and to release the support force. The removable plate is then pushed back, allowing re-engagement of the locking means.

In a still preferred embodiment, the enclosure is provided at both ends with sealing members. In particular, on the opposite end of the locking / unlocking means, there is provided a cover and fixing means, advantageously screw, cooperating with complementary fastening means secured on the second end of the removable plate. When the latter is locked inside the enclosure, it is indeed possible to close the enclosure in a sealed manner using said fixing means.

The main object of the invention is therefore an enclosure containing a removable plate, which supports at least one lighting element, in particular of the luminescent tube type, and provided with a so-called bottom wall, said enclosure extending parallel to a said longitudinal axis and comprising an opening on the end opposite to said bottom wall, characterized in that it comprises first guide means secured to a first end of said support plate located opposite said bottom wall and second guide means disposed on its second end, so as to allow a translational movement of said platen. support along said longitudinal axis, in that it comprises elastic means, fixed to said first end of the support plate, exerting on it a repulsive force when it is fully inserted into said enclosure so that the said elastic means rest on said bottom wall, in that it comprises first locking / unlocking means disposed near said opening cooperating with second locking / unlocking means secured to a second end of the support plate, and that these first and second locking / unlocking means are arranged so that the unlocked ge is performed, from a said locked state, by exerting a thrust on said second end of the removable plate, in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis, greater in amplitude than said repulsion force, moving it to said bottom wall, followed by a displacement in a direction orthogonal to said longitudinal axis, so as to disengage said first and second locking / unlocking means, and a relaxation of said thrust so that said removable plate is again subjected to said repulsive force and driven towards said opening to allow its complete extraction, and so that the locking is effected by a sequence of actions in the opposite direction, after insertion of said removable plate in said enclosure.

• la figure 1 illustre schématiquement un exemple de réalisation complet d'une enceinte selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 illustre schématiquement des moyens permettant la fixation de l'enceinte de la figure 1 à une paroi support ;
• la figure 3 est une figure de détail illustrant, en perspective partielle, un exemple de réalisation d'un premier organe de guidage d'une platine amovible insérée dans l'enceinte de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 illustre un organe élastique constitué par une lame ressort mis en oeuvre dans l'enceinte dé la figure 1 ;
• les figures 5A et 5B sont des figures de détail illustrant des seconds organes de guidage et des organes de verrouillage/déverrouillage mis en oeuvre dans l'enceinte de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 6 illustre, en perspective partielle, de façon plus détaillée, la platine amovible de la figure 1 et un couvercle de fermeture de l'enceinte et ses organes de fixation ; et
• les figures 7A et 7B illustrent schématiquement les états verrouillé et déverrouillé de la platine de la figure 1, et des positions intermédiaires.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a complete embodiment of an enclosure according to the invention;
• 2 schematically illustrates means for fixing the enclosure of Figure 1 to a support wall;
• Figure 3 is a detail figure illustrating, in partial perspective, an embodiment of a first guide member of a removable plate inserted into the chamber of Figure 1;
• FIG. 4 illustrates an elastic member constituted by a spring blade implemented in the enclosure of FIG. 1;
• FIGS. 5A and 5B are detailed figures illustrating second guide members and locking / unlocking members implemented in the chamber of FIG. 1;
• Figure 6 illustrates, in partial perspective, in more detail, the removable plate of Figure 1 and a closure cover of the enclosure and its fasteners; and
• Figures 7A and 7B schematically illustrate the locked and unlocked states of the plate of Figure 1, and intermediate positions.

Reference will now be made, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7B, to an exemplary enclosure containing a removable support plate for lighting components in a preferred embodiment, that is to say an enclosure intended for industrial applications. containing one or more fluorescent tube (s).

In these figures, the identical elements bear the same references and will be re-described only as necessary.

Figure 1 illustrates, in perspective, an enclosure 1 of cylindrical shape and longitudinal axis Δ. The main part consists of a tube 10 of transparent material, or at least translucent, for example plastic or glass. Fixing means 5 of the enclosure 1 is provided for a ceiling or any appropriate wall (not shown in the figure). By way of example, these fixing means may consist of arches 50 comprising a bridge 51 allowing the actual fixing on any suitable surface: ceiling, wall, etc. In the example of FIG. 1, two fastening means 5 are shown, arranged near both ends of the enclosure 1.

Advantageously, these fixing means 5, one of which is shown in more detail in FIG. 2 (in side view), can be removable. To do this, they can include, in a conventional manner, a closure 53 provided with a loop 530 and a hook 531 movable about an axis parallel to the axis Δ. Thanks to the elastic properties of the material constituting the hoop 50, for example steel sheet, the latter tightly encloses the outer wall of the enclosure 1 when the hook 531 is in the closed position (shown in solid lines in FIG. ). In the open position of the hook 531, the loop 530 can be removed and the hoop 50 can be disengaged, which releases the chamber 1. Of course, depending on the length of the latter, more than two fastening means 5 can be provided.

Inside the tube 10 of the chamber 1 is a removable plate 2. The latter extends over most of the length of the chamber 1, parallel to the longitudinal axis Δ. The removable plate 2 comprises a flat surface 20 for supporting one or more luminescent tubes, for example fluorescent tubes (s), as well as circuits and associated electrical components (not shown in Figure 1). In practice, the fluorescent tube (s) are (are) arranged on one side of the removable plate 2, for example below in the case of FIG. 1, and the other components are arranged on the other side (above in the example) so as not to hinder the emission of light.

It is assumed that the tube 10 forming the enclosure 1 is closed, a priori sealingly, on its two ends, by covers, 3 and 4, respectively. To do this, there are provided conventional sealing members (seals) not visible in Figure 1. The cover 4 forms the bottom of the enclosure 1. It comprises a peripheral wall 40 and a substantially flat wall 41 or bottom wall . The lid 3 also comprises a peripheral wall 31 and a substantially flat wall 30. It is further provided with fastening means 32, for example with screws, intended to cooperate with complementary fastening means secured to the removable plate 2.

The electrical energy required to supply the fluorescent tube (s) is brought by a cable 33 which can pass through the wall 30 (or the wall 40, in a variant not shown), via a waterproof passage 34 .

According to a characteristic of the invention, the removable plate 2 is provided, on its end facing the bottom of the enclosure, with a guide member 6, allowing this end to slide, by longitudinal translation, parallel to the axis Δ, inside the chamber 1. Advantageously, it may be a simple flat part 6 orthogonal to the plane 20 of the removable plate 2 and whose cut is dual or substantially dual section internal of the tube 10, this section being in this case circular. The exact form will be specified below.

Figure 3 (partial perspective) illustrates this arrangement in more detail. Also shown in this figure, two conventional supports 21 for receiving end pins of two fluorescent tubes 7 (in dashed lines).

According to another characteristic of the invention, there is provided elastic means 8 exerting a repulsive force on the removable plate 2, as shown in more detail in Figure 4 (partial side view). In a preferred embodiment, these elastic means consist of a simple blade based on material with elastic properties, for example steel. This blade 8 is fixed by any conventional means 80, for example rivets or screws, to the wall of the flat part 6 or directly on the removable plate 2. When the removable plate 2 is inserted fully into the tube 10 of the enclosure 1, the blade 8 comes into contact with the bottom wall 40 of the cover 4 and is compressed. It then develops a repulsion force F tending to push the removable plate 2 towards the opening of the chamber 1.

According to another characteristic of the invention, provision is made on the end of the tube 10 opposite the cover 3, on the one hand additional guide members of the removable plate 2, on the other hand locking / unlocking members of the latter. As will be shown with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, these two bodies can be advantageously combined or, more accurately, supported by the same device.

As shown in FIG. 5A (in view which will be referred to arbitrarily from below), in a preferred embodiment, there is provided an annular piece 9, for example made of plastic, the dimensions of which are determined so that it can fit on the end of the tube 10 of the enclosure 1. To this end, it is possible to provide a circular groove 91 with a thickness equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the wall of the tube. 1 of the enclosure 1. On two sides, symmetrically and substantially over a diameter, there are two reinforcements, which will be called arbitrarily right 92d and left 92g. The ring 9 is fixed on the tube 10 of the enclosure 1, for example using glue. It is naturally necessary to provide complementary fastening means (not shown), tabs or others, allowing the screwing, in the absence of bonding.

These reinforcements, 92 d and 92 g, are in turn provided with two grooves 93d and 93g, respectively. The gap, ℓ, between the walls facing each groove, 93d and 93g, is chosen such that it allows the insertion of the removable plate 2 (in dashed lines in FIG. 5A). In fact, according to another characteristic of the invention, for reasons which will be explained hereinafter, this length ℓ is greater than the thickness e of the removable plate 2, so as to allow a predetermined amplitude of travel following a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis Δ.

Likewise, the dimensions and the shape of the flat part 6 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) are such that they allow the insertion or the extraction of the removable plate 2. They must in particular allow the passage of the end between the reinforcements, 92 d and 92 g, without having to dismantle the ring 9. Advantageously, the flat piece 6 is given an oblong shape, so that it is in contact only on two ends, 60 and 61 (Figure 3), on either side of the plane 20 of the removable plate 2. As shown in Figure 3, the part 6 may be a truncated disc, because cut straight on both sides, or a set more complex parts with the same function. It follows that it is in contact with the inert wall of the tube 10 on diametrically opposite zones in a circular arc.

Locking / unlocking members, 95d and 95g, integral with the reinforcements, 92d and 92g, and thus carried by the ring 9, are also shown.

FIG. 5B is a detail view (in section AA of FIG. 5A and in partial side view) illustrating more particularly the reinforcement 92g, its groove 93g guide and 95g locking means. This is essentially formed of a tongue 950g disposed on the surface of one of the walls (lower in Figure 5B) of the groove 93g. This tongue 950g is separated from the aforementioned wall by a gap 951g. The tongue 950g is oriented towards the interior of the chamber 1. It should be understood that the locking means 95d is similar to the member 95g.

FIG. 6 illustrates in greater detail an example of a practical embodiment of a removable plate 2. It comprises a flat surface 20 intended to support, on one or the other of its faces, the various lighting accessories: fluorescent tubes, electrical circuits, etc. (see Figure 3). This flat surface 20 is extended on the sides by first folds at 90 ° (downwards in the example of the figure) forming longitudinal vertical walls, 21 and 23 respectively. These vertical walls fold themselves 90 ° inwardly, to form two longitudinal plane walls, 22 and 24 respectively.

The width of the side walls, 21 and 23, is equal to e , e being less than ℓ, as previously indicated. As a result, the end zones of the removable plate 2 can be introduced into the guide grooves 93d and 93g, which allows a translational movement of the removable plate 2 along the tube 10 of the enclosure 1. must be remembered that the first end of the removable plate 2 is further guided by the flat part 6, which allows it to remain parallel to the axis Δ. On the other hand, the aforementioned inequality ℓ,> e allows a displacement orthogonal to the axis Δ.

We will now explain, with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the operations allowing the locking and unlocking of the removable plate 2 inside the tube 10 of the enclosure 1.

In the detail figure 7A (in partial perspective), there is shown the removable plate 2 fully inserted into the tube 10 (position also shown in Figure 1). In this state, the spring 8 (FIG. 4) is compressed and exerts a maximum thrust force F on the removable plate 2. The horizontal walls 22 and 24 are then introduced into the spaces 950d and 950g, arranged under the tabs 951d and 951g lock members 95d and 95g. In FIG. 7A, only the locking member 95d and the horizontal wall 24 are visible. The aforementioned walls 22 and 24 form complementary locking members of the locking members 95g and 95d, respectively.

To unlock the removable plate 2, it is sufficient that an operator (not shown) apprehend with one hand M and exerts a thrust amplitude greater than the repulsion force F exerted by the leaf spring 8 (Figure 4).

As shown in the detail figure 7B (in partial perspective), the operator then passes the end opposite the removable plate 2 from the 0 position (locked state) to the position I (released state) . Then just push up (in the example of Figure 7B) to move to position II. This maneuver is made possible by the provision ℓ,> e above. If the operator releases the force exerted but maintains the removable plate 2 at the reached position II, the leaf spring 8 pushes it again. This then slides above the tab 951d, to reach the position III (in dotted lines). It is the same for the tab 951g. The leaf spring 8 is then fully relaxed (solid lines in Figure 4). To extract the removable plate 2, then just pull it out of the tube, always with one hand M , possibly with the help of the other hand to support the removable plate 2, especially at the end of extraction.

The reassembly, insertion and locking can be obtained as simply by performing the same operations, but in the reverse order.

According to a further aspect of the invention, although the removable plate 2 is removable in the manner just described, once locked (Figure 7A), it becomes integral with the chamber 2. It is therefore possible to fasten the lid 3 closing the corresponding end of the tube 20 of the chamber 2.

Referring back to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the end of the removable plate 2, facing the cover 3, is provided with a fixing member 25 complementary to the fastening member 32 associated with this cover. 3.

The fastener associated with the cover 3 is constituted by a single screw 32, hexagonal head, in the embodiment described. Still in this embodiment, the locking member is constituted by a block 25, metal or plastic, whose body is substantially parallelepiped rectangle. It is recessed at the end of the flat face 20 of the removable plate 2 and has two lateral wings for fixing it to this flat face 20, for example using screws 26. The block 25 comprises on the front face (c). that is to say turned towards the cover 3) a threaded hole 250 into which the end of the screw 32 will be inserted.

If necessary, it is possible to provide a peripheral sealing gasket 35 that bears against the outer wall of the ring 9.

Although the representation of Figure 1 implicitly suggests that the enclosure 1 is hung horizontally, for example to a ceiling, it should be understood that it can be placed in any position of space: vertical, inclined . Regardless of the position of the latter, the process of locking or unlocking, followed by extraction or insertion of the removable plate 2 remains quite similar to that just described. The necessary operations also remain easy. In all cases, the locking and unlocking operations themselves can be performed with one hand and require access to only one end of the removable plate 2. Then, simply slide the removable plate 2, in one direction or another depending on whether one wants to introduce it into the enclosure 1 or extract it. In any case, it is necessary to completely remove the speaker 1.

It can be seen from the foregoing that the invention achieves the goals it has set for itself.

It must be clear, however, that the invention is not limited to the only examples of embodiments explicitly described, particularly in relation to FIGS. 1 to 7B.

In particular, some organs can be replaced by others quite equivalent, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the leaf spring could be replaced by a spring "boudin" or by any elastic means secured to the end of the removable plate. Similarly, although a circular section is particularly advantageous, the tube of the enclosure may be provided with a priori any section.

Finally, although the method has been described in detail in the case of an enclosure comprising a removable platen supporting fluorescent tubes, in an industrial-type environment, the invention, as previously indicated, is not no case limited to this particular application. The invention may find advantageous application for any speaker, regardless of the type of organs or other lighting arranged on the removable plate.

Similarly, the numerical values, shapes and materials used have been specified only to fix ideas. It is a technological choice, within the reach of the professional, which depends essentially on the specific application aimed.

Claims (8)

1. Enclosure containing a movable plate supporting at least one lighting device, in particular of the luminescent tube type, and provided with a so-called base wall, the said enclosure extending parallel to a so-called longitudinal axis and comprising an opening at the end opposite the said base wall, characterised in that the enclosure comprises first guide means (6) secured to a first end of the said supporting plate (2) situated opposite the said base wall (41), and second guide means (93d, 93g) arranged at its second end, so as to permit a translation movement of the said supporting plate (20) along the said longitudinal axis (Δ), in that it comprises elastic means (8) fixed in the vicinity of the said first end of the supporting plate (2), exerting on the latter a repulsive force (F) when it is completely inserted into the said enclosure (1) so that the said elastic means (8) rest against the said base wall (41), in that it comprises first locking/unlocking means (95d, 95g) arranged in the vicinity of the said opening co-operating with second locking/unlocking means (22, 24) secured to one end of the said supporting plate (2), and in that the said first and second locking/unlocking means (95d, 95g, 22, 24) of said supporting plate (2) are arranged in such a way that the unlocking is effected from a so-called locked state, by exerting a force on the said second end of the movable plate (2) in a direction parallel to the said longitudinal axis (Δ), of magnitude greater than the said repulsive force (F), displacing it (0-I) towards the said base wall (41), followed by a displacement (I-II) in a direction orthogonal to the said longitudinal axis (Δ), so as to decouple the said first (95d, 95g) and second locking/unlocking means (22, 24), and by a relaxation of the said force in such a way that the said movable plate (2) is again subjected to the said repulsive force and is urged towards the said opening in order to permit its complete removal, and in such a way that the locking is effected by a sequence of actions in the reverse order, after insertion of the said movable plate into the said enclosure.
2. Enclosure according to claim 1, characterised in that the said movable plate (2) has a plane face (20) supporting the said lighting devices (7) and extending parallel to the said longitudinal axis (Δ), and the said first guide means (93d, 93g) consist of a flat piece (6) substantially orthogonal to the said plane wall (20), in such a way that it engages zones of the internal wall of the said enclosure (1, 10) disposed on both sides of the said plane face (20), so as to guide the said first end of the latter during the so-called translation movements.
3. Enclosure according to claim 1, characterised in that it is provided with an annular piece (9) fitted onto the said mouth end and integral with the latter, in that this annular piece (9) comprises reinforcements (92d, 92g) in oppositely facing zones, and in that the said second guide means consist of grooves (93d, 93g) made in these reinforcements (92d, 92g), comprising a base wall and two oppositely facing walls, these grooves being intended to receive between the said two oppositely facing walls lateral ends (21-22, 23-24) of the said movable plate (2), in such a way as to guide the plate during the said translation movements, by co-operating with the said first guide means (6).
4. Enclosure according to claim 3, characterised in that the said movable plate (2) has a defined thickness e, the said grooves (93d, 93g) have a defined width ℓ such that ℓ>e, so as to permit the said displacement of the movable plate (2) in a direction orthogonal to the said longitudinal axis (Δ) during the said unlocking or the said locking.
5. Enclosure according to claim 1, characterised in that the said elastic means consist of an elastic material (8) abutting against the said base wall (41) and being compressed when the said movable plate (2) is inserted fully into the said enclosure (1, 10), in such a way as to exert on the latter the said repulsive force (F) pushing it towards the said opening end.
6. Enclosure according to claim 1, characterised in that the said first locking/unlocking means (95d, 95g) consist of tongues (950d, 950g) integral with one of the oppositely facing walls of the said grooves (93d, 93g) of the said annular piece (9) and providing free spaces (951d, 951g) between themselves and the said oppositely facing walls, the said tongues (950d, 950g) being oriented towards the said base wall (41), in that the said movable plate (2) comprises a principal plane face (20) extending along the said longitudinal axis (Δ) folded laterally by 90° so as to form two first longitudinal side walls (21, 23) which are themselves folded inwardly by 90° so as to form two second longitudinal walls (22, 24) parallel to the said principal plane face (20), and in that the said second locking/unlocking means consist of the end of the said second longitudinal walls (22, 24), the said locking being effected by engagement of these ends in the said free spaces (951d, 951g).
7. Enclosure according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a cover (3) for closing the said opening end and in that it also comprises first securement means (32) integral with the said cover (3), and second securement means (25) complementary to the said first means and integral with the said second end of the said movable plate (20).
8. Enclosure according to claim 7, characterised in that the said first securement means comprise a bolt (32) passing through the said cover (3) and the said second securement means comprise a substantially parallelepiped-shaped rectangular block (25) bolted onto the said movable plate (20), and comprising on a face opposite the said cover (3), a threaded hole (250) into which the body of the said bolt (32) may be inserted.

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