EP1475564A1 - Device for supporting and aiming the reflector, for a luminaire recessed in the ground - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a reflector (5) adjustable in inclination and in rotation around a vertical axis (A). A bent flexible rod (17) has a blocking pin (18) to co-operate with holes (20) arranged in a circle on a horizontal plate (6). A flexible operating rod (21) fixed at a periphery of the reflector has a blocking pin (22) co-operating with holes (19) arranged in an upper zone of the rod (17).

Description

The present invention relates, in general, to the field technical lighting fixtures and, more specifically, luminaires recessed on the ground, especially on sidewalks, squares, halls, etc ... in order to lighting in public or private places, especially in an outdoor environment but also inside buildings. More particularly, this invention relates to a device for holding and adjusting the orientation of the reflector and of the lamp associated, for such recessed floor lights.

A recessed floor light generally includes known, a tank embedded in the ground which contains an optic with lamp and reflector, the assembly being covered by a closing window flush with the ground. The optics, generally oriented so as to illuminate upwards, is either fixed optics, or optics adjustable in orientation. About the orientation adjustment, you can distinguish the adjustable optics only by tilt, and optics adjustable in both tilt and rotation around a vertical axis. These settings allow, if desired, to direct the light beam, coming from a luminaire recessed on the ground, not vertically but inclined and thus directed, for example, towards a wall or a pillar or other part of a building, to create a lighting effect specific, adapted to a particular use case. The present invention is relates to a reflector holding and orientation device, both in tilt only in rotation about a vertical axis.

In general, the devices for maintaining and adjusting the orientation of reflector, for recessed floor lights, have a very basic structure and only allow tilt adjustment of the optics. According to a structure typical known, the reflector is held in a flexible manner on a support simple lyre shape, fixed to the bottom of the lighting fixture, or against the wall side of it.

As examples of such known devices, reference is made here. to US Patent 5,908,236 and especially to US Patent 6,502,967. In addition, a support double lyre is already indicated by US patent 5887966.

The main problem posed by the current summary devices of orientation setting is that they don't "store" the tilt of the reflector made during the initial commissioning of the luminaire, in particular for the "lighting" of a building. This inclination is then lost and out of adjustment from the first maintenance intervention carried out on the device lighting, for example when charging a light bulb from the lamp.

Some existing devices allow, simply through a screw and nut, to lock a tilt reflector. These devices remain impractical to use because they require removing the reflector from the lighting fixture, to block the screw-nut system which is located under the reflector. In addition, the operating mode imposed in this case includes a double risk of adjustment, on the one hand when the reflector is removed, and on the other hand when tightening the screw-nut system.

The present invention aims to eliminate all the drawbacks previously exposed, providing an improved holding device and orientation adjustment, which ensures the maintenance in a fixed manner and determined the angular positions given to the reflector and the lamp associated, in a recessed floor light, while allowing adjustment multidirectional orientation by a very simple and risk-free handling adjustment during maintenance or bulb changes.

To this end, the invention relates to a device for holding and reflector orientation adjustment, for recessed floor luminaire, the reflector with the associated lamp being adjustable in inclination and rotation around a vertical axis, this device being essentially characterized in that the reflector is integral with a first lyre-shaped support, both of which branches, facing upwards, are articulated by their vertices, by respective lateral pivots defining a horizontal axis of rotation, between the corresponding vertices of the two branches, facing upwards, of a second lyre-shaped support, rotatably mounted by a central pivot defining a vertical axis of rotation on a horizontal plate located under the reflector, which is provided with a series of holes arranged at intervals on a circle centered on the aforementioned vertical axis, while a bent flexible rod, integral with the second support and extending in a vertical perpendicular plane in the plane of this second support, has a first part substantially horizontal, provided with a blocking pin directed downwards and designed to cooperate with one of the holes of the horizontal plate, and a second part extending the first, directed upwards and provided, in its zone upper, of a series of aligned holes, separated by intervals, provided to cooperate with a blocking pin carried by an operating rod hose attached to the periphery of the reflector, facing the bent flexible rod.

Preferably, the two lateral pivots, and the central pivot, which ensure the articulation of the two lyre-shaped supports, are pivots elastic, in particular with elastic washer.

The upper area of the second part of the bent flexible rod, in which the series of aligned holes is arranged, is advantageously a area rounded in an arc, centered on the above-mentioned horizontal axis of rotation, the holes being arranged on this rounded area at angular intervals regular, the vertices of the angles considered being located on the axis of rotation horizontal above.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible bent rod, and the rod maneuver, consist of flat bands, in particular metallic, very flexible.

The double lyre-shaped device, object of the invention, thus allows to fix the orientation of the reflector, therefore of the lamp of a luminaire recessed on the ground, on the one hand in inclination, by the choice of the hole in which is inserted the blocking pin carried by the operating rod, and on the other hand rotation around the vertical axis, by the choice of the hole, among the series of holes arranged in a circle on the horizontal plate, into which the pawn of blocking carried by the bent flexible rod. It is thus possible to adjust the inclination of the reflector for example over an angular range of 30 °, and its position in rotation around the vertical axis on 360 °, certainly so discontinuous, but however, depending on the intervals between the holes in adjustment, with relatively small and sufficient angular adjustment steps for the use concerned, for example steps of the order of 2 ° to 6 ° (in depending on the size of the blocking pins).

This device also ensures, by the manipulation of a single organ of operation, namely the free end of the operating rod which forms a sort of handle or handle, without any screwing or unscrewing, the adjustment angle and blocking (after adjustment) of the reflector, therefore of the bulb, both in inclination than in rotation around the vertical axis.

In addition, the adjustment and blocking operations, in both direction (tilt and rotation), are easily done leaving the reflector in place in the light fixture, so no need to remove it every time setting, which greatly increases the speed and accuracy of the setting. It is even possible to keep the lamp lit, during the adjustment operation, immediately finding the desired orientation, this which is interesting in the case of metal halide lamps which, at each start-up, require heating times of the order of ten minutes and which, once switched off, cannot be switched on again before a twenty minutes.

Finally, thanks to the braking performed by the lateral and central pivots, and the rigorous positioning ensured by the cooperation of the two pawns of blocking and corresponding holes, it is particularly easy to bring the reflector in a chosen orientation, or bring it back in an orientation already occupied (and previously identified), and the chosen setting is maintained with precision and without risk of adjustment.

Figure 1 est une vue en coupe verticale d'un luminaire encastrable au sol, avec dispositif de maintien et de réglage d'orientation de réflecteur conforme à la présente invention ;

Figure 2 est une vue en perspective montrant le réflecteur et son dispositif de maintien et de réglage d'orientation ;

Figure 3 est une vue de côté de ce dispositif, suivant la flèche F de la figure 1.

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended schematic drawing representing, by way of example, an embodiment of this device for maintaining and adjusting the orientation of the reflector, for recessed floor light:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a recessed floor light, with device for maintaining and adjusting the orientation of the reflector according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the reflector and its holding device and orientation adjustment;

Figure 3 is a side view of this device, along arrow F of Figure 1.

The luminaire, shown in Figure 1 (where its part does not appear upper), is intended to be embedded in the ground, this figure showing more particularly the luminaire body 2 which is intended to be placed from removable inside a reserve jar (not shown), sealed in the ground.

The interior of the luminaire body 2 forms a main chamber 3, in which are housed a lamp 4 and a reflector 5, which make it possible to create a more or less open or concentrated light beam, directed upwards and thus providing illumination of the outside environment, through the upper window closing (not shown) of the luminaire. The lamp 4 and the reflector 5 are mounted above a horizontal plate 6, placed inside the body of luminaire 2, at a certain height above the base of this body 2.

• d'une part, en rotation autour de l'axe central vertical A du corps de luminaire 2, sur un tour complet, soit sur 360° ;
• d'autre part, en inclinaison par rapport à la verticale, c'est-à-dire que l'axe central B du réflecteur 5 peut former, avec l'axe vertical A, un angle aigu α variable, par exemple, entre 0° et 30° (la figure 1 montrant, respectivement en traits mixtes et en traits continus, les deux positions angulaires extrêmes permises par le réglage d'inclinaison).

The invention relates more particularly to the mounting of the reflector 5, which is here adjustable:

• on the one hand, in rotation about the vertical central axis A of the luminaire body 2, over a full revolution, ie over 360 °;
• on the other hand, in inclination relative to the vertical, that is to say that the central axis B of the reflector 5 can form, with the vertical axis A, an acute angle α variable, for example, between 0 ° and 30 ° (FIG. 1 showing, respectively in phantom and in solid lines, the two extreme angular positions permitted by the tilt adjustment).

Referring also to Figures 2 and 3, the reflector 5 is rigidly fixed to a first support 7 in the form of a lyre. More specifically, the base of the reflector 5 is secured by a screw 8 with nut 9, at the point central support 7, whose two opposite branches 7a and 7b are directed upwards, and extend on either side of the reflector 5.

The first support 7 in the form of a lyre is itself inserted in a second lyre-shaped support 10, the middle part of which extends under the reflector 5 and the two opposite branches 10a and 10b of which are directed towards the top, and they also extend on either side of the reflector 5.

The vertices of the two branches 7a and 7b of the first support 7 in lyre shape are articulated, by respective lateral pivots 11 with elastic washers, with corresponding vertices of the two branches 10a and 10b of the second support 10 in the form of a lyre. The two lateral pivots 11 thus define a horizontal axis of rotation C, along which the first support 7 in the form of a lyre is pivotally mounted relative to the second support 10 in the shape of a lyre. This pivoting, symbolized by an arrow F1, allows the tilt adjustment (relative to the vertical axis A) of the reflector 5.

The second lyre-shaped support 10 has its middle part arranged horizontally just above the horizontal plate 6, and connected to this plate 6 by a central pivot 12 arranged along the vertical axis A. The pivot 12 is constituted by a screw 13 with lock nut 14, which crosses vertically the plate 6 and the support 10; a flat washer 15 is inserted between the plate 6 and the support 10, and an elastic washer 16, in particular a washer corrugated, is inserted between the support 10 and the nut 14. The elastic pivot 12 thus produced allows the rotation of the support 10, therefore of the assembly of the two supports 7 and 10 and the reflector 5, around the vertical axis A, like the symbolizes an arrow F2, for adjusting the rotation of the reflector 5.

On the lower middle part of the second support 10 in the form of lyre, in particular in the region of the central pivot 12, is fixed a rod bent metal 17, in the form of a very flexible flat strip. The metal rod cubit 17 extends in a vertical plane, perpendicular to the vertical plane containing the second support 10 in the form of a lyre. This metal rod angled 17 has a first part 17a, substantially horizontal, which extends just above the horizontal plate 6, and a second part 17b which extends the first part 17a and extends upwards, up to the level of the horizontal axis of rotation C. The upper zone of the second part 17b of the rod 17 is rounded in an arc of a circle, centered on the axis of rotation horizontal C.

The bent metal rod 17 is equipped, under its first part 17a substantially horizontal, with a vertical blocking pin 18, directed towards the low. In the upper rounded area of the second part 17b of the rod metallic 17, a series of aligned circular holes 19 are formed, separated by regular intervals, for example six holes 19 arranged at angular intervals of 6 ° (the vertices of the angles considered being located on the horizontal axis of rotation C).

In the horizontal plate 6 is provided a series of holes circular 20, in large number, arranged in a circle centered on the axis vertical A, and separated by regular intervals. For example, are provided here sixty holes 20, separated by angular intervals of 6 °.

The vertical pin 18 of the metal rod 17 is provided to cooperate with the holes 20 of the horizontal plate, coming to be inserted, by the effect of the single elasticity of the rod 7, in one of these holes 20. The second support 10 in lyre shape can thus be immobilized in rotation, in an angular position chosen, indexing being possible (in the particular example considered here) every 6 °, in a horizontal plane.

Finally, an operating rod 21 is fixed externally to the periphery of the reflector 5, in a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of horizontal rotation C. The operating rod 21, bent upwards, is it also made as a very flexible flat strip. This operating rod 21 is externally provided with a blocking pin 22.

On the assembled assembly, the operating rod 21 fixed on the reflector 5 is located opposite the second part 17b, extending towards the top, bent metal rod 17 secured to the second shaped support 10 lyre. The blocking pin 22 carried by the operating rod 21 can be inserted, by the effect of the only elasticity of this rod 21, in one of the holes 19 of the second part 17b of the metal rod 17, to ensure immobilization of the reflector 5 in inclination, with (in the particular example considered) a possible indexing every 6 °, in a vertical plane, between the 0 ° limit values and 30 °.

We therefore understand that, by the combination of means previously described, the orientation of the reflector 5, therefore of the lamp 4 associated, can be fixed and maintained, both in inclination (angular position relative to the horizontal axis C) only in rotation about the vertical axis A.

• En tirant verticalement vers le haut la tige de manoeuvre 21, et du fait de la flexibilité appropriée des deux tiges 17 et 21, le pion vertical 18 échappe du trou 20 de la platine horizontale 6 dans lequel il se trouvait inséré, ce qui permet de mettre en rotation, autour de l'axe vertical A, l'ensemble constitué par les deux supports 7 et 10 en forme de lyres, donc le réflecteur 5. En relâchant ensuite la tige de manoeuvre 21, le pion de blocage 18 peut être engagé dans un autre trou 20 de la platine horizontale 6, convenablement choisi. Le réglage en rotation autour de l'axe vertical A est ainsi réalisé.
• En tirant horizontalement la tige de manoeuvre 21 vers l'intérieur de l'appareil d'éclairage, et compte tenu de la flexibilité de cette tige 21, le pion de blocage 22 porté par ladite tige de manoeuvre 21 échappe du trou 19 de la tige métallique 17 dans lequel il se trouvait inséré. Le réflecteur 5 se trouve ainsi libéré en rotation, autour de l'axe horizontal C, ce qui permet son réglage d'inclinaison. Une fois amené dans sa nouvelle inclinaison, le réflecteur 5 est immobilisé en relâchant la tige de manoeuvre 21, de manière à engager son pion de blocage 22 dans un autre trou 19 de la tige métallique 17.

To adjust the orientation of the reflector 5, in rotation about the vertical axis A and / or in inclination, the operating rod 21 is grasped by its upper free end, and this operating rod 21 is pulled vertically and / or horizontally. More specifically:

• By pulling the operating rod 21 vertically upwards, and due to the appropriate flexibility of the two rods 17 and 21, the vertical pin 18 escapes from the hole 20 of the horizontal plate 6 in which it was inserted, which makes it possible to rotate, around the vertical axis A, the assembly constituted by the two supports 7 and 10 in the form of lyres, therefore the reflector 5. Then releasing the operating rod 21, the blocking pin 18 can be engaged in another hole 20 of the horizontal plate 6, suitably chosen. Adjustment in rotation around the vertical axis A is thus achieved.
• By horizontally pulling the operating rod 21 towards the interior of the lighting fixture, and taking into account the flexibility of this rod 21, the blocking pin 22 carried by said operating rod 21 escapes from the hole 19 of the rod metal 17 into which it was inserted. The reflector 5 is thus released in rotation about the horizontal axis C, which allows its tilt adjustment. Once brought into its new inclination, the reflector 5 is immobilized by releasing the operating rod 21, so as to engage its blocking pin 22 in another hole 19 in the metal rod 17.

• en modifiant les détails de forme des composants du dispositif, tels que les supports en forme de lyres, ou la tige de manoeuvre ;
• en modifiant le nombre et les intervalles angulaires des trous de la platine horizontale, ou des trous de la tige métallique coudée, notamment en prévoyant sur cette tige des trous plus petits et plus rapprochés, permettant un réglage plus fin de l'inclinaison du réflecteur ;
• en prévoyant sur la platine tous aménagements complémentaires, ou en ménageant dans cette platine des ouvertures plus ou moins importantes ;
• en appliquant le même dispositif à des luminaires encastrés au sol de toutes configurations, et pourvus de tout genre d'aménagement.

One would not depart from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims:

• by modifying the shape details of the components of the device, such as the lyre-shaped supports, or the operating rod;
• by modifying the number and the angular intervals of the holes of the horizontal plate, or of the holes of the bent metal rod, in particular by providing on this rod smaller and closer holes, allowing a finer adjustment of the inclination of the reflector;
• by providing any additional arrangements on the plate, or by providing more or less large openings in this plate;
• by applying the same device to recessed ground luminaires of all configurations, and provided with any kind of arrangement.

Claims (4)

Device for maintaining and adjusting the orientation of a reflector, for a recessed floor light, the reflector (5) with the associated lamp (4) being adjustable in inclination (α) and in rotation (F2) about a vertical axis ( A), characterized in that the reflector (5) is integral with a first support (7) in the form of a lyre, the two branches (7a, 7b), facing upward, are articulated by their vertices, by respective lateral pivots (11) defining a horizontal axis of rotation (C), between the corresponding vertices of the two branches (10a, 10b), turned upwards, of a second support (10) in the form of a lyre, mounted rotating by a central pivot (12) defining a vertical axis of rotation (A) on a horizontal plate (6), located under the reflector (5), which is provided with a series of holes (20) arranged at intervals on a centered circle on the aforementioned vertical axis (A), while a bent flexible rod (17), integral with the second support (10) e t extending in a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of this second support (10), has a first part (17a) substantially horizontal, provided with a blocking pin (18) directed downwards and intended to cooperate with the one of the holes (20) of the horizontal plate (6), and a second part (17b) extending the first (17a), directed upwards and provided, in its upper zone, with a series of holes (19) aligned , separated by intervals, designed to cooperate with a blocking pin (22) carried by a flexible operating rod (21) fixed to the periphery of the reflector (5), facing the second part (17b) of the flexible rod angled (17). Device for maintaining and adjusting the orientation of a reflector for a recessed floor light, according to claim 1, characterized in that the two lateral pivots (11) and the central pivot (12) which provide the articulation of the two supports (7, 10) in the form of lyres, are elastic pivots, in particular with elastic washer (16). Device for maintaining and adjusting the orientation of a reflector for a recessed floor light, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper region of the second part (17b) of the flexible bent rod (17), in which is formed the series of aligned holes (19) is a rounded area in an arc, centered on the horizontal axis of rotation (C), the holes (19) being arranged on this rounded area at regular angular intervals, the vertices angles considered being located on the horizontal axis of rotation (C). Device for maintaining and adjusting the orientation of a recessed floor luminaire according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flexible bent rod (17) and the operating rod (21) consist of flat bands, particularly metallic, very flexible.

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