EP2000738A1 - Changeable sun pillar - Google Patents

Abstract

The sun pillar (1) has a supporting structure for an illuminant (5) and a luminescent screen, where the structure is lowerable in a movable housing (2) together with the illuminant and the screen during a non-use condition. The screen has a fixed cover (7), which is made of transparent fabric or flexible plastic material of small thickness, and the structure stands on a base (3) of the housing. The structure is changeable in height and has a laterally overlapping roof (6) for the screen at an upper end. The cover is detachably fastened at the roof, which is rotatable against the base.

Description

The invention relates to a light column having a support structure for a light source and a fluorescent screen extending in the height, comprising a collapsible sheath made of a translucent woven or flexible plastic material of small thickness, the support structure standing on a pedestal forming part of a mobile housing , in which the supporting structure can be lowered together with the light source and the luminescent screen when not in use.

Light columns are known per se. One from the DE 195 29 648 A1 known columnar lighting device consists of a holding device and a releasably connected to the holding device, at least partially translucent, inflatable bag, wherein the holding device comprises an adapter ring on the one hand for attachment to a headlight and on the other hand for receiving the bag. Furthermore, the adapter ring to the attachment side is translucent and pressure-sealed, wherein on the holding means are provided for supplying a gaseous filling medium. The disclosed lighting device has a closed screen surface which is inflated by a fan and illuminated by a light source located within the screen surface. The umbrella itself is mounted on a pedestal or frame. This device requires a continuous operation of the fan, with the result of unavoidable noise and permanent power consumption.

Such columns of light are transportable and can be used for many purposes, for example as lighting equipment for events and emergencies or as a luminous advertising pillar. The light columns must meet a variety of requirements, depending on the purpose. They should have a low weight and a bright bulb. In addition to a fast assembly and disassembly time they should also allow changing light and color effects with different intensities and preferably be rotatable. To avoid disturbing noises they should work as quietly as possible. They should also be able to spread a soft light, especially with a homogeneous diffuse light distribution to achieve a daylight-like effect. To evenly illuminate wide areas or large rooms, the illuminant and / or the screen should be able to be positioned at the appropriate height. Known light columns meet these requirements only conditionally.

The invention is therefore based on the object to propose an improved column of light, with the above requirements can be met. The light column should in particular be adaptable to the respective application.

This object is achieved by a light column with the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

In the case of the light column according to the invention, which, like known light columns, has a support structure extending in the height for a luminous means and a luminescent screen, the supporting structure can be changed in height. It can be compared to a base on which it stands, adapted in height to the purpose, being retractable for transport in the base, which is enclosed by a housing open towards the support structure.

In addition, the support structure of the light column according to the invention at an upper end remote from the base on a laterally projecting canopy for the luminescent screen on which a tubular sheath of the luminescent screen is releasably attached. The tubular casing may be made in one piece or composed of a plurality of laterally releasably interconnected strips. The material for the shell is flame retardant. The sheath of a translucent fabric or flexible plastic material of small thickness is kept stretched by the support structure. It can be sunk with the support structure in the base, the shell is relaxed and folded axially. In this case, the canopy is preferably rotatable relative to the base to allow alignment of the strained phosphor screen with respect to the base. The alignment can be done by rotating the roof with respect to the support structure or by rotating the supporting structure with the roof over the housing. The light column also has a low weight, so it is easy to transport. This makes it particularly suitable as an emergency lighting system for illuminating open spaces, such as in traffic accidents and natural disasters, and as a temporary lighting system at public events.

The support structure may include one or more spaced-apart vertical struts supporting the canopy. The at least one strut may extend from a central interior area or from an edge area of the base to the canopy. Such a strut has in the longitudinal direction of at least one rod, preferably a plurality of rods, which are arranged along the extension of the housing to the base or lined up, wherein the length of the individual rods is determined by the housing height. In this case, the strut may be formed as a telescopic rod, so that the rods are slidably slidable into each other. In a simple embodiment, the rods are loose and plugged together and can be stored in the case when not in use. In a more comfortable design, the at least one strut is telescopic. Your rods can be manually or with a drive that can be operated electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically can be moved against the base and fixed in the position assumed. The canopy is detachably connected to the socket distal end of the at least one strut, so that the canopy is easily and easily removable from the support structure.

The base and the housing of the light column are preferably formed as a cuboid, while the strained phosphor screen may have an elongated shape, for example with a round or rectangular cross-section. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the tubular casing depends essentially on the attachment to the roof, wherein the roof does not necessarily have to be designed according to the desired shape of the luminescent screen. Preference is given to a round or square roof over which the envelope for the luminescent screen is detachably fastened. Provided fastening elements of an upper fastening device for the shell can be formed on the roof with a variable position, so that in a simple manner the luminescent screen shape is variable. The roof can be made of a translucent or an opaque material, wherein in a non-transparent roof and a reflection layer on the side facing the bulb can be provided. The roof of the light column is interchangeable, so that shape and direction of the light column, are changeable.

The sheath of the luminescent screen can be tensioned by means of a tensioning device which acts on an upper and / or lower end on the sheath. As the simplest form, a ring member may be attached to the lower end of the screen which biases the shell solely by its weight. An embodiment of the invention is preferred in which a lower fastening device for the lower end of the casing of the luminescent screen is provided on the support structure laterally at a lower end close to the base. The lower fastening device is preferably rotatable relative to the supporting structure. Thus, the screen when rotating the roof can rotate about an imaginary center axis of the screen. The screen is simple and quickly detachable from the upper attachment means on the canopy and from the lower attachment means, which preferably has a tensioning device, for example with spring elements, so that the shell of the luminescent screen can be exchanged with another shell as often as desired. In this case, casings with a different axial length can be used, since the distance between the two fastening devices is variably adjustable by means of the supporting structure. Especially with square columns of light, the envelope may be formed in several pieces in the form of elongated strips, which are held together detachably, for example on the long sides of zippers. In such light columns, the side walls of the luminescent screen are flat, so that the individual strips can be rolled up. The side walls of the screen can be formed by roller blinds, which are provided at the lower end of the support structure. The extendable ends of the blinds are releasably secured to the canopy. The roller blinds are variable extendable according to the height of the support structure. They automatically adapt to height changes of the supporting structure.

High-intensity bulbs emit a lot of heat in addition to light. They heat the air enclosed by the luminescent screen and strongly heat the envelope of the luminescent screen by radiation. For a long life of the bulb and the phosphor screen, it is therefore necessary to cool them. For this purpose, the roof and the housing advantageously at least one air passage opening, which allow an exchange of air in the luminescent screen. The air exchange is preferably carried out automatically by the known chimney effect, with warm air exiting at the at least one air passage opening of the roof and cold air flows from below through the at least one air passage opening on the housing in the luminescent screen. A support of the circulation of hot air in the fluorescent screen by a blower in the base is possible.

In one embodiment of the light column according to the invention, the canopy is rotatably mounted on the support structure and driven by a drive, so that the luminescent screen of the light column can be set in rotation. In combination with more or less translucent patterns of different color and shape on the cover, changing light and color effects with different intensities on illuminated surfaces can be generated. Thus, such a light column is suitable for example for use in discotheques, theater and music events or the like. It can also be used as an advertising medium because the illumination from the inside causes no disturbing mirror effects due to the light source on the envelope.

The canopy may have as a drive relative to the horizontal inclined, exploiting the generated by the light source of hot air flow drive disks. The drive plates are preferably arranged in a circle around a center of the roof. The slits between the slats form the air passage openings of the roof. The upward hot air flow drives the canopy and the attached screen in the manner of a turbine. In this case, the rotational speed over the size, number and inclination of the drive plates and over the distance to each other is adjustable. The drive speed is of course also dependent on the strength of the lamp and its duty cycle. To limit the rotational speed of the luminescent screen, the support structure may have a mechanical brake.

In one embodiment of the invention, a cover laterally overlapping the air passage openings is arranged above the drive lamellae of the roof, which determines an annular gap for the passage of air. The annular gap extends transversely to the imaginary central axis of the luminescent screen. The air passage openings of the roof so end so directed sideways. The cover protects the air passage openings from penetrating water from above.

Preferably, the housing has an upwardly open, closable with the roof space receiving space for the support structure and the fluorescent screen, wherein below the receiving space a watertight chamber for electrical facilities is arranged. The roof is in the non-use position laterally over the housing, so that from above no water can penetrate into the receiving space. The housing is completely splash-proof, so that the light column complies with protection class IP65. In addition, can be better protected from environmental influences by a seal attached to the roof of the receiving space. In a special construction, the light column according to the invention can comply with the Ex protection directives.

Furthermore, the light column according to the invention can be equipped with electrical control devices for adjusting the luminous intensity of the luminous means and / or for the transformation of different mains voltages. These are arranged in the watertight chamber of the housing. In addition, the housing in addition to a mains voltage input also have a mains voltage output, which are preferably formed with extendable connection cables. Thus, several light columns can be set up in a row without complex electrical connection.

Figur 1

eine erste erfindungsgemäße Lichtsäule mit einer Tragkonstruktion aus vier Streben mit steckbaren Stäben in einer Gebrauchsstellung;

Figur 2

eine zweite erfindungsgemäße Lichtsäule mit einer Tragkonstruktion als zentrale teleskopierbare Strebe aus verschiebbaren Stäben in der Gebrauchsstellung;

Figur 3

die Lichtsäule gemäß Figur 1 in einer Nichtgebrauchsstellung; und

Figur 4

die Lichtsäule gemäß Figur 2 in der Nichtgebrauchsstellung.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to two embodiments shown in the drawings. Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the claims and the accompanying drawings. The individual features may be implemented on their own or in several different embodiments of the invention. The figures of the drawing show the light columns according to the invention in a schematic axial section. Show it:

FIG. 1

a first light column according to the invention with a support structure of four struts with plug-in rods in a position of use;

FIG. 2

a second light column according to the invention with a support structure as a central telescopic strut of displaceable rods in the position of use;

FIG. 3

the column of light according to FIG. 1 in a non-use position; and

FIG. 4

the column of light according to FIG. 2 in non-use position.

The FIGS. 1 . 2 show two light columns 1 according to the invention with a housing 2 which surrounds a base 3, and with a support structure 4 standing on the base 3, the support structure 4 carrying a light source 5 and a roof 6. On the canopy 6, a shell 7 of a fluorescent screen 8 is releasably secured with one end. The shell 7 of the luminescent screen 8 is made of a translucent material and formed tubular. It extends from the roof 6 to a top 9 of the housing 2, where it is also releasably secured to the other end, to a tensioning device 10 of the support structure 4, not shown in detail.

The base 3, which is encompassed by the housing 2, has below the receiving space 11, a watertight chamber 12, in the drawing, not shown in the drawing electrical devices for adjusting the luminous intensity of the lamp 5 or for the transformation of different mains voltages for the lamp 5 together with a Mains voltage input and output on. The housing 2 with the base 3 is supported by two rollers 13 and two feet 13 ', which are provided on opposite edges 14, 14' of the base 3. In addition, handles 16 for supporting or moving the light column 1 are provided on two opposite sides 15 of the housing. In addition, on the housing side 17, which is assigned to the edge 14 with the rollers 13, hooks 18 are mounted for suspending a generator, not shown in the drawing.

The FIGS. 3, 4 show the respective inventive light column 1 in the non-use position, in which the support structure 4, the fluorescent screen 8 and the lighting means 5 are recessed in the housing 2. For this purpose, the housing 2 in a position of use of the light column 1 on an upwardly open receiving space 11 which is closed in the non-use position of the canopy 6 and the stored therein support structure 4 with the Luminous shield 8 and the bulb 5 protects against environmental influences. In this case, the canopy 6 protrudes laterally beyond the housing 2, so that no water can penetrate from above into the housing 2. By means of a seal not visible in the drawing between the roof 6 and the housing 2, a splash protection can be achieved from all sides.

FIG. 1 shows a light tower 1 with a square cross-section luminescent screen 8 and a square canopy 6. The support structure of the light column 1 is pluggable. It has at the upper four corners 20 of the housing 2 four connected to the base 3, vertically extending struts 35. The struts 35 are composed of rods 19, 19 '. On the base 3, the lower bars 19 follow, to which the upper bars 19 'connect. In extension, a frame 21 is attached to the upper bars 19 ', in particular attached, to which the illuminant 5 is centrally mounted and which carries the canopy 6. On the canopy 6, which is rotatably connected to the base 3, the sheath 7 of the phosphor screen 8 is releasably secured to an upper end by means of an upper fastening means 23 along the outer edges 22. The sheath 7 is also releasably tensioned with a lower fastening device 24 on the upper side 9 of the housing 2. By replacing the rods 19 and / or 19 'against rods of other lengths, the height of the support structure 4 and thus the height of the light column 1 can be changed, possibly in conjunction with a matched envelope 7 for the luminescent screen. 8

On the canopy 6 and the side of the housing 2, air passage openings 26, 27 are provided, which allow an exchange of air in the luminescent screen 8. The lower air passage openings 27 on the housing 2 are above the watertight chamber 12 and the upper air outlet opening 26 is arranged in the center of the roof 6. The air exchange takes place automatically by the hot air flow generated by the light source 5. Warm air exits through the upper air outlet opening 26 from the fluorescent screen, cold air through the lower air inlet opening 27 in the fluorescent screen 2 a. The upper Air outlet opening 26 has a cover 28 which forms an annular gap 29 for the lateral exit of the hot air. The cover 28 protects the lamp 5 from damage by impinging on the roof 6 from above water.

FIG. 2 shows a light tower 1 with a circular cross-section in the luminescent screen 8 and a likewise square canopy 6. The support structure 4 of the light column 1 is disposed in the center of the base 3 and has a strut 35 with four telescopically slidable tubular rods 30, 30 ', 30 " 30 '", which are telescopic. The lowermost rod 30 is fixed to the base 3. The other rods 30 ', 30 ", 30'" can be moved manually or with a drive, which can be electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically actuated, relative to the base 3 and fixed in the position assumed. On the upper rod 30 '"is a frame 25, which carries the bulb 5 and the canopy 6, rotatably mounted by means of an upper with respect to the rod 30'" rotatable spoked wheel 31. On the canopy 6, the shell 7 of the luminescent screen 8 is releasably secured in a circular ring with a corresponding upper fastening device 23. The canopy 6 is rotatable with the luminescent screen 8 by the rotatably mounted spoke wheel 31 with respect to the base 3. The sheath 7 of the luminescent screen 8 is held taut with a lower fastening device 24 on a likewise rotatable lower spoke wheel 32. The spoked wheel 32 is mounted freely rotatable relative to the lower rod 30. It rotates when turning the roof 6 through the connecting screen envelope 7. The supporting structure 4 can be variably adjusted in height by the rods 30, 30 ', 30 ", 30'" slidable one inside the other so that the height of the light column 1 can be easily changed. If necessary, the shell 7 of the luminescent screen 8 must still be adapted to the changed height of the supporting structure 4.

The canopy 6 and the housing 2 have as in the FIG. 1 illustrated light column 1 air passage openings 26, 27, which allow an upward, caused by the light source 5 hot air flow. The rotatable roof 6 is driven by a drive that uses the hot air flow. These are below a cover 28 of the air passage opening 26 which projects beyond the air passage opening 26 laterally and determines a laterally directed annular gap 29 for the passage of hot air, relative to the horizontal inclined drive plates 33 are provided, where the hot air flow is deflected and limit the air passage column 34. The deflected hot air stream can exit from the luminescent screen 8 at the annular gap 29 through the air passage gaps 34. The hot air flow acting on the drive lamella 33 drives the canopy 6 with the shell 7 attached thereto, so that the luminescent screen 8 automatically rotates about the longitudinal axis of the light column 1 with respect to the base 3 when the luminous means 5 is switched on.

Claims (10)

A light column (1) having an upwardly extending support structure (4) for a light source (5) and a luminescent screen (8), comprising a collapsible sheath (7) of a translucent woven or flexible plastic material of small thickness, the support structure (4) stands on a base (3) which is part of a mobile housing (2) into which the support structure (4) together with the light source (5) and the luminescent screen (8) can be lowered when not in use, characterized in that the support structure (4) is variable in height and at an upper end remote from the base (3) has a laterally projecting roof (6) for the luminescent screen (8) on which the sheath (7) of the luminescent screen (8) detachable is fixed, and which is preferably formed rotatable relative to the base (3). Light pillar according to claim 1, characterized in that on the support structure (4) at a lower, the base (3) near the end of a fastening means (24) for the lower end of the shell (7) of the luminescent screen (8) is preferably provided relative to the support structure (4) is rotatable. Light pillar according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support structure (4) on an upper fastening means (23) of the roof (6) and / or on the lower fastening means (24) a tensioning device for the sheath (7) of the luminescent screen (8 ) having. Light column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the roof (6) and the housing (2) at least one respective air passage opening (26, 27) is formed, which allow an exchange of air in the luminescent screen (8). Light pillar according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roof (6) is rotatably mounted on the support structure (4) and driven by a drive. Light pillar according to claim 5, characterized in that the roof (6) inclined relative to the horizontal, the (5) generated by the light source (5) generating drive plates (33), which are preferably arranged in a circle around a center of the roof (6) and the Determine the air passage opening (26) of the roof (6). Light pillar according to claim 6, characterized in that above the drive lamellae (33) of the roof (6) a the air outlet opening (27) laterally overlapping cover (28) is arranged, which determines an annular gap (29) for the passage of air. Light pillar according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting structure (4) is telescopic. Light column according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2) in the position of use has an upwardly open, with the canopy (6) in the non-use position closable receiving space (11) for the supporting structure (4) and the fluorescent screen (8) and that below the receiving space (11), a watertight chamber (12) is arranged for electrical equipment. Light column according to claim 9, characterized in that in the watertight chamber (12) of the housing (2) electrical control devices for the luminous intensity adjustment of the luminous means (5) and / or for the transformation of different mains voltages are arranged, and that the housing (2) has a mains voltage input and preferably a mains voltage output, which are preferably designed as extendable connection cable.

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