EP2177819A1 - Street lamp with modular components to facilitate maintenance - Google Patents

Abstract

The lamp has a lower shell (2) integrated into a lighting bowl, and an upper shell (3) opened by a cover (4). A removable module (10) i.e. closed case, is provided in a maintenance chamber, and a set of studs (13) receives electric or electronic components of a supply circuit of lighting components. The module is completely accommodated in the chamber and electrically connected to an electric network by a detachable electric connector (14a) when the upper shell is closed, and is electrically disconnected from the network if the module is extracted from the chamber.

Description

The invention relates to a modular configuration of the electric circuit and the power supply circuit of an urban lighting lantern.

More particularly, the invention applies to urban lighting lanterns fixed at the top of a vertical mast directly at the end of the mast, or indirectly via a stick, in the extension of the mast or in an inclined position relative to at the mast.

A means of fixing the lantern on its support is for example the subject of a patent application filed the same day.

It is usually necessary to have many of these lanterns along a road, driveway or site.

Given the number of lanterns, it can be economically advantageous to seek to reduce maintenance costs and replacement of the electronic components of the supply circuit of said lanterns and the labor costs of replacement of the light bulbs.

To achieve this objective the applicant has sought to design a new concept of component and bulb wiring for replacing easily and without risk of error, and to avoid handling components directly inside the lantern.

According to a first solution approach the Applicant had the idea of a modular design where all the components and the bulb could be installed in a sealed and sealed housing and sockets on a suitable printed circuit board, the housing being able to be detached from the lantern mechanically and electrically, in one movement and without tools.

The applicant having observed that the interventions on the lanterns fall into two broad categories: namely either light bulb replacements or replacements or interventions on the electrical circuit, it was decided to design several complementary modules, a first module for to protect the components and the circuits, another module to carry and position exactly the bulb with respect to the reflector of the lantern, each of these modules to be separable electrically and mechanically from the lantern, in a single movement and without the use of tool, and a module with interface function between the other two.

• une pluralité de plots standards pour recevoir des composant électriques ou électroniques nécessaires au circuit d'alimentation des composants d'éclairage, et disposés par exemple sur le fond dudit module,
• un connecteur électrique débrochable ledit premier module étant d'une part lorsque le couvercle de la coque est fermé, logé entièrement dans la chambre de maintenance et connecté électriquement au réseau électrique par le connecteur et d'autre part déconnecté électriquement lorsqu'il est extrait de ladite chambre de maintenance.

These objectives are achieved by the invention which relates to an urban lighting lantern fixed at the top of a mast by a fixing means and having an opening shell for example in two parts, a lower shell incorporating a lighting vessel, and an opening top hull for example but not limited to using a pivoting cover, the two hulls cooperating with each other, for example by fitting one into the other according to an opening plane called the lantern plane, the lantern being designed to have all the lighting components on the same side, for example at the front, characterized in that the lantern comprises in a maintenance chamber, a first removable module box-shaped and comprising at least:

• a plurality of standard pads for receiving electrical or electronic components necessary for the supply circuit of the lighting components, and arranged for example on the bottom of said module,
• a plug-in electrical connector, said first module being, on the one hand, when the lid of the shell is closed, housed entirely in the maintenance chamber and electrically connected to the electrical network by the connector and, on the other hand, electrically disconnected when it is extracted from said maintenance chamber.

Preferably, the same plug-in connector also provides the electrical connection between the first module and the lighting components.

The maintenance chamber is preferably provided between the part containing the lighting components (lamp, reflector) and the fixing means.

Preferably the first module further comprises a gripping means in the form of a handle and pivoting means for pivoting said first module from a position where it is pressed on the bottom of the maintenance chamber to a position where it can be extracted from said chamber, the lid of the lantern being open.

Also preferably, the lamp holder and its socket constitute a third removable module and the maintenance chamber is closed at the front by a partition having a central opening for the passage of a sleeve and its socket support, an open hood fixed centrally on said partition and protruding inside the maintenance chamber, and a connection plate, said partition, said cover and said plate forming an assembly called second module fully housed in the lantern and electrically connected when the lantern is closed.

• La figure 1 est une vue d'une lanterne selon l'invention dont la face supérieure comporte un couvercle en position ouverte afin de rendre visibles les différents modules.
• La figure 2 correspond à la figure 1 et montre la manière de retirer le premier module, celui-ci étant visible par le dessus.
• La figure 3 correspond à la vue de la figure 2, le premier module étant visible par en dessous.
• La figure 4 est une vue de détail montrant l'extraction du premier module.
• Les figures 5a et 5b montrent le premier module avec son couvercle ouvert.
• La figure 6 montre à titre d'exemple les composants et leur câblage.
• La figure 7 et son détail 7a représentent une vue de détail de la lanterne de la figure 1, où le premier module a été retiré, et où les autres modules sont encore en place.
• La figure 8 montre le deuxième et le troisième module en vue arrière et de dessus.
• La figure 9 montre en détail et en vue avant, le troisième module et la douille, la lampe ayant été enlevée.
• La figure 10 est une vue arrière et de détail du troisième module de la figure 9.

The characteristics of the invention and its advantages will be better understood by means of the following description given with reference to the appended figures which are given only by way of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments.

• The figure 1 is a view of a lantern according to the invention, the upper face has a cover in the open position to make visible the different modules.
• The figure 2 corresponds to the figure 1 and shows how to remove the first module, the latter being visible from above.
• The figure 3 corresponds to the view of the figure 2 , the first module being visible from below.
• The figure 4 is a detail view showing the extraction of the first module.
• The Figures 5a and 5b show the first module with its open lid.
• The figure 6 shows as an example the components and their wiring.
• The figure 7 and its detail 7a represents a detail view of the lantern of the figure 1 , where the first module has been removed, and where the other modules are still in place.
• The figure 8 shows the second and third modules in rear and top view.
• The figure 9 shows in detail and in front view, the third module and the socket, the lamp having been removed.
• The figure 10 is a rear view and detail of the third module of the figure 9 .

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown in the figures, a lantern (1) comprises a shell in two parts, a lower shell (2) incorporating a lighting vessel, and an upper shell (3) opening to by means of a pivoting cover (4), and is fixed to a support by means of any fastening means (5), for example that of the figures.

By support generally means a mast, a console, a stick or other.

The two shells fit into each other according to an aperture plane (P) called lantern plane.

In the sense of the invention the lower shell (2) corresponds to the face of the lantern illuminating the ground, the upper shell (3) corresponding to the other face; and the rear part of the lantern corresponds to that which is closest to the mast or support, the front part corresponding to that which is farthest from it.

The lantern is designed so as to have on the one hand all the lighting components at the front, namely the lamp and the reflector (not visible in the figures) and the translucent basin (6), and secondly a first removable module in a maintenance chamber (7) provided between the front part and the fixing means (5).

The maintenance chamber (7) is entirely open from above thanks to a cover (4) preferably pivoting by any articulation means (8) and the outer contours of said chamber are determined by the choice of the aesthetic shape given to Lantern. More particularly, the walls of the chamber are: towards the front a wall (39) and perpendicular to the plane of the lantern and forming a transversal separation between the lighting part and the chamber, on the sides of the elements of the shells, and on the back a fixed wall. The bottom of the maintenance chamber (7) coincides with a portion of the lower shell.

An appropriate seal (9) covers the entire opening of the chamber (7) and makes it seal against moisture and dust when the cover (4) is closed.

The volume of the chamber (7) is occupied, preferably entirely, by a first removable module.

A first removable module (10) is a closed box containing all the electrical and / or electronic components (11) of the lamp supply circuit determined according to the type of lighting chosen, for example at least one ballast, an initiator , a capacitor for standard ferromagnetic equipment or electronic components for electronic equipment.

There may be added a power variation means, remote time remotely controlled programming means, for example a night / day detector or other means.

All the components (11) are seated on studs (13) (or connections) of standard form provided on the bottom (12) of the box visible on the figure 3 .

In order to simplify manufacture, the first module (10) is designed to be universal and able to accommodate all the above-mentioned variants of equipment and components (11), so a sufficient number of studs (13) are provided, and not all are necessarily used.

The implementation of the components and the electrical wiring of the first module are made at the manufacturer and the box is closed by a cover (23) fixed by any means, for example by screws (15).

The first module also comprises for example on its bottom (12), a portion (14a) of a connection connector with the second module and with a power cable as will be explained later.

To allow easy extraction of the first module is provided a handle (16) integral with the box.

The steps and the means of extractions are visible on the Figures 2 to 4 .

The box of the first module is first raised by the handle (16) which disconnects the connector (14a), then rotated upwards to a position perpendicular to the plane (P) of the lantern, and extracted perpendicular to the plane (P).

Pivoting is achieved by two extensions (17) with rounded ends (18), and located at the rear of the box, and engaged in two orifices (19) opening, the orifices (19) being provided on two axes (20). ) and defining an axis of rotation (21) parallel to the plane of the lantern, transversely thereto.

The orifices (19) open upwards by two flat surfaces (23) facing one another and spaced from each other by a corresponding value, with the functional clearances close to the width of the an end (18) of an extension, a value less than the diameter of the orifice. This conformation allows the release of the first module when it reaches the vertical position.

Two lateral (22) and vertical stops guide the release movement.

The introduction of the first module is exactly in the reverse order and with the same pivoting means, when the box reaches its position in the plane of the lantern the connection of the connector (14a) is automatically performed.

Preferably, there may be provided on the lid (23) of the box a number of optional secondary arrangements. For example, housings (24) for fuses, a light (25) to indicate if the lantern is live, a detachable cover (26) that can be detached if the circuit of the box includes a night-day detection , ventilation slots (27).

Due to the central position of the lamp holder, and the central cover of the second module as will be said later, and to optimize the storage of the modules in the chamber (7), the first module has a generally U-shaped with two extensions (28) to be placed on either side of the hood of the second module. Therefore the handle (16) is advantageously placed at the front of the box between the two extensions (28) and, when the first module is engaged, said handle is positioned above the second module.

The lid of the box (23) can advantageously be used for a marking such as logo, serial numbers or other ...

The second and third modules are now described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 .

The second module (29) fulfills at least the front partition function of the maintenance chamber (7), it also preferably performs the interface functions between the first and the third module, and connection to the power supply cable of the electrical network.

The second module (29) of the figures is in the form of a plate (39) (see figure 7 ) forming a partition wall between the chamber (7) and the lighting space where the lamp is located (not shown), plate perpendicular to the plane (P) of the lantern and on which are fixed an open central cover (35) protruding inside the chamber (7) and a connection plate (14b) detailed below.

The partition or plate (39) has a central opening for the passage of a socket (30) accommodating a not shown lamp, said sleeve being secured to a removable lamp holder (31) which in use position is housed in the hood (35).

Externally to the hood (35), on one side of it, there is provided a plate (41) (see figure 7 ) on which is fixed the connection connector (14b) complementary to that (14a) of the first module.

The power supply cable is permanently connected to said connector (14b) at the time of installation of the lantern.

The plate (41) also comprises a removable printed circuit, son of electrical connections between it and the socket.

The printed circuit is chosen according to the type and power of the equipment to be installed.

The partition (39), the cover (35) and its handle (52), the plate (41) form an entire component of the second module. In the example described, this module is manufactured separately from the shell and fixed inside it at the factory and could possibly be removable.

The lamp holder (31) and its socket (30) constitute a third removable module.

The cylindrical sleeve (30) is fixed on the support (31) in an adjustable manner in longitudinal and transverse translation relative to the plane of the lantern so that, whatever the model, size and power of the bulb, the bright focus is exactly positioned relative to the reflector of the lantern.

For this purpose, the sleeve is secured to a plate (32) inclined relative to a plate (33) before the support (31). The plate (33) and the plate (32) each comprising indexing means (34, 34 ', 35') for example those of the figure 10 .

The support (31) is protected by a hood (35) open towards the back of the lantern and having two lateral wings (36) and an upper face (37) in which a light (38) makes it possible to see the means of indexing (34) of the lamp holder, and comprising a pivoting handle (52) described later.

The hood (35) is visible on the Figures 7 and 8 , and removed on Figures 9 and 10 .

The support (31) occupies a central position relative to the partition (39) for positioning the longitudinal axis (40) of the bushing (30).

The integral gripping-extraction means of the second module allow in a single movement of the operator to extract the lamp support along its longitudinal axis and to disconnect it electrically. They are preferably composed of a pivoting handle (52) and two lateral slots (50) of the cover (35) and lateral guides of the support (31).

For the electrical connection-disconnection, the support (31) comprises, fixed at the bottom and on the side of the plate (41), a plug connector (43) engageable with a complementary plug connector (42) fixed to the plate (41). ) (see figure 9 ), and electrically connected to the appropriate terminals of the connector (14b).

In the position of use of the lantern the two connectors (42, 43) are engaged one inside the other and the socket is under tension, during the extraction of the support the connectors are separated and the socket is automatically put out voltage.

The mechanical connection-disconnection is carried out by the handle (52) and by sliding means which are preferably those of the figures, for example guides (45), see figure 9 , engaged in slots (50) of the hood (35), see figure 7 .

The wings (36) of the cover (35) each comprise a slot (50) parallel to the axis (40) of the sleeve and whose width of the rear portion (50a) corresponds to the functional clearances by the diameter of a cylindrical pin (44) integral with a guide (45) of the socket support (see figure 7a ) and the thickness of said guide (45). The slot widens towards the back of the lantern in an opening (51) (see Figures 7 and 7a ).

The socket support has a guide (45) projecting from each of its vertical side walls (46, 47). Each guide extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (40) of the socket support, from the front plate (33) and towards the lamp. The dimensions are calculated so that in the position of use, the side walls (46, 47) are inside the cover and the guides (45) are engaged in the slots (50) of said cover.

Each guide has a lug (44) at its opposite end to the front plate (33) and a widening (48) approximately in its central portion having at least one inlet slope (49) (see FIG. figure 9, 10 ).

The pivoting handle (52) is a U-shaped handle with a central portion (53) located above the hood (35) and two lateral arms (54) each pivoting about an axis (55) attached to a lateral wing (36). )) of said cover and perpendicular thereto. The pivoting end of each arm has an enlarged sector (55) in which is formed a rail (56) in a circular arc opening downwards.

The mechanical and electrical connection of the lamp holder is as follows.

The maintenance chamber (7) being empty, the second module being in place, and the lid (4) being open, the support (31) is introduced from the top and then it is engaged by presenting the sleeve (30) in front the cover (35) and the two lugs (44) in front of the openings (51) of the slots (50). By pushing the support (31) forwards, the guides (45) and the lugs (44) engage with the slots (50) until the widening (48) stops the movement by abutting the inlet of the rear portion (50a) and narrower of the slot. At this time the operator can fold the handle (52) downwards so as to engage the rails (56) in the lugs (44) and push the socket holder backwards. At the end of the handle stroke, the enlargements (48) are forced into the rear portions (50a) of the slots (50) and the connectors (42, 43) are properly connected. An inlet slope (49) located on top of the widening (48) facilitates locking, a second slope may be provided below the widening.

Conversely, by raising the handle (52) upwards, the force that holds the enlargements (48) is released and the socket support automatically moves backwards which disconnects the connectors (42, 43), the support socket is no longer energized and can be safely removed by the operator to change the lamp and / or change its position.

• chaque module est universel en ce sens qu'il est adaptable en fonction du type et de la nature d'appareillage et de la puissance commandés par le client.
• Les montages des composants et le câblage des circuits sont effectués en atelier ou en usine et les modules sont livrés à l'installateur en vue d'une première installation ou d'un remplacement d'un module complet. Une intervention sur le site se fait en toute sécurité car l'installateur ou l'opérateur n'a aucun branchement électrique à réaliser ni aucune intervention sur les composants ni aucune intervention de type vissage ou autre à réaliser en hauteur. En cas de dysfonctionnement d'un module, ou s'il est nécessaire de changer une lampe, l'opérateur déconnecte le (ou les) modules concerné(s) la réparation ou l'échange se fera en atelier.
• La qualité et la fiabilité de la maintenance sont améliorées. Le principe de l'invention peut s'appliquer à d'autres formes de lanternes comme par exemple à des lanternes à plan d'ouverture différent ou à modules extractibles par des mouvements différents. A titre d'exemple on pourrait réaliser une lanterne dont la chambre de maintenance et la partie éclairage sont séparables selon un plan parallèle à la paroi (39), et prévoir un premier module extractible par un mouvement de translation.
• Le coût global de la lanterne est optimisé et le coût de la maintenance est minimal.
• Un même module peut être utilisé pour différents modèles de lanternes, le stock est minimalisé.
• Possibilité d'équiper le module avec des équipements non spécifiques à l'éclairage (capteur, mesure de courant... ).
• Possibilité de changer de type de lampe sans intervention électrique ou mécanique dans la lanterne, tout en garantissant son positionnement exact.
• Les interventions sur site se font sans outil.

The main advantages of the invention include the following:

• each module is universal in that it is adaptable depending on the type and type of equipment and power ordered by the customer.
• Component assemblies and circuit wiring are done in the workshop or factory and the modules are delivered to the installer for initial installation or replacement of a complete module. An intervention on the site is done safely because the installer or the operator has no electrical connection to make or any intervention on the components or any type of intervention screwing or other to achieve height. In case of malfunction of a module, or if it is necessary to change a lamp, the operator disconnects the module (s) concerned (s) repair or exchange will be in the workshop.
• The quality and reliability of maintenance are improved. The principle of the invention can be applied to other forms of lanterns such as lanterns with different opening planes or modules extractable by different movements. By way of example, it would be possible to make a lantern whose maintenance chamber and the lighting part are separable in a plane parallel to the wall (39), and provide a first extractable module by a translational movement.
• The overall cost of the lantern is optimized and the cost of maintenance is minimal.
• The same module can be used for different models of lanterns, the stock is minimized.
• Ability to equip the module with equipment not specific to lighting (sensor, current measurement ...).
• Possibility to change the lamp type without electrical or mechanical intervention in the lantern, while ensuring its exact positioning.
• On-site interventions are done without tools.

Claims (10)

Urban lighting lantern fixed to a support by a fixing means (5) and comprising an opening shell for example and not limited to two parts, a lower shell (2) incorporating a lighting vessel, and an upper shell (3). ) opening for example by means of a cover (4), the two shells cooperating with each other, the lantern being designed to have all the lighting components on the same side for example to the front of the lantern, characterized in that the lantern comprises in a maintenance chamber (7), a first removable box-shaped module and comprising at least a plurality of pads (13) standard for receiving electrical or electronic components necessary for the power supply circuit of the lighting components, as well as a plug-in electrical connector (14a), said first module being, on the one hand, when the shell is closed, housed entirely in the maintenance chamber (7) and connected electrically connected to the mains by the connector (14a) and electrically disconnected from the mains when it is extracted from said maintenance chamber (7). Lantern according to claim 1, characterized in that the first module further comprises a gripping means in the form of a handle (16) and pivoting means for pivoting said first module from a position where it is pressed on the bottom of the maintenance chamber to a position where it can be extracted from said chamber. Lantern according to claim 2 characterized in that the pivoting is achieved by two extensions (17) with rounded ends (18), and located at the rear of the box, and engaged in two orifices (19) opening, the orifices (19). ) being provided on two axes (20) and defining an axis of rotation (21) parallel to the plane of the lantern, transversely thereto. Lantern according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the first module has a generally U-shaped with two extensions (28), the handle (16) being advantageously placed at the front of the box between the two extensions (28). Lantern according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first module comprises a cover (23) equipped with arrangements such as fuse housings (24) or detachable covers (26). Lantern according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the maintenance chamber (7) is closed at the front by a partition (39) having a central opening for the passage of a sleeve (30) and its socket support (31), an open cover (35) fixed centrally on said partition (39) and projecting inside the maintenance chamber (7), as well as a connection plate, said partition, said hood and said plate forming an assembly (41) called second module fully housed in the lantern and electrically connected when the lantern is closed. Lantern according to Claim 6, characterized in that the lamp holder (31) and its socket constitute a third removable module, occupying a central position relative to the partition (39) for positioning the longitudinal axis (40) of the socket ( 30), said third module comprising gripping-extraction means simultaneously making it possible to extract the lamp support and to disconnect it electrically. Lantern according to claim 7 characterized in that the gripping-extraction means are composed of a pivoting handle (52) and two lateral slots (50) of the cover (35) and lateral guides of the support (31), the connection electrical disconnection being effected by an action on the handle locking or unlocking the complementary connectors (42) and (43) of the socket support (31) and the plate (41). Lantern according to claim 8 characterized in that the mechanical connection-disconnection is performed by the handle (52) and by sliding means, and characterized in that the socket support comprises a guide (45) projecting on each of its vertical side walls (46, 47), each guide extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (40) of the socket support, from the front plate (33) and towards the lamp, the dimensions being calculated so that, in position of use, the side walls (46, 47) are inside the hood and that the guides (45) are engaged in the slots (50) of said hood, and characterized in that the pivoting handle (52) is a U-shaped handle with a part central (53) placed above the cover (35) and with two lateral arms (54) each pivoting about an axis (55) fixed on a lateral flange (36)) of said cover and perpendicular to it, the pivoting end of each arm having an enlarged sector (55) in which is formed a rail (56) in a circular arc opening downwards. Lantern according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the cylindrical sleeve (30) is fixed on the support (31) in an adjustable manner in longitudinal translation and adjustable in inclination with respect to the plane of the lantern so that , whatever the size and power of the bulb, the light focus is exactly positioned relative to the reflector of the lantern.

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