EP2592335A1 - Gehäuse zur Wärmeableitung - Google Patents

Abstract

The cage (10) has a wall (50) presenting an external face (52) opposite to an internal face (54) and comprising an opening (58) emerging in two faces to receive a lamp. Multiple flexible axial tabs (14, 16, 18) are extended face to face from/to each other from a base (12) of the cage. Arms are mounted on the base and moved between an axial position in which arms are brought closer from/to each other opposite to the axial tabs and a radial position in which the arms are deployed around the base.

Description

The present invention relates to a thermal dissipation cage intended to be installed through an insulating panel to receive a lamp.

One area of application is in particular that of downlights through insulated ceiling panels.

These spots generally give off a large amount of thermal energy and the insulated ceiling panels have a wall on which is supported an insulating layer, for example glass wool. Also, the spots being embedded through an orifice made in the wall and under the glass wool, the thermal energy they produce is not easily dissipated and may cause inflammation of the wall and insulation .

It has therefore been devised heat dissipation cages intended to be installed on the inner face of the wall, under the glass wool to reserve a housing large enough to receive a portion of the spot and allow to gradually dissipate the thermal energy that accumulates there.

These cages comprise a bottom and four flexible axial tabs which extend opposite one another from said bottom and opposite two by two. The flexible axial tabs each have a free end of support, and the free ends of support of the flexible axial tabs are supported on the edge of the orifice, after the cage has been engaged through the orifice and carried between insulation and wall. When the cage passes through the orifice, the flexible axial tabs flex and come closer to each other, while they then deviate when the free ends of support are at the wall. Thus, locally, around the orifice, the insulation is kept away from the wall, and the housing is adapted to receive a portion of the lamp, the side of its base, without contact with the insulation.

Despite the implementation of such a cage, the thermal energy produced by the lamp is difficult to evacuate under certain circumstances.

In addition, the heat dissipation cages are made of a polymer material and the heat energy produced by the lamps is important that the flexible axial tabs can flex and deviate from each other under the pressure of the insulation. As a result, the size of the dwelling is reduced and the heat energy no longer dissipates optimally.

Also, a problem that arises and that aims to solve the present invention is to provide a heat dissipation cage, which not only allows a better evacuation of thermal energy but also, which retains its shape after installation and despite the fact that thermal energy produced by the lamp.

For this purpose, the present invention proposes a thermal dissipation cage intended to be installed through an insulating panel for receiving a lamp, said insulating panel having a wall having an external face opposite to an inner face and an orifice opening on both sides. to receive said lamp, said cage comprising a bottom and a plurality of flexible axial tabs extending facing each other from said bottom, the flexible axial tabs each having a free end of support, said heat dissipating cage being adapted to be installed on said inner face so that the bearing ends of said flexible axial tabs bear against said orifice of said wall, while said bottom is extended facing said orifice so as to provide a housing facing said orifice. According to the invention, the heat dissipation cage further comprises branches pivotally mounted on said bottom, and said legs are movable between an axial position in which said branches are brought closer to each other opposite said flexible axial tabs and a radial position in which said branches are deployed around said bottom.

Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the implementation of branches mounted on the bottom and which, when deployed radially, further apart the insulating layer of the wall, and thus the housing. In this way, the dissipation of the thermal energy produced inside the housing is improved compared to the cages produced according to the prior art. In this way, the risks of ignition of the insulating layer are greatly reduced.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heat dissipation cage comprises a first flexible link for interconnecting said branches, said first flexible link being on the one hand able to flex to allow said branches to move closer to each other. each other, and secondly to retain said branches in said radial position, when they deviate from each other. In this way, the first flexible link forms a relatively simple stop means for locking the branches in a radial position, and it allows to allow their approximation during the introduction through the orifice.

In addition, each of said branches has a first free end, and said first flexible link advantageously connects successively the first free ends of said branches. Of course, the flexible link is divided into portions which extend respectively between two consecutive ends in which it is anchored, and the extended length of these portions must necessarily be less than the maximum distance separating two consecutive ends. This maximum distance corresponds to a position of the branches where they are located in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the bottom. Also, the branches are held in a position substantially inclined relative to the axis of symmetry, inverted umbrella shape as will be explained in more detail in the following description.

In addition, said bottom has a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece intended to be connected to said first connecting piece, said flexible axial tabs being integral with said second connecting piece, while said branches are integral with said first connecting piece. connecting piece. The bottom is thus divided into two parts respectively carrying the flexible axial tabs and branches for practical manufacturing reasons. It will be observed that the heat dissipating cage can also be molded in one piece.

In addition, for practical reasons, said connecting pieces are intended to be connected together by interlocking. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said first connecting piece has a projecting cylindrical portion, while said second connecting piece has a cylindrical recess opening opposite said flexible axial tabs, and said cylindrical portion is then intended to fit within said cylindrical recess.

The connecting pieces being made respectively in one piece with the branches and the flexible axial tabs in a polymer type material, the interlocking assembly is easy to implement.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the heat dissipating cage comprises a second flexible link for interconnecting said flexible axial tabs so as to prevent the spacing of said flexible axial tabs from each other, said second flexible link being able to flex when said flexible axial tabs are brought closer to each other. Thus, thanks to the second flexible link between the flexible axial tabs, the approach of the legs of each other is allowed, especially when the cage is introduced through the hole in the wall. Then, the second flexible link allows to limit the spacing of the tabs when the cage is in position on the side of the inner face of the wall and the support ends are pressed around the orifice. In this way, the second flexible link flexes when the legs are close together and it is stretched when the legs apart from each other. Also, when a lamp is housed inside the heat dissipating cage, the thermal energy released during its operation is not only dissipated, but also the flexible axial tabs do not deform since they are held at a distance from each other by the flexible link.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of said flexible axial tabs has two proximal flexible axial tabs, and said second flexible link connects each of said flexible axial tabs with said proximal flexible axial tabs. Thus, the flexible axial tabs are successively connected to each other around the bottom of the cage so as to make free the housing formed between the axial tabs. This housing can thus receive the rear part of the lamp and its receiving base.

Preferably, each of said flexible axial tabs has an intermediate zone located between said bottom and said free end of support, and said second flexible link is anchored in the intermediate areas of said flexible axial tabs. Advantageously, the intermediate zones are located substantially equidistantly between the bottom and the free end of support. In addition, said flexible link extends in an arc between said flexible axial tabs, and it is for example formed of a ring connecting all the intermediate zones in which it is anchored. Thus, when the flexible axial tabs are close to each other, the radius of curvature of the arc portion of the second flexible link between the tabs decreases, while it increases when the tabs deviate from each other until at a limit where the arc portion becomes straight.

Regarding the bottom, it has at least one notch formed between two flexible axial tabs, said notch being closed by two flexible tabs opposite. In this way, it is easy to engage the electric power supply son of the lamp base inside the notch.

In addition, each of said flexible axial tabs advantageously has an external rib extending from said bottom to said free end support. This rib makes it possible not only to stiffen the flexible axial tabs but also, as will be explained in more detail in the following description, to form ramps of friction when the cage is introduced through the orifice.

Advantageously, said free end of support has fins and bearing lugs spaced axially from said fins, said fins being able to come to bear against said inner face around said orifice, while said bearing lugs bear against said external face.

Thus, when the cage is introduced through the orifice, the flexible axial tabs are close to each other and the fins escape within range of the edges of the orifice. As soon as the fins are located at a level higher than the internal face of the wall, the tabs can be released and the fins come to bear around the orifice against the inner face of the wall. In addition, and simultaneously, the support pins bear against the outer face around the orifice. In this way, the cage is held in a fixed position relative to the wall.

• la Figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe droite d'une cage de dissipation thermique conforme à l'invention et dans ses conditions de mise en oeuvre ;
• la Figure 2 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un élément de la cage de dissipation thermique illustrée sur la Figure 1, selon un premier angle de vue ;
• la Figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective de l'élément représenté sur la Figure 2 selon un second angle de vue opposé ;
• la Figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un autre élément de la cage de dissipation thermique illustrée sur la Figure 1, selon un premier angle de vue et dans un premier état ; et,
• la Figure 5 est une vue schématique en perspective dudit autre élément représenté sur la Figure 4, selon un second angle de vue.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of indication but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat dissipation cage according to the invention and in its implementation conditions;
• the Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an element of the thermal dissipation cage illustrated in FIG. Figure 1 according to a first angle of view;
• the Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the element shown on the Figure 2 according to a second opposite angle of view;
• the Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of another element of the heat dissipation cage illustrated in FIG. Figure 1 according to a first angle of view and in a first state; and,
• the Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of said other element represented on the Figure 4 , according to a second angle of view.

The Figure 1 illustrates a ceiling insulating panel 48 and a heat sink 10 recessed therein.

The ceiling insulating panel 48 comprises on the one hand a plaster wall 50 having an outer face 52 and an inner face 54 and on the other hand a thermal insulator 56 of the glass wool type.

A circular orifice 58 has been formed in the wall 50, and it opens into the inner face 54 and the outer face 52.

The heat dissipating cage 10 has a first umbrella portion 11 and a second axial portion 13 which will be described firstly with reference to FIG. Figure 2 .

The Figure 2 illustrates in bottom view the second axial portion 13 and comprises a circular bottom 12, four flexible axial lugs 14, 16, 18, 20 diametrically opposite pairs in pairs, and a second flexible link 22 which connects them. The four flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20 are angularly spaced 90 ° from each other. The second axial portion 13 has a circular axis of symmetry A cutting the circular bottom 12 at its center and the four flexible tabs 14, 16, 18, 20 are substantially inclined outwardly with respect to the circular axis of symmetry A so as to form a housing 24 of generally conical shape.

The second axial portion 13 is molded in one piece of plastic material, for example polyamide so as to be heat resistant. Also, the axial lugs 14, 16, 18, 20 are pivotally movable at the circular bottom 12, between an equilibrium position spaced apart from the circular axis of symmetry A and a close position.

The flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20 respectively have a bearing end 26 and an intermediate zone 28 located substantially midway between the circular bottom 12 and the bearing end 26.

The flexible link of the second part 22 forms a ring which successively connects the contiguous axial tabs, precisely at their intermediate zone 28. The flexible link of the second part 22 is of course molded with the cage 10, also, it forms arcs between each pair of contiguous flexible axial tabs 14, 16; 16, 18; 18, 20; 20.14.

In addition, each of the flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20 has a longitudinal outer rib 30 which extends from the circular bottom 12 to the free end of support 26. The latter has a radial fin 32 and two axial fins 34, 36 terminated respectively by a bearing pin 38 in return, substantially parallel to the radial fin 32.

Furthermore, the circular bottom 12 has two opposite notches 40, 42 respectively located between the flexible axial tabs 20, 14 and 16, 18, and partially closed by two flexible tongues facing 44, 46. These notches 40, 42 allow, advantageously, forming hooking means of the supply son.

We find on the Figure 3 the axial portion 13 in plan view with the circular bottom 12 and the flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20. The circular bottom 12 has a bearing face 63 and an axial cylindrical recess 64 of circular symmetry emerging coaxially in the bearing face 63, outside and away from the flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20. The role of the axial cylindrical recess 64 in combination with the bearing face 63 will be explained below. circular bottom 12.

Before this explanation, we will refer to the Figures 4 and 5 , showing in detail the first umbrella part 11 of the heat sink 10, in two different states.

The Figure 4 illustrates the first umbrella part 11 in a semi-open position. It comprises a first circular connecting piece 66 and four branches 68, 70, 72, 74 which extend radially from the circular connecting piece 66. Each of the branches 68, 70, 72, 74 is mounted articulated on the circular end piece 66 and has a first free end return 76. The free ends back 76 of the branches 68, 70, 72, 74 are connected together by a flexible link of first part 78. The latter is divided into four identical portions 80 successively connecting the four branches 68, 70, 72, 74, two by two, 68, 70; 70, 72; 72, 74; and 74, 68. Each of these portions 80 of first portion flexible link 78, comprises two flexible strands 82, 84, articulated on the one hand with respect to each other and on the other hand, respectively to the branches to which they are connected.

The Figure 5 illustrates the first umbrella part 11 in a folded position, where the four branches 68, 70, 72, 74, are close to each other and are oriented substantially axially, while the flexible strands 82, 84 of the portions 80 of the link flexible 78 are folded towards each other. In addition, we find on this Figure 5 , the first circular connecting piece 66, which extends projecting, opposite the branches 68, 70, 72, 74, a cylindrical portion of revolution 86 having axial ribs 88 capable of forming bearing surfaces.

This cylindrical part of revolution 86 is then able to come to fit forcefully, inside the axial cylindrical recess 64 shown on the Figure 3 , while the first circular connecting piece 66 is pressed against the bearing face 63 of the circular base 12 so as to secure the first umbrella portion 11 and the second axial portion 13.

Thus, the axial cylindrical recess 64 and the bearing face 63 of the circular bottom 12 together form a second connecting piece, and the two connecting pieces 66, 64 are intended to be connected together to form a single circular bottom. And moreover, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is intended to directly connect the branches 68, 70, 72, 74, basically 12 of the second axial portion 13 shown on the Figures 2 and 3 between the flexible tabs 14, 16, 18, 20 so as to be able to mold the two parts together in one piece.

The heat dissipating cage 10 comprising the first umbrella part 11 integral with the second axial portion 13 is then intended to be engaged through the circular orifice 58. The first umbrella part 11 first, the four branches 68, 70, 72, 74 extended in an axial position as shown in the Figure 5 is engaged through the circular orifice 58 by separating the thermal insulator 56 from the internal face 54 of the wall 50. Also, the four branches 68, 70, 72, 74, after having crossed the circular orifice 58, extend in inverted umbrella, while the first free ends return 76 bear against thermal insulation 56, until the flexible strands 82, 84, portions 82 of flexible link 78 extend rectilinearly respectively between the four branches 68, 70, 72, 74, so as to retain them in a radial position. In this way, the four branches 68, 70, 72, 74 deployed and connected by the flexible link 78, in an inverted umbrella situation, form a wide range screen with respect to the second axial portion 13, and which separates the insulation thermal 56 housing 58.

Simultaneously with the deployment of the four branches 68, 70, 72, 74, the second axial portion 13 in turn passes through the circular orifice 58 and the flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20 then come closer to each other to allow passing through the circular orifice 58. The flexible link second portion 22 then bends to allow the approach of the flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20. It will be observed that the flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20 are elastically deformable, and that their longitudinal outer rib 30 is likely to come into friction against the edge of the circular orifice 58 during the introduction.

Then, the flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20 are relaxed so that the fins 32 are pressed against the inner face 54 of the wall 50 around the circular orifice 58 and that the bearing lugs 38 axial fins 34, 36 are simultaneously bear against the opposite outer face 52 around the circular orifice 58. In this way, the bearing ends 26 flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20 are perfectly integral with the wall 50 around the circular orifice 58.

Moreover, when the flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20 are released, they have moved away from each other so as to return to their initial position and thus the flexible link of second part 22 inflected also resumes its initial position.

The heat dissipating cage 10 then forms a non-deformable housing 24 inside the second axial portion 13, while the first umbrella portion 11 holds the thermal insulation 56 away from said housing 24.

After the installation of the cage 10, a not shown lamp and its plugging support are mounted inside the housing 24. When the lamp is then in operation, and it releases heat energy to the inside the housing 24, the heat dissipating cage 10 makes it possible precisely to evacuate this thermal energy thanks to the free space that it generates precisely around the housing 24. In this way, both the thermal insulator 56 and the wall 50 do not are not damaged.

Moreover, thanks to the flexible link of the second part 22 which holds the flexible axial tabs 14, 16, 18, 20 at a distance from each other, the latter do not bend under the action of the heat released by the lamp and the pressure In this way, the housing 24 retains its shape and hence the thermal energy continues to be dissipated normally without overheating.

Claims (10)

A heat dissipating cage (10) for being installed through an insulating panel (48) for receiving a lamp, said insulating panel having a wall (50) having an outer face (52) opposite an inner face (54) and a orifice (58) opening into both sides for receiving said lamp, said cage comprising a bottom (12) and a plurality of flexible axial tabs (14, 16, 18, 20) extending facing each other from said bottom (12), the flexible axial tabs each having a free end of support (26), said heat dissipating cage (10) being adapted to be installed on said inner face (54) so that the bearing ends ( 26) of said flexible axial tabs (14, 16, 18, 20) bear against said orifice (58) of said wall, while said bottom (12) extends facing said orifice so as to provide a housing ( 24) facing said orifice;
characterized in that it further comprises branches (68, 70, 72, 74) pivotally mounted on said bottom (12), and in that said legs are movable between an axial position in which said legs (68, 70 , 72, 74) are brought closer to each other opposite said flexible axial tabs (14, 16, 18, 20) and a radial position in which said arms (68, 70, 72, 74) are deployed around said bottom (12). Heat dissipation cage according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a first flexible link (78) for interconnecting said branches (68, 70, 72, 74), said first flexible link (78) being, a portion adapted to flex to allow said branches to be brought closer to each other, and secondly to retain said branches (68, 70, 72, 74) in said radial position. Heat dissipation cage according to claim 2, characterized in that each of said branches (68, 70, 72, 74) has a first free end (76), and in that said first flexible link (78) successively connects the first ends free of said branches. Heat dissipation cage according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said bottom (12) has a first connecting piece (66) and a second connecting piece (63, 64) intended to be connected to said first connecting piece (66), said flexible axial tabs (14, 16, 18, 20) being integral with said second connecting piece (63, 64), while said legs (68, 70, 72, 74) are integral with said first connecting piece (66). Heat dissipation cage according to claim 4, characterized in that said connecting pieces (63, 75, 66) are intended to be connected together by interlocking. Heat dissipation cage according to claim 5, characterized in that said first connecting piece (66) has a projecting cylindrical portion (86), while said second connecting piece (63, 64) has a cylindrical recess (64) opening opposite said flexible axial tabs (14, 16, 18, 20), and in that said cylindrical portion (86) is intended to fit within said cylindrical recess (64). Heat dissipation cage according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a second flexible link (22) for interconnecting said flexible axial tabs (14, 16, 18, 20) so as to be able to prohibiting the spacing of said flexible axial tabs from each other, said second flexible link (22) being adapted to flex when said flexible axial tabs (14, 16, 18, 20) are close to each other. Heat dissipation cage according to claim 7, characterized in that each of said flexible axial tabs (14, 16, 18, 20) has an intermediate region (28) located between said bottom (12) and said free end (26). ), and in that said second flexible link (22) is anchored in the intermediate zones (28) of said flexible axial tabs. Heat dissipation cage according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said flexible link (22) extends in an arc between said flexible axial tabs (14, 16, 18, 20). Heat dissipation cage according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said free support end (26) has fins (32) and bearing pins (38) spaced axially from said fins, said fins (32) being able to come to bear against said inner face (54) around said orifice (58), while said support pins (38) abut against said outer face (52).

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