EP2697564A1

EP2697564A1 - Device, system and uses for lowering and elevating at least one electrically powered object

Info

Publication number: EP2697564A1
Application number: EP12771410.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robin TØMMERVIK; Jens Rune JOHNSEN
Original assignee: Universel As
Current assignee: Universel As
Priority date: 2011-04-14
Filing date: 2012-03-29
Publication date: 2014-02-19
Also published as: NO331953B1; WO2012141592A1; EP2697564A4; NO20110576A1

Abstract

Device (2), system and uses for lowering/elevation of at least one electrically powered object, comprising a housing (6) with: - a first point of connection (24) for receipt of electric power; - a connection line (44) with a first end (42) structured in a manner allowing it to be conducted through a lower opening (46) in the housing (6) and also to be attached to the object; - a first and a second connector part structured in a manner allowing them to be connected, wherein the first connector part is connected to the first point of connection (24), whereas the second connector part is attached to the first end (42) of the connection line (44) for connection to the object; - a driving wheel (6'2) connected to the connection line (44); - a rotary motor (66) connected to the driving wheel (62); - an electronic control unit (110) for operational control of the rotary motor (66); and - an energy supply for the rotary motor (66) and the control unit (110). The distinctive characteristic is that the connection line is comprised of a chain (44); wherein the driving wheel is comprised of a chain wheel (62); and wherein the housing (6) comprises a storage place (100) for free- lying storage of the chain (44).

Description

DEVICE, SYSTEM AND USES FOR LOWERING AND ELEVATION OF AT LEAST ONE ELECTRICALLY POWERED OBJECT

Field of the invention

The present invention concerns a device, a system and uses for lowering and elevation of at least one electrically powered object, for example a lighting fixture or other electric equipment, when connected to the device or the system.

More particularly, the invention is directed towards being able to lower such equipment from an elevated level to a lower level to facilitate the access to the equipment at the lower level. Accordingly, it may concern the lowering of a lighting fixture or other electrically powered equipment from a ceiling level to a floor level, thereby allowing for easy access to the equipment and for carrying out maintenance works, repair works, replacements or similar work operations. Upon completion of the particular work operation at the lower level, the equipment may be elevated up to the elevated level for further operation at this level. Alternatively, it may concern the mounting of new equipment at the lower level, after which the new equipment is elevated to the elevated level for operation at this level. Background of the invention

The background of the invention relates to observations made during mounting of lighting fixtures and also to replacement of light bulbs underneath ceilings, and then particularly in connection with industrial lighting in large rooms, halls and similar, for example industrial halls, concert halls, exhibition halls, shopping centres, sports arenas, hotel lobbies, high pylons and towers, etc.

During mounting of lighting fixtures or replacement of light bulbs high up underneath a ceiling, it is customary to use a ladder or a mobile lift, possibly to erect scaffolding, to gain access to the places of interest and/or to lighting fixtures underneath the ceiling. In this context, the access may also be restrained by various other equipment already located underneath the ceiling, for example cranes, various mechanical equipment, pipes, hoses, wires, etc. For these reasons, such work operations at height, for example

underneath ceilings, oftentimes are time-consuming, labour- intensive, equipment -demanding and costly. Moreover, such work operations frequently are dangerous and thus constitute a safety risk for personnel involved in such work.

Accordingly, such disadvantages usually result in the particular work operation being carried out seldom or never, possibly that it is postponed for a long time. For example, this may result in the replacement of defective light bulbs being postponed until the illumination quality has become reduced significantly, which also constitutes a safety risk.

It would therefore be of great advantage to be able to elevate and lower an electrically powered object in a simple and operationally safe manner, and by means of relatively simple technical means, and without subjecting personnel in the local environment to a significant safety risks. Prior art and disadvantages thereof

A number of publications exist describing solutions

pertaining to the manner in which a lighting fixture may be elevated and lowered relative to a fixed point located at an elevated level, for example underneath a ceiling.

The closest prior art appears to be represented by the following patent publications:

- JP 7.176.206 A;

- JP 10-203787 A;

- FR 2.793.303;

- EP 0.757.204 Bl ; and

- US 7.033.048 Bl .

Each of these patent publications describes a device

comprising a fixed point in the form of a housing connected to a movable part onto which a lighting fixture is attached. When in operational position, the housing is disposed at an elevated level, for example underneath a ceiling. The housing and the movable part are connected via a wire, which may be comprised of a metal wire or a wire rope, and which may be spooled onto or off a reel disposed in the housing. Such a wire may be connected directly to the reel, or it may be connected to the reel via a pulley arrangement disposed in the housing. In order to be rotated in a random direction of rotation, the reel is connected to a reversible rotary motor, which is also disposed in the housing. Further, the movable part is releasably connected to the housing via an electric contact arrangement and possible electric wires which, when the movable part is in contact with the housing, transmit electric power from the housing onto the lighting fixture attached to the movable part. The rotary motor, the movable part and also an associated light bulb may receive electric power from an ordinary electric power supply network. When said motor then is activated and rotates the reel in a direction of rotation which lowers the movable part and the lighting fixture from the housing, the electric contact between the housing and the movable part is broken. By so doing, the lighting fixture becomes dead. After lowering to a lower level, the lighting fixture or the light bulb may be replaced, and possible other maintenance- or repair work may be carried out, while the lighting fixture is dead. Thereby, no danger of exposing service personnel to an electric current exists. Upon completion of this work, the movable part with the light bulb may be elevated until electric contact with the housing is established, whereby the light bulb again may receive electric power from the housing. The control of the elevation and lowering may be carried out in a cabled or wireless manner from a remote control panel or a remote control device, for example via wireless radio communication.

Common to all of these devices is that they make use of a wire, for example a metal wire or a wire rope, which is spooled in several wire layers onto a reel, and which is paid out from the reel during lowering of said movable part and light bulb. This manner of spooling the wire out or in with respect to the housing involves several disadvantages.

Firstly, such a known device should comprise a wire-winding control device for ensuring that wire windings are laid continuously side by side on the reel when the wire is spooled into the housing, and also for ensuring that the winding direction is reversed for each consecutive wire layer; this in similarity with a fishing reel. If a winding control device is not used, one or more wire windings may easily be pinched between other wire windings, and/or wire windings may be wound continuously onto the outside of each other. By so doing, one or more wire windings may easily become twisted, bent, splintered and/or become locked

between, or against, other wire windings, which may damage the wire and possibly lock and stop the spooling process. Storage of the wire as wire layers on a reel also renders visual inspection of the wire difficult.

Secondly, such spooling of a wire in several wire layers onto a reel will affect the spooling velocity and the torque of the rotary motor as several wire layers are spooled

successively onto or off the reel. If a constant feed in/feed out velocity of the wire is desirable, the rotary motor must, as a consequence, be structured in a manner allowing it to vary and adapt the spooling velocity and torque thereof as wire layers are spooled successively onto or off the reel. This requires that the device comprises a control system which registers and compensates for such spooling-related changes in spooling velocity and torque.

Thirdly, use of wire in such a device will require use of a clamping device or similar to allow the wire to be attached to the housing and the lighting fixture, respectively.

In summary, said disadvantages cause such a known device to have a relatively comprehensive, complex and expensive construction, implying, among other things, that the device has a less reliable construction. This usually leads to more frequent and/or more comprehensive inspections, maintenance works and/or repair works on such a device.

Patent publication US 1.858.908 A is also mentioned as prior art, the publication of which concerns a device for elevation and lowering of a lighting fixture. This device has features in common with the devices according to the above-mentioned patent publications. Accordingly, this device comprises, among other things, an upper fixed part for mounting at an elevated level, and a lower movable part onto which said lighting fixture is attached. Contrary to the devices

according to the above-mentioned patent publications, this device comprises no rotary motor for elevation and lowering of the lower part and the associated lighting fixture.

Instead of being connected to a rotary motor, the lower part is attached to a cable or chain extending through the upper fixed part and onwards to a separate, overlying pulley housing and over a pulley wheel disposed in the pulley housing. Elevation and lowering of the cable or the chain, hence also the lower part and the lighting fixture, therefore appears to require manual handling of the cable or the chain, and via a releasable retaining mechanism in the device. This arrangement therefore appears to resemble a chain hoist arrangement known per se, i.e. an arrangement where the chain/cable extends freely out from said separate pulley housing overlying the device according to US 1.858.908 A.

Objects of the invention

An object of the invention is to remedy or reduce at least one of said disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a device which is appreciably simpler in construction and in mode of operation, hence is more reliable, than similar devices according to prior art .

General description of the manner in which the objects are achieved

The objects are achieved by virtue of features disclosed in the following description and in the subsequent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a device for lowering and elevation of at least one electrically powered object when connected to the device is provided, wherein the device comprises a housing with a bottom portion provided with an opening, and wherein the housing comprises the following components:

- at least one first point of connection for receipt of electric power to at least the electrically operated object;

- a connection line disposed in the housing, wherein a first end of the connection line is structured in a manner allowing it to be conducted through the opening in the bottom portion of the housing and also to be attached to said obj ect ;

- an electric connector comprising a first connector part and a second connector part structured in a manner allowing them to be connected in a releasable and

electrically conductive manner, wherein the first connector part is attached to the housing and is connected to said first point of connection, whereas the second connector part is attached to the first end of the connection line and is structured in a manner allowing it to be connected, in an electrically conductive manner, to the object for supply of electric power;

- a driving wheel disposed in the housing and rotatably connected to the connection line for lowering and elevation of the connection line and, hence, also the object when connected to the connection line;

- a rotary motor connected to the driving wheel for rotation of the driving wheel in an optional direction of rotation;

- an electronic control unit disposed in the housing and structured for operational control of at least the rotary motor and the direction of rotation thereof; and

- at least one energy supply for operation of the rotary motor and the electronic control unit. The distinctive characteristic of the device is that said connection line is comprised of a chain;

- wherein said driving wheel is comprised of a chain wheel; and

- wherein the housing comprises a storage place for free- lying storage of the chain.

In this context, said housing advantageously may be formed a a dustproof and splashproof housing, for example a housing made of a plastics material, aluminium or similar, thereby allowing the components and the equipment in the housing to be shielded as much as possible against ingress of foreign particles, dust and moisture. By so doing, a better

reliability of the present device is also achieved.

Further, said first point of connection may be comprised of e.g. an electric terminal clamp, a terminal nipple or a terminal box capable of being connected to an ordinary electric power supply network.

Yet further, said electronic control unit advantageously may be remote-controlled. Thus, the control unit may comprise various electronic components, including an electronic circuit board, a program, a transmitter unit, a receiver unit, switches, connectors, power connections and similar, for operational control of at least the rotary motor and the direction of rotation thereof. The control unit may also be connected to various sensors, signal transmitters,

microswitches , relays and similar, which possibly are used t control and monitor the lowering and elevation of at least one electrically powered object when connected to the chain and the present device.

Preferably, said chain wheel is comprised of a cabelar wheel or a chain cabelar, i.e. a wheel which, along the circumference thereof, is provided with recesses structured for receipt and propulsion of chain links in the chain.

Alternatively, the chain wheel may be comprised of a chain wheel having teeth of a suitable type, wherein a wheel tooth fits into the cavity within a chain link.

Incidentally, said storage place for the chain may be

comprised of e.g. an individual storage room or compartment in the housing and/or of an area on the bottom of the

housing. The essential thing, however, is that it is possible to store the chain, which consists of catenated chain links, lying freely in or on this storage place. By so doing, the chain and its chain links will assume more or less random positions in/on the storage place when spooling the chain into the device.

Upon using a free-lying chain instead of a reel-spoolable wire as a connection line between the device and said object, the above-mentioned disadvantages, which are associated with several wire layers being spooled onto or off a reel, are avoided completely or partially. By so doing, a wire-winding control device becomes redundant; damage to, or locking of, wire windings are avoided; variable spooling velocity and torque of the rotary motor becomes unnecessary; and use of clamping devices for attachment of the chain is avoided given that chain links are easy to attach to other objects.

A second end of the present connection line, i.e. the chain, may also be attached to the very housing, for example to the top, wall or bottom of the housing. This will represent a practical termination for the second end of the chain.

Moreover, said energy supply for operation of the rotary motor and the electronic control unit may comprise electric power supplied via said first point of connection on the housing. As an addition or alternative, said energy supply may comprise electric power supplied from at least one battery connected to the housing.

Incidentally, said rotary motor advantageously may be comprised of an electric motor.

The housing may also comprise at least one second point of connection, for example an electric terminal clamp, a terminal nipple or a terminal box, connected to said first point of connection, wherein the second point of connection is structured for transmission of electric power to at least one further and remote device of the present type. This further remote device may be connected e.g. in series to the present device.

Further, said rotary motor may be connected to the driving wheel via a worm gear. As an alternative, said rotary motor may be connected to the driving wheel via a chain

pulley/chain hoist arrangement.

Yet further, the housing may comprise at least one guiding device for the chain, wherein the guiding device is disposed between the driving wheel and said storage place for the chain. Such a guiding device may be comprised of e.g. a guide rail, a guide funnel, a guide sleeve, possibly a general guide device, etc. Such a guiding device may prove useful for guiding the chain correctly with respect to the driving wheel and/or the storage place.

The housing may also be provided with at least one suspension device, for example a bracket, an attachment lug or similar. By so doing, the device is structured in a manner allowing it to be suspended above ground level, for example in a ceiling, on a wall, on a suspension wire, etc. Incidentally, said first connector part in the electric connector of the device may be formed as a female member, whereas said second connector part in the connector is formed as a male member. As an alternative, the first connector part may be formed as a male member, whereas the second connector part is formed as a female member.

Further, said female member may be comprised of a socket, whereas the male member is comprised of a plug.

Incidentally, and in general, the female member and the male member may have complementary shapes with respect to each other. As such, the female member may be comprised of a conical receiving funnel, whereas the male member is

comprised of a cone fitting in a complementary manner into the conical receiving funnel. Alternatively, the female member may be comprised of a cylindrical socket, whereas the male member is comprised of a cylindrical plug fitting in a complementary manner into the cylindrical socket.

Independent of these concrete shapes, the female member may be provided with at least one concentrically disposed and electrically conductive ring, whereas the male member is provided with at least one electrically conductive contact pin structured for contact with the electrically conductive ring on the female member. As an alternative, the male member may be provided with at least one concentrically disposed and electrically conductive ring, whereas the female member is provided with at least one electrically conductive contact pin structured for contact with the electrically conductive ring on the male member. As such, the electrically conductive ring advantageously may be formed from copper or brass . As an addition or alternative, the electrically conductive contact pin advantageously may be formed from copper or brass.

Furthermore, the electrically conductive contact pin may be spring-loaded. By so doing, a resilient contact with the electrically conductive ring is achieved during contact therewith.

Yet further, the second connector part in the electric connector of the device may be attached to the first end of the chain via a resilient device. By so doing, a resilient contact between the first connector part and the second connector part is achieved when interconnected. As an

alternative, the first connector part may be attached to the housing via a resilient device. By so doing, a resilient contact between the first connector part and the second connector part is achieved when interconnected. As such, this resilient device may be comprised of a mechanical spring, an air spring, and a hydraulic piston-cylinder-arrangement or similar .

Moreover, the electronic control unit of the device may be structured for remote control via cabled signal transmission. As an alternative or addition, the electronic control unit may be structured for remote control via wireless signal transmission. As such, the wireless signal transmission may comprise radio frequency signals. By so doing, the control of the elevation- and lowering function of the device, and also possible other functions, may be carried out in a cabled or wireless manner from a remote control panel or a remote control device. Such a control panel, or such a remote control device, may also comprise several applications, for example logging of hours of operation; various time settings for elevation or lowering of the present device; name and/or number of specific devices, possibly co-ordination or

exclusion of one or more devices, if the control panel/remote control device is to control several devices; and possibly an interface towards a PC, server or similar. Furthermore, the second connector part of the electric connector, for supply of electric power to said object, may be structured in a manner allowing it to be connected to the object via a fixed line connection. Alternatively, the second connector part, for supply of electric power to the object, may be structured in a manner allowing it to be connected to the object via a releasable line connection. The latter may be carried out by virtue of the releasable line connection comprising a female member and a male member structured in a manner allowing them to be connected in a releasable and electrically conductive manner, for example by virtue of the female member being comprised of a socket, whereas the male member is comprised of a plug.

For example, said electrically operated object may comprise at least one of the following objects: a lighting fixture; a loudspeaker; a microphone; a camera; a TV-apparatus ;

monitoring equipment; a detector/sensor; a fan; a router; an illuminated advertising sign; and a light board. Other electrically operated objects may possibly also be connected to the present device for lowering and elevation thereof between an elevated and a lower level .

According to a second aspect of the invention, a system for lowering and elevation of at least two electrically operated objects is provided. The distinctive characteristic of the system is that it comprises at least two devices according to the first aspect of the invention;

- wherein each of the at least two devices is connected to at least one electrically powered object;

- wherein the at least two devices are disposed at a distance from each other and above ground level; and

- wherein the at least two devices are connected to each other in an electrically conductive manner. Each such device may comprise features as disclosed under the first aspect of the invention.

Also in context of the present system, said at least one electrically operated object, which is connected to each such device in the system, may comprise at least one of the following objects: a lighting fixture; a loudspeaker; a microphone; a camera; a TV-apparatus ; monitoring equipment; a detector/sensor; a fan; a router; an illuminated advertising sign; and a light board.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a use of a device according to the first aspect of the invention is provided for lowering and elevation of at least one

electrically powered object associated with the device.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a use of a system according to the second aspect of the invention is provided for lowering and elevation of at least two

electrically operated objects associated with the system.

Short description of the figures of the exemplary embodiment Hereinafter, a non-limiting example of an embodiment of the invention is described, where:

Figure 1 shows, in perspective, a device according to the invention which, at the lower side thereof, is provided with a contact plate for releasable connection to an electrically powered object, wherein figure 1 also shows the device suspended from a wire at an elevated level;

Figure 2 shows, in smaller scale, a front elevation of the very device according to figure 1, wherein figure 2 also shows two section lines IV-IV and V-V; Figure 3 shows, also in smaller scale, a plane view as seen from the lower side of the very device according to figure 1, wherein figure 3 also shows three section lines IV-IV, V-V and VI-VI;

Figure 4 shows, in larger scale, a vertical section through the housing of the device as seen along section line IV-IV (see figures 2, 3 and 6), wherein figure 4 also shows section line VI-VI;

Figure 5 shows, also in larger scale, a vertical section

through the housing of the device as seen along section line V-V (see figures 2, 3 and 6), wherein figure 5 also shows section line VI-VI; and

Figure 6 shows, also in larger scale, a vertical section

through the housing of the device as seen along section line VI-VI (see figures 3, 4 and 5), wherein figure 6 also shows section lines IV-IV and V-V.

The figures are relatively schematic and only show details and equipment being essential to the understanding of the invention. Further, the figures may be somewhat distorted with respect to the relative dimensions of details and components shown in the figures. The figures may also be somewhat simplified with respect to the shape and richness of detail of such details and components. Hereinafter, equal, equivalent or corresponding details in the figures will be denoted with substantially the same reference numerals.

Special description of the exemplary embodiment

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device 2 according to the invention which, at the lower side thereof, is provided with a movable, circular contact plate 4 for releasable connection to an electrically powered object (not shown) , for example a lighting fixture, a loudspeaker, a TV-apparatus or an

illuminated advertising sign. The device 2 comprises a housing 6 formed by a sidewall 8 (cf. figures 2 and 3), a releasable top lid 10 and a releasable bottom lid 12. In this embodiment, all of these housing parts 8, 10, 12 have a hexagonal shape. The top lid 10 is provided with three attachment lugs 14 for suspension of the housing 6 on a horizontal wire 16 (only shown in figure 1) , which is disposed at an elevated level. The sidewall 8 is formed from a plate cranked into a hexagonal shape and having two end portions 18a, 18b abutting each other so as to collectively form a lateral surface 18. Further, the sidewall 8 comprises two opposite lateral surfaces 20, 22 (of which only lateral surface 22 is shown in figure 1) provided with a first terminal nipple 24 and a second terminal nipple 26,

respectively (of which only the second terminal nipple 26 is shown in figure 1) . Both terminal nipples 24, 26 are

structured for insertion of a power cable (not shown) connected to an ordinary electric power supply network. The first terminal nipple 24 is structured for receipt of electric power to energy-consuming components in the housing 6 and to said electrically operated object when connected in an electrically conductive manner to the housing 6. The second terminal nipple 26 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the first terminal nipple 24 and is structured for transmission of electric power to at least one further and remote device 2 (not shown) should this become desirable. Generally, and for reasons of clarity and

simplicity, the electric wires and -connections are not shown in the figures. Further, the circular contact plate 4 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to a socket 28 via an electric wire 30. By so doing, the electrically operated object may be connected, in an electrically- conductive and releasable manner, to the socket 28 via a corresponding plug and electric wire (not shown) connected to the electrically operated object.

Moreover, figure 2 shows that the circular contact plate 4, at the lower side thereof, is provided with an attachment lug 32 for the electrically operated object. At the upper side thereof, the contact plate 4 is fixed to a connection rod 34, the upper end of which is narrowed and is also connected to a wider connector 36. The lower portion of the connector 36 is formed as a stop rim 38. Further, the connector 36 is

releasably connected to a snap hook 40 attached to a first end 42 of a chain 44. Herein, this first end 42 is comprised of the last chain link of the chain 44. Figure 3 also shows, among other things, the lower side of the circular contact plate 4 and also the bottom lid 12 and said first terminal nipple 24.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show various vertical sections through the housing 6. Even though these figures show the contact plate 4 disposed in vicinity of the bottom lid 12, the contact plate 4 is, in reality, completely paid out from the housing 6. This state is indicated by means of wavy lines breaking the chain 44 within the housing 6. Furthermore, such a chain 44 may assume a substantial length when paid out completely from the housing 6, for example a length of several tens of metres. One or more of these figures also show, among other things, that the bottom lid 12 is provided with a central, circular opening 46 through which the first end 42 of the chain 44 may be conducted in and out of the housing 6 and also to be attached to said object via the contact plate 4 and the socket 28. The housing 6 also contains a first attachment plate 48 and a second attachment plate 50 disposed vertically in the housing 6, and in parallel at a distance from each other. These attachment plates 48, 50 are disposed between the top lid 10 and the bottom lid 12, and between opposite lateral surfaces 18 and 52 of the sidewall 8, whereby a central room 54 is defined therebetween. The attachment plates 48, 50 are attached, by means of screws, at several points 56 on the top lid 10 and the bottom lid 12, which is only shown in figure 3. The first attachment plate 48 is comprised of a plate profile comprising an upper ledge 48a, a slanted wall 48b, and a lower, plane portion 48c. The second attachment plate 50, however, is formed in one plane.

Said central room 54 between the attachment plates 48, 50 is also provided with various components for elevation and lowering of the chain 44, and also for registration of such chain movements.

Thus, as viewed from above and downwards, the central room 54 comprises a driving unit disposed at the upper ledge 48a of the first attachment plate 48, the driving unit of which comprises a wheel housing 58 containing a wheel hub 60 with a chain wheel 62 fixed around a rotary shaft 64. The rotary shaft 64 is rotatably connected, via a self-locking worm gear (not shown), to a reversible, electric motor 66, the motor of which is also disposed in the central room 54 and is located behind the wheel housing 58.

Below the wheel housing 58, the central room 54 is also provided with a locking device comprising a linear actuator 68 connected to a plate-shaped locking fork 70. The linear actuator 68 is structured in a manner allowing it to push the locking fork 70 in or out with respect to the actuator 68, and in a direction perpendicular to the chain 44 in the central room 54. Thereby, the linear actuator 68 is

structured in a manner allowing it to push the locking fork 70 underneath said stop rim 38 on the connector 36 when the contact plate 4 is hoisted underneath, and is placed against, the bottom lid 12. In this manner, the chain 44 may be locked and unloaded in this position. Incidentally, the locking device is disposed on an attachment bracket 72 fixed to the vertical attachment plates 48, 50.

Moreover, the central room 54 is provided with a guiding device disposed below said locking device. The guiding device comprises a vertical guide sleeve 74 connected to, and extending down from, a further attachment bracket 76 fixed to the vertical attachment plates 48, 50. The guide sleeve 74, together with slanted guide rails 78 disposed underneath the wheel housing 58 and the chain wheel 62, constitute guiding devices for ensuring that the chain 44 is guided correctly during elevation and lowering thereof with respect to the housing 6.

The central room 54, at the bottom thereof, is also provided with a contact -and-stop arrangement for the circular contact plate 4. The contact-and-stop arrangement is attached to an attachment bracket 80 (cf . figure 6) , which is also fixed to the vertical attachment plates 48, 50. Further, the contact- and-stop arrangement comprises a first connector part of an electric connector constituting a part of the device 2. This first connector part comprises an outer set of electrically conductive and spring-loaded contact pins 82, and an inner set of electrically conductive and spring-loaded contact pins 84 (cf . figure 6) . All of the contact pins 82, 84 are made from copper and are connected to said first terminal nipple 24 for supply of electric power. The contact pins 82, 84 are also structured for contact with an outer electrically conductive ring 86 and an inner electrically conductive ring 88, respectively, both of which are concentrically disposed at the upper side of the circular contact plate 4. The rings 86, 88 are also made from copper and constitute a second connector part of the electric connector of the device 2. The rings 86, 88 are connected to the first end 42 of the chain 44 via the connection rod 34, the connector 36 and the snap hook 40. The copper rings 86, 88 are also connected in an electrically conductive manner to said socket 28 via the electric wire 30. Thereby, the copper rings 86, 88 are structured in a manner allowing them to be connected, in an electrically conductive and releasable manner, to the electrically operated object via the socket 28 and said plug on the object, whereby electric power may be supplied to the object when suspended from the attachment lug 32 of the contact plate .

Further, figures 4, 5 and 6 show that a second end 90, opposite the first end 42, of the chain 44 is conducted through the central, circular opening 46 in the bottom lid 12, then further through the guide sleeve 74, past said locking device, in between the guide rails 78, over the chain wheel 62, and down through a chain opening 92 in the slanted wall 48b. This second end 90 is comprised of the last chain link of the chain 44. This second end 90 is releasably connected to a snap hook 94 attached to a spring-loaded plate profile 96. This plate profile 96 is attached to the inside of a housing-shaped cover 98 fixed at the bottom lid 12 and outside of said first attachment plate 48 in the housing 6. Incidentally, the top lid 10, the sidewall 8, the bottom lid 12, the first attachment plate 48, and the cover 98 define a storage room 100 for free-lying storage of the chain 44. The plate profile 96 is connected to a microswitch 102 via an arm (not shown) , the microswitch of which is also disposed within the housing-shaped cover 98. Upon complete pay-out of the chain 44 from the storage room 100, the second end 90 of the chain 44 will be in tension and, as such, will pull the spring-loaded plate profile 96 upwards. Thereby, the

microswitch 102 is activated and ensures that the electric motor 66 is stopped. Thus, the spring-loaded plate profile 96 and the microswitch 102 constitute a stop mechanism for the motor 66. Thereafter, when the motor 66 is reversed and starts feeding the chain 44 into the storage room 100, the plate profile 96 is unloaded and springs back, whereby the microswitch is deactivated.

Further aspects of the mode of operation of the device 2 will be described hereinafter.

During feed in of the chain 44 and elevation of the circular contact plate 4 and the object attached thereto, the chain 44 is guided, among other place, through the guide sleeve 74 at the lower portion of the housing 6. This guide sleeve 74 is provided with a so-called optocoupler (not shown) structured in a manner allowing it to emit light pulses and also to receive reflected light from a separate, light-reflecting object when disposed within the optical range of the

optocoupler. In this embodiment, this separate object is comprised of a cylindrical rubber element 104 mounted on the chain 44 at a relatively short distance above the contact plate 4, as shown in figures 4 and 6. The rubber element 104, along the circumference thereof, is also provided with a light-reflecting material 106 suitable for reflecting light pulses from the optocoupler. When the rubber element 104 is conducted upwards through the guide sleeve 74, the

optocoupler will register reflected light from the light- reflecting material 106 on the outside of the rubber element 104. Then, the optocoupler sends a signal to an electronic control unit 110 which ensures that the rotary velocity of the electric motor 66 is slowed down during further feed in of the chain 44.

Then, when the chain 44 is elevated sufficiently for an outer portion of the contact plate 4 to engage the bottom lid 12 on the housing 6, also the contact plate 4 engages and activates a further microswitch 108 disposed in vicinity of the

circular opening 46 in the bottom lid 12. Thereby, the microswitch 108 sends a signal to the control unit 110 which ensures that the motor 66 is stopped. By so doing, also the movement of the contact plate 4 is stopped. Immediately thereafter, and by means of this signal, the control unit 110 also activates said linear actuator 68 which, accordingly, pushes the locking fork 70 underneath said stop rim 38 on the connector 36, hence locks and unloads the chain 44 in this position. Thereby, also the contact plate 4 is locked in a position in which it engages the bottom lid 12, whereby the electrically conductive rings 86, 88 at the upper side of the contact plate 4 engage the electrically conductive and spring-loaded contact pins 82, 84 at the lower portion of the housing 6. This resilient contact arrangement provides a good electric contact between the first and second connector parts in said electric connector constituting a part of the device 2. In this interconnected position, the device 2 is

structured in a manner allowing it to transmit electric power to the contact plate 4 and said object when connected to the contact plate 4. An associated relay, however, ensures that electric power is not transmitted until the first and second connector parts have been connected, but it also ensures, thereafter, that the electric power is cut off immediately before the first and second connector parts are disconnected. By so doing, arcing between the connector parts is avoided during connection or disconnection of the connector parts.

For subsequent pay out of the chain 44, the linear actuator 68 is deactivated at first, whereby the locking fork 70 is retracted from said stop rim 38 and, hence, releases the chain 44. Then, the chain 44 is lowered, whereby the rubber element 104 is conducted downwards through the guide sleeve 74 and out of the housing 6. Upon further pay out, the chain 44 is lowered at a constant velocity until the chain 44 is paid out completely and thus puts the second end 90 of the chain 44 in tension. Thereby, said spring-loaded plate profile 96 and microswitch 102 in the storage room 100 are activated so as to stop the motor 66.

Incidentally, the housing 6 contains a remote-controlled, electronic control unit 110 mounted on the outside of said second attachment plate 50, the unit of which receives electric power from an associated direct-current (DC) converter 112 via an electric wire 114. This control unit 110 is structured, among other things, for operational control of the electric motor 66 and the direction of rotation and rotary velocity thereof. The control unit 110 is also structured in a manner allowing it to communicate and/or coordinate control signals between the control unit 110 and the motor 66, the linear actuator 68, said optocoupler, and the microswitch.es 102 and 108. Further, the control unit 110 is structured for remote control via wireless radio

communication with a remote control panel or remote control device (not shown) . Thus, the control unit 110 comprises various electronic components, including an electronic circuit board, programs, and also a transmitter unit and a receiver unit (not shown) for wireless transmission of radio frequency signals.

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s

1. A device (2) for lowering and elevation of at least one electrically powered object when connected to the device (2) , wherein the device (2) comprises a housing (6) with a bottom portion (12) provided with an opening (46), and wherein the housing (6) comprises the following

components :

- at least one first point of connection (24) for receipt of electric power to at least the electrically operated object;

- a connection line (44) disposed in the housing (6), wherein a first end (42) of the connection line (44) is structured in a manner allowing it to be conducted through the opening (46) in the bottom portion (12) of the housing (6) and also to be attached to said object;

electrically conductive manner, wherein the first connector part is attached to the housing (6) and is connected to said first point of connection (24) , whereas the second connector part is attached to the first end (42) of the connection line (44) and is structured in a manner allowing it to be connected, in an electrically conductive manner, to the object for supply of electric power;

- a driving wheel (62) disposed in the housing (6) and rotatably connected to the connection line (44) for lowering and elevation of the connection line (44) and, hence, also the object when connected to the connection line (44) ;

- a rotary motor (66) connected to the driving wheel (62) for rotation of the driving wheel (62) in an optional direction of rotation;

- an electronic control unit (110) disposed in the housing (6) and structured for operational control of at least the rotary motor (66) and the direction of rotation thereof; and

- at least one energy supply for operation of the rotary motor (66) and the electronic control unit (110) , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said connection line is comprised of a chain (44) ;

- wherein said driving wheel is comprised of a chain wheel (62) ; and

- wherein the housing (6) comprises a storage place (100) for free-lying storage of the chain (44) .

2. The device (2) according to claim 1,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electronic control unit (110) is remote-controlled.

3. The device (2) according to claim 1 or 2 ,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that a second end (90) of the connection line (44) is attached to the housing (6) .

4. The device (2) according to claim 1, 2 or 3 ,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said energy supply comprises electric power supplied via said first point of connection (24) on the housing (6) .

5. The device (2) according to any one of claims 1-4,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the housing (6) comprises at least one second point of connection (26) connected to said first point of connection (24), wherein the second point of connection (26) is structured for transmission of electric power to at least one further and remote device (2) .

6. The device (2) according to any one of claims 1-5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said first connector part is formed as a female member, whereas said second connector part is formed as a male member.

7. The device (2) according to any one of claims 1-5,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said first connector part is formed as a male member, whereas said second connector part is formed as a female member.

8. The device (2) according to claim 6 or 7,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the female member and the male member have complementary shapes with respect to each other.

9. The device (2) according to claim 8,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the female member is comprised of a conical receiving funnel, whereas the male member is comprised of a cone fitting in a complementary manner into the conical receiving funnel .

10. The device (2) according to claim 8,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the female member is comprised of a cylindrical socket, whereas the male member is comprised of a cylindrical plug fitting in a complementary manner into the cylindrical socket.

11. The device (2) according to claim 8, 9 or 10,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the female member is provided with at least one concentrically disposed and electrically conductive ring (86, 88), whereas the male member is provided with at least one electrically

conductive contact pin (82, 84) structured for contact with the electrically conductive ring (86, 88) on the female member.

12. The device (2) according to claim 8, 9 or 10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the male member is provided with at least one concentrically disposed and electrically conductive ring (86, 88), whereas the female member is provided with at least one electrically conductive contact pin (82, 84) structured for contact with the electrically conductive ring (86, 88) on the male member.

13. The device (2) according to any one of claims 1-12,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said electronic control unit (110) is structured for remote control via cabled signal transmission.

14. The device (2) according to any one of claims 1-13,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said electronic control unit (110) is structured for remote control via wireless signal transmission.

15. The device (2) according to any one of claims 1-14,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said second connector part, for supply of electric power to said object, is structured in a manner allowing it to be connected to the object via a releasable line connection.

16. A system for lowering and elevation of at least two

electrically operated objects, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the system comprises at least two devices (2) according to any one of claims 1-15;

- wherein each of the at least two devices (2) is connected to at least one electrically powered object;

- wherein the at least two devices (2) are disposed at a distance from each other and above ground level; and

- wherein the at least two devices (2) are connected to each other in an electrically conductive manner. Use of a device (2) according to any one of claims 1-15 for lowering and elevation of at least one electrically powered object associated with the device (2) .

Use of a system according to claim 16 for lowering and elevation of at least two electrically operated objects associated with the system.