JPH0363176B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a fluorescent tube replacement device used for replacing fluorescent tubes.

[Technical background of the invention and its problems]

Various fluorescent tube replacement devices have been developed to safely and easily replace fluorescent tubes for lighting that are installed in high positions such as ceiling surfaces. This type of fluorescent tube replacement device includes a gripping portion that grips the fluorescent tube along its length, and a support rod having a sufficient length to carry the gripping portion to the fluorescent tube replacement position. , and an operating mechanism for causing the gripping portion to perform a required gripping operation. In conventional fluorescent tube exchangers, the gripping section uses the force of a spring to grip the fluorescent tube, which makes it difficult to obtain the optimal gripping force and also causes damage to the gripping section. The disadvantage is that the operating mechanism for performing the required operations is complicated. Additionally, due to the relationship with the operating mechanism, it is difficult to extend and retract the length of the support rod so that it can be replaced from a relatively low position to a high position, and normally the length of the support rod is It is almost fixed, or if it can be changed, it is at most 1
The adjustment range was limited to within m. Further, due to the structure, the gripping part and the operating mechanism are relatively large, making it inconvenient to carry the exchanger, and the weight of the upper part (head) is large, making it difficult to perform exchange operations.

As described above, conventional fluorescent tube replacement devices have problems in that they have poor operability, are inconvenient to carry, and are difficult to replace at high positions (for example, 4 m or higher).

[Purpose of the invention]

The present invention has been made with these points in mind, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent tube replacement device that has good operability and can perform fluorescent tube replacement work at a high position. do.

[Summary of the invention]

The fluorescent tube replacement device according to the present invention includes a fluorescent tube support frame having a substantially U-shaped cross section, an elongated support rod connected to the fluorescent tube support frame, and a flexible tube that can be expanded and contracted within the fluorescent tube support frame. It consists of a bag body, a pump mechanism that supplies fluid to the bag body, and a fluid supply pipe that connects the bag body and the pump mechanism, and uses the pump mechanism to supply fluid to the bag body and inflate the bag body. This makes it possible to grasp the fluorescent tube and operate the support rod to replace the fluorescent tube.

[Embodiments of the invention]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 are a longitudinal sectional view and a side view showing a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a fluorescent tube support frame, which has a predetermined longitudinal dimension necessary to support the fluorescent tube, and whose cross section is approximately U.
It has a letter shape. A support rod 1 is attached to the bottom of the support frame 11.
2 are fixedly connected. The support rod 12 is long enough for an operator to hold it in his hand and reach the support frame 11 to the fluorescent tube replacement position, and is made of a hollow pipe. The support rod 12 connects a plurality of hollow pipes to each other in a telescopic manner and is expandable and retractable in consideration of storage, transportation, and operability. A sealing member such as an O-ring 13 is provided at the connecting portion of each hollow pipe, and is tightened and fixed by a nut member 14. An inflatable and deflated bag body 15 made of a rubber bag or the like is disposed inside the support frame 11. This bag body 15 is for gripping and fixing the outer periphery of the fluorescent tube L when it is inflated. ing.
FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which the bag 15 is expanded and grips the fluorescent tube L. A rubber V-shaped mounting table 16 on which the fluorescent tube L is mounted is attached to the bottom surface of the support frame 11.

Pump mechanisms 17a and 17b for supplying fluid, such as air, to the bag body 15 are attached to the upper and lower parts of the support rod 12, respectively. These pump mechanisms 17a and 17b each have a piston 18
a, 18b and cylinders 19a, 19b, pistons 18a, 18b are connected to cylinder 1.
By pushing into the cylinders 9a and 19b, the cylinder 19
Fluid (air) is discharged from the tips of a and 19b,
By pulling up, fluid is suctioned. The operation of these pistons 18a and 18b is as follows:
The support rod 12 is connected to the pistons 18a and 18b.
This is done by moving up and down operating rods 22a and 22b that protrude through slits 21a and 21b provided in the vertical direction. slit 21
a and 21b are formed in an L shape to maintain the pushed-in state of the pistons 18a and 18b. Further, springs 23a, 23b are arranged around the pistons 18a, 18b, and the pistons 18a,
This facilitates the return operation (pull-up operation) of 18b.

The cylinders 19a, 19b and the bag body 15 are connected by a fluid supply pipe 24, and the pump mechanism 17a,
Fluid can be supplied to the bag body 15 from 17b. In addition, in this embodiment, the pump mechanism 17
a and 17b are connected to the bag body 15 via the same fluid supply pipe 24, and when the pump mechanisms 17a and 17b are pushed together, the bag body 15 expands.
When one of the pump mechanisms 17a, 17b is pulled up, the bag 15 is contracted. Further, the fluid supply pipe 24 is arranged in a spiral shape so that it can follow the expansion and contraction of the support rod 12 well.

Next, the operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be explained.

(a) Removal of the fluorescent tube First, push in the piston 18a of the upper pump mechanism 17a, pull up the piston 18b of the lower pump mechanism 17b, and lock in this state. Subsequently, the nut member 14 is loosened and adjusted to a length suitable for the work. The support rod 11 is raised from a position below the fluorescent tube L, and at a position where the fluorescent tube L is sandwiched between the pair of bags 15 and touches the mounting table 16,
Push in the piston 18b of the lower pump mechanism 17b. As a result, fluid is supplied to the bag 15 and the bag 15 is inflated (see FIG. 3). Due to this expansion of the bag 15, the outer periphery of the fluorescent tube L is firmly held between the pair of bags 15 and the mounting table 16. When the support rod 12 is operated to push the support rod 11 in the axial direction of the fluorescent tube L, one side of the socket that holds both ends of the fluorescent tube L is pushed by the end of the fluorescent tube L and retracted, and the opposite side is pulled in. The fluorescent tube L is removed from the side socket. After removing the fluorescent tube L in this way and grasping the fluorescent tube L by hand, when the piston 18a of the upper pump mechanism 17a is pulled up,
The fluid is sucked out of the bag 15 by the pump mechanism 17a, and the bag 15 contracts, and the grip on the fluorescent tube L is released. Since the pump mechanism 17a is provided near the support frame 11, this operation of removing the fluorescent tube L from the fluorescent tube replacement device can be easily performed by only one operator.

(B) Attaching the fluorescent tube First, pull up the piston 18a of the upper pump mechanism 17a, push in the piston 18b of the lower pump mechanism 17b, and then remove the support rod 12.
Adjust the length. Next, a new fluorescent tube is placed between the bags 15 in the support frame 11 so as to be in contact with the mounting table 16, and the pump mechanism 1 in the upper part is installed.
Push in the piston 18a of 7a. This results in
The bag 5 expands and the fluorescent tube L is firmly gripped. The support rod 12 is used to raise the fluorescent tube L to a predetermined mounting position, and one end of the fluorescent tube L is pressed against one end of the mounting socket. The socket is pushed and retracted by the end of the fluorescent tube L, so the fluorescent tube L
The other end can be inserted into the opposite socket from the axial direction. After the fluorescent tube L is installed between the two sockets in this manner, when the piston 18b of the lower pump mechanism 17b is pulled up, the bag body 15 contracts and the grip of the fluorescent tube L is released. . Since the pump mechanism 17b is provided below the support rod 12, this operation can be easily performed by one operator with the support rod 12 lifted.

After the fluorescent tube replacement work is completed, remove the support rod 12.
can be reduced in length and transported to the next replacement location or storage location.

As described above, according to this embodiment, by expanding the bag body 15, the fluorescent tube L can be reliably gripped with uniform pressure, and the gripping mechanism can be
Since it is constituted by a bag body 15 containing , the structure is simple and the weight is light. Moreover, since the support rod 12 only has pump mechanisms 17a, 17b and a retractable fluid supply pipe 24 disposed in the upper and lower parts, respectively, the structure of the support rod 12 is simple and It is lightweight and
Furthermore, the degree of expansion and contraction can be increased. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a replacement device that is not only easy to operate but also compact and inexpensive. This is especially effective when replacing fluorescent lights installed at high positions. In addition, in this embodiment, an example was shown in which the support rod 12 was configured by a combination of two hollow pipes, but
In addition, it is also possible to combine a plurality of hollow pipes to form a multi-stage structure.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing modifications of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure shown in FIG.
A V-shaped mounting table 16 is arranged on the wall surface on the side opposite to. In this embodiment, since only one bag body 15 is required, the structure is simple and the weight can be reduced.

In the diagram shown in FIG. 5, the bag 15 is disposed within a hollow rubber band 25 attached to both inner walls of the support frame 11. As shown in FIG. In order to securely grip the fluorescent tube, the surface of the bag body 15 is provided with an uneven surface to prevent slippage, but according to the embodiment shown in FIG. A rubber bag may be used and the surface of the band body 25 may be provided with a non-slip surface with irregularities, thereby making it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the bag body 15 and to extend the life of the bag body 15.

6 to 8 are diagrams showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

The fluorescent tube replacement device according to this embodiment is different from the fluorescent tube replacement device according to the first embodiment described above, by further attaching an auxiliary rod to facilitate the fluorescent tube replacement work. In the second embodiment, the same parts as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment, a pair of auxiliary rods 31 are arranged in parallel with the support rod 12 in between, and their base ends are swingably attached to the support rod 12, and their distal ends are covered with rubber. They are connected by a horizontal plate 32 to which a plate 32a is attached. A base end portion of the auxiliary rod 31 is swingably attached to the support rod 12 by a pin 33 pivotally mounted near the upper portion thereof. This auxiliary rod 31 is attached to the circular arc portion 34a and the straight portion 34.
cam plate 3 having a pin 33 fixed thereto;
A sliding plate 35 that moves up and down in the axial direction of the support rod 12 is disposed in contact with the lower side of the cam plate 34, and this sliding plate 35 is connected to the support rod 12 via a spring 36. It is supported by a fixed fixed plate 37.

Note that in this embodiment, the fluorescent tube support frame 11
is swingably held by a pin 26 inside a member 11a having a U-shaped cross section fixed to the tip of the support rod 12, so that the support frame 11 can rotate relative to the support rod 12.

Next, the operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be explained.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a fluorescent tube L is being replaced using the fluorescent tube replacement device according to this embodiment. In this figure, a socket S that holds both ends of the fluorescent tube L and supplies electric power is installed so as to protrude downward from the ceiling surface P.

First, when removing the fluorescent tube L, the fluorescent tube L is grasped by the bag body 15, and then the auxiliary rod 31 is swung to hook the horizontal plate 32 at the tip to the outside of the socket S. Subsequently, when the support rod 12 is moved in the direction of the arrow X in FIG. 8, the fluorescent tube L is moved in the direction of the arrow Y since the horizontal plate 32 is hooked on the socket S. As a result, the socket S on the right side in FIG. 8 and the end of the fluorescent tube L are separated, and the fluorescent tube L can be easily removed. In this case, since the base end of the auxiliary rod 31 is pivotally connected via the cam plate 34 which is elastically supported by the spring 36, the auxiliary rod 31 will not fall while the support rod 12 is being operated. Furthermore, since the rubber plate 32a is attached to the inside of the horizontal plate 32, it will not move during operation.

Next, the case of installing a new fluorescent tube L will be explained.

First, the tip of the auxiliary rod 31 and the end of the fluorescent tube L are spaced appropriately, and the direction of the pin hole position of the socket S is aligned with the direction of the pin position of the fluorescent tube L. 15 to grasp the fluorescent tube L. Next, the auxiliary rod 31 is swung, and the horizontal plate 32 at the tip is
After hooking the outside of the socket S, insert the pin of the fluorescent tube L into the pin hole of the socket S. followed by the 8th
When the support rod 12 is moved in the direction of the arrow X in the figure, the fluorescent tube L
is moved in the direction of arrow Y, creating a space between it and the socket S on the right side, so that the fluorescent tube L can be easily inserted between both sockets. After alignment with the right socket S, when the support rod 12 is returned to its original position, the fluorescent tube L is held and fixed between both sockets.

In this way, according to this embodiment, the work of attaching and removing the fluorescent tube L to and from the socket S of the type that protrudes from a fixed plane such as the ceiling surface P becomes extremely easy. In particular, the higher the ceiling surface is, the smaller the amount of movement of the support rod 12 is, and the replacement work can be easily performed with less force. Furthermore, even in so-called hanging type fluorescent lamps in which the plane on which the socket S is fixed swings, longitudinal force can be generated using the socket as a fixed point, making it easy to replace the fluorescent lamp. Able to perform work. In addition, since the auxiliary rod 31 can be swung in the same direction as the support rod 12, it can be stored easily after use.
It is also easy to transport.

9 to 11 are diagrams showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is used when the socket is embedded in the ceiling P or the like, contrary to the second embodiment described above.

The basic structure of this embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment as well, similarly to the second embodiment,
A pair of auxiliary rods 41 are attached with the support rod 12 in between so that their base ends can swing. The attachment of the base end of the auxiliary rod 41 is the same as in the second embodiment. A non-slip rubber member 42 is attached to the tip of each of the auxiliary rods 41, and a U-shaped connecting member 43 is attached near the tip, as shown in FIG. 9A.
are connected by. This connecting member 43 connects the pair of auxiliary rods 41 to each other so that they do not open, and also supports one end of the fluorescent tube to prevent it from falling during fluorescent tube replacement work.

Next, the operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be explained with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

When removing the fluorescent tube L, after inflating the bag and grasping the outer periphery of the fluorescent tube L, insert the tip of the auxiliary rod 41 into the ceiling where the socket S is embedded, as shown in FIG. The support rod 12 is brought into contact with the side wall of the surface P and moved in the direction of the arrow X. This moves the fluorescent tube L in the direction of arrow Y, creating a gap between it and the socket S on the left side of FIG. By lowering the support rod 12 in this state, the fluorescent tube L can be easily removed.

Next, when installing the fluorescent tube L, as shown in FIG.
After gripping it at a predetermined distance from the tip of the socket S so that the pin at the end is aligned with the position direction of the pin hole of the socket S, the socket S is inserted into the socket S on the right side of FIG. Next, as shown in the figure, the tip of the auxiliary rod 41 is brought into contact with the side wall of the ceiling surface P, and the support rod 12 is raised while being moved in the direction of the arrow X. As a result, the left side portion of the fluorescent tube L is lifted up by the connecting member 43, and the fluorescent tube L rises as shown by the arrow Y.
be moved in a direction. When the left end of the fluorescent tube L comes to the engagement position with the socket S, the fluorescent tube L is inserted and held between the two sockets S by swinging the support rod 12 back to its original position.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the fluorescent tube of a fluorescent lamp located at a high position can be easily replaced with a small force. Furthermore, even if the socket S has a built-in structure, replacement work can be performed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The fluorescent tube replacement device according to this embodiment is different from the fluorescent tube replacement device according to the first embodiment described above, by further adding an auxiliary lever to facilitate the work of replacing the fluorescent tube. In this embodiment as well, the same parts as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment, an auxiliary lever 51 is swingably attached near the tip of the support rod 12. The auxiliary lever 51 is attached to sandwich the support rod 12 from both sides, and its tip 51a
is formed in an L-shape and extends to approximately the same height as the fluorescent tube support frame 11. A midway portion of the auxiliary lever 51 is pivotally connected to the support rod 12 by a pin 52.
Furthermore, between the lower part of the auxiliary lever 51 and the support rod 12, as shown in FIG. 12B, a bag 53 that can be expanded and deflated is disposed. This bag body 53 is connected to the support rod 1 through a fluid (for example, air) supply pipe 54.
The pump mechanism 55 is connected to a pump mechanism 55 disposed at the lower end of the pump 2. In this embodiment, the pump mechanism 55 is a manual pump consisting of a combination of a piston and a cylinder like the other pump mechanisms 17a and 17b, but it may also be an electric pump. Also, instead of the bag body 53, a piston that expands and contracts.
A cylinder mechanism may also be used.

A support bar 56 is further attached to the upper part of the support bar 12 on the side opposite to the auxiliary lever 51. This support bar 56 is for holding the center portion of the fluorescent tube L from below, and has a fluorescent tube receiving portion 57 pivotally attached to its tip using a pin 58. As shown in FIG. 12C, the receiving part 57 has an arcuate cross section with an open upper part, and is made of a flexible member so that the fluorescent tube L can be inserted therein.

Next, the operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be explained.

When removing the fluorescent tube, the tip 51a of the auxiliary lever 51 is engaged with the outside of the socket S, the pump mechanisms 17a and 17b are activated, and the fluorescent tube L is gripped by the bag body 15. Further, the receiving portion 57 is engaged with and held by the fluorescent tube L. Next, the pump mechanism 55
When the bag body 53 is inflated by operating the auxiliary lever 51, the lower part of the auxiliary lever 51 tries to swing in the direction of the arrow is moved in the direction opposite to the arrow X, and as a result, the fluorescent tube L is moved in the direction of the arrow Y.

As a result, the right end (not shown) of the fluorescent tube comes off from the right socket (not shown) and can be easily removed by lowering the support rod 12.

When installing a fluorescent tube, first set the distance between the end of the fluorescent tube L and the auxiliary lever 51 to a predetermined value, and also adjust the direction of the pin hole position of the socket S and the pin position of the fluorescent tube. The fluorescent tube L is held by the bag body 15 and the receiving part 57. Next, support rod 1
2 and bring the tip 51a of the auxiliary lever 51 into contact with the outside of the socket S. This contact can be relatively easily confirmed even at a high position by attaching a confirmation lamp 59 to the tip portion 51a, for example. By coming into contact with the socket S, the L-shaped tip 51a can function as a guide for positioning the fluorescent tube L with respect to the socket S, and can accurately insert the pin of the fluorescent tube into the pin hole of the socket. When the pump mechanism 55 is operated with the tip 51a of the auxiliary lever 51 in contact with the socket S to inflate the bag 53, the fluorescent tube L is pushed into the socket S on the left side of FIG. 12 as described above. , creating a gap between the right end of the fluorescent tube and the socket. Thereby, the fluorescent tube L can be easily inserted between the two sockets S, and by contracting the bag 53, the fluorescent tube can be supported and fixed between the two sockets.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the support rod 12 cannot be moved laterally due to indoor conditions, or because the fluorescent tube is installed in a very high ceiling position, the fluorescent tube and the socket can be easily moved. Even in cases where positioning operations are difficult, replacement work can be performed easily and easily.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the socket S is used in a structure in which it protrudes downward from the ceiling surface P. However, if the socket S has a so-called embedded structure, the tip 51a of the auxiliary lever 51 can be inserted into the socket S.
The bag body 53 is arranged on the opposite side (on the right side with the support rod 12 in between) from the position shown in FIG. You can create a structure that does this.

FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view showing an application example of the present invention. In this example, the fluorescent tube L is gripped by a bifurcated clamp arm 62 having a rubber member 61 attached to its inside. That is, a pair of arc-shaped clamp arms 62 are pivotally connected using a pin 63, and a bag body 64 that can be expanded and deflated is disposed between the base ends thereof, and a fluid supply pipe is connected to the bag body 64. Fluid can be supplied and withdrawn through 24. A spring 65 is disposed on the opposite side of the bag body 64 via the pin 63.

According to this embodiment, the pair of arms 62 are closed by inflating the bag 64, and the fluorescent tube L
It is possible to grasp it directly. According to this application example, a fluorescent tube support frame is not required, and the structure of the upper part of the support rod 12 can be made simpler and lighter.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, the fluorescent tube can be easily replaced with good operability. Furthermore, even if the fluorescent tube is installed at a high position, it can be easily and reliably replaced.

In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, a manual pump mechanism is shown, but an electric type using a small electric motor may also be used.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of a fluorescent tube exchanger according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view thereof, and FIG.
The figure is a partially enlarged view of the upper end of FIG. 2, FIGS. 4 and 5 are partially enlarged views showing a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a side view thereof, Fig. 8 is a front view including a partial cross section.
The figure is an explanatory view showing the operation of the second embodiment, FIG. 9 is a front view including a partial cross section showing the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9A is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 9, 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the third embodiment, FIG. 12 is a front view including a partial cross section showing the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing the operation of the third embodiment. -B
12C is a sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing an application example of the present invention. 11... Fluorescent tube support frame, 12... Support rod, 15
... Bag body, 17a, 17b ... Pump mechanism, 24
...Fluid supply pipe, 31, 41...Auxiliary rod, 34...
...Cam plate, 51...Auxiliary lever, 53...
Bag body, L...fluorescent tube, S...socket, P...ceiling surface.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A fluorescent tube support frame having a substantially U-shaped cross section, an elongated support rod connected to the fluorescent tube support frame, and an inflatable and deflated bag disposed within the fluorescent tube support frame. A fluorescent tube replacement device comprising a body, a pump mechanism for supplying fluid to the bag body, and a fluid supply pipe connecting the bag body and the pump mechanism, the pump mechanism comprising a combination of a piston and a cylinder. Two sets of pump mechanisms are provided, the two sets of pump mechanisms are in communication with each other, one set of pump mechanisms is disposed at the upper part of the support rod, and the other set of pump mechanisms is arranged at the lower part of the support rod. A fluorescent tube replacement device characterized in that: 2. The fluorescent tube replacer according to claim 1, wherein the bag is disposed within the fluorescent tube support frame in a longitudinal direction toward a vertical wall of the fluorescent tube support frame. 3. Claim 2, characterized in that two bags are disposed opposite each other within the fluorescent tube support frame.
Fluorescent tube replacement device as described in section. 4. The fluorescent tube replacement device according to claim 1, wherein the pump mechanism is disposed inside the support rod.