WO2007132340A1

WO2007132340A1 - Illuminating arrangements

Info

Publication number: WO2007132340A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/001266
Authority: WO
Inventors: Coen Petrus Esterhuizen
Original assignee: Voltex (Proprietary) Limited
Priority date: 2006-05-15
Filing date: 2007-05-15
Publication date: 2007-11-22
Also published as: WO2007132340A9; ZA200810620B

Abstract

An illuminating device for use in industry acts with, a socket housing (200) with a pair of cylinders (226) in which are located terminals that can engage the cords (112) of a cable. An illuminating device has projecting cylinders including terminal members that can engage the terminals. Clips are provided to hold the illuminating device attached to the socket housing.

Description

ILLUMINATING ARRANGEMENTS

[0001] The invention relates to illuminating arrangements.

[0002] The invention is concerned with illuminating arrangements which are used in industrial, and in particular mining, applications. As will be appreciated in mines there may be drives of many hundreds, if not thousands, of metres in length. Lamps are needed at say five metre intervals so that a huge number of lamps are required to illuminate the drives. Such lamps are required to be permanently operating. To this end, permanent socket members are provided connected by suitable wiring and these socket members receive lamps therein in known manner to illuminate the lamps.

[0003] Originally the lamps used comprised incandescent bulbs. While these served adequately to illuminate the space where they were located, the bulbs required substantial energy to maintain them illuminated. Furthermore incandescent bulbs have a relatively short life span which is of the order of one thousand hours. These incandescent lamps were in time replaced by compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). Such lamps were a great improvement requiring about, or less than, one quarter of the power required by the incandescent lamp. Furthermore the CFLs have a significantly longer life span, which may be of the order of twelve times the life of the incandescent lamp.

[0004] Known CFLs used for mining applications comprise a casing carrying the fluorescent tube/s and containing the electronic components for operating the lamp (i.e. the components are internal to the housing). The casing further has an Edison screw type shaft which enables it to be screwed into a corresponding socket (such a CFL is hereinafter called "CFLI"). Because the internal volume of the casing is small, the heat generated by the electronic components tends to be concentrated and this heat causes the CFL to fail which places an upper limit on the life of the CFL.

[0005] Further problems with CFL' s - as with incandescent bulbs - is the fact that there is a tendency of workers to purloin the lamps. In addition the lamps are often exposed so that there is a danger that they will be destroyed - intentionally or unintentionally.

[0006] A further desideratum is that the socket members which may be permanently wired, should be relatively uncomplicated.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided the combination of a socket housing and an illuminating device; the socket housing having a pair of terminals for engaging respectively the cords of electric cables and the illuminating device comprising a mounting member adapted to carry a lighting member and having connector means engaging the terminal members characterised in that the socket housing comprises a pair of hollow cylindrical parts within which the terminal members are mounted and in that the connector means incorporate a pair of cylindrical projections and terminals carried thereby, the projections engaging the cylindrical parts to enable the terminals engage the terminal members.

[0008] The terminal members preferably each have one end adapted to engage a cord of the cable and an outer end which is hollow, the terminals respectively engaging in the hollow ends of the terminal members. [0009]. The socket housing preferably incorporates a pair of cable cord guide cradles located respectively above the terminal members so that the terminal members can engage the cords when received in the cradles preferably by having sharpened ends that can pass into the cable cords to engage the interior strands thereof. Conveniently clamping pad means are provided above the cable channels to force cable cords received therein into engagement with the cable cord.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the combination above set with a cable poassing through the socket housing and being connected to the terminals.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an illuminating device for use with the combination as set out above, the illuminating device comprising a mounting member adapted to carry a lighting member and having connector means engaging the terminal members and further incorporating a pair of cylindrical projections and terminals carried thereby, the projections engaging the cylindrical parts to enable the terminals engage the terminal members.

[0012] According to yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a socket housing for use with the combination as set out above, the socket housing having a pair of terminals for engaging respectively the cords of electric cables and a pair of hollow cylindrical parts within which the terminal members are mounted.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a socket housing through which may pass a portion of a cable having its cover removed to expose the cords that comprise a plurality of strands within an insulating sheath, the socket housing having a table on which some of the cords may be placed, a clamping means for clamping the cords to the table, and further comprising a piercing members carried below the table and located respectively in relating to the cores so as to pierce the cords and to be in electrical contact with the strands in the cord. The rear of the piercing means preferably provide sockets to receive the connector pins of a lamp holder.

[0014] Two embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] In the drawings:-

Figure 1 is a side view partially in section showing an end view of an assembled socket housing with a lampholder,

Figure 2 is an end view of the assembly with a detail shown in section,

Figure 3 is an enlarged detail of Figure 2 showing the clips engaging in the side slots,

Figure 4 is a plan view of the socket housing before the lamp holder is attached thereto, Figure 5 is a longitudinal section on line 5 - 5 of Figure 4,

Figure 6 is a view of the socket housing with the lid removed and before the clamping pad is applied,

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 with the clamping pad is applied, Figure 8 is a side view partially in section of the upper part of the lamp holder; Figures 9 and 10 are respectively an end view and a plan view of the lampholder;

Figure 11 is a plan of the housing of the lower member of a modified socket housing of the invention, Figures 12 and 13 are sections on complex line 12 - 12 and on line 13 - 13 of

Figure 11,] Figures 14, 15 and 16 are views similar to Figures 11, 12 and 13 respectively of the lid, and

Figures 17, 18 and 19 are respectively a plan, side and end view of a cradle member, is a side view of the lampholder, the view being taken partially in section.

[0016] Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a section of a lighting arrangement for use in underground drives and chambers. The lighting comprises a power cable 100, a socket housing member 200 and a lighting unit 300.

[0017] The cable 100 comprises an armoured cover 102 with an insulating sheath 104. Within the cable 100 are four cords 106, 108, 110 and 112. The cords 106, 108 and 110 in use will each carry one phase of a three phase power supply and the cord 112 will be the neutral cord. At the socket housing 200, the sheath 104 and armoured cover 102 is removed from a portion of the cable 100 to expose the cords.

[0018] The socket member 200 comprises a polycarbonate rectangular parallelipidal unit 202. The unit 202 comprises a housing 204 with a deep recess 206 and a lid 208 which has a corresponding but shallower recess 210. The recesses 206 and 210 form an internal chamber 212. The housing 204 and lid 208 are provided with enlarged flanges 214 and 216 (see Figure 2) at their open ends. Openings 218 (shown only in Figure 7) are formed in these flanges 214 and 216 through which bolts 220 (see Figure 4) can pass to clamp the flanges together. At their shorter ends, the flanges 214 and 216 have channel parts 218 which combine to form inlet sockets 222 on opposite ends of the member 200 through which the ends of the cable 100 pass and which seal against the cable 100. Grooves 224 are formed in the facing surfaces of the flanges 214 and 216 to seal the chamber 212 (only the grooves in the housing flange 214 are shown).

[0019] A pair of transversely aligned hollow cylinders 226 are provided midway along the base 228 of the housing 204. The cylinders 226 open through the base 228.

Their interiors 230 form recesses for the purpose which will be described. The inner ends of the cylinders 224 are closed by end walls 232. A small co-axial inner cylinder 234 runs down from and opens through each end wall 232. An inner flange 236 is provided at the free end of each cylinder 234. A pair of hollow internally threaded studs (not shown) is provided on the inside face of each end wall 232 located at diametrically opposed positions about the cylinder 234. An axially extending channel 238 forming a cord guide cradle is provided in the inner face of each end wall 232. A clamping pad 240 extends over the end walls 232 and is held in place by screws 242 engaging in the studs. Transverse vertical walls 244 are provided on the end walls 230 to locate the clamping pad 240. Openings 246, 248 and 250 are formed in the walls 244 for the purpose which will be described.

[0020] When the socket member 200 is applied to the exposed part of the cable 200, the neutral cord 112 and one of the power cords (say) 106 are laid in the channels 238, passing through the openings 246 and 250 respectively. These cords 104 and 112 are held in position by the clamping pad 240. The remaining cords 108 and 110 pass respectively between the cylinders 226 and above the clamping pad 240. [0022] When the clamping pads 240 are tightened on to the end walls 230 they force the cords 106 and 112 respectively down into the channels 238 so that the point 254 of the piercing member 252 will pass through the insulation around the cords 106 and 112 into the strands 256 forming a good electrical connection with the strands 256. Two small central recesses 258 are formed in the pad 240 to receive respectively the points 254 of piercing members 252 when they pass through the strands 256.

[0023] The ends of the armoured cover 102 for the cable 100 enter the inlet sockets 222 where they terminate the insulating sheath 106 being cut back slightly more. A jubilee clip 114 is attached to each end of the cable 100 and is electrically connected to the armoured cover 102. A short earthing cord 116 passing between the cylinders 226 joins the clips 114 to form an electric connection between the armoured covers 102.

[0024] A pair of protective plugs 260 (see Figures 3 and 4) are provided in the ends of the cylinders 226 when initially supplied. Each protective plug 260 comprises a cylindrical lower wall 262 closed by a radial wall 264 which is a press fit into an interior 230 of the cylinder 224 and a projecting pin 266 which is a press fit within the blind bore 256 of the piercing member 252. A transverse finger grip 268 extends across the wall 264. Because of the double press fits there is a double seal protecting the piercing member 252 and the chamber 212 from the intrusion of water or detritus before use.

[0025] The lighting unit 300 comprises a cylindrical mounting member 302. The top end 304 of the member 302 is closed by a transverse upper base 306 and the lower portion has an enlarged cylindrical part 308 in which is threadedly received a domed, mainly cylindrical, transparent polycarbonate lamp cover 310. An O-ring seal (not shown) is interposed between the lamp cover 310 and the member 302 to form a waterproof seal therebetween. A compact fluorescent lamp ("CFL") [not shown] is mounted on the part 302 and projects into the cover 310.

[0026] The base part 302 contains the electronics for the actuation of the CFL and is sufficiently large to avoid undue heating electronic components. This has the effect that the life of the CFL is greatly enhanced.

[0027] On the outside face of the base 304 of the illuminating device are a pair of cylindrical members 320 located to register with the cylinders 226 in the housing 200.

These cylindrical members 320 each have a transverse base 332 midway along their length and then a re-entrant co-axial cylindrical portion 324. The portion 324, which has a short internal flange 326 at its lower end, forms a bore 328 in which is received a spring connector pin 330. A wire 332 leading from the electric components is crimped to the inner end of the connector pin 330. Midway along the exterior surface of each cylindrical member 320 is a groove 338 within which is received an O-ring seal 340 (see

Figures 2 and 11).

[0028] Diametrically aligned with the two members 320 at the edge of the base 304 are a pair of upwardly extending clips 342 each having a half arrowhead inner end 344. The housing 200 has a recess 272 midway along each of its longer surfaces into which the arrowhead 342 can be received (see Figure 3). Each recess 272 has a horizontal surface 274 which can be engaged by the base 344 of the arrowhead end 342. The distance between the clips 340 is such that when the arrowhead ends 342 engage in the recesses 268, it is not possible to remove the illuminating member 300 from the housing 200 without the use of suitable tools such as a screw driver to urge the clips 340 outwardly.

[0029] In use, the power cable 100 is attached to the hanging wall or a side wall of the drive by cable hooks (not shown) and the cable 100 carries the socket members 200 at suitable spacings. The plugs 260 are removed. The illuminating member 300 is attached to the housing 200 by aligning the cylinders 320 with the bores 226. On upward movement of the illuminating member 200 the upper ends of the connector pins 330 are received in the blind bores 256 of the piercing pins 252 to form a good electrical connection therewith and through the piercing pins 252 with the strands of the cables 106 and 112. At the same time, the 0-ring seal 340 seals against the inside surface 230 of the cylinder 226. Thus power will now be supplied to the CFL while, at the same time, there is adequate sealing to prevent water and detritus entering into the socket housing 200.

[0030] Reference is now made to Figures 11 to 16 wherein is shown a modified socket housing 400. Most of the parts of this housing are the same as the housing 200 and therefore similar parts have the same reference numbers as the parts of the housing 200.

[0031] In both the base and the lid there are a pair of slotted side members 402 beside the entrance to the inlet sockets 222. Fitted into the slots are the arms 404 of cradle member 406 that fit on to the armoured casing of the cables and are in electric contact therewith. The cradle members 406 at opposite ends of the housing 200 are joined by a metal strip 408. There are thus two strips 408 one above and one below. They provide an electric earthing contact between the armouring.

[0032] In this arrangement the interior of the inlet sockets 410 have internal circumferential ridges 412 to grip the insulation sheath more firmly.

[0033] It will be seen that the lighting arrangement above described has a number of advantages. First, the illuminating member 300 has connections which are quite different to any domestic illuminating member and accordingly there is no value to be had by a miscreant removing the illuminating member from the housing 200. Second, because of the use of the clips 340 it is extremely difficult for the illuminating member 300 to be removed from the housing member 200. Third, the arrangement provided avoids the necessity of the cable 100 being cut at each housing member 200. This avoids the necessity of the ends of the cords having to be joined. Fourth, the fact that the housing member 200 comprises polycarbonate means that this will not be conductive and in the unlikely event of the strands of the cord touching housing member, the housing will not go live. Thus the workmen will be protected against electric shocks. Fifth, as all parts are sealed, it is possible for a worker to hose down the illuminating devices without fear of causing damage or electric shorting. Sixth, as the armouring of the cable 100 on either side of the part removed are connected by the earthing cords 256, the external cover 101 of the cable can be connected to earth.

[0034] The invention is not limited to the precise construction of details hereinbefore described and illustrated in the drawings. For example, the housing 200 may comprise other plastics material.

Claims

1. The combination of a socket housing and an illuminating device; the socket housing having a pair of terminals for engaging respectively the cords of electric cables and the illuminating device comprising a mounting member adapted to carry a lighting member and having connector means engaging the terminal members characterised in that the socket housing comprises a pair of hollow cylindrical parts within which the terminal members are mounted and in that the connector means incorporate a pair of cylindrical projections and terminals carried thereby, the projections engaging the cylindrical parts to enable the terminals engage the terminal members

2. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein the terminal members each have one end adapted to engage a cord of the cable and an outer end which is hollow, the terminals respectively engaging in the hollow ends of the terminal members.

3. The combination as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 where the socket housing incorporates a pair of cable cord guide cradles located respectively above the terminal members so that the terminal members can engage the cords when received in the cradles.

4. The combination of claim 3 characterised in that each terminal member has a sharpened end that can pass into the cable cords to engage the interior strands thereof.

5. The combination of claim 4 characterised in that each sharpened end can pass through the cable cord.

6. The combination of claim 3, 4 or 5 characterised by a clamping pad located above the cable channels to force cable cords received therein into engagement with the cable cord.

7. The combination of claims 5 and 6 characterised by grooves in the clamping pad to accommodate the sharpened ends of the terminal members.

8. The combination of any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the socket housing comprises spaced cable passages whereby a cable can pass through the housing.

9. The combination of claim 8 further comprising a cable having four cords including conducting strands within insulating covers, an armoured cover surrounding the strands and an outside insulating sheath, characterised in that a portion of the cable has the armoured cover and the sheath removed, the cable passing through the housing and being accommodated in the cable passages and the said portion of the cable extending between the cable passages.

10. The combination of claim 9 characterised by electric connection means connecting the parts of the armoured cover on either side of the said portion of the cable.

11. The combination of claim 10 characterised in that a clip surrounds and is electric connection with each of the said parts of the armoured cover and in that an electrical connector joins the clips.

12. The combination of claim 10 characterised in that a pair of arcuate cradles are provided at the inside of each socket in electric connection with the armoured cover and in that a metal strap connects one cradle of one pair with a corresponding cradle of the other pair.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein a second metal strap connects the other cradle of the one pair with the corresponding cradle of the other pair.

14. The combination of claim 12 or 13 characterised in that each cradle has a pair of depending arms and the socket housing has a pair of recesses receiving the said arms.

15. The combination of any one of the preceding claims characterised by a clip device holding the mounting member to the socket housing.

16. An illuminating device for use with the combination as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the illuminating device comprising a mounting member adapted to carry a lighting member and having connector means engaging the terminal members and further incorporating a pair of cylindrical projections and terminals carried thereby, the projections engaging the cylindrical parts to enable the terminals engage the terminal members.

17. A socket housing for use with the combination as claimed in any one of preceding claims 1 to 15, the socket housing having a pair of terminals for engaging respectively the cords of electric cables and a pair of hollow cylindrical parts within which the terminal members are mounted.