A lighting and wiring system for buildings with associated channels and electrical apparatus

Abstract: A lighting and wiring system for buildings comprising a continuous metal channel (1) forming a continuous restraining track (62) and multiple spaces (26,27...30;31,32...35) for housing electrical wiring and electrical units or light boxes (49), fixed mechanically to any part of the restraining track by means of bayonet connectors (60,61), and connected electrically to wiring by insulation-perforating terminals (55).

Description: The present invention concerns a lighting and wiring system for buildings and associated channels and electrical equipment of which such a system is composed. It is known that in modern buildings, suitable mainly for offices or tertiary environments (shops, supermarkets, laboratories etc), there is a tendency to use lighting systems with distributed light sources whose arrangement must be altered frequently. In addition, there is the tendency to use such systems for laying cables which carry not only electric current but also analogue and/or digital signals such as telephone signals, alarm, data, radio broadcasts etc. Various solutions have been proposed which partially satisfy these requirements. Lighting systems are known in which a support track of limited length, fixed directly to the ceiling, houses two or three conductive bars or strips, and allows the bayonet insertion into any point on the track of one or more light fittings which are connected electrically to the conductive bars or strips. These systems allow lighting elements to be easily added or removed, but do not allow the various elements to be controlled independently of one another, or other functions to be combined with the lighting function. They are also relatively expensive and do not allow installation of fluorescent lights of the straight tube type. Lighting systems are also known which comprise a plurality of elongate lighting bodies, specifically fluorescent tubes, which can be positioned end to end possibly with interspersed duct portions for conveying and containing the supply lines. The cable conveying function of the duct is taken over by the lighting bodies. These systems are rigid and do not easily allow subsequent modification of the installation. In addition, they cannot be used for functions other than lighting. A multifunctional lighting system has also been proposed in which a continuous support duct, which can be fixed directly to the ceiling or suspended by cables, forms a plurality of continuous volumes, one of which is intended to house a plurality of reflectors and light sockets, another of which is intended to house auxiliary equipment such as power supplies, reactors, starters, emergency supplies and, finally, a pair of volumes intended to house electrical cables having various functions. The installation of the various components is particularly laborious as it requires multiple operations which are performed with the help of tools and in precarious conditions on ladders or scaffolding: the equipment must first of all be fixed in predetermined positions by screws, after possibly piercing the support channel, the electrical interconnections are then completed by stripping the ends and fixing them in terminals. Document DE-U-8620254 discloses a profiled element having a central channel capable of forming a housing for lighting appliances and lateral channels closed by detachable covers so as to receive cables and conductors. Document US-A-3391377 shows an electrical distribution system with bayonets only for the insulation-perforating connectors. Document GB-A-2171786 discloses a fluorescent tube light fitting with a bayonet-like connection and a double channel for mounting the connectors and locating the cables, respectively. All of these limitations are overcome by a lighting and wiring system for buildings which includes a continuous metal channel forming a continuous housing track and multiple spaces for housing electrical cables and functionally complete electrical units or light boxes, which are fixed mechanically at any position along the housing track by pairs of bayonet couplings, and connected electrically to previously positioned supply lines by means of insulation-perforating terminals with which they are provided. Great flexibility of installation is therefore achieved, without needing to modify the basic structure and, at the same time, installing the electrical apparatus is simple and safe even in precarious conditions. In addition, the arrangement of the multiple housing spaces, separated by metal partitions, eliminates any possible electromagnetic interference between cables housed in different spaces. To this end, according to a further aspect of the present invention, a pair of spaces formed by the metal channel is further divided into eaves compartments to support the cables which, as well as forming a further electromagnetic screen, enable an ordered arrangement of the cables and easy access to them through covers which close the individual spaces. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the bayonet couplings for fixing electrical units to the housing track of the channel are formed from pairs of knobs having connector teeth, which are captive on the electrical unit and free to turn through an angle of 90° with respect to the electrical unit, between an introduction position and a stable coupled position which may be irreversible. Advantageously, the knobs are also provided with a locking screw which locks them in the desired position once installed and, therefore, in a position of maximum safety. The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a section of a duct or channel for the lighting and wiring system forming the subject of the present invention and parts of associated closure panels; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the channel of Figure 1 and of an electrical device to be installed in the channel of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a bayonet coupling device for electrical apparatus for the lighting and wiring system of the present invention. With reference to Figure 1, the lighting and wiring system forming the subject of the present invention comprises in the first place a continuous support channel 1 obtained by extrusion of aluminium or one of its alloys, shaped essentially with a generally H-shape section. In the H-shape section there can be identified two vertical arms 2, 3, two diverging legs 4, 5 and a horizontal central body 6 extending between the arms and legs. The upper ends of each of the arms 2, 3 divides into two ribs 7, 8, 9, 10 which terminate in a rounded edge. At least one symmetrical pair of ribs 7, 9 is shaped to form two parallel channels 11, 12 in which are snap-engaged the teeth 13, 14 of a plurality of fixing brackets such as 15, which are in their turn fixed in a known way to a ceiling or wall, for mounting the channel overhead. Alternatively, hooks associated with suspension cables can be used. The horizontal central body 6 is provided on its upper face with a pair of parallel tracks 16, 17 forming a T-shape cavity into which suitable suspension channel supports or even electrical equipment can be fitted by means of a bayonet coupling, for example lighting equipment which diffuses light towards the ceiling. On the outer face of each of the arms 2, 3 and legs 4, 5, in proximity with the central body 6, two pairs of continuous ribs 18, 19 and 20, 21 respectively are formed, which terminate in a rounded edge. The lower end of each of the legs 4 and 5 divides into an inwardly turned lip 22, 23 and an outwardly turned rib 24, 25 having rounded edges. On the outer face of each of the legs 4 and 5 there is provided a plurality of outwardly facing fins 26, 27 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 shaped to form a plurality of seatings or channels to support and contain electrical cables. The walls formed by the arms 2, 3, the legs 4, 5 and the central body 6 are pierced by elongate holes such as 36, 37, 38, 39 which are repeated periodically along the length of the channel. The walls 2 and 3 together with the central body 6 form a continuous upper space for housing electrical cables or also electrical equipment which, in the case of installations suspended from the channel 1, is closed by a slightly convex elongate panel 40, provided at its two opposite edges with two continuous teeth 41, 42 which snap-engage with the rounded edges of the ribs 7 and 9. The panel 40 can be replaced by a transparent diffusor screen where the upper space houses lighting equipment. Similarly, two side panels 43, 44, also provided with connector teeth at their two opposite ends which snap-engage with the rounded edge of the ribs 8, 18 and 10, 20 respectively, close two outer side spaces formed between the walls 2, 3 and the ribs 8, 18 and 10, 20 respectively. In the same way, two side panels 45, 46 which are provided on two opposite edges with connector teeth which snap-engage with the rounded edge of the ribs 24, 19 and 21, 25 respectively, close two outer side spaces formed between the wings 4, 5 and the ribs 24, 19 and 21, 25 respectively. These spaces are in their turn subdivided into sub-spaces by the fins 26 to 30 and 31 to 35 respectively. The closure panels 40, 43, 44, 45 and 46 can be made from painted sheet metal or from plastics material. A plurality of spaces is therefore formed, five in number, which are easily accessible by removing the closure panels, and in which electrical cables with various functions can be laid and positioned separately, such as cables carrying electric current, telephone cables, data-transmission cables and cables to interconnect digital electrical apparatus, wire broadcasting cables, alarm warning cables and cables which transmit signal for fire alarm, intrusion detectors etc. The cables themselves in the various spaces and subspaces are mutually screened against possible contact with one another by the conductive channel structure, and can be arranged in an ordered way and be easily identifiable by virtue of their location in several spaces and subspaces. In addition to spaces which can be used to carry cables, the channel 1 forms a continuous space for housing electrical equipment in addition to the "multifunctional" space formed between the walls 2, 3 and the central body 6. This space is formed between the sides or wings 4, 5 of the channel and the central body 6 and can be closed by opaque, transparent or translucent screens (not shown) which can also be joined together according to requirements and retained between the lips 22 and 23. In order to offer a continuous anchorage for the electrical apparatus, the central body 6 is provided on its lower face with two parallel tracks 47, 48 forming a T-shape cavity in which appropriate teeth can be bayonet-coupled in any position in the cavity to anchor the electrical apparatus. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of part of a channel 1 and an electrical device 49 for installation in the channel 1. The electrical device 49 is made as a single unit from a cylindrical reflector 50 with a parabolic curve in transverse section. Insertion sockets for suitable light sources, for example one or more fluorescent lamps 52 are fixed on the axial ends of the reflector within the parabola, one of which 51 is illustrated. The necessary unit 53 comprising reactor, rephasing capacitance, starter and possible protective fuse for supplying the light source is fixed on the reflector 50 outside the parabola, possibly with an intermediary support frame. The wiring and supply unit depends on the light source used, and can comprise an electronic supply unit and also, in the case of emergency lights, rechargeable batteries. The cabling unit 53 is provided for its supply with a portion of flexible multipolar insulated cable 54 terminating in an insulation-perforating terminal 55. On the axial ends of the reflector 50 (or alternatively on the ends of the support frame, if provided) there are formed two fixing brackets 56, 57 in which there are mounted two knobs 58, 59 which are free to rotate about an angle of 90°, each terminating axially in a pair of diametrically opposed teeth 60, 61 respectively. Each pair of teeth has a width equal to or slightly less than the useful access width to the cavity 62 formed between the tracks 47, 48 of the channel 1. The cumulative dimension of the pair of teeth in a direction perpendicular to the width is greater than the useful access width of the cavity and is preferably, but not necessarily, equal to the internal width of the cavity. By turning the knobs 58, 59 in such a way that the pair of teeth 60, 61 are orientated in the same axial direction as the parabolic reflector 50, and therefore in the same direction as the cavity 62, it is possible to introduce the teeth 60, 61 into the cavity and, by turning the knobs through 90°, the pair of teeth engage with the tracks 47, 48 thereby suspending the electrical device 49 from the channel 1. The operation can be performed easily without needing particular tools, which would necessitate the contemporaneous intervention of a second operator. Once attached, the electrical device 49 can be moved easily along the channel 1 to any desired position. Once positioned, the device is then connected to the supply cables by closing the insulation-perforating terminal 55 on the cables already positioned in the channel 1. The operation can be performed either by passing the terminal 55 from the space reserved for electrical apparatus to one of the spaces and sub-spaces reserved for the wiring through the communication apertures between spaces arranged for this purpose, or by passing a loop of cable from the associated housing to the space for the electrical device through one of the apertures. This done, the various closure panels, including a possible translucent diffusor panel 90 to protect the reflector 50 and the light supply which may be removed for installing the electrical device 49, are snap-engaged to the wings of the channel 1. The installation of the apparatus (not necessarily lighting, but also loudspeakers, alarm systems, smoke and fire detectors and the like) is therefore simple and ergonomic. Installation is extremely flexible, because each device can be installed in any desired position along the channel or removed easily to be replaced or reinstalled in a different position. A particular requirement which must be satisfied by the coupling devices is the security of attachment of the electrical devices, which must be reconciled with the constructional simplicity and economical nature of the devices. The devices must be made from captive elements, which cannot accidentally be separated from the electrical apparatus and which must avoid becoming detached from the channel, and falling from a suspended position, due to vibrations and knocks. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view, partially in section and in greater detail, of one of the fixing devices of the electrical apparatus 49 of Figure 2. The elements of Figure 3 already shown in Figure 2 are identified with the same reference numerals. The device essentially comprises the bracket 57 already shown and the knob 59. The knob 59 extends upwards to a cylindrical head 63 connected to the knob by a cylindrical neck 64 of smaller diameter. Above the head 63 is a pair of diametrically opposite teeth 65, 66 with a spacer cylinder 67 interposed between the head and the teeth. The width "1" of the teeth 65, 66 is equal to the diameter of the spacer cylinder 67 and equal to or slightly less than the width of the access opening of the cavity 62 (Figure 2) formed by the two tracks 47, 48. The axial length of the spacer cylinder 67 is advantageously equal to or slightly greater than the depth of the two tracks 47, 48. The cumulative dimension H of the two teeth 65, 66 in a direction perpendicular to the width is greater than "l" and advantageously equal to or slightly smaller than the width of the cavity 62. The ends of the teeth conveniently meet with one of the sides, with rounded corners which are diametrically opposed with respect to the axis of the knob. An axial housing 68 is formed in the knob 59, which extends through the neck 64, the head 63, the spacer cylinder 67 and the pair of teeth 65, 66 in a threaded seat 69 for a locking screw 70, whose head is contained in the housing 68. An anular rebate 80 is formed in the annular face of the knob 59 which joins with the neck 64, extending over an arc of 90° with an internal diameter less than the diameter of the knob. A circular aperture 71 is formed in the bracket 57 with a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the head 63 of the knob. The circular aperture 71 extends into a slot 72 having a width equal to or slightly more than the diameter of the neck 64. The slot 72 has parallel sides which join at the ends of the slot to form a semicircle 172 with a diameter equal to the diameter of the neck 64. One side of the slot 72 is advantageously cut in such a way as to form a relatively resilient projecting tongue 73 terminating in an upwardly bent restraining tooth 74. The opposite side of the slot 72 is also cut to form a second relatively resilient projecting tongue 75, terminating in a downwardly bent retainer tooth 76. The distance of the end of the tooth 74 from the axis of the semicircle 172 is equal to the radius of the head 63 and the distance of the end of the tooth 76 from the axis of the semicircle 172 is equal to the internal diameter of the anular rebate 80. The pair of teeth 65, 66 and the head 63 of the knob are introduced into the opening 71 in the bracket 57 by axially sliding the knob along its axis. By a translation in the plane of the bracket 57 the neck 64 is engaged into the slot 72 and guided to the end of the slot, causing resilient yielding of the tongue 73 which positions itself in the plane of the bracket 57. Once the neck is positioned at the end of the slot 72, the tongue 73 reassumes its rest position and the neck 64 is held against movement by the interference of the tooth 74 with the head 63. The axial displacement of the knob relative to the bracket 57 is impeded by the interference of the bracket 57, on one side with the knob itself, and on the other side with the head 63. The knob is therefore held in place on the bracket 57, free to rotate. In its turn the rotation of the knob with respect to the bracket is limited to a 90° arc by the interference of the tooth 76, lodged in the groove 80, with the ends of the groove. Advantageously, the knob 59 can have two stable, angular end positions with respect to the bracket by providing two projecting teeth 81, 82 in the groove 80, having inclined sides and positioned at a convenient distance from the end of the groove. The two teeth 81, 82 constitute an obstacle to the relative rotation between tooth 76 and knob which is overcome only upon the resilient yielding of the flap 75. In one angular end position of the knob the teeth 65, 66 are positioned, with respect to the bracket 57 and therefore with respect to the electrical apparatus, in such a way as to allow the teeth to be inserted easily into the groove formed by the tracks 47, 48 of the support channel. In the other angular end position of the knob, the teeth are disposed with respect to the bracket 57 in such a way as to ensure the stable coupling of the teeth with the tracks 47, 48. The coupling is advantageously loose, so as not to impede adjustments in the position of the electrical apparatus along the channel, adjustments which can be effected in complete safety. To retain the electrical apparatus in position along the channel in the required position, the screw 70 of the fixing device is screwed into the seat 69 until it presses against the central body of the channel, thereby constraining the teeth 65, 66 to press firmly against the tracks 47, 48. It is clear that the preceding description concerns only one preferred embodiment and that many variants may be introduced. For example, the tongue 75 and the tooth 76 may be replaced as shown in Figure 3 by a tongue 90 and a tooth 91 obtained by folding a projection which extends from an edge of the bracket 57 and acts on the periphery of the knob, provided with an appropriate annular groove extending over a predetermined arc. It is also evident that the channel described, in addition to being installable overhead or suspended from a ceiling with the wings 4 and 5 orientated downwards, may also be installed by suspension with the wings 4 and 5 orientated upwards, or installed on a wall or vertical column. In the case of suspended installation or a vertical column, electrical lighting apparatus (or other types of apparatus) can be arranged in either of the spaces formed respectively between the walls 2, 3 and the central body 6, or between the wings 4, 5 and the central body 6.

Claims: A lighting and wiring system for a building comprising a continuous metal channel (1) forming a first restraining track (47,48) and multiple spaces for housing electrical wiring and electrical apparatus and at least one electrical device (49) fixed mechanically to the said restraining track (47,48) by means of a pair of bayonet connectors (58-61) on the said electrical device (49), and electrically connected to the said wiring by means of insulation-perforating connectors (55). A lighting system as in Claim 1 including a second restraining track (16,17) formed by the said metal channel (1), on the opposite side to the said first track (47,48) with respect to a central body (6) of the said channel (1). A channel (1) for a lighting and wiring system as in Claim 2, forming first (47,48) and second (16, 17) restraining tracks opposite one another relative to a central body (6) of the said channel (1), consisting of an H-shape metal extrusion with the said central body (6), two arms (2,3) and two legs (4,5) extending transversely of the said central body (6) at the sides of the said central body (6), the said arms (2,3) forming a first housing space together with the said central body (6), the said legs (4,5) forming a second housing space together with the said central body (6), the said arms (2,3) and legs (4,5) each being provided with a plurality of outwardly projecting fins (18-21, 26-35) forming a plurality of spaces for containing electrical cables. A channel (1) as in Claim 3 including two separate pairs of removable side panels (43-46) for closing the said containment spaces for electrical cables. Electrical apparatus (49) for installing in the lighting and wiring system of Claims 1 and 2, in which the said pair of bayonet connectors (58-61) comprise a pair of knobs (58,59) captive on the said apparatus (49), free to rotate about an angle of 90°, each axially terminating in a pair of teeth (60,61) for bayonet coupling to a restraining track (47,48) of the said channel (1). Electrical apparatus (49) as in Claim 5 including means (81,82) for ensuring that each knob of the said pair (58,59) has a stable, first angular position and a stable second angular position at 90° relative to the said first position. Electrical apparatus (49) as in Claim 5 or 6 in which at least one knob of the said pair (58,59) is provided with an axial screw (70) which passes through the said knob (58,59) and the associated pair of coupling teeth (65,66) to lock the said pair of coupling teeth (61,62) in a predetermined position on the said track (47,48).

Inventors: FABRIZI FABRIZIO, FABRIZI, FABRIZIO
Applicants: BTICINO SPA, BTICINO S.P.A.
Application year: 1996
Main classification: F21V21
IPC codes: F21V23, F21V21, F21S2