LIGHTING FIXTURE

Abstract: A lighting fixture having an elongate body (1) which is preferably substantially round or rectangular in cross section and the ends of which are provided with coupling means for coupling the bodies of a plurality of lighting fixtures in series with one another, which lighting fixture is at least provided with a light source or light distributor (4). The body, on the outer side, has surfaces (8,9) which delimit a recess which extends in the longitudinal direction of the body and is substantially V-shaped in cross section, which surfaces preferably form an obtuse angle (2). One (8) of these surfaces is provided with an opening (11) for light beams from the light source or light distributor accommodated in the body to emerge from. The surface (9) of the V-shaped recess which is not provided with an opening is provided with a luminescent film/foil (5).

Description: Short title: Lighting fixture The invention relates to a lighting fixture which can be used as a safety feature in a tunnel, for example. More particularly, the invention relates to a lighting fixture having an elongate body which is preferably substantially round or rectangular in cross section and the ends of which are provided with coupling means for coupling the bodies of a plurality of lighting fixtures in series with one another, which lighting fixture is at least provided with a light source or light distributor. At the current time, most safety features which are present in a tunnel are composed of separate devices which are mounted separately from one another. For example, there are light boxes which are mounted at intervals of + 15 metres in a tunnel, in order to ensure that a driver of a vehicle can see into the tunnel. The same arrangement is known for pedestrian tunnels, so that a person on foot can see where he or she is walking. In addition, use is often made of a handrail, which is attached to the wall of a tunnel or building to give people something to hold on to. A combination of both measures, i.e. a handrail which is provided with illumination, is known, for example, from US Patent 5,099,402. However, this handrail is unsuitable for use in a road tunnel or railway tunnel, since the hand rest is provided with illumination which can only be switched on in the event of anatomical contact. It is an object of the invention to provide a handrail with an improved lighting fixture which is suitable for the abovementioned application. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a handrail having a lighting fixture in which more than one safety function with which a tunnel for transporting goods or people has to be equipped can be integrated. More particularly, the invention relates to a lighting fixture of the type described in the introduction which is characterized in that the body, on the outer side, has surfaces which delimit a recess which extends in the longitudinal direction of the body and is substantially V-shaped in cross section, which surfaces preferably form an obtuse angle, and in that one of the surfaces is provided with an opening for light beams from the light source or light distributor accommodated in the body to emerge from. The fact that the light source or light distributor is preferably situated behind and in the continuous opening in a surface of the V-shaped recess in the interior of the body of the fixture makes it possible, when the fitting is positioned correctly, to prevent people from being disturbed by stroboscopic effects. Furthermore, when used in a tunnel for trains, cars, etc., the line of light which is preferably radiated permanently provides an even more undisturbed picture for the driver compared to the conventional strip-lighting fixtures which are attached a few metres apart from one another. Preferably, the surface of the V-shaped recess which is not provided with an opening is provided with a photoluminescent coating, for example a film or foil- It should be noted that a handrail which is provided with photoluminescent parts is known per se from US Patent 5,396,740. However, this known handrail is not provided with any other function. Since the photoluminescent material in the fixture is situated on the surface of the V-shaped recess which is next to the surface in which the light source or light distributor is located, this material will be illuminated continuously. In the event of all the electricity failing, the photoluminescent film or foil acts as emergency illumination and can illuminate the same area as previously for a certain period of time, usually approximately 6 hours . According to an expedient embodiment, the surfaces of the V-shaped recess in the fixture according to the invention form an angle of approximately 120°; furthermore, this recess may be present in an eccentric position in the fixture. Preferably, the fixture according to the invention is also provided with a continuous cavity which is present in the body and extends in the longitudinal direction, which cavity is preferably suitable for carrying a medium, in particular a fire- extinguishing means. In an embodiment which is advantageous in practice, this cavity in the fixture is delimited, at the ends of the fixture, by shut-off members which can be coupled to an identical fixture. In addition to the illumination function, emergency illumination function and the function of offering support to anyone who is in an emergency situation or escaping from a tunnel, the fixture according to the invention may therefore also have the function of carrying a fire-extinguishing means . To prevent the light source or light distributor and the photoluminescent material from becoming dirty, it is preferable for the V-shaped recess to be closed off by means of a transparent, preferably removable film. According to an attractive embodiment, the light source or light distributor which is used in the fixture according to the invention comprises a side-glow cable. It should be noted that, for the purpose of the various functions in a tunnel, usually there is or may be a niche containing an abovementioned switch box every ± 60 metres. At these coupling points, there are preferably also light sources which radiate light into the side-glow cable. Furthermore, what is known as a colour wheel may be arranged between the light source and the starting point of the side-glow cable. As a result, it is possible to change the colour of the light emitted by the side-glow cable, with the result that it is also possible to emit specific signals, for example in the form of flashing lights. In addition, there may be a holder which is provided with a storage battery at this coupling location, which holder is provided with coupling means for releasably connecting the holder to the fire-extinguishing-means supply of a fixture according to the invention. Obviously, a feed point for a fire- extinguishing line and/or a tap feature with a hose reel may be present at such a coupling location, in a manner which is known per se. With the aid of the said holders or other known means, it is possible, for example, to extinguish the beginnings of a fire in a tunnel. The light source or light distributor may also be at least partially formed by a LED screen, allowing signals to be formed. The fixture according to the invention is preferably formed from a pultruded plastic, in particular using a polyester resin. This material has very good electrical insulation properties and cannot be statically charged by friction or by a magnetic field. This material is highly dimensionally stable and is also highly inflexible if the filler content (in particular of glass fibres) of the polyester is high. This also enables the present fixture to be used as a handrail. In addition, the material has good flame-retardant properties and low heat conduction, which is a requirement for use in a tunnel in connection with the possibility of disasters. In an advantageous embodiment, the body of the fixture is also provided with a recessed section which is present at a distance from the light source or light distributor and associated recess and extends over the length of the body, for accommodating supporting or attachment means, by means of which the fixture can be attached to a wall or other support. The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawing, in which Fig. 1 shows a cross section through a preferred embodiment of a lighting fixture according to the invention, and Fig. 2 diagrammatically depicts a practical application of the fixture shown in Fig . 1. The body of the fixture 1 illustrated in Figure 1 is preferably formed from pultruded polyester resin. This material is electrically insulating and prevents the fixture from becoming live or being charged with static electricity as a result of friction or a magnetic field. In the outer periphery of the fixture 1, there is a V-shaped recess, which is delimited by the surfaces 8, 9. In this example, these surfaces 8, 9 form an angle 2 of ± 120° with one another. One of the surfaces, surface 8, is provided with an opening 11, which extends over the length of the fixture, of a cavity 3 extending over the length of the body of the fixture 1. In the cavity 3 there is a light source or light distributor 4. This light source or light distributor 4 preferably comprises a side- glow cable . The surface 9 of the V-shaped recess is preferably coated with a luminescent film/foil 5, which in particular can radiate light for at least 4 to 6 hours after the illumination of the film/foil 5 has ended. The recess 10 with a T profile is used to accommodate attachment components allowing the fixture 1 to be attached to a wall or the like. The fixture 1 according to the invention, when attached to the wall, can also be used as a handrail. In this case, when the illumination system is present, the roadway or footpath above which the fixture 1 is arranged is indirectly illuminated, while the location of the fixture 1 or the handrail is immediately clear. Since the illumination preferably takes place over the entire length of the fixture 1, there will be no areas of the roadway or footpath which are less well lit, which provides a better view for the road user. The light source or light distributor 4 which is accommodated in the cavity 3 may be (completely or partially) designed as a LED system (not shown) . This makes it possible to display information or codes using the fixture 1, for example in the event of disasters. Space 3a is used to accommodate the lines for supplying power to the LED system. A transparent film 6 closes off the V-shaped recess, so that dust and dirt cannot reach the light source or light distributor 4 and the luminescent film/foil 5. The film 6 is preferably arranged in such a manner that it can be replaced quickly, for example at regular intervals . The fixture 1 is also provided, with a cavity 7 which extends along the length and through which, by way of example, a fire- extinguishing means, for example fire-extinguishing water, can be carried. The fixture 1 may then be provided at both ends with (not shown) shut-off members and coupling means, for example for connection to a sprinkler system or other fire-extinguishing means . In the arrangement which is diagrammatically depicted in Fig. 2, the attachment parts 12 are used to ensure that the fixture 1 can be firmly attached to the wall of, for example, a tunnel. Component 13 is a system box in which all the electronics and control equipment are accommodated. Therefore it is possible, for example, to change the colour and frequency of the light in the fixture (or the handrail) from a control room, with the result that information about a possible emergency situation can be displayed in the form of set codes . In addition, the intensity of the light in the fixture can be adjusted. The present invention therefore provides a feature which can be used in stairwells or corridors in buildings, but also in tunnels, such as railway tunnels, tunnels for the transport of goods or people, road tunnels and pedestrian or cyclist tunnels, and then offers one or more of the following safety functions: 1. Offering physical support and guidance to people in an emergency by means of a handrail profile which is connected up in modular form and in which a large number of functions are integrated. 2. An illumination function for showing the path of the tunnel, so that the person in the emergency situation can see where he or she is walking when he is on the way to the emergency exit . 3. A continuous illumination for showing the path of the handrail, so that the person in the emergency situation can find their way to the emergency exit. 4. An illumination function for providing an overview of the path of the tunnel to the driver of the means of transport in a manner which is less contrasting than with conventional lighting systems. 5. An emergency illumination system for still providing some illumination of the tunnel and making the handrail and the way to the exit visible in the event of a complete power failure. 6. A signalling function for transmitting information about any emergency situation in the tunnel from the control room to the operator, so that the latter can react in good time to such a situation. 7. A function of carrying fire-extinguishing means for providing a fire-extinguishing system in the tunnel with fire-extinguishing means, so that the beginnings of a fire can be automatically extinguished. 8. A maintenance system in the form of a film which can be replaced periodically covering those parts of the profile which are susceptible to becoming dirty. 9. Providing working light for normal maintenance or inspection work in the tunnel. 10. When using illumination with strip-lighting tubes, monitoring of the tunnel using cameras usually allows scarcely anything further than two strip-lighting boxes to be seen. The diffuse light which is formed using the device according to the invention provides more depth perception, so that a tunnel can be monitored more successfully.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Lighting fixture having an elongate body (1) which is preferably substantially round or rectangular in cross section and the ends of which are provided with coupling means for coupling the bodies of a plurality of lighting fixtures in series with one another, which lighting fixture is at least provided with a light source or light distributor, characterized in that the body (1), on the outer side, has surfaces (8, 9) which delimit a recess which extends in the longitudinal direction of the body (1) and is substantially V-shaped in cross section, which surfaces (8, 9) preferably form an obtuse angle, and in that one of the surfaces (8) is provided with an opening (11) for light beams from the light source or light distributor accommodated in the body to emerge from. 2. Lighting element according to claim 1 , characterized in that the surface (9) of the V-shaped recess which is not provided with an opening is provided with a luminescent film/foil (5) . 3. Lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surfaces (8, 9) of the V-shaped recess form an angle of approximately 120°. 4. Lighting fixture according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the V-shaped recess is present in an eccentric position in the fixture. 5. Lighting fixture according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixture is also provided with a continuous cavity (7) which is present in the body and extends in the longitudinal direction, which cavity (7) is preferably suitable for carrying a medium, in particular a fire-extinguishing means . 6. Lighting fixture according to claim 5, in which the cavity (7) in the fixture is delimited, at the ends of the fixture, by shut-off members which can be coupled to a similar fixture. 7. Lighting fixture according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the V-shaped recess is closed off by means of a transparent, preferably removable film (6). 8. Lighting fixture according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source or light distributor comprises a side-glow cable. 9. Lighting fixture according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixture is formed from a plastic, preferably a pultruded polyester. 10. Lighting fixture according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source or light distributor (4) is at least partially replaced by a LED array. 11. Safety feature, for example for installation in a tunnel or along a staircase, comprising a series of lighting fixtures which are coupled to one another and each have an elongate body (1) which is preferably substantially round or rectangular in cross section and the ends of which are provided with coupling means for the bodies of a plurality of lighting fixtures to be coupled to one another in series, which lighting fixture is at least provided with a light source or light distributor and a recessed section which is present at least at a distance from the light source or light distributor for accommodating supporting or attachment means, the body (1) having, on the outer side, surfaces (8, 9) which delimit a recess which extends in the longitudinal direction of the body (1) and is substantially V-shaped in cross section, which surfaces (8, 9) preferably form an obtuse angle, and one of the surfaces (8) being provided with an opening (11) for light beams from the light source or light distributor accommodated in the body to emerge from. 12. Safety feature according to claim 11, characterized in that the surface (9) of the V-shaped recess which is not provided with an opening is provided with a luminescent film/foil (5) . 13. Safety feature according to one or more of the preceding claims 11-12, characterized in that the fixture is also provided with a continuous cavity (7) which is present in the body and extends in the longitudinal direction, which cavity (7) is preferably suitable for carrying a medium, in particular a fire-extinguishing means . 14. Safety feature according to claim 13, in which a fire- extinguishing-means supply is connected to the cavity of the series of lighting fixtures. 15. Tunnel provided with a lighting fixture or safety feature according to one or more of the preceding claims. 16. Holder provided with a storage battery, which holder is provided with coupling means for releasably connecting the holder to the fire-extinguishing-means supply of a fixture according to one or more of claims 1 to 10.

Inventors: PAS IRENUS JOHANNES THEODORUS, STURKOP RUDOLF, TIMMER GERRIT JAN, PAS, IRENUS, JOHANNES, THEODORUS, MARIA, STURKOP, RUDOLF, TIMMER, GERRIT, JAN
Applicants: NILS LIGHT B V, NS RAILINFRABEHEER B V, PAS IRENUS JOHANNES THEODORUS, STURKOP RUDOLF, TIMMER GERRIT JAN, NILS LIGHT B.V., NS RAILINFRABEHEER B.V., PAS, IRENUS, JOHANNES, THEODORUS, MARIA, STURKOP, RUDOLF, TIMMER, GERRIT, JAN
Application year: 2001
Main classification: F21S4
IPC codes: F21S2, F21S4, F21S8, F21V9, F21V15, F21V33, F21W111, F21W131, F21Y101