Patent Publication Number: US-6702454-B2

Title: Recessed luminaire having a holder ring for additional components

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a Continuation of International Application PCT/EP01/01903 filed Feb. 20, 2001 which in turn claims priority of German application DE 100 13 087.9, filed Mar. 17, 2000, the priorities of which are hereby claimed, said International Application having been published in German, but not in English, as WO 01/69129 A1 on Sep. 20, 2001. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a recessed luminaire and more particularly, the invention concerns novel means to improve the use of such luminiare. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A recessed luminaire of this kind is described in DE 43 44 431 A1. This known recessed luminaire has a base frame, consisting of a mounting ring, which in axial cross-section is formed in an angled manner having a coaxial tube support and a flange part projecting outwardly therefrom, there extending from the edge of the tube support away from the emission direction, in an arc-shape, to a common ridge zone, three struts to which the reflector is releasably attached. 
     For the selective mounting of a holder ring for additional components there are provided on the side of the mounting ring away from the light source connection means in the form of a connection ring for the holder ring. The connection ring has on its side towards the mounting ring axially projecting snap hooks which are latched behind associated latch edges on the inner side of the tube support, whereby the snap hooks are located in an intermediate space between the tube support and the side wall of the reflector. The ring body of the connection ring has a U-shaped cross-sectional form. In the hollow space of the connection ring formed by means of the U-shape there are pivotally arranged, distributed around the circumference, three tensioning levers, in the region of axial cut-outs, with which holder arms arranged on the axes of the tensioning levers are radially pivotably mounted. With the holder arms, the holder ring can be mounted on the side of the connection ring which is away from the mounting ring. The holder ring serves for the holding of additional components, such as a glass plate or the like which is located before the emission opening of the luminaire. 
     This known recessed luminaire has several disadvantages. On the one hand, the connection ring and the holder ring increase the axial dimension of the recessed luminaire in the region arranged in front of the mounting ring. This is unavoidable due to the presence of the connection ring, which has a considerable axial dimension, in order to be able to receive the tensioning levers. On the other hand, the known configuration is disadvantageous because the connection ring is clearly visible for the observer, as a result of which the structure not only appears to be large, but also its appearance is adversely affected. A further disadvantage consists in that the known configuration is of complex configuration and production, not only with regard to the arrangement and mounting of the tensioning levers. Furthermore, the mounting or de-mounting is complex, whereby it is to be taken into account that the tensioning levers are not easy to access. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to so configure a recessed luminaire of the kind indicated in the introduction that a simple and axially small construction can be obtained. 
     According to the invention, there is provided a novel recessed luminarie which comprises a dome-shaped reflector having a light source, a mounting ring which engages around the reflector near its edge, a holder ring attached to the mounting ring, and connection means for fastening the holder ring to the mounting ring. The connection means includes at least two separate plug-in elements having radially inwardly directed plug-in pins and radially developing plug-in recesses on the mounting ring into which the plug-in elements can be plugged in with their plug-in pins in a direction radially inwardly from outside. 
     With the configuration in accordance with the invention, the connection means between the mounting ring and the holder ring are formed by means of at least two plug-in elements having plug-in pins and radially developing plug-in recesses on the mounting ring for plugging in of the plug-in pins. Due to the radial direction of the connection means there can be realized a structure which is thin in the axial direction, which is advantageous and desired in order to avoid a large visible projection of the recessed luminaire from the installation wall. A radial plug-in movement, in particular a radially inwardly directed plug-in movement, is unproblematic since at least two plug-in elements are present which can be mounted independently of one another and can for example be formed as segments. A further advantage of the configuration in accordance with the invention consists in that the plug-in elements in accordance with the invention can be simply formed, so that the recessed luminaire can also be produced economically. For connection of the plug-in elements with the holder ring there can be employed mutually corresponding known connection means. 
     It is advantageous to form the connection means between the plug-in elements and the holder ring by means of so-called bayonet connections, whereby two or more, for example three, bayonet connection means may be provided arranged distributed on the circumference. Such a configuration is advantageous both for reasons of handling upon closing and opening of the connection and also for design technical reasons. It is further advantageous to form the holder ring as a sleeve-shaped component, which in the mounted disposition covers over both the plug-in elements and also a flange part of the mounting frame and, if applicable, also an edge flange of the reflector. Thereby it is to be taken into account that in the mounted condition there can remain between the holder ring and the installation wall a gap, as a so-called shadow edge, which does not adversely influence the appearance of the recessed luminaire. 
     Further features are described and claimed herein which likewise contribute to improving the construction in terms of design technical considerations and also handling, and to ensure a simple and economic production. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Below, the invention and further advantages which can be achieved thereby will be explained in more detail with reference to advantageous configuration and simplify drawings. 
     FIG. 1 is a partial section view, taken in elevation, of a recessed luminaire in accordance with the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view showing an enlarged alternative configuration of the portion designated as X in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view showing on an enlarged scale a portion designated by Y in FIG. 1, with additionally mounted accessory parts; 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting ring with accessory parts in the luminaire of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a partial view taken along line section V—V of FIG. 4; and 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adaptor formed as an extension piece, for use in the luminaire of FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the recessed luminaire, designated in its entirety by  1 , can be installed in an installation opening  2  of an installation wall  3  which may be a ceiling or a wall of a room  4  to be illuminated with the recessed luminaire  1 . For fastening the recessed luminaire  1  to the installation wall  3  there are provided first holder means  5  which will be described further below. 
     The main parts of the recessed luminaire  1  are a dome-shaped reflector  6 , a light source carrier  7  for receiving at least one light source  8  and a mounting ring  9 , which with a tube support  9   a  and a flange part  9   b  outwardly projecting from this tube support, is formed with an angle shape and with the aid of the first holder means  5  can be fixed in the installation opening, for example on the installation opening edge. For this purpose there may serve a plurality of holder arms  11  arranged distributed around the circumference and formed for example by means of leaf springs, of which only one is schematically illustrated in FIG.  1 . The holder arms  11  are, with a base section  11   a,  each displaceably mounted on a carrier bar  13  extending approximately parallel to the middle axis  12  of the recessed luminaire  1 , whereby in each case the base section  11   a  is self-actingly arrested on the carrier bar  13 , in particular by means of a clamping effect, when a holder finger  11   b,  outwardly projecting and engaging below the installation opening edge, bears with a pressure force on the side of the installation wall  3  away from the room  4 . By these means, the mounting ring  9  is fixed in the installation opening  2 , whereby its tube support  9   a  projects into the installation opening  2  and its flange part  9   b  bears on the installation wall  3 . Axially, the tube section  9   a  is relatively short. It does not need to project far into the free space  14  behind the installation wall  3 . It is sufficient when the axial length of the tube support  9   a  corresponds approximately to the thickness of the installation wall  3 , whereby the axial length may be dimensioned to be somewhat greater or also somewhat smaller. The width of the flange part  9   b  is so dimensioned that the flange part  9   b  engages below the installation opening edge and therewith covers over the installation gap between the tube support  9   a  and the installation opening edge. 
     Preferably, the reflector  6  has the form of a dome closed in the ridge region, the inner surface  15  of which is constituted as a reflection surface and which may be formed for example at least in the free edge region with facet surfaces  16 , of which a part region is illustrated by hatching by way of example in lozenge-like shape. In the upper region of its side wall  17 , the reflector  6  has a lead-through hole  18  in the region of which the light source carrier  7  is held, for example in a position outwardly opposite the lead-through hole  18 , as FIG. 1 shows. With the present exemplary embodiment, the light source carrier  7  is a fitting carrier having one or more non-illustrated fittings which, with one or more lamps, are accessible from the inner space  19  of the reflector  6 , so that at least one lamp is mountable from the inside onto the fitting carrier in a position in which its light source  8  is located in the inner space  19 . The reflector  6  is releaseably connected or connectable with the mounting ring  9  by means of a plug-in fitting designated in its entirety by  21 . The plug-in fitting  21  makes it possible to insert the reflector into the mounting ring  9  in the direction opposite to the light emission direction  22 , and thereby to connect it with the mounting ring  9 . There may be provided a plurality, for example three, latching devices  23  distributed around the circumference for the releaseable latching of the reflector  6  with the mounting ring  9 . The latching devices  23  have in each case a latch nose  23   a  which in the latched position engages behind a latch edge  23   b . This engagement behind is, due to the elasticity present of at least one of the parts standing in latching engagement, releaseable in that the latching can be overcome manually or by means of a tool, here by means of a movement of the reflector  6  in the light emission direction  22 . With the present configuration, the latch nose  23   a  is arranged on the outer side of the side wall  17 , preferably being formed thereon in one piece. The axial spacing of the latching elements from the free edge of the reflector  6  or of the mounting ring  9  is selected to be of such a size that in the latching position an edge flange  24  projecting outwardly from the side wall  17  bears on the flange part  9   b  and preferably covers this over or projects over this, whereby it may also engage behind the flange part  9   b  in an angled manner, as FIGS. 1 and 3 show. 
     The latching edge  23   b  may be formed by means of an inner web  25  on the inner surface of the mounting ring  9 . 
     FIG. 2 shows the latching nose  23   a  in a modified configuration. Here, the latching nose  23   a  is yieldingly mounted, so that it can spring in against an elastic return force. Here, the latching nose  23   a  may be arranged on a spring arm  23   c , which may extend along or obliquely of the middle axis  12  and which may preferably be formed in one piece on the mounting ring  9  or on its side wall  17 . With the present exemplary embodiment the spring arm  23   c  is formed on in the corner region of the mounting ring  9  whereby it extends, if applicable obliquely, in the direction opposite to light emission direction  22 . The spring arm  23   c  can, due to its material elasticity, be transversely elastically bent in. In order to simplify or make possible the latching, with the present exemplary embodiments, the latching nose  23   a  and/or the latching edge  23   b  or the inner web  25 , has associated therewith an oblique or rounded lead-in surface  26 , which manifests an acute angle W with reference to the middle axis  12 , which angle is open in the direction opposite to the emission direction  22 . 
     The light source carrier  7  is connected exclusively with the mounting ring  9 , by means of a special connection means, here connected exclusively with the tube support  9   a  of the mounting ring. The connection means are formed by means of a plug-in connection having a plug-in fitting  27   a  on the one plug-in connection part and a plug-in pin  27   b , which can be inserted in the plug-in fitting  27   a , on the other connection part. The plug-in direction  28  of the plug-in connection  27  extends approximately parallel to the middle axis  12  and in the emission direction  22 . The cross-sectional form of the plug-in fitting  27   a  and of the plug-in pin  27   b  is preferably non-round. By these means there is formed a rotation lock which positions the light source carrier  7  in its transverse disposition. The plug-in connection  27  distinguishes itself through a great stability, with simple and small construction, whereby it can in particular be constituted to be relatively thin, and thus mounted on the tube support  9   a , in particular formed in one piece thereon, which should be formed as thin as possible in order to have a greater cross-sectional surface available for the reflector. This can be realized in that the plug-in pin has the cross-sectional form of a broad and relatively thin web. This applies also for the attachment of the carrier bars  13  which preferably are likewise connected with the tube support  9   a  by means of plug-in fittings  31 . Preferably there are provided, prefabricated, in the tube support  9   a  in each case an undercut groove or plug-in recesses  32  forming a plug-in fitting  31  into which the carrier bars  13  are placed and attached, for example by means of gluing or press fitting. There can be seen from FIG. 4 the elongate, in the circumferential direction, cross-sectional form of the for example three plug-in recesses  32  for the carrier bars  13 . The plug-in recesses  32  may, for the purpose of material savings and small width, be undercut on one side and thus open to the side; here they are inwardly open. 
     With the present exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 5, the plug-in connection has, between two matching plug-in connection parts, a plug-in adaptor  29  which on its one end has a plug-in recess or plug-in fitting  27   a  matching the plug-in connection  27  present, and at its other end has a matching plug-in pin  27   b , and which forms an extension piece. Through this it is possible to realize the plug-in connection  27  selectively with or without a plug-in adapter  29 . Without plug-in adaptor  29 , the plug-in connection  27  is suitable for a reflector  6  of lesser structural height, which otherwise is formed in the region of its free edge as described above. Through this it is possible to combine one and the same mounting ring with reflectors  6  of differently sized structural height and thus to adapt the luminaire to different illumination requirements. In the configuration according to FIG. 1 there are thus present in fact two plug-in connections  21  in coaxial arrangement. It is advantageous to associate with the plug-in connection or connections  21  in each case a positioning device  33  which is effective in the plugged together position, which brings about a fixing of the plug-in connection parts in the plugged together condition. This is advantageous for providing the plug-in connection  27  with a certain stability in the plugged together condition. Further, by means of a such a positioning device  33  it is prevented that the plug-in connection parts can be released from one another unintentionally, for example upon the mounting of a lamp. The positioning device  33  can be formed for example by means of a latching device or a clamping device. The positioning device  33  is preferably releaseable by being overcome manually with a certain application of force. A clamping device can for example be realized in that the plug-in pin  27   b  is formed to be conically convergent towards its free end and the plug-in fitting  27   a  has a matching and corresponding form. Such a conical configuration also facilitates the plugging together, because in the entry region of the plug-in fitting a considerable play for movement is available. Further, the conical form can provide the positioning device  33  in that in the inserted condition the cone connection jams. The plug-in recess  27   a  can be slotted on a broad side by means of a longitudinal slot  27   d  in which a web  27   e  on the plug-in pin  27   b  can engage. The plug-in adaptor  29  may have a thickened shaft  29  through which there are provided on its plug-in recess  27   a  and its plug-in pin  27   b  end or step surfaces  29   b ,  29   c  which, with corresponding step surfaces  27   f ,  27   g  at the foot of the corresponding plug-in pin  27   b  and on the edge of the corresponding plug-in recess  27   a , form stops. 
     Within the scope of the present invention both plug-in connection parts of the plug-in connection  27  may each project, from the parts carrying them, towards one another with a rod-like base section  27   c . The plug-in connection parts standing up from the light source carrier  7  may be formed on, preferably in one piece, a floor wall  7   a  of a housing forming the light source carrier  7 , which furthermore may have side walls  7   b  lying opposite to one another and at its side away from the reflector  6  an end wall  7   c  which if appropriate may be formed with cable lead-through holes. 
     The light source carrier  7  may, on its end side away from the reflector  6 , be connected with a cable connector housing  35 . With the present configuration, the connector housing  35  is a separate component which is pivotable between a transversely upstanding position, referred to the middle axis  12 , into a position displaced towards the mounting ring  9 . For fixing the connector housing  35  in the first-mentioned position there may be provided a positioning device, for example in the form of a latching device or a clamping device. With the present exemplary embodiment a joint  36 , making the pivoting possible, is arranged in the edge region between the floor wall and the end wall. 
     The mounting ring  9  is suitable as a carrier for a holder ring  41  for holding at least one additional component  42  or accessory part, which may be for example a light permeable plate, which is releasably held by the holder ring  41  in a position covering the emission opening  43  of the reflector  6 . For releaseable connection directly or indirectly with the flange part  9   b  there is provided a so-called bayonet connection  44  having bayonet connection parts which correspond to one another. 
     With the present configuration there serve for the releaseable attachment of the holder ring  41  at least two, for example three, plug-in elements  45  arranged distributed on the circumference, here for example in the form of ring segments which on the one hand, in each case by means of a plug-in connection  46  having a plug-in recess  46   a  on the one connection part and a plug-in pin  46   b  insertable therein on the other connection part, are connectable with the flange part  9   b  of the mounting frame  9 . For connecting the plug-in elements  45  with the holder ring  41  there serve connection parts corresponding to one another, which are preferably formed by means of the bayonet connection  44 . 
     The insertion direction  47  of the plug-in fittings  46  is directed transversely of the middle axis  12 , radially inwardly, as is illustrated by the associated arrows shown in FIG.  4 . The plug-in recesses  46   a  are thus, referred to the middle axis  12 , radially outwardly opened. They may also be open towards the inner side of the flange part  9   b  which is intended for bearing on the installation wall  3 , as FIGS. 3 and 4 clearly show. With the present exemplary embodiment, the plug-in recesses  46   a , and the plug-in pins  46   b  have each a quadrilateral, in particular flat cross-sectional form. The plug-in elements  45  are formed in an angled manner with a radially inwardly directed plug-in element limb  45   a  and a plug-in element limb  45   b  extending in the emission direction  22 . On the outer edge of the flange part  9   b  away from the emission direction  22  there is arranged a ring groove  48 . The plug-element limb  45   a  is, with regard to its axial dimension, so adapted to the axial depth of the ring groove  48  that on the side towards the installation wall  3  it ends approximately flush with the remaining flange section of the flange part  9   b.    
     The bayonet connections  44  are each formed by means of a bayonet nose  44   a  and a bayonet recess  44   b , and a bayonet step  44   c  adjoining onto the bayonet recess in the circumferential direction. The bayonet recess  44   b , arranged outwardly on the plug-in element  45 , is open radially outwardly and in the emission direction  22 . Thus, the bayonet noses  44   a  can be introduced into the bayonet recesses  44   b  by an axial movement of the holder ring  41  opposite to the emission direction  22 , and then introduced into the bayonet steps  44   c  by turning. The bayonet noses  44   a  are located radially inwardly on the edge of the holder ring  41  away from the emission direction  22 . Further, the holder ring  41  may be formed by means of a thin sleeve. On at least one surface of the bayonet steps  44   c  there may be formed, for example formed on, a cam  44   d  having rounded or oblique lead-in surfaces, which constitutes a securing means, which can be manually overcome, against a reverse turning of the holder ring  41 . 
     For holding the projecting or additional component  42 , the holder ring  41  may have on its edge facing in the emission direction  22  a plurality of holder parts arranged distributed around the circumference or an encircling holder web  49 , which engage or engages behind the additional component  42 . The introduction of the additional component  42 , for example a plate, between the bayonet noses  44   a  and the holder web  49  can be ensured for example due to the material elasticity of the holder ring  41 , which is preferably of plastics. The reflector  6 , the mounting ring  9 , the adaptor  29 , the light source carrier  7  and the plug-in elements  45  may also be of plastics. For reasons of stability it is advantageous alternatively to form the mounting ring  9  and possibly also the plug-in elements  45  and the adaptor  29  of light metal, in particular aluminum. For this purpose there is preferably suited die casting technology or injection molding technology, which make possible a rapid and an economical manufacture even with difficult shapings. 
     For securing the plug-in pins  46   b  in the plug-in recesses  46   a  there may be provided a positioning device. This can be formed by means of an elastically yielding pressure element, which is arranged on the one plug-in connection part and preferably latches into a recess on the other plug-in connection part. The pressure element may be formed by means of a rounded pin or a ball  51  in a transverse bore  52  in the plug-in pin  46   b  and be prevented from falling out of the bore by means of a turned in bore edge. By means of a spring  53  arranged in the bore, which bears on the base of the bore or on a closure part, the desired pressure tension can be produced. 
     The installation of the recessed luminaire  1  can be effected in accordance with the following method steps. 
     Initially, the mounting ring  9  is placed into the installation opening  2  and fixed with the holder arms  11  engaging behind the installation opening edge. The carrier bars  13  and holder arms  11  are pre-installed on the mounting ring  9  in the factory. The installation into the installation opening  2  can be carried out readily through the ring opening. Then, the light source carrier  7  is brought into its mounting position through the mounting ring  9  and connected with the mounting ring  9  by plugging in. Thereby, the connector housing  35  may be in its pivoted out or pivoted in position. The latter position improves the accessability to the connector housing  35  which is open on its side towards the holder ring. With the next method step, the reflector  6  is inserted and latched into the mounting ring  9 . Then, the light source  8  or the at least one lamp can be mounted on the light source carrier  7  from the inner space of the reflector  6 , for example being plugged into the fitting carrier. The connection of the operating means for current supply, arranged for example in the light source carrier  7  or in the connector housing  35 , may be effected before the mounting of the mounting ring  9  or before the mounting of the light source carrier  7 . Insofar as the mounting of an accessory part  42  is desired, the plug-in elements  45  are then plugged in, radially inwardly, into the plug-in recesses  46   a , and then the holder ring  41 , for example with the additional part  42  located therein, can be mounted. The de-mounting can be carried out with method steps of reverse order.