EP0843127B1

EP0843127B1 - Fluorescent luminaire with pivotally adjustable reflectors

Info

Publication number: EP0843127B1
Application number: EP97500193A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Leon Alejandro Lassovsky
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-11-13
Filing date: 1997-11-12
Publication date: 2003-03-19
Anticipated expiration: 2017-11-12
Also published as: EP0843127A3; ES2137091A1; DE69719916D1; DE69719916T2; ES2137091B1; EP0843127A2; ATE235022T1

Abstract

The luminaire system comprises a general support (1) on which an illumination lamp is placed, assembled on a connection device (4) attached to said support (1), on which a series of reflectors (3) are in turn assembled, arranged parallel to the illumination lamp, said reflectors (3) being associated to rotating devices (2) which mesh with a rod or axis (8) activated by means of an external element (6), complemented with fixed reflectors (5-5'), all this in such a manner that the user can easily modify the direction of the light reflected on the reflectors (3), before, during and after the installation "in situ" of the luminaire. The variation in the direction of the light reflected, is conducted by means of the activation of rotating devices (2) to which the reflectors (3) are associated. <IMAGE>

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention refers to a fluorescent luminaire which is structured in such a way that it permits the user to reorientate the light reflected before, during and after its installation "in situ".
Another object of the invention is that the user has available a medium with which to focus the light, generally dispersed over a wide zone, onto one single zone. When the light is directed more towards' one zone than to others, the user may use the luminaire to highlight a zone of interest without incurring in the expense entailed by costly specialized illuminating luminaires.
Another object of the invention is to avail the user with a medium with which to use different types of mirror coated material in one same luminaire in order to achieve a light obtained in a desired colour.
Another object of the invention is to avail the user with a medium with which to change the reflectors in a rapid and simple manner, without having to disassemble the luminaire.
Another object of the invention is to provide the actual lamp with means by which an effective input and output of air, in or from an air conditioning apparatus, is permitted.
Another object of the invention is that of being capable of having a lamp with reduced consumption of energy and maintenance cost.
Finally, an additional object of the invention is to provide a luminaire which permits the user to determine the shearing angles as from which, said luminaire shall not project light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field related to fluorescent illumination has experienced an appreciable improvement by means of the use of novel and more reflectant mirror coated materials, as for example, silver and aluminium, the reflectancy of which is of 67% and 96% respectively. The capacity of these materials to reflect a greater part of the light which falls on their surfaces at the same angle as that formed with the luminous source, has permitted the experts in illumination to have a considerable optic control on the manner in which the light generated in a luminaire may be reflected.
Said control explains the fact that some luminaire may direct practically all the light produced in their interior towards the zones which must be illuminated, without permitting a senseless bounch-back into the interior of the constitutive body of the luminaire, generating heat which increases the use of air conditioning systems and which shortens the service life of the lamps.
Though the use of silver and aluminium has raised the degree of effectiveness of the luminaires, the versatility of said devices is still not optimum. The majority of the mirror coated reflectors of the state of the art are manufactured in order to meet well known illumination criteria, based on the final use of the location of the installation. In order to assure the installation of the luminaire, accurate measurements are taken on location, adapting the design of the suitable reflector and molding or bending the material of the mirror coated reflector (generally in the form of metallic sheet) to obtain the accurate angles at which the light is to be reflected.
In any case, these are operations which demand a great deal of time and which even prove to be useless when the measurements are erroneous, when the location of the installation is remodeled or when the final use of the location of the installation is changed.
If any of these situations should be produced, the user has no option but to reassemble new luminaire reflectors, use an expensive illumination to illuminate those zones which require more light, or bear the deficiencies, since the angles of reflection in a conventional luminaire cannot be modified once the assembly has been manufactured.
On the other hand, also commented should be the fact that in the illumination field, the modifications which have been intended to be made on the light emitted by a lamp, have been limited to selective shutting in order to prevent glare, with the mention, in this respect, of German Patent DE-1597930, as well as of Spanish Patent, Publication Number 1011944, which use reflectant strips to handle the light, though not to redirect the reflected light.
Many luminaire systems are known in prior art, as the one shown in EP-A-0 206 702 which relates to portable lanterns having adjustable reflector assemblies. According to this invention, portable lanterns typically project light in a horizontal plane extending over 360° and this lantern characteristic can bother nearby people by projecting unwanted light onto their campsites. A further intent of this invention relates to a mechanism which will enable a portable lantern to direct light in 360 degrees, when there is no one to be bothered by an indiscriminate projection of light, and a means to "limit the angular extent of the lantern' s ; projected light e.g. to 180 degrees so as not to disturb neighboring campers (Pg.1, Lines 5-13).
Further, document US-A-4,499,529 reveals a substantially M-shaped light reflecting element extending in a coaxial parallel longitudinal fashion along a light source, the element having a central V section and at least two wing sections centrally positioned about said central V section.
This document is silent to the use of reflectors bent at the sides as those claimed in the present application.
Document US-A-4,872,098 describes a variable beam floodlight fixture provided for changing the width of the beam by means of multiple pivoted reflectors.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The recommended luminaire system has been conceived in order to solve all the previously described problems, based on an enormously simple and effective solution, the luminaire being constituted as from a support for assembly and placing of various rotational reflectors and for a fixed reflector, as well as for at least, one illumination element constituted by a fluorescent tube, as regards which, the previously indicated reflectors shall remain placed parallel to each other.
The luminaire provides means which permit the user to reorientate the reflection of the light which emanates from the fluorescent lamp, changing the angle of the light which falls on the surface of the mirror coated reflectors placed in their interior, including at least, two mirror coated reflectors and preferably, six reflectors, all of them attached to respective rotating devices based on which, the angle of the light which falls on the surface of the reflector is capable of being changed, keeping the longitudinal surface of said reflector parallel to the fluorescent lamp, rotating the transversal surface of said reflector.
The reflectors may have a diverse configuration, from a flat configuration, to a concave and/or convex configuration, and even have one, two or three reflection surfaces.
As regards the rotating device for each one of the reflectors, it shall be based on a toothed wheel which meshes with a cylindrical axis with helicoidal threads for the meshing of said wheel, in such a way, that by means of an axis activating device, the slow rotation of the toothed wheel is achieved, to which the corresponding reflector is logically attached.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description herein, and with the object of helping to attain a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the present specification is enclosed, as integral part of the same, with a set of drawings in which the following has been represented with illustrative, non limitative character:
Figure 1 represents an exploded general view, in perspective, of a preferred embodiment of the luminaire system which is the object of the invention.
Figure 2 shows an exploded view corresponding to a cross section of the luminaire system represented in the previous figure.
Figure 3 shows a specific embodiment of a rotating device for the corresponding reflector, said device presenting the particularity of being of the blocking type.
Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a rotating double device for various reflectors, also being of the blocking type.
Figure 5 shows a detail of a rotating device assembled on a side wall, which permits the reflectors to be moved from the outside.
Figure 6 shows a side and front sketch of a device which permits the reflector to be moved from the inside of the casing.
Figure 7 shows a sketch of the light reflected from a mirror coated reflector surface according to the object of the invention.
Figure 8 shows the light reflected from a mirror coated reflector surface, according to figure 6, though sloped in compliance with an out of phase of 15º, as regards the illumination lamp.
Figure 9 shows an exploded, and perspective detail of three preferred configurations of a reflector with a single surface, one of these being flat, the other concave-curved and the other convex-curved.
Figure 10 shows a detail of the three reflectors represented in the previous figure, with a beam of light falling on them, with the corresponding reflection of the same.
Figure 11 shows a detail corresponding to a preferred configuration of a reflector with double surface.
Figure 12 finally shows, another detail corresponding to the preferred configuration of a reflector with triple surface.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

As may be observed in figures 1 and 2, the luminaire system which is the object of the invention, includes a mechanical support (1) in which a series of rotating devices (2) are placed, based on which, other such mirror coated reflectors (3) will be made to turn, and which are assembled on the support (1) in a distant and parallel arrangement to a fluorescent lamp which is assembled on the corresponding connecting element (4). The mirror coated reflectors (3) are rotational in virtue of the rotating devices (2), complementing the same with a fixed reflector (5) which has an angular configuration as may be clearly observed from figure 2. Additionaly, the luminaire may be complemented with other reflectors (5') which are also fixed and which, as is represented in figures 1 and 2, are flat, that is to say, they do not have the angular configuration of the reflector (5).
In the embodiment example of figure 1, the rotating devices (2) are activated as from an element (6), by means of a threaded rod (8), with a suitable tool, as for example, a screwdriver.
If the rods (8) are elongated in such a manner that they project from the edge of the support (1), they could be handled with the fingers.
By conventional means, it has also been thought that the said rods (8) may turn when desired and at a distance, having been provided that they may move one at a time or all together.
In the bottom support (1) of the luminaire, generally used electrical balasts (7) have also been provided, in addition to the previously indicated actual connections (4), all this for the operation of at least, one fluorescent lamp.
The bottom support (1) may be optionally complemented with a base (1'), the support (1) being capable of sliding over the base (1') so that the luminosity produced by the system changes in such a way that the luminous beam is greater or smaller, in such a manner that in order to permit the operation, bolts or screws (1") are necessary, which secure the assembly to be threaded and to pass through the bottom support (1) and base (1') placed below the same, said base (1') being the one which constitutes the actual modifier of the luminous beam, with orifices (1'''). The orifices for the passage of screw (1") are slit in front-back direction, as may be observed in figures 1 and 2, which additionally permit an angular adjustment for the support (1).
Logically, base (1') has been represented as a laminar rectangular body to facilitate the task of comprehension, though it must be understood that it forms part of a rectangular prismatic housing, on which base (1') is one of its minor faces, said housing enveloping all the illumination system.
According to the system of the invention, and in view of figures 7 and 8, a beam of light (9) emitted from an illumination lamp (L) reaches the mirror coated reflector (3) and is reflected, defining the beam (9'), as is represented in figure 7, whilst if the position of the mirror coated reflector (3) is varied, as is represented in figure 8, varying its inclination by 15º as regards the illumination lamp (L), the beam (9) comes out reflected, according to (9"), that is to say, that a notable change is produced in the direction and dimension of the actual reflected luminous beam.
When observing the difference between the reflection angles in figures 7 and 8, it may be reasoned that in the measure in which it were possible that a mechanism which could carry out this inclination, could stop the rotation of the reflector at any desired point, it would be possible that the reflector would reflect light over any position which would lie between the angles formed in the illustrations. Thus, the preferred embodiment of the invention is made evident.
Returning to the rotating device (2) represented in its first embodiment in figure 3, it may be observed how the same comprises a toothed wheel (10) on which an element (11) is placed for the attachment of the respective mirror coated reflector (3), in such a manner that the teeth (12) of said toothed wheel mesh with the helicoidal threads (13) of an axis or rod (8) finished off at its end with a previously indicated activating element (6).
Figure 4 represents various rotating devices (2), equipped with the respective wheel (10), in each one of which the element (11) or the attachment support for the corresponding mirror coated reflector (3) shall be placed, said wheels (10) meshing with the helicoidal thread (13) of one same axis or rod (8), as previously indicated.
Consequently, the purpose of the rotating devices represented in figures 3 and 4, which are assembled and are housed in the assembly of the general support or casing (1) of the luminaire, is to conduct the turning of the mirror coated reflectors (3) in order to orientate the same at the users convenience, and to maintain the same, parallel to the corresponding illumination lamp (L).
Such rotating devices are of the blocking type, in such a manner that if the luminaire is placed in a cold air current, or in places in which there are strong vibrations, the movable reflectors (3) cannot move, since they remain blocked.
As has been also previously indicated, said rotating devices (2) may adopt the shape represented in figures 3 and 4, that is to say, that of being formed by a wheel (10) with peripherical teeth (12) to mesh with the helicoidal threads (13) provided in the axis or rod (8) at the end of which, the element (6) is located, parting from which, and by means of the suitable tool, it may be made to turn so as to turn the wheel (10) and consequently vary the position of the mirror coated reflector (3) attached to said wheel (10) through the support or element (11) which reinforces the same.
Said system permits the circular turn of the corresponding wheel (10), the axial displacement being prevented as regards the general casing or support (1).
After turning the axis or rod (8) and the corresponding reflector (3) until the desired illumination criteria are met, the user shall simply stop rotating said axis or rod (8) to end the adjustment and prevent it continuing to move the respective reflector (3).
As has already also been indicated and descrited previously, the rotating device (2) may be double, meshing both wheels (10) with the helicoidal thread (13) provided in a common axis or rod (8), also being capable of meshing with more wheels (10).
Figure 5 shows another turning mechanism (2), which is provided in order to move the reflectors from outside of the casing, said mechanism comprising a support (2'), to guarantee the circular movement of the corresponding wheel (10'), to which the element or support (11') forms integral part of, for the mirror coated reflector, all this assembled on a casing or support (14), allowing the turning of the reflector around the transversal axis when the lobe (15) pertaining to the actual rotating device turns, said lobe (15) remaining on the outside of the support or frame (2').
In virtue of the support (11) or (11') for the mirror coated reflectors (3), it is possible to change these without disassembly of the actual assembly of the luminaire.
In figure 6 another activating device may be observed, which may be activated from the inside, comprising two toothed wheels (10"), one with greater diameter than the other, in such a manner that by means of an internal control (15'), the smaller wheel may be made to turn, said smaller wheel moving the greater wheel and the latter moving the reflector (3).
The device may have means for simultaneously moving all the reflectors (3), for example, by means of toothed wheels, conveniently meshed, which have not been represented in the drawings.
On the other hand, it must be said that the preferred cross dimension of the mirror coated and rotating reflector surfaces (3), shall be given by the illuminating accuracy required by the final use of the luminaire. Likewise, though the transversal dimension of the reflector (3) oscillates between 0,635 cm and 11,43 (0,25 and 4,5 inches), many installations require reflectors with different transversal dimensions to comply with the desired illumination criteria.
Another criteria which governs the dimension of the transversal surface of the reflector refers to the configuration of the reflectant surface. It is well known that flat, concave and convex surfaces have different effects on the luminous beams reflected from their surfaces. Thus, in figure 9, a flat reflectant surface (16), another concave reflectant surface (17) and a convex reflectant surface (18) may be observed, whilst in figure 10 the beams of light emitted by a lamp (L) over said surfaces (16), (17) and (18), are observed, the beams of which are reflected offering different amplitudes.
For an optimum operation of the reflector, the longitudinal dimensions of its surface could be equal, approximately, to the length of the lamp from which the light shall be reflected. Additionally, as some lamps have a length over 177,8cm (70 inches), the reflector may be configured or molded by means of techniques already in existance so that it may resist the effects of gravity and the movement which could deform the surface of the reflector.
According to the invention, three types of configurations for the reflectors could be used, which can be called of single surface, as is represented in figures 9 and 10, of double surface as is represented in figure 11 and of triple surface as is represented in figure 12, so that in figure 11, the reflectant element (19) includes a concave surface (20) and another flat surface (21), whilst in figure 12, the reflectant element (22) includes a concave surface (23), another convex surface (24) and a flat surface (25).
In this manner, when the reflector is secured to the rotating device, the user may choose to turn the reflector from one surface to another, depending on the illumination criteria to be followed, so that the versatility of this type of configuration of the reflector is increased to the maximum when both surfaces of the reflector are manufactured with identical general concave or convex shape with different angles, whilst with the configuration of the reflector with triple surface, as is represented in figure 12, the operational principle is the same, only varying the surfaces of the reflector as regards the amount.
It is also well known that the majority of the mirror coated materials used for the reflector (aluminium, silver, gold, etc.), offer different mirror coated reflection characteristics, as well as performances in different colours. In order to have a very verstile type of illumination and to achieve specific illumination effects, reflectors in a luminaire manufactured based on mirror coated materials of different reflectors, may be provided.
Due to the fact that zones might exist within the assembly of the support in which a rotating reflector might not function due to the situation of the fluorescent lamp, reflectors may be located in stationary positions (5) and (5') as has been indicated previously, the shapes of which may be flat, angular, convex, concave, etc., always placed parallel to the lamp in order to direct, adjust and concentrate the light available on other reflectors, or outside the body of the luminaire. Another useful characteristics of the reflector of fixed position, lies on their use as support for luminaires which cover the width of the general support assembly (1).
Finally, it must be indicated that due to the totality of the said reflectors consisting in physically different elements, with separations between the same, spaces are made use of which constitute the separations for the injection and extraction of air, in or from air conditioning systems connected to orifices appropriately situated in the assembly of the casing and support, orifices which are the ones referenced with (26) in figure 1.

Claims

A Fluorescent luminaire with pivotally adjustable reflectors, comprising a common support (1) in which are assembled an illumination lamp, a fixed reflector (5) of angular profile, and at least two pivotally adjustable reflectors (3), the fixed reflector (5) and the adjustable reflectors (3) having their longitudinal surface parallel to the illumination lamp, each of said reflectors (3) being associated to a rotating device (2), characterised in that, it comprises a rectangular prismatic casing in which the common support (1) is housed assembled on the lower base (1') of said casing, the common support (1) being capable of sliding longitudinally or at an angle on said lower base (1') in order to achieve a change of the luminous beams, threaded bolts or screws (1") having been provided which pass through the common support (1) for their attachment in orifices (1"') of the lower base (1').
A Fluorescent luminaire with pivotally adjustable reflectors, according to claim 1, characterised in that the rotating device (2) consists of a wheel (10) peripherically provided with toothed shaped projections (12) which mesh with the helicoidal thread (13) of a rod (8), said rod (8) having at one of its ends an activating element (6) and the wheel (10) being provided with a support (11) for the attachment of the corresponding reflector (3).
A Fluorescent luminaire with pivotally adjustable reflectors, according to claim 1, characterised in that, two or more rotating devices (2) mesh with the helicoidal thread (13) of a common rod (8).
A Fluorescent luminaire with pivotally adjustable reflectors, according to claim 1, characterised in that, the rotating device (2) comprises a circular casing (2') on which the corresponding wheel (10) is assembled, the rotating device (2) being assembled on the lateral wall of a casing (14), a lobe (15) being provided on the rotating device (2) extending outside the casing (14).
A Fluorescent luminaire with pivotally adjustable reflectors, according to claim 1, characterised in that the reflectors (3) are interconnected to each other through toothed wheels (10) in order to turn simultaneously the reflectors (3).
A Fluorescent luminaire with pivotally adjustable reflectors, according to claim 1, characterised in that, the reflectors (3) consist of elements (19) of two surfaces, one concave (20) and one flat (21).
A Fluorescent luminaire with pivotally adjustable reflectors, according to claim 1, characterised in that, the reflectors (3) consists of elements (22) of three surfaces, one concave (23), another convex (24), and another flat (25).