Connection arrangement for mounting a light fixture on a building

Abstract

Connection arrangement for mounting a luminaire (1) on a building (2) comprising a base element (4, 24, 25) attached to the building and a connection body (5, 26) connectable to the base element (4, 24, 25), wherein the base element (4, 24, 25) and the connection body (5, 26) each have a complementary magnet arrangement (11, 12) which are located in the base element (4, 24, 25) and the connection body (5, 26), respectively.The connecting body (5, 26) is arranged such that the connecting body (5, 26) is held on the base element (4, 24, 25) by magnetic force, characterized in that the magnet arrangements (11, 12) of the base element (4, 24, 25) and connecting body (5, 26) each have at least two magnetic tracks (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34), wherein the first magnetic track (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) is in a radially outer position relative to the second magnetic track (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) and wherein the magnetization direction of the first magnetic track (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) to the second magnetic track (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) opposite.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection arrangement for mounting a luminaire on a building with the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a basic element and a connection body of a connection arrangement for mounting a luminaire on a building.

[0002] Mounting a light fixture in a building, for example on a wall or ceiling, is relatively complex. Light fixtures are typically attached to a ceiling or wall using a screw and anchor connection or an adhesive bond. For this purpose, the light fixture usually has a base element, which is often plate-shaped. This base element is securely attached to the building. A connection body, to which the light fixture is usually attached, is then mounted to the base element. This serves to conceal the base element and the typically heavy-duty screws behind it. An electrical connection is also frequently made within the space enclosed by the base element and connection body.

[0003] If a light fixture needs to be replaced, the base is usually removed and a new base for the fixture is attached. The associated effort, particularly due to the new connection to the wall or ceiling, deters many consumers from replacing their light fixtures. Furthermore, a light fixture typically needs to be electrically connected by a qualified electrician, which adds to the overall cost.

[0004] To connect the base element and the terminal body to which the luminaire is attached, a magnetic connection is known. The base element and the terminal body each have a magnetic arrangement comprising a certain number of magnets forming an approximately circumferential magnetic track, which interact with each other so that the terminal body is held to the base element. This simplifies the connection of the terminal body to the base element.

[0005] Such systems also simplify the interchangeability of different luminaires: the base unit can remain permanently attached to the building, while only the luminaire itself and its connection body need to be replaced. This simplifies the replacement of luminaires.

[0006] Since the connector body typically extends beyond the base element, precise alignment of the base element and connector body is difficult. This ensures that the magnet arrangements, or rather the individual magnets, are correctly positioned relative to each other and thus achieve the desired maximum holding force. Sometimes, the connector body may appear to be correctly aligned with the base element, but this is not actually the case. In such instances, there is a risk that the connector body will detach from the base element at a later time, causing the light fixture to fall.

[0007] Another problem is that, in the prior art, the basic element for centering is often pot-shaped, resulting in a relatively thick profile on a ceiling or wall. This is often undesirable for design reasons.

[0008] The object of the invention is to propose a connection arrangement that overcomes both problems.

[0009] This problem is solved by a generic connection arrangement as mentioned above, with the features of claim 1.

[0010] Advantageous configurations result from the dependent requirements and the description.

[0011] According to the invention, the magnet arrangements of the base element and the connecting body each have at least two magnetic tracks. The first magnetic track runs radially outward relative to the second magnetic track. This means that it encloses the second magnetic track. The two magnetic tracks are preferably arranged concentrically.

[0012] The design of the two magnet arrangements of the base element and the connecting body, i.e., the path of the magnetic tracks, is complementary to generating a magnetic connection between the outer magnetic tracks and between the inner magnetic tracks. When the base element and connecting body are properly assembled, the respective cooperating magnetic tracks lie on top of each other; that is, the outer magnetic track of the base element lies on the outer magnetic track of the connecting piece, and the same applies to the inner magnetic tracks.

[0013] Furthermore, it is provided that the magnetization direction of the first magnetic track is opposite to that of the second magnetic track, i.e., the two magnetic tracks are polarized in opposite directions.

[0014] This arrangement of the magnetic tracks ensures automatic centering of the connector body relative to the base element. The opposite polarity of the two magnetic tracks prevents incorrect alignment of the connector body and base element. The two oppositely polarized magnetic tracks automatically press the connector body into the correct position relative to the base element during assembly.

[0015] Preferably, the base element is plate-shaped, i.e., without a circumferential collar that projects significantly from the floor. This provides a visually slim connection point for a luminaire. In particular, the base element can be provided to be at least partially embedded in plaster; the end of the base element facing the connection body is essentially flush with the plaster. The base element can thus blend visually with the ceiling or wall.

[0016] To provide space for any necessary installation materials, it is preferred that the terminal block be cup-shaped. This allows, for example, a driver required for operating the luminaire, such as an LED driver, to be housed within the terminal block.

[0017] The connection body can also be designed as a cover plate if the connection point provided by the base element for a luminaire is not used. If the base element is located in the area of ​​a suspended ceiling, any cable provided can be pushed into the suspended ceiling, and the connection body can also be designed as a flat plate. This results in a visually unobtrusive, because flat, design. If pushing a cable back into the ceiling is not possible, the connection body, designed as a cover plate, can be cup-shaped to provide a recess for the cable within the space enclosed by the connection body and base element.

[0018] Preferably, the two magnetic tracks are arranged concentrically to each other. This concentric arrangement allows the connecting body to rotate relative to the base element, with the rotation occurring around a defined center point. This ensures that the holding force between the base element and the connecting body remains consistently high in every position.

[0019] Preferably, at least the magnet arrangement of one of the parts to be joined, the base element and connecting body, is rotationally symmetrical with respect to a central point; that is, the first and second magnetic tracks are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the magnet arrangement of the other part. The part thus has a magnet arrangement to which the magnet arrangement of the other part can be connected in two positions rotated relative to each other. The image of the magnet arrangement of the other part is reflected in the magnet arrangement of the part in these rotated positions.

[0020] Rotational symmetry is therefore not required for every angle; it is sufficient if rotational symmetry of at least 180° exists. This allows for two rotated positions of the base element and the connection body. A rotational symmetry of 360° / n is preferred, where n > 3 and is an integer. This allows for four different arrangements of the connection body and base element, thus enabling a defined rotation of the luminaire relative to the building.

[0021] It is also possible that the first and second magnetic tracks form concentric circles.

[0022] Preferably, both magnetic tracks are equidistant from each other along their path, so that the path of the first magnetic track essentially follows the path of the second. This enables particularly effective centering. The distance between the two magnetic tracks is chosen such that if a magnet is placed between them, it is repelled by the first magnetic track and attracted by the second, thus allowing the connecting body to align itself automatically with the base element when the connecting body is guided manually.

[0023] At least one magnetic track can be formed from a multitude of individual magnets arranged side by side. The magnetic track is then the polygon that results when the centers of adjacent magnets are connected. Preferably, all adjacent magnets along the magnetic track have the same polarization; the respective magnetic track then has a uniform polarization. The multitude of individual magnets allows for discrete adjustments of the rotation of the connecting body relative to the base element. Simultaneously, very strong magnets can be used, resulting in a high holding force. The magnets can be arranged equidistantly.

[0024] In another embodiment, at least one magnetic track may be formed from a ring magnet. This allows for continuous adjustment of the rotation of the connecting body relative to the base element, particularly if the two magnetic tracks form concentric circles.

[0025] Preferably, the base element and / or the connecting body has a rear-opening pocket arrangement into which the magnetic track is inserted. This closes the side facing the connecting body or base element. Material is thus provided between the opposing magnetic tracks on the base element side and / or the connecting body side. It is understood that the aim is to use the thinnest possible layer of material, while simultaneously ensuring that the material is strong enough to securely hold the magnetic track in the pocket arrangement, so that even when the connecting body is removed from the base element, the magnetic tracks remain in their intended positions.

[0026] The base element or connecting body can have a radially oriented undercut, such as a groove machined into the outer edge of the base element. The base element is thus undercut with respect to the magnetic connection direction, i.e., the direction in which the magnet arrangements attract each other. A complementary collar element of the connecting body or base element can engage in this undercut to form a positive-locking connection. Typically, an insertion groove leading into the undercut is provided, pointing towards the connecting body or base element. This groove allows the collar element to be inserted into the undercut when the connecting body and base element are brought together. The connection between the connecting body and the base element is then bayonet-like.

[0027] It is also possible to provide a stop at a certain point along the undercut, preventing the collar element from moving further along the undercut beyond this stop. This limits the rotation of the connection body relative to the base element, thus preventing over-rotation of the connection body relative to the base element. This is advantageous when there is a cable connection between the building and the luminaire.

[0028] Preferably, the base element has a recess, preferably centrally located, through which a cable for supplying power to the luminaire can be routed from the building. In this way, the cable can be enclosed in the connection arrangement between the base element and the connection body, thus concealing it visually.

[0029] To ensure easy interchangeability between a luminaire with a first terminal block and a second luminaire with a second terminal block, the cable connection for the luminaire's power supply can be provided with a detachable plug connection in the terminal area. Such a plug connection is preferably insulated in such a way that a user can disconnect and connect it, i.e., that safe contact and disconnection of the plug connection is possible even when live. In this way, easy replacement of the luminaire is ensured without the need for a qualified electrician.

[0030] In another embodiment, the base element and the connecting body may have a cooperating induction arrangement for energy transfer from the base element to the connecting body, particularly centrally located with respect to the magnetic tracks. In this case, the induction transmitter is arranged on the base element, and the induction receiver on the connecting body. The arrangement of the magnetic tracks according to the invention ensures that the connecting body, or the induction receiver, is correctly positioned relative to the base element, or the induction transmitter, respectively.

[0031] The base element and / or the connecting body are preferably made of plastic. This avoids any negative effects on the magnetic fields.

[0032] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a building-like installed luminaire with a connection arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 2: a schematic representation of the basic element, Fig. 3: a schematic representation of the connection body, Fig. 4: a side view of the basic element made of Fig. 2, Fig. 5: a first alternative design of a basic element, Fig. 6: a second alternative design of a basic element and Fig. 7: a connecting body, corresponding to the basic elements of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows a luminaire 1, connected to the ceiling of a building 2 (not shown in detail). The luminaire 1 is connected to the building 2, or rather the ceiling, via a connection assembly 3. The connection assembly 3 comprises a base element 4 attached to the building and a connection body 5 on the luminaire side. The base element 4 is plate-shaped and, in this case, circular in its outer dimensions (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) The outer contour of the connecting body 5 is designed accordingly. The connecting body 5 is pot-shaped and has a base 6 and a wall 7 surrounding the base 6. The connecting body 5 encloses the base element 4 with the wall 7. At a distance from the end of the wall 7 facing the building 2 or the ceiling, the connecting body 5 has a retaining section 8 that corresponds to the base element 4.

[0034] The connecting body 5 is held to the base element 4 by magnetic force; for this purpose, the base element 4 and the retaining section 8 of the connecting body 5 have a complementary magnetic arrangement, which is explained in more detail below. For securing, the ceiling-side end of the wall 7 of the connecting body 5 engages with a collar element in a Fig. 1. An undercut, not shown in detail, circumferential on the outside, here formed as a groove, to create a more form-fitting connection.

[0035] The luminaire 1 is supplied with electrical energy via a cable connection 9, i.e., wired. To ensure easy replacement of the luminaire 1, the cable connection 9 has a plug connection 10 at which the cable connection 9 can be disconnected. In this way, the luminaire 1 can be separated from the building 2 – namely by a mechanical separation of the base element 4 and the connection body 5 and an electrical separation at the plug 10 – and replaced by another luminaire.

[0036] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the basic element 4 and the connecting body 5 in a top view. The surfaces facing each other are shown when assembled to form a connection arrangement, i.e., with respect to the... Fig. 1. The illustration shows the view in Fig. 2 from the bottom, i.e., looking towards the ceiling of building 2, and in Fig. 3 from the top, i.e., from the perspective of the ceiling of building 2 downwards.

[0037] Both the base element 4 and the connecting body 5 each have a magnet arrangement 11, 12, each formed from a plurality of individual magnets 13 (each individual magnet is designated by its polarity N, S for north pole and south pole). The individual magnets 13 are embedded in pockets of the base element 4 and the retaining section 8 of the connecting body 5, respectively, accessible from the side opposite the figures, and are bonded therein. The surfaces facing each other are flat.

[0038] The individual magnets 13 form two concentric magnetic tracks 14, 15, 16, 17, namely the identically oriented individual magnets 13 with each other. Both the base element 4 and the connecting body 5 thus have an N-polarized magnetic track 14, 17 as well as an S-polarized track 15, 16, but their arrangement is complementarily reversed in order to establish a magnetic connection between the base element 4 and the connecting body 5.

[0039] Due to the concentric arrangement of the two magnetic tracks 14 to 17, which are designed here as circles, self-centering occurs when connecting body 5 is brought together with the base element 4 with respect to the center point 18, 19 of the respective magnetic tracks 14 to 17.

[0040] In the area of ​​the center point 18 with respect to the magnetic tracks 14 to 17, the base element 4 and the holding section 8 of the connecting body 5 have a recess through which a cable connection can be passed.

[0041] By providing individual magnets 13 along the magnetic tracks 14 to 17, a discontinuous rotation of the connecting body 5 relative to the base element is possible, namely by an angle that corresponds to the angle between two individual magnets.

[0042] The basic element 4 also has four fastening openings 19, with which the basic element 4 can be fastened to the ceiling of the building 2 with a screw connection.

[0043] Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the basic element 4. The element that is also visible in Fig. 2. Indicated undercut 20, which here runs around the outside of the base element 4 in the form of a groove. A collar element 21, which is connected to the connecting body 5, engages in this undercut 20.

[0044] A guide groove 22 is provided for inserting the collar element 21 into the undercut 20. Furthermore, a stop 23 is provided in the area of ​​the guide groove 22, which prevents the collar element 21 from being guided further along the undercut 20 if the connector body 5 is rotated relative to the base element 4. This prevents the connector body 5 from rotating indefinitely relative to the base element, thus preventing damage to the cable connection.

[0045] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. Each figure shows a basic element 24, 25. In contrast to the basic element 8 described above, the elements shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. The basic elements 24, 25 shown in Figure 6 do not have a central recess for routing a cable, but rather a part of an inductive energy transmission system, namely an induction transmitter 27, 28. The one shown in Fig. The complementary connection body 26 shown in Figure 7 has a corresponding induction receiver 28 at the appropriate location.

[0046] These basic elements 24, 25 also have two concentrically arranged magnetic tracks 29, 30, 33, 34, each formed by a plurality of individual magnets 13 that are all polarized in the same way along a magnetic track 29, 30, 33, 34. The corresponding connecting body 26 also has individual magnets 13 at the corresponding locations, which are likewise arranged in magnetic tracks 31, 32 and are polarized accordingly to hold the connecting body to the basic element 24, 25. The arrangement of the magnetic tracks 29 to 32 enables the connecting body to self-center relative to the basic element 24, 25.

[0047] The connecting body 26 is connected to a luminaire (not shown in detail here) in a self-contained configuration. This allows the luminaire to be used in explosion-proof environments, as the energy transfer is contactless and therefore there is no risk of sparks forming when electrically connecting the luminaire to a power supply.

[0048] The light fixture with connector 26 according to Fig. 7 can be placed on top of both basic elements 24, 25.

[0049] The magnetic arrangement, or rather the two magnetic tracks 29, 30 of the basic element 24 of the Fig. 5 is rotationally symmetrical at an angle of 180° with respect to the magnet arrangement, or rather the two magnetic tracks 31, 32 of the connector 26. The luminaire with a connector 26 according to Fig. 7 can therefore be connected to this basic element 24 in two orientations.

[0050] On the basic element 25 according to Fig. 6 can use the same light fixture according to Fig. 7 are aligned in four directions. The magnetic arrangement, or rather the two magnetic tracks 33, 34 of the basic element 24 of the Fig. 6 is rotationally symmetrical at an angle of 90° with respect to the magnet arrangement, or the two magnetic tracks 31, 32 of the connecting piece 26.

[0051] The necessary centric alignment of the inductive energy transfer unit 27, 28 is always maintained in all cases.

[0052] The invention has been described using exemplary embodiments. Without departing from the scope of protection described by the applicable claims, numerous further embodiments of the inventive concept would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, without these needing to be explained in more detail within the scope of these explanations. Reference symbol list 1 light 2 buildings 3 Connection arrangement 4, 24, 25 basic element 5, 26 Connection body 6 Floor 7 Wall 8 Stop section 9 cable connection 10 plugs 11, 12 Magnet arrangement 13 single magnets 14, 15, 16, 17, 29, Maglev 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 18, 19 Center 20 Undercut 21 Collar element 22 Insertion groove 23 attacks 27 Induction transmitter unit 28 Induction receiver unit

Claims

[1] Connection arrangement for mounting a luminaire (1) on a building (2) comprising a base element (4, 24, 25) attached to the building and a connection body (5, 26) connectable to the base element (4, 24, 25), wherein the base element (4, 24, 25) and the connection body (5, 26) each have a complementary magnet arrangement (11, 12) which are arranged in the base element (4, 24, 25) and connection body (5, 26) respectively such that the connection body (5, 26) is held on the base element (4, 24, 25) by magnetic force, characterized by, that the magnet arrangements (11, 12) of base element (4, 24, 25) and connecting body (5, 26) each have at least two magnetic tracks (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34), wherein the first magnetic track (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) is in a radially outer position relative to the second magnetic track (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) and wherein the magnetization direction of the first magnetic track (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) to the second magnetic track (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) is opposite. [2] Connection arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first and second magnetic orbits (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) have at least two common mirror planes. [3] Connection arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the first and second magnetic tracks (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) form concentric circles. [4] Connection arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that at least one magnetic track (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) is formed from a plurality of individual magnets (13) arranged next to each other. [5] Connection arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that at least one magnetic track (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) is formed from a ring magnet. [6] Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the base element (4, 24, 25) and / or the connecting body (5, 26) has a rear-opening pocket into which the magnetic track (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) is inserted, so that the side facing the connecting body (5, 26) or base element (4, 24, 25) is closed. [7] Connection arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the base element (4) or the connecting body (5) has an undercut section (20) with respect to the magnetic connection direction, into which a complementary collar element (21) of the connecting body (5) or of the base element (4) engages to form a positive locking connection. [8] Connection arrangement according to claim 7, characterized by , that along the course of the undercut (20) following the circumference of the base element (4) a stop (23) is provided at a position which prevents the collar element (21) from being moved further along the undercut (20) beyond this stop (23). [9] Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the basic element (4, 24, 25) has a preferably central recess through which a cable for supplying power to the luminaire can be passed. [10] Connection arrangement according to claim 9, characterized by, that the cable connection for the power supply of the luminaire (1) in the area of ​​the connection arrangement (3) has a detachable plug connection. [11] Connection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the basic element (4, 24, 25) and the connecting body (5, 26) have, in particular, a cooperating induction arrangement for energy transfer from the basic element (4, 24, 25) to the connecting body (5, 26) centrically to the magnetic tracks (14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34). [12] Base element as part of a connection arrangement for mounting a light fixture (1) on a building (2), wherein the base element (4, 24, 25) has the features relating to the base element (4, 24, 25) of the connection arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11. [13] Connection body as part of a connection arrangement for mounting a light fixture (1) on a building (2), wherein the connection body (5, 26) has the features relating to the connection body (5, 26) of the connection arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11. [14] Connecting body according to claim 13, characterized by , that a light (1) is attached to the connection body (5, 26). [15] Connecting body in its reference to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the connecting body (5, 26) is a particularly pot-shaped aperture that covers the base body.

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