Adapter for suspending lamps
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023810303
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-11-22
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing adapters for hanging ceiling lamps are inflexible and fixed in position, making it difficult to adjust the lamp's placement in response to changes in furniture arrangement, such as when a dining table is extended or moved, which limits the ability to achieve optimal lighting in different areas of a room.
A universal adapter with a magnetic ceiling element that allows for easy and flexible attachment to multiple positions on the ceiling, combined with a cable mechanism for managing electrical connections, enabling the lamp to be quickly repositioned without the need for screws or hooks, and accommodating various lamp types and sizes.
The adapter provides a simple, flexible, and aesthetically pleasing solution for hanging ceiling lamps, allowing for optimal lighting adjustments by enabling the lamp to be easily moved between positions, ensuring it remains securely attached and maintaining a visually appealing appearance.
Smart Images

Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] . BERPT22060WO November 20, 2023 Applicant: Karin Berg Saalburgstrasse 46a 61350 Bad Homburg Adapter for suspending lamps Description Field of the invention The invention relates to an adapter for suspending lamps and in particular to an adapter for suspending ceiling lamps. The invention relates in particular to a universal, simple and flexibly usable universal adapter for suspending ceiling lamps, which can be used for the most common lamp types, as well as a corresponding suspension system. Ceiling lamps are usually attached to the ceiling of a room by means of a hole in the ceiling into which fastening means such as hooks or screws are inserted. The ceiling lamp is then permanently suspended from the fastening means. The hole and the fastening means determine the position of the lamp on the ceiling and thus also in the room.For this reason, the drilling is usually done in a central position in the middle of the room, especially to illuminate an empty room as evenly as possible. BERPT22060WO November 20, 2023 For the same reason, cables with electrical lines for supplying power to a ceiling light are usually led in the ceiling to a central position where an electrical connection for connecting a cable from a ceiling light is accessible. A junction box is usually provided on the ceiling at this central position so that the electrical connection is also aesthetically concealed if a ceiling light is not required. The hole described above with the fastening means for a ceiling light is located adjacent to the electrical connection and is also concealed by the junction box.On the other hand, for the one-time fixed position of the lamp suspension in a room furnished with furniture, a decentralized ceiling area is often selected in order to illuminate preferred areas of the room particularly well. For example, the position of the lamp suspension is set centrally above a dining table in order to illuminate the dining table as evenly as possible. Many apartments or smaller houses that do not have enough space for a sufficiently large dining table or a separate dining room use a dining table that can be extended or made larger when necessary, for example for guests. Enlarging the dining table can have the effect of shifting the central area of the dining table from a first position to a second position in the room, after which a lamp suspension set above the first position is no longer centered above the dining table. BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 It is clear that simply moving a table around a room will shift the central area of the table from a first position to a second position in the room, without increasing or decreasing the size of the table. It is also clear that lamps can be suspended from ceiling beams or from the underside of shelves, particularly high ones, and can be suspended not only in apartments and houses, but also in tiny houses, mobile homes, camper vans, etc. State of the art For example, DE 19906 686 A1 discloses a connection base for a lamp canopy with a remote electrical connection in the ceiling. This connection base is intended to enable a flawless electrical, mechanical, and also visually flawless connection to a freely suspended power supply cable for lamp canopies through extremely simple handling.The known connection base is attached to the ceiling at a position spaced from the electrical connection in such a way that the position of the connection base and the lamp suspension are also disadvantageously fixed to the ceiling, as described above. Furthermore, a center console is provided for an excessively long cable leading from the connection base to the electrical connection, which console is also disadvantageously fixed to the ceiling at a further position. BERPT22060WO November 20, 2023 DE 102016 219 697 A1 discloses a lighting arrangement comprising a channel with an interior space and a light exit area, and comprising at least one light-providing device. The light-providing device is designed for placement within the interior space for the directed emission of light during operation through the light exit area to the outside.Furthermore, the lighting arrangement has at least one busbar in the interior of the channel designed to supply the light-providing device, wherein the light-providing device can be electrically coupled to the busbar. The light-providing device can be coupled to the channel for holding it and can be freely positioned at least within one region of the interior. Task The task of the invention is therefore to provide an adapter for suspending lamps and in particular an adapter for suspending ceiling lamps, such as in particular pendant lamps, which should be universally, simply, and flexibly usable for the most common lamp types, as well as to specify a corresponding suspension system for its intended use. Solution This task is solved by the invention with the features of the independent claim and the dependent secondary claim.Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims. The wording of all claims is hereby incorporated by reference into the content of this description. The invention also encompasses all reasonable and, in particular, all mentioned combinations of the claims. BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 The invention particularly relates to an adapter for suspending lamps, and in particular ceiling lamps, having a housing that is designed to at least partially accommodate or attach a connection, lamp canopy, or lamp head of a lamp, and in particular a ceiling lamp with at least one luminaire.The housing suitably has a lower opening or a lower cable outlet through which the lamp canopy or the lamp head is exposed and the lamp, and in particular the ceiling lamp, protrudes from the housing, or through which a power supply of the luminaire connected to the connector is ensured. The housing also has an upper cover in which at least one magnetic element is arranged. The protruding adapter, with its cover, can be arranged particularly easily and flexibly adjacent to a metallic ceiling element fastened to the ceiling at a predetermined first position, wherein the magnetic element interacts with the ceiling element in such a way that the adapter is fastened to the ceiling element and the ceiling, and the lamp, and in particular the ceiling lamp, is suspended together with the adapter.The above adapter can therefore be suspended in a particularly simple manner, especially since its position on the ceiling is determined not by a screw or hook, but by the ceiling element. The ceiling element is suitably a flat metal disc that can be attached to the ceiling at the predetermined position and can advantageously be coated with the ceiling paint, BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023, whereby the overall aesthetic appearance of the ceiling is not impaired by the ceiling element attached to the ceiling. The ceiling element can, for example, be screwed or glued to a ceiling.Particularly advantageously, at least one second ceiling element can be provided and fastened to the ceiling at a predetermined second position, after which the protruding adapter with the lamp, and in particular the ceiling lamp, can be suspended particularly quickly, easily, and flexibly from the first ceiling element at the first position and instead suspended from the second ceiling element at the second position, and of course vice versa. As mentioned at the beginning, the first and / or second position can be provided not only on the ceiling, but also on a ceiling beam, the underside of a high-hanging shelf, etc. The first and second positions can, in particular, be two positions that arise by extending a table or moving a table, wherein the two positions are predetermined and selected such that one of the positions is in each case arranged above a central region of the table.In this way, it is ensured in a particularly simple and flexible manner that the adapter with its lamp, and in particular its ceiling lamp, can be immediately hung up as required as described above, after which optimal, desirable lighting of the table is provided at its positions. With the above adapter and the at least one and advantageously at least two ceiling elements BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 at at least one and advantageously two predetermined positions, in particular on the ceiling, the invention accordingly also relates to a suspension system for the simple, flexible and universal suspension of ceiling lamps at the at least one predetermined position on the ceiling of a room. As mentioned at the beginning, the room can in particular be a room in an apartment, a house, a tiny house, a mobile home or camper van.Of course, the room can be any room intended for flexible lighting, for example an office, a shop, a school, a hotel, a hall, etc. The at least one flat metallic ceiling element is provided, as described above, for attachment to the ceiling of the room at at least one predetermined position, wherein the adapter is designed such that it interacts with the at least one ceiling element such that a predetermined ceiling lamp can be suspended easily, quickly and flexibly at the predetermined position by means of the adapter and the ceiling element.The housing of the adapter advantageously has an area in which a cable mechanism is arranged for winding and unwinding a cable with electrical lines for supplying power to the ceiling lamp. The cable extends from an electrical connection provided on the ceiling via a cable guide of the housing to the connection, lamp canopy, or lamp head arranged in the housing. Particularly advantageously, an actuating element for actuating the cable mechanism is provided on the cover. The cable mechanism can be, in particular, a manual, semi-automatic, or automatic cable mechanism, which can be provided by means of a spring mechanism.The advantageous cable mechanism allows for simple and quick winding and unwinding of the cable, particularly when the adapter is suspended at a predetermined position spaced from the electrical connection, while at the same time providing a tastefully preferred, visually aesthetic overall impression of the suspension of the adapter with the ceiling lamp and the cable. The cable mechanism can, in particular, comprise a cable drum that is rotatably mounted about a central axis of the adapter. A sliding contact can be provided at a suitable position of a cable guide in the housing, thus particularly advantageously ensuring that the cable connection or the lamp canopy or lamp head does not rotate when the cable is wound and unwound.Suitably, the housing has, adjacent to the area provided for accommodating the cable mechanism, a further area which is provided for connecting or at least partially receiving the lamp canopy or lamp head. The further area can be open or closed and, in the closed variant, suitably has a lower opening through which the lamp canopy or lamp head is exposed or at least partially protrudes from the housing, or the housing has a suitable cable outlet for a cable connected to the connection. According to one embodiment of the invention, it can also be advantageous to separate the area provided for receiving the cable mechanism and the further area, which is described below.The housing according to one embodiment of the invention further comprises a lower edge which surrounds and delimits the opening and on which the lamp canopy or lamp head, which is arranged at least partially in the housing, is held in the housing. The lower edge can be supported in the lower region by cross struts. The lower edge can, for example, be designed as a sleeve and advantageously assume correspondingly predetermined flexible shapes. This lower edge and the cross struts serve to hold the lamp canopy or the lamp head. This embodiment of the lower edge is particularly advantageous for a one-piece housing of the adapter. The lower edge can also have a deformation-resistant strength, wherein the lower edge can be formed integrally with the housing.This design of the lower edge is particularly advantageous for the embodiment of the adapter described below, which has a first and second composable housing part. It can also be advantageous to provide a partition in the housing of the adapter between the area provided for the cable mechanism and the further area, so that a particularly advantageous first compartment for receiving the cable is cleanly separated from a second compartment for receiving the lamp canopy or lamp head. BERPT22060WO November 20, 2023 The housing of a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the adapter can suitably have a first housing part for the area for receiving the cable mechanism and a second housing part for the further area for receiving the lamp canopy or lamp head, which is firmly connected to the first housing part to form the housing of the adapter.The housing of another particularly advantageous embodiment of the adapter can be designed with dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the cable mechanism such that the area of the cable mechanism completely occupies the interior of the housing. Suitable fastening elements for fastening the connection for a luminaire, the lamp canopy, or the lamp head are provided on the base of the housing of this embodiment of the adapter. Suitably, the housing of the adapter can be encased, particularly adjacent to the fastening of the connection, the lamp canopy, or the lamp head, by a flexible hose or a sleeve of suitable dimensions, so that the housing visually forms a unit with the connection, the lamp canopy, or the lamp head.The housing of a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the adapter can have a cover which is designed to correspond to an upper edge of the housing and which has a central recess. The cable mechanism here has an advantageous cable drum for winding and unwinding the cable and a cover designed to correspond in a form-fitting manner with the cable drum. The cover of the cable drum lies freely above the protruding central recess in the cover of the housing and is freely accessible, in particular for manual actuation of the cable mechanism. The dimensions of the housing of the adapter can be suitably designed to accommodate lamp canopies and / or lamp heads of different designs and dimensions as well as to accommodate cables of different lengths. The housing can suitably have a total volume of 50 cm. 3 up to 2,500 cm 3and preferably from about 1,000 cm 3 wherein the cable mechanism provided in the adapter can be designed to accommodate a cable with a total length of 50 cm to 300 cm, preferably 100 cm to 200 cm, and particularly preferably approximately 150 cm. It is clear that a circular ceiling element, for example, can have dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the adapter. For a cylindrical adapter with a total volume of 1,000 cm 3 Accordingly, a circular ceiling element with a diameter of 10 cm is particularly suitable. Furthermore, a ceiling element that interacts with the adapter can also be designed with a large surface or as a rail, which allows for particularly flexible positioning on an area specified by the ceiling element according to its dimensions, for example, 300 cm 2or flat track of, for example, 150 cm. The dimensions, material, and magnetization of the at least one magnetic element, and / or its number and / or BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 the strength of the lower edge or sleeve, its dimensions and design, and / or the stability of the connection mechanism can particularly advantageously be selected such that the following criteria are met.An adapter as described above, attached to the ceiling element, is suitably designed such that the adapter, attached to the ceiling element, can support ceiling lamps with a maximum weight of 1 to 10 kg, and preferably about 5 kg, and that, for a ceiling lamp with the maximum weight, a tensile force of 1 to 4 N, and preferably 2 to 3 N, is required to remove the adapter with its ceiling lamp from the ceiling element, while the stability of the housing and the lamp canopy or the lamp head in or on the adapter is not compromised. The housing of the adapter described above can suitably be provided at least partially from plastic and / or metal and / or wood.For example, in a plastic adapter, selected areas or elements, such as the connecting mechanism for forming locking and / or snap-on elements, or the cable mechanism made of metal, can be provided and also interact with the plastic housing. The housing of the adapter can also be adapted to the design of a predetermined lamp canopy, for example, cylindrical, elongated, cubic, conical, hexagonal, etc., and, as described above, can be suitably designed for attaching a flexible hose or a sleeve to the outside of the adapter housing. BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 In particular, a cubic or hexagonal design of the housing as mentioned above naturally also has corresponding corners and edges.The adapter described above for suspending lamps, and in particular for suspending ceiling lamps, is particularly suitable for a universal, simple, and flexible universal adapter for suspending ceiling lamps, which can be removed from the original canopy and is usable for the most common lamp types, and thus, as described, advantageously solves the above-mentioned problem of the invention. This also applies to the suspension system also described above, which has at least one adapter and at least one ceiling element. Further details and features emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments, in particular in conjunction with the subclaims. The respective features can be implemented alone or in combination with one another. The possibilities for solving the problem are not limited to the embodiments.The embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures designate identical or functionally identical elements or elements which correspond to one another in terms of their functions. Not all reference numerals are shown in all figures. In detail: BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 Fig. 1A shows a schematic perspective view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the invention together with a junction box fastened to the ceiling of a room; Fig. 1B shows the adapter from Fig. 1A fastened to predetermined positions on the ceiling, each in a reduced lateral view; Fig. 2 shows an enlarged semi-transparent view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3A shows a housing part of the adapter from Fig. 2; Fig. 3B shows a housing part of a modified adapter according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig.4 is a perspective exploded view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 shows the adapter of the embodiment of Fig. 4 from a different perspective; Fig. 6A is an enlarged view of the cable drum of the cable mechanism of the adapter of Figs. 4 and 5 together with a cable fastened to the cable drum; Fig. 6B shows the complete cable mechanism of the adapter of Figs. 4 and 5; Fig. 7A shows the cable mechanism of Fig. 6B inserted into the adapter; Fig. 7B shows the adapter of Fig. 7A fully assembled; and Fig. 7C shows the adapter of Fig. 7B from a different perspective. Fig. 1A shows a schematic perspective view of an adapter (1) for positioning and suspending a ceiling lamp according to an embodiment of the invention together with a junction box (10) fastened to a ceiling (D) of a room and a junction box (10) for positioning the adapter (1) on a . BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 predetermined first position (P1) at the position shown in Fig.1B, a ceiling element (11) fastened to the ceiling (D) shown in section. The adapter (1) has a housing (2; 3) with a lower opening (24) or a cable outlet (350), in or on which a connection (8) or a lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8) is at least partially accommodated or fastened in such a way that a lamp (9) of the ceiling lamp is at least partially exposed and protrudes from the opening (24) or is visible through the opening (24), or that a power supply to the lamp (9) is ensured via the connection (8) and the cable outlet (350). The lamp (9) is shown here as being similar to a light bulb. A flexible hose or a sleeve (not shown in the drawing) can be provided on the outside of the adapter (1) to cover the housing (2; 3) and / or the connection (8) or the lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8).The adapter (1) is connected to a junction box (10) of an electrical connection arranged at a position (P0) on the ceiling (D) via a cable (5) led into the interior of the housing (2; 3) for the electrical connection of the ceiling lamp. The ceiling element (11) arranged at a predetermined first position (P1) on the ceiling (D) is a flat metal sheet (11) which is designed as a circular metal disk (11) to correspond to the, for example, cylindrical housing (2; 3) of the adapter (1). The flat ceiling element (11) is fixedly fastened in a suitable manner at the first position (P1) on the ceiling (D). For example, the ceiling element (11) can be glued to the surface of the ceiling (D) or by means of a fastener shown in the drawing. BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 not shown screw to the ceiling (D), wherein the ceiling element (11) together with its protruding possible fastening screw can be painted over in a suitable manner to match the color of the ceiling (D) for an advantageous optically aesthetic impression. The housing (2; 3) of the adapter (1) has a cover (23; 33, 36) not shown in Fig. 1A, on which at least one magnetic element (7) is arranged, which can suitably be flat-cylindrical or annular. In the interior of the housing (2; 3) there is suitably provided in particular a (21; 31) area which serves to accommodate a cable mechanism (6) suitably designed as a cable drum (6), which is provided for winding and unwinding the cable (5). The housing (2) of the adapter (1) described below with reference to Fig.The embodiment of the invention described in Figures 2, 3A and 3B has a further region (22) which is provided for receiving and at least partially accommodating a connection (8) for supplying power to a cable (5) or a lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8) of the ceiling lamp from which the light (9) hangs. The lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8) received in the housing (2) can protrude at least partially from the housing (2) via the opening (24) in the base of the adapter (1) and can be accessible at least via the opening (24), or a cable outlet (350) from the housing (3) can enable a power supply to the light (9) via the connection (8). The areas (21, 22; 31) of the interior of the housing (2; 3) not shown here, the magnetic element (7) and the cable drum (6), as well as the opening (24) and the cable outlet (350). BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 are shown schematically in particular in the correspondingly enlarged representations of the embodiments of the adapter (1) in Fig. 2, 4 and 5 and are described again below with reference in particular to Fig. 2, 4 and 5. Fig. 1B shows the adapter (1) from Fig. 1A fastened to predetermined positions (P1) and (P2) of the ceiling (D), in each case in a reduced lateral view. For this purpose, to fasten the adapter (1), one ceiling element (11) of a total of two ceiling elements (11) is fastened to the positions (P1) and (P2), as described above, on the ceiling (D), which is shown here in Fig. 1B in a sectional view. The adapter (1) is arranged with its cover (23; 33, 36) in each case adjacent to the ceiling elements (11).The at least one magnetic element (7) arranged on the cover (23; 33, 36) holds the adapter (1) fastened to the ceiling elements (11) in such a way that the cover (23; 33, 36) and / or the magnetic element (7) each make contact with the ceiling elements (11), after which the adapter (1) and the ceiling lamp are suspended as intended. The dimensions, the material and the magnetization of the magnetic element (7), as well as their number, are suitably selected such that an adapter (1) fastened to the ceiling elements (11) can support ceiling lamps with a maximum weight of 1 to 10 kg and preferably about 5 kg, and that, for a ceiling lamp with the maximum weight, a tensile force of 1 to 4 N and preferably 2 to 3 N is required to remove the adapter (1) with its ceiling lamp from the ceiling elements (11). BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 For the adapter (1) in Fig.1B, the adapter (1) is fastened at positions (P1) and (P2) of the ceiling elements (11), the cable (5) is wound or unwound in an aesthetically pleasing manner onto the cable drum (6) arranged inside the housing (2; 3) in such a way that the cable (5) extends from the junction box (10) to the adapter and is arranged essentially parallel to the ceiling (D). Of course, taking into account the furniture in the space below the ceiling (D) and / or differing aesthetic requirements, the cable (5) can also be wound or unwound from the cable drum (6) in such a way that the cable (5) extends in an arc from the junction box (10) to the adapter (1).It is also clear that the positions (P1) and (P2) are each predetermined in such a way that, for example, a central area of a table arranged at different positions in the space below the ceiling (D) corresponds to one of the positions (P1) and (P2). It is also clear that one of the positions (P1) or (P2) can also correspond to the position (P0). Furthermore, a ceiling element (11) interacting with the adapter (1) can, as described above, also be designed to have a large area or be rail-like, whereby such a ceiling element (11) can be particularly flexible and can be positioned as desired on an area of, for example, 300 cm, predetermined by the ceiling element according to its dimensions. 2or flat track of, for example, 150 cm. BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 The dimensions of the adapter (1) can be suitably designed to accommodate or attach lamp canopies (8) and / or lamp heads (8) of different designs and dimensions. The adapter (1) can suitably have a total volume of 50 cm 3 up to 2,500 cm 3 and preferably from about 1,000 cm 3The cable drum (6) provided in the adapter (1) can be suitably designed to accommodate a cable (5) with a total length of 50 to 300 cm, preferably 100 to 200 cm, and particularly preferably approximately 150 cm. Using an adapter (1) as described above and at least one ceiling element (11), a suspension system for the simple, secure, flexible, and universal suspension of ceiling lamps at at least one predetermined position (P1), in particular a ceiling (D), is provided according to one embodiment of the invention. It is clear that a ceiling element (11) can of course also be attached, for example, to a ceiling beam or to the underside of a high-hanging shelf. The adapter (1), the magnetic element(s) (7), and the ceiling elements (11) are each made of materials suitable for providing, in particular, the above maximum weight and the maximum tensile force.The adapter (1) can in particular be made of metal, plastic or wood, and the magnetic element(s) (7) can in particular be, for example, neodymium magnets. Fig. 2 shows an enlarged semi-transparent view of an adapter (1) according to an embodiment of the invention, and. BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 Fig. 3A shows a housing part (2B) of the housing (2) of the adapter (1) from Fig. 2. The adapter (1) according to the embodiment of Fig. 2 is, for example, cylindrical. As mentioned above, the adapter (1) can also be, for example, cubic, hexagonal, conical, etc. An example cubic housing part (2B) is shown in Fig. 3B. The cable mechanism (6) and the lamp canopy (8) are not shown in Figs. 3A and B for the sake of clarity. This also applies to an adapter (1) not shown in the drawings of the design with the cubic housing (2) and the housing part (2B) of Fig. 3B.As mentioned above, in particular the aforementioned cubic or hexagonal design of the housing naturally also has corresponding corners and edges not shown in the drawing. Many features of the exemplary cylindrical adapter (1) of Fig. 2 and 3A, which corresponds to the adapter (1) of Fig. 1A and 1B, have already been described in detail above with reference to Fig. 1A and 1B, which is why reference is also made here to the above description. Unlike the adapter (1) of Fig. 1A and 1B, the adapter (1) of Fig. 2 accommodates only a schematically cylindrical lamp canopy (8) of a ceiling lamp having three lights (9) and designed as a pendant lamp, which is not shown in Fig. 3A.The area (21) provided for the cable mechanism (6) is separated from the further area (22) for at least partially accommodating a lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8) by a horizontal partition wall (212), according to which the areas (21) and (22) each provide an advantageous first (21) and second (22) compartment of the adapter (1) that are separate from one another. The partition wall (212) also has a cable guide (25) that is suitably arranged centrally. In the cover (23) of the housing (2) of the adapter (1) of Fig. 2, for example, four magnetic elements (7) are suitably arranged and fastened in predetermined recesses (70) in the cover (23). For example, the magnetic elements (7) can be suitably glued to the cover (23) which is integral with the housing (2) of the adapter.The four magnetic elements (7) are suitably evenly spaced from a central actuating element (60) of a mechanical cable drum (6) provided in the area (21) for winding and unwinding a cable (5) around a central axis (A) of the cable drum (6), and are evenly distributed in the cover (23). The actuating element (60) is accordingly arranged in a central recess (600) of the cover (23). The number of magnetic elements (7) depends on the weight of the ceiling lamp to be installed. A ring magnet can also be attached to the cover and can be arranged around the actuating element (60) of the cable drum (6). The actuating element (60), which is also provided in the cover (23), is intended for manually operating the cable drum (6) and is accordingly arranged so as to be accessible from the outside.It is clear that in the area (21) an at least semi-automatic, mechanical drive of the cable drum (6), for example by means of a spring drive, can also be provided. BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 The cable mechanism (6), like the partition wall (212), also has a cable guide (25) via which the cable (5) is guided into the cable mechanism (6) or into the area (22) to the lamp canopy (8). At a suitable position of the cable guide (25) of the cable (5) in the housing (2) and in particular on the cable mechanism (6), thus ensuring that the lamp canopy (8) does not rotate when the cable mechanism (6) is actuated. The area (21) for accommodating the cable (5) and the cable mechanism (6) is arranged adjacent to the cover (23) above the area (22) which, according to the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3A, is approximately the same size, for at least partially accommodating the lamp canopy (8).The adjacent regions (21) and (22) are separated by the central partition wall (212) into a first compartment (21) for accommodating the cable mechanism (6) and a second compartment (22) for receiving the lamp canopy (8). A cable entry (250) for the cable (5) from outside the adapter (1) into the region (21) is provided at a suitable position in the side wall (20). The region (22) has an edge (240) extending around the opening (24) on the lower edge of the housing (2), which edge can be designed as a flexible sleeve (240). The lower edge (240) can also be supported by cross struts (241) extending parallel to one another across the opening (24) in a suitable manner. The sleeve (240) can, for example, be designed such that it can be easily opened and closed. The lamp canopy (8), whose horizontal dimensions . BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 correspond accordingly to the interior of the housing (2), the opening (24) and the edge (240), can thus be inserted into the adapter (1) from below via the opening (24) and the flexible edge (240) when the sleeve (240) is open, and can then be held in the housing (2) by the closed sleeve (240) and / or by the cross struts (241). In the example of Fig. 2, the lamp canopy (8) does not completely fill the area (22), particularly in terms of height. It is clear that the selection of the material of the sleeve (240), as well as its thickness and design, are selected and designed in accordance with the load-bearing capacity described above for the magnets, according to which the adapter (1) can support ceiling lamps with a maximum weight of 1 to 10 kg and preferably about 5 kg. The housing (2) of the adapter (1) of the embodiment of Fig.2 is designed from two similarly designed housing parts (2A) and (2B) that can be assembled along a center line (L) of the housing (2). For this purpose, the housing (2) has suitable connecting elements of a connecting mechanism (not shown in the drawing) that are designed and arranged to correspond to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. For example, the connecting elements can be interacting mechanical elements of a locking and / or snap-in connection that are provided on the edges of the housing part. It is clear that, alternatively, a screw connection or a bayonet connection can also be provided as the connecting element. BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 It is clear that the connecting mechanism is designed in accordance with the load-bearing capacity described above for the magnets (7) and the sleeve (240), according to which the adapter (1) can support ceiling lamps with a maximum weight of 1 to 10 kg and preferably about 5 kg, and is also stable against a further tensile force of 1 to 4 N and preferably 2 to 3 N for removing the adapter (1) with its ceiling lamp from the ceiling element (11). Fig. 3B shows a housing part (2B) of a modification of the adapter (1) of Fig. 3A, which has many features of the embodiment of the housing part (2B) of Fig. 3A, which is why reference is made here to the above description. Unlike the embodiment of the adapter (1) of Fig. 3A, the areas (21) and (22) of the adapter (1) are not the same size.Instead, the area (21) for accommodating the cable mechanism (6) is, for example, smaller than the further area (22) separated from the first area (21) by the horizontal partition wall (212). Unlike the embodiment of Fig. 3A, the adapter (1) of the embodiment of Fig. 3B is, for example, cubic in shape. According to an advantageous further modification of the two-part and composable design of the housing (2), not shown in the drawing, the lower edge (240) can be very strong. This modification is also advantageous for the partition wall (212) to be divided into two cleanly separate compartments (21) for a desirable separation of the area (21) for accommodating the cable (5) and the area (22) for accommodating the lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8). BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 (22) suitably formed integrally with the first housing part (2A).In this modification, a lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8) can be inserted into the second housing part (2B), which is then open at the top, in a particularly simple manner when the first (2A) and second (2B) housing parts are separated from one another. It is clear that the two housing parts (2A) and (2B) are each arranged adjacent to one another along the line (L) of Fig. 2 and are separated, whereby the adapter (1) is opened. The two housing parts (2A) and (2B) are designed to be assembled to form the housing (2) of the adapter (1) as described above and each have suitable connecting elements of a connecting mechanism (not shown in the drawing) that are designed and arranged to correspond to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. For example, the connecting elements can be interacting mechanical elements of a locking and / or snap-in connection. Fig.4 shows a perspective exploded view of an adapter (1) according to a further embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 5 shows the adapter (1) of the embodiment of Fig. 4 from a different perspective. The adapter (1) according to the embodiment of Figs. 4 and 5 is, like the adapter (1) of the embodiment of Fig. 2, for example, cylindrical. Many features of the embodiment of Figs. 4 and 5 have already been described in detail above with reference to Figs. 1A and 1B, which is why reference is also made here to the above description. Unlike the adapter (1) of Figs. 1A and 1B and the adapter (1) of Fig. 2, the adapter (1) of Figs. 4 and 5 is designed to accommodate only the cable mechanism (6). A suitable cable connection (8) as well as a lamp canopy (8) or a lamp head (8) of a lamp are not shown in Fig. 4 and 5 for the sake of clarity.The cover (33) of the housing (3) is designed to correspond to an upper edge of the cylindrical housing (3) and has a central recess through which a cover (36) of a cable mechanism (6) is exposed and accessible at the top, wherein the cover (33) together with the cover (36) forms the cover (33, 36) of the housing (1). The cover (33) is suitably screwed to fastening elements (301) provided on the inside of the side wall (30) of the housing (3) and keeps the housing (3) closed at the top and the cable mechanism (6) securely and firmly positioned in the housing (3).The cable mechanism (6) is provided by a cable drum (6) which is connected to its cover (36) via suitable, interacting central form-locking elements (360) in such a way that when the cover (36) is rotated about the central axis (A), the cable drum (6) is also rotated about the axis (A) for winding and unwinding a cable (5). For suitable manual operation, two suitable recessed grips (60) are provided in the cover (36) as actuating elements (60) of the cable mechanism (6), which are accessible via the central cutout in the cover (33). A central recess (70) in the cover (36) is provided to accommodate a suitable magnetic element (7). BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 which is designed as a disc magnet (7) which has a central countersunk hole and is screwed to the cover (36) in the recess (70) of the cover (36).Countersunk screws (43) and (47) are suitably provided for screwing the magnet (7) to the cover (36) and for screwing the cover (33) to the fastening elements (301) of the housing (3). As described above, the cable mechanism (6) has the cable drum (6), which is rotatably mounted about a central axis (A) of the adapter (1). A sliding contact (50) is provided at a suitable position on the cable guide (35) for the cable (5) from the cable drum (6) so that when the cable drum (6) rotates about the axis (A), the cable (5) leading out of the cable drum (6) and a light (5) connected to the cable (5) are not rotated. The sliding contact (50) is suitably screwed to the cable drum (6), with suitable lens-head screws (45) being provided for this purpose.For inserting the cable (5) into the housing (3), the housing (3) has a cable inlet (350) provided in its side wall (30) and a central cable outlet (350) provided in the base of the housing (3), through which the cable (5) is led out of the housing (3). As in the embodiment of Fig. 2 described above, an at least semi-automatic, mechanical drive for the cable drum (6), for example by means of a spring drive, can also be provided in the interior (31) of the housing (3). BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 Fig. 6A shows an enlarged view of the cable drum (6) of the cable mechanism (6) of the adapter (1) of Fig. 4 and 5 together with a cable (5) which is fastened to the cable drum (6) adjacent to the central form-locking element (360) in a suitable manner, e.g. by means of a cable tie.In its further course, which is not shown in the drawing for the sake of clarity and overview, the cable (5) is inserted into the cable guide (35) and connected to the sliding contact (50), which is fastened to the cable guide (35) of the cable drum (6) by means of the screws (45). Fig. 6B shows the complete cable mechanism (6) of the adapter (1) from a different perspective with the sliding contact (50) screwed to the cable drum (6) and the cover (36) of the cable drum (6), the form-locking elements (360) of which are each assembled, and wherein the cover (36), like the sliding contact (5), is also fastened to the cable drum (6) by means of the screws (45). Fig. 7A shows the fully assembled cable mechanism (6) from Fig. 6B inserted into the housing (3) of the adapter (1), and Fig.7B, the edge of the housing (3) is also covered by the cover (33), which is fastened to the housing (3) by means of screws (43) and the fastening elements (301) provided on the inner wall (30) of the housing (3). The cover (33), together with the cover (36), forms the complete cover (33, 36) of the housing (3), wherein the central magnetic element (7) and the two actuating elements (60) designed as depressions (60) or recessed grips (6) are exposed or accessible. BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 Fig. 7C finally shows the adapter (1) of Fig. 7B from a different perspective, namely from below, wherein the cable (5) is led out of the housing (3) via the central cable outlet (350) at the bottom of the housing (3).For the intended attachment of a connection (8), a lamp canopy (8), or a lamp head (8) of a lamp (8) to the adapter (8), at least one suitable attachment element (38) is provided on the bottom of its housing (3), which is designed, for example, in the drawing, as a fastening hook (38) that is suitably arranged adjacent to the central cable outlet (350). As mentioned above, the housing (3) of the adapter (1), in particular adjacent to the attachment of the connection (8), the lamp canopy (8), or the lamp head (8) of the lamp, can be encased in a flexible hose or sleeve (not shown in the drawing) with suitable dimensions, so that the housing (3) visually represents a unit with the connection (8), the lamp canopy (8), or the lamp head (8). In addition to the attachment element (38) described above, designed, for example, as a fastening hook (38), Fig.7C, as an exemplary further or alternative fastening element (38), also one of the two grooves extending radially in the base of the housing (3), which are also schematically illustrated in Fig. 5, is also shown schematically without being provided with a reference symbol. With the above embodiments of the adapter (1) of Figs. 2, 4, and 5 described with reference to the drawings, an adapter (1) for suspending lamps and, in particular, a universal adapter (1) for suspending ceiling lamps is provided, which can be used universally, simply, and flexibly and can be removed again from the lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8). Together with at least one protruding ceiling element (11), the universal adapter (1) and the at least one ceiling element (11) provide a simple and universally usable suspension system for ceiling lamps of any design and application.
[0002] Reference symbol Adapter, universal adapter0 Electrical connection, junction box 1 Ceiling element Housing 0 Side wall 1 Area, compartment 2 Area, compartment 12 Partition ceiling, partition wall 3 Cover 4 Opening 40 Edge, sleeve 41 Cross braces 5 Cable guide 50 Cable entry, cable exit A first housing part B second housing part Housing 0 Side wall 01 Fastening element, projection 1 Area, housing interior 3 Cover 50 Cable entry, cable exit 6 Cover 60 Form-locking element, connecting element8 Fastening element, screw hook . BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 43, 45, 47 Screw 5 Cable 50 Sliding contact 6 Cable mechanism, cable reel, cable drum, spool 60 Actuating element, recess, recessed grip 600 Cut-out 7 Magnetic element 70 Cut-out, recess 8 Connection, lamp canopy, lamp head 9 Luminaire 10 Junction box 11 Ceiling element, metal sheet, metal disc A Axis D Ceiling L Line P0, P1, P2, Px Position . BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 cited literature cited patent literature DE 19906686 A1 DE 102016219 697 A1.
Claims
. BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 Patent claims 1. Adapter (1) for suspending lamps, and in particular ceiling lamps, comprising a housing (2; 3) which is designed to at least partially accommodate or fasten a connection (8), lamp canopy (8) or a lamp head (8) of a lamp, and in particular a ceiling lamp with at least one light (9), characterized in that the housing (2; 3) has a lower opening (24) or a lower cable outlet (350) of a cable (5) connected to the connection (8), so that a lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8) at least partially accommodated in the housing (2) is accessible, or a power supply to the light (9) is ensured via the cable outlet (350) and the cable (5), and wherein the housing (2; 3) has an upper cover (23; 33, 36) on which at least one magnetic element (7) is arranged, and whereby the adapter (1) with its cover (23;33, 36) can be brought easily and flexibly adjacent to a metallic ceiling element (11) fastened to the ceiling (D) at a position (P1, P2), wherein the magnetic element (7) interacts with the ceiling element (11) in such a way that the adapter (1) is fastened to the ceiling element (11) and the ceiling (D), and the lamp and in particular the ceiling lamp is suspended together with the adapter (1), and wherein the housing (2; 3) has an area (21; 31) adjacent to the cover (23; 33, 36) in which a cable mechanism (6) for winding and unwinding a cable (5) with electrical lines for supplying power to the lamp (9) is arranged, which; BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 extends from an electrical connection (10) provided on the ceiling (D) via a cable guide (25; 35) in the housing (2; 3) to the lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8), wherein an actuating element (60) for actuating the cable mechanism (6) is provided in the cover (23; 33, 36).
2. Adapter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cable mechanism (6) has a cable drum (6) which is rotatably mounted about a central axis (A) of the adapter (1), wherein a sliding contact (50) can be provided at a suitable position of the cable guide (25; 35) of the cable (5) in the housing (2; 3). 3.Adapter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (2) has a further region (22) adjacent to the region (21), which is provided for at least partially receiving the lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8), wherein the further region (22) has a lower opening (24) through which the lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8) is accessible or at least partially protrudes from the housing (2).
4. Adapter (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing (2) has a lower edge (240) which surrounds and delimits the opening (24) and by which the lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8), which is at least partially arranged in the housing (2), is held in the housing (2), wherein the lower edge (240) can be supported by cross struts (241), and. . BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 wherein the lower edge (240) is designed as a sleeve (240) and can accordingly assume predetermined flexible shapes, or the lower edge (240) has a deformation-resistant strength, wherein the lower edge can be formed integrally with the housing (2).
5. Adapter (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the housing (2) has a partition wall (212) between the region (21) and the further region (22), so that a first compartment (21) for receiving the cable (5) is separated from a second compartment (22) for receiving the lamp canopy (8) or lamp head (8). 6.Adapter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the housing (2) has a first housing part (2A) and a second housing part (2B), which can be assembled with the first housing part (2A) to form the housing (2) of the adapter (1), wherein connecting elements of a connecting mechanism for assembling the first (2A) and second (2B) housing parts, which are each designed and arranged in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner with one another, are provided on the first (2A) and second (2B) housing parts.
7. Adapter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating element (60) is arranged in a central recess (600) in the cover (23), and several actuating elements are arranged on the cover (23) of the housing (2) of the adapter (1). . BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 Magnetic elements (7) are arranged and fastened in predetermined recesses (70) of the cover (23), wherein the magnetic elements (7) can be suitably screwed or glued to the cover (23) of the housing (2).
8. Adapter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cable mechanism (6) has a cover (36) designed to correspond positively to the cable drum (6), and the cover (33) is designed to correspond to an upper edge of the housing (3) and has a central recess, wherein the cover (36) is exposed and accessible at the top via the central recess of the cover (33), and the cover (33) together with the cover (36) forms the cover (33, 36) of the housing (1). 9.Adapter (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the cover (36) has a central recess (70) for accommodating a magnetic element (7), and the actuating element (6) is provided by means of two further recesses (60) provided in the cover (36).
10. Adapter (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the cover (33) is screwed to fastening elements (301) provided on the inside of the side wall (30) of the housing (3). . BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 11. Adapter (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the magnetic element (7) is provided by a disc magnet (7) having a central countersink and screwed to the cover (36) in the recess (70) of the cover (36).
12. Adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimensions of the housing (2, 3) are designed to accommodate or attach lamp canopies (8) and / or lamp heads (8) of different designs and dimensions, wherein the lamp canopy (8) can also be provided merely by means of a cable connection (8), and wherein the housing (2, 3) has a total volume of 50 cm 3 up to 2,500 cm 3 and preferably of about 1,000 cm 3and wherein the cable mechanism (6) provided in the adapter (1) is designed for a capacity to accommodate a cable (5) with a total length of 50 to 300 cm and preferably from 100 cm to 200 cm and particularly preferably of about 150 cm.
13. Adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimension, the material and the magnetization of the magnetic element (7) and / or its number, and / or the strength of the lower edge (240) or the sleeve (240), their dimensions and design, and / or the stability of the connecting mechanism are selected and designed such that BERPT22060WO 20.11.2023 an adapter (1) attached to the ceiling element (11) can support ceiling lamps with a maximum weight of 1 to 10 kg and preferably about 5 kg, and that for a ceiling lamp with the maximum weight, a tensile force of 1 to 4 N and preferably 2 to 3 N is required to remove the adapter (1) with its ceiling lamp from the ceiling element (11), and the stability of the housing (2, 3) and the lamp canopy (8) or the lamp head (8) in or on the adapter (1) is not impaired.
14. Adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2; 3) is provided at least partially from plastic and / or metal and / or wood. 15.Suspension system for the simple, flexible and universal suspension of ceiling lamps at at least one predetermined position (P1, P2) on the ceiling (D) of a room, with at least one flat metallic ceiling element (11) which is intended for attachment to the ceiling (D) of the room at at least one of the predetermined positions (P1, P2), characterized in that the suspension system also comprises at least one adapter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, which is designed such that it cooperates with the at least one ceiling element (11) such that a predetermined ceiling lamp can be suspended by means of the adapter (1) and the ceiling element (11) at at least one predetermined position (P1, P2).