Lifting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) comprising: at least one spindle unit (3) rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (2), on which at least one supply cable (4) for supplying at least one light source (5) connected or connectable to the at least one supply cable (4) with electrical energy can be wound and unwound, so that a section of the at least one supply cable (4) of different lengths can be arranged on the at least one spindle unit (3); and with at least one cable guide unit (6) with at least one guide element (7) for guiding the supply cable (4) in relation to the spindle unit (3) and wherein the cable guide unit (6) is movably designed relative to the spindle unit (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device with at least one spindle unit for receiving a supply cable and a cable guide unit for guiding the supply cable.

[0002] A lighting device comprising a housing and a spindle is known from WO 2020 / 223746 A1. A power cable for a connected lamp can be wound and unwound on the spindle. The power cable is guided in a working direction by a roller attached to the housing. The lamp is attached to the power cable, which supplies the lamp with electrical energy and simultaneously provides the holding force for the lamp. The distance between the lamp and the lighting device can thus be changed during intended use. A particular disadvantage is that the power cable must be guided over the guide roller. Especially if the wrap angle of the power cable is very small, the power cable can slip off the guide roller, rendering the lighting device inoperable.Advantageously, during assembly, the supply cable can first be laid around a separate guide element and then attached to the guide arm together with the guide element, in particular by screwing it on.

[0003] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a lighting device with a variable length of supply cable which has a higher level of functional reliability, in particular when adjusting the length of the supply cable.

[0004] The problem is solved by a lighting device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and properties will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0005] The lighting device according to the invention comprises: at least one spindle unit rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation, on which at least one supply cable for supplying at least one light source connected or connectable to the at least one supply cable with electrical energy can be wound and unwound, such that a section of the at least one supply cable of different length can be arranged on the at least one spindle unit; and with at least one cable guide unit with at least one guide element for guiding the supply cable in relation to the spindle unit during winding and unwinding.

[0006] The cable guide unit is designed to be movable relative to the spindle unit.

[0007] The invention has many advantages. A significant advantage is that the position of the cable guide element can be changed during the winding and unwinding of the supply cable. This ensures more reliable operation and improved cable routing; in particular, it prevents the supply cable from wrapping around itself in very small angles. Advantageously, the guide element can be positioned in at least several different positions, either parallel to the axis of rotation or perpendicular to it.

[0008] Preferably, the guide element is designed as a guide roller. Advantageously, the guide roller can move with the supply cable, in particular rotate, so that there is no relative movement between the supply cable and the guide element. Advantageously, the guide is improved, for example, by a shaped element such as a groove. Alternatively, the guide element can also be designed as a sliding element or the like.

[0009] The cable guidance unit preferably comprises at least one bearing unit. Advantageously, the bearing unit allows the cable guidance unit to be movably mounted relative to the spindle unit. Preferably, a housing is included in which the spindle unit and the cable guidance unit are each movably mounted. In particular, the bearing unit is designed such that the cable guidance unit is displaceable at least relative to the spindle unit, preferably parallel and / or transversely to the axis of rotation of the spindle unit. In particular, displacement transversely to the axis of rotation can also be achieved by pivoting a part of the cable guidance unit. In particular, the bearing unit comprises a round receptacle and a bearing pin, wherein the receptacle advantageously encloses the bearing pin.

[0010] Preferably, the cable guidance unit comprises at least one guide arm. In particular, the guide arm is pivotably designed and preferably mounted on the bearing unit. Advantageously, this allows the guide element to be displaced transversely to the axis of rotation.

[0011] In particular, the guide arm extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the spindle unit. Specifically, the guide arm is at least partially curved for this purpose. Advantageously, the supply cable is routed through an inner section of the guide arm. Specifically, the gap between the spindle of the spindle unit and the guide arm is essentially as high as the supply cable. This advantageously ensures that no two overlapping sections of the supply cable lie chaotically on top of each other. Furthermore, the center of gravity of the guide arm is located on the inside of a curve in the arc, so that a loaded guide arm, in the event of a tilt caused by manufacturing tolerances, moves towards the spindle unit.

[0012] Preferably, the guide element is arranged at one end, particularly a distal end, of the guide arm. In other words, the guide element is located in a region of the guide arm where there is a large distance to the axis of rotation. Advantageously, this ensures that the guide arm is always subjected to the same load during winding and unwinding, thus reducing the risk of the mechanical components tilting relative to each other, even during braking.

[0013] In particular, the guide arm encloses the guide element, at least partially. This allows for even better routing of the supply cable between the guide arm and the guide element. Advantageously, the guide arm encloses a running surface or guide surface of the guide element, thus further improving the guidance of the supply cable. This advantageously ensures even greater operational reliability.

[0014] Preferably, the spindle unit has at least one spindle with at least one, in particular groove-shaped, recess for guiding and winding the at least one supply cable. Preferably, the recess extends spirally around the spindle of the spindle unit and, in particular, forms a thread. Preferably, the dimensions of the recess are adapted to the supply cable, especially to its cross-section. Advantageously, the supply cable is thus completely enclosed in the recess. The supply cable is guided in precisely defined paths within the recess, which particularly facilitates precise winding and unwinding of the supply cable. In particular, several, preferably overlapping, recesses, which in particular form threads, can be provided. Advantageously, supply cables with different diameters can then be wound on the same spindle unit.

[0015] Advantageously, up to several meters of supply cable can be arranged on the spindle of the spindle unit, and in particular wound onto it. Advantageously, at least 0.3 meters, 0.5 meters, 1 meter, 1.5 meters, 2 meters, 2.5 meters, 3 meters, or 4 meters can be arranged on the spindle. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, approximately 3.3 meters of supply cable can be arranged on the spindle. When using two supply cables, for example, a length of approximately 1.65 meters per supply cable can be accommodated; with a twin-core cable, this equates to 3.3 meters. The supply cable can be wound onto the spindle. Advantageously, even longer lengths of supply cable, up to 5 meters, 10 meters, or more, can also be wound onto the spindle of the spindle unit. In particular, several supply cables or sections of supply cables can be wound onto the spindle.

[0016] In particular, at least one support unit is included, which supports the guide arm towards the spindle unit, especially in the direction of the spindle's axis of rotation. Advantageously, the support unit comprises interlocking guide elements, thereby supporting the guide arm in a position substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, particularly in one direction. Advantageously, a guide element on the guide arm of the cable guide unit can be formed by a lug or the like, which is guided in a groove-shaped recess in the spindle unit. This advantageously improves the support of the guide arm in the vertical direction.

[0017] Preferably, at least one spring unit is included, which can be tensioned, particularly in the assembled state. Advantageously, the spring unit can apply a restoring force to the spindle unit, so that the spring unit counteracts gravity and supports the position of the light source. In particular, the spring unit is arranged at least partially within the spindle unit. Advantageously, the spring is supported against the spindle unit and against a housing of the lighting device. In particular, the spring unit can be pre-tensioned by rotating a clamping element in the assembled state. This advantageously enables particularly safe and simple assembly and pre-tensioning of the spring unit, thus reducing the risk of injury, especially during assembly and pre-tensioning. Furthermore, the spring tension is particularly advantageous and, in particular, precisely adjustable.

[0018] Advantageously, the lighting device can support the weight of one or more light sources between 0.2 kilograms and 2.5 kilograms, and preferably between 0.55 kilograms and 1.4 kilograms. In certain embodiments, weights of up to 17 kilograms and more are also possible. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a lighting device can support exactly one light source weighing between 0.55 kilograms and 1.7 kilograms.

[0019] In particular, the lighting device comprises at least one supply cable. Preferably, the supply cable is designed as a stranded wire in which the electrical conductor is formed by a plurality of thin individual wires. In particular, the supply cable comprises a double strand in which, advantageously, two strands run side by side and their sheaths are connected to each other. Both strands can be electrically conductive independently. Advantageously, a stranded wire is particularly pliable and / or flexible, even after repeated bending. Advantageously, a stranded wire remains flexible even after being held in one position for an extended period of time.

[0020] Advantageously, the supply cable, particularly in its intended use, encompasses at least a substantial portion, and especially almost the entire circumference, of the guide element of the cable management unit. It is advantageous for the supply cable to be wrapped once around the guide element, ensuring that it is reliably deflected in one direction of operation. This further advantageously ensures that the cable management unit is moved by the supply cable and not vice versa.

[0021] In particular, at least two cable management units are included. Advantageously, this allows a light source to be electrically connected via a lighting device and mechanically held in position. Furthermore, a light source with two lamps or the like can be connected. With two or more cable management units, two or more recesses for separate supply cables can also be provided on the spindle unit to enable optimal cable routing for multiple supply cables. In addition, it is also conceivable to accommodate two or more light sources on a single lighting device.

[0022] In particular, the lighting device comprises at least one electrical connection unit. Specifically, the electrical connection unit enables the light source to be supplied with electrical energy. This connection unit may include power supplies, transformers, electrical circuits, or the like. Specifically, the electrical connection unit enables electrical contact between the rotating spindle unit and an electrical voltage source, such as a household electrical system or the like. Preferably, electrical contact can be made by means of sliding contacts. In particular, the electrical connection unit can be arranged within a cavity of the spindle unit or separately, e.g., in a suspended ceiling or in a connection base or the like.

[0023] Preferably, the lighting device comprises at least one deflection unit for redirecting the supply cable. Advantageously, the supply cable can be deflected in addition to the guide element, particularly also transversely to the axis of rotation. In particular, the deflection unit is mounted on and / or removable from the housing or can be mounted separately on another object such as a ceiling. In particular, the deflection unit comprises at least one deflection pulley for redirecting the supply cable.

[0024] In particular, the lighting device comprises two deflection units. If multiple supply cables are present, this advantageously allows for adjustment of the distance between the supply cables, especially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, preferably independently of the guide elements of cable management units. In principle, distances between the supply cables of 10 millimeters and 200 millimeters or more are possible, particularly between 102 millimeters and 77 millimeters. Furthermore, multiple deflections of a single supply cable, preferably by means of several deflection units, are also possible. This advantageously allows for even greater distances between the supply cables.

[0025] In a method for adjusting the position of a light source using a previously described lighting device, the position of the cable guide element changes relative to the spindle unit to enable particularly smooth and even guidance of the supply cable. The mobility and / or the change in position can be particularly advantageous in minimizing malfunctions and / or ensuring the operational reliability of the lighting device, especially enabling particularly smooth winding and unwinding of the supply cable. Further developments and advantages of the method will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Further features and advantages of the exemplary embodiment of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used for identical or similar parts and for parts with identical or similar functions. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a light source connected to a lighting device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic side view of a lighting device according to the invention with two cable guide units; Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view of the lighting device; Fig. 4 another schematic perspective view of the lighting device; Fig. 5 a schematic exploded view of the lighting device; Fig. 6 a schematic perspective view of a lighting device with a deflection unit; Fig. 7 a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention with two cable guide units; Fig. 8 a schematic side view of the further embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention with two cable guide units; Fig.9 a schematic exploded view of a further embodiment of the lighting device; and Fig. 10 a schematic view of a further embodiment of the lighting device with a deflection unit.

[0027] It is not necessary for a lighting device according to the invention to have all the features described below. It is also possible for a lighting device according to the invention to have only individual features of the embodiments described below.

[0028] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a light source 5 enclosed in a lighting device 1 according to the invention. The lighting device 1 is housed in a light box 14 or a cover 14. The light source 5 is connected via the two supply cables 4. Furthermore, the supply cables 4 also serve as power conductors in this case, i.e., the light source 5 is held by the supply cables 4. The length of the supply cables 4 can be adjusted by simply moving the light source 5 in the lighting device 1 according to the invention. This allows the distance A between the light source and the fixed lighting device 1 to be adjusted. Advantageously, this also allows the position of the light source 5 to be adjusted vertically, for example, above a dining table or the like. The lighting device 1 is fixedly connected to the ceiling by a light box 14 and the cover 14.The two supply cables 4 have a cable distance of 18. The cable distance of 18 can be specified for a particular light source.

[0029] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a lighting device 1 according to the invention with two cable management units 6. The lighting device 1 comprises a spindle unit 3 rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation 2, with a spindle 3a on which at least one supply cable 4 can be wound and unwound for supplying at least one light source 5 connected or connectable to the at least one supply cable 4 with electrical energy, so that a section of the at least one supply cable 4 of varying length can be arranged on the at least one spindle unit 3. The spindle 3a of the spindle unit 3 is rotatable about the axis of rotation 2. At least one cable management unit 6 with at least one guide element 7 for guiding the supply cable 4 relative to the spindle unit 3 is provided. The cable management unit 6 is movably designed relative to the spindle unit 3.This ensures that the guide element 7 is always optimally positioned relative to the spindle unit 3 with spindle 3a and the supply cable 4. This guarantees increased operational reliability. It also advantageously prevents chaotic winding and unwinding of the supply cable 4 on the spindle unit 3. Furthermore, it allows for optimal positioning of the guide element 7 of the cable guide unit 6 relative to the spindle unit 3 with spindle 3a.

[0030] Here, two cable guide units 6 and two supply cables 4 are present. The spindle 3a of the spindle unit 3 has two recesses 3b, which extend in a helical fashion around the outer surface of the spindle 3a of the spindle unit 3, thus providing a continuous thread. The two recesses 3b run parallel along the circumference of the spindle unit 3. The supply cables 4 can be received in the recesses 3b. The guidance through the recess 3b ensures that each supply cable 4 is wound and unwound in a defined manner.

[0031] Advantageously, the supply cable 4 does not lie chaotically on the spindle 3a of the spindle unit 3.

[0032] The guide element 7 of the cable guidance unit 6 is designed here as a guide roller 7. The supply cable 4 completely encircles the guide roller 7, resulting in a large wrap angle and minimizing the risk of the supply cable 4 losing contact with the guide roller 7. The guide roller 7 has a circumferential groove for guiding the supply cable 4.

[0033] The cable guidance unit 6 comprises a guide arm 9. The guide element 7 of the cable guidance unit 6 is arranged at the end of the guide arm 9. The guide arm 9 is connected to a housing 14 of the lighting device 1 via the bearing unit 8. The bearing unit 8 allows the guide arm 9 to be displaced in a direction essentially parallel to the axis of rotation 2. The bearing is designed as a round receptacle 8a in which a bearing pin 8b is received. This also allows the guide arm 9 of the cable guidance unit 6 to pivot in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation 2. The guide arm 9 is curved and extends circumferentially around a portion of the spindle unit 3. As a result, the center of gravity of the guide arm 9 lies on the inside of the guide arm 9, and the guide arm 9 tends to be pulled inwards towards the spindle unit 3 by the influence of gravity.Furthermore, the curved shape of the guide arm 9 helps to guide the supply cable 4 in the recess of the spindle 3a of the spindle unit 3, since a defined gap exists between the guide arm 9 and the spindle 3a of the spindle unit 3 during normal use. A defined gap height advantageously prevents overlapping paths.

[0034] The supply cables 4 have a cable distance of 18. The cable distance 18 is essentially determined here by the distance 17 of the guide elements 7 to the axis of rotation 2 and can be further influenced by a deflection unit 16.

[0035] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the lighting device 1 from a low angle. The guide arm 9 encloses the guide element 7, which is designed as a guide roller 7. This allows the supply cable 4 to be guided even more effectively on the guide roller 7.

[0036] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows another schematic perspective view of the lighting device 1 from a slightly oblique angle above. A clamping element 12a of the spring unit 12 is visible here. The spring unit 12 comprises a drive spring 12b. The drive spring 12b is located inside the spindle 3a of the spindle unit 3. The drive spring 12b is supported against the spindle 3a and the housing 15. By rotating the clamping element 12a, the drive spring 12b is tensioned. The clamping element can then be positively connected to the housing 15, e.g., by a screw connection, so that a preload is maintained.

[0037] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the lighting device 1. The drive spring 12b is shown schematically. The lugs of the spacer unit 10 allow a defined distance between the guide arm 9 and the spindle 3a of the spindle unit 3, thus preventing the supply cable from running haphazardly over one another. The electrical connection unit 13 can be housed separately or attached to the housing 15. A sliding contact 13a with several contact elements transmits the electrical current to the spindle unit 3, where the supply cables 4 are electrically connected to supply the light source 5.

[0038] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a lighting device 1 with a deflection unit 16. The deflection unit 16 is mounted to the housing 15 by screws and allows for additional deflection of the supply cable 4 (not shown) by a deflection pulley. Two supply cables 4 and two deflection units 16 are present. This allows the distance of the supply cables to the axis of rotation 2 and to each other to be adjusted, even independently of the diameter of the spindle unit 3. In this embodiment, the distance between the supply cables 4 is reduced from 102 millimeters to 77 millimeters.

[0039] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a lighting device 1 according to the invention with two cable guide units 6. Here, the distance 17 of the guide element 7 to the axis of rotation 2 is significantly greater.

[0040] Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a lighting device 1 according to the invention with two cable guide units 7. The guide element 7 is again designed as a guide roller 7. The center point of the guide roller 7 is arranged at a greater distance 17 from the axis of rotation 2 than in the previous embodiment. This can result in a different cable distance 18.

[0041] Fig. 9 shows a schematic exploded view of the further embodiment of the lighting device 1.

[0042] Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the lighting device 1 with a deflection unit 16. Reference sign

[0043] 1 Lighting device 2 Rotary axis 3 Spindle unit 3a Spindle 3b Recesses 4 Supply cable 5 Light source 6 Cable guide unit 7 Guide element, guide roller 8 Bearing unit 8a Round mount 8b Bearing pin 9 Guide arm 10 Spacer unit 12 Spring unit 12a Clamping element 12b Drive spring 13 Electrical connection unit 13a Sliding contact 14 Light box, cover 15 Housing 16 Deflection unit 17 Distance of the guide element to the rotary axis 18 Cable distance A Distance

Claims

1. Lighting device (1) comprising: - at least one spindle unit (3) rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (2), on which at least one supply cable (4) for supplying at least one light source (5) connected or connectable to the at least one supply cable (4) with electrical energy can be wound and unwound, such that a section of the at least one supply cable (4) of a different length can be arranged on the at least one spindle unit (3); and - with at least one cable guide unit (6) with at least one guide element (7) for guiding the supply cable (4) in relation to the spindle unit (3) during winding and unwinding; characterized by the fact that the cable guidance unit (6) is designed to be movable relative to the spindle unit (3).

2. Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the guide element (7) is designed as a guide roller (7).

3. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable guidance unit (6) comprises at least one bearing unit (8) which in particular comprises a round receptacle (8a) which encloses a round bearing pin (8b).

4. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable guidance unit (6) comprises at least one, in particular pivotable, guide arm (9).

5. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide arm (9) extends circumferentially at least around a partial area of ​​the spindle unit (3).

6. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (7) is arranged at the end of the guide arm (9).

7. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide arm (9) at least partially surrounds the guide element (7).

8. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spindle unit (3) has at least one spindle (3a) with, in particular groove-shaped, recesses (3b) for guiding and winding the at least one supply cable (4).

9. Lighting device (1) according to one of the four preceding claims, comprising a spacer unit (10) which aligns the guide arm (9) towards the spindle unit (3) at a defined distance.

10. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one spring unit (11), which is particularly tensionable in the assembled state.

11. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one supply cable (4).

12. Lighting device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the supply cable (4) is designed as a stranded wire, wherein in particular the supply cable (4) encompasses or encloses the guide element (7) at least to a substantial extent, in particular almost completely, during the intended use of the cable guidance unit (6).

13. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two cable management units (6).

14. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one electrical connection unit (13) and / or wherein electrical contact is made by means of sliding contacts (13a).

15. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one deflection unit (16) for deflecting the supply cable (4).

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