Device and assembly for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus and relative assembly method

Abstract

A device (1) for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus (L), which apparatus (L) is provided with an electricity supply cable (2) and a suspension cable (3) fixed to the apparatus (L) in two points (A, B) spaced apart from each other, which device (1) comprises a body (4) graspable by a user having a first through channel (5) in which the supply cable (2) is inserted and a second through channel (6) adapted to interact with and block the suspension cable (3) with a cable stopper (7) and friction means (8) housed in the first channel (5) configured to exert a holding force on the supply cable (2) and to adjust the relative position between the body (4) and the supply cable (2) and the consequent orientation of the lighting apparatus (L). An assembly (18) for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus (L) provided with the aforementioned device (1) and a method of mounting the aforementioned assembly (18).

Description

DEVICE AND ASSEMBLY FOR THE ORIENTATION OF A SUSPENDED LIGHTING APPARATUS AND RELATIVE ASSEMBLY METHOD DESCRIPTIONField of application

[0001] The present invention is generally applicable to the technical field of lighting apparatuses or functional or detail devices for lighting apparatuses, and it particularly relates to a device for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus.

[0002] The invention also relates to an assembly for the orientation of a lighting apparatus and a method of assembling such an assembly.Background art

[0003] It has long been known in the field of functional devices for lighting apparatuses the use of devices to allow the suspension and the adjustment of the height of the lighting apparatus with respect to the ground.

[0004] Generally, a suspension type lighting apparatus comprises a lighting body to which a supply cable and at least one suspension cable are fixed.

[0005] Typically, to install the lighting apparatus on an inclined wall or ceiling, it is necessary to pre-mount a support group at a special opening on the wall or ceiling, connect the electrical connection wires and then fix the suspension cable to the support group, normally by means of fixing screws.

[0006] Such support groups generally comprise a ceiling fixing bracket to which one end of the suspension cable is connected and a second fixing element to the lighting body to which the other end of the suspension cable is fixed.

[0007] A user will be able to adjust the height from the ground of the lighting apparatus by changing the length of the suspension cable between the bracket and the fixing element prior to installation.

[0008] Alternatively, after installation, the user can act on the ends of the suspension cable by creating slots or by lengthening the return portion of the suspension cable passing through the bracket and / or the fixing element.

[0009] However, these support groups, in addition to having the disadvantage of having to act on the ceiling by means of the fixing brackets,allow to adjust only the height from the ground of the lighting apparatus, but not its orientation with respect to the surface to be illuminated.

[0010] To at least partially overcome this drawback, fixing systems have been developed which are adapted to allow the lighting apparatus to tilt.

[0011] From NL8302086 is known a system for the suspension of a lighting apparatus comprising a lighting body and a pair of suspension cables anchored to the ceiling by means of a pair of fixing brackets.

[0012] The height of the lighting body with respect to the ground is adjusted by means of a pair of blocking elements each comprising a substantially discshaped main body having a first through hole crossed by the respective suspension cable and a second through hole adapted to block the end part of the suspension cable by means of a cable stopper.

[0013] Each blocking element is moved in a vertical direction along the suspension cable to adjust the height with respect to the ground and subsequently rotated around its axis to engage the thickness of the suspension cable and block its position.

[0014] A first drawback of this known solution is represented by the fact that the suspension system comprises a considerable number of elements that must first be installed, then mounted and subsequently adjusted.

[0015] Yet another drawback of such a solution is represented by the fact that each blocking element must be unblocked and blocked to allow the variation of the height of the lighting apparatus.

[0016] Furthermore, the blocking element only allows the adjustment of the relative suspension cable and two suspension cables and two blocking elements are necessary to allow the adjustment of the inclination of the lighting apparatus.

[0017] In conclusion, there are no known devices for suspending suspended lighting apparatuses adapted to allow the adjustment of the orientation of the apparatus in an easy way.Technical problem

[0018] In light of the known state of the art, the technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is that of allowing the orientation of a lightingapparatus in an easy and fast way, without the aid of clamping, closing or blocking mechanisms.Presentation of the invention

[0019] Object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problem and to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a device for the orientation of a lighting apparatus that is highly efficient and cost-effective.

[0020] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a device, an assembly and a method of assembling the assembly for the orientation of a lighting apparatus of the type indicated above that allows the orientation of the lighting apparatus in an easy and fast way, without the aid of clamping, closing or blocking mechanisms.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for the orientation of a lighting apparatus of the type indicated above that allows fixing the apparatus in any inclined surface or to the ceiling in a simple and fast way.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for the orientation of a lighting apparatus of the type indicated above that has a limited number of parts and that is economical to manufacture.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for the orientation of a lighting apparatus of the type indicated above that can be used for different types of suspension lighting apparatuses.

[0024] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of assembling an assembly for the orientation of a lighting apparatus of the type indicated above that is simple and quick to execute.

[0025] The aforementioned objects, as well as others that will appear more clearly below, are achieved by a device for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus, according to claim 1 , which apparatus is provided with an electricity supply cable and a suspension cable fixed to the apparatus in two points spaced apart from each other.

[0026] The device comprises a body, graspable by a user, having a first through channel in which the supply cable is inserted and a second through channel adapted to interact with and block the suspension cable by means of a cable stopper.

[0027] There are also provided friction means housed in the first channel configured to exert a holding force on the supply cable and to adjust the relative position between the body and the supply cable and the consequent orientation of the lighting apparatus.

[0028] According to the invention, the first and second through channels are offset from each other and have a first end hole in common with respective second end holes.

[0029] Furthermore, the first through channel has at least a first and a second mutually connected portion having respective consecutive axes which are mutually offset by a predetermined angle and the body of the device comprises an elongate internal portion obtained between the at least two through channels.

[0030] It advantageously follows that the friction means comprise the internal edges of the end holes of the first channel, the elongate internal portion and the vertex generated by the first and second portions of the first through channel.

[0031] Thanks to this combination of features, the device allows the orientation of the suspended lighting apparatus in an easy and fast way, without the aid of clamping, closing or blocking mechanisms

[0032] The invention also relates to an assembly for the orientation of a lighting apparatus, in accordance with claim 9 and a method of assembling an assembly for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus according to claim 10.

[0033] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims.Brief description of the drawings

[0034] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more evident in the light of the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a device and an assembly for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus such as those mentioned above, illustrated by way of nonlimiting example with the aid of the following drawings in which:FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device for the orientation of a lightingapparatus according to the invention;FIG. 2 is a perspective, transparent view of the device of Fig. 1 according to the invention;FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the device of Fig. 1 ;FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the device of Fig. 3 in use and in which some elements of the lighting apparatus are inserted;FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the assembly for the orientation of a lighting apparatus according to the invention in different positions.Detailed description of an example of a preferred embodiment

[0035] With particular reference to the figures, there is illustrated a device, indicated in its entirety with the reference numeral 1 , for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus L.

[0036] In the following, the expression “suspended lighting apparatus” or more simply “apparatus”, globally indicated with the reference letter L, shall mean a direct or diffused light lighting body also provided with a support frame or diffuser or shade containing the light source, such as for example chandeliers, suspension lamps, suspended lighting systems, electric lanterns or similar items.

[0037] In a manner known per se, the lighting apparatus L is provided with an electricity supply cable 2 having a first end 2A fixed to the apparatus L in a first point A and a second end 2B connected to the supply source, the latter usually positioned on the ceiling or on an inclined wall P.

[0038] Of course, the supply cable 2 may be load-bearing and capable of supporting the total weight of the lighting apparatus L and may comprise a predetermined diameter Di.

[0039] The lighting apparatus L is also provided with a suspension cable 3 having an end 3B fixed to the apparatus L in a second point B, spaced from the first point A in which the first end 2A of the supply cable 2 is fixed, as better illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0040] In a manner known per se, the suspension cable 3 may be of the rigid or flexible type and be made of plastic, textile or metallic material and may comprise a predetermined average thickness D2.

[0041] According to the invention, the device 1 comprises a body 4 graspable by a user and having a first through channel 5 in which the supply cable 2 is inserted and a second through channel 6 adapted to interact with and block the suspension cable 3 with a cable stopper 7.

[0042] In the following, the term “cable stopper” 7, shall indicate any element adapted to be connected or made on the suspension cable 3 at an end 3A opposite to the end 3B and adapted to achieve an increase in the average thickness D2 of the suspension cable 3.

[0043] Of course, the diameter D3 of the first through channel 5 may be larger or slightly larger than the predetermined diameter Di of the supply cable 2.

[0044] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises friction means 8 housed in the first through channel 5 and configured to exert a holding force on the supply cable 2 and to adjust the relative position between the body 4 of the device 1 and the supply cable 2 and the consequent orientation of the lighting apparatus L.

[0045] In this way, a user will be able to orient the apparatus L simply by grasping it with one hand and with the other hand grasping the device 1 by sliding it along the supply cable 2 and without the aid of clamping means or mechanical devices such as spring buttons, screws or similar items.

[0046] In fact, thanks to the friction means 8 present in the device 1 and thanks to the distance of the points A and B of the lighting apparatus L, the rotation of the apparatus L and its orientation in the direction most desired by the user is allowed.

[0047] In addition, the device 1 allows making a sort of joining of the supply cable 2 with the suspension cable 3 allowing the user to facilitate the positioning of the lighting apparatus L.

[0048] In one embodiment of the device 1 the body 4 graspable by the user may comprise a spherical shape, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, or any solid shape even if not regular, as long as it can contain the first 5 and second through channel 6.

[0049] As best visible in FIGS. 2-4, the first 5 and second through channel 6 are offset from each other and have a first end hole 9 in common withrespective second end holes 10, 11.

[0050] The end holes 9, 10, 11 may comprise respective internal edges 12, 13, 14.

[0051] This particular arrangement of the through channels 5, 6 and their mutual offset, allows the body 4 of the device 1 to comprise an elongate internal portion 15 obtained between the first 5 and the second through channel 6.

[0052] Suitably, the first through channel 5 has at least a first portion 5A and a second portion 5B mutually connected at a vertex 16.

[0053] In fact, the first 5A and the second portion 5B comprise respective consecutive axes Yi and Y2 which are mutually offset by a predetermined angle Q.

[0054] Preferably, the value of the predetermined angle Q between the two consecutive axes Y1 and Y2 may be comprised between 90° and 120°.

[0055] As best seen in the figures, the second portion 5B faces the lighting apparatus L and the first portion 5A may face the ceiling or the inclined wall P from which to suspend the apparatus L.

[0056] In an embodiment of the device 1 , the second through channel 6 is substantially parallel to one of the offset portions 5B of the first channel 5.

[0057] Advantageously, the friction means 8 comprise the internal edges 12, 13 of the end holes 9, 10 of the first channel 6, the elongate internal portion 15 and the vertex 16 generated by the first 5A and the second portion 5B, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0058] Suitably, also the difference between the diameter D3 of the first through channel 5 and the predetermined diameter Di of the supply cable 2 contributes to generating the holding force of the friction means 8.

[0059] Preferably, this difference between the diameter D3 and the predetermined diameter Di may be comprised between 2 and 5 mm.

[0060] In addition, to increase the holding force of the friction means 8 on the supply cable 2, the device 1 can be made of a high friction coefficient material.

[0061] Suitably, the second through channel 6 has a tapered axial section to allow the locking of the cable stopper 7 while allowing the passage of thesuspension cable 3.

[0062] Preferably, the tapered section of the second through channel 6 may have a bottom wall 17, preferably annular, adapted to interact with the cable stopper 7, as better illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0063] It follows that the device 1 according to the invention has a limited number of parts and is economical to manufacture.

[0064] According to a further aspect of the invention, an assembly is provided, globally indicated with the reference numeral 18, for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus L.

[0065] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the assembly 18 comprises a device 1 as described above, an electricity supply cable 2 and a suspension cable 3 fixed to the lighting apparatus L in two points A, B spaced apart from each other.

[0066] In the assembly 18, the suspension cable 3 comprises a cable stopper 7 interacting with the second through channel 6 of the device 1 and the supply cable 2 is inserted into the first through channel 5 of the device 1.

[0067] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembling an assembly 18 for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus L as described above.

[0068] The method according to the invention provides at least one step of inserting the suspension cable 3 into the second through channel 6 to lock it with a cable stopper 7.

[0069] This insertion step may first provide for the insertion of the end 3A of the suspension cable 3 to be fixed to the lighting apparatus L and then the approach of the cable stopper 7 fixed or connected to the end 3B of the suspension cable 3 to the bottom wall 17 of the second through channel 6.

[0070] The assembly method according to the invention provides a step of inserting the supply cable 2 into the first through channel 5, the latter comprising friction means 8 configured to exert a holding force on the supply cable 2, as described above.

[0071] There is also provided a step of electrically connecting the supply cable 2 and of fixing the suspension cable respectively in two points A and B spaced apart from each other.

[0072] At this point, a user can perform a step for moving the device 1 along the supply cable 2 to vary its relative position and to orient the lighting apparatus L.

[0073] From what has been described, it is evident that the device for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus, the assembly for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus and the method of assembling an assembly for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus according to the invention achieve the intended objects and in particular allow the orientation of the suspended lighting apparatus in an easy and fast way, without the aid of clamping, closing or blocking mechanisms

[0074] The device, the assembly and the method according to the invention are susceptible to numerous modifications and variants all falling within the inventive concept expressed in the attached claims.

[0075] Even if the device, the assembly and the method have been described with particular reference to the attached figures, the reference numbers used in the description and the claims are used to improve the intelligence of the invention and do not constitute any limitation to the claimed scope of protection.

[0076] Reference throughout the description to “one embodiment” or “the embodiment” or “some embodiments” indicates that a particular feature, structure or element described is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention.

[0077] Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.Industrial applicability

[0078] The present invention is applicable at industrial level because it can be manufactured on an industrial scale by industries belonging to the sector of the realization of lighting apparatuses or functional or detail devices for lighting apparatuses.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A device (1 ) for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus (L), which apparatus (L) is provided with an electricity supply cable (2) and a suspension cable (3) fixed to the apparatus (L) in two points (A, B) spaced apart from each other, which device (1) comprises:- a body (4), graspable by a user, having a first through channel (5) in which the supply cable (2) is inserted and a second through channel (6) adapted to interact with and block the suspension cable (3) by means of a cable stopper (7);- friction means (8) housed in said first channel (5) configured to exert a holding force on the supply cable (2) and to adjust the relative position between said body (4) and the supply cable (2) and the consequent orientation of the lighting apparatus (L); characterized in that said first (5) and second through channels (6) are offset from each other and have a first end hole (9) in common with respective second end holes (10, 11).

2. Device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first through channel (5) has at least one first (5A) and one second portion (5B) mutually connected, said first (5A) and second portion (5B) having respective consecutive axes (Yi, Y2) which are mutually offset by a predetermined angle (Q).

3. Device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second channel (6) is substantially parallel to one of the offset portions (5B) of said first channel (5).

4. Device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said body (4) comprises an elongate internal portion (15) obtained between said first (5) and second through channel (6).

5. Device as claimed in claims 2 and 4, wherein said friction means (8) comprise the internal edges (12, 13) of the end holes (9, 10) of said first channel (5), said elongate internal portion (15) and the vertex (16) formed by said first (5A) and second portions (5B).

6. Device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said second through channel (6) has a tapered axial section to allow the locking of said cable stopper (7) while allowing the passage of said suspension cable (3).

7. Device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said tapered section has a bottom wall (17) adapted to interact with said cable stopper (7).

8. An assembly (18) for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus (L), comprising:- a device (1) as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 7;- an electricity supply cable (2) and a suspension cable (3) fixed to the lighting apparatus (L) in two points (A, B) spaced apart from each other; wherein said suspension cable (3) comprises a cable stopper (7) interacting with said second through channel (6) and said supply cable (2) is inserted into said first through channel (5).

9. A method of mounting an assembly (18) for the orientation of a suspended lighting apparatus (L) as claimed in claim 8, comprising at least the following steps:- inserting said suspension cable (3) into said second through channel (6) to lock it with a cable stopper (7);- inserting said supply cable (2) into said first through channel (5), the latter comprising friction means (8) configured to exert a holding force on said supply cable (2);- electrically connecting said supply cable (2) and fixing said suspension cable (3) respectively in two points (A, B) spaced apart from each other;- moving said device (1) along said supply cable (2) to orient the lighting apparatus (L).

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