Transportable lamp unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a transportable lamp unit (1), in particular for use in outdoor and indoor areas, comprising: a housing (2); a lamp post (3) which is movably secured to the housing (2); a lamp (5) which is secured to the lamp post (3) at the end; and an energy supply (4) which is integrated into the housing (2), wherein the lamp post (3) is designed as a foldable post having at least two, preferably two to ten, in particular at least three or more, particularly three to nine, six to eight, hollow-walled post elements (6) which are movably and foldably connected to one another and in which a current-carrying cable is guided from the power supply (4) in order to supply current to the lamp (5), and the lamp (5) has a lamp means, preferably an LED lamp, and is preferably secured so as to be movable horizontally and / or vertically in each direction.

Description

[0001] Portable lighting unit

[0002] The invention relates to a transportable lighting unit, in particular for use in outdoor and indoor areas, comprising a housing with a lighting mast with a light fixture attached at the end of the mast, including a light source and an integrated power supply.

[0003] Lighting fixtures for a wide variety of applications exist in many different forms. These can include wall or ceiling lights, or portable lights designed for individual use. When larger areas need to be illuminated, the lights are mounted on a tripod to position them at a suitable height, ensuring maximum illumination. Furthermore, individual lights differ in whether they are battery-powered or require connection to a generator or mains power supply.

[0004] For the intended use of such lights, it is important to minimize the effort required to position the light for a specific application. Furthermore, a portable light is desirable, ideally one that, due to its dimensions, can be loaded into the trunk of a car, for example. Crucially, the light must also possess high stability, even under extreme wind conditions.

[0005] Portable outdoor lighting fixtures are preferably mounted on a tripod, which can be set up on the ground using a tripod base and offers vertical height adjustment. This type of setup allows only limited control over the illuminated area; in particular, it lacks the flexibility to achieve targeted, directional lighting, unless the fixture is a swiveling spotlight.

[0006] To create a versatile luminaire, the present invention aims to provide a novel luminaire that offers a high degree of flexibility in terms of placement options while maintaining stability and, additionally, independence from a power supply. Furthermore, the safety aspect of such a luminaire must be considered, so that, for example, cable pinching or obstructions at the installation site are avoided.

[0007] To solve the problem, a portable lighting unit, specifically a suitcase-style light, is designed in such a way that the lighting mast consists of a foldable mast, within whose hollow-profile mast elements a power-carrying cable for supplying the light is routed. Advantageous embodiments of the suitcase-style light are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] More precisely, the invention relates to a transportable lighting unit, particularly for use in outdoor and indoor areas, comprising a housing with a lighting mast movably fixed to the housing, with a luminaire fixed at one end of the mast, and with a power supply integrated into the housing, wherein the lighting mast is designed as a foldable mast with two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more, particularly three to nine, particularly six to eight, hollow profile-like mast elements movably, usually foldably, connected to one another in the form of a U-profile or a rectangular hollow profile, in which a current-carrying cable is routed from the power supply to the luminaire, and wherein the luminaire has a light source, preferably an LED luminaire, particularly a power LED, and is preferably movable and lockable in any direction horizontally and / or vertically.

[0009] The integrated power cables within the mast elements fulfill a particular safety requirement and prevent tripping hazards or damage to the cables. Special cable management, as required for cables routed outside the luminaire holder and structure, as in previously known luminaires, is not necessary.

[0010] According to US2020 / 0041065, a lamp is known in the prior art, comprising a housing, a telescopic arm, a lamp head, a cable, and a guide rod. The lamp's cable has a first end that is fixed relative to the body and a second end opposite the first end, which is fixed relative to the head unit and at least partially wrapped around the guide rod. This design presents handling problems, as the cable length must adjust to the length of the telescopic arm, potentially causing difficulties when extending or retracting it. Furthermore, this lamp is not very flexible, since the lamp head is only adjustable along the telescopic axis, and illumination outside this axis is not possible.

[0011] The novel lighting unit according to the invention, particularly in the form of a suitcase-style light, offers a practical, compact, and flexible design in a portable travel case, which can also be used as a stand during operation. The safety aspect of such a light is improved in two ways. Because the power cables are routed within the hollow-walled mast elements, pinching of the cables during assembly of the light mast is prevented, and this also prevents cable lengths from lying on the ground and potentially becoming tripping hazards. The power cable(s) routed within the mast elements provide a high degree of safety, ensuring that these cables avoid such problems and are simultaneously protected by the mast elements.Unlike other light poles, which are extendable, this one is a foldable pole consisting of individual pole sections that can be folded together. The individual pole sections can be, but do not have to be, the same length, allowing them to be folded and stored in the housing. The power cable supplies the light, which is located at the top of the pole. Setting up this work light is relatively simple because, after opening the housing, the pole can be unfolded, making the light immediately ready for use. No additional cable routing, as with traditional portable work lights, is required, since the power cable is located inside the pole sections and is connected at one end to the light and at the other to the power supply.This design eliminates tripping hazards for tradespeople or passersby because the cable is not lying on the ground and cannot be damaged by a telescopic tripod. Instead, the cable is completely protected inside the mast sections, making this lighting mast a particularly safe and practical option.

[0012] In a further training project, the portable lighting unit is designed so that the at least two mast elements, with the luminaire attached to the end of the mast, fit into a recess in the housing. The particular advantage lies in the fact that the mast, which can also be described as a folding mast, is not only movable vertically up and down in one direction, as with a classic mast, but can also be extended or unfolded and positioned horizontally in any direction. This offers a significant flexibility advantage in the workplace, as it allows, for example, illumination under a car trunk or vehicle, or even the lighting of a basement shaft or other structures below ground level, such as a staircase.

[0013] In this embodiment of the invention, the pivot point of the mast elements lies outside the plane of extension of the individual mast elements. By arranging a pivot point or center of gravity outside the folding plane, preferably alternating on both sides of the plane of extension of the individual mast elements, it is possible to fold the individual mast elements flat so that they lie on top of each other when the folded lighting mast is housed. This creates a space-saving solution that is very compact and therefore requires minimal space.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the lighting mast is movable through 360° in any direction horizontally and / or vertically, and the light fixture is adjustable to illuminate the desired area. The lighting mast, fixed within the housing and comprising its individual mast elements, thus advantageously allows for 360° movement in any direction, horizontally and / or vertically. It is therefore a freely movable, telescopic folding arm that can be positioned at any time as needed. This allows a light fixture, preferably an LED, attached to the free end of the mast to be moved through a 360° range, enabling, for example, illumination of building openings and areas below ground level, such as in bridge structures.

[0015] A further advantage of this lighting unit is that the mast can be aligned with the housing in a directionally and functionally oriented manner, allowing for targeted illumination of even narrow areas, including over obstacles. When the lighting unit is no longer needed, the mast sections can be folded and stored in a recess in the housing, resulting in significant space savings. Furthermore, the mast is securely anchored within the housing to prevent tilting, ensuring stability regardless of the desired orientation of the light.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the mast elements can be locked in the selected extended position by locking elements at the joints, or that the mast elements can be locked to one another by locking bolts and locking discs. With the aid of the locking elements at the joints or the locking bolts and locking discs on the mast elements, locking is possible so that the suitcase light can also be illuminated below the housing plane using the folding arm, for example on an overhang or in a road underpass.

[0017] According to the invention, it is therefore particularly provided that in the transportable lighting unit, at least one mast element is movable between a rest position in the housing and a desired working position and can be locked in the working position by means of locking elements on joints between the housing, mast element(s) and the light.

[0018] In a further particular embodiment of the invention, the housing is designed to accommodate a charger and at least one battery. The integrated charger and at least one battery in the housing allow the lighting unit to be used independently of a power supply, requiring only the replacement of the batteries if necessary.

[0019] In particular, the portable lighting unit is designed such that the power supply integrated into the housing of the light has at least one power storage unit, preferably in the form of at least one battery or several batteries connected together, and preferably a charger or a power connection for the power storage unit.

[0020] Furthermore, the portable lighting unit can have a housing that is almost rectangular when viewed from above, wherein the housing recess for receiving the foldable mast with the luminaire arranged at the end is designed as an elongated housing recess that is essentially parallel to the longitudinal sides of the housing. The housing can have at least one, preferably at least two, receiving chambers on one side, preferably on both sides of the housing recess, and particularly preferably a multiple of two, in particular six to eight, receiving chambers, each for a power storage unit, preferably in the form of a battery. The housing can have a further housing recess, in particular on the rear side of the first housing recess, which is suitable for receiving at least one further mast element, preferably at least one double mast element.This at least one mast element is designed in the form of a pluggable mast element, which is designed for extending the mast between two mast elements or the end mast element and the light, each in a pluggable version with pluggable elements for attaching the mast elements to each other and with contacts for electrical power supply.

[0021] In a further special design, the housing is intended to accommodate several batteries, at least some of which can be inserted into existing recesses with contacts for charging. This allows the lighting unit to charge batteries that can be inserted into corresponding recesses, and these batteries can be used either for the lighting unit itself or for third-party devices. Furthermore, the lighting unit is designed to be powered by one or more batteries, or to allow switching to additional batteries located in the housing without significant effort. Thus, the lighting unit offers the option of operating the light using a single battery. Alternatively, third-party batteries for other applications can be charged, further enhancing its versatility.It is also possible to provide a power supply for other devices such as cordless screwdrivers, construction site radios, etc. via at least one connection on the housing if the lighting unit according to the invention is not used as a light.

[0022] Preferably, the case can also be provided with 2 to 6 slots or compartments for battery systems, which can be charged using the integrated charger and made available for other uses.

[0023] In a further development of the portable lighting unit according to the invention, the housing has an almost cuboid shape, wherein the width of the housing is approximately one-third to one-fifth of its length and the height of the housing is approximately one-quarter to one-sixth of its length, and wherein the housing preferably has a length of 50 cm to 120 cm, more preferably 70 cm to 90 cm. A particular advantage is that the housing has a low overall height and, with at least one battery installed, a low center of gravity, thus ensuring high stability. Stability is guaranteed even when the lighting mast is fully extended and positioned either vertically or vertically and horizontally.The housing can have a length of 80 cm, a height of 18 cm and a width of 25 cm, so that on the one hand a high packing density is given and on the other hand an extremely low center of gravity is present with these dimensions and thus an extendable folding arm length of 3 to 4 m is possible.

[0024] To increase stability, the housing can also be equipped with two or three tripod-like support profiles, which can be inserted into the housing or folded away from it. These support profiles can thus be pulled out or folded out of the housing as needed, enhancing stability. Due to their direct connection to the housing, they are considered permanently attached and, when inserted, contribute to the housing's compact design.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one or two additional support profiles can be pivotable relative to the housing in a housing plane. This allows a fixed, non-pivotable support profile and the two pivotable support profiles to achieve a three-point position, ensuring stability in all directions. In particular, the support profiles can be aligned at an angle of 120° to each other relative to the housing, virtually eliminating the possibility of the light fixture tipping over.

[0026] The housing can, in particular, have three support profiles, two of which can be folded down along the longitudinal side of the housing, and one of which can be pulled out of the housing. In this position, the three support profiles preferably form a base circle with a diameter of 1.50 m to 2 m. The support profiles can be at an angle of approximately 120° to each other.

[0027] By extending one or two support profiles, which can also be swivelled within the plane of the housing, a three-point position, similar to a classic tripod, can be achieved, allowing for a 120° distance between each point along a circular arc. With a classic tripod, the setup radius is typically half the tripod length, for example, 0.5 m with a 1 m leg. In contrast, with the offered case solution, the tripod length is identical to the setup radius. This results in a setup radius exactly twice that of a classic tripod and therefore greater stability. One can even assume that the case light offers exceptionally high stability.

[0028] Thanks to the housing's high stability with support profiles, the possible applications are virtually unlimited. The ends of the retractable and swiveling support profiles allow for broad support of the light fixture. The support profiles and the housing together ensure exceptional stability, increasing the range of applications for the light unit and guaranteeing a high degree of sturdiness.

[0029] In a further special embodiment, the light is mounted at the top of the mast in a way that allows it to swivel and rotate. This swivel and rotatable feature further increases the versatility of the portable light, as the illuminated area can be directed in any desired direction, such as upwards, downwards, or sideways. The light itself is equipped with light sources, preferably LEDs, especially high-power LEDs, ensuring high light output even at low supply voltages.

[0030] Another advantage is that the batteries can be charged via the integrated charger using standard mains voltage, thus enabling multiple connection options inside or outside a building without the need for special connection facilities.

[0031] The innovative light, particularly the LED light, features a practical and compact design integrated into a portable travel case, which also serves as a stand and tripod during operation. The three support profiles integrated into the case can be unfolded, extended, and swiveled to stabilize the light against wind and other elements. Additionally, the portable light unit may have two to six retractable casters and / or a carrying handle to facilitate transport.

[0032] The present invention is characterized by the provision of a versatile lighting unit in the form of a suitcase-style light, offering exceptional flexibility in terms of the area to be illuminated and also providing high stability. For this purpose, the suitcase-style light is equipped with foldable and / or extendable support profiles, which, when folded, are stored within the housing of the suitcase-style light and are therefore not bulky. In use, the support profiles, which slide into the housing, can be extended, with two of these support profiles also being pivotable to allow for positioning at angles of up to 120°. This mimics the position of a classic tripod, ensuring very high stability.

[0033] The suitcase light can also be designed with an integrated charger that can be operated with standard mains voltage. It is also possible to charge not only the light's own battery, but also additional standard batteries. If needed, the power supply can be made switchable, allowing the additional batteries to be used to power the light.

[0034] The invention is further explained with reference to the attached figures.

[0035] This shows:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a top view of the lighting unit according to the invention;

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective top view of the lighting unit according to the invention;

[0038] Figure 3 shows a perspective top view of the lighting unit according to the invention in its working state;

[0039] Figure 4 shows a perspective top view of the lighting unit according to the invention during installation, as well as

[0040] Figure 5 shows a perspective top view of the lighting unit according to the invention with the lighting position below the installation plane. As shown in Figure 1, the lighting unit (1) according to the invention has a housing (2) in which a housing recess (7) is arranged. The lighting mast (3) is shown in the housing recess (7) in a folded state, and the receiving chambers (10) for receiving the power supply (4) in the form of the energy storage units (8) as a battery (9) are located to the right and left of the housing recess (7). The light (5), preferably designed as a power LED light source, is pivotably mounted at the end of the lighting mast (3). A handle (13) is provided on the longitudinal side of the housing (2) for transport, with which the lighting unit according to the invention can be easily grasped and transported. The mast elements (6) can be locked against each other in the working position by means of the locking elements (11).

[0041] As shown in Figure 2 in perspective top view, the lighting unit (1) according to the invention has the housing (2) and the housing recesses (7) and receiving chambers (10) arranged therein, in which the lighting mast (3) with light (5) and the batteries (9) are received.

[0042] Figure 3 shows the lighting unit 2 according to the invention in a perspective top view in working position with the mast elements (6) of the lighting mast (3) unfolded and secured against each other by the locking elements (11). The luminaire (5) is arranged at the upper end of the lighting mast (3). The support profiles (12), which ensure a secure stand of the lighting unit (1) according to the invention on the surface, are shown at the lower end of the housing (2).

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the lighting unit (1) according to the invention is depicted in the setup phase. The mast elements (6) are shown, which are folded upwards from the housing recess (7) into the operating position via hinges with the unsecured locking elements (11). In this embodiment, only two receiving chambers (10) are shown, each containing a battery (9). Before the lighting mast (3) is unfolded, the support profiles (12) are pulled out of the housing (2) to ensure the secure standing of the lighting unit (1) according to the invention on the surface.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the lighting unit (1) according to the invention is depicted in its erected form for illuminating a staircase (14) shown below the erection position. The mast elements (6) are shown, which are folded upwards from the housing recess (7) into the operating position via hinges with the unsecured locking elements (11). In this embodiment as well, only two receiving chambers (10), each containing a battery (9), are shown. Before unfolding the lighting mast (3), the support profiles (12) are pulled out of the housing (2) to ensure the secure positioning of the lighting unit (1) according to the invention on the upper landing of the staircase (14).

[0045] Reference symbol list:

[0046] 1 luminaire unit

[0047] 2 housings 3 light poles

[0048] 4 Energy supply

[0049] 5 lights

[0050] 6 mast elements

[0051] 7 Housing recess 8 Power storage unit

[0052] 9 batteries

[0053] 10 Admission chamber

[0054] 11 Locking element

[0055] 12 Support profile 13 Handle

[0056] 14 stairs

Claims

Patent claims 1. A portable lighting unit (1), particularly for use in outdoor and indoor areas, comprising a housing (2), a lighting mast (3) movably attached to the housing (2), a luminaire (5) attached at one end to the lighting mast (3), and a power supply (4) integrated into the housing (2), characterized in that the lighting mast (3) is a foldable mast with at least two, preferably two to ten, in particular at least three or more, especially three to nine, six to eight hollow-walled mast elements (6) movably and foldably connected to one another, in which a current-carrying cable from the power supply (4) is led to the power supply to the light (5), is carried out, and the light (5) comprises a light source, preferably an LED light, and is preferably movable in any direction horizontally and / or vertically.

2. Transportable lighting unit (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the at least two mast elements (6) with the luminaire (5) attached at the end to the lighting mast (3) come into contact in a housing recess (7) of the housing (2) in the non-use position.

3. Portable lighting unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the power supply (4) of the light (5) integrated into the housing (2) has at least one power storage unit (8), preferably in the form of a battery (9), and optionally a charger or optionally a power connection for the power storage unit (8).

4. Transportable lighting unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing (2) has an almost rectangular shape in top view and the housing recess (7) for receiving the mast elements (6) with light (5) is designed as an elongated housing recess (7) that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal sides of the housing (2).

5. Portable lighting unit (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, that the housing (2) has at least one, preferably at least two, receiving chambers (10) on one side, preferably on both sides of the housing recess (7), particularly preferably a multiple of two, in particular six to eight receiving chambers (10) for each of a power storage unit (8), preferably in the form of a battery (9).

6. Transportable lighting unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the foldable mast with at least two mast elements (6) is movable between a rest position in the housing and a desired working position and can be locked in the working position by means of locking elements (11) on joints between housing (2), mast element(s) (6) and light (5).

7. Portable lighting unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing has almost the shape of a cuboid, wherein the width of the housing is about one third to one fifth of the length of the housing and wherein the height of the housing is about one quarter to one sixth of the length of the housing, wherein the housing preferably has a length of 50 cm to 120 cm, preferably 70 cm to 90 cm.

8. Portable lighting unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing has at least two, preferably three support profiles (12) or more to increase the stability of the lighting unit (1) in a working position, wherein the support profiles (12) are designed to be inserted into the housing or to be foldable out from it.

9. Transportable lighting unit (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the housing has three support profiles (12), two of which support profiles (12) can be folded down from the housing (2) along the longitudinal side of the housing (2) and one support profile (12) can be pulled out of the housing (2) and the three support profiles (12) in the position thus given preferably span a base circle of 1.50 m to 2 m in diameter.

10. Portable lighting unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing has two to six casters that can be recessed into the housing to facilitate the transport of the lighting unit (1).

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