ASSEMBLY FOR CONNECTING A LIGHTING APPARATUS

Abstract

Assembly for fixing or hanging a lighting apparatus on or in a wall, such as a ceiling, wherein the assembly comprises: a housing mountable in the wall, a socket module which is fixable in the housing and is removable from the housing from the side of the lighting apparatus, wherein the socket module is provided with electrical socket contacts and, connected thereto, electrical connection elements which, in the mounted position, protrude into the wall and are configured to be electrically connected to the mains electricity, a plug module which can be plugged into the socket module, wherein the plug module is provided with electrical plug contacts, wherein in the plugged state the socket contacts make contact with the plug contacts, which plug module is fixable to the lighting apparatus.

Claims

1. An assembly for fixing or hanging an electrical apparatus, such as a lighting apparatus, on or in a wall, such as a ceiling, wherein the assembly comprises: a housing mountable in the wall, a socket module which is fixable in the housing and is removable from the housing from the side of the electrical apparatus, wherein the socket module is provided with electrical socket contacts and, connected thereto, electrical connection elements which, in the mounted position, protrude into the wall and which preferably protrude from the housing or are accessible from the outside of the housing, said electrical connection elements being configured to be electrically connected to the mains electricity, a plug module which can be plugged into the socket module, wherein the plug module is provided with electrical plug contacts, wherein in the plugged state the socket contacts make contact with the plug contacts, which plug module is fixable to the electrical apparatus.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a tube in which the socket module is receivable, and the tube is provided with an outward protruding flange which is fixable against the wall and/or can be plastered into the wall.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the flange is provided with holes for receiving screws and/or with holes for receiving plaster.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the socket module is fixable in the housing using a spring, wherein the spring is removable from the side of the electrical apparatus; or wherein the socket module is fixable in the housing by clips or by clamps or by a bayonet connection, wherein the socket module is preferably provided with clipping elements or clamping elements or bayonet elements; or wherein the socket module is provided with an external screw thread and the housing is provided with an internal screw thread intended for co-action with the external screw thread.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the socket contacts and the plug contacts are cylindrical.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plug module is provided on its outer periphery with a substantially barrel-shaped spring element and an inner wall of the socket module is configured to hold the barrel-shaped spring element mechanically, wherein the barrel-shaped spring element optionally also functions as one of the electrical plug contacts.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connection elements of the socket module comprise at least two snap-in connectors, which are each configured to clampingly receive an outer end of an electric wire.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connection elements of the socket module comprise at least two electric wires.

9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the socket module comprises a substantially tubular housing and, received therein, a connector module, which connector module is provided with the socket contacts at an end situated in the housing and is provided with the connection elements at another end situated outside the housing.

10. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing, the socket module and the plug module are substantially cylindrical.

11. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a lighting apparatus connected to the plug module, preferably a lighting apparatus with at least one light-emitting diode, LED, preferably an array of light-emitting diodes; optionally further comprising a converter which is configured to convert a supply voltage into one or more current or voltage signals suitable for powering the lighting apparatus; wherein preferably the converter is provided in the socket module.

12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the converter is configured to receive one or more control signals, such as a dimming signal or a light colour control signal, and to control the current or voltage signal in accordance with the one or more control signals, and wherein the electrical socket contacts comprise at least three electrical socket contacts and the electrical plug contacts comprise at least three electrical plug contacts.

13. An assembly for fixing or hanging an electrical apparatus, such as a lighting apparatus, on or in a wall, such as a ceiling, wherein the assembly comprises: a socket module mountable in the wall and having an outward protruding flange, optionally provided with screw holes, which is fixable against the wall from the side of the electrical apparatus, wherein the socket module is provided with electrical socket contacts and, connected thereto, electrical connection elements which, in the mounted position, protrude into the wall and are configured to be electrically connected to the mains electricity, a plug module which can be plugged into the socket module, wherein the plug module is provided with electrical plug contacts, wherein in the plugged state the socket contacts make contact with the plug contacts, which plug module is fixable to the electrical apparatus.

14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the plug module is provided on its outer periphery with a substantially barrel-shaped spring element and an inner wall of the socket module is configured to hold the barrel-shaped spring element mechanically, wherein the barrel-shaped spring element optionally also functions as one of the electrical plug contacts.

15. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the connection elements of the socket module comprise at least two snap-in connectors, which are each configured to clampingly receive an outer end of an electric wire.

16. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the socket module comprises a substantially tubular housing and, received therein, a connector module, which connector module is provided with the socket contacts at an end situated in the housing and is provided with the connection elements at another end situated outside the housing; and/or wherein the socket module and the plug module are substantially cylindrical; and/or wherein the socket contacts and the plug contacts are cylindrical; and/or comprising a lighting apparatus connected to the plug module, preferably a lighting apparatus with at least one light-emitting diode, LED, preferably an array of light-emitting diodes; optionally further comprising a converter which is configured to convert a supply voltage into one or more current or voltage signals suitable for powering the lighting apparatus; wherein preferably the converter is provided in the socket module.

17. A housing comprising a tubular part in which a module, such as a socket module is receivable, wherein said tubular part is provided with a lower flange and an upper flange; said housing further comprising a plurality of screws extending through the lower flange and the upper flange, and a plurality of corresponding wing elements between the lower flange and the upper flange, each screw being threadedly coupled with a corresponding wing element, such that by rotating a screw thereof, the position of the corresponding wing element relative to the screw is changed.

18. The housing of claim 17, wherein the plurality screws are provided with respective screw heads which are accessible at the lower side of the lower flange.

19. The housing of claim 17, wherein each wing element is configured such that a wall element may be clamped between the wing element and the lower flange.

20. The housing of claim 17, further comprising a housing cover configured to be arranged from the outside over the lower flange once the housing has been installed in the wall with the plurality of wing elements in a clamping position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0068] The invention will now be further described on the basis of figures of a number of by no means limitative exemplary embodiments, wherein the figures are purely illustrative.

[0069] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly for hanging or fixing a lighting apparatus in a wall.

[0070] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the socket module of the assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0071] FIG. 1C shows a cross-section of the socket module of the assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0072] FIG. 1D shows a cross-section of the plug module of the assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0073] FIG. 1E shows a cross-section of the plug module of the assembly of FIG. 1A plugged into the socket module.

[0074] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an assembly for hanging or fixing a lighting apparatus in a wall.

[0075] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an assembly for hanging or fixing a lighting apparatus in a wall, wherein the plug module is not shown but can be the same as that of FIG. 1A.

[0076] FIG. 3B shows a cross-section of the socket module of FIG. 3A.

[0077] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an assembly for hanging or fixing a lighting apparatus in a wall.

[0078] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an assembly for hanging or fixing a lighting apparatus in a wall, wherein the housing into which the socket module is screwable is not shown.

[0079] FIG. 5B shows a cross-section of the socket module of FIG. 5A.

[0080] FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an assembly for hanging or fixing a lighting apparatus in a wall, wherein no housing is provided.

[0081] FIG. 6B shows a top view and FIGS. 6C and 6D show cross-sections of the socket module of FIG. 6A.

[0082] FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view of a mounting assembly configured for receiving housing of an assembly for providing a lighting apparatus to a wall, typically a concrete wall.

[0083] FIG. 7B shows the assembly of FIG. 7A in the mounted state.

[0084] FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of a mounting assembly configured for receiving housing of an assembly for providing a lighting apparatus to a wall, typically a gypsum board, a drywall, or plasterboard wall.

[0085] FIG. 8B shows the assembly of FIG. 8A in the mounted state.

[0086] FIG. 9A shows a perspective exploded view of another embodiment of an assembly for providing a lighting apparatus to a wall.

[0087] FIG. 9B shows a perspective view of the housing of the assembly of FIG. 9A.

[0088] FIG. 9C shows a cross-section of the housing of the assembly of FIG. 9A.

[0089] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a housing which can be fixed in a wall, typically a concrete wall.

[0090] FIG. 10B shows a cross section of the housing of FIG. 10A with a mounting tool arranged to fix the housing in the wall.

[0091] FIGS. 10C and 10D show perspective views of the two housings parts of the housing of FIG. 10A separately.

[0092] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a housing which can be fixed in a wall, typically a concrete wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] FIGS. 1-6 show different embodiments of assemblies for providing an electrical apparatus, typically a lighting apparatus, on or in a wall W, such as a ceiling (mount-in or mount-on).

[0094] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 the assembly comprises a housing 100, a socket module 200, a plug module 300 connectable to the lighting apparatus, and an optional protective cover 400. The housing 100 is fixable in the wall. The housing 100 comprises a tube 110 in which the socket module 200 is receivable, and the tube 110 is provided with an outward protruding flange 120 which is fixable against the wall using screws, and/or can be plastered into the wall, around an opening in the wall. The flange 120 is provided with holes 121 for receiving screws and/or with holes 122 for receiving plaster.

[0095] The socket module 200 is fixable in the housing and removable from the housing from the side of the electrical apparatus. The socket module 200 is provided with electrical socket contacts 210a, 210b (see FIGS. 1C and 1E) and, connected thereto, electrical connection elements 220 which protrude into the wall and preferably from the housing 100 and are configured to be electrically connected to the mains electricity.

[0096] The plug module 300 can be plugged into the socket module and is provided with electrical plug contacts 310a, 310b (see FIG. 1D), wherein in the plugged state the socket contacts 210a, 210b make contact with the plug contacts 310a, 310b. The plug module 300 is fixable to the electrical apparatus (not shown), typically at least by means of an electrical cable 320.

[0097] The socket contacts 210a, 210b and the plug contacts 310a, 310b are preferably cylindrical. FIGS. 1C, 1D and 1E show schematically several possible locations of the socket contacts 210a, 210b and the plug contacts 310a, 310b in broken lines. A central pin 315 of the plug module 300 can be provided with one or more cylindrical plug contacts 310a and/or a cylindrical wall 317 of the plug module 300 lying therearound can be provided with one or more cylindrical plug contacts 310b. Similarly, the socket module can be provided with one or more complementary cylindrical socket contacts 210a and/or one or more complementary cylindrical socket contacts 210b.

[0098] The plug module 300 is preferably provided with a mechanical coupling means which is configured to be coupled to the socket module. In the illustrated embodiments the plug module 300 is provided on its outer periphery with a substantially barrel-shaped spring element 330 and an inner wall of the socket module is configured to hold the barrel-shaped spring element mechanically. The barrel-shaped spring element 330 can optionally also function as one of the electrical plug contacts, for instance for the purpose of sending a control signal to a converter arranged in the plug module 300 or in the lighting apparatus.

[0099] The socket module 200 comprises a substantially tubular socket housing 200a and a connector module 200b accommodated therein, see FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1E. The connector module 200b is provided with the socket contacts 210a, 210b at an end situated in the socket housing 200a and provided with the connection elements 220 at another end situated outside the housing.

[0100] The housing 100, the socket module 200 and the plug module 300 are preferably substantially cylindrical.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5 the connection elements 220 of the socket module comprise at least two snap-in connectors 225, which are each configured to clampingly receive an outer end of an electric wire. In the shown embodiment two snap-in connectors 225 are placed adjacently of each other, although they can also be provided one above the other, particularly when more than two snap-in connectors 225 are used, as will for instance be the case if control signals must be sent to the lighting apparatus.

[0102] In the variant of FIGS. 3A-3B the connection elements 220 of the socket module comprise at least two electric wires 226.

[0103] In the variant of FIGS. 1A-IE the socket module 200 is fixable in the housing 100 using a spring 250, wherein the spring is removable from the side of the electrical apparatus.

[0104] In the variant of FIG. 2 the socket module 200 is fixable in the housing 100 by clips, wherein socket module 200 is provided with clipping elements 255 which are receivable in corresponding recesses in housing 100.

[0105] In the variant of FIG. 4 the socket module 200 is fixable in the housing 100 by a bayonet connection, wherein socket module 200 is provided with bayonet elements 260.

[0106] In the variant of FIGS. 5A-5B socket module 200 is provided with an external screw thread 265 and the housing (not shown) is provided with an internal screw thread intended to co-act with the external screw thread 265.

[0107] The electrical apparatus preferably comprises at least one light-emitting diode, LED, preferably an array of light-emitting diodes.

[0108] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate yet another assembly for fixing or hanging an electrical apparatus, such as a lighting apparatus, on or in a wall, such as a ceiling, wherein the assembly comprises a socket module 200 and a plug module 300. The socket module 200 mountable in the wall has an outward extending flange 270 which is fixable against the wall from the side of the electrical apparatus. The outward protruding flange 270 is optionally provided with screw holes 271. The socket module 200 is provided with electrical socket contacts 210a, 210b and, connected thereto, electrical connection elements 220 which protrude into the wall and are configured to be electrically connected to the mains electricity. The plug module 300 which can be plugged into the socket module 200 can be identical to the above-described plug module. The socket contacts and the plug contacts are preferably cylindrical as described above.

[0109] The connection elements 220 of the socket module 200 preferably comprise at least two snap-in connectors, which are each configured to clampingly receive an outer end of an electric wire. The socket module 200 preferably comprises a substantially tubular socket housing 200a and, received therein, a connector module 200b, which connector module is provided with the socket contacts at an end situated in the socket housing 200a and is provided with the connection elements 220 at another end situated outside the socket housing 200a.

[0110] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a possibly housing 100 of an assembly for mounting an electrical apparatus to a wall W, typically a concrete wall W. The assembly may be an assembly as described above further comprising a socket module and a plug module connectable to the electrical apparatus.

[0111] The housing 100 comprises a tubular part 110 in which for example a socket module is receivable, and the tubular part 110 is provided with an outward protruding flange 120 which can be plastered into the wall, around an opening in the wall. The flange 120 is provided with holes for receiving plaster.

[0112] To arrange the housing 100 in a wall W there is provided a mounting assembly 500 comprising a mounting part 510, a mounting plate 520 and a plurality of screws 530. The housing 100 is received in the mounting part 510 which is arranged in a hole of a mounting plate 520 using the plurality of screws 530 which extend through holes in the mounting plate 520.

[0113] The tubular part 110 of the housing 100 is provided with an external screw thread 115 and the mounting part 510 is provided with a corresponding internal screw thread 515 so that the housing 100 can be screwed in the mounting part 510 in a desired position. In this embodiment, a hole is arranged in wall W, and the mounting plate 520 is arranged so that the hole in the mounting plate 520 corresponds with the hole in the wall. The mounting part 510 can thus be received in the hole in wall W through the mounting plate 520. Next, the housing 100 can be screwed in mounting part 510. The mounting plate 520 and the flange 120 are thus located at the same side of the wall.

[0114] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a similar housing 100 of an assembly for mounting an electrical apparatus to a wall W, typically a gypsum board, a drywall, or plasterboard wall W, is shown. The assembly may be an assembly as described above further comprising a socket module 200 and a plug module (not shown) connectable to the electrical apparatus.

[0115] The housing 100 comprises a tubular part 110 in which for example a socket module is receivable, and the tubular part 110 is provided with an outward protruding flange 120 which can be plastered into the wall, around an opening in the wall. The flange 120 is provided with holes for receiving plaster.

[0116] To arrange the housing 100 in a wall W there is provided a mounting assembly 500 comprising a mounting part 510, a mounting plate 520 and a plurality of screws 530. The housing 100 is received in the mounting part 510 which is arranged above a hole of a mounting plate 520 using the plurality of screws 530 which extend through holes in the mounting plate 520. The tubular part 110 of the housing 100 is provided with an external screw thread 115 and the mounting part 510 is provided with a corresponding internal screw thread 515 so that the housing 100 can be screwed in the mounting part 510 in a desired position. In this embodiment, the mounting plate 520 and the mounting part 510 are typically located at one side of the wall, typically above or behind a Gyproc wall element, wherein a through-hole is arranged in the wall W, so that the housing 100 can be screwed from the other side of the wall W in the mounting part 510. The mounting plate 520 and the flange 120 are thus located on opposite sides of the wall element W.

[0117] FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate another embodiment of an assembly for providing a lighting apparatus to a wall.

[0118] In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A to 9C, the assembly comprises a housing 100, a socket module 200, a plug module 300 connectable to the lighting apparatus, and an optional protective cover 400. The housing 100 is fixable in the wall.

[0119] The housing 100 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 9B and 9C and comprises a tubular part 110 in which the socket module 200 is receivable. The tubular part 110 is provided with a lower flange 125 and an upper flange 126. Two screws 140a, 140b extend through the lower flange 125 and the upper flange 126 and each screw 140a, 140b is threadedly coupled with a corresponding wing element 145a, 145b between the lower flange 125 and the upper flange 126, such that by rotating the screw 140a, 1410b, the position of the respective wing element 145a, 145b relative to the screw 140a, 140b is changed. The screws 140a, 140b are provided with respective screw heads 141a, 141b which are accessible at the lower side of the lower flange 125, and are thus easily accessible for an installer. FIG. 9C illustrates the left wing element 145b in the lowest possible position and the right wing element 145a is in the highest position. A wall element W may be clamped between the wing elements 145a, 145b and the lower flange 125 Obviously both wing elements 145a, 145b will typically be in substantially the same position as a wall element W typically has substantially the same thickness. FIG. 9C illustrates wall elements of different thicknesses at the left and right side but this is merely for illustrative purpose: in practice the wall element W will have substantially the same thickness and the wing elements 145a, 145b will be in similar position.

[0120] The housing may further comprise a housing cover 150 configured to be arranged from the outside over the lower flange 125 once the housing has been installed in the wall W with the wing elements 145a, 145b in a clamping position. The protective cover 400 may fit in an opening of the housing cover. The housing cover 150 and/or the protective cover 400 may be fixed for example through a bayonet mechanism or a clamping mechanism.

[0121] The socket module 200 is fixable in the housing and removable from the housing from the side of the electrical apparatus. The socket module 200 is provided with electrical socket contacts (for example in a similar manner as described above for other embodiments) and, connected thereto, electrical connection elements 220. After mounting of the socket module 200 in the housing 100, the electrical connection elements 220 are accessible at the upper flange 126 of the housing 100 and are configured to be electrically connected to the mains electricity. Thus, in the mounted position, the electrical connection elements 220 protrude into the wall but they do not necessarily have to protrude from the housing 100 as long as they are accessible from the outside of the housing 100.

[0122] The plug module 300 can be plugged into the socket module and is provided with electrical plug contacts (for example as described above for other embodiments), wherein in the plugged state the socket contacts make contact with the plug contacts. The plug module 300 is fixable to the electrical apparatus (not shown), typically at least by means of an electrical cable 320.

[0123] FIG. 10A shows a housing which can be fixed in a wall, typically a concrete wall. The housing 100 comprises two housings parts 110, 117 shown separately in FIGS. 10C and 10D. Part 110 is a tubular part with a conical upper inner wall 111. Part 117 is an upper part with a conical outer wall 118. For mounting the housing in a hole of a wall, typically a concrete wall, the upper part 117 is pulled in the tubular part 110 so as to expand the tubular part 110 and fix the tubular part 110 in the wall. To this end the upper part 117 has a threaded hole 114 which is threadedly coupled to a mounting screw 600. The mounting screw 610 is part of a tool assembly 600, 610 used for pulling the lower part 117 downward so as to expand the tubular part 110. In order to prevent that the upper part 117 rotates, it may be provided with one or more pins 119 which are received in one or more respective slits 112 in the tubular part 110. Once the housing 100 is put in place the mounting assembly 600, 610 can be removed and the socket module 200 can be installed in the housing 100.

[0124] The tubular part 110 may be provided with inwardly extending protrusions configured to be coupled with the socket module so as to hold the socket module in place in the housing 100.

[0125] FIG. 11 is a housing which uses a similar principle. The housing 100 comprises a tubular part 110 and an upper part 117. Tubular part 110 has a conical upper inner wall 111. Upper part 117 has a conical outer wall 118. For mounting the housing 100 in a hole of a wall, typically a hole in a concrete wall, the upper part 117 is pulled in the tubular part 110 so as to expand the tubular part 110 and fix the tubular part 110 in the wall. To this end the upper part 117 has two threaded holes 114 which are threadedly coupled to two mounting screws 600. The mounting screws 610 are used for pulling the lower part 117 downward so as to expand the tubular part 110.

[0126] The socket module and the plug module are preferably substantially cylindrical.

[0127] In determined embodiments of the invention the lighting apparatus is replaced with a different electrical apparatus, for instance a detection module such as a motion sensor, a light sensor, a smoke detector, an alarm module, a camera, a sound module and the like. An electrical apparatus can also combine several functions, for instance a lighting function and a sensor function.

[0128] The skilled person will appreciate that many variants and modifications can be envisaged within the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the following claims.