[0001] The present invention concerns a lighting and wiring system for buildings and associated
channels and electrical equipment of which such a system is composed.
[0002] It is known that in modern buildings, suitable mainly for offices or tertiary environments
(shops, supermarkets, laboratories etc), there is a tendency to use lighting systems
with distributed light sources whose arrangement must be altered frequently.
[0003] In addition, there is the tendency to use such systems for laying cables which carry
not only electric current but also analogue and/or digital signals such as telephone
signals, alarm, data, radio broadcasts etc.
[0004] Various solutions have been proposed which partially satisfy these requirements.
[0005] Lighting systems are known in which a support track of limited length, fixed directly
to the ceiling, houses two or three conductive bars or strips, and allows the bayonet
insertion into any point on the track of one or more light fittings which are connected
electrically to the conductive bars or strips.
[0006] These systems allow lighting elements to be easily added or removed, but do not allow
the various elements to be controlled independently of one another, or other functions
to be combined with the lighting function.
[0007] They are also relatively expensive and do not allow installation of fluorescent lights
of the straight tube type.
[0008] Lighting systems are also known which comprise a plurality of elongate lighting bodies,
specifically fluorescent tubes, which can be positioned end to end possibly with interspersed
duct portions for conveying and containing the supply lines. The cable conveying function
of the duct is taken over by the lighting bodies.
[0009] These systems are rigid and do not easily allow subsequent modification of the installation.
[0010] In addition, they cannot be used for functions other than lighting.
[0011] A multifunctional lighting system has also been proposed in which a continuous support
duct, which can be fixed directly to the ceiling or suspended by cables, forms a plurality
of continuous volumes, one of which is intended to house a plurality of reflectors
and light sockets, another of which is intended to house auxiliary equipment such
as power supplies, reactors, starters, emergency supplies and, finally, a pair of
volumes intended to house electrical cables having various functions.
[0012] The installation of the various components is particularly laborious as it requires
multiple operations which are performed with the help of tools and in precarious conditions
on ladders or scaffolding: the equipment must first of all be fixed in predetermined
positions by screws, after possibly piercing the support channel, the electrical interconnections
are then completed by stripping the ends and fixing them in terminals.
[0013] All of these limitations are overcome by a lighting and wiring system for buildings
which includes a continuous metal channel forming a continuous housing track and multiple
spaces for housing electrical cables and functionally complete electrical units or
light boxes, which are fixed mechanically at any position along the housing track
by pairs of bayonet couplings, and connected electrically to previously positioned
supply lines by means of insulation-perforating terminals with which they are provided.
[0014] Great flexibility of installation is therefore achieved, without needing to modify
the basic structure and, at the same time, installing the electrical apparatus is
simple and safe even in precarious conditions.
[0015] In addition, the arrangement of the multiple housing spaces, separated by metal partitions,
eliminates any possible electromagnetic interference between cables housed in different
spaces.
[0016] To this end, according to a further aspect of the present invention, a pair of spaces
formed by the metal channel is further divided into eaves compartments to support
the cables which, as well as forming a further electromagnetic screen, enable an ordered
arrangement of the cables and easy access to them through covers which close the individual
spaces.
[0017] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the bayonet couplings for
fixing electrical units to the housing track of the channel are formed from pairs
of knobs having connector teeth, which are captive on the electrical unit and free
to turn through an angle of 90° with respect to the electrical unit, between an introduction
position and a stable coupled position which may be irreversible.
[0018] Advantageously, the knobs are also provided with a locking screw which locks them
in the desired position once installed and, therefore, in a position of maximum safety.
[0019] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the
following description of a preferred embodiment and from the accompanying drawings
in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a section of a duct or channel for the
lighting and wiring system forming the subject of the present invention and parts
of associated closure panels;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the channel of Figure 1 and of an electrical
device to be installed in the channel of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a bayonet coupling
device for electrical apparatus for the lighting and wiring system of the present
invention.
[0020] With reference to Figure 1, the lighting and wiring system forming the subject of
the present invention comprises in the first place a continuous support channel 1
obtained by extrusion of aluminium or one of its alloys, shaped essentially with a
generally H-shape section.
[0021] In the H-shape section there can be identified two vertical arms 2, 3, two diverging
legs 4, 5 and a horizontal central body 6 extending between the arms and legs.
[0022] The upper ends of each of the arms 2, 3 divides into two ribs 7, 8, 9, 10 which terminate
in a rounded edge.
[0023] At least one symmetrical pair of ribs 7, 9 is shaped to form two parallel channels
11, 12 in which are snap-engaged the teeth 13, 14 of a plurality of fixing brackets
such as 15, which are in their turn fixed in a known way to a ceiling or wall, for
mounting the channel overhead.
[0024] Alternatively, hooks associated with suspension cables can be used.
[0025] The horizontal central body 6 is provided on its upper face with a pair of parallel
tracks 16, 17 forming a T-shape cavity into which suitable suspension channel supports
or even electrical equipment can be fitted by means of a bayonet coupling, for example
lighting equipment which diffuses light towards the ceiling.
[0026] On the outer face of each of the arms 2, 3 and legs 4, 5, in proximity with the central
body 6, two pairs of continuous ribs 18, 19 and 20, 21 respectively are formed, which
terminate in a rounded edge.
[0027] The lower end of each of the legs 4 and 5 divides into an inwardly turned lip 22,
23 and an outwardly turned rib 24, 25 having rounded edges.
[0028] On the outer face of each of the legs 4 and 5 there is provided a plurality of outwardly
facing fins 26, 27 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 shaped to form a plurality of seatings
or channels to support and contain electrical cables.
[0029] The walls formed by the arms 2, 3, the legs 4, 5 and the central body 6 are pierced
by elongate holes such as 36, 37, 38, 39 which are repeated periodically along the
length of the channel.
[0030] The walls 2 and 3 together with the central body 6 form a continuous upper space
for housing electrical cables or also electrical equipment which, in the case of installations
suspended from the channel 1, is closed by a slightly convex elongate panel 40, provided
at its two opposite edges with two continuous teeth 41, 42 which snap-engage with
the rounded edges of the ribs 7 and 9.
[0031] The panel 40 can be replaced by a transparent diffusor screen where the upper space
houses lighting equipment.
[0032] Similarly, two side panels 43, 44, also provided with connector teeth at their two
opposite ends which snap-engage with the rounded edge of the ribs 8, 18 and 10, 20
respectively, close two outer side spaces formed between the walls 2, 3 and the ribs
8, 18 and 10, 20 respectively.
[0033] In the same way, two side panels 45, 46 which are provided on two opposite edges
with connector teeth which snap-engage with the rounded edge of the ribs 24, 19 and
21, 25 respectively, close two outer side spaces formed between the wings 4, 5 and
the ribs 24, 19 and 21, 25 respectively.
[0034] These spaces are in their turn subdivided into sub-spaces by the fins 26 to 30 and
31 to 35 respectively.
[0035] The closure panels 40, 43, 44, 45 and 46 can be made from painted sheet metal or
from plastics material.
[0036] A plurality of spaces is therefore formed, five in number, which are easily accessible
by removing the closure panels, and in which electrical cables with various functions
can be laid and positioned separately, such as cables carrying electric current, telephone
cables, data-transmission cables and cables to interconnect digital electrical apparatus,
wire broadcasting cables, alarm warning cables and cables which transmit signal for
fire alarm, intrusion detectors etc.
[0037] The cables themselves in the various spaces and subspaces are mutually screened against
possible contact with one another by the conductive channel structure, and can be
arranged in an ordered way and be easily identifiable by virtue of their location
in several spaces and subspaces.
[0038] In addition to spaces which can be used to carry cables, the channel 1 forms a continuous
space for housing electrical equipment in addition to the "multifunctional" space
formed between the walls 2, 3 and the central body 6.
[0039] This space is formed between the sides or wings 4, 5 of the channel and the central
body 6 and can be closed by opaque, transparent or translucent screens (not shown)
which can also be joined together according to requirements and retained between the
lips 22 and 23.
[0040] In order to offer a continuous anchorage for the electrical apparatus, the central
body 6 is provided on its lower face with two parallel tracks 47, 48 forming a T-shape
cavity in which appropriate teeth can be bayonet-coupled in any position in the cavity
to anchor the electrical apparatus.
[0041] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of part of a channel 1 and an electrical
device 49 for installation in the channel 1.
[0042] The electrical device 49 is made as a single unit from a cylindrical reflector 50
with a parabolic curve in transverse section.
[0043] Insertion sockets for suitable light sources, for example one or more fluorescent
lamps 52 are fixed on the axial ends of the reflector within the parabola, one of
which 51 is illustrated.
[0044] The necessary unit 53 comprising reactor, rephasing capacitance, starter and possible
protective fuse for supplying the light source is fixed on the reflector 50 outside
the parabola, possibly with an intermediary support frame.
[0045] The wiring and supply unit depends on the light source used, and can comprise an
electronic supply unit and also, in the case of emergency lights, rechargeable batteries.
[0046] The cabling unit 53 is provided for its supply with a portion of flexible multipolar
insulated cable 54 terminating in an insulation-perforating terminal 55.
[0047] On the axial ends of the reflector 50 (or alternatively on the ends of the support
frame, if provided) there are formed two fixing brackets 56, 57 in which there are
mounted two knobs 58, 59 which are free to rotate about an angle of 90°, each terminating
axially in a pair of diametrically opposed teeth 60, 61 respectively.
[0048] Each pair of teeth has a width equal to or slightly less than the useful access width
to the cavity 62 formed between the tracks 47, 48 of the channel 1.
[0049] The cumulative dimension of the pair of teeth in a direction perpendicular to the
width is greater than the useful access width of the cavity and is preferably, but
not necessarily, equal to the internal width of the cavity.
[0050] By turning the knobs 58, 59 in such a way that the pair of teeth 60, 61 are orientated
in the same axial direction as the parabolic reflector 50, and therefore in the same
direction as the cavity 62, it is possible to introduce the teeth 60, 61 into the
cavity and, by turning the knobs through 90°, the pair of teeth engage with the tracks
47, 48 thereby suspending the electrical device 49 from the channel 1.
[0051] The operation can be performed easily without needing particular tools, which would
necessitate the contemporaneous intervention of a second operator.
[0052] Once attached, the electrical device 49 can be moved easily along the channel 1 to
any desired position.
[0053] Once positioned, the device is then connected to the supply cables by closing the
insulation-perforating terminal 55 on the cables already positioned in the channel
1.
[0054] The operation can be performed either by passing the terminal 55 from the space reserved
for electrical apparatus to one of the spaces and sub-spaces reserved for the wiring
through the communication apertures between spaces arranged for this purpose, or by
passing a loop of cable from the associated housing to the space for the electrical
device through one of the apertures. This done, the various closure panels, including
a possible translucent diffusor panel 90 to protect the reflector 50 and the light
supply which may be removed for installing the electrical device 49, are snap-engaged
to the wings of the channel 1.
[0055] The installation of the apparatus (not necessarily lighting, but also loudspeakers,
alarm systems, smoke and fire detectors and the like) is therefore simple and ergonomic.
[0056] Installation is extremely flexible, because each device can be installed in any desired
position along the channel or removed easily to be replaced or reinstalled in a different
position.
[0057] A particular requirement which must be satisfied by the coupling devices is the security
of attachment of the electrical devices, which must be reconciled with the constructional
simplicity and economical nature of the devices.
[0058] The devices must be made from captive elements, which cannot accidentally be separated
from the electrical apparatus and which must avoid becoming detached from the channel,
and falling from a suspended position, due to vibrations and knocks.
[0059] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view, partially in section and in greater detail,
of one of the fixing devices of the electrical apparatus 49 of Figure 2.
[0060] The elements of Figure 3 already shown in Figure 2 are identified with the same reference
numerals.
[0061] The device essentially comprises the bracket 57 already shown and the knob 59.
[0062] The knob 59 extends upwards to a cylindrical head 63 connected to the knob by a cylindrical
neck 64 of smaller diameter.
[0063] Above the head 63 is a pair of diametrically opposite teeth 65, 66 with a spacer
cylinder 67 interposed between the head and the teeth.
[0064] The width "1" of the teeth 65, 66 is equal to the diameter of the spacer cylinder
67 and equal to or slightly less than the width of the access opening of the cavity
62 (Figure 2) formed by the two tracks 47, 48.
[0065] The axial length of the spacer cylinder 67 is advantageously equal to or slightly
greater than the depth of the two tracks 47, 48.
[0066] The cumulative dimension H of the two teeth 65, 66 in a direction perpendicular to
the width is greater than "1" and advantageously equal to or slightly smaller than
the width of the cavity 62.
[0067] The ends of the teeth conveniently meet with one of the sides, with rounded corners
which are diametrically opposed with respect to the axis of the knob.
[0068] An axial housing 68 is formed in the knob 59, which extends through the neck 64,
the head 63, the spacer cylinder 67 and the pair of teeth 65, 66 in a threaded seat
69 for a locking screw 70, whose head is contained in the housing 68.
[0069] An anular rebate 80 is formed in the annular face of the knob 59 which joins with
the neck 64, extending over an arc of 90° with an internal diameter less than the
diameter of the knob.
[0070] A circular aperture 71 is formed in the bracket 57 with a diameter equal to or greater
than the diameter of the head 63 of the knob.
[0071] The circular aperture 71 extends into a slot 72 having a width equal to or slightly
more than the diameter of the neck 64. The slot 72 has parallel sides which join at
the ends of the slot to form a semicircle 172 with a diameter equal to the diameter
of the neck 64.
[0072] One side of the slot 72 is advantageously cut in such a way as to form a relatively
resilient projecting tongue 73 terminating in an upwardly bent restraining tooth 74.
[0073] The opposite side of the slot 72 is also cut to form a second relatively resilient
projecting tongue 75, terminating in a downwardly bent retainer tooth 76.
[0074] The distance of the end of the tooth 74 from the axis of the semicircle 172 is equal
to the radius of the head 63 and the distance of the end of the tooth 76 from the
axis of the semicircle 172 is equal to the internal diameter of the anular rebate
80.
[0075] The pair of teeth 65, 66 and the head 63 of the knob are introduced into the opening
71 in the bracket 57 by axially sliding the knob along its axis.
[0076] By a translation in the plane of the bracket 57 the neck 64 is engaged into the slot
72 and guided to the end of the slot, causing resilient yielding of the tongue 73
which positions itself in the plane of the bracket 57. Once the neck is positioned
at the end of the slot 72, the tongue 73 reassumes its rest position and the neck
64 is held against movement by the interference of the tooth 74 with the head 63.
[0077] The axial displacement of the knob relative to the bracket 57 is impeded by the interference
of the bracket 57, on one side with the knob itself, and on the other side with the
head 63.
[0078] The knob is therefore held in place on the bracket 57, free to rotate.
[0079] In its turn the rotation of the knob with respect to the bracket is limited to a
90° arc by the interference of the tooth 76, lodged in the groove 80, with the ends
of the groove.
[0080] Advantageously, the knob 59 can have two stable, angular end positions with respect
to the bracket by providing two projecting teeth 81, 82 in the groove 80, having inclined
sides and positioned at a convenient distance from the end of the groove.
[0081] The two teeth 81, 82 constitute an obstacle to the relative rotation between tooth
76 and knob which is overcome only upon the resilient yielding of the flap 75.
[0082] In one angular end position of the knob the teeth 65, 66 are positioned, with respect
to the bracket 57 and therefore with respect to the electrical apparatus, in such
a way as to allow the teeth to be inserted easily into the groove formed by the tracks
47, 48 of the support channel.
[0083] In the other angular end position of the knob, the teeth are disposed with respect
to the bracket 57 in such a way as to ensure the stable coupling of the teeth with
the tracks 47, 48.
[0084] The coupling is advantageously loose, so as not to impede adjustments in the position
of the electrical apparatus along the channel, adjustments which can be effected in
complete safety.
[0085] To retain the electrical apparatus in position along the channel in the required
position, the screw 70 of the fixing device is screwed into the seat 69 until it presses
against the central body of the channel, thereby constraining the teeth 65, 66 to
press firmly against the tracks 47, 48.
[0086] It is clear that the preceding description concerns only one preferred embodiment
and that many variants may be introduced.
[0087] For example, the tongue 75 and the tooth 76 may be replaced as shown in Figure 3
by a tongue 90 and a tooth 91 obtained by folding a projection which extends from
an edge of the bracket 57 and acts on the periphery of the knob, provided with an
appropriate annular groove extending over a predetermined arc.
[0088] It is also evident that the channel described, in addition to being installable overhead
or suspended from a ceiling with the wings 4 and 5 orientated downwards, may also
be installed by suspension with the wings 4 and 5 orientated upwards, or installed
on a wall or vertical column.
[0089] In the case of suspended installation or a vertical column, electrical lighting apparatus
(or other types of apparatus) can be arranged in either of the spaces formed respectively
between the walls 2, 3 and the central body 6, or between the wings 4, 5 and the central
body 6.