(19)
(11) EP 2 118 560 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
01.05.2013 Bulletin 2013/18

(21) Application number: 08700909.8

(22) Date of filing: 28.01.2008
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
F21V 21/00(2006.01)
F21S 8/06(2006.01)
(86) International application number:
PCT/DK2008/000038
(87) International publication number:
WO 2008/095491 (14.08.2008 Gazette 2008/33)

(54)

MOUNTING DEVICE

ANBRINGUNGSEINRICHTUNG

DISPOSITIF DE MONTAGE


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

(30) Priority: 05.02.2007 DK 200700202

(43) Date of publication of application:
18.11.2009 Bulletin 2009/47

(73) Proprietor: Louis Poulsen Lighting A/s
1202 Copenhagen K (DK)

(72) Inventor:
  • SVENDSEN, Jesper, Lukmann
    DK-3450 Allerod (DK)

(74) Representative: Nordic Patent Service A/S 
Højbro Plads 10
1200 Copenhagen K
1200 Copenhagen K (DK)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A- 1 530 004
US-A1- 2007 147 050
DE-U1-202005 015 148
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    Technical Field of the Invention



    [0001] The present invention relates to a mounting device for a lighting fixture suspended by a suspension means. The suspension means is connected to the mounting device by a connection means and the mounting device comprises an adjustment means which comprises at least one rotatable member. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a mounting device according to the invention for any object suspended from above.

    Background of the Invention



    [0002] In the following, the term "lighting fixture" is to be construed as an object that provides light to for instance a building. A lighting fixture may comprise a light source such as a lamp and a number of elements that serve to spread the light as desired and to enable the lighting fixture to integrate well with its surroundings.

    [0003] It is widely used to suspend lighting fixtures and other objects from above by means of suspension means. Examples would be lighting fixtures suspended from ceilings, from staircases, from beams, etc. The advantage of suspending from above is that it makes it easy to adjust the height of the lighting fixture from the floor, and the relative simplicity of the suspension means enables a simple mounting of the lighting fixture by for instance means of a hook or another simple connection means. In its simplest form, the electric cable will be used as suspension means, thus providing electricity to the lighting fixture as well as suspending it from above. In more advanced forms, the suspension means is a separate item such as a wire, a tube, a rope, a chain, a rod, a cable. These are preferable if for instance the lighting fixture is too heavy to be suspended in the electric cable or if a certain visual appearance of the lighting fixture is desired. When a separate suspension means is applied, the electrical cable can either be integrated in the suspension means or guided along with it. To enable safe connection of the suspension means as well as the electric cable to the lighting fixture, it is common to mount the electric cable and the suspension means to the lighting fixture by means of a mounting piece.

    [0004] Often, lighting fixtures are vital parts of a building's interior, putting certain requirements to the lighting fixtures' functional and visual design. The art of designing lighting fixtures that fit the requirements to function as well as aesthetics is closely linked to how the lighting fixtures are mounted. Optimally, the means for mounting the lighting fixture to for instance a suspension means from above should not constrain the visual design of the lighting fixture. A common way to overcome this is to place the actual connection of the suspension means to the lighting fixture inside the mounting piece, which is then integrated in the lighting fixture's visual design.

    [0005] When lighting fixtures are to be mounted to suspension means hanging from above, it is preferable that the mounting piece is easy to reach, thus enabling a fast and safe mounting of the lighting fixture. Also, it is an advantage if the mounting can be carried out without the use of special tools or even without any tools at all.

    [0006] It may be advantageous to design mounting pieces in such a manner that one mounting piece can fit more than one type of lighting fixture. This is for instance achieved by providing the mounting piece with adjustable elements, such as two plate elements with a range of punched holes for a pin to fit in, whereby for instance the attachment point of the electric cable can be altered. A drawback to the adjustable mounting pieces is that they tend to comprise several components in order to provide the desired versatility, which make them more expensive. Furthermore, the many components tend to require more space, resulting in a larger mounting piece which puts larger constraints on the visual design and the functional design of the lighting fixture itself.

    [0007] When suspending a lighting fixture or another object in a suspension means, the centre of gravity of the lighting fixture and the attachment point of the suspension means will be in the same vertical line. Hence, if the attachment point or the centre of gravity varies from lighting fixture to lighting fixture, the lighting fixture suspended from above will tilt and the visual impression of the lighting fixture will be damaged. This is especially a problem in hand-made productions or productions with irregularities in the shaping operations. This problem is usually solved by incorporating several adjustment means in the mounting piece in order to enable adjustments in several directions to compensate for the irregularities.

    [0008] In situations where the visual appearance of the lighting fixture is important, it is preferable if the inclination of the lighting fixture to the vertical can be adjusted while the lighting fixture is suspended from above, so that the lighting fixture does not have to be dismounted to make an adjustment. Furthermore, it is desirable if the adjustment of the inclination can be done in a very precise and detailed manner so that even small undesired inclinations can be corrected. This is especially important in the case of lighting fixtures from hand-made productions as those mentioned in the above.

    [0009] Mounting pieces for commercially produced lighting fixtures should preferably be as simple as possible in order to keep manufacturing costs as low as possible. At the same time, the mounting piece should meet the above-stated requirements. As indicated, the requirements to adaptability, user-friendliness and aesthetics are in the current art met by quite sophisticated mounting pieces with several components, which suffer from the drawback of being expensive, unable to adjust while mounted and tending to be rather big. In other words, there is a need for a mounting piece that is cheap to manufacture while at the same time being small, easy to use, easy to reach, and provides an easy, detailed and precise inclination adjustment. DE 20 2005 015 148 U1 describes a hanging lamp suspended from a suspension means and an adjustment means for positioning the vertically suspended hanging lamp, the adjustment means being arranged between the hanging lamp and the suspension means and comprising two rotatable members for adjusting the position of the hanging lamp.

    Summary of the Invention



    [0010] An object of the present invention is to wholly or partly overcome the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide a mounting device for a lighting fixture suspended from above by a suspension means, said suspension means being connected to said mounting device by a connection means, said mounting device comprising an adjustment means comprising at least one rotatable member, in which said lighting fixture's inclination (α) from the vertical is adjustable by rotation of at least one of said rotatable members, wherein said connection means comprises a spherical member being attached to an end of said suspension means. This is advantageous, as it enables a rotatable connection between said suspension means and said connection means. This is furthermore advantageous, if for instance a plurality of suspended lighting fixtures have varying centres of gravity, as the rotation of the rotatable member effects a change in the lighting fixtures' inclination to the vertical, thus compensating from any tilting caused by the varying centres of gravity.

    [0011] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that said lighting fixture's inclination from the vertical is adjustable by said adjustment means in a step-less manner. This is advantageous, as it enables detailed adjustment of the lighting fixture's inclination to the vertical, for instance in order to compensate for varying centres of gravity.

    [0012] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that said lighting fixture's inclination from the vertical is adjustable by said adjustment means in a plurality of steps. This is advantageous, if for instance a quick and simple adjustment of the lighting fixture's inclination to the vertical is desired.

    [0013] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that one rotation of at least one of said rotatable members effects a change of said lighting fixture's inclination (a) from the vertical of less than 10 degrees, but preferably less than 3 degrees. Such a large transmission ratio between the change in inclination and the rotation of the rotatable member is advantageous as it enables a very detailed adjustment of the inclination, seeing that it takes several rotations of a rotatable member to effect a change in the lighting fixture inclination.

    [0014] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that said connection means is connected to at least one of said rotatable members. This is advantageous, as it enables a rotatable member to directly cause a change in the connection means' position relative to the mounting device, and thus also a change in the point in which the lighting fixture is suspended, which can change the lighting fixture's inclination to the vertical.

    [0015] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that rotation of at least one of said rotatable members effects a displacement of said connection means relative to said lighting fixture. This is advantageous as it enables rotation of a rotatable member to indirectly change the lighting fixture's inclination to the vertical.

    [0016] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that said connection means comprises a threaded member being attached to an end of said suspension means. This is advantageous as it enables a rotatable connection between said connection means and other members.

    [0017] The mounting device according to the invention may comprise a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member, in which said first rotatable member engages said second rotatable member. This is advantageous, as it enables a transmission ratio between said first rotatable member and said second rotatable member, which makes it possible to vary the degree of the adjustment of the lighting fixture's inclination to the vertical caused by rotation of one of the rotatable members.

    [0018] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that at least one of said rotatable members comprises a thread.

    [0019] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that at least one of said rotatable members comprises a helical thread.

    [0020] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that at least one of said rotatable members comprises a plurality of gear teeth comprising leading edges projecting radially from the axis of rotation of said rotatable members.

    [0021] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that at least one of said rotatable members comprises a plurality of gear teeth comprising leading edges projecting radially towards the axis of rotation of said rotatable members.

    [0022] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that at least one of said rotatable members comprises a plurality of gear teeth comprising leading edges parallel to the axis of rotation of said rotatable members.

    [0023] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that at least one of said rotatable members comprises a plurality of gear teeth comprising leading edges orthogonal to the axis of rotation of said rotatable members.

    [0024] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that at least one of said rotatable members comprises a plurality of gear teeth comprising leading edges angular to the axis of rotation of said rotatable members.

    [0025] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that said plurality of gear teeth is dispersed over a segment of the surfaces of said rotatable members. This is advantageous, as it enables connection of other members to the surfaces of said rotatable members without gear teeth.

    [0026] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that at least one of said rotatable members is a spur gear.

    [0027] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that at least one of said rotatable members is a bevel gear.

    [0028] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that at least one of said rotatable members is a helical gear.

    [0029] The mounting device according to the invention may be so that at least two of said rotatable members form a worm gear. This is advantageous, as a worm gear may provide a very large transmission ratio between rotatable members, which enables a very detailed adjustment of the lighting fixture's inclination to the vertical.

    [0030] The mounting device according to the invention may comprise at least one member with a linear rack of teeth. This is advantageous, as it enables conversion of rotational motion to linear motion, which for instance can be applied to make a rotatable member effect a linear movement of said connection means.

    [0031] The mounting device according to the invention may comprise at least one member comprising an internal thread. This is advantageous, as it for instance can be applied to convert the rotational motion of a member comprising a helical thread into a linear motion of said member comprising an internal thread.

    [0032] An additional object of the invention is to provide the use of a mounting device according to the invention for any object suspended from above.

    Brief Description of the Drawings



    [0033] The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and in which

    Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a mounting device 1 according to the invention,

    Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a mounting device 1 according to the invention used for a lighting fixture 2 suspended from above,

    Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a mounting device according to the invention used for a lighting fixture 2 suspended by an electric cable,

    Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a mounting device according to the invention,

    Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of another alternative preferred embodiment of a mounting device according to the invention,

    Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of another alternative preferred embodiment of a mounting device according to the invention,

    Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of another alternative preferred embodiment of a mounting device according to the invention,

    Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of another alternative preferred embodiment of a mounting device according to the invention.



    [0034] All the figures are highly schematic, not necessarily to scale, and they show only parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.

    Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments



    [0035] Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a mounting device 1 according to the invention used for a lighting fixture 2 suspended from above by a suspension means 3. Section (a) of figure 1 shows the mounting device 1 in a top view and in a side view the mounting device and the lighting fixture. As shown, the mounting device 1 comprises a connection means 4 and an adjustment means 5 comprising a rotatable member 6. Also, the mounting device 1 shown in section (a) of figure 1 comprises a cable guide 22, for the electrical cable (not shown) supplying electricity to the lighting fixture. The centre of gravity P of the lighting fixture shown in section (a) of figure 1 is slightly displaced from the lighting fixtures' centre axis V. As indicated in section (a) of figure 1, the suspension means 3 is connected to the connection means 4 in a suspension point Q, and the suspension point Q and the centre of gravity P are thus situated in the same vertical line QP by the laws of gravity. Since the lighting fixture's centre of gravity P is not situated in the lighting fixture's centre axis V, the lighting fixture has an inclination α to the vertical. According to the invention, the lighting fixture's inclination α from the vertical can be adjusted by rotation of the rotatable member 6. When the rotatable member 6 is rotated, the suspension point Q is moved relative to the lighting fixture's centre axis V as shown in figure 1, where the suspension point Q is moved from one position in section (a) to another position in section (b), effected by a rotation of the rotatable member 6. By moving the suspension point Q relative to the centre axis V, the inclination of the line QP relative to the lighting fixture's centre axis V changes. When the line QP is parallel to the centre axis V, the lighting fixtures' inclination α to the vertical is zeroed, which is the state shown in section (b) of figure 1. The conversion of the rotation of the rotatable member 6 into movement of the point Q relative to the centre axis V can be carried out by an arrangement of mechanical parts such as gears and rods comprised by the adjustment means 5. Examples are spur gear, bevel gears, helical gears, planet gears, worm gears, toothed rods, key-keyway connections, springs, screws, etc. The rotation of the rotatable member 6 can be provided by a user interaction, for instance by a screwdriver being turned in a notch 23 comprised by the rotatable member 6. The rotation can also be effected by other tools, or a finger screw, or even by automatic means such as an electrical motor (not shown).

    [0036] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a mounting device 1 according to the invention used for a lighting fixture 2 suspended from above. In this embodiment, the adjustments means 5 comprises a first rotatable member 9 which engages a second rotatable member 10. The second rotatable member 10 is connected to the suspension means 3 by a spherical member 7 being attached to the end of the suspension means 3. The spherical member 7 is housed in a cavity of the second rotatable member 10, whereby the suspension point Q moves along with the second rotatable member 10. In the preferred embodiment shown in figure 2, the first rotatable member 9 comprises a helical thread 12 extending radially from the rotatable member's 9 axis of rotation 15. The second rotatable member 10 shown in figure 2 comprises a set of gear teeth 13 extending radially from its axis of rotation 15', and the leading edges 14 of these gear teeth 13 are parallel to the axis of rotation 15' of the second rotatable member 10. The gear teeth 13 only cover a segment of the rotatable 10, making room for the cavity housing the spherical member 7. In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in figure 2, the axes of rotation 15,15' of the first and the second rotatable members 9,10 are orthogonal to each other, whereby the two rotatable members 9,10 essentially form a worm gear. This means that when the first rotatable member 9 carry out one rotation, the second rotatable member 10 is rotated what is equal to one of the gear teeth 13. In the example shown in figure 2, one rotation of the first rotatable member 9 effects a rotation of a little less than 13 degrees of the second rotatable member 10, which causes a small movement of the suspension point Q relative to the centre axis V of the lighting fixture 2, which in turn causes an adjustment of the inclination α of a little less than 3 degrees. As indicated in figure 2, the first rotatable member is rotated until resulting the movement of the suspension point Q has caused an adjustment of the lighting fixture's 2 inclination α to the vertical in section (a) of figure 2 to zero in section (b) of figure 2. The amount of gear teeth 13, the inclination of the helical thread 12 and the dimensions of the rotatable members can of course be modified to provide a larger or smaller degree of adjustment of the inclination per rotation of the first rotatable member 9. In most situations, an adjustment of the inclination α of less than 10 degrees per rotation of the first rotatable member 9 is reasonable, and an adjustment of the inclination α of less than 3 degrees per rotation of the first rotatable member 9 is usually preferred to provide the required precision in the inclination adjustment. To sum up, the preferred embodiment shown in figure 2 provides a step-less adjustment of the lighting fixture's 2 inclination α to the vertical. Also, the adjustment provided can be carried out at a very detailed level while the lighting fixture 2 is suspended from above, so it is not necessary to take it down if adjustment is needed. Furthermore, since the rotation of the first rotatable member 9 can be easily carried out, for instance by means of a screwdriver, the adjustment is easy and fast to perform. Finally, since the adjustment means 5 only comprises a few members, all of them being relatively simple components, the mounting device 1 provided by the invention is small and cheap to manufacture.

    [0037] In figure 3 is shown a top view (section (b)) and a side view (section (a)) of an alternative preferred embodiment of a mounting device 1 according to the invention. In this alternative preferred embodiment, the suspension means 3 is an electric cable, meaning that the suspension means 3 apart from providing suspension also provides electricity to the lighting fixture 2. As indicated in section (a) of figure 3, the suspension means 3 is thus connected to the connection means 4 in a suspension point Q somewhere along its middle section. Furthermore, the end of the suspension means 3 can be located in a fixing point R in which the electrical connection between the suspension means and a light source (not shown) comprised by the lighting fixture can be established. Once the suspension means 3 is connected to the lighting fixture in the points Q and R, the adjustment of the lighting fixture's inclination α can be adjusted by rotation of a rotatable member 6, as in accordance to the invention.

    [0038] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a mounting device 1 according to the invention, in which the adjustment means 5 comprises a rotatable member 6 comprising a helical thread 12. The axis of rotation 15 of the rotatable member 6 is essentially orthogonal to the centre axis V of the lighting fixture 2. The rotatable member 6 is in one end connected to the mounting device 1 in a rotatable joint 24, and in another end connected to the mounting device 1 in a rotatable joint 25, which enables the rotatable member 6 to rotate without moving relative to the mounting device 1. The suspension means 3 is in a suspension point Q connected to a threaded member 8 acting as connection means 4. The threaded member 8 comprises an internal thread mirroring the helical thread 12 of the rotatable member 6. The threaded member 8 engages the rotatable member 6 via the matching threads. In this way, rotation of the rotatable member 6 causes the threaded member to translate along the axis of rotation 15 of the rotatable member. This in turn makes the suspension point Q move relative to the centre axis V of the lighting fixture 2, and an adjustment of the lighting fixture's 2 inclination α to the vertical is achieved. One advantage of this alternative embodiment is that the rotatable member 6 can be reached by a user from the side, which may be preferable in some situations. Also, this embodiment provides an easy, simple and cheap to manufacture adjustment of the lighting fixture's 2 inclination α to the vertical. By having a very low inclination of the helical thread 12, a very detailed adjustment can be provided.

    [0039] Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a variation of the alternative preferred embodiment of a mounting device according to the invention shown in figure 4. Here, the second rotatable member (in figure 5 denoted 10, in figure 4 denoted 6) comprising the helical thread 12 and engaging the connection means 4,8 has a bevel gear 17 in its second end. This bevel gear 17 engages a second bevel gear 17' which is connected to one end of a first rotatable member 9. The rotational axis 15 of the second rotatable member 10 is essentially orthogonal to the rotational axis 15' of the first rotatable member 9. This enables a user to rotate the first rotatable member 9 by engaging it with for instance a screwdriver from above. Hence, the alternative preferred embodiment shown in figure 5 provide the same advantages as those shown in figure 4, apart from the feature that a user can effect the adjustment from the top of the mounting device 1 instead of from the side of the mounting device 1.

    [0040] Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of another alternative preferred embodiment of a mounting device 1 according to the invention comprising a toothed rod 20, i.e. a rod comprising a linear rack of gear teeth. The suspension means 3 is in a suspension point Q connected to a spherical member 7, which acts as connection member 4. The spherical member 4,7 is connected to the toothed rod 20. A rotatable member 6 comprising gear teeth 13 comprising leading edges 14 parallel to its axis of rotation 15, which is essentially parallel to the centre axis V of the lighting fixture 2. The gear teeth 13 engage the linear rack of teeth of the toothed rod 20 in such a manner that rotation of the rotatable member 6 causes the toothed rod 20 to translate orthogonally to the axis of rotation 15, whereby the suspension point Q is moved relative to the centre axis V of the lighting fixture 2, thus adjusting the inclination α of the lighting fixture 2 to the vertical.

    [0041] Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of another alternative preferred embodiment of a mounting device 1 according to the invention comprising a glider 21, which comprises an internal helical thread, a surface 26 and a groove. The suspension means 3 is in a suspension point Q connected to a spherical member 7, which acts as connection member 4. The suspension means 3 passes through the groove comprised by the glider 21 in such a manner that the spherical member 7 locks it in position by the aid of gravity. A rotatable member 6 comprising a helical thread 12, mirroring the internal thread of the glider 21, and an axis of rotation 15, which is essentially parallel to the centre axis V of the lighting fixture 2. The rotatable member 6 engages the glider 21 by engagement of the mirroring threads, whereby rotation of the rotatable member 6 causes the glider to translate along the centre axis V of the lighting fixture 2. The surface 26 is flat with an angle to the centre axis V of the lighting fixture 2, whereby the glider's translation causes the suspension point Q to move relative to the centre axis V of the lighting fixture and the inclination α is adjusted.

    [0042] Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of another alternative preferred embodiment of a mounting device 1 according to the invention, comprising a rotatable member 6 comprising a helical thread 12. The mounting device comprises a groove 27 which in one end comprises an internal helical thread 28, mirroring the helical thread 12 of the rotatable member 6. The suspension means 3 is in a suspension point Q connected to a spherical member 7, which acts as connection member 4. The spherical member 7 is housed in the groove 27 in such a manner that rotation of the rotatable member 6 causes it to translate in the groove 27, whereby the suspension point Q moves relative to the centre axis V of the lighting fixture 2. Thus, rotation of the rotatable member 6 causes an adjustment of the inclination α of the lighting fixture 2 to the vertical.

    [0043] In yet another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjustment of the inclination α of the lighting fixture to the vertical can happen in steps. This can for instance be achieved by integrating dents in the threads or gear teeth of the rotatable members.

    [0044] The person skilled in the art will understand that other combinations of mechanical components than those exemplified in the above to achieve conversion of rotation of a rotatable member to adjust inclination to the vertical can be used to make a mounting device in accordance to the invention.

    [0045] It is obvious for a person skilled in the art, that a mounting device according to the invention can be used for other objects suspended from above, such as ornaments, sensors, electronics, etc., where a need for detailed adjustment is present. Also, a person skilled in the art will understand that a mounting device according to the invention can be used with suspension means such as a rod, a chain, a rope, a cable, an electric cable, a wire, a tube or any other suitable suspension means.

    [0046] Although the invention above has been described in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the art that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.


    Claims

    1. A mounting device (1) for a lighting fixture (2) suspended from above by a suspension means (3), said suspension means being connected to said mounting device (1) by a connection means (4), said mounting device (1) comprising an adjustment means (5) comprising at least one rotatable member (6), wherein said lighting fixture's (2) inclination (α) from the vertical is adjustable by rotation of at least one of said rotatable members (6), characterized in that said connection means (4) comprises a spherical member (7) being attached to an end of said suspension means (3).
     
    2. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said lighting fixture's (2) inclination from the vertical is adjustable by said adjustment means (5) in a step-less manner.
     
    3. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said lighting fixture's (2) inclination from the vertical is adjustable by said adjustment means (5) in a plurality of steps.
     
    4. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein one rotation of at least one of said rotatable members (6) effects a change of said lighting fixture's (2) inclination (α) from the vertical of less than 10 degrees, but preferably less than 3 degrees.
     
    5. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said connection means (4) is connected to at least one of said rotatable members (6).
     
    6. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein rotation of at least one of said rotatable members (6) effects a displacement of said connection means (4) relative to said lighting fixture (2).
     
    7. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said connection means (4) comprises a threaded member (B) being attached to an end of said suspension means (3).
     
    8. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, said mounting device (1) comprising a first rotatable member (9) and a second rotatable member (10), wherein said first rotatable member (9) engages said second rotatable member (10).
     
    9. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said rotatable members (6) comprises a thread (11).
     
    10. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said rotatable members (6) comprises a helical thread (12).
     
    11. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said rotatable members (6) comprises a plurality of gear teeth (13) comprising leading edges (14) projecting radially from the axis of rotation (15) of said rotatable members (6).
     
    12. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said rotatable members (6) comprises a plurality of gear teeth (13) comprising leading edges (14) projecting radially towards the axis of rotation (15) of said rotatable members (6).
     
    13. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said rotatable members (6) comprises a plurality of gear teeth (13) comprising leading edges (14) parallel to the axis of rotation (15) of said rotatable members (6).
     
    14. Mounting device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said rotatable members (6) comprises a plurality of gear teeth (13) comprising leading edges (14) orthogonal to the axis of rotation (15) of said rotatable members (6).
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) für einen Beleuchtungskörper (2), der von oben durch ein Hängemittel (3) abgehängt ist, wobei das Hängemittel (3) durch ein Verbindungsmittel (4) mit der Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) verbunden ist, wobei die Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) ein Einstellmittel (5) umfasst, welches zumindest ein drehbares Glied (6) umfasst, wobei die Neigung (α) des Beleuchtungskörpers (2) aus der Senkrechten durch Drehung von zumindest einem der drehbaren Glieder (6) einstellbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verbindungsmittel (4) ein kugelförmiges Glied (7) umfasst, das an einem Ende des Hängemittels (3) angebracht ist.
     
    2. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Neigung des Beleuchtungskörpers (2) aus der Senkrechten stufenlos durch das Einstellmittel (5) einstellbar ist.
     
    3. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Neigung des Beleuchtungskörpers (2) aus der Senkrechten in mehreren Stufen durch das Einstellmittel (5) einstellbar ist.
     
    4. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei eine Drehung von zumindest einem der drehbaren Glieder (6) eine Änderung der Neigung (α) des Beleuchtungskörpers (2) aus der Senkrechten von weniger als 10 Grad, jedoch vorzugsweise weniger als 3 Grad, bewirkt.
     
    5. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Verbindungsglied (4) mit zumindest einem der drehbaren Glieder (6) verbunden ist.
     
    6. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Drehung von zumindest einem der drehbaren Glieder (6) eine Verschiebung des Verbindungsmittels (4) bezüglich des Beleuchtungskörpers (2) bewirkt.
     
    7. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Verbindungsmittel (4) ein Gewindeglied (8) umfasst, das an einem Ende des Hängemittels (3) angebracht ist.
     
    8. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) ein erstes drehbares Glied (9) und ein zweites drehbares Glied (10) umfasst, wobei das erste drehbare Glied (9) das zweite drehbare Glied (10) in Eingriff nimmt.
     
    9. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei zumindest eines der drehbaren Glieder (6) ein Gewinde (11) umfasst.
     
    10. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei zumindest eines der drehbaren Glieder (6) ein spiralförmiges Gewinde (12) umfasst.
     
    11. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei zumindest eines der drehbaren Glieder (6) mehrere Verzahnungen (13) umfasst, die Vorderkanten (14) umfassen, welche radial von der Drehachse (15) der drehbaren Glieder (6) vorstehen.
     
    12. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei zumindest eines der drehbaren Glieder (6) mehrere Verzahnungen (13) umfasst, die Vorderkanten (14) umfassen, welche radial zur Drehachse (15) der drehbaren Glieder (6) hin vorstehen.
     
    13. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei zumindest eines der drehbaren Glieder (6) mehrere Verzahnungen (13) umfasst, die Vorderkanten (14) umfassen, welche parallel zur Drehachse (15) der drehbaren Glieder (6) sind.
     
    14. Anbringungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei zumindest eines der drehbaren Glieder (6) mehrere Verzahnungen (13) umfasst, die Vorderkanten (14) umfassen, welche senkrecht zur Drehachse (15) der drehbaren Glieder (6) stehen.
     


    Revendications

    1. Dispositif de montage (1) pour un dispositif d'éclairage (2) suspendu par au-dessus par un moyen de suspension (3), ledit moyen de suspension étant relié audit dispositif de montage (1) par un moyen de connexion (4), ledit dispositif de montage (1) comprenant un moyen d'ajustement (5) comprenant au moins un élément rotatif (6), dans lequel l'inclinaison (α) dudit dispositif d'éclairage (2) par rapport à la verticale peut être ajustée par la rotation d'au moins l'un desdits éléments rotatifs (6), caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de connexion (4) comprend un élément sphérique (7) relié à une extrémité dudit moyen de suspension (3).
     
    2. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'inclinaison dudit dispositif d'éclairage (2) par rapport à la verticale peut être ajustée en continu grâce au moyen d'ajustement (5).
     
    3. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'inclinaison dudit dispositif d'éclairage (2) par rapport à la verticale peut être ajustée par paliers grâce au moyen d'ajustement (5).
     
    4. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel une rotation d'au moins l'un desdits éléments rotatifs (6) provoque une modification de moins de 10 degrés, de préférence de moins de 3 degrés, de l'inclinaison (α) du dispositif d'éclairage (2) par rapport à la verticale.
     
    5. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit moyen de connexion (4) est relié à au moins l'un desdits éléments rotatifs (6).
     
    6. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel une rotation d'au moins l'un desdits éléments rotatifs (6) entraîne un déplacement dudit moyen de connexion (4) par rapport audit dispositif d'éclairage (2).
     
    7. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit moyen de connexion (4) comprend un élément fileté (8) relié à une extrémité dudit moyen de suspension (3).
     
    8. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ledit dispositif de montage (1) comprenant un premier élément rotatif (9) et un deuxième élément rotatif (10), dans lequel ledit premier élément rotatif (9) s'engage avec ledit deuxième élément rotatif (10).
     
    9. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins l'un des éléments rotatifs (6) comprend un filet (11).
     
    10. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins l'un des éléments rotatifs (6) comprend un filet hélicoïdal (12) .
     
    11. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins l'un des éléments rotatifs (6) comprend une pluralité de dents d'engrenage (13) comprenant des bords d'attaque (14) faisant saillie radialement à partir de l'axe de rotation (15) desdits éléments rotatifs (6).
     
    12. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins l'un des éléments rotatifs (6) comprend une pluralité de dents d'engrenage (13) comprenant des bords d'attaque (14) faisant saillie radialement vers l'axe de rotation (15) desdits éléments rotatifs (6).
     
    13. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins l'un des éléments rotatifs (6) comprend une pluralité de dents d'engrenage (13) comprenant des bords d'attaque (14) parallèles à l'axe de rotation (15) desdits éléments rotatifs (6).
     
    14. Dispositif de montage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins l'un des éléments rotatifs (6) comprend une pluralité de dents d'engrenage (13) comprenant des bords d'attaque (14) orthogonaux par rapport à l'axe de rotation (15) desdits éléments rotatifs (6).
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



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    Patent documents cited in the description