Light fitting channel and method for arranging a light fitting channel

Abstract

 Light fitting channel (100), comprising a plurality of brackets (111) mountable on a ceiling and a channel section (104) which is detachably fastened to the brackets. The channel section is fastened via a fastening construction (112) which comprises mutually cooperating elements (114,115). The fastening construction is configured in a stable engage position to allow the cooperating elements to engage and in a stable release position to release the cooperating elements.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a light fitting channel comprising a plurality of brackets mountable on a ceiling and a channel section.

[0002] Light fitting channels are generally known and are frequently used to provide lighting in or against the ceiling. The light fitting channel comprises brackets which are mounted in the ceiling and in which the channel section can be received. The channel section can then be provided, for instance, with light fitting modules. The light fitting channels can for instance be arranged in ceilings and/or modular ceilings of, for instance, offices, hotels, conference centers, but also houses and stores.

[0003] A drawback of the known light fitting channels is that it may be difficult to mount the relatively heavy channel sections in the brackets and to position them with respect to the ceiling. For instance, mounting requires not only an accurate positioning, for instance of holes with corresponding pins, but also keeping the channel section in the correct position during the actual mounting operations. Also, demounting of the known light fitting channels is cumbersome because the fastening construction needs to be uncoupled at different locations before a channel section can be taken out of the brackets. Furthermore, dimensioning, for instance regarding the depth setting of the channel section in the channel, is limited to one or just a few positions.

[0004] The invention contemplates providing a light fitting channel which obviates at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0005] To this end, the invention provides a light fitting channel, comprising a plurality of brackets mountable on a ceiling and a channel section which is detachably fastened to the brackets via a fastening construction which comprises mutually cooperating elements, the fastening construction being configured in a stable engage position to allow the cooperating elements to engage and in a stable release position to release the cooperating elements.

[0006] By providing a fastening construction with mutually cooperating elements, allowing the construction to be brought into the stable engage position and the stable release position, the channel section can be mounted in the brackets in a simple manner. In fact, when positioning the channel section in the brackets, by bringing the fastening construction from the release position into the engage position, the cooperating parts engage mutually, so that the section is coupled to the brackets. Since the channel section can thus be fastened in a rapid manner, it is no longer required to keep the section in a correct position for a long time. Also, the channel section can be taken out of the brackets in a relatively simple manner since a fitter, after bringing the fastening construction into the stable release position, has his hands free to take up the section. Furthermore, the fastening construction can preferably be brought from the engage position into the release position without extra tools, which facilitates mounting and/or demounting still further. The cooperating elements of the fastening construction can be provided on the one hand on the brackets and on the other on the channel section.

[0007] As the engage position and the release position are stable, during mounting and/or demounting, the locking arm can be set into the desired position, after which, in an advantageous manner, the fitter has his hands free for other operations, without the fastening construction readjusting of its own motion to any other, then less desired position.

[0008] Preferably, the fastening construction comprises a blocking mechanism for blocking an engagement of the cooperating elements in the release position. As a consequence, the channel section can be taken from the bracket relatively easily. This is because through blocking of the engagement, the engagement between the channel section and the brackets is more or less undone, so that easy mounting or demounting can be done.

[0009] As the light fitting channel may furthermore comprise a coupling piece for fastening to the channel section, the coupling piece being provided with at least one of the cooperating elements, the fastening of the channel section can be carried out with relatively inexpensive elements. For instance, it is possible to use a standard channel section. Owing to the relatively simple mounting operation and inexpensive fastening, the light fitting channel can be installed relatively fast and inexpensively.

[0010] Optionally, the cooperating elements comprise two opposite projections, which are configured for cooperation with two opposite sides of the bracket, allowing the fastening construction to obtain a robust action. As two opposite projections cooperate with two respective sides of the bracket, the channel section can be fastened in the bracket in a relatively stable manner. Of course, the projections may also be positioned with respect to each other in a slightly different manner, for instance transversely. Also, a different number of projections may be used, for instance a single projection, three projections or more than three projections.

[0011] By designing the opposite projections to be under spring action, the fastening construction and/or the coupling piece can be designed in an advantageous manner. For instance, the projection may be of relatively stiff design, with the elastic action being obtained by exerting a spring force on the projection. Alternatively, the projection itself may be of elastic design. Furthermore, the blocking mechanism may be configured to remove the spring force in the release position, so that the cooperating parts of the fastening mechanism do not engage each other.

[0012] Elegantly, the spring action is provided by a single spring. In this case, the two opposite projections of the coupling piece are subject to a substantially equal but opposite spring tension, so that the coupling piece has a practically symmetrical spring action. The projections are biased outwards in the direction of the opposite sides by the single spring. During mounting of the channel section the projections can be pressed inwards against the spring action. Also, of course, each projection may be provided with a separate spring. In addition, a multiple spring may be used.

[0013] By providing the opposite sides of the bracket with at least one recess in which a projection can be received, the coupling piece with the spring-biased opposite projections can be simply received in the bracket. The projections are then pressed inwards against the force of the spring. In the recess in the bracket, the projections are pushed outwards by the spring, and the channel section is fastened in the bracket in a simple manner. The recess can for instance be a groove or a slot in the side of the bracket. Furthermore, the recess may be realized by a specific pattern in the profile of the bracket, for instance a receiving space between two projections.

[0014] By fastening the brackets to the ceiling via a mounting plate, the brackets can be mounted on the ceiling relatively easily. Preferably, the brackets of the light fitting channel are steplessly adjustable with respect to the mounting plate. This can facilitate the positioning and/or setting of the bracket. The bracket may be steplessly adjustable with respect to the mounting plate, for instance in height direction, but in principle also in length direction. In a simple manner, the position of the bracket with respect to the ceiling can thus be optimally determined.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method for demounting a light fitting channel.

[0016] Further advantageous embodiments are represented in the dependent claims.

[0017] The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment which is represented in a drawing.

[0018] In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a light fitting channel according to the invention; and

Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a coupling piece in disassembled condition.

[0019] It is noted that the figures are only schematic representations of advantageous embodiments which are represented by way of non-limiting exemplary embodiment. In the figures, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a light fitting channel 100 which comprises a plurality of brackets 111 mountable on a ceiling. In Fig. 1 only one bracket 111 is shown, but usually the light fitting channel 100 comprises a plurality of brackets 111. Further, the light fitting channel 100 comprises a channel section 104 which is detachably fastened to the brackets 111 via a fastening construction 112. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the brackets 111 have been slid through a slot 131 in the ceiling and fastened in the ceiling 130 via a mounting plate 113. Optionally, the brackets 111 can also be fastened directly to the ceiling 130. The bracket comprises a U-shaped section which has its open side facing downwards for receiving light fitting modules. In the embodiment shown, two mounting plates are fastened to the ceiling as sidewalls of the light fitting channel on either side of the slot 13. In this way, a fastening construction for mounting the bracket has been obtained. Naturally, it is also possible to use only one mounting plate, or more than two, for instance three or four mounting plates.

[0021] The fastening construction 112 comprises mutually cooperating elements 114, 115 of which at least one element is of elastic design. In this exemplary embodiment, the element 114 belonging to the coupling piece described hereinafter is of compressible design. The element 114 in this exemplary embodiment is under spring action. By making use of the fastening construction 112 the channel section 104 can be mounted in the bracket 111 relatively simply without tools.

[0022] At least one element of the cooperating elements is of elastic design. This element may be situated on the bracket, but may also be situated on the channel section. Optionally, corresponding cooperating elements may be of elastic design. By providing the fastening construction with at least one elastic element, furthermore, play, for instance resulting from inaccurate dimensioning, can be advantageously compensated.

[0023] In this exemplary embodiment, one of the cooperating elements 114 is included in a coupling piece 116. The coupling piece 116 is here designed as a separate part which can be fastened to the channel section 104. In this way, it is possible to provide a known channel section 104 with a coupling piece 116, so that the known channel section 104 can be mounted in the bracket 111 in a relatively simple manner. This renders mounting of the channel section 104 in the bracket 111 relatively easy and inexpensive. However, the coupling piece 116 may also be designed as an integrated part of the channel section 104. Also, the light fitting channel may be designed without coupling piece. A part of the mutually cooperating elements is then arranged on the channel section.

[0024] The coupling piece 116 is here designed with two opposite projections 114 which are configured for cooperation with two opposite sides of the bracket 111, respectively. The bracket 111 is provided in the opposite sides thereof with at least one recess 115 in which the projections 114 can be received. The projections 114 and the corresponding recesses 115 constitute the mutually cooperating elements 114, 115 of the fastening construction 112. Thus, a projection and a corresponding recess form a pair of cooperating elements. As the projections 114 have a shorter length than the corresponding grooves 115, no prior accurate tuning of the separate cooperating elements is needed, since during actual mounting the projections 114 can be slid into the desired position. It is noted that in another embodiment the positions of the projection and the recess are interchanged, so that the bracket is provided with the projection.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a coupling piece 116 in disassembled condition. The two projections 114 in this exemplary embodiment are under spring action. The spring action is here produced by a single spring 117. In this exemplary embodiment, the spring action is produced by a torsion spring 117. The two projections 114 are subject to a comparable but opposite spring action, so that the spring tension in the coupling piece works approximately symmetrically. The projections 114 are biased by the torsion spring 117 in outward direction, towards the opposite sides of the coupling piece. When introducing the coupling piece 116 into the bracket 111, the projections 114 are pressed inwards. As soon as, upon placement of the channel section, the projections 114 encounter a recess 115 in a side of the bracket 111, the projections 114 are pressed outwards under spring action. The coupling piece 116 is thereby locked with the bracket 111.

[0026] The bracket 111 may be provided with a plurality of recesses 115 which are spaced apart in height direction, as shown in Fig. 1. To fasten the channel section 104 provided with the coupling piece in a recess 115 situated relatively high, the channel section 104 together with the coupling piece 116 is pushed from a relatively low position, in which the projection 114 extends into a recess 115 lower down, in upward direction.

[0027] The projections 114 and the recesses 115 are for instance shaped such that upon pushing up of the coupling piece 116 the projections 114 can be compressed relatively easily. On the other hand, the projections 114 and the recess 115 are shaped such, for instance with a specific toothed profile, that displacement of the channel section 104 with the coupling piece 116 in downward direction is prevented. In this way, in a simple manner, a lock of the channel section 104 in the bracket 111 is obtained, while mounting of the channel section 104 in the bracket 111 can be readily done without tools. The recesses 115 in the bracket 111 may for instance be designed as a groove, a slot or a slit. Other shapes of recesses are also possible.

[0028] The height of the different recesses 115 is preferably chosen such that the channel section 104 can be placed in different positions in the bracket 111. For instance, a recess 115 may be situated at a height such that, when the channel section 104 is snapped into the relevant recess, the channel section 104 is concealed relatively level in the ceiling. Any play, for instance resulting from inaccurate dimensioning and/or inaccurate placement of the bracket 111 in the ceiling, can be taken up by the elastically designed element 114.

[0029] To allow the channel section 104 to be readily taken out of the bracket 111, the coupling piece 116 is provided with a blocking element 118 to block the spring action and/or to bring the projection to a locked position. The fastening construction is then in a stable release position. Thus the fastening construction is configured in a stable engage position to allow the cooperating elements to engage and in a stable release position to release the cooperating elements.

[0030] It is noted here that 'stable' is understood to denote that the fastening construction remains in the engage position or the release position without autonomously adjusting therefrom to a different position. Thus the engage position and the release position form a stable, static position.

[0031] In Fig. 2 the blocking element 118 is designed as a torsion projection. Optionally, the blocking element 118 may be alternatively designed as a pin or a catch to block the spring action. Also, the spring action may for instance be produced by a springing element that is adjustable between a first position in which the spring action is released and a second position in which the spring action is blocked. The blocking element 118 can be activated using a tool element such as for instance a screwdriver or a socket head wrench. By operating the blocking element 118, the spring 117 is tensioned further, so that the projections 114 can move inward and there enter a stable position through a clamping construction, such as a snap connection. In this way, the projections 114 are released from the recesses 115, and the channel section 104 with the coupling piece 116 can be taken out of the bracket 111.

[0032] In Fig. 2, it can be seen that the projections 114, the torsion spring 117 and the blocking element 118 are included in a holder 119. With the holder 119 the coupling piece 116 can be mounted relatively easily on a channel section 104 as a single part. In this way, standard channel sections 104 can be equipped with a coupling piece 116.

[0033] The light fitting channel 100 in this exemplary embodiment comprises a mounting plate 113. Through the mounting plate 113 the bracket 111 can be easily fastened to the ceiling. In Fig. 1 it can be seen that the mounting plate 113 is provided with slots 113a. In the slots 113a the bracket 111 can be mounted. The bracket 111 can be steplessly adjusted relative to the mounting plate 113, in height direction. The bracket 111 is fastened in a slot 113a, for instance by means of a fastening element 120, such as for instance a cramp or clamp. In this way, the relatively light bracket 111 can be mounted in a relatively simple manner at a desired height/depth relative to the ceiling. When the bracket 111 is well positioned with respect to the ceiling, the channel section 104 can be relatively easily snapped into the bracket 111 by means of the fastening construction 112. By positioning the relatively light bracket 111 as well as possible with respect to the ceiling, the channel section 104 can be snapped into the bracket 111 without further positioning, so that mounting of the light fitting channel 100 can be facilitated.

[0034] Preferably, after fastening of the channel section 104 to the bracket 111, the fastening element 120 is fixed in the slot 113a of the mounting plate, so that the channel section 104 is positioned at a desired height with respect to the ceiling, for instance such that the underside of the channel section 104 aligns with the ceiling 130, or in a different position, for instance slightly staggered with respect to the ceiling 130.

[0035] Thus, through the use of slots or slits, the channel section may be steplessly set, as desired, both in length direction and in depth direction.

[0036] To mount the light fitting channel 100 in the ceiling, first the brackets 111 are fastened to the ceiling. If use is made of mounting plates 113 the mounting plates 113 are fastened to, in or on the ceiling before fastening the brackets 111 to the mounting plates. The brackets 111 are then aligned with the ceiling, as desired. Next, a channel section 104 provided with a coupling piece 116 can be snapped into the bracket 111 via the fastening construction 112. The fastening construction has preferably been brought into the engage position, so that the cooperating elements can engage each other. Thus, mounting can be realized in a toolless manner. If a separate coupling piece is used, the coupling piece can be coupled to the channel section at this stage. This can for instance be done by snapping the coupling piece onto the channel section or by using a different fastening construction. Next, in the channel section 104 for instance light fitting modules - not shown here - can be placed to further finish off the light fitting channel 100. Thus an integral system of light fitting channels can be realized, comprising straight and/or curved segments of channels, optionally provided with branch points to connect the channels to each other.

[0037] Demounting of the light fitting channel may be done as follows. First the fastening construction is brought into the stable release position, so that the cooperating elements of the fastening construction release each other. After this, the channel section can be easily taken from the brackets.

[0038] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments represented here. For instance, the mutually cooperating elements of the fastening construction may both be of elastic design. Also, only one element may be of elastic design. This elastic element may be situated in the bracket or in the channel section. The cooperating element that is of elastic design may be designed, as shown here, as a projection being under spring action, but may also be designed as a resilient lip or as an elastic tooth.

[0039] It is noted that the channel section can be fastened in or to diverse ceilings, such as substantially horizontally oriented ceilings or ceilings extending at a slant with respect to the horizontal plane. In addition, the light fitting channel may also be incorporated in other structures, for instance in sidewalls or floor segments.

[0040] Furthermore, the bracket, instead of having a U profile, may also have a different profile, for instance an arcuate profile or a profile shaped as a segment of a circle.

[0041] Such variants will be clear to those skilled in the art and are understood to be within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A light fitting channel, comprising a plurality of brackets mountable on a ceiling and a channel section which is detachably fastened to the brackets via a fastening construction which comprises mutually cooperating elements, wherein the fastening construction is configured in a stable engage position to allow the cooperating elements to engage and in a stable release position to release the cooperating elements.

2. A light fitting channel according to claim 1, wherein the fastening construction comprises a blocking mechanism for blocking an engagement of the cooperating elements in the release position.

3. A light fitting channel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooperating elements comprise two opposite projections which are configured for cooperation with two opposite side of the bracket.

4. A light fitting channel according to claim 3, wherein the opposite projections are under spring action.

5. A light fitting channel according to claim 4, wherein the blocking mechanism is configured to block the spring action in the release position.

6. A light fitting channel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring action is produced by a single spring.

7. A light fitting channel according to any one of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising a coupling piece for fastening to the channel section, the coupling piece being provided with at least one of the cooperating elements.

8. A light fitting channel according to any one of the preceding claims, of which at least one of the cooperating elements is of elastic design for engagement with the channel section.

9. A light fitting channel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein opposite sides of the bracket are provided with at least one recess in which a projection can be received.

10. A light fitting channel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brackets are fastened to the ceiling via a mounting plate.

11. A light fitting channel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a bracket of the light fitting channel is steplessly adjustable with respect to the mounting plate, preferably via a slot extending transversely with respect to the ceiling.

12. A method for demounting a light fitting channel, comprising removing from brackets a channel section which is detachably fastened to brackets via a fastening construction, after the fastening construction has been brought into a stable release position in which cooperating elements of the fastening construction release each other.

Drawing