JP7818658B2 - Lighting fixture direction adjustment jig - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig for adjusting the orientation of lighting fixtures such as universal downlights that are attached to the ceiling and have adjustable lighting directions.

Conventionally, lighting fixtures such as universal downlights that are recessed into the ceiling and allow for flexible adjustment of the illumination direction are well known. For example, the lighting fixtures shown in Patent Documents 1 to 3 listed below comprise a base frame that is attached to an installation hole in the ceiling, and a light source unit that is attached to the base frame facing downward. Furthermore, the light source unit is attached to the base frame so that it can rotate freely around an axis (vertical axis) and rotate freely around a horizontal axis (tiltable). An operator can then insert their fingers into the base frame from below and rotate the light source unit around the axis or in the tilt direction, thereby freely adjusting the illumination direction (lighting direction) within a specified range.

JP 2016-91955 A JP 2016-66497 A JP 2016-126836 A

The above-mentioned conventional downlights have strong resistance to rotation and tilting movements to prevent the light source unit's rotational position, tilt position, and other positions from being changed indiscriminately, and the position of the light source unit is maintained with a relatively strong force (frictional resistance, etc.). As a result, workers need to use a strong operating force when changing the position of the light source unit.

Meanwhile, in recent years, there has been a growing trend towards smaller and more compact downlights, with some downlights being so small that only one finger can fit inside. In these downlights, adjusting the orientation of the light source unit requires adjustment with a single finger, but as mentioned above, the position of the light source unit is maintained with a relatively strong force, which poses the problem of not being able to adjust the orientation of the light source unit easily. In particular, there are often many downlights installed in a room, and adjusting the orientation of these many downlights at once places a significant burden on the worker.

This invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig that can easily adjust the orientation of a universal downlight or the like.

To solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means.

[1] An orientation adjustment tool for a lighting fixture for changing the orientation of a light source unit in a lighting fixture configured to change the lighting direction by changing the orientation of the light source unit, the lighting fixture including a light source unit having a casing arranged to cover the outer periphery of the optical axis of a light source and emitting illumination light from the light source from one end opening of the casing, the light source unit being attached to an installation surface via a base member in a state in which its orientation can be changed,
A rod-shaped gripping shaft portion,
a head portion provided on one end side of the grip shaft portion and capable of being fitted into a fitting cylindrical portion provided in the casing through the one end opening,
A lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig characterized in that the orientation of the light source unit is changed by operating the gripping shaft while the head portion is engaged with the engaging tube portion.

[2] The light source unit is supported by the base member so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of the lighting fixture and so as to be tiltable about the parallel axis,
The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig described in the preceding paragraph 1 is configured so that the light source unit can be rotated and tilted by operating the gripping shaft while the head portion is engaged with the engaging tube portion.

[3] The fitting cylindrical portion is formed to have a circular cross section,
3. The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig according to claim 2, further comprising an anti-rotation means for preventing the head portion from rotating relative to the fitting cylindrical portion when the head portion is fitted into the fitting cylindrical portion.

[4] A plurality of female knurlings extending along the optical axis direction of the light source unit and arranged side by side in the circumferential direction are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion,
4. The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig according to claim 3, wherein the anti-rotation means is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the head portion and is constituted by a male knurling that meshes with the female knurling.

[5] A lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig as described in paragraph 4 above, in which the female knurling is formed by a vertical baffle.

[6] A light irradiator is provided on the grip shaft, and an exit port of the light irradiator is provided on the other end surface of the grip shaft,
6. The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the optical axis of the light irradiated by the light irradiator is aligned with the optical axis of the light source unit when the head portion is fitted into the fitting tube portion.

[7] The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig described in any one of paragraphs 3 to 5 above, wherein the head portion is formed into a partially circular cross section with a missing portion in the circular cross section.

The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig of invention [1] has a head portion at one end of the gripping shaft that can fit into the fitting tube of the lighting fixture's light source unit. Therefore, by fitting the head portion into the fitting tube and moving the gripping shaft, the orientation of the light source unit can be easily adjusted.

The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jigs of inventions [2] to [4] allow for easy rotation and tilting of the light source unit.

The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig of invention [5] utilizes a vertical baffle that is pre-installed inside the fitting tube of the lighting fixture as a female knurl that engages with the male knurl, making it possible to use it directly with existing lighting fixtures, thereby improving versatility.

The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig of invention [6] has a light illuminator attached to the grip shaft, and the light emitted from the light illuminator is positioned to correspond to the illumination light from the light source unit. Therefore, by visually checking the projection position of the light while adjusting the orientation of the light source unit, the direction of the illumination light from the light source unit can be accurately visualized, allowing for easy and smooth adjustment of the lighting orientation.

The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig of invention [7] has a recess formed in the head portion, which effectively prevents the head portion from interfering with parts of the lighting fixture when fitting or removing the head portion from the fitting tubular portion of the light source unit, ensuring reliable fitting and removal operations.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a state in which a direction adjusting jig according to an embodiment of the present invention is separated from a lighting fixture. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the orientation adjusting jig of the embodiment separated from the lighting fixture. FIG. 3 is a side view of a lighting fixture in which the orientation adjustment jig of the embodiment is fitted, with the light source unit tilted. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a lighting fixture that can be operated by the orientation adjustment jig of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the orientation adjusting jig of the embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the orientation adjusting jig of the embodiment as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the orientation adjusting jig of the embodiment.

Figures 1 and 2 are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing a direction adjustment jig 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention separated from a lighting fixture D, Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the direction adjustment jig 8 according to an embodiment fitted to a lighting fixture D, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a lighting fixture D that can be operated using the direction adjustment jig 8 according to an embodiment.

First, we will explain lighting fixture D, whose lighting direction is adjusted using the direction adjustment jig 8 of this embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, lighting fixture D is installed in a recessed state in a ceiling 9 or the like, and constitutes a so-called oscillating type universal downlight, which allows the lighting direction to be freely adjusted.

This lighting fixture D has as its basic components a base frame 1 as a base member, a cone 2, and a light source unit 3.

The base frame 1 has a flanged, annular shape with a flange 11 formed on the outer peripheral edge of the lower end that protrudes outward.

The cone 2 placed inside the base frame 1 is formed in a truncated cone shape with a diameter that increases downward. The cone 2 is detachably supported by a spring on the base frame 1 and is rotatable around the axis of the base frame 1. In this embodiment, the axis X of the base frame 1 coincides with the axis of the lighting fixture (downlight) D.

In addition, multiple mounting springs 12, each made of a leaf spring, are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the base frame 1 at appropriate intervals in the circumferential direction. Each mounting spring 12 is arranged so that it extends outward from above the base frame 1 and protrudes in the outer diameter direction.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each mounting spring 12 is elastically deformed so as to fold upward and is then fitted into the mounting hole 91 in the ceiling 9 from below, so that the base frame 1 is attached in a state where it is embedded in the mounting hole 91 in the ceiling 9 via the base portion of the mounting spring 12.

The cone 2 supported by the base frame 1 has a pair of mounting pieces 21 protruding upward, which rotatably support the light source unit 3, which will be described in detail below.

The light source unit 3 has a light source 31. The light source 31 is configured using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and is configured to emit illumination light (LED light) forward (downward) from the light source 31. In this embodiment, the axis of the optical unit 3 coincides with the optical axis A of the light source 31.

The light source unit 3 has a casing 4 that surrounds the outer periphery of the optical axis A of the light source 31. The casing 4 includes a cylindrical casing main body 5, a cylindrical (circular cross-section) casing middle section 6 that is provided at the lower end of the casing main body 5 and has a smaller diameter than the casing main body 5, and a cylindrical (frusto-conical) casing tip section 7 that is provided at the lower end of the casing middle section 6 and has a diameter that increases downward.

A heat sink 35 is attached to the upper opening of the casing body 5, and the light source 31 is attached inside the casing body 5 at the lower end of the heat sink 35.

An umbrella-shaped reflector 51 is provided inside the casing main body 5. The upper opening edge of this reflector 51 is positioned on the outer periphery of the light source 31, and the lower opening edge is positioned on the periphery of the lower opening 70 of the casing main body 5. In this embodiment, the lower opening 70 of the casing 4 (casing main body 5) constitutes one end opening of the casing 4.

Furthermore, a lens 52 is arranged at the lower end of the reflector 51 in correspondence with the optical axis A, and the LED light emitted from the light source 31 is configured to pass through the lens 52.

The upper part of the casing middle section 6 is configured as an option installation section 60. Examples of optical system options that can be installed in this option installation section 60 include a spread lens, flat lens, honeycomb louver, etc.

As shown in Figures 5 to 7, a slit-shaped option opening/closing port 61 is formed in the peripheral wall of the casing middle section 6, running along approximately half of the circumference of the peripheral wall. This option opening/closing port 61 is a through-hole that connects the option installation section 60 to the outside of the casing 4. Furthermore, the option opening/closing port 61 is provided with an opening/closing cover 62 that can be freely opened and closed. Therefore, when the option opening/closing port 61 is open, options can be inserted or removed through the option opening/closing port 61.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lower portion of the casing intermediate portion 6 in the light source unit 3 is configured as a fitting cylindrical portion 45. A baffle 40 is provided on the inner surface of this fitting cylindrical portion 45. This baffle 40 is a so-called vertical baffle, and is configured with a knurling having multiple circumferentially arranged uneven portions extending parallel to the optical axis A. In this embodiment, this knurling is configured as a female knurling 41.

A pair of pivot points 71 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the casing tip 7 of the light source unit 3, and a pair of mounting pieces 21 of the cone 2 attached to the base frame 1 are pivotally attached to these pair of pivot points 71. This allows the light source unit 3 to rotate freely around a horizontal rotation axis B (axis perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 2) that passes through the pair of pivot points 71. In other words, the light source unit 3 is configured so that its optical axis A can rotate (tilt) in a bending direction relative to a vertical axis parallel to the axis X of the base frame 1 (axis X of the lighting fixture D).

In this embodiment, the vertical axis parallel to the axis X of the base frame 1 corresponds to the optical axis A when the light source unit 3 is positioned vertically (initial state) as shown in Figure 2. Therefore, the light source unit 3 is configured to be positioned with axis A tilted as shown in Figure 3 relative to the axis A in the initial state shown in Figure 2.

As mentioned above, the cone 2 to which the light source unit 3 is pivotally attached is detachably attached to the base frame 1. Therefore, the light source unit 3 can be removed from the ceiling 9 together with the cone 2, with the base frame 1 remaining. Furthermore, the cone 2 is configured to be rotatable relative to the base frame 1 around the vertical axis X of the base frame 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the light source unit 3 is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the base frame 1 and tiltable relative to a vertical axis parallel to the axis of the base frame 1.

In this embodiment, the optical axis A of the light source unit 3 in the initial state does not coincide with the axis X of the base frame 1 (axis X of the lighting fixture D), but is disposed at a horizontal distance from the axis X of the base frame 1. However, in the present invention, the optical axis A of the light source unit 3 in the initial state may also be configured to coincide with the axis X of the base frame 1.

Furthermore, in the lighting fixture D of this embodiment, the light source unit 3 is configured to be able to be fixed at any rotational position and at any tilted position.

Therefore, in the lighting fixture D of this embodiment, the light source unit 3 can be held in a desired rotational position and tilted position, allowing it to be installed so that the illumination direction is directed in the desired direction. As a result, with lighting fixture D of this embodiment, the lighting direction can be appropriately adjusted according to the room layout and indoor fixtures, producing an excellent lighting effect.

In lighting fixture D of this embodiment, similar to the conventional universal downlight described above, there is strong resistance to rotation and tilting movements to prevent the position of the light source unit 3 from being changed indiscriminately, and the position of the light source unit 3 is maintained with a relatively strong force (frictional resistance, etc.). For this reason, an operator needs to use a strong operating force when changing the rotational or tilting position of the light source unit 3.

In this embodiment, therefore, an orientation adjustment jig 8 is used, as described below, to allow the orientation of the light source unit 3 to be easily adjusted.

Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the direction adjustment jig 8 for adjusting the lighting direction in the above-mentioned lighting fixture D, and Figure 7 is a plan view.

As shown in these figures, the orientation adjustment jig 8 of this embodiment is also called an adjustable laser stick, and comprises a rod-shaped gripping shaft 81 and a head 83 attached to one end (upper end) of the gripping shaft 81 via a connecting shaft 82.

The head portion 83 has a substantially circular cross section perpendicular to the axis; specifically, the cross section is a complete circle with both sides cut out to form a notched circular shape with recesses 84 on both sides.

As shown in Figure 3, the outer diameter of the head portion 83 (excluding the cutout portion 84) corresponds to the inner diameter of the fitting tubular portion 45 of the casing 4 of the lighting fixture D, and the head portion 83 of the orientation adjustment jig 8 can be fitted into the fitting tubular portion 45 of the lighting fixture D from below via the lower end opening 70.

Apart from the recessed portion 84, the outer peripheral surface of the head portion 83 is formed with a knurling 85, which is a multiplicity of circumferentially arranged uneven portions extending parallel to the axial direction. In this embodiment, this knurling 85 is configured as a male knurling 85. As shown in Figure 3, when the head portion 83 is fitted into the fitting tube portion 45 of the lighting fixture D, the female and male knurlings 41, 85 mesh with each other, preventing rotation of the orientation adjustment jig 8 relative to the light source unit 3 of the lighting fixture D.

In this embodiment, the anti-rotation means is constituted by the male knurling 85 that meshes with the female knurling 41 provided on the fitting tubular portion 45. Note that in this embodiment, the anti-rotation means is not limited to knurling alone. For example, the fitting tubular portion 45 may be formed with a key groove or key protrusion extending in the axial direction, and the anti-rotation means may be constituted by a key protrusion or key groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the head portion 83 that is housed in an engaged state with the key groove or key protrusion.

In the orientation adjustment jig 8, the gripping shaft 81 is positioned so that its axis coincides with that of the head 83. As a result, when the head 83 is fitted into the fitting tube 45 of the lighting fixture D, the axis A of the light source unit 3 of the lighting fixture D coincides with the axis of the gripping shaft 81.

Furthermore, when the head portion 83 of the direction adjustment jig 8 is fitted into the fitting tube portion 45 of the lighting fixture D, the gripping shaft portion 81 is configured to be positioned below the ceiling 9. By holding and moving this downward-protruding gripping shaft portion 81 by hand, the light source unit 3 of the lighting fixture 3 can be rotated and tilted, allowing the direction of the illumination light to be adjusted.

The gripping shaft 81 of the orientation adjustment jig 8 also functions as a laser pointer 86. The laser emission port (lens) 87 of this laser pointer 86 serving as the gripping shaft 81 is located at the center of the other end face (bottom end face) of the gripping shaft 81, and is configured so that the optical axis of the laser light emitted from the laser emission port 87 coincides with the axis of the gripping shaft 83. As a result, when the head 83 of the orientation adjustment jig 8 is fitted into the fitting tube 45 of the lighting fixture D, the optical axis A of the light source unit 3 coincides with the optical axis of the laser light.

Therefore, when adjusting the lighting direction of lighting fixture D using direction adjustment jig 8, the position where the laser light from direction adjustment jig 8 is projected coincides with the center position of the lighting light from lighting fixture D. Therefore, by visually checking the projection position of the laser light, the worker can adjust the lighting direction of lighting fixture D while accurately imagining the actual lighting position.

In this embodiment, a laser pointer is used as the light irradiator, but this is not limited to this. Any device that can irradiate light in a predetermined direction can be used in the present invention. For example, a penlight or similar device can also be used as the light irradiator.

In addition, in this embodiment, a pen clip 88 is provided on the gripping shaft 81 of the orientation adjustment jig 8. This pen clip 88 allows the orientation adjustment jig 8 to be securely held in a breast pocket of work clothes or a pen holder on the arm, improving convenience.

The laser light can be turned on and off using a button 89 provided on the grip shaft 81.

As described above, the orientation adjustment jig 8 of this embodiment has a head portion 83 at one end of the gripping shaft 81 that can fit into the fitting cylindrical portion 45 of the light source unit 3. Therefore, by fitting the head portion 83 into the fitting cylindrical portion 45 through the lower end opening (one end opening 70) of the casing 4 and manually moving the gripping shaft 81, the orientation (posture) of the light source unit 3, such as its rotational position or tilt position, can be easily adjusted. Therefore, by using the orientation adjustment jig 8 of this embodiment, there is no need to insert a finger into a lighting fixture to adjust the orientation of the light source unit, as in the past. Even if the orientation of the light source unit 3 is being held with a relatively strong force, the orientation of the light source unit 3 can be easily adjusted via the orientation adjustment jig 8.

In addition, the orientation adjustment jig 8 of this embodiment is configured so that a laser pointer 86 is provided on the gripping shaft 81 and the optical axis of the laser light emitted from the laser pointer 86 coincides with the optical axis A of the light source unit 3. Therefore, by visually checking the projection position of the laser light while adjusting the orientation of the light source unit 3, the irradiation position of the illumination light from the light source unit 3 can be accurately visualized, and the orientation of the light source unit 3 can be accurately adjusted to the desired orientation, allowing for easy and smooth adjustment of the illumination direction.

In addition, the orientation adjustment jig 8 of this embodiment uses the vertical baffle 40, which is pre-installed inside the fitting tube 45 of the lighting fixture D, as the female knurling 41 that engages with the male knurling 85 as a rotation prevention means. This means that it can be used as is with existing lighting fixtures D, improving versatility.

In addition, in the orientation adjustment jig 8 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the head portion 81 is formed in a notched circular shape with cutouts 84 on both sides, allowing the light source unit 3 to be reliably removed even when tilted significantly, as shown in Figure 3. In other words, when the light source unit 3 is tilted significantly using the orientation adjustment jig 8 as shown in Figure 3, if the cutouts 84 were not present, part of the outer periphery of the head portion 83 of the orientation adjustment jig 8 may be positioned opposite the upper edge of the cone 2 of the lighting fixture D. In this case, the outer periphery of the head portion 83 may interfere with the cone 2 of the lighting fixture D, making it impossible to remove the orientation adjustment jig 8.

As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, a cutout 84 is provided in the head 83 of the orientation adjustment jig 8, and by positioning the cutout 84 in accordance with the tilt direction, the cutout 84 faces the upper edge of the cone 2, preventing the head 83 from interfering with the cone 2 and allowing the orientation adjustment jig 8 to be reliably removed from the lighting fixture D.

The same applies when inserting the orientation adjustment jig 8 into a lighting fixture D with the light source unit 3 tilted significantly. By positioning the cutout 84 in accordance with the tilt direction, the head portion 83 does not interfere with the cone 2, and the head portion 83 can be smoothly fitted into the fitting tube portion 45 of the lighting fixture D.

The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig of this invention can be used effectively to adjust the orientation of lighting fixtures such as universal downlights that are attached to ceilings, walls, etc. and have adjustable lighting directions.

1: Base frame (base member)
3: Light source unit 31: Light source 4: Casing 40: Baffle (vertical baffle)
41: Female knurling 45: Fitting cylindrical portion 70: Lower end opening (one end opening)
8: Orientation adjustment jig 81: Grip shaft portion 82: Connecting shaft portion 83: Head portion 84: Cutout portion 85: Male side knurling 86: Laser pointer (light irradiator)
9: Ceiling (installation surface)
91: Installation hole A: Optical axis D: Lighting fixture X: Axis of base frame (lighting fixture)

Claims (6)

An orientation adjustment jig for a lighting fixture for changing the orientation of a light source unit in a lighting fixture configured to change the lighting direction by changing the orientation of the light source unit, the lighting fixture including a light source unit having a casing arranged to cover the outer periphery of an optical axis of a light source and emitting illumination light from the light source from an opening at one end of the casing, the light source unit being attached to an installation surface via a base member in a state in which the orientation of the light source unit can be changed,
A rod-shaped gripping shaft portion,
a head portion provided on one end side of the grip shaft portion and capable of being fitted into a fitting cylindrical portion provided in the casing through the one end opening,
The orientation of the light source unit is changed by operating the grip shaft while the head is fitted to the fitting cylinder,
the light source unit is supported by the base member so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to an axis of the lighting fixture and so as to be tiltable about the parallel axis;
The light source unit is configured to rotate and tilt by operating the grip shaft while the head is fitted to the fitting cylinder,
The fitting cylindrical portion is formed to have a circular cross section,
a rotation prevention means for preventing the head portion from rotating relative to the fitting cylindrical portion when the head portion is fitted to the fitting cylindrical portion;
a plurality of female knurlings extending along the optical axis direction of the light source unit and arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction are provided on an inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion;
The rotation prevention means is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the head portion and is constituted by a male knurling that engages with the female knurling. The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig according to claim 1 , wherein the female knurling is formed by a vertical baffle. An orientation adjustment jig for a lighting fixture for changing the orientation of a light source unit in a lighting fixture configured to change the lighting direction by changing the orientation of the light source unit, the lighting fixture including a light source unit having a casing arranged to cover the outer periphery of an optical axis of a light source and emitting illumination light from the light source from an opening at one end of the casing, the light source unit being attached to an installation surface via a base member in a state in which the orientation of the light source unit can be changed,
A rod-shaped gripping shaft portion,
a head portion provided on one end side of the grip shaft portion and capable of being fitted into a fitting cylindrical portion provided in the casing through the one end opening,
The orientation of the light source unit is changed by operating the grip shaft while the head is fitted to the fitting cylinder,
the light source unit is supported by the base member so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to an axis of the lighting fixture and so as to be tiltable about the parallel axis;
The light source unit is configured to rotate and tilt by operating the grip shaft while the head is fitted to the fitting cylinder,
The fitting cylindrical portion is formed to have a circular cross section,
a rotation prevention means for preventing the head portion from rotating relative to the fitting cylindrical portion when the head portion is fitted to the fitting cylindrical portion;
The head portion is a lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig formed in a partially circular cross section with a missing portion in part of the circular cross section . a plurality of female knurlings extending along the optical axis direction of the light source unit and arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction are provided on an inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion;
4. The lighting fixture orientation adjusting jig according to claim 3, wherein the rotation prevention means is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the head portion and is constituted by a male knurl that meshes with the female knurl. A lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig as described in claim 4, wherein the female knurling is formed by a vertical baffle. a light irradiator is provided on the grip shaft, and an exit port of the light irradiator is provided on the other end surface of the grip shaft;
The lighting fixture orientation adjustment jig according to any one of claims 1 to 5, configured so that when the head portion is fitted into the fitting tube portion, the optical axis of the light emitted by the light irradiator coincides with the optical axis of the light source unit.