Technical field
[0001] The description relates to optical assemblies for lighting sources.
[0002] Various embodiments can relate to optical assemblies which can be used in association
with solid-state lighting sources, for example of the LED type.
Technical background
[0003] In various fields of application of lighting sources, by way of example "spotlight"
lighting sources, there is a need to be able to couple reflectors and/or screens (for
example protective panes, chromatic filters, etc.) of varying types to a given lighting
source.
[0004] In these application contexts, the replacement of the reflector and/or of the screen
can involve the use of various tools and fixing devices.
[0005] Known from
DE 44 10 192 A1 is a lighting source having an optical assembly with a reflector, a light-permeable
screen and a spring.
GB 1 027 873 A shows a torch with a reflector, a transparent disc, a front cap and a spring. Further,
US 5 215 371 A describes a lamp holder including a reflector and a spring.
Object and summary
[0006] It is felt that there is a need for solutions which make it possible to couple reflectors
and screens of varying types to the lighting source by means of simple operations,
which can be carried out easily without necessarily having to have special tools.
[0007] It is an object of various embodiments to satisfy this need. Various embodiments
make it possible to achieve this object owing to an optical assembly having the features
indicated in the claims which follow. The claims form an integral part of the technical
teaching provided here in relation to the invention.
[0008] Various embodiments also make it possible to achieve an improvement in the ventilation
action, and therefore the cooling action, of the lighting source.
Brief description of the figures
[0009] Various embodiments will now be described, purely by way of non-limiting example,
with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
- figure 1 is a general perspective view of a lighting device which can incorporate
embodiments,
- figure 2 corresponds to figure 1, shown in an exploded view,
- figure 3 shows an enlarged view of embodiments, and
- figure 4 is a partial view, shown on an enlarged scale, corresponding to the arrow
IV shown in figure 3.
Detailed description
[0010] In the following description, various specific details aimed at providing a fuller
understanding of various exemplary embodiments are explained. The embodiments may
be implemented without one or more of the specific details or using other methods,
components, materials, etc. In other cases, known structures, materials or operations
are not shown or described in detail so that the various aspects of the embodiments
may be understood more clearly.
[0011] The reference to "an embodiment" in the context of this description indicates that
a particular configuration, structure or feature described in relation to the embodiment
is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as "in one embodiment",
which may occur at various points in this description, do not necessarily refer to
the same embodiment. Moreover, particular forms, structures or features may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0012] The reference signs used here are provided solely for the sake of convenience and
therefore do not define the scope of protection or ambit of the embodiments.
[0013] In the figures, the reference sign L denotes a lighting device as a whole.
[0014] In the exemplary embodiment under consideration here, which is so designed, the device
L can be present in the form of what is termed a "spotlight", which can use, as the
light radiation source, an LED source.
[0015] In various embodiments, the device L can include a body 10, for example a tubular
and cylindrical body, on which an optical assembly 12 can be mounted.
[0016] The optical assembly 12 is intended to make it possible for a light radiation source,
for example an LED source, to be mounted on the device L.
[0017] As a result, the light radiation source can be mounted on the embodiments even only
with a view to the installation, and the optical assembly 12 can be used in association
with light radiation sources of varying types.
[0018] In various embodiments, the optical assembly 12 can include a reflector 14 having
a cup-shaped general form (for example a paraboloid shape), with a bottom portion
(identified for example by an opening 14a), where it is possible to mount (in accordance
with known parameters) a light radiation source, for example of the LED type, and
a mouth portion 14b, through which the light radiation produced by the source located
at the portion 14a is projected towards the outside of the reflector.
[0019] The mouth part 14b of the reflector is delimited by a peripheral rim, along which,
in various embodiments, a flange 140 protruding towards the outside of the mouth rim
of the reflector 14 can extend.
[0020] Reflectors of the type described are known in the art, and it is therefore not necessary
to provide a detailed description at this point.
[0021] Similar considerations on the whole also apply concerning a screen 16, which rests
peripherally on the rim of the mouth part 14b of the reflector 14.
[0022] In various embodiments, the screen 16 can have a generally planar shape.
[0023] In various embodiments, the screen 16 can perform one or more functions.
[0024] In various embodiments, the screen 16 can perform a protective function.
[0025] In various embodiments, the screen 16 can perform optical functions of varying types,
for example as a filter which has an effect on the chromatic features of the radiation
emitted by the light source L (for example to produce radiations with defined color
or color temperature features).
[0026] In various embodiments, the screen 16 can be configured in the form of a lens, for
example a Fresnel lens.
[0027] In the examples under consideration here, the reflector 14 and the screen 16 have
a generally circular shape, this feature also being identifiable in the body 10 of
the lighting device L and in the overall shape of the other elements which will be
described hereinbelow. It is moreover clear that this circular shape does not have
a binding character for the embodiments.
[0028] In various embodiments, the screen 16 (which can be defined, whatever its function,
as a totally or partially light-permeable screen) can rest peripherally on the mouth
portion 14b of the reflector 14, for example on the flange 140 (if present), and be
kept in this position by being arranged sandwiched between the reflector 14 and a
front ring 18, which can constitute, in various embodiments, a receiving frame for
the screen 16.
[0029] In various embodiments, the front ring 18 can have an annular inner surface 18a,
on which the screen 16 rests peripherally and is hence interposed between the inner
surface 18a and the mouth portion 14b of the reflector 14.
[0030] In various embodiments, the front ring 18 can have a plurality of cusp formations
18b (for example, in the embodiments shown here, three cusp formations, although the
number may be different).
[0031] In various embodiments, the cusp formations 18b can be arranged at regular angular
intervals along the outline of the ring 18. For example, in the example under consideration
here, which is so designed, there are three cusp formations 18b spaced apart angularly
by 120° with respect to one another.
[0032] In various embodiments, the cusp formations 18b can extend starting from the inner
surface 18a of the ring 18 in such a way as to surround the reflector 14, while moreover
surrounding the screen 16 interposed between the mouth part 14b of the reflector 14
and the inner surface 18a of the front ring 18.
[0033] The reference numeral 20 denotes a spring which can be coupled to the front ring
18 in such a way as to elastically urge the reflector 14 and the screen 16 to rest
against the inner surface 18a of the front ring 18 so as to "keep together" the various
elements which make up the optical assembly 12.
[0034] In various embodiments, the spring 20 can be formed by a single wire-like element
(for example a continuous metallic wire) which is closed like a ring and has a cusped
shape which, as a whole, reproduces the likewise cusped shape of the side of the front
ring 18 which faces towards the reflector 14.
[0035] In various embodiments, the spring 20 can thus have three cusps 20a which are also
spaced apart at regular intervals angularly by 120° with respect to one another.
[0036] As already mentioned in relation to the cusp formations 18b of the front ring 18,
in various embodiments the number of cusps 20a of the spring 20 may also differ from
three.
[0037] In various embodiments, the front ring 18 and the spring 20 can have differing numbers
of cusp formations 18b and of cusps 20a.
[0038] Whatever the choice made, in various embodiments at least some of the cusps 20a of
the spring 20 can be aligned with cusp formations 18b of the front ring 18. This as
a whole so as to realize a coupling between the spring 20 and the front ring 18 so
as to ensure that the spring 20 performs the action of urging the reflector 14 and
the screen 16 towards the front ring 18.
[0039] In various embodiments, this coupling can be realized by virtue of the fact that
the cusps 20a of the spring 20 have distal portions 200 which are folded towards the
outside of the spring 20 (which can have a general annular shape) in such a way that
the distal ends 200 of the cusps 20a of the spring 20 can be inserted into corresponding
receiving cavities 180 provided in the cusp parts 18b of the front ring 18, for example
in the vicinity of the distal ends thereof.
[0040] In various embodiments, the general elasticity of the spring 20 can ensure that the
distal ends 200 engage in the cavities 180 by means of a snap-like coupling, with
the distal ends 200 of the spring 20 advancing radially within the cavities 120 until
a coupled state is reached, said distal ends then being able to be disengaged with
respect to said position by means of a recall action in a radially inner direction
of the respective cusp 20a.
[0041] In various embodiments, the spring 20 can include a plurality of loop parts 20b,
each of which extends festoon-like (this fact can be appreciated for example in figure
3) so as to act on the reflector 14 (for example on the flange 140) so as to urge
it (together with the screen 16) towards the inner surface 18a of the front ring 18.
[0042] In various embodiments, as shown by way of example in figures 1 and 2, the front
ring 18 can have a peripheral opening 22 (of a generally annular shape, for example
distributed in a number of adjacent openings in an arcuate form) which surrounds the
inner surface 18a, allowing for the flow of ventilation air through the ring 18.
[0043] In various embodiments, as it is realized in such a way as to surround the inner
surface 18a of the ring 18, the ventilation opening 22 is radially on the outside
with respect to the outline both of the screen 16 and of the reflector 14 (in particular
with respect to the flange 140), and can thus allow for a flow of ventilation air
with respect to the inside of the lighting device L.
[0044] In various embodiments, the coupling of the optical assembly 12 to the body 10 of
the lighting device L can be effected by exploiting the cusp formations 18b.
[0045] In various embodiments, this can be achieved by providing, at the distal ends of
the cusp formations 18b, recesses or notches 24 directed axially away from the surface
18a. This is done in such a way as to form, at the ends of the cusp formations 18b,
pincer-like elements (which can have features of spring-like pincers, for example
when the front ring 18 is made of an elastic material such as a plastic material)
which can be coupled, for example in a gripping relationship, to nuclei or beads 24a
mounted on the body 10 of the lighting device.
[0046] In various embodiments, the nuclei or beads 24a can be inserted/screwed into the
ends of channel-like ribs 10a provided in the body 10.
[0047] Of course, without affecting the principle of the invention, the constructional details
and embodiments may vary, also significantly, with respect to that illustrated here
purely by way of non-limiting example, without thereby departing from the scope of
protection. This scope of protection is defined by the accompanying claims.
1. An optical assembly (12) for lighting sources (L), including:
- a cup-shaped reflector (14) having a bottom portion (14a) for mounting a light radiation
source and a mouth portion (14b) for projecting the light radiation, the mouth portion
(14b) having a peripheral rim (140),
- a light-permeable screen (16) peripherally resting on the rim (140) of the mouth
portion (14b) of the reflector (14),
- a front ring (18) forming a receiving frame for the screen (16) to arrange the screen
(16) sandwiched between the reflector (14) and an annular inner side (18a) of the
front ring (18), and
- an annular assembly spring (20) coupleable to the front ring (18) to urge the reflector
(14) and the screen (16) towards the annular inner side (18a) of the front ring (18),
characterised in that said front ring (18) is having a plurality of cusp formations (18b) protruding from
said annular inner side (18a) to surround the reflector (14), and said annular assembly
spring (20) is having a plurality of cusps (20a) having distal ends (200) coupleable
to the cusp formations (18b) of the front ring (18).
2. The optical assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly spring (20) has loop
portions (20b) extending, preferably festoon-like, between pairs of cusps (20a) of
the assembly spring (20) to urge the reflector (14) and the screen (16) towards the
annular inner side (18a) of the front ring (18).
3. The optical assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the distal ends (200)
of the cusps (20a) of the assembly spring (20) are bent radially outwardly to engage
respective cavities (180) in the cusp formations (18b) of the front ring (18).
4. The optical assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly
spring (20) includes a wire-like body shaped to include a plurality of cusps (20a)
and loop portions (20b) each extending festoon-like between a pair of cusps (20a).
5. The optical assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the reflector
(14) has an outwardly protruding flange (140) extending along the peripheral rim of
the mouth portion (14b) with the assembly spring (20) acting on said flange (140)
to urge the reflector (14) and the screen (16) towards the annular inner side (18a)
of the front ring (18).
6. The optical assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the screen
(16) is a planar screen.
7. The optical assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the cusp formations
(18b) of the front ring (18) have coupling notches (24) for coupling to a body (10)
of the lighting device (L).
8. The optical assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the coupling notches (24) are
directed axially away from the annular inner side (18a) of the front ring (18).
9. The optical assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the front
ring (18) has a peripheral annular ventilation opening (22) surrounding said annular
inner side (18a).
1. Optische Anordnung (12) für Beleuchtungsquellen (L), welche aufweist:
- einen schalenförmigen Reflektor (14) mit einem Bodenabschnitt (14a) zum Anbringen
einer Lichtstrahlungsquelle und einem Mündungsabschnitt (14b) zum Projizieren der
Lichtstrahlung, wobei der Mündungsabschnitt (14b) einen Umfangsrand (140) aufweist,
- einen lichtdurchlässigen Schirm (16), der peripher auf dem Rand (140) des Mündungsabschnitts
(14b) des Reflektors (14) ruht,
- einen Frontring (18), der einen Aufnahmerahmen für den Schirm (16) bildet, um den
Schirm (16) zwischen dem Reflektor (14) und einer ringförmigen Innenseite (18a) des
Frontringes (18) anzuordnen,
- eine ringförmige Montagefeder (20), die mit dem Frontring (18) koppelbar ist, um
den Reflektor (14) und den Schirm (16) in Richtung der ringförmigen Innenseite (18a)
des Frontringes (18) zu beaufschlagen,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Frontring (18) mehrere Höckerausbildungen (18b) aufweist, die von der ringförmigen
Innenseite (18a) aus vorstehen, um den Reflektor (14) zu umgeben, und dass die ringförmige
Montagefeder (20) mehrere Höcker (20a) mit distalen Enden (200), die mit den Höckerausbildungen
(18b) des Frontringes (18) koppelbar sind, aufweist.
2. Optische Anordnung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Montagefeder (20) Schleifenabschnitte
(20b) aufweist, die sich vorzugsweise girlandenartig zwischen Paaren von Höckern (20a)
der Montagefeder (20) erstrecken, um den Reflektor (14) und den Schirm (16) in Richtung
der ringförmigen Innenseite (18a) des Frontringes (18) zu beaufschlagen.
3. Optische Anordnung nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, wobei die distalen Enden (200)
der Höcker (20a) der Montagefeder (20) radial nach außen gebogen sind, um in jeweilige
Hohlräume (180) in den Höckerausbildungen (18b) des Frontringes (18) einzugreifen.
4. Optische Anordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Montagefeder
(20) einen drahtartigen Körper aufweist, der so geformt ist, dass er mehrere Höcker
(20a) und Schleifenabschnitte (20b) aufweist, die sich jeweils girlandenartig zwischen
einem Paar von Höckern (20a) erstrecken.
5. Optische Anordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Reflektor (14)
einen nach außen vorstehenden Flansch (140) aufweist, der sich entlang des Umfangsrandes
des Mündungsabschnitts (14b) erstreckt, wobei die Montagefeder (20) auf den Flansch
(140) einwirkt, um den Reflektor (14) und den Schirm (16) in Richtung der ringförmigen
Innenseite (18a) des Frontringes (18) zu beaufschlagen.
6. Optische Anordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Schirm (16)
ein ebener Schirm ist.
7. Optische Anordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Höckerausbildungen
(18b) des Frontringes (18) Kopplungskerben (24) zum Koppeln mit einem Körper (10)
der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung (L) aufweisen.
8. Optische Anordnung nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Kopplungskerben (24) axial von der ringförmigen
Innenseite (18a) des Frontringes (18) weg gerichtet sind.
9. Optische Anordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Frontring (18)
eine periphere ringförmige Belüftungsöffnung (22) aufweist, welche die ringförmige
Innenseite (18a) umgibt.
1. Ensemble optique (12) pour sources d'éclairage (L), incluant un réflecteur en forme
de coupelle (14)
ayant une portion de fond (14a) pour le montage d'une source de rayonnement lumineux
et une portion d'embouchure (14b) pour la projection du rayonnement lumineux, la portion
d'embouchure (14b) ayant un bord périphérique (140),
- un écran perméable à la lumière (16) reposant par sa périphérie sur le bord (140)
de la portion d'embouchure (14b) du réflecteur (14),
- une bague frontale (18) formant un cadre de réception pour l'écran (16) pour disposer
l'écran (16) en sandwich entre le réflecteur (14) et une face interne annulaire (18a)
de la bague frontale (18), et
- un ressort d'assemblage annulaire (20) pouvant être accouplé à la bague frontale
(18) pour presser le réflecteur (14) et l'écran (16) vers la face interne annulaire
(18a) de la bague frontale (18),
caractérisé en ce que ladite bague frontale (18) possède une pluralité de formations pointues (18b) en
saillie à partir de ladite face interne annulaire (18a) pour entourer le réflecteur
(14), et ledit ressort d'assemblage annulaire (20) possède une pluralité de pointes
(20a) ayant des extrémités distales (200) pouvant être accouplées aux formations pointues
(18b) de la bague frontale (18).
2. Ensemble optique tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel le ressort
d'assemblage (20) possède des portions en boucles (20b) s'étendant, de préférence
à la manière de festons, entre des paires de pointes (20a) du ressort d'assemblage
(20) pour presser le réflecteur (14) et l'écran (16) vers la face interne annulaire
(18a) de la bague frontale (18).
3. Ensemble optique tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2,
dans lequel les extrémités distales (200) des pointes (20a) du ressort d'assemblage
(20) sont pliées radialement vers l'extérieur pour occuper les cavités respectives
(180) dans les formations pointues (18b) de la bague frontale (18).
4. Ensemble optique tel que revendiqué dans n'importe lesquelles des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel le ressort d'assemblage (20) inclut un corps filaire mis en forme pour
inclure une pluralité de pointes (20a) et de portions en boucles (20b), chacune s'étendant
à la manière de festons entre une paire de pointes (20a).
5. Ensemble optique tel que revendiqué dans n'importe lesquelles des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel le réflecteur (14) possède une bride en saillie vers l'extérieur (140),
s'étendant le long du bord périphérique de la portion d'embouchure (14b), le ressort
d'assemblage (20) agissant sur ladite bride (140) pour presser le réflecteur (14)
et l'écran (16) vers la face interne annulaire (18a) de la bague frontale (18).
6. Ensemble optique tel que revendiqué dans n'importe lesquelles des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel l'écran (16) est un écran plan.
7. Ensemble optique tel que revendiqué dans n'importe lesquelles des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel les formations pointues (18b) de la bague frontale (18) présentent des
encoches d'accouplement (24) pour un accouplement à un corps (10) du dispositif d'éclairage
(L).
8. Ensemble optique tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 7, dans lequel les encoches
d'accouplement (24) sont dirigées axialement à l'opposé de la face interne annulaire
(18a) de la bague frontale (18).
9. Ensemble optique tel que revendiqué dans n'importe lesquelles des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel la bague frontale (18) possède une ouverture de ventilation annulaire
périphérique (22) entourant ladite face interne annulaire (18a).