LIGHTING DEVICE

Abstract

 A flush-fitting lighting device for a plasterboard false ceiling is disclosed, comprising a main body (11) installable in the thickness of the false ceiling and comprising a visible side and a hidden side, a frame (4) in the form of an upturned U arranged on the hidden side of the main body and a lighting module provided with a light source (5); the lighting device is provided with magnet engaging means (2) arranged for removably engaging the module on the frame; the light emitted by the light source can exit a through hole (14) obtained in the main body between the visible side and the hidden side; the module is completely extractable through the hole from the visible side.

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device, in particular a recessed lighting device intended for installation in the thickness of a built structure, for example of a false ceiling.

[0002] Specifically, but not exclusively, the invention can be applied to create a flush-fitting lighting system inside a built structure or building element (for example a plasterboard false ceiling) provided with a visible flat surface, thereby the system, once installed in the built structure or in the building element and flush with respect to the flat surface, is no longer perceptible as a body that is distinct from the built structure, but becomes an integrating part thereof.

[0003] In particular, reference is made to a lighting device comprising a main body intended to be recessed into the thickness of a building element, wherein the main body comprises at least one visible side, at least one hidden side opposite the visible side and at least one through hole extending between the visible side and the hidden side and wherein the visible side comprises a flat surface configured for being arranged flush with a visible flat surface of the building element.

[0004] Patent publication WO 2016/185299 A1 shows a lighting device of this type, in which one frame in the form of an upturned U is fixed to the main body, a dissipator is connected to the support by a push-push connector and one LED module is screwed to the dissipator. The operations of maintaining and/or replacing the LED module involve disconnecting the dissipator from the support by an upward thrust that opens the push-push connector. Once disconnected, the dissipator descends downwards by making the LED module exit the hole obtained in the main body, so as to enable the LED module to be unscrewed manually.

[0005] Some aspects of the prior art are improvable. Firstly, it is desirable to facilitate the operations that are necessary to maintain and/or replace and/or inspect the lighting module. Further, it is desirable to make a lighting device that is constructionally simpler and cheaper.

Summary of the invention

[0006] One object of the invention is to provide an alternative flush-fitting lighting device to the prior art.

[0007] One object of the invention is to make a lighting device that is able to simplify the operations required to maintain and/or replace and/or inspect the lighting module with respect to the prior art.

[0008] One advantage is to make available a lighting device that is flush-fittable in a built structure, for example a false ceiling.

[0009] One advantage is to enable the lighting device installed in a recessed manner simply and rapidly.

[0010] One advantage is to ensure the necessary dissipation of the heat generated by the lighting module (for example one LED module).

[0011] One advantage is to provide a lighting device that is constructionally simple and cheap.

[0012] Such advantages, and still others, are achieved by the lighting device according to one or more of the claims set out below.

[0013] In one embodiment, a lighting device comprises a main body with a visible side and a hidden side, one frame that emerges from the hidden side of the main body, one module provided with a light source, the light source being arranged for emitting a light that exits through a through hole obtained in the main body between the visible side and the hidden side, the module being removably engaged on the frame with engaging means configured for engaging and/or disengaging the module by an axial force, the module being completely extractable through the hole from the visible side of the main body.

[0014] In one embodiment, a lighting device comprises a main body in which a through hole is obtained through which a lighting module is inserted and extracted, in which one frame is fixed to the main body and the lighting module has transverse (diameter) dimensions that are less than those of the hole, so that the lighting module is completely extractable through the hole; further, this lighting module can be removably engaged directly on the frame, in particular without the interposition of a portion (for example a dissipator) having transverse dimensions greater than those of the hole. The engaging means for engaging the lighting module on the frame in a removable manner may comprise, in particular, axial drive engaging means, i.e. in which the engaging and/or disengaging action occurs by exerting an axial force, for example an axial force parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hole. The engaging means may comprise, in particular, engaging means of the magnet or push-push type.

Brief description of the drawings

[0015] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a lighting device made according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view, in a vertical elevation according to a use configuration, of the assembled device of figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top view of figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the assembled device of figure 1;

Figure 5 is a section of the device of figure 2 executed according to a vertical section plane;

Figure 6 is a section of the device of figure 2 executed according to a vertical section plane and orthogonal to the section plane of figure 5;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a lighting device made according to the invention.

Detailed description

[0016] Legend:

1

fixing screw (for fixing the engaging means 2 to the frame 4)

2

engaging means (magnet, for securing the module body 3 to the frame 4)

3

module body (of the LED lighting module)

4

frame

5

light source (of LED type)

6

lens (of the LED module)

7

tubular body (dissipator)

8

support means (for securing the main body 11 to the plasterboard)

9

screw fixing means (threaded bushes)

10

screw fixing means (nylon screws)

11

main body (made of Coral® or AirCoral®)

12

extracting means (spring)

13

dissipating means

14

(through) hole

15

engaging ends

[0017] With reference to the aforesaid figures, for simplicity of exposition, identical elements of different embodiments have been indicated by the same numbering.

[0018] In the aforesaid figures, a recessed lighting device is shown, in particular suitable for flush-fitting into a built structure or a building element, for example into a false ceiling. The lighting device may be, in particular, plastered in a recessed manner in a plasterboard structure.

[0019] The lighting device may comprise, in particular, at least one main body 11 configured for being installed in the thickness of a built structure, for example a false ceiling (not illustrated). The main body 11 may be intended, in particular, for installation in an element (built structure, for example a false ceiling), flush-fitted with a (flat) visible surface of the element, to become an integrating part thereof, the presence of the main body 11 distinct from the element (false ceiling) no longer being perceptible by an observer.

[0020] The main body 11 may be made, as in the specific embodiment, in a single body, in particular made of Coral® or of AirCoral®.

[0021] The main body 11 may comprise, in particular, at least one visible side (the visible lower side in Figure 4) and at least one hidden side (the visible upper side in Figure 1) opposite the visible side. The main body 11 may comprise, in particular, at least one side surface comprised between the visible side and the hidden side. The side surface can be, as in this embodiment, grooved.

[0022] The main body 11 may comprise, in particular, at least one through hole 14 that extends (axially) between the visible side and the hidden side. The visible side may comprise, in particular, a flat surface configured for being arranged flush with a visible flat surface of the built structure (false ceiling). The through hole 14 may extend, in particular, along a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the flat surface of the visible side. The hole 14 may be arranged in the centre of the main body 11 and have, for example, a diameter (in particular no greater than 30 mm, or no greater than 25 mm, for example about 20 mm) suitable for the transit of a body 3 of a lighting module (with LED light source).

[0023] The lighting device may comprise, in particular, support means 8 protruding laterally from the main body 11 for securing the main body to the built structure. Such support means 8 may comprise, in particular, flap or bracket means that protrudes laterally from the main body 11 (above the grooved side surface). The support means 8 may comprise, in particular, two diametrically opposite elements, each of which is provided with at least one perforated flap. The support means 8 may be configured for resting on an upper side of the false ceiling, so as to enable the entire lighting device to be installed in the built structure (false ceiling).

[0024] The lighting device may comprise, in particular, at least one module provided with at least one light source 5. The module may be arranged so as to adopt at least one use configuration in which the module is inserted at least partially into the hole 14 without exiting the hole from the visible side of the main body.

[0025] In particular, the module may adopt at least one use configuration in which the light source 5 can emit light that exits the hole 14 from the visible side of the main body. In particular, the module may adopt at least one use configuration in which the module has at least one engaging end 15 that exits the hole 14 on the hidden side.

[0026] The module may be configured, in particular, to be completely extractable through the hole 14 on the visible side.

[0027] The lighting device may comprise, in particular, support means fixed to the main body 2 to support the lighting module. Such support means may comprise, as in this embodiment, at least one frame 4. The frame 4 may comprise, as in this specific embodiment, at least two side portions (uprights) fixed to the main body 11 and at least one central portion (crosspiece) arranged transversely between the two side portions. The frame may comprise, in particular, an element in the form of an upturned U.

[0028] The frame 4 may be fully fixed to the main body 11. In particular, the frame 4 may comprise at least one portion embedded in the material of the main body 11. In the specific case, the frame 4 is coextruded with the main body 11 (made, for example, of Coral® or of AirCoral®). In the specific case, the side portions of the frame 4 each comprises an end portion (for example a perforated portion) embedded in the material of the main body 11.

[0029] The lighting device may comprise, in particular, engaging means 2 arranged for removably engaging the engaging end 15 of the module to the frame 4.

[0030] The engaging means 2 may be configured, in particular, for engaging and/or disengaging by an axial force exerted (directly or indirectly) on the lighting module. In particular, the engaging means 2 may comprise magnet means, as in this embodiment. In other embodiments, which are not illustrated, the engaging means may comprise connector means of the push-push type, i.e. which are drivable, both in the engaging step and in the disengaging step, by pressure (directly on the lighting module). In one embodiment, the connector means of the push-push type may comprise at least one coupling between a protrusion and a recess obtained in an elastically deformable body, in which the protrusion may be arranged on the lighting module and the body with the recess may be arranged on the frame, or vice versa.

[0031] The engaging means 2 may be, as in this embodiment, at least partially arranged on the central portion (crosspiece) of the frame 4.

[0032] The lighting device may comprise, as in this embodiment, at least one light source 5 (for example of LED type) arranged for emitting light that passes through the hole 14 and exits from the visible side of the main body 11. The light source 5 may comprise, as in this specific embodiment, at least one printed circuit on which one or more LEDs are fitted (for example four microLEDs that are able to emit a luminous flux of 650 lumen).

[0033] The lighting device may comprise, in particular, at least one interchangeable lens 6. The lighting module may comprise, as in this embodiment, one module body 3, or container body, which may comprise, for example, a tubular element (for example made of aluminium) inside which the light source 5 is housed and/or fitted. The module body 3 may contain, as in these embodiments, the lens 6 (fitted inside the module body 3).

[0034] The module body 3 may comprise, as in this embodiment, an opening arranged on a side of the module body 3 and a bottom arranged on the opposite side. The opening enables the light source 5 and/or the lens 6 to be inserted. The engaging end 15 of the lighting module may comprise, as in this embodiment, a protrusion that protrudes (axially) from the bottom of the module body 3.

[0035] The lighting device may comprise, in particular, at least one tubular body 7 at least partially inserted into the hole 14. In the aforesaid use configuration, it is possible for the lighting module to be at least partially inserted into the tubular body 7 such that the tubular body is able to dissipate heat for the aforesaid lighting module.

[0036] The lighting module may be configured, in one specific embodiment, so that, when the module is disengaged from the frame 4, the module can exit the tubular body 7 freely in an axial direction whilst the tubular body 7 remains inserted into the hole 14. In this case the tubular body 7 may be fixed to the main body 11, for example with stable and permanent coupling means, for example with adhesive means (glue).

[0037] Alternatively, the tubular body 7 (with a dissipating function) may be joined to the lighting module, for example with stable and permanent coupling means (adhesive means) or with fixed jointing means or with removable coupling means or with still other fixing means. In this case the lighting module will also comprise the tubular body 7 and will be able to be removed from the recessed main body 11 through the hole 14, together with the tubular body 7.

[0038] It is possible for the lighting module and the tubular body 7 to be so configured that a minimum internal diameter of the tubular body 7 is greater than a maximum external diameter of the lighting module (in particular of the body 3 containing the light source 5). In particular, the difference between the minimum internal diameter of the tubular body 7 and the maximum external diameter of the lighting module may be less than or the same as 0.5 millimetres, or 0.4 millimetres, or 0.3 millimetres, or 0.2 millimetres. In particular, the difference between the minimum internal diameter of the tubular body 7 and the maximum external diameter of the lighting module may be greater than or the same as 0.05 millimetres, or 0.1 millimetres, or 0.15 millimetres, or 0.2 millimetres.

[0039] The lighting device may comprise, in particular, dissipating means 13 fixed to the frame 4 and provided with at least one cavity into which the lighting module is at least partially inserted in the aforesaid use configuration, such that the dissipating means 13 is able to dissipate heat by the module.

[0040] The lighting module may be configured, in particular, such that, when the module is disengaged from the frame 14, the module can exit freely from the aforesaid cavity of the dissipating means 13 (in an axial direction) whereas the dissipating means 13 can remain fixed to the frame 4. The dissipating means 13 may comprise, in particular, an internally hollow body (for example with a central cavity). The dissipating means 13 may comprise, in particular, a finned dissipator body. The dissipating means 13 may be fixed, in particular, to the frame 4 with removable fixing means, for example of the screw type. The dissipating means 13 may be made of a metal material, for example of aluminium. The dissipating means 13 may comprise, in particular, dissipating means of passive type.

[0041] The lighting module may comprise, in particular, one or more transverse openings configured for engaging extracting means 12 that is suitable for being inserted into the hole 14, on the visible side, to enable the lighting module to be disengaged axially from the frame 4. In the embodiments in which the tubular body 7 is joined (integrally) with the lighting module, it is possible to provide for each transverse opening, configured for engaging with the extracting means 12, being arranged on the tubular body 7. In particular, the extracting means 12 may comprise an extracting spring provided with two engaging ends configured for engaging elastically with two (diametrically opposite) corresponding transverse openings arranged on the lighting module.

[0042] The support means 8 may be fixed, as in these embodiments, to an outer zone of the main body 11, for example by screw fixing means 9 (threaded bushes) and/or screw fixing means 10 (nylon screws). The side portions (uprights) of the frame 4 may be embedded in an inner zone of the main body 11 which is situated at a certain distance from the aforesaid outer zone (fixing zone of the support means 8), where such a distance is evaluated in a transverse direction (transverse is defined as transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hole), such that there is a portion of material of the main body 11 that is interposed, in a transverse direction, between the (fin or bracket) support means 8 and the aforesaid side portions of the frame 4.

[0043] As has been seen, the extractable part of the lighting device includes the lighting module with the light source 5.

[0044] When it is desired to perform maintenance and/or replacement and/or inspection of the lighting module, it is possible to extract the module, for example by pulling outside the module using the extracting means 12 (extracting spring) with an axial force (coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the hole 14) that opposes the (magnetic) gripping force of the engaging means 2 that normally retains the lighting module in the use configuration. The lighting module is extracted extremely simply and immediately.

[0045] The lighting device may comprise embodiments in which the tubular body 7 and/or the dissipating means 13 are not provided. The choice may depend, in particular, on the power of the light source and thus on the corresponding need to dissipate the heat. With relatively low power (for example 600 lumen and 6 watt) the dissipation provided by the module body 3 may be sufficient, whereby the tubular body 7 and the dissipating means 13 may be absent. With intermediate power (for example 750 lumen and 7.5 watt), the dissipation provided by the module body 3 and the tubular body 7 may be sufficient, so the dissipating means 13 may be absent. With relatively high power (for example 900 lumen and 9 watt) providing the dissipating means 13 may be appropriate, in addition to the module body 3 and possibly the tubular body 7.

Claims

1. Lighting device, comprising:

- a main body (11) configured for being installed in the thickness of a built structure, for example a false ceiling, said main body (11) comprising at least one visible side, at least one hidden side opposite said visible side, at least one side surface comprised between said visible side and said hidden side and at least one through hole (14) extending longitudinally between said visible side and said hidden side, said visible side comprising a flat surface configured for being arranged flush with a visible flat surface of the built structure;

- support means (8) protruding laterally from said main body (11) to secure said main body (11) to the built structure;

- at least one module (3; 5; 6) provided with at least one light source (5), a use configuration being provided in which said module (3; 5; 6) is at least partially inserted into said hole (14) without exiting said hole (14) from said visible side and such that said light source (5) can emit light that exits said hole (14) from said visible side, it being further provided that in said use configuration said module (3; 5; 6) comprises at least one engaging end (15) that protrudes from said hole (14) from said hidden side, said module (3; 5; 6) being configured for being completely extractable through said hole (14) from said visible side;

- at least one frame (4) comprising at least two side portions fixed to said main body (11) and at least one central portion arranged transversely between said two side portions;

- engaging means (2) arranged for removably engaging said engaging end (15) to said frame (4), said engaging means (2) being configured for engaging and disengaging by an axial force oriented coaxially with a longitudinally axis of said hole.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said engaging means (2) is at least partially arranged on said central portion of said frame (4).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said engaging means (2) comprises magnet means and/or push-push connector means.

4. Device according to any preceding claim, comprising a tubular body (7) at least partially inserted into said hole (14), in said use configuration said module (3; 5; 6) being at least partially inserted into said tubular body (7) in such a manner that said tubular body (7) can act as a heat dissipator for said module (3; 5; 6).

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein said module (3; 5; 6) is so configured that when said module (3; 5; 6) is disengaged from said frame (4), it can freely exit said tubular body (7) in an axial direction whilst said tubular body (7) remains inserted into said hole (14).

6. Device according to claim 4, wherein said tubular body (7) is fixed to said module (3; 5; 6).

7. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a minimum internal diameter of said tubular body (7) is greater than a maximum external diameter of said module (3; 5; 6).

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the difference between said minimum internal diameter of said tubular body (7) and said maximum external diameter of said module (3; 5; 6) is less than or the same as 0.5, or 0.4, or 0.3, or 0.2 millimetres.

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the difference between said minimum internal diameter of said tubular body (7) and said maximum external diameter of said module (3; 5; 6) is greater than or the same as 0.05, or 0.1, or 0.15, or 0.2 millimetres.

10. Device according to any preceding claim, comprising dissipating means (13) fixed to said frame (4) and provided with at least one cavity into which said module (3; 5; 6) is inserted at least partially in said use configuration, such that said dissipating means (13) is able to dissipate heat from said module (3; 5; 6).

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein said module (3; 5; 6) is so configured that when said module (3; 5; 6) is disengaged from said frame (4), it is able to exit said cavity freely in an axial direction whilst said dissipating means (13) remains fixed to said frame (4).

12. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said module (3; 5; 6) comprises one or more transverse openings configured for engaging extracting means (12) suitable for being inserted into said hole (14) from said visible side to disengage said module (3; 5; 6) from said frame (4) by an axial pulling force.

13. Device according to claim 12, wherein said module (3; 5; 6) comprises two diametrically opposite transverse openings configured for engaging two elastic engaging ends of the extracting means (12).

14. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said module comprises at least one module body (3) that houses internally said light source (5), said module body (3) comprising an opening arranged on a side and a bottom arranged on the opposite side, said engaging end (15) comprising a protrusion that emerges from said bottom.

15. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said support means (8) is fixed to an outer zone of said main body (11) and said side portions of said frame (4) are embedded in an internal zone of said main body (11) located at a distance from said outer zone, said distance being evaluated in a transverse direction, where transverse is defined with reference to a longitudinal axis of said hole (14), such that at least one portion of material of said main body (11) is interposed between said support means (8) and said side portions in said transverse direction.

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. Lighting device, comprising:

- a main body (11) configured for being installed in the thickness of a built structure, for example a false ceiling, said main body (11) comprising at least one visible side, at least one hidden side opposite said visible side and at least one through hole (14) extending longitudinally between said visible side and said hidden side;

- at least one module (3; 5; 6) provided with at least one light source (5), a use configuration being provided in which said light source (5) can emit light that exits said hole (14) from said visible side, it being further provided that in said use configuration said module (3; 5; 6) comprises at least one engaging end (15) that protrudes from said hole (14) from said hidden side, said module (3; 5; 6) being configured for being completely extractable through said hole (14) from said visible side;

- at least one frame (4) fixed to said main body (2) to support said module;

- engaging means (2) arranged for removably engaging said engaging end (15) to said frame (4), said engaging means (2) being configured for engaging and disengaging by an axial force oriented coaxially with a longitudinally axis of said hole;

- a tubular body (7) at least partially inserted into said hole (14), in said use configuration said module (3; 5; 6) being at least partially inserted into said tubular body (7) in such a manner that said tubular body (7) can act as a heat dissipator for said module (3; 5; 6);

characterized in that said module (3; 5; 6) is so configured that when said module (3; 5; 6) is disengaged from said frame (4), it can freely exit said tubular body (7) in an axial direction whilst said tubular body (7) remains inserted into said hole (14).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said frame (4) comprises at least two side portions fixed to said main body (11) and at least one central portion arranged transversely between said two side portions.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein said engaging means (2) is at least partially arranged on said central portion of said frame (4).

4. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said engaging means (2) comprises magnet means.

5. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said engaging means (2) comprises push-push connector means.

6. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said tubular body (7) is fixed to said module (3; 5; 6).

7. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein a minimum internal diameter of said tubular body (7) is greater than a maximum external diameter of said module (3; 5; 6).

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the difference between said minimum internal diameter of said tubular body (7) and said maximum external diameter of said module (3; 5; 6) is less than or the same as 0.5, or 0.4, or 0.3, or 0.2 millimetres.

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the difference between said minimum internal diameter of said tubular body (7) and said maximum external diameter of said module (3; 5; 6) is greater than or the same as 0.05, or 0.1, or 0.15, or 0.2 millimetres.

10. Device according to any preceding claim, comprising dissipating means (13) fixed to said frame (4) and provided with at least one cavity into which said module (3; 5; 6) is inserted at least partially in said use configuration, such that said dissipating means (13) is able to dissipate heat from said module (3; 5; 6).

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein said module (3; 5; 6) is so configured that when said module (3; 5; 6) is disengaged from said frame (4), it is able to exit said cavity freely in an axial direction whilst said dissipating means (13) remains fixed to said frame (4).

12. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said module (3; 5; 6) comprises one or more transverse openings configured for engaging extracting means (12) suitable for being inserted into said hole (14) from said visible side to disengage said module (3; 5; 6) from said frame (4) by an axial pulling force.

13. Device according to claim 12, wherein said module (3; 5; 6) comprises two diametrically opposite transverse openings configured for engaging two elastic engaging ends of the extracting means (12).

14. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said module comprises at least one module body (3) that houses internally said light source (5), said module body (3) comprising an opening arranged on a side and a bottom arranged on the opposite side, said engaging end (15) comprising a protrusion that emerges from said bottom.

15. Device according to any preceding claim, comprising support means (8) protruding laterally from said main body (11) to secure said main body (11) to the built structure, said frame (4) comprising at least two side portions fixed to said main body (11) and at least one central portion arranged transversely between said two side portions, wherein said support means (8) is fixed to an outer zone of said main body (11) and said side portions of said frame (4) are embedded in an internal zone of said main body (11) located at a distance from said outer zone, said distance being evaluated in a transverse direction, where transverse is defined with reference to a longitudinal axis of said hole (14), such that at least one portion of material of said main body (11) is interposed between said support means (8) and said side portions in said transverse direction.

Drawing