Flush-mounted lighting apparatus equipped with a number of light sources

Abstract

 A flush-mounted lighting apparatus (30, 130), equipped with a number of light sources (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122) comprises a body (4, 104) closed at one end and provided with a mouth (47, 147) for emission of the luminous flux, the body housing the light sources and being equipped with means for articulation of the light sources that envisage, for at least some of the light sources (20, 21, 120, 121, 122), a first bracket (2, 23, 102, 123, 110) hinged to the body (4, 104) so as to enable rotation of the corresponding light source about a substantially vertical axis, and a second bracket (3, 26, 103, 126, 111) fixed to the first bracket (2, 23, 102, 123, 110) so as to enable rotation of the corresponding light source about a substantially horizontal axis, all of which making it possible for at least some of the light sources to describe trajectories lying on a hemispherical surface to convey the flow of light emitted by the light sources towards the mouth (47, 147).

Description

[0001] The subject of the present invention is a flush-mounted lighting apparatus equipped with a plurality of light sources that can be oriented and manoeuvred from inside.

[0002] At present, orientable flush-mounted lighting apparatuses consist of either a single light source or a number of light sources, which, in fact, constitute mutually independent illuminating bodies.

[0003] In some orientable flush-mounted lighting systems, the light sources are directed, or positioned according to appropriate directions, exploiting mechanisms that are able to perform simultaneously or consecutively a rotation with respect to a vertical axis and a rotation with respect to a horizontal axis.

[0004] Usually rotation with respect to the vertical axis is achieved by causing a mobile ring, on which the support for the light source is fixed, to rotate by means of a load-bearing ring that is fixed to the false ceiling.

[0005] Rotation according to the horizontal axis, instead, may be achieved by hinging the support of the light source to the mobile ring in such a way that the axis of the hinge itself is at the same time perpendicular to and incident upon the vertical axis of rotation.

[0006] In some cases, rotation about the horizontal axis is achieved by means of a hinge, the axis of rotation of which is tangential to the mobile ring and perpendicular to the vertical axis. The system as just described enables the light compartment to emerge completely from the false ceiling.

[0007] In other orientable flush-mounted devices, instead, two rotations about horizontal axes, which are perpendicular to and incident upon one another, are achieved. In this case, in fact, the support of the light source is hinged to a first ring (or to an equivalent structure) in such a way that the axis of rotation generated by the hinges is radial and horizontal. Such a ring, to which the support of the light source is anchored, is in turn hinged to the load-bearing structure in such a way that the axis of rotation generated by the hinges is again radial and horizontal, as well as perpendicular to, the other axis of rotation.

[0008] In all the cases mentioned it is evident that each light source has a mechanism of its own in order for it to be oriented, but above all has an opening of its own from which the flow of light is emitted.

[0009] Also in the case where the flush-mounted element is equipped with a number of light sources, modular elements set alongside one another are used.

[0010] A purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide a flush-mounted lighting apparatus, equipped with a number of light sources, which enables convergence, in a single hole, of a number of luminous fluxes in such a way as to provide a concentrated or point-like illumination. In this way, it is possible to limit to the utmost the dazzle caused by the light sources (with an enormous advantage from the point of view of comfort) and to reduce the number of "light points" present in the premises to be illuminated.

[0011] These and other purposes are achieved by a flush-mounted lighting apparatus, equipped with a number of light sources, according to Claim 1, to which the reader is referred for reasons of brevity. Further characteristics of the invention are specified in the claims attached to the present patent application.

[0012] Further purposes and advantages of the present invention will emerge clearly from the ensuing description and from the annexed drawings, which are provided purely to give an explanatory and non-limiting example, and in which:

• Figure 1 represents a top view in which the main components of a flush-mounted lighting apparatus equipped with a number of light sources are shown, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 2 represents a view taken along the section II-II of Figure 1, of the lighting apparatus shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 3 represents a view taken along the section III-III of Figure 1, of the lighting apparatus shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 4 illustrates a detail of the attachment system of some of the light sources of the apparatus shown in the previous figures;
• Figure 5 illustrates a detail of the attachment system of one light source of the apparatus shown in Figures 1-3;
• Figure 6 represents a cross-sectional view according to a substantially vertical plane of a lighting apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 7 represents a cross-sectional view according to a vertical plane which is perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane of Figure 6 of the lighting apparatus shown in Figure 6;
• Figure 8 is a schematic top view of a possible configuration of the light sources of the apparatus shown in Figures 6 and 7; and
• Figure 9 is a schematic top view of a further possible configuration of the light sources in the apparatus shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0013] With particular reference to Figures 1-5, the flush-mounted lighting apparatus, equipped with a number of light sources, according to one first embodiment of the present invention is designated as a whole by the reference number 30.

[0014] The lighting apparatus 30 consists of a cylindrical body 4, closed at the top end, which constitutes the load-bearing structure of the lighting apparatus 30. In turn, the body 4 has a bottom reflecting element 1 provided with a mouth 47, from which the flow of light is emitted.

[0015] Inside the body 4 are housed, together with their corresponding systems of articulation, both a light source 22, in a practically central position, and two or more light sources in lateral positions, these latter light sources being designated by the reference numbers 20 and 21, as illustrated in Figures 1-3.

[0016] For each of the latter two light sources 20 and 21, the articulation system is represented by two lateral metal brackets.

[0017] In the case of the light source 20, the first side bracket 2 is hinged to the body 4 by means of an appropriate system which enables rotation of the light source 20 about the vertical axis, this rotation being achieved by using a turned element 5 threaded on the outside at one of its ends, namely the one that comes out of the body 4.

[0018] The second side bracket 3, instead, enables rotation of the light source 20 associated to it about a horizontal axis. The latter light source is constrained in such a way that it follows a trajectory according to the arc of a circle 24 obtained, by punching, on the first side bracket 2.

[0019] Likewise, the light source 21 is supported by a first side bracket 23 and by a second side bracket 26, which are altogether similar to the brackets 2 and 3 described previously.

[0020] The circular trajectories of the light sources 20 and 21 are consequently obtained by means of respective grooves 24 and 25, each of which being made on the respective second side bracket 3 and 26.

[0021] The first side bracket 2 (and 23) and the second side bracket 3 (and 26) are coupled together by means of a system made up of a sliding pad 7 made of a thermoplastic material (suitable for the operating temperatures involved and with good properties of ease of slip), a teflon blank 8, which has a friction function, a Belleville spring washer 27, the purpose of which is to recover the play, and a knurled turned element 9, which has the purpose of clamping the second side bracket 26 on the first side bracket 23 without any need for the installer to use particular tools.

[0022] The articulation system of the central light source 22 is also made up of two metal brackets. The first central bracket 10 is pivoted to the body 4 by means of the fulcrum 38, so enabling rotation about the vertical axis, whilst the second bracket 11 is pivoted on the first bracket 10, so enabling rotation about the horizontal axis.

[0023] The first side brackets 2 and 23, and the first central bracket 10 are pivoted on the body 4 using a turned element 5 having a hole and threaded on the outside of one of its ends, namely the end which comes out of the body 4.

[0024] The first side brackets 2 and 23, and the first central bracket 10 rotate about the vertical axis, identified by the axis of the turned element 5, in a way altogether independent from one another. This is possible since a teflon washer 12 is set between one bracket and the other, each one of the brackets being fixed to the turned element 5.

[0025] It is to be noted that, in order to maintain adequate friction and recover possible play, a Belleville spring washer 13 is used also in this case, the Belleville spring washer being placed between the outer surface of the body 4 and a nut 6.

[0026] The brackets are moreover designed in such a way as to prevent the light sources from interfering with one another, whilst an absolute detent 14 is obtained by means of an appendage made out of a sheet metal disk 40, also this disk being hinged together with the turned element 5 and being fixed to the latter.

[0027] The same sheet-metal disk 40 moreover enables clamping of the side brackets 2 and 23 in a given position by means of the action of screws 15.

[0028] The cables 33, gripped to the brackets by means of appropriate glands 17, come out through the central hole made in the turned element 5. In this way, both the interference between the cables 33 and the articulation brackets, and the mechanical stress of the cables 33 themselves are reduced to the minimum.

[0029] As regards assembly of the lighting apparatus 30, it should be noticed that, once the luminous fluxes have been directed on the desired objects, the dish 1 is inserted in the body 4, thanks to the presence of leaf springs 18, which, in addition to guaranteeing a good force of retention, enable the dish 1 to be easily released for removal.

[0030] A steel safety wire is also present, which keeps the dish anchored to the body in the case where the user fails to carry out installation of the product correctly.

[0031] Consequently, the present articulation system enables the light sources 20, 21 and 22 to describe trajectories lying on a hemispherical surface, so that a point-like or concentrated illumination is achieved. In this way, it is possible to convey the luminous fluxes emitted by the sources to the centre of the hemisphere in a radial direction, causing the said luminous fluxes to come out of the mouth 47 of the dish 1 appropriately.

[0032] Examining in greater detail the movements and the possible positionings of the light sources 10, 21 and 22, it may be noted in Figure 1 that the bracket 23 enables the light source 21 to move in the direction of the double-headed arrow H, whilst the bracket 2 enables the light source 20 to move in the direction of the double-headed arrow F.

[0033] The above movements may be combined with the movements allowed by the bracket 3 (or 26) along the arc-shaped groove 24 (or 25) which enables the light source 20 (or 21) to move in the direction of the double-headed arrow I.

[0034] The bracket 10, instead, enables the light source 22 to move in the direction of the double-headed arrow G. This movement can be combined with the one allowed by the bracket 11, which, thanks to the pin 38, can move in the direction of the double-headed arrow L.

[0035] It is thus possible to make a mouth 47 of the dish 1 of contained dimensions, but such as to guarantee passage of 100% of the luminous flux. The parasitic light in fact is absorbed both by the inside of the dish, which is painted black, and by a gasket 16 set between the outer edge of the body 4 and the dish.

[0036] An alternative articulation system which enables basically the same results to be obtained as for the lighting apparatus 30 previously described is achieved by the lighting apparatus shown in Figures 6-9 and designated, as a whole, by the reference number 130, which represents a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The lighting apparatus 130 is made up of a cylindrical body 104, closed at the top end, which constitutes the load-bearing structure of the lighting apparatus proper and which has a bottom reflecting element 101 provided with a mouth 147, from which the flow of light comes out.

[0038] In this case, three light sources 120, 121 and 122 are present, the articulation means of which consist, for each of the light sources 120, 121 and 122, of a first external bracket 102, 123, and 110, respectively, the said external bracket being hinged to the body 104 so as to enable rotation of the corresponding light source about a substantially vertical axis.

[0039] The external brackets 102, 123 and 110 are basically L-shaped, where the shorter arm of each of the external brackets 102, 123 and 110 is hinged to the body 104 by means of a coupling between a turned element 105 and a nut 106, which enables rotation of the corresponding light sources 120, 121, 122 about a substantially vertical axis in a way whereby they are altogether independent of one another.

[0040] This is possible in that a teflon washer 112 is set between one bracket and another, each of the teflon washers being fixed to the turned element 105.

[0041] For each of the light sources 120, 121, and 122, a second, internal, bracket 103, 126 and 111 is provided, each of the said brackets being connected, by means of a respective fulcrum 140, 141, and 142 to the respective external bracket 102, 123 and 110.

[0042] In greater detail, the internal brackets 103, 126 and 111 have a shape made up of three portions set at angles to one another, where one of the portions is hinged to the respective fulcrum 140, 141 and 142, and another portion supports the respective light source 120, 121, 122.

[0043] Each of the external brackets enables rotation of the lighting apparatus 130 about the vertical axis.

[0044] Some of these possible rotations are exemplified in Figures 8 and 9 and are indicated by the angles δ and ε.

[0045] It is clear that the fulcrums designated by 140, 141 and 142 present at the ends of the respective external and internal brackets enable rotation of the respective light sources about the horizontal axis incident upon the vertical axis.

[0046] Some of these possible rotations are exemplified in Figure 7 and are indicated by the angles α, β and γ.

[0047] In the embodiment described, in order to prevent any impact and interference between the pairs of arms, it is necessary to position absolute and relative limit stops consisting of small metal brackets provided with suitable bends. The position assumed by the articulation arms is guaranteed both by the presence of permanent teflon friction elements and by mechanical clamping systems.

[0048] The characteristics, as well as the advantages, of the flush-mounted lighting apparatus equipped with a number of light sources that forms the subject of the present invention emerge clearly from the foregoing description.

[0049] In particular, it is to be noted that an orientable flush-mounted lighting apparatus is provided, equipped with a number of light sources the luminous fluxes of which are emitted from the same opening.

[0050] Finally, it is clear that numerous variations may be made to the lighting apparatus which forms the subject of the present invention without thereby departing from the principles of novelty inherent in the inventive idea, and likewise it is clear that, in the practical implementation of the invention, the materials, shapes and sizes of the items illustrated may be any whatsoever according to the requirements, and the said items may be replaced with others that are technically equivalent.

Claims

1. A flush-mounted lighting apparatus (30, 130), equipped with a number of light sources (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122), comprising a body (4, 104) closed at the upper end and provided with a mouth (47, 147) for emission of the luminous flux, where inside the said body (4, 104) are housed the said light sources (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122), the said apparatus being characterized in that the means for articulation of the said light sources (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122) envisage, for at least some of the light sources (20, 21, 120, 121, 122), a first bracket (2, 23, 102, 123, 110) hinged to the said body (4, 104) so as to enable rotation of the corresponding light source about a substantially vertical axis, and a second bracket (3, 26, 103, 126, 111) fixed to the said first bracket (2, 23, 102, 123, 110) so as to enable rotation of the corresponding light source (20, 21, 120, 121, 122) about a substantially horizontal axis, all of which making it possible for at least some of the said light sources (20, 21, 120, 121, 122) to describe trajectories lying on a hemispherical surface to convey the luminous fluxes emitted by the light sources towards the aforesaid mouth (47, 147).

2. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 1, characterized in that the means of articulation of the said light sources (20, 21) comprise, for at least some of the said light sources (20, 21), a first side bracket (2, 23) hinged to the said body (4) so as to enable rotation of the corresponding light source about a substantially vertical axis, and a second side bracket (3, 26) constrained to follow a substantially arc-shaped trajectory on the said first side bracket (2, 23) so as to enable rotation of the corresponding light source (20, 21) about a substantially horizontal axis.

3. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 2, characterized in that it is provided with means of articulation for a central light source (22), which comprise a first central bracket (10) pivoted to the said body (4) to enable rotation of the said central light source (22) about a substantially vertical axis, and a second central bracket (11) pivoted to the said central bracket (10) to enable rotation of the said central light source (22) about a substantially horizontal axis.

4. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the said first side brackets (2, 23), as well as the said central bracket (10), are pivoted to the said body (4) by means of a coupling that enables the corresponding light sources (20, 21, 22) to be rotated about a substantially vertical axis in a way whereby they are altogether independent of one another.

5. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 4, characterized in that the said coupling is made between an element (5), which is turned and threaded externally at the end that comes out of the said body (4), and a nut (6).

6. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 5, characterized in that the said turned element (5) has an internal hole, through which cables (33) pass, the said cables (33) being gripped to the said first side brackets (2, 23) by means of glands (17).

7. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 5, characterized in that on the said turned element (5) and between each of the said first side brackets and central bracket (2, 23, 10) is set a teflon washer (12).

8. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 5, characterized in that, between the said body (4) and the nut (6) for coupling with the said turned element (5), a Belleville spring washer (13) is set, which is designed to maintain an adequate friction and to recover any possible play.

9. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 2, characterized in that each of the said second side brackets (3, 26) is constrained to describe a circular trajectory, each trajectory being obtained by punching and in such a way as to form a groove (24, 25) on the respective first side bracket (2, 23).

10. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 2, characterized in that each of the said second side brackets (3, 26) is coupled to the respective first side bracket (2, 23) by means of a thermoplastic sliding pad (7) coupled to a teflon element (8) and of a Belleville spring washer (27), all of which being adjustable and clampable in the desired position by a knurled turned element (9).

11. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 3, characterized in that the said first central bracket (10) is coupled to the said second central bracket (3, 26) by means of a teflon element (32) and a Belleville spring washer (31), all of which being adjustable and clampable in the desired position by means of a knurled turned element (9).

12. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 2, characterized in that it is provided with a sheet-metal disk (40), also hinged to the said turned element (5) and fixed to the latter, the said sheet-metal disk (40) having an appendage (14) performing the function of an absolute detent for at least the said first side brackets (2, 23).

13. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 12, characterized in that the said sheet-metal disk (40) enables clamping of the side brackets in a given position with the aid of screws (15).

14. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 12, characterized in that on the said body is inserted a reflecting dish (1) which has a hole for defining the said mouth (47), the dish being held in position by means of leaf springs (18), which, in addition to guaranteeing a good retention force, enable the dish (1) itself to be released easily for removal.

15. A lighting apparatus (30) as per Claim 14, characterized in that the inside of the dish (1) is painted black so as to absorb, in co-operation with a gasket (16) set between the outer edge of the body (4) and the dish (1), any parasitic light.

16. A lighting apparatus (130) as per Claim 1, characterized in that the means of articulation of the said light sources (120, 121, 122) comprise, for each of the said light sources (120, 121, 122), a first external bracket (102, 123, 110), hinged to the said body (104) so as to enable rotation of the corresponding light source (120, 121, 122) about a substantially vertical axis.

17. A lighting apparatus (130) as per Claim 16, characterized in that the said external brackets are substantially L-shaped, the shorter arm of each of the said external brackets (102, 123, 110) being hinged to the aforesaid body (104) by means of a coupling that enables rotation of the corresponding light sources (120, 121, 122) about a substantially vertical axis, in a way whereby they are completely independent of one another.

18. A lighting apparatus (130) as per Claim 16, characterized in that the means of articulation of the said light sources (120, 121, 122) comprise, for each of the said light sources (120, 121, 122), a second, internal, bracket (103, 126, 111), each bracket being connected, by means of a respective fulcrum (140, 141, 142), to the respective external bracket (102, 123, 110).

19. A lighting apparatus (130) as per Claim 18, characterized in that the said internal brackets (103, 126, 111) have a shape made up of three portions set at angles to one another, where one of the said portions is hinged to the respective fulcrum (140, 141, 142), and another portion supports the respective light source (120, 121, 122).

Drawing