A lighting system

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a lighting system (1) comprising a self-supporting structure (2) associated with light sources (3), characterized in that the self-supporting structure (2) comprises a composite plate (9) provided with openings (8) through which the light can pass, and having a layered structure with at least one layer (91) of plastics material included between two layers (92, 93) of ductile metal.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system comprising a self-supporting structure associated with light sources.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a lighting system which can be used in large areas. Such areas in fact require a predetermined amount of lighting which can be supplied by a large number of light sources such as, for example, incandescent lamps or halogen lamps, or by light sources constituted by long, tubular, neon lamps.

[0003] In these cases, the lighting systems therefore require a support structure which can adequately support the light sources with the respective electrical components such as transformers, starters, electronic supply units and the like, as well as corresponding support elements.

[0004] It is known that lighting systems comprising box-like self-supporting structures made of sheet-metal bent to form a base and corresponding walls are usually used for areas of the above-mentioned type.

[0005] The light sources, the electrical components, and the support elements such as those mentioned above are then associated with the base.

[0006] The material used to produce these box-like elements is usually steel or in any case a similar material having optimal stiffness so as adequately to support the light sources and the corresponding electrical components and support elements.

[0007] However, the structure just described has some disadvantages.

[0008] In the first place, the box-like elements described above are quite bulky and consequently occupy quite large amounts of space, particularly if they are suspended on a ceiling.

[0009] Moreover, these elements are also quite heavy, particularly if they are constructed for supporting large numbers of light sources or very large light sources such as tubular neon lamps. In fact, the box-like elements are generally made of sheet steel to achieve the necessary stiffness of the lighting system as a whole.

[0010] Although, on the one hand, steel has optimal stiffness properties, on the other hand, it is a heavy material.

[0011] In addition, the steel sheets have to be subjected to bending or welding operations to form the box-like elements.

[0012] There is consequently a need to provide a lighting system which is light, strong and, at the same time, of simple construction.

[0013] The problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of devising a lighting system which has structural and functional characteristics such as to satisfy the above-mentioned requirements and at the same time to overcome the disadvantages of lighting systems of the prior art.

[0014] This problem is solved by a lighting system as recited in the appended main claim.

[0015] Further characteristics and the advantages of the lighting system according to the present invention will become clear from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, provided by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a partial, exploded, axonometric view of a lighting system according to the invention,

Figure 2 is an axonometric view of the lighting system of Figure 1, assembled and from above,

Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the lighting system of Figure 1, assembled and from below,

Figure 4 is a partially-sectioned side view of the lighting system of Figure 1, assembled,

Figure 5 is an axonometric view of a variant of the lighting system of the invention, from above,

Figure 6 is an axonometric view of the lighting system of Figure 5, from below,

Figure 7 is a partially-sectioned side view of the lighting system of Figure 5.

[0016] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a lighting system according to the present invention is generally indicated 1.

[0017] The lighting system 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X-X and comprises a self-supporting structure 2, associated with light sources 3.

[0018] The lighting system 1 also comprises fixing means 4, for fixing it to a ceiling (not shown).

[0019] The fixing means 4 preferably comprise at least one fixing cable 41 associated with support elements 42 which in turn are fitted on the upper surface 21 of the self-supporting structure 2, which upper surface 21 faces the ceiling.

[0020] The support elements 42 are preferably fitted on the upper surface 21 by means of bolts 43 and corresponding nuts 44.

[0021] In particular, the fixing cable 41 is a steel cable of the type commonly used, for example, for suspending light fittings on a ceiling.

[0022] The support elements 42, of which only one is shown in Figure 1, are preferably substantially U-shaped.

[0023] The lighting system 1 also comprises a substantially U-shaped cover 5 which extends longitudinally along the axis X-X of the lighting system 1.

[0024] The cover 5 is positioned on the upper surface 21 of the self-supporting structure 2 of the lighting system 1, that is, on the surface facing the ceiling (not shown).

[0025] The cover 5 has the function of covering electrical components 6 which are positioned on the upper surface 21. The electrical components 6 are for controlling the operation of the light sources 3.

[0026] Moreover, these electrical components 6 are of known type and will not be described further herein. However, in this embodiment, these electrical components may be constituted, for example, by starters, shown schematically in broken outline in Figure 1.

[0027] The light sources 3 are represented by two tubular neon lamps, each associated with one of the two longitudinal side walls 51, 52 of the cover 5 which extend in the direction of the axis X-X of the lighting system 1.

[0028] Each of the ends 53 and 54 of the cover 5 is closed by a respective wall 55, 56, preferably of trapezoidal shape, arranged so as to be substantially perpendicular to the axis X-X, as shown in Figure 2.

[0029] In particular, these walls 55 and 56 extend so as also to cover the ends of the tubular neon lamps 3.

[0030] Baffles 7, positioned beneath the neon lamps 3, extend substantially perpendicularly from the two longitudinal side walls 51 and 52 of the cover 5. These baffles have the function of breaking up the direct light radiation emitted by the neon lamps 3, preventing a person looking towards the lighting system 1 from being dazzled.

[0031] As mentioned above, the lighting system comprises a self-supporting structure, indicated 2 in Figures 1 to 4.

[0032] The self-supporting structure 2 in turn comprises a substantially rectangular, composite plate 9 with curved shorter sides 95 and 96 (Figures 2 and 3).

[0033] Moreover, the composite plate 9 extends along the axis X-X of the lighting system 1 and has openings 8 through which the light radiated by the light sources 3 can pass. The openings 8 also extend in the direction of the axis X-X (Figures 1, 3 and 4).

[0034] The openings 8 are preferably formed below the neon lamps 3 to permit diffusion of the light directed towards the floor (not shown) of a room.

[0035] The composite plate 9 has a layered structure with at least one layer 91 of plastics material "sandwiched" between two layers 92 and 93 of ductile metal.

[0036] In particular, the layer 92 faces the ceiling and the layer 93 faces the floor.

[0037] Preferably, the plastics material of the composite plate 9 is constituted by PVC and the ductile metal is aluminium.

[0038] The thickness of the composite plate 9 may be between 3 mm and 5 mm, and is preferably 4 mm.

[0039] Each layer 92 and 93 of ductile metal may have a thickness of from 0.4 to 0.5 mm, and the layer 91 of plastics material may have a thickness of from 3.0 to 3.2 mm.

[0040] The composite plate 9 may also comprise at least one reflective surface 94, as shown in Figure 4.

[0041] In particular, the reflective surface 94 corresponds to the upper surface 21 of the self-supporting structure 2.

[0042] In other words, this reflective surface 94 corresponds to the free surface of the aluminium layer 92 of the composite plate 2.

[0043] The composite plate 9 preferably also comprises a painted or satin-finished surface 95 corresponding to the lower surface 22 of the self-supporting structure 2.

[0044] In other words, this painted or satin-finished surface 95 corresponds to the free surface of the aluminium layer 93 of the composite plate 2.

[0045] Moreover, the composite plate 2 advantageously comprises means 10 for directing the light emitted by the neon lamps 3.

[0046] In particular, the light-directing means 10 comprise reflective flanges positioned in the region of the openings 8 of the composite plate 2 so as to extend longitudinally substantially along the entire length of the openings 8.

[0047] The reflective flanges 10 are preferably formed integrally with the composite plate 2 by the cutting of portions of the composite plate 2 and subsequent bending along a weakened portion 11 formed by the removal of material by milling.

[0048] The reflective flanges 10 are bent towards the upper surface 21 of the composite plate 2 through an angle of less than 90° relative to the plane defined by the upper surface 21.

[0049] In particular, the reflective flanges 10 cooperate with the walls 55 and 56 positioned at the ends 53 and 54 of the cover 5 so as to surround the neon lamps 3, leaving them open towards the ceiling at the top.

[0050] It is now clear from the forgoing description, that the lighting system 1 according to the present invention is very advantageous when compared with the lighting systems of the prior art.

[0051] In the first place, the lighting system 1 is less bulky than the box-like elements of the prior art, by virtue of the particular arrangement of the self-supporting structure 2.

[0052] In fact, the self-supporting structure 2 is reduced to a very thin composite plate 9.

[0053] In the second place, the greater compactness of the lighting system 1 enables the light radiation to be utilized in an optimal manner by direct and indirect lighting.

[0054] In other words, as shown by Figure 3, some of the light emitted by the neon lamp 3 illuminates an area (not shown) directly downwards through the openings 10.

[0055] Moreover, as shown in Figure 2, by virtue of the fact that the neon lamps 3 are exposed towards the ceiling at the top, some of the light is radiated upwards and reflected downwards by the ceiling.

[0056] It is thus clear that a box-like lighting system does not ensure efficient lighting, particularly in large areas in which a large amount of light is required. In fact, the box-like structure prevents the radiation of light directed towards the ceiling, which is consequently substantially dark or at least in shadow.

[0057] In addition, by virtue of the particular composition of the composite plate 9, the lighting system 1 is very rigid and at the same time of very light weight.

[0058] In fact, the particular combination of a layer of plastics material "sandwiched" between two ductile metal layers is lighter, for a given thickness, than a steel plate, whilst still having optimal stiffness characteristics.

[0059] In addition, the composite plate used in the self-supporting structure 2 according to the present invention does not require special processing such as the bending of a steel plate by roll-forming to form the above-mentioned box-like elements.

[0060] The composite plate 9 of the self-supporting structure 2 can in fact easily be blanked or cut to the desired shapes by apparatus or tools of various types.

[0061] Moreover, the weakened portion 11 along which the bending of the reflective flanges 10 of the self-supporting structure 2 takes place can easily be formed with the use of milling machines, possibly even manual milling machines.

[0062] It is thus clear that the self-supporting structure 2 according to the present invention is much simpler than the structure of the sheet-metal box-like elements of the prior art.

[0063] In accordance with a variant of the invention, a lighting system 100 comprising a self-supporting structure 200 associated with light sources 300 is shown as a whole in Figures 5 to 7.

[0064] The lighting system 100 also comprises suspension means 400 for fixing it to a ceiling (not shown).

[0065] With reference to Figure 7, the suspension means comprise a support element 420, preferably of tubular shape and having an end (not shown) connected directly to a ceiling (not shown), in known manner, and an end 421 for engaging first ends 431 of support arms 430.

[0066] In particular, the support arms 430 have second ends 432 connected to the upper surface 221 of the self-supporting structure 200, that is, to the surface facing the ceiling, by means of screws 433 welded to the surface, in conventional manner.

[0067] As described by way of example above, the lighting system 100 of this variant also comprises a cover 500. In particular, the cover 500 is substantially cylindrical and is positioned on the upper surface 221 of the self-supporting structure 200.

[0068] In addition, the cover 500 has a hole 501 through which wires for supplying electrical energy to the neon lamps 300 from a power mains can extend. The cover 500 performs the same function as the cover 5 described above and will not therefore be described further.

[0069] The light sources 300 are represented by two circular, tubular neon lamps, positioned concentrically outside the cover 500. The circular, tubular neon lamps 300 are supported on the upper surface 221 of the self-supporting structure 200 by support means 301 widely known in the field.

[0070] The self-supporting structure 200 of the lighting system 100 is substantially circular and comprises a composite plate 900 of exactly the same structure as that described by way of example above. Common parts have the same reference numerals and will therefore not be described further herein.

[0071] In particular, the composite plate 900 has substantially circular openings 80 arranged in a ring between the two circular, tubular neon lamps 300.

[0072] The openings 80 may be closed by decorative elements 81, which are preferably in the form of hemispherical caps.

[0073] The advantage of this variant of the invention lies in the fact that, if, owing to particular requirements, more diffuse and less direct lighting is required, with the lighting system 100 just described, the light is radiated directly towards the ceiling and only some of the light is directed through the openings 80.

[0074] Many variations may be applied to the above-described lighting system.

[0075] For example, the lighting system may be fitted, as a wall-mounted fitting, on the face of a wall, by support means such as an L-shaped bracket having an arm fixed to the wall and an arm fixed to a composite plate, with the interposition of conventional connection means.

[0076] The fixing means 4 described above may be replaced by screws welded to the surface 21 of the self-supporting structure 2.

[0077] The light sources 3, 300 may be represented by incandescent, halogen, or dichroic lamps, or the like.

[0078] The openings 8, 80 may be formed with different shapes and can be formed very easily by virtue of the ease with which the composite plate 9, 900 can be processed and the decorative elements 81 may consequently also adopt different shapes and be of various colours, according to preference.

[0079] The shape of the self-supporting structure 2, 200 is not limited to that shown in the above-described embodiments of the present invention but may vary according to preference or particular requirements.

[0080] For example, the dimensions of the self-supporting structure may be such as to perform the function of light fittings for lighting rooms of normal dwellings.

[0081] As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the lighting system according to the invention satisfies the requirements mentioned in the introductory portion of the present description and at the same time overcomes the disadvantages of lighting systems of the prior art.

[0082] The present invention in fact takes the form of a compact, rigid, and light-weight lighting system and also enables optimal use to be made of the light radiation emitted by suitable light sources.

[0083] Naturally, in order to satisfy contingent and specific requirements, a person skilled in the art may apply to the above-described lighting system many modifications and variations, all of which, however, are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lighting system (1; 100) comprising a self-supporting structure (2; 200) associated with light sources (3; 300), characterized in that the self-supporting structure (2; 200) comprises a composite plate (9; 900) provided with openings (8; 80) through which the light can pass, and having a layered structure with at least one layer (91) of plastics material included between two layers (92, 93) of ductile metal.

2. A lighting system (1; 100) according to Claim 1 in which the composite plate (9; 900) comprises a layer (91) of PVC included between two layers (92, 93) of aluminium.

3. A lighting system (1; 100) according to Claim 2 in which the composite plate (9; 900) has a thickness of between 3 and 5 mm.

4. A lighting system (1; 100) according to Claim 3 in which the composite plate (9; 900) has a thickness of 4 mm.

5. A lighting system (1; 100) according to any one of Claims 2, 3 or 4, in which the PVC layer (91) is from 3.0 to 3.2 mm thick and each aluminium layer (92, 93) is from 0.4 to 0.5 mm thick.

6. A lighting system (1; 100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 in which the composite plate (9; 900) comprises at least one reflective surface (94).

7. A lighting system (1; 100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 in which the composite plate (9; 900) comprises a painted or satin-finished surface (95).

8. A lighting system (1; 100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 in which the light sources (3; 300) are associated with the upper surface (21; 221) of the self-supporting structure (2; 200), which upper surface (21; 221) faces towards the ceiling or a wall of a room.

9. A lighting system (1) according to Claim 8 in which the light sources (3) are positioned above the openings (8).

10. A lighting system (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 in which the composite plate (9) also comprises means (10) for directing the light emitted by the light sources (3).

11. A lighting system (1) according to Claim 10 in which the means (10) for directing the light emitted by the light sources (3) comprise reflective flanges (10) positioned in the region of the openings (8) of the composite plate (9).

12. A lighting system (1) according to Claim 11 in which the reflective flanges (10) are formed integrally with the composite plate (9).

13. A lighting system (1) according to Claim 12 in which the reflective flanges (10) are formed by punching of portions of the composite plate (9) and subsequent bending along a weakened portion (11) thereof.

14. A lighting system (1) according to Claim 11 in which the reflective flanges (10) of the composite plate (9) are bent towards the upper surface (21) of the self-supporting structure (2), through an angle of less than 90° relative to the plane defined by the upper surface (21).

15. A lighting system (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8 in which the Light sources (300) are provided with support elements (301) fixed directly to the composite plate (900) in the vicinity of its openings (80).

16. A lighting system (1; 100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 14 in which some of the light emitted by the light sources (3; 300) is radiated directly through the openings (8; 80) and some is reflected by a ceiling.

17. A lighting system (1; 100) according to Claim 16 in which the self-supporting structure (2; 200) is open at the top so as to permit free radiation from the light sources (3; 300) towards the ceiling.

18. A lighting system (1; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising fixing means (4; 400) for fixing to a ceiling.

Drawing