Modular lighting apparatus

Abstract

 A modular lighting apparatus, comprising an inner module (2), which can be inserted in an outer module (3) having the function of supporting and protecting the inner module. The inner module comprises a frame (4) adapted to support a lighting device (5). The frame (4) has a base structure which is mechanically associated with the outer module (3) and a modular superstructure adapted to support different types of lighting device (5). The frame (4) comprises a base structure constituted by uprights (7) connected to a base plate (8).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular lighting apparatus.

[0002] Ground-level or floor-level flush-mount lighting devices are known which are constituted substantially by a metal casing that accommodates the light source and the necessary wiring.

[0003] US-6068384 discloses a lamp assembly for outdoor purpose including a housing, a lamp module and a potter power module. The housing is connected to the lamp module by means of a support ring positioned within the housing.

[0004] US2005/0286245 discloses an in-grade light fixture housing provided with a hydrological barrier plate for preventing water entry into the water sensitive compartments of the light housing.

[0005] US2003/0179571 discloses a height and azimuth adjustable container set, utilized for mounting and adjusting the height of the lighting fixture to be mounted upon it, particularly for use in airports.

[0006] Generally, ground-level flush-mount devices must combine illumination technology performance with mechanical performance.

[0007] Another characteristic that is required to flush-mount devices is a compact size. An important requirement is also easy installation and maintenance.

[0008] In order to meet the various installation requirements, it is also necessary to provide different types of light source, the dimensions and shapes thereof vary considerably according to the type.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to provide a flush-mount lighting apparatus with modular construction that is capable of meeting simultaneously the different and sometimes conflicting requirements of these products.

[0010] Within the scope of this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a lighting apparatus with a modular structure that allows to reduce the number of base components and offers great versatility in use.

[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide a lighting apparatus the installation of which is extremely easier and faster than traditional flush-mount devices.

[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide a reliable and safe lighting apparatus.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be produced easily starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials and is also competitive from a purely economic standpoint.

[0014] This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a modular lighting apparatus, comprising an inner module to be inserted in an outer module having the function of supporting and protecting said inner module, said inner module comprising a frame adapted to support a lighting device; said frame having a base structure which is mechanically associated with said outer module and a modular superstructure adapted to support different types of lighting device; characterized in that said frame comprises a base structure constituted by uprights connected to a base plate.

[0015] Further characteristics and advantages will become better apparent from the description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a modular lighting apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side longitudinally sectioned view of the lighting apparatus;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the inner module of the apparatus;

Figure 4 is an enlarged partial detail view, longitudinally sectioned, showing a fastening means;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the receptacle of a fastening means;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the pin of a fastening means.

[0016] With reference to the cited figures, the modular lighting apparatus according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises an inner module 2 to be inserted in an outer module 3, which has the function of supporting and protecting the inner module.

[0017] The inner module 2 comprises a frame 4 adapted to support a lighting device 5.

[0018] The lighting device 5 may be constituted by any source, optionally provided with a reflector 6, as in the illustrated example.

[0019] According to the present invention, the frame 4 is adapted to support different types of lighting device, simply by varying the configuration of the elements that constitute the frame, adapting them to the specific device to be installed.

[0020] The frame 4 in fact comprises a base structure constituted by uprights 7 joined to a base plate 8.

[0021] Depending on the type of lighting device 5 installed, the frame 4 may also comprise one or more horizontal plates 9 and an upper plate 10.

[0022] The number and dimensions of the uprights 7 and the number and shape of the horizontal plates 9 and of the upper plate 10 vary according to the type of lighting device to be applied to the frame.

[0023] The shape of the base structure remains unchanged and is constituted by the base plate 8 and by two uprights 7 that rest on the inner bottom of the outer module 3, within which the inner module 2 is inserted.

[0024] The inner module 2 is fastened to the bottom of the outer module 3 by means of removable fastening means.

[0025] The removable fastening means comprises pins 11 which are integral with the inner module 2 and are adapted to engage respective receptacles 12, which are integral with the bottom 13 of the outer module 3.

[0026] The receptacles 12 are constituted by metallic cylinders which are open upward and are provided with longitudinal notches 14, adapted to give a suitable elasticity to the cylindrical wall so as to accommodate the pin 11 and lock it with sufficient force.

[0027] The fastening means are essentially similar to the system generally used for mutually coupling a plug and a corresponding electrical socket.

[0028] The outer module 3 is substantially constituted by a cylindrical body provided with an upper opening 15, through which the inner module 2 can be inserted.

[0029] The upper opening 15 may be closed by a transparent cover, not shown in the figures, which ensures the necessary seal of the apparatus.

[0030] The bottom 13 of the outer module 2 has a grommet 16 through which the power supply cables, not shown in the figures, pass and can be connected to the connector 17 of the lighting device.

[0031] The installation of the apparatus 1, according to the present invention, is simple and quick.

[0032] After positioning the outer module 3 flush with the ground or other support member, the inner module 2 can be wired by connecting the power supply cables, that are present inside the outer module 3, to the connector 17 of the lighting device 5, associated with the inner module 2.

[0033] Afterwards, it is sufficient to insert the inner module 2 into the outer module 3, taking care to insert the pins 11 in the respective receptacles, with a pressure sufficient to lock the inner module.

[0034] The inner module 2 and the outer module 3 may be provided with visual or mechanical locators in order to facilitate the identification of the correct mutual position, in order to ensure the insertion of the pins in the respective receptacles.

[0035] Installation is completed by applying the cover to the outer module.

[0036] Any and every subsequent intervention for maintenance or repair, including the replacement of the lighting source, simply requires the opening of the cover and the removal of the inner module, pulling it just enough to overcome the elastic force of the receptacles on the respective pins, in a manner similar to the extraction of a plug from a socket.

[0037] The modular construction of the apparatus allows to apply lighting devices of various shapes and dimensions by modifying the arrangement of the superstructures of the supporting frame.

[0038] For example, if one wishes to use a lighting device that has larger dimensions, in a vertical direction, than the lighting device 5 visible in the illustrated example, it is sufficient to eliminate the horizontal plate 9 and apply the upper plate 10 at a lower position in order to obtain a greater volume available for the different lighting device.

[0039] The shape and dimensions of the plates and of the uprights may also vary according to the type of lighting device to be applied to the apparatus according to the present invention.

[0040] In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects, providing a lighting apparatus with modular structure that allows to provide products with different lighting technology characteristics despite maintaining unchanged the outer casing and the basic structure of the inner module.

[0041] By simply modifying the arrangement of the uprights and of the plates it is possible to fit, on the base structure, different types of lighting device, both in terms of light source and in terms of reflecting parabolas and other accessories.

[0042] The installation of the device and its maintenance are extremely simplified and quick with respect to flush-mount systems known up to now.

[0043] This application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. MI2010A001515, filed on August 6, 2010, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A modular lighting apparatus, comprising an inner module (2) to be inserted in an outer module (3) having the function of supporting and protecting said inner module (2), said inner module (2) comprising a frame (4) adapted to support a lighting device (5); said frame (4) having a base structure which is mechanically associated with said outer module (3) and a modular superstructure adapted to support different types of lighting device (5); characterized in that said frame (4) comprises a base structure constituted by uprights (7) connected to a base plate (8).

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that said frame (4) further comprises an upper plate (10).

3. The apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that said frame (4) further comprises an upper plate (10) and one or more horizontal plates (9).

4. The apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number and dimensions of said uprights (7) and the number and shape of said horizontal plates (9) and of said upper plate (10) vary according to the type of lighting device (5) to be applied to said frame (4).

5. The apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inner module (2) is fastened to the bottom of said outer module (3) by means of removable fastening means (11, 12).

6. The apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said removable fastening means are constituted by pins (11) which are integral with said inner module (2) and adapted to engage respective receptacles (12) which are integral with the bottom (13) of said outer module (3).

7. The apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said receptacles (12) are constituted by metallic cylinders which are open upwards and are provided with longitudinal notches (14) adapted to give elasticity to the cylindrical wall of the cylinder so as to accommodate a respective pin (11) and lock it with sufficient force.

8. The apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outer module (3) is constituted by a cylindrical body provided with an upper opening (15) through which said inner module (2) is inserted.

Drawing