EP3026191A1

EP3026191A1 - A tubular skylight

Info

Publication number: EP3026191A1
Application number: EP15196290.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kristian Nitzsch KRISTENSEN
Original assignee: VKR Holding AS
Current assignee: VKR Holding AS
Priority date: 2014-11-28
Filing date: 2015-11-25
Publication date: 2016-06-01

Abstract

A tubular skylight (100) comprising;
- a roof mounted element (200),
- a ceiling mounted element (300),
- a tube (400) having an internal surface (420), said tube connecting the roof mounted element (200) and the ceiling mounted element (300), and
- a diffuser element (340) mounted in the ceiling mounted element (300), wherein the tubular skylight (100) further comprises a first condensate collector (360'), said first condensate collector (360') having a first receptacle (361'), for storing condensate, and a first inlet (362') to said first receptacle 361'), and wherein the first inlet (362') is in communication with the internal surface (420) of the tube (400), for collecting condensate running down the internal surface (420) of the tube (400).

Description

The current invention relates to a tubular skylight comprising a roof mounted element, a ceiling mounted element, a tube having an internal surface and connecting the roof mounted element and the ceiling mounted element and a diffuser element mounted in the ceiling mounted element.

Description of related art

In WO 2005/068744 A1 a tubular skylight of the type mentioned above provides a passage through which light from outside a building can enter the inside of a building. It is thereby possible to provide natural light inside a room that has only internal walls.
The skylight of WO 2005/068744 A1 includes a mounting collar and an exterior dome is attached to the mounting collar. The mounting collar is positioned exterior to the building, upon the building roof, and flashing between the collar and the roof weatherproofs the skylight with respect to the building.
The mounting collar may include a condensation collection gutter for collection of condensate that may form upon the exterior dome, as well as drain holes from the gutter to the exterior of the skylight for expelling the collected condensate to the exterior of the building.
The tube is inserted into the mounting collar and extends downwards to a ceiling mounted lower adaptor box.
It is a problem that the tube effectively acts as a thermal bridge not only between the inside and outside of the building but also between the inside and outside of the tube. The tube has a thermal mass and may therefore not react to changes in temperature as quickly as the air in the vicinity of the tube surfaces. This leads to temperature differences between the surface of the tube and the air in the vicinity of the tube. When the surface temperature of the tube is less than the dewpoint of the air, condensation starts to form on the surface of the tube. If the tube remains colder than the dewpoint condensation will continue and over time droplets will form. These droplets run down the surface of the tube and onto the diffuser element or into the ceiling structure.
This is a problem as the diffuser element would require regular cleaning or even worse, the ceiling structure will become moist and provide the right conditions for growth of fungi.
An object of the present invention is to prevent the above problem.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention, this is achieved by a tubular skylight comprising;

a roof mounted element,
a ceiling mounted element,
a tube having an internal surface, said tube connecting the roof mounted element and the ceiling mounted element, and
a diffuser element mounted in the ceiling mounted element,

It is herewith achieved that condensate on the internal surface of the tube is collected. Condensate is thereby prevented from entering the diffuser element or the ceiling structure.
The roof mounted element comprises a roof adapter and a window pane. The roof adapter is mounted in the roof of a building and serves to secure the window pane and one end of the tube in position.
The ceiling mounted element comprises a ceiling ring to be mounted in the ceiling structure of the building. The ceiling ring is an adapter in which the diffuser element and the other end of the tube is installed and securely held in position.
The tube is positioned between the roof mounted element and the ceiling mounted element. The internal surface of the tube could preferably be made of a reflective material.
The diffuser element serves to diffuse the light entering the room from the tubular skylight. Moreover, it prevents persons staying in the room from looking into the internal structure of the tubular skylight. The diffuser element comprises a window pane that is made of a translucent material. The diffuser element could be removably attached to the ceiling ring.
Light enters the tubular skylight through the roof mounted element and travels through the tube to the diffuser where it exits the tubular skylight.
The first condensate collector comprises a first receptacle with a first inlet.
The first receptacle is a reservoir configured for storing condensate until it is removed either by evaporation or drainage of the first receptacle.
The first inlet is in communication with the internal surface of the tube, such that condensate running down said internal surface enters the first receptacle through the inlet. The tube could terminate above or below the first inlet. In the first case the condensate will be dripping off the end of the tube into the first inlet and finally being collected in the first receptacle. In the latter case the condensate will be collected directly in the first receptacle.
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that the tube has an external surface and that the tubular skylight further comprises a second condensate collector, said second condensate collector having a second receptacle, for storing condensate, and a second inlet to said second receptacle, wherein the second inlet is in communication with the external surface of the tube, for collecting condensate running down the external surface of the tube.
It is herewith achieved that condensate on the external surface of the tube is collected before it enters the diffuser or ceiling structure.
The second condensate collector comprises a second receptacle with a second inlet.
The second receptacle is a reservoir configured for storing condensate until it is removed either by evaporation or drainage of the second receptacle.
The second inlet is in communication with the internal surface of the tube, such that condensate running down said internal surface enters the second receptacle through the second inlet. The tube could terminate above or below the second inlet. In the first case the condensate will be dripping off the end of the tube into the second inlet and finally being collected in the second receptacle. In the latter case the condensate will be collected directly in the second receptacle.
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that the first and second inlets are the same.
It is herewith achieved that condensate form the internal and external surface of the tube is collected through the same inlet.
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that the first and second receptacles are fluidly connected.
It is herewith achieved that the capacity for collecting condensate is maximized because the combined volume of the first and second receptacles can be utilized for storing condensate. This is an advantage when more condensate builds up on one side of the tube than on the other.
In an embodiment the first and second receptacles could be one element such that the volumes are coinciding and condensate from both the internal and external side of the tube is collected in one receptacle.
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that the first and/or second condensate collector is a groove with an upper end closer to the roof mounted element and a lower end closer to the ceiling mounted element, wherein the first and/or second inlet is arranged at the upper end.
A groove is a particularly uncomplicated way of constructing the condensate collectors and has numerous advantages. First of all, the inlets are less susceptible of being completely blocked. Secondly, a groove can be devised such that it is nearly invisible through the diffuser. Thirdly, the capacity of each condensate collector is easy to adapt to a given installation by proper dimensioning of the depth, width and shape of the groove. Therefore the skilled person has many parameters to choose from to integrate the groove into the construction.
In an embodiment a groove forming the first and/or second condensate collector is established in a separate element that is inserted in the tubular skylight.
It is herewith achieved that a condensate collector may be installed in existing tubular skylights.
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that the groove has a tapered cross section such that its upper end has a greater surface area than its lower end.
It is herewith achieved that the condensate more easily enters a condensate collector.
Moreover, it is achieved that the surface area of the condensate collected in a condensate collector is increasing as the condensate level increases. Therefore the rate of evaporation increases as the surface area increases.
In embodiments where the tube terminates below the inlet there is a further advantage being that it is easier to position the tube as it will easier catch the widened inlet.
In an embodiment the tube is in direct contact with the side surface/surfaces of the inlet/receptacle. In this embodiment the inlet/receptacle has the further purpose of locating and securing the position of one end of the tube.
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that groove is formed with a substantially U-shaped cross section, V-shaped cross section, polygonal cross section or a combination of the aforementioned cross sections.
It is herewith achieved that the skilled person has a number of different shapes to choose from.
The U-shape is advantageous as it is easy to clean at the bottom.
The V-shape is advantageous as it tapers and thereby makes it easier for the condensate to enter the inlet.
The polygonal cross section is advantageous when it is necessary to integrate a condensate collector with the largest possible capacity into a given structure.
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that the tube extends into the first and/or second inlet.
It is herewith achieved that the condensate enters through the inlet of the respective condensate collector, while the condensate is still attached to the surface of the tube. The condensate is therefore less likely to end up outside the condensate collector.
In an embodiment of the tubular skylight the tube extends into the receptacle of the respective condensate collector.
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that the condensate collector is annular.
It is herewith achieved that the inlet to the condensate collector covers the entire periphery of the tube.
The first condensate collector could be annular.
The second condensate collector could be annular.
According to a further embodiment, the tubular skylight according to the invention is peculiar in that the condensate collector comprise a drain, for removing condensate from the condensate collector.
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that the first and/or second condensate collector comprises a drain, for removing condensate from the first and/or second condensate collector.
It is herewith achieved that excess condensate may be removed from the respective condensate collector(s).
This is an advantage in environments where the rate of condensate production exceeds the rate of condensate evaporation for extended periods. Otherwise the capacity of the receptacle is exceeded and condensate could reach the diffuser element or the ceiling structure.
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that the drain comprise a drain pipe having a drain inlet at one end and a drain outlet at its other end, said drain inlet is located at the lower end of the groove and said a drain outlet is in communication with a drain discharge.
It is herewith achieved that all condensate can be picked up and removed. The discharge can be connected to a pump or an evaporator.
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that the tubular skylight further comprise a vapour barrier, wherein the vapour barrier is connected to the external surface of the tube and to the ceiling structure, and wherein the drain pipe is arranged such that it extends through the vapour barrier to the discharge.
It is herewith achieved that the condensate is removed from the interior of the tube, so that it will not add to the moisture content in the air inside the tube when it evaporates from the respective condensate collector(s).
An embodiment of the tubular skylight according to the invention is further distinguished in that the first and/or second condensate collector is formed in the ceiling mounted element.
It is herewith achieved that the first and/or second condensate collector is integrated into the tubular skylight. If the ceiling mounted element is manufactured by injection moulding, there are no additional steps required to form the first and/or second condensate collector as soon as it is integrated into the mould.
It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/comprised of" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, where:

Fig. 1: schematically illustrates a tubular skylight according to invention,
fig. 2: shows a three dimensional view of the tubular skylight of fig. 1,
fig. 3: shows an exploded view of the tubular skylight of fig. 1,
fig. 4: shows a ceiling ring,
fig. 5: shows a diffuser element,
fig. 6: shows an exploded view of the diffuser element of fig. 5,
fig. 7: shows a top view of the ceiling ring,
fig. 8: shows an accessory suitable for mounting in the tubular skylight of fig. 1,
fig. 9: shows an exploded view of the accessory of fig. 7,
fig. 10: is a section view of the tubular skylight near the ceiling mounted element,
fig. 11: shows detail A of fig. 10,
fig. 12: shows detail B of fig. 11,
fig. 13: shows a view located at detail A of fig. 10 in a second embodiment of the invention,
fig. 14: shows a view located at detail A of fig. 10 in a third embodiment of the invention,
fig. 15: shows a schematic view of the accessory in an embodiment installed in the ceiling mounted element or the tube,
fig. 16: shows a schematic view of the accessory in an embodiment having a removal means,
fig. 17: shows a side view of a second embodiment of the diffuser element, and
fig. 18: shows a side view of a third embodiment of the diffuser element.

It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are used for example purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments

In the explanation of the figures, identical or corresponding elements will be provided with the same reference numerals in different figures. Therefore, no explanation of all details will be given in connection with each single figure/embodiment.
Fig. 1 illustrates a tubular skylight 100. The tubular skylight 100 comprises a roof mounted element 200, a ceiling mounted element 300 and a tube 400 connecting the roof mounted element 200 and the ceiling mounted element 300.
The roof mounted element 200 is attached to the roof structure 10 of a building and the ceiling mounted element 300 is attached to the ceiling structure 20 of a room (not shown) in the building in which the tubular skylight 100 is installed. The skilled person will be able to choose among many methods of connecting the individual elements and the respective structure.
Light enters the tubular skylight 100 through the roof mounted element 200 through a window pane (not shown). The light continues through the tube 400 and exits the tubular skylight 100 through the ceiling mounted element 300 that is equipped with a diffuser element 340, see fig. 2, 3, 5 and 6. Hereafter the light enters the room below the ceiling 20.
The building vapour barrier in the ceiling structure is penetrated by the tubular skylight 100. In order to retain the vapour barrier effect a vapour barrier 30 is attached to the tube 400 and to the building vapour barrier such that the vapour barrier remains unbroken even after the installation of the tubular skylight 100.
In the embodiment shown the vapour barrier 30 is also attached to the ceiling mounted element 300.
In alternative embodiments (not shown) the vapour barrier 30 may be attached only to the ceiling mounted element 300 or only to the tube 400.
The vapour barrier 30 may be completely or partly covered with a layer of insulating material 40.
Fig. 2 and 3 shows the tubular skylight 100 of fig. 1 in a three dimensional view and an exploded view, respectively. More specifically, fig. 2 and 3 shows the tube 400 and the ceiling mounted element 300 with its main constituents.
The ceiling mounted element 300 comprises a ceiling ring 320 and a diffuser element 340.
In the embodiment shown the ceiling mounted element further comprises an accessory 500.
The ceiling ring 320 is attached to the ceiling structure 20. The tube 400 is positioned such that it is coaxial with the ceiling ring 320. The tube 400 is secured to the ceiling ring 320 by a press fit into a recess in the ceiling ring 320.
Alternatively, suitable attachment means may be, for example; screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, hose clamps, snap hooks, wedges or a wedge ring etc.
The diffuser element 340 is removably attached to the ceiling ring 320. The diffuser element 340 serves to diffuse the light entering the room from the tubular skylight 100.
In the present embodiment the accessory 500 is installed in the ceiling mounted element 300, more specifically the ceiling ring 320, see fig. 10.
For example the accessory 500 may be;

a thermal insulator, for decreasing the U-value of the tubular skylight 100,
a filter, for affecting the properties of the light entering the diffuser element 340,
a lamp, for providing light when it is dark outside the building or for adding to the light entering through the tubular skylight 100, or
any other type of accessory suitable for use in a tubular skylight 100.

Fig. 4 shows a ceiling ring 320 and fig. 5 shows a diffuser element 340 that is removably attachable to the ceiling ring 320.
Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of the diffuser element 340 of fig. 5.
The diffuser element 340 comprises a first diffuser pane 341 and a second diffuser pane 345.
The first diffuser pane 341 comprises a bottom portion 342 and a sidewall portion 343.
In the embodiment shown, the bottom portion 342 is planar, i.e. the width-to-height ratio is infinite.
In alternative embodiments the bottom portion could be curved with a width-to-height ratio as low as 6.
The bottom portion 342 is translucent
The sidewall portion 343 and the bottom portion 342 adjoin along a transition line 347, see fig. 11.
The sidewall portion 343 is substantially parallel with the central axis 348 through the diffuser, see fig. 10.
The sidewall portion 343 has a light path zone 346. The light path zone 346 is more translucent than the bottom portion 342.
In an embodiment the entire sidewall portion 343 is transparent.
The translucency is not illustrated on the figures.
To provide enhanced light outside the bottom portion 342, the light path zone 346 in the current embodiment may be clear or transparent. In other embodiments, the light path zone 346 may be engraved, or the light path zone 346 may have engraved dots or lines, or the diffuser material may, in the light path zone 346, contain light refractive or diffusing particles.
The second diffuser pane 345 is mounted on top of the first diffuser pane 341. In the embodiment shown, the sidewall portion 343 doubles as a spacer element. The spacer element provides a distance between the first diffuser pane 341 and the second diffuser pane 345. Thus, a closed air space is provided between the first and second diffuser pane 341, 345.
A ledge 349 is protruding from the sidewall portion 343. The ledge 349 is located above the light path zone 346, so that it does not obstruct the light coming through the light path zone 346.
The sidewall portion 343 and the ledge 349 form a circular step at the periphery of the diffuser bottom portion 342.
In the embodiment shown the diffuser element 340 is circular. An external thread 350 is formed on the sidewall portion 343. The thread 350 is positioned above the ledge 349. A cooperating internal thread 308 is formed in the ceiling ring 320, see fig 4.
In one example the diffuser sidewall portion 343, the bottom portion 342, the light path zone 346 and the ledge 349 and the thread 350 is translucent. However, this does not exclude other opaque components.
The diffuser element 340 can be installed into the ceiling ring 320 by aligning the threads 308, 350 and turning the diffuser element 340 clockwise or counter clockwise dependent on the properties of the threads 308, 350.
The diffuser element is further detailed in fig. 11.
Fig. 7 shows a top view of the ceiling mounted element 300.
The ceiling mounted element 300 comprises a ceiling ring 320 in which the diffuser element 340 is installed, see fig. 2 and 3.
The ceiling mounted element 300 has a bore and the tube 400 has a bore, see fig. 11. The ceiling mounted element 300 has the smaller bore of the two therefore the first inscribed diameter 302 in the present embodiment is located where the bore of the ceiling mounted element 300 is smallest.
A shelf 304 is arranged in the ceiling mounted element for supporting the accessory 500 when it is installed in the tubular skylight 100, see fig. 3.
The shelf 304 has a support surface 305. The maximum area available for the support surface 305 is bounded by the first inscribed diameter 302 and the second inscribed diameter 306. In the embodiment shown the second inscribed diameter 306 has a maximum value equal to the inner diameter of the tube 400.
The first inscribed diameter 302 and the second inscribed diameter 306 is also shown in fig. 11.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 7 the support surface 305 terminates before the tube 400 leaving a free space available for the first condensate collector 360'.
Fig. 8 shows an accessory 500 suitable for mounting in the tubular skylight 100 of fig. 1. Fig. 9 shows an exploded view of the accessory 500 of fig. 8.
In the embodiment shown, the accessory 500 comprises a first element 520 a holding means 540 and an additional element 580. In the embodiment shown each of the first element 520 and the additional element 580 is a rigid disc shaped element.
Alternatively the fist element 520 and/or the additional element 580 could be a ring.
The holding means 540 comprise a resilient element 542 in the form of a flange protruding from the periphery of the accessory 500.
The holding means 540 comprises a first retaining means 544 that retains the first element 520 and an additional retaining means 546 that retains the additional element 546 upon insertion of said first and additional elements 520, 580 into the holding means 540. The first element 520 and the additional element 546 is separated by an interspace. See fig. 11 for more details.
Fig. 10 is a section view of the tubular skylight 100 near the ceiling mounted element, fig. 11 shows detail A of fig. 10 and fig. 12 shows detail B of fig. 11.
Condensate develops on the internal surface 420 of the tube 400 when the internal surface 420 has a temperature below the dew point of the air inside the tube 400. The condensate may eventually form droplets that run down the internal surface 420 of the tube 400.
The tubular skylight 100 comprises a first condensate collector 360' for collecting the condensate running down the internal surface 420 of the tube 400 and a second condensate collector 360" for collecting condensate running down the external surface 440 of the tube 400.
The first condensate collector 360' has a first receptacle 361' for storing condensate and a first inlet 362' to said the first receptacle 361'. Said first inlet 362' is in communication with the internal surface 420 of the tube 400, so that condensate running down the internal surface 420 of the tube is collected by the first condensate collector 360'.
The first inlet 362' is located in a position upstream of the diffuser element 340 such that the condensate running down the internal surface 420 of the tube 400 enters the first condensate collector 360' before it enters the diffuser element 340.
The second condensate collector 360" comprises a second receptacle 361" for storing condensate and a second inlet 362" to said second receptacle 361 ". Said second inlet 362" is in communication with the external surface 440 of the tube 400. Therefore condensate running down the external surface 440 of the tube 400 is collected in the second condensate collector 360".
Condensate running down the external surface 440 of the tube is therefore prevented from entering the diffuser element 340 or entering the ceiling structure.
The first and second condensate collector 360', 360" is established by a groove 364 formed in the ceiling ring 320. The tube 400 extends into the groove 364 and divides the groove 364 into two separate elements constituting the first and second condensate collector 360', 360"
The groove 364 has an upper end 366 in a higher position closer to the roof mounted element 200 than its lower end 368 that is in a lower position closer to the ceiling mounted element 300.
From fig. 12 it appears that the first and second inlets 362', 362" to the first and second condensate collectors 360', 360", respectively, are located at the upper end 366 of the groove 364.
The groove 364 has a tapered cross section. The upper end 366 is wider than the lower end 368 and therefore has a greater surface area.
The groove 364 is formed with a combination of a polygonal and substantially V-shaped cross section. One leg of the V is longer than the other, namely the leg that, together with the tube, forms the second condensate collector 360".
In alternative embodiments the cross section may be U-shaped (not shown).
In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, 10 and 11 the groove 364 is closed at its lower end 368. Therefore the groove 364 forms a reservoir for condensate. The condensate collected in each condensate collector 360', 360" will evaporate when the temperature and moisture conditions in the environment in the vicinity of the tubular skylight 100 so allows. Therefore the level of condensate in the condensate collectors 360', 360" will vary over time.
Based on the environment that the tubular skylight 100 will be subject to, the skilled person will be able to size the groove 364 and the respective condensate collectors 360', 360", such that it will be capable to hold the necessary amount of condensate.
The tube 400 extends into the groove 364. The tube 400 is supported on the bottom of the groove 364. The tube end does not seal tightly against the bottom of the groove 364. Therefore the first and second receptacle 361', 361" are fluidly connected. The condensate level in each receptacle 361', 361" is therefore substantially even.
The groove 364 is an annular groove that is formed in the ceiling mounted element 300, more specifically in the ceiling ring 320, see fig. 7.
In the embodiment shown the accessory 500 is installed in the ceiling mounted element 300.
The ceiling mounted element 300 comprises a shelf 304. The shelf 304 has a support surface 305, see fig. 7. The accessory 500 is resting on the support surface 305.
The support surface 305 is bounded on one side by the first inscribed diameter 302. The support surface 305 terminates before the tube 400 leaving a free space available for the first condensate collector 360', more specifically the first inlet 362', see fig. 12.
The flange of the resilient element 542 is protruding from the holding means 540 in its relaxed state. The circumscribed diameter 502 of the accessory 500 including the resilient element 542 is larger than the first inscribed diameter 302. Therefore the resilient element 542 in its relaxed state overlaps the support surface 305, such that accessory is supported on the shelf 304.
During insertion of the accessory 500 into the ceiling mounted element 300 the resilient element 542 is compressed as is passes through the ceiling ring 320 because the ceiling ring 320 has a first inscribed diameter 302 that is smaller than the circumscribed diameter 502 of the accessory 500. As the accessory 500 is inserted further the resilient element 542 becomes free of the ceiling ring 320. The resilient element 542 expands to its larger relaxed state. The accessory can then be lowered until it rests on the shelf 304.
The first and additional retaining means 544, 546 each comprises two flanges that grip the respective first and additional elements 520, 546.
The holding means 540 is annular.
Alternatively the holding means 540 could comprise a plurality of discrete protrusions that protrude radially at the periphery of the holding means 540.
In fig. 10, 11 and 12, the diffuser element 340 is installed into the ceiling ring 320.
The diameter of the sidewall 343 substantially matches the diameter of the tube 400.
A light passage from the light path zone 346 to the room is provided in the form of a free space 344 adjacent the light path zone 346. The free space 346 is outlined by the sidewall portion 343, the ledge 349 and the ceiling ring 320.
In one example the outline of the free space 344 in a plane extending radially from the central axis 348 is substantially square, rectangular or having a polygonal shape. In one other example the outline of the free space 344 in a plane extending radially from the central axis 348 is substantially square and has a height which corresponds to the height of the sidewall light path zone 346.
A reflector 390 is integrated into the ceiling ring 320. The reflector 390 has a reflective surface 392 facing the light path zone 346 at an acute angle in relation to the central axis 348, see fig. 10. Part of the light rays exiting the light path zone 346 strikes the reflective surface 392 of the reflector 390 and is directed towards the room.
The reflector 390 may for example have a white reflective surface 392 which provides good reflection properties.
In embodiments with a reflector 390, the free space 344 is outlined by the sidewall portion 343, the ledge 349, the reflector 390 and in some cases also the ceiling ring 320. The leg of the outline defined by the reflector 390 will have an acute angle in relation to the central axis 348, see fig. 10.
In fig. 11 it can be seen how the ledge 349 covers and thereby hides the installation accessories 370.
Installation accessories 370 may be for example; a fastener clamp as shown operated by a fastener or it may be a hole with a screw secured into the ceiling.
The ledge 349 functions similar to a trim ring. The ledge 349 forms a ring extending radially from the side wall portion 343 across the installation accessory 370 to the ceiling ring reflector 390. The ledge 349 thereby extends substantially across the free space 344.
The second diffuser pane 345 is equipped with a seal 351 that seals against a sealing surface on the ceiling ring 320 when the diffuser element 300 is fully inserted into the ceiling ring 320.
In one example the free space 344 allows access for a user to grasp the diffuser element at the light path zone 346, where after the diffuser element 340 can easily be installed and also later removed with fingers by the end user. Preferably, this is enabled by fastening means where rotation secures the diffuser element 340, such as a thread or matching teeth and slots. Easy removal and installation of the diffuser element 340 enables the end user to clean or upgrade the product with additional accessories 500, for example a light filter or a lamp.
The general shape of the bottom portion 342 and sidewall portion 343 and the ledge 349 of the current embodiment enables the diffuser element 340 to be unitary and injection moulded.
In one alternative, the bottom portion 342 and the ledge 349 may be in the same plane (not illustrated). In this alternative the light path zone 346 would be above the ledge 349.
Fig. 13 shows detail A of fig. 10 in a second embodiment of the invention where the first and second condensate collectors 360', 360" comprise a drain 380 for removing condensate from the condensate collectors 360', 360".
The drain 380 comprises a drain pipe 384. The drain pipe 384 extends into the groove 364 at one end and through the vapour barrier 30 at the other end. The drain pipe 384 has a drain inlet 382 at the lower end 368 of the groove 364 and a drain outlet 386 on outside the vapour barrier 30.
The drain outlet 386 is in communication with a discharge. In the embodiment shown the condensate is discharged through evaporation to the surroundings.
In alternative embodiments the discharge is a pump or a heated evaporator.
As the first and second condensate collectors 360', 360" are fluidly connected the drain pipe 384 will remove condensate from both condensate collectors 360', 360".
In alternative embodiments where the first and second condensate collectors 360', 360" are separated two drain pipes may be required.
The ceiling ring 320 has an attachment collar 321 for the vapour barrier 30. The attachment collar 321 is composed by the exterior wall of the second condensate collector 360". The exterior wall of the second condensate collector 360" is spaced from the installation accessory 370. So there is a recess between the installation accessory 370 and the exterior wall forming the attachment collar 321 where the vapour barrier 30 is inserted and fixed.
The vapour barrier 30 may also be fixed to the tube 400. In one example the vapour barrier 30 cross section is T or Y shaped so that one portion can be fixed to the tube 400 and another portion can be fixed to the attachment collar 321 and the third portion can extend across the ceiling 20.
With this arrangement the attachment of the vapour barrier 30 to the ceiling mounted element 300 can be performed in an easy manner. The attachment collar 321 is very accessible because it can be arranged such that no other component is obstructing the direct access to it. Moreover, the height of the attachment collar 321 can be increased to further improve the accessibility. In addition, in cases with a large ceiling thickness, large installation accessories are needed. By separating the installation accessories and the attachment collar by a recess, it is not necessary to extend the attachment collar up past the end of the installation accessories. In this way, a material reduction for the manufacture of the ceiling ring can be achieved.
Fig. 14 shows detail A of fig. 10 in a third embodiment of the invention.
In this embodiment the tube 400 terminates above the first and second condensate collector 360', 360". The first and second inlets 362', 362" are the same.
Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of the accessory 500 in an embodiment installed in the ceiling mounted element 300 or the tube 400.
The holding means 540 has a resilient element 542. When inserted into the ceiling mounted element 300 or the tube 400 the resilient element 542 is deformed and therefore applies a normal force on the inner surface of the bore of the ceiling mounted element 300 or the tube 400. The accessory 540 is thereby retained via friction between the resilient element 542 and the ceiling mounted element 300 or the tube 400 respectively.
Fig. 16 shows a schematic view of the accessory 500 in an embodiment having removal means 560 in the form of handles.
When it is required to remove the accessory 500 a user can grip the handles and pull the accessory from the ceiling mounted element 300 or the tube 400.
Fig. 17 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the diffuser element 340. In this embodiment the sidewall portion 343 is inclined 25° in relation to the central axis 348.
Fig. 18 shows a side view of a third embodiment of the diffuser element 340. In this embodiment the sidewall portion 343 is inclined -10° in relation to the central axis 348.
It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown the example embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Specific mechanical details have in many cases not been shown since the person skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would just unnecessarily complicate this description.

Claims

A tubular skylight (100) comprising;
- a roof mounted element (200),

- a ceiling mounted element (300),

- a tube (400) having an internal surface (420), said tube connecting the roof mounted element (200) and the ceiling mounted element (300),

- a diffuser element (340) mounted in the ceiling mounted element (300), and

- a first condensate collector (360'), said first condensate collector (360') having a first receptacle (361'), for storing condensate, and a first inlet (362') to said first receptacle 361'), characterized in that the first inlet (362') is in communication with the internal surface (420) of the tube (400), for collecting condensate running down the internal surface (420) of the tube (400).
A tubular skylight (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tube (400) has an external surface (440) and that the tubular skylight (100) further comprises a second condensate collector (360"), said second condensate collector (360") having a second receptacle (361"), for storing condensate, and a second inlet (362") to said second receptacle (361 "), wherein the second inlet (362") is in communication with the external surface (440) of the tube (400), for collecting condensate running down the external surface of the tube (440).
A tubular skylight (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and second receptacles (361', 361") are fluidly connected.
A tubular skylight (100) according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the first and/or second condensate collector (360', 360") is a groove (364) with an upper end (366) closer to the roof mounted element (200) and a lower end (368) closer to the ceiling mounted element (300), wherein the first and/or second inlet (362', 362") is arranged at the upper end (366).
A tubular skylight (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the groove (364', 364") has a tapered cross section such that its upper end (366', 366") has a greater surface area than its lower end (368',368").
A tubular skylight (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the groove (364', 364") is formed with a substantially U-shaped cross section, V-shaped cross section, polygonal cross section or a combination of the aforementioned cross sections.
A tubular skylight (100) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the tube (400) extends into the first and/or second inlet (362', 362").
A tubular skylight (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or second condensate collector (360', 360") is annular.
A tubular skylight (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or second condensate collector (360', 360") comprises a drain (380), for removing condensate from the first and/or second condensate collector (360', 360").
A tubular skylight (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the drain (380') comprise a drain pipe (384) having a drain inlet (382) at one end and a drain outlet (386) at its other end, said drain inlet (382) is located at the lower end (368) of the groove (364) and said a drain outlet (386) is in communication with a drain discharge.
A tubular skylight (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the tubular skylight (100) further comprise a vapour barrier (30), wherein the vapour barrier (30) is connected to the external surface (440) of the tube (400) and to the ceiling structure (20), and wherein the drain pipe (384', 384") is arranged such that it extends through the vapour barrier (30) to the discharge.
A tubular skylight (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or second condensate collector (360', 360") is formed in the ceiling mounted element (300).