EP4150246A1

EP4150246A1 - Lighting apparatus and corresponding assembly method

Info

Publication number: EP4150246A1
Application number: EP21727400.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matija KLINKON; Dino FERAGOTTO
Original assignee: Led Luks d o o
Current assignee: Led Luks d o o
Priority date: 2020-05-14
Filing date: 2021-05-14
Publication date: 2023-03-22
Also published as: WO2021229082A1; IT202000010951A1

Abstract

Lighting apparatus (10) suitable to be installed in an aperture with a mating shape made in a wall (P), whether horizontal or vertical, made of plasterboard, brick or other suitable material, comprising two lateral profiles (20) suitable to be mounted in said wall (P) reciprocally opposite so as to define a containing compartment (21) and made in separate pieces, and a modular lighting device (30) consisting of a plurality of lighting modules (31) suitable to be inserted and housed in said containing compartment (21) and connected to each other to produce electrical and mechanical continuity.

Description

LIGHTING APPARATUS AND CORRESPONDING ASSEMBLY METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described here concern a lighting apparatus. In particular, the lighting apparatus to which the present invention refers is of the recessed type, that is, it is designed to be integrated into a wall or ceiling, so as to hide from view a large part, if not all, of the housing structure of the light sources of the lighting apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recessed lighting apparatuses for lighting spaces are known, mostly closed spaces, and are installed inside a wall, whether it be a vertical wall or a ceiling, so that the structure of the apparatus itself is hidden from sight. In particular, these lighting apparatuses have only the light diffuser visible, which is preferably flush with the surface of the wall in which the apparatus is installed.

These lighting apparatuses generally comprise a containing body which has the dual function of containing one or more light sources and allowing them to be fixed to the wall. In this wall, whether made with a slab of plasterboard or brick, a compartment with a mating shape is created in which the body that contains and supports the light sources is housed.

It is increasingly required that with recessed lighting apparatuses it is possible to create particular shapes that give not only a good illumination of the space but also an original visual effect and high aesthetic value. Generally, known recessed lighting apparatuses have a mostly rectilinear shape which makes them difficult to use to obtain particular shapes, for example containing curvilinear segments.

When using LED-type light sources, which allow a space to be effectively illuminated without incurring excessive electricity consumption, there is the further disadvantage that the LED sources are also generally supplied in the linear form of strips or bars containing a plurality of LED sources.

One disadvantage of known recessed lighting apparatuses is the rectilinear shape of the LEDs. The essentially rectilinear shape, also of the body of the lighting apparatus, limits the possibilities of final shapes to be given to the lighting apparatus. In particular, with known solutions, systems are created with shapes consisting of rectilinear segments and, in the case of curvilinear segments, one must be satisfied with an approximate result in which the single rectilinear segments are visible, with a discontinuity also in the light source, such as for example the LED strips.

It is clear from the above that, with known recessed apparatuses, it is not possible to create apparatuses consisting of curved sections and with continuous illumination along their entire development.

It is also known that the bodies of lighting apparatuses can be made consisting of curvilinear segments which are made ad hoc in the factory and then transported to the assembly site.

However, this solution has several disadvantages: in the case of assemblies disposed far from the production plant, particular transport is required and, in the case of serial production, this determines a significant increase in costs connected with both production and transport.

There is therefore a need to perfect a lighting apparatus which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an overall system for manufacturing lighting apparatuses of this type which allows to create various shapes, including curvilinear ones.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a system for manufacturing lighting apparatuses of this type which uses standardized elements which can therefore be industrially mass-produced.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a system which allows to manufacture a lighting apparatus which is free of interruptions in the light sources, in particular in the curved sections.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide a system to have punctiform and directional lighting, of any shape.

Yet another purpose of the present invention is to provide a lighting apparatus which is easy to install even in the case of curvilinear embodiments.

Another purpose is to perfect a method to assemble a lighting apparatus of the type indicated above.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, a method is described to produce a lighting apparatus that overcomes the limits of the state of the art and eliminates the defects present therein.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises a pair of lateral profiles reciprocally opposite with respect to an aperture made in a wall in which the lighting apparatus is to be installed. The lateral profiles, made in two separate pieces, are preferably bendable, that is, made of flexible material, so as to be able to have a curved shape along their extension. The lateral profiles define, between them, an internal containing compartment. They are able to be attached directly, or by means of suitable supports, to the installation wall of the lighting apparatus.

According to some embodiments, the lighting apparatus also comprises a transverse profile located transversely with respect to the two lateral profiles, and able to connect them to each other. The transverse profile allows to stiffen the support and housing element that is formed once the lateral profiles are mounted in the aperture of the wall, and also to close the containing compartment as above. This transverse profile is also made of a flexible material, so that it can assume the same curved shape defined by the lateral profiles.

The lateral profiles, together with the transverse profile, make up a support element for the lighting apparatus. Given the flexibility of the lateral profiles and the transverse profile, the support element is also able to be bended in order to take the desired shape to be given to the lighting apparatus.

Advantageously, the lateral profiles each have a first proximal longitudinal edge, during use resting on the wall on which the lighting apparatus is installed, and a second distal longitudinal edge opposite the first and distanced from the wall, and preferably equipped with a connection element.

According to some embodiments, the transverse profile comprises two connection elements in correspondence with its two longitudinal edges, able to cooperate with the connection elements of the lateral profiles.

In accordance with some embodiments, the lighting apparatus also comprises a modular lighting device, comprising in turn a plurality of lighting modules able to be inserted between the lateral profiles, inside the containing compartment.

Advantageously, each lighting module is housed in a respective modular body.

Each modular body defines, internally, a connection compartment able to contain a connector for the connection of the lighting modules to each other.

Advantageously, the lateral profiles of the support element have internal connection means, that is, facing toward the inside of the containing compartment, and each modular body is equipped with respective connection counter-means disposed externally, and able to collaborate with the internal connection means of the lateral profiles in order to position the modular body inside the containing compartment.

Advantageously, the internal connection means provide a first positioning element and a second positioning element distanced from the first positioning element, and preferably parallel to it. Even more advantageously, the connection counter-means comprise a first positioning counter-element, able to abut the first positioning element. The connection counter-means also comprise a second positioning counter-element able to abut the second positioning element. This second positioning counter-element can comprise an edge of the modular body, able to abut the second positioning element.

Preferably, the lighting modules are connected to each other by means of a flexible connection member. For example, the flexible connection member can be a cable, preferably this cable is an electrical power and communication cable that connects the lighting modules to each other. According to some embodiments, the flexible connection member can comprise at least two electrical power and communication cables, up to a maximum of seven.

In this way, the modular lighting device is bendable in order to take the desired shape according to the final shape of the lighting apparatus.

According to some embodiments, each lighting module comprises a plate, at least one lighting element disposed on the plate, and an electrical connector able to connect to at least one electrical power and communication cable, and configured to supply both an electrical and also a mechanical connection between the lighting modules.

Preferably, the connector comprises at least one housing seating for a section of an electrical power and communication cable, and at least one cutting member that defines the same housing seating and that is configured to cut only one insulating sheath of the electrical power and communication cable. In this way, a direct contact is established between the housing seating and the conductor wire inside the electrical power and communication cable. Preferably, the cutting member is made of an electrically conductive material. Advantageously, the cutting member has a U-shaped slot, the bottom of which defines the housing seating for the section of the electrical power and communication cable.

According to one aspect, a method is also described to assemble the lighting apparatus as above, comprising the steps of:

- preparing lateral profiles having a shape that substantially reproduces a final shape of the lighting apparatus; - disposing the lateral profiles along the longitudinal edges of an aperture prepared in a wall;

- inserting a modular lighting device between the lateral profiles.

According to some embodiments, the method provides, after the step of disposing the lateral profiles, but before the step of inserting the modular lighting device, a step of keeping the lateral profiles in position, in which at least one distancing member is inserted between the two lateral profiles.

Advantageously, after the step of disposing the lateral profiles, but before the step of inserting the modular lighting device, the method provides a step of installing the transverse profile. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-re strictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: - fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting apparatus according to embodiments described here;

- fig. 2 is a cross-section view of the lighting apparatus in fig. 1;

- fig. 3 is a perspective view of a detail of the lighting apparatus in fig. 1, partly exploded;

- fig. 4 is a perspective view of a component of the lighting apparatus in fig. 1;

- figs. 5 and 6 are perspective views, according to different angles, of part of the lighting apparatus in fig. 1; - fig. 7 is a cross-section view of part of the lighting apparatus in fig. 1 during an assembly step;

- fig. 8 is a perspective and cross-section view of the lighting apparatus equipped with a component according to one embodiment described; and

- fig. 9 is an overall view of a part of the lighting apparatus according to one embodiment described.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown, by way of a non-limiting example, in the attached drawings. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of providing non-limiting examples. The attached drawings show a lighting apparatus according to the present invention, indicated as a whole with reference number 10. The lighting apparatus 10 is of the recessed type, that is, designed to be inserted in or through a suitable lighting aperture made in a wall P so as to be hidden from sight. By wall, in the context of this description, we mean any wall whatsoever, whether it is vertical or a ceiling, a false ceiling or suchlike.

In the attached drawings, the lighting apparatus 10 is represented as if it were installed in a ceiling, that is, with the lighting source oriented vertically downward. This is not to be interpreted as a limitation of the scope of protection to this single use of the apparatus, which can be installed on vertical walls, or even on the ground.

In general, the lighting apparatus 10 has an elongated shape along an extension path, which may not be rectilinear. In the context of the description, the terms longitudinal and transverse are to be considered with respect to such extension path of the apparatus 10, unless otherwise indicated.

The lighting apparatus 10 comprises a pair of lateral profiles 20 which define, once associated with the wall P, an internal containing compartment 21. A modular lighting device 30 is housed, during use, inside the containing compartment 21 (figs. 1, 2 and 3). As well as defining and delimiting the containing compartment 21 for the lighting device 30, the lateral profiles 20 are also required for the installation of the latter in the location provided on the wall.

The lateral profiles 20 are preferably made of flexible material, so as to be able to be bent longitudinally, as can be seen in fig. 1, for example PC, PMMA, aluminum, Kevlar, epoxy resin or other plastic materials. The lateral profiles 20 are made in two separate pieces, located during use reciprocally opposite each other so as to laterally delimit the internal containing compartment 21 (see in particular figs. 2 and 3).

Each lateral profile 20 comprises a first longitudinal edge 20A proximal to the wall P, and a second longitudinal edge 20B distal with respect to the wall P (respectively disposed at the bottom and at the top in fig. 2), during use.

Advantageously, the lighting apparatus 10 also comprises a transverse profile 22 connected to both lateral profiles 20 so as to close the containing compartment

21 and also to connect the lateral profiles 20 to each other. The transverse profile

22 is also made of flexible material, for example silicone. The latter connects, preferably in a hermetic manner, to the lateral profiles 20, in order to block the access of the internal containing compartment 21, and therefore also of the modular lighting device 30, to potentially harmful external agents such as insects, dust or dirt.

The lateral profiles 20, together with the transverse profile 22, form a support element 23 of the lighting apparatus 10, able to contain and support the modular lighting device 30.

Advantageously, the transverse profile 22 is connected to the lateral profiles 20 in correspondence with their second longitudinal edge 20B distal to the wall P. More precisely, this second longitudinal edge 20B of the lateral profiles 20 is provided with a suitable connection element 24A, for example a longitudinal tooth. The transverse profile 22 comprises, in correspondence with its two longitudinal edges, two connection counter-elements 24B able to cooperate with the connection elements 24A of the lateral profiles 20. In the example shown, the connection counter-elements 24B are also longitudinal teeth configured to hook onto the teeth of the connection element 24A.

In the example shown, the connection elements 24A are oriented toward the outside with respect to the containing compartment 21 (upward in the drawings), but it is possible to provide that they are oriented toward the inside of the containing compartment 21 (that is, downward in the attached drawings).

To facilitate the installation of the transverse profile 22 it is advantageous that it is equipped with at least one manipulation member 24C, which in the example shown comprises at least one longitudinal lip disposed along each of the connection counter-elements 24B (fig. 2). The lip 24C can also be provided with an interaction element 24D with a part of the lateral profile 20, for example a tooth that interacts with an internal edge of the lateral profile 20. This interaction element 24D allows to further stabilize the transversal profile 22 when it is connected to the lateral profiles 20.

According to some embodiments, each lateral profile 20 comprises a rest fin 25 which extends transversely from it, so as to be substantially parallel to a surface of the wall P on which the lateral profiles 20 are, during use, resting. The rest fin 25 extends from the external surface of the lateral profile 20 with respect to the internal containing compartment 21.

Preferably, the rest fin 25 is located at a distance from the first proximal longitudinal edge 20A not greater than the thickness of the wall P, more preferably, at a distance equal to the thickness of the wall P, as shown in fig. 2. A zone of interference with the wall P is thus defined, located between the first longitudinal edge 20A and the rest fin 25. In correspondence with this zone, the lateral profile 20 is preferably equipped with interference elements 25A for interfering with the wall P, disposed outside the containing compartment 21.

According to some embodiments, each lateral profile 20 comprises, in correspondence with its internal surface, that is, facing during use toward the containing compartment 21, a first positioning element 26A oriented longitudinally to the lateral profile 20 and extending transversely from it, and a second positioning element 26B oriented longitudinally to the lateral profile 20 and extending transversely from it, and both able to allow the stable positioning of the modular lighting device 30 in the containing compartment 21.

The first and second positioning elements 26A, 26B are advantageously distanced from each other. Preferably, the first positioning element 26A is placed in an intermediate position between the first and the second longitudinal edge 20A, 20B of the lateral profile 20, more preferably, in a substantially central position or in any case closer to the second longitudinal edge 20B, and the second positioning element 26B is disposed in the proximity of the first longitudinal edge 20A.

Advantageously, the lateral profile 20 also comprises a stabilizing element 26C disposed in the proximity of the second positioning element 26B, and preferably comprising a tooth disposed inside the containing compartment 21.

The positioning elements 26 A, 26B and the stabilizing element 26C form means for the internal connection of the lateral profile 20, able to allow the connection of the modular lighting device 30 inside the containing compartment.

The second positioning element 26B delimits an insertion seating 27 for a lighting diffuser element 40, this seating 27 being comprised between the same second positioning element 26B and the first longitudinal edge 20A of the lateral profile 20. Advantageously, in the insertion seating 27 there is provided a corresponding second stabilizing element 27A for the diffuser element 40, preferably disposed in the vicinity of the second positioning element 26B (fig. 2).

In the example shown in fig. 2, the lighting apparatus 10 also comprises a diffuser element 40 located, during use, between the lighting source and the space to be illuminated. In particular, in the lighting apparatus 10 according to the invention the diffuser element 40, suitably made of opaque transparent material, so as to let the light pass while making it more diffused, is disposed substantially flush with the visible surface of the wall P.

The diffuser element 40 comprises a flat body with two longitudinal edges 41 which extend substantially perpendicularly from the body, and which allow its connection in the insertion seating 27. Preferably, the lateral edges 41 each comprise a respective stabilizing counter-element 42, for example a longitudinal groove, able to cooperate with the stabilizing element 27A of the insertion seating 27 in order to stabilize the diffuser element 40 after it has been assembled. Advantageously, the lateral edges 41 have a free end which abuts against the second positioning element 26B of the lateral profiles 26B.

Each lateral profile 20 also advantageously comprises at least one, preferably a first 28A and a second distancing seating 28B, both disposed longitudinally and internally with respect to the containing compartment 21. The distancing seatings 28A, 28B are able to cooperate, during the assembly of the lighting apparatus 10, with a distancing member 50 (fig. 7), as will be better explained below. Advantageously, the first distancing seating 28A is disposed in a distal position with respect to the wall P, and the second distancing seating 28B is disposed in a proximal position with respect to the wall P.

In fig. 3, in which the support body 23 is shown exploded, the modular lighting device 30 can be seen disposed inside the containing compartment 21, during use.

The modular lighting device 30 comprises at least two, preferably a plurality of, lighting modules 31 and at least two, preferably a plurality of, modular bodies 60 in which the lighting modules 31 are housed.

Advantageously, each lighting module 31 comprises a plurality of lighting elements 32, in the example shown some LEDs disposed aligned along a median axis of a plate 33 in correspondence with a first surface thereof (fig. 4). On the second surface of the plate 33, opposite the first surface, the lighting module 31 comprises a connector 34 able to electrically connect the lighting module 31 to the other lighting modules 31, by means of electrical power and communication cables 70 (see in particular fig. 5).

In the example shown, the lighting modules 31 are reciprocally connected by means of two cables 70; however, it is possible to provide a single cable 70, or a greater number of cables 70, up to seven. Preferably, the cables 70 are each in a single piece, and have a length at least equal to the length of the modular lighting device 30.

It is advantageous to provide that the connectors 34 are of the type known as IDCs (Insulation Displacement Connectors) for an easier connection of the lighting modules 31 to the electrical and communication cables 70. In particular, the connector 34 comprises a number of seatings 35 for housing the cables 70 preferably equal to the number of cables 70 to be connected. Each seating 35 is provided with a cutting member 36 configured to cut the outer insulating sheath of the electrical and communication cable 70 but not the conductive wires inside it. In the example shown, the cutting member 36 has a U-like configuration and defines the seating 35 for the cable 70 in its bottom. In this way, an electrical contact is established between the cable 70 and the connector 34 simply by inserting the cable into the appropriate seating 35.

Preferably, the connector 34 acts not only as an electrical connector, but also as a mechanical connector between the modules, that is, the lighting modules 31 are reciprocally connected by means of the electrical power and communication cables 70 inserted in the connectors 34. A mechanical connection of the flexible type is thus obtained between the lighting modules 31, which allows to bend the modular lighting device 30.

Advantageously, the length of each lighting module 31 is very small with respect to the total length of the lighting apparatus 10, so as to allow to create bends with relatively small angles and therefore provide the possibility of creating overall final shapes that have even very accentuated bends.

It is advantageous to dispose the connector 34 in a central or substantially central position on the plate 33, so as to have more space between two consecutive connectors 34, and therefore a greater length of the cables 70, in order to increase the flexibility of the mechanical connection. It should also be noted that the lighting modules 31 are not disposed in contact with each other, but are distanced by a hollow space (see figs. 3, 5 and 6) so as to facilitate the bending of the modular lighting device 30.

In the example shown in the drawings, the lighting modules 31 are connected in series, but it is possible to also provide their connection in parallel or also in a chain, also known as Daisy Chain.

We wish to point out that, in the example shown, the hollow space does not prevent having a substantially continuous disposition of the lighting elements 32 (fig. 6), to the advantage of a lighting that is more efficient and pleasing to the eye.

As previously mentioned, the modular lighting device 30 also comprises a plurality of modular bodies 60 in each of which a respective lighting module 31 is housed.

The modular bodies 60 have a U-shaped section, and comprise a bottom wall 61 from which two opposite lateral walls 62 extend (fig. 4). Preferably, the lateral walls 62 diverge toward their free edge. Each modular body 60 comprises internally an insertion seating 63 for a respective lighting module 31, more particularly for inserting the plate 33 of a lighting module 31.

Advantageously, the insertion seating 63 is disposed so as to delimit a connection compartment 64 between it and the bottom wall 61, a connection compartment 64 in which, during use, the connector 34 is disposed and the electrical cables 70 are made to pass for the reciprocal connection of the lighting modules 31. For example, the insertion seating 33 can comprise a pair of linear slots made facing the internal surface of the lateral walls 62. The connection compartment 64 is physically delimited by the plate 33 on one side and by the bottom wall 61 on the other side, as well as by the lateral walls 62.

For its positioning inside the containing compartment 21 of the support body 23, the modular body 60 preferably comprises a first positioning counter-element 65A and a second positioning counter-element 65B, both able to cooperate with the positioning elements 26A, 26B of the lateral profiles 20.

In the example shown in the drawings, the first positioning counter-element 65A comprises a fin which extends transversely from the external surface of the lateral walls 62, and configured to abut the first positioning element 26A when the modular body 60 is inserted inside the internal containing compartment 21 (fig. 2). The second positioning counter-element 65B consists of the free edge of the lateral walls 62, which rests on the second positioning element 26B of the support body 23, during use (fig. 2).

Preferably, the modular body 60 also comprises a stabilizing counter-element 65C able to cooperate with the stabilizing element 26C of the support body 23. For example, the stabilizing counter-element 65C comprises a hollow made on the external surface of the lateral walls 62 and disposed so as to abut the tooth that constitutes the stabilizing element 26C (fig. 2).

The first and second positioning counter-element 65 A, 65B and the stabilizing counter-element 65 C form external connection counter-means of the modular body 60 which are able to interact with the internal connection means of the support body 23.

Preferably, the modular body 60 also comprises a removable internal diffuser element 66, and a corresponding installation seating 67 comprising for example a pair of guides made inside the lateral walls 62, reciprocally opposite each other, and positioned outside the connection compartment 64. For this purpose, the internal diffuser element 66 is equipped with suitable installation members 66A, for example teeth which extend externally to be inserted in the installation seatings 67.

It is advantageous to provide that the installation seating 67 be disposed in the vicinity of the insertion seating 63 of the lighting module 31, so that the internal diffuser element 66 can also act as a stabilizer of the lighting module 31, for example by providing that the internal diffuser element 66 has free edges 66B configured so as to come into contact with the plate 33 of the lighting module 31 so as to press the plate 33 against a suitable abutment member 68 which delimits the insertion seating 63 on the side of the connection compartment 64 (fig. 7).

Preferably, the modular body 60 is made in a single piece, with the exception of the internal diffuser element 66, as mentioned above. This internal diffuser element 66 is also made in a single piece. Both are advantageously made of rigid material, for their stable positioning during use, but preferably conformed so as to have sufficient flexibility to slightly flex them and thus allow their insertion inside the containing compartment 21 of the support body 23.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method to install the lighting apparatus 10 is described.

First of all, the lateral profiles 20, previously prepared according to the final shape to be given to the lighting apparatus 10, of the support element 23 are positioned in correspondence with the longitudinal edges of an aperture specially made in a wall P. For this purpose, the rest fin 25 is rested against the surface of the wall P, and possibly attached to it, and the interference elements 25A are suitably pressed against the section of the wall P. Obviously, the lateral profiles 20 are positioned on the surface of the wall P not visible from inside the space to be illuminated.

Subsequently, the transverse profile 22, if provided, is also installed to close the containing compartment 21. More precisely, the transverse profile 22 is clamped, so as to reduce its transverse sizes, and is made to pass through the aperture and between the two lateral profiles 20. It is then connected to the lateral profiles 20 by inserting the connection counter-elements 24B in the connection elements 24A, possibly with the aid of the manipulation members 24C, if necessary.

Subsequently, the modular lighting device 30, already shaped, is installed inside the containing compartment 21. As for the transverse profile 22, the lateral walls 62 of the modular body 60 are clamped to make it pass between the two lateral profiles 20 and the modular body 60 is positioned in such a way as to have the first positioning counter-elements 65A abutting the first positioning elements 26A of the lateral profiles 20 from below (with respect to the direction in which the drawings are oriented). At this point, the lateral walls 62 can be released, the second positioning counter-elements 65B automatically position themselves in correspondence with the second positioning elements 26B.

Finally, the diffuser element 40 is inserted in the specific insertion seating 27, completing the assembly of the lighting apparatus 10.

To facilitate the installation steps of the transverse profile 22 and of the modular lighting device 30, it is preferable to provide a step of keeping the lateral profiles 20 in position. This step, suitably performed after the positioning of the lateral profiles 20 and before the insertion of the transversal profile 22 and/or of the modular lighting device 30, provides to use a plurality of distancing members 50 able to keep the lateral profiles 20 in the assembly position, preferably perpendicular with respect to the surface of the wall P.

The distancing members 50 each comprise a flat body 51, for example having the shape of a plate, from which at least one pair of distancing arms 52 extends, preferably two pairs of distancing arms 52, as shown in fig. 7.

In each pair, the distancing arms 52 each extend from a respective side of the body 51 and are aligned with each other. The distancing arms 52 have a length such that the distance between the free ends 52A of the arms of a same pair substantially corresponds to the distance between the two lateral profiles 20 when they are in the assembly position.

Preferably, the distancing arms 52 are equipped at their free ends 52A with a tooth 53 configured to be inserted into a distancing seating 28A, 28B of the lateral profiles 20 (fig. 7).

Fig. 8 shows a lighting apparatus in accordance with an alternative embodiment, provided to produce a punctiform and directional lighting.

For this purpose, it can be provided that one or more lighting modules 31 can be provided with a conveying body 80, which replaces both the internal diffuser element 66 and also the diffuser element 40 provided to be located flush with the wall P.

The conveying body 80 advantageously has a truncated cone shape with a substantially square section. It comprises a first end 81, able to be disposed flush with the wall P, and a second end 82 able to be coupled to the plate 33 of the lighting module. The second end 82 has smaller lateral sizes than those of the first end 81.

In the example shown in fig. 8, the conveying body 80 is coupled by interlocking directly with the plate 33. For this purpose, the conveying body comprises some coupling members 83.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the conveying body 80 is coupled to the plate 33 by means of a modified modular body 60, in particular without its lateral walls 62. In this case, the conveying body comprises fins 84, in correspondence with the second end 82, which extend transversely toward the outside, and which are able to be inserted in the installation seating 67.

At its first end 81, the conveying body 80 is preferably equipped with a peripheral edge 85 extending transversely with respect to the axis of development of the conveying body 80, and toward the outside. The peripheral edge 85 is advantageously configured to be flush with, or even come in contact with, the interference elements 25A of the lateral profiles 20 (fig. 8).

The conveying body also comprises, in a preferential manner, interference members 86 configured to interact with the interference elements 25A so as to stabilize the conveying body 80, and with it the lighting module 31 to which it is coupled (fig. 8). In particular, the interference members 86 extend from the outer end of the peripheral edge 85 and comprise an interference throat 86A configured to interlock with the second stabilizing element 27A.

In this way, the conveying body 80 also acts as a support for the lighting module 31.

The conveying body 80 also comprises a lens 87, advantageously transparent, and shaped so as to diffuse a directional punctiform light. The lens 87 is preferably disposed in correspondence with the second end 82, and inside the conveying body 80, so as to be directly facing the lighting elements 32.

In order to obtain the directional punctiform light, it is preferable to provide that the conveying body 80 is open at its first end 81, that is, that it is not equipped with any element whatsoever that closes it.

The assembly of the lighting apparatus with this variant of the lighting module 31 is identical to what described above.

We wish to point out that it is possible to assemble a lighting apparatus 10 with only the first variant of the lighting module 31, that is, with the diffuser element 40 and the internal diffuser element 66, with only the second variant of the lighting module 31, that is, with the conveying body 80, or with a combination of both variants, as shown in fig. 9.

In this way, a lighting apparatus 10 is obtained with segments with diffused light and segments with directional punctiform light. It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or steps may be made to the lighting apparatus and to the installation method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection claimed in the specific claims.

Claims

1. Lighting apparatus suitable to be installed in an aperture with a mating shape made in a wall (P), whether horizontal or vertical, made of plasterboard, brick or other suitable material, characterized in that it comprises two lateral profiles (20) suitable to be mounted in said wall (P) reciprocally opposite so as to define a containing compartment (21) and made in separate pieces, and a modular lighting device (30) consisting of a plurality of lighting modules (31) suitable to be inserted and housed in said containing compartment (21) and connected to each other to produce electrical and mechanical continuity.

2. Lighting apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that the lateral profiles (20) are made of flexible material so as to be bendable.

3. Lighting apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that the modular lighting device (30) comprises at least two of said lighting modules (31) connected together by means of at least one flexible connection member.

4. Lighting apparatus as in claim 3, characterized in that the modular lighting device (30) comprises at least two modular bodies (60) which each house a respective lighting module (31).

5. Lighting apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it also comprises a transverse profile (22) made of flexible material and suitable to be connected to both lateral profiles (20) in correspondence with a longitudinal edge thereof, distal with respect to the wall (P).

6. Lighting apparatus as in any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the lateral profiles (20) comprise internal connection means (26A, 26B, 26C) and the modular bodies (60) comprise connection counter-means (65 A, 65B, 65 C) disposed outside said modular bodies (60) and suitable to cooperate with said internal connection means (26A, 26B, 26C) of the lateral profiles (20).

7. Lighting apparatus as in any claim from 3 to 6, characterized in that each lighting module (31) comprises a plate (33), at least one lighting element (32) disposed on said plate (33), and a connector (34) suitable to connect to at least one electrical power and communication cable (70) and configured to supply both an electrical and also a mechanical connection between the lighting modules (31).

8. Method to assemble a lighting apparatus (10), comprising the steps of - preparing two lateral profiles (20) with a shape mating the final shape of the lighting apparatus (10),

- disposing said two lateral profiles (20) along the longitudinal edges of an aperture prepared in a wall (P); - inserting a modular lighting device (30) between said lateral profiles (20).

9. Assembly method as in claim 8, characterized in that it provides, after the step of disposing the lateral profiles (20) and before the step of inserting the modular lighting device (30), a step of inserting a transverse profile (22) between said two lateral profiles (20), and a step of connecting said transverse profile (22) to both said lateral profiles (20).

10. Assembly method as in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it provides, after the step of disposing the lateral profiles (20) and before the step of inserting the modular lighting device (30) or the step of inserting the transverse profile (22), a step of keeping said lateral profiles (20) in position in which at least one distancing member (50) is inserted between said two lateral profiles (20).