GB2507663A - Reflector - Google Patents

Abstract

A reflector for a ceiling light comprises a base region 2 and flat side sections 4, 5, 13, 14 angled relative to one another and adjoining the base region 2. At least one projecting connecting tab 17 is arranged on an edge of the side sections 4, 5, the tab 17 engaging with a receiving formation 18 arranged on an edge of the second side sections 13, 14. The connecting tab 17 has an undercut (20, Fig. 3).

Description

A REFLECTOR FOR A LIGHT, IN PARTICULAR FOR A

CEILING INSTALLATION LIGHT

The invention concerns a reflector for a light, in particular for a ceiling installation light, which comprises a base region, and a multiplicity of flat side sections angled relative to one another and adjoining the base region.

In lighting reflectors serve to generate a desired distribution of the light from a light source arranged either in front of the reflector or within the reflector in a space that is to be illuminated. In particular there are reflectors for ceiling instailation lights of known art, which are attached in a suspended ceiling of a room.

Reflectors of the type cited sometimes have an angular ground plan, wherein the lamp or lamp holder projects through an opening in the base region into the interior of the reflector.

It is of known art to assemble a reflector with an angular ground plan by placing together individual reflector elements. Here four side sections are used, in which, in a similar manner as is of known art in paper model construction, connecting tabs are arranged protruding over the edges, which tabs engage with corresponding slotted receptors in each of the adjacent reflector sections. In order to secure the reflector elements to one another the connecting tabs inserted into the receptors and passing through the latter are then bent over.

However, as a result of the bending over of the connecting tabs the reflector sections are somewhat deformed in the region of the edges that are thereby formed. Here a small indentation typically forms, which becomes noticeable on the inner face of the reflector as an outwardly oriented curvature. Even if the extent of the curvature is relatively small, the properties of the reflector can thereby be impaired, particularly in the edge regions. For example, the light distribution generated can deviate from the desired light distribution. Moreover the assembly of the reflector in accordance with the method as described is relatively laborious, since firstly the reflector side sections must be placed together and then the upstanding connecting tabs must be bent over.

Thus it is the object of the present invention to propose a reflector for a light, in particular for a ceiling installation light, which comprises a base region and a multiplicity of flat side sections angled relative to one another and adjoining the base region, wherein the disadvantages cited are avoided as far as possible.

The said object is likewise achieved by means of a reflector with the features of Claim 1 or Claim 10.

An inventive reflector for a light, in particular for a ceiling installation light, comprises a base region and a multiplicity of flat side sections. The base region is essentially of a flat design and can have, for example, a circular opening, through which the light source (lamp) or lamp holder carrying the light source can be guided and held such that it is positioned between, or even in front of, the side sections. The side sections are essentially of a planar design, but can also have a curvature that is oriented inwards or outwards. The side sections are arranged on the base region and adjoining one another, wherein in each case the side sections stand at an angle to one another and to the base region. The angles that a side section forms with the base region and with another side section adjoining the side section, can be the same or different; also the angles that the side sections form with each other can be the same or different. In a plane located parallel to the base region, which can, for example, be an installation plane, such a reflector has an angular ground plan, for example a sguare ground plan; in this case the base region is also of a square design.

In accordance with a first approach to the solution of the invention, on one side edge of a first side section, which is oriented towards a second side secticn, is arranged at least one connecting tab, projecting over the edge, which runs within the surface of the first side section, i.e. in a linear continuation of the end region adjacent to the edge of the surface of the first side section. On the second side section is arranged at least one receptor for the reception of the connecting tab of the first side secticn. The receptor is arranged in an end region of the second side section, namely on an edge oriented towards the first side section. The at least one connecting tab of the first side section engages with the receptor arranged on the second side section, as a result of which the first side section is held on the second side section. The edge of the first side section can abut onto the second side section. The edge of the first side section can be shaped such that the first side section adjoins the second side section in an essentially continuous manner.

Furthermore the connecting tab of the first side section has an undercut, which interacts with the receptor so as to retain the connecting tab in the receptor. In particular the undercut can be designed such that the connecting tab is secured in a form fit against extraction in the direction of the surface of the first side section, and/or such that when the connecting tab is introduced into the receptor of the second side section a latching effect is created.

The connection between the first and/or the second side section with other side sections that may be present can be embodied in a corresponding manner. The side sections can carry further components, for example mounting flanges arranged on an edge of the side sections located opposite to the base region of the reflector.

By virtue of the fact that the connecting tab of the first side section engages with the receptor of the second side section, a connection of the first side section with the second side section is enabled such that the first side section with a side edge adjoins the second side section and is held thereon. By virtue of the fact that the connecting tab of the first side section is arranged in the surface or in a continuation of the surface of the first side section, a simple manufacture of the first side section is enabled. Here the undercut enables a secure retention of the connecting tab in the receptor and thus a secure connection between the first and second side section, without the need for the connecting tab to be bent over in the course of assembly of the reflector. By this means not only is assembly significantly simplified, but also the creation of any undesirable curvature in the region of the edge of the first side section is avoided.

In accordance with a preferred form of embodiment of the invention the receptor is arranged on an edge of the second side section oriented towards the first side section. In particular the first and the second side sections with their edges that are oriented towards one another adjoin one another such that a lateral edge of the one side section is located against a lateral edge of the other side section, or on the end region of the other side section immediately adjacent to the lateral edge of the other side section. By virtue of the fact that at least one receptor is arranged on an edge of the second side section, an essentially continuous connection between the first and the second side section is enabled, as is a material-saving embodiment of the reflector, in which the side sections have no surface component that cannot be used for the refiection of light.

Furthermore it is preferred that the receptor is formed by means of two adjacent retaining tabs in a surface, or in a linear continuation of the end region, adjacent to the edge, of the surface of the second side section projecting beyond the edge of the second side section. The retaining tabs subtend an open gap facing away from the edge of the second side section, whose width corresponds essentially to a width of the connecting tab of the first side section that can be inserted therein. By this means it is enabled that the connecting tab of the first side section can be inserted by means of a movement into the gap running in the extension of the surface of the second side section. By means of the undercut of the connecting tab the latter is held in the transverse direction to the retaining tabs on the latter. By this means the assembly of the reflector is further simplified.

In an advantageous manner provision can furthermore be made that the gap between the retaining tabs of the second side section narrows towards its opening, in particular narrows slightly. By this means a latching of the connecting tab of the first side section into the receptor can be achieved, while the undercut of the connecting tab of the first side section can be designed such that any extraction at right angles to the surface of the second side section is impossible. By this means a simple assembly and a particularly secure retention of the first on the second side section can be achieved.

In an advantageous manner, at each edge with which a side section adjoins another side section either a multiplicity of connecting tabs or a miltiplicity of corresponding receptors are provided, so that at each corner of the reflector one side section has a multiplicity of connecting tabs and the other side section adjoining the latter has a corresponding multiplicity of receptors for the reception of the connecting tabs. In particular on each edge of the side sections three connecting tabs or three receptors interacting with the latter can be provided in each case.

Depending upon the height of the reflector a smaller or a larger number of connecting tabs or receptors connecting the side sections can also be provided.

In accordance with a particularly preferred form of embodiment of the invention in accordance with the first approach to the solution the reflector has an essentially rectangular ground plan, wherein four side sections are provided, which adjoin one another with their respective lateral edges, and wherein two side sections arranged opposite one another carry connecting tabs on their two lateral edges, and the two other side sections have receptors on their lateral edges interacting with the connecting tabs in each case. The receptors can in particular be formed by two adjacent retaining tabs, which form a gap that essentially corresponds in its width to the connecting tabs. By this means a reflector of a particularly simple construction is created.

The reflector with a rectangular ground plan preferably comprises three reflector elements, wherein a first reflector element comprises the reflector base and two side sections, arranged on opposite sides of the latter and connected to the reflector base. The first reflector element thus has an essentially U-shaped design. On the two side sections of the first reflector element two other reflector elements are positioned, which form the two other side sections. For purposes of connecting the two other reflector elements with the first reflector element in the region of the reflector base an extended connecting tab can be provided on the edges of the two other side sections facing towards the reflector base. By this means the assembly of the reflector is further simplified.

The reflector elements, at least the side sections of the reflector, are preferably embodied from metal sheet, wherein the surface of the metal sheet, at least on the face facing towards the light, i.e. on the inner face of the reflector, is chromed.

In accordance with a second approach to the solution of the invention, the reflector comprises at least two reflector elements, which in each case comprise one base section and at least two side sections connected with the latter and adjoining the latter. The base sections of the at least two reflector elements are positioned one above another such that together they form the base region of the reflector. Furthermore the reflector comprises an assembly frame, which is positioned around the side sections such that the side sections are retained with their edges adjoining one another. In particular the assembly frame is embodied as a closed, multisided frame or ring. In particular the base sections of the reflector elements have in each case an opening for the insertion of the light, or a light holder. The openings of the reflector elements can be designed such that with the positioning of the reflector elements one above another the openings coincide with one another and can serve to centre the reflector elements.

By virtue of the fact that the reflector comprises at least two reflector elements with in each case one base section and at least two side sections, which are positioned with their base sections one above another, and the side sections are held in the desired position by the assembly frame, the assembly of the reflector is simplified.

Furthermore no bending of counecting tabs is necessary in the course of assembly of the reflector, so that any undesirable curvature of the reflector surfaces thereby arising can be avoided. Finally by virtue of the fact that no connecting tabs and no corresponding receptors are necessary, the manufacture of the reflector is further s imp li fled.

In accordance with a preferred form of embodiment of the invention the two reflector elements comprise in each case a rectangular base section and two angled side sections located opposite one another. Thus in each case the reflector elements have an essentially U-shaped design. To assemble the reflector the two reflector elements are rotated through 900 relative to one another and are positioned one above another. The side sections of the reflector are then secured by pushing on the assembly frame. By this means a particularly simple construction and a particularly simple assembly of the reflector are enabled.

The base sections of the reflector elements in each case preferably have a flat design and the side sections of one of the two U-shaped reflector elements are designed to be longer than the side sections of the other reflector element by an amount that corresponds to the material thickness of the base section of the other reflector element. By this means, after the positioning one above another of the base regions the outcome is that the side sections of the two reflector elements fall short up to a common end plane, which is spanned by the edges of the side sections facing away from the reflector base, and which is arranged in particular parallel to the base region of the reflector.

On the end of the side sections facing away from the base region, i.e. in particular in the end plane of the reflector, outwardly upstanding flanges can be provided in an advantageous manner. The flanges can be designed so as to position and secure the assembly frame, and also, for example, so as to attach the reflector to a supporting structure, for example to a suspended ceiling.

The reflector element, at least the side sections of the reflector, are also embodied in accordance with a second approach to the solution of the invention preferably from metal sheet, wherein the surface is chromed, at least on the face facing towards the light.

Further advantages and configurations of the invention ensue from the following description of two examples of embodiment with reference to the attached figures. Here: Fig. 1 shows a reflector in accordance with an example of embodiment of the first approach to the solution of the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 2 shows the reflector of Figure 1 in an exploded view; Fig. 3 shows the reflector of Figure 1 in a side view with a magnified detail; Fig. 4 shows the reflector of Figure 1 in a further side view; Fig. 5 shows the reflector of Figure 1 in a plan view onto the base region; Fig. 6 shows a reflector in accordance with an example of embodiment of the second approach to the solution of the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 7 shows the reflector of Figure 6 in an exploded r i e w; Fig. 8 shows the reflector of Figure 6 in a side view; Fig. 9 shows the reflector of Figure 6 in a plan view; -10 -A reflector for an installed ceiling light in accordance with a first example of embodiment of the invention is represented in Figure 1. The reflector 1 comprises a base region 2, which is of an essentially planar design, and has a circular opening 3, into which a lamp or a holder of a lamp can be inserted such that the lighting means can be arranged in the interior of the reflector 1 or in front of the reflector 1. Furthermore the reflector 1 has two side sections 4, 5, which are connected with the base region 2 of the reflector, and with the latter form a first reflector element 6 (see Figure 2) The reflector element 6 can, for example, be manufactured by means of stamping and bending from a plane source material, for example from metal sheet. The bending takes place before the assembly of the reflector so that any undesirable curvature of the material in the region of the fold lines 7, 8 can be avoided. Furthermore the reflector element 6 has flanges 9, 10 arranged on the ends of the side sections 4, 5 located opposite to the base region 2, which flanges, by means of bending likewise undertaken before assembly are angled outwards relative to the side sections 4, 5.

The reflector 1 comprises two other reflector elements 11, 12 (see Figure 2), which form two other side sections 13, 14. The edges of the side sections 13, 14 facing towards the base region 2 carry inwardly angled tabs 21, 22.On the opposite edges of the side sections 13, 14 are arranged outwardly angled flanges 15, 16, likewise generated by bending; these can serve to attach the reflector to a supporting structure, for example, to a suspended ceiling, as can the flanges 9, 10 of the side sections 4, 5.

The four side sections 4, 5, 13, 14 form in each case an essentially planar surface, which, as can in particular be discerned in Figure 2, can be designed to be slightly outwardly curved so as to improve the light distribution -11 -generated. On their edges that abut against one another the four side sections 4, 5, 13, 14 are connected together via connecting tabs and receptors, as is explained in more detail with reference to the exploded view of Figure 2, which shows a construction kit for the assembly of the reflector of Figure 1.

As can be discerned in Figure 2, the first reflector element 6 has on each of the side edges of the side sections 4, 5 three connecting tabs 17 extending in the lateral continuation of the surface of the respective side section 4, 5. The side sections 13, 14 of the reflector elements 11, 12 in each case carry on their side edges facing towards the side sections 4, 5 three receptors 18, into which the connecting tabs 17 can be inserted. Here each receptor 18 is formed by two retaining tabs 19 arranged at a spacing from one another that subtends a gap, into which a connecting tab 17 can be inserted in each case. The retaining tabs 19 extend in a continuation of the surface of the respective side section 13, 14.

As is represented in the perspective view of Figure 1, the retaining tabs 19 thus project beyond the surface of the side sections 4, 5 connected with the side sections 13, 14, in the same way as the connecting tabs 17 project beyond the surface of the side sections 13, 14.

In the side view represented in Figure 3 the design of a connecting tab 17 is represented at a magnified scale.

Here it can be discerned that the connecting tab 17 has an undercut 20, which can be embodied on one or both sides in order to hold the connecting tab 17 securely in the receptor 18. In the side view that is shown in Figure 3 the slightly outwardly curved design of the flat side sections 13, 14, which in Figure 3 are seen from the side, can be discerned, as can the angling of the flanges 15, 16 and the tabs 21, 22. In the assembled state the tabs 21, 22 -12 -are located on the base region 2 of the reflector 1 and are, for example, adhesively bonded to the latter.

In Figure 4 the reflector 1 is represented in a side view as seen looking onto the side section 13. The retaining tabs 19 are connected with the side section 13 and project beyond its side edge as a continuation of the surface of the side section 13. Between each pair of retaining tabs 19 a connecting tab 17 of the side sections 4, 5 is inserted into the gap that is formed by them. The shape of the edges of the side sections 4, 13 shown in Figures 3 and 4 corresponds to the slightly outwardly curved design of the side sections 4, 5, 13, 14.Here the side sections 13, 14, which carry the receptors 18, are designed in each oase to be longer than the side sections 4, 5 by twice the material thickness of the latter, so that the edges of the side sections 4, 5 are covered up to the connecting tabs 17 in the side view of Figure 4 by the side section 13, while the edges of the side sections 13, 14, which are located on the side seotion 4, oan be discerned in Figure 3.

To be discerned in the plan view of Figure 5 are the base region 2 of the reflector 1 with the circular opening 3, and the tabs 21, 22 located on the base region. From the side sections 4, 5, 13, 14 at each of the four corners of the reflector the connecting tabs 17 and the retaining tabs 19 are upstanding. The flanges 9, 10, 15, 16 form a peripheral mounting flange, which, for example, serves to attach the reflector to a suspended oeiling. In the example of embodiment represented the reflector 1 has a sguare ground plan. The side sections 4, 5, 13, 14 stand relative to the base region 2 at a somewhat shallower angle than 90°.

For the assembly of the reflector 1 the reflector elements 11, 18 are positioned laterally on the first reflector element 6, so that the connecting tabs 17 are inserted into -13 -the openings of the respective receptors 18 (see Figure 2) The connecting tabs 17 are held in the receptors 18 by the undercut 20 in a form fit against any extraction in the direction of the connecting tabs 17, and are secured against lateral extraction in the direction of the retaining tabs 19, for example, by elastic restoring forces, which hold the side sections 4, 5 in the given angular position relative to the base region 2, or securement of the mounting flanges 9, 10 after attachment to a supporting structure. In the assembly of the reflector 1 no bending of connecting tabs is therefore necessary.

In accordance with a further example of embodiment of the invention, which is represented in Figures 6 to 9, a reflector 30 comprises a first and a second reflector element 31, 32 and also an assembly frame 33.The first and the second reflector elements 31, 32 in each case have an essentially U-shaped design with respective base sections 34, 35 and side sections 36, 37, 38, 39.The side sections 36, 37, 38, 39 are in each case designed to be flat and essentially planar, or slightly outwardly curved. On the edges of the side sections 36, 37, 38, 39 facing away from the respective base section flanges 40, 41, 42, 43 are arranged in each case. The side sections 36, 37, 38, 39 abut against one another with their lateral edges and thereby form corners of the reflector. In the example of embodiment represented the reflector 30 has a rectangular, in particular a square ground plan, wherein the side sections 36, 37, 38, 39 are angled towards the base region at 90° or somewhat shallower, and also form an angle of approximately 90° relative to one another in each case.

The reflector elements 31, 32 can be manufactured by means of stamping and bending from a flat source material, for example from metal sheet, wherein the bending takes place immediately before the assembly of the reflector 30.

-14 -Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the reflector 30.For the assembly of the reflector 30 the reflector elements 31, 32 are rotated by 90° relative to one another and stacked one above another, so that the base sections 34, 35 are located one above another and form the base region 44 of the reflector 30, and the side sections 36, 37, 38, 39 are arranged next to one another. The oircular openings 45, 46 are thereby located one above another. In order to hold the side seotions 36, 37, 38, 39 such that they are located against one another, the assembly frame 33 is now pushed over the reflector elements 31, 32 located one above another, until the frame is located on the flanges 40, 41, 42, 43. The assembly frame 33 is then adhesively bonded to the flanges 40, 41, 42, 43. As can be discerned in Figure 6, and also in the side view of Figure 8 and the plan view of Figure 9, a reflector 30 manufactured in this manner has no connecting tabs projecting beyond the side sections 36, 37, 38, 39. Similarly no bending of components is required during the assembly of the reflector 30.

In the interests of clarity not all reference symbols are represented in all figures. Reference symbols that are not referred to in one figure have the same significance as in the other figures.

The invention is described with the aid of examples of embodiment. Without venturing outside the scope of the established claims numerous other configurations ensue for a person skilled in the art so as to enable the invention to be actuaiised, which configurations also count towards the disclosure content of these embodiments without the latter having to be explicitly described.

-15 -List of reference symbols 1 Reflector 2 Base region 3 Opening 4 Side section Side section 6 Reflector element 7 Fold line 8 Fold line 9 Flange Flange 11 Reflector element 12 Reflector element 13 Side section 14 Side section Flange 16 Flange 17 Connecting tab 18 Receptor 19 Retaining tab Undercut 21 Tab 22 Tab Reflector 31 Reflector element 32 Reflector element 33 Assembly frame 34 Base section Base section 36 Side section 37 Side section 38 Side section 39 Side section Flange 41 Flange -16 -42 Flange 43 Flange 44 Base region Opening 46 Opening