GB2509802A

GB2509802A - LED light panel

Info

Publication number: GB2509802A
Application number: GB1315732.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Desmond
Original assignee: JCC Lighting Products Ltd
Current assignee: JCC Lighting Products Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-04
Filing date: 2013-09-04
Publication date: 2014-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-04
Also published as: GB201315732D0; GB2509802B

Abstract

An LED light panel 1 for installation into a modular ceiling comprises a light panel body and at least two brackets 30a, 30b, extending along two opposite edges of the back face of the panel. Each bracket has a ridge which extends along the length of the bracket. The ridge is for engagement with clips on the modular ceiling.

Description

LED LIGHT PANEL. MODULAR CEILING. BRACKET AND INSTALLATION

METHOD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an LED light panel for installation into a modular ceiling a modular ceiling carrying the LED light panel) a bracket for attaching the LED light panel to the modular ceiling, and a method of installing an LED light panel into a modular ceiling.

Background of the Invention

Modular tiled interior ceilings are common within buildings such as offices and public buildings. These ceilings are typically made up of a suspended frame having a grid structure of supporting members, with square apertures being provided within the grid structure. Square ceiling tiles are then fitted into the square apertures, with an edge portion of the ceiling tiles sitting on a rear face of the supporting members. From below the ceiling, both the ceiling tiles and a front face of the supporting members are visible. Instead of a ceiling tile, a light panel -using an incandescent light source or LED light source for example -can be provided.

Again, an edge portion of the light panel can sit on the rear face of the supporting members to retain the light panel within the ceiling structure. However, some modular ceilings are intended to dispense with visible supporting members, with the result that the ceiling tiles and light panels cannot be supported by sitting them on the rear face of a supporting member. Instead, the ceiling tiles hang down from the supporting members, with engagement protrusions on the ceiling tiles engaging with recesses on the supporting members. Light fittings are typically installed in cut-outs within the ceiling tiles. Replacing a ceiling tile with a light panel of the same size is challenging, because the weight of the light panel may not safely be supported by the clip-in and clip-out arrangement between the engagement protrusions and the recesses on the supporting members.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an LED light panel for installation into a modular ceiling, the LED light panel comprising: a light panel body; and at least two brackets, positioned at the rear of the LED light panel; wherein the at least two brackets are positioned at and extend along at least a portion of two opposite edges of the rear of the LED light panel; and each bracket comprises a ridge which extends along at least a portion of the length of the bracket, the ridge for engagement with the modular ceiling.

The ridges extending along the brackets may engage with receiving parts extending along at least a portion of the length of supporting members of the modular ceiling. It will be appreciated that a light panel can be expected to be substantially heavier than a simple ceiling tile. Accordingly, while a ceiling tile may be held in place by engaging with the receiving parts of the supporting members using a small number of protrusions or bumps, a heavier light panel may require a ridge extending along at least a portion of the length of a bracket (which in turn extends along at least a portion ofan edge of the rear of the light panel). It will be appreciated that the supporting members more typically used in ceilings arc in this case not visible (or much less visible), with the light panel hanging from the supporting members via the engagement between the ridge of the brackets and the receiving part of the supporting members, rather than simply resting on a rear edge of the supporting members.

The ridge may be a continuous ridge extending along the full length of the bracket, or a discontinuous ridge comprising a plurality of ridge portions extending along the bracket. However, the more complete the ridge, the stronger the expected strength of engagement between the ridges and the receiving portions. The bracket may extend along the full length of each of two opposite sides of the light panel, or may extend along only a portion of the length of each of two opposite sides of the light panel. For example, two brackets may be provided along different portions of each of the two opposite sides, with breaks in between. Alternatively, a single bracket for each of the two opposite sides may be provided, but may only be provided along a central portion of each of those sides, rather than extending its full length. It should also be understood that the at least two brackets may form part of a single structure extending around the complete perimeter of the rear of the light panel.

The light panel body may comprise a backing plate, and the at least two brackets may be provided on (fixed to, or integral with) the rear of the backing plate.

Alternatively, the light panel body may comprise a frame extending around at least portions of the edge of the light panel body, and the at least two brackets may be provided on (fixed to or integral with) the frame. In other words, the brackets may be fixed either to the backing plate or to the frame. The brackets may be integral with the light panel body (tbr example with the backing plate or the frame), or may be removably attached to the light panel body. In the latter cases, removable brackets may be used to retrofit an existing light panel (of the correct size) into the modular

S

The light panel body may comprise a transparent front panel through which light is released, the transparent front panel extending across the majority of the fce of the light panel. In some embodiments the transparent front panel may extend across substantially all of the face of the light panel and/or across all except of the front face of the light panel except for the front face of a frame extending around the periphery of the light panel. The position of the ridges on the brackets may be set so that, when the LED light panel is installed in the modular ceilin& a front face of the LED light panel is substantially flush with the front face of adjacent ceiling tiles.

The ridge may be provided only on the side of the bracket facing inwards of the LED light panel. In this way, the ridge will not interfere with a ridge or other engagement structure of an adjacent light panel or ceiling tile, which may also be intended for engagement with the same receiving part. A channel may be provided on the side of the bracket facing outwards of the LED light panel, the channel extending along at least a portion of the length of the bracket. The channel may be a concave part of a "U" shaped structure of which the convex part forms the ridge. The channel may assist with the accommodation within the receiving part of both the ridge of the light panel and the engagement structure of an adjacent light panel or ceiling tile.

It will be appreciated that, while the ridge structure is intended to provide a sufficiently strong fixing to secure the light panel safely in place, in some cases it may be desirable to provide a secondary fixing means for securing the LED light panel to the modular ceiling. The secondary fixing means may not necessary retain the light panel in its exact intended position, but may instead prevent the light panel ftt,m falling completely out of the ceiling in the event that the ridge escapes firnn the receiving part of the ceiling structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular ceiling, comprising: at least two supporting members, each supporting member comprising a receiving part extending along at least a portion of the length of the supporting member; and an LED light panel according to any preceding claim, the ridges of the brackets of the LED light panel being engaged within the receiving part of the securing members to secure the LED light panel to the securing members.

At least a portion of each supporting member may be resiliently deformable to permit the ridge of the bracket to be urged into the receiving part and to inhibit retraction of the ridge from the receiving part.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bracket for mounting on an LED light panel for installing the LED light panel into a modular ceiling, the bracket comprising attachment means for attaching the bracket to the LED light panel, and a ridge which extends along at least a portion of the length of the bracket, the ridge for engagement with a receiving part extending along at least a portion of the length of a securing member of the modular ceiling.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing an LED light panel having a light panel body into a modular ceiling, the method comprising the steps of: mounting at least two brackets to the rear of the LED light panel such that the at least two brackets are positioned at and extend along at least a portion of two opposite edges of the rear of the LED light panel, each bracket comprising a ridge which extends along at least a portion of the length of the bracket; and urging the LED light panel into the modular ceiling such that the ridges of the brackets move into engagement with receiving parts extending along at least a portion of the length of supporting members of the modular ceiling.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figures 1A to 1C schematically illustrates an example LED light panel to which embodiments of the present invention maybe applied;

S

Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate the LED light panel of Figures 1A to 1C with a bracket attached to permit the installation of the LED light panel into a modular ceiling; Figures IA and 3B schematically illustrate the bracket of Figures 2A and 2B; Figures 4A and 4B schematically illustrate an LED light panel attached to a first type of ceiling structure using ridged brackets; and Figures SA and SB schematically illustrate an LED light panel attached to a second type of ceiling structure using ridged brackets.

Description of the Example Embodiments

Referring first to Figure 1A, a rear schematic view of a light panel 1 is shown.

The light panel 1 comprises a frame 11 which surrounds an aluminium back plate 12. Together, the frame 11 and the back plate 12 lend rigidity to the light panel 1, while the frame holds together the back plate 12 and the other elements of the light panel 1 which will be described below. Mounted to the back of the back plate 12 is an LED driver 13, which is electrically connected to a mains power supply, and an electrical connector 14 which can be engaged with the LED driver 13 to provide power to the LEDs of the light panel 1.

Referring now to Figure 1B, a front schematic view of the light panel 1 is shown. In Figure 1B, the front face of the frame 11 is visible, as is a diffuser 15 which provides a front (illuminating) face of the light panel 1. It is this face which will be visible to the occupant of a room when the light panel 1 is installed in the ceiling of that room.

Referring now to Figure 1C, an exploded schematic view of the light panel 1 is shown, illustrating the internal structure of the light panel 1. In Figure 1C, the LED driver 13 and connector 14 are again shown to the rear of the back plate 12.

Below (immediately inside) the back plate 12 is a foam layer 16. Beneath the foam layer 16 is a reflective strip 17 which extends around the periphery of the light panel, situated just within the frame 11. Then, a reflective sheet 18 is provided.

Beneath the reflective sheet 18 is a light guide board 19. Beneath the light guide board 19 is the front diffuser 15. LED strips 20 are provided around the periphery of the light panel 1, situated just within the frame 11, and emitting light inwards of the light panel 1. Corner pieces 21 are shown, which are used to connect together the four individual lengths (sides) of the frame 11. The LED strips 20 are mounted to emit light into the light guide board 19, which directs the light downwards towards the diffuser 15. The reflective strip 17 and reflective sheet 18 serve to reflect stray light from the light guide 19 back down through the light guide 19 towards the diffuser 15. The diffuser serves as a light emission window through which light passes to the outside of the light panel. The diffuser may be complete'y transparent) or trans'ucent.

Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, a mechanism for installing the light panel 1 of Figures 1A to 1C is schematically iliustrated. In particukr, Figure 2A shows a side view of the light pane' 1, with brackets 30a and 30b being mounted to the rear of the light pan& 1 (for examp'e to the frame 11 or back plate 12]. In the present example the brackets 30a and 30b are discrete components which are attached to the light panel by fixings, for example screws. The fixings may be permanent (such as an adhesive, or rivets), so that the brackets cannot be removed once fitted, or removable, so that the brackets can be removed at a later time. In either case, the installation of a light panel in this embodiment requires the brackets to be fitted to the light panel prior to its installation into the ceiling. In an alternative embodiment the brackets may be integral to the light pan& 1, for example being part of the frame 11 or back plate 12. Figure 2A provides a rear view of the light panel 1 with the brackets 30a and 30b attached. It can be seen that the brackets 30a and 30b are attached to the back of the light panel, at the edges thereof. In the present case two brackets are used at opposite edges of the light panel 1, but it will be appreciated brackets couki be provided along all four edges. The brackets in the present embodiment extend most of the kngth of each of the two edges, but again in some cases it may be sufficient for the brackets to one extend along a smaller portion of each edge.

Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, one of brackets 30a and 30b is shown in more detail. In particular, Figure 3A provides a schematic oblique view of the bracket 30. The bracket 30 is shown to indude a first portion 32 which permits the bracket 30 to be attached to the rear of the light panel 1. The first portion 32 is a planar strip or plate comprising a set of holes 33 for receiving screws (or other fixings] for screwing the bracket 30 onto the light panel. The bracket 30 is also shown to include a second portion 34, having a plane perpendicular to a plane of the first portion 32. The second portion comprises a formation 35, within an otherwise planar strip or plate, for engaging with a receiving part of the modular ceiling structure. The formation 35 extends continuously along the full length of the bracket 30, although in some alternative embodiments the formation 35 might not extend the full length, and/or may be discontinuous (e.g. broken) rather than continuous. A continuous formation 35 running the full length of the bracket 30 maximises (or at least increases) the strength of the engagement Referring to Figure 3B, an end view of the bracket 30 is schematically illustrated. Again, the first portion 32 and second portion 34 are shown, and similarly the screw holes 33 and the formation 35 are shown. However, in Figure 3B the structure of the formation can be seen more clearly to comprise a "if' shaped deformation of the second portion 34, having a convex part 35a (ridge] for engaging with the inside of a receiving portion of the modular ceiling, and a concave part (channel] 35b which provides room for engagement structures of an adjacent ceiling tile or light panel to fit within the same receiving portion of the modular ceiling. The convex (ridge) part of the formation faces inwardly of the light panel, so as not to interfere with the bracket of an adjacent light panel or ceiling tile.

Referring to Figure 4A, a light panel 1 is shown installed into a first type of modular ceiling structure 100. The light panel 1 is suspended from the modular ceiling structure 100 using two clip members which are dimensioned to receive the engagement formations of each of the brackets 30 of the light panel 1. There is a clip member provided for each of the brackets 30 provided on the light panel 1.

Other light panels or ceiling tiles can be suspended from the modular ceiling structure 100 adjacent to the light panel 1, providing a planar ceiling. A close up view of a portion A of Figure 4A is shown in Figure 4B. In Figure 4B, a clip member is shown, itself suspended from the ceiling structure. Figure 4B shows an end view of the clip member 110, and therefore only shows its cross section. It should be understood that the third, unseen, dimension of the clip member 110 extends linearly into the page with the same (or substantially the same] cross section, to receive the ridge of a bracket 30 along (usually) the full length of the bracket -although it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the bracket may be longer

B

than the clip member 110. The clip member 110 is formed of a single metal sheet, folded to form a structure having an opening [at the bottom thereof] into which a ridge portion of a bracket 30 can be received. The opening extends linearly along the longitudinal axis of the clip, and is formed between two parts of the clip which in their natural position are adjacent to each other such that the entrance is closed.

The clip member 110 is resiliently deformable and shaped such that pressure is required in order to push the ridge of the bracket 30 past the entrance into the clip member 110. The pressure causes the two surfaces between which the entrance is formed to move apart to allow the ridge to enter into the inside of the clip member 110. Once the ridge has moved past the entrance of the clip member 110, the two surfaces forming the entrance will move back together again behind the ridge, thereby closing the entrance and securing the bracket to the clip member 110.

Substantial pressure will then be required to pull the ridges of the brackets 30 back past and out of the entrance to the clip member 110. The pressure required should be greater than the pressure exerted by the weight of the light panel 1, thereby preventing the light panel 1 from dropping out of the ceiling. To install the light panel 1 into the ceiling, once the brackets have been fitted, the light panel 1 is lifted into position so that each of the brackets 30 are located immediately beneath a corresponding clip member 110, and then pressure is applied to push the light panel 1 up towards the ceiling structure 100. This upwards pressure urges the ridges of the brackets 30 past the entrance of and into the respective clip members 110, thereby securing the light panel 1 into the ceiling. To remove the light panel 1, sufficient downwards pressure should be applied to force the ridges of the brackets past and out of the entrance to the clip members 110. For additional safety, a further structure could be provided to prevent the light panel 1 from dropping dangerously from the ceiling. For example, one or more cables could be used [not shown], connected at one end to the structure 100 and at the other end to the rear of the light panel 1, to inhibit how far the light panel 1 can drop in the event that the ridges of the brackets 30 should escape from the clip members 110. For installation purposes the cables can be fitted first, and then the brackets 30 of the light panel 1 pushed into engagement with the clip members 110. For removal purposes, the light panel 1 can be pulled down from the ceiling, out of engagement with the clip members 110, to the extent permitted by the cables, and then the cables can be disconnected to permit the complete removal of the light panel 1 from the ceiling.

Referring to Figure SA, a light panel 1 is shown installed into a second type of modular ceiling structure 200. The light panel 1 is shown at the bottom of the right hand side of Figure SA. The bracket 30 of the light panel 1 is visible, with the ridge portion of the bracket 30 being in engagement with a clip 210. The clip 210 is functionally similar to the clip 110 of Figure 4, but has a slightly different structure.

The clip 210 is suspended from the ceiling structure 200. Figure SA shows an end view of the clip 210, and therefore only shows its cross section. It should be understood that the third, unseen, dimension of the clip 210 extends linearly into the page with the same cross section, to receive the ridge of a bracket 30 along (usually] the full length of the bracket -although it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the bracket may be longer than the clip. As with the clip 110, the clip 210 is formed ofa single metal sheet, but in the case of the clip 210 is folded to form a structure having an opening (at the bottom thereof) and a part-cylindrical channel into which a ridge portion of a bracket 30 can be received. The opening extends linearly along the longitudinal axis of the clip, and is formed between two parts of the clip which in their natural position are adjacent to each other such that the entrance is closed. The channel is formed just within the entrance, and each side of the channel has an inner (concave) shape which substantially matches the outer (convex) shape of the ridge. The clip 210 is resiliently deformable and shaped such that pressure is required in order to push the ridge of the bracket past the entrance and into the channel. The pressure causes the two surfaces between which the entrance is formed to move apart to allow the ridge to enter into the channel. Once the ridge has moved past the entrance of the clip, the two surfaces forming the entrance will move back together again behind the ridge, thereby closing the entrance and securing the bracket within the channel. Substantial pressure will then be required to pull the ridges of the brackets out of the channel and back past and out of the entrance to the clip. The pressure required to do this should be greater than the pressure exerted by the weight of the light panel, thereby preventing the light panel 1 from dropping out of the ceiling. Also shown in Figure SA is an adjacent ceiling tile 220. The front (visible from below] face of the light panel 1 can be seen in this embodiment to be flush with the front face of the adjacent ceiling tile 220. This is achieved by setting the position of the ridge on the brackets at the appropriate distance from the light panel 1. Referring to Figure SB, the clip 210 is shown without the bracket 30 and ridge being inserted. A channel 215 can be seen clearly. The bracket 30 is also shown in Figure SB, positioned beneath the clip 210. An arrow in Figure SB shows the direction of motion required to engage the ridge of the bracket 30 into the channel 215 of the clip 210 to secure the light panel 1 in place. As with the Figure 4 ceiling, for additional safety, a further structure could be provided to prevent the light panel 1 from dropping dangerously from the ceiling.

Claims

LED LIGHT PANEL. MODULAR CEILING. BRACKET AND INSTALLATIONMETHODCLAIMS1. An LED light panel for installation into a modular ceiling, the LED light panel comprising: a light panel body; and at least two brackets, positioned at the rear of the LED light panel; wherein the at least two brackets are positioned at and extend along at least a portion of two opposite edges of the rear of the LED light panel; and each bracket comprises a ridge which extends along at least a portion of the length of the bracket, the ridge for engagement with the modular ceiling.
2. An LED light panel according to claim 1, wherein the light panel body comprises a backing plate, and the at least two brackets are provided on the rear of the backing plate.
3. An LED light panel according to claim 1, wherein the light panel body comprises a frame extending around at least portions of the edge of the light panel body, and wherein the at least two brackets are provided on the frame.
4. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the brackets are integral with the light panel body.
5. An LED light panel according to any one of claims I to 3, wherein the brackets are removably attached to the light panel body.
6. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the light panel body comprises a transparent front panel through which light is released, the transparent front panel extending across the majority of the face of the light panel.
7. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the position of theridgesonthebracketsissetsotha;whentheLEDlightpanelisinstalledinthe modular ceiling, a front ftce of the LED light panel is substantially flush with the fltrnt face of adjacent ceiling tiles.
8. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the ridge is one of a continuous ridge or a discontinuous ridge.
9. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the ridge is provided only on the side oft bracket (Icing inwards of the LED light paneL 10. An LED light panel according to claim 9, wherein a channel is provided on the side of the bracket facing outwards of the LED light panel, the channel extending along at least a portion of the length of the bracket.11. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, comprising secondary fixing means for securing the LED light panel to the modular ceiling.12. A modular ceiling, comprising: at least two securing member, each securing member comprising a receiving part extending along at least a portion of the length of the securing member; and an LED light panel according to any preceding claim, the ridges of the brackets of the LED light panel being engaged within the receiving part of the securing members to secure the LED light panel to the securing members.13. A mod War ceiling according to claim 12, wherein at least a portion of each securing member is resiliently deformable to permit the ridge of the bracket to be urged into the receiving part and to inhibit retraction of the ridge from the receiving part.14. A bracket for mounting on an LED light panel lbr installing the LED light panel into a modular ceiling, the bracket comprising attachment means for attaching the bracket to the LED light panel, and a ridge which extends along at least a portion of the length of the bracket, the ridge for engagement with a receiving part extending along at least a portion of the length of a securing member of the modular ceiling.15. A method of installing an LED light panel having a light panel body into a modular ceiling, the method comprising the steps oe mounting at least two brackets to the rear of the LED light panel such that the at least two brackets are positioned at and extend along at least a portion of two opposite edges of the rear of the LED light panel, each bracket comprising a ridge which extends along at least a portion of the length of the bracket; and urging the LED light panel into the modular ceiling such that the ridges of the brackets movc into engagement with receiving parts extending along at least a portion of the length of securing members of the modular ceiling.16. An LED light panel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.17. A modular ceiling substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.18. A bracket substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.19. A method of installing an LED light panel into a modular ceiling, the method substantially as hereinbelow described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as foflows:CLAIMS1. An LED light panel for installation into a modular ceiling, the LED light panel comprising: a light panel body; and at least two brackets, positioned at the rear of the LED light panel; wherein the at least two brackets are positioned at and extend along at least a portion of two opposite edges of the rear of the LED light panel; and each bracket comprises a ridge which extends along at least a portion of the length of the bracket, the ridge for engagement with the modular ceiling.2. An LED light panel according to claim I, wherein the light panel body comprises a backing plate, and the at least two brackets are provided on the rear of the backing plate.3. An LED light panel according to claim 1, wherein the light pan& body comprises a frame extending around at least portions of the edge of the light panel body, and wherein the at least two brackets are provided on the frame.4. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the brackets are integral with the light panel body.5, An LED light panel according to any one of claims Ito 3, wherein the brackets are removably attached to the light panel body.6. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the light panel body comprises a transparent front panel through which light is released, the transparent front panel extending across the majority of the face of the light panel.7. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the position of the ridges on the brackets is set so that, when the LED light panel is installed in the modular ceiling, a front face of the LED light panel is substantially flush with the front face of adjacent ceiling tiles.8. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the ridge is one of a continuous ridge or a discontinuous ridge.9. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the ridge is provided only on the side of the bracket facing inwards of the LED light panel.
10. An LED light panel according to claim 9, wherein a channel is provided on the side of the bracket facing outwards of the LED light panel, the channel extending along at least a portion of the length of the bracket.
11. An LED light panel according to any preceding claim, comprising secondary fixing means for securing the LED light panel to the modular ceiling.
12. A modular ceiling, comprising: at least two securing member, each securing member comprising a receiving (\J part extending along at least a portion of the length of the securing member; and an LED light panel according to any preceding claim, the ridges of the brackets of the LED light panel being engaged within the receiving part of the securing members to secure the LED light panel to the securing members.
13. A modular ceiling according to claim 12, wherein at least a portion of each securing member is resiliently deformable to permit the ridge of the bracket to be urged into the receiving part and to inhibit retraction of the ridge from the receiving part.
14, A method of installing an LED light panel having a light panel body into a modular ceiling, the method comprising the steps of: mounting at least two brackets to the rear of the LED light panel such that the at least two brackets are positioned at and extend along at least a portion of two opposite edges of the rear of the LED light panel, each bracket comprising a ridge which extends along at least a portion of the length of the bracket and urging the LED light panel into the modular ceiling such that the ridges of the brackets move into engagement with receiving parts extending along at least a portion of the length of securing members of the modular ceiling.
15. An LED light panel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, SA and SB of the accompanying drawings.
16. A modular ceiling substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. A method of installing an LED light panel into a modular ceiling, the method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. r aD (4