GB2604625A - Air vent structure - Google Patents

Abstract

An air vent structure 20 provides a dual function of air ventilation to a space and cooling of a lighting unit. The air vent structure includes at least one air guiding vane 30, which has a recessed mounting area 40 for receipt of an elongate lighting arrangement (52, Fig. 13) arranged so that light from the lighting arrangement is directed out from a visible front face 22 of the air vent structure 20. The mounting area 40 is recessed into a surface of the air guiding vane 30, and the body of the vane provides thermal communication between a surface of the mounting area 40 and major side faces 34a, 34b of the vane 30, these faces being arranged to come into contact with air passing out through the vent structure 20.

Description

Air vent structure

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an air vent structure, for example an air vent structure comprising elongate air outflow slots for outflow of conditioned air into a room or space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heat exposure affects the lifetime of an LED. Over its lifetime, the light output of an LED will slowly reduce to a point where it is no longer considered useful. A typical industry figure for this point is when the output reaches 70°/0 of its initial light. The (thermal) operating temperature of the LED die is a factor in the rate at which the LED fades. Reducing the operating temperature can increase the LED lifetime Furthermore, temperature also affects the real-time light output from an LED: light output drops as the operating temperature increases.

Thus, minimising the thermal temperature of an LED during operation allows for improved product lifetime and improved real-time light output performance.

Surface mounted LEDs (SMD LEDs) are a type of LED with very small metallic contacts that can be directly mounted and soldered onto a circuit board. Advantages of SMD LEDs include low operating requirements, high brightness, and long life. SMD LED modules are widely used in signalling, backlighting, automotive lighting interior and exterior, and signal and symbol luminary. Currently, the use of low power SMD LEDs in public lighting applications have become a topic in research and development due to its portability and miniaturization.

In general, the real thermal resistance of low power SMD LEDs is very high. This is because this type of LED is manufactured without a metal heat-spreader that transfers heat from the junction to the bottom-side of the LED. This is a necessary function of the type of LED and the requirement to install it directly on a desired substrate surface (such as a tape). The lack of a metal heat spreader not only causes poor heat dissipation but also increases real thermal resistance. As a result, LED junction temperatures increase during operation and this affects the efficiency and performance of the LEDs.

Higher junction temperatures will also induce non-radiative recombination which in turn produces further heat.

Thus, efficient heat dissipation is very important for maximising lifetime of SMD LEDs and improving their real-time optical performance.

Various methods are generally employed within the lighting industry to control LED temperature. One example is passive cooling by means of a static heatsink, e.g. a finned heatsink. Another example is active cooling by means of electrical fans or a vibrating diaphragm to blow air over LEDs. However, a passive heat sink has limited efficiency since it relies on static ambient air at room temperature which is relatively inefficient at drawing away heat. Active arrangements are often complex and expensive, increase the form factor of a device, and are prone to component failure.

An improved approach to temperature management of LED lighting would therefore be of value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the claims According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an air vent structure, comprising: a front face comprising one or more elongate air outflow slots, forming an air outflow area; an interior air flow space fluidly connecting the air outflow area with an air inflow area, for example at a rear of the air vent structure, and the interior air flow space defining one or more air flow channels, each air flow channel fluidly connecting the air inflow area with an air outflow slot; at least one air guiding vane or panel arranged extending in a direction between the air inflow area and the air outflow area, and arranged such that at least one of the one or more air flow channels passes in direct fluid contact with at least one side face of the vane; wherein the air guiding vane comprises a mounting area for mounting, during use, of an elongate lighting arrangement, the mounting area arranged for enabling, when assembled, light output from the front face of the vent structure, and wherein a body of the air-guiding vane provides a thermal coupling between the mounting area and the at least one air flow channel in fluid contact with the vane.

The mounting area is arranged for enabling, when assembled, light output generated by the lighting arrangement to be directed out from the front face of the vent structure. The mounting area may face toward or out from the front face of the air vent structure for example. However this is not essential, e.g. if a reflector geometry is used to redirect light Embodiments of the invention are thus based on the concept of utilising the actively driven airflow provided by an air vent which may already be present in a room to provide a source of active cooling of a lighting unit, for example an LED light unit. This is achieved by providing at least one air guiding vane or panel within the air vent stnicture that is arranged to have at least one major surface which comes into direct contact with air flowing from the inlet to the outlet of the vent, has a mounting surface suitable for attachment of an elongate lighting arrangement, e.g. an LED strip or tape, and which is structured to provide a thermally conductive heat flow path between this mounting surface and at least one major surface of the vane which contacts the air. Thus, the vane provides a dual function, acting as a standard air divider or air guide within the vent structure, as well as facilitating automatic active cooling of a lighting unit.

The lighting arrangement may be linear in shape or may for example be curved or annular. It may define a line or run of lighting elements. A length of the line or run may be greater than a width.

The heat sinking effect achieved by an arrangement in accordance with embodiments of the invention is very efficient. It has surprisingly been found that use of an air vent structure in accordance with embodiments described herein can reduce the operating temperature of LEDs by approximately 15-20°C. As explained above, reducing the operating temperature of an LED reduces energy consumption, and thus very significant energy efficiency improvements are achieved by embodiments of this invention. The achieved reduction in operating temperature also very significantly increases the total lifetime of the LEDs.

The mounting area may be elongate. The mounting area may comprise an elongate mounting surface.

The height of the air guiding vane extends in the direction between the air inflow area and the air outflow area. The term vane means for example a panel or wall or sheet article. Air-guiding means that it comes into contact with air passing between the air inflow area and the air outflow area, so that it partially defines the flow path of the air.

The mounting area is preferably recessed into the air guiding vane, e.g. into a surface or body of the air guiding vane. In other words, the mounting area is preferably provided by a recess formed into a body of the vane. This has the benefit of partially physically shielding the lighting unit, holding it inset back from the working face of the vane, and of the air vent. This protects it physically, but also has a thermal function in forming a partially enclosed space (enclosed around at least side surfaces) which helps more efficiently conduct heat into the body of the vane and away through the side surfaces of the vane. It also provides a light guiding function, since light is prevented from escaping at shallow angles from the lighting arrangement. The recess could be internally reflective in some examples.

The body of the air-guiding vane provides a thermal coupling between the mounting area and at least one side face of the vane. The at least one side face is a major surface of the vane. Thermal coupling means that there is thermal communication between the mounting area and the or each side face of the vane. This may be achieved for example by providing a vane comprising a thermally conductive material along at least a path between the mounting area and the or each side face. The body of the air guiding vane may be a unitary structure, all formed of a thermally conductive material.

The front face is for facing into the room or space which is to be ventilated and which is to be illuminated. The air vent structure may be adapted for being fitted in a recessed cavity in a wall, surface or other architectural feature.

The front face is adapted for outflow of air into the room or space to be ventilated, and preferably not for extraction or evacuation of air from the room or space. In other words, the ventilation structure is not an air extraction vent.

The front face may comprise at minimum a single air outflow slot. The front face may comprise a plurality of air outflow slots.

There may be at minimum a single air flow channel defined by the air vent structure between the air inflow area and air outflow area. In some examples, the air flow space may be divided into two or more air flow channels. Each air flow channel may preferably extend to a respective air outflow slot, but this is not essential.

The vent structure is preferably a slot diffuser, more preferably a linear slot diffuser, A slot diffuser is a recognised class of air venting apparatus in the art.

The vent structure is preferably adapted for venting conditioned (i.e. cooled) air. It is preferably adapted for receiving at the air inflow area a conditioned air output of an air conditioning system, for example the air output from the condenser of the system. The vent structure is thus preferably adapted for receiving actively cooled air at the air inflow.

The mounting area may in preferred embodiments be (suitable) for mounting an LED lighting strip.

An LED lighting strip refers for example to an LED lighting tape: that is a tape having LED lighting elements incorporated at intervals along its length.

An LED lighting strip is a term of the art. It is also known as an LED tape or ribbon light. It comprises a flexible circuit board populated by surface mounted light-emitting diodes (SIVID LEDs) and other components. it typically has a flat rear surface (opposite surface to that from which light shines) and typically comes with an adhesive backing. The mounting area may therefore be suitable for adhesive mounting of an LED lighting strip.

However the LED strip can alternatively be adhered by a manually applied adhesive layer or any other mounting or attachment means. It may be mechanically coupled e.g. with fastening means such as screws or nails in some examples.

Instead of an LED tape, a rigid (elongate) LED board could be used, comprising a rigid substrate to which is mounted an elongate (e.g. linear) assembly or arrangement of LED lighting elements.

More generally, the mounting area may be adapted to be suitable for mounting any lighting arrangement or assembly which comprises one or a plurality of lighting elements arranged to provide a light output. It may for example comprise a plurality of lighting elements in an elongate arrangement or array which may be curved or straight. Elongate means for example shaving a length which is greater than a width At least a first aspect of the invention provides the vent structure alone, without the lighting arrangement, but adapted for receiving the lighting arrangement when the apparatus is assembled in situ. This is preferable from a manufacturing point of view, and it also enables greater flexibility regarding the type, length and configuration of the lighting strip that is used. It also avoids regulatory complications that can arise from pre-installation of a lighting unit on a vent structure.

With regards to the geometry of the air guiding vane, the vane may have a height oriented in a direction extending between the air inflow area and air outflow area, a length extending across the air flow space, the side face(s) extending in the length and height dimensions, and a width or thickness perpendicular the height and length. The length of the vane may run parallel or co-directional with the length of the at least one elongate air outflow slot. A lower or base edge of the vane may at least partially delimit or demark at least one slot. For example, a lower edge of the air vane may define a boundary between two elongate air outflow slots at the front face (either side of the lower edge), or it may demark a boundary on one side of a single slot for example. The lower edge of the vane may be formed by a flattened lower end-face, or end-panel in some examples.

The mounting area may comprise a surface which is inset from the front face of the vent structure by an inset distance. This affords it physical protection and optical shielding As mentioned, the vane may comprise an expanded-width lower face at a base of the vane, and wherein the mounting area is incorporated in or on the lower face.

The vane may be formed of a thermally conductive material, such as metal, e.g. aluminium.

In one or more embodiments, the mounting area may comprise a flat mounting surface. A flat surface enables more secure and reliable coupling (for example by adhesion) of a flat rear backing of an elongate lighting unit such as an LED lighting strip. The flat surface provides better purchase with the rear surface of an LED strip or tape. The flat mounting surface may be a planar mounting surface, wherein a norm of the plane of the surface faces toward or out from the front air outflow area.

The mounting surface may be elongate to facilitate receipt of the elongate lighting arrangement.

In specific examples, the mounting area may comprises an elongate flat surface having a length, and having a width perpendicular to the length, and shorter than the length, and wherein the width is at least 8-12 mm. In some specific examples, the width may be no greater than 60 mm. These dimensions are particularly suited for receipt of a typical LED lighting strip.

In one set of embodiments, the at least one air guiding vane may be arranged dividing the interior air flow space into at least two air flow channels extending on opposite sides of the vane, each channel in direct fluid contact with a respective side face of the vane, and each channel fluidly connecting the air inflow area with a respective air outflow slot. A body of the air-guiding vane in this case may provide a thermal coupling between the mounting area and both the first and second air flow channels. Each side face may face into a respective airflow channel.

Thus, in this case the vane acts as a divider, and has opposite (reverse) side faces, each a major surface of the vane, and each arranged for fluid contact with air passing through a respective one of the air flow channels either side of it. This enhances the heat sinking effect compared to a vane having only one side face arranged to be in fluid contact with an air flow channel, and also provides a dual function of air division.

In an alternative set of embodiments, the air guiding vane may have only one side face arranged to be in fluid contact with an air flow channel. For example, the vane may form a side panel or wall of the air vent structure, partially bounding the air flow space. In this case, only the side face of the vane facing into the air flow space will be able to make direct fluid contact with passing air. It is noted that any of the features described above or below can be applied to arrangements with either one or both side faces arranged to be in fluid contact with passing air.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one air guiding vane may delimit a recessed channel, and wherein the mounting area is formed by (for example a base of) said recessed channel. The channel may be an elongate recessed channel.

For example, the elongate channel is formed into an outer surface of the vane. The base of the recessed channel may in some examples comprise a flat surface which forms a mounting surface for the lighting arrangement.

The channel has side walls outwardly extending from the base, to thereby form a partially shielded cavity in which the lighting arrangement is received. The channel may extend along a length dimension of the vane to enable light output from an elongate area.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one air guiding vane may comprise a flattened lower face at a base of the vane, facing toward or out from the front face of the vent, and wherein the mounting surface is recessed into said lower face. Flattened in this context may mean flattened relative to an upper portion of the vane, and does not necessitate a completely planar area. In other words, it has an expanded width compared to an upper section of the vane.

By the base of the vane is meant a lower edge of the vane, closest to the front face of the vent (and optionally forming a portion of the front face of the vent). Rather than this base being a narrow edge, it may have an expanded width compared an upper section of the vane adjacent the air inflow area, so that an under-surface of this expanded width section can accommodate a recess into which the lighting arrangement can be mounted (upon assembly). In such an arrangement, the or each side face of the vane may arc outwardly (in the width direction) between the upper section and a respective edge of the lower face to thereby join the upper section with the lower face. This may form a portion of the or each side wall which has a curved or arced surface profile. This may be a smooth curve or arc or a discontinuous, stepwise curve or arc. Instead of curving, the or each side wall may extend outward in any other shape or geometry, for example linearly outward (sloping or slanted).

In some examples, the at least one vane may be arranged such that the recessed mounting surface is also inset from the face of the vent.

In one or more embodiments, the air vent structure may further comprise a light-transmissive cover coupled to, or removably coupleable to, the vent structure (for example to the air guiding vane) in a position for extending over (e.g. being suspended over) or covering, when assembled, the lighting arrangement. It may be arranged for intercepting a light output of the lighting arrangement when received on the mounting area.

If it is removably coupleable to the air vent structure, it may have an operational position, in which it is mounted to the vent structure in a position covering or extending over the mounting area for the lighting arrangement, and it has a de-coupled position, in which it is no longer covering the mounting area (e.g. fully decoupled from the vent structure). It is moveable between the two positions.

For avoidance of doubt, light-transmissive means that the cover permits transmission of light across its body, from one side to the other. It may be transparent or translucent for example.

The light-transmissive cover provides physical protection for the lighting arrangement during operation. It may also perform an optical function, for example a light processing function or a light directing function.

In some examples, the light-transmissive cover may be a light diffusing cover.

Light diffusing means that the cover is light dispersive; the cover scatters light transmitted through it.

In some examples, the cover, when mounted to the air vane, may be adapted to at least partially enclose the lighting arrangement. In other words, the cover may form an enclosure around the lighting arrangement, in combination with the mounting area.

More particularly, the cover, when mounted to the vent structure in its operational position, may close an (otherwise) open upper face of the recess forming the mounting area. The cover may hence, in combination with the mounting area, form a boundary which encircles the lighting arrangement (when mounted in position). This arrangement provides a thermal benefit by permitting containment of the lighting arrangement, after assembly, in essentially a thermal cavity or chamber. It also provides a physical protection function. It provides more stable physical protection of the lighting arrangement than the open recess or channel alone.

In one or more embodiments, the cover has a light output surface, and wherein the air vent structure is arranged such that, when the cover is coupled to the vent structure, the light output surface is flush with the front face of the vent structure. In other words, the cover forms a portion of the visible front face of the air vent. This has structural benefits, since it avoids the cover forming a protrusion from the front face, which could interfere with mounting arrangements for the vent in the room or space to be ventilated, and could also interfere with air outflow characteristics from the vent. It also has optical benefits, since the apparent visible source of the light is flush with the apparent visible face of the air vent.

In some examples, the mounting area may be formed by a base of an elongate channel recessed into a surface of the air guiding vane, and wherein the cover is adapted to be push fit into the channel to thereby assemble the cover in position above the mounting area.

The insertion of the cover in the channel in this way preferably closes the channel across its previously open upper side or face. The cover has a light-output surface or area, and preferably, when received in the channel, the cover is arranged with the light output surface or area suspended above the mounting area for receipt of light from a lighting arrangement which may be mounted thereto.

Push fit means that attachment or mounting of the cover to the vane is achieved by simply pushing the cover into the channel, whereupon the cover is automatically retained in position by for example friction, resilient biasing or latching.

For example, in one or more embodiments, the cover may comprise an elongate cover member having an elongate upper cover surface, and side wings depending from the upper cover surface, the side wings being resiliently deflectable relative to the cover surface, and wherein the cover member is shaped to push fit into the channel with outward biasing of the side wings against walls of the channel retaining the cover in the channel. In one or more embodiments, the at least one air guiding vane has a nonuniform width or thickness. Width means a dimension perpendicular the height and the length. It is effectively the out-of-plane dimension of the air guiding vane. The width means an outer width, from one side face to the other. The width means for example a width of a cross-section of the plane across a plane perpendicular to the length of the vane.

A variant width of the vane provides a structurally efficient means of controlling air flow characteristics within each of the one or more air flow channels A variant width means a non-uniform surface profile of the at least one side face of the vane.

Furthermore, the non-uniform width necessarily increases a surface area of the side faces of the vane, which increases contact time of air flowing over the vane. This therefore improves the heat sinking from the mounting area to the passing air.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one air guiding vane has a height extending in a direction between the air inflow area and air outflow area, a length extending across the air flow space, and wherein a width of the vane across a cross-section perpendicular to the length varies as a function of height.

In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of at least one side face of the vane may have an arcuately contoured surface profile. A curved surface profile increases the contact time of air flowing over the vane which increases heat sinking efficiency for the lighting arrangement, since the mounting area for the lighting arrangement is thermally coupled with the or each side face of the vane.

In one or more embodiments, the air vane may comprise a wire or cable routing means (or cable guiding means) for holding and routing a received electrical cable along at least a portion of a length of the air guiding vane. The cable routing means may be arranged to guide a received cable along a defined path along the vane length. The cable routing means holds the cable in a stable position. It carries the cable.

The cable routing means preferably is adapted to guide a received electrical cable along the entire length of the vane, from one side edge to the opposite side edge, where side edge means the edge extending from top to bottom of the vane, bounding each of the side faces.

The received cable may be for electrical supply of a lighting arrangement installed in the air vent structure. This may be a lighting arrangement in the respective air guiding vane itself Alternatively, and as will be described further below, the received cable may be for electrical supply of a lighting arrangement attached to a neighbouring vane, the neighbouring vane aligned end-to-end with the first vane.

The cable routing means is preferably adapted for routing two cables along the length of the vane, preferably each from one side edge of the vane to the other side edge of the vane. This allows for routing of both live and neutral wires in parallel.

The electrical cable is preferably provided upon installation of the vent structure, not necessarily as part of the supplied vent structure itself The cable routing means may be arranged to permit routing the cable along a path at an exposed surface of the vane. The cable, when carried by the cable routing means in this example, is accessible at a surface of the vane. This provides for easier installation, and easier repair or replacement of the cable if worn or damaged. Preferably it is exposed at the at least one side face of the vane, for contact with passing air, for a cooling effect.

As mentioned above, the air guiding vane may have an upper smaller-width portion, and a lower greater-width portion, and wherein one or both side faces of the vane curve outward between the smaller-width portion and the greater width portion. The wire routing means may route the received wire along a path which runs (lengthwise) along said curved portion of the side face of the vane. More generally, it may route the wire along a path which is inset width-wise from an outer side edge of the lower face of the greater-width portion (i.e. the outer side edge of the lower face of the vane). This means the wire, when received, is at least partially hidden from view when looking at the front face of the vent structure.

In a preferred set of embodiments, the outer surface of the vane delimits at least one groove for receipt of an electrical cable, and wherein the at least one groove forms the cable routing means. This may be referred to as a wire-guide groove. The groove accommodates the electrical cable and defines a fixed path along which the cable can be routed.

The groove may run parallel to a length of the mounting area The groove is preferably formed in a side face of the vane, to facilitate thermal sinking from the electrical cable during operation.

In some embodiments, the at least one groove may extend from the first side edge of the vane to an opposite side edge, where the side edges are those found at either end 20 of the length of the vane (they may otherwise be known as end edges).

This allows for the groove to be used to carry an electrical cable for supply of a neighbouring air guiding vane (aligned at the side edge of the first vane). This allows for extending the possible length of the air vent structure, by forming a linear row of air vanes, arranged end to end, and wherein electrical supply of the inner vanes can be conveniently achieved by routing of the electrical cables along the grooves (or other wire routing means) formed along the lengths of the outer vanes. The vane thus not only provides a heat sinking function for the lighting arrangement which it carries, but also provides a cable routing means for possible neighbouring vanes.

In preferred embodiments, the vane may comprise a pair of said grooves, each formed in a respective side face of the vane. This permits simultaneous routing of the live and neutral supply wires for example.

In one set of embodiments, the air guiding vane has a height extending in a direction between the air inflow area and air outflow area, a length extending across the air flow space, the side faces of the vane each extending in the length and height dimensions, wherein the groove is provided extending along the length of a side face of the vane and at a position which is elevated in the height dimension relative to the mounting area. This ensures that the groove(s) carrying the cable(s) are raised up above the light output face which is visible to the room or space being illuminated This prevents visible shadowing in the light output caused by the wire In one set of embodiments, the vane has a flattened face at a base of the vane incorporating the mounting area, the flattened face having an expanded width compared to an upper section of the vane, the upper section elevated in the height dimension compared to the base, and wherein at least a section of one or both of the side faces curve outwardly to meet respective (elongate) edges of the lower face, and wherein the groove is formed in said curved section of at least one of the side walls, curving between the upper section and the lower face An open face of the groove may be flush with the contour of the curving section of the side face of the vane in some examples. This ensures that the cable, when received in the groove does not interfere with the surface profile of the vane, and thus does not interfere with the airflow characteristics across the vane.

In one set of embodiments, the air guiding vane has a height extending in a direction between the air inflow area and air outflow area, a length extending across the air flow space, and a width perpendicular the height and length, and wherein the vane has a flattened face at a base of the vane incorporating the mounting area, the flattened face having an expanded width compared to an upper section of the vane, the upper section elevated in the height dimension compared to the base, and wherein the groove is provided at a height level on the side face of the vane such that it is located at a position which is inset in a width-dimension relative to an outer side edge of the lower face of the vane. This arrangement ensures that the cable is effectively hidden behind the visible light output face of the air vent structure. The cable, when received in the groove is inset behind the visible front-facing area at the lower face of the vane, so that it cannot be seen from the front face.

In each of the above described arrangements, there may be a single groove in one side face in accordance with the arrangement described, or a pair of grooves in respective side faces, each in accordance with the arrangement described.

In one or more embodiments, the vane may comprise a wire access opening formed through a body of the vane, permitting routing of a wire from at least one side face of the vane to the mounting area. The wire access opening may in some examples comprise a notch cut into a side edge of the vane.

In one or more embodiments, the vane has a length which extends between a first side edge and a second side edge, and wherein the mounting area comprises a mounting surface extending along the length of the vane, from a first side edge toward the further side edge, and wherein a notch is formed into said further side edge of the vane, the notch removing a portion of a mounting surface and a portion of the vane body above the mounting surface, to thereby provide a wire-access opening between a side face of the vane and the mounting surface. The notch may also remove a portion of the vane body above the mounting surface to provide said wire access opening. Since the side edges of the vane are at respective ends of the length of the vane, they may otherwise be known as end edges.

As mentioned above, the vanes can be connected together in modular fashion, with a side edge of one vane meeting a side edge of the next. By providing a wire access notch at a side edge of a given vane, this allows for electrical supply of the lighting arrangement of the given vane via routing in of wires that have been carried to the given vane by a neighbouring vane. Thus, the wire can extend out from the side edge of the second vane and be passed directly down to the mounting area to couple with the terminal of the lighting arrangement of the first vane. This allows for lighting arrangements of neighbouring vanes to be effectively linearly contiguous, with no break in the run of LEDs (or other lighting elements) between one vane and the next vane. It also means wiring can be provided from behind the lighting arrangement instead of at the visible front face.

In some examples a pair of notches may be provided in each of the first side edge and further side edge of the vane. The notches may be aligned with one another in the height dimension. They may be symmetrical with one another.

In some examples, the mounting area is formed by a base surface of an elongate channel formed into a lower face of the vane, and wherein the notch removes a portion of the base surface of the channel, but with side walls of the channel either side of the removed portion of the base surface left intact. This maintains the structural integrity of the mounting area at the base of the vane, and means that the side faces of the vane extending on either side of the channel are also unaltered, meaning that air flow characteristics around the mounting area remain unaffected.

In or more embodiments, the vane may comprise a cable routing groove extending along at least one side face of the vane, for receipt of at least one electrical cable, the cable-routing groove extending along a length of the vane to terminate at said first side edge of the vane, and wherein a point of termination of the groove is aligned in a height dimension with the wire-access opening at the further side edge.

A height dimension means a height dimension of the vane, and may be understood as described above, extending from the base to the top, perpendicular the length.

As mentioned, the vanes can be connected together in modular fashion, with a side edge of one vane meeting a side edge of the next. The cable routing groove permits routing of a cable along the length of one vane in order to electrically supply a next vane. By forming the wire access opening at a vertical position aligned with the wiring groove on each vane, this means that, when the vanes are coupled together end-to-end in modular fashion, the wire is routed directly from the end of a groove of a first vane to the notch formed in the next vane, allowing it to be routed down to the mounting surface.

In one or more embodiments, the air guiding vane may be a one-piece structure. In other words it is formed of a single unitary or monolithic piece. This has the benefit of improving thermal conduction between the mounting area and the at least one side face of the vane, since the body of the vane is free of j oins or interfaces which may interrupt a thermal path from the mounting surface to the side faces of the vane. A one-piece structure ensures a continuous solid thermal path from the mounting area and the at least one side face of the vane.

In one or more embodiments, the vane may be formed of a heat conductive material. It may be formed of metal, such as aluminium. It may be an extruded part.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the provided air vent structure comprises a plurality of said air-guiding vanes, arranged end-to-end. End-to-end in this context means with a side edge of one vane adjacent a side edge of a neighbouring vane. The plurality of vanes are aligned along their lengths. The plurality of vanes together effectively form a single compound vane formed of a plurality of aligned vane panels.

The plurality of vanes may be coupled together by a coupling or alignment pin or rod extending out from a side edge of one vane, and which may be received in a dedicated groove or hole formed in a side face or side edge of a neighbouring vane. The receiving groove or hole may have a complementary shape with respect to the pin, and may be shaped to grip the pin when received in the groove or hole.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the vent structure may further comprise at least one elongate air-baffling drum suspended in at least one of the one or more air flow channels for shaping an airflow path through the airflow channel. The drum interrupts the air flow and guides it in an arcuate path around the outside of the drum toward the front face. There may be a drum in each air flow channel in some examples.

The at least one air-baffling drum may be displaceable laterally within the channel. Laterally means in a direction toward and away from air guiding vane (i.e. in the width direction).

Examples in accordance with a further aspect of the invention also provides a kit of parts comprising: an air vent structure in accordance with any example or embodiment outlined above or described below, or in accordance with any claim of this application; and at least one lighting arrangement or unit for mounting to the mounting area.

Examples in accordance with a further aspect of the invention also provide an air vent assembly comprising an air vent structure in accordance with any example or embodiment outlined above or described below, or in accordance with any claim of this application; and a lighting arrangement or unit mounted to the mounting area.

Examples in accordance with a further aspect of the invention also provide a method of assembly of an air vent, comprising: providing an air vent structure in accordance with any example or embodiment outlined above or described below, or in accordance with any claim of this application; and mounting a lighting arrangement or unit to the mounting area, for example by adhesive.

The method of assembly may comprise fitting said air vent structure into a recessed cavity of a surface, with a front face of the structure exposed at said surface. The method may further comprise electrically connecting supply cables to electrical terminals of the lighting arrangement. The method may further comprise running an electrical cable along a cable routing means provided by the at least one air guiding vane.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Figs. 1-2 illustrate an example linear slot diffuser known in the art; Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of an example air vent structure according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of an example air vent structure according to one or more embodiments; Fig 5 illustrates a rear view of an example air vent structure according to one or more embodiments, Fig. 6 illustrates a lower surface of an air guiding vane of an air vent structure according to one or more embodiments, incorporating a mounting area for a lighting arrangement; Fig. 7 illustrates a further front view of an example air vent structure according to one or more embodiments; Figs. 8-9 illustrate side views of an air guiding vane of an air vent structure according to one or more embodiments; Figs. 10-11 illustrate a perspective view of an air guiding vane of an air vent structure according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 12 schematically depicts a layout of a set of multiple air guiding vanes arranged end-to-end in accordance with an air vent structure of one or more embodiments; Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a wire access notch provided in a side edge of an air guiding vane of an air vent structure according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 14 shows a side view of an example air guiding vane of an air vent structure according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view through an air guiding vane of an air vent structure according to one or more embodiments; Figs. 16-18 illustrate photographs of an air guiding vane of a prototype of the air vent structure according to one or more embodiments; Figs. 19-21 schematically illustrate a cover member for use in covering a lighting arrangement received at a mounting area of an air vane of an air vent structure according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 22 shows a cross-sectional view through an example air vent structure according to one or more embodiments; and Fig. 23 shows an example airflow path through an example air vent structure according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention will be described with reference to the Figures It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

Embodiments of the invention provide an air vent structure, for example a slot diffuser, which is adapted to provide a dual function of air ventilation to a space and also cooling of a lighting unit. The air vent structure includes at least one air guiding vane, which may form an air divider fin, which embodies a mounting area suitable for receipt of a lighting arrangement (e.g. an LED lighting strip), arranged so that light from the lighting strip, when attached, is directed out from a visible front face of the air vent structure. The mounting area may in some embodiments be recessed into the air guiding vane. The body of the vane is structured such that there is thermal communication between a surface of the mounting area and at least one major side face of the vane, this face being arranged to come into contact with air passing out through the vent structure.

By optionally recessing the lighting arrangement, this improves thermal coupling with the body of the vane, and improves structural stability and integrity of the lighting unit. It also better facilitates wiring of the lighting unit from behind rather than in front of the lighting unit, as will be explained further below. The recess effectively provides a containment for the lighting unit.

Preferably, the air vent structure is for venting conditioned (cooled) air.

By integrating lighting strips within the air vent, the passing air actively cools the vane to which the lighting arrangement is affixed, thus cooling the lighting elements comprised by it, ensuring the brightness and life expectancy are maximised. Furthermore, the cooling improves real-time energy efficiency of the lighting elements, and this permits reduced power consumption for the same level of light output. This will result in lower overall energy consumption. Since lifetime is extended, this will also result in less waste in terms of replacement of parts.

In at least one set of embodiments, the mounting area is (suitable) for mounting of a lighting arrangement in the form of an LED lighting strip. However, more generally, embodiments of the invention may have a mounting area that is adapted to be suitable for receiving any form of lighting arrangement. In general, a lighting arrangement means an arrangement comprising one or a plurality of lighting elements arranged to provide a light output. It may be arranged to provide a lighting output in a generally linear or elongate profile or pattern. For example it may comprise an array of lighting elements in an elongate arrangement. For example it may comprise a lighting unit comprising a substrate to which is mounted an arrangement of one or multiple lighting elements configured to provide a light output along the length of the substrate.

In embodiments described below, the air vent structure is illustrated with use of a lighting arrangement in the form of an LED lighting strip. However, it should be understood the type of lighting arrangement is not essential and, in each embodiment, the air vent structure may instead be suitable for receipt of any lighting arrangement, without altering other features of the air vent structure.

An LED lighting strip means an LED lighting tape: that is, a tape having LED lighting elements incorporated at intervals along its length. It for example comprises a flexible circuit board populated by surface mounted light-emitting diodes (SMD LEDs). It typically has a flat rear surface (opposite surface to that from which light shines) and typically comes with an adhesive backing. Reference to an LED strip therefore generally means a linear array or row of SMD LEDs mounted along a suitable substrate.

The use of LED ribbons is at present typically limited to soft-lighting, where the light emitted is reflected from architectural surfaces and cooling of the ribbon is achieved by natural convection -sometimes aided by heat-sinking bases, which provide a larger surface area for convection cooling, but that need to be 'hidden' from the line-of-sight. In installations where LED ribbons are used as main-lighting sources, the ribbons may be housed in a dedicated channel covered by a translucent light-diffuser. The channel can be mounted proud, but it is commonly recessed into a wall or architectural feature, which tend to have good insulation properties and prevent sufficient thermal runoff.

These insulation properties limit natural convection cooling and in turn shortens the life-expectancy and performance of the SMD LED ribbon.

Embodiments of the present invention thus provide a means for enabling LED strip installation in a space in a way that can extend their lifetime through providing effectively active cooling. By utilising the air-vent structure, the need for a dedicated cooling means is avoided. Additionally, as explained further below, particular embodiments enable integrated wire-routing means, making installation of LED strips also easier than is currently the case.

In one or more sets of embodiments, the air vent structure may be an air diffuser. It may be a slot diffuser. It may be a linear slot diffuser (LSD). A linear slot diffuser comprises a front face featuring one or more elongate slots, though which air is passed to ventilate a room. The diffuser has a frame or support structure which typically is arranged to receive air from a rear or top of the structure, the air passing through an air flow space defined by the structure, and then passing out through the slots. The main frame or support structure is typically recessed in a wall or ceiling or floor, so that it is semi-concealed, with just the front face visible.

By way of illustration, Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the front face of a typical slot diffuser comprising first 12a and second 12b slots. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a typical ceiling mounted slot diffuser installed in a room, with the front face flush with the ceiling.

Figs. 3-7 schematically illustrate different views of an example air vent structure according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-section through the vent structure across a plane perpendicular to an elongate length of the vent structure. Fig. 4 shows a view of a front (visible) face of the vent structure, through which air escapes during operation. Fig. 5 shows a view of the rear of the vent structure, through which air is brought in to the vent structure. Fig. 6 shows a view of a lower face of an air-guiding vane comprised by the structure. Fig. 7 shows a view of the front face of the vent structure after installation in a ceiling or other surface, with a cover plate arranged surrounding the air outflow slots.

The air vent structure 20 according to the illustrated embodiment comprises a front face 22 comprising a plurality of elongate air outflow slots 24a, 24b, forming an air outflow area. Although a plurality of slots is shown in this example, this is not essential, and there may at minimum just a single air outflow slot. The air vent structure further comprises an interior air flow space 26 fluidly connecting the air outflow area with an air inflow area 28 at a rear of the air vent structure. The vent structure further comprises at least one air guiding vane 30 arranged to divide the interior air space into at least two air flow channels 32a, 32b extending on opposite sides of the vane 30. Each air flow channel 32a, 32b is arranged to be in direct fluid contact with a respective side face 34a, 34b of the vane. Each air flow channel fluidly connects the air inflow area 28 with a respective one of the air outflow slots 24a, 24b. The air flow channels may be free, open channels. They may extend linearly (straight) from the rear air inflow area 28 to the front air outflow area.

The vane 30 further comprises a mounting area 40 for mounting (for example adhesive mounting), upon assembly, of an elongate lighting arrangement (e.g. an LED light strip), the mounting area arranged facing toward or out from the front face 22 of the air vent structure, for enabling, when assembled, light output from the front face of the vent. The left side of Fig. 3 shows the air vent structure as it would typically be supplied, with an empty mounting area, ready for receipt of a lighting arrangement. The right side of Fig. 3 shows the air vent structure installed in situ, with a LED lighting strip mounted to the mounting area, and an optional cover member fitted covering the mounting area. A different lighting arrangement than an LED strip may be used in further examples.

The body of the air-guiding vane provides a thermal coupling between the mounting area 40 and both the first and second air flow channels. For example, the body of the air guiding vane 30 may be formed of a thermally conductive material such that there is a thermal conduction path from the mounting area 42 to the side faces 34a, 34b of the air guiding vane 30.

In the example illustrated, the mounting area 40 comprises a surface which is recessed into the body of the air guiding vane. It is therefore inset from a lower face of the air guiding vane, and inset from the front face of the air vent structure.

Furthermore, in the particular example illustrated, the mounting area 40 is formed by an elongate channel formed into the body of the air guiding vane. The mounting area is formed by a base of said recessed channel. The base in the illustrated example comprises a flat surface to which an LED lighting strip might be mounted.

Thus the air vent structure effectively enables combining of slot-ventilation and SMD LED ribbon-lighting. The SMD LED ribbon is, upon installation, attached into a bespoke pocket in the air vane (for example a slot-separator of a slot diffuser) which is thermally communicative with major side faces of the vane. The SMD LED ribbon may be mounted parallel to the slots of the vent structure and can be any length..

In the particular example illustrated, the air guiding vane 30 comprises a flattened lower face at a base of the vane, facing toward or out from the front face of the vent, and wherein the mounting area is recessed into said lower face. In particular, the elongate recessed channel is formed into said lower face. The details of the mounting area will be described in greater detail to follow.

The air vent structure 20 comprises a frame structure, which defines an interior air flow space 26 which extends from the air inflow area (28) to the air outflow area. The frame may comprise a plurality of, preferably substantially parallel, panels 36, the spaces/gaps between which define air flow channels 32a, 32b extending from the rear air inflow area to the front air outflow area. The above-mentioned air-guiding vane 30 may be formed by one such panel. These panels may have flattened end faces or end panels 37a, 37b at the location of the front face 22 of the vent. These may at least partially form the front face.

Fig. 4 shows a view of the front face 22 of the air vent structure. The front face in this example is partially formed by the end faces 37a 37b of the panels of the frame structure. A flattened lower face 31 at a base of the air guiding vane 30 also forms part of the visible front face. The recessed mounting area 40 for the LED light strip can be seen, formed as a channel into the flattened lower face at the base of the air guiding vane 30. Fig. 4 also illustrates optional mounting brackets 44 which are located at a rear of the vent structure, the opposite end to the front face 22.

A length (L), width (W) and height (H) dimension of the vent structure is shown. In the example, the slots 24 run parallel with the length, and are separated from one another in the width dimension. The at least one air guiding vane 30 runs across the interior air flow space, along the length of the vent structure. In this example its length runs parallel with the length of the vent structure itself The vane has a height oriented in a direction extending between the air inflow area 28 at the rear of the air vent and the air outflow area at the front face 22.

Fig. 5 illustrates a view of the rear of the vent structure, comprising the air inflow area 28. An upper (rear) edge of the air guiding vane 30 is shown. The air guiding vane divides the air flow space into the two air flow channels 32a, 32b. Air enters the airflow channels through the openings visible in Fig. 5, whereupon it passes through the airflow channels On a direction into the page from the perspective of Fig. 5), and out through the air outflow slots 24.

Fig. 6 shows closer view of the lower face 31 at the base of the air guiding vane 30. The upper image of Fig. 6 shows the mounting area 40 in the form of a recessed channel with an example LED lighting strip 52 mounted onto a surface of the mounting area, in particular onto a surface at the base of the recessed channel. The LED lighting strip comprises a linear row of surface-mounted LED lighting elements. The lower image of Fig 6 shows the mounting area with an optional elongate cover member 72 mounted over the mounting area. It may for example comprise a light diffusing cover which slots into the recessed channel to cover the lighting strip 52.

Fig. 7 schematically shows the front face of the air vent structure, with an optional front panel applied to provide an even continuous facade to the visible face of the vent.

Although in the above example, the air vent structure comprises only a single one of the air guiding vanes 30, in further examples, a plurality of the air guiding means may be provided. In some examples, the air vent structure may comprise a plurality of the air guiding vanes in parallel with one another, in facing relationship, to provide additional airflow channels between the inflow area and the outflow area. Additionally or alternatively, the air vent structure may comprise a plurality of air guiding vanes arranged end-to-end in series, to extend the length (L) of the vent structure, and extend the length of the airflow channels.

It is noted that although in the specific example described above and in the examples described below, the air-guiding vane 30 is shown arranged dividing the air flow space into two air flow channels running on either side of the vane, a different arrangement is also possible without changing other features of the embodiment. For example, the air guiding vane may be located with only a single side face arranged to make direct fluid contact with an air flow channel 32. For example, the air guiding vane may be located in the place of one of the end panels 36a, 36b which partially bound the air flow space 26, so that only one side face 34 of the panel is arranged in fluid contact with the air passing through the air flow space. All other features of the air guide vane and the air vent structure described throughout this disclosure are compatible with an arrangement either having the air guide vane with both side faces in contact with respective air flow channels or having the air guide vane with only one side face in contact with an air flow channel.

Furthermore, although in the example described above, the air flow space defines a plurality of air flow channels 32a, 32b, thus is not essential, and in further examples, the air flow space may define at minimum a single air flow channel leading to at minimum a single air flow slot. In such an example, the air guiding vane may from a side or end panel 36 of the air vent structure, so that one side face is in fluid contact with the air flow channel, and the air passing therethrough in operation. All other features of the air guide vane and the air vent structure described throughout this disclosure are compatible with an arrangement either having a single air flow channel or a plurality of air flow channels extending between the air inflow area and air outflow area.

Details of the mounting area 40 for the lighting arrangement will now be described further with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, each of which shows a lower portion of the air guiding vane 30 including the flattened lower face 31 and the comprising the mounting area 40 recessed into the flattened lower face. The details are described for illustration with reference to receipt of an LED lighting strip. However, as described above, another type of lighting unit or arrangement may alternatively be used without changing other features of the embodiment.

The illustrated view is an elevation from a side edge of the air guiding vane. Fig 8 shows the mounting area empty, ready for installation. Fig. 9 shows the mounting area after installation, with an LED lighting strip 52 installed.

The at least one air guiding vane comprises a flattened lower face 31 at a base of the vane 30, facing toward or out from the front face 22 of the vent, and wherein the mounting area is formed by a recess set into said lower face. The lower face 31 has elongate side edges running along its length and bounding it at either side of the width. The recess in this example takes the form of an elongate recessed channel 46. A base 38 of the channel forms a flat mounting surface onto which the LED lighting strip 52 can be adhered upon installation in situ.

By the base of the vane 30 is meant the lower elongate edge of the vane, closest to the front face 22 of the vent structure (and optionally forming a portion of the front face of the vent). Rather than this base being a narrow edge, it has an expanded width compared to an upper section of the vane, so that an under-surface 31 of this expanded width section can accommodate a recess into which the LED lighting strip can be mounted (upon assembly). The width, Wi, of an upper portion of the vane, and the width W2 of the lower, expanded-width portion of the vane is illustrated in Fig. 8.

In the illustrated example, the vane has a smaller width section, Wi, and a wider-width section, W2, and wherein side faces 34a, 34b of the vane arc outwardly between the upper section and the lower section, to join the upper section with the lower section.

More particularly, the lower face 31 at the base of the vane has an expanded width compared to a width of an upper section of the vane adjacent the air inflow area, and wherein the side faces 34a, 34b of the vane arc outwardly between the upper section and edges of the lower face. This forms curved or tapered or contoured sections of the side faces between the lower face and the upper section of the vane. More generally, these may be understood as non-uniform width sections.

The channel 46 comprising the mounting area 40 further comprises side walls extending outward from either edge of the base surface 38. This provides protection, stability and robustness to the construction. It also helps aid thermal communication between the LED light strip and the body of the vane.

As schematically illustrated in Fig. 9, the vent structure may optionally further comprise a cover member 72 arranged to fit into the recessed channel to close the open side or face of the channel 46 and to cover the LED lighting strip. This provides physical protection. The cover may also provide an optical function. For example the cover may be a light diffusion cover.

Although in the above example, the mounting area is incorporated in a lower face of an expanded width base section of the vane, this is not essential. More generally, the mounting area can be provided at any location on an air guiding vane than provides it such that a light output from an LED mounted thereupon is directed out from the front face of the air vent structure in operation.

In one or more embodiments, and as illustrated in Fig. 8 and 9, the at least one air-guiding vane 30 may comprises a wire or cable routing means (or cable guiding means) for holding and routing a received electrical cable along a length of the vane.

The cable-routing means is further illustrated in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the air guiding vane 30 in isolation.

Fig. 11 shows a closer view of an end corner section, A, of the air-guiding vane. For ease of reference, Fig. 10 shows the directions of height (H), length (L) and width (W) dimensions of the vane. The height (H) of the vane 30 may be oriented in a direction extending between the air inflow area 28 and air outflow area, a length (L) extending across the interior air flow space 26, the side faces 34a, 34b each extending in the length (L) and height (H) dimensions, and a width (W) or thickness perpendicular the height and length.

The cable routing means preferably is adapted to route a received electrical cable along the entire length of the vane, from one side edge 33a to the opposite side edge 33b, where side edge means the edge extending in the height (H) direction from top to bottom of the vane, bounding each of the side faces 34.

In the example illustrated in Figs. 8-11, the wire routing means takes the form of a groove 62 formed into an outer surface of the air guiding vane, aligned with a length of the vane, for carrying an electrical cable 64 along the length of the side face 34 of the vane.

The groove thus routes the cable along an exposed surface of the vane. The groove is shaped to accommodate an electrical cable 64 and defines a fixed path along which the cable can be routed.

The groove 62 in this example runs parallel to a length of the mounting area 40, which is located at a lower surface of a base of the vane (not visible in Fig. 10), but this is not essential. The groove in this example is formed in a side face of the vane 32, but this again is not essential.

Furthermore, the groove 62 in this example is provided extending along the length of a side face 34 of the vane and at a position up the side face which is elevated in the height dimension relative to the mounting area 40. It is raised above the mounting area. This helps keep it hidden from view after installation of the vent structure.

Furthermore, in this example, the vane 30 has a flattened face 31 at a base of the vane incorporating the mounting area 40, the flattened face having an expanded width compared to an upper section of the vane, and wherein the side faces 34a, 34b curve outwardly to meet elongate edges of the lower face 31, and wherein the groove 62 is formed in said curved section of at least one of the side faces, curving between the upper section and the lower face. In other words, the groove 62 is formed in the curved or contoured section of the side face of the vane which curves between the upper smaller width (WO portion (mentioned above) and the lower face of the vane 31.

In this way, it is inset width-wise relative to an outer side edge of the lower face of the vane. This means that the wire, when received in the groove, is largely hidden from view. The groove conveniently routes a wire along a path which is above the level of the mounting area 40 fin the height dimension), and tucked 'behind' the visible projection of the mounting area when viewed from the front face of the vent structure. Again, this helps keep any wire out of view when looking from the front face of the air vent.

In this example, a pair of said grooves 62a, 62b is provided, each formed in a respective side face 34a, 34b of the vane, and each in accordance with the descriptions provided above. The grooves are symmetrical for example. This permits simultaneous routing of the live and neutral supply wires for example. The grooves in this example extend parallel with one another on opposite sides of the vane. Fig. 9 shows the grooves following installation, with a respective electrical cable 64 received in each.

Each groove in this example extends from a first side edge 33a of the vane to an opposite side edge 33b. This is illustrated more clearly in Fig. 10 which shows a further view of the air-guiding vane 30. As will be explained further below, this arrangement allows for the groove 62 to be used to carry an electrical cable 64 for supply of a neighbouring air vane (aligned at the side edge of the first vane). This allows for extending the possible length of the air vent structure, by forming a linear row of air vanes, arranged side edge 33 to side-edge, and wherein electrical supply of the inner vanes can be conveniently achieved by routing of the electrical cables along the grooves (or other wire routing means) formed along the lengths of the outer vanes.

The air guiding vane 30 in the illustrated example comprises a further groove or opening 74 for receiving a coupling or alignment pin 78, for coupling one air guiding vane to a neighbouring vane positioned adjacent to one side edge 33a. This will be explained in greater detail to follow.

The wire routing arrangement according to one or more embodiments will now be described further, with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 18.

A general aim according to one set of embodiments is to provide a convenient means for routing wiring to the LED light strips which are to be mounted at the mounting area 40 of the vane 30. In a standard installation, the wires would need to be routed down from the ceiling, through the air flow channels 32 and to the front face of the vane. This adds complexity to installation and also means the wiring is visible at the front face of the air vent structure which is unsightly.

One further aim is to enable a run of air-guide vanes 30 to be installed as part of an air vent structure, so as to extend the possible length of the air vent structure (e.g. slot diffuser) and the length of the LED run. This means that an electrical supply needs to be provided to the mounting area 40 of each air guide vane in the run. The integrated wire routing means, defining a wire routing path along a length of each vane, provides a convenient and pre-arranged way to route the necessary wiring.

To explain further, due to the internal resistance of the copper tracks within commercial fixed voltage LED tape, they are generally supplied in lengths of no more than 5 metres. If single runs are made substantially longer than this, it may be possible to see a brightness gradient along the run with LEDs further away from the power source appearing dimmer than those closer. In practice, this means an installation contractor would need to run parallel wires through the ceiling void to the end of each 5 metre run of LEDs. This can be time consuming for the contractor and may cause considerable extra disruption.

The set of embodiments according to Figs. 10-18 include integrated cable management slots or grooves within the LED-carrying vane. These slots may be adapted to carry one pair of power cables so that an adjacent 5 metre run of LED tape (e.g. attached to an adjacent vane) may be powered without running extra cables over the ceiling.

With outside vanes in a given run being electrically supplied from the ends of the air vent, and central vanes of a run being electrically supplied by cables routed through the cable-guiding means, it is possible to provide a continuous run of 20 metres of LED tape without the need for a contractor pull extra cabling through the ceiling void.

This is illustrated schematically in Fig. 12 which illustrates a series of air guide vanes 30 arranged end to end (side edge to side-edge) to form effectively a single compound air vane structure of four times the length of any one of the vanes. The schematic depiction shows the air vanes in plan view (from above). In the illustrated example, a run of four air guide vanes is assembled 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. The outer air guide vanes of the assembly (30a and 30d) may be electrically supplied by cables 66 run to their respective side edges (33a, 33b respectively). The inside vanes (30b, 30c) may be supplied by cables run along the cable routing means of the outer vanes 30a, 30d, the cable routing means routing the cables to respective side edges of each of the inner vanes. The cable routing means of each outer vane is capable of routing two cables along the length of the vane, for the live and neutral supply wires.

Thus, in these embodiments of the invention, the vane provides a dual function of not only guiding air and housing the LED light strip, but also providing an integrated wire routing system for the LED strip, avoiding the need for additional work to be done in installing wires for example in the ceiling cavity. This makes installation more efficient.

In one or more embodiments, in order to further facilitate the electrical supply of the LED light strips, the air guiding vane may comprise a wire access opening permitting 20 routing of a wire between a side face of the vane and the mounting surface.

In some examples, this may take the form of a hole or channel extending from the side face to the mounting area. For example, in applicable embodiments, it may be a hole or channel extending from the side face to the recessed channel formed in the lower face of the air guiding vane.

According to a particular set of embodiments, the wire access opening may be notch cut into a side edge of the vane. There may be a notch cut into each side edge of the vane. The particular embodiments illustrated in Figs. 10-18 illustrates examples of this arrangement.

The wire access opening in the form of a notch is best illustrated in Fig. 13 which shows a perspective view of a corner of the air guiding vane 30.

As explained above, in this example, the mounting area 40 extends along a length of the vane, from a first side edge 33b (not visible in Fig. 13) toward a further (opposite) side edge 33a. The mounting area is formed by a base surface 38 of a channel 46 formed in the lower face 31 of the vane. This forms a mounting surface 38. A notch 82 is formed into said further side edge 33a of the vane, the notch removing a portion of the mounting surface 38 of the mounting area 40, to thereby provide a wire-routing opening between each side face 34a, 34b of the vane and the mounting surface 38 at the base of the channel formed in the lower face of the vane. The notch also removes a portion of the vane body above the mounting surface to provide said wire access opening.

In the example of Figs. 10-18, the mounting area is formed by a base surface 38 of a recessed channel 46 formed in a lower face 31 of the vane 30, the notch 82 is arranged to remove a portion of the base surface 38 of the channel, but to leave the side walls of the channel intact. This is best visible in the cross-section view of Fig. 14. This maintains the structural integrity of the mounting area at the base of the vane, and means that the side walls of the vane extending on either side of the channel are also unaltered, meaning that air flow characteristics around the mounting area remain unaffected.

In the illustrated example, the cable routing groove 62 extends along each side face 34a, 34b of the vane, for receipt of at least one electrical cable 64, the cable-routing groove extending along a length of the vane to terminate at said first side edge 33b of the vane, and wherein a point of termination of the groove is aligned in a height dimension with the wire-routing opening at the opposite side edge 33a. In other words, the point of termination of the groove is for guiding a received wire directly into the wire access groove of a neighbouring vane. For example, each cable routing groove 62 follows a straight linear path along the respective side face 34 of the vane at a height level up the vane which is aligned with a height of the notch. This is visible for example in Fig. 14 where the cable routing groove 62b leads the cable 64 directly into the notch 82a of the neighbouring vane. Fig. 14 illustrates a possible arrangement of two of the air guiding vanes endto-end. Fig. 14 illustrates a side view of the junction between the two vanes. Fig. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the same junction through plane A-A. By providing a wire access notch at a side edge of the vane, this allows for electrical supply of the LED strip of a given vane via routing in of wires that have been carried to the given vane by a neighbouring vane. Thus, the wire can extend out from the side edge of the second vane and be passed directly down to the mounting area to couple with the terminal of the LED strip of the first vane.

In the particular example illustrated, a respective wire access notch 82 is formed in each side edge of each air-guiding vane 30, with the effect that the two notches meet and unite at the junction of two adjacent vanes. They are symmetrical with each other at each side edge 33a, 33b, i.e. aligned in the height dimension, and of the same dimensions.

This provides maximal flexibility of installation or assembly, since each vane can effectively be coupled to a further vane at either or both ends, and is capable of routing an electrical supply cable which is fed to it by a neighbouring vane at either end. It also provides a wider wiring access window at the junction point. However, it is not essential to have the notches at both side edges, and further examples may include a notch at only one side edge. Figs. 16-18 show a view of a further embodiment in which the vane includes a notch 82 at only one end. The lower image of Fig. 14 shows a closer view of area A which contains the notch 82a of the left air guiding vane 30a. Also visible is the second optional notch 82b of the right air guiding vane 30b. The two notches align when the vanes are arranged end-to-end, together defining a larger access window. The additional notch of the second vane has the benefit of extending the effective size of the access window to the mounting area, but is not essential. The wire routing groove 62b of the second vane 30b terminates at its left side edge, whereupon the wire 64 carried by it may extend through the wire access notch of the first vane 30a adjacent to it directly to the mounting area 40 of the first vane 30a. The wire can be connected to the terminal of an LED strip 52a installed at the mounting area.

As may be seen more clearly in Fig. 17, during installation, the LED strip 52a of the first vane 30a may be sized to terminate at the point where the notch 82a interrupts the mounting surface 38. The LED strip 52b of the neighbouring vane 30b may extend beyond the end of the vane, so that it includes an extension section 53 which can extend across the gap in the mounting surface of the first vane 30a formed by the notch 82. It can therefore bridge the gap formed by the notch, meaning that an apparent continuous run of LEDs can be provided, as illustrated in Fig. 1_8.

To explain further, in high quality lighting installations using LED tape, consumers expect continuous lines of light without gaps of darker areas. With traditional wiring schemes this is very hard to achieve. Clip connectors such as those used for decorative lighting schemes cannot be used as they create too much space between sections, leading to dark areas.

A typical solution is to solder wires to the tape ends. For a typical air vent structure, this would require drilling holes through the body of the vane during installation to feed the wires from behind, and then soldering the wires to the ends of the tape. This would likely lead to the shadow of wiring being visible through the diffuser cover. It would also rely heavily on the skill of the installation contractor to make a neat job.

As explained above, due to the unique way wires are routed along the vane (with wire-routing means) and the cut-out at each side edge of the vane, the wire ends can be presented at the joining sections between adjacent vanes in such a way that they can be soldered without leaving a gap between neighbouring LED strips, without showing visible wires and without affecting the pitch of the LEDs between different sections of LED tape. This allows for a clean installation and a continuous line of light without dark areas.

Although in the above examples, the benefits of the cable routing means and the cable access openings have been described with reference to possible modular assembly of air guiding vanes, this is by way of illustration only. The described features can also be conveniently used for routing wiring to a mounting area of a single vane only. By way of example, the wire access opening may permit a cable to be extended directly from the groove down to the mounting area of the vane. In some examples, the wire access opening could be formed at a location that is not the side edge of the vane, for example at a location along the length of the vane. By way of one example, this could take the form of a notch or opening cut into a middle area of the vane wall and extending down to the mounting area at the base of the vane, for example removing a portion of a base of the recessed channel, and leaving walls intact. This allows routing of a cable down to the channel from an area at a side face of the vane. The cable could be routed from one end of the vane, or from a top of the vane in some examples. This represents just one example, for illustrative purposes.

As mentioned above, according to certain embodiments, the air vent structure may further comprise a light-transmissive cover 72 coupled to, or removably coupleable to, the air vent structure in a position for extending over or covering, when assembled, the LED light strip.

Covering in this context may mean that the cover is arranged in an optical output path of the LED light strip, i.e. to intercept light emitted from the LED light strip when assembled. The light from the LED light strip, when the cover is assembled over the mounting area, passes through the cover on its path toward or out from the front face of the vent, for illuminating the room or space being ventilated.

In some examples, the cover may be removably mountable over the mounting area 40 for covering, upon assembly, the LED light strip 52.

Figs. 19-21 schematically illustrate one advantageous example of a cover. In this example, the vane 30 comprises an elongate channel 46 recessed into the lower face 31 of the vane, as has been described previously with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.

The mounting area 40 may be formed by a base 38 of the elongate channel 46. The cover in this example comprises a cover member 72 which is adapted to push fit into the channel 46 to thereby assemble the cover in position above the mounting area 38. The 3 1 insertion of the cover in the channel in this way preferably closes the channel 46 across its previously open side, as illustrated in Fig. 20. The cover has a light-output surface or area 84, and, when received in the channel, the cover is arranged with the light output surface or area suspended above the mounting area for receipt of light from an LED light strip which may be mounted thereto.

Push fit means that attachment or mounting of the cover 72 to the vane 30 is achieved by simply pushing the cover into the channel 46, whereupon the cover is automatically retained in position by for example friction, resilient biasing or latching. For example, the cover may have sprung side arms as mentioned above which push against the channel walls to hold the cover in place. It may clip into place in some examples. It may have sprung side arms or fingers or pins which are received in retaining notches or grooves, or which form a latch or catch mechanism with side walls of the channel.

For example, as illustrated schematically in Fig. 19, the cover may comprise an elongate cover member 72 having an elongate upper cover surface 84, and side wings 86a, Sob depending from the upper cover surface, the side wings being resiliently deflectable relative to the cover surface, and wherein the cover member is shaped to push fit into the channel with outward biasing of the side wings against walls of the channel retaining the cover in the channel (as illustrated in Fig. 20).

Fig. 20 shows a side view of the vane 30 with the cover 72 fitted in position covering the mounting area 40. Fig. 21 shows a further view of the vane 30 with the cover attached, illustrating a portion of the underside of the vane.

The light-transmissive cover 72 provides physical protection for the LED light strip during operation. It may also perform an optical function, for example a light processing function or a light direction function. In some examples, the light-transmissive cover may be a light diffusing cover. Light diffusing means that the cover is light dispersive; the cover scatters light transmitted through it.

By closing the channel 46 into which the LED strip is installed, the cover 72 forms a partially enclosed space around the LED strip. For example, the cover effectively forms a luminaire enclosure for containing the LED lighting strip during operation.

Preferably, the cover 72 is removable from its assembled position in the channel, for example by pulling or sliding the cover back out from the channel 46. The cover may be adapted to have an operational position, in which it is mounted to the air vane in a position covering the mounting area for the LED light strip, and it has a de-coupled position, in which it is no longer covering the mounting area. The decoupled position may have the cover fully separated from the vane, or may have it still partially attached, for instance hinged or attached by a cord.

In one or more embodiments, the air vent structure 20 may be arranged such that, when the cover 72 is attached to the vane 30, the light output surface 84 of the cover is flush with the front face 22 of the vent structure. In other words, the cover forms a portion of the visible front face of the air vent.

By way of illustration, in one or more embodiments, the vent structure may have a length of at least 0.3m, for example at least lm. It may for example have a length of between 0.3m and 30m, for example between 3m and 21m.

By way of illustration, in one or more embodiments, the vent structure may have a width of between 40 mm and 450 mm Fig. 22 shows an example air vent structure 20 in accordance with one or more embodiments. In this example, the vent structure comprises a respective elongate air-baffling drum 102a, 102b suspended in each of the air flow channels 32a, 32b for the shaping airflow through the airflow channel. The drum interrupts the air flow and guides it in a circuitous path around the outside of the drum toward the front face.

Fig. 23 schematically illustrates airflow through the air vent structure according to the example of Fig. 22, and further illustrates the light output 110 provided by an LED light strip installed at the mounting area at the front face 22 of the air vent structure.

The air baffling drum 102a may be formed by a tubular member.

The at least one air-baffling drum may be displaceable laterally within the channel. Laterally means in a direction toward and away from air guide vane 30. The displacement of the drums may be electronically controlled by an actuation means which may or may not be provided as part of the air vent structure.

Although the example of Fig. 22 and 23 shows an air vent structure defining a plurality of air flow channels 32a, 32b extending between the air inflow area and air outflow area, this is not essential. In further examples, the air vent structure may comprise at minimum a single air flow channel extending to at minimum a single air outflow slot. An air baffling drum may optionally be provided suspended in the single air flow channel. The air guiding vane 30 having the mounting area could be provided in the position of one of the end panels 36a, 36b for example.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the provided air vent structure comprises a plurality of the air-guiding vanes 30 in accordance with any of the examples or arrangements discussed above or described below, arranged end-to-end. End-to-end in this context means with a side edge 33 of one vane 30 adjacent a side edge of a neighbouring vane. The plurality of vanes are aligned along their lengths. The plurality of vanes together effectively form a single compound vane formed of a plurality of aligned vane panels. The planes are arranged in co-planar fashion, end to end with one another.

The plurality of vanes may be coupled together by a coupling or alignment pin or rod which is received and held in a dedicated groove or hole formed in a side face or side edge of each of the neighbouring vanes. The receiving groove or hole may have a complementary shape with respect to the pin, and may be shaped to grip the pin when received in the groove or hole. It may have a restricted width entry passage through which the rod or pin must be pushed to enter a main area of the groove. This provides firm retention of the rod or pin.

An example of the coupling or alignment pin 78 being received in a dedicated groove or hole 74 is shown in Fig. 10 and also in Fig. 9.

Examples in accordance with a further aspect of the invention also provides a kit of parts comprising: an air vent structure in accordance with any example or embodiment outlined above or described below, or in accordance with any claim of this application; and at least one LED lighting strip for mounting at the mounting area.

Examples in accordance with a further aspect of the invention also provide an air vent assembly comprising an air vent structure in accordance with any example or embodiment outlined above or described below, or in accordance with any claim of this application; and an LED lighting strip mounted to said mounting area.

Examples in accordance with a further aspect of the invention also provide a method of assembly of an air vent, comprising: providing an air vent structure in accordance with any example or embodiment outlined above or described below, or in accordance with any claim of this application; and mounting an LED light strip to the mounting area, for

example by adhesive.

The method of assembly may comprise fitting said air vent structure into a recessed cavity of a surface, with a front face of the structure exposed at said surface. The method may further comprise electrically connecting supply cables to electrical terminals of the LED light strip. The method may further comprise running an electrical cable along a cable routing means provided by the at least one air guiding vane.

In embodiments described above, the mounting area is recessed into a lower face of the air guiding vane. However, in further examples, it may be recessed into a different surface of the vane, and oriented to permit a light output from a lighting unit mounted on the mounting area to be directed toward or out from the front face of the air vent structure. Furthermore, although in embodiments described above, the mounting area is recessed into the air guiding vane, this is not essential to the invention. In some examples, the mounting area may not be recessed into the air guiding vane.

By way of one example, the mounting area may not be recessed into a body of the air guiding vane but may be arranged inset from the front face of the air vent structure by an inset distance. For example the front face may be defined by the faces 37a, 37b of the panels of the frame structure, and wherein the mounting area is arranged to be inset back from the front face (i.e. in a height dimension of the air vent structure) by an inset distance.

This provides partial protection of the lighting arrangement when mounted at the mounting area, and also partially shields the light output at shallow angles. For example, the air guiding vane may be provided with a shorter height than the height of the air vent structure, so that its lower surface is inset relative to the front face of the air vent structure and the mounting area is formed by a lower face of the air guiding vane.

As will be clear from the explanations provided above, embodiments of the air vent structure according to the present invention provide a number of technical advantages. These will now be briefly summarised below.

First, the direct thermal coupling between the mounting area (for receiving the LED light strip) and the side faces of the air-guide vane, said faces arranged to come into direct contact with passing air, provides highly efficient thermal sinking away from the LED light strip into the airflow channels containing the flowing air. Embodiments of the invention have been found to reduce operating temperature by 15 to 20°C in trials, which provides a theoretical extension to the lifetime of the LEDs of 50,000 hours. The improved heat sinking from the LEDs allows for reduced energy consumption (for the same given brightness) since the power consumption of an LED is related to its operating temperature. This also means that the SMD LED ribbon can be run at maximum-rated continuous output without loss of efficiency due to non-radiative recombination.

Furthermore, by facilitating integration of the LED light strip with the air vent structure, this speeds up the installation time for both since it requires fewer tradesmen on site at one time. The installation of the LED lighting feature is limited simply to the adhesion of an LED light strip to the mounting area, and electrical connection of the strip. The vent structure already provides a physical mounting arrangement suitable for holding the LED lighting strip in a position from which it can illuminate the space concerned. For example, the use of the vent structure limits the liberation of plasterboard particulate/dust in the build area by eliminating the need for bespoke plasterboard-grooving that requires specialist PPE to be worn by contractors.

Furthermore, in advantageous embodiments, the vent structure incorporates integrated wire routing means facilitating routing of wires directly to locations that are needed in order to electrically supply the LED light strip. In other words, the vent structure effectively provides a self-contained installation system for the LED lighting strip: a mounting surface suitable for receiving LED lighting strip, heat sinking to efficiently cool the LED light strip, and in certain advantageous embodiments, wire routing means to hold and guide wires to the necessary places to electrify the LEDs.

By virtue of the above, embodiments of the present invention also cut the cost associated with installation of LED strip lighting.

Furthermore, due to the efficient heat sinking, embodiments of the present invention cut the long-term cost associated with servicing of the LED lighting strips.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention allow for flush fitting of LED light ribbons against flat architectural backdrops without the need for bespoke recessing.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (29)

1. CLAIMS: An air vent structure (20), comprising: a front face (22) comprising one or more elongate air outflow slots (24a, 246), forming an air outflow area, an interior air flow space (26) fluidly connecting the air outflow area with an air inflow area (28) at a rear of the air vent stmcture, and the interior air flow space defining one or more air flow channels, each of the one or more airflow channels fluidly connecting the air inflow area with a respective air outflow slot; and at least one air guiding vane (30) arranged extending in a direction between the air inflow area and the air outflow area, and arranged such that at least one of the one or more air flow channels passes in direct fluid contact with at least one side face (34a, 34b) of the vane; wherein the air guiding vane comprises a mounting area (40) for mounting, during use, of an elongate lighting arrangement (52), the mounting area arranged for enabling, when assembled, light output by the lighting arrangement from the front face of the vent structure, wherein the air guiding vane provides a thermal coupling between the mounting area and the at least one air flow channel in fluid contact with the vane; and wherein the mounting area is recessed into a body of the air guiding vane
2. 2. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one air guiding vane is arranged dividing the interior air flow space (26) into at least two air flow channels (32a, 32b) extending on opposite sides of the vane, each channel in direct fluid contact with a respective side face (34a, 34b) of the vane, and each channel fluidly connecting the air inflow area (28) with an air outflow slot (24a, 24b); and wherein the air-guiding vane provides a thermal coupling between the mounting area and both the first and second air flow channels.
3. 3. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting area (40) is for mounting an LED lighting strip.
4. 4. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in any of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one air guiding vane (30) delimits a recessed channel (46), and wherein the mounting area (40) is formed by said recessed channel.
5. 5. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in any of claims 1-4, wherein the air guiding vane (30) comprises a flattened lower face (3 I) at a base of the vane, facing toward or out from the front face (22) of the vent structure, and wherein the mounting area (40) is recessed into said lower face
6. 6. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lower face (31) at the base of the vane has an expanded width compared to a width of an upper section of the vane adjacent the air inflow area (28), and wherein one or both side faces (34a, 34b) of the vane arc outwardly between the upper section and respective edges of the lower face (31).
7. 7. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in any of claims 1-6, further comprising a light-transmissive cover (72) coupled, or removably coupleable to, the air vent structure in a position, when assembled, for extending over the lighting arrangement (52), and optionally wherein the light-transmissive cover is a light diffusing cover.
8. 8. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the light-transmissive cover (72) has a light output surface (82), and wherein the air vent structure is arranged such that, when the cover is coupled to the air vent structure, the light output surface is flush with the front face (22) of the vent structure.
9. 9 An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the mounting area (40) is formed by a base (38) of a channel (46) recessed into a surface of the air guiding vane (30), and wherein the cover (72) is adapted to be push fit into the channel to thereby assemble the cover in position above the mounting area (40).
10. 10. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cover (72) closes an open side of the channel (56) when fitted into the channel.
11. 11. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the cover (72) comprises an elongate cover member having an elongate upper cover surface (82), and side wings (84a, 84b) depending from the upper cover surface, the side wings being resiliently deflectable relative to the cover surface, and wherein the cover member is shaped to push fit into the channel (46) with outward biasing of the side wings against walls of the channel retaining the cover member in the channel.
12. 12. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in any of claims 1-11, wherein the air guiding vane (30) comprises a cable routing means (62) for routing a received electrical cable (64) along at least a portion of a length of the air guiding vane (30).
13. 13. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cable routing means (62) is arranged to route the cable along a path at an exposed surface of the air guiding vane (30).
14. 14. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the cable routing means comprises at least one groove (62) formed in an outer surface of the air guiding vane (30) for receipt of an electrical cable (64).
15. 15. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the groove (62) is provided extending along a length of at least one side face (34a, 34b) of the vane, and optionally wherein the cable routing means comprises a pair of said grooves (62a, 62b), each formed in a respective side face (34a, 34b) of the vane.
16. 16. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the air guiding vane (30) has a height extending in a direction (H) between the air inflow area (28) and air outflow area, and a length extending across the air flow space (26), wherein the groove (62) is provided extending along the length of a side face (34) of the vane and at a position which is elevated in the height dimension (1-1) relative to the mounting area (40).
17. 17. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in any of claims 14-16, wherein the vane has a flattened lower face (31) at a base of the vane (30) incorporating the mounting area (40), the lower face having an expanded width (W2) compared to an upper section of the vane, the upper section elevated in the height dimension compared to the base, and wherein at least a section of one or both side faces (34a, 34b) of the vane curve outwardly to meet respective edges of the lower face (31), and wherein the groove (62) is formed in said curved section of at least one of the side faces, curving between the upper section and the lower face
18. IS, An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 17, wherein an open face of the groove (62) is flush with the contour of the curving section of the side face of the vane.
19. 19. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in any of claims 14-18, wherein the air guiding vane (30) has a height extending in a direction (H) between the air inflow area (28) and air outflow area, a length extending across the air flow space (26), and a width perpendicular the height and length, and wherein the vane has a flattened lower face (31) at a base of the vane incorporating the mounting area (40), the lower face having an expanded width compared to an upper section of the vane, the upper section elevated in the height dimension compared to the base, and wherein the groove (62) is provided at a height level on the or each side face (34) of the vane such that it is located at a position which is inset in a width-dimension (W) relative to an outer side edge of the lower face (31) of the vane.
20. 20. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in any of claims 1-19, wherein the air guiding vane (30) delimits a wire access opening (82) formed through a body of the vane (30), permitting routing of a wire (64) from at least one side face (34) of the vane to the mounting area.
21. 21. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the wire access opening comprises a notch (82) cut into a side edge (33) of the vane (30).
22. 22. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the air guiding vane (30) has a length which extends between a first side edge (33b) and a second opposite side edge (33a), and wherein the mounting area (40) comprises a mounting surface (38) extending along the length of the vane, from a first side edge (33b) toward the further side edge (33a), and wherein a notch (82) is formed into said further side edge (33a) of the vane, the notch removing a portion of a mounting surface and a portion of the vane body above the mounting surface, to thereby provide a wire-access opening between a side face (34) of the vane and the mounting surface.
23. 23. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the mounting surface is formed by a base surface (38) of a channel (46) recessed into a lower face (31) of the vane, and wherein the notch removes a portion of the base surface of the channel, with side walls of the channel either side of the removed portion of the base surface left intact.
24. 24. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in claim 23, wherein the air-guiding vane (30) comprises a cable routing groove (62) extending along at least one side face (32) of the air guiding vane, for receipt of at least one electrical cable (64), the cable-routing groove extending along a length of the vane to terminate at said first side edge (33b) of the vane, and wherein a point of termination of the groove is aligned in a height dimension (H) with the wire-access opening (82) at the further side edge (33a).
25. 25. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in any of claims 1-24, wherein the air-guiding vane (30) is a one-piece structure.
26. 26. An air vent structure (20) as claimed in any of claims 1-25, wherein the air vent structure comprises a plurality of said air-guiding vanes (30a, 30b), arranged end-to-end in a linear row.
27. 27. A kit of parts comprising: an air vent structure (20) as claimed in any of claims 1-26; and at least one lighting arrangement (52) for mounting to the mounting area (40).
28. 28. An air vent assembly comprising: an air vent structure (20) as claimed in any of claims 1-26; and a lighting arrangement (52) mounted to the mounting area.
29. 29. A method of assembly of an air vent, comprising: providing an air vent structure (20) in accordance with any of claims 1-26; and mounting a lighting arrangement (52) to the mounting area, for example by adhesive.