ITTO20110164A1 - LIGHTING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

â € œLighting systemâ €

TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

Technical field

This description relates to the lighting system.

Technological background

Lighting systems are known which comprise at least one light source, such as for example one or more LEDs (Light Emitting Diode). These modules may require a cooling system to ensure the stability of the LEDs over time.

For example, document WO 2009/039907 describes a lighting system in which a cylindrical body of a metallic material is used as a heat sink and comprises a plurality of longitudinal channels for the passage of air. In particular, this document highlights the fact that such a cylindrical body can have an appreciable aesthetic appearance, such as not to require an external casing that covers the entire lighting system.

Purpose and summary

The inventors have observed that this lack of an external casing makes the lighting system inflexible both from an aesthetic and a functional point of view.

The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks outlined above.

According to the invention, this object is achieved thanks to a lighting system having the characteristics recalled in the following claims. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching administered herein in relation to the invention.

In various embodiments, the lighting system can comprise a lighting module, such as for example an LED module, and a support body.

In various embodiments, the support body can comprise a plurality of grooves or channels for the passage of air. For example, the support body can comprise a cooling body which is closed on one side by a lid and on the other side by a support on which the lighting module is mounted.

In various embodiments, additional elements can be fixed to the lighting system, for example by interlocking, so that at least a portion of the additional elements protrudes from the support body.

For this purpose, the cover can comprise on its external surface a plurality of seats arranged along an internal circumference line, and the support can comprise an edge on its external surface. In this case, the additional elements can comprise at least a first portion configured to cooperate with one of the seats in the lid and a second portion comprising at least one projection to cooperate with the edge of the support.

In various embodiments, to improve mechanical stability, each additional element may comprise at least one formation that cooperates with one of the grooves in the cooling body.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will now be described, purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures, in which:

â € "Figures 1a to 1c are schematic perspective views of a lighting system according to the present invention, and

â € ”Figures 2 to 7 show possible applications of the lighting system of Figures 1a to 1c.

Detailed description

The following description illustrates various specific details aimed at an in-depth understanding of the embodiments. The embodiments can be made without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of the embodiments.

Reference to â € œan embodimentâ € in the context of this description indicates that a particular configuration, structure or feature described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases such as â € œin one embodimentâ €, possibly present in different places of this description, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular conformations, structures or features can be combined in a suitable way in one or more embodiments.

The references used here are for convenience only and therefore do not define the scope of protection or the scope of the forms of implementation.

Figures 1a to 1c show different perspective views of a possible embodiment of a modular lighting system 1 according to the present invention.

In the embodiment considered, the lighting system 1 comprises lighting means 20, such as for example an LED module comprising at least one LED, and an enclosure.

As previously mentioned, the casing of the lighting system 1 can be formed by a cooling body 14 comprising in the longitudinal direction a plurality of grooves or channels 140 for the passage of air.

For example, in the embodiment considered, the cooling body 14 comprises an internal body 142 with a tubular shape, ie the internal body has a closed section and axially comprises a first and a second opening. For example, in the embodiment considered, the internal body 142 has a substantially cylindrical shape. This internal body 142 can be used to support a driving circuit for the LED module 20.

In the embodiment considered, the cooling body 14 comprises a plurality of walls 146 which extend radially from the external surface of the tubular body 142 and which together with the surface of the tubular body 142 define the longitudinal grooves 140 for the passage of air. Preferably, these grooves 140 are arranged equidistant.

In one embodiment, in order to increase the surface of the cooling body, the cooling body 14 also comprises an external body 144. In the embodiment considered, to allow the passage of air in the channels 140, the external body 144 comprises for each channel at least one opening. For example, in the embodiment considered, the external body 144 also has a substantially cylindrical shape and radially comprises a plurality of longitudinal cuts.

In the embodiment considered, the external body 144 is connected to the internal body 142 by means of the walls 146.

In one embodiment, the cooling body 14 is made in a single piece, for example by means of an extrusion process.

In one embodiment, the lighting system 1 comprises a cover 12 intended to close the cooling body 14 axially from a first side, or from the upper side in Figures 1a to 1c.

For example, in the embodiment considered, the lid 12 has a disc shape. For example, this cover 12 can be fixed to the cooling body 14 by means of suitable fastening means, such as for example screws. For example, in the embodiment considered, the cooling body 14, for example the walls 146, comprises a plurality of blind holes 148 with internal thread and the cover 12 comprises in the corresponding positions through holes 122.

In one embodiment, a support 18 is provided for fixing the LED module 20 to the cooling body 14. For example, in the embodiment considered, this support 18 has a first cylindrical portion 18a comprising a cavity, in which it can be the LED module 20 is fixed. For this purpose, the LED module 20 is preferably mounted on a printed circuit board with a circular cross section.

In the embodiment considered, the support 18 also comprises a second cylindrical portion 18b. This second cylindrical portion 18b has an external diameter which is substantially identical to the internal diameter of the internal body 142 of the cooling body 14, so that the portion 18b of the support 18 can be inserted into the internal body 142 as a `` plug '' . However, the support 18 could also be fixed to the cooling body 14 in any other way, for example by means of fixing means, such as for example screws.

Preferably, to improve the thermal coupling between the LED module 20 and the cooling body 14, the support 18 is made of a material with a high heat dissipation coefficient.

In one embodiment, the lighting system 1 comprises a reflector 22 for focusing the light generated by the LED module 20.

In one embodiment, the lighting system 1 comprises a transparent cover 24. For example, this cover 24 can be fixed, for example by interlocking, in a suitable hollow portion 22a of the reflector 20.

In the embodiment considered, also the casing of the reflector 22, the portion 22a of the reflector 22 and the transparent cover 24 have circular sections.

In one embodiment, the external body 144 of the cooling body 14 has a length which is greater than the length of the internal body 142, such that a part of the external body 146 covered at least the support 18 and preferably also the reflector 22 For example, in the embodiment considered, the external body 144 extends as far as the portion 22a of the housing of the reflector 22.

The solution described here allows to fix additional decorative and / or functional elements 4 to the lighting system 1.

In one embodiment, the additional elements 4 are fixed to the lighting system 1 by interlocking. For this purpose, the cover 12 comprises on its upper side a plurality of seats 124, such as for example cavities or openings, arranged along an internal circumference line. For example, in the embodiment considered, the lid 12 comprises a plurality of cuts 124 which extend radially. Furthermore, the portion 18a of the support 18 comprises an edge on the lower side, i.e. on the side on which the LED module 20 is fixed.

Instead, the additional elements 4 comprise at least one coupling or profiled portion 40 to fit the additional element 4 to the lighting system 1. For example, in the embodiment considered, the profile 40 has a clip shape similar to a â € œparenthesis quadraâ €, ie the profile comprises a crosspiece or bar 44 comprising at its end portions respectively a first portion 42 and a second portion 46 which extend laterally.

In the embodiment considered, the potion 42 is configured to cooperate with the seats 124 in the lid 12, while the potion 46 is configured to cooperate with the edge of the support 18. For example, in the embodiment considered, the portion 42 it has a shape complementary to the cavities or openings 124 in the lid 12, while the portion 46 comprises a projection to couple with the edge of the support 18.

In the embodiment considered, the additional element 4 is therefore fixed to the edge of the support 18 and not to the reflector 22 or to the transparent cover 24. In fact, in the embodiment considered, the reflector 22 comprises an upper portion with a cross section which has a width smaller than the width of the cross section of the portion 18a of the support 18, so that the edge on the support 18 is accessible from the outside. Consequently, to mount an additional element 4 to the lighting system 1, the portion 42 is first inserted into one of the cuts 124 and subsequently the projection of the portion 46 is pushed over the edge of the support 18.

In one embodiment, the additional elements 4 are fixed in correspondence with the longitudinal grooves 140, i.e. the seats 124 in the cover 12 are arranged in correspondence with the grooves 140 in the cooling body 14.

In this case, the profile 40 can comprise at least one projection 48 which extends laterally and which cooperates with one of the grooves 140 in the cooling body 14 when the additional element 4 is fixed to the lighting system.

In case the grooves 140 are too wide, smaller grooves 150 can also be provided inside the grooves 140.

Consequently, the grooves 140 and possibly the grooves 150 are used not only to improve the cooling but also to improve the stability of the assembly of the additional elements 4. Furthermore, in the event that additional elements 4 are not fixed to the lighting system 1, no external fastening elements are visible.

Figure 2 shows a first possible embodiment of the additional element 4.

In the embodiment considered, the additional element 4 provides a support for resting the lighting system 1 on a table T. For this purpose, the addition element 4 comprises the connection profile 40 described above, a base 420 with a flat surface intended to rest on the table T or on another flat surface, and a column 422 which connects the interconnection profile 40 to the base 420.

Figure 3 shows a second possible embodiment of the additional element 4.

In the embodiment considered, the additional element 4 carries an optical element 430, such as for example a diffuser, a reflector or an optical lens, interposed in the path of the radiation emitted by the lighting system 1. Also in this case it can be provided a column 422 which connects the connection profile 40 to the optical element 430.

Figure 4 shows a third possible embodiment of the additional element 4.

In the embodiment considered, the additional element 4 provides a support for fixing the lighting system 1 to a wall W. For this purpose, the addition element 4 comprises the connection profile 40 described above, a base 440 with a flat surface intended to rest on the wall W or on another flat surface, and a column 422 which connects the interconnection profile 40 to the base 440.

In the embodiment considered, fixing means can also be provided for fixing the base 440 to the wall W.

Figure 5 shows a fourth possible embodiment of the additional element 4.

In the embodiment considered, the additional element allows several lighting systems 1 to be mechanically fixed together by means of a universal coupling system, which allows to form a lighting fixture with customizable geometries.

For example, in the embodiment considered, the additional element 4 forms a connector between two homologous lighting systems 1. For this purpose, the addition element 4 comprises at least two connection profiles 40a and 40b as previously described.

The skilled in the art will appreciate that the appearance and shape of the additional elements 4 described above can be adapted to the technical requirements of the application and / or to the specific requirements of the end user. In addition, the lighting system itself could also have different shapes. For example, the cooling body 14 and possibly also the cover 12 and the support 18, can have circular or polygonal sections, such as for example rectangular or square.

For example, figures 6a and 6b show a lighting system 1a with a rectangular section which is connected to a lighting system 1b with a circular section.

Instead, Figure 7 shows the fact that even a plurality of lighting systems 1 can be linked together to form more complex structures.

Figure 7 also shows the fact that such a lighting system can be used in combination with classic electric tracks, in which the lighting system is fixed to an electric track by means of a pendant wire F. For example, in the embodiment considered, these hanging wires F are fixed by means of suitable fastening means 450 directly to the additional elements 4.

In general, the coupling system described here confers to the apparatus characteristics of spatial structural stability both on the same plane or by developing the structure on different planes, even if they are not parallel to each other.

Furthermore, the solution described here has numerous advantages, such as for example:

- the versatility of the geometric composition through the interconnection of several LED sources;

- the simplicity of interconnection (absence of screws, springs, etc); And

- the possibility of realizing other functionalities (in addition to those of structural mechanics), such as for example a mechanical support, a thermal dissipation, a connection to other mechanical / optical structures, and / or the variation of the aesthetic aspect in terms of shapes and colors.

Consequently, customizable LED lighting fixtures (with potentially infinite geometries) can be made starting from two basic components (LED source and interconnection element). The fixing points can be rigid and / or hanging on surfaces (e.g. walls, ceilings) and / or other structures (e.g. secondary optical systems).

Furthermore, the assembly can also be carried out only at the final destination, which simplifies the logistics for transport, considering the singular and / or kit packaging of both the single sources and the interconnection elements.

Finally, the modularity of the lighting system makes it possible to reuse the basic lighting system, which makes it possible to minimize the costs of the equipment by exploiting the low costs for the production of predefined parts.

Naturally, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details of construction and the forms of implementation may vary, even significantly, with respect to what is illustrated here purely by way of non-limiting example without thereby departing from the scope of the ™ invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Lighting system comprising: - a support body (12, 14, 18) for a lighting module (20) comprising at least one light source, said support body (12, 14, 18) having an external surface with a plurality of grooves (140, 150 ), And - at least one profiled element (4) which can be coupled to said support body (12, 14, 18) and protrudes from said support body (12, 14, 18) when coupled to said support body (12, 14, 18), said profiled element (4) having engagement formations (48) which can be inserted in the grooves (140, 150) of the external surface of said support body (12, 14, 18). 2. Lighting system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one profiled element (4) is chosen from: - a support (420, 422; 440, 422) for the lighting system; - a support (422) for an optical element (430) interposed in the path of the radiation emitted by said at least one light source; - an interconnection element (4, 40a, 40b) with a homologous lighting system. Lighting system according to claim 2, wherein said interconnection element (4, 40a, 40b) has a first (40a) and a second (40b) set of engagement formations (48) which can be inserted in the grooves (140, 150 ) of the external surfaces of the support bodies (12, 14, 18) of homologous lighting systems. 4. Lighting system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said support body comprises: - a tubular cooling body (14) axially comprising a first and a second opening, in which said cooling body (14) has on its external surface said plurality of grooves (140, 150), - a lid (12) having an internal surface and an external surface, in which said lid (12) closes with its internal surface said first opening in said cooling body (14), and - a support (18) having an internal surface and an external surface, in which said support (18) closes with its internal surface said second opening in said cooling body (14), and in which said lighting module is fixed on the external surface of said support (18). 5. Lighting system according to claim 4, wherein said profiled element (4) is fixed to said cover (12) and said support (18) of said support body by means of interlocking. Illumination system according to claim 5, wherein said profiled element (4) comprises a first (42) and a second (46) formation configured to cooperate with corresponding formations in said cover (12) and said support (18) of said support body. 7. Lighting system according to claim 6, wherein said cover (12) comprises a plurality of seats (124) arranged along an internal circumference line, and wherein said support (18) of said support body comprises on its surface outer one edge. 8. Lighting system according to claim 7, in which said grooves (140, 150) are longitudinal grooves, and in which said seats (124) in said cover (12) are arranged in correspondence with said grooves (140, 150). Lighting system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said support body (12, 14, 18) has an external cross section which is circular or polygonal. 10. Lighting system according to one of the preceding claims from 4 to 9, comprising a driving circuit for said lighting module (20), in which said driving circuit is arranged inside said cooling body (14) .