Mounting structure and lamp

Abstract

A mounting structure for a luminaire. The mounting bracket is rotatably coupled to a rod positioned along the helical axis. Rotation of the rod about the helical axis also rotates the mounting bracket about the helical axis when the mounting bracket is rotatable about the helical axis. When the mounting bracket is unable to rotate in a particular rotational direction, rotating the rod about the helical axis causes the mounting bracket to travel along the helical axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of lamps, and in particular to a mounting structure for lamps. Background Art

[0002] The increasing use of artificial light has led to an increasing demand for lamps. These are typically mounted to ceilings or other surfaces. A mounting mechanism is needed to prevent the lamp from moving away from the ceiling (i.e., from falling) while still allowing for easy repositioning.

[0003] A known installation method is to pass a portion of the luminaire through a hole in the ceiling so that the portion is located in the ceiling cavity. The luminaire's mounting structure located in the ceiling cavity then couples the luminaire to the ceiling, preventing the luminaire from falling out of the hole.

[0004] The typical mounting structure used for this installation method is a spring clip. When a portion of the light fixture is passed through the hole, the spring clip is compressed or flattened. The spring clip then extends to engage the ceiling, preventing the light fixture from being pushed back through the hole.

[0005] It remains desirable to provide improved mounting mechanisms for lamps, particularly those that are mounted using the process described above. Utility Model Content

[0006] According to an example according to one aspect of the present invention, a mounting structure for coupling a lamp to a surface is provided, the mounting structure comprising: a mounting bracket for coupling the lamp to the surface and comprising a threaded hole; a rod having a thread, which is configured to rotate about a spiral axis and engage with the threaded hole of the mounting bracket; and a support arrangement, which is configured to fix the rod to the lamp and maintain the position of the rod relative to the lamp at least along the spiral axis when the rod rotates about the spiral axis.

[0007] The mounting structure is configured such that when the mounting bracket is free to rotate about the screw axis: rotation of the rod in a first rotational direction causes the mounting bracket to rotate about the screw axis in the first rotational direction; and rotation of the rod in a different second rotational direction causes the mounting bracket to rotate about the screw axis in the second rotational direction.

[0008] The mounting structure is also configured such that, when the mounting bracket cannot rotate in the first rotational direction, rotation of the rod in the first rotational direction causes the mounting bracket to move in a first linear direction along the screw axis; and when the mounting bracket cannot rotate in the second rotational direction, rotation of the rod in the second rotational direction causes the mounting bracket to move in a second linear direction opposite to the first linear direction.

[0009] The present disclosure provides an alternative mounting structure for a light fixture. The mounting structure has a mounting bracket that can rotate about a helical axis in response to a corresponding rotation of a rod about the helical axis, as well as move up and down along the helical axis. This facilitates positioning the mounting bracket in a suitable orientation for mounting the light fixture (by rotating about the helical axis) before moving the mounting bracket along the helical axis to mount or couple the light fixture to a surface.

[0010] The proposed method provides increased ease of mounting the luminaire, as the need to compress the spring clips for mounting the luminaire is avoided. The proposed method reduces the risk of damaging the surface during removal of the luminaire. In particular, the mounting structure can reversibly couple the luminaire to the surface.

[0011] Preferably, the rod includes a head end for rotation of the shaft by an operator.

[0012] In some examples, when the mounting bracket is positioned on a first side of a surface and a portion of the light fixture is positioned on a second side of the surface opposite the first side of the surface: the head end is exposed and accessible from the second side of the surface.

[0013] This method provides a mechanism for facilitating mounting of a light fixture to a surface (eg, a ceiling) after a portion of the light fixture has been passed through a hole in the surface (eg, a ceiling).

[0014] In some examples, the support arrangement includes a cap nut coupled to the rod. This provides a mechanism for helping to secure the rod relative to the screw axis.

[0015] The mounting bracket may be S-shaped. This helps keep the portion of the mounting bracket that couples to the surface or contact surface away from the point of connection to the rod (ie, the threaded hole).

[0016] In some examples, rotation of the rod can cause the mounting bracket to move along the screw axis a distance that is longer than a dimension of the mounting bracket along the screw axis. This ensures that there is sufficient space to retract the mounting bracket into the mounting structure when the mounting bracket is in the second orientation.

[0017] The mounting structure may further include a first stop member configured to contact the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket is in a first orientation relative to the screw axis, thereby preventing further rotation of the mounting bracket in the first rotational direction and positioning at least a portion of the mounting bracket protruding outside the mounting structure. This facilitates coupling or securing the luminaire to a surface because the first stop member is used to protrude the mounting bracket from the mounting structure for coupling to the surface, after which the mounting bracket is movable (in a first linear direction) toward the surface for coupling to the surface. This increases ease of installation of the luminaire.

[0018] The mounting structure may further include a second stop member configured to contact the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket is in the second orientation relative to the screw axis, thereby preventing further rotation of the mounting bracket in the second rotational direction and retracting the mounting bracket into the mounting structure.

[0019] The mounting structure may further include a third stop member configured to contact the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket is in a third orientation relative to the screw axis and within the first range of positions along the screw axis, thereby preventing further rotation of the mounting bracket in the second rotational direction, wherein the third orientation is between the first orientation and the second orientation.

[0020] One advantage of this approach is that if it is desired to move the luminaire after initial installation, the third stop member can avoid the need to fully rotate the mounting bracket (backward) to the second orientation before the mounting bracket can be moved away from the surface in the second linear direction. This reduces the difficulty of moving or removing the luminaire.

[0021] The third stop member also serves to reduce the risk of damaging the ceiling during removal or movement, as the bracket will remain coupled to the ceiling to a smaller rotational amount when the bracket is rotated in the second rotational direction.

[0022] A luminaire is also proposed, comprising: a lighting arrangement; a housing for the lighting arrangement; and at least one mounting structure, wherein a supporting arrangement of the mounting structure is formed in or on the housing for the lighting arrangement.

[0023] The luminaire may include at least one mounting structure, including a plurality of mounting structures.

[0024] A luminaire is also provided, comprising a lighting arrangement; a housing for the lighting arrangement; and a mounting structure comprising a first stop member and a second stop member. A support arrangement for the mounting structure is formed in or on the housing for the lighting arrangement. The housing may comprise a recess having a boundary defining a recessed volume, wherein the mounting structure is configured such that when the mounting bracket is in a second orientation relative to the screw axis, the mounting bracket is completely positioned within the recessed volume. This approach advantageously avoids exposure of the mounting bracket to the exterior of the housing of the luminaire, for example, increasing ease and / or reducing damage when passing the housing through a hole for mounting on a surface.

[0025] In some examples, a first portion of the boundary of the recess defines a first stop member; and a second portion of the boundary of the recess defines a second stop member.

[0026] In a preferred example, at least a portion of the rod is located within the recessed volume.

[0027] In some examples, the luminaire is an elongated luminaire including an elongated light emitting arrangement.

[0028] Also presented is a lighting arrangement comprising any of the luminaires disclosed herein and a surface to which the luminaire is coupled.

[0029] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to better understand the present invention and to more clearly show how the present invention may be implemented, reference is now made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 The proposed luminaire is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 The proposed mounting structure is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a luminaire having the proposed mounting structure;

[0034] Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 shows the movement of the mounting bracket of the proposed mounting structure;

[0035] Figure 7 showing the mounting bracket in a third orientation;

[0036] Figure 8 A lighting device is shown;

[0037] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device; and

[0038] Figure 10 An exploded view of the mounting structure is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will be better understood through the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar components.

[0041] The utility model provides a mounting structure for a lamp. A mounting bracket is rotatably coupled to a rod positioned along a spiral axis. When the mounting bracket is capable of rotating about the spiral axis, rotating the rod about the spiral axis also causes the mounting bracket to rotate about the spiral axis. When the mounting bracket is unable to rotate in a specific rotational direction, rotating the rod about the spiral axis causes the mounting bracket to move along the spiral axis.

[0042] Figure 1 A luminaire 10 having a mounting structure 100 according to the proposed method is shown.

[0043] The luminaire 10 is configured for mounting to a surface. Specifically, the first portion 11 of the luminaire is configured to pass through a hole 805 in a surface 800, such as a ceiling 800, to be located on one side of the surface 800, while the second portion 12 remains on the other side of the surface (see FIG. Figure 8 The second portion 12 may, for example, comprise a lip or surface-engaging portion of the luminaire 10, such as the housing 15, for engaging a surface at one or more locations around the aperture to prevent movement of the second portion 12 of the luminaire 10 through the aperture.

[0044] The mounting structure 100 includes a mounting bracket 110 for coupling the light fixture to a surface. In particular, the mounting bracket is configured to be positionable to engage the surface to restrict movement of the light fixture, for example, back through the hole 805 in the surface 800. The mounting bracket 111 can include a surface coupling portion 119 (or surface coupling protrusion) for coupling the light fixture to the surface.

[0045] The mounting structure also includes a rod 120 having a thread 129 that rotates about a screw axis 125. Thus, the rod 120 (and therefore the thread 129) rotates about the screw axis 125. The screw axis 125 extends in the same direction as the thread. The thread 129 aligns with the threaded hole of the mounting bracket 110 (see Figure 3 ) engagement. In this way, the mounting bracket is rotatably coupled to the threads of the rod.

[0046] The mounting structure 100 also includes a support arrangement 130 configured to secure the rod to the luminaire 10. The support arrangement also maintains or constrains the position of the rod relative to the luminaire at least along the helical axis 125, particularly as the rod is rotated about the helical axis.

[0047] In the example shown, at least a portion of the support arrangement 130 is formed as part of the housing 15 for the luminaire 10. In particular, the housing includes a recess having a boundary 16 that defines a recess volume 17. The boundary of the recess includes the bottom or base of the recess and the sides. At least a portion of the thread 129 is positioned within the recess volume 17. The boundary 16 of the recess helps to limit the movement of the rod along the screw axis. In particular, the rod can pass through two of the boundaries 16 of the recess, each of which defines or limits the movement of the rod along the screw axis.

[0048] It should be understood that the luminaire 10 may include further components, particularly a lighting arrangement, power circuitry, control circuitry, sensing circuitry, etc. (not visible in the figures).

[0049] As shown, the luminaire 10 may be an elongated luminaire. Thus, the luminaire 10 may be an elongated luminaire comprising an elongated light emitting arrangement.

[0050] Figure 2 An enlarged view of a portion of the light fixture is provided to provide a better understanding of the mounting structure 100. For ease of illustration, a portion of the light fixture has been shown as a cutaway.

[0051] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the luminaire 10 is provided for better understanding of the context. Figure 3 Threaded holes 115 for mounting bracket 110 are also shown.

[0052] The mounting structure 100 is configured to limit movement of the mounting bracket in two different ways.

[0053] More specifically, when the mounting bracket 110 is free to rotate about the screw axis 125, rotation of the rod in a first rotational direction R1 causes the mounting bracket 110 to rotate about the screw axis 125 in the first rotational direction R1. Similarly, when the mounting bracket is free to rotate about the screw axis 125, rotation of the rod in a second, different rotational direction R2 causes the mounting bracket 110 to rotate about the screw axis 125 in the second rotational direction R2.

[0054] This rotation of the mounting bracket 110 in the first rotational direction / second rotational direction is possible because there will be sufficient friction between the threads and the mounting bracket (via the threaded hole) so that rotation of the screw about the screw axis, and therefore the threads, will impart this same rotation to the mounting bracket. Therefore, when the mounting bracket is freely rotating, there will be no or negligible rotational movement between the threads and the mounting bracket.

[0055] However, when the mounting bracket 110 cannot rotate in the first rotational direction R1, rotation of the rod in the first rotational direction R1 causes the mounting bracket 110 to move in the first linear direction D1 along the screw axis 125. In particular, rotation of the rod will cause the threaded hole of the mounting bracket 110 to move along the screw axis, thereby moving the mounting bracket in the first linear direction.

[0056] Similarly, when the mounting bracket cannot rotate in the second rotational direction, rotation of the lever in the second rotational direction causes the mounting bracket to move in a second linear direction D2 opposite the first linear direction D1 .

[0057] This approach allows the mounting bracket to be moved along the screw axis 125, for example to couple a light fixture to a surface.

[0058] The first linear direction D1 can be a direction toward the surface to which the luminaire will be coupled during installation. Thus, the first linear direction can effectively be a surface coupling direction. Similarly, the second linear direction D2 can be a direction away from the surface to which the luminaire will be coupled during removal. Thus, the second linear direction can be a surface decoupling direction.

[0059] The control of the first (and second) linear directions may be defined using the thread direction of the threaded thread and the threaded hole, as will be clear to a suitably skilled person.

[0060] The mounting bracket 110 may include a surface coupling portion 119 (or a surface coupling protrusion). Preferably, the surface coupling portion is spaced apart from the threaded hole of the mounting bracket in the first linear direction.

[0061] The mounting bracket 110 may be S-shaped. One end of the S-shaped mounting bracket may include a threaded hole 115. The other end of the S-shaped mounting bracket may include a surface coupling portion 119.

[0062] The support arrangement 130 may include, for example, a locking acorn nut 250 coupled to the rod at its tail end 122. This helps to maintain the rod in its position relative to the fixture (along the screw axis). An alternative to the locking acorn nut 250 is a pin or cotter pin for maintaining the rod in its position. Other examples will be clear to those skilled in the art.

[0063] The rod 120 can include a head end 121 that an operator can reach for (e.g., manually) to rotate the rod and thereby the threads 129. The head end 121 can be, for example, a screw head that includes a slot or driving surface for engaging with an appropriately designed screwdriver (e.g., a Phillips screwdriver or a blade screwdriver). Other configurations are known, such as those for rotation by a wrench or hex key.

[0064] Tip 121 may also help prevent or limit movement of the rod relative to helical axis 125 .

[0065] Specifically, the rod 120 may include a head 121 and threads 129 arranged along the first linear direction D1. If present, an acorn nut 250 may be positioned at an end of the rod opposite the head 121, such as at the tail end 122 of the threads 129.

[0066] The mounting structure 120 may further include a first stop member 211 configured to contact the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket is in a first orientation relative to (ie, about) the screw axis. The first stop member 211 will thereby prevent the mounting bracket from rotating further in the first rotational direction beyond the first orientation.

[0067] The first stop member 211 is configured such that when the mounting bracket 110 is in the first orientation, at least a portion of the mounting bracket protrudes outside the mounting structure. The protruding portion of the mounting bracket is preferably a surface coupling portion 119, ie, a portion to engage a surface.

[0068] Once the mounting bracket 110 has been rotated to the first orientation relative to the screw axis, further rotation of the rod will cause the mounting bracket to move along the screw axis in the first linear direction D1. This can bring the protruding portion of the mounting bracket closer to the surface to which the light fixture is to be coupled.

[0069] The mounting structure may further include a second stop member 212 configured to contact the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket is in the second orientation relative to the screw axis. The second stop member will thereby prevent the mounting bracket from rotating further in the second rotational direction beyond the second orientation.

[0070] The second stop member 212 is configured such that when the mounting bracket is in the second orientation, the mounting bracket 110 is retracted into the mounting structure 100. In other words, when the mounting bracket is in the second orientation, the protruding portion of the mounting bracket is not (any more) present.

[0071] The second stop member 212 may be formed by the boundary 16 of the recess. In particular, the inner boundary (eg defining the bottom of the recess) may serve as the second stop member 212.

[0072] The mounting structure 100 may further include a third stop member 213 configured to contact the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket is in the third orientation relative to the screw axis and within the first range of positions along the screw axis, thereby preventing further rotation of the mounting bracket in the second rotational direction.

[0073] The third orientation is between the first orientation and the second orientation. Thus, when engaged with the third stop member 213, the mounting bracket is prevented from rotating relative to the screw axis 125 to the second orientation.

[0074] The third stop member 213 is configured to engage the mounting bracket only when the mounting bracket is within a limited set or range of positions or orientations along the screw axis. Specifically, the first range of positions can be located in the first linear direction and away from the second range of positions in which the mounting bracket can be rotated to the second orientation. Thus, in order to move the mounting bracket from the second range of positions to the first range of positions, the mounting bracket must be moved in the first linear direction D1.

[0075] It will be apparent that when the mounting bracket is in the third orientation and within the first range of positions, further rotation of the mounting bracket in the second rotational direction R2 will cause the mounting bracket to move in the second linear direction D2. Movement in the second linear direction may cause the mounting bracket to move out of the first range of positions, such that further rotation in the second rotational direction is possible.

[0076] In some examples, the mounting structure 100 can further include a fourth stop member 214. The fourth stop member 214 is configured to prevent the mounting bracket 110 from moving in the first linear direction D1 beyond the first linear position. Thus, when the mounting bracket 110 is in the first linear position, the fourth stop member can contact the mounting bracket and prevent further movement in the first linear direction D1.

[0077] The third and fourth stopping members 213 and 214 may be formed from the same portion or part of the mounting structure, ie, form a single stopping member.

[0078] In some examples, the mounting structure 100 can further include a fifth stop member 215. The fifth stop member 215 is configured to prevent the mounting bracket 110 from moving in the second linear direction D2 beyond the second linear position. The second linear position is thus spaced apart from the first linear position in the second linear direction. Thus, when the mounting bracket 110 is in the second linear position, the fifth stop member can contact the mounting bracket and prevent further movement in the second linear direction D2.

[0079] Thus, the distance d1 between the fourth stop member 214 and the fifth stop member 215 defines the length or distance that the mounting bracket can travel along the screw axis (e.g., in the first linear direction or the second linear direction). In a preferred example, the distance d1 is greater than the height d2 of the mounting bracket measured parallel to the screw axis 125. In this manner, the mounting structure 120 is configured such that rotation of the lever can cause the mounting bracket to move along the screw axis a distance that is longer than the dimension of the mounting bracket 110 along the screw axis 125. This advantageously facilitates retracting the mounting bracket into the mounting structure, for example, by providing sufficient space for the mounting bracket to be positioned in the second orientation.

[0080] The fifth stop member 215 can also help prevent or reduce any undesirable movement of the mounting bracket during storage or transportation of the luminaire (e.g., prior to installation). Specifically, if the rod undergoes sufficient rotation in the second rotational direction, the mounting bracket will be pressed against the fifth stop member, thereby reducing the potential range of movement. In some examples, such as where the support arrangement 130 includes an acorn nut 250, the fifth stop member 215 can effectively clamp between the mounting bracket 110 and the support structure (e.g., acorn nut 250).

[0081] The use of the fifth stop member 215 also increases the ease of disassembly. In particular, when the fifth stop member contacts the mounting bracket 110, the amount of force required to attempt further rotation of the lever in the second rotational direction is significantly increased. This provides feedback to the operator performing the disassembly process that the mounting bracket has been retracted into the mounting structure, providing them with feedback that the mounting structure no longer couples the luminaire to the surface. This is particularly advantageous in situations where the mounting bracket is not visible to the operator (e.g., it is hidden by the surface 800).

[0082] Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 The movement of the mounting bracket 110 when the rod is rotated about the rod axis in a first rotational direction is shown for a better understanding of the context.

[0083] Initially, as Figure 4 As shown, the mounting bracket is in a second orientation relative to the screw axis. Specifically, the mounting bracket can contact or abut the second stop member 212. In this configuration, the mounting bracket is retracted into the mounting structure. More specifically, the mounting bracket is fully positioned within the recessed volume 17 of the recess within the housing 15 of the luminaire.

[0084] Then, the rod 120 undergoes a first rotation period in the first rotation direction. During this first rotation period, the mounting bracket 110 also rotates in the first rotation direction as the rod rotates. The first rotation period ends when the mounting bracket 110 contacts the first stop member 211. Figure 5 At this point, a portion of the mounting bracket 110 is exposed or protrudes outwardly from (the remainder of) the mounting structure.

[0085] The rod then undergoes a second rotational period in the first rotational direction. During this second rotational period, the mounting bracket moves in the first linear direction D1. Specifically, the threaded hole of the mounting bracket 110 moves or travels along the threads 129 of the rod. Further rotation of the mounting bracket in the first rotational direction is prevented by the first stop member 211.

[0086] For example, the second rotation period can end when the mounting bracket 110 contacts the surface to which the light fixture is to be mounted. In other cases, the second rotation period can end when the mounting bracket 110 contacts the fourth stop member 214 of the mounting structure.

[0087] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The movement of the mounting bracket 110 as the rod is rotated in a second rotational direction about the rod axis after undergoing the previously described rotation in the first rotational direction is shown together to improve contextual understanding.

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, the mounting bracket is initially positioned in a first orientation relative to the screw axis.

[0089] The rod 120 then undergoes a third rotation period in the second rotational direction. During this third rotation period, the mounting bracket 110 also rotates in the second rotational direction as the rod rotates. The third rotation period ends when the mounting bracket 110 contacts the third stop member 213. At this point, the mounting bracket is in a third orientation relative to the screw axis. Further rotation of the rod in the second rotational direction will cause the mounting bracket to move in the second linear direction until the mounting bracket no longer contacts the third stop member 213. Thereafter, further rotation of the rod in the second rotational direction will cause the mounting bracket to rotate in the second rotational direction until it contacts the second stop member 212. Thereafter, (if the mounting bracket has not yet contacted the fifth stop member 215) further rotation of the rod in the second rotational direction will cause the mounting bracket to move in the second linear direction until the mounting bracket contacts the fifth stop member 215. Thereafter, the mounting bracket 110 can be as Figure 4 Positioning shown.

[0090] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A lighting device 80 comprising the luminaire 10 and a surface 800 is shown. Figure 8 The lighting arrangement is shown after the luminaire 10 is coupled to a surface 800 (eg, a false ceiling, drywall). Figure 9 The lighting device 10 is shown during the coupling process.

[0091] As previously described, to install the luminaire, a portion 810 of the luminaire is first inserted through the hole 805 in the ceiling, for example, by manual movement by an operator. Specifically, the luminaire 10 is moved in the second linear direction D2, such that the portion 810 of the luminaire 10 is moved through the hole in the second linear direction. In this manner, at least the first portion 810 of the luminaire is moved through the hole to be located on the first side 801 of the ceiling. In some examples, the second portion 910 of the luminaire can remain on the second (opposite) side 802 of the ceiling (e.g., without passing through the hole).

[0092] The portion 810 of the luminaire that passes through the aperture 805 includes at least the mounting bracket 110 (e.g., during which the mounting bracket is in the second orientation so as to be retracted into the mounting structure). Specifically, the mounting bracket can now be completely housed within the recessed volume 17 of the recessed portion of the housing 15 of the luminaire 10.

[0093] At this point, the mounting bracket is positioned on a first side 801 of the surface, and a portion of the light fixture is positioned on a second side 802 opposite the first side of the surface. The head end 121 is exposed and accessible from the second side of the surface. The exposure of the head end of the pole can be achieved through the hole 805 in the surface 800, or by positioning the head end on the second side 802 of the surface 800, i.e., opposite the first side 801 where the portion 810 that has passed through the hole 805 is located.

[0094] Particularly, at this moment, the mounting bracket has been moved through the hole in the surface in the second linear direction without subsequent movement in any other direction.At this moment, the head end of the rod is exposed and is accessible to the operator in the second linear direction.

[0095] The rod is then rotated in a first rotational direction by an operator (eg, via the head end) to move the mounting bracket to a first orientation.

[0096] Figure 9 The scene is shown as or after the mounting bracket is moved to a first orientation so as to protrude from the mounting structure.Aperture 805 of surface 800 is visible.

[0097] Rod 120 is then further rotated by the operator (via head end 121). Further rotation of the mounting bracket in the first rotational direction is stopped by the first stop member. Thus, rotation of rod 120 (and therefore the threads) causes the mounting bracket to move in the first linear direction, i.e., toward surface 800. Movement of mounting bracket 110 in the first linear direction ends when mounting bracket 110 contacts surface 800 (or contacts the fourth stop member, if present).

[0098] like Figure 9As shown, the housing 15 of the luminaire 10 can include a lip or surface engaging portion 910. The surface engaging portion 910 is configured to contact the surface 800 at a side 802 opposite the side 801 of the surface with which the mounting bracket is in contact after the mounting bracket is moved in a first linear direction. Effectively, the surface is thereby clamped between the mounting bracket 110 and the surface engaging portion.

[0099] Therefore, the distance d across the hole a The width d of the surface engaging portion 910 of the housing 15 may be smaller than the width d of the surface engaging portion 910 of the housing 15 (eg, in a direction perpendicular to the first linear direction / the second linear direction and parallel to the width of the lamp 10). l .

[0100] For example, the aperture may be sized to accept only a portion 810 of the light fixture therethrough, or may be longer than that portion.

[0101] Figure 10 An exploded view of a portion of the light fixture 10 is provided to improve understanding of the context.

[0102] Figure 10 The diagram shows how rod 120 passes through first and second through-holes 1010, 1020 in the boundary 16 of the recess in housing 15. Threads 129, to which threaded hole 115 of the mounting bracket is coupled, are positioned between first and second through-holes 1010, 1020 within the volume 17 of the recess. Acorn nut 250 can limit movement of the rod relative to luminaire 10 in a first linear direction D1. Rod head 121 can limit movement of the rod in a second linear direction D2. In this manner, movement of the rod relative to the thread axis is limited.

[0103] Embodiments provide a mounting structure for a luminaire and a luminaire including the mounting structure. Clearly, any proposed luminaire may include one or more mounting structures disclosed herein, such as at least two mounting structures, or at least four mounting structures. The precise number and configuration of the mounting structures may depend on the precise use case of the luminaire.

[0104] Another embodiment includes a lighting device comprising a light fixture and a surface to which a mounting bracket couples the light fixture. Preferably, the surface is a ceiling, such that the mounting bracket couples the light fixture to the ceiling via gravity (e.g., to prevent the light fixture from falling due to the influence of gravity). The surface may include a hole through which at least the mounting bracket of the light fixture moves.

[0105] For clarity, ordinal numbers (e.g., "first," "second," etc.) are used purely to distinguish different elements, and reference to a non-"first" (e.g., "second" or "third") element does not necessarily require the presence of a "first" element. Those skilled in the art will be able to appropriately relabel any such elements (e.g., if only a second element is present, relabel the "second" element as a "first" element).

[0106] Variations on the disclosed embodiments will be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the present 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 plurality.

[0107] 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.

[0108] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arranged" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "arranged" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system" and vice versa.

[0109] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A mounting structure (100) for coupling a light fixture (10) to a surface (800), the mounting structure comprising: a mounting bracket (110) for coupling the light fixture to the surface and including a threaded hole (115); a rod (120) having threads (129) configured to rotate about a screw axis (125), the threads engaging the threaded hole (115) of the mounting bracket; as well as a support arrangement (130) configured to secure the rod to the luminaire and to maintain the position of the rod relative to the luminaire at least along the helical axis as the rod rotates about the helical axis, Wherein, when the mounting bracket is able to rotate freely around the screw axis: Rotation of the rod in a first rotational direction (R1) causes the mounting bracket to rotate about the screw axis in the first rotational direction; and Rotation of the rod in a second, different, rotational direction (R2) causes the mounting bracket to rotate about the screw axis in the second rotational direction; and in: When the mounting bracket (110) is unable to rotate in the first rotational direction (R1), rotation of the rod in the first rotational direction causes the mounting bracket to move in a first linear direction (D1) along the screw axis; and When the mounting bracket cannot rotate in the second rotational direction, rotation of the rod in the second rotational direction causes the mounting bracket to move in a second linear direction (D2) opposite the first linear direction.

2. The mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein: The rod (120) includes a head end (121) for rotation of the rod by an operator; and When the mounting bracket is positioned on a first side of the surface and a portion of the light fixture is positioned on a second side of the surface opposite the first side of the surface: the head end (121) is exposed and accessible from the second side of the surface.

3. The mounting structure of claim 1, wherein the support arrangement includes a locking acorn nut (250) coupled to the rod.

4. The mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (110) is S-shaped.

5. The mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the rod enables the mounting bracket to move along the screw axis by a distance that is longer than a dimension of the mounting bracket (110) along the screw axis (125).

6. The mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a first stop member (211), the first stop member being configured to contact the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket is in a first orientation relative to the screw axis, thereby preventing further rotation of the mounting bracket (110) in the first rotational direction and positioning at least a portion of the mounting bracket (110) to protrude outside the mounting structure (100).

7. The mounting structure according to claim 6 further includes a second stop member (212), which is configured to contact the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket is in a second orientation relative to the screw axis, thereby preventing further rotation of the mounting bracket in the second rotational direction and retracting the mounting bracket (110) into the mounting structure (100).

8. The mounting structure of claim 7 , further comprising a third stop member ( 213 ) configured to contact the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket is in a third orientation relative to the screw axis and within a first range of positions along the screw axis, thereby preventing further rotation of the mounting bracket in the second rotational direction. The third orientation is between the first orientation and the second orientation.

9. A lamp (10), comprising: Lighting arrangement; a housing for the lighting arrangement; as well as At least one mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support arrangement (130) of the mounting structure (100) is formed in or on the housing for the lighting arrangement.

10. The luminaire of claim 9, wherein the luminaire is an elongated luminaire comprising an elongated light emitting arrangement.

11. A lamp, comprising: Lighting arrangement; a housing for the lighting arrangement; According to the mounting structure of claim 7, wherein the support arrangement (130) of the mounting structure (100) is formed in or on the housing for the lighting arrangement, and The housing includes a recess having a boundary defining a recessed volume, wherein the mounting structure is configured such that the mounting bracket is positioned entirely within the recessed volume when the mounting bracket is in the second orientation relative to the screw axis.

12. The lighting fixture of claim 11, wherein: A first portion of the boundary of the recess defines the first stop member; and a second portion of the boundary of the recess defines the second stop member.

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