Lamp having lighting means mounted in a protected manner

Abstract

The invention relates to a lamp (1), comprising: - lighting means (130); - a lamp housing (10) having a region (25) for accommodating the lighting means (130), the region (25) being surrounded by a seal (40) so as to be peripherally closed; - a cover (70, 80) which spans the region (25) and abuts the seal (40) in a peripherally closed manner in order to form a closed space (B) together with the lamp housing (10), the cover (70, 80) having an optical unit for influencing the light of the lighting means (130); and - a frame-like retaining element (50, 250), the retaining element (50, 250) being connected to the lamp housing (1) in such a way that the retaining element presses the cover (70, 80) in contact with the seal (40).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a luminaire comprising light sources that are to be efficiently protected from external influences. In particular, the present invention relates to a so-called high-bay luminaire.

[0002] Highbay luminaires are used, for example, to illuminate large halls or industrial complexes. In this application, the luminaires are typically mounted at a relatively high height from the floor, necessitating the production of high-intensity light that is then projected onto the area below, such as a hall. Accordingly, these luminaires utilize relatively powerful light sources, which must be housed appropriately. Care must be taken to ensure that the heat generated during operation is dissipated effectively and that the light sources are protected from external influences, particularly moisture and / or dust.

[0003] A luminaire of the type described above is known, for example, from WO 2014 / 086770 A1 of the applicant. The luminaire described here is essentially formed by an aluminum die-cast body, which has large-area cooling fin structures and cooling channels for dissipating the high heat generated during operation of the light sources. Operating elements are positioned centrally between two elongated LED arrays, with the design of the die-cast body such that even a centrally located housing containing the operating elements can be circulated by air to ensure sufficient heat dissipation. The use of appropriate cooling air openings also largely achieves thermal decoupling between the housing for the operating elements and the areas of the luminaire body in which the light sources are arranged.

[0004] Furthermore, US 2013 / 148351 A1, US 2012 / 218760 A1, US 2018 / 238501 A1 and US 2017 / 307204 A1 describe luminaires in which the light source and, if applicable, other electronic components are arranged in a sealed receiving space.

[0005] The luminaire, known in the prior art, particularly from WO 2014 / 086770 A1, has proven itself many times over and is characterized by its excellent light output and simultaneously high operational reliability. However, the material costs are relatively high due to the use of the die-cast aluminum body, and the luminaire itself consists of several parts, which leads to both high material costs and increased effort during installation.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a way to supply a luminaire comparable in terms of its lighting properties, in which efficient protection of the light source from external influences is ensured, but the effort required to manufacture and assemble the luminaire is reduced.

[0007] The problem is solved by a luminaire having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The luminaire according to the invention features a housing for the light source, which is completely enclosed by a seal. A cover is also provided, which extends over the housing and fits snugly against the seal to form a closed space. This cover incorporates optics for influencing the emitted light. Furthermore, a retaining element is provided, designed to be connected to the luminaire housing and thereby pressing the cover against the seal. This arrangement efficiently encloses the space for the light source through the interaction of the cover and the seal, while simultaneously allowing the light output of the luminaire to be influenced as desired by the use of appropriate optics.The luminaire additionally features an electrical and / or electronic lighting component, and the luminaire housing has a further area for receiving this electrical and / or electronic lighting component, wherein the further area is again completely enclosed with a further seal, and wherein the luminaire furthermore has a further cover and a further frame-like retaining element.

[0009] According to the present invention, a lamp is proposed which has: a light source, a luminaire housing with a compartment for receiving the light source, wherein the compartment is completely enclosed by a seal, a cover which extends over the compartment for receiving the light source and fits snugly against the seal to form a closed space with the luminaire housing, wherein the cover has optics for the passage of light from the light source, a retaining element, wherein the retaining element is connected to the luminaire housing in such a way that the frame section presses the cover against the seal, wherein the cover has a circumferential rim which is in a circumferentially closed, sealing relationship with the seal, wherein the circumferential rim extends towards the seal and is immersed in the seal, wherein the luminaire additionally has an electrical and / or electronic luminaire component and the luminaire housing has a further area for receiving this electrical and / or electronic luminaire component, wherein the further area is enclosed by a further seal, and wherein the luminaire further comprises: a further cover which extends over the further area and rests against the further seal in a circumferentially closed manner to form an enclosed space with the luminaire housing, a further frame-like retaining element, wherein the further retaining element is connected to the luminaire housing in such a way that it presses the further cover against the further seal.

[0010] Preferably, both retaining elements are integrally formed together.

[0011] The cover, which includes optics for the passage of light from the lamp, is of course preferably designed to be made of a translucent material and thus allow light emission. However, if a further enclosed space according to the invention is used, for example, to house other electronic components such as control gear or the like, the corresponding cover can also be designed in the form of an opaque hood.

[0012] Preferably, the cover is provided as a separate component, and the retaining element has support or bearing areas over which the cover is pressed against the seal. These support or bearing areas can be distributed circumferentially, preferably uniformly distributed, or circumferentially closed, in which case the support or bearing areas extend in a plane that is oriented transversely or orthogonally to a contact direction for pressing the cover against the seal. If the housing has an area for receiving a control gear or other electrical and / or electronic lighting components, the associated cover can also be an integral part of the retaining element or a separate cover element.

[0013] The optics associated with the cover can either be an integral part of the cover or a separate component held by the cover. The optics can, in particular, comprise a multitude of lenses or a lens array; however, the use of other light-scattering or light-modifying structures such as prisms or the like is also conceivable.

[0014] Preferably, the cover or optics held by the cover may also have retaining structures which are operatively connected for defined relative positioning between the cover and the light source. These may be one or more pin-like positioning pins which engage in corresponding openings in the light source.

[0015] The cover preferably has a circumferential rim which is in a closed, sealing contact with the seal, preferably tapering towards the seal in order to be in a sealing contact with it and, in particular, to be immersed in the seal. The circumferential rim can, in particular, have a U-shaped cross-section, with an outer leg tapering towards the seal, a connecting leg extending transversely thereto, and an inner leg connecting the connecting leg to the further cover, wherein the connecting leg preferably forms a support area of ​​the cover, i.e., interacts with the retaining element in such a way that, in the mounted state on the luminaire, it presses the cover against the seal.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the luminaire housing has one or more through-openings that can be used for the flow of cooling air and which preferably extend adjacent to, and in particular along, the edges of, the areas for receiving the light source or other luminaire components. It is particularly provided that the retaining element has through-openings corresponding to and aligning with the through-openings of the housing, so that several cooling air channels are formed, allowing air to flow through them. A circumferentially closed edge, which delimits the through-opening of the retaining element, preferably extends transversely to the section of the retaining element containing it, and preferably towards the through-opening, in order to form a through-channel that is preferably completely closed laterally.

[0017] Preferably, the luminaire housing is made of sheet metal, particularly using a deep-drawing process. Compared to prior art solutions, the housing can therefore be manufactured in a very simple and cost-effective manner, yet still possesses all the structures and properties required to create a luminaire with high and efficient light output.

[0018] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a luminaire with a luminaire housing according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of the luminaire according to the invention. Figure 1 from above; Fig. 3 one of the Figure 1Fig. 1 shows a corresponding view of the luminaire, with the luminaire covers removed to illustrate how the luminaire components are mounted on the housing; Figs. 4 and 5 show two views of the luminaire housing according to the invention; Figs. 6 and 7 show two views of a frame-like retaining element of the luminaire; Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of the luminaire; Figs. 9 to 11 show views of a first variant of a cover for the light source used in the luminaire; Figs. 12 to 14 show views of a second variant of a cover for the light source used in the luminaire; Figs. 15 and 16 show views of a component for bridging the sealing structures surrounding the receiving areas of the luminaire housing; Figs. 17 to 19 show illustrations of attaching a seal surrounding the receiving areas in the luminaire; Figs. 20 and 21 show views of a further embodiment of a luminaire with a luminaire housing designed according to the invention; Fig.Figures 22 and 23 show views of a variant of the frame-like retaining element; Figures 24 and 25 show views of a separate cover element, which is attached to the retaining element of the . Figure 22 and 23 is provided; and Figs. 26 and 27 the holding element of the Figure 22 and 23 as well as the cover element of the Figures 24 and 25 in its assembled state.

[0019] The luminaire according to the invention, described in more detail below and designated by reference numeral 1 in the figures, is, as already mentioned, intended to be a so-called high-bay luminaire, which, as a compact but powerful luminaire, is suitable, for example, for use as a hall luminaire. As with the luminaire described in WO 2014 / 086770 A1 of the applicant, the luminaire 1 shown here according to the invention is intended to be arranged at a relatively large distance from the floor, whereby light of high intensity is to be generated, which is then emitted onto the area below – for example, a hall.

[0020] The basic arrangement of the components responsible for light generation corresponds to the arrangement provided for in the luminaire of WO 2014 / 086770 A1. This means that one or more control gears are positioned in a central area of ​​the luminaire 1, with light sources responsible for light generation and emission arranged on both sides of this central area. However, the concept according to the invention can also be applied to other luminaire designs, as will be explained later.

[0021] Furthermore, it should be noted that the illustrated embodiment shows two differently designed covers that conceal the light sources and influence the light emitted by them. However, the illustration of two different covers serves only to demonstrate the various possibilities for implementing the optical system. In reality, the covers and optical systems for both light sources will preferably be identical.

[0022] The essential components of the luminaire 1 according to the invention are a trough-shaped luminaire housing 10 and a retaining element 50 attached to the luminaire housing 10, which, optionally together with optical covers 70 and 80, encloses areas of the housing 10 in which electronic components of the luminaire 1 are arranged for light generation. As with the luminaire in the prior art, the luminaire according to the invention is also divided into three areas: a central area extending along a longitudinal direction, which serves to accommodate a control gear, and two light emission areas formed on either side of the central area, in which the light sources and the optical components associated with the light sources for light emission are arranged. The light emission thus occurs, according to the view shown in the figure. Figure 1 via two essentially rectangular lateral areas of the luminaire 1, through which light is emitted with high intensity.

[0023] The luminaire 1 can be suspended or mounted, as shown in the example, using brackets 150, which are connected to the housing 10 at the two end faces of the central area on the rear side. The brackets 150 are designed to allow the attachment of suspension elements. Of course, other mounting solutions for the luminaire 1 are also conceivable.

[0024] First, the detailed design of the luminaire housing 10, which is a central component of the luminaire 1 according to the invention, will be explained in more detail below.

[0025] As shown here, in particular, in the representations of the Figures 1 to 5As can be seen from the luminaire housing 10, it is designed in a trough shape with a housing base 11 that is approximately square in the illustrated embodiment. A laterally surrounding housing wall 12 extends downwards from the base 11, i.e., in the direction of light emission from the luminaire 1, with the housing base 11 and housing wall 12 defining a luminaire space. The housing 10 is preferably made of sheet metal and is manufactured using a deep-drawing process, allowing for simple and cost-effective production. The structural elements of the housing 10, described in more detail below, can therefore be formed relatively easily in a single operation. If necessary, a punching step is required before or after deep drawing to create the through-holes and other openings described in more detail later.

[0026] The primary function of the housing base 11 is to provide a flat surface for the components of the luminaire 1 responsible for light generation and emission. Accordingly, the housing 10 is designed such that the housing base 11 forms three essentially flat areas on its side facing the interior of the housing 10: a central flat area 20 and two lateral flat areas 25. The central area 20 is designed to accommodate a component that is Figure 3 The operating device 120, for example, is provided in the form of a converter. Its width is essentially adapted to the width of the operating device 120 and is therefore somewhat narrower than the two lateral receiving areas 25. All three areas 20 and 25 are designed as defined recesses in the base 11 of the housing 10.

[0027] The two lateral mounting areas 25 serve to hold one or more LED boards 130, each forming a large-area light source. In the illustration according to Figure 3 Only the arrangement of the LED board(s) 130 is shown on the left side; on the right side, the board is not shown to reveal the flat receiving area 25. All three receiving areas 20 and 25 are flat – apart from the recesses described below – to allow for a flat surface for either the control gear 120 or the LED boards 130. This enables heat transfer during operation to the housing base 11, thereby improving the cooling of the luminaire components 120 and 130 and thus the heat dissipation.

[0028] The control gear 120 and the LED boards 130 can then be attached to the luminaire housing 10, for example, using a screw connection. For this purpose, the base of the housing 11 is designed with outward-projecting studs or blind hole structures 27 in the receiving areas 20 and 25, respectively, relative to the luminaire space. These blind hole structures 27 are also created during the deep drawing of the luminaire housing 10 and allow the threads of the screws 135 to be cut into the corresponding sheet metal of the blind hole structure when they are screwed in, thus achieving a secure fastening without the screw 135 penetrating the base of the housing 11. This solution is advantageous because it also allows the base of the housing 11 to be sealed in the area where the luminaire components 120 and 130 are attached.In principle, it would also be conceivable to subsequently weld or solder corresponding blind hole structures to the housing base 11. Pressing in a corresponding component, which would then allow the luminaire components 120, 130 to be screwed to the housing 10, would also be conceivable, whereby in all cases a solution is preferably sought that ensures the interior of the luminaire is sealed to the outside in these areas.

[0029] Only the central receiving area 20 has an additional, slightly larger opening 26 on one end face, through which a power supply cable for the control gear 120 can be routed. In this case, corresponding sealing measures, e.g., in the form of a grommet 140, are provided on the rear of the housing 10, which allow the sealed routing of the power supply cable (not shown in detail) so that all three receiving areas 20 and 25 are sealed to the rear when the luminaire 1 is mounted.

[0030] A further essential feature of the luminaire 1 according to the invention is that the control gear 120 and the LED light sources 130 are not arranged together in a single tightly enclosed space, but instead, separate receiving spaces corresponding to the planar receiving areas 20 and 25 are formed, each of which is sealed and accommodates either the converter 120 or the LED light sources 130. The separate arrangement of these luminaire components 120, 130 in three separate spaces makes it possible, on the one hand, to thermally decouple the areas from one another and, on the other hand, to allow cooling air to flow through the spaces between two adjacent receiving spaces.

[0031] It can be seen that on both sides of the central receiving area 20, three elongated through-openings 30 are formed in the base of the housing 11, which are part of cooling air channels described in more detail below, so that cooling air can flow along both sides of the central receiving area 20 for the control gear 120. The through-openings 30 are each bounded by a continuous closed edge that extends transversely to the section of the luminaire housing 10 containing them.The through-openings 30, which of course could also be designed differently with regard to their length and possibly shape, also result in a reduction of material in the area between the central receiving area 20 and the lateral receiving areas 25, so that a certain thermal decoupling is provided here and the risk is reduced that, for example, the heat generated by the LED light sources 130 is transferred to the area 20 with the control gear 120.

[0032] The individual sealing of the three receiving areas 20, 25 is made possible by the fact that the corresponding areas 20 and 25 are each surrounded by a ring-like seal, which interacts with the retaining element or optical cover described in more detail later. In the preferred embodiment shown, the planar receiving areas 20 and 25 are each surrounded by a raised and / or recessed ring structure, which is formed integrally in a deep-drawing process and serves to receive the seal. In particular, it can be provided that – as shown in the sectional view of Figure 8Each receiving area is surrounded by a wave-like sealing structure 35 in a ring-like manner, forming a circumferential groove or recess 36 in which the seal 40 is received. The recess 36 thus forms a circumferential channel into which the sealing material can be easily introduced. This could, for example, be a suitable PU foam, which can be automatically injected into the recess 36 during the manufacturing of the luminaire 1. It is advantageous if the corresponding ring-like recesses 36 all extend within the same plane, as this facilitates the automated application of, for example, the liquid PU foam for sealing.

[0033] The wave-like cross-sectional shape prevents the applied sealing material from flowing away, as it collects at the deepest point of the wave-like sealing structure 35 and hardens there. Alternatively, other sealing materials or foams could be used to create the seal 40 instead of the aforementioned PU foam. For example, a strand of such a sealing material could be inserted into the recesses 36. The use of so-called build-up sealing materials would also be conceivable, in which case the wave-like sealing structure 35 shown could potentially be omitted. Forming a simple circumferential groove to receive the sealing material would also be possible. However, the wave-like structure offers the additional advantage of further increasing the stability of the tub body.

[0034] It should be noted that despite the circumferential sealing of the three receiving areas 20 and 25, an electrical connection between the central receiving area 20 and the two lateral areas 25 is necessary to ensure that the control gear 120 can supply the LED light sources 130 with power appropriately. For this purpose, the central area 20 is connected to the two lateral areas 25 on both sides via a channel-like recess 37 or channel section on the side opposite the hole 26 for the external power supply cable. These recesses 37 and 37Channel sections which run transversely to the sealing structures 35 and interrupt them locally can then be used to guide the lines or cables required for the power supply of the LEDs 130 from the operating device 120 into the adjacent area 25, a particularly preferred embodiment for this purpose will be explained in more detail at a later date.

[0035] Before the sealing of the receiving spaces is explained in detail below due to the interaction of the luminaire housing 10 with the retaining element 50 and the covers 70 or 80, the design of the surrounding housing wall 12 will be explained below.

[0036] As already mentioned, this consists of four side wall sections 13 extending from the housing base 11. These side wall sections are formed during the deep-drawing process such that they widen away from the housing base 11 and thus in a funnel-like manner in the direction of light emission from the luminaire 1. The deep-drawing process advantageously results in the side wall sections 13 seamlessly merging into one another at the corners of the housing 10, thus eliminating the need for any further joining measures. Stabilizing structures 14 can be embossed on the side wall sections 13 to further enhance the overall stability of the housing 10. To better conceal these structures 14 and further increase the stability of the housing 10, the surrounding housing wall 12 is provided with a horizontally outwardly projecting circumferential rim 16 at its edge.This edge 16 runs in a plane that is aligned parallel to the plane of the housing base 11, and gives the luminaire 1 an additionally more harmonious overall appearance. Ultimately, the luminaire housing 10 thus fulfills numerous important functions of the luminaire 1 and, despite all this, can be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0037] The sealing of the three receiving areas 20, 25 for the control gear 120 and the LED light sources 130 will now be explained in more detail. Although the housing 10 provides the seals 40 surrounding these three areas 20 and 25, it is necessary that areas 20 and 25 be covered accordingly to protect the luminaire components 120 and 130 from external influences, in particular from dust and / or moisture.

[0038] Responsible for this task is the aforementioned retaining element, designated with reference numeral 50, which is isolated in the Figures 6 and 7is shown and that in the assembled state according to the sectional view of Figure 8 with the luminaire housing 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 50 itself only interacts directly with the seal 40 surrounding the central receiving area 20 for the lamp control gear 120; the receiving areas 25 for the LED light sources 130, on the other hand, are sealed by optics or translucent covers, which will be described in more detail below. These optics are mounted by the retaining element 50 in such a way that they interact sealingly with the corresponding surrounding seals 40.

[0039] So how the Figures 6 and 7As shown, the retaining element 50 initially consists of a circumferential frame 51, approximately corresponding to the shape of the luminaire housing 10 and thus square, which is spanned in the middle area by a dome-like cover 52. This dome- or hood-like cover 52 is positioned relative to the plane of the underside (corresponding to the in Fig. 8 (shown mounted orientation) of frame 51 slightly over, so that it forms a slightly recessed recording space A or chamber, as shown in the sectional view of Figure 8The height and width of the cover 52 can, of course, be adjusted as needed to accommodate the dimensions of the control gear 120 and any additional electrical or electronic components for operating the LED lamps 130, which are to be positioned within the control gear 120 area. It would also be conceivable to use an additional support so that the components housed in this area can be stored on multiple levels. Ideally, however, the underside of the cover 52 should not protrude beyond the plane of the surrounding rim 16 of the housing 10 when installed. To increase the height of the mounting space A for the control gear 120, the illustrated embodiment also provides that the plane of the central mounting area 20 is slightly recessed compared to the two lateral mounting areas 25.This can also be taken into account during the deep drawing process in the manufacture of the housing 10.

[0040] Crucially, the hood-like cover 52 has a continuous closed edge 53 or rim on its area facing the housing base 11, which, when the retaining element 50 is mounted on the luminaire housing 10, contacts the seal 40, and in particular – as shown – is immersed in the flexible material of the seal 40. This ensures that the central receiving chamber A is completely sealed and enclosed by the housing 10 and the retaining element 50, so that the control gear 130 is safely and reliably protected from external influences.

[0041] The retaining element 50 is attached to the housing 10 by means of a plurality of screw connections. For this purpose, the retaining element 50, which is preferably manufactured by injection molding, has corresponding openings 55 or cylindrical reinforcements with openings that correspond to bores 31 in the base 11 of the luminaire housing 10. The bores 31 of the luminaire housing 10 are located outside the areas 20 and 25 to be sealed, respectively, which is why simple bores or openings that completely penetrate the base 11 can be used. Alternatively, the bores 31 could again be provided on their rear side with the blind hole structures already described above. Furthermore, the retaining element 50 could also be provided with other through-holes or snap-in structures for preferably detachable attachment to the luminaire housing 10, optionally by means of separate fasteners such as screws.

[0042] A sealing mechanism corresponding to the previously described interaction between the cover 52 and the seal 40 is also provided for the two receiving areas 25 for the LED light sources 130. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 50 itself does not come into direct contact with the seals 40, but rather this function is fulfilled by a translucent cover 70 or 80, respectively. These covers 70 and 80 are received in the area of ​​the openings 56 of the frame 51 formed on both sides of the hood-like cover 52, which ultimately form the light emission openings of the frame-like retaining element 50. They are held and positioned by the retaining element 50 in such a way that they can interact with the seals 40. Figure 8 This shows two different versions of the translucent covers 70, 80, each individually in the Figures 9 to 11or are shown in figures 12 to 14. In both cases, the cover also serves to influence the light emitted by the LEDs or to mount a corresponding optic.

[0043] In principle, both variants of the hood- or dome-shaped cover 70 and 80 are provided to have a planar light emission area 71, 81, which is surrounded by a U-shaped rim 72, 82, which has a leg 73, 83 extending towards the seal 40, a connecting leg running transversely to it and an inner leg connecting the connecting leg to the rest of the cover 70, 80, wherein the U-shape increases the stability of the cover 70, 80 on the one hand and the outer leg 73, 83 is directed upwards and forms a sealing edge 74, 84 circumferentially in one plane. The function of this sealing edge 74, 84 is comparable to the edge 53 of the cover 52. That is, in the assembled state, the edge 74 or 84 dips into the circumferential seal 40 on the housing base 11 of the luminaire housing 10 and thereby completely encloses the corresponding receiving area 25 for the LED light source 130.In this case too, a completely sealed enclosed space is obtained, in which the 130 LED light sources are now housed.

[0044] The necessary support or positioning of the cover 70 or 80 is achieved by the retaining element 50, which has an inwardly projecting support edge 57 or a support rib surrounding the two openings 56. As shown in the sectional view Figure 8Once removed, the covers 70 and 80 rest with their lower edge of the U-shaped rim 72 floating on the support edge 57, the dimensions of the retaining element 50 being selected such that the cover 70 or 80 actually seals against the respective seal 40. The support edge 57 extends in a plane transversely or orthogonally to a contact direction for pressing the cover 70, 80 against the seal 40. Instead of the illustrated continuous support edge 57, sectioned support or bearing areas could also be provided, which would then be distributed, preferably evenly distributed, around the circumference of the openings 56.

[0045] A certain degree of play in the mounting of the cover 70 or 80 is desirable, as it allows for slight lateral displacements due to differing coefficients of thermal expansion in the materials of the luminaire 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 70 or 80 is therefore not rigidly connected to the retaining element 50 or the luminaire housing 10. Instead, during the assembly of the luminaire 1, the cover 70 or 80 is simply inserted into the retaining element 50, and this is then screwed to the luminaire housing 10 in the manner described above.

[0046] The in the Figures 9 to 14The two illustrated variants of the cover 70 and 80 differ primarily in the mounting of additional optical elements designed to influence the light emitted by the LED light sources 130. In both cases, these are TIR lenses 90 positioned on the rear side opposite the light-emitting surface of the respective cover 70, 80. These lenses focus the light emitted by an LED and direct it downwards in a known manner. Ideally, one lens 90 is used for each LED or LED cluster of the light sources 130, with the LED or its associated LED cluster engaging in the recess 91 formed on the upper side of the lens 90.This arrangement of the lens 90 with respect to the associated LED, as well as the design of the lens 90, ensures that the light emitted by the LEDs in almost all directions is influenced in the desired way and used for efficient light emission.

[0047] During the Figures 9 to 11 In the illustrated variant of the cover 70, the lenses 90 are provided that they are an integral part of the cover 70 and are formed accordingly on its rear side. In this case, the cover 70 preferably consists entirely of the same translucent material, although it would also be conceivable to form those components through which light passes or which are intended to influence the light from a different material than the rest of the cover 70.

[0048] The in the Figures 12 to 14The illustrated variant, however, represents a particularly preferred embodiment for the cover 80, since the cover 80 now serves to additionally support a separate component 88 containing the lenses 90. For this purpose, the cover 80 has two circumferential ribs 85 and 86 on its rear side opposite the light-emitting side. The upper edge of the rib 85 forms an annular support surface for the lens plate 88, and the slightly higher circumferential rib 86 laterally engages the plate 88 with a small amount of play. The advantage of this solution is that the lens plate 88 can move slightly laterally compared to the cover 80, or that slight displacements are possible. This allows the sealing edge 84 of the cover 80 to remain in constant contact with the seal 40, and the lens plate 88 can still move along with the LEDs, if necessary.Temperature-induced relative displacements can thus be better compensated for, ensuring consistently correct positioning of the lenses 90 relative to the LEDs. The correct alignment of the lenses 90 relative to the LEDs can also be further supported by the provision of cone-shaped positioning or centering pins (not shown) on the lens plate 88, which engage in corresponding openings in the LED board 130. Corresponding recesses 28 can be provided in the base 11 of the luminaire housing 10 for this purpose, allowing the insertion of a centering pin without obstructing the flat contact of the LED board 130 with the receiving area 25. Naturally, such positioning elements can also be used with the cover 70 according to the first variant.

[0049] The in the Figures 12 to 14The illustrated variant, as already mentioned, represents a particularly preferred embodiment for the design of the cover 80 and the associated optical system for influencing the light emission. A further advantage of the mechanical decoupling between the cover 80 and the optics 88 is that the optics and the underlying LED boards 130 are less susceptible to impact, thus preventing damage due to vibrations – e.g., during transport of the luminaire 1.

[0050] Of course, additional variations are possible in the design of covers 70 and 80. These relate, for example, to the design of the optical elements for influencing the light. As an alternative to the lenses 90 shown, other light-refracting or light-scattering elements or structures could be used. Suitable prism structures or other lens designs could be considered, which could also be arranged on the underside, i.e., the light-emitting surface of the cover. Furthermore, films could be inserted to influence the light emission as desired. In principle, the optics can include optical materials such as scattering particles or conversion particles, optical structures such as a roughened surface, and / or optical elements such as lenses or a lens array.

[0051] The choice of material can also be adapted to the desired light output, and in particular, a material selection that influences the hue or color temperature of the emitted light would be conceivable. In the second variant, it is also possible to make the cover 80 and the optics 88 from different materials. In this case, a particularly chemically resistant material can be chosen for the cover 80, while the optics 88 can be made from a material that is particularly suitable for influencing the light.

[0052] Finally, it would also be conceivable to design the cover 70, 80 in such a way that it is an integral part of the retaining element 50. This is particularly relevant in the case where a separate lens plate 88 is used to influence the light, as in the variant of Figures 12 to 14Although it is intended that the advantage can be achieved in this way that, on the one hand, the recording space B or the chamber for the LED light source 130 is permanently sealed and, on the other hand, the lenses 90 are correctly positioned with respect to the LEDs.

[0053] In the cases described so far, it was assumed that the interaction with the seal 40 occurs because the corresponding edges 53, 74, or 84 of the various covers 52, 70, or 80 penetrate the seal 40 but are not bonded to it, thus allowing the retaining element 50 and the covers 70 or 80 to be removed again at a later time. However, it could also be intended that the sealing material 40 is bonded to the corresponding edges 53, 74, or 84, which could potentially further enhance the sealing effect. In this case, however, opening the light fixture 1 later, e.g., for maintenance purposes, would only be possible by destroying the seal.

[0054] A further function of the retaining element is that it allows cooling air to flow through the openings 30 of the luminaire housing 10. For this purpose, the retaining element 50 has openings 60 corresponding to the openings 30 of the housing 10, each enclosed by circumferential webs 61. These webs 61 are oriented essentially transversely to the section of the retaining element 50 on which they are located, but are slightly inclined and are aligned on their upper side with the openings 30 of the luminaire housing 10, thus forming cooling air channels that widen slightly downwards. As already mentioned, these channels are formed on both sides of the receiving area 20 for the control gear 120.

[0055] The webs 61 can laterally limit the through-openings 30 of the luminaire housing 10, either internally or externally, and in a preferred embodiment, abut them. In this way, appropriate splash protection can be provided, preventing splashing water from entering the space between the retaining element 50 and the cover 70 or 80, which would be particularly detrimental in the area of ​​the seal 40. To allow any water that does penetrate to drain away, corresponding holes can, for example, be provided in the retaining element 50 through which water can drain from this confined space.

[0056] The thermal passage openings 30 can be bent inwards or outwards all around, as shown in Figure 8This is evident. On the one hand, this in turn promotes the stability of the entire component, i.e., the housing 10. On the other hand, the edges of the thermal passage openings 30, which are bent particularly towards the retaining element 50, can form a preferably continuous and edge-closed cooling air channel with the aforementioned webs 61 of the retaining element 50. The heat generated during the operation of the luminaire 1 can be dissipated through this - in Figure 8 The airflows are efficiently directed away, schematically indicated by arrows.

[0057] It is also advantageous that the receiving areas 25 for the LED light sources – as well as the central receiving area 20 – are designed to project towards the rear of the housing 10 in a trough-like shape. The cooling air channels extending laterally from this recess ensure that the rearward-projecting receiving area 25 for the light sources 130 can be supplied with air by the resulting airflow, thus preventing, for example, the continuous accumulation of dust on the back of the luminaire 1.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 50 is designed as a one-piece plastic part and is manufactured primarily using an injection molding process. Depending on whether the covers 70 and 80 are to be integral components of the retaining element 50, a two-component injection molding process may also be used. Preferably, at least for the cover 52, a chemically resistant material is used to provide the best possible protection for the lighting components located in space A.

[0059] However, it would also be conceivable to design the cover for the central area 20, which accommodates the operating device 120, as a separate element that can be detached from the rest of the retaining element. A corresponding variant is shown in the Figures 22 - 26As shown, the function of the retaining element designated with reference numeral 250 is also to hold the separately provided cover element 270 in such a way that it can interact appropriately with the seal 40 surrounding the area 20. In contrast to the optical cover elements 70, 80, however, it is now provided that the cover element 170 is not fixed to the luminaire housing 10 by the retaining element 250, but can also be removed even when the retaining element 250 is installed.

[0060] So how the Figure 22 and 23As shown, in this alternative variant, the retaining element 250 again consists initially of a circumferential frame 251, approximately corresponding to the shape of the luminaire housing 10 and thus square, which now, however, no longer has an integral cover in the central area, but instead only two connecting webs 252 running parallel to the longitudinal sides. These webs 252, which run in the area of ​​the passage openings 30 of the housing 10 and thus on both sides of the central receiving area 20, then allow the attachment of a dome- or hood-like separate cover element 270, which is inserted into the Figures 24 and 25As shown, the cover element 270 is attached to the retaining element 250 by means of several screws that pass through corresponding bores 253 or screw receptacles 273 in the webs 252 of the retaining element 250 and the cover element 270. The screw connection is designed such that even when the retaining element 250 is already mounted, the cover for the central receiving area 20 can be opened separately, allowing maintenance or repair work to be carried out in this area if necessary. The protected arrangement of the light sources 130 remains intact in this case, so there is no risk of them being accidentally damaged or touched.

[0061] The cover element 270 has a dome- or hood-like cover area 271, which is initially surrounded by a circumferential, flange-like web 272. The aforementioned screw receptacles 273 for the screw connection with the retaining element 250 are formed on the two longitudinal sides of this web 272. The two end faces of the web 272 are then received in corresponding recesses 254 on the underside of the retaining element 250. These recesses are dimensioned such that, when the cover element 270 is screwed in place, the web 272 and the underside of the retaining element 250 lie in a common plane, as is particularly evident in Figure 26 The figure shows the retaining element 250 and the cover element 270 in their assembled state. Furthermore, a closed additional web 280 extends from the outer circumference of the cover area 271 towards the rear (and thus perpendicular to the circumferential rib 272), forming a circumferentially closed sealing edge 281.

[0062] When the cover element 270 is mounted, i.e., screwed into place, the dome- or hood-shaped cover area 271 protrudes slightly above the level of the underside of the frame 251, forming a slightly recessed recess A or chamber that can be used to house the control gear. The height of the cover area 101 can, of course, be adjusted as needed to accommodate the dimensions of the control gear and any additional electrical or electronic components required to operate the LED light sources 130, which are to be positioned in the recess A. It would also be conceivable to use an additional support so that the components housed in this area A can be stored on multiple levels. Similarly, in this variant, in addition to the control gear, other components such as batteries or accumulators for emergency lighting, sensors, etc., can also be accommodated.Presence or brightness sensors or similar lighting components can be installed.

[0063] It would also be conceivable to optionally provide an additional cover element 270, the cover area 271 of which is more strongly convex and thus projects significantly beyond the retaining element 250 and the housing 10 of the luminaire 1 towards the underside. This not only creates a particularly large storage area for a variety of operating components for the luminaire 1, but also provides a way to store particularly temperature-sensitive components. This is because, during operation of the luminaire 1, most of the heat is emitted by the light sources 130, and this heat tends to rise, so components positioned below this level of the light sources 130 are better protected against overheating.

[0064] Crucial for sealing the receiving area A is that the cover element 270 now has a circumferentially closed edge 280 with the sealing edge 281 on its area facing the housing base 11. When the retaining element 250 is mounted on the luminaire housing 10 and when the cover element 270 is screwed on, this sealing edge contacts the seal 40, specifically by immersing itself in the flexible material of the seal 40. Thus, analogous to the previously described variant, the central receiving space A is completely sealed and enclosed by the housing 10 and the retaining element 250 with the cover element 270 screwed to it, so that the control gear and any other components stored in this area A are safely and reliably protected from external influences.

[0065] With regard to its other properties, in particular with regard to the mounting of the optically effective covers 70 or 80 and the passage openings for the cooling air ducts, this corresponds to the Figures 22 - 27 Retaining element 250 then represents the previously explained retaining element 50. That is, the combination of retaining element 250 and separate cover element 270 can be used as a full replacement for the retaining element 50 described above.

[0066] The main advantage, however, is that by unscrewing the cover element 270, the cover for the central receiving chamber A can be opened at least temporarily in order to carry out any necessary repair or maintenance work, while the retaining element 250 can remain on the luminaire housing 10 and the light sources 130 are therefore still adequately protected.

[0067] Furthermore, the two-part version of the mounting element 250 with the cover element 270 allows for the use of different materials for both components. This can be advantageous if specific materials are to be used due to the intended application of the luminaire, for example, to tailor its heat dissipation capabilities and / or chemical resistance. Ultimately, this variant allows for even greater flexibility in assigning specific individual properties to the luminaire.

[0068] Finally, the previously mentioned cross-connection between the two receiving areas 20, 25 for the control gear 120 and the LED light sources 130 should be explained, which is responsible for ensuring that, on the one hand, the respective receiving spaces A, B are sealed accordingly, and on the other hand, that there is an electrical connection between the areas A and B, which makes it possible for the LED light sources 130 to actually be supplied with power by the control gear 120.

[0069] For this purpose, it is initially provided that the wave-like sealing structures 35 enclosing the respective receiving areas 20 and 25, which form the circumferential recesses 36 for receiving the seals 40, are interrupted at an end area of ​​the receiving areas 20, 25 by a transverse channel section 37 open towards the interior of the luminaire, wherein the channel section 37 connects the two receiving areas 20, 25 with each other or each two receiving areas 20, 25 to be connected share a channel section 37.

[0070] In Figure 5This transverse recess forming the channel section is designated with the reference numeral 37. In a first variant, it would be conceivable that a supply cable runs in this recess 37 from one receiving area 20 to the adjacent receiving area 25 and is subsequently covered by the seal 40. This measure requires that the supply cable be laid in a suitable manner in the luminaire housing 10 before the seal 40 is applied, which would be possible in principle, but is not necessarily desirable for manufacturing reasons.

[0071] It would therefore be advantageous to create a sealed channel that would still allow the supply cables to be routed through it at a later date. To enable this, a particularly advantageous variant provides for the use of a channel-forming component 100, which is integrated into the Figures 15 and 16This component 100, which is preferably made of injection-molded plastic, has in particular an elongated hollow cylinder 101 with outwardly projecting side walls 102 at both of its end faces. Furthermore, two opposing locking arms 103 are provided in the central region of the cylinder 101, which enable the component 100 to be attached to the luminaire housing 10. These structural sections 102, 103 thus interact with corresponding structural sections of the luminaire housing 10 to mechanically connect the channel-forming component 100 to the luminaire housing 10. They extend along the sealing structure 35 to be in full contact with the seal 40 and promote the distribution of the sealing material applied in liquid form to the sealing structure 35 into the channel section 37, as will be explained below.

[0072] The function of the channel-forming component 100 is described here based on the Figures 17 to 19 recognizable, which show in individual steps how, according to the preferred embodiment, a sealing of two adjacent receiving areas 20, 25 is carried out and, despite everything, it is ensured that these are connected to each other by a transverse channel in such a way that the subsequent insertion of a supply cable is made possible.

[0073] Figure 17 This shows an initial state in which neither the channel-forming component nor the seal has yet been inserted into the luminaire housing 10. Only the two receiving areas 20 and 25 are visible, which are enclosed in a ring-like manner by the wave-like sealing structures 35, whereby the aforementioned transverse channel section 37 interrupts both ring-like structures in order to connect the two receiving areas 20 and 25.

[0074] In a first step, which in Figure 18 As shown, the channel-forming component 100 is now inserted into the channel section 37, so that the hollow cylinder 101 runs within the channel section 37 and opens with its ends into the two receiving areas 20 and 25. Precise positioning of the channel-forming component 100 in this position is achieved with the aid of the two locking arms 103, which engage in corresponding locking structures of the luminaire housing 10.

[0075] It is also evident in this case that the side walls 102 of the channel-forming component 100 each continue the inner walls of the ring-shaped recess 36 for the subsequent reception of the seal. This makes it possible in the final step, which is in Figure 19The illustration shows that the sealing material 40 is to be introduced into the circumferential recess 36 in a ring-like and completely closed manner, without the risk of the sealing material obstructing the end regions of the hollow cylinder 101 of the channel-forming component. The channel-forming component 100 is then at least partially sealed by the seal 40 in the area of ​​or along the sealing structure 35.

[0076] As in Figure 19As shown, the sealing material can be applied completely covering the hollow cylinder 101 of the channel-forming component 100, thus further improving the retention of the channel-forming component 100 on the housing 10. If necessary, the locking arms 103 could be omitted, or a different type of fastening for this component 100, e.g., bonding, could be chosen. In this case, all ring-shaped seals 40 are integrally connected to each other via the material 41 covering the channel section, which is further facilitated by the fact that all sealing structures 35 are located in one plane, as explained above.

[0077] The additional material 41 also completely fills the channel section 37 and thus contributes further to sealing. Crucially, this ultimately – as in Figure 19It is evident that both receiving areas 20, 25 of the luminaire housing 10 are completely enclosed in a ring-like fashion by a seal 40 and can therefore interact with the retaining element 50 or the cover 70 or 80, respectively, in the manner described above, to seal the receiving spaces A and B. However, via the hollow cylinder 101 of the channel-forming component 100, both areas A and B are connected to each other in such a way that even after the sealing material 40 has been applied, it is still possible to pass through a supply cable. This again facilitates the overall assembly of the luminaire 1, while the luminaire components 120, 130 are nevertheless reliably and securely protected against external influences.A corresponding connection could also be created between the two receiving chambers B for the light sources 130 using component 100, provided that a corresponding channel is required due to the selected cable connections.

[0078] The measures described thus contribute overall to the creation of a luminaire which, as desired, is able to generate and emit light with high intensity, while significantly reducing the associated material and assembly costs compared to previously known solutions.

[0079] A further advantage of the solution according to the invention, which should be emphasized here, is that all relevant components of the luminaire are assembled from a single direction, namely from the underside or the light-emitting side of the housing. This applies to the positioning of the seals as well as to the mounting of the light sources, the operating components for the light sources, and any connecting cables for supplying power to the light sources. Essentially, all these components are inserted into the luminaire housing from the same direction, eliminating the need for additional work from the rear. This is advantageous because it eliminates the need to turn the housing over during assembly, thus making it possible to largely or even completely automate the assembly process.Thus, the luminaire according to the present invention is characterized not only by its already described advantageous properties with regard to light emission properties, heat dissipation and resistance to external influences, but also offers the advantage that the assembly of the luminaire can be carried out relatively easily.

[0080] The concept according to the invention can be easily extended to other shapes or sizes of the luminaire. It is possible to increase the number of chambers or spaces for accommodating control gear or light sources as desired, in particular allowing for the possibility, as shown in the Figures 20 and 21 The illustration shows a luminaire housing which has a total of four mounting areas for light sources and two mounting areas for control gear.

[0081] Essentially, the information in the Figures 20 and 21The illustrated lighting variant 200 represents a doubling of the concept described in the previous figures, whereby only the housing 201 in the extended form needs to be provided, but identically designed retaining elements 50 can be used, whereby two retaining elements 50 are now arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction.

[0082] Another difference from the variant described at the beginning is that the light fixture... Figures 20 and 21 Additionally, cooling air channels are provided on the sides of the mounting areas for the light sources, allowing more air to flow through the housing. Corresponding additional openings must then be provided on the housing and the mounting element, with such additional channels naturally also being present in the luminaire itself. Figures 1 to 19 could be used.

[0083] This extended light fixture also features – as shown in the illustration of Figure 20 - preferably provided that the luminaire 200 has only a single sealed connection for an external power supply cable. This requires that the two mounting areas for the control gear be connected to each other in such a way as to allow the routing of a connecting cable. Accordingly, the use of a recess 205 together with the one based on the Figures 15 to 19 The channel-forming component 100 is provided, which connects the two longitudinally arranged areas of the luminaire 200.

Claims

1. A luminaire (1) comprising: ∘ a light source (130); ∘ a luminaire housing (10) having a region (25) for accommodating the light source (130), said region (25) being circumferentially closed by a seal (40); ∘ a cover (70, 80) which spans over the region (25) and bears in a circumferentially continuous manner against the seal (40) to form, with the luminaire housing (10), a closed space (B), the cover (70, 80) having an optical element for influencing the light of the light source (130); ∘ a frame-like retaining element (50, 250) which is connected to the luminaire housing (10) such that it presses the cover (70, 80) against the seal (40); wherein the cover (70, 80) has a circumferential rim (72, 82) which is in circumferentially closed, sealing contact with the seal (40), the circumferential rim (72, 82) extending towards the seal (40) and penetrating into the seal (40); and wherein the luminaire (1) further comprises: ∘ a further cover (52, 70, 80, 270) which spans over the further region (20, 25) and bears in a circumferentially continuous manner against the further seal (40) to form, with the luminaire housing (10), a closed space (A, B); ∘ a further frame-like retaining element (50, 250) which is connected to the luminaire housing (10) such that it presses the further cover (52, 70, 80, 270) against the further seal (40).

2. The luminaire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element (50, 250) and the further retaining element (50, 250) are integrally formed together as one piece.

3. The luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the luminaire component comprises a light source and the associated further cover (52, 70, 80) has an optical element for influencing the light of the light source (130), and / or wherein the luminaire component comprises operating components for operating the light source, such as a converter, and the associated further cover (52, 70, 80, 270) has a light-impermeable hood.

4. The luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining element (50, 250) has support or bearing areas (57) via which the retaining element (50, 250) presses the cover (70, 80) against the seal (40), wherein preferably ∘ the support or bearing areas (57) are provided distributed around the periphery, preferably uniformly distributed, or are continuously arranged around the circumference, and / or ∘ the support or bearing areas (57) extend in a plane, preferably in a plane transverse or orthogonal to a pressing direction for pressing the cover (70, 80) against the seal (40).

5. The luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in combination with claim 3, wherein the further cover (270) is provided as a separate component which is attachable to the retaining element (250) fixed to the luminaire housing (10), in particular is screwable to said retaining element (250).

6. The luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical element comprises optical materials such as diffusing particles or conversion particles, optical structures such as a roughened surface, and / or optical elements such as lenses (90) or a lens array.

7. The luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed space (B), preferably between the optical element and the light source, further optical elements are provided for influencing the light emitted by the light source.

8. The luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (80) has retaining structures (85, 86) for the defined positioning of an optical element (88).

9. The luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential rim (72, 82) has a U-shaped cross-section, with a leg (73, 83) extending towards the seal (40), a connecting leg extending transverse thereto, and an inner leg connecting the connecting leg to the rest of the cover (52, 70, 80).

10. The luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the luminaire housing (10) has one or more through-openings (30) which preferably extend adjacent to and further preferably along an edge of the region or regions (20, 25), wherein preferably a circumferentially closed edge delimiting each through-opening (30) extends transversely to the section of the luminaire housing (10) in which said through-opening is provided.

11. The luminaire (1) according to claim 10, wherein portions of the retaining element (50, 250) spanning the through-openings (30) have openings (60) aligned with the through-openings (30).

12. The luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining element (50, 250) has fastening sections, such as through-openings or latching structures, for preferably releasable attachment to the luminaire housing (10), optionally by means of separate fastening means such as screws.

13. The luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the luminaire housing (10) is made of sheet metal, preferably by a deep-drawing process.

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