Luminaire and method for manufacturing a luminaire

Abstract

The luminaire (1) comprises: - a body (2) defining a lighting space (4) configured to receive a light source and comprising: • a frame unit comprising: ▪ a frame section (12) defining a main opening for transmitting light, ▪ a sidewall section extending from the frame section (12) to laterally delimit the lighting space, and ▪ a supporting section at least partially arranged about the circumference of the main opening, and - a front cover (8) covering the lighting space (4) towards the main opening and allowing light to pass through. The frame unit further comprises a series of integral frame segments, each one comprising a part of the frame section (12) and a part of the sidewall section. The frame segments comprise mutually corresponding connection sections for interconnecting the frame segments without any tool, and thus form the frame unit.

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention is directed to a luminaire that can be assembled or disassembled quickly. The invention is also directed to a method for manufacturing a luminaire that can be assembled or disassembled quickly.2. Technical background

[0002] A luminaire usually comprises a number of components, which must all or almost all be connected to one another by means of fastening elements like screws. This ensures firm and reliable connections, hence a mechanically resistant luminaire.

[0003] However, assembling such a luminaire can take quite a long time, as the operator must take a tool each time a fastening element must be fixed, and the operator must hold in the right position the components to be connected while fixing each fastening element.3. Summary

[0004] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a luminaire that contributes to obviating or at least alleviating some or all of the afore-mentioned problems.

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a luminaire comprising: a body defining a lighting space configured to receive a light source, wherein the body comprises: a frame unit comprising: ▪ a frame section defining a main opening for transmitting light of the light source, ▪ a sidewall section extending from the frame section to laterally delimit the lighting space, and ▪ a supporting section at least partially arranged about the circumference of the main opening, and a front cover supported by the supporting section such that i) the front cover covers the lighting space towards at least part of the main opening and that ii) the front cover allows at least part of the light of the light source to pass through the front cover towards the main opening, wherein the frame unit further comprises a series of integral frame segments, each one of said frame segments comprising a part of the frame section and a part of the sidewall section, and wherein the frame segments comprise connection sections which are mutually corresponding to one another to interconnect the frame segments without any tool, and thus form the frame unit.

[0006] Thus, as the connection sections requires no tool, the frame segments, hence also the frame unit including the sidewall section, can be interconnected manually and quickly, hence the whole luminaire can be easily assembled resp. disassembled, while being mechanically resistant, in particular by reliably supporting the front cover.

[0007] Further, the connection sections can help lessen or prevent light leakages by reducing or suppressing gaps. Indeed, the connection sections contribute to achieving an interlocking joint when the frame segments can be tightly attached to one another.

[0008] A major portion (50%-100%) of the front cover may be thin. The thickness of this major portion may range from 0,5 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0009] The front cover may be visible from a room to be illuminated when the luminaire is in use. An outer surface of the front cover may be i) plane, ii) curved, iii) wavy, or iv) otherwise uneven, for example polyhedral. So the front cover is not necessarily flat.

[0010] The front cover may be partly or totally permeable to light. Thus, the front cover can let light pass through it. The front cover may be entirely or almost entirely transparent or translucent or even perforated (e.g. including a grid to prevent ingress of dirt or insects, and possibly including an additional optic panel arranged above the grid). Alternatively, only one or more portion(s) of the front cover may be transparent, translucent or perforated, while the rest of the front cover is solid and opaque.

[0011] The partly or totally light-permeable part of the front cover may extend over a large area representing more than 70%, preferably more than 80% of the surface of the front cover exposed to the outside when the luminaire is in use. In use, this light-permeable part can illuminate a room where the luminaire is installed.

[0012] The frame unit may be composed of plastics, aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, preferably stainless steel, or any combination thereof; plastics may be preferable to allow an enhanced snap fit by elastic deformation. Each frame segment may be manufactured by injection molding or by extrusion. The frame unit may be welded and painted such that no joints are visible from the room to be illuminated.

[0013] According to an embodiment, in each frame segment considered individually, the sidewall section may be integral, preferably one-piece, with the frame section, and preferably, in each frame segment considered individually, i) the frame section is substantially flat, ii) the sidewall section is substantially flat, and iii) the sidewall section extends perpendicularly to the frame section.

[0014] Thus, there can be less components to assemble or disassemble, which shortens the installation resp. servicing time.

[0015] Each frame segment may have substantially a profile in the shape of an L, wherein the horizontal wing may form a part of the frame section, and the vertical wing may form a part of the sidewall section. When the frame segments are made of profiles, they can have a constant cross-section all along their length.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the connection sections may be configured to interconnect the frame segments by form-fitting and / or friction-fitting, wherein the connection sections comprise protrusions and recesses of complementary forms, which allow insertion of the protrusions into the respective recesses, and wherein each frame segment comprises at least i) one protrusion on one end and ii) one recess on another end, such that the frame segments are linked two by two by insertion of the protrusions into the respective recesses.

[0017] Thus, the form-fitting and / or friction-fitting linkages allow reducing the overall time required for assembling or disassembling the luminaire.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the connection sections of the frame unit may be elastically deformable so as to interconnect the frame segments by way of a snap-fit connection.

[0019] Accordingly, the connection sections may comprise elastically deformable protrusions and / or recesses that can interconnect by elastic deformation.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the respective ends each one of the frame segments may have at least one, preferably at least two, protrusion(s) and at least one, preferably at least two, recess(es), preferably, both the frame section and the sidewall section include said protrusions and recesses.

[0021] Thus, the interconnection between the frame segments, hence the frame unit, can be mechanically resistant.

[0022] The protrusions of each frame section may extend transversally, preferably perpendicularly, to a respective protrusion of the corresponding sidewall section, i.e., the sidewall section composing the same frame segment. Thus, the frame unit can withstand forces along various directions.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the sidewall section may extend along an inner periphery of the frame section.

[0024] Thus, the tightness to light leakages around the sidewall section can be enhanced.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the frame segments may be adjoined flush to one another at the frame section and / or at the sidewall section.

[0026] Thus, light leakage can be lessened or prevented between adjacent frame segments.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the supporting section may comprise steps extending along the sidewall section such that all the steps form a rim, the steps being adjoined flush to one another to form a continuous rim.

[0028] The steps can support a respective edge of the front cover. Thus, light leakage can be lessened or prevented between adjacent steps as well as between the supporting section and the front cover.

[0029] The sidewall section may have retaining means configured to retain the front cover in place onto the support section, for example on the steps if present.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the luminaire may further comprise an optic foil configured to change a light pattern emitted from the light source, wherein the optic foil is configured to be placed inside the body and on the front cover.

[0031] Thus, the optic foil can be easily positioned on the front cover, for example manually without a tool.

[0032] The optic foil may be thin, for example about as thin as the front cover, e.g. 1 mm thick. The optic foil may be planar or curved. When the optic foil is curved, the front cover may be curved as well.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the frame unit may comprise at least four, preferably at least six, frame segments, the frame section and, preferably, the front cover having a rectangular shape.

[0034] Thus, such number of frame segments enhances flexibility in the assembling of the frame unit.

[0035] The luminaire may be mostly symmetrical with a plane of symmetry. The front cover and / or the frame unit may have a plane of symmetry.

[0036] The frame segments may form two side beams and two transverse beams, each transverse beam joining the two side beams with one another.

[0037] Two opposite sides of the frame unit may be formed respectively by two interconnected frame segments.

[0038] Preferably, the main opening may be rectangular, a length-over-width ratio of the main opening preferably ranging from 0,3 to 3, more preferably from 0,7 to 1,5. In particular, the main opening may be square when the length-over-width ratio is about 1.

[0039] Preferably, the front cover fits in the main opening. Thus, light leakage can be lessened or prevented around the front cover, i.e. on an inner circumference defined by the sidewall section.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the body may further comprise: a rear cover configured to be linked to the sidewall section opposite the frame section, the light source being preferably attached to the rear cover, and fastening elements, preferably screws, designed to be actuated by a tool so as to fasten the rear cover at least to the sidewall section and, preferably, to the frame section, and

[0041] Thus, the rear cover can be easily locked in place by the fastening elements, which can in turn hold the whole luminaire in an assembled configuration.

[0042] The rear cover may form a case suitable for partly encasing the light source.

[0043] Preferably, the rear cover may be substantially rectangular. The size of the rear cover may be equivalent to the size of the front cover such that they can face each other. The rear cover may be made out of sheet steel. The rear cover may be coated with a highly reflective coating, preferably of a white color.

[0044] The luminaire may comprise a light source comprised of LEDs, which may preferably be interconnected into one or more modules (LEM). The light source may be attached to the rear cover. As the light source is arranged in the lighting space, hence behind the front cover, the luminaire may be configured to be a backlit luminaire.

[0045] A major portion (50%-100%) of the rear cover may be thin. The thickness of this major portion may range from 0,5 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 0,7 mm to 2 mm.

[0046] An outer surface of the rear cover may be i) planar, ii) curved, iii) wavy, or iv) otherwise uneven, for example polyhedral. So the rear cover is not necessarily flat.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the sidewall section may have threaded bores, the rear cover may have through-holes arranged to be respectively aligned with the threaded bores, such that the rear cover can be fastened to the sidewall section by the fastening elements inserted in the through-holes and threaded bores.

[0048] Thus, the sidewall section and the rear cover can be tightly fastened to one another, which can lessen or prevent light leakage.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the luminaire may further comprise attaching elements configured to attach the luminaire to a ceiling structure, each one of the attaching elements being linked to the rear cover and to the frame unit, each one of the attaching elements being preferably rotatable between: i) a locking configuration in which the luminaire can be locked to the ceiling structure, and ii) an unlocking configuration in which the luminaire can be detached from the ceiling structure.

[0050] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a luminaire, the method comprising providing a body configured to receive a light source, wherein the body comprises: a frame unit comprising: ▪ a frame section defining a main opening for transmitting light of the light source, ▪ a sidewall section extending from the frame section to laterally delimit the lighting space, and ▪ a supporting section at least partially arranged about the circumference of the main opening, and the method further comprising providing a front cover supported by the supporting section such that i) the front cover covers the lighting space towards at least part of the main opening and that ii) the front cover allows at least part of the light of the light source to pass through the front cover towards the main opening, wherein the frame unit further comprises a series of integral frame segments, each one of said frame segments comprising a part of the frame section and a part of the sidewall section, and wherein the frame segments comprise connection section which are mutually corresponding to one another the method further comprising: interconnecting the frame segments without any tool, and forming the frame unit.

[0051] Thus, the luminaire can be easily manufactured, assembled and disassembled, with only a few fastening elements, while reliably and tightly supporting the front cover and the frame unit.

[0052] Carrying out the manufacturing method is even easier as the components can be added consecutively, one by one, and each component being mounted helps to lock into place a previously mounted component. This can minimize the number of fastening elements, e.g. screws, necessary to fasten the luminaire in a final operation.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the method may further comprise the following sequence of operations: interconnecting the frame segments by means of the connection sections without any tool, connecting the front cover to the supporting section, providing a rear cover configured to be linked to the sidewall section opposite the frame section, and providing and assembling the light source, preferably without any tool, to a sub-assembly resulting from the previous operations, and fastening, with fastening elements, for example with screws, the rear cover to either one or both of i) the sidewall section and ii) the frame section, the rear cover being arranged at a side opposite the frame section so as to cover the lighting space.

[0054] Thanks to such a sequence of operations, where each component gets added after another, the component that is being assembled can be held in position by the previously-assembled component. In other words, the previous component can serve as a jig for the next component to come. Thus, the luminaire can be built without any tool and without any fastening elements on a production line. In a final operation, only a few fastening elements, for example screws, may be added to prevent disassembly, as a function of the legal requirements in force.

[0055] The ease of assembly allows to faster constructing of luminaires, while the ease of disassembly fosters their servicing, hence their sustainability.

[0056] In the present disclosure, the terms "top", "bottom" and equivalents may be read as referring to a position where the luminaire is in use, that is, hanging on a ceiling and illuminating a room located beneath the ceiling.

[0057] The words "comprise", "include", "have" and their derivatives are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. The term "and / or" used in the context of "X and / or Y" should be interpreted as "X," or "Y," or "X and Y."4. Brief description of drawings

[0058] Further features, details and advantages of the present invention are described hereinafter, in particular in relation to the appended figures, which schematically illustrate some of the afore-described aspects, embodiments and implementations thereof, and in which: Fig.1 shows a bottom perspective view of a luminaire according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after completion of a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig.2 shows an exploded view of a frame unit of the luminaire of Fig.1; Fig.3 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view from above of detail III in Fig.2; Fig.4 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view from above of detail IV in Fig.3; Fig.5 shows a top perspective view of the part of the frame unit of Fig.4 after interconnection between frame segments; Fig.6 shows a cutaway front view of a half of the frame unit of Fig.2; Fig.7 shows a view similar to Fig.6 of an alternative implementation to Fig.6; Fig.8 shows a top perspective view of the frame unit and a front cover of the luminaire of Fig.1; Fig.9 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view of a detail of the front cover of Fig.8, after it has been assembled with the frame unit of Fig.8; Fig.10 shows a view similar to Fig.8, showing an optic foil before it is assembled with the previously mounted components; Fig.11 shows a view similar to Fig.9, showing a part of the optic foil of Fig.10 after it has been assembled with the previously mounted components; Fig.12 shows a top perspective view of a rear cover and a LED module of the luminaire of Fig.1; Fig.13 shows a top exploded perspective view of the sub-assembly of Fig.10 and 11 and of the rear cover and LED module of Fig.12 at an opposite angle with respect to Fig.12; Fig.14 shows a view similar to Fig.13 of the rear cover being fastened to the sub-assembly of Fig.10 and 11; Fig.15 shows a top perspective view of a part of the luminaire of Fig.1 after a final manufacturing operation; Fig.16 shows a bottom view along arrow XVI in Fig.15; Fig.17 shows a bottom perspective view near the direction of arrow XVI in Fig.15; and Fig.18 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a luminaire according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for example the luminaire of Fig.1. 5. Detailed description

[0059] Fig.1 to 6 and Fig.8 to 17 illustrate a luminaire 1 comprising: a body 2 defining a lighting space 4 (Fig.13) configured to receive a light source 6 (Fig.12), and a front cover 8 configured for being arranged in a covering position as shown in Fig.1 and 10.

[0060] The front cover 8 may be visible from a room to be illuminated when the luminaire 1 is in use. The front cover 8 may have an outer surface that is planar. The entire (100%) front cover 8 may be permeable to light, for example translucent or transparent. In use, this light-permeable part front cover 8 can illuminate a not shown room.

[0061] The body 2 comprises a frame unit 10 comprising: ▪ a frame section 12, which defines a main opening 14 (Fig.8) for transmitting light of the light source 6, ▪ a sidewall section 16, which extends from the frame section 12 to laterally delimit the lighting space 4, and ▪ a supporting section 18 (Fig.3, 4, 9), which is arranged around the circumference of the main opening 14.

[0062] The body 2 defines the lighting space 4 when the body 2 is in the assembled state, as shown in Fig.1, which follows the completion of a manufacturing method 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as depicted in relation to Fig.18.

[0063] The body 2 may further comprise a rear cover 19 configured to be linked to the sidewall section 16 opposite the frame section 12, as visible in particular on Fig.1, 13 and 14. The light source 6 may preferably be attached to the rear cover 19. The rear cover 19 may form a case suitable for partly encasing the light source 6.

[0064] In the position of Fig.1, 9 or 14, the front cover 8 is supported by the supporting section 18 such that i) the front cover 8 covers the lighting space 4 towards the main opening 14. Further, in the assembled state, the front cover 8 allows most of the light of the light source 6 to pass from the lighting space 4 through the front cover 8 towards the main opening 14, and thence into a not shown room to be illuminated.

[0065] As best visible on Fig.2 to 5, 8 and 10, the frame unit 10 further comprises a series of integral frame segments 20. As visible on Fig.2, the frame unit 10 may comprise six frame segments 20. Each one of the frame segments 20 comprises a part of the frame section 12 and a part of the sidewall section 16. Conversely, the frame section 12 may be formed by the union of all its unitary parts borne by the frame segments 20. Likewise, the sidewall section 16 may be formed by the union of all its unitary parts borne by the frame segments 20.

[0066] In each frame segment 20 considered individually, the sidewall section 16 may be integral, herein even one-piece, with the frame section 12. Thus, there can be less components to assemble or disassemble, which shortens the installation resp. servicing time.

[0067] The frame section 12 and the sidewall section 16 may be substantially flat. The sidewall section 16 may extend perpendicularly to the corresponding frame section 12 of the same frame segment 20. The sidewall section 16 may extend along an inner periphery of the frame section 12.

[0068] Each frame segment may have substantially a profile in the shape of an L, wherein the horizontal wing may form a part of the frame section, and the vertical wing may form a part of the sidewall section. When the frame segments are made of profiles, they can have a constant cross-section all along their length.

[0069] Each one of the frame segments 20 further comprises connection sections 22 and 24. The connection sections 22 and 24 are mutually corresponding to one another. As best visible on Fig.4, each connection section 22 of a frame segment 20 corresponds to a respective connection section 24 of the adjacent frame segment 20. The correspondence between the connection sections 22 and 24 enables to interconnect the frame segments 20, by pushing them as symbolized by arrow 23 in Fig.2 and 4. Thus, the frame unit 10 can be interconnected manually and quickly.

[0070] The connection sections 22 and 24 may be configured to interconnect the frame segments 20 by form-fitting. Each of the connection sections 22 may comprise a protrusion, while each of the connection sections 24 may comprise a recess of complementary form, which allows insertion of the protrusion therein. The connection sections 22 (protrusions) of the frame unit 10 may be elastically deformable so as to interconnect the frame segments 20 by way of a snap-fit connection, which is a particularly convenient type of form-fitting connection.

[0071] Each frame segment 20 may comprise i) one protrusion (connection section 22) on each end and ii) one recess (connection section 24) on each end, such that the frame segments 20 can be linked two by two by insertion of two protrusions into two respective recesses. The respective ends along each one of the frame segments 20 may have one protrusion and one recess. In the illustrated example, both the frame section 12 and the sidewall section 16 include said protrusions and recesses.

[0072] Thus, the overall time required for assembling or disassembling the luminaire 1 can be quite short thanks to the form-fitting linkages. Further, the interconnection between the frame segments, hence the frame unit, can be resist predetermined mechanical forces in use and during assembly or disassembly.

[0073] As visible on Fig.4, the protrusions of each frame section 12 may extend perpendicularly to a respective protrusion of the corresponding sidewall section 16 of the same frame segment 20. Besides, the protrusions of the connection sections 22 may have a tooth 22.1, which can strengthen the form-fitting connection. The recesses may have a corresponding indentation (not shown) for mating with the tooth 22.1.

[0074] As visible on Fig.10, the frame segments 20 may be adjoined flush to one another at the frame section 12 and at the sidewall section 16. Thus, light leakage can be lessened or prevented between adjacent frame segments.

[0075] The supporting section 18 (Fig.3, 4, 9) may comprise steps extending along the sidewall section 16 such that all the steps form a rim. The steps may be adjoined flush to one another to form a continuous rim. The steps can support a respective edge of the front cover 8, as shown in Fig.9. Thus, light leakage can be lessened or prevented between adjacent steps as well as between the supporting section 18 and the front cover 8.

[0076] The supporting section 18 may be rectilinear or planar to support the flat, planar front cover 8. Alternatively, As visible when comparing Fig.7 to Fig.6, a supporting section 58 could be curved to support a not shown curved front cover.

[0077] As shown in Fig.10 and 11, the luminaire 1 may further comprise an optic foil 26 configured to change a light pattern emitted from the light source 6. The optic foil 26 may be placed inside the body 2 and on the front cover 8. The optic foil 26 may be as thin as the front cover 8, e.g. a constant thickness of 1 mm. The optic foil 26 may be flat and planar. The optic foil 26 may be flexible such that it can be bent. The optic foil 26 can be positioned manually on the front cover 8.

[0078] The front cover 8, the frame unit 10, in particular the frame section 12, hence also the main opening 14, may have a rectangular shape. The main opening 14 may have a length-over-width ratio of about 4. The front cover 8 may fit in the main opening 14. Thus, light leakage can be lessened or prevented around the front cover 8. Typically, the front cover 8 may have a degree of flexibility such that the operator may bend it, which facilitates its fitting on the main opening 14. Alternatively, where the front cover cannot be bent, the front cover could be inserted at an angle so as to put one of its edges in first, and then it could be rotated to lower the opposing edge into place.

[0079] The luminaire 1 may be symmetrical with a plane of symmetry. The front cover 8 and the frame unit 10 may have a plane of symmetry. The frame segments 20 may form two side beams and two transverse beams, which form respectively the long and short sides of the rectangular shape. Each transverse beam may join the two side beams with one another. The long sides of the frame unit 10 may be formed respectively by two interconnected frame segments 20.

[0080] As shown in Fig.12 to 14, the body 2 may comprise the afore-mentioned rear cover 19, which may be linked to the sidewall section 16 and which may hold the light source 6. As visible on Fig.14, the body 2 may comprise fastening elements 30, typically screws, which can be actuated by a tool, e.g. a screwdriver so as to fasten the rear cover 19 to the sidewall section 16 and to the frame section 12. Thus, the rear cover 19 can be easily locked in place by the fastening elements 30, which can in turn hold the whole luminaire 1 in the assembled configuration shown in Fig.1.

[0081] Like the front cover 8, the rear cover 19 may have the shape of an open box having rectangular top face. The size of the rear cover 19 may be equivalent to the size of the front cover 8 such that they can face each other.

[0082] The light source 6 may be comprised of LEDs, which may be interconnected electrically, in series or in parallel, into a module (LEM). The light source 6 may be attached to the rear cover 19. As the light source 6 is arranged in the lighting space 4, hence behind the front cover 8, the luminaire 1 may be configured to be a backlit luminaire. The size and arrangement of the light source may be adapted to various requirements.

[0083] The rear cover 19 may have a constant thickness of 1 mm, like the front cover 8. An outer surface of the rear cover 19 may be i) planar. The rear cover 19 may be solid and opaque. The inner side of the rear cover 19, i.e. the side oriented towards the lighting space 4, may be coated with a reflecting coating to maximize the light output through the front cover 8.

[0084] As visible on Fig.4, 9 and 11, the sidewall section 16 may have threaded bores 16.1, the rear cover 19 may have through-holes 19.1 arranged to be respectively aligned with the threaded bores, such that the rear cover 19 can be fastened to the sidewall section 16 by the fastening elements (screws) 30, inserted in the through-holes and threaded bores. Thus, the sidewall section 16 and the rear cover 19 can be tightly fastened to one another.

[0085] As shown in Fig.15 to 17, the luminaire 1 may further comprise attaching elements 32 configured to attach the luminaire 1 to a not shown ceiling structure. Each attaching element 32 may be linked to the rear cover 19 and to the frame unit 10. Each attaching element 32 may be rotatable between: i) a locking configuration (Fig.15 to 17) in which the luminaire 1 can be locked to the ceiling structure, and ii) a not shown unlocking configuration in which the luminaire 1 can be detached from the ceiling structure.

[0086] As shown in Fig.18, a method 101 for manufacturing e.g. the luminaire 1 comprises 102) providing the whole body 2 configured to receive the light source 6. The body 2 comprises with the frame unit 10, hence includes the frame section 12, the sidewall section 16, and the supporting section 18.

[0087] The method 101 further comprises 104) providing the front cover 8 and 104) placing it onto the supporting section 18. The method 101 further comprises: 106) interconnecting the frame segments 20 without any tool, and 108) forming the frame unit 10.

[0088] Thus, the luminaire 1 can be easily manufactured with only a few fastening elements 30, while reliably and tightly supporting the front cover 8 and the frame unit 10. Carrying out the method 101 is even easier as the components of the luminaire 1 can be added one by one consecutively, and each component being mounted helps to lock into place a previously mounted component.

[0089] The method 101 may further comprise the following sequence of operations: 106) interconnecting the frame segments 20 by means of the connection sections 22-24 without any tool, 110) connecting the front cover 8 to the supporting section 18, 112) providing the rear cover 19, and 114) providing and assembling the light source 6 to a sub-assembly resulting from the previous operations, and 116) fastening with fastening elements 30 the rear cover 19 to either one or both of i) the sidewall section 16 and ii) the frame section 12.

[0090] The invention defined in the appended claims is not limited to the afore-described objects, aspects, embodiments and implementations, most of which maybe combined.

Claims

1. Luminaire (1) comprising: - a body (2) defining a lighting space (4) configured to receive a light source (6), wherein the body (2) comprises: • a frame unit (10) comprising: ▪ a frame section (12) defining a main opening (14) for transmitting light of the light source (6), ▪ a sidewall section (16) extending from the frame section (12) to laterally delimit the lighting space (4), and ▪ a supporting section (18) at least partially arranged about the circumference of the main opening (14), and - a front cover (8) supported by the supporting section (18) such that i) the front cover (8) covers the lighting space (4) towards at least part of the main opening (14) and ii) the front cover (8) allows at least part of the light of the light source (6) to pass through the front cover (8) towards the main opening (14), wherein the frame unit (10) further comprises a series of integral frame segments (20), each one of said frame segments (20) comprising a part of the frame section (12) and a part of the sidewall section (16), and wherein the frame segments (20) comprise connection sections (22, 24) which are mutually corresponding to one another to interconnect the frame segments (20) without any tool, and thus form the frame unit (10).

2. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in each frame segment (20) considered individually, the sidewall section (16) is integral, preferably one-piece, with the frame section (12), and wherein, preferably, in each frame segment (20) considered individually, i) the frame section (12) is substantially flat, ii) the sidewall section (16) is substantially flat, and iii) the sidewall section (16) extends perpendicularly to the frame section (12).

3. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection sections (22, 24) are configured to interconnect the frame segments (20) by form-fitting and / or friction-fitting, wherein the connection sections (22, 24) comprise protrusions and recesses of complementary forms, which allow insertion of the protrusions into the respective recesses, and wherein each frame segment (20) comprises at least i) one protrusion on one end and ii) one recess on another end, such that the frame segments (20) are linked two by two by insertion of the protrusions into the respective recesses.

4. Luminaire (1) according to claim 3, wherein the connection sections (22, 24) of the frame unit are elastically deformable so as to interconnect the frame segments (20) by way of a snap-fit connection.

5. Luminaire (1) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the respective ends each one of the frame segments (20) have at least one, preferably at least two, protrusion(s) and at least one, preferably at least two, recess(es), wherein, preferably, both the frame section (12) and the sidewall section (16) include said protrusions and recesses.

6. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sidewall section (16) extends along an inner periphery of the frame section (12).

7. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame segments (20) are adjoined flush to one another at the frame section (12) and / or at the sidewall section (16).

8. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting section (18) comprises steps extending along the sidewall section (16) such that all the steps form a rim, the steps being adjoined flush to one another to form a continuous rim.

9. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an optic foil (26) configured to change a light pattern emitted from the light source (6), wherein the optic foil (26) is configured to be placed inside the body (128) and on the front cover (8).

10. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame unit (10) comprises at least four, preferably at least six, frame segments (20), the frame section (12) and, preferably, the front cover (8) having a rectangular shape.

11. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (2) further comprises: - a rear cover (19) configured to be linked to the sidewall section (16) opposite the frame section (12), the light source (6) being preferably attached to the rear cover (19), and - fastening elements (30), preferably screws, designed to be actuated by a tool so as to fasten the rear cover (19) at least to the sidewall section (16) and, preferably, to the frame section (12).

12. Luminaire (1) according to claim 10, wherein the sidewall section (16) has threaded bores (16.1), the rear cover (19) has through-holes (19.1) arranged to be respectively aligned with the threaded bores (16.1), such that the rear cover (19) can be fastened to the sidewall section (16) by the fastening elements (30), inserted in the through-holes (19.1) and threaded bores (16.1).

13. Luminaire (1) according to any one of claims 11 and 12, further comprising attaching elements (32) configured to attach the luminaire (1) to a ceiling structure, each one of the attaching elements (32) being linked to the rear cover (19) and to the frame unit (10), each one of the attaching elements (32) being preferably rotatable between: i) a locking configuration in which the luminaire (1) can be locked to the ceiling structure, and ii) an unlocking configuration in which the luminaire (1) can be detached from the ceiling structure.

14. Method (101) for manufacturing a luminaire (1), the method (101) comprising: (102) providing a body (2) configured to receive a light source (6), wherein the body (2) comprises: • a frame unit (10) comprising: ▪ a frame section (12) defining a main opening (14) for transmitting light of the light source (6), ▪ a sidewall section (16) extending from the frame section (12) to laterally delimit the lighting space (4), and ▪ a supporting section (18) at least partially arranged about the circumference of the main opening (14), and - the method (101) further comprising: (104) providing a front cover (8) supported by the supporting section (18) such that i) the front cover (8) covers the lighting space (4) towards at least part of the main opening (14) and that ii) the front cover (8) allows at least part of the light of the light source (6) to pass through the front cover (4) towards the main opening (14), wherein the frame unit (10) further comprises a series of integral frame segments (20), each one of said frame segments (20) comprising a part of the frame section (12) and a part of the sidewall section (16), and wherein the frame segments (20) comprise connection section (22, 24) which are mutually corresponding to one another the method (101) further comprising: - (106) interconnecting the frame segments (20) without any tool, and - (108) forming the frame unit (10).

15. Method (101) according to claim 14 comprising the following sequence of operations: - (106) interconnecting the frame segments (20) by means of the connection sections (22, 24) without any tool, - (110) connecting the front cover (8) to the supporting section (18), - (112) providing a rear cover (8) configured to be linked to the sidewall section (16) opposite the frame section (12), and - (114) providing and assembling the light source (8), preferably without any tool, to a sub-assembly resulting from the previous operations, and - (116) fastening, with fastening elements (30), for example with screws, the rear cover (8) to either one or both of i) the sidewall section (16) and ii) the frame section (12), the rear cover (8) being arranged at a side opposite the frame section (12) so as to cover the lighting space (4).

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