Lighting device

Abstract

A lighting device comprising: - LED lighting means (2); - a longitudinal sheathing (3) that defines a housing (30) for the lighting means (2); - support means (4) for the sheathing (3). The sheathing (3) is flexible in the longitudinal direction.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device with a LED strip. Electrified lighting tracks to which spotlights are connected are known; for example, a typical application is found in shops. Applications are also known in which rigid modular sheathings for housing a LED strip are positioned along the tracks. Several sheathings are therefore placed alongside each other so as to cover the desired length of the tracks. Lighting spotlights are possible placed at any curves.

[0002] The object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device that allows maximum flexibility and the possibility of customisation in order to meet the specific needs of the interior designer.

[0003] A further object is to facilitate and speed up assembly. The technical task stated and the objects specified are substantially achieved by a lighting device comprising the technical features as set out in one or more of the appended claims.

[0004] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a lighting device, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an application of the lighting device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a first solution of the lighting device according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a series of applications of the lighting device of Figure 2, with some parts interrupted to better highlight others; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the lighting device of Figure 2, with some parts removed to better highlight others; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a second solution of the lighting device according to the present invention; Figure 6 shows a series of applications of the lighting device of Figure 5, with some parts interrupted to better highlight others; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the lighting device of Figure 5, with some parts removed to better highlight others.

[0005] In the appended drawings, reference number 1 denotes a lighting device. Said device 1 comprises LED lighting means 2. The LED lighting means 2 opportunely comprise / coincide with a LED strip 20.

[0006] The device 1 also comprises a longitudinal sheathing 3 that defines a housing 30 for the LED lighting means 2. Opportunely, the sheathing 3 also defines a longitudinal slot 35 that allows the light produced by the lighting means 2 to exit outside the housing 30. Opportunely, such slot 35 is straight.

[0007] The device 1 also comprises support means 4 for the sheathing 3. Opportunely, the support means 4 comprises a longitudinal profile 400. Opportunely, the profile 400 is rigid. Opportunely, the profile 400 is made of metal, for example aluminium or an aluminium alloy. For example, the support means 4 is also called a track in technical jargon. Typically, the support means 4 is hung from the ceiling (see, for example, Figure 4 or 6) or constrained along the wall (see, for example, Figure 1). The support means 4 (in particular, the profile 400) opportunely defines a longitudinal seat 40 intended to house the sheathing 3. In particular, the support means 4 embraces the sheathing 3. The support means 4 and the sheathing 3 comprise one a projection 61 and the other an inlet 62 intended to reciprocally be connected. Opportunely, such projection 61 and inlet 62 are engageable / disengageable through plastic deformation. The sheathing 3 is flexible. In this manner, it can be adapted to the progress of the longitudinal extension of the support means 4. The sheathing 3 is therefore flexible along the longitudinal extension. Therefore, the sheathing 3 along the longitudinal extension is suited to assuming a non-rectilinear configuration or, in any case, to changing its own line of longitudinal extension. This allows it to be better adapted to the specific needs and to the longitudinal extension of the support means 4.

[0008] Flexibility also facilitates storage. For example, the sheathing 3, for storage, can be rolled up on itself, reducing the overall dimensions thereof. Preferably, the sheathing 3 is a single monolithic body. Preferably, the sheathing 3 is made of PVC. Opportunely, the sheathing 3 is an extruded profile.

[0009] The sheathing 3 is removable from the support means 4. In particular, the sheathing 3 is removable from the longitudinal seat 40. And it can, for example, be repositioned in another point of the longitudinal seat 40.

[0010] A single sheathing 3 is present along the longitudinal extension of the support means 4. In particular, a single sheathing 3 is present along the entire longitudinal extension of the support means 4.

[0011] The LED lighting means 2 (in particular the LED strip 20) is connected to a single sheathing 3 and not to several sheathings in succession. Advantageously, the device 1 comprises a protective resin 5 which is placed in said housing 30. The LED strip 20 is in contact with the protective resin 5. Typically, the protective resin 5 coats the LED strip 20. The LED strip 20 is therefore embedded in the protective resin 5. Opportunely, the protective resin 5 allows crossing by the light produced by the lighting means 2. Opportunely, the resin 5 is transparent. Advantageously, but not necessarily, the protective resin 5 is a polyurethane resin.

[0012] Opportunely, the sheathing 3 comprises a cross section defined by at least one back wall 31 (and opportunely by two side walls 32, 33 that extend on opposite sides of the back wall 31). The LED strip 2 is applied to said back wall 31. The back wall 31 is preferably opposite to said slot 35.

[0013] In the solution exemplified in Figure 2, the sheathing 3 has a C-shaped cross section. Opportunely, in this solution the LED lighting means 2 is powered with 220V. Opportunely, in this solution the sheathing 3 has a cross section (or rather orthogonal to the main direction of extension of the sheathing 3) that is engageable in an imaginary square with a side of 20 millimetres. Advantageously the sheathing 3 is symmetrical. Opportunely, between the back wall 31 and at least one (preferably each) of the two side walls 32, 33 a channel 36 is present.

[0014] In the solution exemplified in Figure 5, the cross section of the sheathing 3 is asymmetrical. Advantageously, the back wall 31 and one of the two side walls 32 33 are connected. In particular, the back wall 31 and one of the two side walls 32, 33 extend without discontinuity.

[0015] In particular, the sheathing 3 comprises a first chamber 34 behind said back wall 31.

[0016] The sheathing 3 can also comprise a second chamber 341 behind said back wall 31.

[0017] Opportunely, in the solution of Figure 5, the housing 30 is "V-shaped". Opportunely, in this solution the LED lighting means 2 is powered with 48V. Opportunely, in such solution the sheathing 3 has a cross section (or rather orthogonal to the main direction of extension of the sheathing 3) that is engageable in an imaginary rectangle with sides of 15x30 millimetres.

[0018] In the preferred solution, the device 1 is applied in a room (indoor applications). In particular, it is applied away from water or from outdoor areas where it would be exposed to bad weather.

[0019] The object of the present invention is a method for producing a lighting device 1 having one or more of the features described here above.

[0020] Opportunely, in a first production method, the method comprises the step of producing (preferably by extrusion) said longitudinal sheathing 3 of a predetermined length; in this manner, the sheathing 3 fits precisely, occupying entirely a zone dedicated to the longitudinal extension of the support means 4.

[0021] The method also comprises the step of positioning the LED lighting means 2 inside the housing 30 of the sheathing 3.

[0022] This step is followed by insertion of the protective resin 5 into the support means 4.

[0023] The method also comprises the step of applying said sheathing 3 to the support means 4.

[0024] Opportunely, in a second production method, the method comprises the step of cutting a piece of a longer sheathing 3 previously obtained; in this manner, it is possible to obtain a piece of a desired predetermined length. Opportunely, but not necessarily, the method comprises the step of obtaining the sheathing from which the piece is cut through extrusion.

[0025] The method then provides for positioning the LED lighting means 2 inside the housing 30 of the sheathing 3.

[0026] This step is followed by insertion of the protective resin 5 into the support means 4.

[0027] The method also comprises the step of applying said sheathing 3 to the support means 4.

[0028] The present invention achieves important advantages.

[0029] In the first place, it allows the assembly of the sheathing to be facilitated, since, as it is more flexible, it is more easily adaptable to the support to which it is applied compared to the use of rigid modular pieces. A further important advantage is linked to the fact that it can be rolled up to minimise the overall dimensions during storage. A further advantage is that the product can be removed and repositioned subsequently in different parts of the support means (track).

[0030] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept that characterises it. Moreover, all the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. All the materials used, as well the dimensions, may in practice be any whatsoever, according to needs.

Claims

1. A lighting device comprising: - LED lighting means (2); - a longitudinal sheathing (3) that defines a housing (30) for the lighting means (2); - support means (4) for the sheathing (3); characterised in that said sheathing (3) is flexible along the longitudinal extent thereof.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said sheathing (3) is a single monolithic body.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a single sheathing (3) is present along the longitudinal extent of the support means (4).

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lighting means (2) comprise a LED strip (20), said LED strip (20) being connected to a single sheathing (3) and not to a number of sheathings in succession.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said sheathing (3) is made of PVC.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a protective resin (5) which is placed in said housing (30) and coats the lighting means (2).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said sheathing (3) has a C-shaped cross section.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said sheathing (3) comprises an asymmetric cross section defined at least by a back wall (31); the LED lighting means (2) being applied to said back wall (31); said sheathing (3) comprising a chamber (34) behind said back wall (31).

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support means (4) comprise / are a rigid longitudinal profile (400).

10. A method for producing a lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: - producing, by extrusion, said longitudinal sheathing (3) of a predetermined length so that it fits precisely into the support means (4); - positioning the LED lighting means (2) inside the housing (30) of the sheathing (3); - applying said sheathing (3) to the support means (4).

11. The method for producing a lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: - cutting a longer sheathing (3), previously obtained by extrusion, in order to obtain one of a desired predetermined length; - positioning the LED lighting means (2) inside the housing (30) of the sheathing (3); - applying said sheathing (3) to the support means (4).

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