Sealed lighting apparatus

Abstract

A sealed lighting apparatus (100) comprising a base (1), a light source, such as an LED strip (11), and a lens-diffuser (2) and an elctromechanical system (3) of snap-on electrical coupling and connection configured to connect with a central compartment (19) present in said base (1) in order to carry out the electrical connections and wiring of said sealed lighting apparatus (100).

Description

[0001] SEALED LIGHTING APPARATUS

[0002] The present invention relates to a sealed lighting apparatus.

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention is in the technical field of lighting apparatus and devices, particularly in the technical field of sealed industrial lighting apparatus.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] The apparatus according to the invention is an evolution of industrial lighting fixtures e for example that can be used in dusty environments, in the presence of moisture and water (degree of protection > IP65), in which useful devices have been devised to simplify installation and maintenance operations.

[0007] Traditionally, sealed industrial lamps and lighting apparatuses have an enclosure consisting of a base and a cover.

[0008] The base contains the electrical components, while the cover, usually transparent to allow light to escape and pass through, mates with the base and is held compressed on the gasket on the profile of the base by a set of hooks that ensure its tightness.

[0009] For the installation of conventional lighting apparatus, it is necessary to open the enclosure or housing, removing the hooks and separating the transparent cover, wire the electrical connections, and finally close the whole thing back up by reclosing all the hooks.

[0010] All of these operations then require the enclosure or case of the appliance to be opened, making it more inconvenient, complicated, and lengthening installation and maintenance time.

[0011] Opening the luminaire also poses the risk that external agents such as dust and moisture may get inside the luminaire, damaging it or reducing its capabilities.

[0012] The apparatus can then be placed in place by means of an attachment system with metal parts attached to the wall, ceiling, or by means of suspension wires.

[0013] Equally disadvantageously, configuring the product also requires opening the enclosure.

[0014] In fact, for such operations, it is necessary to open the enclosure, perform configuration operations, and then close the enclosure again. In the market today, there is no industrial lighting apparatus or device that allows installation and configuration of the same without opening the luminaire.

[0015] This disadvantage results in increased installation, wiring and configuration time as well as increased inconvenience and difficulty for an operator to act on the lighting fixture.

[0016] In addition, the industrial lighting apparatuses described in the prior art do not allow modular approaches and functions for improving optical performance.

[0017] Aim of the invention

[0018] Thus, the aim of the present invention is to provide a sealed lighting apparatus capable of solving the above-mentioned inconveniences and critical issues.

[0019] Another aim of the present invention is to realize a watertight lighting fixture that requires significantly less installation time than conventional devices.

[0020] Further aim of the present invention is to provide a sealed lighting apparatus that does not need to open parts or components thereof for wiring, configuration and assembly operations.

[0021] Another aim of the present invention is to realize a sealed lighting apparatus that allows complex wiring operations to be carried out easily.

[0022] Further aim of the present invention is to provide a watertight lighting apparatus that allows emergency lighting function or wireless communication modules to be added easily and reliably.

[0023] Finally, a final purpose of the present invention is to provide a sealed lighting apparatus that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0024] These and other aims are achieved by a sealed lighting apparatus according to the attached independent claim.

[0025] Further detailed technical features are given in the attached dependent claims.

[0026] Brief description of the figures

[0027] The present invention will now be described, by way of example but not limitation, according to some of its preferred embodiments, and with the aid of the attached figures, in which:

[0028] -figure 1 is a perspective view of the sealed lighting apparatus according to the invention; -figure 2 is an exploded view of the attachment and connection system of the sealed lighting apparatus according to the invention;

[0029] -figure 3 illustrates the attachment and connection system of the sealed lighting apparatus of figure 2 in assembled form;

[0030] -figure 4 illustrates the docking and connection system of figure 3 docked and connected to the sealed lighting apparatus according to the present invention;

[0031] -figure 5 illustrates the internal components of the docking and connecting system of figure 3;

[0032] -figure 6 is a cross section of the sealed lighting apparatus of figure 1 ;

[0033] -figure 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the sealed lighting apparatus of figure 1 ;

[0034] -figure 8 illustrates the central connection compartment of the sealed lighting apparatus of figure 1 ;

[0035] -figure 9 is a polar diagram obtained through the lens-diffuser of the sealed lighting apparatus according to the invention.

[0036] Detailed descriprtion

[0037] Referring to the figures mentioned, a preferred embodiment of a sealed lighting apparatus according to the invention is illustrated.

[0038] Referring to the above figures, the sealed lighting apparatus which is the object of the invention is indicated by the numerical reference 100 and, in a first embodiment, according to the present invention, comprises a base 1 , a lens-diffuser 2, and an electromechanical system 3 of snap-on electrical coupling and connection. These components are illustrated in figure 1.

[0039] More in detail, the base 1 is configured to connect, by suitable coupling means, to the lens-diffuser 2 and also to the electromechanical system 3 of snap- on electrical coupling and connection for performing electrical connections and wiring.

[0040] Specifically, the base 1 is configured to connect to the electromechanical system 3 of snap-on electrical coupling and connection, which can be placed on a ceiling, on a wall, or connected to suspension cables.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealed lighting apparatus 100 is an industrial LED luminaire of a linear type, having a length of 1 to 1 .5 m and a width of about 10 to 20 cm. It is understood that numerous other shapes and sizes may be within the inventive concept of the present invention as well as other various lighting technologies may be incorporated within the sealed lighting apparatus 100.

[0042] Exemplificatively, the base 1 can be made of plastic, any other technopolymer, or metal.

[0043] Advantageously, as clearly visible in figure 6, the lens-diffuser 2 has microprism interior walls designed to guide light in the desired directions and achieve optimal spatial distribution of light for the purpose of decreasing glare.

[0044] Figure 2 shows the components of the electromechanical system 3 of snap- on electrical coupling and connection.

[0045] The electromechanical system 3 of snap-on electrical coupling and connection is arranged to connect to a respective central compartment 19 present in base 1 through a single snap-on operation.

[0046] More in detail, the electromechanical system 3 of snap-on electrical coupling and connection physically supports the sealed lighting apparatus 100 and works in a coordinated manner with the electrical connection system of base 1 so that the electrical connection itself and the support of the apparatus are set in place in a single operation.

[0047] In particular, the electromechanical system 3 of snap-on electrical coupling and connection includes:

[0048] -a profile 4, for example made of plastic, suitable for keeping the different components of the electromechanical system 3 connected and in position;

[0049] -at least two springs 5, for example made of steel, for mechanically fastening the base 1 to the ceiling, wall, or suspension cables;

[0050] -one or more standard sealed fittings 6 (PG);

[0051] -one box 7 for wiring and electrical connections, with ample internal space to allow for complex wiring and feed-through wiring;

[0052] -one quick-connect connector 8 or terminal block housed within box 7.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3, it is visible the electromechanical system 3 of snap-on electrical coupling and connection when assembled.

[0054] Advantageously, the profile 4 has no structural function and serves only to hold the various components of the electromechanical system 3 together and in the correct position during assembly. The structural seal is ensured by the springs 5 that are mechanically fastened, for example by through screws (not shown), to the wall, ceiling, or suspension cables.

[0055] As can be seen in figure 4, the springs 5 of the electromechanical system 3 of snap-on electrical coupling and connection can be further secured to the base 1 by means of anti-opening and anti-vandalism side screws 9. Such optional antiopening side screws 9 can be screwed to the base 1 after the springs 5 have been attached to prevent the electromechanical system 3 of snap-on coupling and electrical connection from detaching from the base 1 upon the application of a very high force.

[0056] Still advantageously, the springs 5 allow the suspension of the sealed lighting apparatus 100.

[0057] Again with reference to figure 4, the electromechanical system 3 of snap-on coupling and electrical connection connected and fixed to base 1 can be seen.

[0058] In a further embodiment, springs 5 can be separated from the profile 4 that keeps them connected to the electrical connection box. Thus, by moving the springs 5 to the ends of the sealed lighting apparatus 100, the same sealed lighting apparatus 100 can be kept suspended.

[0059] In this way, the springs 5 and the electromechanical system 3 remain separate and can be operated separately making the box 7 a simple quick-connect connector with a large internal wiring compartment.

[0060] Referring to figure 5, the details and internal components of the electromechanical system 3 of snap-on coupling and electrical connection are shown.

[0061] As can be seen in figure 5, there is at least quick-connect connector 8 or terminal block inside box 7, integral with box 7.

[0062] This quick-connect connector 8 is connected to respective conducting plugs 10 placed in the central compartment 19 and integral to the electrical components of the base 1 .

[0063] Depending on requirements and needs, other terminal blocks and other items for electrical connections and wiring may be located within box 7.

[0064] In fact, box 7 must contain all the elements suitable for the electrical connection and operation of base 1 and from the sealed lighting apparatus 100. Referring to figure 6, a cross section of the sealed lighting apparatus 100 can be seen. In figure 6, the attachment mechanism 14 of the lens-diffuser 2, the attachment mechanism 15 of the box 7, and the sealing gaskets of the sealed lighting apparatus 100 can be seen.

[0065] Specifically, in figure 6, the diffuser sealing gasket 12 and the electrical box sealing gasket 13 can be seen.

[0066] Gaskets 12, 13 maintain the sealing of the lighting apparatus 100 and its components. In particular, gaskets 12 and 13 prevent dirt, dust and moisture from penetrating inside the lens-diffuser 2 and box 7, respectively.

[0067] The attachment mechanism 14 of the lens-diffuser 2 and the attachment mechanism 15 of the box 7 are configured to attach to the base 1 and keep the lensdiffuser 2 and box 7 connected to the base 1 .

[0068] In more detail, the attachment mechanism 14 of the lens-diffuser 2 and the attachment mechanism 15 of the box 7 are arranged at the respective ends of the lens-diffuser 2 and box 7 and have protrusions capable to make contact, when the sealed lighting apparatus 100 is closed, with respective sleats present in the base 1.

[0069] A LED strip 11 for light emission is also visible in figure 6. It is noted that other light-emitting elements are also part of the inventive concept of the invention.

[0070] Also visible in reference to figure 6 are the micro-prism interior walls of the lens-diffuser 2 suitable for guiding the light emitted by the LED strip 11 .

[0071] As can be seen in figure 7, the sealed lighting apparatus 100 can also provide a special shaping 16 of the lens-diffuser 2 for the positioning and housing of a light sensor.

[0072] Referring to figure 8, the base 1 is shaped with a central compartment 19 in which the box 7 for electrical connections is inserted. Inside central compartment 19 are elements for configuration, wiring and connection of the sealed lighting apparatus 100 with box 7.

[0073] Inside the central compartment 19 is present a comb with the conducting plugs 10 for connection to the quick-connect connector 8 integral with the electrical connections box 7.

[0074] More in detail, inside the compartment 19 are present all the connection elements complementary to the elements in the box 7. Also within compartment 19 are present electromechanical switches 21 (dipswitches) for configuring the output current of the driver of the LED strip 11 , as well as auxiliary terminal blocks 22, if necessary, to carry back internally to the lamp the electrical connections necessary for the operation of the sealed lighting apparatus 100.

[0075] In particular, thanks to the terminal blocks and connection elements in the central compartment 19 it is possible to connect the base 1 to the electromechanical system 3 through a quick-connect electrical connection system.

[0076] When the connection box 7 is separated from the base 1 , it is possible to access an internal portion of the apparatus 100 that allows the configuration of electromechanical switches 21 and the housing of additional modules and accessories.

[0077] In further embodiments, inside the central compartment 19, there may be one or more multipole terminal blocks for electrical connections that comprise, in addition to the supply conductors to the line voltage (120, 230, 277, 347 VAC), the conductors of the incorporated LED strip and the control signals of the DALI digital bus (in models where this is provided). Thus, without opening the lamp, various types of electrical modules that add special functions to the lamp itself can be installed inside the wiring compartment.

[0078] Advantageously, in different embodiments, depending on requirements or needs, one or more of the following modules can be installed:

[0079] A self-contained battery-operated emergency lighting module; in this case, the module is equipped with a battery that, inserted in the electrical connection box 7, is located in a lower temperature environment than that of the lamp compartment (as is the case with traditional solutions), thus ensuring greater reliability over time. In the emergency lighting module, the electronic circuitry of the emergency function directly drives the LED strip 11 bypassing the LED driver of the sealed lighting apparatus 100 in the event of a blackout, thanks to the accessibility of the ends of the LED strip 11 itself on the quick-connect connector 8.

[0080] An emergency lighting module that includes diagnostic circuits for interfacing the sealed lighting apparatus 100 to a high-voltage centralized battery emergency lighting module.

[0081] An emergency lighting module that includes the diagnostic circuits for interfacing the sealed lighting apparatus 100 to a low-voltage centralized battery emergency lighting module. Also in this module, the electronic circuitry of the emergency function directly drives the LED strip 11 bypassing the LED driver of the sealed lighting fixture in the event of a power outage, due to the accessibility of the ends of the LED strip 11 itself on the same quick-connect connector 8.

[0082] Advantageously, it is also possible to insert some special communication modules, such as wireless communication modules, into the connection box 7 due to the presence of the quick-connect connector 8.

[0083] Even in this case, wireless communication modules can be added without opening the sealed lighting apparatus 100.

[0084] Advantageously, two spring hooks 23 on opposite sides of the central compartment 19 allow the lighting apparatus 100 to be mounted in a coordinated manner with the electrical connection.

[0085] Specifically, the two spring hooks 23 allow for the quick coupling and coordinated electrical and mechanical connection of the base 1 with the electromechanical system 3 of snap-on electrical coupling and connection.

[0086] This makes it possible to improve and expedite the installation operations of this type of lighting apparauts, improve its optical performance, and enable a modular approach.

[0087] Advantageously, the presence of the central compartment 19 into which the box 7 of electrical wiring plugs in allows access to some of the internal parts of the sealed lighting apparatus 100 once it is disconnected from the electromechanical system 3 of snap-on electrical coupling and connection.

[0088] In particular, as visible in figure 8, one end of the LED drivers is accessible, allowing configuration of the LED strip 11 by means of the electromechanical switches 21 (dip switches), e.g., used to set the LED driving current and consequently the luminous flux generated by the sealed lighting apparatus 100, all without the need to open the lamp itself.

[0089] Referring to figure 9, the lens-diffuser 2 of the sealed lighting apparatus 100 is designed with a specially micro-primed shape and inner surface such that light is optimally distributed while minimizing glare and maximizing the Unified Glare Rating (UGR) parameter.

[0090] The UGR parameter provides an index of visual discomfort due to glare and can have values between 10 and 31 where 10 indicates the best possible quality, while 31 indicates a luminaire with poor glare performance. As can be seen in figure 9, with the sealed lighting apparatus 100 it is possible to achieve UGR parameter values between 20 and 25, with high luminous fluxes of up to more than 12000 lumens in total, thus achieving the possibility of realizing installations with good visual comfort, in accordance with the requirements of international lighting standards, and optimizing the number of luminaires needed.

[0091] Advantageously, the sealed lighting apparatus 100 enables installation, configuration, and maintenance operations without having to open any components or separate the lens-diffuser 2 from the base 1. Even for wiring operations and making electrical connections, it is not necessary to open the sealed lighting apparatus 100 but is sufficient to insert the box 7 inside the central compartment 19 of the base 1 .

[0092] The lens-diffuser 2 is attached at the factory during the construction of the lighting apparatus 100 and no longer separated from the base 1 during installation and maintenance operations.

[0093] Through the insertion and connection of the box 7 in the central compartment 19, the connection of the electrical components of the electromechanical system 3 of snap-on and electrical connection with those of the base 1 necessary for the proper operation of the sealed lighting apparatus 100 itself is made, and at the same time the springs 5 of structural support of the apparatus are attached.

[0094] From the description made, the characteristics of the sealed lighting device, which is the subject of the invention, are clear, as are its advantages.

[0095] Finally, it is clear that numerous other variations may be made to the device in question, without departing from the principles of novelty inherent in the inventive idea, just as it is clear that, in the practical implementation of the invention, the materials, shapes and sizes of the details illustrated may be any as required and the same may be substituted for equivalent ones.

[0096] Where features and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference marks, such reference marks have been appended for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and, accordingly, such reference marks have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference marks.

Claims

RIVENDICAZIONI1. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) comprising a base (1 ), a light source, such as an LED strip (11 ), and a lens-diffuser (2), characterized by comprising an elctromechanical system (3) of snap-on electrical coupling and connection configured to connect with a central compartment (19) present in said base (1 ) in order to carry out the electrical connections and wiring of said sealed lighting apparatus (100).

2. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) according to claim 1 characterized by the fact that said lens-diffuser (2) has micro-prism interior walls designed to guide light in the desired directions and achieve optimal spatial distribution of the emitted light.

3. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that said electromechanical system (3) of snap- on electrical coupling and connection comprises:-a profile (4) suitable for keeping connected and in position the different components of said electromechanical system (3) of snap-on electrical coupling and connection;-at least two springs (5) for structural mechanical fastening of said base (1 );-one or more standard sealed fittings (6);-a box (7) for making wiring and electrical connections and configured to snap into said central compartment (19) of said base (1 );-a quick-connect connector (8) or terminal block housed within said box (7); and by the fact that said electromechanical system (3) of snap-on electrical coupling and connection connects to said central compartment (19) of said base (1 ) through a single snap-on operation.

4. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) according to claim 3 characterized by the fact that said springs (5) are fixed to said base (1 ) by means of anti-opening and anti-vandalism side screws (9).

5. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by comprising a first attachment mechanism (14) for engaging said lens-diffuser (2) with said base (1 ) and a second attachment mechanism (15) for engaging said box (7) with said base (1 ).

6. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) according to claim 5 characterized by the fact that said first attachment mechanism (14) and said second attachment mechanism (15) are arranged in the ends of said lens-diffuser (2) and said box (7), respectively, and by the fact that they have protrusions capable of making contact, when said sealed lighting apparatus (100) is closed, with respective seats present in said base (1 ).

7. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by comprising a first gasket (12) to maintain the sealing of said lens-diffuser (2) and a second gasket (13) to maintain the sealing of said box (7).

8. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that said lens-diffuser (2) has a shaping (16) for the positioning and housing of a light sensor.

9. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that inside said central compartment (19) there is a comb with conducting plugs (10) for connection with said quick-connect connector (8) inside said box (7).

10. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that within said central compartment (19) are present one or more of the following: one or more electromechanical switches (21 ) (dip-switches) for configuring the output current of said light source, such as an LED strip (11 );-one or more auxiliary terminal blocks (22);-one or more multipole terminal blocks;-one or more power supply conductors to the line voltage;-one or more conductors of said light source;-one or more control signals of a DALI digital bus.

11. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that on two opposite sides of said central compartment (19) there are two spring-loaded hooks (23) for the quick coupling and coordinated electrical and mechanical connection of said base (1 ) with said electromechanical system (3) of snap-on electrical coupling and connection.

12. Sealed lighting apparatus (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that one or more of the following modules are installed on said lighting apparatus:-a self-contained battery-operated emergency lighting module; -a high-voltage centralized battery emergency lighting module;-a low-voltage centralized battery emergency lighting module;-a wireless communication module.

Images