System of rechargeable luminous bodies

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system of rechargeable luminous bodies (2) comprising: a) at least one luminous body (2), configured to illuminate a room and which can be coupled to a lamp body (20), said luminous body (2) comprising an outer casing inside which are housed a light source (3), a rechargeable power supply battery configured to power the light source (3), a connector (11) for connection to an external electric power source so as to recharge the battery of the luminous body (2); b) a charging tray (6) configured to house a plurality of luminous bodies (2) and to charge them simultaneously.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM OF RECHARGEABLE LUMINOUS BODIES

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0004] The present invention relates to a wireless electric lighting system and its recharging.

[0005] In particular, the present invention relates to a system comprising a plurality of luminous bodies configured to illuminate a room and a charging tray configured to house and charge them.

[0006] In more detail, each luminous body can be coupled to a lamp body and the charging tray is capable of recharging them simultaneously.

[0007] Preferably, the system of the present invention finds application in the ho.re.ca. channel where a plurality of luminous bodies are present in each facility.

[0008] PRIOR ART

[0009] Wireless rechargeable lamps are known. When the rechargeable battery of the lamp runs out, the lamp is electrically charged for a certain period of time. Once the desired charge level has been reached, the lamp can be used again to illuminate a room.

[0010] In rooms to be illuminated where a plurality of wireless lamps are present, such as in the field of hospitality (bars, restaurants, hotels, etc.), it is difficult to be able to charge them simultaneously.

[0011] A known drawback of the known type of rechargeable lamps relates to the fact that in the presence of several lamps to be charged, a corresponding number of sockets to which they can be connected are not available in the vicinity.

[0012] Another drawback of the known type of wireless lamps is given by the fact that the lamps to be charged must be moved close to the sockets present, thereby risking damaging them.

[0013] A further drawback of the known type of rechargeable lamps is given by the fact that during the charging time of the lamps, having been moved close to an electrical socket, they are rested in makeshift positions, e.g., on the floor or on a chair, with the related risk of damaging them.

[0014] Another drawback of the known type of rechargeable lamps is given by the fact that in certain exclusive environments, it may be necessary to have a plurality of lamps having different shapes, materials and colours.

[0015] Nowadays, there is an increasing need to be able to customise and configure lamps for exclusive environments, whether for commercial and lighting purposes or for personal or furnishing and therefore purely aesthetic requirements.

[0016] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a system of rechargeable luminous bodies which overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

[0017] A first aim of the present invention is to provide a system of rechargeable luminous bodies which enables a plurality of luminous bodies to be charged easily and quickly.

[0018] Another aim of the present invention is to provide a system of rechargeable luminous bodies which can be easily and quickly combined with a plurality of lamp bodies having a different aesthetic appearance (shapes, materials and colours).

[0019] A further aim of the present invention is to make rechargeable luminous bodies which can be quickly and interchangeably integrated into a plurality of lamp bodies having different shapes, materials and colours and having a high and invariable level of quality and aesthetics and thereby ensuring the possibility of creating an elevated series of exclusive finished products.

[0020] Another aim of the present invention is to provide a system of rechargeable luminous bodies which is easy to use and maintain.

[0021] A further aim of the present invention is to provide luminous bodies which can be coupled to lamp bodies capable of providing good levels of lighting on the tables where they are rested.

[0022] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] These aims are achieved in accordance with the invention, with the features listed in the appended claims.

[0024] It is a first subject matter of the present invention a system of rechargeable luminous bodies having the features set forth in the independent claim 1.

[0025] Further advantageous features of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims 2 to 10.

[0026] These and further advantages of a system of rechargeable luminous bodies in accordance with the invention will be highlighted more clearly in the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The system of rechargeable luminous bodies according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 8, which are to be considered merely illustrative and not limiting the subject matter of the present patent application.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a view showing a luminous body, coupled to a particular lamp body, of the system of the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 2 is a view showing in exploded view the luminous body of Figure 1;

[0031] Fig. 3 shows in detail the upper part of the luminous body of Fig. 1;

[0032] Fig. 4 shows in detail the lower part of the luminous body of Figure 3.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows a module of the charging tray of the system of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 6 shows a charging tray of luminous bodies consisting of three modules placed side by side;

[0035] Fig. 7 shows two charging trays for luminous bodies stacked on top of each other;

[0036] Fig. 8 shows a tray-holder carriage of the system of the present invention.

[0037] In the accompanying figures, the corresponding elements will be identified by the same numerical references.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present invention, illustrated in the accompanying figures, relates to a system of rechargeable luminous bodies 2. Each luminous body 2 can be easily and quickly associated with a lamp body 20 having any type of shape, material or colour, making it an easily customisable system in terms of shapes and materials.

[0040] In particular, the lamp bodies 20 can be made of various materials, e.g., glass, porcelain, wood, plastics, metal (e.g., with slits or grilles) capable of diffusing light from therein into the room.

[0041] The lamp body 20 comprises a base configured to be rested on a horizontal surface, such as a table, and an upper part longitudinally opposite the resting base. The upper part of the lamp body 20 has an opening configured to restingly receive a luminous body 2. Once the luminous body is rested or coupled to the upper opening of the lamp body, it can protrude therein.

[0042] The lamp body 20 is made of a material which allows light, generated by the luminous body 2, to pass from therein to the outside. In particular, the lamp body 20 can be made of a transparent material or a translucent material (i.e., capable of diffusing light).

[0043] The luminous body 2 is preferably circular in shape and of limited thickness, without external power supply cables, battery-powered, arranged to be associated with a lamp body 20 by means of a simple rest or by means of a special connection element, thereby ensuring the possibility of giving rise to an elevated number of exclusive finished products.

[0044] In particular, the connection element to the lamp body 20 can be of mechanical or magnetic type.

[0045] On the upper surface of the luminous body 2, which is externally visible when associated above with a lamp body 20, there is an on / off button 4. Such a button 4 also serves to adjust the intensity of the light emitted by the luminous body 2. The button 4 is backlit and also functions as a dimmer.

[0046] Advantageously, the backlighting of the button 4, when inside the charging tray 6, assumes a different colour (e.g., flashing blue during the charging step, steady blue when charging is complete). There is a light source present inside the luminous body 2.

[0047] On the lower surface of the luminous body 2 there is a diffuser through which the light generated by the light source passes, directed downwards and / or inside the lamp body 20.

[0048] Preferably, the diffuser is made of thermoplastic material.

[0049] On the lower flat surface of the luminous body 2 there is also a charging connector 11 configured to charge the battery present inside the luminous body 2.

[0050] Preferably, the luminous body 2 is circular in shape, with a diameter of approximately 102 mm and a thickness of approximately 25 mm.

[0051] All the components of the luminous body 2 are housed therein, without any parts protruding or extending outwards. In particular, each luminous body 2 comprises a lower flat surface (during use on the upper surface of the lamp body 20), provided with a zone of transparent and / or translucent material, visible in Figure 4, or translucent, through which the light generated by the LED placed therein exits.

[0052] The material chosen is of the diffusing type, viz., it contains micro-particles therein which are capable of deflecting the flow of light in a disordered manner, ensuring greater light diffusion. This material also has the feature of not absorbing light, ensuring high levels of efficiency between input and output flux.

[0053] During use, the luminous body 2 is rested on or coupled to the upper surface of the lamp body 20 with the lower flat surface facing downwards (and the upper surface, with the power button 4 facing upwards and outwards from the lamp body 20), so that the light generated passes through the transparent material zone and is directed towards the inside of the lamp body 20.

[0054] The light thus generated downwards and inside the lamp body 20, is diffused inside the lamp body 20, passing through the side walls thereof and diffusing the light outwards.

[0055] The system of rechargeable luminous bodies according to the present invention comprises at least one luminous body 2, configured to illuminate a room and coupled to a lamp body 20. The luminous body 2 comprises an outer casing inside which are housed a light source 3, a rechargeable power supply battery configured to power the light source 3, a connector 11 for connection to an external electric power source so as to charge the battery of the luminous body 2.

[0056] The system further comprises a charging tray 6 configured to house a plurality of luminous bodies 2 and to charge them simultaneously.

[0057] Each light source 2 is configured to couple to or rest in a corresponding upper part of a lamp body 20 such that the light generated by the light source 3 is directed inside the lamp body 20 and diffuses to the exterior environment through it.

[0058] When the luminous body 2 is associated with the lamp body 20, its lower surface faces the inside of the lamp body 20 while its upper surface with the backlit power button 4 is externally accessible.

[0059] At least one side portion of the lamp body 20 is permeable to light from therein towards the external environment to be lit.

[0060] The luminous body 2 can comprise a connection element 5 configured to couple the luminous body 2 to a lamp body 20. The coupling can be mechanical or magnetic. In the case of mechanical coupling, the connection element is a screw thread 5.

[0061] In this case the connection element is a ring 21 which is applied by gluing or mechanical clamping to the lamp body 20. Such an element is made of thermoplastic material with minimum self-extingui shing properties catalogued according to UL94 with HB rating or any other material guaranteeing the mechanical connection thereof. Its function is that of a joining element between the luminous body 2 and the lamp body 20.

[0062] In some alternative embodiments, the connection element can be integrated in the lamp body 20.

[0063] The light source 3 of the luminous body 2 comprises a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) powered by a rechargeable battery.

[0064] Advantageously, the charging connector 11 of the luminous body 2 is of magnetic type. The outer casing of the luminous body 2 is made of thermoplastic material, preferably a UL94 thermoplastic material with HB rating.

[0065] The charging tray 6 for a plurality of light sources 2 of the system according to the present invention comprises an upper surface, a lower surface and a plurality of housings 7 arranged in the upper surface. Each housing 7 is configured to removably house the base (lower flat surface and part of the thickness) of a luminous body 2 and comprises a magnetic connector configured to recharge the battery of the corresponding luminous body 2 housed therein.

[0066] In particular, the presence of the lower perfectly flat surface of each luminous body allows to rest it in the corresponding housing 7 of the charging tray 6. Thereby, when the luminous bodies are housed in the charging tray 6, the power button 4 backlit with a colour indicative of the charge level remains clearly visible.

[0067] The charging tray 6 can consist of one or more modules 6a, 6b, 6c side by side, each containing two or more housings 7 for luminous bodies 2. Preferably, each charging module 6a, 6b, 6c contains five housings 7 for luminous bodies 2 (maximum 25W - 5V).

[0068] Each module of the tray 6 is made of scratch-resistant material to prevent any damage to the outer surface of the luminous bodies 2 to be recharged.

[0069] During charging, the indicator present near the power button 4 lights up in a predetermined colour, e.g., blue.

[0070] In particular, the power button 4 flashes blue during charging and remains lit solid blue when fully charged.

[0071] The magnetic connector 11 present on the lower surface of the luminous body 2 couples with a corresponding magnetic connector positioned on the bottom of each housing 7 of the charging tray 6.

[0072] Advantageously, each charging tray 6 is provided with spacer means suitable for stacking two or more trays 6 containing said light sources 2 to be charged arranged in said housings 7 on top of each other. The spacer means suitable for stacking the trays 6 consist, for example, of a protrusion 8a present in the lower surface of the tray 6 and a corresponding recess 8b present in the upper surface.

[0073] The electric power supply of each tray 6 occurs by means of extra-low voltage, supplied by a power supply driver positioned on the power supply cable ending with a plug or on a carriage 10 on which several trays 6 can be positioned.

[0074] The trays can be housed in carriages 10, made of steel or aluminium, with swivel castors where the trays 6 are removable. The carriages 10 can also receive two types of trays: a type of tray 6 for charging luminous bodies 2, as described above, and a type of tray 9 for housing lamp bodies 20.

[0075] The system is customisable according to the user's needs and can vary in terms of the type of trays present, the number of trays present and the shape of the carriage 10.

[0076] In the solution with a carriage 10, each charging tray 6 electrically connects to the power supply driver by means of male-female type connectors: one positioned on the rear edge of the tray 6, the other on the frame of the carriage 10.

[0077] The lamp body 20 is the aesthetic / structural element of the finished product. It can vary in shape, material and colour. The upper part, irrespective of the variability of these features, can if necessary receive a connection element, e.g., the ring nut, which mechanically couples the lamp body 20 with the luminous body 2. The combination of its variables, understood as shape, material and colour, determines the number of exclusive products which can be generated.

[0078] The lamp body 20 is supported by a multiple housing system, consisting of trays which can also be housed in the carriage 10, which has swivel castors and features removable trays, if required. The removability of the trays 9 for the lamp bodies 20 has been designed to facilitate the removal of the lamps from tables while respecting the integrity of the finishes.

[0079] The tray 9 for housing the lamp bodies 20 has an anodised or painted metal supporting structure and is characterised by having appropriate seats for housing the lamp bodies 20. The housings are suitably shaped and sized to prevent the lamp bodies 20 from tipping over when handling the trays 9, they are also covered with a scratch-resistant material to prevent damage during handling.

[0080] The tray 9 for housing the lamp bodies 20 has been designed to be received in the guides of the carriage 10, which ensure the removability thereof.

[0081] The removability of the tray 9 is advantageous, as up to now only fixed solutions can be found. The removability is a solution designed to make it easier for staff to clear tables of lamps, as individual trays 9 can be transported more easily between tables, with respect to moving the entire carriage 10, which would be difficult, especially when spaces are cramped and not placed on the same level. Moving entire lamps (i.e., lamp body 20 with associated luminous body 2) without removable trays, on the other hand, is limited by the number of lamps which can be moved by hand without trays and jeopardises the care of the lamp's surface finish. The constant use of trays not specifically designed to house lamps and therefore without a scratch-proof system could also ruin the surface finish of the lamps.

[0082] Rechargeable battery-operated lamps are well suited for use in the world of hospitality and catering where they can be used to specifically light a plurality of tables. Unlike the products of known types, the system which is the subject matter of the present invention is characterised by the fact that the luminous body 2 and the lamp body 20 are two separable and interchangeable entities.

[0083] The fact that the luminous body 2 is separable from the lamp body 20 ensures the following technical effects: the luminous body 2 expands the possibilities of exclusive products while limiting investment and equipment manufacturing time. In fact, the same luminous body 2 can be installed on lamp bodies 20 of different types, varying in shape, material and colour. Exploiting the principle according to which the exclusivity of a product is commonly perceived by the aesthetic features of the lamp body, which can vary in shape, material and colour, the system of luminous bodies ensures the possibility of creating exclusive products by modifying only the lamp body, with a considerable reduction in investment and tooling time. The luminous body can be optimised in the production quantities of plastics and in the purchase batches of its electronic components, while the lamp body, limited to the recommended technologies, can also be produced in small production batches on request; The luminous body makes charging easier for the service personnel who only have to move the luminous body and not the whole lamp, reducing the percentage of breakage and damage to the diffusers. Such an advantage is accentuated in catering activities where no tablecloths or table covers in general are used. In this case, the lamp bodies could only be removed from the table occasionally, regardless of the need for charging.

[0084] The luminous body takes up little space for the charging activities. Its compact dimensions guarantee the request for limited space within catering establishments. Furthermore, the system of luminous bodies according to the present invention, in order to facilitate charging activities and space optimisation, is supported by a compact carriage with removable trays which is capable of receiving both the luminous bodies for charging and the lamp bodies.

[0085] The luminous body can be easily replaced in the event of a malfunction. Being detachable from the lamp body, in the event of a malfunction of an electronic component, the luminous body can be easily replaced with another one, without replacing the entire lamp.

[0086] The luminous body is easily detachable and repairable. The closure is ensured by means of screws and can therefore be easily dismantled for repair or for the division of components during disposal. This contrasts the logic of disposable products.

[0087] The luminous body ensures savings on the initial investment for the purchase of lamps. Exploiting the principle according to which in the case of malfunctioning or exhausted charge, it is possible to only replace the luminous body on a lamp body, the restaurateur will be able to purchase an exact number of lamp bodies, equal to the number of lamps needed, and a slightly larger number of luminous bodies to ensure possible replacements at all times during operating hours.

[0088] The luminous body ensures an easy recyclability of components. The possibility of separating the luminous body, containing the electronic components from the diffuser body, facilitates the recovery of the raw materials forming it.

[0089] The system of rechargeable luminous bodies which is the subject matter of the present invention aims to create lamps with a good level of lighting on a table (min. 250 lux), where the glare problem is solved by the luminous body itself, leaving the lamp body with only an aesthetic value.

[0090] In fact, the luminous body 2 assumes both functions (creating the required amount of light and avoiding glare), relegating the lamp body 20 to mere aesthetic value. The luminous body emits light capable of ensuring a good level of lighting (min. 250 lux) and is glare-free at the same time. To fulfil both functions, the luminous body 2 has the following features:

[0091] • It houses LED sources with the power to meet the lighting prerequisites required to ensure a good lighting of the dining table.

[0092] • The screen of the luminous body from which the light exits is made of a polymer containing diffusing fillers, capable of maximising the efficiency level between the lumens emitted by the source and the lumens output from the screen.

[0093] • The position of the screen of the luminous body, always facing downwards during use, avoids direct glare and ensures that even completely transparent lamp bodies are possible.

[0094] The lamp body 20 does not necessarily have the role of anti-glare, its value is purely aesthetic and can change in shape, colour and material (it can also be completely transparent). Hence the originality of the present invention, as it is possible to obtain an infinite number of lamps, being the resultant of the sum of two addends.

[0095] The system of rechargeable luminous bodies of the present invention allows it to be easily moved by service personnel to collect the light sources from the lamp bodies present on the tables. Its function is not limited to recharging activities of the light sources, but also to collecting them in their place of use, viz., on dining tables. Its shape and mechanical resistance to impact allow it to withstand the daily use of light source recovery. Its stackability also allows the collection of a large number of luminous bodies, and ensures a small charging space.

[0096] It is clear that the specific features are described in relation to different embodiments of the invention with an illustrative and non-limiting intent.

[0097] Obviously, a person skilled in the art can make further modifications and variations to the present invention in order to meet contingent and specific requirements. For example, the technical features described in relation to an embodiment of the invention can be extrapolated therefrom and applied to other embodiments of the invention. Such variants and modifications are also contained within the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system of rechargeable luminous bodies (2) comprising: a) at least one luminous body (2), configured to illuminate a room and which can be coupled to a lamp body (20), said luminous body (2) comprising an outer casing inside which are housed a light source (3), a rechargeable power supply battery configured to power the light source (3), a connector (11) for connection to an external electric power source so as to recharge the battery of the luminous body (2); b) a charging tray (6) configured to house a plurality of luminous bodies (2) and to charge them simultaneously; and c) a lamp body (20) comprising a base configured to be rested on a horizontal surface and an upper part, opposite said resting base; wherein each luminous body (2) is configured to couple to or rest in said corresponding upper part of the lamp body (20) such that the light generated by the light source (3) is directed inside the lamp body (20).

2. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each luminous body (2) comprises a connection element (5) configured to couple the luminous body (2) to a lamp body (20).

3. A system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (3) of the luminous body (2) comprises a plurality of LEDs.

4. A system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the charging connector (11) of the luminous body (2) is of the magnetic type.

5. A system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the outer casing of the luminous body (2) is made of thermoplastic material, preferably a thermoplastic material UL94 with HB rating.

6. A system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said recharging tray (6) for a plurality of luminous bodies (2) comprises an upper surface, a lower surface and a plurality of housings (7) arranged in said upper surface, each housing (7) being configured to removably house the base of a luminous body (2) and comprising a magnetic connector configured to recharge the battery of the corresponding luminous body (2) housed therein.

7. A system according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic connector is positioned at the bottom of each housing (7) of said tray (6).

8. A system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said recharging tray (6) has spacer means (8) suitable for stacking two or more trays (6) containing said luminous bodies (2) to be recharged arranged in said housings (7).

9. A system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said tray (6) preferably contains five or more housings (7) for luminous bodies (2), preferably it contains five or fifteen housings (7).

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