Luminaire and method for manufacturing a luminaire

Abstract

The invention relates to a luminaire (1) comprises a body (2) for receiving a light source (6) and comprising a closed frame (8) defining a main opening (11) for transmitting light of the light source (6), side walls (12, 14) extending from the closed frame (8), and a rear cover (16) at a side opposite the closed frame (8), and a front cover (10) for being arranged in a covering position, where it allows light to pass towards the main opening (11). The or each side wall (12, 14) comprises form-fitting sections (20) to be connected to corresponding form-fitting sections (22) of the closed frame (8) without any tool. The or each side wall (12, 14) comprises retaining elements (24) configured to be connected to the front cover (10) without any tool to retain the front cover (10) in the covering position.

Description

[0001] LUMINAIRE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A LUMINAIRE

[0002] Description:

[0003] 1. Field of the invention

[0004] 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.

[0005] 2. Technical background

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 3. Summary

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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:

[0011] • a closed frame defining a main opening for transmitting light of the light source received in the lighting space,

[0012] • side walls extending from the closed frame to laterally delimit the lighting space, and

[0013] • a rear cover covering the lighting space at a side opposite the closed frame, and a front cover configured for being arranged in a covering position, in which i) it covers a part of the lighting space towards at least part of the main opening and ii) it allows at least part of the light of the light source received in the lighting space to pass through the front cover towards the main opening, wherein at least one of the side walls, preferably each one of the side walls, comprises formfitting sections configured to be connected to corresponding form-fitting sections of the closed frame by a form-fit connection without any tool, and wherein at least one of the side walls, preferably each one of the side walls, comprises retaining elements configured to be connected to the front cover without any tool so as to retain the front cover in the covering position.

[0014] Thus, as the form-fit connection and the retaining elements require no tool, the side walls can be connected to the closed frame 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 and the rear cover if present.

[0015] Further, the form-fit connections can help lessen or prevent light leakages by reducing or suppressing gaps. Indeed, the form-fit connection contributes to achieving an interlocking joint when the side walls are attached to the closed frame.

[0016] 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 maybe configured to be a backlit luminaire.

[0017] A major portion (5O%-1OO%) of the front cover and / or of the rear cover may be thin. The thickness of the or each major portion may range from 0,5 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0018] 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 and / or of the rear cover may be i) plane, ii) curved, iii) wavy, or iv) otherwise uneven, for example polyhedral. So the front cover or the rear cover is not necessarily flat.

[0019] 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. 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, e.g. to a room to be illuminated, when the luminaire is in use. In use, this light-permeable part can illuminate a room where the luminaire is installed.

[0020] The side walls may be configured to connect directly the front cover with the rear cover. The side walls may join the front cover to the rear cover as the form- fitting sections are connected to one another. Thus, no intermediate component is needed between the side walls on the one hand, and the front cover or the rear cover on the other hand. Each one of the side walls may comprise a respective flat web configured to span the gap between the front cover and the rear cover.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the closed frame may be substantially rectangular, preferably one-piece or seamless, the closed frame including two side beams and two transverse beams, each transverse beam joining the two side beams with one another, and wherein a length-over-width ratio of the front cover ranges preferably from 0,3 to 3, more preferably from 0,7 to 1,5.

[0022] In particular, the main opening maybe square when the length-over-width ratio is about 1. Thus, the luminaire can be mostly symmetrical, which in turn enables to manufacture it quickly. The front cover, the rear cover and / or the closed frame may have a plane of symmetry. Preferably, the luminaire as a whole may have a plane of symmetry. As the closed frame maybe one-piece, there can be fewer or even no joints visible from a room illuminated by the luminaire.

[0023] Preferably, the side beams and the transverse beams, which compose the closed frame, may be rectilinear. The side beams and the transverse beams are preferably integral, more preferably one-piece, with one another in series.

[0024] Preferably, the front cover may have a rectangular shape, in particular a square shape, corresponding substantially to the shape of the closed frame. Likewise, the rear cover may be substantially rectangular, in particular substantially square. The size of the rear cover may be equivalent to the size of the front cover such that the rear cover can face most or all of the front cover. 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.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the rear cover maybe configured to be attached by screws to the closed frame and / or to at least one, preferably to each one, of the side walls.

[0026] In some implementations, each of the side walls may have one or more primary bore(s), the or each primary bore being preferably threaded, wherein the rear cover may have one or more primary hole(s) arranged to be aligned with the or each primary bore, respectively, such that the rear cover can be fastened to the side walls by primary fastening elements, preferably screws, inserted in the primary bore(s) and primary hole(s), and wherein each of the side walls may have one or more secondary through-hole(s), wherein the rear cover may have one or more secondary hole(s) arranged to be aligned with the secondary through-hole(s), respectively, and wherein the closed frame may have one or more secondary bore(s), which are preferably threaded, such that the rear cover can be fastened to both the side walls and the closed frame by secondary fastening elements, preferably screws, inserted in the secondary through-hole(s), secondary hole(s) and secondary bore(s).

[0027] The rear cover may be attached to each side wall and to the closed frame by screws. The screws may be inserted in the secondary through-holes, the secondary holes and tightened into the secondary bores.

[0028] Thus, the closed frame, side walls and rear cover can be tightly fastened to one another, which helps preventing or lessening light leakage, while requiring a tool for disassembling the luminaire for safety reasons.

[0029] According to an embodiment, i) the form-fitting sections of the closed frame on the one hand, and ii) the form-fitting sections of the at least one of the side walls, preferably of each one of the side walls, on the other hand, may be respectively defined: by i) recesses and ii) protrusions, or (vice-versa) by i) protrusions and ii) recesses, the recesses being configured to accommodate the protrusions, such that the at least one, preferably each one, of the side walls can be connected by said form-fit connection to the closed frame,

[0030] Thus, as recesses and the protrusions have respective complementary shapes, they may cooperate with one another to realize the tool-less form-fit connection.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the recesses and the protrusions may be shaped such that the form-fitting sections are connected to one another by: first, translating the protrusions into the respective recesses and along a first direction, and then, by rotating the protrusions within the respective recesses and around a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0032] Thus, the form-fitting sections can be connected to one another quickly and manually. Once rotated, the protrusions can be locked into the recesses, which ensures a connection that can be strong and tight to light leakages. In some implementations where the closed frame has a rectangular shape, the first direction may be perpendicular to the respective side beam or side wall, and the second direction may be parallel to a direction along which the respective side beam or side wall extends.

[0033] According to an embodiment, at least one, preferably each one, of the side beams may be connected by the form-fit connection to the at least one, preferably to a respective one, of the side walls, wherein the form-fitting sections of the closed frame may be defined by the recesses, and wherein the recesses may be formed by accommodation grooves extending within at least one, preferably within each one, of the side beams, the side beams being preferably made of profiles, the protrusions being configured to extend within part, most, or the whole, of said accommodation grooves.

[0034] When the side beams are made of profiles, they can have a constant cross-section along their length, and they can be easily manufactured, e.g., by extrusion.

[0035] The side beams, and preferably the entire closed frame, may be composed of plastics, aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, preferably stainless steel, or any combination thereof; aluminum or an aluminum alloy may be the preferred material. The side beams, preferably the entire closed frame, may be welded and painted such that no joints are visible from the room to be illuminated.

[0036] In particular, each one of the accommodation grooves may be defined in cross-section by walls forming substantially a J-shape, the walls being preferably flat, the lowest tip of the J-shape having preferably a ridge oriented inwards, and at least one, preferably each, one of the protrusions may comprise a flute configured to mate with the ridge when the protrusion is accommodated in the respective accommodation groove.

[0037] Thus, the cooperation of the ridge and flute can prevent the respective protrusion, hence the side wall, from translating backwards and out of the side beam.

[0038] At least one, preferably each one, of the protrusions may further comprise a bearing surface, which is located next to the flute and which is configured to bear against the ridge, so as to guide the side wall while the protrusion is entering in rotation into the respective accommodation groove.

[0039] The protrusion may further comprise an additional bearing surface, which is located opposite the flute and which is configured to bear against an entry surface of the accommodation groove, so as to guide the side wall while the protrusion is entering in rotation into the accommodation groove. The or each traverse beam may be made of a profile. The or each traverse beam may have the same cross-section as the side beams. Thus, the manufacturing of the closed frame does not require many tools, dies or moulds.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the form-fitting sections of the closed frame and / or the formfitting sections of the at least one of the side walls, preferably of each one of the side walls, may be elastically deformable so as to realize the form-fit connection by way of a snap-fit connection, and / or the form-fitting sections of the closed frame and / or the form- fitting sections of each one of the side walls may be integral form-fitting sections, respectively, and / or the retaining elements may be integral retaining elements.

[0041] Thus, the closed frame and the side wall(s) may be connected quickly and manually thanks to the snap-fit connection. Integral form-fitting sections and integral retaining elements allow reducing the number of parts to be manufactured and assembled, as well as increasing the mechanical resistance of the luminaire, respectively.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the luminaire may further comprise at least one, preferably two, spacing bar(s) configured to wedge the side walls with respect to one another, wherein, preferably, the at least one spacing bar may be placed on a respective one of the transverse beams if present, and wherein, preferably, the at least one spacing bar may be configured for supporting an edge of the front cover extending between the side walls,

[0043] Thus, the side walls can be accurately held in position with respect to the closed frame, which in turn can prevent or lessen light leakages around the front cover. Also, the spacing bar(s) help keep the side walls in their position for assembling with further components, e.g., the rear cover.

[0044] The luminaire may comprise two spacing bars in particular when the front cover is substantially rectangular.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the luminaire may comprise two of said spacing bars, wherein each one of the side beams may have two receiving grooves, each receiving groove being located in a respective end region of the side beam, each one of the receiving grooves being configured to receive an edge of a respective one of the spacing bars. Thus, the edges of the spacing bars may be inserted in the receiving grooves, which can be performed quickly and manually.

[0046] According to an embodiment, each one of the spacing bars may have an elongated slot, each elongated slot being configured for the insertion of a respective edge of the front cover.

[0047] Thus, a first spacing bar may be attached to the side beams. Then, the front cover may be translated through the elongated slot of the first spacing bar and beyond a final position. After that, the second, opposite spacing bar may be attached to the side beams. The front cover may be translated back, this time through the elongated slot until it reaches the final position.

[0048] In some implementations, the luminaire may further comprise two flanges, which may each be attached to both side walls so as to enclose the front cover on both transversal ends thereof, the flanges forming part of the body, and each one of the side walls having preferably two receiving slots configured for receiving respective edges of the flanges.

[0049] Thus, the flanges can prevent or lessen light leakages out of the body.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the at least one, preferably each one, of the side walls may form a support step configured to support a respective edge of the front cover, and the at least one, preferably each one, of the side walls may comprise at least one retaining tooth configured to retain the front cover in place onto the support steps, the at least one retaining tooth forming all or part of said retaining elements.

[0051] Thus, the retaining teeth can reliably retain the front cover onto the support steps with no additional fastening elements. The support steps may be opaque, which can prevent or lessen light leakages on the corresponding sides of the front cover.

[0052] Alternatively, the support steps may be formed by the side beams. In such an alternative implementation, the side walls could be located outside the closed frame, and not within the closed frame like in the afore-described embodiment.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the luminaire may further comprise an optic foil configured to change, for example enhance, a light pattern emitted from the light source, wherein the optic foil may be flexible such that it can be bent to pass the at least one retaining tooth until the optic foil can be arranged between the front cover and the at least one retaining tooth, and wherein, preferably, the closed frame, more preferably one of the transverse beams if present, has a retaining groove, one edge of the optic foil being configured to be partly or totally tucked into the retaining groove.

[0054] Thus, the optic foil can be positioned quickly and manually on the front cover and be retained by the closed frame, in particular by one of the transverse beams if present.

[0055] Preferably, the tucked edge of the optic foil may project beyond the front cover. The tucked edge of the optic foil may supplement the retaining elements configured to retain the front cover in the covering position.

[0056] The optic foil may be about as thin as the front cover. The optic foil may be plane or curved. When the optic foil is curved, the front cover may be curved as well.

[0057] The retaining teeth may be elastically deformable. Thus, the retaining teeth may allow a ratcheting connection.

[0058] Typically, the front cover may have a degree of flexibility such that the operator may bend it, which facilitates its fitting on the main opening. Alternatively, where the optic foil does not have a degree of flexibility to be bent, the optic foil 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.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the luminaire may further comprise a sensor pod configured to house at least one light sensor, the sensor pod comprising a pod protruding portion, the sensor pod having preferably an opening for guiding light from the illuminated room to the light sensor if present, wherein the closed frame, preferably the at least one transverse beam, may define a pod holding recess configured to accommodate the pod protruding portion such that the sensor pod is held in a fixed position.

[0060] Thus, the sensor pod may be assembled quickly and manually. As the light sensor measures light parameters, the light source and its power supply can be controlled to meet target values set for the light parameters.

[0061] When the side beams and traverse beam(s), if present, are made of similar profiles having the same cross-sections, the pod protruding portion and the pod holding recess may be similar respectively to the protrusions of the side walls and to the recesses of the side beams.

[0062] In some implementations, the luminaire may further comprise hanging elements configured to be linked to the side walls so as to be movable between: an unlocked position in which the hanging elements may be inserted into corresponding housings in a ceiling, and a locked position in which the hanging elements may be coupled to the housings so as to suspend the luminaire to the ceiling.

[0063] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a a luminaire and comprising: providing a body defining a lighting space configured to receive a light source, wherein the body comprises,

[0064] • a closed frame defining a main opening for transmitting light of the light source received in the lighting space,

[0065] • side walls extending from the closed frame to laterally delimit the lighting space, and

[0066] • a rear cover covering the lighting space at a side opposite the closed frame, and providing a front cover configured for being arranged in a covering position, in which i) it covers a part of the lighting space towards at least part of the main opening and ii) it allows at least part of the light of the light source received in the lighting space to pass through the front cover towards the main opening, connecting, by a form-fit connection without any tool, (optionally integral) form-fitting sections of at least one of the side walls, preferably of each one of the side walls, to corresponding (optionally integral) form-fitting sections of the closed frame, and connecting without any tool (optionally integral) retaining elements of at least one of the side walls, preferably of each one of the side walls, to the front cover so as to retain the front cover in the covering position.

[0067] 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 rear cover.

[0068] Carrying out the assembling 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.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the method may comprise the following sequence of operations: connecting each side wall to the closed frame to achieve said form-fit connection without any tool, connecting the front cover to the side walls via the retaining elements without any tool, - 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 side walls and ii) the closed frame, the rear cover being arranged at a side opposite the closed frame so as to cover the lighting space.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The ease of assembly allows to faster construct luminaires, while the ease of disassembly fosters their servicing, hence their sustainability.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.” Brief description of drawings

[0074] 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:

[0075] Fig.i 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;

[0076] Fig.2 shows a perspective view of a closed frame of the luminaire of Fig.2;

[0077] Fig.3 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view from above of detail III in Fig.2 at an angle different from Fig.2;

[0078] Fig.4 shows a top perspective view of the closed frame and side walls of the luminaire of Fig.i; Fig.5 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view of one of the side walls of Fig.4 while it is being connected to the closed frame of Fig.4;

[0079] Fig.6 shows a view similar to Fig.5 of the side wall of Fig.4 after it has been connected to the closed frame of Fig.4;

[0080] Fig.7 shows a top perspective view of the closed frame, the side walls and spacing bars of the luminaire of Fig.i;

[0081] Fig.8 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view of a part of the closed frame, of one of the side walls and of one of the spacing bars of Fig.7;

[0082] Fig.9 shows a side view of one of the side walls of Fig.7;

[0083] Fig.10 shows a side view of a side wall according to an alternative implementation to Fig.7;

[0084] Fig.11 shows a top perspective view of the closed frame, the side walls, the spacing bars and a sensor pod of the luminaire of Fig.i;

[0085] Fig.12 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view of the sensor pod of Fig.11 while it is being connected to the closed frame of Fig.11;

[0086] Fig.13 shows a view similar to Fig.12 of the sensor pod of Fig.12 after it has been connected to the closed frame of Fig.11;

[0087] Fig.14 shows a top perspective view of the closed frame, the side walls, the spacing bars the sensor pod and a front cover of the luminaire of Fig.i;

[0088] Fig.15 shows a top perspective view of the front cover of Fig.14, after it has been assembled with the previously mounted components;

[0089] Fig.16 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view of the front cover as shown in Fig.15;

[0090] Fig.17 shows a top perspective view of the closed frame, the side walls, the spacing bars the sensor pod, the front cover and an optic foil of the luminaire of Fig.i;

[0091] Fig.18 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view of detail XVIII in Fig.17, showing a part of the optic foil after it has been assembled with the previously mounted components;

[0092] Fig.19 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view, at an angle different from Fig.18, of a part of the optic foil of Fig.17, after it has been assembled with the previously mounted components;

[0093] Fig.20 shows a top perspective view of a rear cover and a LED module of the luminaire of Fig.i;

[0094] Fig.21 shows a top perspective view of the rear cover and LED module of Fig.20 at an opposite angle with respect to Fig.20;

[0095] Fig.22 shows a cross-sectional view of the luminaire of Fig.21 while the rear cover is being assembled with the previously mounted components;

[0096] Fig.23 shows a cross-sectional view similar to Fig.22 in a stage following Fig.22;

[0097] Fig.24 shows a top perspective view of the luminaire of Fig.i in a final manufacturing operation;

[0098] Fig.25 shows a top view of detail XXV in Fig.24 but after the final manufacturing operation shown in Fig.24;

[0099] Fig.26 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view of detail XXVI in Fig.24;

[0100] Fig.27 shows a bottom view along arrow XXVII in Fig.26 after the final manufacturing operation shown in Fig.23;

[0101] Fig.28 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a luminaire according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for example the luminaire of Fig.i;

[0102] Fig.29 shows a bottom perspective view of a luminaire according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, after completion of a manufacturing method according to the present disclosure;

[0103] Fig.30 shows a top perspective view of the luminaire of Fig.29;

[0104] Fig.31 shows a top perspective view of a closed frame of the luminaire of Fig.29;

[0105] Fig.32 shows a cross-sectional view cut along plane XXXII in Fig.31;

[0106] Fig.33 shows a top perspective view of the closed frame and side walls of the luminaire of Fig.29;

[0107] Fig.34 shows a view similar to Fig.33 of the side walls of Fig.33 after they have been connected to the closed frame of Fig.29;

[0108] Fig.35 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view from above of detail XXXV in Fig.34;

[0109] Fig.36 shows a view similar to Fig.33 of the closed frame, the side walls and a front cover of the luminaire of Fig.29;

[0110] Fig.37 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view from above of detail XXXVII in Fig.36;

[0111] Fig.38 shows a view similar to Fig.33 of the closed frame, the side walls, the front cover and spacing bars of the luminaire of Fig.29, while the spacing bars are being assembled with the previously mounted components; Fig.39 shows a view similar to Fig.38, after the spacing bars have been assembled with the previously mounted components;

[0112] Fig.40 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view from above of detail XL in Fig.39;

[0113] Fig.41 shows a bottom perspective view along arrow XLI on Fig.39;

[0114] Fig.42 shows a view similar to Fig.41 but without the front cover;

[0115] Fig.43 shows a top perspective view of the rear cover and a LED module of the luminaire of Fig.29;

[0116] Fig.44 shows a view similar to Fig.33 of the closed frame, the side walls, the front cover, the spacing bars and the rear cover of the luminaire of Fig.29, while the rear cover is being assembled with the previously mounted components;

[0117] Fig.45 shows a view similar to Fig.44, after the rear cover has been assembled with the previously mounted components;

[0118] Fig.46 shows a top perspective view of the luminaire of Fig.29 ina final manufacturing operation;

[0119] Fig.47 shows a bottom perspective view of a luminaire according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, after completion of a manufacturing method according to the present disclosure;

[0120] Fig.48 shows a top perspective view of the luminaire of Fig.47, after completion of a manufacturing method according to the present disclosure; and

[0121] Fig.49 shows an exploded perspective view of the luminaire of Fig.47 showing most of its components in a disassembled state;

[0122] Fig.50 shows a top perspective view of a closed frame of the luminaire of Fig.47;

[0123] Fig.51 shows a top perspective view of the closed frame and side walls of the luminaire of Fig.47;

[0124] Fig.52 shows a top perspective view of the closed frame, the side walls and flanges of the luminaire of Fig.47;

[0125] Fig.53 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view from above of detail LIII in Fig.52;

[0126] Fig.54 shows a view similar to Fig.49 of the closed frame, the side walls, a first flange, and the front cover of the luminaire of Fig.47, while the front cover is being assembled with the previously mounted components;

[0127] Fig.55 shows a view similar to Fig.53 at a stage following Fig.53; Fig.56 shows a view similar to Fig.53 at a stage following Fig.54, wherein a second flange has been connected to the side walls and the front cover has been connected to the second flange;

[0128] Fig.57 shows a view similar to Fig.49 of the closed frame, the side walls, the flanges, the front cover and spacing bars of the luminaire of Fig.47; Detailed description

[0129] Fig.i to Fig.27 show a luminaire 1 comprising:

[0130] - a body 2 defining a lighting space 4 (Fig.21) configured to receive a light source 6 (Fig.20), and

[0131] - a front cover 8 is configured for being arranged in a covering position as shown in Fig.i.

[0132] The body 2 comprises:

[0133] • a closed frame 10 (Fig.1-2) defining a main opening 11 (Fig.2) for transmitting light of the light source 6 as the light source 6 is received in the lighting space 4,

[0134] • side walls 12 and 14 (Fig.4-9) that extend from the closed frame 10 to laterally delimit the lighting space 4, and

[0135] • a rear cover 16 (Fig.20-26) covering the lighting space 4 at a side opposite the closed frame 10.

[0136] In Fig.i the luminaire 1 is in an assembled state, following the completion of a manufacturing method 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as depicted in relation to Fig.28. The body 2 defines the lighting space 4 when the body 2 is in the assembled state.

[0137] The front cover 8 in the covering position of e.g. Fig.i covers a part of the lighting space 4 towards at least part of the main opening 11. 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 11.

[0138] Each one of the side walls 12, 14 may comprise (optionally integral) form-fitting sections 20 (Fig.5-6), which are configured to be connected to corresponding (optionally integral) formfitting sections 22 of the closed frame 10 by a form-fit connection without any tool.

[0139] Each one of the side walls 12, 14 may further comprise (optionally integral) retaining elements 24, which are symbolized in Fig.18 and described hereinafter in relation to Fig.14 to 19. The retaining elements 24 are configured to be connected to the front cover 8 without any tool, such that the retaining elements 24 retain the front cover 8 in the covering position of e.g. Fig.i.

[0140] The side walls 12, 14 can be connected to the closed frame 10 manually and quickly, since the form-fit connection (form- fitting sections 20 and 22) and the retaining elements 24 require no tool, as detailed hereinafter in relation to Fig.4-6 and 14-16.

[0141] The luminaire 1 may be mostly symmetrical with a plane of symmetry. The front cover 8, the rear cover 16 and / or the closed frame 10 may have a plane of symmetry. As shown in Fig.2, the closed frame 10 may be rectangular. A length-over-width ratio of the front cover 8 may be about 1.2. The rectangular shape of the front cover 8 may preferably correspond substantially to the shape of the closed frame 10.

[0142] Likewise, the rear cover 16 may be substantially rectangular. The size of the rear cover 16 may be equivalent to the size of the front cover 8 such that the rear cover 16 can face most if not all of the front cover 8. In the example of Fig.i to 27, the rear cover 16 may comprise a main panel 16.1 and two transversal walls 16.2 arranged on opposite sides of the main panel 16.1.

[0143] The closed frame 10 may include two side beams 10.1 and two transverse beams 10.2. The side beams 10.1 and the transverse beams 10.2 may be rectilinear. Each transverse beam 10.2 may be joining the two side beams 10.1 with one another. The transverse beams 10.2 may be perpendicular to the side beams 10.1.

[0144] The side walls 12, 14 may join the front cover 8 to the rear cover 16 as the form-fitting sections 20 and 22 are connected to one another, e.g. in the assembled state shown in Fig.i. The side walls 12, 14 may be configured to connect the front cover 8 with the rear cover 16 directly, that is, without any intermediate component. Each one of the side walls 12, 14 may comprise a respective flat web (Fig.4-9), which is configured to span the gap between the front cover 8 and the rear cover 16, to close the body 2.

[0145] A major portion of about 100% of the front cover 8 and / or a major portion of about 100% of the rear cover 16 may be thin. An outer surface of the front cover 1 and an outer surface of the rear cover 16 may be plane.

[0146] The front cover 8 may be partly or totally permeable to light. The front cover 8 may herein be entirely or translucent. The rear cover 16 may be solid and opaque. The front cover 8 may be visible from a not shown room to be illuminated when the luminaire 1 is in use. More than 80%, for example 90%, of the surface of the front cover 8 may be exposed to the outside when the luminaire 1 is in use.

[0147] As shown on Fig.3 to 6, in particular on Fig.5 and 6, the form-fitting sections 22 of the closed frame 10 may be defined by recesses. Complementarily, the form-fitting sections 22 of each one of the side walls 12, 14 may be defined by protrusions. The recesses (same reference 20 as the form-fitting sections of the closed frame 10) may be configured to accommodate the protrusions (same reference 22 as akin to the form-fitting sections of the side walls 12, 14), such that each one of the side walls 12, 14 can be connected by said form-fit connection to the closed frame 10. In other words, the recesses (20) and the protrusions (22) may have complementary shapes to cooperate with one another to realize the tool-less form-fit connection.

[0148] In the example of Fig.5 and 6, the recesses (20) and the protrusions (22) maybe shaped such that the form-fitting sections 20, 22 can be are connected to one another by:

[0149] - first, as symbolized by arrow 5.22 in Fig.5, translating the protrusions (22) into the respective recesses (20) and along a first direction X (Fig.5); the first direction X (Fig.5) may herein be perpendicular to the side beam 10.1 and side wall 12; and then, as symbolized by arrow 6.22 in Fig.6, by rotating the protrusions (22) within the respective recesses (20) and around a second direction Y (Fig.6), which may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction X (Fig.5); the second direction Y (Fig.6) maybe parallel to a direction along which the side beam 10.1 or side wall 12 extends.

[0150] By way of translation 5.22 and rotation 6.22, the form-fitting sections 20 and 22 can be connected to one another quickly and manually.

[0151] Each one of the side beams 10.1 may be connected by the form-fit connection to a respective one of the side walls 12 and 14. The form-fitting sections 22 of the closed frame 10 may be defined by the recesses (20), which may be formed by accommodation grooves extending within each one of the side beams 10.1. In the illustrated example, the side beams 10.1 may be made of profiles, with a constant cross-section along their length. The protrusions (22) maybe configured to extend within most of said accommodation grooves.

[0152] As visible in Fig.5-6, each one of the accommodation grooves maybe defined in cross-section by walls forming substantially a J-shape, these walls being preferably flat.

[0153] The lowest tip of the J-shape may have a ridge oriented inwards, as visible in Fig.5-6 even though not referenced. Complementarity, each one of the protrusions (22) may comprise a flute, which is not referenced but visible at the tip of the protrusions (22). The flute may be configured to mate with the ridge when the protrusion is accommodated in the respective accommodation groove. The cooperation of the ridge and flute can position the side wall 12 or 14 precisely relative to the respective side beam 10.1, which can lessen or prevent light leakages. This cooperation can also prevent the side wall 12 or 14 from translating backwards and out of the side beam 10.1. Each one of the protrusions (22) may further comprise a visible, albeit not referenced, bearing surface, which is located next to the flute and which is configured to bear against the ridge, so as to guide the side wall 12 while the protrusion (22) is entering in rotation 6.22 into the respective accommodation groove. The protrusion (22) may further comprise a visible, albeit not referenced, additional bearing surface, which is located opposite the flute and which is configured to bear against a not shown entry surface of the accommodation groove, to guide the side wall 12 while the protrusion (22) is entering in rotation 6.22 into the accommodation groove.

[0154] - Fig.7 to 8 show an operation following the operation of mounting the side walls 12 and 14 as shown in Fig.4 to 6.

[0155] As shown in Fig.7 and 8, the luminaire 1 may further comprise two spacing bars 26 and 28, which may be configured to wedge the side walls 12 and 14 with respect to one another. Preferably, each spacing bar 26 or 28 maybe placed on a respective transverse beam 10.2.

[0156] - Fig.11 to 13 show an operation following the operation of mounting the spacing bars 26 and 28 as shown in Fig.7 to 8.

[0157] As shown in Fig.11 to 16, the luminaire 1 may further comprise a sensor pod 30, which is configured to house a not shown light sensor. The sensor pod 30 may comprise a pod protruding portion 32, as detailed on Fig.12 and 13, The sensor pod 30 may have a not shown opening on the bottom side for guiding light from the illuminated room to the light sensor. As the light sensor measures light parameters, the light source 6 (Fig.20) and its not shown power supply can be controlled to meet target values set for the light parameters.

[0158] The closed frame 10 may define a pod holding recess 10.32 (Fig.12-13), preferably in one of the transverse beams 10.2. The pod holding recess 10.32 may be configured to accommodate the pod protruding portion 32 such that the sensor pod 30 can be held in fixed position.

[0159] In the example of Fig.i to 27, the traverse beams 10.2 may be made of similar profiles and similar cross-sections as the side beams 10.1. The pod protruding portion 32 and the pod holding recess 10.32 may be similar, respectively, to the form-fitting protrusions 20 of the side walls 12 and 14 and to the form-fitting recesses 22 of the closed frame 10, that is, of the side beams 10.1. So, the connection between the pod holding recess 10.32 and the pod protruding portion 32 may be similar to the afore-described form-fit connection between the closed frame 10 and the side walls 12, 14.

[0160] - Fig.14 to 16 show an operation following the operation of mounting the pod 30 as shown in Fig.11 to 13. As visible on Fig.8 and 14 to 16, the spacing bars 26 may each be configured for supporting one or both edges of the front cover 8 that extends between the side walls 12 and 14, as visible on Fig.14. The spacing bars 26 enable accurately holding the side walls 12, 14 in position with respect to the closed frame 10, for subsequently mounting further components, like the rear cover 16.

[0161] As shown on Fig.5, 6, 8 and 9, each side wall 12 or 14 may form a support step 12.1 or 14.1, which is configured to support a respective lateral edge of the front cover 8. As visible in particular on Fig.14 to 16, the front cover 8 maybe placed i) on the support steps 12.1 and 14.1 and ii) on the spacing bars 26 and 28. The support steps 12.1 or 14.1 maybe opaque to prevent or lessen light leakages on the sides of the front cover 8.

[0162] As shown in Fig.9, the support steps 12.1 and 14.1 may be rectilinear or plane to support the flat, plane front cover 8. Alternatively, as shown in Fig.10, the support steps could be curved to support a curved front cover.

[0163] As shown in particular in Fig.4, 17 and 18, each side wall 12 or 14 may comprise two retaining teeth 12.2 or 14.2, which are configured to retain the front cover 8 in place onto the support steps 12.1 and 14.1 with no additional fastening element, as shown on the enlarged view of Fig.18. The retaining teeth 12.2 and 14.2 may thus form all or part of said retaining elements 24, which can retain the front cover 8 in the covering position of Fig.i.

[0164] - Fig.17 to 19 show an operation following the operation of mounting the front cover 8 as shown in Fig.14 to 16.

[0165] The luminaire 1 may further comprise an optic foil 34, which is configured to change a light pattern emitted from the light source 6. The optic foil 34 maybe about as thin as the front cover 8. The optic foil 34 maybe plane in the example of Fig.i to 27.

[0166] The optic foil 34 may be flexible such that it can be bent to pass the retaining teeth 14.2 and 12.2 until respective edges optic foil 34 is arranged between the front cover 8 and the retaining teeth 12.2 and 14.2. As visible in Fig.18, in order to offer some clearance for inserting the optic foil 34, the gap between i) each retaining tooth 12.2 or 14.2 on the one hand, and ii) the respective support step 12.1 or 14.1 on the other hand may be larger than the cumulated thicknesses of the front cover 8 and the optic foil 34.

[0167] The closed frame 10, preferably one of the transverse beams 10.2 may have a retaining groove, which is formed by the pod holding recess 10.32 in the example of Fig.12, 13 and 19. An edge 34.1 of the optic foil 34 maybe configured to be tucked into the retaining groove (10.32). Thus, the optic foil 34 can be positioned quickly and manually on the front cover 8 and be retained by the closed frame 10, herein by a transverse beam 10.2. As visible in Fig.19, the tucked edge of the optic foil 34 may project beyond the front cover 8. The tucked edge 34.1 of the optic foil 34 may supplement the afore-described retaining elements 24 for retaining the front cover 8 in the covering position of Fig.i.

[0168] - Fig.21 to 26 show operations following the operation of mounting the optic foil 34 as shown in Fig.17 to 19, and preferably following an operation of attaching the light source 6 to the rear cover 16.

[0169] The light source 6 visible on Fig.20 may be attached to the rear cover 16. The light source 6 may comprise several LEDs. The LEDs may be interconnected into one or more modules 7 (LEM). The LEDs may be arranged in parallel or in series and be connected to a not shown power source.

[0170] As shown in Fig.22 and 23, the transversal walls 16.2 of rear cover 16 may have respective protruding edges, , which are visible on Fig.22-23 albeit not referenced. These protruding edges may be tucked into the retaining groove (pod holding recess 10.32) of the respective transverse beam 10.2, preferably manually. To facilitate this tucking, the rear cover 16 may be elastically deformed as shown by arrows -X16 and X16 in Fig.22-23.

[0171] Once the protruding edges are tucked in the retaining groove 10.32 (Fig.23), the rear cover 16 may be attached by screws 40 both to the closed frame 10 and to each side wall 12 or 14, respectively. As visible in Fig.24, the screws 40 located in the end regions of the rear cover 16 may attach the rear cover 16 to the closed frame 10, while the screws 40 located in the median region of the rear cover 16 may attach the rear cover 16 to and to each side wall 12, 14.

[0172] As best visible on Fig.4, each side wall 12 and 14 may have primary bores 42, for example threaded dowels, in which the screws 40 may be tightened. Correspondingly, the rear cover 16 may have not shown primary holes arranged to be aligned with a respective one of the primaiy bores 42. The rear cover 16 may be attached to the side walls 12, 14 by tightening the screws 40 in the primary bores 42 and through the primary holes.

[0173] Further, as best visible on Fig.24 to 27, the closed frame 10 may have not shown secondary bores which are threaded. Correspondingly, each side wall 12 or 14 may have not shown secondary through-holes, and the rear cover 16 may have secondary holes arranged to be aligned with the secondary through-holes, respectively.

[0174] The rear cover 16 may be attached to each side wall 12 or 14 and to the closed frame 10 by screws 40 (Fig.24-26: in the end region of rear cover 16). The screws 40 may be inserted in the secondary through-holes, the secondary holes and tightened into the secondary bores 42. Thus, the closed frame io, side walls 12-14 and rear cover 16 can be tightly fastened to one another, in particular to prevent lessen light leakage, while disassembling the luminaire 1 requires a tool, which enhances safety.

[0175] As shown in Fig.26, the luminaire 1 may further comprise four hanging elements 44 and alike arranged at the four corners of luminaire 1. The hanging elements 44 and alike may be linked manually to the side walls 12, 14 so as to be movable between: an unlocked position (Fig.26) in which the hanging elements 44 and alike may be inserted into corresponding housings in a not shown ceiling, and a not shown locked position in which the hanging elements 44 and alike are coupled to the housings so as to suspend the luminaire 1 to the ceiling.

[0176] In the example of Fig.26 and 27, the hanging elements 44 and alike may be rotatable around an axis Z44 and over a range of about 90 degrees. The hanging element 44 may be adjusted by an adjustment screw 40.44, which is shown in Fig.27 and which is accessible from the front or bottom of the luminaire 1.

[0177] Fig.28 illustrates a method 101 for manufacturing a luminaire, for example the luminaire 1. The method 101 comprises:

[0178] 102) providing the body 2 defining the lighting space 4, which is configured to receive the light source 6,

[0179] 104) providing the front cover 8, which is configured for being arranged in the covering position of e.g. Fig.i,

[0180] 106) connecting, by a form-fit connection without any tool, the (optionally integral) formfitting sections 20 of each side wall 12 or 14 to corresponding (optionally integral) formfitting sections 22 of the closed frame 10, and

[0181] 108) connecting without any tool (optionally integral) retaining elements 24 of each side wall 12 or 14 to the front cover 8 so as to retain the front cover 8 in the covering position of e.g. Fig.i; the retaining elements 24 may comprise the retaining teeth 12.2 and 14.2.

[0182] Thus, the luminaire 1 can be easily manufactured, assembled and disassembled, mostly manually, while reliably and tightly supporting the front cover 8 and the rear cover 16, hence the body 2.

[0183] The method 101 may further comprise optional operations like:

[0184] 110) fastening the rear cover 16 to the side walls 12, 14 by primary fastening elements, e.g. the screws 40, 112) fastening the rear cover 16 to the closed frame io by screws 40.

[0185] As the assembling process, resp. disassembling process, requires manipulating a few fastening elements with a tool, it enhances the safety of the operator, of the users and of the luminaire 1, yet without much lengthening the time necessary for carrying out the method 101.

[0186] A method for disassembling the luminaire 1 may comprise the reverse operations 102 to 108, or 102 to 112, performed in the reverse order.

[0187] - Fig.29 to 46 show a luminaire 1 according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. The luminaire 1 of Fig.29 to 46 is similar to the luminaire 1 depicted in relation to Fig.i to 27, apart from the following notable differences.

[0188] Like in the embodiment of Fig.i to 27, the luminaire 1 of Fig.29 to 46 may comprise, among other, a body 2, a lighting space 4, a light source 6, a front cover 8, a closed frame 10 with sides beams 10.1 and transverse beams 10.2, side walls 12 and 14, support steps 12.1, retaining teeth 12.2, a rear cover 16, form-fitting sections 20 and 22, retaining elements 24 and spacing bars 26 and 28.

[0189] Like in the embodiment of Fig.i to 27: the body 2 defines the lighting space 4 (Fig.39) configured to receive the light source 6 (Fig.43); the front cover 8 is configured for being arranged in the covering position as shown e.g. in Fig.29-30; the closed frame 10 defines a main opening 11 (Fig.31) for transmitting light of the light source 6 as the light source 6 is received in the lighting space 4; the side walls 12 and 14 extend from the closed frame 10 to laterally delimit the lighting space 4; the rear cover 16 (Fig.30) covers the lighting space 4 at a side opposite the closed frame 10.

[0190] In Fig.29-30 the luminaire 1 is in an assembled state, following the completion of a manufacturing method according to the present disclosure. The body 2 defines the lighting space 4 when the body 2 is in this assembled state.

[0191] Like in the embodiment of Fig.i to 27: the front cover 8 in the covering position of e.g. Fig.29 covers a part of the lighting space 4 towards at least part of the main opening 11 (Fig.31); 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 11; each one of the side walls 12, 14 may comprise (optionally integral) form-fitting sections 20, which are configured to be connected to corresponding (optionally integral) form-fitting sections 22 of the closed frame 10 by a form-fit connection without any tool; each one of the side walls 12, 14 may further comprise (optionally integral) retaining elements 24, which are configured to be connected to the front cover 8 without any tool, such that the retaining elements 24 retain the front cover 8 in the covering position of e.g. Fig.29.

[0192] As notable differences between the luminaire 1 of Fig.29 to 46 and the luminaire 1 of Fig.i to 27, the form-fitting sections 20 and 22, respectively of each side wall 12 or 14 and of the closed frame 10, may be formed respectively by complementary protrusions and recesses, which is the opposite to the luminaire 1 of Fig.i to 27. The form-fitting protrusions 20 and the formfitting recesses 22 are visible in particular on Fig.40 and 32.

[0193] The side walls 12 and 14 may be laid down on the closed frame 10 to engage the form-fitting sections 22 of side walls 12 and 14 onto the form-fitting sections 20 of closed frame 10.

[0194] As visible in Fig.32, 37 and 40, the form-fitting protrusions 20 may have barbed ribs to prevent the form-fitting recesses 22 from unwittingly detaching. As shown in Fig.35, the form-fitting recesses 22 maybe defined by connection boxes 14.4, which may have substantially a U-shaped cross-section to mate with the form-fitting protrusions 20 of Fig.32 and 37. Additionally or alternatively, the form-fitting sections of the side walls may be elastically deformable so as to define snap-fit connections.

[0195] Fig-33 to 35 show an operation of mounting the side walls 12 and 14 onto the closed frame 10. Following this operation, Fig.36 shows an operation of mounting the front cover 8 on the close frame 10 and on the support steps 12.1 and alike (Fig.37, 40), hence on the closed frame 10.

[0196] As a further difference over Fig.i to 27, the spacing bars 26, 28 may be formed by beams, preferably profile beams, instead of flat sticks. Also, as shown in Fig.40, the spacing bars 26, 28 may be connected to the transverse beams 10.2, to enhance the precision of the overall assembly. This may be achieved by a form-fit connection, for example a snap-fit connection, which includes: the transverse beams 10.2 may have form- fitting protrusions 20.26, which may be similar to the ones of the side beams 10.1 (Fig. 32, 37 and 40), and

[0197] - the spacing bars 26 and alike may define a longitudinal groove 26.20 suitable for mating with the form-fitting protrusions 20.26.

[0198] The spacing bars 26 and 28 maybe elastically deformable so as to snap onto the closed frame 10. Besides, the side walls 12 and 14 and the spacing bars 26 and 28 maybe fixed together using not shown screws so as to lock the entire assembly of body 2 together. As a further difference over Fig.i to 27, the retaining teeth 12.2 and alike (Fig.40, 42), which can form all or part of the retaining elements 24, may be elastically deformable so as to let the front cover 8 pass through, when the retaining teeth 12.2 and alike are deformed (shortly before the state of Fig.37), and to press the front cover 8 downwards, when the retaining teeth 12.2 and alike are back in rest position of Fig.41 and 42.

[0199] The closed frame 10, the side walls 12, 14 and the spacing bars 26, 28 maybe connected quickly and manually via the afore-described form-fit and snap-fit connections. The retaining elements 24 help lessen or prevent light leakages between the front cover 8 and the spacing bars 26, 28.

[0200] As a further difference shown in Fig.40, the transverse beams 10.2 and the spacing bars 26 and 28 may together define a bottom slot 46, which is configured to accommodate a transverse edge of front cover 8. The bottom slot 46 can thus maintain the front cover 8 in its assembled position.

[0201] As an additional difference, the luminaire 1 may be devoid of sensor pod. A light sensor may nevertheless be arranged otherwise.

[0202] Due to the similitudes in function and / or structure:

[0203] - the depiction of Fig.20 may be transposed to Fig.43 mutatis mutandis; the depiction of Fig.21 may be transposed to Fig.44 mutatis mutandis;

[0204] - the depiction of Fig.24 may be transposed to Fig.46 mutatis mutandis; and

[0205] - the depiction of the final stage Fig.30 may be transposed to Fig.46 mutatis mutandis, apart from the absence of the hanging elements 44 in Fig.46.

[0206] - Fig.47 to 57 show a luminaire 1 according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. The luminaire 1 of Fig.47 to 57 is similar to the luminaire 1 depicted in relation to Fig.i to 27, apart from the following notable differences.

[0207] Like in the embodiment of Fig.i to 27, the luminaire 1 of Fig.47 to 57 comprises a body 2, a lighting space 4 (Fig.57), a light source 6, a front cover 8, a closed frame 10 with sides beams 10.1 and transverse beams 10.2, side walls 12 and 14, a rear cover 16, form-fitting sections 20 and 22 (Fig.52), retaining elements 24 and spacing bars 26 and 28.

[0208] Like in the embodiment of Fig.i to 27: the body 2 defines the lighting space 4 (Fig.57) that is configured to receive the light source 6 (Fig.49); the front cover 8 may be arranged in the covering position as shown e.g. in Fig.47; the closed frame 10 defines a main opening 11 (Fig.49-50) for transmitting light of light source 6 when it is received in the lighting space 4; the side walls 12 and 14 extend from the closed frame 10 to laterally delimit the lighting space 4; the rear cover 16 (Fig.48-49) covers the lighting space 4 at a side opposite the closed frame 10; in Fig.47-48 the luminaire 1 is in an assembled state, following the completion of a manufacturing method according to the present disclosure; the body 2 defines the lighting space 4 when the body 2 is in this assembled state.

[0209] Like in the embodiment of Fig.i to 27: the front cover 8 in the covering position of e.g. Fig.47 covers a part of the lighting space 4 towards at least part of the main opening 11; 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 11; each one of the side walls 12, 14 may comprise (optionally integral) form-fitting sections 20, which are configured to be connected to corresponding (optionally integral) form-fitting sections 22 of the closed frame 10 by a form-fit connection without any tool; each one of the side walls 12, 14 may further comprise (optionally integral) retaining elements 24, which are configured to be connected to the front cover 8 without any tool, such that the retaining elements 24 retain the front cover 8 in the covering position of e.g. Fig.47.

[0210] As a notable difference between the luminaire 1 of Fig.47 to 57 and the luminaire 1 of Fig.i to 27, the form-fitting sections 22 (Fig.50) of the closed frame 10 may be defined by a longitudinal recess, which is relatively broad. Such an elongated recess is shown in Fig.52 in a transverse beam 10.2, nevertheless the side beams 10.1 maybe formed by a similar profile, hence a similar cross-section, as the transverse beams 10.2.

[0211] To achieve a form-fit connection, the form-fitting sections 20 (Fig.52) of the side walls 12 and 14 may, as visible in Fig.49, have complementary shapes to the form-fitting sections 22 (Fig.50) of the closed frame 10. Such complementary shapes may be formed of elongated soles of the side walls 12 and 14, which may be formed by profiles as well.

[0212] Like in the embodiment of Fig.29 to 46, the form-fitting sections 20 and 22 maybe elastically deformable in order to form a snap-fit connection. Thus, the side walls 12 and 14 may be retained firmly and accurately on the closed frame 10.

[0213] As another difference with respect to luminaire 1 of Fig.i to 27, the retaining elements 24 (Fig.51) may comprise retaining slots 12.4 and 14.4, as shown in Fig.51 to 53, which may extend along all or most of the respective side wall 12 or 14, preferably in a bottom region thereof, that is, near the closed frame 10. The retaining slots 12.4 and 14.4 may be configured to accommodate and retain a respective side edge of the front cover 8. The retaining slots 12.4 and 14.4 may open out at one or each end thereof. The front cover 8 may be attached to the side walls 12 and 14 by inserting or sliding its side edges all the way through the retaining slots 12.4 and 14.4.

[0214] As a further difference, each one of the side walls 12 and 14 may have two receiving slots 12.6 and 14.6, respectively, which may be configured to receive the lateral edges of each spacing bar 26 or 28. Each receiving slot 12.6 or 14.6 maybe located respectively in the end regions of the respective side wall 12 or 14. The receiving slots 12.6 and 14.6 may open out at the top end thereof. Each spacing bar 26 or 28 may be attached firmly and accurately to the side walls 12 and 14 by inserting or sliding its side edges within the retaining slots 12.4 and 14.4.

[0215] As yet another difference, each spacing bar 26 or 28 may have an elongated slot 26.8 or 28.8 as shown in Fig.49 and 52 and as visible on Fig.54 to 57. Each elongated slot 26.8 or 28.8 may be configured for the insertion of a respective transverse edge of the front cover 8. First, the spacing bar 26 may be mounted, for example attached to the side beams 10.1. Then, the front cover 8 (and / or an associated optic foil) may be translated, while sliding along retaining slots 12.4 and 14.4, through the elongated slot 26.8 beyond the final position shown in Fig.57. After that, the opposite spacing bar 28 may be mounted, for example attached to the side beams 10.1. The front cover 8 (and / or optic foil) may be translated back, this time through the elongated slot 28.8 until it reaches the final position of Fig.57.

[0216] As yet a further difference, the luminaire 1 may further comprise two flanges 48 (Fig.57), which may be attached to the side walls 12 and 14 and which may enclose the front cover 8 on both transversal ends thereof. The flanges may form part of the body 2. The flanges can prevent or lessen light leakages at these transversal ends. To attach each flange 48, as visible on Fig.51 to 57, the side walls 12 and 14, each one of the side walls 12 and 14 may respectively have two receiving slots of similar structure and function as the receiving slots 12.6 and 14 as described above. These four receiving slots may be located at the veiy ends of the side walls 12 and 14.

[0217] Also, the front cover 8 exhibits some differences with respect to the front cover of Fig.i to 27 or Fig.29 to 46. The front cover 8 of Fig.47 to 57 may be only partly permeable to light, namely in a median stripe 8.1. The front cover 8 of Fig.47 to 57 maybe curved or bulged.

[0218] Besides, the light source 6 maybe arranged on a plate 6.1 (Fig.49), which is in turn attached to the rear cover 16.

[0219] 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

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 closed frame (8) defining a main opening (11) for transmitting light of the light source (6) received in the lighting space (4),• side walls (12, 14) extending from the closed frame (8) to laterally delimit the lighting space (4), and• a rear cover (16) covering the lighting space (4) at a side opposite the closed frame (8), and a front cover (10) configured for being arranged in a covering position, in which i) it covers a part of the lighting space (4) towards at least part of the main opening (11) and ii) it allows at least part of the light of the light source (6) received in the lighting space (4) to pass through the front cover (10) towards the main opening (11), wherein at least one of the side walls (12, 14), preferably each one of the side walls (12, 14), comprises form-fitting sections (20) configured to be connected to corresponding form-fitting sections (22) of the closed frame (8) by a form-fit connection without any tool, and wherein at least one of the side walls (12, 14), preferably each one of the side walls (12, 14), comprises retaining elements (24) configured to be connected to the front cover (10) without any tool so as to retain the front cover (10) in the covering position.

2. Luminaire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the closed frame (8) is substantially rectangular, preferably one-piece, the closed frame (8) including two side beams (10.1) and two transverse beams (10.2), each transverse beam joining the two side beams (10.1) with one another, and wherein a length-over- width ratio of the front cover (10) ranges preferably from 0,3 to 3, more preferably from 0,7 to 1,5.

3. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear cover (16) is configured to be attached by screws (40) to the closed frame (8) and / or to at least one, preferably to each one, of the side walls (12, 14).

4. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein i) the form-fitting sections (20) of the closed frame (8) on the one hand, and ii) the form-fitting sections (22) of the at least one of the side walls (12, 14), preferably of each one of the side walls (12, 14), on the other hand, are respectively defined: by i) recesses and ii) protrusions, or by i) protrusions and ii) recesses, the recesses being configured to accommodate the protrusions, such that the at least one, preferably each one, of the side walls (12, 14) can be connected by said form-fit connection to the closed frame (8).

5. Luminaire (1) according to claim 4, wherein the recesses and the protrusions are shaped such that the form-fitting sections (20, 22) are connected to one another by: first, translating the protrusions into the respective recesses and along a first direction (5.22), and then, by rotating the protrusions within the respective recesses and around a second direction (6.22) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (5.22).

6. Luminaire (1) according to claim 2 and to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein at least one, preferably each one, of the side beams (10.1) is connected by the form-fit connection to the at least one, preferably to a respective one, of the side walls (12, 14), wherein the form-fitting sections (22) of the closed frame (8) are defined by the recesses, and wherein the recesses are formed by accommodation grooves extending within at least one, preferably within each one, of the side beams (10.1), the side beams (10.1) being preferably made of profiles, the protrusions being configured to extend within part, most, or the whole, of said accommodation grooves.

7. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the form-fitting sections (22) of the closed frame (8) and / or the form-fitting sections (20) of the at least one of the side walls (12, 14), preferably of each one of the side walls (12, 14), are elastically deformable so as to realize the form-fit connection by way of a snap-fit connection, and / or wherein the form-fitting sections (22) of the closed frame (8) and / or the form-fitting sections (20) of each one of the side walls (12, 14) are integral form-fitting sections, respectively, and / or wherein the retaining elements (24) are integral retaining elements.

8. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one, preferably two, spacing bar(s) (26, 28) configured to wedge the side walls (12, 14) with respect to one another, wherein, preferably, the at least one spacing bar (26, 28) is placed on a respective one of the transverse beams (10.2) if present, and wherein, preferably, the at least one spacing bar (26, 28) is configured for supporting an edge of the front cover (10) extending between the side walls (12, 14).

9. Luminaire (1) according to claims 2 and 8, comprising two of said spacing bars, wherein each one of the side beams (10.1) has two receiving grooves, each receiving groove being located in a respective end region of the side beam, each one of the receiving grooves being configured to receive an edge of a respective one of the spacing bars (26, 28).

10. Luminaire (1) according at least to claims 2 and 8 or 2 and 9, wherein each one of the spacing bars (26, 28) may have an elongated slot (26.8, 28.8), each elongated slot (26.8, 28.8) being configured for the insertion of a respective edge of the front cover (8).

11. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one, preferably each one, of the side walls (12, 14) forms a support step (12.1, 14.1) configured to support a respective edge of the front cover (10), and wherein the at least one, preferably each one, of the side walls (12, 14) has at least one retaining tooth (12.2, 14.2) configured to retain the front cover (10) in place onto thesupport steps (12.1, 14.1), the at least one retaining tooth (12.2, 14.2) forming all or part of said retaining elements (24).

12. Luminaire (1) according to claim 11, further comprising an optic foil (34) configured to change a light pattern emitted from the light source (6), wherein the optic foil (34) is flexible such that it can be bent to pass the at least one retaining tooth (12.2, 14.2) until the optic foil (34) can be arranged between the front cover (10) and the at least one retaining tooth (12.2, 14.2), and wherein, preferably, the closed frame (8), more preferably one of the transverse beams (10.2) if present, has a retaining groove (36), one edge of the optic foil (34) being configured to be partly or totally tucked into the retaining groove (36).

13. Luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor pod configured to house at least one light sensor, the sensor pod (30) comprising a pod protruding portion (32), the sensor pod (30) having preferably an opening for guiding light from the space to the light sensor if present, wherein the closed frame (8), preferably the at least one transverse beam, defines a pod holding recess (10.32) configured to accommodate the pod protruding portion (32) such that the sensor pod (30) is held in a fixed position.

14. Method (101) for manufacturing a luminaire (1) and comprising:- (102) providing a body (2) defining a lighting space (4) configured to receive a light source (6), wherein the body (2) comprises,• a closed frame (8) defining a main opening (11) for transmitting light of the light source (6) received in the lighting space (4),• side walls (12, 14) extending from the closed frame (8) to laterally delimit the lighting space (4), and• a rear cover (16) covering the lighting space (4) at a side opposite the closed frame (8), and(104) providing a front cover (10) configured for being arranged in a covering position, in which i) it covers a part of the lighting space (4) towards at least part of the mainopening (n) and ii) it allows at least part of the light of the light source (6) received in the lighting space (4) to pass through the front cover (10) towards the main opening (n),- (106) connecting, by a form-fit connection without any tool, form-fitting sections (20) of at least one of the side walls (12, 14), preferably of each one of the side walls (12, 14), to corresponding form-fitting sections (22) of the closed frame (8), and- (108) connecting without any tool retaining elements (24) of at least one of the side walls (12, 14), preferably of each one of the side walls (12, 14), to the front cover (10) so as to retain the front cover (10) in the covering position.

15. Method (101) according to claim 14 comprising the following sequence of operations:- connecting each side wall (12, 14) to the closed frame (10) to achieve said form-fit connection without any tool,- connecting the front cover (8) to the side walls (12, 14) via the retaining elements (24) without any tool,- providing and assembling the light source (6), preferably without any tool, to a subassembly resulting from the previous operations, and- fastening, with fastening elements, for example with screws, the rear cover (16) to either one or both of i) the side walls (12, 14) and ii) the closed frame (10), the rear cover (16) being arranged at a side opposite the closed frame (8) so as to cover the lighting space (4).

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