Mirror unit

Abstract

Mirror unit (1) adapted to be fixed to a fixed surface (10) and comprising: a panel (2) comprising a reflecting surface (20); a fastening portion (3) configured to be fastened to the surface (10); fastening means (4) configured to loosely fasten the panel (2) and the fastening portion (3) and to allow at least the rotation of the panel (2) about a rotation axis (2a), parallel to the fixed surface (10), the sliding of the panel (2) perpendicularly to the axis (2a), the panel (2) defining at least: - a first configuration wherein the panel (2) is positioned parallel to the fixed surface (10) and is at least partially in contact with the fastening portion (3); - a second configuration wherein the panel (2) is inclined with respect to the fixed surface (10) so as to be at least partially spaced from the fastening portion (3); the fastening means (4) comprising at least one articulated quadrilateral (40).

Description

[0001] DESCRI PTION

[0002] MIRROR UNIT

[0003] The present invention relates to a mirror unit of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0004] The object of the present invention is a mirror unit that finds application mainly, though not exclusively, in interior decoration.

[0005] Mirror units are currently known that allow the fastening of a mirror to a wall. The fastening is implemented by means of devices that fasten the mirror in such a manner that it cannot be moved from the wall fastening position.

[0006] Certain types of fastening devices allow for a reduction in bulk, thanks to less voluminous fastening mechanisms, so that the mirror unit occupies less space. For example, a simple type of fastening may be that by means of fastening screws. Solutions comprising lighting elements, such as light bulbs or LEDs, involve the presence of electric cables for connecting the lighting elements to the power grid. For the simplest solutions, the cables are arranged in a restricted space between the mirror unit and the wall to which it is fastened.

[0007] The known technique described includes some significant drawbacks.

[0008] In particular, the fastening devices that allow for a reduction in bulk have the drawback of making maintenance operations complex. For example, mirror units comprising lighting devices have the drawback of not allowing quick access to the electric cables or structural components in the event of maintenance.

[0009] Furthermore, the fastening devices do not allow for adequate handling of the mirror in restricted spaces.

[0010] In such situations, it is necessary to disassemble the mirror unit or carry out more complex operation. In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a mirror unit capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the drawbacks mentioned.

[0011] Within the scope of said technical task, an important aim of the invention is to achieve a mirror unit that allows maintenance operations to be carried out easily.

[0012] Another important aim of the invention is to implement a mirror unit that can be moved in restricted spaces.

[0013] The technical task and the specified aims are achieved by a mirror unit as claimed in the annexed claim 1.

[0014] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0015] The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 shows a front view of a mirror unit according to the invention;

[0017] Figure 2 shows a first side view of a mirror unit according to the invention;

[0018] Figure 3 shows a second side view of a mirror unit according to the invention;

[0019] Figure 4 shows an axonometric view of a portion of a mirror unit according to the invention;

[0020] Figure 5 shows a front view of a portion of a mirror unit according to the invention;

[0021] Figure 6 shows a side view of a detail of a mirror unit according to the invention; and

[0022] Figure 7 shows a top view of a detail of a mirror unit according to the invention.

[0023] In the present document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like "approximately" or similar terms such as "substantially" or "essentially", are to be understood as allowing for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, to allow for a slight deviation from the value, measure, shape, or geometric reference with which it is associated.

[0024] For example, such terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not exceeding 10% of the value itself.

[0025] Additionally, terms like "first", "second", "upper", "lower", "primary", and "secondary", unless otherwise specified, do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relation, or relative position but may simply be used to distinguish different components more clearly one from the other.

[0026] Unless otherwise specified, as evident from the following discussions, terms such as "treatment", "computing", "determination", "computation", or similar refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computation device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic magnitudes of records of a computing system and / or memories, into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, records, or other information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0027] Unless otherwise indicated, the measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered as performed in International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0028] With reference to the Figures, the mirror unit according to the invention is globally denoted by the number 1.

[0029] The mirror unit 1 is a decoration object preferably, though not exclusively, placeable in indoor environments. It is adapted to be fixed to a fixed surface 10. The fixed surface 10 may be a wall or, more generally, an anchoring surface. The mirror unit 1 comprises a panel 2. It may have a flat shape. The panel 2 comprises a reflecting surface 20. It may correspond to a flat mirror.

[0030] The mirror unit 1 preferably comprises at least one lighting element 5. It may be placed on the panel 2 or in the space interposed between the panel 2 and the wall 10. In particular, the lighting element 5 may be placed on the reflecting surface 20. Alternatively, the lighting element 5 may be placed at elements capable of at least partially transmitting the light coming from each lighting element 5. For these embodiments, the lighting elements may be arranged between the panel 2 and the wall 10, as previously described. The presence of lighting elements 5 allows improved visibility when observing the image reflected on the reflecting surface 20. In detail, the lighting element 5 preferably comprises a sandblasted strip 50 illuminated by means of LEDs. The sandblasted strip 50 has the advantage of diffusing the light radiation in such a way as to make the lighting effect more homogeneous.

[0031] The mirror unit 1 may comprise two or more sandblasted strips 50 illuminated with LEDs.

[0032] The mirror unit 1 preferably comprises a magnifying mirror 6. It has the advantage of making more easily visible portions of the image reflected on the reflecting surface 20. Therefore, the magnifying mirror 6 is fixed to the reflecting surface 20. In particular, it may be superimposed on the reflecting surface 20.

[0033] The mirror unit 1 comprises a fastening portion 3. It is configured to be fastened to the surface 10. In particular, the fastening portion 3 may comprise a structure interposed between the panel 2 and the wall 10.

[0034] In particular, the fastening portion 3 preferably comprises a housing 30. It is a volume delimited by the surface 10 and the panel 2. The housing 30 preferably has a thickness, measured as the distance between the panel 2 and the surface 10, comprised between 20 mm and 40 mm. More preferably, the thickness is comprised between 25 mm and 35 mm. This reduced thickness allows the mirror unit 1 to be advantageously installed and used also within confined spaces.

[0035] The fastening portion 3 may be a parallelepiped-shaped frame, having thickness within the dimensions previously indicated. It may have a pair of sides parallel and perpendicular to the axis 2a, and having dimensions preferably comprised between 900 mm and 950 mm, more preferably between 910 mm and 940 mm, and dimensions parallel to the axis 2a preferably comprised between 1000 mm and 1060 mm, more preferably between 1020 mm and 1040 mm. In these embodiments, furthermore, the panel 2 may have a quadrangular shape and sides such that they are preferably smaller by an amount less than 2 mm, at each end of each side of the pair of sides parallel to the axis 2a, as compared with the corresponding sides of the fastening portion 3, and at the end farthest from the fastening means 4 of each side of the pair of sides perpendicular to the axis 2a, as compared with the corresponding sides of the fastening portion 3; the end closest to the fastening means 4 of each side of the pair of sides perpendicular to the axis 2a has a dimension such as to be smaller by an amount comprised between 1 mm and 5 mm as compared with the corresponding sides of the fastening portion 3.

[0036] In this way, the panel 2 can be moved more easily.

[0037] In one embodiment of the mirror unit 1 , the housing 30 may comprise sub-housings 51 configured to house the LED strips. The sub-housings 51 are preferably placed at the sandblasted strips 50 so that the light emitted directly impacts the sandblasted strips 50 and is diffused into the surrounding environment. The fastening portion 3 may have a shape such as to define a perimeter that may come into contact with the edges of the panel 2. For example, the panel 2 may have a rectangular perimeter and the edge of the housing 30 may also be rectangular so as to come into contact along the entire perimeter of the edge when the panel 2 is positioned so as to allow the contact.

[0038] The mirror unit 1 comprises fastening means 4 configured to loosely fasten the panel 2 and the fastening portion 3. In particular, the fastening means 4 may allow the movement of the panel 2 with respect to the fastening portion 3.

[0039] In detail, the fastening means 4 are advantageously further configured to allow at least the rotation of the panel 2 around a rotation axis 2a. The axis 2a is parallel to the fixed surface 10. Furthermore, the fastening means 4 are configured to allow the sliding of the panel 2 perpendicularly to the axis 2a. Therefore, the overall movement of the panel 2 with respect to the fastening portion 3 is a combined movement of rotation and translation.

[0040] The panel 2 defines at least a first configuration. In the first configuration, the panel 2 is positioned parallel to the fixed surface 10 and is at least partially in contact with the fastening portion 3. In particular, in this first configuration, the edges of the panel 2 may be in contact with the fastening portion 3.

[0041] The panel 2 defines a second configuration. In the second configuration, the panel 2 is inclined with respect to the fixed surface 10. In this way, it is at least partially spaced from the fastening portion 3.

[0042] Therefore, the panel 2 is preferably movable in such a way that its portion farthest from the fastening means 4 moves away from a floor in the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0043] For example, the mirror unit 1 may be installed on a vertical wall, perpendicular to the floor and with fastening means 4 placed on the portion of the panel 2 farthest from the floor. For this arrangement, the panel 2 is movable with a roto-translation in which the rotation occurs with a movement away from the portion of the panel 2 closest to the floor; it is therefore lifted to transition to the second configuration.

[0044] The fastening means 4 advantageously comprise at least one articulated quadrilateral 40. It performs the function of implementing the previously described roto-translational movement of the panel 2 with respect to the wall 10 and the fastening portion 3. In particular, the fastening means 4 are advantageous in that they allow the panel 2 to be moved in such a way as to be able to occupy confined spaces.

[0045] In the mirror unit 1 , the fastening means 4 preferably comprise a pair of articulated quadrilaterals 40. In particular, each articulated quadrilateral 40 of the pair is arranged on two opposite ends of the panel 2 and the fastening portion 3. In detail, the two articulated quadrilaterals 40 are arranged on the two ends along the axis 2a. In the previously described example, the two articulated quadrilaterals 40 may be arranged on the portion of the fastening portion 3 farthest from the floor, so as to allow rotation with a centre of rotation at the portion farthest from the floor and axis 2a parallel to the floor. In this way, the portion closest to the floor moves away from the floor itself during rotation.

[0046] In detail, the articulated quadrilateral 40 comprises constrained rods. Each rod is defined as such with reference to the terminology used in structural engineering to define rigid mechanical elements having a main extension along one dimension compared to the other two transverse dimensions. For the purposes of the present description, the main development dimension and one transverse dimension are considered as orthogonal to the axis 2a, and one transverse dimension is parallel to the axis 2a.

[0047] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the mirror unit 1 , each rod is such that the extension along the transverse dimension perpendicular to the axis 2a is greater than the extension along the transverse dimension parallel to the axis 2a. In detail, each rod may have extension along substantially flat surfaces and parallel to planes parallel to the main development dimension of the rod and perpendicular to the axis 2a.

[0048] The articulated quadrilateral 40 comprises a first rod 41. It defines a first end 41a and a second end 41b opposite to the first end 41a.

[0049] Furthermore, the articulated quadrilateral 40 comprises a second rod 42. It defines a third end 42a and a fourth end 42b opposite to the third end 42a.

[0050] Further, the articulated quadrilateral 40 comprises a third rod 43. It defines a fifth end 43a and a sixth end 43b opposite to the fifth end 43a.

[0051] Finally, the articulated quadrilateral 40 comprises a fourth rod 44. It defines a seventh end 44a and an eighth end 44b opposite to the seventh end 44a.

[0052] The first rod 41 is constrained by means of a carriage at the first end 41 a to a sliding guide 31. The guide 31 allows sliding along a direction perpendicular to the axis 2a. Furthermore, the guide 31 is integral with the fastening portion 3. The first end 41a is therefore configured to slide along the guide 31 and to rotate about the axis 2a. In particular, the sliding motion takes place only along the direction perpendicular to the axis 2a.

[0053] The second end 41 b is hinged to an internal portion of the second rod 42.

[0054] By internal portion is meant a position between the two ends of the considered rod. It may also correspond to the central portion in some embodiments of the mirror unit

[0055] 1. The third rod 43 is hinged at the fifth end 43a to an internal portion of the first rod 41. Furthermore, the third rod 43 is hinged at the sixth end 43b to the guide 31. Therefore, the rotational motion of the sixth end 43b about the axis 2a at a point constrained to the guide 31 causes the fifth end 43a to influence the roto- translational motion of the first end 41 a by means of the force applied to the internal portion of the first rod 41 wherein the first rod 41 is hinged to the fifth end 43a.

[0056] The fourth rod 44 is hinged at the seventh end 44a to the guide 31 and to the sixth end 43b. Furthermore, the fourth rod 44 is hinged at the eighth end 44b to the third end 42a. Each of the hinged ends is configured to rotate about the axis 2a. In detail, the rotation of the seventh end 44a and of the eighth end 44b facilitates the movement of the second rod 42. The latter is fixed to the panel 2. In particular, the second rod 42 is integral with the internal surface 21. The internal surface 21 is a surface opposite to the reflecting surface 20.

[0057] The second rod 42 is moved by means of the panel 2, when it is moved by a user. The movement of the panel 2 and, consequently, of the second rod 42, causes the rotation of the second end 41 b hinged to the internal portion of the second rod 42. The movement of the second rod 42 also causes the movement of the fourth rod 44 as previously described.

[0058] When the fastening means 4 are in the second configuration, the fastening portion 3 and the panel 2 preferably form an angle comprised between 60° and 80°, or, more preferably, comprised between 65° and 75°, when the second rod 42 and the first rod 41 form an angle comprised between 80° and 100°. More preferably, when the second rod 42 and the first rod 41 form an angle comprised between 85° and 95°.

[0059] In the mirror unit 1 , the first rod 41 , the second rod 42, the third rod 43 and the fourth rod 44 are arranged along a direction parallel to said axis 2a in such a way that they can be aligned along the same plane in the first configuration.

[0060] With reference to a possible embodiment of the mirror unit 1 and considering a direction along the axis 2a going from the edge of the fastening portion 3 towards the housing 30, in the articulated quadrilateral 40 the arrangement of the rods along the axis 2a is such that the fourth rod 44 is encountered first, then the third rod 43 and, in the innermost position, the second rod 42.

[0061] This arrangement ensures that the rods, although hinged to each other as described, do not interfere when the panel 2 is brought into the first configuration, in which the angle between the first rod 41 and the second rod 42 is null.

[0062] The operation of the mirror unit 1 previously described in structural terms is as follows.

[0063] When the mirror unit 1 is in the first configuration, the panel 2 is parallel to the wall 10. The reflecting surface 20 serves the function of a mirror. The sandblasted strips 50, which may be backlit by means of lighting elements 5 or LED strips, provide the mirror unit 1 with the additional function of illuminating the environment.

[0064] If one wishes to change the reflection angle of the reflecting surface 20, the panel 2 may be moved from an end opposite to the one in which the fastening means 4 are present, so as to implement a roto-translational motion and cause the mirror unit 1 to pass from the first to the second configuration. The roto-translational movement is implemented by means of at least one articulated quadrilateral 40 as previously described.

[0065] The change in orientation of the panel 2 with respect to the wall 10 also allows access to the housing 30, so that possible maintenance operations may be carried out. For example, the user may access the power supply cables of the LED strips which allow the illumination of the sandblasted strips 50.

[0066] The panel 2 may be reversibly returned to the first configuration with a movement analogous and opposite to the one for the transition from the first to the second configuration. The mirror unit 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

[0067] Indeed, it allows easy maintenance operations to be carried out, such as, for example, the replacement of the LED strips. In fact, it is sufficient to move the panel to allow access to the housing 30 wherein the strips may be housed.

[0068] Furthermore, the mirror unit 1 has the advantage of being movable in confined spaces. This is also made possible thanks to the reduced thickness of the fastening portion 3 and the partially translational movement of the panel 2 when brought into the second configuration.

[0069] The invention is susceptible to variants falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims. Within this scope, all details may be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions may be any.

Claims

C LA I M S1. Mirror unit (1 ) adapted to be fixed to a fixed surface (10) and comprising:- a panel (2) comprising a reflecting surface (20);- a fastening portion (3) configured to be fastened to said surface (10);- fastening means (4) configured to loosely fasten said panel (2) and said fastening portion (3); and characterised in that:- said fastening means (4) being further configured to allow at least the rotation of said panel (2) about a rotation axis (2a), parallel to said fixed surface (10), the sliding of said panel (2) perpendicularly to said axis (2a), said panel (2) defining at least:- a first configuration wherein said panel (2) is positioned parallel to said fixed surface (10) and is at least partially in contact with said fastening portion (3);- a second configuration wherein said panel (2) is inclined with respect to said fixed surface (10) so as to be at least partially spaced from said fastening portion (3);- said fastening means (4) comprising at least one articulated quadrilateral (40);- said articulated quadrilateral (40) comprising:- a first rod (41 ) defining a first end (41 a) and a second end (41 b) opposite said first end (41 a);- a second rod (42) defining a third end (42a) and a fourth end (42b) opposite said third end (42a);- a third rod (43) defining a fifth end (43a) and a sixth end (43b) oppositesaid fifth end (43a); a fourth rod (44) defining a seventh end (44a) and an eighth end (44b) opposite said seventh end (44a);- said first rod (41 ) being constrained by means of a carriage at said first end (41 a) to a sliding guide (31 ), perpendicular to said axis (2a) and integral with said fastening portion (3), said first end (41 a) being configured to slide along said guide (31 ) and to rotate about said axis (2a), said second end (41 b) being hinged to an internal portion of said second rod (42);- said third rod (43) being hinged at said fifth end (43a) to an internal portion of said first rod (41 ) and at said sixth end (43b) to said guide (31 );- said fourth rod (44) being hinged at said seventh end (44a) to said guide (31 ) and to said sixth end (43b), and at said eighth end (44b) to said third end (42a), each of said hinged ends being configured to rotate about said axis (2a);- said second rod (42) being integral with said panel (2) on an internal surface (21 ) opposite said reflecting surface (20).

2. Mirror unit (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first, second, third and fourth rods (41 , 42, 43, 44) are arranged along a direction parallel to said axis (2a) so as to be alignable along the same plane in said first configuration.

3. Mirror unit (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said second configuration, said fastening portion (3) and said panel (2) form an angle comprised between 60° and 80° when said second rod (42) and said first rod (41 ) form an angle comprised between 80° and 100°.

4. Mirror unit (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fastening means (4) comprise a pair of said at least one articulated quadrilateral(40), each articulated quadrilateral (40) of said pair being arranged on two opposite ends of said panel (2) and of said fastening portion (3).

5. Mirror unit (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said panel (2) is movable in such a way that the portion of said panel (2) farthest from said fastening means (4) moves away from a floor in the transition from said first configuration to said second configuration.

6. Mirror unit (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fastening portion (3) comprises a housing (30) delimited by said surface (10) and by said panel (2).

7. Mirror unit (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said housing (30) has a thickness, measured as the distance between said panel (2) and said surface (10), comprised between 20 mm and 40 mm.

8. Mirror unit (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one lighting element (5).

9. Mirror unit (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said lighting element (5) comprises a sandblasted strip (50) illuminated by means of LEDs.

10. Mirror unit (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a magnifying mirror (6) integral with said reflecting surface.

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