Luminaire module and luminaire assembly thereof

Abstract

A luminaire profile module comprising: a support tray; at least one light source provided to the support tray; a protective cover plate; a sealing means; and a pair of assembling profile railings. The protective cover plate is arranged opposite the at least one light source and configured for allowing light emitted by the at least one light source to pass through. The sealing means is arranged between a rim of the support tray and the protective cover plate. The pair of assembling profile railings is arranged on each side of the luminaire profile module, and configured for affixing the protective cover plate in position relative to the support tray such that pressure is uniformly applied along a length of the sealing means by the protective cover plate.

Description

[0001] LUMINAIRE MODULE AND LUMINAIRE ASSEMBLY THEREOF

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The field of invention relates to luminaire modules and luminaire assemblies thereof. Particular embodiments relate to luminaire profile modules for containing one or more light sources, and more particularly in a sealed manner.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Linear luminaires or luminaire profile modules made to contain electrical components, including one or more light sources for example, are readily available and are typically made for preventing ingress of external elements within the luminaire profile modules to protect the electrical components contained therein. Sealing is often employed in these modules as a moisture barrier at the level of interstitial spaces between the various parts composing the luminaire profile modules. However, employing sealing is not a guarantee that moisture is effectively prevented from entering the luminaire profile modules. Not only the placement of the sealing is of importance, but also how the sealing is maintained in place should be considered in order for the sealing to be effective.

[0006] Typically, the weak points of profile modules are concentrated on irregular spots along the length of the profile modules, or at spots of the sealing presenting imperfections. There is thus a need for a reliable way to provide a sealed luminaire profile module.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a luminaire profile module which presents a secure sealing in order to ensure protection of electrical components contained within, while still offering a simple design.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a luminaire profile module. The luminaire profile module comprises: a support tray; a lighting means provided to the support tray; a protective cover plate; a sealing means; and a pair of assembling profile railings. The protective cover plate is arranged opposite the lighting means and configured for allowing light emitted by the lighting means to pass through. The sealing means is arranged between a rim of the support tray and the protective cover plate. The pair of assembling profile railings is arranged on each side of the luminaire profile module, and configured for affixing the protective cover plate in position relative to the support tray such that pressure is uniformly applied along a length of the sealing means by the protective cover plate.

[0010] Here, by luminaire profile module, it is meant a luminaire module whose main structural parts are made by extrusion to define an elongated luminaire module and whose length can be freely modulated according to the needs.

[0011] Using the support tray, a space is defined into which various electrical components may be placed, such as the lighting means. Typically, the support tray may be designed with a recess in a central portion of the support tray surrounded by a lateral wall extending away from the recess in the central portion. The rim of the support tray may be located at the edge of the lateral wall. Generally, the lighting means may include a substrate, at least one LED provided to the substrate (preferably a plurality of LEDs arranged in a matrix), and preferably an optical plate arranged above the at least one LED.

[0012] The protective cover plate is used as a first protection for the lighting means to prevent external elements from entering the support tray. Depending on embodiments, it may be made from glass or plastic, e.g. polycarbonate. The dimensions of the protective cover plate may be tailored to cover the rim of the support tray. In this way, the support tray and the protective cover may define an enclosed space. Additionally or alternatively, the protective cover plate may include optical elements affecting the light emitted by the lighting means.

[0013] The sealing means is used as a second protection for the lighting means to prevent water ingress into the support tray. The sealing means is arranged at a location in which an interstitial space is formed between the protective cover plate and the support tray, i.e. at the level of the rim of the support tray. Depending on embodiments, the sealing means may be a loop gasket or may include a plurality of sealing sections joined together.

[0014] The pair of assembling profile railings is used to maintain together in contact the protective cover plate, the sealing means, and the rim of the support tray in order for the sealing means to play its role. As assembling profile railings, they have a constant geometry along their lengths and can be employed to apply the same constraint in a uniform manner. By applying pressure along the length of the luminaire profile module, the sealing is maintained tight, preventing the formation or irregular sealing spots, and reliably sealing off the access to the support tray.

[0015] The luminaire profile module may be adapted for outdoor lighting or industrial lighting. By outdoor lighting and industrial lighting, it is meant lighting adapted for roads, tunnels, industrial plants, stadiums, airports, harbors, rail stations, campuses, parks, cycle paths, pedestrian paths, or pedestrian zones for example, and industrial and outdoor lighting systems can be used notably for the lighting of an outdoor area, such as roads and residential areas in the public domain, private parking areas and access roads to private building infrastructures, warehouses, industry halls, etc.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the pair of assembling profile railings comprises a base portion and a first lateral portion extending away from the base portion, said first lateral portion configured for cooperating with the protective cover plate and for applying a pressure against the protective cover plate towards the rim of the support tray.

[0017] In this manner, the first lateral portion will be in contact with the protective cover plate over a peripheral area of the protective cover plate; thereby adding an additional physical obstacle to reach the interstitial space between the protective cover plate and the rim of the support tray. At the same time, by applying pressure over an area, instead of over punctual or linear contacts for example, the pressure is transferred to the sealing means more evenly and the effectiveness of the sealing means is increased.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first lateral portion may extend substantially perpendicular to the base portion, the first lateral portion and the base portion forming a L-shaped section. The pair of assembling profile railings may be arranged such that the base portion is placed next to the lateral wall of the support tray on each side of the luminaire profile module.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the pair of assembling profile railings comprises a second lateral portion extending away from the base portion, said second lateral portion configured for cooperating with the support tray and for applying a pressure against the support tray towards the protective cover plate.

[0020] The second lateral portion may extend substantially perpendicular to the base portion.

[0021] In this way, a pressure exerted by the sealing means against the protective cover plate is counteracted by the pair of assembling profile railings, especially when arranging the pair of assembling profile railings on each side of the luminaire profile module during assembly.

[0022] Preferably, the support tray comprises a ledge at a periphery of the lateral wall of the support tray, and the ledge is designed to allow for the second lateral portion to “hook” thereon. Additionally or alternatively, a positioning groove may run along the length of the lateral wall of the support tray to cooperate with the second lateral portion or with a supplementary lateral portion extending away from the base portion for the same purpose. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the pair of assembling profile railings comprises a corner groove on an internal junction surface between the second lateral portion and the base portion.

[0023] In this manner, arranging each of the pair of assembling profile railings to the side of the luminaire profile module is made easier by ensuring surface contacts between the pair of assembling profile railings and the support tray, especially at the level of the lateral wall of the support tray. Additionally, by implementing the corner groove, the risk of material fracture due to stress is decreased at the level of the internal junction surface between the second lateral portion and the base portion.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the pair of assembling profile railings is C-shaped.

[0025] In this way, the assembling profile railings present a simple design which is easily manufactured, and which is user-friendly to employ when assembling the luminaire profile module.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the pair of assembling profile railings is affixed to the support tray by a plurality of fixation means provided along a length of the luminaire profile module.

[0027] In this manner, the mechanical stress due to the pressure exerted by the sealing means against the protective cover plate is relieved by the use of secure fixations. Preferably, the plurality of fixation means comprises a plurality of bolts.

[0028] In an embodiment, the plurality of fixation means may be fixed in place from an external surface of the pair of assembling profile railings via a plurality of corresponding through-holes, the plurality of corresponding through-holes being preferably located in the base portions of the pair of assembling profile railings.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the plurality of fixations means is configured for affixing to a corresponding plurality of blind holes formed in an external surface of the support tray. Preferably, the plurality of blind holes is formed in the lateral wall of the support tray.

[0030] In this way, the integrity of the support tray is not compromised since the blind holes will not provide additional access points for potential water ingress to the space formed by the support tray in which the lighting means is provided. The plurality of blind holes may be threaded to facilitate the affixing of the plurality of fixation means thereto.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fixation means is provided at regular intervals along the length of the luminaire profile module.

[0032] In this manner, the stress relief provided by the plurality of fixation means is evenly spread along the length of the luminaire profile module. There is therefore a uniform application of pressure onto the sealing means which can effectively perform its role.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the support tray, the lighting means, the sealing means, and the protective cover plate are arranged along a first direction. The plurality of fixation means is configured to affix each of the pair of assembling profile railings to the support tray in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0034] Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of fixation means is configured for applying pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base portion. Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of fixation means is configured for applying pressure in a direction substantially parallel to the protective cover plate.

[0035] In this way, a fixing pressure of the plurality of fixation means will be applied along a direction (the second direction) perpendicular to the overall assembly direction (the first direction) of the different elements of the luminaire profile module, and the mechanical stress, applied by the sealing means against the protective cover plate for example, will be relieved.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the pair of assembling profile railings is made by extrusion.

[0037] Preferably, the assembling profile railings are made in metal, more preferably in aluminum.

[0038] In this way, manufacture of the pair of assembling profile railings is rendered easier and the length of the assembling profile railings can be modulated freely.

[0039] According to a favored embodiment, the sealing means comprises a loop gasket.

[0040] By employing such a sealing means, sealing can be implemented over the whole periphery of the support tray. Additionally, by using such a gasket instead of a liquid seal or a foam seal, maintenance of the luminaire profile module is more user-friendly since removal of the sealing means is simplified, and the sealing means is easier to replace and recycle, for example.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment, the lighting means is fixed to the support tray by a plurality of tray fixation means cooperating with a corresponding plurality of tray blind holes formed into an internal surface of the support tray.

[0042] In this manner, the integrity of the support tray is not compromised since the tray blind holes will not provide additional access points for potential water ingress to the space formed by the support tray in which the lighting means is provided.

[0043] The plurality of tray blind holes may be threaded to facilitate the affixing of the plurality of tray fixation means thereto. Preferably, the plurality of tray fixation means may be a plurality of bolts. In an embodiment in which the lighting means includes the substrate, the plurality of tray fixation means may be fixed via a corresponding plurality of through-holes in the substrate.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting means is provided to a portion of the support tray made of metal such as to establish thermal contact.

[0045] Preferably, the support tray is entirely made of metal, more preferably by die casting.

[0046] In this way, the portion of the support tray made of metal will be used for thermal dissipation of the heat produced by the lighting means during use.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, the rim of the support tray includes a sealing groove configured for arranging the sealing means.

[0048] In this manner, the sealing means may be kept in place more securely at a specific location between the rim of the support tray and the protective cover plate.

[0049] In an embodiment, the sealing means is arranged to be partially contained by the sealing groove.

[0050] The skilled person will understand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for embodiments of a luminaire profile module also apply to the below described corresponding luminaire assembly embodiments, mutatis mutandis. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a luminaire assembly. The luminaire assembly comprises: a first module; and a second module. The second module presents the same characteristics as the ones described above in relation with the luminaire profile module. The second module is stacked to the first module, and the first module is fixed to the second module.

[0051] In an embodiment, a driving means may be provided to the first module and may be configured for driving the lighting means of the second module, and optionally another electronic component may be provided to the first module and / or the second module.

[0052] Depending on embodiments, the another electronic component comprises one or more among the following;

[0053] - a camera unit;

[0054] - a laser device;

[0055] - a radar device;

[0056] - a microphone;

[0057] - a movement detector;

[0058] - a light emitting device such as an ultraviolet (UV) light or an infrared (IR) light or a light for light fidelity (Li-Fi) communication;

[0059] - a panic button;

[0060] - a pollution sensor;

[0061] - a visibility sensor;

[0062] - a sound sensor;

[0063] - a temperature sensor;

[0064] - a spraying / sanitizing device;

[0065] - power management circuitry;

[0066] - telecommunication circuitry, such as base station circuitry;

[0067] - audio system management circuitry;

[0068] - a display;

[0069] - an antenna;

[0070] - WiFi circuitry,

[0071] - charger circuitry, e.g. phone charger circuitry or vehicle charger circuitry;

[0072] - an environmental sensor such as a microphone, or a detector of CO2, NOx, smoke, etc., and the associated circuitry;

[0073] - a human interface device (HID) and the associated circuitry, e.g. a camera, a loudspeaker, a button, a touch screen, etc.

[0074] - repeater circuitry, e.g. a WiFi repeater; - a sign, such as a publicity banner;

[0075] - a socket, such as an electrical socket.

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment, the first module is fixed to the support tray of the second module.

[0077] Preferably, the first module is fixed to the central portion of the support tray.

[0078] In this way, since the fixation of the first module and the second module is located at the region where the two modules are stacked, the fixation will be inaccessible for external elements.

[0079] In an embodiment, the first module comprises at least one channel, preferably two channels, formed on an external surface of the first module configured for facing the second module when stacked, said channel extending along the length of the first module. The at least one channel may be provided with a side opening in the external surface of the first module. The first module and the second module may be fixed together by using a plurality of nuts being slid within the at least one channel of the first module, and by using a corresponding plurality of bolts going through through-holes in the central portion of the support tray and cooperating with the plurality of nuts. The side opening may be dimensioned such as to prevent the plurality of nuts from leaving the at least one channel. The plurality of bolts may also each be provided with a washer between a head of the bolt and the central portion of the support tray.

[0080] According to an exemplary embodiment, a pair of end plates configured for being fixed at a first extremity of the luminaire assembly and at a second extremity of the luminaire assembly opposite of the first extremity.

[0081] In this manner, enclosure on all sides of the luminaire assembly may be completed to provide a complete protection from external elements. An end sealing means may be arranged between each of the pair of end plates and the stacked first and second modules.

[0082] In one embodiment, the support tray may be manufactured by die casting. In another embodiment, the support tray may include a support central part made by extrusion, and two support end parts made by die casting and configured to be fixed at both ends of the support central part.

[0083] Further, when assembling the luminaire assembly, a plurality of support trays may be arranged side-by-side along the length of the luminaire assembly and mechanically connected together using the pair of assembling profile railings. The plurality of support trays may be similar or different. At least one of the plurality of support trays may be provided with the lighting means. Another one of the plurality of support trays may be provided with another lightings means and / or with another electronic component such as described above.

[0084] The lighting means may include for example a plurality of PCBs with light sources arranged side-by-side along the length of the at least one support tray of the plurality of support trays.

[0085] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0086] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0087] Figure 1 illustrates a cut perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire assembly including a luminaire profile module;

[0088] Figure 2 shows a cut perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire profile module;

[0089] Figure 3 pictures an exploded view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire assembly; Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C depict three perspective views of three different embodiments of a luminaire assembly.

[0090] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0091] Figure 1 illustrates a cut perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire assembly including a luminaire profile module according to the present invention. The luminaire profile module 10 comprises: a support tray 100; a lighting means 200 provided to the support tray 100; a protective cover plate 300; a sealing means 400; and a pair of assembling profile railings 500.

[0092] The support tray 100 forms a space into which various electrical components may be placed, such as the lighting means 200. In the embodiment of Fig.l, the support tray 100 is designed with a recess in a central portion of the support tray 100 surrounded by a lateral wall 105 extending away from the recess in the central portion. More specifically, the lateral wall 105 may extend substantially perpendicular to the central portion of the support tray 100, and the central portion of the support tray 100 may define a substantially plane internal surface to facilitate the mounting of various components within the support tray 100. At the edge of the lateral wall 105 of the support tray, a rim 110 of the support tray may be formed. The rim 110 may serve as a mating surface configured to cooperate with other parts of the luminaire profile module, to cooperate with the protective cover plate 300 in the embodiment of Fig.l. The rim 110 of the support tray may further include a sealing groove 115 configured for arranging the sealing means 400. Preferably, the sealing means 400 is arranged to be partially contained within the sealing groove 115 of the rim 110.

[0093] The protective cover plate 300 is arranged opposite the lighting means 200 and configured for allowing light emitted by the lighting means 200 to pass through. Depending on embodiments, the protective cover plate 300 may be made from glass or plastic, e.g. polycarbonate. The dimensions of the protective cover plate 300 may be tailored to cover the rim 110 of the support tray. In this way, the support tray 100 and the protective cover 300 may define an enclosed space. Typically, the protective cover plate 300 is formed by a plane of translucent or transparent material of constant thickness. In alternative embodiments, the protective cover plate 300 may comprise multiple panes. Additionally or alternatively, a sealing groove (not shown) may be formed in the protective cover plate 300 which is configured for arranging the sealing means 400.

[0094] In the embodiment of Fig.l, the lighting means 200 includes a substrate 220, at least one LED (not shown) provided to the substrate 220 (preferably a plurality of LEDs arranged in a matrix), and optionally an optical plate 210 arranged above the at least one LED. The optical plate 210 may be a lens plate, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the protective cover plate 300 may include optical elements affecting the light emitted by the lighting means. The skilled person will understand that the principles of the present invention are not restricted to a LED light source but are also applicable to other type of light sources (filament, halogen, etc.). The lighting means 200 may be fixed to the support tray 100 by a plurality of tray fixation means 120 cooperating with a corresponding plurality of tray blind holes 130 formed into an internal surface of the support tray 100. The plurality of tray blind holes 130 may be threaded to facilitate the affixing of the plurality of tray fixation means 120 thereto. Preferably, the plurality of tray fixation means 120 is a plurality of bolts. In the embodiment of Fig.1 , the lighting means 200 includes the substrate 220 and the plurality of tray fixation means 120 are fixed and pass via a corresponding plurality of through- holes in the substrate 220. Additionally or alternatively, the lighting means 200 may be provided to a portion of the support tray 100 made of metal such as to establish thermal contact; thereby enabling heat dissipation. Preferably, the support tray 100 is entirely made of metal, more preferably by die casting.

[0095] The sealing means 400 is arranged between the rim 110 of the support tray and the protective cover plate 300. The sealing means 400 is arranged at a location in which an interstitial space is formed between the protective cover plate 300 and the support tray 100 to provide effective protection against water ingress. Depending on embodiments, the sealing means 400 may be a loop-gasket or may include a plurality of sealing sections joined together, a loop gasket in the embodiment of Fig.1.

[0096] The pair of assembling profile railings 500 is arranged on each side of the luminaire profile module 10. The pair of assembling profile railings 500 is configured for affixing the protective cover plate 300 in position relative to the support tray 100 such that pressure is uniformly applied along a length of the sealing means 400 by the protective cover plate 300. In this way, the pair of assembling profile railings 500 is used to maintain together in contact the protective cover plate 300, the sealing means 400, and the rim 110 of the support tray in order for the sealing means 400 to play its role. As assembling profile railings, they have a constant geometry along their lengths and can be employed to apply the same constraint in a uniform manner.

[0097] In the embodiment of Fig.l, each of the pair of assembling profile railings 500 comprises a base portion 510 and a first lateral portion 520 extending away from the base portion 510. The first lateral portion 520 may be configured for cooperating with the protective cover plate 300 and for applying a pressure against the protective cover plate 300 towards the rim 110 of the support tray. In the embodiment of Fig.l, the first lateral portion achieves this application of uniform pressure by being in surface contact with the protective cover plate 300 over a peripheral area of the protective cover plate 300. This also adds an additional physical obstacle to reach the interstitial space between the protective cover plate 300 and the rim 110 of the support tray. More specifically, the first lateral portion 520 may extend substantially perpendicular to the base portion 510, the first lateral portion 520 and the base portion 510 forming a L-shaped section. The pair of assembling profile railings 500 may be arranged such that the base portion 510 is placed next to the lateral wall 105 of the support tray on each side of the luminaire profile module 10.

[0098] In the embodiment of Fig.l, each of the pair of assembling profile railings 500 comprises a second lateral portion 530 extending away from the base portion 510. The second lateral portion 530 is configured for cooperating with the support tray 100 and for applying a pressure against the support tray 100 towards the protective cover plate 300. The second lateral portion 530 may extend substantially perpendicular to the base portion 510. In the embodiment of Fig.l, the support tray 100 comprises a ledge 140 at a periphery of the lateral wall 105 of the support tray, more specifically at a bottom portion of the lateral wall 105 opposite the rim 110, and the ledge 140 is designed to allow for the second lateral portion 530 to “hook” thereon. In another embodiment, a positioning groove (not shown) may run along the length of the lateral wall 105 of the support tray to cooperate with the second lateral portion 530 or with a supplementary lateral portion (not shown) extending away from the base portion 510 for the same purpose. Further, each of the pair of assembling profile railings 500 may comprise a corner groove 535 on an internal junction surface between the second lateral portion 530 and the base portion 510. When assembling the luminaire profile module 10, arranging each of the pair of assembling profile railings 500 to the side of the luminaire profile module 10 is made easier by ensuring contacts of the assembling profile railings 500 along the sides of the support tray, due to the presence of the corner grooves 535, before affixing the protective cover plate 300 in position relative to the support tray 100 using the assembling profile railings 500.

[0099] Each of the pair of assembling railings 500 in the embodiment of Fig.1 comprises the base portion 510, and the first and second lateral portions 520, 530, and is shaped as a C. Additionally, each of the pair of assembling profile railings 500 is affixed to the support tray 100 by a plurality of fixation means 540 provided along a length of the luminaire profile module 10. Preferably, the support tray 100, the lighting means 200, the sealing means 400, and the protective cover plate 300 are arranged along a first direction (the vertical direction as viewed in Fig.l); and the plurality of fixation means 540 may be configured to affix each of the pair of assembling profile railings 500 to the support tray 100 in a second direction (the horizontal direction as view in Fig.l) substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Also, each of the plurality of fixation means 540 may be configured for applying pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base portion 510; and, additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of fixation means 540 may be configured for applying pressure in a direction substantially parallel to the protective cover plate 300.

[0100] The plurality of fixations means 540 may be configured for affixing to a corresponding plurality of blind holes (not shown) formed in an external surface of the support tray 100. More specifically, the plurality of blind holes is formed in the lateral wall 105 of the support tray in Fig.l. The luminaire profile module 10 may have the plurality of fixation means 540 provided at regular intervals along its length. The plurality of blind holes may also be threaded to facilitate the affixing of the plurality of fixation means 540 thereto. To manufacture the assembling profile railings 500, extrusion may be used. Preferably, the assembling profile railings 500 are made in metal, more preferably in aluminum.

[0101] The luminaire profile module 10 may be stacked to a first module 20 to constitute a luminaire assembly. The first module 20 may comprise at least one channel 21, preferably two channels 21, formed on an external surface of the first module 20. The at least one channel 21 may be configured for facing the luminaire profile module 10 when stacked, said at least one channel 21 extending along the length of the first module 20. The at least one channel 21 may be provided with a side opening in the external surface of the first module 10. Additional details on the luminaire assembly will be provided with reference to Fig.3 below.

[0102] Figure 2 shows a cut perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire profile module according to the present invention. The luminaire profile module 10 of Fig.2 may have similar characteristics to the luminaire profile module 10 described with respect to Fig.l. The luminaire profile module 10 comprises: a support tray 100; a lighting means 200 provided to the support tray 100; a protective cover plate (not shown); a sealing means 400; and a pair of assembling profile railings 500. The protective cover plate is arranged opposite the lighting means 200 and configured for allowing light emitted by the lighting means 200 to pass through. The sealing means is arranged between a rim 110 of the support tray and the protective cover plate. The pair of assembling profile railings 500 is arranged on each side of the luminaire profile module 10, and configured for affixing the protective cover plate in position relative to the support tray 100 such that pressure is uniformly applied along a length of the sealing means 400 by the protective cover plate 300.

[0103] In the embodiment of Fig.2, the lighting means 200 comprises a plurality of lighting units. The lighting units of the lighting means 200 may be fixed to the support tray 100 by a plurality of tray fixation means 120 cooperating with a corresponding plurality of tray blind holes (not shown) formed into an internal surface of the support tray 100. Each of the lighting units may comprise an optical plate 210 configured to cover a substrate 220. The optical plate 210 in Fig.2 is a lens plate with four lens elements organized in a two-by-two matrix. The substrate 220 in Fig.2 carries four light sources, preferably four EEDs, arranged to face the four lens elements of the optical plate 210. The skilled person will understand that other lighting means may be used or designed differently while still performing according to the present invention.

[0104] Further, three lighting units are shown in Fig.2 arranged side-by-side along the length of the luminaire profile module 10. However, the skilled person will understand that, due to the nature of the luminaire profile module 10, the length of the luminaire profile module 10 may be modulated easily to accommodate a single lighting unit or more, such as 15 lighting units for example.

[0105] Each of the pair of assembling railings 500 in the embodiment of Fig.2 comprises a base portion 510, and is shaped as a C. Additionally, each of the pair of assembling profile railings 500 is affixed to the support tray 100 by a plurality of fixation means 540 provided along a length of the luminaire profile module 10. The plurality of fixations means 540 may be configured for affixing to a corresponding plurality of blind holes 545 formed in an external surface of the support tray 100. More specifically, the plurality of blind holes 545 is formed in a lateral wall 105 of the support tray in Fig.2. The luminaire profile module 10 may have the plurality of fixation means 540 provided at regular intervals along its length. The plurality of blind holes 545 may also be threaded to facilitate the affixing of the plurality of fixation means 540 thereto.

[0106] Regarding the support tray 100, the rim 110 of the support tray may further include a sealing groove 115 configured for arranging the sealing means 400. Preferably, the sealing means 400 is arranged to be partially contained within the sealing groove 115 of the rim 110. More specifically, in the embodiment of Fig.2, the sealing means 400 is a loop gasket. When seen across its section, this loop gasket comprises a first sealing portion 410, a second sealing portion 420, and a third sealing portion 430 arranged on top of each other. The first sealing portion 410 is configured for being inserted in the sealing groove and includes a plurality of lateral ribs configured for increasing the friction between the first sealing potion 430 and an inner surface of the sealing groove 115 when inserted. The second sealing portion 420 is defined by a tubular section configured for enabling deformation when pressure is applied to the sealing means 400. The third sealing portion 430 presents a trapezoidal shape with its wider base configured for facing the protective cover plate. Further, the wider base of the third sealing portion 430 includes a plurality of top ridges extending along the length of the sealing means 400.

[0107] Figure 3 pictures an exploded view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire assembly. The luminaire assembly comprises a first module 20, and a second module 10. The second module 10 is stacked to the first module 20. The first module 20 is fixed to the second module 10. The second module 10 is a profile module which comprises: a support tray 100; a lighting means 200 provided to the support tray 100; a protective cover plate 300; a sealing means 400; and a pair of assembling profile railings 500. The protective cover plate 300 is arranged opposite the lighting means 200 and configured for allowing light emitted by the lighting means 200 to pass through. The sealing means 400 is arranged between a rim 110 of the support tray and the protective cover plate 300. The pair of assembling profile railings 500 is arranged on each side of the luminaire profile module 10, and configured for affixing the protective cover plate 300 in position relative to the support tray 100 such that pressure is uniformly applied along a length of the sealing means 400 by the protective cover plate 300.

[0108] The first module 20 may be made by extrusion and define an enclosure configured for enclosing one or more electrical components, a driving means for the lighting means 200 for example. The driving means may further be configured for driving another electronic component provided to the first module 20 and / or the second module 10.

[0109] In the embodiment of Fig.3, the support tray 100 is designed with a recess in a central portion 150 of the support tray surrounded by a lateral wall 105 extending away from the recess in the central portion 150. More specifically, the lateral wall 105 may extend substantially perpendicular to the central portion 150 of the support tray, and the central portion 150 of the support tray 100 may define a substantially plane internal surface to facilitate the mounting of various components within the support tray 100. At the edge of the lateral wall 105 of the support tray, the rim 110 of the support tray is formed.

[0110] The first module 20 may be fixed to the support tray 100 of the second module 10. In the embodiment of Fig.3, the first module 20 comprises at least one channel 21, preferably two channels 21, formed on an external surface of the first module 20. The at least one channel 21 is configured for facing the second module 10 when stacked, said at least one channel 21 extending along the length of the first module 20. More specifically, the at least one channel 21 faces the central portion 150 of the support tray when stacked to the second module 10. The at least one channel 21 may be provided with a side opening (not shown) in the external surface of the first module 20. The first module 20 and the second module 10 may be fixed together by using a plurality of nuts 24 being slid within the at least one channel 21 of the first module, and by using a corresponding plurality of bolts 25 going through through-holes 155 in the central portion 150 of the support tray and cooperating with the plurality of nuts 24. The side opening may be dimensioned such as to prevent the plurality of nuts 24 from leaving the at least one channel 21. The plurality of bolts 25 may also each be provided with a washer (not shown) between a head of the bolt 25 and the central portion 150 of the support tray.

[0111] In order to connect the first module 20 and the second module 10, the support tray 100 may also include a connecting passage 160 going through the central portion 150 of the support tray. The connecting passage 160 is configured for coinciding with another connecting passage 23 in the first module. Electric cables (not shown) may be passing through the connecting passage 160 of the support tray and the another connecting passage 23 of the first module to electrically connect electrical components contained in the first module 20 and the second module.

[0112] To fully enclose the luminaire assembly, a pair of end plates 600 may be employed. The pair of end plates 600 may be configured for being fixed at a first extremity of the luminaire assembly and at a second extremity of the luminaire assembly opposite of the first extremity. Each of the pair of end plates 600 may be dimensioned to cover extremities of both the first module 20 and the second module. The pair of end plates 600 may be fixed to the first and second extremities of the luminaire assembly using a plurality of plate fixation means 620 configured for cooperating with a plurality of fixation grooves 22 of the first module 20.

[0113] A pair of plate sealing means 610 may be arranged between the pair of end plates 600 and the first and second extremities of the luminaire assembly. More specifically, in the embodiment of Fig.3, the pair or plate sealing means 610 are arranged to surround the extremities of the first module 20, since the second module 10 is already sealed. A cable gland 630 may additionally be provided to at least one of the pair of end plates 600 to allow electrical cables to pass through and externally electrically connect the luminaire assembly.

[0114] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C depict three perspective views of three different embodiments of a luminaire assembly according to the present invention.

[0115] The embodiment of Fig.4A is similar to the one described with respect to Fig.3. The luminaire assembly of Fig.4A comprises a first module 20, and a second module 10. The second module 10 is stacked to the first module 20. The first module 20 is fixed to the second module 10. The second module 10 is a profile module which comprises: a support tray 100; a lighting means 200 provided to the support tray 100; a protective cover plate 300; a sealing means 400; and a pair of assembling profile railings 500. To fully enclose the luminaire assembly, a pair of end plates 600 are employed. The pair of end plates 600 are configured for being fixed at a first extremity of the luminaire assembly and at a second extremity of the luminaire assembly opposite of the first extremity. The lighting means 200 may comprise a plurality of lighting units arranged side-by-side along the length of the luminaire assembly, within the support tray 100. The support tray 100 may be manufactured by die casting.

[0116] Differently from the embodiment of Fig.4A, in the embodiment of Fig.4B a plurality of support trays 100a, 100b is arranged side-by-side along the length of the luminaire assembly. Each of the plurality of support trays 100a, 100b may be similar and manufactured by die casting. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of support trays 100a, 100b may be different. A single protective cover plate 300 is employed in the embodiment of Fig.3 and is arranged to cover both support trays of the plurality of support trays 100a, 100b. And a common pair of assembling profile railings 500 is arranged on each side of the second module 10, and configured for affixing the protective cover plate 300 in position relative to the plurality of support trays 100a, 100b. Sealing between the protective cover plate 300 and the plurality of support trays 100a, 100b is ensured by a plurality of sealing means 400a, 400b, each of the plurality of sealing means 400a, 400b configured to seal a corresponding one of the plurality of support trays 100a, 100b, similarly as shown with respect to the embodiment of Fig.4A.

[0117] Further, in the embodiment of Fig.4C, a single support tray 100c may be employed. Differently from the embodiment of Fig.4A, the support tray 100c may include a support central part made by extrusion, and two support end parts made by die casting and configured to be fixed at both ends of the support central part. By doing so, a single support tray 100c may be employed and be varied in length more easily than when using a support tray made by die casting, and whose dimensions are fixed by the mold employed, like in the embodiments of Figs.4A & 4B. A common sealing means 400, preferably a loop gasket, is used in the embodiment of Fig.4C to surround the entire support tray 100c.

[0118] Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A luminaire profile module comprising:- a support tray (100);- a lighting means (200) provided to the support tray (100);- a protective cover plate (300) arranged opposite the lighting means (200) and configured for allowing light emitted by the lighting means (200) to pass through;- a sealing means (400) arranged between a rim (110) of the support tray and the protective cover plate (300);- a pair of assembling profile railings (500) arranged on each side of the luminaire profile module, and configured for affixing the protective cover plate (300) in position relative to the support tray (100) such that pressure is uniformly applied along a length of the sealing means (400) by the protective cover plate (300).

2. The luminaire profile module according to claim 1 , wherein each of the pair of assembling profile railings (500) comprises a base portion (510) and a first lateral portion (520) extending away from the base portion (500), said first lateral portion (520) configured for cooperating with the protective cover plate (300) and for applying a pressure against the protective cover plate (300) towards the rim (110) of the support tray.

3. The luminaire profile module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the pair of assembling profile railings (500) comprises a second lateral portion (530) extending away from the base portion (510), said second lateral portion (530) configured for cooperating with the support tray (100) and for applying a pressure against the support tray (100) towards the protective cover plate (300).

4. The luminaire profile module according to claim 3, wherein each of the pair of assembling profile railings (500) comprises a corner groove (535) on an internal junction surface between the second lateral portion (530) and the base portion (510).

5. The luminaire profile module according to claims 2 and 3, optionally in combination with claim 4, wherein each of the pair of assembling profile railings (500) is C-shaped.

6. The luminaire profile module according to any one of the previous claims,wherein each of the pair of assembling profile railings (500) is affixed to the support tray (100) by a plurality of fixation means (540) provided along a length of the luminaire profile module.

7. The luminaire profile module according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of fixations means (540) is configured for affixing to a corresponding plurality of blind holes (120) formed in an external surface of the support tray (100).

8. The luminaire profile module according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the plurality of fixation means (540) is provided at regular intervals along the length of the luminaire profile module.

9. The luminaire profile module according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the support tray (100), the lighting means (200), the sealing means (400), and the protective cover plate (300) are arranged along a first direction; and wherein the plurality of fixation means (540) is configured to affix each of the pair of assembling profile railings (500) to the support tray (100) in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

10. The luminaire profile module according to any one of claims 2-5 and to any one of claims 6-9, wherein each of the plurality of fixation means (540) is configured for applying pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base portion (510).

11. The luminaire profile module according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each of the pair of assembling profile railings (500) is made by extrusion.

12. The luminaire profile module according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the sealing means (400) comprises a loop gasket.

13. The luminaire profile module according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the lighting means (200) is fixed to the support tray (100) by a plurality of tray fixation means (120) cooperating with a corresponding plurality of tray blind holes (130) formed into an internal surface of the support tray (100).

14. The luminaire profile module according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the lighting means (200) is provided to a portion of the support tray made of metal such as to establish thermal contact.

15. The luminaire profile module according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the rim (110) of the support tray includes a sealing groove (115) configured for arranging the sealing means (400).

16. A luminaire assembly comprising:- a first module (20);- a second module (10) according to any one of the previous claims stacked to the first module (20), said first module (20) being fixed to said second module (10).

17. The luminaire assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first module (20) is fixed to the support tray (100) of the second module (10).

18. The luminaire assembly according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising:- a pair of end plates (600) configured for being fixed at a first extremity of the luminaire assembly and at a second extremity of the luminaire assembly opposite of the first extremity.

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