IP68 lighting fixture

Abstract

An IP68 lighting fixture (1), adapted to be connected to a power supply cable (2), comprising: - a lamp body (3) comprising a cavity in which an electric board (5) is inserted provided with LEDs, and a female thread (7), - a first (8) and a second (9) contact made of conductor material, each having a first (8a, 9a) and a second (8b, 9b) end; - electric connection means between a first (2') and a second (2") conductor wire of said power supply cable (2) and said contacts (8, 9); - a shaped disc (11) comprising two through holes (12), adapted to be crossed by said second ends (8b, 9b) of said contacts (8, 9), and a male thread (13), adapted to cooperate with the female thread (7) of the lamp body (3) to insert the shaped disc (11) into the cavity of the lamp body (3), thus dividing the latter into a first chamber (4a) and a second chamber (4b); - a first pole (14) and a second pole (15), each having first ends electrically connected to said first (8) and second (9) contact, and second ends electrically connected to said electric board (5); - first sealing means (16) adapted to partially fill said first chamber (4a) to isolate said second chamber (4b); - a closing plug (17) for the lamp body (3) adapted to delimit at the top said first chamber (4a), comprising a first hole (19) for the passage of said power supply cable (2).

Description

[0001] IP68 LIGHTING FIXTURE

[0002] Technical field of application

[0003] The invention concerns the sector of electric appliances, in particular operating in damp environments, or in the presence of water.

[0004] In particular, the invention relates to an IP68 immersion lighting fixture, usable preferably for lighting public or private swimming pools, fountains, ponds, aquariums, grottoes, wellness centres, saunas, etc.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Below, particular reference will be made to applications in lighting systems for swimming pools, without this representing a limitation to use of the lighting fixture.

[0007] It is known that swimming pools are generally provided with a lighting system comprising lighting fixtures with IP68 protection rating arranged along the walls of the pool, normally in a submerged position, to illuminate the swimming pool, for safety and also to create a pleasant aesthetic and scenographic effect.

[0008] Modern lighting fixtures comprise a lamp body that encloses a cavity in which an electric board is inserted provided with LEDs; said lamp body comprises at least one wall made of material transparent to the light emitted by said LEDs.

[0009] Said lighting fixtures are powered, via a very low voltage power supply cable, by a transformer arranged in a specific position, well away from damp environments with the presence of water. To guarantee the lighting fixture a seal with IP68 protection rating, wired connections are required, between the fixture and the relative power supply cable, which also have IP6 protection rating.

[0010] Cable glands are currently used to provide said wired connections with IP68 protection rating.

[0011] A traditional cable gland comprises:

[0012] - a hollow cylindrical body, adapted to be screwed to the lamp body of said lighting fixture;

[0013] - an O-ring interposed between said hollow cylindrical body and the lamp body of said fixture;

[0014] - a cylindrical rubber sleeve, arranged inside the hollow cylindrical body and, in turn, axially hollow to allow the passage of the power supply cable;

[0015] - a locking ring nut.

[0016] When the ring nut is tightened against the hollow cylindrical body, the rubber sleeve is compressed on the power supply cable, locking it in position and preventing infiltrations of water and / or humidity.

[0017] In addition, resins can be used, applied in situ inside the cable gland and at the head of the power supply cable, prior to fixing of the hollow cylindrical body of the cable gland to the lamp body, to produce the water-stop effect.

[0018] Traditional lighting fixtures, which therefore also entail the use of a cable gland, have limits and drawbacks: the connection of the lighting fixture to the power supply cable by means of cable gland is an operation that is carried out in situ, without the possibility of checking correct execution and the level of sealing and isolation from water and humidity; in the event of an incorrect connection, there is the risk of possible infiltrations of water into the lighting fixture; to guarantee the IP68 seal on lighting fixtures that use cable glands, a specific tightening torque of the latter is required; if the tightening torque is not correct, situations could occur in which the rubber sleeve is not sufficiently compressed or, on the contrary, is tightened to the point of deforming it and compromising the functioning thereof; the water-stop is provided inside the cable gland, straddling the lamp body, with the use of thermosetting resins injected in situ at the base of the power supply cable; disadvantageously, during curing of the resins, fumes can be emitted that could damage and / or contaminate the LEDs and the components inside the lamp body; when a lighting fixture has to be replaced, it is not feasible to re-use the existing power supply cable as it has been deformed by the cable gland, and the cable therefore has to be replaced, with inevitable operating difficulties and additional costs.

[0019] Presentation of the invention

[0020] The object of the invention is therefore to eliminate said drawbacks, providing an IP68 lighting fixture that guarantees high functional and aesthetic performance, in conditions of perfect insulation, in compliance with the current safety standards. The objects are achieved by an IP68 lighting fixture, adapted to operate in the presence of water and to be connected to a power supply cable, comprising:

[0021] - a lamp body comprising a cavity in which an electric board is inserted provided with LEDs, at least one wall made of material transparent to the light emitted by said LEDs, and a female thread, characterized in that it further comprises:

[0022] - a first and a second contact made of conductor material, each having a first and a second end;

[0023] - electric connection means between a first and a second conductor wire of said power supply cable and said contacts;

[0024] - a shaped disc comprising two through holes, adapted to be crossed by said second ends of said contacts, and a male thread adapted to cooperate with the female thread of said lamp body to insert said shaped disc into the cavity of said lamp body so as to divide the latter into a first and a second chamber;

[0025] - fixing means for fastening said contacts to said shaped disc;

[0026] - a first and a second pole, each having a first and a second end, where said first ends are electrically connected to said first and second contact respectively, and said second ends are electrically connected to said electric board;

[0027] - first sealing means adapted to partially fill said first chamber to isolate said second chamber from water and humidity;

[0028] - a closing plug for said lamp body adapted to delimit at the top said first chamber, comprising a male thread, also adapted to cooperate with the female thread of said lamp body, and a first hole for the passage of said power supply cable.

[0029] According to a first aspect of the invention, said lamp body comprises internally an annular shoulder adapted to act as a stop means for said shaped disc.

[0030] In particular, said lighting fixture comprises an O-ring between said annular shoulder and said shaped disc, and said annular shoulder comprises an annular seat adapted to house said O-ring.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, said shaped disc comprises a coaxial recess adapted to contain part of said first sealing means.

[0032] Furthermore, said shaped disc comprises at least one annular edge flaring, adapted to facilitate the deposition of said first sealing means at the female thread of said lamp body.

[0033] According to a possible embodiment variation, said shaped disc comprises a third through hole adapted to make said second chamber accessible to an instrument for carrying out safety pressure tests.

[0034] In a preferred form of the invention, said lighting fixture comprises second sealing means adapted to totally fill said first chamber above said first sealing means until surmounting said contacts.

[0035] Advantageously, said closing plug comprises a second hole for insertion into said first chamber of said second sealing means and at least a third through hole for the outflow of air from said first chamber and visual control of the complete filling thereof with said second sealing means. According to further aspects of the invention:

[0036] - said electric connection means comprise, for each contact, at said first end, a first threaded axial hole, a second transverse through hole, a screw adapted to cooperate with said first threaded axial hole to tighten said first and second conductor wire to said contacts;

[0037] - each contact comprises, at said second end, a male thread, and said fixing means for fastening said contacts to said shaped disc comprise two nuts adapted to cooperate with said male thread, also retaining the ends of said poles.

[0038] The lighting fixture according to the invention has important advantages.

[0039] The IP68 lighting fixture according to the invention is designed to guarantee a reliable seal between the outside, with presence of water and humidity, and the inner part of the lamp body, which houses the electric board and LEDs, connected to the power supply cable.

[0040] Said first sealing means isolate the chamber in contact with the electric board and the LEDs. Said first sealing means are deposited during assembly of the lighting fixture, offering the possibility of maximum control: during the resin curing phase, there is no risk of chemical substances being emitted which could contaminate the components inside the lamp body.

[0041] Once the power supply cable has been connected in situ, it is possible to position second sealing means. Said further layer adds an extra level of protection against water and humidity and guarantees the galvanic separation of the contacts. The IP68 lighting fixture according to the invention prevents the infiltration of water also in the case of incorrect installation, since the fixture already has, in itself, IP68 protection rating.

[0042] Inside the lamp body a variable pressure test can be carried out to check that there are no air leaks through the lighting fixture. The test is carried out by inserting a tube with specific instrument through a dedicated hole obtained in the shaped disc. Once the test has been completed, the hole is sealed by means of said second sealing means.

[0043] Brief description of the drawings

[0044] These and further advantages of the invention will be illustrated more clearly in the following part of the description, where a preferred embodiment is described, by way of non-limiting example and with the help of the figures where:

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates, in an exploded axonometric view, an IP68 lighting fixture according to the invention;

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates, in section along a vertical plane, an IP68 lighting fixture according to the invention, in a first assembly phase;

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates, in a partial axonometric view, the lighting fixture of Figure 2 in a second assembly phase;

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates, in a partially transparent axonometric view, the lighting fixture of Figure 2 in a final assembly phase;

[0049] Figures 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate, in an axonometric view, the IP68 electric connection system of Figure 1 partially assembled, respectively before, during and after an intermediate control phase. Detailed disclosure of a preferred embodiment of the invention

[0050] With particular reference to Figures 1 -4, an IP68 lighting fixture 1 is illustrated adapted to function in the presence of water and humidity.

[0051] For operation, said lighting fixture 1 is adapted to be connected to a power supply cable 2.

[0052] Said lighting fixture 1 comprises:

[0053] - a lamp body 3 comprising a cavity in which an electric board 5 is inserted provided with LEDs, and having at least one wall 6 made of material transparent to the light emitted by said LEDs;

[0054] - a first 8 and a second 9 contact made of conductor material each adapted to be electronically connected, via electric connection means, to a conductor wire 2’, 2” of said power supply cable 2;

[0055] - a first 14 and a second 15 pole, electrically connected to said first 8 and second 9 contact and to said electric board 5;

[0056] - a shaped disc 11 inserted in said lamp body 3 so as to divide it into a first chamber 4a and a second chamber 4b, facing said electric board 5;

[0057] - first sealing means 16 adapted to partially fill said first chamber 4a to isolate said second chamber 4b;

[0058] - a closing plug 17 for said lamp body 3 adapted to delimit at the top said first chamber 4a;

[0059] - second sealing means 25 adapted to totally fill said first chamber 4a above said first sealing means 16 until surmounting said contacts 8, 9.

[0060] Said first sealing means 16 comprise a thermosetting low shrinkage bicomponent epoxy resin, with drying temperatures equal to the ambient temperature.

[0061] Said second sealing means 25 comprise a transparent bicomponent resin softer than that of the first sealing means 16.

[0062] Said lamp body 3 has a first and a second end and comprises:

[0063] - a perimeter edge flange 31 arranged at said first end and adapted for the fixing of said lighting fixture 1 to a wall, for example of a swimming pool, where said flange 31 circumscribes said wall 6 made of material transparent to the light;

[0064] - a female thread 7, arranged at said second end;

[0065] - an annular shoulder 20, obtained internally, adapted to act as a stop means for said shaped disc 11 when inserted inside it.

[0066] Said lighting fixture 1 comprises an O-ring 21 between said annular shoulder 20 and said shaped disc 11 .

[0067] As can be seen from the section of Figure 2, said annular shoulder 20 comprises an annular seat 22 adapted to house said O-ring 21 .

[0068] Said shaped disc 11 comprises two through holes 12, adapted to be crossed by said contacts 8, 9, and a male thread 13, adapted to cooperate with the female thread 7 of said lamp body 3 to be totally inserted inside it so as to divide the cavity of said lamp body 3 into said first 4a and second 4b chamber.

[0069] The male thread 13 is obtained on a lateral wall of said shaped disc 11.

[0070] Said first 8 and second 9 contacts made of conductor material each have a first 8a, 9a and a second 8b, 9b end, and each comprise: - at said first end 8a, 9a electric connection means respectively with said first 2’ and second 2” conductor wire of said power supply cable 2;

[0071] - at said second end 8b, 9b fixing means to said shaped disc 11 .

[0072] Said electric connection means comprise, for each contact 8, 9, at said first end 8a, 9a, a first threaded axial hole 28, a second transverse through hole 10, a screw 29 adapted to cooperate with said first threaded axial hole 28 to tighten said first 2’ and second 2” conductor wire to said contacts 8, 9. For said electric connection, different means could also be used, according to a known technique, for connection of the conductor wires to the respective contacts.

[0073] Each contact 8, 9 comprises, at said second end 8b, 9b, a male thread, and said fixing means of said contacts 8, 9 to said shaped disc 11 comprise two nuts 30 adapted to cooperate with said male thread.

[0074] At the fixing point of said first 8 and second 9 contact to the shaped disc 11 , the first ends of said first 14 and second 15 pole respectively are also electrically connected.

[0075] Said shaped disc 11 comprises a central recess 23, facing said first chamber 4a and adapted to contain advantageously a large part of said first sealing means 16.

[0076] Said shaped disc 11 also comprises at least one annular edge flaring 32, adapted to facilitate the deposition of said first sealing means 16 at the female thread 7 of said lamp body 3, to further ensure the sealing and isolation of said second chamber 4b. Said closing plug 17 for said lamp body 3 comprises a male thread 18, also adapted to cooperate with the female thread 7 of said lamp body 3 thus closing it at the top, on the opposite side with respect to said wall 6 made of material transparent to the light.

[0077] Said closing plug 17 comprises:

[0078] - a first hole 19 for the passage of said power supply cable 2;

[0079] - a second hole 26 for the insertion in said first chamber 4a of said second sealing means 25;

[0080] - a third hole 27, and possibly also a fourth hole, for the outflow of air from said first chamber 4a and visual control of its complete filling with said second sealing means 25.

[0081] The insertion of said second sealing means 25 inside the second chamber 4b can conveniently be carried out using a mixer nozzle B.

[0082] Advantageously, during assembly of the lighting fixture 1 , before deposition in situ of said second sealing means 25, it is possible to perform a safety pressure test (Figure 5b).

[0083] For said purpose, said shaped disc 11 comprises a third hole 24 adapted to make accessible an instrument S for the execution of said safety pressure test.

[0084] Said third hole 24 is raised with respect to the central recess 23 of the shaped disc 11 so as to perform an adjustment function during the deposition of the first sealing means 16. Said first sealing means 16 fill said first chamber 4a until reaching the edge of said raised third hole 24 (Fig. 5a). Once the pressure test has been completed, a grub screw 33 is inserted inside said third hole 24 so as to close the hole and prepare the base for the deposition of said second sealing means 25 (Fig. 5c).

Claims

CLAIMS1. An IP68 lighting fixture (1 ), adapted to operate in the presence of water and to be connected to a power supply cable (2), comprising: a lamp body (3) comprising a cavity in which an electric board (5) is inserted provided with LEDs, at least one wall (6) made of material transparent to the light emitted by said LEDs, and a female thread (7), characterized in that it further comprises:- a first (8) and a second (9) contact made of conductor material, each having a first (8a, 9a) and a second (8b, 9b) end;- electric connection means between a first (2’) and a second (2”) conductor wire of said power supply cable (2) and said contacts (8, 9);- a shaped disc (11 ) comprising two through holes (12), adapted to be crossed by said second ends (8b, 9b) of said contacts (8, 9), and a male thread (13), adapted to cooperate with the female thread (7) of said lamp body (3) to insert said shaped disc (11 ) into the cavity of said lamp body (3), thus dividing the latter into a first chamber (4a) and a second chamber (4b);- fixing means for fastening said contacts (8, 9) to said shaped disc (11 );- a first pole (14) and a second pole (15), each having a first and second end, where said first ends are electrically connected respectively to said first (8) and second (9) contact, and said second ends are electrically connected to said electric board (5);- first sealing means (16) adapted to partially fill said first chamber (4a) to isolate said second chamber (4b) from water and humidity;- a closing plug (17) for said lamp body (3) adapted to delimit at the top said first chamber (4a), comprising a male thread (18), also adapted to cooperate with the female thread (7) of said lamp body (3), and a first hole(19) for the passage of said power supply cable (2).

2. The IP68 lighting fixture (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said lamp body (3) comprises internally an annular shoulder (20) adapted to act as a stop means for said shaped disc (11 ).

3. The IP68 lighting fixture (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises an O-ring (21 ) comprised between said annular shoulder(20) and said shaped disc (11 ).

4. The IP68 lighting fixture (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that said annular shoulder (20) comprises an annular seat (22) adapted to house said O-ring (21 ).

5. The IP68 lighting fixture (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said shaped disc (11 ) comprises a central recess (23) adapted to contain part of said first sealing means (16).

6. The IP68 lighting fixture (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said shaped disc (11 ) comprises at least an annular edge flaring (32), adapted to facilitate the deposition of said first sealing means (16) at the female thread (7) of said lamp body (3).

7. The IP68 lighting fixture (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said shaped disc (11 ) comprises a third hole (24) adapted to make said second chamber (4b) accessible to an instrument (S) for carrying out safety pressure tests.

8. The IP68 lighting fixture (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises second sealing means (25) adapted to totally fill said first chamber (4a) above said first sealing means (16) until surmounting said contacts (8, 9).

9. The IP68 lighting fixture (1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that said closing plug (17) comprises a second hole (26) for the insertion in said first chamber (4a) of said second sealing means (25) and at least a third hole (27) for the outflow of air from said first chamber (4a) and for visual control of complete filling thereof with said second sealing means (25).

10. The IP68 lighting fixture (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said electric connection means comprise, for each contact (8, 9), at said first end (8a, 9a), a first threaded axial hole (28), a second transverse through hole (10), and a screw (29) adapted to cooperate with said first threaded axial hole (28) to tighten said first (2’) and second (2”) conductor wire to said contacts (8, 9).

11. The IP68 lighting fixture (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that each contact (8, 9) comprises, at said second end (8b, 9b), a male thread, and said fixing means for fastening said contacts (8, 9) to said shaped disc (11 ) comprise two nuts (30) adapted to cooperate with said male thread, also retaining the first ends of said poles (14, 15).

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