CN116261641A

CN116261641A - Modular lighting device

Info

Publication number: CN116261641A
Application number: CN202180060967.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 弗拉维亚·赛西利雅·奎诺内斯·瓦兹奎兹
Original assignee: Fu LaweiyaSaixiliyaKuinuoneisiWazikuizi
Current assignee: Fu LaweiyaSaixiliyaKuinuoneisiWazikuizi
Priority date: 2020-07-13
Filing date: 2021-06-04
Publication date: 2023-06-13
Also published as: WO2022013636A1; MX2020006938A; BR112023000595A2

Abstract

The invention relates to an interconnectable modular lighting device comprising: a housing; a lighting device; an optical lens that projects light waves of the illumination device; and a detachable fixing means for fixing to the inside of the door frame or the inner wall of any refrigeration apparatus.

Description

Modular lighting device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to modular lighting devices for refrigeration devices, in particular for those which also function as product display media, both in terms of aesthetics and design. The modular lighting apparatus includes a housing, a lighting device and an optical lens that propagates light waves from the lighting device, and a removable fixture secured to the inside of a door frame or an inner wall of the refrigeration apparatus.

Background

When business owners and companies become aware that more buyers and consumers can be attracted by illuminating the products contained within the refrigeration equipment, the placement of light within the product display refrigeration equipment has become popular. However, a problem currently exists in the absence of a lighting device that can be adapted and easily attached to the interior of a refrigeration appliance or any internal frame displaying the door of a refrigeration appliance. Lighting devices of various designs and sizes for product display refrigeration devices are known in the art. The diversity of these lighting devices is due to the fact that each manufacturer may use multiple types and sizes of materials during the manufacturing process, particularly during the manufacturing process of the door that displays the refrigeration device.

In principle, when considering the need to illuminate the product contained within the display refrigeration device, the use of an LED strip is chosen, since the LED strip is simply glued to the desired portion of the inside of the door of the device, it is easy to assemble. However, over time, the internal humidity generated in the refrigeration equipment can cause the glue of the LED strip to quickly lose its characteristics, and thus the LED strip can fall off.

Accordingly, various lighting devices have been developed in the marketplace that are specifically attached to display refrigeration devices designed therefor. This results in a company, business or small business requiring a wide variety of lighting devices or parts and spare parts.

For example, EP1647767 A3 discloses a luminaire assembly comprising a light source assembly having a light emitting source, a reflector and a lens assembly. The first encoding device has a first encoding device component associated with the light source assembly and a second encoding device component associated with the reflector that cooperate to assemble the light source assembly and the reflector in a selected one of the orientations relative to each other. The second encoding device has a second encoding device component associated with the reflector and a second component encoding device associated with the lens assembly that cooperate to assemble the reflector and the lens assembly in a selected one of the orientations relative to each other. The fastener secures the light source assembly and the lens assembly to each other with the reflector held therebetween.

On the other hand, document US2010/0157596A1 discloses a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp having a base, a cover, a heat dissipating plate, an LED module, a circuit board and a light guide cover. The base and cover form a base opening and a cover opening, respectively. The base and cover include a clearance projection-fit arrangement therebetween to form an outer water seal wall and an inner water seal wall around the opening in the base and the opening in the cover. The light guide cover, the circuit board and the LED module are arranged in the inner water sealing wall. The base and cover are secured together by a male-female coupling formed between the aperture and the post for further waterproofing.

On the other hand, there have been lighting systems consisting of a plurality of luminaires that make up a series circuit, which is unsuccessful, which results in another disadvantage: if one of the luminaires fails, the entire lighting system has to be replaced.

Thus, there is no modular lighting device that also has an electrical connection allowing to connect at least two modular lighting devices in series (each modular lighting device comprising an internal arrangement that electrically forms a parallel circuit of the modular lighting instead of a series circuit). This gives rise to the advantage that it is easy to identify and replace one of the modular lighting devices when it fails.

Also, there is no such modular lighting device for a refrigeration device: depending on the structural arrangement of the housing of the modular lighting device, the modular lighting device has the advantage of being mounted or attached to a bead, channel profile, door or any display refrigeration device interior by means of a detachable coupling means, which is also part of the modular lighting device of the invention.

On the other hand, attempts have been made to illuminate the interior of the refrigerator using lamps with light diffusers, but these lamps do not include a housing lighting element that transmits light into the interior of the refrigerator and includes a fastening element that serves as a base.

In the prior art, there is a design registration MX 48391B; MX 47388B and MX 43389B, which comprise three-dimensional shapes that do not meet fastening requirements.

Thus, there is a need for a modular lighting device for displaying refrigeration devices, the structural elements and specific arrangement of which overcome all the drawbacks of the devices or lamps developed in the past.

Unlike the lighting devices known in the art, the modular lighting device of the present invention uses a minimum number of components and improves its installation without requiring a large number of tools, thereby achieving better performance and efficiency in its installation or replacement in the event of a failure.

Also, the modular lighting device of the present invention requires only a removable fastening means, which can be replaced by another fastening means, which, depending on its structural arrangement, is easily attached to the structure of the frame or corner of the door and to the interior of the desired display refrigeration device.

The modular lighting device of the present invention thus has several structural features that make it completely different from the lighting devices of the prior art. As will be described later, the structural design combination and the elements constituting the device of the invention create an efficient and safe installation, which avoids the modular lighting device from being subjected to modifications, adjustments of other elements for its installation or replacement.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular lighting device for a refrigeration device comprising an input connection means and an output connection means, which allows to electrically connect at least two modular lighting devices in series, forming a parallel circuit.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a modular lighting apparatus comprising a housing, a lighting device and an optical lens to effectively scatter a light beam inside the refrigeration apparatus.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a removable fastening device that is slidingly and/or compressively coupled to any structure (bead, channel profile or valve) that displays the corners or frames of the interior or door of a refrigeration appliance currently on the market.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a housing including a cover accommodating an optical lens according to its structure.

It is a fifth object of the invention to provide an optical lens that significantly optimizes the light distribution to the desired illumination area.

A sixth object of the invention is to include removable and interchangeable fastening means to suit the different structural arrangements of the door and the interior of the refrigeration appliance.

A seventh object of the invention is to include an optical lens at the extended upper end that receives light from the lighting device, wherein the base and cover of the housing encapsulate the lighting device, which prevents moisture from penetrating the modular lighting device of the invention.

An eighth object of the present invention is to provide a lighting system for a refrigeration appliance, which lighting system is composed of at least two interconnectable modular lighting devices, which are easy to replace in case of failure, thus avoiding replacement of the entire system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular lighting device for a refrigeration appliance that, due to its ergonomics, modularity and interconnectivity, allows the refrigerator manufacturer to use the same lighting device for all its devices, thereby significantly reducing the number of parts required for the SKU or its entire appliance range.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the lighting device according to the invention will be described below with the aid of the following figures:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a modular lighting device and its removable fixture;

fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a modular lighting apparatus having a fastening device mounted thereon;

fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a modular lighting device;

FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d illustrate various perspective views of a modular luminaire housing base;

FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d show various structural examples related to the fastening means of the modular lighting apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of a modular lighting fixture element;

fig. 7a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the lighting means of the modular lighting device of the invention;

fig. 7b shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the lighting means of the modular lighting device of the invention;

fig. 8 shows a modular lighting system.

Detailed Description

An advantage of the present invention is that in the first embodiment, a detachable fastening means and a housing cover enclosing the optical lens within the lighting device are used to efficiently illuminate the interior of the refrigeration device. Wherein each refrigeration appliance, due to its size or manufacturer, structurally changes the configuration of its door perimeter frame (bead, channel profile or valve). The invention can be attached to various types of frames (bead, groove profile or valve) on the corners or periphery of the inner wall or door of the refrigeration appliance.

The fastening means are thus slidingly and/or pressure-fitted to the bead, groove profile or valve of the corner or periphery of the door of the refrigeration device (even on the inner wall of the refrigeration device).

In general, the present invention relates to four elements, one of which is interchangeable, depending on the brand, type or size of the refrigeration equipment sought to be internally illuminated.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, fig. 1 and 2 show perspective views of a modular lighting device (10), the lighting device (10) comprising: a housing (1), the housing (1) comprising a housing cover and a base, the housing (1) accommodating a lighting device (not shown); an optical lens (2) that conducts and projects light generated by the illumination device to the outside of the housing, and protrudes from the housing cover; an input electrical connection means (3) comprising an electrical conductor, wherein one end thereof is connected to the lighting means for supplying power and having a male connector at an opposite end thereof for coupling with a female connector from a second modular lighting device or power source (ballast).

With continued reference to fig. 1 and 2, the output electrical connection means (4) comprise an electrical conductor, one end of which is connected to the power supply of the lighting means (6) of the modular device (10), so as to realize a parallel circuit with respect to the lighting means; and has a female connector at an opposite end thereof for coupling with a male connector from a second modular lighting device. In other embodiments, the type and arrangement of the electrical connection means (3) and (4) may vary and are not limited to that shown by the figures.

In particular, the modular lighting device further comprises a detachable fastening means (5) as shown in fig. 1. According to fig. 2, the fastening means are mounted on the lower surface of the housing base (1) of the modular lighting device (10).

Referring to fig. 3, fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a modular lighting device (10), wherein a housing consisting of a housing base (1 b) and a housing cover (1 a) is shown. The top surface of the housing cover (1 a) comprises a circular (but not limited to said shape) protrusion which protrudes outwards forming a ring (1 c) closing the optical lens (2) at its centre.

The housing base (1 b) comprises a pair of holes on the inner surface through which one ends of the electrical connection means (3) and (4) open to the lighting means (6). The lighting means (6) comprise at least one light emitting diode or LED mounted on the PCB card (7), a power supply for being provided by the input electrical connection means (3) and voltage regulating means for being electrically connected in parallel with the output electrical connection means (4).

With continued reference to fig. 3, the inner surface of the housing base (1 b) further comprises a pair of support means (1 d) extending into the interior of the housing (1), the support means (1 d) being constituted by a pair of cylinders of identical dimensions. Thus, the lighting device (6) is attached to the support device (1 d) inside the housing base (1 b). In an alternative embodiment, the support means may have a hole in the centre through which a screw or rod is attached to hold the lighting device (6) within the housing.

According to fig. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d, various perspective views of a housing base of a modular lighting device are shown. Fig. 4a shows a housing base (1 b) having an inner peripheral wall (1 e) which accommodates a lighting device (6) inside. The outer peripheral wall (1 f) protrudes around the first inner peripheral wall (1 e), wherein a peripheral groove (1 g) separating the first inner peripheral wall (1 e) and the outer peripheral wall (1 f) is formed.

In this way, it is achieved that the inside of the modular lighting device (10) is sealed against moisture generated inside the refrigeration device, protecting the lighting means and preventing the same moisture from deteriorating the optics of the lens (2).

Referring to fig. 4b, the housing base (1 b) comprises a pair of holes (1 j) from which ends of the input and output electrical connection means are introduced into the housing for electrical connection with the lighting device. Furthermore, as shown in fig. 4c and 5d, on the inner surface of the housing base (1 b), a pair of coupling means (1 h) extend into the housing, the coupling means (1 h) being constituted by a pair of grooved channels leading from the side walls of the housing to the opposite side walls. The shape and size of the coupling means (1 h) are not limited to the embodiment shown in the figures.

On the other hand, fig. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d show various structural examples related to the detachable fastening means of the modular lighting apparatus. As can be seen from the figures, the detachable fastening means consist of individual parts, wherein their structural arrangement is different each. The structural arrangement depends on the contour, bead, groove or valve of the inner wall or corner or periphery of the door of the refrigeration apparatus currently available on the market.

However, any removable fastening means of the modular lighting device of the present invention includes: a pair of mounting elements (5 a) consisting of a pair of cylindrical rails or tracks arranged parallel to each other; and a stop element (5 b), the stop element (5 b) being arranged at one end of the mounting element (5 a) so as to create a combination of the two elements. In particular, fig. 5c shows a removable fastening device attached to any corner of the refrigeration appliance door structure.

Also, according to fig. 5A, 5C and 5D, the removable fastening device further comprises a pair of fastening elements (5C) having, at their ends, fastening nails (5D) which fit any peripheral frame (bead, groove profile or door) of any refrigeration equipment.

In this way, any detachable fastening means (5) is connected to the modular lighting apparatus, wherein the fastening means (5) are inserted into a pair of coupling means located below the housing base. Thus, the detachable fastening means (5) is inserted in a sliding manner by one end of a pair of coupling means, in such a way that the stop element (5 b) prevents said detachable fastening means from passing through the end opposite to its insertion.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of a modular lighting device element. As can be seen from the figures, the housing (1) includes a housing cover (1 a) that is fitted and inserted into peripheral grooves (1 g) of an outer peripheral wall (1 f) and an inner peripheral wall (1 e) constituting a housing base (1 b). In this way, the housing base (1 b) and the housing cover (1 a) are sealed, thereby closing the lighting device (6).

Likewise, one end of the output electrical connection means (4) is guided through the housing base (1 b) through a hole to be electrically connected with the PCB (7) of the lighting device (6). And an optical lens (2) is coupled between the lower surface of the housing cover (1 a) from which the focal point of the optical lens (1) protrudes and the lighting device (6). The size and shape of the optical lens depends on the number of LEDs in the lighting device.

Continuing with fig. 6, the coupling of the mounting element (5 a) of the detachable fastening device (5) in the coupling device (1 h) in the housing base (1 b) is shown, wherein the mounting element (5 b) fits dimensionally in the coupling device (1 h).

Fig. 7a shows a first embodiment of a lighting device (6 a), the lighting device (6 a) comprising: two light emitting diodes or LEDs mounted on the PCB card (7 a), and a power supply for the input electrical connection means (3 a) and a voltage regulating means for parallel electrical connection with the output electrical connection means.

In this way, fig. 7b shows a second embodiment of a lighting device (6 b), the lighting device (6 b) comprising: six Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) mounted on the PCB card (7B), and a power supply for supplying power to the input electrical connection means (3 a) and a voltage regulating means for electrically connecting in parallel with the output electrical connection means. Thus, the electrical arrangement of the light emitting diodes of the lighting device is not limited to a specific number of light emitting diodes, and the electrical consumption specification will be a limiting variable thereof.

Referring to fig. 8, an exemplary embodiment of a modular lighting system for a refrigeration appliance is shown, the system consisting of three modular lighting devices (10), (20) and (30), the three modular lighting devices (10), (20) and (30) being connected in series by their electrical connection means, thereby electrically forming a parallel circuit. This provides the advantage that if one of the modular devices fails, it can be immediately identified for replacement while the other modular lighting devices continue to function properly.

Variations on the structure of the modular lighting device of the present invention or any of the elements described herein may be envisioned by those skilled in the art. It should be understood, however, that the description relates to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is for illustrative purposes only and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. All obvious modifications within the spirit of the invention, such as variations in shape, materials and dimensions of the elements constituting the invention, are considered within the scope of the appended claims.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that several changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. The foregoing specification has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form described. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of the above alternative implementations may be used in any desired combination to form additional hybrid implementations of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, while embodiments of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, the disclosure should not be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular lighting apparatus for a refrigeration apparatus, comprising:

a housing including a housing base and a housing cover, wherein the housing cover includes an optical lens that guides and projects light generated by a lighting device to an outside of the housing, the optical lens protruding from the housing cover;

a lighting device held inside the housing;

an input electrical connection device connected to the lighting device for powering the lighting device;

an output electrical connection means for connecting another modular lighting device, the output electrical connection means being connected to a power supply of the lighting device, thereby forming a parallel circuit with respect to the lighting device;

an integrally formed detachable fastening means including a pair of mounting elements by which the detachable fastening means is mounted to a lower surface of the housing base;

wherein the lower surface of the housing base includes a pair of coupling means extending therein to form a pair of channel-shaped conduits, wherein the mounting elements of the fastening means are adapted to be mounted in the channel-shaped conduits.

2. A modular lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting means comprises an array of at least one light emitting diode, LED, mounted on a PCB, and voltage regulating means for providing power from the input electrical connection means.

3. The modular lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing base further comprises a pair of apertures, wherein the input electrical connection means and the output electrical connection means are directed into the housing for electrical connection with the lighting means.

4. The modular lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical lens is coupled between a lower surface of the housing cover and the lighting device.

5. The modular lighting device of claim 1, wherein the optical lens and the housing cover are integral.

6. The modular lighting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the size and shape of the optical lens is dependent on the number of LEDs of the lighting device.

7. The modular lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input electrical connection means comprises an electrical conductor, wherein one end of the electrical conductor is connected to the lighting apparatus and the electrical conductor has a connector at an opposite end for coupling with another connector provided by a power source or another modular lighting apparatus.

8. The modular lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the output electrical connection means comprises an electrical conductor, wherein one end of the electrical conductor is connected to a power source of the lighting apparatus of the modular apparatus and the electrical conductor has a connector at an opposite end for coupling with a connector from another modular lighting apparatus.

9. The modular lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable fastening means further comprises a pair of fastening elements that fit any bead perimeter frame, channel profile, valve, or wall of any refrigeration apparatus.

10. The modular lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing base includes a pair of apertures, wherein ends of the input and output electrical connections are introduced into the housing for electrical connection with the lighting device.

11. The modular lighting device of claim 1, wherein the housing base comprises: an inner peripheral wall that accommodates the lighting device therein; an outer peripheral wall extending around the first inner peripheral wall; and a peripheral groove separating the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall.

12. The modular lighting device of claim 11, wherein the housing cover fits and inserts into the peripheral groove formed by the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall of the housing base.

13. A modular lighting system comprising at least two modular lighting devices according to claim 1.