BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a flush-mount lighting device, in particular a device provided with at least one LED light source and heat dissipating means for dissipating the heat produced by the LED source.

[0002] Specifically, but not exclusively, the invention can be applied to devise a lighting system that is flush-mounted inside a building element, for example a false ceiling, whereby the system, once it is installed in the building element (false ceiling) and is flush with the element itself, is no longer perceptible as a body that is distinct from the element but becomes an integral part thereof. [0003] The prior art comprises technical lighting systems, which are installable flush-mounted in a false ceiling, that have a hole, of the dimensions of a LED module (in particular about 20 mm), from which the light exits. Maintaining or repairing these known systems is nevertheless almost impossible, unless the false ceiling or a part thereof is broken, with the inconvenience that this entails. It is noted that, in order to extract the LED module in known systems, a hole has to be made in the false ceiling that is at least equal to the dimensions of the heat dissipator which is, normally, coupled with the LED module and is significantly larger than the LED module. [0004] It is also known, for maintaining some flush-mounted lighting systems in the false ceiling, for example in order to replace the LED module, to set up at least one inspection trapdoor, situated alongside the lighting system, to gain access behind the LED module, where the dissipator is housed. [0005] Various aspects of the prior-art lighting systems that are flush-mounted in the false ceiling are improvable. First, an improvement from the aesthetic point of view is desirable, avoiding setting up inspection trapdoors that are mostly displeasing to the eye, as well as entailing a certain complication in the construction of the false ceiling. It is further desirable to simplify maintenance tasks, in particular the tasks required to replace the LED source to avoid breakage of the false ceiling or of parts thereof. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One object of the invention is to devise a lighting device that is able to overcome one or more of the aforesaid limits and drawbacks of the prior art. [0007] One advantage is to provide a lighting device installable flush-mounted in an element of a building, for example a false ceiling.

[0008] One advantage is to make available a lighting device that can be recessed in a building element without requiring passages in the element, for example trapdoors or the like, for inspecting or maintaining the device.

[0009] One advantage is to simplify the operations that are necessary for maintaining the light source, for example replacing the light source. [0010] One advantage is enabling the lighting device to be installed flush- mounted simply and rapidly.

[0011] One advantage is ensuring the necessary dissipation of the heat generated by the light source (for example a LED source).

[0012] One advantage is to provide a constructionally simple and cheap lighting device.

[0013] Such objects and advantages and still others, are achieved by the lighting device according to one or more of the claims set out below.

[0014] In one embodiment, a lighting device comprises a light source connected to heat-dissipating means that can adopt a first configuration, in which the dissipating means is engaged with supporting means and the light source is in a work position in which it can emit light to the exterior through a hole of the device, and a second configuration, in which the dissipating means is disengaged from the supporting means and the light source can protrude through the hole outside the device and can be removed for maintenance. The supporting means may be fixed, in particular, to a flush-mount body on which the light outlet hole is obtained. The flush-mount body may be configured to have, in use, a side that is flush with a visible surface of an external element (false ceiling). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the enclosed embodiments that illustrate one embodiment thereof by way of non- limiting example.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lighting device made according to the invention.

[0017] Figure 2 is a side view of the device of figure 1. [0018] Figure 3 is a top view of figure 2.

[0019] Figure 4 is a bottom view of figure 2. [0020] Figure 5 is the section V-V of figure 3 with the device in a different operating configuration from figure 2.

[0021] Figure 6 is the section of figure 5 with a part of the lighting device separated from the rest of the device.

[0022] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the device of figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0023] With reference to the aforesaid figures, overall with 1 a flush-mount lighting device has been indicated, which is in particular suitable for flush-mounted installation within a building element, for example within a false ceiling.

[0024] The lighting device 1 may comprise, in particular, at least one flush- mount body 2 that is intended to be installed in the thickness of an external element (false ceiling), flush with an external surface of the element, to become an integral part thereof, the presence of the flush-mount body 2 that is distinct from the external element (false ceiling) no longer being perceptible by an observer.

[0025] The flush-mount body 2 may be made, as in the specific case, in a single body, in particular in AirCoral®. [0026] The flush-mount body 2 may have at least one visible side 3 and at least one hidden side, or rear side, opposite the visible side 3. The flush-mount body 2 may have, in particular, at least one through hole 4 that traverses the thickness of the body 2 between the visible side 3 and the hidden side. The hole 4 may be arranged in the centre of the flush-mount body 2 and have, for example, a diameter (for example around 20 mm) that is suitable for the passage of a LED light source.

[0027] The flush-mount body 2 may be shaped, as in this embodiment, to be arranged in the thickness of a false ceiling. The flush-mount body 2 may comprise, in particular, a (grooved) side surface 5 arranged between the visible side 3 and the rear hidden side. The visible side 3 may comprise a flat surface configured for being arranged, installed, flush-mounted with a flat visible surface of the false ceiling.

[0028] The lighting device 1 may comprise, as in this embodiment, at least one light source 6 arranged for emitting light that passes through the hole 4 and exits from the visible side 3. The light source 6 may comprise, in particular, at least a LED module 7 and a lens 8.

[0029] The lighting device 1 may comprise, as in this embodiment, dissipating means 9 arranged on the (rear) hidden side of the flush-mount body 2 to dissipate the heat generated by the light source 6. The dissipating means 9 is connected to the light source 6 (in particular to the LED module 7), as will be explained better further on in the description. The dissipating means 9 may be made of a metal material, for example made of aluminium. The dissipating means 9 may comprise, in particular, dissipating means of passive type. The dissipating means 9 may comprise, in particular, at least one finned metal body.

[0030] The lighting device 1 may comprise, as in this embodiment, supporting means 10 fixed to the flush-mount body 2. This supporting means 10 may comprise, in particular, a frame (for example an element in the shape of an upturned U) having two (vertical) side portions 11 fixed to the flush-mount body 2 and a (horizontal) transverse central portion 12 arranged between (above) the two side portions 11. The supporting means 10 may be fixed integrally to the flush-mount body 2. In particular, the supporting means 10 may have at least one portion embedded in the material of the flush-mount body 2. In the specific case, the upturned U frame of the supporting means is co-extruded with the flush-mount body 2 (made of AirCoral®). In the specific case, the two side portions 11 of the frame each have, a (drilled) end portion embedded in the material of the flush-mount body 2.

[0031] The lighting device 1 may comprise, as in this embodiment, engaging means 13 arranged for engaging the dissipating means 9 with the supporting means 10 in a removable manner. The engaging means 13 may be, for example, of the push- push type, i.e. drivable, both in engaging and in disengaging, by pressing on the dissipating means 9, in particular, as in this case, by pressing directly on the light source 6. The engaging means 13 of the push-push type may comprise, as in this embodiment, at least one coupling between an inlet tooth 14 and a cavity 15 obtained in an elastically deformable body. The inlet tooth 14 may be fixed to the dissipating means 9 and the body in which the cavity is obtained 15 may be fixed to the supporting means 10, as in this case, or vice versa.

[0032] The dissipating means 9 may adopt, in particular, at least one first configuration (figures 1 and 2, work configuration) and at least one second configuration (figures 5 and 6, maintenance configuration). In the first configuration, the engaging means 13 is in the engaging position so as to engage the dissipating means 9 with the supporting means 10, so that the light source 6 is located in a work position in which it is inside the hole 4 and can thus emit at least one beam of light that exits, through the hole 4, from the visible side 3 of the flush-mount body 2. In the second configuration, the engaging means 13 is in the disengaged position, such that the dissipating means 9 is not engaged with the supporting means 10, so that the light source 6 can be located in a maintenance position at least partially outside the hole 4 (figure 5) and can be easily removed (figure 6) manually by an operator.

[0033] In the specific example, the dissipating means 9 comprises at least two portions, in particular a first portion 16 and a second portion 17 connected together by removable connecting means. The removable connecting means 18 may comprise, as in this embodiment, screw connecting means.

[0034] The first portion 16 may have, in particular, at least one diameter that is greater than a maximum diameter of the hole 4. The first portion 16 may carry, as in this embodiment, at least one part of the engaging means 13 (in particular the inlet tooth 14). The first portion 16 may comprise a metal body, for example made of aluminium, provided with flaps. The second portion 17 may be sized, as in this embodiment, to pass through the hole 4. The second portion 17 may carry, in particular, the light source 6. The second portion 17 may comprise, in particular, a (cylindrical) metal body, for example made of aluminium, with a threaded portion for a screw connection with the first portion 16.

[0035] The lighting device 1 may comprise, as in this embodiment, one or more electrical contacts 19, for example in the form of a wire (in particular a metal wire, for example a gold wire). Each (appropriately insulated) electrical contact 19 may be arranged, as in this embodiment, in a corresponding hole obtained in the second portion 17 of the dissipating means. Each electrical contact 19 may have, in particular, a first end connected to the light source 6 (in particular to the LED module 7) and a second end (opposite the first end) that exits from the second portion 17 to connect to light source 6 supply means. In particular, the second end of each electrical contact 19 may be in contact with a sliding track arranged on a card 20 (that is part of the lighting device 1 and is mounted on the dissipating means 9) that may be connected to electric supply means of the light source 6. [0036] The lighting device 1 may comprise, as in this embodiment, thermoconductive paste interposed between the first portion 16 and the second portion 17 to promote thermal conduction between these dissipator portions.

[0037] The lighting device 1 may comprise, as in this embodiment, elastic means 21 interposed between the dissipating means 9 and the supporting means 10 to push the dissipating means 9 to the second configuration (downwards), once the dissipating means 9 have been disengaged from the supporting means 10.

[0038] The dissipating means 9 may be movable, in particular between the first configuration and the second configuration, along sliding guide means 22 that are integral with the supporting means 10 and/or the flush-mount body 2. The guide means 22 may comprise, for example, at least one sliding rod (two rods in the specific example). Each sliding rod may be inserted (for example with a screw coupling with plug) in a corresponding hole obtained in the thickness of the flush- mount body 2, as in the specific case and be fixed, for example, to the (upper) central portion 12 of the supporting means 10.

[0039] The lighting device 1 may comprise, as in this embodiment, supporting means 23 for securing the device 1 to the external element (false ceiling). This supporting means 23 may comprise, in particular, (microperforated) fin or bracket means that protrudes laterally from the flush-mount body 2 (above the grooved side surface 5). The supporting means 23 may rest on an upper side of the false ceiling to enable the entire device 1 to be fitted to the false ceiling. [0040] The (passive) dissipating means 9 does not basically require any maintenance. In use, the dissipating means 9 may be disengaged from the supporting means 10 to be able to slide (downwards) along the guide means 22. The dissipating means 9 (which carries the light source 6) may move downwards through the effect of its weight and/or pushed by the elastic means 21. Engaging and disengaging the dissipating means 9 is permitted, in this case, by virtue of the engaging means 13 (of the push-push type) having at least one part secured to the (upper) central portion 12 of the supporting means 10. The dissipating means 9 may be disengaged simply by pushing the dissipating means 9 upwards, for example by inserting a finger or an instrument from the exterior through the hole 4. The dissipating means 9 may be engaged in the same manner by pushing the dissipating means 9 upwards, still passing through the hole 4. [0041] The second portion 17 (which is narrower and smaller than the first portion 16) of the dissipating means 9 may comprise, substantially, a (cylindrical) threaded aluminium extension that may be easily unscrewed and screwed to the first portion 16 (wider and more voluminous than the second portion 17), so as to enable maintenance to be performed on the light source 6 carried by the second portion 17, for example replacement of the LED module 7 and/or of the lens 8.

[0042] When the dissipating means 9 is disengaged (from the supporting means 10) by pressing upwards through the hole 4, it descends downwards so that the light source 6, carried by the second portion 17 of the dissipating means 9, exits the visible side 3 of the flush-mount body 2 through the hole 4 (figure 5), to facilitate the access of an operator to perform maintenance, in particular remove the second portion 17 and the light source 6 (figure 6). The second portion 17 and/or the light source 6 can in fact be easily grasped to unscrew the second portion 17, remove the second portion 17 completely from the hole 4 and retighten the second portion 17 after maintenance.

[0043] The thermoconductive pasty means arranged between the first and the second portion 16 and 17 of the dissipating means 9 permits excellent thermal conduction of the LED module 7 to the (larger) second portion 16 of the dissipating means 9.

[0044] When the second portion 17 of the dissipating means 9 is screwed on the first portion 16, each electrical contact 19 can slide on the card 20, which may be provided with a sliding track for each electrical contact 19 and on which the supply driver for the LED module 7 is arranged.