This invention relates to a lighting device according to the preamble of claim 1 . In particular, the invention relates to a lighting device for a bathroom mirror.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backlighting of bathroom mirrors is known from e.g. US2007/021 1452. A light source is provided in a support structure behind the mirror glass and the light is allowed to pass through the glass panel via openings in the reflecting layer provided onto the glass.

The sealing of the lighting electronics, which is necessary for use in a humid space such as a bathroom, is arranged behind the mirror glass in US2007/021 1452 so as to allow exchange of the mirror glass without having to break the sealing.

Although devices of the type exemplified in US2007/021 1452 generally provides for a better lighting than traditional non-backlighting lighting designs, there is a desire for more modern solutions that are adapted to the state-of- the-art electronics and that have even better lighting capabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide a lighting device for use with e.g. bathroom mirrors that exhibits various improved features compared to known lighting devices. This object is achieved by the device defined in independent claim 1 . The dependent claims contain advantageous embodiments, further developments and variants of the invention. The invention concerns a lighting device for wall mounting, said lighting device having an inner side intended to face the wall and an outer side intended to face away from the wall, wherein the lighting device comprises: an electrical light source; an outer plate having one or several regions configured to be translucent or transparent to light; and a support structure configured to hold the light source and the outer plate in place and to allow the lighting device to be mounted to the wall. The lighting device is configured to direct light emitted from the light source in an outwards direction through the translucent/transparent regions of the outer plate, and the outer plate is detachably connectable to the support structure.

The invention is characterized in that the lighting device further comprises a translucent/transparent light distribution plate that extends in a plane at an inside of the outer plate when the outer plate is connected to the support structure, wherein the light source is arranged at an edge of the light distribution plate so as to direct light into the light distribution plate via said edge, wherein the support structure comprises a first frame element extending along said edge of the light distribution plate, and wherein the light source and the edge of the light distribution plate are arranged in a slot provided in the frame element.

Such a design has several advantageous effects. The use of a light distribution plate makes it possible to achieve a uniform distribution of light and since the light source is placed at the side thereof the device can be made thinner than if the light source is placed behind the mirror glass, i.e. between the glass and the wall. Such a design is also suitable for making use of a LED-strip containing a number of LEDs distributed over the strip arranged along the edge of the light distribution plate. A light source distributed in such a way along the edge or, even better, along opposite edges makes the light distribution even more uniform. Light distribution plates are known as such. The light enters the plate sideways in the direction of the plane of the plate, distributes in the plate, deflects towards the outer plate, typically a mirror glass panel, and goes in an outwards direction through the translucent/transparent regions of the outer plate. To improve the light distribution plate's capability to direct light out through its front side towards the outer plate, the bottom/inside of the light distribution plate can be provided with e.g. etched lines or printed dots, or particulates can be added to the plate itself (which usually is made of PMMA). Some light is directed out through the front side of the light distribution plate also without etched lines etc., for instance because of impurities present in the PMMA material or because of (slight) density variations in the material.

The slot arranged in the frame element is advantageous for housing the light source and the edge of the light distribution plate and for holding these components in place. In addition, this design is advantageous for arranging a sealing inside or adjacent to the slot of the frame element for protection against intrusion of water and other material or objects so as to form a safe electrical enclosure for the light source (such as protection class IP44). For instance, a transparent or translucent sealing can be arranged between the light source and the edge of the light distribution plate inside the slot.

Typically, the outer plate is a mirror glass panel comprising a reflective metal layer that has been removed over some region(s) to allow the light to pass through. As an alternative or complement to the reflective metal film, the outer plate may be provided with a picture, a painting or similar. Such picture or painting may contain parts that to some degree allows light to pass and such parts may form the one or several regions configured to be translucent or transparent to light.

In an embodiment of the invention the support structure comprises an outer element connected to the outer plate, wherein the outer element is configured to be detachably connectable to the frame element. This enables an efficient connection (and disconnection) with high strength and appealing appearance. The outer element may, for instance, be arranged to be inserted into the frame element along its direction of extension.

In an embodiment of the invention the frame element and the outer element are provided with a connection arrangement comprising a first connection part that extends along the frame element and a second connection part arranged on the outer element, wherein the second connection part fits into or onto the first connection part in such a way that the outer element can be attached to or detached from the frame element by sliding the outer element along the frame element.

In an embodiment of the invention the support structure comprises a second frame element extending along an edge of the light distribution plate opposite to that of the first frame element, wherein the support structure further comprises at least one inner element that connects the first and second frame elements. Preferably, the inner element is arranged on an inner side of the light distribution plate. Preferably, the light distribution plate has an upper and a lower edge, as e.g. a substantially rectangular light distribution plate, wherein the first and second frame elements are arranged at said upper and lower edges. The at least one supporting inner element, preferably at least two, can thus extend vertically between the two frame elements. This way it is possible to provide a support structure with high strength, and having substantially horizontal frame elements makes it more easy to hold the light distribution plate in place (since the plate can "rest" on the edge placed in the slot of the lower frame element). However, the support structure can be provided with a sufficient strength so that the lighting device can be mounted to the wall with the first and second frame elements forming more or less vertical elements at the left and right edges of the light distribution plate (instead of forming horizontal elements at the top and bottom of the plate). Preferably, the second frame element is arranged in the same way as the first frame element, which for instance means that a further light source is arranged in a slot provided in the second frame element, where the light source is arranged to direct light into the light distribution plate via the edge opposite to that of the first frame member. Besides providing for good support of the light distribution plate, this provides for a very uniform distribution of light over the light distribution plate, due to the arrangement of light sources at opposite edges. As a consequence, the light is also very evenly distributed over the outer plate.

In an embodiment of the invention the light distribution plate has a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the first and second frame elements are arranged along a lower and an upper edge of the light distribution plate. In an embodiment of the invention the device comprises a sealing configured to provide an electrical enclosure for the light source. Preferably, the sealing is configured to allow use of the device in bathrooms and similar spaces. IP44 is usually the required protection class for such applications. Although the device may be used in other less humid places with a lower requirement for electrical sealing, such as in living rooms or hotel foyers, the inventive device is particularly suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens, etc., which require a proper electrical sealing.

The sealing is arranged in connection to the frame element and the light distribution plate so that the outer plate can be attached and detached to the device without having to break or even pay attention to the sealing. This way it is possible to mount the "chassis" of the device to the wall in a first pre- installation step, i.e. the parts of the support structure holding the light distribution plate, the light source and the electronic components for connecting the light source to a power supply, and install the outer plate in a later stage. For instance, the pre-installation can be carried out by a building construction company and the particular selection of outer plate design can be done later by the persons who will live in the house or apartment. Also, the outer plate can easily be exchanged, even in a bathroom application.

The chassis is preferably designed in such a way as to prevent manipulation of the sealing. The sealing is made in the factory under strict product quality control and the sealing should not be broken etc. when the chassis product has left the factory.

In an embodiment of the invention the sealing is translucent/transparent and arranged between the light source and the edge of the light distribution plate. Preferably, the sealing extends along and around the edge of the light distribution plate. A conventional sealing is generally non-transparent and cannot be arranged between the light source and the edge of the light distribution plate.

In an embodiment of the invention the sealing is arranged inside the slot of the frame element. The sealing is thereby covered and protected by the frame element. In an embodiment of the invention the slot is provided with a space adapted to the size and outer shape of the sealing so as to keep the sealing in place. This dispenses with the need for adhesives etc. to fix the sealing and provides for a time-efficient installation of the sealing. Further, this way it becomes possible to arrange the electronic sealing in the frame element (with the light source arranged below/inside of the sealing) and let the sealing seal against the frame element. This simplifies the structure and the manufacture of the device compared to letting the sealing seal only against the light distribution plate. Moreover, by carefully designing and manufacturing the space and the sealing with small tolerances so that the sealing fits precisely into the space, a sealing made of a rather stiff material can be used (in contrast to a conventional sealing where a flexible material such as rubber is to be somewhat compressed and thus needs a pressure to provide a good sealing effect). The possibility to use a stiffer material has the advantages that i) it makes installation of the sealing easier (e.g. in the case where the frame element is of an extruded profile type where the sealing is to be inserted from an end of the frame), ii) it makes it easier to find a material with suitable optical properties, and iii) a stiffer material can be used not only for sealing but also for supporting (part of) the weight of e.g. the light distribution plate. In an embodiment of the invention the sealing has an H-shaped cross- section, wherein the horizontal part of the H is located between the light source and the edge of the light distribution plate. The four end parts of the four "legs" of the H, as well as the outer sides of the H, are suitable for being used as sealing surfaces against surfaces inside the frame element. Preferably, the edge of the light distribution plate is arranged onto the horizontal part of the H, or at least with its edge located close to and directed towards the horizontal part of the H. One pair of the spaced-apart "legs" projecting from the horizontal part of the H is preferably arranged so as to extend somewhat along opposite sides of the light distribution plate. Accordingly, the edge of the light distribution plate is positioned in a U- shaped part of the H-shaped sealing. In an alternative example, the sealing has a U-shaped cross-section, where the edge of the light distribution plate is arranged in the "bottom" of the U. In an embodiment of the invention the sealing is made of polycarbonate.

In an embodiment of the invention the first frame element has an elongated shape and has a cross-section that is substantially the same along its longitudinal axis. Typically, the frame element is an extruded aluminium profile. In an embodiment of the invention an inner side of the first frame element is provided with an opening configured to receive a fastening element for connecting the supporting inner element to the frame element. This could be a circular hole configured to receive a screw. In an extruded profile, the opening extends along the entire frame element. In such a case the width of the elongated opening is configured to receive a screw for fastening the supporting inner element.

In an embodiment of the invention the outer plate and the light distribution plate are substantially parallel to each other, when the outer plate is connected to the support structure.

In an embodiment of the invention the outer plate, when connected to the support structure, substantially covers the light distribution plate.

In an embodiment of the invention the outer plate is made of glass.

In an embodiment of the invention the light distribution plate is made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Preferably, the light distribution plate is configured to direct transversally directed light out through its front side towards the outer plate.

In an embodiment of the invention the outer plate has one or several regions provided with a layer configured to reflect light directed inwardly towards the outer plate so as to function as a mirror.

In an embodiment of the invention the light source comprises a plurality of light sources distributed along the edge of the light distribution plate. Preferably, the light source comprises a LED-strip or similar with a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) distributed along the strip. The strip is preferably a form of elongated printed circuit card with LEDs and connections arranged in the card. Such circuit cards are stiff and can be inserted from an end of the frame into a channel, slit or similar extending along the frame profile, preferably along a bottom of the slot arranged in the frame profile.

In an embodiment of the invention the lighting device comprises a protection and reflection plate arranged on the inner side of the light distribution plate. A purpose of this plate is to protect the inner side of the light distribution plate from impacts etc. Another purpose is to reflect light that is directed inwards. The surface of the protection and reflection plate, at least the surface facing the light distribution plate, exhibits light reflective properties. The plate can be made of plastics or metal and may be white to reduce absorption of light and increase reflection. Preferably, the protection plate is arranged adjacent to the light distribution plate with an edge aligned with the edge of the light distribution plate, and with both edges arranged along with each other in the slot provided in the frame element.

The protection and reflection plate may comprise two (or more) parts/plates/layers, such as a rear/inner plate with the main purpose of protecting the light distribution plate and a front/outer plate/layer with the main purpose of reflecting light. The device can thus comprise a protection plate and a reflective plate/layer that form separate components. In a variant where the device does not comprise any protection plate, the device can still be provided with a reflective plate/layer arranged at the inner side of the light distribution layer. The reflective layer may be a white plastic film that preferably is adhesively attached to a more shape-resistant inner protection plate. In some applications it is an advantage if the reflective layer is somewhat smaller than the light distribution plate (and also smaller than the protection plate if the protection and light distribution plates have the same size) so that the reflective layer ends at a distance from the slot and sealing in the frame element. Thereby the reflective layer will not have any effect on the sealing properties of the device. The reflective layer can be designed so that light is allowed to pass in an inwards direction of the device. This can be used for lighting up the wall onto which the device is attached. The reflective layer can for instance be smaller than the light distribution plate so that an area extending along one or more of the frame elements and sides of the device becomes free from the reflective material so as to allow inwardly directed light to pass (and so as to, at the same time, avoid that the reflective layer comes too close to the slot and sealing in the frame element, see above). As a complement or alternative, openings can be arranged in the reflective layer. In case a protection plate is arranged on the inside of the reflective layer it is possible to make use of a (plastic) protection plate that exhibits at least some translucency. At least some of the light that is directed inwards from the light distribution plate will then pass beside the reflective layer and through the protection plate towards the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the description of the invention given below reference is made to the following figure, in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the lighting device mounted onto a wall in a bathroom,

Figure 2 shows, in a perspective view, an outer front side of the lighting device of figure 1 ,

Figure 3 shows, in a perspective view, an inner rear side of the lighting device of figure 1 ,

Figure 4a shows an exploded view of the inner, wall-mounted parts of the lighting device of figures 1 -3,

Figure 4b shows an exploded view of an outer component of the lighting device of figures 1 -3,

Figure 5 shows the connection of the outer component of figure 4b to the inner, wall mounted parts of figure 4a, shows a vertical cross section of the lighting device of figures 1 - 3, including a magnified view of a lower part of the lighting device, and

shows a sectional view of a lower corner of the lighting device of figures 1 -3.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows, in a perspective view, an embodiment of a lighting device 1 mounted onto a wall 40 above a sink 41 in a bathroom 42. In this example the lighting device 1 is a lighted bathroom mirror.

Figure 2 shows, in a perspective view, an outer front side of the lighting device 1 of figure 1 . The outer side is substantially covered by an outer plate or panel 7 that is made of transparent glass and that has a metallic light- reflecting layer provided onto its back (inner) side so as to function as a mirror. The outer plate 7 has, in this example, one frame-like region 2 that is transparent to light and a central region 3 functioning as the mirror. That is, only the central region 3 is provided with the metallic light-reflecting layer. As will described below, light is directed in an outwards direction through the frame-like region 2 such as to illuminate a person in front of the mirror.

Various shapes and designs are possible for the transparent and the reflecting regions 2, 3. For instance, one can start out from a mirror panel fully covered with a reflective layer on its backside and blast any regions, pattern, text, logo etc. in the reflective layer so as to remove the reflective layer and make certain regions or a certain pattern etc. transparent. Figure 2 further shows a lower and upper outer element 4, 5 forming part of a support structure configured to hold e.g. a light source 10 (see figs. 6 and 7) and the outer plate 7 in place and to allow the lighting device 1 to be mounted to the wall 40. The outer elements 4, 5 are connected by gluing to the outer plate 7, and the outer element 7 is, via the outer elements 4, 5 detachably connectable to the support structure (see e.g. figure 5). Figure 2 also shows one of the end plates 6, the left one, that extends along the side of device 1 and is screwed into the support structure, namely into an end portion of the lower and upper frame elements 1 1 , 12 (see figure 5). A further end plate 6 is fixed in a similar way to the supporting structure on the opposite, right side of the device 1 (see figure 3). The end plates 6 provide side covers for the device 1 and also hold the outer plate 7 in place. The device 1 can be rotated 90 degrees and mounted to the wall with the end plates 6 located at the upper and lower sides of the device 1 instead of at the left and right sides as exemplified in the figures. As an alternative, four smaller end plates could be used, one at each end portion of each frame element 1 1 , 12.

Figure 3 shows, in a perspective view, an inner rear side of the lighting device 1 of figure 1 . The main plate intended to face inwards towards the wall 40 is a protection and reflection plate 8, the purpose of which is to protect a light distribution plate 9 arranged adjacent to the protection plate 8 (see fig. 6) and to reflect light that is directed inwards. The light distribution plate 9 and the protection and reflection plate 8 (in the following generally referred to as "protection plate") have the same size (but not the same thickness). Figure 3 further shows the following parts of the support structure: a lower and upper frame element 1 1 , 12 and a first and second inner element 13, 14 that connect the lower and upper frame elements 1 1 , 12 on the inner side of the light distribution plate 9 and the protection plate 8. As will be described in more detail below, the light distribution plate 9 and the protection plate 8 are attached to the lower and upper frame elements 1 1 , 12, which in turn are connected and held together by the first and second inner elements 13, 14, which thus hold the device 1 together and provides for connection to the wall 40. The lower and upper frame elements 1 1 , 12 extend along opposite edges of the combined protection plate 8 and light distribution plate 9.

The upper frame element 12 is in figure 3 covered by small cover plates screwed into the element 12. Similar cover plates may be attached to the lower frame element 1 1 .

Figure 3 further shows some screws and holes for attaching the inner elements 13, 14 to supporting screws in the wall 40, and also a box 15 containing electronic components for connecting the light source 10 to a power outlet and for electronic surveillance of the device 1 . Electrical cables etc. are not shown in the figures. The electronics box 15 is configured to exhibit protection class IP44, as also the cable connections to the box 15 and to the light source 10.

An additional supporting inner element 16 that connects the lower and upper frame elements 1 1 , 12 is provided between the first and second inner elements 13, 14. Figure 4a shows an exploded view of the inner, wall-mounted parts of the lighting device of figures 1 -3. To assemble these inner parts of the device 1 , the lower and upper frame elements 1 1 , 12 are arranged on the lower and upper parts of light distribution plate 9 and protection plate 8 by inserting a lower and an upper edge of these plates 8, 9 into a slot 20 of frame elements 1 1 , 12 (see also fig. 6). Thereafter, the inner elements 13, 14 are connected to the frame elements 1 1 , 12 by screwing into an elongated opening 26 that extends along each of the frame elements 1 1 , 12 at a backside thereof (see fig. 6). The slot 20 contains also the light source 10 and a sealing 22 arranged to provide an electronic enclosure for the light source and its electrical connections (see fig. 6). The light source 10 and the sealing 22 are arranged in the slot 20 before inserting the corresponding edge of the plates 8, 9 into the slot 20.

The frame elements 1 1 , 12 are extruded aluminium profiles and exhibit accordingly a cross section that is the same along the profile.

The parts of the device 1 shown in figure 4a may be called the chassis of the lighting device 1 . This chassis can be pre-fabricated at a production site, which both provides for an efficient manufacture and makes it possible to ensure the quality of the chassis in particular with regard to the electronic sealing of the light source 10. The chassis is not intended to be dissembled after having left the production site. The prefabricated chassis can be mounted to the wall and be electrically connected. The outer plate 7 can be attached to the chassis at a later stage.

Figure 4b shows an exploded view of an outer component of the lighting device of figures 1 -3. This outer component comprises the outer plate 7, the mirror panel, and the supporting lower and upper outer elements 4, 5 that are glued to the outer plate 7 at a lower and upper edge thereof. Also the lower and upper outer elements 4, 5 are extruded aluminium profiles and exhibit accordingly a cross section that is the same along the profile.

Figure 5 shows the connection of the outer component of figure 4b to the inner wall-mounted parts of figure 4a. A protrusion 23 that extends along each of the outer elements 4, 5 fits into a corresponding opening 24 that extends along each of the frame elements 1 1 , 12 (see fig. 6) so that the outer plate 7 can be connected to the chassis by inserting the protrusions 23 of the outer elements 4, 5 into the openings 24 of the frame elements 1 1 , 12 and sliding the outer plate 7 (and the outer elements 4, 5) sideways as indicated by the arrows in figure 5. In a last step, the left end plate 6 is attached. To remove the outer plate 7, typically for replacing it for another design or because it is broken, the end plate 6 is removed on one side of the device 1 followed by sliding the outer plate 7 sideways to disconnect the outer elements 4, 5 from the frame elements 1 1 , 12.

Figure 6 shows a vertical cross section of the lighting device of figures 1 -3, including a magnified view of a lower part of the lighting device 1 . The cross section is taken along the left supporting inner element 14 and thus also through the electronic box 15 (the details inside the box 15 are not shown).

The magnified view in figure 6 shows a cross section of the lower frame element 1 1 and how the various parts of the device 1 are connected to and arranged in the lower frame element 1 1 . The parts, arrangements, connections etc. are similar at the upper frame element 12 (but mirror- inverted). The description below is directed to the lower part of the device 1 (including e.g. the lower frame element 1 1 ) but holds also for the upper part of the device (including e.g. the upper frame element 12).

The inner side of the lower frame element 1 1 (left side in figure 6) is provided with the elongated opening 26. A screw 27 for holding the inner element 14 is fastened into the elongated opening 26.

The light source 10 is in this case a LED strip in the form of an elongated printed circuit board that is arranged in an open channel in the bottom of the slot 20 in the lower frame element 1 1 . The LED strip is provided with a plurality of LEDs distributed along the strip (see also fig. 7). The LED strip can be inserted in the channel from an end of the frame element 1 1 . After insertion the LED strip stays in place by the walls of the channel. The strip contains conductive tracks for connecting the individual LEDs and connections for connecting the strip to cables in turn connected to the electronic box 15. A sealing 22 with an H-shaped cross section is provided in the slot 20 of the lower frame element 1 1 and provides an electrical enclosure (IP44) for the light source 10. Thus, all electronic components of the device 1 are configured to be used in a bathroom mirror application. The sealing 22 extends along the frame element 1 1. The sealing 22 is arranged so that the central horizontal part of the H-shaped sealing 22 is positioned horizontally (when the device 1 is mounted to the wall 40) with a lower side facing downwards towards the LED strip 10 and un upper side facing the edge of the light distribution plate 9 (and the edge of the protection plate 8). As shown in figure 6, the slot 10 is provided with a space adapted to the size and outer shape of the sealing 22 so as to keep the sealing in place. The sealing 22 seals against the walls and bottom of the slot 20 so as to form the electrical enclosure for the light source 10 arranged below the sealing 22. (The light source 10 is of course arranged above the sealing 22 in the corresponding slot 20 in the upper frame element 12).

The light distribution plate 9 (and the protection plate 8) is inserted into the slot 20 so that the edge of the light distribution plate 9 (and the edge of the protection plate 8) becomes positioned at a distance from the opening of the slot 20. In this example, the edges of the two plates 8, 9 are placed onto the horizontal part of the H-shaped sealing 22 between one of pair of "legs" of the H-shaped sealing 22.

The sealing 22, or in this case rather the horizontal part of the H-shaped sealing 22, is thus arranged between the light source 10 and the edge of the light distribution plate 9. To allow light to pass, the sealing 22 is in this example made of transparent polycarbonate. The light source 10 is thus arranged at the edge of the light distribution plate 9 and is capable of directing light into the light distribution plate 9 via its edge.

When the outer plate 7 is connected to the support structure, i.e. when the outer elements 4, 5 are connected to the corresponding frame elements 1 1 , 12, the transparent light distribution plate 9 extends in a plane at an inside of the outer plate 7.

When the light source 10 is switched on, light is emitted in a direction towards the edge of the light distribution plate 9. As indicated by the arrows in the magnified view of figure 6, the light passes through the transparent sealing 22 (or at least through the part of the sealing 22 arranged between the light source 10 and said edge) and enters sideways into the light distribution plate 9, wherein the light is deflected in an outwards direction towards the outer plate 7. Light that is deflected in an inwards direction is reflected outwards at the surface of the protection plate 8. (Depending on the design of the reflective layer and the translucency of the protection plate 8 some of the inwardly directed light may be allowed to pass for the purpose of lighting up the wall 40.) The light becomes evenly distributed in the light distribution plate 9, in particular because the light sources are distributed along opposite edges of the light distribution plate 9, and the light directed towards the outer plate 7 therefore also becomes evenly distributed. Accordingly, the light passing out through the transparent region 2 of the outer plate 7 is also evenly distributed.

Figure 6 shows further that, as mentioned in relation to figure 5, each of the outer elements 4, 5 is provided with a protrusion 23 that extends along the outer element 4, 5 and fits into the corresponding opening 24 extending along each of the frame elements 1 1 , 12. As shown in figure 6, the outer plate 7, to which the outer elements 4, 5 are glued, can be connected to the corresponding frame element 1 1 , 12 by inserting the protrusions 23 of the outer elements 4, 5 into the corresponding openings 24 of the frame elements 1 1 , 12 sideways from an end position. The protrusion 23 and receiving opening 24 are arranged in such a way that when the protrusion 23 is fitted into the opening 24, the frame and outer elements cannot be separated in a direction away from each other (i.e. outwards from the wall 40) but only by a motion sideways in relation to each other (i.e. along the frame and outer elements).

The frame elements 1 1 , 12 are further provided with a number of openings, the purpose of which are to prevent too large material thickness, or at least a too large variation in thickness, of the frame elements 1 1 , 12. This is related to the production method (extrusion in this case). If the thickness of the material is too large or varies too much, the shape of the element can be affected during cooling of the component. Examples of such openings are the round centrally located part of the opening 26 and the opening on the underside of the lower frame element 1 1 . Also the outer element 4 is provided with such a material thickness reducing opening (in the protruding part 23 that fits into the recess 24 of the frame element 1 1 ). Figure 7 shows a sectional view of a lower corner of the lighting device 1 of figures 1 -3. Figure 7 shows, for instance, that the light source 10 comprises a plurality of LEDs distributed along the strip extending along (below) the edge of the light distribution plate 9). The nearest outer half of the sealing 22 has been removed in figure 7; the inner half end part of the sealing 22 is shown to the left in figure 7 and a section through the nearest outer half is shown to the right.

From e.g. figures 4b and 5 it can be seen that the light distribution plate 9 has a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the first and second frame elements 1 1 , 12 are arranged along a lower and an upper edge of the light distribution plate 9.

From e.g. figures 5-7 it can be seen that the outer plate 7 and the light distribution plate 9 are substantially parallel to each other, when the outer plate 7 is connected to the support structure (i.e. to the frame elements 1 1 , 12). It can also be seen that the outer plate 7, when connected to the support structure, substantially covers the light distribution plate 9. In this example, the outer plate 7 is made of glass and the light distribution plate 9 is made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The supporting structure (inner elements, frame elements, outer elements) is made of aluminium.

The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims. For instance, the outer plate 7 and the light distribution plate 9 do not necessarily have to be fully transparent but could be translucent to a certain degree, and the transparency/translucency may vary over the area of the plates.

Further, it is not necessary to direct light into two opposite edges of the light distribution plate 9; in particular for smaller devices (smaller outer plates) it might be sufficient to provide a light source only at one edge of the plate 9. Irrespectively of the number and type of light source used, the light may be directed into the light distribution plate 9 by more indirect means than described above, e.g. via mirrors or light guides. As an alternative, the protruding part 23 can be arranged on the frame element 1 1 , 12 and the receiving opening 24 on the outer element 4, 5. As a further alternative the outer plate 7 may be connected to the support structure by other means, such as by using outer elements configured to be hooked onto the upper frame element 12.