TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a lighting fixture for lighting a room and for detecting smoke in the room, more particularly a lighting fixture with a concealed integrated smoke detector.

In a second aspect, the invention also relates to a method for lighting and protecting a room in a building against fire.

PRIOR ART

Such a lighting fixture is known, among others, from US 9 989 241 (US '241). US '241 discloses an integrated ceiling device with a mechanical arrangement for a light source. The mechanical device comprises a housing, a heat dissipating structure and support arms. The housing is configured to receive an electronic assembly, such as a smoke detector, for example. The heat-dissipating structure comprises a lamp seat for accommodating a light source and a central opening surrounded by fins. The support arms extend between and connect the housing to the heat-dissipating structure. The housing is positioned within the central opening and is placed at a distance from the fins of the heat-dissipating structure to allow for free airflow in an air gap between the housing and the heat-dissipating structure. The electronic assembly can contain a number of elements that are retained in the housing and are placed at a distance from the heat-dissipating structure. Such an element can be a smoke detector.

The smoke detector in the ceiling device described in US '241 is centrally located and is spatially separated from the light sources to prevent negative influence by heat from the light sources on the smoke detector and to ensure that smoke has free access to the smoke detector.

Therefore, it is not possible to hide the smoke detector and maintain robust and reliable smoke detection. The smoke detector is always visible or its presence is at least indicated by the presence of a central part. As a result, a person who wants to smoke in a non-permitted place in a building, for example, could cover the visually visible smoke detector with adhesive tape to avoid triggering a fire alarm. The adhesive tape is usually not removed afterwards, so that in the event of a fire the fire alarm is not activated or activated too late. A fixture with a hidden sensor is desirable for aesthetic and/or safety reasons. Another disadvantage of the ceiling device described in US '241 is the enormous size, due to the spatial separation, which makes these devices unsuitable for installation in, for example, a ceiling or wall. The enormous size indicates that the ceiling device may contain more than just light sources, which is again undesirable when a hidden smoke detector is required.

Similar fixtures are also described in CN 110 264 662, CN 210 004 22, CN 209 674 494, US 4 812 827, US 2022/065440 and DE 201 14 880, but they fail to sufficiently address all the aforementioned issues without causing substantial additional disadvantages.

The present invention aims to solve at least some of the above problems or drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a lighting fixture according to claim 1.

Such a lighting fixture is advantageous because the base of the lighting fixture comprises a second chamber, the smoke detector being placed in the second chamber. Because the light source is placed in a first chamber and the first chamber is placed on the base, the base with the smoke detector is largely hidden by the first chamber, which makes the smoke detector almost invisible from the room in which the lighting fixture is installed on a ceiling or wall. Due to the one or more air gaps in the circumference of the base, smoke can migrate from the room to the second chamber. The one or more air gaps are advantageous for distributing the sound signal of the smoke detector in the room.

Preferred forms of the lighting fixture are shown in claims 2 to 11.

A specific preferred form relates to a lighting fixture according to claim 4. An advantage of this preferred form is that the first part of the base is placed detachably in the tube of the mounting plate. This allows part of the base to be partially placed in the ceiling or wall. As a result, the second chamber can also be partially hidden in the ceiling or wall, and the smoke detector is even less visible. Because the one or more air gaps are comprised in the second part of the base, this does not affect the functioning of the smoke detector.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim 12.

This method has the advantage, among other things, that by installing the lighting fixture, a room in a building can be both illuminated and protected against fire, because a smoke detector is placed in a second chamber in the base of the lighting fixture. Because the light source is placed in a first chamber and the first chamber is placed on the base, the base with the smoke detector is largely hidden by the first chamber, which makes the smoke detector almost invisible from the room in which the lighting fixture is installed on a ceiling or wall. As a result, the chance of a person in the room noticing the smoke detector and then taping it off is very small. Due to the one or more air gaps in the base, smoke can migrate from the room to the second chamber. The one or more air gaps are advantageous for distributing the sound signal of the smoke detector in the room.

Preferred forms of the method are described in dependent claims 13 to 16.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use according to claim 17.

This use results in an advantageous fire protection of a room because a single lighting fixture provides both illumination and fire protection for a room. The smoke detector comprised in the lighting fixture is virtually invisible, so that there is only a very small chance that a person in the room notices the smoke detector and, for example, tapes it off, so that in the event of a fire the fire alarm would not go off or only go off too late. Another advantage is that hiding the smoke detector in the lighting fixture does not affect the correct functioning of the smoke detector.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a lighting fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention, without a mounting plate.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention, built into a ceiling.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention, without a mounting plate.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention, built into a ceiling.

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a lighting fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a third embodiment of the present invention, mounted on a ceiling.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a lighting fixture according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. For a better understanding of the description of the invention, the following terms are explained explicitly.

In this document, "a" and "the" refer to both the singular and the plural, unless the context presupposes otherwise. For example, "a segment" means one or more segments.

The terms "comprise", "comprising", "consist of", "consisting of", "provided with", "include", "including", "contain", "containing", are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of what follows, and which do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, characteristics, elements, members, steps, as known from or disclosed in the prior art.

Quoting numerical intervals by endpoints comprises all integers, fractions and/or real numbers between the endpoints, these endpoints included.

In the context of this text, LED means a Light Emitting Diode.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a lighting fixture for lighting a room and for detecting smoke in the room.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting fixture comprises a light source, a smoke detector, and a housing.

The light source comprises one or more LEDs. The light source is a single LED, powered directly from a mains voltage of 110 V to 230 V, such as a GU-10 LED for example. Alternatively, the LED is a low voltage LED, where the lighting fixture preferably comprises a built-in LED driver for supplying the low voltage.

The smoke detector is preferably a separate module with its own voltage source. The voltage source is preferably a battery, more preferably a lithium battery. Optionally, the smoke detector has a connection suitable for a mains voltage of 110 V to 230V. In that case, a battery remains designated as its own voltage source as emergency power in case the mains voltage fails. The smoke detector comprises a test button for testing the correct operation of the smoke detector, an indicator lamp for at least indicating the correct operation of the smoke detector and for displaying a status of the smoke detector's voltage source. The smoke detector comprises a sound source for producing an alarm signal. The smoke detector is preferably an optical smoke detector.

The housing is preferably a metal housing. The housing comprises a base for attaching the lighting fixture to or partially in a ceiling or to or partially in a wall. The base is therefore the part of the lighting fixture that is located near or partially in the ceiling or near or partially in the wall. The base is the part of the lighting fixture where a cable for supplying electrical voltage enters the housing. The base is preferably cylindrical or beam shaped. The base extends in a longitudinal direction. With a cylindrical base, an axis of the cylindrical shape is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base. A beam-shaped base comprises an axis of symmetry, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base. The housing comprises a first chamber. The light source is placed in the first chamber. The housing comprises an opening to the first chamber for emission of light from the light source. Preferably, the first chamber comprises a reflector for reflecting light from the light source to the opening. The first chamber is attached to the base. This means that the first chamber is located further than the base from the ceiling or wall, to which or in which the base is attached. The first chamber is preferably cylindrical or beam shaped. The first chamber preferably extends in a longitudinal direction. With a cylindrical first chamber, an axis of the cylindrical shape is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first chamber. A beam-shaped first chamber comprises an axis of symmetry, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first chamber. The first chamber, viewed according to the longitudinal direction of the base, is placed at least partially in front of the base. Preferably, the longitudinal direction of the base and the longitudinal direction of the first chamber are parallel. More preferably, the aforesaid axis of the cylindrical base or axis of symmetry of the beam-shaped base lie in the extension of the aforesaid axis of the cylindrical first chamber or axis of symmetry of the beam-shaped first chamber.

The base comprises a second chamber. A smoke detector is placed in the second chamber. The base comprises in a circumference of the base, formed by one or more side walls of the base, one or more air gaps. In the case of a beam-shaped base, the one or more side walls are side walls of a beam and, in the case of a cylindrical base, a cylinder wall. The one or more air gaps are, for example, a plurality of air gaps, each of which is separately located in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base, the plurality of air gaps preferably being equally spaced along the circumference of the base. The one or more air gaps are, for example, one or more annular air gaps or part of a ring along the circumference of the base.

The opening to the first chamber for emission of light from the light source is preferably located along the longitudinal direction of the base at a distance less than or equal to 5 times a largest dimension of the base, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, from a closest point of the one or more air gaps, more preferably at a distance less than or equal to 4 times the greatest dimension of the base in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, even more preferably at a distance less than or equal to 3.5 times the greatest dimension of the base in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and even more preferably at a distance less than or equal to 3 times the largest dimension of the base in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. This is advantageous because the one or more air gaps are concealed as well as possible when light is emitted by the light source.

Because the light source is placed in a first chamber and the first chamber is placed on the base, the base with the smoke detector is largely hidden by the first chamber, which makes the smoke detector almost invisible from the room in which the lighting fixture is installed on a ceiling or wall. As a result, there is a very small chance that a person notices the smoke detector and tapes off the smoke detector, so that in the event of a fire a fire alarm would not go off or would go off too late. Due to the one or more air gaps in the circumference of the base, smoke can migrate from the room to the second chamber. The one or more air gaps are advantageous for distributing the sound signal of the smoke detector in the room.

According to an embodiment, the first chamber has a cross-section, transverse to the axis of the first chamber, with a diagonal or diameter having a length at least equal to 40% of a length of a diagonal or diameter of a cross-section of the base, transverse to the axis of the base. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that with axis of the base is meant the said cylinder axis or axis of symmetry of the base and that with diagonal or diameter a diagonal of a rectangular section in the case of a beam shape and a diameter of a circular cross-section in the case of a cylindrical shape is meant. Preferably, the diagonal or diameter of the cross-section of the first chamber has a length that is at least equal to 60% of the length of the diagonal or diameter of the cross-section of the base, more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90% and even more preferably at least 100%. This embodiment is advantageous for hiding the base as completely as possible and thus the presence of a smoke detector in the base.

According to a preferred embodiment, the one or more air gaps have a total length equal to at least 30% of the circumference of the base, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80% and even more preferably at least 90%. This means that the length of the air gap or the combined length of all air gaps, in case there are a plurality of air gaps, is equal to at least 30% of a length of a circumference formed by the side walls of the base in a plane bisecting the base, where the plane is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the base. The circumference forms a closed figure in the plane. The applicant found that with such a total length for the one or more air gaps, there is no adverse effect on the operation of the smoke detector.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting fixture comprises a mounting plate. The mounting plate comprises an opening. The opening preferably has a diameter that, with a margin, corresponds to a diameter of the base of the lighting fixture. On a first side of the mounting plate there is a tube around the opening. The mounting plate is flat on a second side. The mounting plate preferably comprises screw holes for screwing the mounting plate to a wall or ceiling. The first side of the mounting plate preferably faces the ceiling or the wall. The tube is preferably located in the ceiling or in the wall. The mounting plate preferably comprises a relief on the second side. This relief is advantageous for plastering the mounting plate. As a result, only the opening in the mounting plate is still visible from the room after the mounting plate has been plastered. A first part of the base can be placed detachably in the tube, wherein a second part of the base is located outside the tube after the first part of the base has been placed in the tube. This means that the second part of the base protrudes from the mounting plate after the first part has been placed in the tube. The one or more air gaps are comprised in the second part of the base. Preferably, the first part of the base can be placed in the tube from the second side of the mounting plate. Preferably, the second part of the base is located on the second side of the mounting plate after placing the first part of the base in the tube. This embodiment is advantageous because part of the base can be partially placed in the ceiling or wall. As a result, the second chamber can also be partially hidden in the ceiling or wall, and the smoke detector is even less visible. Because a hole must anyway be made in the ceiling or in a wall of the room to install the lighting fixture, partial concealment of the second chamber in the ceiling or wall does not require any additional work. Because the one or more air gaps are comprised in the second part of the base, this does not affect the functioning of the smoke detector.

According to an alternative embodiment, the mounting plate is placed on top of a false ceiling with its first side, wherein the tube is directed through the false ceiling to a room to be illuminated. According to yet another alternative embodiment, the second side of the mounting plate is mounted on the ceiling or on the wall, with the first side facing the room to be illuminated.

According to a preferred embodiment, the smoke detector is located at least 50% in the first part of the base, preferably at least 52%, more preferably at least 54%, even more preferably at least 56%, and even more preferably at least 57%. This means that at least 50% of the volume of the smoke detector is located in the first part of the base.

This embodiment is advantageous because it means that the smoke detector is largely hidden in the ceiling or a wall of the room and as a result of which the dimensions of the second part of the base can be kept to a minimum. As a result, there is almost no visual indication of the presence of a smoke detector in the room, while the position of the one or more air gaps, as previously described, ensures the correct functioning of the smoke detector.

According to a preferred embodiment, the one or more air gaps are located at a distance of at most 10 mm from the second side of the mounting plate. Preferably, one or more air gaps are located at most 8 mm from the second side of the mounting plate, more preferably at most 7 mm, even more preferably at most 6 mm and even more preferably at most 5 mm. The one or more air gaps are preferably a single annular air gap substantially parallel to the mounting plate. Annular in this context means a completely closed or an open ring. This embodiment is advantageous because the one or more air gaps are located very close to the ceiling or wall after fixing the base partly in the ceiling or partly in the wall. As a result, the air gap is hardly visible from the room. A single annular air gap, substantially parallel to the mounting plate, is particularly advantageous because after fixing the base into the ceiling or wall, the annular air gap is not only very close to the ceiling or wall, but also parallel to the ceiling or wall, and therefore even less visible. An additional advantage is that in the event of a fire in a room, smoke spreads along walls and ceiling throughout the room and is therefore quickly led by the walls and ceiling to the one or more air gaps and the smoke detector, resulting in rapid smoke detection and a fire can be reported in an early stage.

According to a preferred embodiment, a first part of an attachment means is present on the first part of the base and a second complementary part of the attachment means is present in the tube of the mounting plate. The attachment means is suitable for removably fixing the first part of the base in the tube of the mounting plate.

This embodiment is advantageous because the base can be detachably attached to the ceiling or a wall of the room, allowing the lighting fixture to be easily removed from the ceiling or wall by removing the first part and the second part of the attachment means from each other, for example when the smoke detector or the voltage source of the smoke detector needs to be replaced, while the attachment means firmly attaches the lighting fixture to the ceiling or wall, so that the lighting fixture does not fall from the ceiling or wall when hit by, for example, a hammer. The attachment means is additionally advantageous because the bayonet coupling is invisible from room.

Non-limiting examples of attachment means are a bayonet coupling and a magnetic coupling. With a bayonet coupling, the first part is formed by lugs on the first part of the base and the second part is formed by grooves in the tube of the mounting plate. With a magnetic fastener, the first part is formed by magnets on the first part of the base and the second part is formed by ferromagnetic material in the tube of the mounting plate. It will be apparent that positions of lugs and grooves and of magnets and ferromagnetic material can be interchanged.

According to a preferred embodiment, a distance from the circumference of the base to the smoke detector, measured through the air gap, is at most 40% of a length of a diagonal or diameter of a cross-section of the base transverse to the longitudinal direction of the base. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that with diagonal or diameter, a diagonal of a rectangular section in the case of a beam shape and a diameter of a circular cross-section in the case of a cylindrical shape is meant. Preferably, the distance is at most 35%, more preferably at most 30%, even more preferably at most 25% and even more preferably at most 20%.

This embodiment is advantageous because the smoke detector is sufficiently shielded by the housing and is therefore not visible, while a path for smoke through the housing is still sufficiently short so that the smoke detector is guaranteed to work correctly and quickly.

According to a preferred embodiment, the base comprises a removable cover on a side opposite the first chamber. This is therefore the side of the base that faces the ceiling or wall of the room to which the base is attached. The cover is attached to the housing with screws. Alternatively, the cover comprises threads for screwing the cover onto the housing. The cover comprises a bayonet coupling for attaching the smoke detector to the cover. The smoke detector comprises a complementary part of said bayonet coupling. The smoke detector can be attached to the cover by placing the smoke detector on the cover and turning it relative to the cover, so that the bayonet coupling closes. This embodiment is advantageous for quick releasable attachment of the smoke detector to the cover and placement in the second chamber. Due to the attachment to the cover, a correct placement of the smoke detector in the second chamber is guaranteed. For example, the smoke detector cannot be placed upside down in the second chamber of the housing, which would make it difficult or impossible for smoke to reach the smoke chamber of the smoke detector in case of a fire.

According to a further embodiment, the smoke detector comprises a battery shield. The battery shield shields a battery, which is the voltage source of the smoke detector, from contact points in the smoke detector, so that the smoke detector is not yet under voltage. This is advantageous for storing the smoke detector before installing the lighting fixture in the room, as it extends battery life. The battery shield can be removed by attaching the smoke detector to the cover. For example, the battery shield of the smoke detector is pushed away by the bayonet coupling when the smoke detector is rotated relative to the cover, after which the battery touches the contact points in the smoke detector and is under voltage. This is particularly advantageous as it prevents the lighting fixture from being installed in a room without the smoke detector being active, due to forgetting to remove the battery shield.

According to a preferred embodiment, the base comprises a push button. The push button is movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position the push button does not press a test button on the smoke detector and in the second position the push button does press the test button on the smoke detector. Light emitted by the smoke detector indicator lamp is visible from outside the lighting fixture housing.

This embodiment is advantageous because it is not necessary to detach the lighting fixture from the ceiling or wall and open the second chamber to test the correct functioning of the smoke detector.

According to a further embodiment, the push button is a transparent push button, the transparent push button being a light conductor for an indicator lamp of the smoke detector. This embodiment is advantageous because light from the indicator lamp is hereby clearly visible, while the light conductor is arranged inconspicuously and gives away the presence of the smoke detector as little as possible.

According to an alternative embodiment, the lighting fixture within the base comprises a light conductor for the indicator lamp of the smoke detector, the light conductor being adapted to emit light through the one or more air gaps and wherein the light conductor does not obstruct the one or more air gaps. For example, the light conductor is an annular light conductor located within the base next to an annular air gap. This embodiment is advantageous because light from the indicator lamp is clearly visible, while the light conductor has no influence on the operation of the smoke detector.

According to an embodiment, the first chamber and the second chamber are contained in a single cylindrical or beam-shaped body. The first chamber is at a first end of the body and the second chamber is at a second end of the body. Optionally, the first chamber and the second chamber are a single chamber. This embodiment is advantageous due to a simple construction of the housing and because the base with the smoke detector is maximally concealed by the first chamber. According to an alternative embodiment, the first chamber and the second chamber are contained in two separate cylindrical or beam-shaped bodies. The first chamber comprises an opening for emission of the light from the light source. The opening is located at a first end of a first cylindrical or beam-shaped body. The second chamber is in a second cylindrical or beam-shaped body. The second cylindrical or beam-shaped body is the base of the lighting fixture. The second end of the first cylindrical or beam-shaped body, opposite the first end, is attached to the second cylindrical or beam-shaped body. The first cylindrical or beam-shaped body is orientable relative to the second cylindrical or beam-shaped body. This is advantageous if an orientable lighting fixture is desired in the room. The first cylindrical body is movable from a first orientation to a second orientation. In the first orientation, the axis of the first cylindrical or beam-shaped body is in line with the axis of the second cylindrical or beam-shaped body. Said axes are the cylinder axes or axes of symmetry from a previously described embodiment. In the second orientation, the second end of the first cylindrical or beam-shaped body, viewed along the longitudinal direction of the base, is placed in front of the base. Thus, the first chamber is in the second orientation along the longitudinal direction of the base, placed at least partially in front of the base.

A particular advantage of this embodiment is that the base and consequently the smoke detector are maximally concealed, regardless of the orientation.

According to an embodiment, the base comprises screw holes and/or slots for mounting the lighting fixture on a ceiling or on a wall. This embodiment is advantageous for simply mounting a surface-mounted version of the lighting fixture on a ceiling or a wall.

According to an alternative embodiment, the lighting fixture comprises a mounting plate for mounting the lighting fixture on a ceiling or on a wall. The mounting plate comprises screw holes and/or slots for screwing the mounting plate to the ceiling or wall. The mounting plate comprises a first part of an attachment means and the base comprises a second complementary part of the attachment means for releasably connecting the base and the mounting plate. By first screwing the mounting plate to the ceiling or wall and then bringing the first part and the second part of the attachment means together, the base is detachably fixed to the ceiling or wall. It is advantageous here that the attachment means is concealed. Non-limiting examples of attachment means are a bayonet coupling and a magnetic coupling. With a bayonet coupling, the first part is formed by lugs on the mounting plate and the second part is formed by grooves in the base. With a magnetic fastener, the first part is formed by magnets on the mounting plate and the second part is formed by ferromagnetic material in the base. It will be apparent that positions of lugs and grooves and of magnets and ferromagnetic material can be interchanged.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for lighting and protecting a room in a building against fire.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of:

- providing a lighting fixture;

- connecting the lighting fixture to a power grid;

- attaching the base of the lighting fixture to or in a ceiling or to or in a wall in the room of the building.

The lighting fixture comprises a light source, a smoke detector, and a housing.

The light source comprises one or more LEDs.

The smoke detector is preferably a separate module with its own voltage source. The voltage source is preferably a battery, more preferably a lithium battery. Optionally, the smoke detector has a connection suitable for a mains voltage of 110 V to 230V. In that case, a battery remains designated as its own voltage source as emergency power in case the mains voltage fails. The smoke detector comprises a test button for testing the correct operation of the smoke detector, an indicator lamp for at least indicating the correct operation of the smoke detector and for displaying a status of the smoke detector's voltage source. The smoke detector comprises a sound source for producing an alarm signal. The smoke detector is preferably an optical smoke detector.

The housing comprises a base for attaching the lighting fixture to or partially in a ceiling or to or partially in a wall. The base is therefore the part of the lighting fixture that is located near or partially in the ceiling or near or partially in the wall. The base is the part of the lighting fixture where a cable for supplying electrical voltage enters the housing. The base extends in a longitudinal direction. The housing comprises a first chamber. The light source is placed in the first chamber. The housing comprises an opening to the first chamber for emission of light from the light source. Preferably, the first chamber comprises a reflector for reflecting light from the light source to the opening. The first chamber is attached to the base. This means that the first chamber is located further than the base from the ceiling or wall, to which the base is attached.

The base comprises a second chamber. A smoke detector is installed in the second chamber before attaching the base of the lighting fixture to or partially in the ceiling or to or partially in the wall. The base comprises in a circumference of the base, formed by one or more side walls of the base, one or more air gaps. The one or more air gaps are, for example, a plurality of air gaps, each of which is separately located in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base, the plurality of air gaps preferably being equally spaced along the circumference of the base. The one or more air gaps are, for example, one or more annular air gaps or part of a ring along the circumference of the base.

This method has the advantage, among other things, that by installing the lighting fixture, a room in a building can be both illuminated and protected against fire, because a smoke detector is placed in a second chamber in the base of the lighting fixture. Because the light source is placed in a first chamber and the first chamber is placed on the base, the base with the smoke detector is largely hidden by the first chamber, making the smoke detector almost invisible from the room in which the lighting fixture is installed on or partially in a ceiling or on or partially in a wall. As a result, the chance of a person in the room noticing the smoke detector and then taping it off is very small. Due to the one or more air gaps in the circumference of the base, smoke can migrate from the room to the second chamber. The one or more air gaps are advantageous for distributing the sound signal of the smoke detector in the room.

According to a preferred embodiment, the base of the lighting fixture is attached to the ceiling or wall by means of a mounting plate. The mounting plate comprises an opening. The opening preferably has a diameter that, with a margin, corresponds to a diameter of the base of the lighting fixture. On a first side of the mounting plate there is a tube around the opening. The mounting plate is flat on a second side. The mounting plate is preferably directed with the first side towards the ceiling or towards the wall. The tube of the mounting plate is preferably placed in the ceiling or in the wall. The mounting plate preferably comprises screw holes, the mounting plate being screwed to the ceiling or wall. The mounting plate is preferably plastered on the second side. The plaster layer is preferably at most 5 mm thick, more preferably at most 4 mm and even more preferably at most 3 mm. By plastering the mounting plate, only the opening in the mounting plate is still visible from the room. The mounting plate preferably comprises a relief on the second side. This relief is advantageous for plastering the mounting plate. A first part of the base is detachably placed in the tube, with a second part of the base being located outside the tube after placing the first part of the base in the tube. This means that the second part of the base protrudes from the mounting plate after the first part has been placed in the tube. The one or more air gaps are comprised in the second part of the base. Preferably, the first part of the base is placed in the tube from the second side of the mounting plate. Preferably, the second part of the base is located on the second side of the mounting plate after placing the first part of the base in the tube.

This embodiment is advantageous because part of the base is partially placed in the ceiling or wall. As a result, the second chamber is also partially hidden in the ceiling or wall and the smoke detector is even less visible. Because a hole must anyway be made in the ceiling or in a wall of the room to install the lighting fixture, partial concealment of the second chamber in the ceiling or wall does not require any additional work. Because the one or more air gaps are comprised in the second part of the base, this does not affect the functioning of the smoke detector.

According to an alternative embodiment, the mounting plate is placed on top of a false ceiling with its first side, wherein the tube is directed through the false ceiling to a room to be illuminated. According to yet another alternative embodiment, the second side of the mounting plate is mounted on the ceiling or on the wall, with the first side facing the room to be illuminated.

According to a further embodiment, a first part of an attachment means is present on the first part of the base and a second complementary part of the attachment means is present in the tube of the mounting plate. The first part of the base is releasably fixed in the tube of the mounting plate by bringing together the first part and the second part of the attachment means. This embodiment is advantageous because, for example, when the smoke detector or the smoke detector's voltage source needs to be replaced, the lighting fixture can be easily removed from the ceiling or wall by detaching the first part and the second part of the attachment means from each other, while the attachment means firmly attaches the lighting fixture to the ceiling or wall, so that the lighting fixture does not fall from the ceiling or the wall when hit, for example, with a hammer. The attachment means is additionally advantageous because the attachment means is invisible from room.

Non-limiting examples of attachment means are a bayonet coupling and a magnetic coupling. With a bayonet coupling, the first part is formed by lugs on the first part of the base and the second part is formed by grooves in the tube of the mounting plate. With a magnetic fastener, the first part is formed by magnets on the first part of the base and the second part is formed by ferromagnetic material in the tube of the mounting plate. It will be apparent that positions of lugs and grooves and of magnets and ferromagnetic material can be interchanged.

According to a preferred embodiment, the base comprises a removable cover on a side opposite the first chamber. This is therefore the side of the base that faces the ceiling or wall of the room to which the base is attached. The cover comprises a bayonet coupling. The smoke detector is releasably attached to the cover by closing said bayonet coupling. To this end, the smoke detector comprises a complementary part of the said bayonet coupling. This embodiment is advantageous for quick releasable attachment of the smoke detector to the cover and placement in the second chamber. Due to the attachment to the cover, a correct placement of the smoke detector in the second chamber is guaranteed. For example, the smoke detector cannot be placed upside down in the second chamber of the housing, which would make it difficult or impossible for smoke to reach the smoke chamber of the smoke detector in case of a fire.

According to a preferred embodiment, lighting fixture base comprises a push button. The push button is pressed after attaching the base of the lighting fixture to the ceiling or wall in the room of the building. This pushes a test button on the smoke detector. When the smoke detector is operating correctly, an audible signal sounds from the smoke detector and a light signal is given by the smoke detector. This embodiment is advantageous for testing the correct operation of the smoke detector after the lighting fixture has been installed, without the second chamber having to be opened.

According to a further embodiment, the push button is a transparent push button. The transparent push button is a light conductor for the light signal of the smoke detector.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that a lighting fixture according to the first aspect is preferably installed by performing a method according to the second aspect, and that a method according to the second aspect is preferably configured to be carried out using a lighting fixture according to the first aspect. Each feature described in this document, both above and below, can therefore relate to any of the three aspects of the present invention.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of a lighting fixture according to the first aspect and/or a method according to the second aspect for lighting and fire protection of a room in a building.

This use results in an advantageous fire protection of a room because a single lighting fixture provides both illumination and fire protection for a room. The smoke detector comprised in the lighting fixture is virtually invisible, so that there is only a very small chance that a person in the room notices the smoke detector and, for example, tapes it off, so that in the event of a fire the fire alarm would not go off or only go off too late. Another advantage is that hiding the smoke detector in the lighting fixture does not affect the correct functioning of the smoke detector.

In what follows, the invention is described by way of non-limiting figures illustrating the invention, and which are not intended to and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The lighting fixture (1) comprises a light source (3), not visible in Figure 1, a smoke detector (4) and a housing (2). The housing (2) comprises a base (5) for attaching the lighting fixture (2) to a ceiling (26). The housing (2) comprises a first chamber (6). The light source (3) is placed in the first chamber (6). The housing (2) comprises an opening (22) for emitting light from the light source (3). The base (5) comprises a second chamber (7) in which the smoke detector (4) is placed. The housing (2) in this first embodiment is a cylindrical housing, the first chamber (6) being located at a first end and the base (5) comprising the second chamber (7) being located at a second end of the housing (2). In a circumference of the base (5), formed by a cylindrical wall of the base (5), an air gap (8) is comprised. The air gap (8) has a length equal to at least 30% of the circumference of the base (5). The base (2) comprises on one side, opposite the first chamber (6), a removable cover (18). The cover (18) comprises a bayonet coupling (19). The smoke detector (4) is detachably attached to the cover (18) by means of the bayonet coupling (19). The base (5) comprises a transparent push button (21). The transparent push button (21) is movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position the transparent push button (21) does not press a test button (20) of the smoke detector (4) and in the second position the transparent push button (21) does press the test button (20). The transparent push button (21) is also a light conductor for an indicator lamp of the smoke detector (4). In this embodiment, the indicator lamp is comprised in the test button (20). The lighting fixture (1) comprises a mounting plate (9). The mounting plate (9) comprises an opening (10). On a first side (12) of the mounting plate (9) there is a tube (11) around the opening (10). A second side (13) of the mounting plate (9) is flat. The mounting plate (9) comprises a relief (17) on the second side (13) to simplify plastering the mounting plate (9). The mounting plate (9) comprises screw holes (16) for screwing the mounting plate (9) onto the ceiling. A first part (23) of the base (5) is detachably placed in the tube (11) from the second side (13) of the mounting plate (9). A second part (24) of the base (5), comprising the air gap (8), is located outside the tube (11) on the second side (13) of the mounting plate (9). Because the housing (2) is a cylindrical housing, no sharp boundary for the second part (24) of the base (5) is visible in Figure 1. On the first part (23) of the base (5) there are lugs (15), and in the tube (11) there are grooves (14). The lugs (15) and the grooves (14) form a bayonet coupling for removably fixing the first part (23) of the base (5) in the tube (11) of the mounting plate (9). Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a lighting fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The second embodiment of the lighting fixture (1) is very similar to the first embodiment of the lighting fixture (1) in Figure 1. Most of the elements in Figure 2 are therefore very similar or even the same and will not be discussed again. The major difference between the two embodiments is that in this embodiment the first chamber (6) and the second chamber (7) are comprised in two separate cylindrical bodies. The first cylindrical body forms the first chamber (6) and the second cylindrical body forms the base (5), comprising the second chamber (7). The first cylindrical body is connected to the second cylindrical body by means of an arm (15). The first cylindrical body is orientable relative to the second cylindrical body. This is more visible in Figure 10. Because the first cylindrical body is orientable relative to the second cylindrical body, this second embodiment is also suitable for attachment to a wall, wherein the first cylindrical body is directed straight or obliquely downwards or upwards. This second embodiment does show a sharp boundary for the second part (24) of the base. The second part (24) of the base comprises the air gap (8) and ends where the arm (25) connects to the base.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The lighting fixture (1) corresponds to the lighting fixture (1) in Figure 1. It is clearly visible in Figure 3 that the air gap (8) is parallel to the second side of the mounting plate (9) and is located on the second side (13) of the mounting plate (9). The air gap (8) abuts almost immediately against the second side (13) of the mounting plate (9). Figure 3 also shows how the first part (23) of the base (5) is accommodated in the tube (11) and is invisible from the second side (13) of the mounting plate (9).

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention, without a mounting plate.

The lighting fixture (1) corresponds to the lighting fixture (1) in Figure 1 and Figure 3. Figure 4 clearly shows how the cover (18) closes off the second chamber (7). Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention, built into a ceiling.

The lighting fixture (1) corresponds to the lighting fixture (1) in Figure 1, Figure 3, and Figure 4. In Figure 5 the mounting plate (9) has been plastered over and is no longer visible. The air gap (8) is parallel to the ceiling (26) and almost immediately adjoins the ceiling (26). The first part (23) of the base (5) is completely hidden in the ceiling (26). The lighting fixture (1) is still detachably attached to the ceiling (26). Only the mounting plate (9) remains in the ceiling (26) after the lighting fixture (1) has been removed.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The lighting fixture (1) corresponds to the lighting fixture (1) in Figure 2. It is clearly visible in Figure 6 that the air gap (8) is parallel to the second side of the mounting plate (9) and is located on the second side (13) of the mounting plate (9). The air gap (8) abuts almost immediately against the second side (13) of the mounting plate (9). Figure 6 also shows how the first part (23) of the base (5) is accommodated in the tube (11) and is invisible from the second side (13) of the mounting plate (9). Only the second part (24) of the base (5) is still visible.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention, without a mounting plate.

The lighting fixture (1) corresponds to the lighting fixture (1) from Figure 2 and Figure 6. Figure 7 clearly shows how the cover (18) closes off the second chamber (7).

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention, built into a ceiling.

The lighting fixture (1) corresponds to the lighting fixture (1) in Figure 2, Figure 6, and Figure 7. In Figure 8 the mounting plate (9) has been plastered over and is no longer visible. The air gap (8) is parallel to the ceiling (26) and almost immediately adjoins the ceiling (26). The first part (23) of the base (5) is completely hidden in the ceiling (26). The lighting fixture (1) is still detachably attached to the ceiling (26). Only the mounting plate (9) remains in the ceiling (26) after the lighting fixture (1) has been removed.

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The lighting fixture (1) corresponds to the lighting fixture (1) in Figure 1, Figure 3, Figure 4, and Figure 5. Figure 9 shows how the transparent push button (21) rests against the test button (20). By pressing the transparent push button (21) it moves inwards. A wedge-shaped end of the transparent push button (21) pushes the smoke detector (4) upwards, depressing the test button (20). The second chamber (7) is also clearly visible. It can be seen in Figure 9 that in addition to the light source (3) a reflector (27) is also placed in the first chamber (6).

Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a lighting fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The lighting fixture (1) corresponds to the lighting fixture (1) in Figure 2, Figure 6, and Figure 7. The same elements and features as in Figure 9 are visible in Figure

10 for the second embodiment.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a third embodiment of the present invention, mounted on a ceiling.

The third embodiment of the lighting fixture (1) is very similar to the first embodiment of the lighting fixture (1) in Figure 1. Most of the elements in Figure

11 are therefore very similar or even the same and will not be discussed again. The major difference between the two embodiments is that the lighting fixture (1) according to the third embodiment is attached directly to the ceiling (26). There is no mounting plate (9). The base (5) is placed directly on the ceiling.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a lighting fixture according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The lighting fixture (1) corresponds to the lighting fixture (1) in Figure 11. The same elements and features as in Figure 9 and Figure 10 are visible in Figure 12 for the third embodiment.

The numbered elements in the figures are: 1. Lighting fixture

2. Housing

3. Light source

4. Smoke detector

5. Base

6. First chamber

7. Second chamber

8. Air gap

9. Mounting plate

10. Opening mounting plate

11. Tube

12. First side mounting plate

13. Second side mounting plate

14. Groove

15. Lug

16. Screw hole mounting plate

17. Relief mounting plate

18. Cover

19. Bayonet coupling cover

20. Test button

21. Transparent push button

22. Opening first chamber

23. First part base

24. Second part base

25. Arm

26. Ceiling

27. Reflector