[0001] The object of the present invention is a lighting assembly .

[0002] Preferably, said lighting assembly, which is the object of the present invention, is of the type for outdoor environments .

[0003] In particular, during this discourse, the wording "outdoor environments" refers to environments that are completely exposed to the action of atmospheric agents, for example a garden or a driveway, or environments that are only partially protected, such as balconies or porches, or also environments for which there are limiting environmental conditions, for example a cellar, in which the action of humidity is high.

[0004] In general, the lighting sector is characterized by considerable efforts in the constant search for new types of lighting and new aesthetic forms. One of the trends is that of having lighting devices with attractive geometries that are capable of creating sophisticated lighting effects, but that at the same time are easy to produce and assemble.

[0005] With particular reference to the embodiments of lighting assemblies for outdoor environments, effective protection against the entry of liquids such as rain, condensation, snow or a j et of water resulting from the action of cleaning is required .

[ 0006 ] In addition, it is essential to avoid the accumulation of water, with particular attention to the critical points of the lighting assembly such as those regions through which a light beam is proj ected .

[ 0007 ] In some cases , in fact , an accumulation of water causes deterioration, corrosion phenomena, the retention of dirt and the generation of halos , thereby af fecting the aesthetic appearance and lighting properties of the lighting assembly .

[ 0008 ] The purpose of the present invention is to obtain a lighting assembly which ef fectively resolves the aforementioned requirements .

[ 0009 ] This purpose is achieved by means of a lighting assembly according to claim 1 . Those claims that are dependent thereupon seek protection for further advantageous features .

[ 00010 ] The features and advantages of the lighting assembly according to the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description, given as a non-limiting example in reference to the appended figures , wherein : [00011] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lighting assembly according to this invention, according to a preferred embodiment;

[00012] - Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the lighting assembly in Figure 1, along a first longitudinal sectional plane ;

[00013] - Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the lighting assembly in Figure 1, along a second longitudinal sectional plane ;

[00014] - Figures 2a and 3a show an enlargement of a portion of Figures 2 and 3, respectively;

[00015] - Figure 4 shows a perspective sectional view of separate parts of the lighting assembly, according to the present invention, in accordance with a preferred embodiment .

[00016] In reference to the appended figures, the number 1 refers to a lighting assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[00017] The lighting assembly 1 is particularly suitable, i.e. it has physical and functional features, for installation in outdoor environments. For example, the lighting assembly 1 is made of materials that are resistant to atmospheric agents and that ensure a degree of IP protection that is appropriate to the characteristics of the environment in which it is installed.

[00018] Preferably, the lighting assembly 1 is configurable in a switched-on configuration, in which it emits a light beam, and in a switched-off configuration, as needed.

[00019] It should be noted how the shape and intensity of the emitted light beam are not the object, neither do they limit the present invention.

[00020] According to the present invention, the lighting assembly 1 comprises a main body 2, a lighting device 3 and a locking member 4.

[00021] According to the present invention, the main body 2 comprises a side wall 21 that delimits a chamber 20. In particular, the side wall 21 ends axially with an end section 22 that extends around a main axis X-X. In addition, the end section 22 comprises an opening edge 23 that delimits an opening 24 through which the chamber 20 is accessible.

[00022] According to a preferred embodiment, the side wall 21 extends substantially about the main axis X-X.

[00023] According to a preferred embodiment, the end section 22 terminates axially at the opening edge 23, i.e. the opening edge 23 is axially facing.

[00024] In other words, the opening edge 23 and the end section 22 are positioned substantially at the same radial distance from the main axis X-X.

[00025] In accordance with the present invention, the lighting device 3 comprises a transparent body 31 and a lighting source 35, housed in the chamber 20, that is suitable for emitting a light beam through the transparent body 31.

[00026] According to a preferred embodiment, the main body 31 is positioned in proximity to the end section 22. [00027] According to a preferred embodiment, the transparent body 31 is positioned at the opening edge 23. [00028] According to a preferred embodiment, the transparent body 31 axially closes the opening 24.

[00029] Preferably, the transparent body 31 is made of glass and/or a plastics material crossable by light.

[00030] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 3 comprises one or more components for modulating the desired light beam, such as, for example, specific matrix-arranged LEDs, a lens, a rectifier or a light beam selector. These components are preferably at least partially housed within the chamber 20.

[00031] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 3 comprises a source housed at least partially within the chamber 20. [00032] In accordance with the present invention, the locking member 4 extends about the main axis X-X and is engageable with the end section 22 by sealingly tightening the transparent body 31 to the main body 2.

[00033] In other words, the engagement of the locking member 4 at the end section 22 locks the transparent body 31 to the main body 2, obtaining a seal against the passage of liquids.

[00034] According to a preferred embodiment, the engagement of the locking member 4 at the end section 22 hermetically closes the chamber 20.

[00035] In accordance with the present invention, with the locking member 4 engaged at the end section 22, the locking member 4 and the end section 22 define at least one outflow channel 5 that extends at least partially along the main axis X-X starting from the transparent body 31.

[00036] In other words, the at least one outflow channel 5 is open between a region proximal to the transparent body 31 and a region that is axially distal from the transparent body 31.

[00037] Thus, water present on the transparent body 31, preferably water present on one of the outer body surfaces 311 thereof, facing externally towards the environment, flows into the at least one outflow channel 5, clearing the transparent body 31.

[00038] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking member 4 and the end section 22 define a plurality of outflow channels 5, preferably at least three outflow channels 5, preferably six outflow channels 5, which are angularly spaced apart from each other, preferably equally .

[00039] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking member 4 comprises a member wall 41 engaging the end section 22. The locking member 4 also comprises a tightening element 42 protruding radially from said member wall 41, which tightening element axially engages with the transparent body 31 in order to tighten it.

[00040] According to a preferred embodiment, the tightening element 42 engages with the transparent body 31 at a region that is radially distal to the main axis X-X. [00041] According to a preferred embodiment, the tightening element 42 is made as one piece and positioned at one axial end of the member wall 41.

[00042] According to a preferred embodiment, the tightening element 42 protrudes radially towards the main axis X-X, ending with an edge element 421.

[00043] According to a preferred embodiment, the tightening element 42 protrudes at least partially axially beyond the transparent body 31 . Preferably, the tightening element 42 perimetrically surrounds the transparent body 31 .

[ 00044 ] According to a preferred embodiment , the tightening element 42 comprises an inclined element surface 425 converging towards the main axis X-X . Depending upon the positioning of the main body 2 , the inclined element surface 425 is suitable for conveying water towards the transparent body 31 .

[ 00045 ] According to a preferred embodiment , the locking member 4 and the end section 22 respectively comprise a first channel surface 25 and a second channel surface 45 which radially face each other and extend along the main axis X-X, and which delimit the at least one outflow channel 5 .

[ 00046 ] In the preferred embodiment shown by way of example in the accompanying figures , the end section 22 of the side wall 21 has the first channel surface 25 and the locking member 4 has the second channel surface 45 .

[ 00047 ] Preferably, the second channel surface 45 is positioned on the member wall 41 of the locking member 4 . [ 00048 ] According to one embodiment , the end section 22 comprises the second channel surface 45 and the locking member 4 comprises the first channel surface 25 . [00049] According to a preferred embodiment, the tightening element 42 comprises a backing surface 36 in contact with the transparent body 31.

[00050] According to a preferred embodiment, for each outflow channel 5, the locking member 4 comprises a first recess 47 open on the backing surface 46. Said first recess 47 is obtained radially within the tightening element 42 and defines a radial section 57 of the outflow channel 5. [00051] According to a preferred embodiment, the first recess 47 is open radially at the edge element 421.

[00052] According to a preferred embodiment, water flowing from the transparent element 31 flows directly into said first recess 47. Preferably, for example, water flowing on the body outer surface 311 reaches the edge element 421 and flows into the first recess 47 radially.

[00053] Preferably, moreover, the member wall 41 closes the first recess 47 radially. In other words, the first recess 47 is blind in the radial direction.

[00054] According to a preferred embodiment, the transparent member 31 comprises an element seat 32, in which the tightening element 42 is housed. Preferably, the element seat 32 is located axially lower in relation to an outer surface of the transparent body 31, for example in relation to the body outer surface 311. [00055] According to a further preferred embodiment, the element seat 32 is a cavity formed in the transparent body 31.

[00056] According to a preferred embodiment, the tightening element 42 housed in the element seat 32 defines a secondary axial section 56 of the outflow channel 5. Said secondary axial section 56 is connected upstream of the radial section 57.

[00057] Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, water present on the transparent element 31 flows directly into the secondary axial section 56 and subsequently into the first recess 47.

[00058] Preferably, the backing surface 36 of the transparent member 31 engages with a connecting surface 46 of the tightening element 42, in the element seat 32.

[00059] According to a preferred embodiment, the element seat 32 is obtained in a region that is radially distal to the main axis X-X.

[00060] According to a preferred embodiment, for each outflow channel 5, either the end section 22 or the member wall 41 comprises at least one second recess 48, obtained radially lowered, which defines an axial section 58 of the at least one outflow channel 5.

[00061] The axial section 58 is directly connected downstream of the radial section 57. That is to say that water flowing out of the first recess 47 is conveyed into the second recess 48.

[00062] In the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the second recess 48 is obtained radially lowered within the member wall 41 of the locking member 4.

[00063] According to an embodiment variant, the second recess 48 is obtained radially lowered within the end section 22 of the side wall 21.

[00064] According to a further embodiment, the second recess 48 is obtained at least partially both within the end section 22 and within the member wall 41.

[00065] According to a preferred embodiment, the main body 2 and the locking member 4 are engaged by means of a bayonet or snap coupling or by means of at least one screw that engages with the main body 2 by acting radially.

[00066] In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 2 and the locking member 4 are engaged by means of a threaded coupling.

[00067] Preferably, the end section 22 and the locking member 4 comprise mutually engageable first threads 29 and second threads 49, respectively, that extend around the main axis X-X. [00068] According to a preferred embodiment, the second recess 48 extends axially through the second threads 49, as is, for example, visible in Figure 4.

[00069] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the second recess 48 extends axially through the first threads 29.

[00070] In accordance with a further alternative embodiment, the second recess 48 extends axially through both the first threads 29 and the second threads 49.

[00071] According to a preferred embodiment, the second recess 48 is in communication with the external environment .

[00072] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, water flowing in the axial section 58 is discharged directly into the external environment, externally to the lighting assembly 1, preferably externally to the side wall 21.

[00073] According to a preferred embodiment, the end section 22 is radially lowered within the side wall 21.

[00074] According to a preferred embodiment, the member wall 41 is substantially aligned with the side wall 21. In other words, preferably, the side wall 21 and the member wall 41 are positioned at the same radial distance in relation to the main axis X-X.

[00075] According to a preferred embodiment, the end section 22 ends axially with a step 28 in correspondence with the variation in size in relation to the remaining portion of the side wall 21. Said step 28 radially defines, along with the member wall 41, a secondary radial section 52 of the outflow channel 5, connected downstream of the axial section 58.

[00076] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, water flowing out of the axial section 58 is conveyed into the secondary radial section 52.

[00077] According to a preferred embodiment, the secondary radial section 52 is in communication with the external environment.

[00078] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, water flowing in the secondary axial section 52 is discharged directly into the external environment, externally to the lighting assembly 1, preferably externally to the side wall 21.

[00079] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting assembly 1 further comprises a sealing element 7, preferably positioned at the opening edge 23, engageable between the transparent body 31 and/or the end section 22 and/or the locking member 4.

[00080] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the sealing element 7 is placed axially between the transparent body 31 and the opening edge 23. [00081] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing element 7 radially faces into the outflow channel 5, e.g. faces into the axial section 58, and, with the locking member 4 engaged at the end section 22, the sealing element 7 performs a sealing function against the leakage of liquids from the outflow channel 5.

[00082] Preferably, the sealing element 7 is an elastically yielding ring, for example an 0-ring.

[00083] According to a preferred embodiment, the main axis is substantially straight and the main body 2 and the locking member 4 are substantially annular bodies.

[00084] According to a preferred embodiment, the transparent body 31 consists of a single body with a planar circular shape, i.e. discoidal, made of an at least partially transparent material.

[00085] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting assembly 1 further comprises a base body 8 extending with respect to a secondary axis Z-Z, hinged to the main body 2 by means of a hinge device 9. Preferably, the main body 2 and the base body 8 are rotatable in relation to a hinge axis Y-Y of the hinge device 9 and positionable in a plurality of reciprocal positions.

[00086] Preferably, for example, the main body 2 is rotatable between an initial position in which the main axis X-X substantially coincides with the secondary axi s Z-Z , a plurality of operating positions in which the main axis X-X is incident to the secondary axis Z-Z , and an end position in which the main axis X-X is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the secondary axis Z-Z . [ 00087 ] Preferably, the base body 8 is fixable at an installation plane P and has substantially the same radial dimension as the main body 2 .

[ 00088 ] Preferably, the base body 8 is rotatable in relation to the secondary axis Z-Z , for example parallel to the installation plane P .

[ 00089 ] Innovatively, the lighting assembly largely ful fills the purpose thereof in overcoming those problems that are typical of the prior art , insofar as it eliminates unwanted or potentially damaging water accumulation, especially in relation to the critical points of the lighting assembly .

[ 00090 ] Advantageously, the lighting assembly is equipped with ef fective protection against the entry of rain, snow, condensation or a j et of water .

[ 00091 ] Advantageously, the lighting assembly solves the problem of halos and residues of dirt that impair the lighting properties of the lighting surfaces and the overall aesthetic appearance thereof . [00092] Advantageously, the lighting assembly comprises a limited number of multifunctional components which are easy to manufacture and may be assembled in an error-proof manner .

[00093] Advantageously, the lighting assembly may be positioned in a multitude of positions and angles, resulting in extremely effective lighting of the environment in which it is installed.

[00094] Advantageously, the lighting assembly allows water to drain away in any operating position.

[00095] Advantageously, the lighting assembly allows water flowing over the transparent body to be channeled into the outflow channel.

[00096] Advantageously, the lighting assembly removes water in a manner that is discreet and hidden from the view of the observer.

[00097] Advantageously, by means of a threaded coupling, the assembly allows for optimal sealing between the locking member and the main body, also in the presence of the recesses in the outflow channel that pass through the respective threads.

[00098] Advantageously, the lighting assembly is assembled using resistant and insulating gaskets and materials, making it suitable for use in outdoor environments .

[ 00099 ] Advantageously, with outdoor environments , also referring to environments in which there is a high level of humidity, for example a cellar, the lighting assembly is suitable for draining any accumulation of condensation .

[ 000100 ] It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the invention described above in order to meet contingent needs , which changes all fall within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims .