DE10115846B4 - Modular lighting system - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular lighting system (10), in particular for the assembly of expenses, wherein:
a) a light band of any length can be generated by juxtaposition of individual elongated elements (11, 11 ', 21, 21');
b) elongated fluorescent lights (21, 21 ') are electrically connected in series in an elongated housing with a bottom (12) are housed;
c) the housing of juxtaposed elongate support profiles (11, 11 ') is composed with U-shaped cross-sectional profile;
d) the fluorescent lamps (21, 21 ') each in a structural unit a fluorescent tube (23), a base (24) and an associated electronic ballast and electrical connection means (25, 26) for releasably connecting with adjacent fluorescent lights (21, 21' ) exhibit; and
e) the fluorescent lamps (21, 21 ') on the inside of the bottom (12) by means of brackets (27, 27') are releasably secured in the housing, characterized in that
f) the brackets (27, 27 ') on the bottom (12) releasably mountable mounting clips (27, 27') are, which first latching means (33, 36, 37) for releasably engaging the floor ...

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The The present invention relates to the field of lighting technology. It relates to a modular lighting system according to the preamble of the claim 1.

Such a lighting system is z. B. from the document US 5,521,805 known.

STATE OF THE ART

For lighting in the field of architecture such. In hallways, reception halls, shops, restaurants and hotels or in the home area are increasingly used light strips, where light is above a larger length evenly distributed generated and emitted directly and / or indirectly. The light bands can on the walls along or in a horizontal or vertical direction be arranged on ceilings. For the application, it is advantageous if such a lighting or Lighting system is modular, d. h., the light bands through Stacking and interconnecting standardized individual elements in of any length and formed around corners, for example. Furthermore it is desirable that oblong, energy-saving fluorescent lamps or lights are used, In order to realize in terms of design and operation cost-effective and energy-saving longer strip lengths to be able to.

In The cited document is already a modular lighting system have been proposed with fluorescent lamps. The individual modules be there from U-shaped Profile elements formed in which fed by a mid-height Reflector wall a lower cavity is separated. Above the reflector wall becomes an elongated Fluorescent lamp arranged while in lying below the reflector wall cavity the ballast electronics housed with starter and ballast and with the sockets for the lamp hardwired. The modules are made by sidewalls on the profile completed. In the side walls Plug devices are provided with which the modules in the light band can be electrically connected to each other.

The completed and ready-wired modules of the known system Although they have the advantage that they are completely prefabricated. The disadvantage is, however, that the attachment to the wall and the electrical connection of the modules take place virtually simultaneously have to, which makes the installation considerably more difficult. It also reduces pre-assembly the flexibility in the application, because, for example, a fixed module length always also a fixed light length assigned.

The FR 1 587 106 A discloses releasably mounted fastening clips with first latching means, which are intended to hold the lighting means, and second latching means, which serve for releasable attachment to the lamp base.

From the DE 94 13 861 U1 a modular lighting system is known in which long-field illuminants, such as fluorescent lights, are housed with their versions in an elongated housing which can be plugged into the longitudinal slot of a rail and it is detachably fixed thereto by means of the inside of the bottom attacking brackets.

The AT 361 083 Finally, which is considered to be determinative of the genus of the present invention, includes a modular lighting system having a downwardly open, U-shaped mounting rail and a releasably insertable lamp in the subject, which contains the fluorescent tube and all electrical functional parts. On the inside of the bottom of the mounting rail, rotary latches are attached, which engage the luminaire. However, the luminaires can only be positioned within the mounting rail in such a way that the rotary latches correspond congruently to the recesses provided on the luminaires. Moreover, the handling when inserting and securing the lights is less easy to install. First, the free ends of the rotary latch when approaching the lights must be performed by the narrow recesses in the bottom of the lamp. After that, the installer must use a hand to adjust the rotary bolt.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a modular lighting system on the Base of fluorescent lamps indicate which at the same time high variability easier to install in the light distribution and in the application through an increased flexibility distinguished.

The object is solved by the entirety of the features of claim 1. The essence of the invention is to make a separation between the housing function and the actual lighting function by the fluorescent lamps each comprise in a structural unit a fluorescent tube and an associated electronic ballast and means for releasably connecting electrically to adjacent lights, and the fluorescent lights detachably in the Housing are attached. The fluorescent lights can thus be electrically connected directly to each other and form a functioning light band, which can be displaced as desired in the longitudinal direction within the carrier profiles or bridged by a connecting cable bel - can be interrupted. The support profiles can be fastened separately to the wall or ceiling during installation. After attachment of the carrier profiles, the fluorescent lights can be used and -. B. by plug contacts - are electrically interconnected.

A first preferred embodiment of the light system according to the invention is characterized characterized in that the carrier profiles each comprising a substantially planar bottom and two side walls, that the fluorescent lights on the inside of the bottom releasably attached are, and that the side walls from a translucent Material, preferably a synthetic glass, in particular a polycarbonate (PC) are made. In this way, the radiation of the Fluorescent lights out of the open carrier profile for direct Lighting and the radiation through the side walls to indirect lighting can be used.

Basically it is conceivable that the carrier profile from an opaque Ground, z. B. aluminum, and two translucent side walls composed is. Preferably, however, the carrier profiles are integrally formed and from a translucent Material, preferably a synthetic glass, in particular a polycarbonate (PC), manufactured, whereby the production and installation significantly simplified becomes.

A Another preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized from that to affect the passing through the side walls Light film-covered film carrier profiles of a translucent material, preferably a plastic, are snapped onto the side walls. The Film is preferably inserted in the film carrier profiles holding. If indirect lighting on one side is not desired, then the associated Foil expediently opaque and / or reflective on one side. Should contrast the color be influenced by the indirect light, the film is advantageously from a translucent colored material.

Basically, the mullions stay open. However, in this case, the fluorescent lights are itself visible, which on the one hand leads to an unequal distribution of light leads and on the other hand, the aesthetic Appearance of the light band impaired. It is therefore advantageous if, according to a further embodiment the invention for closing the housing flat cover profiles are provided, which snapped over the edges of the side walls become. In particular, the light distribution of the direct lighting improves when the side walls outwards have curved edge portions, and when the width of the cover profiles is greater as the width of the bottom of the carrier profiles.

Becomes a direct lighting are desired the cover profiles of a translucent material, preferably a satined art glass. This results a uniform direct Lighting. If, however, only an indirect lighting on the side walls desired From the cover profiles from an opaque material, in particular made of anodised aluminum.

Prefers are to be solved Fixing the fluorescent lights in the housing or in the carrier profile Mounts provided in the form of fastening clips, which releasably on casing or carrier profile attached are. In particular, run on the bottom of the carrier profiles longitudinal two parallel, spaced apart support rails. The brackets have latching means with which they at any points the carrier profiles can be fastened in the retaining rails latching. The brackets are preferably made of a spring steel, and the latching means include two opposite, molded tongues, which engage in the retaining rails, as well as a locking nose, which in a groove in the bottom of the carrier profile locks.

Further embodiments arise from the dependent ones Claims.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

The Invention is intended below with reference to embodiments in connection closer to the drawing explained become. Show it

1 in a perspective view of the various individual elements of a modular lighting system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

2 a side view in the longitudinal direction of a carrier profile attached to a wall after 1 without luminaire, but with spacer plate, snapped-in holder for the fluorescent lamp and inserted cable (in cross section);

3 one with 2 comparable view of the carrier profile with inserted fluorescent lamp and snapped cover profile and snapped on the side walls of film carrier profiles; and

4 an enlarged perspective view of a bracket or a mounting clip 1 ,

WAYS TO PERFORM THE INVENTION

In 1 are in a perspective (explosion) representation of the various individual Elements of a modular lighting system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention reproduced. The modular light system 10 includes stackable U-shaped support profiles 11 . 11 ' with their largely flat bottom 12 using spacer plates 28 . 28 ' by means of mounting plates 29 . 29 ' can be nailed or screwed to the wall or ceiling. The spacer plates 28 . 28 ' are measured so that they are in a groove-like depression on the bottom of the soil 12 fit exactly. The location of the carrier profiles 11 . 11 on the wall 41 can be fixed like this (see also 2 and 3 ). At the same time can be achieved by longer spacer plates, with which the butt joint is bridged between two carrier profiles, the perfect fit connection between these profiles.

The carrier profiles 11 . 11 ' each have two (in the example vertical) side walls 13 . 14 , which at their free edges in outwardly kinking edge portions 15 . 16 pass. On these edge sections 15 . 16 can cover the carrier profiles 11 . 11 ' a cover profile 20 respectively. 20 ' be snapped up. To cover the butt joint between adjacent cover profiles 20 . 20 ' Fugenabdeckplättchen are provided in the material to the cover profiles 20 . 20 ' are adjusted. In the carrier profiles 11 . 11 ' become completely wired fluorescent lights 21 . 21 ' releasably inserted, in each case a fluorescent tube 23 and a socket containing the ballast electronics 24 are connected to a structural unit. At the two ends of the fluorescent lights 21 . 21 ' are recessed plugs for electrical connection with adjacent lights 25 or plug contacts, which are through-wired within the respective lamp, so that if a lamp should fail, the other lights of a series-connected series continue to be supplied with power. The electrical connection of a fluorescent lamp 21 . 21 ' is done either by mating with a connected neighboring light via a (isolated to the outside) coupling 26 or by means of a connection plug 22 , Corresponding connectors can also be used if -. B. in a room corner - between two fluorescent lights a greater distance must be bridged by means of a cable.

The detachable insertion of the fluorescent lights 21 . 21 ' takes place by means of special brackets 27 . 27 ' , which are preferably made by punching and bending of a spring steel. Such a holder 27 has the form of a fastening clip with two resilient retaining arms 34 . 35 ( 4 ). On the insides of the support arms 34 . 35 are cams 43 impressed when inserting the lights with corresponding recesses on the fluorescent lights 21 . 21 ' engage ( 3 ). Downstanding are on the bracket 27 two opposite tongues 36 and 37 as well as a latching nose in between 33 educated.

The brackets 27 . 27 ' can in any section of the carrier profiles 11 . 11 ' detachably mounted in the following way ( 2 ): On the inside of the floor 12 the carrier profiles 11 . 11 ' are two parallel spaced support rails 38 . 39 formed. The mount to be mounted 27 is first with the holding arms 34 . 35 in the longitudinal direction of the carrier profile 11 in alignment between the retaining rails 38 . 39 set, so that the tongues 36 . 37 on the ground 12 rest. The holder 27 is then rotated 90 °, with the tongues 36 . 37 behind the retaining rails 38 . 39 grab and hold the bracket 27 springy on the support rails 38 . 39 Clamp. When the 90 ° turn is completed, the detent latches 33 in one in the middle of the carrier profile 11 in the ground 12 extending groove and locks the holder 27 in this position. The spring force is dimensioned so that the holder 27 remains stationary when a lamp used in the holder for contacting an adjacent lamp in the longitudinal direction of the carrier profile 11 is moved. This makes it possible, the position of the brackets 27 . 27 ' to different lengths and positions of the fluorescent lamps 21 . 21 adapt. Laterally next to the brackets 27 runs in the corner between the one side wall 13 and the floor 12 the carrier profiles 11 . 11 ' a cable channel 42 ( 2 . 3 ), in which, if necessary, a cable 40 can be moved.

The carrier profiles 11 . 11 ' are preferably formed in one piece and consist of a translucent material, preferably a synthetic glass, in particular a polycarbonate (PC). This makes it possible that of the fluorescent lights 21 . 21 ' generated light in principle to emit three sides, namely by the two side walls 13 . 14 (as indirect lighting) and forward (as direct lighting). To influence the through the side walls 13 . 14 passing light can with a foil 19 covered film carrier profiles 18 made of a translucent material, preferably a plastic, on the side walls 13 . 14 be snapped ( 1 and 3 ). The films are thereby on the inner sides of the film carrier profiles 18 held. The foil carrier profiles 18 do so with the bottom edge in corresponding grooves 31 on the side walls 13 . 14 Inserted and pressed until it is with the upper edges behind a locking edge 32 lock in place ( 2 . 3 ). The slides 19 may be opaque and / or reflective on one side to suppress indirect illumination. The slides 19 but can also consist of a translucent colored material to influence the color of the indirect lighting.

A similar choice exists with regard to the cover profiles 20 . 20 ' , If a direct lighting (forward) is desired, the cover profiles exist 20 . 20 ' of a translucent material, preferably a satined art glass. However, the use of glass is also conceivable. Here, too, the direct lighting can be influenced by deposited colored foils or the light for reflective lighting can be reflected back by reflecting foils (Foil 44 in 3 ). In particular, it is possible to realize illuminated graphs or the like by means of corresponding graphically designed foils or masks.

If the lighting is to be exclusively indirect, cover profiles 20 . 20 ' from an opaque material, in particular anodized aluminum, used or snapped.

As fluorescent lights 21 . 21 ' It is preferable to use energy-saving 14 W or 35 W T5 luminaires with lengths of 585 mm or 1485 mm. The carrier profiles 11 . 11 ' preferably have a standard length of 1580 mm and can be strung together arbitrarily or shortened on site. The other elements like foil carrier profiles 18 and foils also have a standard length of 1580 mm. The cover profiles 20 . 20 ' have a standard length of 1600 mm. For lateral closure of the carrier profiles 11 . 11 ' at the end of a light band are correspondingly shaped end pieces 17 , preferably made of aluminum sheet, provided. For corner mounting of and / or frames with light bands angle profile elements are provided in addition to the support profiles 11 . 11 ' are adjusted.

All in all results with the invention, a modular lighting system, which Easy to assemble and very flexible to use.

10

lighting system (modular)

11 11 '

carrier profile (U-shaped)

12

ground (Carrier profile)

13 14

Side wall (Carrier profile)

15 16

edge section

17

tail

18

Film carrier profile

19

foil

20 20 '

Cover

21 21 '

fluorescent light

22

connector

23

Fluorescent tube

24

base

25

plug (built-in)

26

clutch

27 27 '

bracket

28 28 '

spacer plate

29 29 '

mounting plate

31

groove

32

catch edge

33

locking lug

34 35

holding arm

36 37

tongue

38 39

retaining rail

40

electric wire

41

wall

42

Cabel Canal

43

cam

44

foil

Claims (9)

Modular lighting system ( 10 ), in particular for the assembly of effort, wherein: a) a band of light of any length is arranged by stringing individual elongated elements ( 11 . 11 '; 21 . 21 ' ) can generate; b) elongated fluorescent lamps ( 21 . 21 ' ) electrically connected in series in an elongate housing with a bottom ( 12 ) are housed; c) the housing consists of elongated support profiles ( 11 . 11 ' ) is composed with U-shaped cross-sectional profile; d) the fluorescent lamps ( 21 . 21 ' ) each in a structural unit a fluorescent tube ( 23 ), a socket ( 24 ) and an associated electronic ballast and electrical connection means ( 25 . 26 ) for releasable connection to adjacent fluorescent lamps ( 21 . 21 ' ) exhibit; and e) the fluorescent lights ( 21 . 21 ' ) on the inside of the floor ( 12 ) by means of holders ( 27 . 27 ' ) are releasably secured in the housing, characterized in that f) the holders ( 27 . 27 ' ) on the ground ( 12 ) releasably mountable fastening clips ( 27 . 27 ' ), which first latching means ( 33 ; 36 . 37 ) for releasably engaging the ground ( 12 ) and second latching means ( 34 . 35 ; 43 ) for receiving the fluorescent lights ( 21 . 21 ' ) and releasable engagement with the fluorescent lights ( 21 . 21 ' ) exhibit; and g) for engaging the first latching means ( 33 ; 36 . 37 ) on the ground ( 12 ) in the longitudinal direction of two parallel, spaced-apart support rails ( 38 . 39 ), along which the first latching means ( 33 ; 36 . 37 ) intervene at any point. Modular lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that a) the holders ( 27 . 27 ' ) consist of a spring steel; and b) the first latching means ( 33 ; 36 . 37 ): ba) two opposing, integrally formed tongues ( 36 . 37 ), which engage in the retaining rails ( 38 . 39 ) are determined; and bb) a detent ( 33 ), which engage in a groove in the ground ( 12 ) is provided; and c) the second latching means ( 34 . 35 ; 43 ) include: ca) two springy retaining arms ( 34 . 35 ); and cb) cams ( 43 ) on the inside of the retaining arms ( 34 . 35 ), which engage in depressions on the fluorescent lamps ( 21 . 21 ' ) are provided. Modular lighting system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring force on the holders ( 27 . 27 ' ) is dimensioned so that the brackets ( 27 . 27 ' ) remain stationary when placed in a holder ( 27 . 27 ' ) fluorescent lamp ( 21 . 21 ' ) is moved in the longitudinal direction of the housing. Modular lighting system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a) the carrier profiles ( 11 . 11 ' ) except the ground ( 12 ) two side walls ( 13 . 14 ) exhibit; b) the carrier profiles ( 11 . 11 ' ) are integrally formed; and c) the side walls ( 13 . 14 ) are made of a translucent material, preferably a synthetic glass, in particular a polycarbonate. Modular lighting system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a) for influencing the through the side walls ( 13 . 14 ) of the carrier profiles ( 11 . 11 ' ) passing light with a foil ( 19 ) covered film carrier profiles ( 18 ) made of a translucent material, in particular a plastic, on the side walls ( 13 . 14 ) can be snapped on; and b) the film ( 19 ) is opaque and / or reflective on one side or the film ( 19 ) consists of a translucent colored material. Modular lighting system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a) for closing the housing flat cover profiles ( 20 . 20 ' ) are provided, which via latching edges ( 32 ) on the side walls ( 13 . 14 ) of the carrier profiles ( 11 . 11 ' ) snap; b) the side walls ( 13 . 14 ) outwardly curved edge portions ( 15 . 16 ) and the width of the cover profiles ( 20 . 20 ' ) is greater than the width of the soil ( 12 ) of the carrier profiles ( 11 . 11 ' ); c) the cover profiles ( 20 . 20 ' ) are made of a translucent material, in particular a satin-finished art glass; or d) the cover profiles ( 20 . 20 ' ) are made of an opaque material, in particular anodized aluminum. Modular lighting system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a) for covering open ends of the carrier profiles ( 11 . 11 ' ) correspondingly shaped end pieces ( 17 ), in particular aluminum sheet, are provided; and b) covering the butt joint of abutting cover profiles ( 20 . 20 ' ) Fugenabdeckplättchen of a matched to the cover material, in particular aluminum or transparent film, are provided. Modular lighting system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electrical connection means ( 25 . 26 ) comprise: a) connectors ( 25 ), which sunk at both ends into the fluorescent lamps ( 21 . 21 ' ) are installed and wired through each other; and b) couplings ( 26 ) for insertion between the adjacent plugs ( 25 ) to be electrically connected to each other fluorescent lights ( 21 . 21 ' ). Modular lighting system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that for the fluorescent lamps ( 21 . 21 ' ) Fluorescent tubes ( 23 ) in the form of energy-saving T5 lamps, in particular with a power of 14 to 35 watts.