DE202008007474U1 - Luminous band with a flexurally elastic strip-shaped carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

light strip with a flexurally elastic strip-shaped carrier (22) defining a longitudinal direction (28) and at least has a broad side (30, 32) and a narrow side (34, 36), each extending in the longitudinal direction (28), with a first and a second flexurally elastic conductor (24, 26), which are arranged on the carrier (22) and in the longitudinal direction (28) extend, and with a plurality of lighting elements (40), on the support (22) in the longitudinal direction (28) arranged side by side and connected to the first and second conductors (24, 26) are electrically connected, characterized in that the Luminous elements (40) in the region of the narrow side (34) are arranged and that about the support (22) a biegelastische, opaque Case (48) is arranged, which the broad side (30, 32) covered and the narrow side (34) at least in the region of the lighting elements (40) leaves.

Description

The The present invention relates to a light strip having a flexural elastic strip-shaped carrier, which is a longitudinal direction defined and has a broadside and a narrow side, the each extending in the longitudinal direction, with a first and a second flexurally elastic conductor attached to the wearer are arranged and extend in the longitudinal direction, and with a variety of lighting elements attached to the carrier arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction and with the first and second conductors are electrically connected.

Such a light strip is off DE 202 13 211 U1 known.

The known light strip consists of a soft strip inside is provided with a plurality of lighting elements. The lighting elements are connected to power cables that are connected to one end of the light strip emerge and connected to the power supply of a motor vehicle can be. At the bottom of the soft strip An adhesive strip is arranged so that the light strip directly can be glued to a surface, especially on a surface on a motor vehicle.

Of the known light strip is intended for example on the A-pillar a motor vehicle to be glued to better visibility of the motor vehicle. To get a good visibility of the To reach the light emitting elements emitted light, the known Light strips are glued frontally to the surface. This can on the one hand disturb the aesthetics, because the light strip inevitably made of a different material exists as the motor vehicle surface. He also trains a butt edge perpendicular to the surface. About that In addition, the well-known light strip is all environmental influences exposed unprotected. Due to the unavoidable impact edge There is a risk that the light strip accidentally peeled off is, for example, in the cleaning of the vehicle surface.

It Moreover, there are many in the art of light strips for different applications. For Christmas decorations are often fairy lights with a transparent, tubular plastic hose used in which individual light-emitting elements are arranged. Such a plastic tube However, it is difficult or impossible to reach the surface attach a motor vehicle.

Out DE 10 206 021 973 A1 a luminaire is known which is to be used advantageously for motor vehicles. This known lamp has a strip-shaped board made of resin-impregnated cardboard, fiber-reinforced resins or ceramics. On the top and the bottom of the board in each case a conductor track is arranged. In order to obtain a particularly compact, flat and easy to install light with any shape and smallest number of parts, it is proposed that the light elements are arranged on the narrow side of the board. The known luminaire can be mounted due to the rigid board only to suitably adapted objects, the contour of the board must be adapted to the object before. Therefore, and because of the exposed electrical contacts to the light emitting elements and the exposed traces on the board, this light fixture is for an application as described in the opening paragraph DE 202 13 211 U1 is not suitable.

Out DE 102 61 772 A1 is a conductor made of flexible material known, are arranged on the light emitting elements in the form of light emitting diodes (LED). The track is to be mounted in a motor vehicle headlight. In order to simplify the assembly, it is proposed that the flexible conductor track is at least partially embedded in a dimensionally stable component. Also, this lamp is not suitable as a substitute for the light strip described above due to their properties in order to eliminate the associated disadvantages.

in view of it is an object of the present invention, a light strip specify the type mentioned, which is a simple, flexible and possibly hidden installation on a motor vehicle or other objects with arbitrarily shaped surfaces allows.

According to one Aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a light strip of solved at the beginning, in which the lighting elements are arranged in the region of the narrow side and in which a flexurally elastic, opaque cover around the wearer is arranged, this envelope covers the broadside and the narrow side leaves free, at least in the area of the lighting elements.

In the new light strip, the light of the light elements essentially emerges only on the narrow side of the strip-shaped support. As a result, the new light strip can be placed very hidden along existing edges and / or in existing slots or gaps of an article. In addition, the new light strip is well protected by such a mounting against mechanical influences. Due to the flexurally elastic support and the flexible elastic cover, the light strip is overall very flexible (soft), and it can thus very easily and quickly to belie Bige contour curves are adjusted. The opaque cover prevents the emission of stray light on the broad side, which makes the light strip particularly easy to hide on edges or in gaps. The above object is therefore completely solved.

In a preferred embodiment encloses the opaque Cover the carrier and the lighting elements at least splash-proof. Preferably, the shell encloses the carrier and the lighting elements even splash or dew waterproof. In preferred embodiments, the opaque Cover a rubber-like potting material made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), the flowable in a thin layer applied around the carrier and the lighting elements and then to the flexurally elastic shell cures. It is understood that the narrow side of the carrier with the luminous elements in this embodiment, at least as far is free that the light of the light elements can escape.

These Design allows for a very robust and at the same time cost-effective realization of the new light strip. she is particularly advantageous when the new light strip in the outdoor area and especially used on the outside of motor vehicles shall be.

In In a further embodiment, the carrier has an upper and a lower broad side and a front and a rear narrow side, wherein the lighting elements arranged in the region of the front narrow side and wherein the envelope is the upper and lower broadside and surrounds the rear narrow side in approximately U-shaped.

In This embodiment forms the bending elastic sheath three integrally connected outer sides of the light strip. The light strip is large by this cover protected. The design allows a very cost-effective and robust realization, especially if the shell should be at least splash-proof.

In In another embodiment, the light strip has an adhesive strip, which extends at the broad side in the longitudinal direction.

These Design allows a very simple installation of the new light strip on edges and surfaces. Furthermore becomes a very uniform with this configuration and durable attachment achieved.

In In another embodiment, the carrier has a front and a rear end side, the first and second conductors End contactable on at least one of these end pages. Preferably the first and second conductors are accessible on each of the two end pages. It is further preferred if the conductors do not have over protrude the respective end side, but complete with the end side.

These Design allows a simple and variable connection between the new light strip and a connecting cable leading to a power supply leads, such as a battery. In a preferred Embodiment, the connection cable has two contact tips for contacting the conductors, wherein the contact tips in one or both end sides of the carrier are inserted like a knife. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it allows to cut the light strip to any length, which is the Possible applications further increased and the assembly further simplified. The end-side contacting of the conductors allows In addition, a very space-saving and concealed installation a connection cable.

In In a further embodiment, the carrier consists of a soft-elastic material which can be cut by hand with a pair of scissors.

These Design contributes significantly to a large Range of application and easy installation at. She is special advantageous in combination with an end-side contacting the Conductor, because the end-to-end contacting at each new interface is possible.

In In another embodiment, the first and second conductors are made of stranded wire.

These Design is on the one hand advantageous because stranded wire as well For larger conductor cross sections a high bending elasticity offers. Therefore, this embodiment contributes to this advantageous in total, the bending elasticity of the light strip to increase. In addition, contact tips can very simply inserted between the individual strands of a stranded wire be, and the achievable contact has good electrical Properties.

In In a further embodiment, the carrier consists of a transparent potting material in which the conductors are embedded. Preferably, the carrier is made of a transparent PVC material.

These Design allows a very cost-effective Realization, especially if the new light strip as a piece goods is realized. In addition, with this configuration a very reliable insulation between the two conductors achieved, mainly due to the high bending elasticity is of great advantage.

In a further embodiment are also the lighting elements embedded in the carrier.

These Embodiment is advantageous to the lighting elements and their contact points to protect the ladder from splash water, splash or submerged water. In addition, with this embodiment, edges and Avoid projections on which catch the light strip could. The design therefore contributes to one particularly robust realization.

In a further embodiment, the carrier has at the Broadside a variety of openings in which the lighting elements are arranged.

In In this embodiment, the lighting elements are not in the carrier but they are subsequently in prepared openings used by the carrier. This configuration allows a cost effective and varied implementation because For example, different colored lighting elements also subsequently can be mounted on the carrier according to customer requirements. On the other hand, this embodiment takes advantage of the embedded Provide lighting elements. In particular, can be with this Design in a very simple and inexpensive way an injection- or even dive-protected light strip realize by the opaque shell the openings after insertion of the light-emitting elements seals. On the narrow side, the transparent support ensures the Splash protection.

In In a further embodiment, the carrier has a number of openings larger than that Number of light elements.

In In this embodiment, therefore, some openings are unoccupied, d. H. There is no light element arranged there. As a result, can At these openings material of the opaque Sheath to be included. This allows a very simple, inexpensive and durable connection between the carrier and the opaque envelope without additional glue. This is particularly advantageous Embodiment, when the opaque shell in the form of a thin potting material on the carrier is applied because the potting material then in the unoccupied openings penetrates and forms during curing pins that the shell anchor in the openings.

In In another embodiment, the new light strip has connecting wires, with which the lighting elements are electrically connected to the conductors are. Preferably, the connecting wires with the lighting elements and / or soldered to the conductors.

leads can be contrasted with printed or etched tracks free and flexible laying. You can add later and in particular after embedding luminous elements in the openings be soldered. In addition, connecting wires more robust than printed or etched under bending loads Tracks, what in terms of flexurally elastic carrier the new light strip is of great advantage.

In In another embodiment, the connecting wires extend outside the carrier. Preferably run the connecting wires under or inside the case.

These Design simplifies the production of the new light strip Next, because initially a cost-effective carrier with two potted ladders (sort of in the form of a Two-wire line) can be used, on which the lighting elements retrofitted and contacted.

In In a further embodiment, the lighting elements are SMD LEDs.

SMD is the abbreviation for Surface Mounted Devices. This term designates a design for light emitting diodes, which is characterized by the fact that the LEDs do not have their own Own connection wires. The contact takes place via two separate contact surfaces fixed to the housing or Chip body of the light emitting diode are arranged. typically, SMD components are placed directly on the surface of a circuit board arranged and soldered to the contact surfaces.

SMD LEDs are very small, and therefore they allow the realization of very narrow and flat light bands. In preferred Embodiments, the SMD LEDs oppose the usual use over flexible connecting wires contacted at the contact surfaces of the SMD LEDs be soldered. This preferred embodiment allows the realization of very narrow, flat and flexible light bands. The flat and narrow design is beneficial for the desired simple and hidden mounting on edges, slits or columns. In preferred embodiments 0805 SMD LEDs used.

It it is understood that the above and the following yet to be explained features not only in each case specified combination, but also in other combinations or can be used in isolation, without the scope of the present To leave invention.

embodiments The invention are illustrated in the drawings and in the explained in more detail below description. It demonstrate:

1 a simplified representation of a preferred embodiment of the new light strip,

2 the light strip off 1 without the opaque shell, and

3 the light strip off 2 or the carrier body in a plan view of the broadside.

In 1 is a preferred embodiment of the new light strip in its entirety by the reference numeral 10 designated. The light strip 10 is here via a separate connection cable 12 with a battery 14 connected. Accordingly, has the light strip 10 here no integrated and / or hanging connection cables for connection to the battery 14 , Instead, the separate connection cable has 12 a plug 16 with two contact tips 18 that are designed to be in the end face 20 of the light strip 10 to be inserted like a knife. The contact points become more precise 18 in the end side 20 of the carrier 22 plugged in, and they contact the two separate conductors there 24 . 26 , The ladder 24 . 26 here are stranded wires with 12 strands each. The carrier 22 consists in this preferred embodiment of a transparent, flexurally elastic and thus relatively soft PVC material in which the two conductors 24 . 26 , are shed. The carrier 22 and the ladder 24 . 26 effectively form a two-wire line extending in a longitudinal direction 28 extends and are subsequently inserted into the individual light-emitting elements in the manner described below.

In the following is supplemented on the 2 and 3 With reference to the same reference numerals designate like elements.

The carrier 22 has an upper broadside 30 (Top) and a lower broadside 32 (Underside) and two narrow sides 34 . 36 , In cross-section is the carrier 22 here largely rectangular.

How to get in 3 can recognize, owns the carrier 22 at its top 30 a variety of openings 38 , each with two openings 38 in pairs are close together and with a plurality of pairs distributed in the longitudinal direction on the front narrow side. In a preferred embodiment, in each second opening pair is a luminous element 40 plugged in. In one embodiment, the small bridge between the pairs adjacent openings 38 cut with the impressions of the lighting elements to a self-retaining recording of the lighting element 40 to build.

The lighting elements 40 For example, in the preferred embodiment, 0805 type SMD LEDs are about 2 mm in length and about 1 mm wide and about 0.5 mm high. In other embodiments, other light-emitting elements, in particular light-emitting diodes in other designs may be used, such as standard wired LEDs. In the preferred embodiment, each SMD LED has 40 two contact surfaces 42 which are arranged at opposite ends of the diode housing. In the illustrated embodiment, a thin and flexible connecting wire is at each of these contact surfaces 44 soldered. How to get in 3 can recognize are the light emitting diodes 40 over the connecting wires 44 with the ladders 24 . 26 electrically connected.

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting diodes each 40 . 40 ' via a first connecting wire 44 connected in series. A second connecting wire 44 ' is between the free contact of the light emitting diode 40 ' and the leader 24 arranged. The connection between the connecting wire 44 and the leader 24 Here is also a solder joint 46 , To enable this solder connection, the carrier became 22 Open slightly above the solder joint to gain access to the embedded conductor 24 to obtain.

Another connecting wire 44 '' is from the free contact 42 the LED 40 to the second conductor 26 guided and there also with a solder joint 46 contacted. In the preferred embodiment, therefore, in each case a series circuit of a plurality of light-emitting diodes 40 . 40 ' between the two leaders 24 . 26 connected.

The illustrated implementation with a series circuit of LEDs 40 . 40 ' simplifies the production of the new light strip 10 because only a reduced number of solder joints 46 to the ladders 24 . 26 is needed. In a preferred embodiment, three LEDs each 40 connected to a series connection. Disadvantage of this series circuit is that when disconnecting a lead wire 44 the circuit for all light emitting diodes 40 . 40 ' the series circuit is interrupted and thus no LED of the series circuit can light up. Therefore, the number of LEDs in the series circuits is not too high. Otherwise there is a risk that when cutting the strip light 10 a larger number of LEDs is de-energized.

How to get in 1 can recognize is the top 30 covered with an opaque PVC material, which is very thin compared to the PVC material of the wearer. In preferred embodiments, the opaque material forms a shell 48 that the carrier 22 U-shaped encloses, namely at the top 30 , the rear narrow side 36 and the bottom 32 (not shown in detail here for clarity). In a preferred embodiment, therefore, only the front narrow side remain 34 and the end pages 20 from the shell 48 uncovered, the latter from the cutting of the light strip 10 at any point results. At the front narrow side 34 is the transparent material of the carrier 22 uncovered. There can be the light 50 the light-emitting diodes 40 escape.

With the reference number 52 is an adhesive strip called the top 30 on the cover 48 is arranged and spread over the entire length of the light strip 10 extends. The adhesive strip 52 is covered on its upper side with a release liner (not shown here). As can be seen in the illustration in 1 can easily recognize, the light enters 50 the light-emitting diodes 40 on one side of the light strip 10 out, which is approximately perpendicular to the top 30 lies on which the adhesive strip 52 is arranged.

The opaque shell 48 consists in the preferred embodiments of a potting material, in a thin layer on the broad sides 30 . 32 and the rear narrow side 36 is applied. The potting material penetrates the openings 38 that does not use light emitting diodes 40 are occupied. Upon curing, pins (not shown) form the front free ends of the sleeve 48 in the area of the front narrow side 34 stick together. The shell is preferred 48 without adhesive on the carrier 22 attached.

In the preferred embodiments, the light band 10 be cut to length with a pair of scissors by hand. Subsequently, the contact tips 18 in the ends of the ladder 24 . 26 plugged in to connect between the light strip 10 and the battery 14 manufacture. In preferred embodiments, the light band 10 can be operated with either 12 V or 24 V DC.

Furthermore, it is provided in preferred exemplary embodiments that the light-emitting diodes 40 Send out light of different colors. In other preferred embodiments, all the LEDs produce white light. The narrow side is in preferred embodiments about 4 mm high, the broad side about 8 mm wide.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 20213211 U1 [0002, 0006]
• - DE 10206021973 A1 [0006]
• - DE 10261772 A1 [0007]

Claims (14)

Luminous band with a flexurally elastic strip-shaped carrier ( 22 ), which has a longitudinal direction ( 28 ) and at least one broadside ( 30 . 32 ) and a narrow side ( 34 . 36 ), each longitudinally ( 28 ), with a first and a second flexurally elastic conductor ( 24 . 26 ) attached to the support ( 22 ) are arranged and in the longitudinal direction ( 28 ), and with a plurality of light elements ( 40 ) attached to the support ( 22 ) in the longitudinal direction ( 28 ) are juxtaposed and connected to the first and second conductors ( 24 . 26 ) are electrically connected, characterized in that the lighting elements ( 40 ) in the area of the narrow side ( 34 ) and that around the carrier ( 22 ) a bending elastic, opaque envelope ( 48 ) which is the broadside ( 30 . 32 ) and the narrow side ( 34 ) at least in the region of the luminous elements ( 40 ). Luminous band according to claim 1, characterized in that the light-impermeable envelope ( 48 ) the carrier ( 22 ) and the light elements ( 40 ) encloses at least splash-tight. Luminous band according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the carrier ( 22 ) an upper and a lower broadside ( 30 . 32 ) and a front and a rear narrow side ( 34 . 36 ), wherein the lighting elements ( 40 ) in the area of the front narrow side ( 34 ) and wherein the envelope ( 48 ) the upper and lower broadside ( 30 . 32 ) and the rear narrow side ( 36 ) surrounds in approximately U-shaped. Luminous band according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by an adhesive strip ( 52 ), located on the broadside ( 30 ) in the longitudinal direction ( 28 ). Luminous band according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the carrier ( 22 ) a front and a rear end side ( 20 ), the first and second conductors ( 24 . 26 ) on at least one of these end pages ( 20 ) contactable end. Luminous band according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the carrier ( 22 ) consists of a soft-elastic, with a pair of scissors by hand cut material. Luminous band according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first and the second conductor ( 24 . 26 ) are made of stranded wire. Luminous band according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the carrier ( 22 ) consists of a transparent potting material into which the conductors ( 24 . 26 ) are embedded. Luminous band according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the luminous elements ( 40 ) in the carrier ( 22 ) are embedded. Luminous band according to claim 9, characterized in that the carrier ( 22 ) on the broadside ( 30 ) a plurality of openings ( 38 ), in which the lighting elements ( 40 ) are arranged. Luminous band according to claim 10, characterized in that the carrier ( 22 ) a number of openings ( 38 ), which is greater than the number of light elements ( 40 ). Luminous band according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by connecting wires ( 44 ), with which the lighting elements ( 40 ) electrically to the conductors ( 24 . 26 ) are connected. Luminous band according to claim 12, characterized in that the connection wires ( 44 ) outside the carrier ( 22 ). Luminous band according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the lighting elements ( 40 ) SMD LEDs are.