EP1110489B1 - Furniture system with modular lighting installation - Google Patents

Abstract

The display cupboard system has a modular lighting system with lamps (21) fitted to each shelf. Tubes (17.1 - 17.8) act as a mounting system for the power supply and connectors (19.1 - 19.4) provide electrical connection between adjacent tubes. Independent claims are included for: (a) a modular lighting system for a display cupboard as described above and (b) a display cupboard fitted with the system.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a modular lighting installation for a furniture system, especially for a showcase furniture, with several delimited from each other Furniture compartments, comprising rod elements of a predetermined length for current routing within of the individual furniture compartments and connecting elements to neighboring bar elements electrically connect with each other. The invention further relates to Furniture system with such a modular lighting installation.

State of the art

Showcases have different functions to perform. First of all they should put objects in present a shop, an exhibition, etc., the viewer none (or at least no direct) access to the object. The object on display should come into their own. Basically, the design of the showcase should be one Have reference to the value and meaning of the exhibited object. It is e.g. not appropriate, when a beautiful and valuable item in an aesthetically underweight Vitnne is put on display. On the other hand, the aesthetics of the showcase should also be do not overshadow that of the object.

The display case preferably enables the object to be viewed from all sides. she should So have a lot of glass and few other construction elements. Finally, too optimal lighting of the object can be achieved. In practice, this means that Luminous elements are to be installed in the showcase itself. For the manufacturer of a showcase the task of designing the electrical installations in such a way that the Visibility of the object is not disturbed.

A low-voltage halogen system for glass showcases is known from US Pat. No. 5,057,978. The Vitrine consists of several, directly connected to each other or inserted in a rack Glass panes. A tubular lamp body in which several low-voltage halogen bulbs can be used, is inside the showcase by two carriers held. The carriers, which also serve for power supply, are through the floor led through the showcase. They can either be designed as stable rods or flexible cables his. As can be seen from FIG. 1 there, the carriers are close to the edges the display case. The power supplies are independent lines within the showcase and not part of the furniture frame. The dimensions of the lamp body can be standardized or adapted to the showcase.

Showcases with integrated lighting systems are also commercially available. Esthetic these are particularly satisfactory if the power supply for the Illumination of the individual showcase compartments integrated in a continuous vertical support are. The carrier also represents part of the frame structure of the Showcase. It can be used both as a stable profile (for standing showcases) and as a rope (for hanging showcases). It is either energized as a whole (what is of course only possible with low voltage lighting systems) or includes one insulated busbar.

The disadvantage of most known commercial display cases is that they are not are modular. So the user does not have the option of furnishing the showcase to gradually expand. Rather, he has to choose a whole new piece of furniture. The already known modular showcase systems, on the other hand, are aesthetic and constructive not satisfying.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is a modular lighting installation system and a furniture system with such a lighting installation system to accomplish.

The solutions to these tasks are defined in claims 1 and 10. According to the Invention have the rod elements for current carrying a corresponding to Internal dimensions of a length of furniture and are e.g. through brackets held such that they are each completely within a furniture compartment. Electrical connecting elements are also provided, which are rod elements Connect neighboring furniture compartments. The lighting fixture is on two Rod elements of different polarity connected at a freely selectable point.

The concept according to the invention is therefore based on the fact that the current conduction within a Furniture compartment by (standardized) rod elements, which also serve as a support serve for the lighting fixtures, and that rod elements of neighboring furniture compartments with the help of preferably uniform connecting elements electrically to one connected system. In contrast to the state of the art US 5,057,978 the bar elements are not through the floor or any wall passed. This is an essential aspect of the modularity of the inventive Lighting installation.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the connecting elements are flexible. It can be, for example, insulated cables with plug parts at the ends. The plug parts can be connected to the corresponding plug connections of the rod elements. The flexibility of the connecting elements enables simple retrofitting Installation of lighting. It is also possible to use the same connecting element not only to create straight connections but also 90 ° connections (if e.g. two rod elements at 90 ° to each other within the same furniture compartment are to be connected in a corner). Instead of insulated cables, of course also bendable wires, link-like tubes or joint-like power line elements be used.

Connection elements designed as branches are preferably also provided. In general, the branching can be 1: n (n = 2, 3, 4 etc.). Of particular Of particular interest will be 1: 2 and 1: 3 branches. It should be mentioned that flexibility in branching is of particular practical use. With rigid Connection elements would be necessary, for example, for every branching ratio to keep differently shaped branches in stock (e.g. a branch on the one hand with one 180 ° and one 90 ° arm and one with two 90 ° arms). The fasteners can even be composed of several that can be put together by the user Parts exist.

The brackets are e.g. so arranged and designed that the rod elements essentially are fixed at both ends. The fixation should not only be transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rod element but also act in the direction of the axis mentioned. The Most of the bar elements remain free to connect the lighting fixtures anywhere. Furthermore, the construction is chosen so that the connecting elements end of the rod elements can be connected at any time if necessary.

The brackets can in principle be an integral part of the furniture. Preferably but they can be replaced or retrofitted. On corner elements of the furniture can e.g. mechanical connections to be formed, which with the support elements interact in a fixative manner. One has to think in particular of plug-in, clamp or screw connections.

The length of the bar elements is chosen so that it is essentially an edge length a furniture compartment minus two times a connection area for the connecting element equivalent. The connection area is as small as possible (e.g. 1-5 cm). Ideally, it is just large enough that a flexible connecting element is optional can create a straight or a 90 ° connection. Have all furniture compartments in the furniture system the same dimensions, the lighting installation can be done with one or two Bar element types get along. (One length is sufficient for cubic subjects, for cuboid subjects You can get by with two different rod lengths - one for example for lines in the vertical direction and one for lines in the horizontal Direction between two vertical lines.) Of course, three or more different rod lengths can be provided.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the furniture has corner elements which are equipped with passages for the connecting elements. The walls, ceilings and floors of the furniture compartment (which are made of transparent or non-transparent material can exist) are held by corner elements in a frame of the furniture and not particularly adapted to the lighting system itself. Rather limited the constructive interaction between the lighting system and the furniture (small) corner elements. For retrofitting a piece of furniture with an inventive one It is therefore not necessary to install the (expensive) walls, ceilings and lighting installation Replace floors. It is sufficient to replace individual (inexpensive) corner elements.

Unless it is perceived as annoying, all walls and ceilings can of course also be used and floors are equipped with passages as standard, so that at any time Lighting can be installed in the furniture. This is of particular interest, if a furniture system is assumed, its construction the use of interchangeable corner elements.

Basically, it is not excluded that the corner elements themselves the represent or include electrical connecting elements. The bar elements could in such a case, be connected directly to the corner element. After all, they can Brackets can also be integrated components of the wall, floor and ceiling panels.

From the following detailed description and the entirety of the claims there are further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the Invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

Eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer modularen Vitrine;

Fig. 2

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung der Stromzuführung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Beleuchtungsinstallation.

The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiment show:

Fig. 1

A schematic perspective view of a modular display case;

Fig. 2

a schematic perspective view of the power supply;

Fig. 3

is a schematic perspective view of a lighting installation.

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

Fig. 1 shows a piece of furniture 1, which is designed in the manner of a modular display case. According to a preferred embodiment, the furniture 1 is based on a frame 2, which is constructed from pipes 2.1 to 2.37. The tubes are with knot elements known per se (see e.g. reference number 3.1). In the frame 2 are in also known way used wall, floor and ceiling elements, so that cuboid volumes arise. (In Fig. 1 is the general case of cuboid volumes shown. The special case of cubic volumes, which always occur when using If the frame tubes are the same length, logistically speaking there can be considerable advantages to have.)

In a lower area of the furniture 1 are in the embodiment shown Wall, floor and ceiling elements of opaque panels (e.g. made of metal, wood or Plastic), so that a closed cabinet 4 is formed. In an upper area of the Furniture 1 (in the present case above the pipes 2.3, 2.4, 2.10, 2.13, 2.16, 2.19 defined level) there are 2 transparent plates (e.g. made of glass) in the frame or plastic) installed. Showcase compartments 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 are thereby formed, in which objects can be put on display. Showcase compartments 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 need not be closed, of course. E.g. on the back the If the wall elements are left out, the compartments are freely accessible from the rear.

The showcase is modular because it is possible to separate individual showcase compartments at any time. or build up without constructively changing the rest of the display case or the furniture. In other words, the frame 2 is constructed so that it is local at will can be expanded.

The showcase lighting according to the invention will now be explained in detail below.

From the basic concept, each showcase compartment 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 with one or more Lighting fixtures are individually illuminated. It is also possible to turn the current on to lead through the showcase compartments 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 in a relatively arbitrary manner. Becomes If the furniture is enlarged, the lighting installation can be retrofitted in a modular manner become. This means that there is no need to replace existing lighting installations or be removed. Rather, it is sufficient to add new rod and connecting elements.

In the following it is assumed that the lighting is based on a low-voltage halogen system based. Two separate power supplies for the plus and the Minus pole needed. Even if the frame 2 is made of metal and basically could form a pole, in the context of the invention, the current is via independent lines supplied, which are isolated from the frame 2.

Apart from the power supply, all parts of the lighting installation are inside of the furniture or the showcase compartments 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4. The power is supplied e.g. in the area of the node element 3.1. From there lead inside the furniture 1 for the two Polarities of separate power lines in the various showcase compartments 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4. The power lines are made up of standardized rod elements and also standardized connecting elements. The bar elements are along the Tubes of the frame 2 out. The connecting elements connect the rod elements, be it within a certain showcase compartment or between two neighboring ones Showcases subjects.

A line can e.g. along the pipes 2.26, 2.32, 2.18, 2.21, 2.26, 2.30 and the other be guided along the pipes 2.10, 2.27, 2.33, 2.7, 2.8, 2.25, 2.29. Through between the In this example, lighting fixtures attached to both lines can be any one Showcase compartment 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 are individually illuminated. Within the scope of the invention it is also possible to provide branches so that e.g. the current also towards of the pipe 2.17 is continued. It makes sense to turn the lines on two opposite sides of a wall, floor or ceiling element of the led showcase compartment, so that the lighting fixture quasi in front of a wall is arranged. But it is not excluded that a lighting fixture between otherwise arranged lines is attached so that it somewhere in the "free space" of the Showcase compartment hangs.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective detail view. The pipes are 2.10, 2.16, 2.22 and 2.26 through the node element 3.1 (which is largely covered in the illustration) releasably connected to each other. The node element 3.1 is e.g. a ball with six threaded holes, into which the clamping screws of clamping devices arranged in the pipes can be screwed in. On the outside of the furniture is on the knot element 3.1 e.g. a strain relief button 5 attached. Through this are two cables 6.1, 6.2 passed through. A corner element 7, which in the corner between the pipes 2.10 and 2.26 is arranged, has a through opening 10 for the cable relieved of the train 6.1 and 6.2.

The corner element 7 consists essentially of a support body 8 and two lateral Guide surfaces 9.1, 9.2. It takes a suitably adapted corner of a (not shown) Wall element, with the guide surfaces 9.1, 9.2 the wall element at the edge grasp on both sides and position it in the desired level. (Every wall element is held in the frame by four corner elements of the type shown.)

In Fig. 2 a further corner element 11 is shown, which is located in the corner between the Pipes 2.16 and 2.26 is located and has the same design as the corner element 7. It serves as a support for a bracket 12 which the ends of the current-carrying rods 13, 14th fixed. The bracket 12 is e.g. corresponding to the shape of the corner element 11 arcuate (in the sense of a quarter circle) and has e.g. a U-shaped cross section. by virtue of this cross section, the bracket 12 on the side surface of the corner element 11 can be hung. So that the position of the bracket 12 on the corner element 11 exactly is defined, the two construction elements mentioned (bracket 12 / corner element 11) to be provided with suitable recesses or projections to create a latching connection. The recesses / projections are preferred on an inner, i.e. not visible from the outside of the side wall of the Corner element 11 formed. (It may also be possible to rest on such Connection can be dispensed with simply by ensuring the positioning the two ends of the bracket 12 abut the pipes 2.16 and 2.26.)

2 are the side wall 12.1 and the arched back 12.2 of the mounting part of the bracket 12 visible. There are two on the side wall 12.1 Rod holder 12.3, 12.4 formed. They are aligned perpendicular to each other. According to In a preferred embodiment, they are designed as pliers with resilient jaws, such that the rods 13 and 14 in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis in the rod holder 12.3, 12.4 can be introduced.

In Fig. 2 it can be seen that the rods 13 and 14 are held so that they are in the area between the jaws of the rod holders 12.3, 12.4 end. So that the end position is clearly defined the rod holders 12.3, 12.4 have stop elements. In other words: the Rod holders 12.3, 12.4 are preferably designed so that the (of two rod holders clamped) rod can not move in the axial direction.

The cables 6.1, 6.2 have plugs 15, 16, which in the ends of the rods 13, 14th can be inserted. As can be seen from Fig. 2, embrace the rod holder 12.3, 12.4 not only the ends of the rods 13, 14 but also the plugs 15, 16. Thus there is of course the possibility of the rod holder 12.3, 12.4 in the sense of an alternative to design that the rods 13, 14 not directly but indirectly via the plug 15, 16 hold on. By baking the rod holder in the sense of this alternative, (only) the plug fixes, which then in turn holds the rod through the plug connection.

The rod holders 12.3, 12.4 are placed close together and in a small space. The transparent one The area of the showcase should pass through the corner elements and thus through the bracket 12 are not restricted. The connection area, which is determined by the distance of the End of the rod 13 of the (not shown, between the tubes 2.10 and 2.16 used) floor plate is defined, is just about so large that the cables 6.1, 6.2 can be connected through the through opening 10 of the corner element. (Depending on the flexibility of the cable, a small multiple is sufficient of the cable diameter.) In practice, the connection area becomes two to three times as large be like a rod holder 12.3, 12.4 (or its length in the axial direction).

Fig. 3 shows a possible current flow within a showcase. Along one edge are rods 17.1, 17.2, 17.4 for one polarity and along the other rods 17.5, 17.6, 17.8 performed for the other polarity of the direct current. The electrically conductive Bars 17.1 to 17.8 are held by insulating brackets 18.1 to 18.8. Between Bars 17.1 and 17.2 or 17.5 and 17.6 are provided with 1: 1 couplings 19.1 and 19.3. These are short pieces of cable with plugs at both ends. The Couplings 19.2 and 19.4 are designed as 1: 2 connections. That is from one Plug, which is inserted in the rod 17.2 or 17.6, go away two cables, which on the one hand the transition to rod 17.3 or 17.7 and on the other hand to rod 17.4 or Create 17.8.

The corner element 23, which e.g. triangular or cake-shaped, has on the A small (e.g. arc-shaped) recess through the corner facing the node element which can be passed through the coupling 19.1. Furthermore, inside the corner element 23, a clamping mechanism is provided which is actuated by an adjusting screw 24 can be. The clamping mechanism is used to remove the affected wall, floor or Clamp the ceiling plate in the frame (between four corner elements) or to fix.

If the plates mentioned are attached in a different way, instead of for the cable parts a through-hole in the recess on the edge (in the corner element or in the plate) be provided analogously to the through opening 10 (Fig. 2).

As can be seen from Fig. 3, the brackets 18.1 to 18.8 are themselves made of several elements composed. On the one hand, a fastening part 25 is provided, which can be hung on a corner element 26, and the other are pliers-shaped Clamping elements 27 are provided, which can be attached to the fastening part 25 (e.g. can be fixed by means of a plug connection (cf. the visible plug connection 28). It is therefore possible to have only as many clamping elements in each case on a fastening part as necessary.

To illuminate the object in the showcase (or the interior of the showcase) can be Any place, a lighting element from a support 20 and a filament 21 are arranged. With one connection, the carrier 20 on the rod 17.2 and the other attached to the rod 17.6 in an electrically conductive manner. (Bars 17.2 and 17.6 serve recognizable at the same time as a stable support and as a power supply for the lighting element.) Because the bars 17.1 to 17.8 are conductive over their entire surface, the lighting element can be placed anywhere (free positioning the lamp). Several lighting elements can also be placed side by side become. It will be advantageous if the luminous element 21 on the carrier 20 is pivotally mounted.

The exemplary embodiments described can be modified in a variety of ways. For example, the brackets can be part of a corner element. The Bars are then attached directly to the corner elements. The rods can either simple metal pipes with no special design at the ends or rod elements with integrated fastening devices.

The plug contact between the connecting element and the rod element is particularly preferred, but not mandatory. It is also an encompassing element from the outside Clamp, screw connection or other contact construction possible.

In another embodiment, the rod holders can be sleeves (or open Tubes) may be formed, wherein they are detachably attached to the fastening part. It can e.g. a connector can be provided. During assembly, the sleeve-like First slide the rod holder over the two ends of a rod and only afterwards the plug connection (whose plug axis is perpendicular to the axis of the rod, for example) on Fastening part inserted. This embodiment is characterized by a good one axial and radial fixation of the bars.

The furniture construction explained with reference to FIG. 1 is by no means a mandatory requirement for the realization of the modular lighting installation. Rather, the invention Can be used wherever furniture with similar compartments is individually illuminated shall be. In particular, book racks, shelves or the like should also be considered. So it does not depend on the special design or the use at all from corner elements. The wall, floor or ceiling plate can also be used directly Attachment of the rod elements to be formed. For example, in a glass plate Bores can be attached, into which a holder for the rod elements are inserted can. Depending on the design of the furniture, there is also the option of the bar elements to be fastened to the tubes of the frame structure using brackets.

Low-voltage halogen systems have the advantage that the voltages that occur for the People are harmless. Are measures taken that the user is not in Lighting systems can also come into contact with live elements with higher voltages (110 V, 220 V) can be used. For example in this case the current supply would have to be protected within the rods and the Contact to the lighting fixture is made according to the safety regulations his.

In summary, it can be stated that the invention is a lighting device has been created for furniture and the like, which flexibly meets the needs can be adjusted. In particular, it will be an aesthetically satisfactory solution for the Lighting provided by modular display cases. The bar elements are indeed separate from the frame construction, but visually adhere to it.

Claims (14)

1. Modular lighting installation system suitable for a furniture system having a plurality of mutually delimited furniture compartments (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4), in particular suitable for a display cabinet, the lighting installation system comprising

   a) rod elements (13, 14; 17.1 to 17.8) of a given length for conducting electric current within the individual furniture compartments (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) and

   b) connection elements (19.1 to 19.4) in order to connect adjacent rod elements (13, 14; 17.1 to 17.8) to each other electrically,
      characterised by

   c) holders (12) which are constructed and can be arranged on the furniture construction in such a manner that the rod elements (13, 14) can be fixed substantially at both ends,

   d) the connection elements (19.1 to 19.4) being able to be connected to the ends of the rod elements (13, 14) at any time, as necessary.
2. Lighting installation system according to claim 1, characterised in that the connection elements (19.1 to 19.4) are in the form of flexible conductors in at least one region.
3. Lighting installation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the connection elements (19.1 to 19.4) are in the form of 1:n connections in order to branch off from one rod element (17.2) to n>1 rod elements (17.3, 17.4).
4. Lighting installation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a carrier (20) is provided for a light member (21) and can be secured in an electrically conductive manner to two rod elements (17.2, 17.6) of different polarities.
5. Lighting installation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it is in the form of a low-voltage halogen system.
6. Lighting installation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that two rod holders (12.3, 12.4) are constructed on at least one of the holders (12) and are preferably orientated perpendicularly to each other.
7. Lighting installation system according to claim 6, characterised in that the rod holders (12.3, 12.4) each form a pincer arrangement having resilient jaws in such a manner that the rod element (13, 14) to be held can be introduced in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof.
8. Lighting installation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the holder (12) is constructed so that the rod element (13, 14) to be held is not displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof.
9. Lighting installation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the connection elements (19.1 to 19.4) have connectors (15, 16) for insertion into an end of the rod element (13, 14), and in that the holders (12) engage round not only the ends of the rod elements (13, 14) but also the connector (15, 16).
10. Furniture system having a lighting installation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the furniture system is constructed in such a manner that a plurality of mutually delimited furniture compartments (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) can be produced, a lighting member (21) being able to be installed in each furniture compartment (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) and the rod elements (13, 14; 17.1 to 17.8) which are used to conduct the electric current being intended to be fitted within the furniture, the rod elements (13, 14; 17.1 to 17.8) being able to be held with the holders (12) completely inside a furniture compartment (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) and the adjacent rod elements (13, 14; 17.1 to 17.8) being able to be connected to each other electrically by the connection elements (19.1 to 19.4).
11. Furniture system according to claim 10, characterised in that the rod elements (13, 14) are substantially of a length which corresponds to a longitudinal dimension of a furniture compartment (1.1 to 1.4) reduced by two connection regions, the connection regions being provided to connect the connection elements (19.1 to 19.4).
12. Furniture system according to either claim 10 or claim 11, characterised in that the holders (12) are fitted in a corner region, in particular to a corner element (11) of the furniture compartment (1.1 to 1.4).
13. Furniture system according to claim 12, characterised in that the holders (12) have a U-shaped cross-section and can be suspended at lateral faces of the corner element (11).
14. Furniture system according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the corner element (23) has a recess (22) or through-opening for the connection element (19.1).

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