EP2543922B1 - Light strip - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a light strip for installation in a plate covering. Such a light strip, which can be installed between the individual plate elements or on the edge of a plate covering, serves to receive a light source and thereby achieve an appealing visual effect. Such light strips can be used in plate coverings covering, for example, a floor, a wall or a staircase.

STATE OF THE ART

As a decorative element in plate coverings light strips are known, which serve to receive a light source, such as in particular a band of light emitting diodes. The light bar is usually arranged in such a way between the individual plate elements or tiles of the plate covering that the top of the light bar is flush with the top of the adjacent plate elements. The defined by the plates of the plate covering, usually substantially flat surface is thereby continued in the light bar. The light strips are usually used as purely decorative design elements, but can also achieve a technical effect, for example by being used as an element in an optical control system.

Such a light bar is for example in the WO 99/60301 shown. This light strip has a channel for receiving a light source, which is covered with a transparent cover plate to provide a flat surface. The attachment of the cover plate by gluing or by inserting into corresponding guides of The side here, however, designed relatively cumbersome. This increases the cost of mounting the light bar. The provision of easy access to the light source in the light bar is also essential for the user even after the installation of the light bar, since the light source usually has to be repaired or replaced occasionally.

Another light bar is in the DE 20 2009 001 162 discloses where luminous bodies are arranged in holes of a rail. However, the luminous bodies are arranged directly on the flush with the adjacent plate elements surface of the light bar and thus poorly protected against external mechanical effects. In addition, the shape of the bulb is not arbitrary.

The DE 10 2008 056 958 describes a profile rail, which forms a channel for receiving a lighting means. On the rail flanges are provided which protrude from two opposite sides into this channel and form a support for a transparent cover strip. The attachment of the cover strip on the rail by means of an adhesive. The production of the rail is in particular by the provision of the flanges relatively expensive. A similar rail, in which also a cover strip rests on dedicated flanges of a rail, is also in the DE 201 06 923 disclosed.

The EP 0 818 652 discloses a bottom bar according to the preamble of claim 1, with a receiving channel in which LED elements are arranged. The receiving channel can be closed by means of a U-shaped end profile strip, which can be used with their legs first inserted into the receiving channel and locked to the bottom bar.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a light strip for installation in a plate covering, which is adapted to receive a light source such that it is protected from external mechanical influences and, for example, in a repair or replacement of the light source in the simplest possible way and Way from the outside is accessible. To solve this problem, a light bar is proposed, as indicated in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Thus, the present invention provides a light bar for installation in a tile or plate covering, comprising
a profiled rail which has a substantially U-shaped main section in cross-section and thereby forms an open channel which extends along a longitudinal direction of the profiled rail and serves for receiving a luminous means; such as
a covering rail, which can be inserted into the channel of the profile rail in order to cover it outwards.

The profile rail has one or more first latching structures in the region of the channel. The cover rail has a substantially U-shaped cross-section and has one or more second latching structures which can be latched into the first latching structures such that the cover rail is held on the profile rail.

The provision of the latching structures on the cover rail or on the rail in combination with the U-shaped cross section of the cover rail allow a very simple attachment and removal of the cover rail on or from the rail. The cover rail can thereby easily locked in the channel of the rail, preferably clicked, be.

Location and direction information such as above, below, outside and inside refer in the following each on a light bar, which is installed as intended in a plane, with respect to the gravity direction horizontal plate covering. If a light source in the channel, which forms an interior of the light strip, is received and the channel is covered to the outside by means of a properly mounted cover rail, then the light of the light bar then radiates mainly upwards. The names outside and inside each refer to the interior of the light bar. When referring to a height, this refers in each case to the direction which extends from the bottom to the top.

The light strip can be installed in particular in plate or tile coverings which cover a floor and extend correspondingly over a relative to the direction of gravity horizontal, flat surface. However, the light bar can also be installed in the plate covering a wall or be provided for installation in the vertical area of a step.

Preferably, the light bar on a light source, which is inserted in the channel of the rail. The lighting means may in particular be a multiplicity of light-emitting diodes, that is to say light-emitting diodes or LEDs, which are preferably arranged and held in a band.

Preferably, both the profile rail and the cover rail each have a cross-section which is configured substantially identically in the longitudinal direction over the entire length. The cover rail serves to protect the illuminant in the channel to the outside and in particular forms a surface which is flush with respect to the surface of the adjacent plate covering.

Preferably, the cover rail and the rail, or at least the main portion of the rail, each in one piece, for example, made of a metal or plastic.

In order to form the aforementioned substantially U-shaped shape of the cover rail, the cross section of the cover rail is therefore described by two legs and a connection region connecting the two legs together. The two legs preferably each have a free end. Preferably, the two legs also extend substantially parallel to each other. In particular, however, the two legs are slightly inclined towards each other in order to facilitate the insertion of the cover rail in the channel of the rail. The cover rail is preferably used with the free ends of the legs ahead in the channel of the rail.

In general, the two legs of the U-shaped shape of the cover rail, which are visible in cross-section, are each defined by side webs, while the connecting area is formed by a connecting web arranged therebetween. In this case, the two side webs of the cover rail are preferably not only slightly inclined towards one another, but also so flexibly formed or flexibly attached to the connecting web that they are at least slightly movable toward one another. The two side webs of the cover rail can then by the user to engage or release the Locking structures are slightly compressed.

Preferably, the second latching structures are each arranged in cross section on the legs of the U-shaped cover rail, i. arranged on side bars.

Preferably, the second latching structures are each arranged approximately at half the height of the side webs of the cover rail. In addition, the first latching structures are preferably arranged on the main section in such a way that they form pairs of two latching structures each directly opposite one another with respect to the channel.

Either the first or the second latching structures are each formed as protruding knobs, and according to either the second or the first latching structures are each formed as holes or depressions. The production of the first and second latching structures is particularly simple in such a configuration. Advantageously, the knobs are made by imprinting. On the back of the nubs then usually each one recess can be seen.

Typically, the main portion extends longitudinally from a first end portion to a second end portion. Advantageously, the first latching structures are arranged exclusively in this first end region and this second end region. The mounting of the cover rail on the rail designed by particularly simple, since the cover rail can be accessible there, for example, from the sides.

The essentially U-shaped cross section of the main section of the profile rail is preferably formed by a first side web, a second side web and a connecting web which connects the first and the second side web to one another. The side bars and the connecting bar of the profile rail are not to be confused with the side bars and the connecting bar of the cover rail. Preferably, the two side webs of the rail extend substantially parallel to each other. The first latching structures are advantageously arranged in each case in cross section on the legs of the U-shaped configuration of the main section, ie formed on the side webs of the profile rail, preferably approximately at half the height of the side webs.

The profile rail has at least one rear engagement element, which protrudes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main portion and is adapted to engage behind plates of the plate covering to hold the light bar in the plate covering.

Advantageously, the rear engagement element is mounted in the region of the connecting web of the profiled rail on the first side web and projects substantially perpendicularly from the first web side towards the outside. The rear engagement element is thus preferably arranged approximately at the same height on the first side web as the connecting web. The profile rail thereby has a clean, advantageously flat, lower termination.

Preferably, a further rear engagement element in the region of the connecting web or at the level of the connecting web is attached to the second side web, wherein the rear engagement element protrudes outwardly substantially perpendicularly from the second side web. The plate elements of the plate covering can then be engaged behind on both sides by the profile rail with the rear engagement elements.

Advantageously, the rear engagement elements each have the shape of a flange, which preferably extends over the entire length of the rail. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a common base plate forms one or two flange-shaped rear engagement elements. The main portion of the rail is then mounted on top of this base plate, preferably welded.

In each case, a plurality of holes is preferably formed in the rear engagement elements in order to allow a passage of a fastening compound, such as an adhesive or mortar, in the connection of the light strip with the plate covering or the underlying surface (bottom, wall, etc.).

In one possible embodiment, the light strip can be provided to be installed below a tread surface in the vertical, upper region of a step. The profile rail then preferably has at least one stop element, which in particular has the shape of a flange, and which is mounted in a region remote from the connecting web on the second side web of the rail and protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the second side bar to the outside. The stop element then serves as a stop for the front region of a step surface serving as a horizontally disposed plate member. In addition, the stop element can form an optical termination in the region of the stair nosing. In this embodiment, a rear engagement element is also preferably attached to the first side web of the rail, which is advantageously arranged at the height of the connecting web of the rail.

It goes without saying that the cover of the channel of the rail advantageously takes place mainly through the connecting web of the cover rail. The cover rail may be formed, for example, metal, wood or plastic. In order to allow a light transmission from the channel to the outside yet, the cover rail preferably has a plurality of holes or slots in the region of the connecting web. Alternatively, the cover rail may be at least partially made of a transparent material, in particular a plastic such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate, and for example having window-like areas for transmitting the light.

In certain embodiments, the light strip may additionally have an at least partially transparent cover plate, which is attached to the outside of the cover rail and this preferably completely covers. This cover plate is advantageously made of a transparent plastic, in particular polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate, or made of glass.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

zeigt eine perspektivische Teilansicht einer Lichtleiste gemäss einer ersten, erfindungsgemässen Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2

zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Kopfendes der in einen Plattenbelag eingebauten Lichtleiste der Figur 1;

Fig. 3

zeigt eine Teilansicht der Lichtleiste der Figur 1 von oben her (nur die Endbereiche der Lichtleiste sind gezeigt);

Fig. 4

zeigt eine Teilansicht der Lichtleiste der Figur 1 von der Seite her (nur die Endbereiche der Lichtleiste sind gezeigt);

Fig. 5

zeigt eine perspektivische Teilansicht einer Lichtleiste gemäss einer zweiten, erfindungsgemässen Ausfiihrungsform;

Fig. 6

zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Kopfendes der in einen Plattenbelag einer Treppenstufe eingebauten Lichtleiste der Figur 5;

Fig. 7

zeigt eine Teilansicht der Lichtleiste der Figur 5 von oben her (nur die Endbereiche der Lichtleiste sind gezeigt); sowie

Fig. 8

zeigt eine Teilansicht der Lichtleiste der Figur 5 von der Seite her (nur die Endbereiche der Lichtleiste sind gezeigt).

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

shows a partial perspective view of a light strip according to a first, inventive embodiment;

Fig. 2

shows a side view of the head end of the installed in a plate covering light bar of FIG. 1 ;

Fig. 3

shows a partial view of the light bar the FIG. 1 from above (only the end areas of the light bar are shown);

Fig. 4

shows a partial view of the light bar the FIG. 1 from the side (only the end areas of the light bar are shown);

Fig. 5

shows a partial perspective view of a light strip according to a second, inventive embodiment;

Fig. 6

shows a side view of the head end of built in a plate covering a staircase light bar of FIG. 5 ;

Fig. 7

shows a partial view of the light bar the FIG. 5 from above (only the end areas of the light bar are shown); such as

Fig. 8

shows a partial view of the light bar the FIG. 5 from the side (only the end areas of the light bar are shown).

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a first embodiment of a light strip according to the invention for installation in a plate covering. The light bar shown is adapted to receive a light source, for example, to form a decorative element within a Plattenbelages. The light strip according to this present embodiment is adapted to be installed in a substantially flat plate covering covering, for example, a floor or a wall. The essential components of the light strip are a profile rail 1 and a cover rail 2. In addition, the light bar preferably has a not shown in the drawings light source, which is accommodated in an interior of the light bar.

The rail 1, which in particular in the Figures 1 and 2 is clearly visible, has a substantially U-shaped main portion 10 in cross section. The main section 10 has two side webs 11, which extend essentially parallel to one another, and a connecting web 12, from which the side webs 11 extend substantially vertically upwards. The side bars 11, which through the connecting web 12 are connected to each other, thereby each have an upwardly projecting, free end. Together, the side bars 11 and the connecting web 12 define a channel 16, which forms an interior of the light bar. The channel 16 is in particular designed to receive a lighting means, such as a band of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The channel 16 extends in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the light bar. Preferably, the arranged in the channel 16 bulbs extends over the entire length of the light bar.

At the top, the channel 16 is formed open and closable by means of the cover rail 2. In order to attach the cover rail 2 on the main portion 10 of the rail 1, the side bars 11 of the rail 1 projecting locking nubs 15, which protrude into the channel 16. The latching nubs 15 form latching elements which are designed to latch into corresponding complementary formed, attached to the cover rail 2 locking elements. In the present embodiment, the locking nubs 15 are each made by means of stamping. For this reason, the locking nubs 15 on the outer sides of the side webs 11 can be seen in each case as depressions ( FIG. 1 ), while on the opposite, inner side of the side webs 11 each describe local elevations.

Preferably, the locking nubs 15 are each provided in the form of pairs on the main portion 10, wherein a pair each two mutually with respect to the channel 16 arranged directly opposite detent nubs 15, of which the first on the first side bar 11 and the second arranged on the second side bar 11 is. In addition, the locking nubs 15 are each preferred, in particular in the FIG. 4 can be seen, provided in the longitudinal direction of the rail 1 exclusively in the two opposite end portions of the main portion 10. The engagement of the cover rail 2 in the rail 1 and in particular the removal of the cover rail 2 from the rail 1 is thereby easier for the user. The locking nubs 15 are arranged approximately at half the height of the side webs 11.

In the present embodiment, the main portion 10 of the rail 1 is mounted with its connecting web 12 on a rectangular, over the entire length of the light bar extending base plate, in particular welded. In the itself perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light bar extending direction protrudes this base plate in each case on both sides from the main portion 10 out to the outside. The base plate thereby forms two opposite flanges 13, which extend from the region of the connecting web 12 substantially perpendicular to the side webs 11 to the outside. The flanges 13 each form rear engagement elements, which allow a firm connection of the light strip with the plate covering. For this purpose, the individual plate elements 3 of the plate covering, ie the plates or tiles, advantageously each placed on the upper sides of the Hintergreifflansche 13 that they abut with their end faces on the side bars 11 of the main portion 10 (see FIG. 2 ). The Hintergreifflansche 13 are thus arranged in the installed state of the light bar so below the Plattenbelags.

In order to connect the light bar by means of a mounting mass fixed to the plate covering, a plurality of holes 14 are provided in the Hintergreifflanschen 13 respectively. These can have a wide variety of sizes and shapes, but are preferred, as in the present embodiment, each configured circular. In this case, the holes 14 are preferably distributed in the longitudinal direction in each case at regular intervals over the entire length of the Hintergreifflansche 13.

Preferably, the height of the two side webs 11 is in each case selected such that the upper sides of the plate elements 3 bearing against the side webs 11 in the installed state of the light strip are flush with the upper edges of the side webs 11.

Preferably, the main portion 10 of the rail 1 and the base plate forming the Hintergreifflansche 13, as a whole in each case made in one piece from a metal.

In order to cover the channel 16 of the rail 1 upwards, the light bar on a cover rail 2. As with the profile rail 1, the covering rail 2 is a rail which preferably has a substantially identical cross section over its entire length. In cross section, the cover rail 2 is U-shaped. The legs of this U-shaped honeycomb cross section are each formed by side bars 20 and extending between the legs Connection area through a connecting web 21. The dimensions of the cover rail 2 are chosen slightly smaller than those of the main portion 10 of the rail 1, so that the cover rail 2 with the two side bars 20 is inserted into the first channel 16 of the rail 1. In a state inserted into the profile rail 1, the cover rail 2, together with the main section 10, delimits an interior of the light strip which is provided for receiving the luminous means. In this inserted state, the lower edges of the side webs 20 of the cover rail 2 are preferably on the connecting web 12 of the rail 1, and the top of the connecting web 21 of the cover rail 2 is arranged flush with the upper edges of the side webs 11 of the rail 1.

So that the cover rail 2 is held in the inserted state on the rail 1, 2 locking elements in the form of locking holes 22 are formed in the side bars 20 of the cover rail. These are, in order to be able to enter into a latching connection with the latching elements of the profile rail 1, complementary to the latching nubs 15 and arranged analogously to these on the cover rail 2. In the manufacture of the locking holes 22 in a simple manner, for example by means of a bore, are formed. Alternatively, it would also be possible, for example, to provide outer recesses on the cover rail 2 instead of the detent holes 22.

As in particular in the FIG. 2 is clearly visible, the side bars 20 of the cover rail 2 are preferably slightly towards each other, ie inwardly inclined. The cover rail 2 is thereby easier to use in the channel 16 of the rail 1.

In order for the light of the luminous means to be able to penetrate out of the channel 16 through the cover rail 2, a plurality of holes 23 are preferably provided in the connecting web 21 of the cover rail 2. These are advantageously distributed at regular intervals over the entire length of the connecting web 21. The holes 23 may in particular also be provided in the respective transition regions from the side webs 20 to the connecting web 21 in order to allow a radiation of the light also in directions which are inclined relative to the normal vector of the upper side of the connecting web 21. Instead of holes 23 can also slots or Any other shaped openings may be provided in the connecting web 21. It is also possible to make the cover rail 2 completely made of an at least partially transparent plastic or to provide windows within the connecting web 21, which are made of a transparent plastic or glass. The plastic may be an opaque or transparent material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate.

It is also possible that the light strip has an at least partially transparent cover plate, which is attached to the upper side of the connecting web 21 of the cover rail 2 and this preferably completely covers. This cover plate may in particular be made of a transparent plastic, such as PMMA or polycarbonate, or of glass. The light strip is then preferably designed such that the top of the cover plate in fully assembled and installed in a plate covering state is flush with the upper edges of the side bars 11 of the rail 1 and thus flush with the tops of the plate elements 3 of the plate covering.

Another embodiment of the invention is in the FIGS. 5 to 8 shown. Elements of the light strip which are the same or similar as in the embodiment of the FIGS. 1 to 4 are configured here are each identified by the same reference numerals.

The embodiment of the FIGS. 5 to 8 is different from the one of FIGS. 1 to 4 in that instead of one of the gripping flanges 13, the profile rail 1 now has a stop flange 17. This stop flange 17, which preferably extends over the entire length of the rail 1, is attached to the upper, the connecting web 12 opposite end of one of the side bars 11. The stop flange 17 extends outwardly substantially perpendicularly from this side web 11. The rail 1 also has a Hintergreifflansch 13 in this embodiment, which, however, is arranged with respect to the stop flange 17 on the opposite side of the main portion 10 and substantially at the level of the connecting web 12. The stop flange 17 is thus arranged with respect to the height offset from the Hintergreifflansch 13, but extends substantially parallel to this.

The in the FIGS. 5 to 8 shown embodiment of a light bar is particularly suitable to be installed in the vertical area of a staircase. As in particular from the FIG. 6 is visible, then the Hintergreifflansch 13 extends in a vertical direction and engages behind a vertically disposed plate member 3. The stop flange 17 forms a vertically extending stop for the front side of a plate member 3, which is arranged in a horizontal plane and the tread forming a staircase. The stop flange 17 thus forms here in particular a conclusion in the region of the edge of a step.

Of course, the invention described herein is not limited to the mentioned embodiments, and a variety of modifications is possible. A rear engagement element can also be provided, for example, in that a plurality of individual projections projecting outward from the main section 10 are present, which can be designed, for example, rod-like. The Hintergreifflansche may each have interruptions in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the Hintergreifflansche need not be in the form of a common base plate, but could, for example, each directly from the main section at the height of the connecting web, or at any other height, extend outwards. In addition, in order to enable a connection with the plate elements 3 of the plate covering, not necessarily holes in the Hintergreifflanschen be formed, but it may for example also be provided correspondingly shaped surfaces which have, for example, an increased roughness, having a plurality of grooves, etc. a not claimed embodiment, for example, in cross-section hook-shaped, outwardly projecting structures may be attached to the undersides of the side bars 20 of the cover rail 2, which respectively engage in corresponding in the transition regions between the connecting web 12 and the side bars 11 of the rail 1 hook-shaped structures , The roles of the individual locking elements can also be reversed, ie the locking knobs could also be attached to the cover rail and the detent holes accordingly on the rail. A variety of other modifications is conceivable. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 rail 17 stop flange 10 main section 2 cover rail 11 side web 20 side web 12 connecting web 21 connecting web 13 Hintergreifflansch 22 detent holes 14 holes 23 holes 15 Rest knobs 3 panel member 16 channel

Claims (13)

1. Light strip for installing in tiling, having
   a profile rail (1) which has in cross section a substantially U-shaped main portion (10) and thereby forms an open channel (16) that extends in a longitudinal direction of the profile rail (1) and serves to accommodate a lighting means, and which has at least one rear-engaging element (13) that projects from the main portion (10) perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and is configured to engage behind tiles (3) of the tiling in order to retain the light strip in the tiling; and
   a covering rail (2) which is insertable into the channel (16) of the profile rail (1) in order to cover the latter towards the outside;
   wherein the profile rail (1) has one or more first latching structures (15) in the region of the channel (16), and wherein the covering rail (2) has a substantially U-shaped cross section and one or more second latching structures (22) which are latchable into the first latching structures (15) such that the covering rail (2) is retained on the profile rail (1),
   characterized in that
   either the first or the second latching structures are configured in each case as protruding knobs (15), and in that either the second or the first latching structures are configured in each case as holes (22) or depressions.
2. Light strip according to Claim 1, wherein the first latching structures (15) are each arranged in cross section in the region of the limbs of the U-shaped main portion (10).
3. Light strip according to Claim 1, wherein the knobs (15) have been produced by means of embossing.
4. Light strip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first latching structures (15) are arranged on the main portion (10) such that they form pairs of in each case two first latching structures (15) that are located directly opposite one another with regard to the channel (16).
5. Light strip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main portion (10) extends in the longitudinal direction from a first end region to a second end region, and wherein the first latching structures (15) are arranged exclusively in this first end region and this second end region.
6. Light strip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main portion (10) of the profile rail (1) has a first side bar (11), a second side bar and a connecting bar (12) which connects the first and the second side bars (11) together, and wherein the rear-engaging element (13) is attached to the first side bar (11) in the region of the connecting bar (12) and projects outwardly in a substantially perpendicular manner with respect to the first side bar (11).
7. Light strip according to Claim 6, wherein a further rear-engaging element (13) is attached to the second side bar (11) in the region of the connecting bar (12) and projects outwardly in a substantially perpendicular manner with respect to the second side bar (11).
8. Light strip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear-engaging elements (13) each have the form of a flange.
9. Light strip according to one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the profile rail (1) has at least one abutment element (17) which has in particular the form of a flange and which is attached to the second side bar (11) in a region remote from the connecting bar (12) and projects outwardly in a substantially perpendicular manner with respect to the second side bar (11).
10. Light strip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering rail (2) has a multiplicity of holes (23) or slots.
11. Light strip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering rail (2) is produced at least partially from a transparent plastics material, in particular polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate.
12. Light strip according to one of the preceding claims, additionally having an at least partially transparent covering panel which is attached to the outer side of the covering rail (2).
13. Light strip according to one of the preceding claims, additionally having a lighting means which is inserted into the channel (16) of the profile rail (1), wherein the lighting means is configured in particular as a ribbon of light-emitting diodes.

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