EP3234446B1 - Connection device - Google Patents

Description

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting two adjacent light band rails of a continuous-line luminaire. Moreover, the present invention relates to a light rail with a connecting device and a continuous line light with a light rail.

2. Background

From the prior art, eg US 4,717,993 , a variety of different continuous band lights is known. Often these have U-shaped strip lights, in which the wiring, the (control) electronics and the illumination means are arranged. Large-area rooms (for example, supermarkets, factory halls, office space, etc.) can be equipped with light strip systems of this kind, especially with correspondingly long light lines. In the installation of such lines of light there is the need to connect individual continuous line luminaires with each other in such a way that a light line with a homogeneous luminous impression can be provided. In particular, the strip lights of two adjacent continuous line luminaires must be connected to each other for this purpose. To connect two light band rails, which are preferably identical, usually metal profiles are used, which are bolted to the light band rails to be connected.

In practice, it has now been shown that when connecting two adjacent light strip rails in the joint area regularly more or less large gaps remain, from which light leak and thus can disturb the homogeneous light impression of the lighting system.

Based on this prior art, the present invention has the object to provide a connecting device for connecting two light band rails of a strip light, with the formation of a gap between two light band rails is avoided or significantly reduced. In addition, the present invention has the object to provide a light rail and a continuous line light.

These and other objects, which will become apparent upon reading the following description or which will be recognized by those skilled in the art, are achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims.

3. Detailed description of the invention

A connection device according to the invention for connecting two light band rails of a continuous strip light comprising: at least a first passage and a second passage, wherein at least at the second passage a structured surface is provided, which is adapted to cooperate with a screw when connecting two light band rails such that generates a force which drives the two light band rails on each other.

The present connection device is particularly suitable for connecting two substantially U-shaped continuous strip lighting strips without gaps. A passage in the sense of the present invention may be understood to mean any bore or other passage through the connecting device, which allows a screwing of two light band rails usually arranged behind it. The strip lights can either only be screwed together (ie the screw does not extend through the light rail, but ends within the light rail, for example, in a corresponding threaded receptacle) or already connected to a building part or another underlying housing part to which the lighting system is to be provided (ie the screw extends through the entire cross-section of the light rail up to an underlying building or other housing part).

In the context of the present invention, a structured surface is to be understood as meaning any structure which, when screwed together, can interact with a corresponding contact surface of the screw (in particular with a bottom side of a cap screw) in such a way that the light band rail receiving the screw is moved relative to the connecting device and at firmly with the connecting device already bolted further light band rail these two light band rails are driven towards each other by the force occurring in the process. In other words, the friction occurring between the structured surface and a bottom side of a screw is used during screwing in order to drive the light band rails toward one another. A suitably structured surface may be, for example, an embossing or another (light) elevation, which is further provided, for example, by a tooth structure or by a wave-shaped surface. In general, any structure which increases the friction between the structured surface and a screw when screwing is suitable.

Preferably, the second passage on which the structured surface is provided is elongated with respect to a longitudinal axis of the connection means. In this case, the longitudinal axis of the connection device is understood to be the light band axis, that is to say the longitudinal direction along which the band-light rails are to be connected to one another, in order to form an elongated light band. Due to the elongated design of the second passage, it is possible to compensate for any inaccuracies in the provision of appropriate threaded receptacles of the strip lights. In addition, such a design of the second passage allows a relative movement of the two light band rails to be connected to each other.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the region is formed on the structured surface as a survey. For example, the structured surface may be formed as a protrusion that extends parallel to the elongated second passage. By training as survey the engagement with a screw when connecting two light band rails can be improved.

Preferably, the connecting device has a substantially U-shaped cross-section. As already stated in the introduction, strip lights typically have a U-shaped cross-section, so that a particularly advantageous stable connection of the strip lights can be provided with a connection device which likewise has a correspondingly formed U-shaped cross section. Advantageously, while the base of the U-shaped connecting device is adapted to be connected to the base U-shaped strip lights that the legs of the U-shaped connecting device abut the legs of the U-shaped strip lights.

Advantageously, the connecting device comprises a gripping portion, on which a fitter can grasp the connecting device and can move relative to the light band rails to be connected. For example, such a gripping portion may be formed as a stamped and bent element of the connecting device. It is particularly preferred that the gripping portion is punched or bent out of the connecting device such that a viewing window results on the underlying therebelands light band rails, which is dimensioned and positioned so that the viewing recess shows the joint area of two connected light band rails. As a result, there is a simple way in the design of the gripping portion as a punch-bending element to provide a viewing window that shows the joint area when connecting two Lichtbandschienen and the fitter can thus observe and control whether the light strip rails are connected to each other without impact gap.

Advantageously, the connecting device has at least two fastening recesses which provide access to the strip lights below in the connected state. In the area of these mounting recesses, the light band rails can be connected to a building section or a further housing part of a continuous row luminaire. The fastening recesses can be provided, for example, by surfaces milled out or punched out of the connecting device.

Preferably, the connecting device is designed as an integral component (for example as a stamped-bent part), this being preferably made of a metal sheet.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a light rail with a connection device described above, wherein the light band rail preferably has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, in which the connecting device is arranged in a starting or storage position. As already stated above, it is preferred that the U-shaped cross-section of the light band rail corresponds to the U-shaped cross section of the connecting device.

Preferably, the light band rail holding and / or guide elements to hold the connection means captive in its initial position and to allow a sliding movement of the connecting device along the holding and / or guide elements. The starting position here describes a position in which the connecting device is completely accommodated in the light rail and, in particular, does not project out of the light rail in the longitudinal direction of the light rail or the connecting device. For example, the holding and / or guide elements of the light rail can be at least partially provided as web elements, which are provided on the inner sides of the legs of the U-shaped light rail.

Furthermore, the light band rail preferably has a first threaded receptacle, on which the connecting device can be screwed in the starting position, wherein the screw is thereby guided through the first passage of the connecting device. The light strip rail preferably has a second threaded receptacle on which the connecting device is connected in a fastening position (ie in a position in which two adjacent light band rails are connected to one another by the connecting device), that is to say the connecting device in the longitudinal direction of the light band rail or the connecting device originally received the light band rail protrudes to be received in a second light band rail and fastened with this) can be screwed, wherein the screw is also guided in this position through the first passage of the connecting means. In other words, the connecting device is connected in the initial and fastening position at the first passage to the light rail, wherein screwing with an adjacent light rail through the second passage.

Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the connecting device can be screwed both in the starting position and in the fastening position on the same (here the second) threaded receptacle, wherein the screw in the initial position through the second passage of the connecting device and in the fastening position by the first passage of the connecting device is / is performed.

The present invention further relates to a continuous line luminaire comprising at least one (first) light band rail described above. Preferably, the light strip light comprises a second light band rail, wherein the first light band rail is screwed to the second threaded receptacle with the connecting means (in the mounting position) through the first passage and the second light band rail with the connecting means at a corresponding threaded receptacle of the second light band rail is screwed through the second passage.

Preferably, an undercut-toothed screw is guided through the second passage of the connecting device, which can cooperate with the structured surface of the connecting element on the second passage. The use of an undercut-head screw makes it possible to further increase the friction / force occurring when screwing in.

• Bereitstellen einer ersten oben beschriebenen Lichtbandschiene mit einer oben beschriebenen Verbindungseinrichtung;
• Bereitstellen einer zweiten Lichtbandschiene, die eine korrespondierende Gewindeaufnahme zum Verschrauben der Verbindungseinrichtung in der Befestigungsposition aufweist;
• Anschrauben der Verbindungseinrichtung an der zweiten Gewindeaufnahme der ersten Lichtbandschiene durch den ersten Durchgang der Verbindungseinrichtung; und
• Anschrauben der Verbindungseinrichtung an der korrespondierenden Gewindeaufnahme der zweiten Lichtbandschiene durch den zweiten Durchgang der Verbindungseinrichtung, so dass eine Kraft erzeugt wird, die die zwei Lichtbandschienen aufeinander zu treibt.

Finally, the present invention relates to a continuous line luminaire, which is obtained by a method for connecting two light band rails, the method comprising at least the following steps:

• Providing a first light band track as described above with a connection device described above;
• Providing a second lightguide rail having a corresponding threaded receptacle for screwing the connection device in the mounting position;
• Screwing the connecting device on the second threaded receptacle of the first light band rail through the first passage of the connecting device; and
• Screwing the connecting device to the corresponding threaded receptacle of the second light band rail through the second passage of the connecting device, so that a force is generated, which drives the two light band rails toward each other.

4. Description of a preferred embodiment:

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungseinrichtung in drei Ansichten zeigt;

Figur 2

eine schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Lichtbandschiene mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungseinrichtung zeigt, wobei eine zweite Lichtbandschiene benachbart zur ersten Lichtbandschiene angeordnet ist;

Figur 3

eine zur Figur 2 korrespondierende Ansicht der Lichtbandschienen zeigt, wobei die Verbindungseinrichtung in einer Befestigungsposition angeordnet ist.

The following is a detailed description of the figures, in which

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention in three views;

FIG. 2

shows a schematic view of a light band rail according to the invention with a connecting device according to the invention, wherein a second light band rail is arranged adjacent to the first light band rail;

FIG. 3

one to FIG. 2 corresponding view of the strip lights rails, wherein the connecting device is arranged in a fastening position.

FIG. 1 shows three schematic views of a preferred embodiment of a connecting device 1. As in FIG. 1 can be clearly seen, the connecting device 1 has a substantially rectangular configuration seen in plan view and has a substantially U-shaped configuration in cross section with a first leg 2, a second leg 3 and a base connecting the legs 2, 3 base. 4

Approximately in the central region of the base 4, the connecting device 1 has a gripping portion 5 and a viewing window 6. By the gripping portion 5, the connecting device 1 can be gripped by a fitter and moved accordingly (in the longitudinal direction of the connecting device 1) or moved. The viewing window 6 allows the view of an area below the connecting device 1, ie on a light band rail arranged below it (in the starting position) or on two light band rails arranged underneath (in the fastening position), more precisely on the joint area of the light band rails. Through the viewing window 6, it is thus possible for the fitter to observe the impact area of two continuous light strip rails to be connected and to ensure that no undesired gap remains in the impact area.

Furthermore, the connecting device 1 comprises a first passage 7 and a second passage 8, wherein a structured surface 9 is provided on the second passage 8, wherein the structured surface 9 is formed in the preferred embodiment shown as a raised or embossed. The structured surface 9 is dimensioned and positioned so that when screwing the connecting device 1 at the second passage 8 results in a force that moves the connecting device 1 relative to the thus to be connected through the second passage 8 Lichtbandschiene and thus this Lichtbandschiene on with to drive the connecting device 1 through the first passage 7 already connected further Lichtbandschiene.

As in FIG. 1 2, the second passage 8 along the longitudinal axis 10, which corresponds substantially to the axis of symmetry of the connecting device 1, an elongated formation, wherein the structured surface 9 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 10 along the second passage 8.

Due to the elongated design of the second passage 8 possible tolerances in the positioning of the correspondingly arranged threaded receptacles of the strip lights can be compensated or a relative movement of the strip lights to each other can be facilitated.

Furthermore, the connecting device 1 comprises two recesses 11, 12 provided on the respective front sides, in order to enable fastening of the strip lights to be connected to a building part or to a further housing part in this area.

In the preferred embodiment, the connecting device 1 is formed as an integral component, preferably made of a metal sheet, wherein the connecting device 1 is preferably produced by a bending process or by a punch-bending process.

FIG. 2 shows the connecting device 1 from FIG. 1 wherein the connecting device 1 is arranged in a first light rail 20 in an initial or storage position.

Furthermore, a second light rail 30 is shown, which is to be connected by means of the connecting device 1 with the first light rail 20 rail.

In the initial position shown, the connecting device 1 is connected at the first passage 7 to the first light rail 20 by means of a screw 21 which is screwed into a corresponding threaded receptacle 22 of the first light rail 20.

As in FIG. 2 to recognize, preferably no correspondingly formed threaded receptacle is provided in the starting position at the second passage 8 of the connecting device 1.

The connecting device 1 is completely positioned in the starting position in the first light band rail 20, i. the connecting device 1 is not beyond the first light rail 20 out.

In the in FIG. 2 As shown, the second light band rail 30 is already arranged on the impact area 40 on the first light band rail 20. The second light band rail 30 in this case comprises a corresponding threaded receptacle 31, which is arranged and positioned such that upon displacement of the connecting device 1 in the direction of the second light band rail 30, the first passage 7 is arranged above a second threaded receptacle 23 of the first light band rail 20 and the second passage 8 of the connecting device 1 is arranged above the corresponding threaded receptacle 31 of the second light rail 30.

As in FIG. 2 can also be seen well, the first light band rail 20 holding and guiding devices in the form of web elements 24, which is a captive holding the connecting device 1 in the first light rail 20th allow or support, with the second light rail 30 has corresponding guide elements in the form of web elements 32. These holding and guiding devices 24, 32 are preferably formed as stamped and bent elements from the corresponding light band rails 20, 30 and project toward the interior of the light band rail 20, 30. If they are provided as web elements 24, 32, the holding and guiding devices 24, 32 preferably have a projection 240, 320 extending to the connecting device 1 or its base 4, which the connecting device 1 laterally and thus transversely to the longitudinal direction seen on the inside of the light rail 20, 30, and thus falling out of the connecting device when handling the light rail 20, 30 - even if this twists - to avoid.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the first and second light band rails 20, 30, which are connected by the connecting device 1 in a mounting position with each other.

As in FIG. 3 can be clearly seen, is the joint area 40 of the two light band rails 20, 30 below the viewing window 6, so that the fitter can directly control whether the joint area 40 is free of joints, ie whether the two ligament bars 20, 30 are properly connected.

Hereinafter, a preferred procedure for connecting the two light band rails 20, 30 starting from the in FIG. 2 shown starting position in the in FIG. 3 illustrated fastening position explained.

First, the screw 21 is released, which is arranged on the first passage 7 in a first threaded receptacle 22 of the first light band rail 20 (and by which the connecting device 1 is held in the starting position in the first light band rail 20). If provided, a second screw 25, which is screwed into the second threaded receptacle 23 of the first light rail 20, is released. This second Screw 25 can already be provided at the factory to facilitate connection of the two light band rails 20, 30. After loosening the screw 21 or the screws 21, 25, the connecting device 1 is moved by means of the gripping portion 5 in the direction of the second light band rail 30 to the mounting position. In this case, a guide is provided by the web elements 24, 32, so that the connecting device 1 can be moved in a simple manner to the mounting position. The projections 240, 320 in this case prevent the connecting device 1 from falling out and contribute to a secure guidance of the same relative to the strip lights 20, 30.

In the fastening position, the screw 21 is now guided through the first passage 7 into the second threaded receptacle 23 of the first light rail 20 and the connecting device 1 is fastened to the first light rail 20. In this position, the joint area 40 should already be visible in the viewing window 6 of the connecting device 1. Now, another screw or the screw 25 (preferably a lower-head screw) is guided through the second passage 8 in the correspondingly formed threaded receptacle 31 of the second light rail 30. In this case, a force is generated by an interaction of the structured surface 9 and the further screw or the screw 25, the second light band rail 30, in which the further screw 25 is screwed onto the first light band rail 20, which with the connecting device 1 already fixed is connected, so that a gap formation at the joint area 40 is avoided or significantly reduced.

However, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing preferred embodiment as long as it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims. In particular, the present invention is not limited to a cross-sectionally U-shaped connecting device or to U-shaped light band rails.

Claims (14)

1. Connecting device (1) for connecting two light strip rails (20, 30) of a light strip lamp, comprising at least one first through-passage (7) and a second through-passage (8), wherein at least on the second through-passage (8) a structured surface (9) is provided, which, when two light strip rails (20, 30) are being connected, is suitable for cooperating with a screw (25) such that the friction occurring between the structured surface (9) and an underside of the screw (25) during screwing causes a force to be generated which forces the two light strip rails (20, 30) toward one another, wherein at least the second through-passage (8) is elongated with respect to a longitudinal axis (10) of the connecting device (1).
2. Connecting device (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the region on the structured surface (9) is formed as an elevation or embossing.
3. Connecting device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2,
   wherein the connecting device (1) has an essentially U-shaped cross section, and/or
   wherein, in order to be able to grip the connecting device (1) and be able to move it relative to the light strip rails (20, 30) to be connected, the connecting device (1) comprises a grip section (5), wherein
   the grip section (5) is preferably configured as a stamping and bending element, and/or the grip section (5) is dimensioned and positioned such that a viewing recess (6) onto the light strip rails (20, 30) which can be arranged underneath is created, namely such that the abutting region (40) of two connected light strip rails (20, 30) is positioned within the viewing recess (6).
4. Connecting device (1) according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein, in order to provide access to the light strip rails (20, 30) which in the connected state are positioned underneath, the connecting device (1) comprises at least two fastening recesses (11, 12), so that the light strip rails (20, 30) can be connected to a section of a building or a further housing part of a light strip lamp in the region of the fastening recesses (11, 12).
5. Connecting device (1) according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the connecting device (1) is configured as an integral component, and/or
   wherein the connecting device (1) is produced from a metal sheet.
6. Light strip rail (20) comprising at least one connecting device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the connecting device (1) is disposed in an initial position.
7. Light strip rail (20) according to Claim 6, wherein the light strip rail (20) has an essentially U-shaped cross section.
8. Light strip rail (20) according to any one of Claims 6 or 7, wherein the U-shaped cross section of the light strip rail (20) corresponds to the U-shaped cross section of the connecting device (1).
9. Light strip rail (20) according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the light strip rail (20) comprises holding and/or guiding elements (24) to captively hold the connecting device (1) in its initial position and to allow a slidable movement of the
   connecting device (1) along the holding and/or guiding elements (24),
   wherein the holding and/or guiding elements (24) are preferably at least partially configured as web elements (24) which are provided on the inner sides of the legs of the U-shaped light strip rail (20).
10. Light strip rail (20) according to any one of Claims 6 to 9, wherein the light strip rail (20) comprises a first threaded receptacle (22), to which the connecting device (1) in the initial position can be screwed, wherein the screw (21) can be guided through the first through-passage (7) of the connecting device (1), and wherein the light strip rail (20) preferably further comprises a second threaded receptacle (23), to which the connecting device (1) in a fastening position for connecting the light strip rail can be screwed to a further light strip rail, wherein the screw (21) is guided through the first through-passage (7) of the connecting device (1).
11. Light strip rail (20) according to any one of Claims 6 to 10, wherein the light strip rail (20) comprises a threaded receptacle to which the connecting device (1) both in the initial position and in a fastening position for connecting the light strip rail can be screwed to a further light strip rail, wherein, in the initial position, the screw (21) is guided through the second through-passage (8) of the connecting device and, in the fastening position, the screw is guided through the first through-passage (7) of the connecting device (1).
12. Light strip lamp comprising at least one light strip rail (20) according to any one of Claims 6 to 11.
13. Light strip lamp according to Claim 12, wherein the light strip lamp comprises a second light strip rail (30), and wherein the first light strip rail (20) is screwed to the connecting device (1) on the second threaded receptacle (23) through the first through-passage (7) and the second light strip rail (30) is screwed to the connecting device (1) on a corresponding threaded receptacle (31) of the second light strip rail (30) through the second through-passage (8), wherein a screw (25) which has under-head toothing and cooperates with the structured surface (9) of the connecting element (1) on the second through-passage (8) is preferably guided through the second through-passage (8) of the connecting device (1).
14. Light strip lamp obtained using a method for connecting two
    light strip rails (20, 30) comprising at least the following steps:

    - providing a first light strip rail (20) according to any one of Claims 6 to 11;

    - providing a second light strip rail (30) comprising a corresponding threaded receptacle (31) for screwing the connecting device (1) in the fastening position;

    - screwing the connecting device (1) to the second threaded receptacle (23) of the first light strip rail (20) through the first through-passage (7) of the connecting device (1);

    - screwing the connecting device (1) to the corresponding threaded receptacle (31) of the second light strip rail (30) through the second through-passage (8) of the connecting device (1).

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