EP3314162A1

EP3314162A1 - Load module for inserting into a tube of a three-dimensional supporting tube structure of a furniture system

Info

Publication number: EP3314162A1
Application number: EP16730789.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexander Schärer; Thomas Dienes; Stefan Krenger
Original assignee: USM Holding AG
Current assignee: USM Holding AG
Priority date: 2015-06-23
Filing date: 2016-06-13
Publication date: 2018-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-13
Also published as: KR20180048564A; KR102441124B1; US20190069677A1; PT3314162T; CN108027120A; PL3314162T3; DK3109535T3; ES2727555T3; CA2988867C; CA2988867A1; WO2016207008A1; DK3314162T3; CN108027120B; EP3109535A1; EP3314162B1; AU2016284722A1; EP3109535B1; ES2664132T3; NO3109535T3; NZ738201A

Abstract

A load module (300) for inserting into a tube of a three-dimensional supporting tube structure of a furniture system comprises an elongate housing. Arranged on an outer side of the housing are two contact elements (351, 352) for electrically contacting the load module (300), which contact elements have different polarities. The contact elements (351, 352) are arranged in such a way that, with the load module (300) in the inserted state, they contact two contact surfaces of different polarity, which are arranged in the interior of the tube, in a substantially radial direction. The housing has a central region in the longitudinal direction with at least one projecting element (340) and outer regions in the longitudinal direction, wherein the load module can be inserted into a tube, which is provided with an elongate opening, of the tube structure in such a way that the at least one projecting element interacts with an edge of the opening and the outer regions bear against an inner lateral surface of the tube in regions adjoining the opening. Here, a first of the contact elements (351, 352) is arranged in a first circumferential position in one of the outer regions.

Description

Consumer module for insertion into a tube of a three-dimensional carrying

Pipe structure of a furniture system

Technical area

The invention relates to a consumer module for insertion into a tube of a three-dimensional supporting tube structure of a furniture system, wherein the consumer module comprises an elongated housing and wherein on one outer side of the housing, two contact elements for the electrical contacting of the load module are arranged, which have different polarities. The invention further relates to a furniture system having a three-dimensional supporting tube structure and at least one such consumption module. State of the art

Furniture systems having a three-dimensional supporting tube structure comprising a plurality of tubes and a plurality of three-dimensional node elements, wherein two or more tubes are attachable to junctions of one of the three-dimensional node elements, are known.

Thus, for example, discloses the CH 429 317 (U. Schärer's sons) a pipe joint for rack construction, in which for releasably connecting the pipe ends together a connecting head, each with a threaded hole is provided to each pipe end. The threaded holes run in the respective axial direction. In it can be screwed into the pipe end protruding capscrews, on the shaft there are two wedge sleeves, which are with the wedge surface facing each other and facing away from the end face on the connection head or on the screw head and hold the tube end inside tightened screw.

There is a need to arrange in or on furniture and furniture systems consumers, for. As lights, and / or to provide electrical energy. Consumers such as luminaires, for example, can be mechanically fastened to the tube structure, and supply cables can be made through openings in the furniture from the rear. Also common are channels in which such supply cables can be performed inconspicuously or invisibly. Attached to the pipe structure consumers such. B. lights and their supply often interfere with the appearance of the furniture system and partly hinder the use, for example, if a part of the defined by the pipe structure receiving space for receiving the consumer is needed or the consumer in this space or an access area protrude. There are therefore approaches known to use the tubes of a furniture system for receiving consumers or at least of elements thereof. Thus, WO 94/21961 A 1 (Planlicht-Handelsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG) shows a lighting system with a carrier profile for the construction of furniture, showcases, shelves, etc., which spaced Has holes. Luminaire units can be plugged into one hole of the carrier profile. In the carrier profile, an electrical conductor is arranged, which contacts a pin-like contact part of the inserted lamp unit electrically. The luminaire itself is arranged outside the profile.

A recessed luminaire which can be used in a slot-like shaped cutout of a tube is disclosed in EP 1 963 734 A1 (Dreisewerd). The recessed luminaire includes notches provided on both sides, which engage behind the wall of the tube after the positioning of the recessed luminaire as its flange ends. On an LED board conductors and LEDs are connected to two, the making of the electrical connections to the outside enabling connection plugs with tabs. The connectors are provided on the side facing away from the end faces of the LED side of the LED board. The tabs allow the connection of the supply line with corresponding known from the automotive electrical connectors.

DE 20 2012 003 663 U 1 (Horst Lettenmayer) discloses a shelf consisting of system pipes and thread nodes connecting them. The shelf has a lighting device, wherein at least one of the system tubes has a central, elongated part of the groove, which does not reach to the threaded node, and wherein an LED lamp can be inserted into the system pipe. Power is supplied to the LED lamp inside the system pipe, and the system pipe, the LED lamp and the thread knots can be clamped and fixed against each other by tensioning dowels located inside the system pipe. In order to supply the LED luminous body, which is located in the region of the partial groove, with electricity, a contact button can be provided, which bears resiliently against a contact arranged at the longitudinal end of the LED filament and is supplied with power via a wire. There are both LED luminaires possible, the two contacts on the same side, as well as those having two contacts at their opposite longitudinal ends.

The consumption modules forming luminous bodies can thus be accommodated within the system tubes. However, the mechanical support and contacting the filament is expensive. Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a consumer module belonging to the aforementioned technical field, which can be easily and reliably held and contacted in the tube of the three-dimensional supporting tube structure. The solution of the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the contact elements are arranged such that they contact in the inserted state of the load module two arranged in the interior of the tube contact surfaces of different polarity in the substantially radial direction. In this case, the housing has a longitudinally central region with at least one projecting element and in the longitudinal direction of outer regions, wherein the load module is inserted into a provided with an elongated recess tube of the tube structure such that the at least one projecting element cooperates with an edge of the recess and the outer regions abut in areas adjacent to the recess on an inner jacket of the tube. A first of the contact elements in one of the outer regions is arranged in a first circumferential position.

The inventive consumer module can be substantially completely absorbed in the tube. However, this does not mean that individual elements can not protrude from the cross section defined by the tube. The housing of the consumer module is elongated and thus adapted to the geometry of the tube. The expansion in the longitudinal direction (ie parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube in the installed state) is for example at least 4 times greater, in particular at least 6 times larger than the extension in the transverse direction (ie in the radial direction relative to the tube). The two contact elements are arranged according to the invention and in contrast to the prior art such that they contact the conductors running in the tube in a substantially radial direction. That is, the contact areas, which are defined by the contact elements and the contact surfaces in the interior of the tube in the installed state of the load module, are located between the lateral surfaces of the Housing and the inner jacket of the tube and not approximately axially on the front sides of the housing.

It has been shown that this arrangement allows a much simpler electrical contacting of the load module. At the same time, the consumer module in the tube can be kept simple and secure mechanically. The first contact element can directly contact a contact surface of the tube in the region adjacent to the recess, for example the tube element itself made of conductive material.

For interaction with the recess, the housing of the consumer module according to the invention has a central region in the longitudinal direction with at least one projecting element and outer regions in the longitudinal direction. The load module is then inserted into the tube of the tube structure provided with the elongated recess in such a way that the at least one projecting element interacts with an edge of the recess and the outer regions bear against an inner casing of the tube in regions adjoining the cutout. The consumer module is so safe and held in a defined position on the pipe.

The at least one protruding element can be a planar structure adapted to the geometry of the recess or a structure which mimics the edge of the recess or a plurality of structures which interact at spaced locations with the edge of the recess. The interaction of the at least one projecting element with the edge of the recess thus leads to a clear definition of the position of the housing of the consumer module in the pipe of the pipe structure.

According to the invention, a first of the contact elements in one of the outer regions of the housing of the consumer module is arranged in a first circumferential position. When the load module is inserted, the contact element is preferably arranged in a region of the load module adjacent to the cutout. That is, the first circumferential position substantially corresponds to the circumferential position of the central region with the at least one protruding element. The first contact element can so directly contact a contact surface of the tube in the region adjacent to the recess, for example, the tubular element made of conductive material itself.

The invention further relates to a furniture system having a three-dimensional supporting tube structure, comprising:

a) a plurality of tubes, wherein at least one of the tubes has two arranged in the interior of the tube contact surfaces of different polarity; b) a plurality of three-dimensional node elements for mechanically fastening two or more tubes to each other; c) at least one consumer module for insertion into the at least one tube of the three-dimensional supporting tube structure of the furniture system, wherein the consumer module includes an elongated housing and wherein on an outside of the housing, two contact elements for the electrical contacting of the load module are arranged, which have different polarities, and the contact elements are arranged such that they contact in the inserted state of the load module two arranged in the interior of the tube contact surfaces of different polarity in the substantially radial direction.

The furniture system can be, for example, a shelving system, a cabinet system, a drawer system or a system with different components. The furniture system is especially modular. This means that with a limited number of basic elements (tubes, node elements and inputs and attachments) virtually unlimited different configurations can be built.

The cross section of the tubes can take different forms. For example, he may have the outer shape of a circle or a regular polygon, but irregular closed or even open shapes are possible.

The three-dimensional node elements allow the connection of several tubes, which need not necessarily all lie on the same line or in the same plane when mounted. Particularly preferred are node elements, which six Have connection points, which are arranged on the outside of an imaginary cube. Accordingly can be built with pipes and such node elements furniture whose structural elements (pipes) run along a three-dimensional rectangular grid. The node elements themselves may be cube-shaped or have another suitable shape, e.g. B. that of a ball. The node elements can be designed such that electrical connections are created between tubes which are fastened to the same node element, preferably two-pole.

Such a furniture system is described in particular in copending European Patent Application No. 13 405 139.0 of December 13, 2013 by the same Applicant.

It is not mandatory that all tubes and all node elements have the mentioned contact surfaces or current-conducting properties. In the context of a furniture system according to the invention, pipes and node elements without current conduction can be combined with the elements with current conduction. A consumer module may in particular comprise a luminous element. The luminous element is preferably arranged in the consumer module such that the consumer module is substantially completely accommodated in the cross section defined by the tube of the furniture system. As a result, an advantageous simple appearance can be achieved, and the space provided by the furniture system or access to it is not impaired. Various lighting elements are possible, namely those with individual, point or surface light sources or a plurality of light sources, those which produce diffuse and those the directed light. The lighting elements can be formed with diffusers, reflectors and / or diaphragms. They can be designed to be adjustable in brightness and / or color or color temperature. The light generation can be based on LED or OLED modules, but other technologies are also applicable.

Consumer modules with a different function are also included in the invention. So these connection elements, z. As sockets and / or plugs, for connecting consumers include or cooling, heating or ventilation equipment. In the same In the same way as consumer modules, control modules or sensor modules can be accommodated in a pipe of the pipe structure. These are used, for example, to control consumers that are integrated in the same module, from other consumer modules and / or from external devices. The sensors may in particular be motion, presence, light or temperature sensors. Other sensors can interact specifically with the furniture system and detect, for example, the opening of a door. Thus, for example, the luminous element of a consumer module can be selectively switched on when a door, which closes off an illuminated interior of the tube structure, is opened. A single module can perform several functions (consumer, control, sensor).

The communication between insertion modules is preferably carried out by means of Powerline Communication (PLC) by modulating data of the power transmission line of the furniture system. Corresponding electronics are contained in the insertion modules (sensor, control and consumer modules). Other transmission types, eg. B. via separate control lines, or wirelessly by means of a suitable protocol, eg. B. Bluetooth, are also possible.

The modules are identified by unique numbers, the assignment takes place via a central database or locally via settings in the individual modules. The assignment is made by means of an external control device or by a "pairing" method, which can be initiated solely by operating the modules.

Preferably, the at least one of the tubes has two conductor conductors running along the tube and insulated from one another for conducting current of a first polarity and a second polarity along the tube. The current flow can thus be carried out directly through the pipes of the furniture system, separate supply lines are unnecessary.

Preferably, the two insulated conductors for current conduction in the at least one tube coaxial with each other are arranged. This arrangement is inexpensive to produce and allows sufficiently high currents with low radial cross-section. Furthermore, appropriately equipped pipes can be easily with Node elements combine, in which the two polarities are also transmitted in a coaxial manner between the tubes, as z. B. emerge from the aforementioned EP 13 405 139.0. This results in a particularly simple conductor arrangement in all participating structural elements of the furniture system. The at least one tube preferably comprises a structural tube element made of a conductive material, which serves to guide the first polarity, and an inner conductor, which is accommodated in an insulated manner in the structural tube element, for guiding the second polarity. The first polarity is in particular the neutral conductor (earth). The structure of the tube is thus particularly simple. The inner conductor can be formed by a inserted into the tube conductive and one-sided insulated film. This results in a simple production of the tubes provided with conductors. Other variants are possible, for example, the inner conductor may be formed by a corresponding coating, which is separated by an insulating layer of the conductive material, which serves to guide the first polarity. Alternatively, the conductors can also run differently in the at least one tube. For example, they can be arranged in a line parallel to each other.

Advantageously, the at least one tube comprises an elongate recess, and the at least one consumer module is designed such that it can be inserted through the elongated recess in the at least one tube. The consumer module can thus be inserted into the pipe even if the pipe structure has already been completed, ie the pipes are already connected to the node elements. Preferably, the consumer module can also easily be removed from the tube without having to loosen the tube from the node element. This allows the configuration to be quickly and easily adapted to current needs. In pipes, which are provided with a recess, but are currently no consumer module to record, a panel can be used to close the recess.

The recess is advantageously arranged in the tube such that it does not extend to one end of the tube. This ensures a high stability of the pipe and avoids Problems interacting with the node elements or connection mechanisms.

According to the invention, a first of the contact elements in one of the outer regions of the housing of the consumer module is arranged in a first circumferential position. When the load module is inserted, the contact element is preferably arranged in a region of the load module adjacent to the cutout. That is, the first circumferential position substantially corresponds to the circumferential position of the central region with the at least one protruding element. The first contact element can thus directly contact a contact surface of the tube in the region adjacent to the recess, for example the tube element made of conductive material itself.

Preferably, a second of the contact elements is arranged at a second circumferential position, which encloses an angle of at least 60 °, preferably at least 90 °, particularly preferably at least 135 °, with the first circumferential position. This results in a good support of the contact elements, and faulty contacts are reliably avoided.

In a preferred embodiment, the first contact element is arranged substantially in the extension of the center line of the central region, while the second contact element is arranged in its circumferential position offset by 180 ° on the back of the housing. The second of the contact elements of the at least one consumer module is thus arranged when the consumer module is inserted in a region of the consumer module which is rearward with respect to the recess.

Advantageously, at least one of the contact elements is resilient, in particular a contact element, which is located in a circumferential position, which is spaced from the circumferential position of the central region. It can also be formed resiliently both contact elements. The reliability of the electrical contact is increased. Likewise preferably, at least one of the resilient contacts, in addition to the electrical contacting, also serves for mechanically fixing the module to the tube. If at least one of the resilient contacts, namely a contact arranged on the side facing away from the recess of the consumer module, with a comparatively large spring travel is formed, even with relatively shallow depth of the housing can achieve safe support and positioning in the tube. Due to the small depth, the insertion and removal of the consumer module through the recess is greatly simplified at the same time. Advantageously, the light exit surface is arranged in the central region of the housing in a luminous element, in particular as part of the projecting element. The emitted light can thus reach the solid angle areas to be illuminated substantially unhindered by the surrounding tube. Shading losses are avoided. Furthermore, an advantageous appearance results when the light element is switched on. A preferred embodiment of a luminous element according to the invention thus has an elongate housing which has on a first side (or in a first circumferential area) in a middle region a projecting element which forms the light exit surface and whose geometry corresponds to the recess of a tube into which the lighting element can be used. A first contact element having a first polarity is arranged adjacent to the middle region. A second contact element with a second polarity is arranged on the rear side of the housing (that is to say with a circumferential position offset substantially at 180 ° to the first contact element) and is resilient. The two contact elements not only serve to make electrical contact with the luminous element, but also mechanically hold it in the recess of the tube.

From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims, further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention result.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

Fig. 1 shows a cross section through the connection of a node element with a

Tube of the furniture system according to the invention; 2A-C is an oblique view and two cross-sections of a tube of the inventive furniture system with recesses for receiving consumer modules.

Fig. 3A, B is an oblique view and an exploded view of an inventive

Luminaire module;

Fig. 4A, B cross-sections through the inventive lamp module;

5 shows a cross section through the tube with inserted lamp module.

Fig. 6 is an oblique view of a consumer module with two sockets; and

Fig. 7 is an oblique view of a Einsetzmoduls with switching elements.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. Ways to carry out the invention

One embodiment of the furniture system according to the invention comprises tubes with a circular cross section, which can be connected by node elements to form a three-dimensional supporting tube structure. In particular, shelves, covers, side panels, doors, flaps, drawers and similar elements can be fastened to the tube structure. 1 shows a cross section through the connection of a node element with a tube of this inventive furniture system.

The node element 100 is formed as a spherical connection head. The node element comprises three threaded holes 1 10, 1 20, 130, whose axes each perpendicular to each other and extend diametrically through the center of the ball. Accordingly, the outer surface of the node element 100 has six openings through which with the threads 1 1 1, 1 21 cooperating screws can be inserted. Thus, two to six pipes can be connected together as needed by means of the node member 100.

The node element 100 consists of a one-piece outer part 101, a one-piece inner part 102 and an interposed electrical insulation layer 103. The threaded holes 1 10, 1 20, 130 extend exclusively through the inner part 102nd The outer part 101 and the inner part 102 are made of chromed brass, the insulation layer 103 is made of a suitable plastic.

The tube 200, of which only one end-side section is shown in FIG. 1, comprises an outer jacket 201 made of chromed steel. In the outer jacket is received an inner tube 210 having an outer layer 21 1 made of an insulating material, for. As a plastic, and an inner layer 212 of a conductive material, for. B. copper. The inner tube 210 does not extend to the ends of the tube 200, but ends at a predetermined distance of, for example, about 10 cm. In the fastened state, outer shell 201 contacts with its free end node element 100 in the area of its outer part 101. To increase the contact surface, outer shell 201 may, in deviation from the exemplary embodiment shown, have a geometry adapted to the spherical surface at the front.

To fasten the tube 200 to the node element 100, two essentially identical wedge sleeves 221, 222 and a cap screw 230 made of electrically conductive material are received in the tube 200, wherein the cap screw 230 inserted through the two wedge sleeves 221, 222 and the end of its threaded shaft 231 is screwed into the associated threaded hole 120 of the node element 100. The front wedge sleeve 221, which faces the node element 100 is made of an electrically non-conductive material or has in the region of the contact surface with the tube 200, the cap screw 230 and / or the node element 100 an electrical insulation. Between the head 232 of the screw 230 and the side facing away from the node element 100 end face of the wedge sleeve 222, an insulator ring 241 made of an electrically insulating material, for. As a plastic, and a contact ring 242 made of an electrically conductive material, for. B. copper sheet, arranged. The contact ring 242 comprises an annular main part 243 and a circumferentially arranged outside resilient contact part 244. The latter contacted in the assembled state, the inner layer 21 2 of the inner tube 2 10th

The wedge sleeves 221, 222 are supported with their oblique to the sleeve axis wedge surfaces together and stand with their remote from the node element 100 end face on the head 232 of the screw 230 at. The outer diameter of the wedge sleeves 221, 222 is only around the easy sliding of the pipe end on the same enabling game smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe end. If, after sliding the tube 200 on the wedge sleeves 221, 222, the cap screw 230 tightened, the wedge sleeves 221, 222 are displaced against the inside of the pipe end and hold it firmly. The displacement of the wedge sleeve projecting on the screw head further has a displacement component directed against the node element 100, which seeks to take the tube 200 against the nodal element 100 and thereby secure contacting between the outer shell 201 of the tube 200 and the outer part 101 of the node element 100 guaranteed. For tightening and loosening the cap screw 230 whose head 232 is provided with a polygonal insertion hole 233 (or alternatively with a slot for the engagement of a screwdriver). Also, the head 232 opposite end of the threaded shaft 231 of the screw 230 has a polygonal insertion hole 234 for insertion of a key.

For relatively short tubes, the head 232 of the screw 230 can be reached by means of a screwdriver or wrench. In many cases, such as e.g. when creating a corner joint, the 234 of the threaded shaft 231 of the screw 230 is accessible by the node member 100 diametrically opposite opening, unused opening of the threaded hole 1 20 by means of a corresponding polygonal socket wrench. Incidentally, it has been found that at first only slightly on the tube inside adjacent wedge sleeves a rich tightening or loosening of the screw 230 is also possible by corresponding rotation of the tube 200 about its axis.

The unused at a pipe connection openings of the threaded holes 1 10, 1 20 are closed after tightening the screws 230 with advantage each by a grub screw. In the connected state, it is possible to transmit current between the tubes 200 and the node element 100 in a bipolar manner. For contacting the first polarity (neutral), the outer jacket 201 of the tube 200 directly contacts the outer part 101 of the node element 100. The second polarity (phase) is guided in the region of the tube 200 in the inner layer 21 2 of the inner tube 210. There, the current through the resilient contact portion 244 of the Contact ring 242 tapped and transferred via the main part 243 on the head 232 of the screw 230. The contacting of the inner part 102 of the node element 100 then takes place via the threaded shank 231 of the screw 230 and the thread 1 21 of the threaded bore 1 20 of the node element 100. Further tubes connected to the node element 100 in the same way are thus via the outer part 101 and the inner part 102 bipolar electrically connected to the corresponding conductors of the tube 200.

The power supply to the furniture system via a contacting element, which can be attached to one of the node elements 100. The contacting element comprises a housing with a receiving bore for a retaining screw. The housing also contains two connection points for a two-pole connection cable. Each contact element is conductively connected to the connection points. The contacting element can be fixed by simply screwing in the retaining screw in any opening of a threaded bore of the node element. The contact elements then contact the outer part 101 or the inner part 102 of the node element 100.

For safety reasons, the voltage in the furniture system should not exceed 48 V, a suitable voltage value is 24 V.

FIG. 2A shows an oblique image, FIGS. 2B, 2C each show two cross-sections of a tube of the furniture system according to the invention with recesses for receiving consumer modules. Figure 2B shows a cross-section along a plane passing through the central axis of the tube parallel to the planes defined by the recesses and a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis in a section of the tube without a recess. Figure 2C shows a cross-section along a plane passing through the central axis of the tube which is perpendicular to the surfaces defined by the recesses and a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis in a section of the tube with recess.

The tube 200 comprises three equally long, uniformly spaced recesses 250.1, 250.2, 250.3. The recesses have an elongated rectangular shape with semicircular rounded longitudinal ends. The tube has according to the embodiment an outer diameter of 19 mm, and the width of the recesses is 8.2 mm, the length 163 mm. The distance of the outer recesses 250.1, 250.3 to the respective pipe end is 68 mm, the mutual distance of the recesses 250.1, 250.2, 250.3 each 53 mm. The inner tube 210 (see FIG. 1) is recessed in an area surrounding the recesses 250 .1 3, so that the outer jacket of the tube 200 is directly accessible.

FIG. 3A shows an oblique image, and FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of a luminaire module 300 according to the invention. This serves for the areal light emission. It comprises an elongate support rail 310 made of plastic, a printed circuit board 320 with a plurality of LED lighting elements mounted on a top side, a reflector 330 arranged on the upper side of the printed circuit board 320 and a lens profile 340 provided with a diffuser film 341 on the inside is attached to the support rail 310 and in the attached state, the circuit board 320 and the reflector 330 surrounds.

The support rail 310 includes a flat base plate 31 1 having a substantially rectangular shape. Integrally formed with the base plate 31 1 are on the underside of two spring portions 31 2, 313. These extend from the base plate 31 1 starting obliquely downwards outside, in the direction of free ends of the base plate 31 1. Their extent in the longitudinal direction corresponds to approximately one fifth the longitudinal extent of the luminaire module. If they rest on a mating surface, set the spring portions 31 2, 313 of a vertical movement perpendicular to the main plane of the base plate 31 1 a with decreasing distance between the base plate and counter surface increasing resistance. The spring travel is dimensioned such that the luminaire module 300 can be temporarily moved so deeply into the tube that it is accommodated completely in the tube cross-section, at least in its end regions. At the same time, the spring sections 31 2, 313 but also partially compressed in the installed state of the lamp element 300 to securely hold the lamp element 300 in its position.

Also formed integrally with the support rail 310 is a holding element 314, which in the region of one of the free ends of the support rail 310 perpendicular to Main surface of the support rail 310 extends upward. At the opposite free end of the support rail 310, an end 315 is formed, on the sides below the upper main surface a plurality of elongated projections 316 are integrally formed.

The printed circuit board 320 is mechanically fastened to the holding element 314 at one of its ends. Two contacts 321 protrude into corresponding receptacles of the holding element 314, so that the printed circuit board 320 can be contacted with two poles. On the upper side of the printed circuit board 320 18 LED lighting elements 322 are mounted at a uniform distance, on the bottom are (not visible) control electronics and components for powering the LED lighting elements arranged. The control electronics may include components for communicating with other modules or an external controller.

Also mechanically attached to the support member 314 are two spring contacts. A first spring contact 351 is Z-shaped, extends to the underside of the carrier rail 310 and is also mechanically attached to the corresponding spring portion 313. The first spring contact 351 forms on its underside a first contact surface 351 a. At the opposite end, the first spring contact 351 forms a second contact surface 351 b. This acts in the assembled state directly with one of the contacts 321 of the circuit board 320 together. The second spring contact 352 is U-shaped. A first leg 352a in the mounted state interacts directly with the other of the contacts 321 of the printed circuit board 320. The second leg 352b is guided over the base of the second spring contact 352 on the upper side of the holding element 314 and there passes through an opening 342 in the lens profile 340 beyond the upper outer side of the housing of the lamp module 300.

The reflector 330 is elongated and has the number and position of the LED lighting elements 322 corresponding openings which are surrounded by reflector areas. The reflector is held in the assembled state in the axial direction between the holding member 314 and the end 315 of the support rail 310 fitting.

The lens profile 340 made of a translucent plastic material has a light exit surface 343, the outer geometry of the shape of the recess 250 in Tube is adapted according to Figure 2, the surface is thus slightly curved and has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. The light exit surface 343 comprises molded-in lens profiles which appropriately focus or distribute the light emitted by the LED light elements. On a first side of the light exit surface 343 is a recessed surface 344, in which the mentioned opening 342 is arranged, through which passes the upper leg 352 b of the second spring contact 352. On the opposite side of the light exit surface 343 is another recessed surface 345. The axial length of the light exit surface 343 is - as in the recess 250 - 163 mm. The recessed surface 344 provided with the opening 342 has an axial length of 9.2 mm, the other recessed surface 345 has an axial length of 2 mm.

The side surfaces of the lens profile 340 are provided with recesses 346, whose geometry corresponds to the elongated projections 316 of the support rail 310. By cooperation of the recesses 346 with the protrusions 316, the lens profile 340 can be mechanically secured to the support rail 310. At the same time, the further elements of the luminaire module 300 are fixed between the two components mentioned.

The luminaire module 300 is shown in the assembled state in FIG. 3A and further in FIG. 4A shows a cross section along a central axis of the luminaire module 300, perpendicular to the light exit surface 343 and to the main surface of the support rail 310. FIG. 4B shows the same cross section in the two end regions of the luminaire module 300, on an enlarged scale.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section through the tube 200 with the luminaire module 300 inserted. The spring section 313 is partially compressed. The luminaire module 300 contacts the tube 200 on the underside by the contact surface 351 a of the spring contact 351 and the lower surface of the spring section 31 2. On the upper side, the luminaire module 300 contacts the tube 200 in the region of the two recessed surfaces 344, 345 laterally of the light exit surface 343 Due to the partially compressed spring section 313, these four contact points keep the luminaire module 300 safe in a first radial direction and in a clearly defined position in the tube 200. The axial securing and the securing in a second radial direction, perpendicular to the first radial direction, results from the exact registration of the light exit surface 343 in the recess 250. The upper leg 352b of the second spring contact 352 conductively contacts the inner jacket of the tube 200, the lower one Leg 351 a of the first spring contact 351 conductively contacts the guided inside the pipe 200 inner conductor 21 2. The light module 300 inserted into the tube 200 is thus electrically contacted with two poles.

The luminaire module 300 may be inserted into the tube 200 by inserting it into the tube 200 at one end first through the recess. By compressing the corresponding spring section 31 2, 313, the luminaire module 300 can be moved so deeply into the tube 200 that even the light exit surface 343 temporarily recedes behind the tube inner wall adjacent to the recess in a region adjoining the respective recessed surface 344, 345. The luminaire module 300 may then also be inserted into the tube 200 with the opposite end. Subsequently, the luminaire module 300 is axially displaced until the light exit surface 343 is accommodated in the recess.

To remove the light module 300 is pressed against the force of the spring portions 31 2, 313 slightly inward until it can be moved axially in one direction. Again, in a region adjacent to the respective recessed surface 344, 345, the light exit surface 343 temporarily recedes behind the inner tube wall adjacent to the recess. The respective other end of the luminaire module 300 is then pushed outwardly due to the spring force of the corresponding spring section 312, 313, so that the luminaire module 300 can be detected and removed.

FIG. 6 shows an oblique image of a consumer module with two sockets. The geometry of the consumer module 410 essentially corresponds to that of the

Luminaire module 300, as described in connection with Figures 2-5.

In the middle section of the upper surface (corresponding to the light exit surface of the

Luminaire module) are two sockets 41 1.1, 41 1.2 arranged according to the USB standard.

They are supplied via the contacts mentioned from the pipe with power and this is by appropriate, recorded in the housing of the load module 410 converted electronic elements, so that at the two sockets 41 41, 41 1.2 a power connection according to USB standard is provided. The USB sockets can be used to power or charge devices. Also, a data transfer via the USB sockets is basically possible. FIG. 7 shows an oblique image of an insertion module with switching elements. Again, the geometry of the insertion module 420 is substantially the same as that of the light module 300 as described in connection with FIGS. 2-5. In the middle portion of the upper surface (corresponding to the light exit surface of the lamp module) controls are formed, namely three sensor keys 42 1.1, 421.2, 421.3. With the first sensor button 421.1 can be a consumer, z. B. turn a light on and off. With the two other sensor keys 421.2, 421.3 can be a parameter of the consumer, z. As a brightness of the light, increase or decrease. The consumer can be accommodated in the same insertion module. If this is not the case, the control pulses are transmitted in a conventional manner via the power supply line to the corresponding load module by modulating the line (Powerline Communication, PLC). The corresponding electronics are included in the insertion module and in the consumer module.

In an analogous way, a number of control and consumer modules and other modules such. B. Sensor modules communicate with each other. Each module is identified by a unique number. The assignment of the modules can be done in pairs, but also more complex relationships can be realized. The assignment is made by means of an external control device or by a "pairing" method, which can be initiated only by operating the modules.

An insertion module which can be used within the scope of the system according to the invention can comprise completely different control elements. In the simplest case, only one control is present, in more complex cases a number of controls may be provided. The part not used by the control elements of the central portion of the upper surface, ie the surface which is visible through the recess, may be provided with a coating corresponding to the tube outer side, so that the controls are primarily visible from the outside. The invention is not limited to the described consumer and Einsetzmodule. Thus, a luminaire module can also have one or more spotlight sources with an excellent illumination direction. The spots can be adjustable. Also, modules are conceivable in which the light source at the free end of a movable, in the mounted state of the module from the tube protruding element, for. B. a gooseneck is arranged.

The light sources can be designed such that their color or color temperature can be regulated. The same applies to the brightness. The modules may include light sensors, for example, to automatically turn on the light when falling below a certain ambient brightness. Analogue proximity, motion or presence sensors can be used. Further, by means of a sensor, a state of an element of the furniture system, for. As a door or flap, are monitored. Thus, an opening sensor can be used which, with the aid of an infrared LED and a photo-transistor for detecting reflected light, determines whether the flap or door is open or closed. Based on the result, for example, a light source can be switched on or off automatically.

In summary, it should be noted that the invention provides a consumer module which can be easily and reliably held and contacted in the tube of the three-dimensional supporting tube structure.

Claims

claims

1. Consumer module for insertion into a tube of a three-dimensional supporting tube structure of a furniture system, wherein the load module comprises an elongated housing and wherein on one outer side of the housing, two contact elements for electrically contacting the load module are arranged, having different polarities, wherein the contact elements arranged such are that in the inserted state of the consumer module arranged in the interior of the tube two contact surfaces of different polarity in substantially radial direction contact and the housing has a longitudinally central region with at least one projecting element and in the longitudinal direction of outer regions, the consumer module in such a is provided with an elongated recess provided tube of the tube structure, that the at least one projecting element cooperates with an edge of the recess and the outer regions in to the Recess adjacent areas abut an inner shell of the tube, characterized in that a first of the contact elements is arranged in one of the outer regions in a first circumferential position.

2. Consumer module according to claim 1, characterized in that a second of the contact elements is arranged at a second circumferential position, which with the first circumferential position an angle of at least 60 °, preferably at least 90 °, more preferably at least 135 °, includes.

3. Consumer module according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the contact elements is resilient.

4. Consumer module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a luminous element.

5. Consumer module according to claim 4, characterized in that a light exit surface of the luminous element is arranged in the central region of the housing.

Furniture system having a three-dimensional supporting tube structure, comprising a) a plurality of tubes, wherein at least one of the tubes has two arranged in the interior of the tube contact surfaces of different polarity; b) a plurality of three-dimensional node elements for mechanically fastening two or more tubes to each other; c) at least one consumer module for insertion into the at least one tube of the three-dimensional supporting tube structure of the furniture system, wherein the consumer module includes an elongated housing and wherein on an outside of the housing, two contact elements for the electrical contacting of the load module are arranged, which have different polarities, and the contact elements are arranged such that they contact in the inserted state of the load module two arranged in the interior of the tube contact surfaces of different polarity in the substantially radial direction.

Furniture system according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one of the tubes has two along the tube extending, mutually insulated conductor for current carrying a first polarity and a second polarity along the tube.

Furniture system according to claim 7, characterized in that the two insulated conductors for current conduction in the at least one tube are arranged coaxially with each other.

Furniture system according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one tube comprises a structural tubular element made of a conductive material, which serves to guide the first polarity, and an isolated in the structural tubular element received inner conductor for guiding the second polarity.

10. furniture system according to claim 9, characterized in that the inner conductor is formed by an inserted into the tube conductive and one-sided insulated film.

1 1. Furniture system according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the at least one tube has an elongated recess, and that the at least one consumer module is designed such that it can be inserted through the elongated recess in the at least one tube.

1 2. Furniture system according to claim 1 1, characterized in that a first one of the contact elements of the at least one consumer module is arranged with inserted consumer module in an adjacent to the recess region of the consumer module.

13. furniture system according to claim 1 2, characterized in that a second of the contact elements of the at least one consumer module with inserted

Load module is arranged in a respect to the recess back portion of the consumer module.