EP3966492B1 - Head cap for a light band lamp - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a front cap for a strip light and a strip light which has an elongated light carrier with two end faces, at least one of which is covered by a front cap according to the invention. The invention further relates to a strip light system with the strip light according to the invention.

From the state of the art, strip lighting systems are known which consist of a large number of elongated individual lights arranged in a row.

A single light used for this purpose usually has an elongated support rail in which the light source and other electronic components are housed. The support rail, which is often U-shaped, is usually attached to cable suspensions, ceilings or wall surfaces via its top side in such a way that it is open at the bottom. The single lights often have end caps on both ends to protect the single light and its components from environmental influences.

Known lighting strip systems from the prior art use separate connecting elements, such as a clamp or a bridge element, to connect the support rails of two adjacent individual luminaires to one another. However, such a solution has the disadvantage that the assembly and installation of the lighting strip system is complex. Furthermore, the support rails must be positioned relatively precisely to one another in order to avoid gaps occurring between the lamps of the individual luminaires accommodated in the support rails. Even small deviations can have a negative impact on the overall impression of the lighting strip system. The high accuracy requirements with regard to positioning therefore increase the effort required for assembly and installation. Alternative solutions in which connecting elements are already integrated into the support rail to reduce assembly effort often require a complex rail structure and the provision of various support rail types, such as start, connection and end rails. This increases the costs for planning, assembly and installation of a lighting strip system.

Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to mount individual lights independently of one another on the surface intended for fastening. However, this can lead to undesirable gaps forming between the lamps if the individual lights are not positioned or aligned precisely with one another. This can negatively affect the overall impression of the light strip system. However, even with If the individual lights are not aligned and positioned precisely, the permissible operating temperatures can cause thermal expansion of the light strip system, which can result in gaps between the individual light strip lights. This can in turn have a negative impact on the overall impression of the light strip system.

DE 20 2011 051 094 U1 shows an elongated lighting unit, the ends of which can be provided with end cover elements. The end cover element has an alignment area which is designed to facilitate alignment of the lighting unit with respect to another, similarly designed lighting unit. The alignment area comprises a funnel-shaped area and a rib-shaped insertion area which are designed in such a way that by inserting the insertion area of the end cover element of the lighting unit into the funnel-shaped area of another end cover element of the other lighting unit, the two lighting units are aligned without any visible offset in the longitudinal direction.

US 2018/180265 A1 shows a connection system that has two matching brackets for the concealed connection of segments of lighting fixtures. The brackets have geometries that complement each other.

EN 10 2012 202 148 A1 shows a light strip system with a light strip element with an elongated support rail. The front sides of the light strip elements can be designed to complement each other, so that the front sides have interlocking geometries in the installed position.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a front cap, a strip light and a strip light system with which the aforementioned problems known from the prior art can be overcome. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to find a solution according to which individual lights can be connected to one another in a simple and cost-effective manner and can be aligned and positioned with respect to one another with relatively high accuracy.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a front cap for a strip light. The front cap has a flat base body with two opposite flat sides.

In the context of the invention, "flat" is preferably understood to mean an extension in essentially one plane. In other words, a "flat side" extends essentially in a plane (extension) spanned by it. However, the invention is not limited to this and can in principle also include three-dimensional surfaces.

The flat sides have a flat cover side for covering a front side of a strip light and a coupling side for coupling with an identical front cap of a strip light adjacent to the front. The coupling side has coupling structures which are designed in such a way that they can be connected to the coupling structures of a coupling side of an identical front cap without the use of tools and in a detachable manner.

According to the invention, a "detachable connection" is understood to mean in particular a (mechanical) connection which enables a non-destructive decoupling or a non-destructive detachment of the (mechanically) connected components from one another.

In other words: The front cap according to the invention thus provides a component by means of which, on the one hand, a cover covers one front side of a strip light and, on the other hand, a (preferably mechanical) coupling of two strip lights (preferably via their front side) can be provided. For this purpose, coupling structures are provided on one of the two flat sides of the front cap, the coupling side, by means of which a detachable connection between two front caps can be provided and created without tools.

This provides a component that can be used to provide a cover element for a luminaire and at the same time a connecting element for connecting to another luminaire. The end cap can therefore provide a variety of functions.

The end cap provides, for example, means for (mechanical) coupling of lights, so that the lights themselves do not require any structures for this. The end cap according to the invention can be used for different lights, since the coupling structures of the end cap can be provided independently of the specifications of the light. The connection of the end cap and light enables their defined alignment and positioning, so that the assembly of a light strip system can be simplified. In contrast to the already known connecting elements, the range of functions of the end cap is not limited to the mere provision of connecting means. Rather, the end cap can also be used to cover the light, so that separate cover elements in the light can be dispensed with. The end cap can also take on a protective function for the components accommodated in the light. Furthermore, the end cap enables a tool-free and detachable connection to another, identically constructed end cap. This simplifies assembly, installation and maintenance and saves costs.

The forehead cap according to the invention thus has a high range of functions, a high cost-saving potential, especially during assembly, and a high degree of flexibility.

According to a further development, the coupling structures can be designed in such a way as to align two end caps coupled via the coupling structures in alignment with one another.

This makes it possible to define and provide positioning and alignment of the components to be connected to one another using the front cap. The range of functions of the front cap as an additional positioning aid is thus expanded.

According to a further development, the coupling structures can be designed in such a way that two end caps coupled via the coupling structures can be moved by relative movement of the End caps are to be released from one another at least in a direction orthogonal and/or parallel to an extension plane of the flat base body.

This means that the connection between two end caps can be released using simple means. This makes assembly easier and simpler. The option of releasing the connection optionally by moving in two different axial directions also increases flexibility during assembly and maintenance. For example, a light with such end caps could be released from a light assembly either by moving along a longitudinal axis of the light or by moving perpendicular to it. The range of functions of the end cap thus continues to grow.

According to a further development, the coupling structures can each have a first connection structure and a second connection structure, which are structurally designed to correspond to the tool-free and detachable connection with the other connection structure of an identical end cap. Alternatively or additionally, the base body, in particular the coupling side, can have two regions which are structurally designed to correspond to one another. Preferably, a first of the two regions can have the first connection structure and a second of the two regions can have the second connection structure.

A "structurally corresponding structural formation" can be understood, for example, to mean that when two structural elements are present, each of the structural elements forms a counterpart to the other structural element with respect to the provision of a connection or coupling.

This means that at least two different structures can be provided on the end cap, which are designed to coordinate with one another. Each of these structures can fulfil different functions and influence the properties of the resulting connection differently. In this way, for example, the properties that characterise assembly and disassembly, such as joining force and release force, can be defined. Furthermore, such a design can achieve a defined alignment and positioning of the respective end caps in the connected state. Since the different connection structures or areas correspond to one another, at least the provision of the actual connection can be ensured.

Preferably, the two areas can be separated by an imaginary line or straight line separating the base body, in particular the coupling side, and preferably bisecting it. separated from each other. The coupling structures of the two areas can be mirrored and structurally corresponding with respect to the line or straight line.

Thus, for example, two identical end caps oriented opposite to one another can be connected to one another via the coupling structures, since the respective coupling structures are provided on the base body in such a way that they can also be connected in a twisted state. Furthermore, it can be achieved that the end cap has a symmetrical structure and/or a symmetrical positioning, at least with regard to the coupling structures. The precision of the positioning of two end caps in relation to one another in the connected state can also be improved, since the coupling structures are provided at defined positions on the base body. Furthermore, the manufacture of the end cap can be simplified.

According to a further development, the coupling structures can have projection sections, recessed sections and/or undercut sections. These projection, recessed and/or undercut sections can preferably be provided at least in a direction orthogonal and/or parallel to a plane of extension of the flat base body. According to the invention, the coupling structures have locking projections and locking receptacles that correspond to one another.

The coupling structures can thus be provided by simple structural design elements, by means of which detachable connecting elements in particular can be provided. It is also possible to define characteristic properties of assembly and disassembly, such as joining force and release force, by means of structural design elements. Such a design also allows components to be connected to the end cap, provided they have corresponding coupling structures.

According to a further development, the coupling structures can have release structures which enable a (preferably tool-free) release of the coupling structures of two end caps coupled via the coupling structures. Preferably, the release structures can enable a (tool-free) release of the coupling structures of two end caps coupled via the coupling structures in a defined direction, preferably in a direction orthogonal and/or parallel to an extension plane of the flat base body.

This means that two coupled end caps can be released from each other by activating a release structure provided for this purpose. This allows, in particular, Damage to the coupling structures during joining and/or accidental loosening of the connection between two end caps can be prevented.

According to a further development, the front cap, preferably the coupling side, can have receiving structures for receiving a front cap cover. The receiving structures can preferably comprise the coupling structures. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving structures can be designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary straight line bisecting the base body, in particular the coupling side. Furthermore, the receiving structures can preferably have release means for (tool-free) detaching the front cap cover from the front cap.

This makes it possible to easily attach additional components to the forehead cap, so that the functionality of the forehead cap can be further expanded.

According to a further development, the cover side can have holding structures for detachable and/or non-detachable coupling to a strip light. The holding structures can have coupling sections for mechanical coupling to corresponding structures of the strip light carrying the front cap. The coupling sections can be, for example, locking or plug-in structures, and/or through-openings for receiving a fastening means, such as a screw or a locking pin.

This means that the front cap can be attached to a light using simple means. In particular, a detachable and non-detachable connection between the front cap and the strip light can be provided.

According to a further development, the forehead cap can be made of an opaque or translucent material, in particular an opaque, translucent, transparent and/or crystal-clear material.

This means that the front cap can be designed to suit the lighting situation, e.g. to be as inconspicuous as possible. Furthermore, if translucent materials are used, light hitting the front cap can be transported through the front cap, so that the front cap can be used as a light guide or as a lamp housing, for example.

According to a further development, the base body (preferably at least the cover side) can have a lamp holder for receiving a front cap lamp, such as an LED, in order to provide light emitted by the front cap lamp to the outside.

This means that a status LED or a light source for LiFi applications can be provided on the front cap. The range of functions of the front cap can be expanded in this way. It is also possible to easily pass on information from the electronics incorporated in the lamp to the user. This can also simplify the maintenance and installation of a component equipped with the front cap, among other things.

Alternatively or additionally, the front cap can preferably be made of a translucent and preferably crystal-clear material in such a way that it serves as a light guide of a front cap illuminant arranged in the luminaire holder and radiating into the base body in order to preferably emit the light thus radiated outwards via a preferably circumferential front side of the base body.

This makes it possible to use the forehead cap, for example, as a light guide for the light emitted by a status LED and to emit the light outwards via its front side. This means that the range of functions of the forehead cap can be further expanded.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a strip light which has an elongated light carrier with two opposite end faces and the aforementioned end cap for covering one of the end faces by means of the flat cover side. The coupling side is provided on the outside. The strip light can preferably have a light source accommodated in/on the light carrier and/or an end cap light source accommodated in the light holder for emitting light to the outside.

In other words: According to the invention, an elongated strip light is thus provided which has the aforementioned end cap on at least one of its end faces with an orientation in which the coupling structures are directed outwards.

Such a strip light can thus be shielded from environmental influences by the front cap. The strip light also has the coupling structures of the front cap, so that individual strip lights can be connected together in a lighting assembly or a strip light system. It is particularly advantageous that each of the strip lights represents an independent lighting unit that can be incorporated into such an assembly without additional structural adjustment.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a light strip system which has at least two of the aforementioned light strip lights. The light strip lights are They are connected to each other in a tool-free and detachable manner via the coupling sides of their respective end caps that are provided on the outside.

This makes it possible to achieve a flush arrangement (butt to butt) and precise alignment of the strip lights connected to the respective end caps in the strip light system, so that, for example, the occurrence of a gap when assembling the strip light system can be avoided. At the same time, it is possible to align and position the individual strip lights of the strip light system with one another using the respective coupling structures. Furthermore, a combination of strip lights can be provided that either moves evenly when thermally expanded or mechanically counteracts the thermal expansion, i.e., for example, removes it by generating mechanical stress. In both cases, the occurrence of gaps between the individual lamps can be prevented, so that the overall impression of the strip light system can be improved.

According to a further development, the front side of one of the light strip lights forming one front side of the light strip system can have the aforementioned front cap as an end front cap for covering this front side by means of the flat cover side. In this case, the coupling side thereof can preferably be provided on the outside. Alternatively or additionally, the light strip system can have a front cap cover which is connected to the coupling side of the end front cap, preferably to its receiving structures for receiving the front cap cover.

This means that either the front cap already provided on the strip light or a front cap cover (preferred by the customer) can be used as the end element of the strip light. The strip light system is thus provided in a cost-efficient and flexible manner.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Vorderansicht einer Stirnkappe gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

Figur 2

eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung der Stirnkappe aus Figur 1.

Figur 3

eine perspektivische Rückansicht der Stirnkappe aus Figur 1.

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Vorderansicht einer Stirnkappe gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Rückansicht der Stirnkappe aus Figur 4.

Figur 6

eine perspektivische Draufsicht der Stirnkappe aus Figur 4.

Figur 7

eine vergrößerte erste Teil-Darstellung der Vorderansicht aus Figur 4.

Figur 8

eine vergrößerte erste Teil-Darstellung der Rückansicht aus Figur 5, welche mit der Darstellung aus Figur 7 korrespondiert.

Figur 9

eine vergrößerte zweite Teil-Darstellung der Vorderansicht aus Figur 4.

Figur 10

eine vergrößerte zweite Teil-Darstellung der Rückansicht aus Figur 5, welche mit der Darstellung aus Figur 9 korrespondiert.

Figur 11

eine vergrößerte dritte Teil-Darstellung der Rückansicht aus Figur 5.

Further embodiments and advantages of the present invention are explained using the following embodiments in conjunction with the figures of the accompanying drawings. They show:

Figure 1

a perspective view of a front view of a forehead cap according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2

another perspective view of the forehead cap from Figure 1 .

Figure 3

a perspective rear view of the forehead cap from Figure 1 .

Figure 4

a perspective view of a front view of a forehead cap according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5

a perspective rear view of the forehead cap from Figure 4 .

Figure 6

a perspective top view of the forehead cap from Figure 4 .

Figure 7

an enlarged first partial view of the front view from Figure 4 .

Figure 8

an enlarged first partial view of the rear view from Figure 5 , which is shown in Figure 7 corresponds.

Figure 9

an enlarged second partial view of the front view from Figure 4 .

Figure 10

an enlarged second partial view of the rear view from Figure 5 , which is shown in Figure 9 corresponds.

Figure 11

an enlarged third partial view of the rear view from Figure 5 .

The figures show different views of different embodiments of a front cap 100 according to the invention provided for a strip light. The Figures 1 to 3 show an example of a first embodiment, the Figures 4 to 11 show a further embodiment of the front cap 100 according to the invention.

The front cap 100 has a flat base body 101 with two opposite flat sides 110, 140. The Figures 1 to 11 show the base body 101 as an example.

The front cap 100 or the base body 101 can be made from an opaque or opaque material. Materials that can be used for this include, for example, plastics or metals, such as aluminum or alloys. Alternatively or additionally, the front cap 100 can be made from a translucent, in particular a translucent, transparent or crystal-clear material. Materials that can be used for this include, for example, plastics or glass. However, it is also conceivable that a combination of opaque and translucent materials is used for the front cap 100 or the base body 101, so that the front cap 100 or the base body 101 has, for example, partially or sectionally translucent and opaque areas. The base body 101 can be manufactured, for example, by means of injection molding or extrusion. However, this list is not to be regarded as exhaustive.

The base body 101 can have any cross-section. In the Figures 1 to 11 The base body 101 has, for example, a rectangular cross-section. However, this is not to be seen as limiting the invention. Rather, the base body can also have other cross-sectional shapes, for example a round, circular or a cross-section composed of several partial surfaces.

The base body 101 can be understood as a flat body. The flat sides 110, 140 of the base body 101 can each extend essentially in one plane, whereby the respective planes can preferably be parallel to one another. A preferably completely circumferential end face 102 of the base body 101 can extend between the flat sides 110, 140. The flat base body 101 can have a relatively small thickness d as the distance between the two flat sides 110, 140 compared to the surface dimensions of the flat sides 110, 140. This shows Figure 1 exemplary.

The flat sides 110, 140 have a flat cover side 140 for covering a front side of a strip light. In Figure 3 the cover side 140 is according to the first and in the Figures 5 , 6 , 8th , 10 , 11 according to the second embodiment of the front cap 100 is shown as an example.

The cover side 140 can have holding structures 410, 500 for detachable and/or non-detachable coupling of the front cap 100 with a light strip luminaire. This can preferably be the Figures 3 and 5 , but can also be taken from the other figures. In particular, the holding structures 410, 500 can have coupling sections.

The coupling sections can be designed, for example, as plug-in structures 411. The figures show, by way of example, a rear wall 411 that at least partially runs around the cross section of the base body 101 (or around the circumference of the cover side 140). The rear wall 411 can, for example, be inserted into a corresponding groove or opening on the end face of a support rail and thus held in place by means of pressing or friction forces, for example. The rear wall 411 can also be designed to seal the support rail, for example as a sealing lip.

The holding structures 410, 500 can also be designed to correspond with structures of the lamp to be covered in such a way that they can accommodate expansions of the structures of the lamp. In this way, thermal expansions of a lamp connected to the front cap 100 can be compensated or concealed.

In addition, the coupling sections are designed as locking structures 412, 413.

For this purpose, for example, correspondingly designed locking structures on the front side of the support rail can be brought into engagement with the locking structures 412, 413 provided on the cover side 140.

Alternatively or additionally, the holding structures 410, 500 can be designed, for example, as through-openings 510, 520 for receiving a fastening means, such as a screw or a locking pin, in order to enable a mechanical coupling of the holding structures 410, 500 with corresponding structures of the strip light carrying the front cap 100. The provision of the holding structures 410, 500 on the cover side 140 can be particularly advantageous since the cover side 140 is preferably oriented towards the interior of the light during operation and is therefore not perceptible from the outside, so that the appearance of a corresponding light is not negatively affected by the holding structures 410, 500.

The front cap 100 can also have guide structures 421, 422 for cable routing on the cover side 140. These are shown as examples in the Figures 3 , 5 , 8th and 10 shown. The figures also illustrate how a cable can be guided along the clamping direction KR and clamped to the cover side 140 by means of the passage 422. In this way, cabling can be guided through the front cap 100 before the front cap 100 or other components are installed in the luminaire. When the front cap 100 is put on, cables cannot become jammed between the front cap 100 and the luminaire to be covered by it, since the cable is already secured in the front cap 100. In order to reduce the risk of cable breakage due to bending radii that are too tight and/or to hold the cable in position during an assembly process, bending columns 421 can also be provided on the cover side 140. For this purpose, a separating web 420 can also be provided on the cover side 140, which preferably extends at least partially between the circumferential rear wall 411. The separating web 420 and the rear wall 411 can be designed to correspond with each other in such a way that, for example, a labyrinth seal can be realized on the cover side 410. This is particularly the case in Figure 3 illustrated.

The base body 101 or preferably at least the cover side 140 can further comprise a lamp holder 710 for receiving a front cap lamp, such as an LED. This is shown by way of example in the Figures 4 to 6 , 8th , 10 and 11 shown. Figure 11 shows in particular an enlarged exemplary representation of the lamp holder 710. The lamp holder 710 can optionally be formed by a locking structure 712 or an opening 711 in the cover side 140. However, it is also conceivable that the lamp holder 710 is realized, for example, by means of the through openings 520.

The front cap illuminant can preferably be provided in the lamp holder 710 in such a way that its emitted light is emitted outwards from the front cap 100, i.e. preferably in at least one direction oriented away from the cover side 140. For example, the front cap 100 can be made of a translucent and preferably crystal-clear material in such a way that it serves as a light guide for a front cap illuminant arranged in the lamp holder 710 and radiating into the base body 101. In this way, for example, the light emitted in this way can be emitted outwards via the (circumferential) front side 102 of the base body 101.

The flat sides 110, 140 also have a coupling side 110 for coupling with an identical front cap 100 of a light strip luminaire adjacent to the front. This is particularly advantageous in the Figures 1 , 2 and 4 shown.

The front cap 100 or in particular the coupling side 110 can have receiving structures 600 for receiving a front cap cover. These are shown as examples in all figures. The receiving structures 600 can be formed, for example, by through-openings 620 or by locking structures 610. For example, the separating web 420 can have a wedge-shaped locking projection 611, which can preferably be connected to a corresponding locking structure of the front cap cover via the coupling side 110. This is shown, for example, in the Figures 5 to 11 In particular, it is also conceivable that the holding structures 500 are also used as receiving structures 600.

Preferably, the receiving structures 600 can be designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary straight line SA bisecting the base body 101, in particular the coupling side 110. The receiving structures 600 can thus be equally spaced with respect to the imaginary straight line SA. Figures 1 to 6 illustrate this by way of example. The straight line SA can be an axis of symmetry of the (cross section of the) basic body 101 or a plane of symmetry of the basic body 101, as in Figure 6 shown, be.

The coupling side 110 has coupling structures 200. The figures show different exemplary embodiments of the coupling structures 200. The coupling structures 200 are designed in such a way that they can be connected to the coupling structures 200 of a coupling side 110 of an identical front cap 100 without tools and in a detachable manner.

The coupling structures 200 can each have a first connection structure 211, 221, 231 and a second connection structure 212, 222, 232, which are structurally designed to correspond to the tool-free and detachable connection with the other connection structure of an identical end cap 100. This is particularly clear from the figures.

For example, the Figures 1 and 2 two possible configurations of the coupling structures 200. For example, the second connection structure 222 of the coupling structure 200 is in the Figures 1 and 2 as a projection extending away from the coupling side 110, which surrounds a portion of the coupling side 110. The first connecting structure 221 of the coupling structure 200 of the Figure 1 is designed as a recess in/from the coupling side 110, which is preferably enclosed by the front side 102 of the base body 101. It is thus clear that the connecting structures 221, 222 of the coupling structures 200 can be designed as two counterparts that correspond to one another.

Preferably, a precise positioning and stronger connection between two end caps 100 connected via the coupling structures 200 can be achieved by the respective counterparts having a common joining section 223. This is shown by way of example in Figure 2 The joining section 223 can be designed as a common wall section separating the respective coupling structures 200. The joining section 223 can preferably be designed as a rear section. The joining section 223 can be designed as a rear section extending obliquely outwards from the coupling side 110, which can preferably be provided (off-)centrally on the coupling side 110. The joining section 223 can have a substantially wedge-shaped cross section in the joining direction of two identical end caps 100. This can, for example, achieve a visual fusion of two identical end caps 100. The wedge shape of the joining section 223 also results in greater holding forces between the connected components. This effect is further increased with thermal expansion.

Furthermore, the coupling structures 200 are formed as corresponding locking structures.

The Figures 1 and 2 show the second connection structure 212 of the coupling structure 200 as an example of a locking spring receptacle positioned on the front side, which corresponds to a first connecting structure 211 of the coupling structure 200 designed as a detent spring.

The Figures 4 to 11 show a further example in which the coupling structures 200 have locking projections and locking receptacles that correspond to one another.

The first connecting structure 231 of the coupling structure 200 can have recessed sections 310 and undercut sections. Figures 9 and 10 show an enlarged front and rear view of the first connection structure 231. In the figures, the first connection structure 231 is shown, for example, as a component and can be designed as a (partially) circular receptacle. The first connection structure 231 can have fastening sections 312 for fastening to the cover side 140. The fastening sections 312 can preferably be designed to correspond with the recess sections 310 in such a way that the first connection structure 231 is held in a through-opening of the base body 101. As shown in the Figures 9 and 10 Preferably shown, the recessed sections 310 can extend at least in a direction MR1 orthogonal to an extension plane of the flat base body 101 and/or at least in a direction MR2 parallel to an extension plane of the flat base body 101. The orthogonal direction MR1 and the parallel direction MR2 can preferably be assembly directions for joining or separating identical end caps 100.

The second connection structure 232 can have projection sections 320, which are preferably designed to correspond to the first connection structure 231 and further preferably extend at least along the orthogonal direction MR1 or the parallel direction MR2. The second connection structure 232 is shown enlarged in a front and rear view in the Figures 7 and 8th The second connection structure 232 can, for example, have two arms in the form of a partial circle, preferably resilient, or can be designed as a slotted cylindrical pin. The second connection structure 232 can be provided integrally with the base body 101. The projection sections 320 can preferably be connected to the cover side 140 via a common bracket section 322. The coupling structures 200 can form the receiving structures 600.

The above examples each illustrate how the coupling structures 200 can be designed in such a structurally corresponding manner that a tool-free and detachable connection can be provided. Furthermore, based on the above Embodiments clearly show that the coupling structures 200 can also be provided in such a way that two end caps 100 coupled via the coupling structures 200 are aligned with one another.

The coupling structures 200 can be designed in such a way that two end caps 100 coupled via the coupling structures 200 can be released by relative movement of the end caps 100 to one another. The relative movement can take place at least in the orthogonal direction MR1 and/or in the parallel direction MR2. However, it is also conceivable that the relative movement consists of twisting or tilting.

The coupling structures 200 can also have release structures 313, which enable the coupling structures 200 of two end caps 100 coupled via the coupling structures 200 to be released without tools in a defined direction, preferably in the orthogonal direction MR1 and/or in the parallel direction MR2. This is shown as an example in the figures. The release structures 313 can be provided integrally with the coupling structure 200. Alternatively or additionally, the release structures 313 can also be provided in the base body 101, in particular the coupling side 110. For example, the first connection structure 231 designed as a slotted receptacle can have a circular release structure 313 which is slotted lengthwise, wherein the slot preferably merges into an ejection slope on both sides. This is shown, for example, in the Figures 4 and 9 in a particularly appropriate manner.

The base body 101, in particular the coupling side 110, can further comprise two regions 111, 112, which are structurally designed to correspond to one another. A first region 111 of the two regions 111, 112 can comprise the first connecting structure 211, 221, 231 and a second region 112 of the two regions 111, 112 can comprise the second connecting structure 212, 222, 232. This is particularly evident from the Figures 1 , 2 and 4 stands out well.

Preferably, the two regions 111, 112 can be separated from one another by the straight line SA separating the base body 101, in particular the coupling side 110, and preferably bisecting it. The coupling structures 200 of the two regions 111, 112 can preferably be designed to be structurally corresponding, mirrored with respect to the straight line SA.

The front cap 100, but in particular the coupling side 110 and/or the cover side 140, can preferably have an asymmetrical structure, for example due to the structurally corresponding (opposite) design of the coupling structures 200 or lamp holder 710, and at the same time a with respect to the positioning of the The individual elements preferably have a symmetrical structure. For example, the presence of symmetrical components in the front cap design can achieve the connection between two identical front caps 100 and the presence of asymmetry components in the front cap design can achieve precise positioning and fastening of the two front caps 100. The front cap 100 can thus be designed as an asymmetrical identical part.

Several differently designed coupling structures 200 can also be provided on the coupling side 110. The connecting structures corresponding to each other can be arranged almost arbitrarily on the coupling side 110 depending on the cross-sectional shape of the base body 101 and the structural design of the coupling structures 200. The coupling structures 200 can preferably be positioned on/at/in the coupling side 100 in such a way that connecting structures corresponding to each other are arranged at equal distances from at least two opposite edges of the coupling side 110. This is merely an example of a possible design of the end cap 100.

The invention further relates to a strip light and a strip light system. The strip light and the strip light system according to the invention are not shown in any of the illustrations, but are explained in more detail, among other things, by the following description.

The strip light has an elongated light carrier with two opposite end faces. The interior of the light can preferably be formed by the light carrier. The strip light also has the aforementioned end cap 100 for covering one of the end faces of the light carrier by means of the flat cover side 140. The coupling side 110 is provided on the outside (i.e. not in the direction of the interior of the light). The strip light can have a light source accommodated in or on the light carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the strip light can have an end cap light source accommodated in the light holder 710 for emitting light to the outside.

The light strip system according to the invention has at least two of the aforementioned light strip lights. The two light strip lights are connected to one another in a tool-free and detachable manner via the coupling sides 110 provided on the outside by their end caps 100.

For this purpose, the end caps 100 of two adjacent strip lights can be arranged in a rotated arrangement relative to one another. For this purpose, the end caps 100 are preferably connected to the respective strip light. In this way, it can be achieved that corresponding areas of the coupling structures 200 of both end caps 100, in particular the first and second connecting structures, can engage with one another. In this way, a positive connection in at least the longitudinal direction of the strip lights, a restriction of at least one of their degrees of freedom and/or a positioning of the strip lights relative to one another can be ensured.

The front side of one of the light strip lights forming one front side of the light strip system can have a front cap 100 as an end cap for covering this front side by means of the flat cover side 140. The coupling side 110 thereof can be provided on the outside. In addition, the light strip system can also have a front cap cover which is connected to the coupling side 110 of the end cap, preferably to its receiving structures 600 for receiving the front cap cover.

The present invention is not limited by the embodiments described above, provided that it is covered by the subject matter of the following claims. In particular, all features of the embodiments can be combined and exchanged with one another in any way.

Claims (15)

1. End cap (100) for a light strip luminaire, comprising:

   a flat main body (101) having two opposing flat sides (110, 140), the flat sides (110, 140) including a flat cover side (140) for covering an end face of a light strip luminaire and a coupling side (110) for coupling to an identical end cap (100) of a light strip luminaire adjacent at the end face,

   the coupling side (110) having coupling structures (200) which are designed such that they can be connected to the coupling structures (200) of a coupling side (110) of an identical end cap (100) in a tool-free and releasable manner,

   characterized in that

   the coupling structures (200) have corresponding latching projections and latching receptacles.
2. End cap (100) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling structures (200) are designed so as to align two end caps (100) coupled via the coupling structures (200) to one another.
3. End cap (100) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling structures (200) are designed so as to release two end caps (100) coupled via the coupling structures (200) by relative movement of the end caps (100) with respect to one another at least in a direction orthogonal (MR1) and/or parallel (MR2) to an extension plane of the flat main body (101).
4. End cap (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling structures (200) each have a first connecting structure (211, 221, 231) and a second connecting structure (212, 222, 232), which are designed to correspond structurally to the tool-free and releasable connection with the other connecting structure of an identical end cap (100) in each case.
5. End cap (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (101), in particular the coupling side (110), has two regions (111, 112) which are designed to correspond structurally to one another, wherein preferably a first of the two regions (111) has the first connecting structure (211, 221, 231) and a second (112) of the two regions (111, 112) has the second connecting structure (212, 222, 232),
   wherein the two regions (111, 112) are preferably separated from one another by an imaginary line or straight line (SA) separating, and preferably bisecting, the main body (101), in particular the coupling side (110), wherein the coupling structures (200) of the two regions (111, 112) are designed to correspond structurally in a mirrored manner with respect to the line or straight line (SA).
6. End cap (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling structures (200) have projection portions (320) and/or recess portions (310) and/or undercut portions at least in the direction orthogonal (MR1) and/or parallel (MR2) to an extension plane of the flat main body (101).
7. End cap (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling structures (200) have release structures (313) which enable tool-free release of the coupling structures (200) of two end caps (100) coupled via the coupling structures (200) in a defined direction, preferably in a direction orthogonal (MR1) and/or parallel (MR2) to an extension plane of the flat main body (101).
8. End cap (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the end cap (100), preferably the coupling side (110), has receiving structures (600) for receiving an end cap panel,
   wherein the receiving structures (600) preferably include the coupling structures (200) or wherein the receiving structures (600) are preferably designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary straight line (SA) bisecting the main body (101), in particular the coupling side (110).
9. End cap (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover side (140) has retaining structures (410, 500) for releasable and/or non-releasable coupling to a light strip luminaire, wherein the retaining structures (410, 500) have coupling portions, such as latching or plug-in structures (411-413), and/or through-openings (510, 520) for receiving a fastening means, such as a screw or a latching pin, for mechanical coupling to corresponding structures of the light strip luminaire comprising the end cap (100).
10. End cap (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the end cap (100) is made of a light-impermeable or light-permeable material, in particular an opaque or translucent or transparent or glass-clear material.
11. End cap (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (101), preferably at least the cover side (140), also has a luminaire receptacle (710) for receiving an end cap lamp, such as an LED, to provide to the outside light emitted from the end cap lamp,
    wherein preferably the end cap (100) is formed from a light-permeable and particularly preferably glass-clear material such that it serves as a light guide for an end cap lamp arranged in the luminaire receptacle (710) and radiating into the main body (101), in order preferably to emit to the outside the light thus radiated via a preferably all-round end face of the main body (101).
12. Light strip luminaire having an elongate luminaire support which has two opposing end faces and an end cap (100) according to any of the preceding claims, for covering one of the end faces by means of the flat cover side (140), wherein the coupling side (110) is provided on the outside.
13. Light strip luminaire according to claim 12, also having a lamp received in or on the luminaire support and/or an end cap lamp received in the luminaire receptacle (710) for emitting light to the outside.
14. Light strip system having at least two light strip luminaires according to either claim 12 or 13, wherein the light strip luminaires are connected to one another in a tool-free and releasable manner via the coupling sides (110) of their end caps (100) provided on the outside.
15. Light strip system according to claim 14, wherein the end face of one of the light strip luminaires forming an end face of the light strip system has an end cap (100) according to any of the preceding claims, as an end face cap for covering this end face by means of the flat cover side (140), the coupling side (110) of which end cap being provided on the outside, and
    preferably also having an end cap panel which is connected to the coupling side (110) of the end face cap, preferably to its receiving structures (600) for receiving the end cap panel.

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