This application claims priority to foreign European patent application No. EP 17 155 692.1, filed on Feb. 10, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to a linear light with an axially extending housing in which an optical element and an electrical element are integrated.
The use of lights with a longitudinal form, which are usually referred to as linear lights, is known for the illumination of indoor and outdoor areas. In this context, the lights can be installed directly on walls or ceilings or also be formed as suspended lights.
Linear lights usually comprise a straight or bent housing that extends longitudinally and in which at least illuminants are integrated. Likewise, also the electrical connection can be arranged on the inside of the housing, but can also be connected to the illuminant from the outside. Here, a fluorescent tube or a series of light diodes and/or a plurality of illuminants and their operating elements can be used as an illuminant.
In particular when light diodes are used it is necessary to provide an additional optical system that disperses the created light in order to achieve an even illumination. Here, also the radiation characteristic can be controlled systematically by means of the optical system.
During mounting of a respective linear light, a housing section is usually at first screwed to the wall or ceiling and subsequently a carrier profile, on which the illuminants are installed, is fastened on said housing section. Finally, the optical system is installed on the housing section or on the carrier profile.
In particular in cases where mounting occurs in an outdoor area and where the impermeability of the housing is of considerable importance, appropriate mounting is time-consuming and comes with many loopholes with regard to ensuring impermeability. Likewise, it is necessary to remove the light completely in case of failure of said light in order to check and/or to replace the individual elements.
A modular LED light, comprising a housing that absorbs a light module and a control with a cladding, is known from the EP 2 650 607 A1. Here, the housing has a two-part form with an upper chamber in which the cables are arranged and a lower chamber in which the control and the light module are integrated. The individual elements are displaced in relation to one another in a longitudinal direction in order to be arranged within the housing in this way, wherein locking elements are provided in the area of the illuminant in order to fasten the housing and a section of the control transversally to the axial direction.
The object of the present invention is to provide a linear light of the known category that is characterized by a clearly simplified mounting as well as by good impermeability of the housing.
This problem is solved by a linear light with an axially extending housing in which an optical element and an electrical element are integrated, wherein the optical element is formed as a profile that corresponds approximately to the length of the housing and the electrical element is also formed as a profile, wherein the profiles are can be inserted axially into the housing via a front side and are braced against one another transversally to the axial direction in the mounted state; the problem is further solved in a way that the housing is closed on all sides and has an opening, which is smaller than the sum of the cross-section area that is formed by the encasings of both profiles, on an axial side.
The linear light according to the invention can be mounted particularly easily because the individual elements can be inserted into the housing particularly easily and because the housing with the elements already inserted can be fastened on the wall or ceiling in one single step. Here, the design of the elements as a profile facilitates the insertion of the elements and at the same time the arrangement of the elements on top of one another. In addition, the elements can be replaced easily so that the costs for maintenance and repair can be reduced significantly. Due to the additional provision of a bracing of the profiles against one another, it is ensured that the components of the light are mounted in a rattle-free way and at the same time installed unambiguously in their final position.
In particular in cases where the linear light is used in an outdoor area, in which an increased impermeability against permeation of water and foreign matter can be ensured, this embodiment offers the possibility to form the inlet opening as small as possible so that the area to be sealed can be kept small in proportion to the overall light. This enables at the same time a very compact structure of the light.
Another preferred embodiment can provide that the axial side that bears the opening is closed with an intake cover, wherein the opening is arranged on an area of the intake cover that faces away from the light-emitting opening. Also this embodiment, in turn, serves the compact structure of the light. The provision of an intake cover allows for a systematic design of the intake opening and in addition provides a fastening element for the optical profile. Here, the optical profile is held by the closing elements, i.e. the intake cover as well as an end cap, on both axial sides and hence fastened. As the intake opening is formed smaller than the sum of the cross-section area that is formed by the encasings of both profiles, the profiles have to be inserted in the housing one-by-one. The optical element that is inserted first “falls” [“fällt”] down after the insertion in order to make room for the second one, i.e. the electrical profile. After this positioning, the optical profile is located directly on a glass element that seals the light-emitting opening and that is fastened in the area of the intake cover at least in sections by the area under the intake opening.
According to another preferred embodiment, the top side of the optical profile can be formed with slide sections that interact with the electrical profile. After positioning of the optical element, the surface of said optical element is still arranged visibly in the area of the intake opening because the optical profile has only lowered itself in sections down into the housing. Through the formation of slide sections it is possible to simply install the electrical profile on the already inserted profile rail and to slide it in on said rail. In this context, the slide sections do no have to extend over the entire profile but can be provided in sections only.
Further, it has proven to be effective to have spring elements, which brace the profiles against one another in the axial direction, installed between the optical profile and the electrical profile. Here, the spring element can be arranged on the electrical profile, i.e. on the side of the electrical profile that is located opposite to the optical profile. The use of spring elements is a particularly simple but effective embodiment to achieve the bracing of the two profiles against one another. Through the positioning of the spring element on the bottom side of the electric profile, the spring element is simply inserted together with the electrical profile and supports itself on a support rail of the optical profile during inserting. In this context, multiple spring elements are preferably provided along the electrical profile. Through inserting into the housing, the spring elements come in contact with the optical profile and are compressed by their wedge- or arc-shaped cross-section and therefore create a clamping force between the two profiles.
Another preferred embodiment can provide for the arrangement of rigid clamping elements between the optical profile and the electrical profile and for the elastic design of the optical profile and the electrical profile in the area of the rigid clamping elements. This embodiment provides a variant of the aforementioned variant, wherein rigid wedges are used instead of spring elements and wherein the required elasticity is provided by the profiles.
According to another embodiment, guiding grooves, which interact with the electrical profile and the optical profile, can be arranged on the vertical walls of the housing. By means of appropriate guiding grooves, which interact with the elements that mesh with the guiding grooves, the insertion and in this case in particular tilting of the profiles can be prevented even better. Here, it is required to design the guiding groove in such a way that lowering [“Absenken”] of the optical profile is ensured. Likewise, it is also possible to form only the electrical profile with appropriate elements that mesh with the guiding groove.
Sealing elements can preferably be formed in the area of the intake opening. As the intake opening is formed as the axial side, simple, small sealings are sufficient here to ensure sufficient impermeability also in the outdoor area.
Consequently, the linear light according to the invention can in particular also be used in outdoor areas without additional constructive measures being required.
Further, the use of LED lights has proven to be effective in order to achieve a light that is formed as compactly as possible.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the housing can be made of aluminum and have a rectangular cross-section.
Further, it has proven to be preferred when the axial side of the housing, which is located opposite to the intake opening, is equipped with an end cap that is welded on said axial side. Therefore, an even better closing of the housing is ensured.
Moreover, the present invention provides a method for mounting a linear light in an axially extending housing, comprising the following steps: inserting of the optical elements in form of a profile, which approximately corresponds to the length of the housing, through an intake opening that is formed in the area of a front side, wherein the intake opening is disposed in the upper area of the front side, fastening of the optical profile on a light-emitting opening between the areas of the front side that are adjacent to the light-emitting opening, inserting of an electrical element in form of a profile, bracing of the optical profile and the electrical profile against one another in a transversal direction to the axial direction.
In this process, the optical element is positioned at least in sections below the intake opening between the axial sides on the light-emitting opening after inserting into the housing. Consequently, the optical element lowers itself independently and is therefore fastened in the housing without any additional measures.
Through the method according to the invention it is possible to mount a linear light in a fast and rattle-free way. Likewise, it is possible to dismantle the system in a simple way in order to perform maintenance or repair works.
The light according to the invention and/or the light that is mounted according to the invention has a very compact structure, wherein the individual profiles are set unambiguously in their final position. In this context, the inside of the housing is fully utilized, and the individual components are fasted in a way that they are rattle-free and secure in relation to one another. As only very small sealings are required, the light is particularly suited for outdoor areas.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in greater detail in the following and with reference to the enclosed drawings. The Figures show:
The linear lights displayed in the embodiments are identical to one another in essential features. Here, all identical features are marked with identical reference signs and the identical features of both embodiments are not explained separately.
The linear light 1 comprises an outer housing 2 that is essentially formed in a rectangular way. Here, the outer housing 2 is formed by a U-shaped profile 3 as well as a glass plate 4 that closes the open side. In this context, the profile can be made of aluminum or another suitable material.
The side of the profile that is closed by the glass plate 4 corresponds to the long side of the profile and forms the light-emitting opening. Here, the glass panel can be glued into the opening. As displayed in
Further and in case of the built-in light, an aperture, which can be closed with a lid 6, is formed at least in sections on the top side of the profile 3. The aperture as well as the lid enable an electrical connection of the light inside the mounting opening.
As illustrated in
The other front side is closed by the intake lid 11. Here, the intake lid 11 has a two-part form, comprising an outer frame 14 as well as a lid 15. The lid 15 is hereby used to close an opening in the area of the front side, i.e. of the opening that is enclosed by the outer frame 14 that enables the inner parts [“Innenleben”] to be inserted in the housing. The opening hereby has a size that extends over the whole horizontal width of the front side, but only over a predetermined area of the vertical height. In particular, the opening is essentially adjacent to the top side of the profile 3, i.e. the side that is located opposite to the glass plate 4, or is arranged in close proximity to said top side. Adjacent to the glass plate 4, the front side is closed by the outer frame 14 that is formed with a greater width in this section and wherein this section of the outer frame, as also described in relation to the end cap 10, is formed with a holding element 12 into which a screw 13 or another fastening device can be inserted.
The lid 15 itself can be formed in a way that it engages in the opening but essentially extends over the whole front area, i.e. partially overlapping the outer frame 14. As a consequence, essentially only the lid, which is surrounded by a narrow area of the outer frame 14, is visible. In particular in cases where the linear light is used as a wall or ceiling light, a harmonious overall appearance is achieved this way.
A seal, for example a sealing ring, is preferably arranged between the outer frame 14 and the lid 15 so that the opening can be sealed completely. The lid can in this context have any possible form, but forming the lid as a hinged lid has proven to be particularly effective. The lid is hereby provided in a removable way so that it can be replaced by another lid at any time. For example if the connection of the lights should be ensured by the lid 15, an appropriate connector lid instead of the hinged lid can be used by the mounting technician in this case.
As illustrated in the Figures, two profile rails 7, 9, which are arranged on top of one another, are arranged inside the outer housing 2. This applies on one hand to the optical profile 7 as well as to the electrical profile 9.
The optical profile can comprise the LED illuminants as well as reflector elements 16 that ensure an even radiation of the light emitted by the LED. Here, a plurality of individual reflectors are usually arranged successively over the axial length but the reflector can also be formed as an isolated reflector area that extends over the entire length.
Both the LED illuminants as well as the reflector elements are disposed inside the U-shaped profile rail 7, wherein the rail can be formed in a way as to be open towards the bottom, i.e. in the direction of the glass plate 4.
In the installed state displayed in
In addition, an undercut, into which the optical profile encroaches and/or snaps during mounting in order to achieve an even better fixation of the optical profile inside the housing, can be formed in the area of the inner side of the intake lid 11 in the area of the outer frame 14 and adjacent to the glass plate 4. In this context, it would also be possible to provide snap-in protrusions or undercuts that interact with the optical profile 7 to be inserted.
It becomes clear from
The top side of the optical profile 7, i.e. the side of the profile 7 that faces away from the glass plate 4, is formed with a sliding surface 17. This sliding surface 17 provides an improved inserting element for the electrical profile 9 through which said profile can simply be pushed into the desired position. A sliding surface can for example be provided through an elevation.
In contrast to the optical profile 7, the electrical profile 9 is formed with a U-shaped profile that is open towards the top and in which the electrical system is integrated. Consequently, the two base elements of the U-shaped profiles 7 and 9 are located on top of one another in the installed state.
The surface of the electrical profile 9 that faces the optical profile 7 is formed with an element that is adapted to the sliding surface 17 in the area of the sliding surface 7. If the sliding surface 7 is formed in form of an elevation, an appropriate recess that absorbs the elevation in that case can be provided in the area of the electrical profile. Through the interaction between the sliding surface 17 and an appropriate surface of the electrical profile 9, also a fixation of the two profiles on top of one another, by means of which a smooth insertion of the electrical profile 9 into the housing is enabled without there being any tilting risk, is achieved at the same time.
Further, spring elements 19 are disposed in the area of the recess 18 of the electric profile 9 that apply a clamping force onto the two profiles in the compressed state, i.e. when they are located between the two profiles, so that said profiles are braced against one another in a transversal direction to the axial direction.
The profiles, in particular the electrical profile 9, can in addition be screwed together with the outer profile 3 in order to fasten said outer profile further inside the outer housing.
The embodiment illustrated in
With the exception of this lid cap 20, the two embodiments are identical to one another.
During mounting of the linear light according to the invention, the optical profile 7 is at first inserted into the housing 2 through the opening in the outer frame 14. If the optical profile 7 is inserted completely, this component will fall [“fällt”] onto the glass element 4 and into the undercut that is formed by the tapering of the outer frame 14. In this state, the optical profile is fastened and held firmly within the housing 2. The optical profile 7 is now only partially accessible through the opening whereas the other part below the opening is arranged inside the housing.
Subsequently, the electrical profile 9 is inserted into the housing 2 through the opening. Clamping elements installed on the bottom side of the electrical profile 9 create a bracing of the two profiles against the housing out of the translation. The two profiles are fastened within the housing by means of this process. Afterwards, the electrical profile can be secured through screwing. An electrical connection will then be established between the two modules by means of plug-in contacts.
In the displayed embodiment, the clamping force is created by multiple spring elements 19, which are arranged in the area of the electrical profile 9, i.e. on the side of the profile 9 that faces the glass plate 4. During insertion of the electrical profile 9, said electrical profile supports itself, as already explained, on the sliding surface 17 in the area of the optical profile 7 as well as on the inside of the profile 3. When the spring elements come in contact with the optical profile 7, they are compressed by their wedge- or arc-shaped cross-section and consequently create a clamping force. The spring elements 19 can preferably be arranged in the area of the sliding surface.
The linear light according to the invention provides a particularly compact structural form of the light in which the individual components are mounted in a rattle-free way. A particularly sealed light, which can be used without restrictions both in indoor and outdoor areas, can be achieved through the use of seals as well as only small opening areas.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
17155692 | Feb 2017 | EP | regional |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
8007128 | Wu | Aug 2011 | B2 |
9097411 | Guilmette | Aug 2015 | B2 |
9857065 | Park | Jan 2018 | B2 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
20 2013 102670 | Sep 2014 | DE |
2 650 607 | Oct 2013 | EP |
3 067 617 | Sep 2016 | EP |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20180231196 A1 | Aug 2018 | US |