Light source for lighting a kitchen module and kitchen module

Abstract

Light source for illuminating at least one kitchen module, wherein the light source has a ribbon-like structure, wherein the light source comprises at least two segments, wherein the segments can be controlled individually and / or in combination with respect to a luminous intensity and / or a luminous color and / or a temporal luminous gradient and / or a spatial luminous gradient.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a light source for illuminating a kitchen module and a kitchen module.

[0002] In recent years, the trend in kitchen design and furnishing has been towards indirect lighting. Combined with the trend towards handleless kitchens, this allows for a very simple and clean design. Indirect lighting can be achieved through lighting elements integrated into handle strips, in niches within individual kitchen modules, between modules or panels, and along plinths. The resulting soft and diffused illumination is often desirable. Furthermore, the lighting can be used to accentuate or highlight specific elements or modules.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved and more functional light source for a kitchen module that can be used flexibly.

[0004] The problem is solved by a light source with the features of claim 1 and by a kitchen module with the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and further developments result from the dependent claims.

[0005] The light source according to the invention is intended for illuminating at least one kitchen module, wherein the light source has a ribbon-like structure, wherein the light source comprises at least two segments, wherein the segments can be controlled individually and / or in combination with regard to brightness and / or light color and / or a temporal light progression and / or a spatial light progression.

[0006] In the context of the application, a ribbon-like structure means an elongated, self-contained element whose length is significantly greater than its width and thickness. The light source with the ribbon-like structure can be flexible or rigid. It can also be linear or curved.

[0007] Luminous intensity is generally understood as the luminous flux emitted in a specific direction. It is closely related to subjectively perceived brightness. Thus, high luminous intensity corresponds to high perceived brightness. Reducing luminous intensity or brightness is also called dimming. Therefore, luminous intensity or brightness can be adjusted via a so-called dimming level.

[0008] Light color is understood as the hue of the light emitted by the light source and is based on the spectral composition of the emitted light. Closely related to the concept of light color is the concept of color temperature. Color temperature describes the hue based on the temperature of an ideal blackbody radiator. Both terms describe the same physical phenomenon and are used synonymously within the context of this application.

[0009] A temporal light profile describes the change in light parameters, such as luminous intensity and / or color, at a specific position of the light source as a function of time. A spatial light profile describes the change in light parameters, such as luminous intensity and / or color, along the light source as a function of position. Individually or in combination, these parameters can be used to create light sequences, for example, for greetings or farewells, as well as gradients of brightness or color.

[0010] A kitchen module refers to a single piece of kitchen furniture, an arrangement, or a combination of several kitchen furniture pieces. Generally, kitchens are modular in design. This means that the customer has a wide variety of choices and combinations of different kitchen modules.

[0011] The advantages of the invention lie particularly in the fact that the segmentation of the light source enables targeted, section-by-section control. This allows for the flexible and easy implementation of lighting concepts adapted to different conditions, such as the time of day and / or personal preferences. For example, it is possible to illuminate a kitchen work surface more brightly later in the day than earlier. Furthermore, lighting concepts can provide a high recognition value and contribute to brand building.

[0012] One embodiment of the invention provides that the light source is or comprises an LED strip, wherein the LED strip incorporates COB technology, CSP technology, and / or a combination of both technologies. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are very energy-efficient and robust, generate very little heat, and allow for flexible design options, for example, with regard to luminous intensity or brightness, light color, or light gradients. COB stands for chip on board and refers to a technology in which the individual LED components are applied directly to a substrate, such as a strip, and then coated together with a phosphor-containing adhesive layer. This technology results in very uniform and homogeneous light emission without visible LED points, the so-called dotless effect.Furthermore, this technology allows for the placement of numerous LED components on the substrate, thus providing high flexibility. CSP stands for chip-scale package and also refers to a technology in which the LED components are directly applied to a substrate. However, the shared phosphor-containing adhesive layer is not present, resulting in a less uniform and homogeneous light emission compared to COB technology. On the other hand, CSP technology is characterized by high efficiency, temperature resistance, and longevity. Both technologies can be combined as embodiments of the invention, depending on the application or area of ​​use, for optimal illumination. Other LED technologies, such as surface mount device (SMD) technology, are also possible.

[0013] The light source may have a width of 5 mm to 10 mm, particularly 7 mm to 9 mm. Within this width range, it can easily be installed in various kitchen modules, such as a recessed handle, a niche, and / or a plinth area.

[0014] It is also possible that the light source has a color rendering index (CRI) greater than 90. The color rendering index (CRI) describes the quality of color reproduction by an artificial light source by rating the naturalness and accuracy of color representation under that light compared to a reference light source, usually daylight, on a scale of 0 to 100. A high CRI, greater than 90, therefore enables high color fidelity and is of great importance for lighting kitchen units.

[0015] One design provides for at least 8 LEDs to be arranged in each segment. This enables good illumination while simultaneously allowing maximum flexibility in control.

[0016] A subordinate aspect of the invention relates to a kitchen module comprising at least one handle profile and / or at least one niche and / or at least one plinth, wherein a light source according to one of the preceding claims is arranged in or on the handle profile and / or the niche and / or the plinth, at least one control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control a luminous intensity and / or a luminous color and / or a temporal luminous course and / or a spatial luminous course of the light source, and at least one supply line for the power supply of the light source and / or the control unit.

[0017] As explained above, a kitchen module according to the invention comprises both a single piece of kitchen furniture and an arrangement or combination of several pieces of kitchen furniture.

[0018] The integration of the light sources according to the invention into handle strips, niches and / or in the base area has the advantage of enabling the most comprehensive indirect lighting possible. This means that the light sources are not directly visible and results in soft and even illumination.

[0019] It is possible for one control unit to manage the lighting of the entire kitchen module. Alternatively, it is possible for multiple control units to manage the lighting, with one control unit acting as the master control unit.

[0020] Furthermore, it is possible for the user to program the control unit independently, for example via an app. It is also conceivable that the control unit is already programmed at the factory and various lighting scenarios and sequences are preset.

[0021] One embodiment of the invention provides that the light source is attached in or to the handle profile and / or the niche and / or the base by means of an adhesive bond. Adhesive bonding offers a simple and secure method of fastening the strip-like light sources. However, replacing or repairing individual light sources is therefore difficult.

[0022] An alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the light source is attached in or to the handle profile and / or the niche and / or the base by means of a specially provided receptacle; in particular, the light source is inserted. Attachment in a receptacle allows for a detachable connection for replacing the light source without disassembling the handle profile, the niche, and / or the base area.

[0023] A combination of the two aforementioned embodiments of the invention is also possible. For example, it is conceivable that the light sources are inserted into the handle profiles, while they are glued in the niches and / or the base area.

[0024] A further development of the invention provides that the kitchen module comprises at least one sensor, wherein the sensor detects approach and / or touch and / or movement and transmits a signal to the at least one control unit. Movement can, for example, be entering the kitchen or kitchen area in an open-plan kitchen concept. Movements in certain directions within the kitchen, for example towards a work surface, can also be detected. Approach can, for example, be a hand reaching into the area of ​​a drawer or cabinet. Touching a drawer or cabinet can also be detected. Furthermore, a control panel provided for this purpose can also function as a sensor through touch or gestures.

[0025] Furthermore, it is possible for at least one control unit to control the light intensity and / or color and / or temporal light progression and / or spatial light progression of the light source based on the data from at least one sensor. For example, when a drawer or cabinet is opened, the light source can emit a greater light intensity or perceptible brightness, thus making it easier to see objects in the drawer or cabinet.

Claims

[1] Light source for illuminating at least one kitchen module, wherein the light source has a ribbon-like structure, wherein the light source comprises at least two segments, wherein the segments can be controlled individually and / or in combination with respect to a luminous intensity and / or a luminous color and / or a temporal luminous pattern and / or a spatial luminous pattern. [2] Light source according to claim 1, characterized by that the light source is or comprises an LED strip, wherein the LED strip comprises COB technology, CSP technology and / or a combination of both technologies. [3] Light source according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the light source has a width of 5 mm to 10 mm, in particular 7 mm to 9 mm. [4] Light source according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light source has a color rendering index (CRI) greater than 90. [5] Light source according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least 8 light-emitting diodes are arranged in one segment. [6] Kitchen module comprising at least one handle profile and / or at least one niche and / or at least one base, wherein a light source according to one of the preceding claims is arranged in or on the handle profile and / or the niche and / or the base, at least one control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control a luminous intensity and / or a luminous color and / or a temporal luminous course and / or a spatial luminous course of the light source, at least one supply line for the power supply of the light source and / or the control unit. [7] Kitchen module according to claim 6, characterized by that the light source is attached in or to the handle profile and / or the niche and / or the base by means of an adhesive connection. [8] Kitchen module according to claim 6, characterized by that the light source is attached in or on the handle profile and / or the niche and / or the base by means of a specially provided receptacle, in particular the light source is inserted. [9] Kitchen module according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that the kitchen module includes at least one sensor, wherein the sensor detects approach and / or touch and / or movement and transmits a signal to the at least one control unit. [10] Kitchen module according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by that at least one control unit controls a light intensity and / or a light color and / or a temporal light progression and / or a spatial light progression of the light source based on the data of at least one sensor.