Furniture with a furniture base and a light distribution strip

Abstract

Furniture (1), in particular outdoor furniture, with a furniture base body (2) and a light distribution strip (3), wherein the light distribution strip (3) is arranged on the furniture base body (2), the light distribution strip (3) comprising: - an elongated light-guiding body (4) for guiding light, which has at least one first coupling surface (8.1) on a first end face (6.1) for coupling the light into the light-guiding body (4), and at least one first coupling-out section (12.1) on a first longitudinal side (10.1) for at least partially coupling out the light, - at least one light-emitting diode (16) arranged on the at least first coupling surface (8.1) of the light guide body (4), - an electrical energy store (18) and a solar cell (20), wherein the at least one light-emitting diode (16) is supplied with electrical energy by means of the electrical energy store (18) which can be charged via the solar cell (20), and - a controller (22) which is connected between the electrical energy store (18) and the at least one light-emitting diode (16) for controlling the light-emitting diode (16), wherein the light distribution strip (3) has a shrink film (36) for fixing a reflection film (32) and a diffusion film (34) to the light guide body (4), and wherein the shrink film (36) fixes the at least one light-emitting diode (16) to the coupling surface (8.1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a piece of furniture, in particular an outdoor piece of furniture, comprising a furniture base body and a light distribution strip.

[0002] Light distribution strips are generally used to illuminate objects, for example, markings or hazard signs. Light distribution strips typically have a luminous element to illuminate an object. Light distribution strips can also have light guides that transport light over short or long distances to the object to be illuminated. Light guides generally comprise an input surface, through which the light emitted by a light source is coupled into the light guide, and an output surface, through which the coupled light is coupled out of the light guide.

[0003] Light strips for various applications are known from the prior art. DE 201 21 103 U1 discloses a light strip consisting of a metal or plastic profile with a groove extending longitudinally. A light rail can be inserted into this groove. The light rail comprises a luminous element in the form of a phosphorescent film or light strip that illuminates when an electric current is applied. The described light strip is suitable for marking parked vehicles.

[0004] DE 20 2010 012 629 U1 relates to a light strip for furniture, in particular for display cases, consisting of a strip-like profile body with a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional profile formed by a first pair of profile legs with two opposing profile legs connected at one end via a cross-section. A lighting unit is arranged between the profile legs and is formed from a flat, strip-shaped support element on which one or more light-emitting diodes are mounted.

[0005] DE 102 24 267 A1 describes a light guide with an input coupling surface, an output coupling surface, and a diffuser layer for achieving a uniform luminous intensity in the area of the output coupling surface. For this purpose, the diffuser layer is arranged at a distance from the output coupling surface in the direction of the input coupling surface of the light guide. An LED is specified as a possible light source; one possible application is the illumination of the functional symbol of an electrical switch.

[0006] WO 2018 191 814 A1 discloses an LED light source with an elongated light guide body, on the first end face of which an LED is arranged. The light guide body has a light exit surface with light exit points and is suitable for attachment to furniture to illuminate one or more sections of the furniture.

[0007] DE 10 2016 121 475 A1 describes a light guide having a plurality of spherically curved light coupling regions spaced apart from one another on its surface, each having a height and a radius of surface curvature. A lighting device comprises at least one light guide and at least one light source for irradiating at least one light coupling region of the light guide, wherein useful light emitted from the front side of the light guide can be emitted unscattered by the lighting device and / or stray light emitted outside a useful light path can be absorbed by the lighting device. The lighting device or the light guide is particularly applicable to vehicle lighting devices.

[0008] WO 2019 072 530 A1 discloses a light module with at least one light guide and a light source coupled into the light guide. The light source is sealed with the light guide in a liquid-tight manner. Furthermore, the light module can be arranged on textiles.

[0009] CN 2 09 846 596 U relates to a woven rattan hanging chair having a hanging chair body. The hanging chair body comprises a frame and a woven cover wound outside the frame, the woven cover being formed by weaving rattan materials and optical fibers.

[0010] CN 2 13 247 865 U relates to a smart vine chair with a symmetrically arranged frame, with a curved ceiling for shading or rain protection positioned between the upper ends of the two frames. A solar module is mounted on the ceiling. The solar module is connected to a battery that powers an LED lamp, which is also attached to the vine chair.

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a piece of furniture, in particular an outdoor piece of furniture, with a furniture base body and a light distribution strip suitable for an outdoor piece of furniture.

[0012] To achieve the aforementioned object, the features of claims 1 and 15 are used according to the invention. In a first aspect of the invention, the piece of furniture of the type mentioned at the outset comprises a furniture base body and a light distribution strip, wherein the light distribution strip is arranged on the furniture base body. The light distribution strip comprises an elongated light guide body for guiding light. The light guide body has, on a first end face, at least one first coupling surface for coupling the light into the light guide body. On a first longitudinal side, the light guide body additionally has at least one first coupling-out section for at least partially coupling out the light. The light distribution strip further comprises at least one light-emitting diode, which is arranged on the at least first coupling surface of the light guide body. The light distribution strip has a shrink film for fixing a reflection film and a diffusion film to the light guide body.The shrink film fixes the at least one LED to the coupling surface. Furthermore, the light distribution strip comprises an electrical energy storage device and a solar cell. The LED is supplied with electrical energy by means of the electrical energy storage device, which is rechargeable via the solar cell. Furthermore, the light distribution strip comprises a controller connected between the electrical energy storage device and the at least one LED for controlling the LED.

[0013] Since outdoor furniture is primarily used outdoors and a comprehensive power supply cannot be guaranteed in outdoor areas as standard, it is advantageous to design the electrical power supply for the operation of the light distribution strip as self-sufficient as possible. According to the invention, the light distribution strip therefore comprises an electrical energy storage device that can be charged by means of a solar cell. The electrical energy storage device can supply the LED with electrical energy, and the LED can subsequently emit light into the light guide via the coupling surface of the light guide.

[0014] Because the light distribution strip is powered by a solar cell, it doesn't rely on a central electrical power supply and therefore doesn't require proximity to a central electrical power source, such as a mains power supply. This allows the unit to be freely placed outdoors.

[0015] Furthermore, there's no need for a cable connection to a central electrical power supply. Cable connections, which are often extensive outdoors, often pose a fall hazard. This can be a potentially dangerous situation, especially for children or elderly people playing outdoors.

[0016] The controller, which controls the LED and can thus adjust its brightness, helps to influence and reduce the energy consumption of the light distribution strip. Furthermore, there's no need to wait until the electrical energy storage device can no longer provide electrical energy, i.e., is discharged; the electrical power supply to the LED can be interrupted at any time.

[0017] It should be understood that not just a single solar cell can be present, but several. The solar cell can be arranged spatially away from the light guide body on the piece of furniture. Likewise, the controller and / or the energy storage device can be arranged away from the light guide body, for example inside the furniture base body, while the light guide body is preferably arranged on an outer side of the furniture base body. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling-out section, which is preferably arranged on the first longitudinal side of the elongated light guide body, has structural elements. The first longitudinal side of the light guide body is preferably arranged at right angles to the first end face of the light guide body. Arranging the first longitudinal side at right angles to the coupling-in surface enables the light to be coupled out along the longitudinal direction of the light guide body.

[0018] The structural elements, or a portion thereof, are preferably formed as recesses in the first longitudinal side. These recesses or engravings can be introduced into the first longitudinal side, for example, using a laser.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the structural elements or a portion thereof are formed as elevations on the first longitudinal side. These elevations can be printed onto the first longitudinal side, for example, using an inkjet printer. Furthermore, it is possible to apply the elevations to the first longitudinal side of the light guide body using an alternative, additive manufacturing process.

[0020] The aforementioned manufacturing processes are cost-effective and enable simple yet precise production. It can be provided that a first part of the structural elements are designed as depressions and a second part of the structural elements as elevations.

[0021] It is preferred that a density R of the structural elements at a point x located remotely from the coupling surface along the longitudinal extent of the light guide body satisfies the equation R(x)=R0+x2l2*(R1−R0) is sufficient. Deviations of + / - 10%, + / - 5% or less, such as in particular + / - 2%, are in accordance with the invention. Here, R0 denotes an initial density of the structural elements at a point x=0. R1 denotes a final density at a point x=l, where l corresponds to the length of the coupling-out section. The density indicates how many structural elements are arranged on a unit area and can be specified in the unit [number of structural elements / cm2]. The initial density and the final density can be selected variably, where R1 > R0. It is further preferred that the initial density and the final density are selected depending on the total length of the coupling-out section. For a longer coupling-out section, for example, the final density can be selected to be higher than for a shorter coupling-out section in order to achieve sufficient coupling-out of light at the end too.

[0022] According to the equation, the density increases with increasing distance from the coupling surface. The initial density describes the smallest density, and the final density describes the largest density along the coupling section. The gradient of the increase, according to the equation, is determined by the inverse distance law, which states that, with respect to an irradiance l, the irradiance decreases with the square of the distance r from the radiation source (l ~ 1 / r 2 ). The density distribution takes this law into account, and the reciprocal relationship between the density distribution and the distance law enables uniform coupling along the entire coupling section. This results in uniform illumination.

[0023] The structural elements are preferably arranged symmetrically to a horizontal center plane of the first longitudinal side. This preferred arrangement also contributes to enabling uniform light coupling.

[0024] It is further preferred that the structural elements are arranged along a plurality of straight lines. To enable symmetry at the horizontal center plane, the straight lines preferably intersect the horizontal center plane. The straight lines can be arranged parallel to one another or intersect one another. Furthermore, the straight lines can intersect the horizontal center plane at different angles.

[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the straight lines are arranged parallel and perpendicular to the horizontal center plane of the first longitudinal side. The structural elements are thus arranged along a plurality of parallel straight lines over the entire length of the coupling-out section. The spacing of the parallel straight lines depends on the determined density of the structural elements and gradually decreases with increasing density. This simplifies the application of the structural elements to the first longitudinal side using a laser and / or an inkjet printer, and different spacings between the straight lines are also easily implemented.

[0026] Preferably, n and n-1 structural elements are arranged alternately along the straight line. This means that every second straight line has one structural element fewer than the previous straight line, along which n structural elements are arranged, where n is a natural number (n ∈ ℕ \ {0}). Due to the alternating number of structural elements arranged along a straight line, the structural elements are partially offset. This means that uniform coupling-out is also possible along a vertical alignment of the coupling-out section. It is also possible for the number of structural elements arranged along a straight line to increase with increasing distance from the coupling-in section. In order to correspond to the determined density, both the distance between the straight lines can decrease and the number of structural elements arranged along a straight line can increase.The ratio between the increase in structural elements and the decrease in the distance between the straight lines depends on the application and can be individually adjusted.

[0027] The structural elements, or a portion thereof, preferably each have one or more flanks that are aligned with the first longitudinal side of the light guide at an angle in a range of >0° to 90°, preferably in a range of 10° to 80°. The flanks form boundaries of the structural elements. The coupled-in light at least partially impinges on the flanks, thereby deliberately disrupting light transmission. The flanks of the structural elements thus enable targeted coupling of the light out of the light guide.

[0028] Preferably, the structural elements or a portion thereof form the shape of a cylinder, particularly preferably a circular cylinder. In the case of a circular cylinder, the flank of a structural element is a continuous flank and forms the cylinder surface. Furthermore, in the case of a circular cylinder, a base and a top surface of the cylinder preferably form two congruent and parallel circles. The flank is thus aligned at an angle of 90° to the first longitudinal side of the light guide body.

[0029] Alternatively or furthermore, in another preferred embodiment, the structural elements or a portion thereof form the shape of a truncated cone. The flank of a structural element in this case is also a continuous flank and forms the lateral surface of the truncated cone. A top surface and a base surface of the truncated cone are parallel but incongruent. The flank is thus arranged at an angle to the first longitudinal side of the light guide body in a range from > 0° to < 90°.

[0030] In a further, alternatively or additionally preferred embodiment, the structural elements or parts thereof form the shape of a hemisphere. In the case of a hemisphere, the flank of a structural element is spherical. The angle between the flank and the first longitudinal side of the light guide body is determined by an angle between the first longitudinal side of the light guide body and a tangent that touches the hemisphere at an intersection point with the first longitudinal side of the light guide body.

[0031] Different structural elements can also be combined in a single light guide. For example, cylindrical and spherical elements can be combined in equal parts. This can influence the light output.

[0032] The light distribution strip preferably comprises the reflective film arranged on the first longitudinal side of the light guide body for reflecting the outcoupled light to a second longitudinal side of the light guide body, which is opposite the first longitudinal side. The reflective film is preferably a white, opaque film that is opaque and reflects the light sufficiently strongly to the second longitudinal side of the light guide body. Due to the opacity of the reflective film, the reflective film does not form a light-ejection surface of the light distribution strip.

[0033] The second long side of the light guide is preferably free of structural elements. By placing the reflective foil on the side of the light guide with the structural elements, the light can be further refracted by the structural elements, thus achieving uniform illumination. At the same time, the structural elements are not visible to an external observer, or are only barely perceptible, thus creating a high-quality overall impression of the light distribution strip and the furniture.

[0034] It is further preferred that the light distribution strip comprises the diffusion film, which is arranged on the second longitudinal side of the light guide body, which is opposite the first longitudinal side. The diffusion film thus forms a light emission surface of the light distribution strip and enables a uniform distribution of the reflected light along the light emission surface of the light distribution strip. The diffusion film is preferably made partially or entirely of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is further preferred that the diffusion film is a white film. In addition, the diffusion film preferably has a film thickness in a range from 0.10 mm to 0.15 mm, particularly preferably of approximately 0.12 mm.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the light guide body is partially or completely made of transparent, light-conducting plastic, particularly preferably polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The lateral thickness of the light guide body is preferably in a range of 3 mm to 6 mm, but can also be more or less. Furthermore, it is preferred that the transparent plastic contains light-scattering particles. This allows for even more effective light extraction and increased illumination yield.

[0036] The light distribution strip has a shrink film for securing the reflective film and the diffusion film to the light guide. Furthermore, the shrink film serves to protect the light distribution strip. Shrink film has the property of shrinking when exposed to heat. The shrink film is preferably a clear, transparent film. Furthermore, it is preferred that the film be made partially or entirely of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Alternatively, the film is preferably made of a polyolefin. The film thickness of the shrink film is particularly preferably in a range of less than 0.1 mm or equal to 0.1 mm. The shrink film can also be a shrink tube. The shrink film should not negatively impact the optical properties of the light distribution strip, but should ensure secure and permanent attachment of at least the reflective film or the diffusion film to the light guide.The shrink film makes it possible to do without adhesives for attaching the reflective and / or diffusion film, which in turn could negatively affect the optical properties and is also more complex to manufacture.

[0037] In addition, the shrink film secures at least one LED to the coupling surface of the light guide. This enables a particularly compact arrangement of the light distribution strip as well as easy and efficient installation.

[0038] The at least one LED preferably has or is provided with a first circuit board. It is preferred that the at least one LED is arranged on the circuit board; particularly preferably, the LED is soldered to the circuit board. It is further preferred that one or more series resistors are arranged on the circuit board; particularly preferably, the one or more series resistors are soldered to the circuit board. The light distribution strip preferably comprises more than one LED.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the light distribution strip comprises an RGB LED. The RGB LED comprises three or more individual light-emitting diodes or LED chips arranged in an LED housing. A first LED emits red light, a second LED emits green light, and a third LED emits blue light. The LEDs can be individually controlled by the controller, meaning the luminosity and operating state of the individual LEDs can be individually controlled. According to an additive color mixture of the colors red, green, and blue, mixing the colors red and green produces the color yellow; mixing the colors green and blue produces the color cyan; mixing the colors red and blue produces the color magenta; and mixing the colors red, green, and blue produces the color white. Different colors can therefore be achieved, enabling variable color lighting on the furniture.

[0040] The electrical energy storage device preferably has a second circuit board. Preferably, in addition to the electrical energy storage device, the second circuit board houses an optional USB port for charging the electrical energy storage device and a charge controller for regulating the charging process of the electrical energy storage device. Charging the electrical energy storage device via a USB port is preferably used when the sun is not shining and the solar cell cannot charge the electrical energy storage device. The electrical energy storage device is particularly preferably a lithium-ion battery. Other charging principles are also conceivable and preferred, for example, using other (standardized) plug connections, or wirelessly via induction or through so-called energy harvesting.

[0041] The controller is preferably also arranged on the second circuit board. The controller preferably has a unit for a wireless radio connection. Using this unit, a wireless radio connection can be established to, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or other end device that has a unit for a wireless radio connection. The controller and thus the LED can thus be controlled via the end device. The illumination intensity of the LED can be controlled and adjusted via the end device. The LED can also be switched on and off via the end device. The wireless radio connection preferably complies with the international Bluetooth SIG standard according to IEEE 802.15.1. It is also possible for the wireless radio connection to use a receiver unit that can receive signals in the infrared range. The controller can therefore advantageously be controlled using an infrared remote control.

[0042] It is also preferred that a voltage converter be connected upstream of the controller on the second circuit board. It is also possible for the LED and the electrical power module to share a common circuit board.

[0043] One of the advantages of a wireless connection is that the LEDs can be controlled remotely via a device. This allows a user to adjust the LEDs' brightness even from a certain distance.

[0044] For example, an app can be provided for a device that allows specific settings to be made for the controller, which then controls the at least one LED accordingly. In addition to switching on and off, such settings can also include specific color and lighting schemes that allow temporal and spatial adjustments. Such an app may require authorization to change the settings.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the furniture base has a groove. The light distribution strip is arranged in this groove. The groove can be provided at any desired location on the furniture base and should be designed such that the light distribution strip can be arranged in the groove. The light distribution strip is attached to the groove using an adhesive connection, double-sided adhesive, or Velcro. It is also possible for the groove to have an open end through which the light distribution strip can be pushed into the groove. Another possibility is to magnetically attach the light distribution strip or the light guide body in the groove or to other elements.

[0046] Alternatively, the furniture base preferably has a mounting rail. The light distribution strip is arranged on the mounting rail. The light distribution strip is attached to a surface of the mounting rail by means of an adhesive connection, particularly preferably by means of double-sided adhesive or Velcro. It is also possible for the mounting rail to have a groove with an open end face, through which the light distribution strip can be pushed into the groove.

[0047] It is further preferred that the furniture base has one or more retaining clips. The light distribution strip is held on the furniture base by the one or more retaining clips. The retaining clips preferably have clamps that elastically deform when attached to the furniture base. As soon as the retaining clip is in the holding position, the restoring force of the deformed clamps firmly fixes the retaining clip to the furniture base. The light distribution strip can be attached to the retaining clip by means of an adhesive connection. It is also possible for the retaining clip to have a through-opening into which one end of the light guide can be inserted with a positive fit.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment, the furniture base comprises a rattan weave. The furniture base can be formed partially or entirely from the rattan weave. The light distribution strip or the light guide is preferably woven into the rattan weave. The light guide can be woven into the rattan weave in such a way that it forms a rattan rod of the rattan weave. This creates an attractive appearance and simultaneously ensures a secure connection between the light guide and the furniture.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the furniture base has a corner connector at one corner of the furniture base. The light distribution strip is attached to the corner connector by means of the first circuit board. The corner connector has clamps that elastically deform when attached to the corner of the furniture base. As soon as the corner connector is in the holding position at the corner of the furniture base, the corner connector is non-positively fixed to the corner of the furniture base by the restoring force of the deformed clamps. The first circuit board, on which the LED and the one or more series resistors are arranged, can be joined to a surface of the corner connector. Possible joining methods for this include gluing, soldering, riveting, welding, screwing, etc. This preferred arrangement also ensures that the LED is fixed to the coupling surface of the light guide.

[0050] It is also possible to attach multiple light distribution strips to the furniture base. This allows for illumination of the furniture in several sections, so that the illuminated piece of furniture can be seen from different perspectives.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the light guide body has a square cross-section. The light guide body also comprises a first and a second end face. It is preferred that the light guide body has four longitudinal sides, i.e., a rectangular cross-section; however, it is also possible for the light guide body to have two, three, or more than four longitudinal sides.

[0052] In a likewise preferred embodiment, the light guide body has at least a partially round cross-section. It is possible for one longitudinal side of the light guide body to be rounded, but it is also possible for more than one longitudinal side of the light guide body to be rounded.

[0053] The light guide body preferably has a second coupling surface for coupling light into the light guide body on a second end face, which is opposite the first end face. Furthermore, the light guide body has a second coupling-out section on the first longitudinal side for at least partially coupling out the light. The further arrangement corresponds to the arrangement described above.

[0054] If the optical fiber body has a second coupling surface, the first longitudinal side now has the first and second coupling-out sections. The first and second coupling-out sections each extend to a vertical center plane of the longitudinal side. The vertical center plane, in turn, extends along a transverse axis of the first longitudinal side, wherein the transverse axis of the first longitudinal side is preferably an axis of symmetry of the first longitudinal side. With regard to the density of the structural elements, this means that the highest density is located in the center of the first longitudinal side.

[0055] Embodiments of the invention will now be described below with reference to the drawings. These are not necessarily intended to represent the embodiments to scale; rather, the drawings are presented in a schematic and / or slightly distorted form where this is useful for explanation. For supplements to the teachings immediately apparent from the drawings, reference is made to the relevant prior art.

[0056] It should be noted that various modifications and changes to the form and detail of an embodiment can be made without deviating from the general idea of the invention. The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the drawings and the claims can be essential for further development of the invention both individually and in any combination. Furthermore, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawings and / or the claims fall within the scope of the invention. The general idea of the invention is not limited to the exact form or detail of the preferred embodiments shown and described below or limited to an object that would be limited compared to the object claimed in the claims.For specified design ranges, values within these limits are also intended to be disclosed as limit values and can be used and stressed as required. For the sake of simplicity, identical reference symbols are used below for identical or similar parts or parts with identical or similar functions.

[0057] In a second aspect of the invention, the piece of furniture comprises a furniture base body and a light distribution strip, wherein the light distribution strip is arranged on the furniture base body. The light distribution strip comprises an elongated light guide body for guiding light. The light guide body has at least one first coupling surface on a first end face for coupling the light into the light guide body. On a first longitudinal side, the light guide body also has at least one first coupling-out section for at least partially coupling out the light. The light distribution strip further comprises at least one light-emitting diode, which is arranged on the at least first coupling surface of the light guide body. In addition, the light distribution strip comprises an electrical energy storage device and a solar cell. The light-emitting diode is supplied with electrical energy by means of the electrical energy storage device, which can be charged via the solar cell.The light distribution strip further comprises a controller connected between the electrical energy storage device and the at least one light-emitting diode for controlling the light-emitting diode. The output section preferably has structural elements that are preferably arranged along straight lines, with n and n-1 structural elements being arranged alternately along the straight lines.

[0058] A further preferred embodiment is a piece of furniture with a furniture base body and a light distribution strip, wherein the light distribution strip is arranged on the furniture base body. The furniture base body has a rattan weave, and the light distribution strip is woven into the rattan weave. The light distribution strip comprises an elongated light guide body for guiding light. The light guide body has, on a first end face, at least one first coupling surface for coupling the light into the light guide body. On a first longitudinal side, the light guide body also has at least one first coupling-out section for at least partially coupling out the light. The light distribution strip further comprises at least one light-emitting diode, which is arranged on the at least first coupling surface of the light guide body. In addition, the light distribution strip comprises an electrical energy storage device and a solar cell.The LED is supplied with electrical energy by the electrical energy storage device, which is rechargeable via the solar cell. Furthermore, the light distribution strip comprises a controller connected between the electrical energy storage device and the at least one LED for controlling the LED.

[0059] It should be understood that the furniture according to the second aspect of the invention has the same and similar sub-aspects as those particularly set forth in the dependent claims for the furniture according to the first aspect of the invention. It is also preferred that a piece of furniture according to the first aspect also has the features of the second aspect of the invention, and that a piece of furniture according to the second aspect of the invention also has the features of a piece of furniture according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0060] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawings, which show: Fig. 1 a piece of furniture with a solar-powered light distribution strip; Fig. 2 a piece of furniture with a woven light distribution strip; Fig. 3 an isometric exploded view of the light distribution bar; Fig. 4 a cross-section through the longitudinal axis of the light distribution strip; Fig. 5A shows an output section along the first longitudinal side of the light guide body with a linearly increasing density; Fig. 5B shows an output section along the first longitudinal side of the light guide body with a density increasing according to the distance law; Fig. 6 a comparison between a linearly increasing density and a density increasing according to the distance law; Fig. 7 an arrangement of the structural elements; Fig. 8 a schematic circuit diagram for the electrical power supply of the light distribution strip; Fig. 9 a cross-section of a mounting rail with light distribution strip; Fig. 10 an isometric view of a mounting rail with groove and inserted light distribution strip; Fig. 11 a retaining clip; Fig. 12 a corner connector Fig. 13 an isometric view of a light guide body with a square cross-section; Fig. 14 an isometric view of a light guide body with a partially circular cross-section; Fig. 15 a piece of furniture with a solar-powered light distribution strip; Fig. 16 a piece of furniture with solar-powered light distribution strip; and in Fig. 17 several pieces of furniture with solar-powered light distribution strip.

[0061] The Fig. The furniture base body 2 shown in Figure 1 has a seat 82 with an upholstered element, a backrest 94 with another upholstered element, two armrests 84, and a side section 86 extending at right angles from a front edge of the seat. The armrests 84, the backrest 94, and the side section 86 extend to an underside 88 of the furniture base body 2. Feet 98 extend from the armrests 84 as supporting elements. This creates a free area between the furniture base body 2 and a floor 90.

[0062] The furniture base body 2 comprises corner connectors 52 at the four corners. Ends of the light distribution strips 3 are arranged in the corner connectors 52, so that the light distribution strips 3 are fastened to the underside 88 of the furniture base body 2 in the free area.

[0063] It is also possible for the armrests 84, the backrest 94, and the side section 86 to form directly supporting elements. An arrangement of corner connectors 52 with a height H E at the corners of the furniture base body 2 allows the furniture base body 2 to be lifted from the floor 90 by the height H E , so that a free area is formed between the furniture base body 2 and the floor 90.

[0064] Fig. 2 shows a piece of furniture 1 with a solar-powered light distribution strip 3 in a further embodiment. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the furniture base body 2 is at least partially formed from a rattan weave 48. The furniture base body 2 has a backrest 94, a seat 82, an armrest 84, and a wheel 92 for moving the furniture base body 2. The light distribution strip 3 is woven into the rattan weave 48 along the armrest 84 of the furniture base body 2. The light distribution strip 3 is woven into the rattan weave 48 in such a way that it forms a rattan rod of the rattan weave 48. The light distribution strip 3 is held on the furniture base body 2 by means of rattan rods arranged transversely to the light distribution strip 3.

[0065] Fig. Figure 3 shows an isometric exploded view of the light distribution strip 3. The elongated light guide body 4 has a first end face 6.1 and four longitudinal sides 10.1-10.4 extending from this. The longitudinal sides 10.1-10.4 are each arranged at right angles to the first end face 6.1. In addition, two longitudinal sides are at right angles to each other, so that the light guide body 4 has a rectangular cross-section. The sides of the rectangular cross-section have different widths, with two opposite sides being of equal width. In the embodiment of the Fig. 13, the sides that determine a height H of the rectangular cross-section are smaller than the sides that determine a width B of the rectangular cross-section (see Fig. 13).

[0066] On the first end face 6.1, the light guide body 4 has a coupling surface 8.1. A light-emitting diode 16 is arranged adjacent to this coupling surface 8.1. The light emitted by the light-emitting diode 16 can be coupled directly into the light guide body 4 via the coupling surface 8.1.

[0067] On a first longitudinal side 10.1 of the light guide body 4, which in the embodiment of the Fig. 3 is a bottom side of the light guide body 4, a coupling-out section 12.1 is arranged. The coupling-out section 12.1 discloses structural elements 24, which in this embodiment have a round cross-section. The structural elements 24 have a consistent pattern across the coupling-out section 12.1. The pattern is such that the structural elements 24 lie on imaginary straight lines 28 (see Fig. 7), which are arranged parallel to the coupling surface 8.1 of the light guide body 4. Four (n) and three (n-1) structural elements 24 are arranged alternately along the straight line 28.

[0068] The structural elements 24 are also symmetrical to a horizontal center plane 26 (see Fig. 7) of the first longitudinal side 10.1. The horizontal center plane 26 extends along a longitudinal axis of the first longitudinal side 10.1 and is a plane of symmetry of the first longitudinal side 10.1. The arrangement of the structural elements 24 along the straight line 28 depends on the number of structural elements 24 arranged along a straight line 28. To create symmetry with respect to the horizontal center plane 26 of the first longitudinal side 10.1, in the case of three structural elements 24 arranged along a straight line 28, two structural elements 24 are arranged at the same distance from the horizontal center plane 26. The third structural element 24 is arranged at the intersection point 27 between the straight line 28 and the horizontal center plane 26. In the case of four structural elements 24 arranged along a straight line 28, two structural elements 24 are each at the same distance from the horizontal center plane 26 of the first longitudinal side 10.1 of the light guide body 4 (see . Fig. 7).

[0069] The light distribution strip 3 according to Fig. 3 further comprises a reflective film 32 arranged on the first longitudinal side 10.1 of the light guide body 4. The reflective film 32 has a reflective film thickness as well as a reflective film length and width. The reflective film length and width are adapted to the geometry of the first longitudinal side 10.1, so that the reflective film 32 can be arranged flush with the first longitudinal side 10.1 and does not protrude beyond the outline of the first longitudinal side 10.1. However, it can also cover the two longitudinal sides 10.3, 10.4. The light is initially coupled out of the light guide body 4 via the coupling-out section 12.1, but is reflected directly by the reflective film 32 onto a second longitudinal side 10.2, which is opposite the first longitudinal side 10.1 and thus opposite the reflective film 32.

[0070] A diffusion film 34 is arranged above the second longitudinal side 10.2. The light reflected by the reflective film 32 can be emitted into the environment via the diffusion film 34. The diffusion film 34 thus forms the light emission surface of the light distribution strip 3. The diffusion film 34 has a diffusion film thickness, a diffusion film length, and a diffusion film width. The diffusion film length and the diffusion film width are adapted to the geometry of the second longitudinal side 10.2, so that the diffusion film 34 can be arranged flush with the second longitudinal side 10.2 and does not protrude beyond the outline of the second longitudinal side 10.2.

[0071] Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-section through the longitudinal axis of the light distribution strip 3. Identical elements have the same reference numerals, so reference is made to the above description. The structural elements 24 are formed as recesses in the first longitudinal side 10.1 and form the shape of a hemisphere. The coupled-in light can be at least partially disrupted in a targeted manner by the structural elements 24 and decoupled in the direction of the reflective film 32. The reflective film 32 reflects the decoupled light directly in the direction of the diffusion film 34.

[0072] In Fig. 4 also shows the shrink film 36. The shrink film 36 surrounds the light guide body 4 and fixes the reflective film 32 and the diffusion film 34 to the light guide body 4.

[0073] Fig. 5A shows a coupling-out section 12.1 along the first longitudinal side 10.1 of the light guide body 4 with a linearly increasing density R linThis means that the density R lin of the structural elements 24 along the coupling-out section 12.1 increases linearly with increasing distance from the coupling surface 8.1. The linear density R lin of the structural elements 24 thus corresponds to the equation R at a point x located far away from the coupling surface 8.1 lin (x) = R0 + ((R1-R0) / I) * x, with an initial density R0 of the structural elements 24, a final density R1 and a length l of the coupling-out section 12.1.

[0074] Conversely, this also means that the distance d (cf. Fig. 5A) between the straight lines 28 along which the structural elements 24 are arranged, decreases linearly. Four (n-1) and five (n) structural elements 24 are arranged alternately along the straight lines 28.

[0075] Fig. 5B shows in contrast to Fig. 5A a coupling-out section 12.1 with one of the equation R(x) = R0 + ((x2 / I 2 ) * (R1-R0)) corresponding density R. The density R increases according to the equation with increasing distance from the coupling surface 8.1. The distance d of the parallel lines 28 depends on the determined density R of the structural elements 24 and decreases gradually with the increase in the density R. Along the line 28, alternating as in Fig. 5A four (n-1) and five (n) structural elements 24 are arranged.

[0076] A comparison between a linear density R lin and one according to the equation R(x) = R0 + ((x 2 / I 2 ) * (R1-R0)) corresponding density R shows Fig. 6. On the ordinate axis of the two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, the percentage distance of the point x located away from the coupling surface 8.1 relative to the total length l of the coupling section 12.1 is specified in a range between 0 [%] and 100 [%]. This means that at a percentage distance of 0 [%], the density distribution R corresponds to the initial density distribution R0, and at a percentage distance of 100 [%], the density distribution R corresponds to the final density distribution R1.

[0077] The abscissa axis indicates the density R of the structural elements 24 in the unit [number of structural elements / cm2] in a range from 0 to 45. This means that the lower end of the abscissa axis corresponds to zero structural elements 24 per square centimeter of the coupling section 12.1, and that the upper end of the abscissa axis corresponds to 45 structural elements 24 per square centimeter of the coupling section 12.1.

[0078] The dashed line describes the linear density R lin The solid line describes the density distribution R according to the distance law. For both functions, the initial density distribution R0 is 15 [number of structural elements / cm2] and the final density distribution R1 is 40 [number of structural elements / cm2]. The dashed line – the linear density distribution R lin - corresponds to a first-order function, the solid line - i.e., the density R according to the inverse distance law - corresponds to a second-order function. This means that the increase in density according to the inverse distance law increases with the square of the percentage distance. The linear density R lin on the other hand, increases linearly with the percentage distance.

[0079] Fig. Figure 7 shows a detailed arrangement of the structural elements 24 of a coupling-out section 12.1 on the first longitudinal side 10.1 of the optical fiber 4. The structural elements 24 have a circular cross-section and are arranged along parallel straight lines 28 that are perpendicular to the horizontal center plane 26. Three (n-1) and four (n) structural elements 24 are arranged alternately along the straight lines 28. The structural elements 24 are arranged symmetrically to the horizontal center plane 26 and correspond to the arrangement already described above.

[0080] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic circuit diagram for the electrical power supply of the solar-powered light distribution strip 3. A solar module 19 with a solar cell 20 and a diode 21 is connected to a battery module 17, which in turn is connected to at least one light-emitting diode 16. The battery module 17 comprises the electrical energy storage device 18, preferably a lithium-ion accumulator, a charge regulator 54, a voltage converter 56, a controller 22, and a USB port 42.

[0081] In the embodiment of the Fig. 8, an RGB LED, comprising three light-emitting diodes or LED chips, is arranged on a circuit board 38. It should be understood that the RGB LED is an integrated component, and the three light-emitting diodes are arranged in an LED housing 96. Of the three light-emitting diodes of an RGB LED, a first light-emitting diode 16 emits red light, a second light-emitting diode 16 emits green light, and a third light-emitting diode 16 emits blue light. The light-emitting diodes 16 can be controlled by the controller 22 such that their light mixes according to the additive color mixing. The light is consequently perceived as white at the light-emitting surface. In addition, by specifically controlling the light-emitting diodes 16 by the controller 22, the colors yellow, cyan, and magenta can also be generated, and even color transitions between the aforementioned colors are possible.

[0082] Fig. Figure 9 shows a vertical cross-section through a mounting rail 46 with a light distribution strip 3. The mounting rail 46 is designed in the form of a square tube and has a through-hole 47 formed along the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail 46, which runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The light distribution strip 3 is attached above the mounting rail 46 by means of an adhesive connection 49. The interconnected surfaces have the same geometry and are therefore arranged flush.

[0083] Fig. 10 shows an isometric view of an elongated mounting rail 46 with groove and inserted light distribution strip 3. The mounting rail 46 according to Fig. 10 has two sections 58, 60: a first section 58, which is in the form of a square tube with a through-hole 62 extending in the longitudinal direction of the fastening rail 46, and a second section 60, which adjoins the first section 58. The second section 60 forms the shape of a U-profile, with the upper edges 64 of the U-profile projecting slightly towards each other. The second section 60 thus forms a groove with at least one open end face, into which the light distribution strip 3 can be inserted. The first section 58 of the fastening rail 46 further discloses a through-hole 66 on each of two opposite longitudinal sides. The through-holes 66 are congruent and lie directly opposite one another. The fastening rail 46 can be fastened to the furniture base body 2 via the through-holes 66 (not shown).

[0084] Fig. Figure 11 shows a retaining clip 50. The retaining clip 50 is shaped like the letter A and can be divided into two sections 68, 70: a first section 68, which is formed in the form of a square tube and has a through-opening 72 extending in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail 46, and a second section 70, which forms a downwardly open U-profile. The edges 74 of the U-profile protrude slightly toward each other.

[0085] The second section 70 forms a clamp that can deform elastically when attached to the furniture base body 2 (not shown). The slightly mutually projecting edges 74 can enclose a section of the furniture base body 2 from behind. Alternatively, the second section 70 can be rigid and provide a rail-like function. The retaining clip 50 can be pushed over the open end face of the second section 70 via a rod of the furniture base body 2 (not shown). The light distribution strip 3 can be attached to the retaining clip 50 by means of an adhesive connection. Alternatively, one end of the light distribution strip 3 can be arranged in a form-fitting manner in the through-opening 72 of the first section of the retaining clip 50 (not shown).

[0086] Fig. 12 discloses a corner connector 52. The corner connector 52 is preferably attached to a corner of the furniture base body 2 (cf. Fig. 1). The light guide body 4 is fastened to the corner connector 52 by means of the first circuit board 38. The circuit board 38 is in the embodiment of the Fig. 12 and has two legs positioned at right angles to each other. A light-emitting diode 16 is arranged on the first leg, and a series resistor 76 is arranged on the second leg. The light-emitting diode 16 is also arranged directly on the coupling surface 8.1 of the light guide body 4.

[0087] The circuit board 38 is arranged on a fastening section 78 of the corner connector 52. The corner connector 52 further comprises clamps 80 that elastically deform when attached to the corner of the furniture base body 2. As soon as the corner connector 52 is in the holding position at the corner of the furniture base body 2, the corner connector 52 is fixed to the corner of the furniture base body 2 by the restoring force of the deformed clamps 80 (not shown).

[0088] Fig. Figure 13 shows an isometric view of a light guide 4 with a square cross-section. The elongated light guide 4 is not shown in its entirety, but is partially cut off. Fig. 13 shows a first end face 6.1 and four longitudinal sides 10.1-10.4 extending from the end face 6.1. The longitudinal sides 10.1-10.4 form a rectangular cross-section. The width B of the cross-section is preferably greater than the height H of the cross-section, particularly preferably two to three times the height H. However, other ratios between the width B and height H of the cross-section are also possible.

[0089] Fig. Figure 14 shows an isometric view of a light guide 4 with a partially circular cross-section. The elongated light guide 4 is not shown in its entirety, but is partially cut off. Fig. 14 discloses a first end face 6.1 and four longitudinal sides 10.1-10.4 extending from the end face 6.1: a horizontal longitudinal side 10.1, two vertical longitudinal sides 10.3-10.4, and a longitudinal side 10.2 opposite the horizontal longitudinal side 10.1, which has a radial bend. The horizontal longitudinal side 10.1 is arranged at a right angle to the vertical longitudinal sides 10.3-10.4. The cross-section is thus at least partially round.

[0090] Fig. Figure 15 shows a piece of furniture 1 with a solar-powered light distribution strip 3. The furniture 1 is shaped like a beach chair. Several light guides 4 are woven into a side section of the beach chair. A solar module 19 with a solar cell 20 is arranged at a rear, upper section of the beach chair.

[0091] Fig. 16 shows a piece of furniture 1 with a solar-powered light distribution strip 3, which is also a beach chair. In contrast to the embodiment of the Fig. 16, the solar module 19 with the solar cell 20 is arranged on a front, upper section of the beach chair.

[0092] Fig. Figure 17 shows a combination of several pieces of furniture 1 with a solar-powered light distribution strip 3, forming a comfortable seating and dining area in an outdoor area. The pieces of furniture 1 have different furniture bases 2. The seating and dining area includes a table, two chairs, a bench, and two stools. List of reference symbols 1 furniture 2 furniture base bodies 3 light distribution strip 4 light guides 6.1-6.2 Front side 8.1-8.2 Coupling surface 10.1-10.4 Long side 12.1-12.2 Decoupling section 16 LEDs 17 Battery module 18 electrical energy storage 19 solar module 20 solar cells 21 Diode 22 controllers 24 Structural element 26 horizontal center plane 28 straight 30 flank 32 reflective foil 34 Diffusion film 36 shrink film 38 first board 40 second board 42 USB port 44 Wireless radio connection unit 46 Mounting rail 47 Passage opening 48 rattan weave 49 Adhesive bond 50 retaining clips 52 corner connectors 54 charge controllers 56 voltage converters 58 first section 60 second section 62 passage opening 64 edges 66 through hole 68 first section 70 second section 72 passage opening 74 edges 76 Series resistor 78 fastening section 80 terminals 82 Seat 84 Armrest 86 page section 88 subpage 90 floor 92 wheels 94 Backrest 96 LED housings 98 feet d distance I Length of the decoupling section B Width H Height H E Height of corner connector R Density R0 initial density R1 Final density R lin linear density

Claims

[1] Furniture (1), in particular outdoor furniture, with a furniture base (2) and a light distribution strip (3), wherein the light distribution strip (3) is arranged on the furniture base body (2), the light distribution strip (3) comprising: - an elongated light-guiding body (4) for guiding light, which has at least one first coupling surface (8.1) on a first end face (6.1) for coupling the light into the light-guiding body (4), and at least one first coupling-out section (12.1) on a first longitudinal side (10.1) for at least partially coupling out the light, - at least one light-emitting diode (16) arranged on the at least first coupling surface (8.1) of the light guide body (4), - an electrical energy store (18) and a solar cell (20), wherein the at least one light-emitting diode (16) is supplied with electrical energy by means of the electrical energy store (18) which can be charged via the solar cell (20), and - a controller (22) which is connected between the electrical energy store (18) and the at least one light-emitting diode (16) for controlling the light-emitting diode (16), wherein the light distribution strip (3) has a shrink film (36) for fixing a reflection film (32) and a diffusion film (34) to the light guide body (4), and wherein the shrink film (36) fixes the at least one light-emitting diode (16) to the coupling surface (8.1). [2] Furniture according to claim 1, wherein the decoupling section (12.1) has structural elements (24). [3] Furniture according to claim 2, wherein a density R of the structural elements (24) at a point of the equation R(x)=R0+x2l2*(R1−R0) where R0 corresponds to an initial density, R1 to a final density and l to the length of the coupling-out section (12.1). [4] Furniture according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, wherein the structural elements (24) are arranged symmetrically to a horizontal center plane (26) of the first longitudinal side (10.1). [5] Furniture according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein the structural elements (24) are arranged along straight lines (28). [6] Furniture according to claim 5, wherein the straight lines (28) are arranged parallel and perpendicular to the horizontal center plane (26) of the first longitudinal side (10.1). [7] Furniture according to claim 5 or 6, wherein n and n-1 structural elements (24) are arranged alternately along the straight line (28). [8] Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light distribution strip (3) comprises the reflection film (32) which is arranged on the first longitudinal side (10.1) of the light guide body (4) for reflecting the coupled-out light to a second longitudinal side (10.2) of the light guide body (4), which is opposite the first longitudinal side (10.1). [9] Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light distribution strip (3) comprises the diffusion film (34) arranged on a second longitudinal side (10.2) of the light guide body (4) for uniform light distribution along the light distribution strip (3). [10] Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light distribution strip (3) comprises more than one light-emitting diode (16), namely at least one RGB LED with three or more integrated light-emitting diodes. [11] Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical energy storage device (18) has a circuit board (40), and wherein a USB port (42) for charging the electrical energy storage device (18) is arranged on the circuit board (40). [12] Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (22) comprises a unit (44) for a wireless radio connection. [13] Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the furniture base body (2) has a fastening rail (46), and wherein the light distribution strip (3) is arranged on the fastening rail (46). [14] Furniture according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein the furniture base body (2) has one or more holding clips (50), and wherein the light distribution strip (3) is held on the furniture base body (2) by the one or more holding clips (50). [15] Furniture (1), in particular outdoor furniture, with a furniture base (2) and a light distribution strip (3), wherein the light distribution strip (3) is arranged on the furniture base body (2), the light distribution strip (3) comprising: - an elongated light-guiding body (4) for guiding light, which has at least one first coupling-in surface (8.1) for coupling the light into the light-guiding body (4) on a first end face (6.1), and at least one first coupling-out section (12.1) for at least partially coupling out the light on a first longitudinal side (10.1), wherein the coupling-out section (12.1) has structural elements (24), wherein the structural elements (24) are arranged along straight lines (28), and wherein n and n-1 structural elements (24) are arranged alternately along the straight lines (28), - at least one light-emitting diode (16) arranged on the at least first coupling surface (8.1) of the light guide body (4), - an electrical energy store (18) and a solar cell (20), wherein the at least one light-emitting diode (16) is supplied with electrical energy by means of the electrical energy store (18) which can be charged via the solar cell (20), and - a controller (22) connected between the electrical energy store (18) and the at least one light-emitting diode (16) for controlling the light-emitting diode (16).

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