Mounting device for mounting an event technology element (VTE), in particular a lighting device

Abstract

Mounting device for mounting an event technology element (VTE (15)), in particular a lighting device, characterized in that a rail element (1) is included to which an adapter element (3) is connected, which is guided in the rail element (1) on which the VTE (15) can be arranged, wherein the adapter element (3) has a mounting pin (4) which is designed for mounting on a positioning device or suspension device (13).

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a mounting device for installing an event technology element (VTE), in particular a lighting device, with a permanently integrated rail element and modular mounting adapters for tool-free and position-adjustable installation on various support structures. The mounting device is designed in particular for use in professional lighting and event technology. 2. State of the art

[0002] From DE10240793A1, a T-nut is known that is designed for fastening components in C- or U-rail elements. The T-nut has a clamping body that extends into the rail and is connected via a mounting shaft to an actuation area located outside the rail. The clamping body has several clamping surfaces that allow it to be wedged into various rail element geometries. Locking is achieved by screwing in the shaft, which presses the clamping body against the inner surfaces of the rail element. However, this design does not provide for tool-free adjustment or a combination with modular adapter elements for the positionally adjustable mounting of external fasteners.

[0003] In the field of professional event technology, devices for attaching event technology elements to trusses, stands, or similar rigging-type support structures are known. Typically, mounting is achieved via fixed attachment points on the VTE housing, to which standardized clamping systems are attached. The position of these attachment points is fixed by design and cannot be easily changed during operation.

[0004] Devices are also known in which mounting feet are slidably designed on the rear of the housing. Changing their position generally requires loosening and then retightening one or more screw connections using tools. This interrupts the workflow and makes it difficult to flexibly adjust the position of the VTE during installation.

[0005] Furthermore, technical documentation describes sliding fasteners that are inserted into the rear rail elements of event technology components. These can be attached at various positions along the profile, but also require the use of tools and adherence to specified tightening torques. Connection to trusses is often achieved via separate adapters or special coupling elements.

[0006] Furthermore, tool-free fastening systems with sliding retaining elements are known. Such systems use, for example, sliding T-nuts within guide rails. They typically require two separate mounting points per VTE (Visual Terminal Unit) as well as supplementary adapter parts. Their applicability is often limited to specific device designs, meaning that general compatibility with different mounting situations is not guaranteed. In some cases, the horizontal adjustment range of such systems is limited by design.

[0007] Furthermore, designs are known that use open or incompletely closed guide channels. In these designs, there is a possibility that fastening elements may unintentionally slip out of their guides during assembly, which is particularly disadvantageous from a safety perspective.

[0008] Furthermore, a quick-mounting system with a snap-in sliding mechanism is known, which allows tool-free adjustment within a precisely defined range. However, such a system is designed for a specific series of devices and requires separate adapter solutions or special accessories for different mounting methods. Additionally, a fastener must be selected and installed using tools to connect the system to the structure.

[0009] Finally, with many known systems, it is necessary to completely disassemble the VTE from the support structure in order to change the attachment point. This leads to operational interruptions and reduces flexibility in the face of changing requirements during event operations. 2.1 Summary of disadvantages of the state of the art

[0010] The current state of the art has the following disadvantages in particular: Requirement of tools to reposition fasteners; need for multiple separate mounting points or additional adapters; limited compatibility due to system-specific designs; safety risks due to open or unsecured guide systems; operational interruptions during conversion or repositioning; increased assembly effort due to complex or multi-part assemblies; cumbersome adapter solutions 3. Object of the invention

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a mounting device for a VTE, in particular a lighting device, which enables safe, simple, quick and flexible assembly.

[0012] The aim is to enable tool-free connection of the VTE to adjusting devices or suspension systems. The connection design should ensure that the VTE remains movable along the mounting axis even when attached.

[0013] Furthermore, the system should be compatible with additional accessories to enable various mounting configurations. In particular, the system should be suitable for implementing the following mounting options: Positioning of the VTE (15) on a floor tripod Suspension under a structure, for example a truss Mounting on a structure, for example a truss Right-angle attachment to a structure, for example a truss Vertical connection of two VTEs (in planning)

[0014] The task to be solved is therefore to implement all the aforementioned mounting variants using the integrated rail element and the adapter element. 4. Solution according to the invention

[0015] The stated problem is solved by a mounting device for mounting an event technology element (VTE (15), in particular a lighting device, characterized in that a rail element (1) is included, to which an adapter element (3) is connected, which is guided in the rail element (1) on which the VTE (15) can be arranged, wherein the adapter element (3) has a mounting pin (4) which is designed for mounting on an adjusting device or suspension device (13).

[0016] The system comprises a closed rail element (1), preferably in the form of a longitudinal groove or a guide profile, which is firmly screwed to the housing of the VTE (15). A threaded T-nut (5) is slidably arranged within the rail element (1) and is guided in a sliding manner.

[0017] The adapter element (3) is designed as a sliding adapter block that can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface of the rail element (1). The underside of the adapter element (3) has a contour-adapted recess and a guide rib (14) by which the block rests positively on the rail element (1), with the guide rib (14) extending approximately 2 mm into the rail element (1). This insertion prevents lateral slippage of the block and ensures stable, positionally secured guidance.

[0018] The adapter element (3) has two separate bores: a first, through bore for receiving the clamping lever (2) and a second, threaded bore for attaching the mounting pin (4).

[0019] The clamping lever (2) is secured in the corresponding bore by means of a captive washer, so that it cannot fall out of the adapter element (3) even when released.

[0020] The threaded bore for the mounting pin (4) is arranged so that the pin is screwed to the adapter element (3) in a stable, central position and serves as a standardized connecting element for receiving accessories. 4.1 Variant 1 - Compact design for flexible standard mounting

[0021] In this embodiment, the VTE (15) is directly connected to the rail element (1) via the adapter element (3). The adapter element (3) has a through-hole for receiving a clamping lever (2), which is inserted into the block and secured against falling out by means of a captive washer. The clamping lever (2) is designed to be screwed into a threaded bore of a slidably guided T-nut (5).

[0022] When the clamping lever (2) is turned clockwise, a T-nut (5) is drawn against the inside of the rail element (1), creating a clamping effect. This results in a positive and secure locking of the adapter element (3) to the rail element (1).

[0023] The adapter element (3) is further provided with a threaded bore into which a mounting pin (4) with a diameter of 16 mm is permanently screwed. The mounting pin (4) serves as a standardized connecting element for tool-free mounting of the VTE (15) to an adjusting device or suspension device (13).

[0024] In this embodiment, the adapter element (3) serves as a modular adapter that makes it possible to attach the VTE (15) directly to a structure, for example a truss, via the mounting pin (4) and an adjusting device or suspension device (13). Fig. 9) The VTE (15) can be moved along the rail element (1) and flexibly aligned in the mounting area. In this variant, the mounting pin (4) is at a 90° angle to the longitudinal direction of the VTE (15). 4.2 Variant 2 - Universal mounting adapter with steel profile

[0025] To enable additional mounting options, a bent steel profile (6) is provided. This profile has a contour-adapted recess (11) on its upper surface, into which the adapter element (3) with its guide rib (14) is inserted in a form-fitting manner. The corresponding recess on the adapter element and the recess (11) form a positive-locking connection. This results in a positionally secure, rotationally stable connection.

[0026] The adapter element (3) is screwed into a BNM thread (12) which is permanently welded to the steel profile (6) via a clamping lever (2). The connection can be released without tools and offers high stability.

[0027] The steel profile (6) is connected to the rail element (1) of the VTE (15) via two laterally projecting flanges (8, 9) that flank the steel profile (6) laterally. A manually operated screw (7) passes through these flanges, which securely and positively screws the steel profile through the flanges to a T-nut (5) located below it within the rail element (1), with the screw being secured against falling out by a captive washer.

[0028] The flange connection (8 / 9) allows the rail element (1) to be slidably positioned along the steel profile (6) over a flexible adjustment range. At the same time, the circumferential, positive-locking embedding ensures a secure hold without a tilting moment.

[0029] To protect against unintentional loosening during overhead operation, additional through-holes (10) for receiving safety ropes are provided in the steel profile (6).

[0030] In variant 2, the steel profile (6) is connected on the one hand to the rail element (1) via the flanges (8, 9) and on the other hand to the adapter element (3) via the recess (11), whereby the VTE (15) hangs in a position parallel to a longitudinal direction ( Fig. 10A) and standing ( Fig. 10B) can be mounted.

[0031] The design allows for a wide variety of mounting options: suspending the VTE (15) below a traverse ( Fig. 10A) the placement of the VTE (15) on a floor tripod ( Fig. 10B) the right-angled (e.g. vertical) attachment to a structure as well as

[0032] The orientation of the VTE (15) is flexible and can be adjusted without tools in all variants. 5. Example of implementation

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the rail element (1) is integrated into or detachably attached to the rear or underside of the housing of the VTE (15). The rail element (1) is designed as a closed profile with a longitudinal groove in which a T-nut (5) is slidably received. A T-nut (5) is preferably made of metal and has a central internal thread for receiving a connecting element.

[0034] The adapter element (3) is designed as a cuboid adapter body. Its underside has a contour-adapted recess through which it rests positively on the rail element (1), with the guide rib (14) extending approximately 2 mm into this recess to prevent lateral slippage. The adapter element (3) has a through-hole for receiving a clamping lever (2), which is secured against unintentional removal by means of a captive locking washer. The adapter element (3) is screwed to a T-nut (5) located in the profile via the clamping lever (2), thereby fixing it in the desired position on the rail element (1).

[0035] A mounting pin (4) with a diameter of 16 mm is securely and permanently screwed into the underside of the adapter element (3). This serves as a standardized connecting element for commercially available brackets, in particular for adjusting devices or hanging devices (13) with a corresponding pin receptacle.

[0036] The system is assembled without tools: The adapter element (3) is captive and fitted with the clamping lever (2). It is inserted into the rail element (1), connected to a T-nut (5) with a few turns of the clamping lever (2), and then moved along the groove to the desired position. By tightening the clamping lever (2), a T-nut (5) is pressed against the inner wall of a rail, thus locking it securely in place. A positioning or suspension device can then be connected via the mounting pin (4), and the VTE (15) can be attached to a structure, e.g., a crossbeam or pipe.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, the so-called “steel profile” (6) is additionally used as a mounting adapter to enable a variety of other fastening options (see variant 2). REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 rail element 2 clamping levers 3 adapter element 4 mounting pins 5 T-nuts 6 steel profiles 7 hand-operated screws 8, 9 flanges 10 through-holes 11 recess 12 BNM threads 13 Positioning device or hanging device 14 Guide rib 15 VTE QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10240793A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Mounting device for mounting an event technology element (VTE (15)), in particular a lighting device, characterized by , that a rail element (1) is included to which an adapter element (3) is connected, which is guided in the rail element (1) on which the VTE (15) can be arranged, wherein the adapter element (3) has a mounting pin (4) designed for mounting on an actuating device or suspension device (13). [2] Mounting device according to claim 1, characterized by , that a T-nut (5) is infinitely displaceable along the rail element (1) and can be fixed without tools in a flexible adjustment range by means of a clamping or locking device, in particular a clamping lever (2). [3] Mounting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adapter element (3) can be connected to a T-nut (5) by means of a thread, a screw connection or a quick-release fastener. [4] Assembly device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mounting pin (4) is designed in accordance with DIN 15560-2 (16 mm) and serves for tool-free insertion into an adjusting device or hanging device (13). [5] System comprising a mounting device according to one of the preceding claims and a VTE (15), in particular a lighting device, preferably an LED light. [6] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that an additional connecting element in the form of an angled steel profile (6) is provided between the rail element (1) and the positioning or suspension device, which allows the VTE (15) to be mounted in further orientations and positions, in particular hanging under a crossbeam, placing on a crossbeam or attaching to a floor stand, wherein the steel profile (6) is connected on one side to the rail element (1) via the flanges (8, 9) and on the other side to the adapter element (3) via the recess (11), wherein the VTE (15) is suspended in a position parallel to a longitudinal direction ( Fig. 10A) and standing ( Fig. 10B) can be mounted. [7] System according to claim 6, characterized by, that the bent steel profile (6) includes a BNM thread (12) welded to the profile for positive locking and secure screwing to the adapter element (3) by means of a clamping lever (2), wherein the underside of the adapter element (3) has a contour-adapted recess and a guide rib (14), wherein the guide rib (14) slides in variant 1 in the rail element (1) and engages in a corresponding recess (11) in the steel profile (6) in variant 2. [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, in particular for a VTE (15) with an integrated mounting system (steel profile), characterized by , that the steel profile (6) has cross-shaped through-openings (10) which are designed so that both the steel profile (6) and the VTE (15) can be secured together against falling by means of a safety rope in accordance with the applicable safety regulations.

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