Long-field light, especially strip light, and strip light constructed from it

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a linear luminaire, in particular a continuous-row luminaire, designed for detachable connection to a mounting rail connected to a support structure for receiving and guiding wiring, especially through-wiring. The continuous-row luminaire comprises a gear tray detachably connectable to the mounting rail, the gear tray having an upper surface designed for arranging electrical and / or electronic components for the continuous-row luminaire and a lower surface designed for arranging an LED light source for generating a luminous flux radiating in a direct direction, preferably electrical components arranged on the upper surface of the gear tray, at least one LED module arranged on the lower surface of the gear tray, and optics arranged in the direct direction in front of the at least one LED module designed for directing the luminous flux to achieve a visual task to be performed with the continuous-row luminaire.

[0002] Furthermore, a manufacturing process for a luminaire, in particular a linear luminaire, especially designed as a continuous-row luminaire, is disclosed, comprising at least as luminaire components an optic, an LED module, a gear carrier and a driver equipped with electrical and / or electronic luminaire components, comprising the following process steps: connecting an optic with at least one LED module in a desired optical position, connecting the optical system thus formed with a gear carrier and connecting the driver to the gear carrier.

[0003] A linear luminaire is a self-contained light fixture that can function independently, meaning it can be powered by a single supply voltage. However, it is also possible to connect multiple linear luminaires to form a so-called linear lighting system, which can, for example, be suspended from a ceiling or extend along a ceiling over several meters. The individual linear luminaires are positioned with their end faces adjacent to each other under the ceiling. Such a linear lighting system typically includes a continuous mounting rail. The individual, adjoining components of the mounting rail accommodate the through-wiring for the linear lighting system and preferably include plugs or sockets for connecting the individual mounting rail elements to each other. State of the art

[0004] Existing linear luminaires comprise a mounting rail that can be attached to a ceiling, a structural support, or the like. This rail can be screwed directly to the ceiling or suspended from it by chains or cables when installed in a suspended ceiling. The mounting rail accommodates the through-wiring and is thus connected to the power supply. The mounting rail itself is typically designed as a bent sheet metal profile with a substantially channel- or trough-shaped geometry. When installed, the top of the mounting rail is closed, while the bottom has an opening. A gear tray can be inserted into this opening or connected to the mounting rail. Preferably, the gear tray is provided with retaining springs at predefined intervals, which detachably secure the gear tray to the mounting rail.The support rails, which usually consist of bent sheet metal profiles, and the device carrier form a closed geometry when assembled, whereby the channel-shaped support rail is usually closed on the underside by the device carrier in a lid-like manner when installed.

[0005] The essentially flat mounting plate typically has electrical lighting components arranged on its upper surface, such as plugs, terminals, wiring, and a driver, often also called an LED converter (LEDC) or ballast, for converting the mains current into a supply current suitable for the respective light source. On the underside of the mounting plate, light sources, usually designed as LED modules (often abbreviated as LEDM), are typically attached. In front of these, optics are positioned to direct and focus the luminous flux generated by the LED modules to achieve a defined visual task. The LED module and the optics are usually made of plastic.

[0006] This well-established design already allows for a very efficient and adaptable construction of linear luminaires, but it also has certain disadvantages due to the varying thicknesses of the circuit boards or the LED modules and their mounting plates. Unfortunately, it can never be completely ruled out that the mounting plates of the LED modules have different thicknesses, which can lead to problems during assembly. If the LED modules are thicker than the standard thickness intended for assembly, gaps can appear laterally between the gear tray and the luminaire cover, which overlaps the LED modules laterally when installed. These gaps can lead to leaks. This is particularly detrimental to luminaires with a high IP rating, which must therefore be airtight and moisture-proof.To circumvent this problem, it was considered to enclose the LED module and the optics in another capsule that would surround both components in their installed position. However, this would then constitute an additional component, which is sometimes undesirable. Furthermore, small animals, such as flies, could enter the gap. If, on the other hand, the module's circuit board is too thin, tightening the mounting screws between the optics and the LED module can cause stresses that negatively affect the lifespan of the components or even destroy them during assembly. Regardless of the problem of the varying thicknesses of the LED module mounting plates, the production of existing linear light fixtures is relatively complex, as the components must be turned and rotated multiple times during assembly, which is particularly problematic in automated or near-automated production.

[0007] Elongated luminaires are known, for example, from DE 10 2016 112 247 A1, EP 2 868 964 A1, DE 10 2011 083 273 A1, DE 20 2016 000 122 U1, EP 2 918 393 A1, EP 2 743 577 A1 and DE 20 2014 104 801 U1. Technical problem / task

[0008] Based on this prior art, the invention aims to at least partially avoid these disadvantages and, in particular, to provide a continuous-row light fixture that maintains the required IP rating even when LED modules of varying thicknesses or power are used. Furthermore, the continuous-row light fixture should be easy to manufacture, especially within the framework of automated production. invention

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is already solved in a linear light fixture of the type mentioned at the outset by the features of the independent device claim.

[0010] In a linear light fixture of the type mentioned above, this problem is solved by the fact that the mounting bracket and the optics are made of plastic or are substantially formed from it, and a material-bonded connection between the two components is realized at a connection point provided between these two components, i.e., between the mounting bracket and the optics, whereby the driver is designed as a housingless driver and only comprises a carrier plate for its electrical and / or electronic components, and the mounting bracket forms a housing for the driver.

[0011] In an advantageous manufacturing process, the luminaire components are arranged, optionally exclusively along a single assembly direction without rotation, in sequence. First, the optics are connected to at least one LED module in a desired optical position to form the optical system. Then, the gear tray is positioned on the optical system, and finally, the driver is attached to the gear tray. The luminaire components, thus arranged in their respective positions, are then bonded together and fixed in this position.

[0012] The material-bonded connection can be achieved in any suitable way. Ultrasonic welding has proven to be the most efficient method for short production cycle times, as it requires less than one second to join or fix the lighting components. For this purpose, a so-called energy direction transmitter or a welding geometry with a material thickness of 2-4 / 10 mm is preferably provided at the joining point between the joining partners on one side. This creates the connection during welding. This enables, for the first time, fully automated production, whereby the individual components, especially those located at the bottom in the installation position, and in particular the optics or the light cover, are joined exclusively along the assembly direction from bottom to top, without the need for individual methods such as gluing, crimping (hot forming riveting or ultrasonic riveting), or melting.Ultrasonic welding has proven particularly advantageous for achieving extremely short production cycle times, as it requires less than one second to join or fix the lighting components. For this purpose, a so-called energy direction transmitter or a welding geometry with a material thickness of 2–4 / 10 mm is preferably provided at the joining point between the joining partners on one side. This creates the connection during the welding process. This enables, for the first time, fully automated production, whereby the individual components, especially those located at the bottom in the installation position, and in particular the optics or the light cover, are joined exclusively along the assembly direction from bottom to top, without the need to rotate or turn the individual components.The luminaire components can thus be stacked on top of each other in the assembly direction and then positively joined together in their respective target positions by ultrasonic welding without any further handling. The described manufacturing process therefore enables assembly in a single direction without rotation or other handling of the linear luminaire, starting from the lowest component, in particular the optics, to the uppermost component, the gear tray or other luminaire components, e.g., the mounting plate. This makes this manufacturing process particularly suitable for automated production. This assembly direction preferably extends from a lower mounting plane, serving as a reference plane, in a distal direction upwards.

[0013] The construction of the plastic mounting bracket and its connection to other luminaire components by means of a material-bonded connection, particularly by ultrasonic welding, offers numerous advantages. This design obviously requires no additional sealing material whatsoever, thus eliminating the need for grooves or sealing channels for gaskets. Furthermore, luminaires designed according to the invention inherently always achieve a high protection rating of IP 65 or higher. The need for fasteners such as screws, clamps, springs, and the like is completely eliminated. Fasteners are also no longer visible, which can significantly improve the aesthetic appearance of the luminaire.

[0014] In particular, polycarbonate or PMMA have proven to be especially suitable plastics for the manufacture of lighting components, as they are readily available, inexpensive and easy to process.

[0015] In a basic design, the device carrier can be designed, for example, as a fully enclosed, essentially planar frame element, which has a central module opening formed by the device carrier for receiving at least one LED module, preferably several LED modules that can be inserted or are inserted into the module opening adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the luminaire.

[0016] This design allows, for example, the use of LED modules of varying heights or with LED boards of different heights in the same mounting bracket, or the placement of a cooling plate or cooling plates above the LED modules, which significantly improves the luminaire's performance. In any case, these spring elements facilitate particularly easy initial assembly and also enable repairs, as they allow the LED modules to be removed from the luminaire housing without complete disassembly.

[0017] A preferred embodiment provides spring elements, preferably bridge-shaped, on the device carrier. These spring elements extend across the module opening in a spring-like manner when installed, fixing the LED module(s) in the desired optical position, preferably extending along the longitudinal axis of the luminaire. These spring elements are designed to fix the at least one LED module in the desired optical position, thus pressing it into this position when installed. This also allows for modification of the luminaire for different installation situations by using different LED modules, provided the spring elements have different spring characteristics and travel distances.

[0018] Preferably, several such spring elements are provided at defined intervals along the longitudinal axis of the device carrier, bridging or spanning this module opening.

[0019] In a further development, these spring elements or spring bridges can also be designed to be snapped into place on the device carrier, thus being designed for retrofitting and conversion.

[0020] By appropriately designing the plastic device carrier, different geometries can be incorporated into it, including, for example, housing walls or housing parts that accommodate, enclose, or delimit electrical components. This is preferably achieved by channel walls, which are formed particularly centrally on the top surface of the device carrier and which can define a receiving space for electronic lighting components. Since electrical components can be integrated into the walls or the device carrier during the manufacturing process, the solution according to the invention is also MID-compliant, which naturally allows for significantly greater degrees of freedom than with metal device carriers, where this is not possible.

[0021] Furthermore, the welding of the components at the joints, or the joint in particular at the joint between the optics and the device carrier, allows for a large tolerance in the system with respect to different thicknesses of the LED modules, which can typically vary between 1 and 1.6 mm.

[0022] It is therefore also possible that the device carrier is first assembled as a pre-product from various device carrier components and these are connected together, this modular device carrier is then placed on the luminaire cover and the components are joined together by material bonding, or all components are connected separately and then permanently joined together in the respective target position by material bonding.

[0023] The device carrier according to the invention can therefore have significantly more complex geometries than a sheet metal component bent into shape, as is the case in the prior art. This also allows fastening elements, such as locking strips or engagement strips, or even housings for receiving electrical components, to be integrated into or onto the device carrier.

[0024] Preferably, the device carrier defines at its lower end (when installed) a mounting or fastening plane that is at least partially planar for arranging the at least one LED module, possibly reflectors, or optics in the desired optical position. Structures extending both upwards and downwards can be provided on this mounting plane, in particular, they can be integrally formed, for example, a channel or a stiffening structure preferably extending transversely to the mounting plane.

[0025] The stiffening structure can, for example, include one or more stiffening strips or stiffening ribs, which are formed, for example, in a web-like manner on the device carrier.

[0026] In some embodiments, the height of the stiffening structure relative to the width of the device carrier is 1:2 to 1:4 from outer edge to outer edge.

[0027] These stiffening strips are preferably designed as longitudinal strips extending in the longitudinal direction of the device carrier to increase longitudinal stiffness. At their ends, these longitudinal strips can be connected via transverse strips, particularly preferably to form a fully enclosed stiffening frame, which provides particularly high stability.

[0028] Preferably, the stiffening structure extends substantially transversely across the mounting plane of the device carrier on the upper surface. Furthermore, the stiffening structure is preferably integrally molded onto the device carrier.

[0029] Fastening elements may also be incorporated into the stiffening structure, in particular locking elements for a detachable connection with a joining partner, e.g. the support rail.

[0030] The mounting bracket can also include reflector surfaces molded onto its underside, for example, curved or inclined reflector surfaces, or even a partial reflector surface that laterally surrounds the LED module. Preferably, these are formed on the underside of the mounting bracket. Preferably, these reflector surfaces are designed as reflector surfaces projecting from the mounting plane of the mounting bracket, in particular as reflector surfaces inclined towards the optical center of an adjacent LED module, the height of which increases outwards from the optical longitudinal axis extending along the longitudinal axis of the luminaire.

[0031] The equipment carrier itself can also be modular and comprise several interconnectable or linked equipment carrier modules. For example, it can consist of just two end modules adjacent to each other at a joint. Extension modules can also be arranged between the end modules as needed, allowing equipment carriers of any length to be customized. This reduces inventory costs for different variants because equipment carriers can now be assembled from end and extension modules as required. Preferably, the connection points are...The joints between the modules are formed in the manner of a miter joint, but not at a corner, rather with an overlap in the longitudinal direction of the luminaire, whereby the overlap in this direction increases from the lower end of the device carrier to the upper end of the device carrier, so that one module rests with a slope at the joint on a complementary slope of the joining partner in such a way that a closed, uniformly appearing structure is created.

[0032] In some embodiments, the device carrier features a module opening for receiving the at least one LED module in its desired optical position. Preferably, this module opening is located centrally in the longitudinal direction of the device carrier, allowing one or more LED modules to be positioned adjacent to each other within the module opening, with their end faces aligned. Thus, one or more LED modules can be inserted into or placed onto this module opening and secured in position within the module receptacle on the device carrier.

[0033] A particularly stable embodiment provides that the mounting bracket, with its mounting surface, encloses the central module opening like a frame. The at least one LED module can be inserted into or onto this module opening from both the underside and the top of the mounting bracket.

[0034] The joining partners, in particular the device carrier, can have fixing elements that bridge or span the module opening for the LED modules, e.g. designed as one or more elastic retaining springs spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the luminaire.

[0035] Another embodiment provides that this module opening is additionally bridged on the upper side by a rib to form a module channel into which the at least one LED module can be inserted from below and above.

[0036] Structures such as one or more steps can now be formed on the inside of this module channel, in which the LED modules and additional components can be used in different positions.

[0037] Preferably, the module channel includes one or more steps on its side walls to form at least one mounting edge or step for the at least one LED module in the module channel, with a further free space above it for accommodating additional components. For example, to increase performance or improve heat dissipation, a cooling plate or additional cooling plate can be arranged above the at least one LED module in the module channel.

[0038] The module channel can thus be designed as an LED trough, i.e., as a trough-shaped, closed recess into which one or more LED modules can be inserted in the optical target position, preferably adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction at the end faces to form longer long-field luminaires.

[0039] The luminaire design can be further simplified by incorporating a channel, receiving space, or housing components into the device carrier, which can also be designed differently in the various device carrier modules.

[0040] A preferred embodiment, for example, provides parallel walls in the end or front modules to form a channel on the upper side of the mounting plane, which may also be higher than, for example, in the preferably centrally arranged extension modules. This channel can serve, in particular, to accommodate the electrical or electronic lighting components, but can also accommodate other components. According to the invention, the device carrier or the walls of the channel form the housing for accommodating the electrical and / or electronic components of the driver.Thus, the driver, often also referred to as an LED converter (LEDC) or ballast, no longer requires a separate housing. Instead, thanks to the inventive design of the device carrier, it only needs to have a plate-shaped carrier plate, which serves as a support element for the electrical and / or electronic components. The electrical components are preferably pre-mounted on this plate. During assembly, this carrier plate can be placed onto the device carrier or into the channel and bonded to it, again without rotating the components. The carrier plate, equipped with electrical components, can then be placed onto the device carrier in the assembly direction and positively connected to it in the desired position, particularly by ultrasonic welding.

[0041] The housing-free design of the driver, consisting solely of a carrier plate, allows for a more compact design than conventional drivers, which typically have a metallic housing. According to current standards, circuit boards and electrical components within the driver must maintain certain minimum distances from the metallic housing. This is no longer necessary in the plastic design according to the invention, thus requiring less overall installation space for the driver. It can therefore be made more compact, or at least integrated into the device carrier, with the device carrier preferably forming the housing for the driver, particularly by means of a channel or groove.This means that air and creepage distances are significantly smaller and less critical than with sheet metal device carriers. To achieve assembly that requires as few tools as possible, the device carrier can include plug contacts for primary contacting (connecting the input side of the LEDC to the power supply) and / or secondary contacting (connecting the output side of the LEDC to the at least one LED module (LEDM)).

[0042] For example, the plug contacts on the carrier plate can include a primary contact for primary contacting on the upper side of the carrier plate facing upwards in the installation position and a secondary contact for secondary contacting on the lower side of the device carrier plate facing downwards in the installation position.

[0043] Both the primary and secondary contacts preferably comprise one or more contact pins configured to establish an electrical connection with the electrical joining partner when installed. This electrical joining partner can, for example, be a busbar with one or more conductors (e.g., 7). The primary contact can, for example, comprise several primary fingers that, when installed, can be inserted into corresponding conductors in a busbar arranged in the mounting rail.

[0044] The secondary contacts can also be designed as contact pins, which protrude downwards from the carrier plate at intervals from each other and, in the installed position, engage in terminals of the LED modules to supply them electrically with the useful current generated by the LEDM.

[0045] A particularly safe design includes contact guides formed on the device carrier, which, for example, completely enclose these contact pins and thus electrically secure them.

[0046] Thus, the secondary contacting can be achieved immediately during assembly via the carrier plate in a through-hole mounting process, without the need for further wiring.

[0047] Some designs include fastening means provided or integrated into the device carrier. These can, for example, include springs that span a receiving area. When, for example, an LED module is inserted into this receiving area, these springs press the LED module against contact surfaces of the receiving area.

[0048] In other embodiments, the fastening means include at least one locking, retaining or clip strip for connecting the device carrier to other joining partners, e.g. with the support rail.

[0049] Preferably, clip strips extending laterally on the device carrier in the longitudinal direction of the luminaire are provided, which have a locking edge designed complementary to a joining partner, which can be connected to a joining partner, e.g. a mounting rail, in a snap-fit ​​and detachable manner.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment, the electrical connection between two device carrier modules of a device carrier, preferably adjacent at their ends, to form an electrically continuous device carrier is achieved by means of plug-in bridges, which comprise conductor pins projecting into the respective component, which protrude from the material at the joint and are electrically connected to each other across the joint by means of a bridge.

[0051] Other embodiments provide a stiffening structure on the mounting bracket, which is preferably integrally molded onto the mounting bracket. The stiffening structure can, for example, comprise stiffening strips extending essentially transversely to the lower light-emitting surface, which in the installed position extends particularly horizontally. These stiffening strips can have a height of 1 to 60 millimeters and thus achieve the required longitudinal stiffness of the luminaire solely through the mounting bracket.

[0052] Preferably, this stiffening structure is formed on the outer edge of the device carrier and is particularly preferably designed as a stiffening frame increasing the bending stiffness of the device carrier, in particular formed on the outer edge of the main plane of the essentially planar device carrier.

[0053] The connecting means for connecting the device carrier to the mounting rail or other lighting components can be formed on the stiffening structure, e.g. in the form of a snap-fit ​​structure or part of a snap-fit ​​structure for connection with a complementarily designed joining partner, e.g. comprising an edge or a projection which can be detachably connected to the complementarily designed joining partner in the installed position, e.g. by snapping it into place.

[0054] Preferably, the length of the mounting brackets is adapted to the length of the LED modules used, so that one LED module or a specific number of LED modules can be attached to a single mounting bracket. However, to achieve particularly high modularity, it is also possible for an LED module to extend across two interconnected mounting brackets or mounting bracket modules.

[0055] It is within the scope of the invention to provide a sensor module for light control instead of or in addition to the at least one LED module, which is preferably identical in construction to the LED module, so that LED modules and sensor modules can be combined and exchanged as desired.

[0056] Furthermore, an optical system for use in a luminaire, in particular a linear luminaire, preferably designed as a continuous-row luminaire with a device carrier or a luminaire housing designed for arranging electrical luminaire components and a light source designed as an LED module for generating a luminous flux radiating in a direct direction of light, and optics arranged in the direct direction of light in front of the LED module for generating a desired light distribution curve for illuminating a visual task, is disclosed.

[0057] With such luminaires, current technology requires the installation of different optics to achieve a modified light distribution curve, for example, to adapt to a changed visual task, such as changing from a highly focused direct light to a more widely beamed light, for example, to illuminate a sales area. This necessitates a large number of optic variants and can sometimes be quite complex.

[0058] This reveals a further technical problem, completely separate from the first technical problem, of at least partially avoiding these disadvantages and providing a luminaire, in particular a linear luminaire, whose luminaire characteristics, i.e. light distribution curve (LVK), can be easily changed.

[0059] As a solution to this second technical problem and to reduce the number of variants, it is disclosed that spacers are formed between a light source designed as an LED module for generating a luminous flux emitted in a direct direction and an optic arranged in front of this light source in the direct direction. These spacers, through rotation of the optic into at least two different mounting positions, interact with the LED modules in such a way that the at least one LED module, in a first mounting position, occupies a first distance to the optic, and in a second mounting position, different from the first mounting position, occupies a second distance that differs from the first. Preferably, the first distance is smaller than the second distance.

[0060] At the upper, i.e., distal, ends of the spacers, preferably at least two differently sized supports are formed, which interact with corresponding recesses of the joining partner in the respective installation position, such that the joining partner can only be installed in the optical target position corresponding to the respective orientation. This can be achieved, for example, by forming a lower, more proximally located, wider primary support and a secondary support that is offset distally upwards relative to this primary support and is also smaller than the primary support.

[0061] The corresponding component of the optical system, preferably the at least one LED module, has primary and secondary recesses on the LED module that correspond to the primary and secondary supports and are offset from each other. The primary recesses for the corresponding pairing with the larger primary supports are proportionally larger than the secondary recesses corresponding to the secondary supports. This ensures that, in the primary orientation of the LED modules, the larger primary recesses can only rest on the wider primary supports, thus positioning the respective LED module lower and closer to the optics. Conversely, in the secondary orientation, preferably rotated 180 degrees relative to the primary orientation, only the smaller secondary recesses rest on the smaller secondary supports, so that the LED modules are positioned higher relative to the primary orientation.

[0062] Thus, by simply rotating the LED modules around the central pivot point, two different optical systems can be realized using the same optical system comprising optics and at least one LED module. Preferably, the height difference between the first and second orientation of an LED module relative to the optics is in the range of 0.3 to 2 mm, particularly preferably 0.7 mm.

[0063] The preferably rod-shaped spacers have a proximal attachment end with which they are connected to one of the components of the optical system, i.e., to the device carrier or the optics, and extend initially distally from the respective attachment end to the first support and then, with geometric reduction, further to the smaller second support and, if necessary, geometrically reduced again to form a centering.

[0064] To reduce optical interference, it is advantageous to arrange two spacers at intervals across the luminaire, preferably at the same height along the luminaire's longitudinal axis, to form pairs of spacers. Several of these spacer pairs are provided along the luminaire's longitudinal axis, preferably equidistant from each other. It should be noted that the spacers do not necessarily have to be arranged opposite each other at the same height along the luminaire's longitudinal axis. Preferably, the spacers are provided on both sides of an LED module arranged on the optical longitudinal axis of the luminaire, and particularly preferably in pairs, laterally surrounding this LED module.

[0065] In this embodiment, the spacers are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the luminaire to prevent optical interference. Preferably, the spacers are integrally molded onto the inside of the luminaire cover, which is made primarily of transparent plastic, thus protruding from the inside of the cover. From a manufacturing perspective, it is advantageous if the spacers are integrally molded onto the optical component. Preferably, the mounting positions are offset by 180 degrees relative to each other, so that the optics are rotated 180 degrees in the two installation positions. This allows, in principle, two different light distribution curves to be achieved with the same optics. Possible combinations include, for example, DA Narrow - DA Wide; Asymmetric Narrow - Asymmetric Wide; Narrow - Very Narrow.

[0066] It is understood by those skilled in the art that the design according to the invention is not limited to linear luminaires and continuous-row luminaires, but can be used for the simple manufacture of all luminaires.

[0067] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and illustrate a specific embodiment in which the invention can be implemented. In this context, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "anterior," "rear," etc., is used to refer to the orientation of the described figure(s). Since components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, this directional terminology serves only for illustration and is in no way intended to be restrictive. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of protection of the present invention.The terms "connected," "attached," and "integrated" used in this description are to be understood as referring to both direct and indirect connections, direct and indirect links, and direct or indirect integration. The figures are essentially to scale. For illustrative purposes, details and certain areas are exaggerated to the extent recognizable to those skilled in the art.

[0068] Furthermore, the drawings may be simplified for illustrative purposes and do not include every detail that might be present in the practical implementation. They show: Figure 1 is an isometric view from below of a linear light fixture according to the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective top view of the linear light fixture according to the invention. Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a cross-section along line III-III according to Figure 1 Figure 4 shows a cross-section along line IV-IV according to Figure 1Figure 5 shows an enlarged isometric front section of the end module according to Figure 3 Figure 6: an isometric top view of a device carrier designed as an extension module; Figure 7: an isometric top view of a device carrier designed as a base module; Figure 8: an enlarged isometric top view of an end face of a device carrier with connecting contacts; Figure 9: an enlarged isometric top view of two end-face electrically connected device carrier modules; Figure 10: an isometric top view of a modular device carrier of high protection class with an overmolded and thus closed electronic bridge; Figure 11: the sequence of a manufacturing process for a luminaire, in particular a linear luminaire; Figure 12: an enlarged isometric cross-section through a linear luminaire according to the invention with an LED module in an upper mounting position; Figure 13: the enlarged isometric cross-section according to Figure 12with an LED module positioned above the cooling plate in a second position opposite the one in Figure 12 lowered mounting position; and Figure 14 the enlarged isometric cross-section according to Figure 12 with an LED module in a recessed position without a heat sink;

[0069] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows an isometric longitudinal view of a light strip luminaire 2 according to the invention from below, in this case constructed from four light strip modules 4, 6, 8, 10, each of which has a rectangular, box-like geometry and is attached to each other at the end face with its inner, adjoining end faces to form the light strip luminaire extending in the longitudinal direction with a length of about 1.5 m.

[0070] The light strip modules 4, 6, 8, 10 are shown in more detail in the isometric top view of the light strip luminaire 2 according to Figure 2to be seen. Accordingly, the linear light luminaire 2 comprises end modules 4, 6 at the front ends and an extension module 8 arranged between the front ends and approximately twice as long.

[0071] Figure 3 shows an enlarged cross-section through the front end module 4 along line III-III according to Figure 2The end module consists of a device carrier 12, manufactured as an injection-molded plastic part, which defines a main plane or mounting plane at its lower end. This plane is primarily designed for attaching or mounting LED modules 14, which extend along the center of the device carrier 12 along its entire length. For this purpose, a two-stage module channel 12.1 is provided centrally in the device carrier 12. This channel is closed, at least in end modules 4 and 6. The module channel 12.1 is geometrically adapted to the size of the LED module 14 it accommodates, so that the LED module 14, with its LED circuit board or carrier plate, can be inserted into the module channel 12.1, with approximately half of the LED module 14 being contained within this module channel 12.1.1 can therefore help to reduce the overall height through appropriate training, because the LED module 14 no longer needs to be screwed flat onto a metal device carrier, but can now be incorporated into the device carrier 12.

[0072] On the upper surface of the main plane of the device carrier 12, a circumferentially closed stiffening frame 12.2 is formed in the area of ​​the outer edge, and laterally offset to the outside from the central module channel 12.1, two channel walls 12.3, 12.4, which also extend transversely to the horizontal plane 12.5 and parallel to each other, are formed, which are somewhat thicker than the stiffening frame 12.2, are offset inwards by approximately the same amount, but together with the stiffening frame significantly define the longitudinal stiffness of the device carrier 12 and thus allow the main plane or horizontal plane 12.5 to be designed as a whole in a more delicate manner.

[0073] In this embodiment, the height of the stiffening frame 12.2 is slightly more than one third of the width of the device carrier, i.e., the length of the horizontal plane 12.5 from outer edge to outer edge.

[0074] A carrier plate 16 is mounted on the upper surface of the channel walls 12.3, 12.4. Various electrical components, such as a control device, are mounted on the underside of this carrier plate. These components project into the channel formed by the two channel walls 12.3, 12.4, so that this channel serves as the housing for these electrical components. The carrier plate 16 is also bonded to the upper ends of the channel walls 12.3, 12.4, in particular by ultrasonic welding.

[0075] On the underside of the horizontal plane 12.5 of the device carrier 12, a translucent optic 18 is attached to the outer edge in a material-bonded manner, its outer edges being flush with the outer edge of the device carrier 12 or its horizontal plane 12.5, and then extending downwards, tapering slightly inwards, to the lower light emission surface 18.1, which is formed in the middle with a collimator lens 18.2 adapted to the respective application, which focuses or directs the light from the LEDs arranged on the LED module 14.

[0076] Figure 4 However, it shows a cross-section through the end of the end module 4 along the line IV-VI according to Figure 2, i.e., where it adjoins the extension module 8. At this point, the upper surface of the module channel 12.1 has two hollow cylindrical contact guides 12.6, 12.7, integrally molded and spaced apart from each other. These guides serve to enclose contact pins that provide the secondary power supply connection for the LED module 14. Contact terminals 14.1, 14.2 are positioned accordingly on the LED module(s) 14. The contact pins 16.1, 16.2, which project downwards from the carrier plate 16 and function as secondary contacts, can be inserted into these terminals. During through-hole mounting, these contact pins 16.1, 16.2 are simply guided through the contact guides 12.6, 12.7 and inserted into the contact terminals 14.1, 14.2 to establish the electrical connection between the LEDC and the LEDM.

[0077] As can be seen from the isometric longitudinal section according to Figure 5As can be seen, a comb-like contact comb 16.3 is arranged on the top of the carrier plate 16 as a contact element for realizing the primary contact of the LEDM with the mains voltage, which in the installed position engages with the individual fingers of the contact comb in individual conductors of a busbar, which is e.g. arranged in the mounting rail above the device carrier 12.

[0078] As a fastening means, the device carrier 12 comprises a clip fastening formed on the outside of the stiffening frame 12.2, which is connected by an angled shoulder or locking edge formed on the upper side of the stiffening frame 12.2, with which a joining partner can be snapped together, preferably formed as a corresponding locking edge on the support rail, so that the complementary locking edges engage behind each other in the installed position in a snapping and simultaneously releasable manner.

[0079] Furthermore, at Figure 5It can be seen that on the underside of the device carrier, reflective surfaces 12.8, 12.9 are formed laterally next to the module channel 12.1 towards the optical center of the device carrier 12, which rise towards the outside of the device carrier 12, thus focusing the luminous flux towards the optical center.

[0080] Finally, in Figure 5The basic structure of the optical system can be discerned, which is explained in more detail in Figures 15 and 16. This coding system comprises several longitudinally spaced, rod-shaped spacers 18.4, 18.5 arranged in pairs opposite each other on the inside of the optic 18. These spacers can have two supports of different sizes at their upper ends: a lower, wider primary support and a secondary support that is offset upwards relative to this lower primary support and is also smaller than the primary support. The spacers with the supports formed on their upper sides are arranged in pairs on both sides of the central collimator lens 18.2 and spaced longitudinally apart from each other on the inside of the optic 18, provided for the support of the LED modules 14, which have recesses at their edges corresponding to the primary or secondary supports. These recesses are designed to correspond to the supports such that they either rest on the wider primary supports, thus positioning the LED module 14 closer to the optic 18, or on the smaller secondary supports, thus positioning the LED module 14 further away from the optic 18. For this purpose, the recesses are positioned and designed with different sizes so that, in the installed position, in a first orientation the larger recesses rest on the primary supports, and in a second orientation, which is rotated 180 degrees around a central axis of rotation relative to the first orientation, the smaller recesses rest on the secondary supports.Thus, by simply rotating the LED modules around the central pivot point, two different optical systems can be realized using the same optics.

[0081] The Figures 6 and 7 Figures 20 and 22 show basic versions of device carriers, which comprise only a substantially planar, closed frame element defining a mounting plane and which has a central, longitudinally extending module opening 20.1, 22.1 for receiving the at least one LED module 14.

[0082] In the Figure 6 In the illustrated device carrier 20 for an extension module, the centrally formed, elongated module opening 20.1 is also bridged by spring bridges 20.2 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the luminaire, which in the installed position bear against the upper side of the LED module 14 (not shown) and thus fix it in the installed position or press it downwards, i.e. fix it in the module opening 22.1 in the optical target position.

[0083] Figure 7 In contrast, a device carrier 22 is shown designed as a basic module with a central module opening 22.1 without spring bridges.

[0084] The end faces of the device carrier 20, 22 can each be electrically connected to each other via a connecting bridge 28, the structure of which is better shown in the enlarged front view according to Figure 9 This is evident. Accordingly, electrical contact pins 20.3, 20.4 can be formed in pairs, particularly on the adjacent shorter end faces of the device carrier, projecting upwards from the main plane of the device carrier 20, 22. Four such contact pins 20.3, 20.4 adjacent to the end faces in the installed position are connected via a Figure 9 and the Figure 6The connecting bridge 28 shown can be electrically connected to each other, so that wiring, in particular through-wiring, is realized between the device carrier modules adjacent at the front in the installation position.

[0085] Figure 10 Figure 1 shows an alternative embodiment of a modular linear light fixture with an alternative design, comprising two end modules 30 and 32 arranged at the ends and a significantly longer extension module 34 arranged between them. The end module 30, shown at the front in the figure, includes a centrally formed channel for receiving the electronic components, with a carrier plate attached to its upper surface containing the electrical lighting components. Instead of a contact comb, a cable 36 is provided for the primary contact. In contrast to the end modules shown in Figure 2, the central extension module 34 comprises... Figures 6 to 9The illustrated embodiments feature a closed module channel or bridge for securing the LED modules. The rear end module 32 in the figure is also designed with such a closed, central module channel, so that the LED modules 14 can extend over the ends of the device carrier modules 30, 32, 34.

[0086] The Figure 11This illustrates a manufacturing or assembly process in which assembly can only take place in one direction, namely from bottom to top without rotating the components. First, the optic 18 is placed on a mounting plane (not shown). Then, one or more LED modules 14 are placed on top of the optic 18 in the appropriate orientation. These modules rest on the lower primary bearings or, rotated 180 degrees, on the higher secondary bearings of the spacers 18.4, 18.5 molded onto the optic 18. These spacers are arranged in pairs opposite the optical center and spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the optic. Next, the mounting bracket 12, which is composed of mounting modules, is placed onto the optic 18 and the LED modules 14. This fixes the LED modules 14, which are linearly butted together within the module channel 12.1 of the mounting bracket 12, in their intended optical position.The carrier plate 16, already equipped with electrical lighting components, can then be placed into an upper channel of the device carrier 12, so that the contact pins 16.1, 16.2 are received in the contact guides 12.6, 12.7 and, in the installed position, engage the contact terminals 14.1, 14.2 of the LED module 14 from below. Finally, the individual lighting components of the luminaire, which is made entirely of plastic, are joined together by ultrasonic welding in this defined target position, creating a material bond and thus a permanent connection.

[0087] The Figures 12-14 , which each represent isometric end-face cross-sections through the light strip luminaire, illustrate the possibilities of arranging the LED modules 14 differently at different heights within the module channel 12.1.

[0088] In the embodiment according to Figure 12The LED module 14 is directly integrated within the module channel 12.1 and rests on the upper side against the steps formed on both sides within the module channel 12.1.

[0089] The in Figure 13 The illustrated embodiment, however, includes a performance-enhancing cooling plate 15 above the LED module 14, the size of which corresponds to that of the LED module. The LED module 14 is, however, approximately 1 mm larger compared to the embodiment according to [reference missing]. Figure 12 lowered downwards or positioned deeper.

[0090] Figure 14 Figure 1, however, shows an embodiment in which the LED module 14 is in a lowered position and is received in the module channel 12.1 without a cooling plate 15, which in this case is achieved by the device carrier 12 having at least one, preferably several, spring bridges as shown in Figure 1. Figure 6The LED module 14 is pressed downwards against the optic 18, wherein the at least one spring bridge 20.2 has a spring travel sufficient to allow the LED module 14 to be used alone or with the cooling plate 15 between the optic 18 and the spring bridge 20.2. Preferably, several spring bridges are formed in the longitudinal direction of the luminaire on the device carrier 12, and these can either be formed on the device carrier or be designed as components connectable to the device carrier.

Claims

1. Elongated lighting device, in particular strip lighting device (2), designed for attachment to a support rail connected to a building support beam for accommodating wiring, the elongated lighting device comprising a device carrier (12) that can be releasably connected to the support rail and has a device carrier upper side and a device carrier underside, wherein the elongated lighting device further comprises at least one LED module (14) for generating a luminous flux that shines in a direct light direction, an optical system (18) and a driver that comprises electrical and / or electronical components and is designed for the conversion of mains power into a supply current suitable for the at least one LED module (14), wherein the LED module (14), the optical system (18) and the driver are arranged on the device carrier, wherein the optical system (18) is arranged in the direct light direction upstream of the at least one LED module (14) and designed for light control of the luminous flux, wherein the device carrier (12) and the optical system (18) comprise plastics and are materially connected to each other at a connection point, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the driver is configured as a bare driver and merely comprises a mounting plate (16) for the electrical and / or electronic components, wherein the device carrier (12) forms a housing for the driver.

2. Elongated lighting device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the device carrier (12) itself is modularly constructed from several device carrier modules.

3. Elongated lighting device according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the device carrier (12) comprises terminal modules (4, 6).

4. Elongated lighting device according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the it comprises at least one extension module (8).

5. Elongated lighting device according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the device carrier (12) comprises at least one fixing means molded onto it.

6. Elongated lighting device according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the fixing means comprises at least one spring.

7. Elongated lighting device according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the at least one spring is molded onto it.

8. Elongated lighting device according to claims 5 to 7, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the fixing means comprises at least one catch strip.

9. Elongated lighting device according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the device carrier (12) comprises a bracing structure.

10. Elongated lighting device according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the bracing structure is designed as a bracing frame.