Sealing collar with sealing strip and light strip system equipped with it

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing sleeve for sealing at least two light strip elements, such as light strip support rails and end caps, of a light strip system, which are adjacent to one another at the end in a joint area and each extend away from the joint area along a respective longitudinal axis, as well as to a light strip system equipped with the sealing sleeve.

[0002] Continuous lighting systems are well known in the art. They typically comprise several continuous lighting support rails, usually arranged in a row lengthwise. The elongated support rails enclose an interior space through which, for example, the cabling of the continuous lighting system is routed lengthwise. Electrical and / or electronic components, such as continuous lighting, can be inserted and electrically coupled to the cabling via a side of the support rails, which is usually open at the bottom. This preferably creates a coherent, continuous continuous lighting system. The lined-up support rails are additionally mechanically connected and secured to one another in a connecting, end-to-end joint area, usually by means of a connector. The longitudinal ends of the support rails can also be closed off with end caps.

[0003] The joints between two continuous-row lighting elements represent a particular weak point when providing continuous-row lighting systems with integrated power-carrying systems of higher protection classes, such as IP64 and higher. Water can penetrate or migrate into the system's interior through these joints. This is especially true because, for example, an operational change (e.g., temperature-related) in the length of the support rails can lead to a gap forming in the joint area.

[0004] It is known from the prior art to design continuous-row lighting systems of the type described above in accordance with defined IP protection classes by sealing the joint areas accordingly. For example, it is known to provide a seal in the joint area, which is usually designed as a soft component. This seal sometimes has an inwardly projecting, circumferential sealing plate in the center, which projects into the joint area and against which the end faces of the adjacent support rails seal during installation. However, this requires particularly precise assembly of the components to ensure that the system is as leak-proof as possible even after installation. Particularly under extreme temperature fluctuations, such a sealing sleeve can still be susceptible to gap formation due to corresponding, temperature-induced changes in the length of the continuous-row lighting elements.

[0005] Solutions are also known where the seal is no longer applied in the joint area itself, but rather where a seal on the outside of the skylight elements extends across the joint area and is sealed with a protruding sealing element on both sides of the joint area. Due to the external sealing system and the necessary spacing of the sealing elements, this solution requires a comparatively large amount of space.

[0006] DE 1 981 374 U discloses a light strip made up of damp-proof luminaires that are open at the front.

[0007] To install this strip light, the individual damp-proof luminaires are inserted with their ends into circumferential grooves of sleeve-like connecting links made of elastic material. A particularly effective seal against moisture and dust is created by the circumferential groove-like transverse recesses provided in the connecting links' grooves.

[0008] DE 36 36 412 C2 discloses a device for connecting cable ducts located opposite each other at their ends. The connector is a molded part with a substantially H-shaped cross-section, formed by two molded part flanges connected by a heat-shrinkable molded part web. The wall end portions of the cable ducts to be connected, facing each other at their ends, are inserted between the molded part flanges in such a way that the molded part web is arranged between the end faces of the cable ducts. The molded part web is shrunk by the application of heat in such a way that the wall end portions of the cable ducts are clamped at least force-fittingly between the molded part flanges.

[0009] EP 3 653 925 A1 discloses a system of a longitudinally elongated luminaire with at least two longitudinally arranged system components and a sealing device for sealing the longitudinally arranged system components. Each system component has a support rail, in particular elongated in the longitudinal direction, a cover, and a device carrier, designed to be elongated in the longitudinal direction. The sealing device for sealing two longitudinally arranged system components comprises an upper part and a lower part, wherein the upper part has a sealing lip. This sealing lip is designed for sealing engagement with the support rail of the system components.

[0010] DE 10 2015 121473 A1 discloses a continuous row system with two continuous row elements that are joined end-to-end, extending collinearly along a common longitudinal luminaire axis. Each continuous row element has a substantially roof- or dome-shaped support rail and a luminaire capsule. The luminaire capsule is locked to the support rail in such a way that they form a sealed contact. At the joints of the continuous row elements that are joined end-to-end, a connector with a central web is provided that, in the installed position, extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the continuous row and forms the sealing plane. Longitudinal sealing lips projecting from this central web on both sides are formed on the outer peripheral edge. In the installed position, these sealing lips rest sealingly against an outer side of the support rails and the luminaire capsule or enclose them on the outside. The connector further has sealing webs projecting from the central web on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the continuous row.A sealing head is located in each of the opposite or adjacent ends of the luminaire capsules. The sealing head has an outer edge that rests against the respective luminaire capsule. A sealing lip is provided on the edges of the inner web extending into the luminaire capsule, which, when installed, forms a seal against the underside of the connector's sealing webs.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sealing sleeve and a light strip system equipped therewith, which at the same time enable a simple, space-saving and secure sealing of a corresponding joint area in a light strip system.

[0012] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0013] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a sealing sleeve for sealing at least two continuous-light elements, such as continuous-light support rails and end caps, of a continuous-light system, which adjoin one another at their ends in a joint region and each extend away from the joint region along a respective longitudinal axis. The sealing sleeve comprises a sealing carrier and a sealing element. The sealing carrier has a carrier part for each continuous-light element for receiving respective longitudinal end faces of the continuous-light elements facing the joint region. Each carrier part surrounds a receiving space extending around a longitudinal axis of the carrier part (which preferably corresponds to the respective longitudinal axis or is aligned parallel to the respective longitudinal axis) for receiving the respective longitudinal end face, at least partially circumferentially; thus, each carrier part has such a receiving space.The sealing element has a sealing ridge that protrudes from the seal carrier in a direction of extension such that the sealing ridge separates the receiving spaces from one another and, in the installed position, protrudes into the joint area for sealing engagement with the frontal light strip elements. At least two transverse sealing ridges extend from the sealing ridge for each receiving space, arranged offset from one another in the direction of extension and projecting transversely to the direction of extension toward the receiving space, for sealing engagement with the light strip elements (thus preferably with a sealing effect essentially in a direction parallel to the respective carrier part longitudinal axis or longitudinal axis).

[0014] Since the sealing element of the sealing sleeve according to the invention has only one - preferably central - sealing rib, the sealing sleeve can be made small overall. Since this sealing rib has transverse sealing ribs projecting towards the receiving space, which therefore preferably extend or protrude essentially in the sealing direction, a large assembly play, thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances can be reliably accommodated despite the small size. Since the transverse sealing ribs are also offset from one another in the direction of extension of the rib - and are therefore preferably arranged in at least two rows - a secure seal can also be provided transverse to the sealing direction. For example, with light strip elements of different sizes, at least one of the transverse sealing ribs can always be brought into sealing contact, which increases the reliability of the sealing function. For example,At least two independent transverse sealing webs also act per light strip element, which further increases the sealing function. For example, the transverse sealing web further away in the direction of extension can take over the sealing task if the transverse sealing web closer to the seal carrier fails. In addition, the given structure with the at least two transverse sealing webs offset from one another can represent a type of labyrinth seal, through which an improved, reliable seal can be achieved. Thus, overall, an easy-to-install sealing sleeve can be provided, which can be easily provided in a joint area between two light strip elements. These adjacent light strip elements can be either at least two or a plurality of light strip support rails or at least one light strip support rail and an end cap covering the end face, or the like.In this respect, the sealing sleeve can also be provided across components in a simple manner.

[0015] The transverse sealing ribs preferably extend circumferentially along at least part or all of the sealing rib. The transverse sealing ribs can thus be optimized according to the areas to be sealed and designed to protect the material.

[0016] The transverse sealing webs projecting toward the same receiving space can preferably extend circumferentially, at least partially, along the same section of the sealing web. This allows a particularly secure seal to be achieved along the defined sections, preferably optimized for the rooflight elements to be sealed.

[0017] The transverse sealing ribs projecting toward the same receiving space are preferably arranged concentrically to one another. This allows for a simple design of the sealing element. Furthermore, the concentric arrangement of the transverse sealing ribs provides a particularly secure seal, as the adjacent areas can provide a redundant or mandatory alternative sealing effect.

[0018] The transverse sealing ribs are preferably designed as sealing lips. They are therefore preferably flexible transversely to their direction of extension or compressible along the direction of extension. This allows assembly play, thermal expansion, and manufacturing tolerances to be accommodated particularly reliably despite the overall compact design of the sealing sleeve.

[0019] The transverse sealing bars projecting toward the same receiving space can extend the same distance from the sealing bar. This allows for a uniform and secure seal, even if the skylight elements are not accurately positioned transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support part or the longitudinal axis.

[0020] The transverse sealing ribs projecting toward the same receiving space can extend parallel to the respective longitudinal axis of the support part. This ensures a secure sealing connection at the end face. This also applies to particularly flexible transverse sealing ribs, which, with this orientation, have little or no tendency to migrate transversely to the sealing direction.

[0021] At least the transverse sealing bars projecting toward the same receiving space, preferably all transverse sealing bars, preferably extend parallel to one another away from the sealing bar. This design enables the safe use of identical continuous skylight elements and a uniform distribution of the forces exerted by the sealing system; this also applies when using different continuous skylight elements to be sealed.

[0022] Preferably, the sealing element extends from the sealing web over at least part of the side of the support parts facing the respective receiving spaces, forming a sealing wall. By means of such an extending sealing wall, an external sealing effect can be provided on the light strip element to be sealed, if required. The sealing element with the sealing web and sealing wall is preferably formed integrally or in one piece, thus allowing for particularly gentle material handling and cost-effective manufacture and installation.

[0023] The respective support part or, if present, the respective sealing wall preferably moves further away from the support part's longitudinal axis with increasing distance from the sealing web; this preferably occurs continuously or discontinuously. Thus, the sealing wall extends diagonally away from the sealing web - e.g., with respect to the support part's longitudinal axis. With a simple production of the sealing element or sealing sleeve - e.g., in an injection molding process or a two-component injection molding process - the inclined sealing wall can thus form a type of demolding slope. The inclined sealing wall can also serve as a splash guard during operation and, for example, deflect a water jet directed from the outside onto the sealing web, thus relieving the load on the front sealing point of the sealing web.

[0024] The sealing element can be formed as a single- or multi-part plastic injection-molded part. This allows the sealing element to be easily produced using conventional manufacturing processes. The sealing element can preferably be made of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or polyurethane (PU). Other sealing materials are also conceivable, such as silicone. Sealing materials suitable for use as inserts in an injection molding process or as injection molding materials for a two-component injection molding process are preferred.

[0025] The seal carrier and the sealing element are preferably connected to each other, either detachably or permanently. The sealing element, preferably at least the sealing ridge, can be attached to the seal carrier, preferably glued, snapped, clamped, or foamed. Of course, other connection types are also conceivable. Thus, the sealing sleeve can be manufactured in any desired manner depending on requirements and the material used.

[0026] The direction of extension of the sealing web is preferably oriented perpendicular to at least one, several, or all of the longitudinal axes of the support part. Thus, the sealing web protrudes inward as evenly and linearly as possible, thus providing a secure sealing system and support for the transverse sealing webs on both / several / all sides—i.e., toward both / several / all receiving spaces.

[0027] The support parts can be formed integrally with one another. Thus, the seal support forms an integral component. In principle, it is also conceivable for the support parts to be provided separately. However, the integral design has the advantage of easier handling and an overall more stable seal support, which is intended in particular to stabilize the sealing sleeve in the sealing area.

[0028] The seal carrier can preferably be formed as an integral plastic injection-molded part. The seal carrier can be made of PP (polypropylene), PC (polycarbonate), PPA (polyphthalamide), or POM (polyoxymethylene). In particular, the seal carrier is preferably made of a material that is as dimensionally stable as possible (especially plastic), since it is intended to impart stability to the sealing sleeve and, in particular, serves as a support element for the sealing element and a coupling element with the light strip elements. Particularly preferably, the seal carrier is designed to be rigid enough to permanently hold the sealing web in the sealing system when installed.

[0029] The seal carrier and the sealing element are preferably integrally connected or formed with one another. They are preferably manufactured using an injection molding process. They can, for example, particularly preferably be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the aforementioned components to be manufactured using a (conventional) injection molding process, using the sealing element as an insert for insertion into an injection mold for producing the seal carrier. In this way, a simple production of the sealing sleeve can be achieved while simultaneously ensuring a secure connection of its components.

[0030] The sealing sleeve, in particular the seal carrier or its carrier parts, can have holding structures projecting towards the receiving space(s) in order to connect to the respective light strip element(s) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner when installed; preferably in order to encompass the respective light strip elements in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner at least transversely to the longitudinal axis or carrier part longitudinal axis or to generally connect to them accordingly. In this way, a secure mechanical coupling of the sealing sleeve to the corresponding light strip elements on which it is to be provided can be enabled. This enables, on the one hand, secure mechanical holding and, on the other hand, secure maintenance of the sealing effect created by the sealing sleeve. This means, for example, that the sealing element can be securely placed in the sealing position and held there permanently. It is also possible, for example, toIf a sealing wall is present, a high contact pressure of the sealing element can be generated and safely maintained on the outside of the light strip elements by means of a corresponding mechanical connection of the sealing sleeve.

[0031] The sealing sleeve can have a continuous cross-section that is open on one side, either viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the support part or in the installed position in the direction of the longitudinal axis. This cross-section can preferably be a substantially U-shaped cross-section. Other types of one-sided open cross-sections, such as a V-shaped cross-section or a C-shaped cross-section, are also conceivable. Thus, the sealing sleeve can be designed or provided in any desired manner, preferably corresponding to an external cross-sectional contour of a corresponding light strip element on which the sealing sleeve is to be provided.

[0032] The open side is preferably laterally delimited by distal end sections of the seal carrier. The retaining structures preferably extend away from these end sections. This allows for an overall simple structure of the sealing sleeve while maintaining an effective design.

[0033] The longitudinal axes of the support members can run parallel, transverse, or diagonally to each other, with the longitudinal axes of the support members particularly preferably intersecting, and most preferably intersecting at a single point. This makes it possible to provide a sealing sleeve that can be used for any type of oriented skylight elements or for any alignment of their longitudinal axes.

[0034] The sealing carrier can comprise at least two or more carrier parts. Thus, the sealing sleeve can be used for any number of adjacent light row elements of a light row system.

[0035] The longitudinal axes of the support members preferably run in one plane. This allows a single-plane light system to be equipped with the sealing sleeve.

[0036] According to a further aspect, the present invention further relates to a continuous lighting system which has a plurality of continuous lighting elements, such as continuous lighting support rails and end caps, as well as a sealing sleeve according to the present invention. In each case, at least two of the continuous lighting elements adjoin one another at their ends in a butt area and each extend away from the butt area along a respective longitudinal axis in order to form a coherent system. The continuous lighting system preferably has a sealing sleeve for each butt area. For each butt area, the associated sealing sleeve has a number of receiving spaces corresponding to the number of continuous lighting elements adjoining one another in this butt area. In each case, an end area or a longitudinal end face of the continuous lighting elements projects into one of the receiving spaces in such a way that for each continuous lighting element, at least one of the associated transverse sealing webs is in at least partially circumferential, sealing contact with a longitudinal end face orfront face of the / this light strip element; thus preferably in essentially axial sealing relation with respect to the longitudinal axis or the longitudinal axis of the support part.

[0037] In this way, a strip lighting system of any design can be equipped or provided with conventional strip lighting elements to provide it with a high IP protection rating (e.g., IP64 and higher). For example, an existing system can also be retrofitted with an IP protection rating. The additional advantages here are the same as those already described above for the sealing sleeve.

[0038] The light strip elements can preferably be sealed against the sealing web or the respective transverse sealing webs with their longitudinal end face or end surface, with a defined contact pressure or minimum contact pressure in the direction of the longitudinal axis or the longitudinal axis of the support part. The contact pressure can preferably be influenced by different characteristics of the components that act as a seal (e.g., their dimensions, relative position, material, material combination, etc.), with the seal carrier then being designed to withstand this pressure. The seal carrier thus provides the sealing sleeve with the appropriate rigidity and dimensional stability, so that, in conjunction with the corresponding light strip elements, it can ensure a defined, sufficient sealing effect of the sealing element.

[0039] The sealing sleeve is preferably mechanically coupled to the respective light strip elements. This is preferably achieved by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit connection. The mechanical coupling is particularly preferably achieved by means of the retaining structures. Mechanical coupling makes the light strip system more stable overall. Furthermore, the sealing effect of the sealing sleeve can be maintained particularly securely and in a defined position. This allows the transverse sealing bars to be positioned particularly accurately, which also allows for greater assembly play, thermal expansion, and manufacturing tolerances to be better and reliably accommodated.

[0040] The or at least some of the adjacent light strip elements are preferably mechanically coupled to one another by means of a connector in order to minimize or prevent any dispersion of individual light strip elements relative to one another - particularly in the direction of the longitudinal axis - and to preferably provide the light strip system as a whole with high dimensional stability. Furthermore, a connector provided in this way can securely and permanently hold the light strip elements in the end-face sealing contact with the sealing web or the transverse sealing webs. The connector particularly preferably spans the joint area on a side of the respective light strip elements facing away from the seal carrier; the connector is preferably arranged in an interior space or on an inner side of the light strip elements. The connector is thus provided as effectively as possible and, at the same time, concealed.

[0041] A gap (e.g., one open to the outside in cross-section) can preferably extend between the seal carrier or the carrier part or the sealing wall on the one hand and the respective light strip element on the other, which, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, tapers towards the sealing ridge. In this way, an effective splash guard can be provided that effectively dampens a water jet directed at the sealing sleeve and, in particular, the sealing ridge.

[0042] The light strip elements preferably have at least one or more elongated light strip support rails. These preferably each have an interior space for accommodating electrical and / or electronic components. The light strip support rail(s) preferably form(s) a continuous interior space for accommodating electrical and / or electronic components. This allows for the provision of a light strip system that can be designed flexibly overall.

[0043] The continuous light support rail can have a continuous cross-section, open on one side via an open support side, viewed in the direction of its longitudinal axis. This can preferably be a substantially U-shaped cross-section or a differently shaped cross-section open on one side, such as a V-shaped cross-section or a C-shaped cross-section. Thus, even standard continuous light support rails can be provided with the sealing sleeve according to the invention to form a continuous light system while achieving a higher IP protection class.

[0044] The light strip system can further comprise at least one or more electrical and / or electronic components, such as a light strip. This component(s) is / are preferably mechanically and optionally also electrically coupled to at least one of the corresponding light strip elements. The component(s) can also extend over at least two adjacent light strip elements. The component(s) preferably close(s) the open support side; this is particularly preferably done in a sealing manner. The latter is further preferred in order to delimit, together with the sealing sleeve and the light strip element(s), a system space that is completely enclosed to the outside and which is very particularly preferably designed overall in accordance with a defined high or higher IP protection class (e.g., IP64 and above).

[0045] Further embodiments and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a perspective top view of a sealing sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the sealing sleeve according to the invention according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 a front view of the sealing sleeve according to the invention according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 4 a side sectional view of the sealing sleeve according to the invention according to Fig. 1 along the section line IV-IV according to Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 a detailed view of the detail Z of the sealing sleeve according to the invention according to Fig. 4 , Fig. 6 a perspective partial view of a light strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention with a sealing sleeve according to the invention according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 7 a partial side view of the light line system according to the invention according to Fig. 6, Fig. 8 a partial cross-sectional side view of the light line system according to the invention according to Fig. 6 , and Fig. 9 a detailed view of the detail Y of the light line system according to the invention according to Fig. 8 .

[0046] The figures show an embodiment of a sealing sleeve 1 according to the invention for sealing at least two light strip elements 101, such as light strip support rails and end caps, of a light strip system 100, which adjoin one another at the end in a joint area S and each extend away from the joint area S along a respective longitudinal axis L. First, the sealing sleeve 1 according to the invention is described below, followed by the light strip system 100 equipped with this sealing sleeve 1.

[0047] The sealing sleeve 1 has two components, namely a seal carrier 2 and a sealing element 3.

[0048] The seal carrier 2 has a carrier part 20 for each light strip element 101 for receiving the respective end regions or longitudinal end faces 102 of the light strip elements 101 facing the joint area S. Each carrier part 20 at least partially surrounds a receiving space 21 extending around a carrier part longitudinal axis TL, which serves to receive a respective one of the said end regions or longitudinal end faces 102. How the respective end regions or longitudinal end faces 102 of the light strip elements 101 can be received in the corresponding receiving space 21, for example, can be seen from the views of Figs. 6 and 7 as well as from the sectional views of the Figs. 8 and 9 .

[0049] The support parts 20 can, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, be formed integrally with one another; thus, forming an integral seal support 2. The seal support 2 is preferably formed as an integral plastic injection-molded part. The seal support 2 can be made, for example, from PP, PC, PPA, or POM.

[0050] The sealing element 3 has a sealing web 30 which extends from the seal carrier 2 in an extension direction E (here in Fig. 5 for the section of the sealing web 30 shown in cross section) so that the sealing web 30 separates the receiving spaces 21, as is particularly the case with the Fig. 1, 2 , 4 and 5can be seen. The sealing web 30 is here, for example, preferably arranged centrally of the sealing sleeve 1 or the seal carrier 2 - for example with respect to or along the aligned carrier part longitudinal axes TL. The extension direction E is preferably perpendicular to at least one or - as shown (cf. e.g. Fig. 4 ) - aligned with all support part longitudinal axes TL.

[0051] The sealing web 30 further projects from the seal carrier 2 in the direction of extension E such that in the installed position (compare, for example, the Figs. 8 and 9 ) into the joint area S for sealing contact with the light strip elements 101 on the front side. From the sealing web 30, at least two transverse sealing webs 31, 32 extend per receiving space 21, which are arranged offset from one another in the direction of extension E and project transversely to the direction of extension E towards the receiving space 21 for sealing contact with the light strip elements 101. The sealing system is in Fig. 9with respect to the transverse sealing webs 31, each of which here faces the seal carrier 2. It can be clearly seen here that the provision of the plurality of transverse sealing webs 31, 32 ensures a secure sealing connection. For example, in the case of particularly thick continuous light elements 101, several of the transverse sealing webs 31, 32 can be brought into sealing contact on the front side. With thinner continuous light elements 101 or a greater distance between the transverse sealing webs 31, 32 in the direction of extension E, it can be ensured that, regardless of assembly play, manufacturing tolerances, and thermal expansion, at least one of the transverse sealing webs 31, 32 (here the upper one 31) can always be brought into sealing contact on the front side with the respective continuous light element 101. For example, the respective transverse sealing webs 31, 32 are dimensioned and positioned in such a way that the transverse sealing web 32, 31 which is not in the frontal contact (here the lower 32) is transverse to the direction of extension orto the support part longitudinal axis TL in sealing contact with the light strip element 101. As shown, the lower transverse sealing web 32 seals from below against an inner side 107 of the light strip element 101, whereby the sealing effect of the sealing sleeve 1 can be increased even further.

[0052] The transverse sealing webs 31, 32 can, as Fig. 1 to 4 can be seen, preferably extend circumferentially along at least part or here the entire sealing web 30.

[0053] The transverse sealing webs 31, 32 projecting toward the same receiving space 21 can preferably extend circumferentially, at least partially or, as shown, entirely along the same section of the sealing web 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding transverse sealing webs 31, 32 all extend circumferentially along the entire sealing web 30.

[0054] The transverse sealing webs 31, 32 projecting towards the same receiving space 21 are preferably arranged concentrically, as is the case with Fig. 4 and 5 can be clearly seen.

[0055] Like the Fig. 1 to 4 , 8 and 9 As can be seen, the transverse sealing webs 31, 32 can be designed as sealing lips and thus exhibit a particularly high or definable flexibility. Depending on the material of the sealing element 3 as well as the cross-section and length of these sealing lips, the sealing effect can be adjusted in a particularly variable manner.

[0056] The transverse sealing webs 31, 32 projecting towards the same receiving space 21 preferably extend the same distance from the sealing web 30 into the receiving space 21, as is the case, for example, with the Fig. 5 can be clearly seen in order to provide the transverse sealing webs 31, 32 with the same effect.

[0057] The transverse sealing webs 31, 32 projecting towards the same receiving space 21 preferably extend parallel to the respective carrier part longitudinal axis TL, as is the case, for example, with Fig. 5 This allows an effective sealing system on the front side to be achieved with the light strip elements 101, preferably installed along the longitudinal axis TL of the support part, or their longitudinal end face 102, as is exemplified by the Fig. 9 can be removed.

[0058] At least the transverse sealing webs 31, 32 projecting towards the same receiving space 21, preferably all transverse sealing webs 31, 32 (cf. e.g. Fig. 5), preferably extend parallel to one another away from the sealing web 30. Thus, the same sealing function can be provided independently of the transverse sealing web 31, 32. If only one of the transverse sealing webs 31, 32 is used for the end-face sealing system, a different sealing function can be enabled above the other one or more; as here, for example, in the direction of extension direction E or transversely to an extension direction of the transverse sealing webs 31, 32 from the sealing web 30 into the receiving space 21.

[0059] The sealing element 3 preferably extends from the sealing web 30 over at least part of the side of the support parts 20 facing the respective receiving spaces 21 as a sealing wall 34. Thus, the sealing wall 34 extends along—i.e., in contact with—the respective support part 20. The sealing walls 34 are formed integrally with the sealing web 30 here, thus forming an integral sealing element 30. By means of the sealing wall 34, for example, an external sealing function of the sealing sleeve 1 with respect to the light strip element 101—i.e., with respect to an outer side 103 thereof—can be enabled or improved.

[0060] The respective carrier part 20 or, as in Fig. 5 and 9shown, the respective sealing wall 34 can move further away from the carrier part longitudinal axis TL with increasing distance from the sealing web 30; this preferably continuously or, as shown, discontinuously. On the one hand, such a configuration forms a demolding slope for easy demolding of the sealing sleeve 1 during production thereof in an injection molding process, such as a two-component injection molding process. In addition, the thus provided inclined sealing wall 34 can serve as a splash guard, for example, of a water jet against the sealing sleeve 1 in the installed position. Thus, the first and here outer region 340 (in Fig. 5 and 9The sealing wall 34 then runs more flatly towards the sealing web 30 in a second, inner area 341 (here, centrally to the right and left of the sealing web 30) in order to continue to serve as a splash guard and reliably prevent the ingress of water and other foreign matter.

[0061] The sealing element 3 can be formed as a single piece, as shown. However, a multi-piece design is also conceivable. Preferably, the sealing element 3 is formed as a single- or multi-piece plastic injection-molded part. This allows for particularly simple production of the sealing element 3.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to a specific number of the plurality of transverse sealing webs 31, 32 per side or receiving space 21, provided that at least two transverse sealing webs per carrier part 20 are provided accordingly.

[0063] The seal carrier 2 and the sealing element 3 are preferably connected to each other and this is particularly preferably non-detachable. The sealing element 3 and preferably its sealing web 30 are particularly preferably applied to the seal carrier 2, preferably glued, snapped, clamped or foamed, as is the case with the Fig. 5 and 9 can be seen particularly clearly.

[0064] The seal carrier 2 and the sealing element 3 are preferably integrally connected or formed with one another, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. These components can preferably be manufactured using an injection molding process. These components can particularly preferably be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for these components to be provided using the sealing element 3 as an insert for insertion into an injection mold for producing the seal carrier 2 using an injection molding process.

[0065] The sealing sleeve 1, in particular the seal carrier 2 or its carrier parts 20, can have holding structures 11 projecting towards the receiving space(s) 21 in order to encompass the respective light strip elements 101 in the installed position at least transversely to the longitudinal axis L or the carrier part longitudinal axis TL in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner or generally to connect the sealing sleeve 1 to the corresponding light strip elements 101 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. This connection is, for example, Fig. 6 to 8 can be found.

[0066] The sealing sleeve 1 has a continuous cross-section, open on one side via an open side 12, when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis TL of the support part or, in the installed position, in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. This cross-section is preferably a substantially U-shaped cross-section, as can be seen from the exemplary embodiment. Thus, the sealing sleeve 1 on its sealing side essentially corresponds to the likewise essentially U-shaped outer contour of a light strip element 101 shown here, with which the sealing sleeve 1 protrudes in the installed position for sealing engagement with the sealing web 30 on the end face.

[0067] The open side 12 is preferably delimited by distal end sections 25 of the seal carrier 2, wherein the holding structures 11 preferably extend away from the end sections 25, as Fig. 1 to 3 can be seen.

[0068] As in particular Fig. 1, 2 and 4As can be seen, the support part longitudinal axes TL preferably run parallel to one another. However, it is also conceivable for the support part longitudinal axes TL to run transversely to one another and preferably intersect, particularly preferably intersecting at one point. A parallel alignment of the support part longitudinal axes TL is desired when a light strip system 100 extending overall in a rectilinear longitudinal direction is to be provided, so that the corresponding light strip elements 101 can extend in a rectilinear manner from the support parts 20. A transverse course of the support part longitudinal axes TL relative to one another is advantageous when the light strip elements 101 of the light strip system 100 are to extend, for example, at an angle to one another. Thus, in such an embodiment, the light strip elements 101, which generally extend in a rectilinear manner, can also be used and then run correspondingly unwound relative to one another.

[0069] The seal carrier 2 preferably has a corresponding number of carrier parts 20 depending on the number of adjacent light strip elements 101 to be sealed. Thus, the seal carrier 2 preferably has at least two or more carrier parts 20. The carrier part longitudinal axes TL preferably extend in one plane, although embodiments deviating from this are also encompassed by the invention.

[0070] With a view to Fig. 6 to 9The present invention is further directed to a light strip system 100, which has a plurality of light strip elements 101, such as light strip support rails and end caps, as well as at least one sealing sleeve 1 according to the present invention and as described by way of example in the previously described exemplary embodiment. At least two of the light strip elements 101 adjoin one another at the end in the abutment area S and each extend away from the abutment area S along the respective longitudinal axis L to form a coherent system 100. For each abutment area S, the associated sealing sleeve 1 has a number of receiving spaces 21 of the carrier parts 20 of the sealing carrier 2 corresponding to the number of light strip elements 101 adjoining one another in this abutment area S.In each case, a longitudinal end face 102 of the light strip elements 101 projects into one of the receiving spaces 21 such that for each light strip element 101, at least one of the associated transverse sealing webs 31, 32 is in at least partially circumferential, sealing contact with an end face or longitudinal end face 102 of this light strip element 101.

[0071] As is particularly evident in the Fig. 8As can be seen, at least one and preferably all of the transverse sealing webs 31, 32 for each receiving space 21 can surround the respective joint area S on all sides, in order to be ready for the end-face sealing contact with the facing longitudinal end face 102 or to be located therein. The joint area S can thus be sealed on all sides by the sealing sleeve 1, so that a secure seal is possible to achieve a desired IP protection class (e.g. IP64 or more). Since the transverse sealing webs 31, 32 protrude into the respective receiving space 21, they can also absorb assembly play, thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances and thus permanently maintain a secure seal.

[0072] The light strip elements 101 can, as Fig. 9can be seen, with their end face or longitudinal end face 102 with a defined contact pressure or minimum contact pressure in the direction of the longitudinal axis L or the respective carrier part longitudinal axis TL, sealingly abut the sealing web 30 or the respective transverse sealing webs 31, 32. This is in Fig. 9 This has been visualized in such a way that the upper transverse sealing web 31 is not shown in section in a state compressed by the longitudinal end face 102 in order to clarify the degree of compression. In fact, the longitudinal end face 102 would compress the corresponding transverse sealing web 31 along the light strip element 101 onto the sealing web 30 in order to achieve a high sealing effect.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing sleeve 1 is mechanically coupled to the respective light band elements 101, preferably by means of force and / or form closure, particularly preferably by means of the holding structures 11, as is clearly shown in the Fig. 6 to 8can be seen.

[0074] The adjacent light strip elements 101 are preferably mechanically coupled to one another by means of a connector 105 in order to securely fix the light strip elements 101 to one another, preferably as viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axes L. In this way, mechanical stress on the sealing sleeve 1 can be reduced, which is then absorbed by the connector 105. Furthermore, this allows the end-face seal to be maintained particularly securely and permanently. The connector 105 particularly preferably spans the joint area S on a side facing away from the seal carrier 2 or the outer side 103 (i.e., an inner side) of the respective light strip elements 101.

[0075] As for example in the Fig. 9As can be seen, a distal end 33 of the sealing web 30 with respect to the seal carrier 2, as seen in the extension direction E, can rest against the connector 105. In this way, the sealing web 30 can be supported at this distal end 33 and thus stabilized overall, which further improves the sealing function.

[0076] As in particular the Fig. 9As can be clearly seen, a gap X can extend between the seal carrier 2 or carrier part 20 or here the sealing wall 34 on the one hand and the respective light strip element 101 on the other hand, which gap tapers towards the sealing web 30 as seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The gap X can taper evenly or, as shown, in steps. This can be made possible, for example, via the previously described inclined sealing wall 34 with its two regions 340, 341. The steeply running first region 340 then forms an effective splash guard. The flat second region 341 continues to serve as a splash guard and also ensures that water and other foreign bodies can be safely kept out.

[0077] The light band elements 101 can have at least one or more elongated light band support rails, as shown for example in Fig. 6 to 9are shown. These light strip support rails 101 preferably each have an interior space I for accommodating electrical and / or electronic components of the light strip system 100. The light strip support rails 101 or their interior spaces I preferably form a continuous interior space Z for accommodating the electrical and / or electronic components of the light strip system 100.

[0078] The light strip support rails 101 can have a continuous cross-section, open on one side via an open support side 104, seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, preferably a substantially U-shaped cross-section, as can be seen from the synopsis of the Fig. 6 and 8 is visible. Other cross-sectional shapes, such as a V-shape or a C-shape, and others are also conceivable. The contour of the sealing sleeve 1 (see, for example, Fig. 3) preferably corresponds to the outer contour of the corresponding light strip element 101, so that a uniform, circumferential, sealing system is reliably enabled (cf. e.g. Fig. 6 ).

[0079] The light strip system 100 further comprises at least one or more electrical and / or electronic components 106, such as a Fig. 6 to 8 recognizable light band. This component(s) 106 is / are preferably mechanically coupled to the light band element(s) 101. Furthermore, this component(s) 106 preferably closes the open support side 104; this particularly preferably in a sealing manner. The component 106 can extend across the joint area S along two or more light band elements 101, as is also shown in the Fig. 6 to 8can be seen. The component 106, together with the sealing sleeve 1 and the corresponding light strip element(s) 101, particularly preferably defines a system space that is completely enclosed to the outside.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, as long as it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims. The objects and features of the above-described embodiment can be combined with one another in any way and are interchangeable.

Claims

1. Sealing cuff (1) for sealing at least two light trunking elements (101), such as light trunking support rails and end caps, of a light trunking system (100), which light trunking elements adjoin one another on the end faces in a joint region (S) and each extend away from the joint region (S) along a relevant longitudinal axis (L), the sealing cuff (1) having: • a seal support (2) and • a sealing element (3), the seal support (2) having a support part (20) for each light trunking element (101) for receiving respective longitudinal end faces (102) of the light trunking elements (101), the longitudinal end faces facing the joint region (S), and each support part (20) at least partially encircling a receiving space (21) extending around a support part longitudinal axis (TL) for receiving the relevant longitudinal end face (102), characterized in that the sealing element (3) has a sealing web (30) which protrudes from the seal support (2) in an extension direction (E) such that the sealing web (30) separates the receiving spaces (21) and, in the installation position, projects into the joint region (S) for sealing contact with the light trunking elements (101) on the end faces, and at least two cross sealing webs (31, 32) extend from the sealing web (30) for each receiving space (21), which cross sealing webs are arranged offset from one another in the extension direction (E) and project transversely to the extension direction (E) towards the receiving space (21) for sealing contact with the light trunking elements (101).

2. Sealing cuff (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cross sealing webs (31, 32) extend circumferentially along at least part or all of the sealing web (30), and / or wherein the cross sealing webs (31, 32) projecting towards the same receiving space (21) extend circumferentially at least partially along the same portion of the sealing web (30), and / or wherein the cross sealing webs (31, 32) projecting towards the same receiving space (21) are arranged concentrically.

3. Sealing cuff (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cross sealing webs (31, 32) are formed as sealing lips, and / or wherein the cross sealing webs (31, 32) projecting towards the same receiving space (21) extend the same distance away from the sealing web (30), and / or wherein the cross sealing webs (31, 32) projecting towards the same receiving space (21) extend parallel with the relevant support part longitudinal axis (TL), and / or wherein at least the cross sealing webs (31, 32) projecting towards the same receiving space (21), preferably all cross sealing webs (31, 32), extend parallel with one another away from the sealing web (30).

4. Sealing cuff (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (3) extends from the sealing web (30) over at least part of the side of the support parts (20) directed towards the respective receiving spaces (21) as a sealing wall (34), preferably integrally, and / or wherein the relevant support part (20) or, if present, the relevant sealing wall (34) moves further away from the support part longitudinal axis (TL), along the support part longitudinal axis (TL), with increasing distance from the sealing web (30), preferably continuously or discontinuously.

5. Sealing cuff (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (3) is formed as a one-part or multi-part plastics injection-molded part, and / or wherein the sealing element (3), preferably the sealing web (30), is applied to the seal support (2), preferably glued, snapped, clamped or foamed onto the seal support.

6. Sealing cuff (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support parts (20) are formed integrally with one another, and / or wherein the seal support (2) is formed as a preferably integral plastics injection-molded part, and / or wherein the seal support (2) is made of PP, PC, PPA or POM.

7. Sealing cuff (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seal support (2) and the sealing element (3) are integrally connected to or formed with one another and are preferably made in an injection-molding process, more preferably in a two-component injection-molding process or by using the sealing element (3) as an insert for insertion into an injection mold for making the seal support (2) in an injection-molding process.

8. Sealing cuff (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing cuff (1), in particular the seal support (2) or its support parts (20), has holding structures (11) protruding towards the sealing space (10), in order to encompass the respective light trunking elements (101) form-fittingly and / or force-fittingly at least transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) or the support part longitudinal axis (TL) in the installation position.

9. Sealing cuff (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the installation position the sealing cuff (1), viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) or the support part longitudinal axis (TL), has a cohesive cross-section which is open on one side via an open side (12), preferably a substantially U-shaped cross-section, wherein the open side (12) is preferably laterally delimited by distal end portions (25) of the seal support (2), wherein furthermore the holding structures (11) preferably extend away from the end portions (25).

10. Sealing cuff (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the extension direction (E) is oriented perpendicular to at least one or all of the support part longitudinal axes (TL), and / or wherein the support part longitudinal axes (TL) run parallel with or transversely to one another, preferably intersect, and / or wherein the seal support (2) has at least two or more support parts (20), wherein the support part longitudinal axes (TL) preferably run in one plane.

11. Light trunking system (100) which has a plurality of light trunking elements (101), such as light trunking support rails and end caps, and at least one sealing cuff (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in each case at least two of the light trunking elements (101) adjoin one another on the end faces in a joint region (S) and in each case extend away from the joint region (S) along a relevant longitudinal axis (L) in order to form a cohesive system, wherein for each joint region (S) the associated sealing cuff (1) has a number of receiving spaces (21) corresponding to the number of light trunking elements (101) adjoining one another in this joint region (S), wherein in each case a longitudinal end face (102) of the light trunking elements (101) projects into one of the receiving spaces (21) in such a way that for each light trunking element (101), at least one of the associated cross sealing webs (31, 32) is in at least partially circumferential, sealing contact with an end face of this light trunking element (101).

12. Light trunking system (100) according to claim 11, wherein the light trunking elements (101), with the longitudinal end face (102) thereof, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) or the relevant support part longitudinal axis (TL), sealingly abut the sealing web (30) or the relevant cross sealing webs (31, 32), at a defined contact pressure or minimum contact pressure, and / or wherein the sealing cuff (1) is mechanically coupled to the respective light trunking elements (101), preferably by means of a force-fitting or a form-fitting connection, particularly preferably by means of the holding structures (11), and / or wherein the light trunking elements (101) adjoining one another are mechanically coupled to one another by means of a connector (105), wherein the connector (105) preferably spans the joint region (S) on a side of the respective light trunking elements (101) facing away from the seal support (2).

13. Light trunking system (100) according to any of claims 11 to 12, wherein a gap (X) extends between the seal support (2) or the support part (20) or the sealing wall (34) on one side and the relevant light trunking element (101) on the other side, which gap, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L), runs towards the sealing web (30).

14. Light trunking system (100) according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the light trunking elements (101) have at least one or a plurality of elongate light trunking support rails which form a preferably cohesive interior space (Z) for receiving electrical and / or electronic components, wherein the light trunking support rail, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L), preferably has a cohesive cross-section which is open on one side via an open support side (104), more preferably a substantially U-shaped cross section.

15. Light trunking system (100) according to any of claims 11 to 14, further having at least one electrical and / or electronic component, such as a light trunking, which light trunking is preferably mechanically coupled to at least one of the light band elements (101) and furthermore preferably closes, preferably sealably, the open support side (104) in order to particularly preferably delimit, together with the sealing cuff (1) and the light band element or elements (101), a system space that is completely enclosed to the outside.