Spring elastic assembly element for elongated ceiling lights

Abstract

A mounting element (10) for elongated luminaires, particularly ceiling luminaires, is proposed for mounting a luminaire component (2) to an elongated luminaire component. The mounting element (10) consists of a plate-like sheet metal part (11) with a fastening end (12A, 12B) on each end for snap-fit ​​connection with a snap-fit ​​profile of the luminaire component. According to the invention, a threaded area (15) is provided as a connecting means for the luminaire component. This threaded area is produced by forming the sheet metal to enable a screw connection of the component (2) to be mounted to the mounting element (10) using a fastening screw (8). A debossed recess (17) formed around a through-opening forms a threaded helix (18) of the threaded area (15) with its opening-side edge of the sheet metal.

Description

[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of luminaires and in particular to a spring-elastic mounting element for elongated luminaires, such as a linear luminaire, in particular a continuous-row luminaire, a damp-proof luminaire or a ceiling luminaire.

[0002] Such luminaires typically have a modular system design with a mounting profile intended for attachment to a building structure. This profile, which can be, for example, an elongated mounting rail, is also referred to here as the base module and is usually designed to house wiring. In such a system, the base module or mounting profile is typically intended for ceiling mounting, for example, using a mounting bracket or suspended by cables. Functional modules or gear trays are typically mounted on the mounting profile or base module. These are primarily lighting modules in the form of LED modules, which thus contain LEDs, but also other modules with additional functions, such as sensors like motion detectors or the like. Depending on the intended function of the functional module or the luminaire, appropriate components are attached to the gear tray of the respective functional module or base module.The components are mounted within the respective luminaire. For example, a control gear for LED modules can be mounted on the mounting bracket of a functional module designed as a lighting module. Similarly, a sensor device, such as a motion detector, can be mounted on the mounting bracket of a functional module designed as a sensor module. The components are generally preferably electronic. Depending on the application of the luminaire, different functional modules are used. While these modules typically share an identical mounting bracket, they each have a different component mounted on it.

[0003] The various components of the luminaire, such as control gear for LED modules or, in particular, less frequently used components like motion detectors, data interfaces for control protocols, or WLAN networks, etc., should be mountable in a modular and cost-effective manner, either directly to the support profile or base module, or, more commonly, indirectly to the support profile or base module by first mounting them on a gear tray and then connecting the gear tray to the support profile or base module. Standard mounting elements are used to attach the components to the support profile (base module) or the gear tray, allowing for the installation of a wide variety of luminaire components as needed.

[0004] A mounting element for elongated luminaires is known, for example from the system that the applicant markets under the name "E-Line". The mounting element is suitable for mounting a component of a luminaire to a luminaire component of the luminaire, comprising an elongated, plate-like sheet metal part made of sheet metal, in particular of spring steel, with a fastening end on each side, which is intended and suitable for fastening to the luminaire component, in particular for snap-fit ​​connection with a snap-fit ​​profile of the luminaire component, and with a connecting means which is provided for the component between the fastening ends, in particular in the middle between the fastening ends.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to propose the most cost-effective design of a mounting element. This is achieved by a mounting element with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. The invention also relates to a functional module for a luminaire, comprising a luminaire component and at least one mounting element. The invention also relates to a luminaire, in particular an elongated ceiling luminaire, comprising at least one proposed mounting element, in particular at least one proposed functional module, and the use of the proposed mounting elements for mounting a component of a luminaire to a supporting component of the luminaire (luminaire component), in particular to a gear tray or mounting body of the luminaire.

[0006] A mounting element for modular luminaires, in particular elongated luminaires, especially ceiling luminaires or linear luminaires or damp-proof luminaires and the like, is proposed, wherein the mounting element is suitable and intended for mounting a component of a luminaire to a component of the luminaire.

[0007] The mounting element should be inexpensive to manufacture and comprises an elongated, plate-like sheet metal part, in particular made of spring steel strip. The mounting element specifically consists of such an elongated, plate-like sheet metal part. The sheet metal part can, in particular, be spring-elastic.

[0008] The sheet metal part has a mounting end on each side, designed and suitable for attaching it to a lighting component, such as a mounting bracket or similar, or directly to the support profile or base module. The mounting end is particularly cost-effective for snap-fit ​​connection with a snap-fit ​​profile of the lighting component.

[0009] Furthermore, the sheet metal part has a connecting element which is provided between the fastening ends, in particular in the middle between the fastening ends, and which is suitable and intended for the optional mounting of a component.

[0010] According to the invention, it is proposed that the connecting element comprises a threaded section which is produced by forming the metal sheet and is thus provided, in particular, directly by the sheet metal part or integrally with the sheet metal part. The threaded section enables, in particular, a screw connection of the component to be mounted to the mounting element using a suitable fastening screw, especially a commercially available metric screw.

[0011] According to a key concept of the invention, the thread for the fastening screw is thus integrally produced from the metal sheet of the mounting element. This allows for very cost-effective manufacturing in as few steps as possible and with minimal material expenditure.

[0012] In a particularly advantageous preferred embodiment, the fastener has a through-hole through the sheet metal part and a embossed recess formed around the through-hole, the opening-side edge of which is formed as a threaded helix and constitutes the threaded area. This solution allows for particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing using a simple stamping and embossing process or a stamping and embossing process on a cost-effective machine tool. In one embodiment, the threaded helix is ​​formed around a thread center at angles of less than 355°, in particular less than 350°, and more than 250°, in particular more than 270°, in particular more than 290°, in particular less than 355° and more than 270°, in particular less than 350° and more than 270°, in particular less than 355° and more than 290°, in particular less than 350° and more than 290°.The thread center is the rotational center around which a corresponding screw can be screwed into the threaded area, or through which the screw axis of such a screw passes when its thread engages with the thread helix. Thus, by rotating the screw relative to the mounting element, and consequently by rotating its thread relative to the thread helix of the mounting element, the screw is screwed into the threaded area of ​​the mounting element. This rotation occurs around the screw axis passing through the thread center. Because the thread helix extends over a considerable angular range around the thread center, but by less than 360°, it can be easily integrated into the sheet metal part while simultaneously enabling a particularly reliable connection with a fastening screw.The thread helix preferably extends around the thread center by more than 320° and less than 355°, particularly less than 350°, particularly preferably by more than 330° and less than 355°, particularly less than 350°.

[0013] Alternatively, a through-hole thread can be used, which can be created as an internal thread in a recessed area of ​​the sheet metal part using a special tool. A through-hole thread can also be produced cost-effectively by forming the sheet metal.

[0014] The proposed mounting element is readily suitable for various lighting components of a modular lighting system. The mounting element can be attached to a base module or mounting rail, or to a gear tray or mounting body (also called a functional module), and can be locked into place.

[0015] In the particularly advantageous preferred embodiment with a stamped recess for forming the thread helix, the fastener preferably has at least one relief cut extending radially away from the through-hole in the sheet metal part. Additionally or alternatively, the fastener can have several relief cuts extending radially away from the through-hole and distributed around the circumference of the sheet metal part.

[0016] For a self-locking screw connection, it is advantageous if the mean opening diameter of the through-hole is approximately 2% to 8% smaller than the core diameter of the corresponding or intended fastening screw for securing the component. Generally, the threaded section is preferably designed to accommodate a detachable and preferably self-locking screw connection with a corresponding metric screw, in particular a standard screw, as the fastening screw.

[0017] In a favorable embodiment, each fastening end of the sheet metal part forms a spring-loaded locking tab for locking onto a retaining section, in particular a retaining projection, in a profile of the luminaire component of the luminaire that is known per se. It can further be provided that Each locking tab is preferably designed symmetrically to the longitudinal center plane of the sheet metal part and comprises a central positioning tongue and, projecting longitudinally, two lateral locking lugs; and / or both fastening ends are preferably designed symmetrically to a transverse center plane of the sheet metal part; and / or the locking tabs are preferably arranged at an angle, in particular of approximately 60° to 90°, to the central region of the sheet metal part. The term "longitudinal direction" here refers to a direction with respect to the mounting element along which the mounting element preferably extends. When the mounting element is used in a luminaire with respect to which a longitudinal direction of the luminaire is defined, along which the luminaire preferably extends, the longitudinal direction of the mounting element can, for example, also be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the luminaire.Thus, when using a mounting element that is elongated in its longitudinal direction in a luminaire that is elongated in its longitudinal direction and extends with a width in a transverse direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction and with a height in a vertical direction perpendicular to both its longitudinal and transverse directions, the longitudinal direction of the mounting element can be aligned parallel to the transverse direction of the luminaire. The longitudinal median plane of the mounting element runs perpendicular to its longitudinal direction through the longitudinal center of the mounting element, which is defined by the midpoint of its longitudinal extension.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the locking tabs of the sheet metal part are produced by forming, in particular by a stamping and embossing process. This can be done, in particular, in the same stamping and embossing process that achieves the stamping out of the basic shape of the sheet metal part and, in particular, also the forming of the threaded section. This enables particularly cost-effective manufacturing from sheet metal.

[0019] In an embodiment that simplifies assembly, the mounting elements can be used regardless of orientation, i.e., in both orientations transverse to the longitudinal direction of the luminaire. It is advantageous if exactly one threaded section is provided centrally in the longitudinal direction between the mounting ends and preferably also centrally in the lateral direction. The mounting ends can preferably also be symmetrical. In particular, the mounting ends can be symmetrical with respect to the transverse median plane, wherein the transverse median plane of the mounting element runs perpendicular to its transverse direction through the transverse center of the mounting element, which is defined by the midpoint of its extension length in a transverse direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. The transverse direction of the mounting element is also referred to here as the lateral direction of the mounting element, and thus the extension length along the transverse direction is defined as...Latitude direction as width.

[0020] To ensure sufficient clearance for screwing in a fastening screw and simultaneously stiffening the sheet metal part, it is advantageous if at least one spacer is provided on both longitudinal sides and between the fastening ends to specify a distance to the luminaire component, with each spacer preferably being produced by forming the sheet metal.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the spacers form legs of a substantially U-shaped cross-section of the sheet metal part and extend preferably, but not necessarily, over a predominant longitudinal portion between the fastening ends.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the spacers provide a distance of at least 2mm, preferably at least 3mm, between the underside of the mounting element and the adjacent component of the luminaire or functional module, so that a fastening screw can be screwed in far enough into the threaded area.Preferably, the mounting element can be fixed to a luminaire component, which has a flat component section extending between two retaining sections of the luminaire component, in such a way that its fastening ends are arranged on each of the retaining sections and press against the retaining sections in a vertical direction with its fastening ends and simultaneously press against the flat component section with its spacers in the opposite direction to the vertical direction, wherein the threaded area is spaced away from the flat component section by a distance of at least 2 mm, in particular 3 mm, along the vertical direction.Preferably, the mounting element is mounted or fixed to a luminaire component, in particular a gear tray, which has a flat component section extending along the longitudinal and transverse directions of the mounting element, wherein a retaining section, in particular a snap-in profile of the luminaire component, is arranged on each of the longitudinal sides of the flat component section, such that its fastening ends are arranged on each of the retaining sections and press against the retaining sections with its fastening ends in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to its longitudinal and transverse directions, and simultaneously press against the flat component section with its spacer in the opposite direction to the vertical direction, wherein the threaded area is spaced at a distance of at least 2 mm, in particular 3 mm, along the vertical direction from the flat component section.

[0023] For particularly cost-effective manufacturing, the mounting element in the fastener has a through-hole, e.g. punched through, through the sheet metal part and a free edge of the metal sheet on the opening side is pre-formed as a thread helix, in particular by an embossing tool, and forms the desired thread area.

[0024] In one embodiment, the geometry of the thread helix is ​​essentially corresponding to the thread of a corresponding metric screw, in particular a standard screw, used as a fastening screw, and / or is designed for at least predominantly continuous spiral contact between the thread helix and the fastening screw. This improves both the mechanical fastening and the electrical contact, e.g., for protective earthing.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the thread helix corresponds to a thread formed from the main plane of the sheet-like part, particularly in a single operation by an embossing or stamping process. Additionally or alternatively, the thread helix corresponds approximately to exactly one thread turn (approximately one helical revolution), which is preferably at least predominantly circumferential or extends over at least 320° and can be formed from the sheet-like part in a single embossing step.

[0026] For particularly cost-effective fastening screws, the geometry of the thread helix is ​​essentially chosen to correspond to the thread of a corresponding metric screw of type M3, M4, M5 or M6.

[0027] According to the invention, the thread helix is, in particular, pre-formed, i.e., provided as an integral part of the mounting element by plastic deformation in a forming process, in particular by an embossing process, and is already present before screwing, i.e., in particular not formed by a self-tapping screw or the like.

[0028] Particularly advantageous for providing locking means at the fastening ends on the one hand and favorable, self-locking properties of the threaded area on the other is the mounting element or the metal sheet being designed or selected to be spring-elastic, e.g. made of spring steel.

[0029] The metal sheet can have a wall thickness, at least in the fastening area of ​​the fastener, which is less than or equal to the axial dimension of the thread groove of a corresponding metric standard screw as a fastening screw, e.g. an M4 screw.

[0030] Preferably, spring steel strip is used as the metal sheet, in particular cold-rolled spring steel strip with a tensile strength ≥1100 N / mm 2< and / or with a wall thickness in the range of 0.2mm to 0.6mm.

[0031] For typical functional modules or luminaires, especially linear luminaires, light strips, or the like, it is advantageous if the mounting element, which is installed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the luminaire (i.e., with its longitudinal direction parallel to the transverse direction of the functional module or luminaire), has a length of ≤ 200 mm, particularly ≤ 150 mm, and a width of ≤ 33%, particularly ≤ 25%, of the length. The length can refer to the extension of the mounting element in the transverse direction of the luminaire or functional module, and the width to its extension in the longitudinal direction of the luminaire or functional module.

[0032] For a stable, deformation-resistant design, it is advantageous if the mounting element has a substantially U-shaped cross-section in the central area with downward-facing spacers as legs. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting element can have a substantially U-shaped or substantially W-shaped longitudinal section with upward-facing fastening ends as legs, in particular locking tabs for locking onto a device carrier or the like.

[0033] The invention further relates to a functional module for a luminaire. The functional module can, for example, be a component of a luminaire that is arranged in a housing of the luminaire and / or that is connected to other components of the luminaire. The functional module comprises a luminaire component, a component, and at least one mounting element. The luminaire component can, as generally explained above, be, for example, a gear tray or mounting body, or a support profile, in particular a longitudinally elongated mounting rail. The component can, in particular, be an electronic component. The mounting element is fixed or attached to the luminaire component by means of its fastening ends. For example, it can be fixed to the luminaire component by means of its fastening ends by being snapped and / or clamped to the luminaire component by means of its fastening ends.The component is attached to each mounting element by means of a fastening screw that is screwed into the threaded area of ​​the respective mounting element, and is attached to the luminaire component by means of at least one mounting element. In one embodiment, the functional module has only one mounting element, with the component attached to the luminaire component by means of this single mounting element; in another embodiment, the functional module has several mounting elements, with the component attached to the luminaire component by means of these multiple mounting elements. In any case, the component is attached to the mounting element by means of a fastening screw that is screwed into the threaded area of ​​the respective mounting element.In some embodiments, the mounting element can also have two threaded sections, with the component being attached to the mounting element by two fastening screws, each screwed into one of the threaded sections. However, it is particularly preferred that the mounting element has only exactly one threaded section, with the component being attached to the mounting element by only one screw screwed into the threaded section. More generally, it is preferred that the component is attached to the luminaire component exclusively by means of the at least one mounting element. Thus, a fixed position of the component relative to the luminaire component is ensured solely by means of the at least one mounting element.When only one mounting element is provided, the component's fixation relative to the luminaire component is ensured solely by that single mounting element; when multiple mounting elements are provided, it is ensured solely by the multiple mounting elements. The mounting elements are each designed as described in the embodiments according to the invention.

[0034] In one embodiment, the luminaire component is manufactured from a formed sheet metal part, wherein a locking profile is formed in the sheet metal with which the mounting ends engage in a locking motion. In another embodiment, the mounting element is elongated between its mounting ends along a first direction, wherein the luminaire component, and in particular the locking profile, is elongated along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The luminaire component can, for example, be elongated in its longitudinal direction, wherein the mounting element is elongated in a longitudinal direction of the mounting element, the longitudinal direction of the mounting element being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the luminaire component and thus parallel to a transverse direction of the luminaire component. The transverse direction and longitudinal direction can be perpendicular to the vertical direction described above.

[0035] The invention further relates to a luminaire comprising a support profile and a functional module according to the invention, wherein the luminaire component of the functional module is designed as a gear tray. The functional module is attached to the support profile. Thus, the component is attached to the gear tray by means of at least one mounting element, whereas the gear tray is attached to the support profile, so that the component is attached to the support profile by means of the mounting element on the one hand and by means of the gear tray on the other. For example, the gear tray can be attached to the support profile by means of a retaining spring fixed to the gear tray, so that the gear tray is particularly advantageously detachably attached to the support profile. More preferably, the support profile has a retaining structure to which the luminaire component of the functional module is detachably attached, in particular by means of a retaining spring provided on the gear tray.In one embodiment, the functional module is arranged at least partially within an interior formed by the support profile. In another embodiment, the functional module is arranged within the interior of the support profile such that at least the component and the mounting element of the functional module are completely located within the interior. The invention further relates to a luminaire, in particular an elongated ceiling luminaire, comprising an elongated support profile and at least one elongated component, in particular a device carrier or mounting body, or also a mounting rail or a base module, which can be attached to or is attached to the support profile and to which a component of the luminaire is mounted.According to the invention, the component is attached to two mounting elements according to one of the preceding embodiments by means of fastening screws; prior to or after, the mounting elements are connected to an elongated snap profile of the luminaire component by means of their fastening ends, in particular by snapping them into place.

[0036] The invention further relates to the use of mounting elements according to one of the embodiments described herein for mounting a component of a luminaire to a luminaire component, in particular to a gear tray (or mounting body) or a mounting rail (or base module) of the luminaire. Typically, the mounting elements are first connected to the luminaire component by means of their fastening ends on a snap-fit ​​profile, in particular by snapping them into place. The component can then be attached to each of the two mounting elements in a particularly simple manner by means of a fastening screw.

[0037] The use of standard mounting screws further reduces costs and increases the modularity of the lighting system's design. The invention relates in particular to a system for realizing an elongated luminaire, wherein at least one of the base module and one of the functional module are elongated in a longitudinal direction. An elongated configuration of a component is understood here to be one in which the component extends along a longitudinal direction over a longitudinal length that is at least twice, in particular at least three times, in particular at least five times, and in particular at least ten times its transverse length and its vertical length. The transverse length refers to the length along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.The vertical extension length refers to the extension length along a vertical direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The invention relates in particular to a luminaire that extends at least 2 m, in particular at least 3 m, in particular at least 5 m, in particular at least 10 m in the longitudinal direction, and whose base module extends in the transverse direction over less than 30 cm, in particular less than 20 cm, in particular less than 15 cm, in particular less than 10 cm. The invention relates in particular to a luminaire that has at least two, in particular at least three, base modules arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and in particular an at least equal number of functional modules.The invention relates in particular to a luminaire comprising a greater number of functional modules than base modules, in particular at least three base modules and in particular at least five functional modules. More preferably, the invention relates to a luminaire comprising at least one base module (also called a support profile), wherein several functional modules, in particular at least two, and in particular at least three, are fixed to each base module.

[0038] According to another aspect, thanks to its one-piece construction from sheet metal, the mounting element can simultaneously be used for protective earthing, i.e., for contacting or electrically connecting the housing of a component to be earthed with the luminaire component, which itself is connected to a protective conductor, PE conductor, or the like. Preferably, the mounting element is thus mounted on an electrically conductive, earthed luminaire component. The proposed thread integrated into the mounting element advantageously allows for direct contact by screwing, for example, using a fastening screw of a known design suitable for earthing connections.

[0039] In general, embodiments of solutions according to the invention may have features that are described here as relating to embodiments of other solutions and / or as known from the prior art.

[0040] Further features and advantages of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures and some preferred embodiments. erläutert. Es show: FIG.1A-1C: A first embodiment of a mounting element for an elongated luminaire, in perspective view ( FIG.1A ), in longitudinal section ( FIG.1B ) and in a mounting position on a device carrier ( FIG.1C ) of a known design for a linear light fixture; FIG.2A-2B: a second embodiment of a mounting element for an elongated luminaire, in perspective view ( FIG.2A ) and in a mounting position on a base module or a mounting rail of a linear luminaire or ceiling luminaire ( FIG.2B ); and FIG.3A-3C: A third embodiment of a mounting element for an elongated luminaire, as a modification of the first embodiment, here in use on a mounting body intended for a support rail (not shown) of a linear luminaire or ceiling luminaire.

[0041] FIG.1A-1C show a first embodiment of a mounting element 10, which is intended for mounting optionally desired components on an elongated luminaire of a known design, e.g. a linear luminaire or a light strip (not shown in detail).

[0042] The mounting element 10 consists of an elongated, plate-like sheet metal part 11 made of a suitable spring steel strip, e.g. cold-rolled spring steel strip with a tensile strength ≥1100 N / mm 2< and a wall thickness in the range of 0.2mm to 0.6mm, e.g. 0.4mm.

[0043] The mounting element 10 has a fastening end 12A, 12B at each of its two longitudinal ends, which is used for fastening to a lighting component, here by means of a snap-fit ​​connection with a snap-fit ​​profile 6 of a device carrier 3 ( FIG.1C ) of a known design and suitable. The locking profile 6 of the device carrier 3 is here defined by a longitudinal axis of the luminaire (perpendicular to the plane of the FIG.1C The internally projecting locking edges of the formed support plate of the device carrier 3 are formed by the transverse direction T and the vertical direction V), but can be provided by any suitable retaining projection 9 acting as a holding section. The longitudinal extent of the mounting element 10 or sheet metal part 11 runs in the transverse direction T of the luminaire in the assembled state, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the luminaire, which is perpendicular to the plane of the FIG.1C is (cf.) FIG.3C analog).

[0044] The fastening ends form spring-loaded locking tabs 12A, 12B for locking onto the respective retaining section, which in this case is designed as a retaining projection 9, in the profile of the luminaire component, in FIG.1C e.g., of the device carrier 3 of the luminaire. Each locking tab 12A, 12B is preferably symmetrical to the longitudinal center plane (section plane of the FIG.1B ) of the sheet metal part 11 and each has a central positioning tongue 121.

[0045] Each locking tab 12A, 12B further comprises two locking lugs 122 laterally next to the central positioning tongue 121, and, in contrast, projecting or protruding in the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal part (or, when mounted, in the transverse direction T of the luminaire). The locking lugs 122 form sharp-edged barbs for mechanical locking onto the retaining section or retaining projection 9 of the device carrier 3 or for engaging behind the retaining projection 9. In the mounted state ( FIG.1C The positioning tongues 121 rest with preload against the locking profile 6 of the device carrier 3, thus centering the symmetrically designed mounting element 10. The locking lugs 122 engage behind the retaining projection 9 of the device carrier 3 in a barb-like manner, thereby securing the mounting element to the device carrier in a force-fit and form-fit manner, whereby a force exerted by the elastically deformed positioning tongues 121 ensures secure locking of the locking lugs 122. A sharp-edged design of the locking lugs 122 facilitates electrical contact with the device carrier, e.g., for protective grounding via the sheet metal part 11 or the mounting body.

[0046] The two fastening ends or locking tabs 12A, 12B are designed symmetrically to a transverse median plane M of the sheet metal part 11 and are arranged at a suitable angle, in particular of about 60° - 90°, to whose main plane H or its central region.

[0047] The locking tabs 12A, 12B of the sheet metal part 11, together with the positioning tongues 121 and locking lugs 122, can be produced in a simple way by forming the sheet steel, in particular in a few or only one process step, e.g. in a stamping and embossing process.

[0048] The mounting element 10 has a spacer 13A, 13B provided on both longitudinal sides and in the area between the fastening ends to maintain a distance to the luminaire component, here e.g. gear tray 3 (see figure). FIG.1C ) to specify. The spacers 13A, 13B are preferably manufactured by forming the metal sheet from which the sheet metal part 11 is formed, i.e., integrally and integrally formed with it. The spacers 13A, 13B form in FIG.1A-1C Leg of an essentially U-shaped cross-section of the sheet metal part 11 (viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal center plane of the FIG.1B , not shown), which in the vertical direction V e.g. downwards to the lighting component, here e.g. device carrier 3 (cf. FIG.1C ) extend towards. In FIG.1A-1C The spacers 13A, 13B extend over a predominant longitudinal portion of the sheet metal part (in the assembled state, the longitudinal extent of the mounting element 10 lies in the transverse direction T of the luminaire) between the fastening ends or locking tabs 12A, 12B. The spacers 13A, 13B ensure a distance between the plate-shaped main part of the mounting element 10 with its main plane H and the luminaire component, here e.g., the gear tray 3 (see figure). FIG.1C ), e.g., at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, as the mounting position in FIG.1C Illustrated. The spacers 13A, 13B extend in the opposite or away direction to the locking tabs 12A, 12B of the sheet metal part 11 and can also be easily manufactured by forming the sheet steel, especially in a few or only one process step, e.g. in a stamping and embossing process.

[0049] How FIG.1A-1C As further shown, the mounting element 10 forms a connecting element centrally between the fastening ends or locking tabs 12A, 12B, to secure a component 2, e.g., an operating device (see. FIG.3A-3C ) to attach or mount the light fixture using the mounting element 10. According to the invention, a threaded area, generally designated 15, is produced integrally with the sheet metal part 11 by forming the metal sheet as a connecting element. For this purpose, a through-hole 16 is provided in the plate-like central part of the sheet metal part 11, e.g., punched through it, and an embossed recess 17 is formed around the through-hole 16. The exposed edge of the metal sheet metal part 11 on the side of the through-hole 16 is formed as a helical thread 18, as can be seen from a comparison of the FIG.1A-1B The proposed threaded section 15 forms a type of internal thread with the thread helix 18. It can also be produced in a simple manner, in particular by punching and forming or embossing the sheet steel, especially in just a few or even a single process step, e.g., in a stamping and embossing process.

[0050] For cost-effective production of the thread helix 18, or for achieving the largest possible rotation angle of the thread winding of over 320° and up to almost 360°, at least one relief cut 19 extending radially away from the through-hole 16 is advantageously provided in the sheet metal part, e.g., punched out together with the through-hole 16. This allows for a longer thread helix 18 in the rotational direction around the axis A of the through-hole 16 and improves a self-locking screw connection with a corresponding metric screw 8 as shown in FIG.1C The self-locking effect of the thread is improved when the mean opening diameter of the through-hole 16 is approximately 2% to 8% smaller, and in particular approximately 3% to 7% smaller, than the core diameter of the corresponding fastening screw 8, for example, a metric M4 screw. An improved and more wear-resistant self-locking effect can be achieved, such that the tighter the screw is tightened, the more the thread of the spring plate presses against the thread of the screw. In contrast to conventional self-locking nuts, the "self-locking effect" thus increases with increasing axial force acting between the screw and the spring plate.

[0051] The geometry of the thread helix 18 is essentially corresponding to the thread of the intended component, e.g., a metric M4 standard screw (coarse thread), and is chosen for at least a predominantly continuous spiral contact of the thread helix 18 with the fastening screw 8 ( FIG.1C ) designed.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the thread helix 18 thus corresponds to a thread formed from the main plane H of the plate-like sheet metal part 11, so that the entire threaded area 15 can be produced, particularly in a single operation, by a so-called one-dimensional stamping process or by a stamping and embossing process using simple tools. The thread helix 18 therefore has approximately exactly one thread turn around the axis A and is at least predominantly circumferential over significantly more than 180°, in particular over at least 320°, as shown in [reference missing]. FIG.1A This is evident. However, a through-thread with multiple thread turns (not shown), which is integrally incorporated into the sheet metal part by forming, is also conceivable but more complex.

[0053] For a thread helix 18 according to FIG.1A-1C It is advantageous to choose a metal sheet which, at least in the thread area 15, has a wall thickness which is less than or equal to the axial dimension of the thread groove of the desired fastening screw 8, e.g. approx. 0.4mm for an M4 standard screw as fastening screw 8.

[0054] The threaded area 15 with the threaded helix 18 formed integrally with or from the sheet metal part 11 allows the modular fastening of a wide variety of components to a load-bearing component of the luminaire, whereby FIG.3C The illustration shows only one operating device as a purely exemplary example. Furthermore, the proposed screw connection also allows for electrical contact for protective grounding, since the mounting element 10 is made of a conductive metal.

[0055] The mounting element 10 has, as FIG.1C The figure shows a suitable length corresponding to the internal dimensions of the luminaire component in the transverse direction for which it is intended, e.g. ≤ 200 mm, in particular ≤ 150 mm. The length is preferably at least 3 times, in particular 4 times, the final width, i.e., the mounting element 10 itself is elongated, e.g., with a substantially rectangular plan in the main plane H.

[0056] The geometry of the finished sheet metal part 11 is chosen such that the mounting element 10 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section in the central area with spacers extending vertically downwards as legs. FIG.1A-1C Does the mounting element have an essentially \ / -shaped longitudinal section ( FIG.1B ) with fastening ends or locking tabs 12A, 12B directed vertically upwards as legs.

[0057] FIG.2A-2B Figure 1 shows an alternative embodiment of a mounting element 20, which is intended for mounting optionally desired components on an elongated luminaire. The mounting element 20 is also manufactured cost-effectively as an integral part from a sheet metal part 21 made of thin-walled spring steel sheet. The mounting element 20 in FIG.2A-2B For mounting the component by screw connection, it includes a threaded area 15, which is produced by forming the metal sheet analogously to and in accordance with the manufacturing method, construction and geometry as above. FIG.1A-1C explained, in particular with integrally formed thread helix 18 with the sheet metal part 21 as an internal thread for a fastening screw 8, so that the description here is not repeated.

[0058] Only the essential differences of the mounting element 20, for example, are described below. FIG.1A-1C explained in the application example from FIG.2A-2B Mounting elements 20 serve to attach and connect a control gear 2 to the protective earth on the base module or a mounting rail 4, which is provided with cable entry points. The base module or the mounting rail 4 is designed as an extruded aluminum profile with a longitudinal groove running along the luminaire (perpendicular to the TV plane). FIG.2B ) continuously shaped locking profile 7, which also forms a holding section on both sides designed as a holding projection 9.

[0059] For locking with the retaining projection 9, the mounting element 20 also has spring-loaded locking tabs 22A, 22B at its end regions, which are symmetrically designed with respect to the longitudinal and transverse center plane of the mounting element 20, in particular with a central positioning tongue 221 and lateral locking lugs 222 analogous to FIG.1A-1C The geometry in the longitudinal section of the locking tabs 22A, 22B, however, each has a downwardly directed spacer foot 224, which supports itself vertically V upwards against the base module or the support rail 4 and complements the spring action of the positioning tongue 221. Compared to the positioning tongue 221, the spacer foot 224 is bent backwards out of the main plane H, so that the mounting element 20 has an essentially W-shaped longitudinal section with locking tabs 22A, 22B extending vertically in one direction as legs and spacer feet 224 extending in the opposite direction.

[0060] In addition to the spacer feet 224, spacers 23A, 23B are produced on both sides of the longitudinal sides of the mounting element by forming the metal sheet, which, however, are opposite FIG.1A-1C have a shorter dimension in the longitudinal extent of the sheet metal part 21. The spacers 23A, 23B have side surfaces that are bent inwards to protect the cables to be laid (not shown) and run in the longitudinal direction of the luminaire.

[0061] To stiffen the thin-walled sheet metal part 21, the mounting element 20 further has two stiffening ribs which are formed on both sides along the longitudinal sides between the locking tabs 22A, 22B in the plate-like main part of the sheet metal part 21, in particular.

[0062] As from FIG.2A-2B The mounting element 20 can be seen in the same way as the mounting element 10. FIG.1A-1C , including the formed internal thread with the thread helix 18, can be produced very cost-effectively by simple metal processing steps, in particular by punching and embossing, preferably in a combined punching-embossing process.

[0063] FIG.3A-3C Mounting element 30 shows a slight modification of mounting element 10. FIG.1A-1C , which, apart from minor simplifications in the design, in particular of the spacers 13A, 13B and possibly the dimensions, has an identical geometry to FIG.1A-1C has.

[0064] FIG.3A-3C This illustrates, in particular, another possible application in an elongated luminaire 1, for example, a modular ceiling luminaire. Two mounting elements 30 serve to mount a control gear 2, as a purely exemplary component, in the upper interior of a functional module that has a device carrier or mounting body 4, which is made of aluminum profile. The locking tabs 12A, 12B of the mounting elements 30 also engage on both sides behind a retaining projection 9. The desired component, here for example, a control gear 2, is screwed to the mounting elements 30 using standard mounting screws 8 via the integrated threaded area 15 and is thus attached to the mounting body 4 and can also be grounded.

[0065] On the underside of the mounting body 4, LED modules 5 of the desired design are provided for lighting and can be positioned modularly. FIG.3C Figure 1 shows only one of several functional modules that can be connected along the longitudinal direction L of the luminaire 1 to form an elongated ceiling luminaire or, for example, a linear luminaire (not shown), in particular by means of a mounting rail connecting the mounting bodies 4 of the functional modules, which is elongated along the longitudinal direction L of the luminaire. The mounting elements 30 enable modular, optional mounting of desired components at any position and are particularly inexpensive to manufacture. (Not shown in Figure 2) FIG.3C the associated base module, which serves as a support rail, to which the mounting body 4 is mounted by means of retaining springs.

[0066] The proposed mounting elements 10, 20, 30 can easily be adapted for mounting on other lighting components. Bezugszeichenliste

[0067] 1 light ( FIG.3C) 2 Component (e.g., control gear) 3 Device carrier (also mounting body) 4 Support profile (also mounting rail / base module) 5 LED module 6, 7 Snap-in profile 8 Mounting screw (e.g., M4 screw) 9 Retaining projection (of the snap-in profile) 10; 20; 30 Mounting element 11; 21; 31 Sheet metal part 12A, 12B; 22A, 22B Spring-loaded locking tab 13A, 13B; 23A, 23B Spacer 15 Threaded area 16 Through opening 17 Embossed recess 18 Thread helix 19 Relief cut 121; 221 Positioning tongue 122, 222 Lateral locking lugs 224 Spacer foot 225 Stiffening ribs A Axis (thread); H Main plane; M Transverse center plane L Longitudinal direction; T Transverse direction; V Vertical direction

Claims

1. Mounting element (10; 20; 30) for luminaires, in particular for elongated luminaires, especially ceiling luminaires, wherein the mounting element is suitable for mounting a component (2) of a luminaire to an elongated luminaire component (3; 4) of the luminaire (1), the mounting element (10; 20; 30) comprising an elongated, plate-like sheet metal part (11; 21; 31) made of sheet metal, in particular of spring steel, with a fastening end (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B) on each end, which is intended and suitable for fastening to the luminaire component, in particular for snap-fit ​​connection with a snap-fit ​​profile (6; 7) of the luminaire component, and with a connecting means which is provided between the fastening ends, in particular centrally between the fastening ends, for the component, characterized by the fact thatthe connecting element comprises a threaded area (15) which is produced by forming the metal sheet, wherein the threaded area (15) enables a screw connection of the component (2) to be mounted to the mounting element (10; 20; 30) by means of a fastening screw (8).

2. Mounting element (10; 20; 30) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the connecting element has a through-opening (16) through the sheet metal part (11; 21; 31) and a recess formed around the through-opening, in particular an embossed recess (17), the opening-side edge of the metal sheet being formed as a thread helix (18), wherein in particular the thread helix (18) is formed around a thread center by less than 355°, in particular less than 350°, and by more than 250°, in particular more than 270°, in particular more than 290°, in particular more than 320° and by less than 355°, in particular less than 350°.

3. Mounting element (10; 20; 30) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that - the fastener has at least one relief cut (19) extending radially away from the through-opening in the sheet metal part (11; 21; 31); and / or - the fastener has several relief cuts extending radially away from the through-opening and distributed around the circumference in the sheet metal part (11; 21; 31); and / or - the mean opening diameter of the through-opening (16) is approximately 2% to 8% smaller than the core diameter of the corresponding fastening screw (8); and / or - the threaded area (15) is designed for a releasable and preferably self-locking screw connection with a corresponding metric screw, in particular a standard screw, as the fastening screw (8).

4. Mounting element (10; 20; 30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact thatEach fastening end of the sheet metal part forms a spring-loaded locking tab (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B) for locking onto a retaining section (9) in the profile of the luminaire component (3; 4) of the luminaire, wherein: - each locking tab (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B) is preferably designed symmetrically to the longitudinal center plane of the sheet metal part and comprises a central positioning tongue (121; 221) and, projecting longitudinally opposite it, two lateral locking lugs (122, 222); and / or - both fastening ends are preferably designed symmetrically to a transverse center plane of the sheet metal part; and / or - the locking tabs (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B) are preferably arranged at an angle, in particular of about 60° - 90°, to the central area of ​​the sheet metal part; and / or - the locking tabs (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B) of the sheet metal part are produced by forming, in particular in a stamping and embossing process.

5. Mounting element (10; 20; 30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that- exactly one threaded area (15) is provided in the longitudinal direction centrally between the fastening ends (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B) and preferably in the width direction centrally, wherein the fastening ends are preferably symmetrically designed.

6. Mounting element (10; 20; 30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that- at least one spacer (13A, 13B; 23A, 23B) is provided on each of the longitudinal sides and between the mounting ends to define a distance to the luminaire component, wherein each spacer is preferably produced by forming the metal sheet and / or the spacers (13A, 13B; 23A, 23B) form legs of a substantially U-shaped cross-section of the sheet metal part (11; 21; 31) and extend over a predominant longitudinal portion between the mounting ends, and / or define a distance of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, wherein in particular the mounting element (10; 20; 30) can be fixed to a luminaire component having a flat component section extending between two retaining sections of the luminaire component in such a way that its mounting ends (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B) are arranged on each of the retaining sections and with its mounting ends (12A, 12B;22A, 22B) presses against the retaining sections in a vertical direction and simultaneously presses with its spacers against the flat component section in the opposite direction to the vertical direction, wherein the threaded area (15) is spaced from the flat component section by a distance of at least 2 mm, in particular 3 mm, along the vertical direction.; 7. Mounting element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact thatThe connecting element has a through-opening (16) through the sheet metal part and a free edge of the metal sheet on the opening side is formed as a threaded helix (18), wherein - the geometry of the threaded helix (18) is selected to correspond essentially to the thread of a corresponding metric screw, in particular a standard screw, as the fastening screw (8) and / or for at least predominantly continuous spiral contact of the threaded helix (18) with the fastening screw (8); and / or - the threaded helix (18) corresponds to a thread turn that is formed from the main plane (H) of the plate-like sheet metal part (11; 21; 31), in particular in one operation by an embossing process orby a stamping and embossing process; and / or - the thread helix (18) corresponds approximately exactly to a thread turn which is formed from the plate-like sheet metal part (11; 21; 31), preferably at least predominantly circumferentially or over at least 320°; and / or - the geometry of the thread helix (18) is selected to correspond substantially to the thread of a corresponding metric screw (8).

8. Mounting element according to one of claims 1 to 6, in particular according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that - the mounting element or the metal sheet is spring-elastic; and / or - the metal sheet has a wall thickness, at least in the threaded area (15), which is less than or equal to the axial dimension of the thread groove of a corresponding metric standard screw as a fastening screw (8); and / or - a spring steel strip is used as the metal sheet, in particular a cold-rolled spring steel strip with a tensile strength ≥1100 N / mm² 2and / or with a wall thickness in the range of 0.2mm to 0.6mm.

9. Mounting element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that - the mounting element (10; 20; 30) has a length ≤ 200 mm, in particular ≤ 150 mm, and a width that is ≤ 33%, in particular ≤ 25%, of the length; and / or - the mounting element (10; 20; 30) has a substantially U-shaped cross-section in the central area with spacers directed downwards as legs, and the mounting element has a substantially U-shaped or substantially W-shaped longitudinal section with fastening ends directed upwards as legs, in particular locking tabs (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B).

10. Functional module for a luminaire, the functional module comprising a luminaire component, which is designed in particular as a device carrier (3) or as a support profile (4), a component (2), in particular an electronic component (2), and at least one mounting element (10; 20; 30) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that the mounting element (10; 20; 30) is fixed to the luminaire component by means of its fastening ends (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B), wherein the component (2) is attached to the respective mounting element (10; 20; 30) by means of a fastening screw (8) which is screwed into the threaded area (15) of the respective mounting element (10; 20; 30) and is attached to the luminaire component by means of the at least one mounting element (10; 20; 30), in particular exclusively by means of the at least one mounting element (10; 20; 30).

11. Functional module according to claim 10, characterized by the fact thatthe luminaire component is made from a formed sheet metal, wherein a locking profile is formed in the sheet metal with which the fastening ends (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B) are in locking engagement, wherein in particular the mounting element (10; 20; 30) is elongated between its fastening ends (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B) along a first direction and the luminaire component and in particular the locking profile is elongated along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

12. Luminaire comprising a support profile (4) and at least one functional module according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the luminaire component of the functional module is designed as a device carrier (3), characterized by the fact thatthe functional module is attached to the support profile (4), in particular is arranged at least partially within an interior formed by the support profile (4), wherein in particular the functional module is arranged within the interior of the support profile (4) in such a way that at least the component and the mounting element (10; 20; 30) of the functional module are completely arranged within the interior, wherein in particular the support profile (4) has a retaining structure to which the luminaire component of the functional module is detachably attached.

13. Luminaire, in particular an elongated ceiling luminaire, comprising at least one elongated support profile (4) and one elongated luminaire component, in particular a gear tray or mounting body (3) which can be attached to or is attached to the support profile (4), wherein a component of the luminaire can be mounted to or is mounted on the support profile (4) or on the luminaire component, characterized by the fact thatthe component (2) is each attached by means of fastening screws to two mounting elements (10; 20; 30) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and the mounting elements (10; 20; 30) are each connected to an elongated snap profile of the support profile (4) or luminaire component by means of their fastening ends (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B), in particular snapped into place.

14. Use of mounting elements according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for mounting a component (2) of a luminaire on an elongated luminaire component of the luminaire, wherein the mounting elements (10; 20; 30) are each connected to a snap-fit ​​profile of the luminaire component by means of their fastening ends (12A, 12B; 22A, 22B), in particular snapped into place, and the component (2) is each fastened to each of the two mounting elements (10; 20; 30) by means of a fastening screw (8), in particular for mechanical fastening with provision of protective earthing of the component (2).

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