Profile device for setting up exhibition stands or shop furniture

Abstract

The present invention relates to a profile device for setting up exhibition stands or shop furniture, comprising: a support profile having at least one hollow chamber extending continuously in the longitudinal direction of the support profile and at least two legs extending continuously in the longitudinal direction; a cover profile at least partly made of a light-transmitting material, in particular entirely made of translucent plastic, the support profile having snap-in means at the free ends of its two legs, each of which can interact with matching snap-in means of the cover profile; and an LED lighting means on the inside of the support profile, which LED lighting means emits light towards the inside of the cover profile during operation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a profile device for setting up exhibition stands or shop furniture. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0002] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved profile device for setting up exhibition stands or shop furniture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] According to the invention, for this purpose there is provided a profiling device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous configurations of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0004] A profile device for installing exhibition stands or shop furniture has a support profile with at least one hollow chamber extending continuously in the longitudinal direction of the support profile and at least two legs extending continuously in the longitudinal direction. The profile device also has a cover profile, which is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material, in particular completely made of translucent plastic. The support profile has snap-fitting means at the free ends of the two legs, respectively, which can interact with matching snap-fitting means on the cover profile. LED lighting means are provided inside the support profile and emit light toward the inside of the cover profile during operation.

[0005] The profile device thus comprises a support profile and a cover profile. The support profile, for example, is made of extruded aluminum and is suitable for forming a support structure for an exhibition stand or shop furniture. When the support profile and cover profile are combined, the inside of the support profile faces the inside of the cover profile, and the support profile and cover profile form a closed cross section. An LED lighting means, partially covered by a light-transmitting cover profile, is provided on the inside of the support profile, enabling illumination within the profile device itself. This allows for the creation of exhibition stands or shop furniture in which the vertical supports and / or horizontal frames are illuminated from within, thereby emitting light outward. This can create completely new visual impressions, even in darkened rooms. For example, the support structure of an exhibition stand can be illuminated from within. This also opens up completely new possibilities for illuminating the exhibition stand or shop furniture itself. The profile device, for example, has a square or rectangular cross section and can emit light outward, for example, from two abutting, perpendicularly arranged sides. However, it is also possible to simply provide illuminated strips on one or more sides of the profile device. Furthermore, the profile device according to the invention can form a support or frame with a square or rectangular cross section and radiating light to all four sides. Naturally, the profile device can also have a circular or elliptical cross section, which emits light outward almost entirely or only partially. The support profile has at least one hollow chamber extending continuously in the longitudinal direction of the support profile. So-called turnbuckles, for example, have two snap-in hooks that protrude beyond the end face of the support profile and are pressed into and secured in this hollow chamber at the end face. These snap-in hooks allow the support profile to be fastened in the undercut groove of a further support profile. In this case, the snap-in hooks are clamped against the undercut from the inside.Such a combination of turnbuckles and undercut grooves is known in profiles for exhibition building. However, the hollow chamber can also be used, for example, to accommodate screw fastening elements, such as nuts, screw pins, or the like. By appropriately matching the light-transmitting or diffusing properties of the cover profile with the emission angle and number of LED lighting means, consistent and substantially uniform illumination of the cover profile can be provided from the inside across its entire surface. This creates the impression that the cover profile itself is luminous, since discrete light sources cannot be discerned through the cover profile. The LED lighting means are preferably arranged inside the support profile over its entire length, so that the profile device emits light along its entire length. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover profile has exactly two legs, the outer sides of the two legs of the cover profile being arranged perpendicular to one another, at least in the region of the free ends of the legs.

[0007] The cover profile thereby covers an angle of 90° and can, for example, be complemented by a support profile to form a rectangular or square profile device, which can thereby emit light over an angle of 90°. The two legs of the cover profile can abut perpendicularly against each other at the leg joint, but the legs can also be joined to each other by a rounded chamfer.

[0008] In a further configuration of the invention, the support profile has exactly two legs, the outer sides of at least two of the legs being arranged at right angles to each other, and the cover profile is provided with snap-fit ​​means at the free ends of the legs of the cover profile, which can interact with the snap-fit ​​means at the free ends of the legs of the support profile.

[0009] The cover profile and the support profile thereby form an elongated profile device with a rectangular or square cross section. However, a diamond-shaped cross section is also possible, for example. The cover profile is engaged by its snap-in means into the snap-in means of the support profile, so that the cover profile can be fastened to the support profile very easily, in particular without tools. Advantageously, the snap-in means of the cover profile are formed as protrusions extending continuously in the longitudinal direction of the cover profile, and the snap-in means of the support profile are formed as undercut grooves extending continuously in the longitudinal direction of the support profile. In this way, the cover profile can be fastened to the support profile reliably and without tools, and can also be removed from the support profile again without damage.

[0010] In a further configuration of the invention, the two legs of the support profile are arranged at an angle of 90° to each other, and the two legs of the cover profile are arranged at an angle of 90° to each other.

[0011] The profile device thus has a rectangular or square cross section with the support profile and the cover profile joined together.

[0012] In a further configuration of the invention, the LED lighting means comprises at least a first LED strip and a second LED strip, each having a plurality of LEDs arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, with the light emission directions of both strips oriented approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0013] In this way, light can be emitted in two mutually perpendicular directions, for example, in the direction of the first leg of the cover profile and in the direction of the second leg of the cover profile, with both legs arranged at a 90° angle to each other. This allows for extremely uniform illumination of the cover profile. The center line of the emission cone or emission angle is considered to be the light emission direction. In the case of multiple LEDs aligned to each other to form an LED strip, the center lines of the emission cones of multiple LEDs arranged behind each other also align. This determines the light emission direction of the LED strip. Nearly perpendicular means an angle of 85°-95°, specifically 90°.

[0014] In a further configuration of the present invention, a third LED strip is provided having a plurality of LEDs arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, the light emission direction of the third LED strip being oriented at an angle of approximately 45°, in particular 40° to 50°, with respect to the light emission direction of the first LED strip and with respect to the light emission direction of the second LED strip.

[0015] In this way, an angular range of 90° or even slightly more than 90° can be uniformly illuminated. For example, the light emission direction of the first LED strip is oriented perpendicular to the first leg of the cover profile, the light emission direction of the second LED strip is oriented perpendicular to the second leg of the cover profile, and the light emission direction of the third LED strip is directed toward the junction of the first and second legs of the cover profile. In this way, extremely uniform illumination of the cover profile can be achieved, and in particular, when a translucent cover profile is used, the impression that the cover profile emits light over its entire surface can be achieved, since the individual light sources cannot be recognized from outside the profile device.

[0016] In a further configuration of the invention, multiple strips with multiple LEDs arranged longitudinally one behind the other are arranged on a common flexible substrate.

[0017] In this way, not only the spacing between the individual LEDs in the longitudinal direction but also the spacing between the individual LEDs in the lateral direction can be accurately maintained. This significantly simplifies the assembly of the profile device according to the present invention. Because the base is flexible, the individual LED strips can be arranged at different angles relative to one another without having to worry about the spacing between the individual LEDs in the lateral direction changing over the length of the LED strip. It is advantageous to provide a modular structure and to design the base so that it can be cut at predetermined intervals, for example, 4 cm apart, without impairing the electrical connection and thus the operating capability of the LEDs on the uncut portions.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support profile has fastening surfaces for the LEDs, the fastening surfaces being at least partially arranged at an angle to one another.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support profile has fastening surfaces for the LEDs, which are arranged on surfaces that are curved and extend continuously in the longitudinal direction of the support profile.

[0020] In a further configuration of the invention, the legs of the support profile each taper towards their free ends.

[0021] In this way, the free ends of the legs of the support profile only create a small shading in the connection area with the cover profile. Advantageously, the inside of the legs is designed in such a way that light impinging on the inside of the legs is reflected back towards the inside of the cover profile.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the legs of the support profile curve inwardly towards the free end.

[0023] Advantageously, the legs of the support profile are curved convexly towards the inside of the cover profile with their inner sides facing the inside of the cover profile, so that light impinging on the legs of the support profile can be reflected towards the cover profile.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the legs of the support profile are mirror-polished, polished or white-painted on the inside.

[0025] In this way, a very good reflection can be obtained. If a diffuse reflection is desired, for example, a slightly rough, but still reflective, surface can be provided on the inside.

[0026] In a further configuration of the invention, the cover profile is integrally formed from translucent polycarbonate.

[0027] Translucent polycarbonate is light-transmitting to a certain extent. However, no objects can be discerned through it. Therefore, a polycarbonate cover profile illuminated from the inside evokes the impression of uniform self-illumination across its entire surface, without discontinuous LEDs being visible. Furthermore, polycarbonate can be easily manufactured, for example, by extrusion or pultrusion, and is sufficiently strong, elastic, and impact-resistant to be easily connected to the support profile, for example, by snap-fitting.

[0028] In a further configuration of the invention, the free ends of the two legs of the support profile are each provided with a groove into which the free ends of the two legs of the cover profile can be fitted.

[0029] To ensure a reliable anchoring of the cover profile, the grooves are preferably undercut into the free ends of the legs of the support profile, which for this purpose preferably have rail-shaped projections that run continuously in the longitudinal direction of the cover profile and are fitted into the undercut grooves of the support profile.

[0030] In a further configuration of the invention, the continuously extending hollow chamber of the support profile has an octagonal cross section.

[0031] The hollow chamber with an octagonal cross section allows the turnbuckle to be inserted in at least two mutually perpendicular orientations, and possibly even in two mutually perpendicular positions and positions inclined by 45° to these positions.

[0032] In a further configuration of the invention, the outer sides of the two legs of the support profile are each provided with at least one undercut groove.

[0033] Such an undercut groove serves to connect a further profile device perpendicular to the first profile device. The turnbuckle engages into the undercut groove and reliably connects the end face of the perpendicular profile device with the first profile device.

[0034] In a further configuration of the invention, the voltage supply and / or control unit for the LED lighting means is pressed into a hollow chamber of the support profile.

[0035] In this way, the voltage supply and / or control unit can be accommodated within the profile device itself, so that, for example, only one thin cable needs to be guided away from the profile device. Naturally, it is also possible to arrange the energy storage within the profile device. However, such an embodiment is usually only suitable for short-term operation of the LED lighting means.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the invention, the voltage supply and / or the control unit are arranged in a milled recess in the support profile. For example, a hollow chamber extending continuously in the longitudinal direction in the support profile is milled open on its side. This milling allows the voltage supply and / or the control unit to be placed and fixed in the support profile very easily. To replace the voltage supply and / or the control unit, the profile device does not need to be accessed from its end side. In this way, the voltage supply and / or the control unit can be replaced even in the assembled and closed state of the profile device. This allows the voltage supply and / or the control unit to be replaced by simply removing the cover profile.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, the profile device has a vertical support and a horizontal frame, both of which are formed by a support profile and a cover profile, respectively.

[0038] In this way, the entire support structure of, for example, an exhibition stand or shop furniture can be made self-illuminating.

[0039] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings. The individual features of the different embodiments described in the description and shown in the drawings can be combined with one another in any way without going beyond the scope of the invention. This also applies to combinations of individual features that are shown and described in conjunction with additional individual features, but do not include such additional individual features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a support profile for a profile device according to the invention in a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 shows a profile device according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 with a support profile and a cover profile. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the profile devices according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a mutually extended state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a first cross-sectional view of the profile device of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a second cross-sectional view of the profile device of FIG. 3 at another longitudinal position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a partial view of a profile device according to the invention with two horizontal frames and one vertical support. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a number of front views of different embodiments of the profile device according to the invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a front view of a support profile for a profile device according to the invention according to a further embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the profile device of FIG. 8 with a cover profile and LED lighting means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a support profile 10 for a profile device according to the present invention. The support profile 10 has a first leg 12 and a second leg 14. The outer sides of the legs 12, 14, located at the left or bottom of FIG. 1, are arranged perpendicular to each other. Undercut grooves 16, 18 are located on both sides of the outer side of each leg, approximately in the center. The cross section of the support profile 10 visible in FIG. 1 extends continuously in the longitudinal direction of the support profile. The support profile 10 includes a hollow chamber 20 having a substantially octagonal cross section. This hollow chamber 20 extends continuously in the longitudinal direction of the hollow profile, and a turnbuckle 22 is located within the hollow chamber. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the turnbuckle 22 can be inserted into the hollow chamber 20 not only in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 but also in an orientation perpendicular to this orientation. The turnbuckle 22 has a restraining hook 24 that extends beyond the end face of the turnbuckle. The hook 24 of another turnbuckle inserted into another support profile 100 can be seen in the groove 18 in FIG. 1. The eccentric device allows the hook 24 to be retracted. To fix the support profile 100 perpendicularly to the support profile 10, the turnbuckle is inserted into the hollow chamber of the support profile 100 and pressed against the outside of the leg 14 of the support profile 10 until the hook 24 engages from behind in the undercut in the groove 18. The eccentric device of the turnbuckle is then operated and moved beyond the dead point. The hook 24 now securely holds the support profile 100 to the support profile 10. This possibility of fixing support profiles to each other by means of turnbuckles 22 is well known.

[0042] The support profile 10 has further hollow chambers extending continuously in the longitudinal direction, which may be provided for static reasons or serve to push in or insert voltage supply and control units, as will be explained further.

[0043] The support profile 10 has a central element 26 on its inside. The hollow chamber 20, with an octagonal cross section, is located within the central element. The transitions from the central element 26 to the legs 12 and 14 are each provided with an undercut groove 28 or 30 on one side. Turnbuckles or other functional components can be fastened in these undercut grooves 28, 30, but current cables, for example, can also be inserted into these grooves. The central element 26 connects the inner sides of the legs 12, 14 and ensures that the support profile 10 can withstand high mechanical loads, allowing the installation of large exhibition stands, and in general, support structures.

[0044] The free end of the leg 12 is provided with an undercut groove 32, and the free end of the leg 14 is provided with an undercut groove 34. The grooves 32, 34 are identical to each other and extend continuously in the longitudinal direction of the support profile 10. The undercuts of the grooves 32, 34 are thinner and have a rounded, chamfered contour. The grooves 32, 34 are provided for the attachment of a cover profile. See Figure 2.

[0045] The inside of the legs 12, 34 are tapered in their end regions 36, 38, respectively. The taper is achieved by extending the inside of the legs in a convex curve toward the end. The curve is directed away from the outside of the respective legs 12, 14. As will be explained further, this not only provides a tapered leg, but also causes light impinging on the curved regions 36, 38 to be reflected toward the cover profile. See FIG. 2.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a profile device 40, which includes the support profile 10 already described with reference to FIG. 1 and a cover profile 50 placed on the support profile 10. The cover profile 50 has two legs that are arranged perpendicular to each other and flat on their outer sides. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 2, where the support profile 10 and the cover profile 50 are connected to each other, the profile device 40 has a square, or generally rectangular, cross section. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the free ends of the legs of the cover profile 50 rest on the free ends of the legs 12, 14 of the support profile 10. The cover profile 50 is made of translucent plastic, specifically translucent polycarbonate, and is illuminated from the inside. Therefore, when viewed from above and from the right in FIG. 2, the entire upper and right sides of the profile device 40 appear self-illuminating.

[0047] To illuminate the cover profile 50 from the inside, LED lighting means are arranged inside the support profile 10 in the form of three LED strips 52, 54, 56. These LED strips are arranged on a common, flexible substrate 58. Each of the LED strips 52, 54, 56 comprises several LEDs 60 arranged one after the other. In Fig. 2, only one LED 60 can be seen in each of the LED strips 52, 54, 56.

[0048] Each of the plurality of LEDs 60 is indicated by a dot-dash line with a light emission direction 62, 64, or 66. It can be seen that the light emission direction 62 of the first LED strip 52 is oriented perpendicular to the light emission direction 66 of the second LED strip 56. The light emission direction 62 of the first LED strip 60 is oriented perpendicular to the legs of the cover profile 50. The light emission direction 62 consequently impinges perpendicularly on the inside of the first leg of the cover profile 50, which is located on the upper side in FIG. 2 .

[0049] The light emission direction 66 of the second LED strip 56 is oriented perpendicular to the second leg of the cover profile 50, which is positioned to the right in Fig. 2. The light emission direction 66 of the second LED strip 56 therefore acts perpendicularly on the inside of the second leg of the cover profile 50. The LEDs 60 each have an emission angle indicated by dashed lines. The light emission directions 62, 64, 66 each form a bisector of the emission angle.

[0050] The light emission direction 64 of the third LED strip 54 is oriented at a 45° angle with respect to the light emission direction 62 of the first LED strip 52 and at a 45° angle with respect to the light emission direction 66 of the second LED strip 56. The light emission direction 64 of the third LED strip 54 is consequently positioned at a 45° angle with respect to the first and second legs of the cover profile 50.

[0051] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the third LED strip is provided to illuminate the corner areas of the cover profile 50, the first LED strip 52 is provided to illuminate the legs of the cover profile located at the top in FIG. 2, and the third LED strip 56 is provided to illuminate the legs of the cover profile 50 located at the right in FIG. 2.

[0052] As can also be seen in Figure 2, the curved region 36 at the free end of the first leg 12 of the support profile 10 defines only a very small area of ​​the free end of the leg of the cover profile 50 that is located at the top in Figure 2. Similarly, the curved region 38 at the free end of the second leg 14 of the support profile 10 defines only a very small area of ​​the free end of the leg of the cover profile 50 that is located at the right in Figure 2.

[0053] To fasten the three LED strips 52, 54, 56, a flexible substrate 58 is placed on the inner curved or at least bent surface of the support profile 10 and fastened, for example adhesively fastened. The LED strips 52, 54, 56 are thereby automatically oriented in the described manner. The curved fastening surface for the substrate 58, or the fastening surface for the substrate 58 with several portions arranged at an angle to one another, simultaneously forms part of the exterior of the octagonal hollow chamber 20 of the support profile 10.

[0054] Figure 3 shows the profile device 40 of Figure 2 pulled out from one another. The support profile 10 has two legs 12, 14. Only a short section of the cover profile 50 is shown. As can be seen in Figure 2, the cover profile 50 is placed on the support profile 10 as indicated by the arrows and then snapped onto this support profile. Three LED strips 52, 54, 56 are arranged on a common base 58 and are fixed to the inside of the support profile 10.

[0055] An electrical energy supply 70 is provided for operating the LED lighting means. A control unit 72 is provided for controlling the LED lighting means. A connecting cable 74 is provided for supplying electrical energy to the energy supply 70. The connecting cable 74 is, of course, connected to the energy supply 70 during operation; this is not shown for the sake of simplicity. The connecting cable may also be connected, for example, to an electrical supply network or to an accumulator. Likewise, the LED lighting means 52, 54, 56 are, of course, connected to the control unit 72 and the energy supply 70 via conductor tracks on the common base 58 and via cables, not shown.

[0056] To allow the energy supply 70 and the control unit 72 to be arranged inside the support profile 10, rectangular milled cutouts 76 are provided on the inside of the support profile 10. These milled cutouts 76 (see also FIG. 5 ) open two hollow chambers in the support profile 10 over a predetermined length. As shown by the arrows, the energy supply 70 and the control unit 72 can thereby be inserted into these hollow chambers of the support profile 10. The connecting cable 74 is routed out from one or both end faces of the support profile 10. If the connecting cable 74 has to be routed, for example bent, in order to be guided into an adjacent profile device, U-shaped clips 78 are inserted into the respective end faces of the support profile 10 and serve as cable protection.

[0057] To hold the energy supply 70 and the control unit 72 inside the hollow chamber of the support profile 10, a closure profile 80 is provided. The length and width of the closure profile 80 are adapted to the milled cutouts 76. Sliding bolts 82 are provided at both ends of the closure profile 80. The sliding bolts hold the closure profile 80 in place on the support profile 10. This ensures that the closure profile 80 also holds the energy supply 70 and the control unit 72 securely within the support profile 10. The control unit 72 serves, for example, to control the light intensity of the LED lighting means or the color of the LED lighting means 60. The control unit 72 can be controlled from outside the profile device 40, for example by wireless remote control.

[0058] The control unit 72 may be suitably configured to effect a change in the light intensity or a change in colour of the LED lighting means, for example automatically.

[0059] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the support profile 10 and the cover profile 50 of the profile device 40 of Figure 3 in the region of the end located at the bottom left in Figure 3. In this region, a cutout is provided in the support profile 10 for leading out the connecting cable 74 (see Figure 3) from the hollow chamber of the support profile 10.

[0060] 5 shows a further cross-section of the profile device 40, with a closure profile 80 placed on the milled cutout 76. The closure profile 80 is fastened to the support profile 10 by means of sliding bolts 82, thereby holding the energy supply 70 and the control unit 72 (not shown) in the support profile 10. Through the milled cutout 76, the hollow chamber of the support profile can be accessed from the side.

[0061] 4 and 5, the snap-fit ​​lugs provided at the free ends of the legs of the cover profile 50 which snap into the undercut grooves in the free ends of the legs of the support profile 10 can be clearly seen.

[0062] 4 and 5, a flexible substrate 58 carrying three LED strips 52, 54, 56 can also be seen.

[0063] Figure 6 shows three support profiles 10A, 10B and 10C, each equipped with an LED lighting means. In Figure 6, only the support profiles 10A and 10B are equipped with one cover profile 50A and 50B, respectively. Of course, a cover profile (not shown) can also be fastened onto the support profile 10B in Figure 6.

[0064] The support profile 10B is arranged vertically and forms part of a support, while the two support profiles 10A and 10C are arranged horizontally and each form part of a horizontal frame.

[0065] One turnbuckle 22 can be seen in each of the support profiles 10A, 10C. The turnbuckle protrudes beyond the end face of the respective support profile 10A, 10C and serves to connect the support profiles 10A, 10C with the support profile 10B. For this purpose, the hook of the turnbuckle 22 of the support profile 10A is introduced into the undercut groove 16 on the outside of the support profile 10B and snaps into place, and the hook of the turnbuckle 22 of the support profile 10C is introduced into the undercut groove 18 on the outside of the other leg of the support profile 10B and snaps into place. The eccentric devices of the turnbuckles 22 are operated from the rearward-oriented outside of the support profiles 10A, 10C through openings in the support profiles.

[0066] 6 allows uniform illumination of the two outer surfaces of the cover profile 50a, the two outer surfaces of the cover profile 50c, and the two outer surfaces of the cover profile (not shown) on which the support profile 10B rests, resulting in spatial corners from which light is emitted by one vertical support and two horizontal frames.

[0067] In FIG. 6 it can also be seen how the connecting cables 74 are led out from the support profiles 10A, 10B, 10C.

[0068] Figure 7 shows various embodiments of the profile device according to the invention. Figure 7a shows a support profile 102. The support profile is constructed identically to the support profile 10, except that the undercut grooves 28, 30 (compare Figure 1) are absent, and is provided with a cover profile 104. Two perpendicularly arranged legs of the cover profile are connected by a rounded chamfered area 106.

[0069] FIG. 7b shows the profile device 40 of FIG.

[0070] 7c shows support profile 108. Support profile 108 is configured slightly differently to support profile 10.

[0071] Figure 7d shows a support profile 110. Support profile 110 differs from support profile 108 in that it does not have undercut grooves on its exterior.

[0072] Figure 7e shows the support profile 112. The internal structure of the support profile 112 is formed slightly differently than the support profiles 108, 110, but this allows the support profile 112 to have a curved or bent fixing surface for the flexible substrate for the LED lighting means.

[0073] Figure 7f shows a support profile 114. The support profile 114 is formed in the shape of a star and has a total of four legs, which form an angle of 90° between each other. Two cover profiles 116 can be arranged at the free ends of the legs. All four cover profiles 116 are formed translucently, which makes it possible to form a profile device that is illuminated from the inside on all four sides.

[0074] 7g shows a support profile 118, which at the free ends of its legs is provided with grooves of rectangular cross section, which therefore have no undercuts. A cover profile 120 is inserted into these grooves at the free ends of its legs.

[0075] 7h shows a support profile 122 to which a cover profile 124 is fastened, the cover profile 124 however not extending beyond the free ends of the legs of the support profile 122.

[0076] FIG. 8 shows a further support profile 126. The support profile 126 has three closed outer sections, each with an undercut groove. In the upper region of FIG. 8, the support profile 126 forms a U-shaped cross section with two legs 128, 130. At their free ends, both legs 128, 130 each have a rail-like projection. The rail-like projections have a rounded, chamfered outer contour and extend inward toward the opposing leg 128 or 130. The base of the U-shaped cross section is flat and serves to accommodate multiple LED lighting means.

[0077] 9 shows a profile device according to the invention, comprising a support profile 126 and a cover profile 132 made of translucent polycarbonate placed on the support profile 126. The cover profile 132 is formed in an approximately plate-like shape, but has rounded, chamfered grooves on both longitudinal edges that open to the respective sides. The grooves are aligned with the projections on the free ends of the legs 128, 130. This allows the cover profile 132 to be easily snapped onto the support profile 126. To do this, the cover profile is pressed from above, as shown in FIG. 9, onto the free ends of the legs 128, 130 until the inwardly projecting projections of the legs 128, 130 snap into the respective grooves on the longitudinal edges of the cover profile 132.

[0078] On the base of the U-shaped cross section of the support profile 126, a total of three LED strips 134, 136, and 138 can be seen, each with multiple LEDs arranged one behind the other and aligned with one another. These LED strips are arranged on a common base. The LED strips 134, 136, and 138 can uniformly illuminate the inside of the cover profile 132, so that the outside of the cover profile 132 is also uniformly illuminated without the individual LEDs of the LED strips 134, 136, and 138 being visible from outside the cover profile 132. The curved inner sides of the legs 128 and 130 reflect light back into the inside of the cover profile 132, thereby helping to ensure uniform illumination and avoid shadows.

[0079] Otherwise, the support profile 126 is similarly formed with hollow chambers and undercut grooves, as already described with reference to the support profile 10 of FIG.

Claims

1. A profile device (40) for setting up an exhibition stand or shop furniture, comprising: A support profile (10) having at least one hollow chamber (20) extending continuously in the longitudinal direction of the support profile (10) and at least two legs (12, 14) extending continuously in said longitudinal direction; a cover profile (50) which is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material, in particular completely made of a translucent plastic, and the support profile (10) has snap-fitting means at the free ends of the two legs (12, 14) of the support profile (10), respectively, which snap-fitting means can interact with matching snap-fitting means on the cover profile (50); LED lighting means on the inside of the support profile (10), which in operation emits light towards the inside of the cover profile (50); A profile device (40) comprising:

2. 2. A profile device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover profile (50) has exactly two legs, the outer sides of which are arranged perpendicular to one another, at least in the region of the free ends of the two legs.

3. 3. A profile device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support profile (10) has exactly two legs (12, 14) whose outer sides are arranged at right angles to each other, and the cover profile (50) is provided with snap-fit ​​means at the free ends of the two legs (12, 14) of the cover profile (50), which can interact with the snap-fit ​​means at the free ends of the two legs (12, 14) of the support profile (10).

4. 4. A profile device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the two legs (12, 14) of the support profile (10) are arranged at an angle of 90° to each other and the two legs of the cover profile (50) are arranged at an angle of 90° to each other.

5. 5. A profile device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the connected state, the support profile (10) and the cover profile (50) form a rectangular or square cross section, in which the snap-fit ​​means of the support profile (10) interact with the snap-fit ​​means of the cover profile (50).

6. The LED lighting means comprises at least a first LED strip (52) and a second LED strip having a plurality of LEDs (60) arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, the light emission directions of the first LED strip (52) and the second LED strip being oriented approximately perpendicular to each other.

7. The profiling device of claim 6, further comprising a third LED strip having a plurality of LEDs (60) arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, the light emission direction of the third LED strip being oriented at an angle of approximately 45°, specifically 40°-50°, relative to the light emission direction of the first LED strip and the light emission direction of the second LED strip.

8. 8. A profile device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the LED strips, each having a plurality of LEDs (60) arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, are arranged on a common flexible substrate (58).

9. A profile device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the support profile (10) has a plurality of fixing surfaces for a plurality of LEDs (60), the fixing surfaces being at least partially arranged at an angle to one another.

10. A profile device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the support profile (10) has a plurality of fixing surfaces for a plurality of LEDs (60), the plurality of LEDs (60) being arranged on a surface area that is curved and extends continuously in the longitudinal direction of the support profile (10).

11. A profile device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the two legs (12, 14) of the support profile (10) are each tapered towards the free end.

12. 12. A profile device according to claim 11, characterized in that the two legs (12, 14) of the support profile (10) extend on the inside in a curved manner towards the free end.

13. A profile device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the two legs (12, 14) of the support profile (10) are mirror-finished, polished or white-finished on the inside.

14. A profile device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the cover profile (50) is integrally made from translucent polycarbonate.

15. 15. A profile device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that grooves (32, 34) are provided at the free ends of the two legs (12, 14) of the support profile (10), respectively, allowing snap-fit ​​means at the free ends of the legs (12, 14) of the cover profile (50) to snap into the respective grooves (32, 34).

16. A profile device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the continuously extending hollow chamber (20) of the support profile (10) has an octagonal cross section.

17. A profile device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the outer sides of the two legs (12, 14) of the support profile (10) are each provided with at least one undercut groove (16, 18).

18. A profile device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a voltage supply (70) and / or a control unit (72) for the LED lighting means are arranged inside the support profile (10).

19. 19. Profile device according to claim 18, characterized in that the voltage supply (70) and / or the control unit (72) are pressed into a hollow chamber (20) of the support profile (10).

20. 20. Profile device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the voltage supply (70) and / or the control unit (72) are arranged in a milled cutout in the support profile (10).

21. A profile device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the profile device has a vertical support and a horizontal frame, both of which are formed by a support profile (10A, 10B, 10C) and a cover profile (50A, 50C), respectively.

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