Linear lighting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular linear lighting system (30) comprising at least one first and at least one second strip-like linear lighting unit (40, 50), which are arranged one behind the other in a carrier rail (31) and carry semiconductor light sources (47), the semiconductor light sources (47) of said lighting units being electrically connected to each other. According to the invention, one of the first or second lighting units (40, 50) is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner in the carrier rail (31) and can be pushed in or pulled out below or above the other lighting unit (40, 50).

Description

[0001]Linear lighting system. The invention relates to a modular linear lighting system according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular a length-variable linear lighting system, as well as a corresponding method for flexible length adjustment of a modular linear lighting system or a corresponding lighting set. Generic modular linear lighting systems within the meaning of the present invention are shown, for example, in WO 2023 / 012744 or EP3336420. These are known to be adjustable in length according to a grid defined by the lighting modules, in which a maximum length can be shortened by removing lighting modules or a minimum length can be increased by adding lighting modules. WO 2023 / 012507 also deals with the adjustment of the length of such lighting systems. The terms linear lighting system, lighting profile, LED strip, lighting profile,etc., specifically refers to such a designed lighting unit for indoor or outdoor use, which generally has a cross-sectional area in the range of one to several centimeters, for example, approximately 10 mm by 15 mm, 20 mm by 20 mm, or 50 mm by 40 mm, or similar. However, their length is many times greater. For example, such linear lighting modules are longer than approximately 50 cm and can be up to several meters. Such modular linear lighting systems are usually designed with support rails or mounting profiles, the length of which can be precisely adapted to the circumstances or requirements, for example, by cutting or joining these rails or profiles. Elongated or long and slender LED lighting units – typically LED strips or LED boards – are then inserted into these mounting profiles.which, due to manufacturing limitations, can only be shortened within a specified grid or by one period (without partially losing their function). Fine-tuning of the length is thus limited to the specified grid or period. Furthermore, after an initial adjustment to a specific length, extension is no longer possible, as the prior adjustment involves removing lamps, e.g., cutting off an LED strip. While the lighting profile lengths can be adjusted as desired, even with millimeter precision, their illumination is not always complete over these lengths due to the fixed separation grid of the lighting units, which leads to unsatisfactory lighting results. While there are ways to mitigate such disadvantages with appropriate effort (e.g., custom solutions, handcrafting, etc.),However, this is not practical for series production or for providing kits for self-assembly. Existing systems are often glued, soldered, and clamped, making replacing the lighting unit in an installed state virtually impossible or only possible with great effort. Repairability according to the Ecodesign Regulation already stipulates that products must be repairable. The above-mentioned compromises in the known solutions are subject to disadvantages in one way or another, particularly with regard to lighting effect, ease of assembly, flexibility of assembly, labor required for assembly, required materials and parts, modularity, repairability (Ready2Repair), etc. The object of the present invention is therefore to create a device or provide a methodwhich does not have or minimizes the aforementioned disadvantages and creates a variable adaptation option for a linear lighting system. In particular, an improved, length-variable modular linear lighting system is to be provided, which can provide continuous illumination. The solution should also be flexible and usable in different designs and variants. In particular, the modular linear lighting system should be easy to handle and install without special tools, without soldering, and optionally without cutting, etc. Installation should also be easy in difficult installation positions, such as overhead. A modular provision in a kit system is also to be strived for, especially a system that can also be sold to non-professionals in hardware stores and yet still delivers professional lighting results. Synergies should be taken into account in assembly, connection, supply, feed-in,etc. are created. In the spirit of environmental considerations, easy repairability is also to be strived for. This is especially true in comparison to known, glued-on LED strips, where the failure of a single LED usually results in an entire section failing, which is impossible or very difficult to repair in the assembled state, so that the entire LED strip is usually replaced. The objects are achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous developments and embodiments are set forth in the figures and in the dependent claims as well as in the following description. According to the invention, a modular linear lighting system is provided with two strip-shaped linear lighting units. In particular, with at least one first and at least one second strip-shaped linear lighting unit. These lighting units are arranged one behind the other in a support rail and carry semiconductor light sources,for example, LEDs. The semiconductor light sources of all lighting units are electrically connected to one another, in particular in such a way that all can be electrically supplied together via a supply line or connection. According to the invention, one of the first or second lighting units is guided longitudinally displaceably in the support rail and can be inserted or pulled out below or above the other lighting unit. In other words, the invention is directed to a linear lighting system that is variable in length, for example, in order to achieve a required or desired length of the lighting system. Specifically, according to the invention, two lighting units are arranged partially overlapping one above the other, with at least one of them being freely positionable and / or displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the linear lighting system in such a way thatthat the length of the lighting system is thus continuously adjustable. In doing so, it is accepted that at most some of the semiconductor light sources are located behind the other lighting unit and do not contribute to the luminous effect of the linear lighting system. Preferably, the electrical connection from the first lighting unit to the second lighting unit is formed via electrically conductive contacting conductor tracks. These can, for example, be formed with contacting conductor tracks as electrically bare conductor strips that preferably extend over the entire length of the lighting unit and are arranged on the rear of the second lighting unit. Accordingly, the first lighting unit, which is arranged behind it, can be formed with contact elements that are arranged assigned to the contacting conductor tracks and are designed to contact them, for example spring contacts, sliding contacts, high-current contact springs, etc. This allows a simple,A secure and stable electrical connection between the lighting units can be established, for example, by simply arranging the lighting units overlapping one above the other or inserting one lighting unit underneath the other. In particular, the contacting conductors can also be used to supply the lighting units with electricity, for example, by a contacting connector with similar contact elements and a cable connection, also mounted behind the lighting unit. This can preferably be used to provide a modular, variable-length linear lighting system.in which the at least second strip-shaped linear lighting unit is formed with a rigid or stiff carrier substrate. The second lighting unit can be specifically constructed with a linear series of lighting module sections. These lighting module sections are preferably all the same or at least of a similar type. The lighting unit is therefore not a flexible LED strip (unless this is applied to a stiff, rigid carrier), but rather a lighting unit in the form of an inflexible printed circuit board. In this case, several semiconductor light sources are usually applied to a front surface of the second lighting unit, so that this forms the light-emitting side of the lighting unit, which is usually mounted facing the space to be illuminated. On a rear surface of the second lighting unit, at least two electrically bare,Continuous contacting conductor tracks are formed along the length of the second lighting unit. These provide electrical power to the semiconductor light sources on the other side. Preferably, the lighting unit is also electrically connected to these contacting conductor tracks across the module sections. This allows for power supply from the rear without impeding light emission. In a preferred embodiment, the second lighting unit is formed with lighting module sections that can be separated from one another at defined separation points, specifically at a defined grid length unit, so that the lighting unit can be shortened to a desired grid length unit. Upon separation, each of the resulting parts remains fully functional—thus, it can be supplied independently via its contacting conductor tracks.wherein all of its semiconductor light sources illuminate. The separation points can be formed, for example, with a marking and / or a reduction or weakening of the material cross-section at the separation point. In other words, the lighting units in the system according to the invention can be formed as strips or strip-shaped - i.e. flat and elongated - printed circuit boards made of an insulating material such as (for example, known printed circuit board materials such as FR4, FR3, ...) on or in which flat, metallic conductor tracks are formed. The exposed contacting conductor tracks, in particular on the rear side, can be designed as gold-plated, electrically contactable contact surfaces. The lighting unit is preferably operated with an extra-low voltage or SELV, for example with 12V, 24V, or 48V, specifically direct current (DC). For example, the lighting unit is designed as a long, flat,A two-sided rigid PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is formed with the semiconductor light sources and optionally a control circuit for them. In an exemplary embodiment, the conductor cross-sections of the contacting conductors or supply conductors can have a conductor cross-section with the following geometry: Thickness: 0.035 mm to 0.35 mm, preferably 0.07-0.14 mm, e.g., 0.1 mm Width: 5 mm to 20 mm, preferably 7.5 mm-12.5 mm, e.g., 10 mm. In one embodiment, the PCB of the lighting unit has a first conductor layer thickness on the rear surface with the contacting conductors,which is larger than that on the front surface with the LEDs. For example, with a copper thickness of 0.035 mm to 0.35 mm, preferably 0.07-0.14 mm, e.g., 0.1 mm on the back and 0.01-0.035 mm on the front. Alternatively, the conductor layer thickness on the front can also be identical to that on the back. The front and back can also be plated multiple times, so that both conductor tracks carry the current simultaneously. In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting unit is designed such that it can be shortened in a predetermined marked grid, in particular from 20 mm to 200 mm, specifically 30 mm to 50 mm or 50 mm to 70 mm, 70 mm to 100 mm or 100 mm to 150 mm. For example, it can be sheared off using blades that move relative to one another (e.g., with side cutters, sheet metal shears,a cable duct cutter or similar). Optionally, the PCB can also be designed with a predetermined breaking point and / or the grid can be marked on the PCB. Preferably, each grid lighting module section can be operated autonomously. Optionally, the circuit within a grid can also be designed such that it can be further shortened without any loss of functionality – whereby the remainder must be disposed of before the next grid begins – for example, the control circuit is arranged at the beginning of each grid. The lighting unit further comprises a support rail, which is designed such that the second lighting unit can be mounted therein or is already mounted therein. The support rail can be, for example, a plastic rail, cover, or profile rail. This can in particular be designed such that the second lighting unit can be inserted or snapped into it.for example, with correspondingly shaped longitudinal grooves or longitudinal webs for receiving the lighting unit, especially on the support rail side walls. In particular, the semiconductor light sources on the lighting unit can be covered or encapsulated with a translucent plastic protective cap, whereby this plastic protective cap can also be formed by the support rail. PC (polycarbonate) or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), for example, can be used as translucent materials. In another embodiment, the support rail can also be opaque, for example, an extruded plastic or aluminum profile or a folded sheet metal profile, which then obviously does not cover the semiconductor light sources. In one embodiment, two support rails, in particular a first one as a translucent one, can also be used as a light source cover and / or optical element (diffuser, lens,etc.) and a second, opaque mounting rail, for example, an aluminum profile. In the linear lighting system, the first lighting unit can be provided specifically as a connecting slide, which is designed for insertion into the support rail behind the rear surface of the second lighting unit, so that the second lighting unit at least partially overlaps the connecting slide. The front side of this connecting slide, preferably in the left and / or right end region of the front side of the slide, is equipped with contact elements, which are designed and arranged to contact the contacting conductor tracks of an overlapping second lighting unit when inserted. As already explained, the connecting slide, as the first lighting unit, is also formed with a rigid support or PCB, and the front side of the slide is also equipped with semiconductor light sources.preferably with the same luminous efficacy characteristics, arrangement, and / or spacing as the semiconductor light sources of the second lighting unit. The semiconductor light sources are electrically supplied via the contact elements, optionally also via a control circuit in the form of a luminous intensity or current regulator as on the second lighting unit. In embodiments with left and / or right contact elements, these are electrically connected to each other via the length of the connecting slide. The contact elements are preferably spring-loaded and project beyond the semiconductor light sources. The connecting slide, when inserted, is designed to be axially displaceable along the linear lighting system behind the second lighting unit. "Clipped in" in this application means connectable or connected with a tilting or snap-in connection, preferably produced without tools. For example, with locking lugs, spring clips, etc. In other words, it is aPreferably a detachable connection with at least one elastically resilient element, which can be introduced into an approximately oppositely shaped portion of a second part by elastic deformation and subsequently remains in this shape with a positive fit. Preferably, the connecting slider forms a retaining portion, in particular a displacement tab, by means of which the connecting slider, in the inserted state, can be moved or displaced axially along the linear lighting system behind the lighting unit. For example, a portion for inserting a rod or screwdriver, by means of which the connecting slider, even when mounted inside a profile rail,can be moved linearly. In a preferred embodiment, the displacement tab, for example, projects beyond the length of the connecting slider and forms a tab or eyelet there. Preferably, the length of the connecting slider is approximately the same as or greater than that of a single lighting module section. In particular, such that with the grid spacing of the divisibility of the second lighting unit, any grid dimension can be achieved (which is just within the desired length) – and by moving the connecting slider, any intermediate dimension up to the next grid dimension can be achieved (so that the desired length can be achieved exactly). Preferably, the length of the connecting slider is also smaller than or at most equal to that of approximately two lighting module sections, since otherwise another grid dimension could simply be added.to achieve the same length. In the preferred embodiment, the length of the connecting slide is approximately equal to the pitch or grid length of the second lighting units. In this paragraph, the length of the connecting slide refers specifically to the length of the part of the connecting slide equipped with semiconductor lighting elements, whereby the entire connecting slide with contact elements and / or its plastic carrier can be correspondingly longer. Preferably, a lighting module section, the lighting module, the individual lighting module section, and / or the carrier rail has a length that is at least 10 times greater than its width and / or height—to provide an example as a guide for the terms long, strip-shaped, (profile) bar, (lighting or profile) rail, etc. within the meaning of this description. Preferably, the semiconductor light sources on the second lighting units are interconnected to form individual lighting module sections in such a way thatthat their length can be shortened in a predetermined grid of separation points. In particular, a lighting module can be designed as an at least double-sided printed circuit board or PCB strip with LEDs and optionally a luminous intensity actuator (thus preferably with an electrical control circuit for the controlled energization of the LEDs, e.g., a current or voltage actuator), as well as with electrical conductor tracks on the front surface, which electrically connect them, and with the contacting conductor tracks, which run essentially parallel to one another along the rear surface. In other words, the second lighting unit is electrically interconnected along its length to form several individually or independently operable lighting module sections, which are interconnected in an undivided state. Since the second lighting units are manufactured or provided with a finite length,which in many embodiments is less than the length of the entire linear lighting system, several of the second lighting units can be connected to one another within the scope of the invention, also via the rear contacting conductors. If there is a gap between these second lighting units – e.g., due to assembly or length – this is achieved as described using a connecting slider equipped with LEDs. If there is no gap, a connecting plug without LEDs can also be used, which electrically connects the two second lighting units to be connected via their contacting conductors, each with interconnected contact elements on the left and right. Via the contacting conductors, a contacting plug can also be used to connect the entire linear lighting system to a power supply, optionally at multiple locations or feed-in points.if necessary. Preferably, the electrical supply via the contacting conductors can be designed to be protected against polarity reversal. In particular, this can be achieved by means of an electrical circuit such as diodes, or by means of a symmetrical, in particular mirror-symmetrical, arrangement of the contacting conductors and their polarity. Preferably, the connecting slide can be designed with cable connection terminals, with which a supply voltage can be connected to the linear lighting system via the connecting slide. Preferably, in one variant, the support rail can be designed as a translucent cover of the lighting unit, and the connecting slide can be inserted or clipped into this support rail behind the lighting unit. In particular, this support rail can then in turn be clipped into a lighting or mounting profile.e.g., into an aluminum profile rail. Preferably, in another variant, the support rail itself can be designed as an opaque lighting or mounting profile, and the lighting unit can be inserted, pushed in, or clipped into this support rail for direct or indirect attachment, as can the connecting slider, behind the lighting unit, with the connecting slider, of course, still being axially displaceable. "Indirect" means that a further intermediate element is present as an intermediary, e.g., a plastic element that forms a molded section, electrical insulation, and / or locking elements (which can optionally be elastically deformable). Preferably, the connecting slider is designed, for example, as a printed circuit board strip equipped with semiconductor lighting elements.which is fastened in a plastic carrier – e.g., clipped or hooked – in place. In particular, this plastic carrier can in turn be (movably) clipped into the carrier rail, for example, by forming corresponding locking lugs or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the circuit board strip can also be shorter than the plastic carrier, so that a portion of the plastic carrier still protrudes beneath the second lighting unit and provides support even when the connecting slider is fully extended (= just barely making contact). Specifically, the conductor strip can also be arranged asymmetrically, in particular flush with one end, in the plastic carrier. Preferably, the second lighting unit can further comprise, in addition to the contacting conductor tracks, at least one configuration conductor track on the rear surface, with which the luminous intensity of the semiconductor light sources can be configured.and, accordingly, a further contact element may be present on the first lighting unit for its semiconductor light sources. In particular, an approach for adjusting the luminous intensity as described and claimed in WO 2020 / 194236 can be applied. Specifically, the configuration connections, bridges, switches, and resistors can be arranged on the first or second lighting unit, or preferably on a contacting connector or a connection connector, for example, also as an embodiment of a configuration plug. The invention also relates to a complete lighting set, provided as individual parts or as a complete assembly, comprising a variable-length linear lighting system or its components as described in this document, as well as at least one mounting profile rail. This mounting profile rail can be designed as an extruded plastic or aluminum profile.and have a substantially H- or U-shaped cross-section and a length which exceeds the profile cross-sectional dimensions by several times. Specifically, the first and / or second lighting units can be shaped to be inserted directly or indirectly into the mounting profile rail by means of a plastic cover, in particular to be snapped into place therein. As one of the cores, the invention primarily relates to a connecting slide which is designed to be inserted into the support rail behind the rear surface of a lighting unit, so that the lighting unit at least partially overlaps the connecting slide. The front side of the slide has electrical contact elements in the left and right end regions of the front side of the slide, which are designed and arrangedWhen inserted, the rear contacting conductors of the overlapping light unit are to be contacted. The front of the slider is equipped with semiconductor light sources, which are supplied via the contact elements. The connecting slider is designed in such a way thatthat, when inserted, it can be moved axially along the linear lighting system behind the lighting unit. Preferably, the left and right contact elements are each electrically connected to one another over the length of the connecting slide. Preferably, the connecting slide is designed as a fixed or rigid circuit board and is preferably mounted in a plastic carrier. Further details and embodiments of the connecting slide are described elsewhere in this document. In an analogous manner, the invention also relates to a method for the optimized length design of a modular linear lighting system. The method according to the invention comprises at least providing a first and at least one second lighting unit which can be moved relative to one another in the rail direction in a rail system, such thatthat the first lighting unit is arranged below or above the second lighting unit and partially overlaps them. Means are provided that electrically connect all the lighting units to one another. The linear lighting system is mounted at a desired location, after which the first lighting unit is moved into its desired relative position to the second lighting unit, in particular adapted to the desired length of the linear lighting system. In other words, the invention relates to a method for the flexible length adjustment of a linear lighting system, which can be carried out, in particular, independently of the length grid dimension of the lighting units used. The method can be carried out – apart from obvious functional requirements – independently of a specific design of the components in question – thus only based on the claimed method steps.in a purely exemplary embodiment, particularly in a linear lighting system as described here. The method is carried out specifically by providing a mounting profile rail for mounting the linear lighting system in any desired length or in a length adapted to the local conditions. If not already provided in this length, the mounting profile rail can be shortened or cut to size accordingly. Furthermore, strip-shaped linear lighting units with a rigid carrier substrate, which can be electrically supplied or contacted from the rear, are provided. These lighting units are preferably constructed in the form of a linear series of lighting module sections.which can be separated from one another at defined separation points to a desired grid length unit, while each of the resulting parts remains fully functional. In a special embodiment, the number of lighting module sections of a lighting unit can also be 1. These are used to insert the lighting units into the mounting profile rail. This insertion can be done flush at one or both ends of the profile rail, which can result in a distance between the lighting units or a lighting unit and the profile end, especially if the desired length and the length of the lighting units do not add up to an integer. In particular, an electrical connection is made at the rear between separate lighting units using connecting contact elements and / or a supply via a supply contact element.to the extent and as often as required. Furthermore, at least one of the lighting units is shortened within the grid length unit and this shortened lighting unit is inserted so that the desired length is completely achieved within this grid length unit by arranging the lighting units in a row. In order to completely achieve the desired length, according to the invention, a connecting slide equipped with semiconductor light sources is pulled out or pushed in or moved on the rear of the lighting unit(s) in such a way that it is partially overlapped by at least one lighting unit. The connecting slide is thereby axially moved so that the combination of lighting units and connecting slide achieves the desired length, in particular exactly - even below the grid dimension.is achieved. In particular, the entire length of the mounting profile rail is thus illuminated or can be illuminated. In an optional embodiment, as a variant of the invention, it can also be described as a length-variable linear lighting system, with at least one, preferably two or more, strip-shaped linear lighting units with a rigid carrier substrate. The lighting units are constructed with a linear series of lighting module sections, which can be separated from one another at defined separation points to a desired grid length unit, whereby each of the resulting parts is or remains fully functional after separation. Several semiconductor light sources are applied to a front surface of the lighting unit, and at least two electrically bare contacting conductor tracks are formed on a rear surface of the lighting unit,via which the semiconductor light sources can be electrically supplied. The linear lighting system also comprises a support rail, which is designed such that the lighting unit can be attached or is attached therein, in particular attached in the form of a snap-in or slide-in manner. According to the invention, only one connecting slide can be provided, as described in this document, in particular in an embodiment as previously presented as a core of the invention. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention emerge from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings. The list of reference numerals, as well as the technical content of the patent claims and figures, is part of the disclosure. The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. The same reference numerals denote the same components,Reference numerals with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components. These show: Fig. 1a shows an overview of an embodiment of a linear lighting system according to the invention in a first view, Fig. 1b shows a detailed view of the embodiment of Fig. 1a in the inserted state, Fig. 1c shows an overview of an embodiment of a linear lighting system according to the invention in a second view, Fig. 1d shows a detailed view of the embodiment of Fig. 1c in the inserted state, Fig. 2a shows a detailed view of the embodiment of Fig. 1c in the extended state, Fig. 2b shows a partial sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 1c in the extended state, Fig. 3a shows a detailed view of the embodiment of Fig. 1a in the extended state, Fig. 3b shows a partial sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 1a in the extended state, Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a lighting unit with a cover or support rail,Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a carrier substrate of a lighting unit, Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a linear lighting system with a connecting slide according to the invention, Fig. 7 shows the situation in Fig. 6 in another view, Fig. 8 shows a first embodiment of a connecting slide application according to the invention without a mounting profile, Fig. 9 shows a first embodiment of a connecting slide application according to the invention with a mounting profile, Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of a connecting slide arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 11a shows an overview of a second embodiment of a linear lighting system according to the invention at the profile end in a first view, Fig. 11b shows a first detailed view of the embodiment of Fig. 11a in the inserted state, Fig. 11c shows a second detailed view of the embodiment of Fig. 11a in the extended state,Fig. 12a is an overview of a second embodiment of a linear lighting system according to the invention at the profile end in a second view. Fig. 12b is a first detailed view of the embodiment of Fig. 12a in the inserted state. Fig. 12c is a second detailed view of the embodiment of Fig. 12a in the extended state. According to the invention, there are two primary applications of the present invention. Firstly, the application of a connecting slide 50 according to the invention in the end region or at one end of the linear lighting system 30, or an application at any other, arbitrary position along the linear lighting system 30, which is not at one end, but somewhere in between, for example, in the middle. In other words, at each end of the linear lighting system 30, a lighting unit 40 is flush with it, and somewhere in between, where the lighting units 40 meet, any non-resolvable distancespecifically under the grid dimension of the lighting units 40, corrected or bridged with a connecting slide 50. This will be discussed in more detail below, whereby the described components and options can generally be used in both applications, unless expressly stated. The term linear lighting system 30 does not exclude the possibility of this being guided around corners with straight elements or forming branches, etc., for example with butt joints or mitered joints. Fig. 1a shows an example of a generic linear lighting system 30 with a mounting or profile rail 31b as the support element 31, which is mounted for lighting purposes, for example, screwed to the ceiling, wall, or furniture, suspended from cables, embedded in the ceiling, wall, or furniture, etc. In the example shown, this is an extruded aluminum profile rail with a U-shaped cross-section.which has longitudinal grooves or longitudinal webs or locking lugs, in particular on the inside of its profile side walls. These can be specially designed as holding devices for the interior and / or a translucent cover, for example as a light cover or diffuser. Exemplary shapes of the profile rail 31b can be seen in detail in the further figures. The linear lighting system 30 can be adapted to any desired length by shortening the profile rail 31b, e.g., cutting or sawing it off, and / or by joining several profile rails together, which can be done not only linearly but also at any angle. Into this profile rail – usually after its assembly – several provided lighting units 40, 50 are inserted, which do not have the same length as the profile rail, in particular are considerably shorter. These lighting units 40,50 will be discussed in more detail below, and these are specifically differentiated as first lighting units 50 and second lighting units 40, whereby the first lighting unit 50 is also called connecting slide 50. The circle 74 marks the position of the detailed section of the following figure. For better visibility, the profile rail 31b is shown cut out or sectioned in this area 74. Fig. 1b shows the section 74 from Fig. 1a enlarged. The previously mentioned details are visible again, in particular the profile formations 73 for fastening elements in the profile 31b, for example as a retaining groove 73a for a profile or lighting cover in the upper area and a retaining web 73b further inside the profile.to which the lighting units are attachable. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting slide 50 can already be pre-assembled on the second lighting unit 40 or on a support rail 31a of the second lighting unit 40, or can be provided pre-assembled, wherein it is preferably fully inserted as shown. The terms axial direction 32, length 33, width 34, height 35, rear 36, front 37, side 38, end 75, as used here in the text, are illustrated or defined with reference to the linear lighting system 30 with the coordinate system shown. These also apply to all other figures. Fig. 1c and Fig. 1d again show something analogous to Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b in a different view. Fig. 2a shows a view as in Fig. 1d, but the connecting slide 50, of which previously only the retaining formation in the form of a pull-out tab 59 was visible,- particularly by means of this pull-out tab 59 - shown moved or displaced linearly along the profile rail 31b or 31a. It is thus now apparent that the connecting slide 50, which is arranged behind the lighting unit 40, is also a type of lighting unit, since it is also equipped with LEDs 46 and also has a control chip 70 for the power supply or brightness adjustment. These LEDs 46 are supplied with electricity via the contact elements 53 of the connecting slide 50. Further details are visible in the partial sectional view of Fig. 2b, for example, that the displaced connecting slide 50 is still partially overlapped by the lighting unit 40, specifically such that the left contact elements 53a of the connecting slide contact the rear contacting conductor tracks 48 of the lighting unit 40, as explained in detail later. It is also apparentthat the circuit board with the electrical components of the connecting slide 50 is mounted in a plastic carrier, of which the pull-out tab 59 and the clips or locking lugs 72 are particularly visible here, with which the connecting slide can be axially displaceably inserted, clipped, snapped, or pushed into the carrier rail 31b, which is connected to the lighting unit, or into the carrier rail 31b. In one embodiment, a further second lighting unit 40 can be mounted partially overlapping the right-hand contact elements 53b, which also makes contact with the rear side - which will be explained in more detail below. Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b again show something analogous to Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b in a different view.in which some details are more clearly visible. Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of an embodiment of a second lighting unit 40, which is formed with a rigid carrier substrate 44 in the form of a printed circuit board strip, equipped with LEDs on the front surface 45, and on the rear surface 46 of which contacting conductor tracks 48 and optionally also configuration conductor tracks 49 are formed, which are electrically contactable or bare – specifically by being touched and thus contacted by a contact element of the connecting slide 50. This carrier substrate 44 is inserted into a holding device 73, specifically into a lateral longitudinal groove or between two lateral longitudinal webs of a lighting cover 31a as a translucent support rail for this lighting element.The term "lighting element" can also refer to a combined assembly of populated carrier substrate 44 and light cover 31a. Light cover 31a can optionally provide contact protection for the LEDs and / or optical effects such as a diffuser or lens effect. This illustrated embodiment of light cover 31a also has, in addition to the holding device 73 for the LED conductor strip 44, a holding device for snapping in the connecting slide 50—specifically, its locking lugs 56—which are arranged and configured (particularly relative to one another) such that the snapped-in connecting slide with its contact elements 53 or 53a or 53b electrically contacts the contacting conductor tracks 48. In addition, connecting protrusions 72 are configured as a type of locking lug or locking rail, with which light cover 31a can be snapped into the mounting profile 31b.especially in its profile cross-sectional shape 72. The aforementioned snap connections are generally preferably designed such that they can be connected or released by elastic deformation and, when connected, create a positive connection. With the snap-in connections and / or axial displacement, together with the use of multiple lighting units 40 that are electrically connected to one another via connecting slides 50 and / or connecting plugs, improved repairability can also be achieved. If a lighting unit 40 or a lighting module section 41 fails, this lighting unit 40 can be easily replaced. The defective lighting unit 40 can optionally also be split at its separation points 42.to remove only the defective lighting module section(s) 41 - the functioning remainder can be reinserted, and only the actually defective part replaced. Specifically, a connecting slider 50 can be used instead of a lighting module section 41 for replacement, or the lighting module section 41 can be removed and replaced with a new one, electrically connected to the still functioning lighting units 40 or lighting module sections 41 by additional connecting plugs. Fig. 5 shows the printed circuit board strip 44 of the lighting unit 40, equipped with a rigid LED 47, from behind again, i.e., its rear surface 46, on which the contacting conductor tracks 48 running linearly along it are explicitly shown. Also shown here is the structure of the lighting unit comprising several lined-up lighting module sections 41, each with a grid length of 43.which can be separated or divided at separation points 42. The parts resulting from the separation, consisting of one or more lighting module sections 41, are in turn fully functional. This means that a single or several undivided lighting module sections 41 can be operated autonomously, whereby when supplied via the contacting conductor tracks 48, all of their LEDs 47 always light up. Fig. 6 shows a linear lighting unit 30 similar to that in Fig. 3a. The connecting slide 50 is displaced in the profile longitudinal direction or axial direction such that it bridges a gap between two lighting units 40. A further second lighting unit 40 is mounted above the right-hand contact elements 53b, partially overlapping the connecting slide, which is also contacted by the latter on the rear. A distance can remain between the two second lighting units 40,which is illuminated by the non-overlapped part of the connecting slide, so that a continuous or homogeneous lighting effect is achieved across the entire linear lighting unit 30, specifically from its beginning to its end. An electrical longitudinal connection is established between the contacting conductor tracks 48 of the two lighting units 40 via the contact elements 53a and 53b of the connecting slide 50. Fig. 7 shows the situation of Fig. 6 again in a different view, with distance 39 and the shifted connecting slide position or connecting slide length 54 shown. When overlapping, some of the LEDs of the connecting slide 50 can also be located behind a lighting unit 40 and thus contribute nothing to the lighting effect of the linear lighting unit 30, which, however, is not necessary for the simple and flexible,In particular, continuous length adjustment is accepted. Preferably, the connecting slide 50 is axially displaced into a position such that the distances between the LEDs between the connecting slide 50 and the lighting units 40 are distributed as evenly as possible. Fig. 8 shows an arrangement as in Fig. 7 with two lighting units 40 connected by means of the connecting slide 50 over a distance 39 - here without a mounting rail. The labeled elements and their function have already been explained above, to which reference is made. In an embodiment not graphically shown, the lighting cover 31a of one or both of the lighting units 50 can also be cut or formed longer than the carrier substrate 44 of the lighting unit 40, specifically by as much as the distance 39, thus projecting beyond the connecting slide 50 so that the latter is also covered. In particular,that the distance 39 is present between the carrier substrates 44 of the two lighting units 40, but the light covers 31a abut one another. This also allows the LEDs of the connecting slide to be protected and / or captured with the same optical effect as the light cover 31a. The locking lug 56 of the connecting slide 50 can snap or be pushed into the designated retaining groove 73 of the light cover 31a. Fig. 9 shows an arrangement of or similar to Fig. 8, but inserted into a mounting profile rail 31b. The locking lug 72 can snap into its counterpart 73 of the profile rail 31a to connect them together. Fig. 10 shows another embodiment in which, in contrast to the previous embodiment, the connecting slide 50 is not snapped to the light cover 31a.Rather, both the connecting slide 50 and the lighting unit 40 or its lighting cover 31a are each snapped directly into the mounting profile 31b. The designated elements are as previously described. Additionally, a lighting cover 69 of the mounting profile is shown, which may also be present in the other embodiments. Fig. 11a to Fig. 12c show a variant in which the insertion of the lighting units 40 begins at one end 75 of the linear lighting 30. At the other end, if a residual length remains for which a lighting unit 40 or a lighting module section 41 is too long, a connecting slide 50 according to the invention is then attached. This is pushed in the axial direction to the end,so that the remaining length up to the end 75 is also illuminated. In other embodiments, more than one connecting slider can be used with a single linear lighting system. While this does not primarily offer any advantage in terms of length adjustment options to any desired, continuously variable linear lighting length, it does allow, for example, the combination of identical parts in the form of a lighting unit with a (preferably pre-assembled and / or captive) connecting slider. During assembly, each connecting slider can then preferably be extended as far as possible (so that all of its LEDs contribute to the lighting effect and, in particular, a uniform LED grid is created across the lighting units 40 and connecting slider 50), except for one (for example, the last) connecting slider 50.with which the length can be precisely adjusted to the desired length. Alternatively, more than one connecting slider 50 can, of course, be partially extended; various solutions can be calculated to achieve the desired length. The connecting slider 50 can optionally be designed with a length scale to facilitate defined extension. The designated elements are the same,apart from the fact that the position here is at the profile end and no further lighting elements 40 are connected. Optionally, with only such embodiments, the second (shown on the right) contact elements 53b on the connecting slide 50 could also be omitted - this, however, would limit the variety of uses. Fig. 11a again shows an overview view, analogous to Fig. 1a. Fig. 11b again shows a completely inserted connecting slide 50, analogous to Fig. 1b. Fig. 11c again shows an extended connecting slide 50, analogous to Fig. 3a, which here extends to the profile end. Fig. 12a again shows an overview view in a different view, analogous to Fig. 1c. Fig. 12b again shows a completely inserted connecting slide 50 in a different view, analogous to Fig. 1d. Fig. 12c again shows an extended connecting slide 50, analogous to Fig. 2a, which here extends to the profile end in a different view. Obviously for the person skilled in the art,The embodiments and approaches shown or described here in different figures can also be combined and interchanged differently than shown within the meaning of the invention. List of reference symbols Linear lighting system, LED lighting profile, lighting rail system Support rail a Plastic rail, cover, light cover, Diffusorb Mounting profile, profile rail, aluminum rail Axial direction, longitudinal direction, direction of displacement Length Width Height Rear Front Lateral Distance, length difference Lighting unit, LED circuit board strip, LED board Lighting module section, sections, grid pitch, separation points, cutting marks, cross-section reduction, perforation Grid length, pitch, grid dimension Rigid / stiff carrier substrate, circuit board, PCB Front surface Rear surface Semiconductor light source, LED Contacting conductor track, longitudinal conductor track Configuration conductor track, longitudinal conductor track Connecting slider PCB, circuit board Slider front side, 53a, 53b Contact elements, spring contact,Contact device Connection slide length Plastic carrier, slide housing, connector housing Clip element, connector retaining clip, clip Cable connection terminals, cable connection, spring clamp, supply connector, electrical connector Pull-out tab, retaining formation Light cover, cover, light screen, diffuser Constant current supply, current regulator, luminous intensity adjuster Configuration element, bridge, switch Snap, locking lug, spring lug, retaining clip,73a,73b Retaining groove, retaining web, profile formation, groove or web on profile side wall Detailed view, circle, marking end, profile end, linear lighting end,

Claims

Patent claims 1. Modular linear lighting system (30) with at least one first and at least one second strip-shaped linear lighting unit (40, 50), which are arranged one behind the other in a support rail (31, 31a, 31b) and carry semiconductor light sources (47), in particular LEDs, and whose semiconductor light sources (47) are electrically connected to one another, characterized in that one of the first or second lighting units (40, 50) is guided longitudinally displaceably in the support rail (31, 31a, 31b) and can be inserted or pulled out below or above the other lighting unit (40, 50).

2. Modular linear lighting system (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical connection from the first lighting unit (50) to the second lighting unit () is formed via electrically conductive contacting conductor tracks (48), which are preferably arranged on the rear of the second lighting unit (40). 3.Modular length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one second strip-shaped linear lighting unit (40) is designed with a rigid carrier substrate (44) each, and is constructed with a linear series of lighting module sections (41) which can be separated from one another at defined separation points (42) to a desired grid length unit (43), wherein each of the resulting parts remains fully functional, wherein a plurality of semiconductor light sources (47) are applied to a front surface (45) of the second lighting unit (40), and at least two electrically bare, continuous over the length (33) are applied to a rear surface (46) of the second lighting unit (40). Contacting conductor tracks (48) are formed, via which the semiconductor light sources (47) can be supplied with electricity, a support rail (31, 31a, 31b) which is designed such that the second lighting unit (40) can be attached or is attached therein, in particular can be snapped into it, characterized in that the first lighting unit (50) is provided as a connecting slide (50) which is designed for insertion into the support rail (31, 31a, 31b) behind the rear surface (46) of the second lighting unit (40) so that the second lighting unit (40) at least partially overlaps the connecting slide (50), and wherein the slide front side (52) thereof is designed in the left and / or right end region of the slide front side (52) with electrically connected contact elements (53, 53a, 53b), which are designed and arranged,in the inserted state, to contact the contacting conductor tracks (48) of an overlapping second lighting unit (40), and wherein the slider front side (52) is equipped with semiconductor light sources (47) which are supplied via the contact elements (53, 53a, 53b), in particular wherein the connecting slider (50) is designed to be displaceable axially along the linear lighting system (30) behind the second lighting unit (40) in the inserted state.

4. Length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connecting slider (50) forms a displacement tab (59) or a holding formation, by means of which the connecting slider (50) is displaceable axially along the linear lighting system (30) behind the second lighting unit (40) in the inserted state.

5. Length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized inthat a length of the connecting slide (50) is greater than that of a single lighting module section (41) and preferably smaller than that of two, Lighting module sections (41), in particular that length of the connecting slide (50) which is equipped with semiconductor light sources (47).

6. Length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an individual lighting module section (41), the lighting module (40), the connecting slide (50) and / or the support rail (31) is designed with a length that is at least 10x greater than their respective width and / or height.

7. Length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the semiconductor light sources (47) on the second lighting units (40) are connected to individual lighting module sections (41) in such a way that their length can be shortened in a predetermined grid of separation points (42), in particular wherein a second lighting module (40) is designed as an at least double-sided printed circuit board orPCB strip with LEDs and a luminosity actuator (70), as well as electrical conductor tracks connecting them on the front surface (45) and the contacting conductor tracks (48), which run essentially parallel to one another lengthwise on the rear surface (46), in particular wherein these are electrically interconnected along the length to form a plurality of individually operable lighting module sections (41).

8. Length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical supply via the contacting conductor tracks (48) is designed to be protected against polarity reversal, in particular by means of an electrical circuit such as diodes or by means of a symmetrical, in particular mirror-symmetrical arrangement of the contacting conductor tracks (48).

9. Length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that. the connecting slide (50) is designed with cable connection terminals, with which a supply voltage can be connected to the linear lighting system (30) via the connecting slide (50).

10. Length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support rail (31a) is designed as a light-permeable cover of the second lighting unit (40), and the connecting slide (50) can be pushed or clipped into this support rail (31a) behind the second lighting unit (40), in particular wherein this support rail (31a) can in turn be clipped into a mounting profile (31b).

11. Length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support rail (31b) is designed as an opaque lighting profile orMounting rail (31b), designed for attaching the second lighting unit (40) therein, and the connecting slide (50) can be inserted, pushed in, or clipped into this support rail (31b) behind the second lighting unit (40).

12. Length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting slide (50) is provided with a printed circuit board strip (51) equipped with semiconductor lighting elements, which is fastened in a plastic support (55), in particular wherein the plastic support (55) can be clipped into the support rail (31a, 31b), preferably wherein the printed circuit board strip (51) is arranged asymmetrically in the axial direction (32) in the plastic support (55).

13. Length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second lighting unit (40) on the rear surface (46) further comprises at least one contacting conductor tracks (48). A configuration conductor track (49) with which a luminous intensity of the semiconductor light sources (47) can be configured.

14. A method for the optimized length design of a modular linear lighting system (30), characterized in that a first and at least one second lighting unit (40, 50) are provided, which can be displaced relative to one another in the rail direction in a rail system (31) such that the first lighting unit (50) is arranged below or above the second lighting unit (40) and partially overlaps them, wherein means (48, 53) are provided which electrically connect all the lighting units (40, 50) to one another, and wherein the linear lighting system (30) is mounted at the desired location, after which the first lighting unit (50) is displaced into its desired relative position to the second lighting unit (40),in particular adapted to the length of the linear lighting system (30).

15. A method for flexible length adjustment of a linear lighting system (30), in particular independent of a length grid dimension of the lighting units (40) used, in particular in a linear lighting system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising - providing a mounting profile rail (31b) for mounting the linear lighting system (30) in any desired length (33) or in a length adapted to the local conditions, - providing strip-shaped linear lighting units (40) with a rigid carrier substrate (44) that can be supplied from the rear and are constructed in the form of a linear series of lighting module sections (41) that can be separated from one another at defined separation points (42) to a desired grid length unit (43), while each of the resulting parts remains fully functional,- inserting the lighting units (40) into the mounting profile rail (31b), in particular wherein a rear electrical connection is made by means of, connecting contacting elements and / or supplying by means of a supply contacting element, - shortening at least one of the lighting units (40) within the grid length unit (43) and introducing this shortened lighting unit (40) so that the length is fully achieved within this when the lighting units (40) are arranged next to one another, - inserting or moving a connecting slide (50) equipped with semiconductor light sources (47) at the rear of the lighting unit (40) such that it is partially overlapped by at least one lighting unit (40), - axially moving the connecting slide (50) so that the entire length of the mounting profile rail (31b) is illuminated with the combination of lighting units (40) and connecting slide (50).16.Lighting set with a length-variable linear lighting system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one mounting profile rail (31b), wherein the mounting profile rail (31b) is designed as an extruded plastic or aluminum profile, with a substantially H- or U-shaped cross-section and a length which exceeds the profile cross-sectional dimensions by a multiple, which lighting units (40) are shaped to be introduced directly or indirectly into the mounting profile rail (31b) by means of a plastic cover (31a), in particular to be snapped into it.17.Linear lighting system connecting slide (50), designed to be inserted into the support rail (31, 31a, 31b) behind the rear surface (46) of a lighting unit (40) such that the lighting unit (40) at least partially overlaps the connecting slide (50), wherein the slide front side (52) thereof is designed in the left and right end region of the slide front side (52) with resilient electrical contact elements (53, 53a, 53b), which are designed and arranged to lead the contacting conductor tracks (48) of the overlapping lighting unit (40) to. contact, and wherein the slide front side (52) is equipped with semiconductor light sources (47) which are supplied via the contact elements (53, 53a, 53b), and wherein the connecting slide (50) in the inserted state is designed to be displaceable axially along the linear lighting system (30) behind the lighting unit (40).18.A length-variable linear lighting system (30), comprising at least one, preferably two or more, strip-shaped linear lighting units (40) with a rigid carrier substrate (44), constructed with a linear series of, in particular identical, lighting module sections (41), which can be separated from one another at defined separation points (42) to a desired grid length unit (43), each of the resulting parts being fully functional, a front surface (45) of the lighting unit (40) having a plurality of semiconductor light sources (47) applied thereto, and a rear surface (46) of the lighting unit (40) having at least two electrically bare contacting conductor tracks (48) which are continuous over the length (33) and via which the semiconductor light sources (47) can be supplied with electricity, a carrier rail (31, 31a, 31b) which is designed such that the lighting unit (40) can be attached oris attached, in particular can be snapped into it, characterized in that a connecting slide (50) is provided which is designed to be inserted into the support rail (31, 31a, 31b) behind the rear surface (46) of the lighting unit (40), so that the lighting unit (40) at least partially overlaps the connecting slide (50), and wherein the slide front side (52) thereof is designed in the left and right end region of the slide front side (52) with electrically interconnected contact elements (53, 53a, 53b) which are designed and arranged to contact the contacting conductor tracks (48) of an overlapping lighting unit (40) when inserted, and wherein. the slider front side (52) is equipped with semiconductor light sources (47) which are supplied via the contact elements (53, 53a, 53b), and wherein the connecting slider (50) is designed to be displaceable axially along the linear lighting system (30) behind the lighting unit (40) in the inserted state.

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