DE102004034201A1 - Housing, e.g. an aquarium, comprises at least one transparent plate element with a cut-out, and at least one electrical conductor - Google Patents

Abstract

A housing, e.g. an aquarium, comprises at least one transparent plate element and at least one electrical conductor. The plate element has a cut-out, which extends longitudinally, parallel to a main surface of the element. The electrical conductor is partly located in the cut out. The plate element consists of glass, or plastic material.

Description

The The present invention relates, at least in sections, to transparent Casing, like showcases or aquariums, with an electrical consumer who is arranged at the top of the device. Such electrical Consumers can in the case of showcases, for example, lamps, sensors, such as or humidity sensors or sensors of alarm systems or mini-loudspeakers, and in the case of aquariums, for example, bulbs, feeders, Pumps, sensors or similar be.

The Invention and the underlying problem will be described below by way of example showcases, in particular all-glass showcases, discussed, while not on Limited showcases is. Showcases usually include several plate-shaped Wall elements in their peripheral areas along connecting lines together are. At least one or more of the wall elements are transparent, to allow an insight into the showcase.

in the Ceiling area showcases with ceiling lighting a bulb which is supplied with electric power via lines, the from the floor of the showcase through the display case are to be led upwards. Preserved on the market showcases with ceiling lighting the power supply by means of visible cables, via conductive brackets with which the wall elements are connected, or metal rods or wire systems, the All give a technical impression and so a desired neutrality and restraint for example, in an elegant, high-quality all-glass showcase from white glass miss. equally the signal line of an alarm sensor should be routed accordingly inconspicuously.

It is therefore the object of the present invention, a housing with provide electrical lines, in which the disturbing influences by the Lines diminished or completely is avoided.

The Task is solved through the housing according to the independent protection claim 1.

The housing according to the invention comprises at least a transparent plate element and at least one electrical Ladder, wherein the at least one transparent plate element a Recess has, the longitudinal direction extending substantially parallel to a major surface of the plate member, and wherein the electrical conductor at least partially in the Recess runs.

In a development of the invention comprises the housing according to the invention at least a first transparent plate member and a second plate member, wherein the first plate member having an edge surface along a connecting line against an edge surface or a main area the second plate member abuts; and an electrical conductor having at least a portion which runs substantially parallel to the connecting line, characterized characterized in that first plate element has the recess along the edge surface, in which the at least one portion of the electrical conductor runs.

One Plate element in the context of the invention is essentially a body, the by two substantially parallel, for example plane-parallel, extending main surfaces and by several edge surfaces limited, with the edge surfaces the main surfaces limit and connect them together. The distance between the main surfaces to each other is much smaller than the extension of the body in the Level of the main surfaces. The main surfaces can For example, polygons such as rectangles, trapezoids, parallelograms, Triangles, pentagons, Hexagons, o. be.

Next plane-parallel main surfaces, can they Plate elements also in one dimension or at least in sections arched in two dimensions be. Substantially parallel should mean that the main surfaces in limited sections can not be performed in parallel, for example, a magnifying lens to realize in a transparent plate element.

One transparent plate element comprises as a material, for example Glass, sapphire, or an organic material such as Plexiglas or similar.

The casing can be a footprint with, for example, any regular or irregular polygonal Geometry, where currently rectangles or squares, trapezoids, Parallelograms, triangles, pentagons, Hexagons or octagons are preferred. On the other hand, the base can also partially circular arcs, a full circle, an ellipse, or other curved lines. As side walls serving plate elements are azimuthal each corresponding to one Section of the base area boundary aligned.

at a housing with rectangular base can the plate elements, for example, the side walls, a front wall, a Rear wall, the Be bottom or a lid.

The Plate elements can joined along the connecting line, for example, be glued, or they may be by other holding means be fixed in position to each other.

Of the includes electrical conductors For example, a metallic wire or rod with a round, semicircular or polygonal cross-section, wherein the maximum cross-sectional diameter Preferably, less than the distance between the major surfaces of a Plate element. For example, the electrical conductor does not include one coated high-gloss nickel-plated or silver-plated brass wire or Rod of, for example, not more than 1.5 mm in diameter or high-gloss nickel-plated high gloss silvered copper wires or bars with a diameter of, for example, 0.8mm or more, depending on Power requirements. Possibly. can Also, multicore cables are used with one, with the outer surface of the Insulation material of the cable also with a reflective Layer can be provided. Similarly, a coloring of the To consider insulation material or the conductor surface, if tinted transparent Plate elements are used. As a leader, for example, a continuous wire can be used, or it can be different sections from wires or rods are used, which in a suitable manner with each other galvanically are coupled. This can, for example, by soldering, welding, or connect to a Clamp or by plugging done.

The Recess along the edge surface can For example, a groove or groove may have any shape in the edge area be guided which is suitable to receive the electrical conductor, or the recess may include a chamfer that is in the transition region between one of the edge surface and a main surface of the first plate member. The chamfer can be planar in one Angle of for example 45 ° to Edge surface and to the main area guided be, or the chamfer may have a groove or an angle profile. The configuration of the recess as bevel is advantageous in that inexpensive as a chamfer to realize.

Possibly. a conductor can be used whose cross-sectional area is the Shape of the recess adapted is so that the Ladder optimally exploits the space of the recess.

Of the electrical conductor is preferably performed in such a way in the recess that the cross section of the electrical conductor is not over the plane of the major surface affected by the chamfer protrudes.

To another embodiment of the invention, the recess may also in a main surface of a Run plate element. In this case, the recess, for example a groove or a groove. Such an embodiment may, for example in a serving as a lid of a housing Plate element are used, wherein the recess, for example. in a central region of the main surface, for example to the center, guided is.

To a further embodiment of the invention, a lid or another wall element of a housing also has two coplanar plate elements have, wherein a first edge surface of the first plate member against a second edge surface the second plate member abuts, and wherein at least the first edge surfaces a recess, for example, has a chamfer.

The housing according to the invention can have a plurality of electrical conductors, according to the previously described type guided are. For example, this can be done several border areas, each against a major surface or another edge face, one Have recess in each of which an electrical conductor is guided. Similarly, if necessary several conductors are guided in a recess.

Of course they are the various embodiments of the invention the recesses can be combined with each other arbitrarily.

in this respect as the glass parts of a case, like Rear wall, Side walls, Lids and bottoms, usually have bevels on all edges, which cause, especially in lighting the light refraction effects of the glass, in particular of the white glass, are intensified, is a high-luster wire inserted in wide chamfers also by own Light reflections from the glass immediately indistinguishable or to recognize. Taking advantage of these materials is one aspect the invention. For sandblasted, etched or frosted or screen-printed glasses Matt matt nickel wire is recommended. When dyed or Painted glass, the wire or the bar can be colored accordingly or mitgefärbt become.

With this type of power supply inside or outside a showcase by whatever parts and use of minimal illuminant will be a big one Problem of appearance and aesthetics solved and by that already substantial development of the know-how and the technology but also achieved an increase in value.

The The invention will now be described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures explained. It shows:

1 : A perspective detail view of a first embodiment of the invention;

2 : a detailed perspective ei ner second embodiment of the invention;

3a . 3b : a plan view of variants of a third embodiment of the invention;

4a - 4c : Sectional views through various recess variants at a glance.

In the 1 shown in the cutout showcase is an example of a housing according to the invention. The showcase has a rectangular base with a bottom plate, which may optionally be made of glass, and four vertically arranged glass plates as walls, of which in the drawing, only one side wall 1 and a back wall 2 are shown, wherein the side wall 1 with a first edge surface against the back wall 2 encounters. On the upper edge surfaces of the glass plates is a glass lid 4 on, the first plate-shaped cover half 4a and a second plate-shaped cover half 4b comprises, wherein the cover halves are arranged coplanar and abut against each other with their edge surfaces.

The recesses for guiding electrical lines are formed in this embodiment by chamfers. For this purpose, for example, the first edge surface of the side wall 1 as a recess on the edge facing the display cabinet on a first chamfer, which is sufficiently deep that a rod-shaped metallic conductor 5 can be guided in it. Preferably, the cross section of the conductor protrudes 5 not over the inner main surface of the sidewall 1 into the inside of the showcase.

Accordingly, on the inner edge of the upper edge surface of the side wall 1 a second chamfer is provided, in which a second rod-shaped metallic conductor is led forward to the middle of the side wall of the side. The chamfer and the second conductor extends at least to the connecting line between the two cover halves 4a and 4b , At least one of the edge surfaces of the cover halves has a chamfer on the lower edge along the connecting line in which a third metallic Leite 7a is guided, wherein the third metallic conductor 7a extends to a socket for a lamp on the underside of the lid in a central region of the lid. As far as a light source with a large heat generation, such as a halogen lamp is provided, it may be appropriate to provide a hole through the lid to allow the heat to escape. If LEDs are used, can be dispensed with a bore. The second core for feeding the light source is performed analogously via chamfers in the edge surfaces of a second side wall, not shown here.

To the Connection of the Showcase to a power supply are in the bottom plate respectively provided with the vertically extending conductors aligned holes, through which the ladder led out of the showcase and in a suitable manner to a supply source, for example a Low voltage source, to be connected.

When rod-shaped Head can For example, not sheathed silver-plated or high-gloss nickel-plated brass wires or copper wires from at most 1.5 mm or, if appropriate, also thinner wires or other inconspicuous ones Adapted to glass character, for adequate flow of low-voltage current suitable materials, be used.

The Head can have any cross section, for example, rectangular or circular or semicircular can be. Possibly. can be the cross-sectional shape of the ladder of the shape of the recesses customized be. Insofar as the recess in this embodiment is formed by a chamfer of, for example 45 °, would be a suitable Conductor cross-section a right-angled isosceles triangle, so that the Ladder optimally fills the recess. The wires can be made, for example, by adhesive, et al UV adhesive on a plate or possibly also on both adjoining plates be attached. To guarantee a reliable one galvanic coupling between the individual sections of the power line, that is, the first, second, and third leaders are the contiguous ones Ladder, by spot welding or spot soldering connected with each other.

In the 2 showcase shown corresponds essentially to the showcase 1 but it differs from this one as follows. The lid 14 includes a one-piece glass plate. Through the lid 14 is a vertical hole 11 guided, which is aligned with a chamfer-shaped recess which is formed on a side wall at the inner edge of the edge surface thereof, wherein the side wall abuts with the edge surface against the rear wall. In the recess is a first rod-shaped conductor 15 led through the hole 11 up to the top of the lid 14 extends. From the hole 11 extends a first milled groove 12 in the top of the lid 14 to about a center line perpendicular to the first groove, wherein the first groove 12 preferably parallel to the under the first groove 12 extending side wall runs. Along the center line, the lid has a second groove 13 on, being the first groove 12 in the second groove 13 flows, and the second groove 13 up to a hole 18 extends, in which the socket is arranged for a bulb is. In the first first groove 13 is a second leader 16 and the second groove 13 a third leader 17 guided, wherein the conductors are electrically connected to each other as before. The second core of the power supply takes place analogously on the other side of the Showcase.

Insofar as the grooves are very expensive to manufacture, can be dispensed with one or both grooves with a conductor guided therein for cost reasons. Instead, you can flat in size as inconspicuous as possible in the current passage high-gloss nickel-plated or silvered brass strips or copper strips as a connection between the rear ascending ladder 15 and the bulb socket in the hole 18 or the third conductor 17 on the lid 14 lead and fasten for example by gluing.

If, in other construction of the showcase, the two side walls are not dulled on the rear wall, but the rear wall and possibly the glass cover plate between the side walls, so there are more opportunities to guide the supply lines and the required recesses, as based on 3a and 3b should be explained.

The chamfers 23 . 33 for receiving the vertically extending ladder 25 . 35 namely both inside 33 as well as outside 23 right and left on the back wall 22 . 32 the showcase without having to provide holes for the ladder.

At the in 3b shown inside run power supply runs a first conductor 35 inside over a chamfer 33 on the inner edge of the lateral edge surface of the rear wall 32 from the display case floor upwards, then over a chamfer 37 at the lower edge of the lateral edge surface of the inner lid forward to about the middle of the edge surface, then in a recess on the underside of the lid up to a light source 38 in the middle of the lid. The recess on the underside of the cover can be formed either by one or two chamfers on the connecting line between two cover halves or by a milled groove in a one-piece cover plate. If the lamp LED or cold light, this is a particularly simple and recommended way, since no heat build-up and no ceiling hole is needed. With halogen, the heat development is to be considered, which can solve a uv-bonded wire in too close proximity. Here is possibly a hole in the glass lid required.

If the power supply is only external, then, as in 3a shown chamfering 23 . 27 on the back wall 22 outside and at the inserted between the side walls 21 glass lid 24 attached right and left above. For the way to the light source 28 in the center of the lid, there is provided a recess on the top of the lid which, as before, may comprise a milled groove or a chamfer at the connecting line between two lid halves.

4a to c show once again some variants for the recesses at a glance.

In 4a is a cross section through the lid 4 out 1 shown. A lid half has at the lower edge of an edge surface a chamfer, in which the conductor 7a is guided.

In 4b , is a cover variant of the embodiment of 3b shown in the ship. Both lid halves 34a . 34b have a chamfer on the lower edge of the abutting edge surfaces. This creates a larger recess in which the conductor is guided.

Finally shows 4c the variant off 2 with a groove 13 in the top cover, or the upper main surface of the lid 14 ,

at Showcases where sections or all of holes, Bevel cuts and groove milling want to do without you use instead of the wires only the ones already mentioned Metal strips. You stick these in the area of the connection back wall / side wall on the outside the back wall up to the glass lid and goes up to the middle on the lid to the center of the page and from there perpendicular to the lamp. So receives Here, too, a practicable inexpensive and relatively inconspicuous supply line for one Ceiling lighting. Should this inconspicuous narrow strip disturb, can one with sandblasting or etching technique a similar one attach effective design element.

In the case, that the display case should be free-standing or instead of a door is closed all around as a hood shape, e.g. on a freestanding Pillar, the showcase and all exhibits are equivalent on all sides and without any optically disturbing ones impairments consider. It has a ceiling lighting, where you have the power supply (almost) can not recognize. Depending on the application, a Standard halogen lamp or so much reduced socket and Technique fairing are used that almost only the bulbs a halogen or LED lighting itself is visible.

Unfortunately, in order to complete the philosophy of total lighting reduction, miniature luminaires for halogen or LED lighting are not yet available on the market. The connection of wire to the socket of the bulb, as well as the porcelain version of the halogen lamps and the usually very small but black or colored version of the LED bulbs should not be visible. As a screen protector, they are given a socket in the size of the socket and the luminaire or, according to the design concept, as a luminous element. They can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, suitable light metals / sheets or plastic in high-gloss, matt, powder-coated or colored and corresponding shapes and design, to match handle, fitting and feet are made according to claim and are glued to the continuous or two-piece glass plate from below with UV adhesive or by a magnetic ring held. In the case of a hole this sleeve is uv-glued in the glass cover below the recess for the power line so that it gets no contact with the power line. It may only go so far down that the technology, ie connection and socket, is just covered and thus the purpose of a minimally visible metal processing or bulb holder is met. These small as possible sleeve as required can also be designed so that it is held by two small tabs or other inconspicuous type of holder on the top of the glass cover and does not fall down without having to be glued. In the case of a porcelain socket of the halogen lamp, a hole in the glass lid may be important because of the heat generated on the porcelain, in order to prevent a possible heat build-up. Similarly, in UV bonding of the sleeve, a non-heat and non-conductive spacer between socket and metal sleeve to use to prevent heating of the sleeve.

Claims (11)

casing with at least one transparent plate element and at least an electrical conductor, wherein the at least one transparent Plate member has a recess whose longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to a main surface of the plate member, and wherein the electrical conductor at least partially runs in the recess. casing according to claim 1, comprising at least a first transparent plate element and a second plate member, wherein the first plate member with a border area along a connecting line against an edge surface or a major surface of the second plate member abuts; in which the electrical conductor has at least one section which essentially parallel to the connecting line, thereby characterized in that the first Plate element along the edge surface has the recess, in which the at least one portion of the electrical conductor runs. casing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transparent plate element is glass, Sapphire, or an organic material such as plexiglass covers. casing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical Conductor comprises a metallic wire or rod. casing according to claim 4 wherein the electrical conductor is an uncoated high gloss nickel plated or silvered brass wire or rod or a high-gloss nickel-plated or silver-plated copper wire or rod includes. casing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical Head is attached by gluing in particular by UV gluing. casing according to one of the claims 2 to 5, wherein the recess along the edge surface comprises a chamfer, the in the transition area between the edge surface and a main surface of the first plate member. casing according to one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the recess comprises a groove. casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-sectional area of the Ladder is adapted to the shape of the recess. casing according to claim 2 or any of the dependent claims, wherein the electrical conductor does not extend laterally beyond the plane through the chamfer affected main area protrudes. casing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing has a Showcase or an aquarium is.