DE102011076128A1 - Support system for light module e.g. LED module used in office, has light module that is mounted over support portion and contact with electric wires of support portion - Google Patents

Abstract

The support system (1) has a support portion (2) provided with three electrical lines (14a-14d). The light module (15) is mounted over support portion and contact with electric wires of the support portion. The light module is provided with light source (22). The support portion is made up of aluminum.

Description

The invention relates to a support system for light modules, in particular LED modules. The invention further relates to a light module for attachment to the carrier system. Applications are particularly in the direct lighting, e.g. in office space, in indirect lighting, in particular daylight simulation, and in decorative lighting.

Previously known linear LED modules ("LED strips") are fixed in their structure (for example, the type and spacing of the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) located thereon), but their length can be made ready for assembly. It is disadvantageous that an adaptation of the functionality of these LED strips to various requirements is difficult to meet. Rather, then often different LED bands (for example, with different power classes, LED distances, light colors, etc.) must be used.

The object of the invention is to avoid the abovementioned disadvantages and, in particular, to provide a particularly flexible and easily configurable option for designing linear lighting systems.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are in particular the dependent claims.

The object is achieved by a carrier system for light modules, comprising a carrier profile with at least three electrical lines, which are at least partially along the carrier profile, wherein the carrier profile is arranged such that at least one light module along the carrier profile is releasably fastened, wherein the light module in the attached state is connected to at least two of the electrical lines of the carrier module.

This carrier system has the advantage that it is flexible with modules, including light modules, can be occupied or equipped and also offers due to the at least three electrical lines particularly diverse connection options. As a result, a particularly wide variety of modules can be operated on the carrier system. Through the detachable light module, a user can assemble or configure the carrier system itself.

It is a development that the at least three electrical lines comprise at least one supply line and at least one control line, wherein at least one supply line can also serve as a control line. In particular, the at least three electrical lines may comprise a plurality, in particular two, supply lines and at least one control line. This allows a particularly high level of operational reliability and a large variety of usable modules. In principle, supply lines can also serve as control lines, in particular as bus lines.

The at least one supply line may in particular be intended to be subjected to a low voltage, in particular safety extra low voltage (SELV), e.g. from 12 volts or 24 volts. In particular, compliance with the safety extra-low voltage has the advantage that the carrier profile need not have any special protection against contact, which saves costs and keeps a size low. In addition, no special insulation between the electrical lines to be provided, which also saves costs. In addition, in the event of an electrical overload, there is no need to trigger an automatic safety device, so that the circuits formed with the aid of the electrical lines can be maintained. As an indication of electrical overload, for example, a warning lamp may be activated.

It is an embodiment that the carrier profile has the electrical lines on an upper side and on both sides (in particular a left-side and a right-side side) has a respective longitudinal groove. Thus, the attachment of the light module to the carrier profile can be achieved by simply snapping or clipping the light module into the lateral longitudinal grooves. In particular, the light module may at least partially rest on the top to support a tight fit. The attachment of the light module to the support profile may also be designed for a good thermal connection, e.g. by providing large contact surfaces. These can be realized on the carrier profile, in particular on the upper side and on the two adjoining sides. For this purpose, between the light module and the carrier profile also a heat transfer material, e.g. a Wärmeleitfolie be provided.

It is still an embodiment that the carrier profile is an extruded profile, in particular an aluminum extruded profile. The design as an extruded profile has the advantages that it is suitable for all metals, especially for aluminum and aluminum alloys, copper and copper alloys. Aluminum, copper and their alloys have the advantage that they are very good heat conductors and thus allow effective cooling of the modules. By extruding even complicated profile shapes can be easy be prepared, in particular cooling structures such as cooling fins, etc.

Due to the very good heat conduction, low weight and comparatively low price of aluminum, it is particularly preferred that the extruded profile is an aluminum extruded profile.

It is yet a further embodiment that the carrier profile with the at least one light module via a clamping connection, in particular latching connection, is releasably connectable, wherein the light module along the carrier profile is displaceable. This allows a simple and secure attachment of the light module to the support profile and also a simple change of the position of the light module on the support profile even after its clamping or snapping. The clamp connection may comprise a non-positive connection. The clamp connection may additionally comprise a positive connection.

It is also an embodiment that the light module via terminal contacts and / or spring contacts with a part of or with all of the at least three electrical lines is connectable. The terminal contacts and / or spring contacts allow safe electrical contacting of the light modules. A light module does not need to be connected to all electrical lines, but may e.g. be connected to only a part of the electrical lines. This increases connection flexibility. On the support profile light modules can be attached, which at least partially contact different electrical lines or are electrically connected thereto.

It is also an embodiment that the carrier profile has a board, which is designed along the carrier profile and which provides the at least three electrical lines by means of electrical conductor tracks. This embodiment allows a particularly flexible embodiment, since different types of boards can be used with the carrier profile. The choice of the most suitable board, for example, may depend on a particular application and be handled flexibly.

In particular, the printed circuit board can be a ribbon-shaped circuit board in order to also be able to provide the electrical lines in a simple manner to a band-shaped carrier system.

The carrier profile may have, in particular in the case of using a circuit board, a profile-like basic body which has on an upper side a receptacle, in particular a longitudinal groove-like receptacle, for receiving, in particular for inserting, the circuit board. The main body may in particular consist of aluminum and in particular be produced by means of an extrusion process.

The board can be glued or screwed, for example, with the main body.

The traces may be wide or narrow copper traces, e.g. can be contacted via the spring contacts of the light module.

The carrier profile, in particular its basic body, can be fastened to a suitable substrate, for example, by screwing, gluing and / or clamping. Alternatively, the carrier system may for example be attached to a cable system, e.g. be hung between two or more ropes. The ropes can serve as power supplies or power supplies for the carrier system.

It is still a development that the carrier system is mechanically flexible, in particular elastically deformable to a considerable extent. The carrier system can also be laid so curved. In particular, the base body may be designed to be mechanically flexible, e.g. with aluminum in a sufficiently small thickness or by production of the base body of an elastic material, in particular plastic, in particular silicone. The board may also have sufficient flexibility ("flex board").

It is also an embodiment that the at least three electrical lines comprise lines of a bus system, in particular a DMX bus system and / or a DALI bus system. This allows a particularly versatile control of the light modules. For example, the DMX bus system allows individual control of the light modules. In particular, the use of a DMX bus system or a DALI bus system also makes it possible to use a fundamentally known and widely used bus system with correspondingly low adaptation powers when controlling the light modules.

The number of electrical lines may in particular be selected such that they permit the use of a DMX bus system as well as a DALI bus system or represent such lines. In particular, six electrical lines may be present, namely for example two supply lines (eg +24 volts and 0 volts), two DMX control lines (eg DMX + and DMX-) and two DALI control lines (eg DALI + and DALI-). The light modules can then be set up to make contact with corresponding electrical lines, for example a DMX-capable light module for contacting the two supply lines and the two DMX control lines.

It is also possible to provide several DMX and / or DALI lines or channels and e.g. specify a membership of the corresponding light module by means of a DIP switch or jumper.

The light modules can additionally or alternatively be controlled by means of a four-channel RGB bus, in particular by means of four electrical lines, which represent three color channels (R, G and B) and a mass. The color channels, in particular, can drive light sources of the same light color from different light modules, in particular control them in a similar manner.

It is also an embodiment that two of the at least three electrical lines are supply lines for the power supply of the at least one light module. Thus, control signals of a (arbitrary) bus system can be transmitted via the electrical lines. It is also possible to ensure a voltage / power supply of the light module via these electrical lines.

It is still an embodiment that the light module has at least one light source, in particular at least one semiconductor light source.

Preferably, the at least one semiconductor light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode. If several LEDs are present, they can be lit in the same color or in different colors. A color may be monochrome (e.g., red, green, blue, etc.) or multichrome (e.g., white). The light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode can also be an infrared light (IR LED) or an ultraviolet light (UV LED). Several light emitting diodes can produce a mixed light; e.g. a white mixed light. The at least one light-emitting diode may contain at least one wavelength-converting phosphor (conversion LED). The phosphor can alternatively or additionally be arranged remotely from the light-emitting diode ("remote phosphor"). The at least one light-emitting diode can be in the form of at least one individually housed light-emitting diode or in the form of at least one LED chip. Several LED chips can be mounted on a common substrate ("submount"). The at least one light emitting diode may be equipped with at least one own and / or common optics for beam guidance, e.g. at least one Fresnel lens, collimator, and so on. Instead of or in addition to inorganic light emitting diodes, e.g. based on InGaN or AlInGaP, organic LEDs (OLEDs, for example polymer OLEDs) can generally also be used. Alternatively, the at least one semiconductor light source may be e.g. have at least one diode laser.

It should be noted that the light module can also be designed without a light source. In particular, the light module may comprise a circuit for a light source or for driving or operating at least one light source.

It is a further embodiment that the light module comprises at least one of the following electrical circuits: a ballast; a dimming circuit; a drive circuit for at least one further light module; a drive circuit for at least one light unit; a receiver, a transmitter and / or a detector circuit. The transmitter and receiver may also be present as a combined transceiver.

The transmitter and / or the receiver can be designed as a radio or IR transmitter and / or receiver. In a configuration as a radio transmitter and / or receiver, the communication may be e.g. via WLAN, GSM, UMTS, LTE etc. Also, an embodiment of the receiver as a receiver of a remote control or remote control is possible. Due to the remote operability, the light emitted by the carrier system can be changed, for example, with regard to its brightness (dimmability), its pattern and / or its light color.

In particular, the detector circuit may be a detector circuit for detecting a brightness, a temperature (e.g., in a function as a fire detector), and / or a movement (e.g., in a burglar alarm function).

This embodiment thus makes it possible to use a light module on the carrier system, which has a functional unit or functional device which itself does not emit light, but functionally supports an operation of the carrier system. This allows a particularly flexible and versatile functional design or equipment of the carrier system with simple means.

A carrier system may be provided with light modules having mutually identical or different semiconductor light sources. For example, the semiconductor light sources of the light modules may be of the same type (but not necessarily equal in number), e.g. a same color. Alternatively, two or more light modules may have semiconductor light sources of different colors.

It is still a development that the carrier system has at least one aperture. The panel can cover areas of the carrier profile which are not occupied by light modules. The at least one aperture can be configured, for example, black, white, aluminum, etc.

The carrier system can also be configured double-sided. For example, two sections of the carrier system or two carrier systems may rest on one another with their underside or in a back-to-back arrangement.

The application areas of the carrier system are in particular in the direct illumination, e.g. in office space, in indirect lighting, especially daylight simulation, and decorative lighting, but are not limited thereto.

An optic (comprising one or more optical elements) or a fixture (e.g., a receptacle for extension through the optic) may be present on the support profile. The optics can be provided, in particular, on an upper side, on which the at least one semiconductor light source is located. The optics may include, for example, at least one lens, reflector, diffuser, aperture and / or color filters, etc.

A heat sink (comprising one or more optical elements) or a fixture (e.g., receptacle for extension through the heat sink) may be present on the support profile. The heat sink may be provided in particular on an underside of the carrier profile.

The object is also achieved by a light module for attachment to the carrier system as described above. The light module can thus be configured as described above and then solve the task independently.

In addition, the light module may in particular have a module carrier which carries on its upper side at least one functional unit which has at least one electrical contact for contacting at least one electrical line of the carrier profile on its underside and which has at least two downwardly extending projections which laterally of the electrical Contacts are arranged and each have at least one inwardly directed nose for engagement in the lateral longitudinal groove of the carrier profile, in particular the base body thereof. This embodiment enables a simple clamping attachment to the carrier profile.

The functional unit may in particular comprise at least one light source and / or at least one electrical circuit as described above (for example comprising a ballast, a dimming circuit, etc.).

It is still an embodiment that the module carrier of the light module consists of a thermally highly conductive material (thermal conductivity W> 15 W / (m · K), in particular aluminum.) This allows a good heat dissipation from the functional unit to the module carrier of the light module and of the module carrier on the base body of the carrier system.

The light modules which can be fastened to the carrier system can have differently designed, in particular different lengths, module carriers. Thus, e.g. the length of the module carrier can be adapted to an amount of heat to be dissipated by the respective at least one light source. For example, the length may increase with the number of available light sources.

The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following schematic description of an embodiment, which will be described in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. In this case, the same or equivalent elements may be provided with the same reference numerals for clarity.

1 shows a section of a carrier system according to the invention with a carrier profile and a light module according to a first embodiment;

2 shows the light module according to the first embodiment in a view obliquely from below; and

3 shows a further section of the carrier system according to the invention with a carrier profile, the light module according to the first embodiment and a light module according to a second embodiment.

1 shows a section of a carrier system 1 with a carrier profile 2 and a light module 3 according to a first embodiment. The carrier profile 2 is shown as a longitudinal section and can be present as basically any length-configurable profile.

The carrier profile 2 has a basic body 4 made of aluminum. The main body 4 has a top 5 , a bottom 6 and two pages 7 and 8th on, with the sides 7 and 8th the top 5 and the bottom 6 connect together and here as a left-sided page 7 and a right-sided page 8th available. In the top 5 is a recording 9 introduced in the form of a wide longitudinal groove. On both sides 7 and 8th each is a locking recess 10 introduced in the form of a narrow longitudinal groove. The main body 4 It is made of aluminum and has been produced by means of an extrusion process.

In the recording 9 is as another part of the carrier profile 2 a band-shaped board 11 fitted tightly and in it eg over the underside 12 attached by means of a bond. A top 13 the board 11 lies here flush with the top 5 of the basic body 4 ,

At the top 13 the board 11 There are four electrical lines in the form of corresponding tracks 14a . 14b . 14c and 14d made of copper. The tracks 14a -D run along the carrier profile 2 and are intended to be applied with no more than a safety extra-low voltage, for example 24 volts. The electrical conductors 14a -D thus also run on an upper side of the carrier profile 2 , Because on the top 13 no other components are installed, the tracks can 14a -D be made very wide, which allows very long profile lengths.

The four tracks 14a -D are here together from a first supply line 14a which can be acted upon by +24 volts, for example, two control lines 14b and 14c in the form of lines of a DMX bus system, eg DMX + or DMX-, and a second supply line 14d in the form of a ground line (0 volts).

On the carrier profile 2 is a light module 15 clamped snapped mounted or attached, in such a way that an associated module carrier (body) 16 made of aluminum the front 13 the board 11 partially covered. Here is the light module 15 with all four tracks here 14a -D electrically connected. For the electrical connection with the four tracks 14a -D points the light module 15 or its module carrier 16 , as in 2 shown at its bottom 17 corresponding electrical contacts in the form of pick-up springs 18 on. The customer springs 18 are located on the attached light module 15 in press contact with the underlying track 14a d.

The module carrier 16 has two downwardly extending projections for the preparation of the clamping or locking attachment 19 on which side of the electrical contacts 14a -D or the customer springs 18 are arranged. Each of the tabs 19 has an inwardly directed, longitudinally extending nose 20 for engagement in the opposite lateral locking recess 10 of the basic body 4 on. This is how the light module works 15 simply on the carrier profile 2 clipped. The light module 15 can also be recovered from the carrier profile 2 to solve.

Due to the elongated nose 20 and the lateral locking recess formed in the form of a longitudinal groove 10 can the light module be 15 by means of the module carrier 16 also in his on the carrier profile 2 fastened state along the longitudinal extent of the carrier profile 2 what a simple and precise positioning and their change to the carrier profile 2 allows.

In addition, such a large-scale thermal contact between the body 4 and the module carrier 16 be achieved. The module carrier 16 can also serve as a heat sink itself due to its very good thermal conductivity. To further enhance the cooling can on the body 4 Dedicated cooling devices (o.Abb.) Be attached, such as a cooling fin attachment or a fan. The fan can, for example, via the supply lines 14a and 14d be powered.

The module carrier 16 points at its top 21 a light-generating functional unit comprising a printed circuit board (o.Fig.) With mounted thereon semiconductor light sources in the form of four light-emitting diodes 22 having. The circuit board is over the pickup springs 18 suitable with the tracks 14a -D is electrically connected and further includes a circuit to the LEDs 22 depending on the on the control lines 14b and 14c controlled signals of the DMX bus. By means of the control lines 14b and 14c can any of the light modules 15 individually addressed, what the carrier system 1 very flexible.

3 shows a longer section of the carrier system 1 with the carrier profile 2 , the light module 15 and another light module 23 ,

The further light module 23 basically has the same module carrier 16 on like the light module 15 , In contrast, the light module points 23 now no light sources on the module carrier 16 but a non-light emitting functional device 24 , wherein the functional device 24 as one or more of the following electrical circuits can be configured or have such, namely as: a ballast; a dimming circuit; a drive circuit for at least one further light module; a drive circuit for at least one light unit; a signal receiver, in particular radio receiver; a transmitter and / or a detector circuit, in particular for the detection of a brightness, a temperature and / or a movement.

The light module 23 especially with the light module 15 interact.

The light module 23 can also be configured as a branch.

While the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the at least one embodiment shown, the invention is not so limited and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 carrier system

2

 carrier profile

3

 light module

4

 body

5

 Top of the body

6

 Bottom of the body

7

 left side

8th

 right side

9

 admission

10

 engaging recess

11

 circuit board

12

 Bottom of the board

13

 Top of the board

14a

 supply line

14b

 control line

14c

 control line

14d

 supply line

15

 light module

16

 module carrier

17

 Bottom of the module carrier

18

 customers spring

19

 head Start

20

 nose

21

 Top of the module carrier

22

 led

23

 light module

24

 functional device

Claims (13)

Carrier system ( 1 ) for light modules ( 15 ; 23 ) - a carrier profile ( 2 ) with at least three electrical lines ( 14a D) at least in sections along the carrier profile ( 2 ) are carried out, - wherein the carrier profile ( 2 ) is set up such that at least one light module ( 15 ; 23 ) along the carrier profile ( 2 ) is releasably attachable, - wherein the light module ( 15 ; 23 ) in the attached state with at least two of the electrical lines ( 14a -D) of the carrier module ( 2 ) connected is. Carrier system ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the carrier profile ( 2 ) the electrical lines ( 14a -D) on a top side ( 5 . 13 ) and on both sides ( 7 . 8th ) a respective longitudinal groove ( 10 ) having. Carrier system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the carrier profile ( 2 ) is an extruded profile, in particular an aluminum extruded profile. Carrier system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the carrier profile ( 2 ) with the at least one light module ( 15 ; 23 ) via a clamping connection ( 10 . 20 ) is releasably connectable, wherein the light module ( 15 ; 23 ) along the carrier profile ( 2 ) is displaceable. Carrier system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the light module ( 15 ; 23 ) via terminal contacts and / or spring contacts ( 18 ) with a part or all of the at least three electrical lines ( 14a -D) is connectable. Carrier system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the carrier profile ( 2 ) has a board along the carrier profile ( 2 ) is executed and the at least three electrical lines ( 14a -D) by means of electrical conductors. Carrier system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least three electrical lines ( 14a -D) lines ( 14b . 14c ) of a bus system, in particular a DMX bus system and / or a DALI bus system. Carrier system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which two electrical lines ( 14a . 14d ) of the at least three electrical lines ( 14a -D) supply lines for supplying energy to the at least one light module ( 15 ; 23 ) are. Carrier system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the light module ( 15 ) at least one light source ( 22 ), in particular at least one semiconductor light source. Carrier system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the light module ( 23 ) comprises at least one of the following electrical circuits: - a ballast; A dimming circuit; A drive circuit for at least one further light module; A drive circuit for at least one light unit; A radio receiver; A transmitter; A detector circuit, in particular for the detection of a brightness, a temperature and / or a movement. Light module ( 15 ; 23 ) for attachment to the carrier system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10. Light module ( 15 ; 23 ) one of the preceding claims, wherein the light module ( 15 ; 23 ) a module carrier ( 16 ), which at its upper side ( 21 ) at least one functional unit ( 24 ), which on its underside ( 17 ) at least one electrical contact ( 18 ) for contacting at least one electrical line ( 14a -D) of the beam profile ( 2 ) and which at least two downwardly extending projections ( 19 ), which laterally of the electrical contacts ( 18 ) are arranged and in each case at least one inwardly directed nose ( 20 ) for engagement in the lateral longitudinal groove ( 10 ) of the carrier system ( 1 ) exhibit. Light module ( 15 ; 23 ) according to claim 12, wherein its module carrier ( 16 ) consists of a thermally highly conductive material, in particular aluminum.

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