DE102012211934A1 - Discharge tube replacement unit i.e. LED-replacement tube, for use in lamp, has switch designed such that current path between terminals is interrupted at non-remote-operated state and current path is closed in remote-operated state - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit (2) has multiple terminal contacts and a semiconductor light source (7) i.e. LED, arranged between the terminal contacts. A remote-controlled switch (8) is designed such that a current path between the terminals is interrupted at a non-remote-operated state of the switch and the current path between the terminals is closed in a remote-operated state of the switch. An actuation unit (9) actuates an actuatable switch to a lamp (1), where the actuatable switch comprises a reed-relay and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver. An independent claim is also included for a lamp.

Description

The invention relates to discharge tube replacement means having a plurality of terminal contacts and having at least one semiconductor light source arranged between the terminal contacts. The invention further relates to luminaires with at least one socket for receiving such a discharge tube replacement means. The invention also relates to a system comprising at least one luminaire and at least one discharge tube replacement means. A preferred field of application relates to the field of discharge tube replacement means.

Conventional fluorescent lamps each have two touchable opposite terminal contacts. Since there is no electrical connection in the ignited state, there is no danger when inserting the lamps in a socket of a lamp, even not if the tube is inserted on one side and the other, not yet used page is touched to the terminals.

If instead of the conventional fluorescent lamp fluorescent lamp substitute with LEDs used as light sources (also called "LED replacement tubes", "LED fluorescent replacement" or "LED fluorescent retrofits"), so there may be the problem that this electrical Connection between the two opposite terminal contacts is given and therefore also the unused contact can have an electrical potential. The problem is thus the protection against electric shock, in the event that the lamp is energized, the LED replacement tube is inserted on one side and the touchable outside of the socket contact by the user would be touched.

There are LED replacement tube systems are known in which to prevent electric shock when inserting an LED replacement tube sockets ("rotor sockets") are provided which have a rotary switch between receptacles for pins of the LED replacement tube. In the rotor sockets, the rotary switch is rotated by 90 ° after inserting the LED replacement tube, and the contacts are thereby electrically connected. However, these systems only affect rotor sockets, no push-in sockets or sliding sockets.

It is the object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, at least in part, and in particular to provide a versatile possibility for safer insertion of discharge tube replacement means.

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 discharge tube replacement means, comprising a plurality of (i.e., at least two) opposite terminal contacts and at least one semiconductor light source arranged between opposite terminal contacts.

The discharge tube replacement means may in particular be designed to replace conventional gas discharge lamps, in particular gas discharge tubes. The gas discharge lamps to be replaced may be, for example, conventional low-pressure discharge lamps (low-pressure plasma, glow discharge, for example fluorescent tubes, fluorescent lamps, neon tubes), high-pressure discharge lamps (pressures up to about 1 MPa, for example mercury vapor lamps, krypton arc lamps for laser excitation) or ultra-high pressure lamps include. In particular, the discharge tube replacement means may be tubular, in particular for replacement of T-type fluorescent lamps, e.g. B. type T5, T8 or T12.

The connection contacts may be, for example, plug sockets, in particular tube sockets, or be present on such. As contacts, for example, contacts of tube sockets type G13 can be used, for. B. to replace T8 or T12 fluorescent lamps.

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 can be monochrome (eg red, green, blue, etc.) or multichrome (eg, 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; z. B. a white mixed light. The at least one light-emitting diode may contain at least one wavelength-converting phosphor (conversion LED). The phosphor may 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, z. At least one Fresnel lens, collimator, and so on. Instead of or in addition to inorganic Light emitting diodes, z. Based on InGaN or AlInGaP, organic LEDs (OLEDs, eg polymer OLEDs) can generally also be used. Alternatively, the at least one semiconductor light source z. B. have at least one diode laser.

The discharge tube replacement means further comprises at least one remotely actuable switch. A remote-controlled switch can in particular be understood to be a non-contact, in particular wireless, actuatable switch. A remote-controlled switch can be understood in particular to be a short-range remote-controlled switch.

The discharge tube replacement means is also adapted to: interrupt a current path between the terminals in a non-remote-controlled state of the switch and to close in a remote-actuated state of the switch a current path between the terminal contacts. If the remote-controlled switch is thus not actuated, no current can flow between the connection contacts. If the remote-controlled switch is actuated, however, current can flow between the connection contacts and then the at least one semiconductor light source can be operated.

This discharge tube replacement means has the advantage that it can be configured in such a way that the risk of electric shock at a connection contact that has not yet been inserted can be reliably and reliably prevented regardless of the type of socket.

The object is also achieved by a lamp having at least one socket for receiving a discharge tube replacement means as discussed above, wherein the lamp has at least one actuating means for actuating the at least one remotely actuable switch of the associated discharge tube replacement means. This ensures that the discharge tube replacement agent is easily operable when used in the socket.

In this first variant of the invention, therefore, a current path in the lamp, triggered by its position in relation to an associated lamp or its socket, can be interrupted or closed. In a second variant, which may be basically constructed analogously, the function of the lamp and the lamp is reversed, so that then a current path in the lamp, in particular to its version, triggered by their position with respect to an associated lamp can be interrupted or closed.

The object is thus also achieved by a luminaire having a socket with a plurality of connection contacts for receiving a discharge tube replacement means having at least one semiconductor light source, wherein the luminaire now has at least one remotely controllable switch and is adapted to supply a current path in a non-remote-controlled state of the switch to interrupt the connection contacts and close the current path to the connection contacts in a remote-controlled state of the switch. In this case, in the non-remote-controlled state, all (eg both) connection contacts are de-energized. In particular, in a discharge tube replacement means used only on one side so an electric shock can be excluded by touching a non-inserted terminal of the discharge tube replacement means, and so an electric shock can be prevented by touching a terminal contact of the socket.

It is an embodiment of the lamp that the lamp has at least one LED starter, which has the actuating means of the lamp (according to the first variant) or the remotely operated switch of the lamp (according to the second variant). An LED starter may, in particular, be understood to mean a placeholder for a starter used for operation with a conventional ballast (CCG) for conventional gas discharge lamps. The starter initiates the ignition of the conventional gas discharge lamps and is connected in parallel to the lamp. In operation of a discharge tube replacement means this conventional starter is no longer needed. Therefore, the remote-controlled switch or the actuating means can now be arranged on the LED starter. As a result, lights need only be slightly redesigned, and it may also be dispensed with a more difficult attachment to the socket.

The object is thus also achieved by a discharge tube replacement means having at least one semiconductor light source for use in a socket of a lamp according to the second variant, wherein the discharge tube replacement means comprises at least one actuating means for actuating the at least one remotely operated switch of the lamp. Thus, when using the discharge tube replacement this can be operated normally.

It is an embodiment that the remote-controlled switch is adapted to switch a further switch arranged in the current path (of the discharge tube replacement means in the first variant or the luminaire in the second variant) between the associated connection contacts. This results in the advantage that the further switch can be designed particularly varied. The further switch may be, for example, a mechanical switch or a two-pole electronic switch.

However, the remote-controlled switch may alternatively also be arranged directly in the circuit.

It is an embodiment of the device having a time delay device for the time-delayed switching of the further switch after actuation of the remote-controlled switch. This allows an even more secure avoidance of electric shock can be achieved, for example, in the event that the remote-controlled switch is already operated when the discharge tube replacement agent is not yet fully inserted into its socket. Then by the time delay (eg of several seconds), a power interruption can still be maintained for a typically complete subsequent use in the socket.

It is still an embodiment that the at least one remote-controlled switch has at least one reed relay or is designed as such. A reed relay is magnetically (and therefore short-range) triggerable, compact and robust. This also applies to a serving as an actuator magnet. The magnet may z. B. be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The reed relay as well as the actuating means can thus be housed in particular in existing versions or sockets. The reed relay and a permanent magnet used as actuating means are autonomous and require no external power supply. The use of a reed relay and a magnet has the further advantage that the discharge tube replacement means can thus be retrofitted easily.

It is yet another embodiment that the at least one remote-controlled switch has at least one RFID receiver. An associated actuating means may be an RFID transmitter. The use of RFID technology has the advantage that its range is adjustable and in addition a (unidirectional or bidirectional) data transmission can take place between the RFID transmitter and the RFID receiver. In general, such wireless data communication between discharge tube replacement means and luminaire, and thus independently of the terminals, can be made.

For example, in the case where the discharge tube replacement means comprises the RFID receiver, a possible configuration is that the RFID receiver is coupled to a driver (driver electronics) for operating the at least one semiconductor light source and is adapted to set data for adjustment receive the driver and forward it to the driver. This data may include, for example, data for dimming the discharge tube replacement.

It is also an embodiment, for example, for the case that the discharge tube replacement means comprises the RFID receiver that the at least one remotely actuable switch has at least one remote-sensing RFID receiver. A remote-sensing RFID receiver may, in particular, be understood to mean an RFID receiver which, in response to an actuation signal received by the RFID transmitter, emits a data-afflicted response signal that can be read, in particular, by the RFID transmitter. The fact that the RFID receiver has a remote-request identity code can in particular mean that the response signal has the identity code. Thus, the discharge tube replacement agent can be identified or verified, e.g. B. with regard to a suitable design for the lamp, a theft or detection of illegal replicas.

The response signal may alternatively or additionally comprise operating data of the discharge tube replacement means, e.g. As a nominal operating voltage, a luminous flux, a light color, etc.

The object is further achieved by a system having at least one luminaire as discussed above and at least one matching discharge tube replacement means as discussed above.

It is an embodiment that the actuating means remotely actuates the associated remote-controlled switch substantially only with a discharge tube replacement means inserted into the socket. This further increases protection against electric shock.

The above-described characteristics, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they will be achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following schematic description of exemplary embodiments which will be described in 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 sectional side view of a section of a system with a lamp for discharge tube replacement means and a discharge tube replacement means in the region of a terminal of the lamp;

2 shows a circuit diagram of the discharge tube replacement means 1 ;

3 shows a section of a further system with a lamp for discharge tube replacement means and a discharge tube Replacement agent in the area of a connection contact of the luminaire; and

4 shows a circuit diagram of the discharge tube replacement means 3 ,

1 shows a section of a side view of a section of a system 1 . 2 with a light 1 for a discharge tube replacement in the form of an LED replacement tube 2 and a discharge tube replacement means in the form of the LED replacement tube 2 , in the area of a connection contact 3 a version 4 the light 1 ,

The LED replacement tube 2 , z. B. the basic shape T8, has an end cap or a socket in one end 5 Type G13 with two terminals in the form of pins 6a on. The socket 5 can in the version 4 be plugged in. Between the pins 6b of the shown socket 5 and the pins (not shown) 6 at the other end of the LED replacement tube 2 There are several semiconductor light sources in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 7 ,

The LED replacement tube 2 points in the area of the socket shown 5 a remotely operated switch in the form of a reed relay 8th on. On the socket 4 the light 1 there is a reed relay 8th actuating permanent magnet 9 as the corresponding actuating means. The permanent magnet 9 For example, it can be glued on (eg with a double-sided adhesive tape, for example of the M3 type).

2 shows a circuit diagram of the LED replacement tube 2 , Between the pins 6a . 6b the two ends of the LED replacement tube 2 can form a current path or circuit. In the current path between the two pins 6a . 6b there are at least (i) a rectifier 10 , z. B. a diode, (ii) another, mechanical or electronic switch 11 , which by means of the reed relay 8th is switchable and (iii) a driver 12 to operate the LEDs 7 , The Elements 7 and 10 to 12 are shown here electrically connected in series, but need not be.

The reed relay 8th is by means of the permanent magnet 9 remotely operable if the socket 5 in the version 4 is used. Is either this socket 5 not used or the opposite socket not used and therefore this socket only tilted on the socket 4 arranged, extends through the permanent magnet 9 on the reed relay 8th applied magnetic force not to operate the reed relay 8th So this one is not remotely operated. This behavior lies in the short reach of the permanent magnet 8th established magnetic field. The strength of the permanent magnet 8th can be selected according to the desired range.

When remotely operated, z. B. closed, reed relay 8th this will close the switch 11 and allows current to flow between the pins 6a . 6b and thus an operation of the driver 12 and therefore the LEDs 7 (if the version 4 energized). The reed relay 8th then, in particular, can switch through and release the current path (in particular circuit). When not remotely operated, z. B. open, reed relay 8th is the current flow through the switch 11 between the pins 6a . 6b interrupted.

Between the reed relay 8th and the switch 11 may be a time delay device 13 for the time-delayed switching of the further switch 11 after operation of the reed relay 8th are located. This increases safety even with a stronger permanent magnet 9 reached, which is the reed relay 8th can already switch when the LED replacement tube 2 not yet completely in the version 4 is used. The by the time delay device 13 caused time delay to close the switch 11 may be sized to give a typical amount of time between unilaterally plugging the LED replacement tube 2 and a full insertion covers.

A respective permanent magnet 9 especially on both sides or connecting pages of the version 4 be arranged. Also preferably a respective reed relay 8th on both sockets 5 to be available.

Alternatively like the (then especially only one) permanent magnet in a LED starter of the lamp 1 be accommodated, in particular removable.

3 shows a section of a side view of a section of a system 21 . 22 with a light 21 for a discharge tube replacement in the form of an LED replacement tube 22 and a discharge tube replacement means in the form of the LED replacement tube 22 , in the area of a connection contact 23 a version 24 the light 21 , The system 21 . 22 is similar to the system 1 . 2 except that the remote switch is an RFID receiver 28 is and the actuating means of the light 21 now an RFID transmitter 29 is. Because a range of the RFID transmitter 29 as a radio-based transmitter is typically larger than that of a magnet, this may also be on one of the RFID receiver 28 be arranged further away, for. B. in an LED starter 30 , in particular removable or interchangeable.

This avoids, inter alia, a cumbersome attachment, z. B. sticking, on the socket 24 ,

The LED starter 30 is preferably in the middle between the two ends of the socket 24 or the pins 6a . 6b arranged so as a bilaterally even, large distance to the RFID receiver 28 results.

4 shows a circuit diagram of the LED replacement tube 22 , The circuit is similar to the circuit of the LED replacement tube 2 except that now the RFID receiver 28 and the RFID transmitter 29 instead of the reed relay 8th or the permanent magnet 9 be used.

Due to the wider range of the RFID transmitter 29 like the RFID receiver 28 already be operated when the LED replacement tube 22 not yet completely in the version 24 is used. To prevent electric shock to a user here, the time delay device may be like 13 to a higher time delay than the LED replacement tube 2 be set to the usually longer lasting insertion into the socket 24 to cover in time.

The RFID technology has the advantage of providing data transmission from the RFID transmitter 29 to the RFID receiver 28 and / or vice versa. The RFID technology is basically known and need not be explained in more detail here. For example, the RFID transmitter likes 29 transmit data except to or with an actuation signal for opening / closing the current path, which leads to the driver 11 can get to adjust this, z. B. data for dimming, etc.

Also like the RFID receiver 28 be querquainted and z. B. an identity code to the RFID transmitter 29 return, z. B. as anti-theft device.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the illustrated embodiments, 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.

Thus, the reed relay and the magnet as well as the RFID receiver and the RFID transmitter can be arranged on the lamp or on the LED replacement tube.

Instead of the RFID components, other radio components, eg. As a Bluetooth transmitter and a Bluetooth receiver used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

lamp

2

Discharge tubes substitutes

3

connection contact

4

version

5

socket

6a

connection contact

6b

connection contact

7

Semiconductor light source

8th

Reed relays

9

permanent magnet

10

rectifier

11

switch

12

driver

13

Time delay means

21

lamp

22

Discharge tubes substitutes

23

connection contact

24

version

28

RFID receiver

29

RFID transmitter

30

LED Starter

Claims (12)

Discharge tube substitute ( 2 ; 22 ), - comprising several connection contacts ( 6a . 6b ) and at least one between opposite terminal contacts ( 6a . 6b ) arranged semiconductor light source ( 7 ), in particular light emitting diode, wherein - the discharge tube replacement means ( 2 ; 22 ) at least one remotely operated switch ( 8th ; 28 ) and is set up, - in a non-remotely operated state of the switch ( 8th ; 28 ) a current path between the opposite terminal contacts ( 6a . 6b ) and - in a remote-controlled state of the switch ( 8th ; 28 ) a current path between the opposite terminal contacts ( 6a . 6b ) close. Lamp ( 1 ; 21 ) with at least one version ( 4 ; 24 ) for receiving a discharge tube replacement agent ( 2 ; 22 ) according to claim 1, wherein the luminaire ( 1 ; 21 ) at least one actuating means ( 9 ; 29 ) for actuating the at least one remotely operable switch ( 8th ; 28 ) of the associated discharge tube replacement means ( 2 ; 22 ) having. Luminaire, comprising - a socket with several connection contacts ( 3 ) for receiving a discharge tube replacement agent ( 2 ) with at least one semiconductor light source ( 7 ), wherein - the lamp has at least one remotely operated switch ( 8th ; 28 ) and is adapted to In a non-remotely operated state of the switch ( 8th ; 28 ) a current path to the terminal contacts ( 3 ) and - in a remote-controlled state of the switch ( 8th ; 28 ) a current path to the terminal contacts ( 3 ) close. Lamp ( 1 ; 21 ) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the luminaire ( 1 ; 21 ) at least one LED starter ( 30 ), which the actuating means ( 9 ; 29 ) of the luminaire ( 1 ; 21 ) according to claim 2 or the remote-controlled switch of the luminaire according to claim 3. Discharge tube replacement means comprising at least one semiconductor light source ( 7 ) for use in a socket of a luminaire according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the discharge tube replacement means comprises at least one actuating means ( 9 ; 29 ) for actuating the at least one remotely operable switch ( 8th ; 28 ) of the lamp. Contraption ( 2 ; 22 ) according to one of claims 1 or 3, wherein the remotely actuable switch ( 8th ; 29 ) is arranged to insert one into the current path between the terminal contacts ( 6a . 6b ), another switch ( 11 ) to switch. Contraption ( 2 ; 22 ) according to claim 6, wherein the device ( 2 ; 22 ) a time delay device ( 13 ) for the time-delayed switching of the further switch ( 11 ) after actuation of the remote-controlled switch ( 8th ; 28 ) having. Contraption ( 2 ; 22 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one remotely actuable switch ( 8th ; 28 ) at least one reed relay ( 8th ) and / or at least one RFID receiver ( 28 ) having. Device according to a combination of claims 1 and 8, wherein - the at least one remotely operated switch ( 8th ; 28 ) at least one RFID receiver ( 28 ), which is equipped with a driver ( 12 ) for operating the at least one semiconductor light source ( 7 ) and wherein - the RFID receiver ( 28 ) is set up data for setting the driver ( 12 ) and to the driver ( 12 ) forward. Device according to a combination of claims 1 and 8, wherein - the at least one remotely operated switch ( 28 ) at least one remote-sensing RFID receiver ( 28 ) having a remotely interrogatable identity code. System ( 1 . 2 ; 21 . 22 ) - at least one lamp ( 1 ; 21 ) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, alone or in combination with one of Claims 6 to 8, and - at least one discharge tube replacement agent ( 2 ; 22 ) according to one of claims 1 or 4 alone or in combination with one of claims 6 to 9. System ( 1 . 2 ) according to claim 11, wherein the actuating means ( 9 ; 29 ) the associated remote-controlled switch ( 8th ; 28 ) essentially only in one version ( 4 ; 24 ) discharge tube substitute ( 2 ; 22 ) remotely operated.

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