DE102014204875B4 - Method for converting a luminaire for the operation of a fluorescent tube to a luminaire for the operation of an LED tube - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for converting a luminaire for the operation of a fluorescent tube (12) to a luminaire for the operation of an LED tube (24), the luminaire having a circuit arrangement (10) with a first connection point (P) for an outer conductor, a second connection point (N) for a neutral conductor, and a lamp socket having a first and a second socket part (20; 22). The second socket part (22) is conductively connected to the second connection point (N) and a ballast (KVG) of the lamp is conductively connected to the first connection point (P) and the first socket part (20), wherein a starter (18) parallel to Lamp socket is arranged. In the method according to the invention, the ballast (KVG) is coupled out of the circuit arrangement (10; 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e) and an overcurrent protection device (34) conductively connected to the first connection point (P) and the first socket part (20).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for converting a lamp, which is designed in a first state for the operation of a fluorescent tube as a light source, to the lamp in a second state in which the lamp is designed for the operation of an LED tube as a light source. In the first state, the luminaire has a circuit arrangement with a first connection point for coupling to an outer conductor of a power network and a second connection point for coupling to a neutral conductor of a power network. Furthermore, the circuit arrangement comprises a lamp socket having a first socket part for gripping a first end, in particular a first lamp socket, a fluorescent tube or an LED tube and a second socket part for gripping a second end, in particular a second lamp cap, a fluorescent tube or an LED tube wherein the first socket part has a first input and a first output and the second socket part has a second input and a second output, and wherein the second output of the second socket part is electrically conductively connected to the second connection point. Furthermore, the circuit arrangement has a ballast with a choke which has an input which is electrically conductively connected to the first connection point and which has an output which is electrically conductively connected to the first input of the first socket part. Furthermore, the circuit arrangement comprises a starter, which is electrically conductively connected to the first output of the first socket part and the second input of the second socket part.

State of the art

Luminaires are known from the prior art, which are designed for operation with LED tubes as lighting. LEDs have the particular advantage that they are particularly energy-efficient compared to other bulbs, give directional light and have a very long life. However, many existing luminaires are designed only for operation with fluorescent tubes as lighting. Replacing the entire luminaire with a new LED luminaire is very costly. Especially if many such lights, such. As in department stores or offices, installed, the switch to energy-saving LED tubes designed very expensive. To avoid this great disadvantage, various possibilities and procedures are known from the prior art to convert existing luminaires for fluorescent tubes on LED tubes.

For example, the font shows AU 2009101044 B4 (Whitfield) how an LED tube can be incorporated into a luminaire for fluorescent tubes. The writings WO2011 / 014111A1 (Lindberg) and DE 20 2010 010 536 U1 especially deal with the replacement of the starter by a fuse.

1 shows a schematic representation of a typical wiring of a fluorescent tube 12 a lamp 10 according to the prior art. The lamp 10 has a conventional ballast KVG for the fluorescent tube 12 on. The ballast KVG comprises a throttle 14 , the current due to their inductance, in particular the helical short-circuit current with the starter closed 18 during the spiral preheat phase, for the fluorescent tube 12 and limits the helical preheating current. To improve the power factor in lamp operation such ballasts KVG typically have a compensation capacitor 16 on. Furthermore, the light has 10 parallel to the fluorescent tube 12 a starter 18 on, by the necessary ignition voltage to the fluorescent tube 12 can be provided. The lamp 10 also has two terminal contacts P and N, wherein a first terminal contact P with one of the outer conductor, also called phase, the power grid is coupled and a second terminal N with the neutral conductor of the power grid. The fluorescent tube 12 is arranged in a lamp socket, which has a first socket part 20 and a second version part 22 having. The first version part 20 has a first input 20a and a first exit 20b on and the second version part 22 has a second entrance 22a and a second exit 22b on. The first entrance 20a is coupled to the ballast KVG, the first output 20b is about the starter 18 with the second entrance 22a the second version 22 coupled and the second output 22b is coupled to the second terminal N for the neutral.

The starter 18 contains a glow device, wherein at least one electrode is designed as a bimetallic strip and heats when applied voltage through the glow discharge. The sudden bending of the bimetal strips caused by this heating results in closing the contacts of the glow device, so that a current through the filaments of the fluorescent tube 12 flows, which then heat up. The size of the current is limited by the inductive resistance of the KVG upwards. The electrodes cool the glow lamp and open the contact again. The consequent current drop in the throttle 14 conditionally an induction voltage, which is an ignition of the fluorescent tube 12 causes.

Several possibilities are known from the prior art to convert such a light for the operation of an LED tube instead of the fluorescent tube. First, there are through-wired LED tubes that connect the first input of the first socket directly to the second output of the second socket part, when arranged in the version described, and thus decouple the starter from the circuit. Such LED tubes can thus be easily inserted into the existing lamp socket without further measures. However, this variant involves handling high security risks, because such an LED tube is initially installed with one end in the live socket part, which is coupled via the terminal contact P with the outer conductor, so is the contact pins on the other Side of the LED tube already a voltage, which brings the risk of electric shock when inserting the LED tube with it and thus life-threatening.

As in 2 represented, this enormous security risk in other known from the prior art LED tubes 24 be avoided by being wired so that the first input 20a of the first version 20 , over the first lamp socket 21 and via the electronic ballast electronic ballast with the first output 20b of the first version 20 connected and the second input 22a the second version 22 with the second exit 22b the second version 22 is connected, in particular via the second lamp cap 23 , When inserting such a LED tube 24 is even after the insertion of one end of an LED tube in a socket part no voltage to the contact pins of the other end of the LED tube and live parts can thus not be touched.

Thus, after insertion of an electrically conductive connection between the first output 20b and the second entrance 22a In this case, the starter must exist 18 be bridged. This can be done by a starter bypass 26 , such as B. by a simple electrically conductive connector or a fuse done.

This so-called retrofit solution requires no conversion of the lamp itself, but only the replacement of the starter against an LED starter and the replacement of the fluorescent tube against the LED tube. A major disadvantage of this variant, however, is that the conventional ballast is maintained, whereby an LED tube can be operated only very energy inefficient due to the large losses of the conventional ballast. In addition, can be through the LED tube no other functions, such. B. dimming implement. Furthermore, in case of a defect in the LED driver, z. For example, in the case of a faulty current path, the maximum current through the choke is limited to approximately 1 A (ampere), which can lead to local overheating and coking in the driver and in the socket.

Another approach known from the prior art is to bridge the conventional ballast. As a result, no energy losses occur at this more. However, this also means a conversion of the luminaire, as a result of which it loses its CE-approval and the renovator is thus responsible for the safety of the luminaire. A major security risk can be, in particular, that a user would like to use a fluorescent tube again after conversion to an LED tube or possibly accidentally used. In this case, it must be ensured that there are no hazards to it, and also that no damage to the luminaire or the fluorescent tube is preferred.

If a fluorescent tube were to be used again in the described retrofit variant and it would be forgotten to reinsert the starter for the fluorescent tube, the fluorescent tube would go into permanent pre-heating and this would be damaged. However, if also the conventional ballast is bridged, then the full mains voltage is applied to the fluorescent tube, which is usually designed only for 10 V-20 V, and the fluorescent tube would burst due to unavoidable arcing at the mains voltage leading end of the lamp, again from the associated hissing ventilation noise secondary accidents, such as a ladder crash, can result. Another big problem when bridging the conventional ballast is also that now also the full mains voltage is applied to the socket parts. These versions, such. As a G13 version, however, are designed for operation with fluorescent tubes and therefore for significantly lower voltages and smaller creepage distances. When operating with LED tubes with bridged conventional ballast there is a risk of short circuits, z. Due to parasitic leakage currents within the socket. These leakage currents can not be detected by the electronics in the LED tube. The only protective measure in this case can then be provided only by addressing the home security.

The methods known from the prior art for the conversion of luminaires for operation with LED tubes are thus either energy inefficient, limit the functional scope of the LED tube or have in part enormous deficits in terms of safety.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for converting a luminaire for the operation of a fluorescent tube on the light for the operation of an LED tube, which energy efficient operation of the LED tube and at the same time the reduction of security risks and the highest possible Lighting comfort allows.

This object is achieved by a method for converting a lamp with the features of claim 1. Particularly advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

The inventive method is characterized in that the ballast is coupled out of the circuit arrangement and a first overcurrent protection device is electrically connected to the first connection point and the first input of the first socket part, so that the first overcurrent protection device is designed according to a predetermined tripping characteristic the overcurrent protection device to interrupt the electrical connection between the first connection point and the first input of the first socket part.

By decoupling the ballast, the energy efficiency of the lamp can be significantly increased in an advantageous manner. It also makes it possible to use LED tubes, which allow a power line modulation to control the LED tube with many functions, such. As dimming, control of individual LED groups or color control, which would not be possible while maintaining the ballast. Thus, a much higher lighting comfort can be provided by the invention. A particularly great advantage of the invention, however, is that an overcurrent protection device is provided instead of the ballast. This simple measure can be enormous advantages in terms of safety.

The invention is based on the recognition that it can lead to hazards by decoupling the ballast, since the lamp socket is designed for significantly lower voltages, which also by the provision of a fuse parallel to the version, d. H. instead of the starter, can not be counteracted, but can be advantageously eliminated by attaching an overcurrent protection device instead of the ballast. At this point in the circuit, this overcurrent protection device can even take over several protection functions simultaneously. If, for example, as described, due to the inadequate design of the lamp socket or even in the event of a fault LED driver (eg parasitic current paths due to short circuits), so the overcurrent protection device can respond, thus preventing the response of the house fuse and also an additional Protection. Advantageously, overheating in the LED driver, which in the case of a defect such. B. an unauthorized current path, can be avoided when the first overcurrent protection z. B. is designed so that it responds to a current from about 2 A.

On the other hand can be effectively eliminated by this first overcurrent protection device at this point even risks that may result from accidental or intentional reinsertion of a fluorescent tube in the converted luminaire, because even in this case, the overcurrent protection device can be designed, for example, that they in this Case appeals. In this way, not even further backups are needed to provide adequate and comprehensive protection. The luminaire can thus be rebuilt in a particularly simple, cost-effective and, above all, particularly secure way. This conversion method is suitable for lights with conventional and low-consumption ballast and is thus advantageously used in a majority of the existing lights.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the ballast can be coupled by the ballast is electrically bypassed. This is a particularly time-saving and easy way to decouple the ballast in its function from the circuit arrangement.

However, it is particularly advantageous to decouple the ballast by being completely removed from the lamp. The space released in this removal in the luminaire can then be used in a particularly advantageous manner to arrange the first overcurrent protection device at this point. In addition, this reduces the weight of the lamp, which brings a simplification especially for the installation or for a later uninstall. In addition, the ballast can be recycled, whereby raw materials such as copper are prematurely returned to the recycling cycle and not only after uninstalling the complete luminaire.

According to the invention, the starter of the lamp is also removed and replaced by a permanently electrically conductive connection. When replacing the starter by a permanently electrically conductive connection, a second overcurrent protection device in the circuit arrangement arranged. As a result, an additional protective function can be provided and, in addition, more possibilities are thus provided for designing the first and the second overcurrent protection device differently in terms of their tripping behavior and thereby providing better possibilities of adaptation to the respective protection requirements.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the starter is removed from the lamp and replaced by the second overcurrent protection device, so that the second overcurrent protection device is designed according to a predetermined tripping characteristic of the second overcurrent protection device, the electrical connection between the first output of the first socket part and the second input of the second version. For example, the second overcurrent protection device may be designed such that it triggers from a current of 1 A to 2 A, preferably already from 1 A, and has a sluggish response. Again, it can be ensured by the slow response that the second overcurrent protection device withstands the inrush current of the LED tube without tripping. In this way, it is ensured that the second overcurrent protection device triggers, when instead of the LED tube again a fluorescent tube is used. The great advantage of this second overcurrent protection device then consists primarily in that the first overcurrent protection device can be designed for significantly higher currents, and, for example, only from a current of 10 A, and in particular nimble, triggers. The first overcurrent protection device is thus designed for short circuits, z. B. due to a driver defect and / or parasitic leakage currents, whereas triggering a re-insertion of a fluorescent lamp, the second overcurrent protection triggers. The probability or frequency that the first overcurrent protection device responds is thereby significantly lower. This is advantageous because the first overcurrent protection device is installed in the luminaire in a hard to reach place, d. H. at a location that not only requires the removal of the bulb, but also parts of the lamp or the lamp housing, while the second overcurrent protection device can be arranged in an easily accessible place, such. B. at the position of the starter, which is usually easily accessible and interchangeable with removed light source.

Furthermore, in the first state, the luminaire may have a starter socket, which is electrically conductively connected to the first output of the socket part and the second input of the socket part, wherein the starter is arranged in the starter socket such that it is connected to the first output of the first socket part and the first outlet second input of the second socket part is electrically connected via the starter socket. This corresponds to the conventional construction of a luminaire for fluorescent tubes. This can advantageously be used to replace the starter in such a way by the permanently electrically conductive connection or the second overcurrent protection device that the starter is removed from the starter socket and a component which has a socket corresponding to the starter socket and which permanently electrically conducts the connection or the second overcurrent protection device is used in the starter socket. This allows a particularly simple insertion of the permanently conductive connection or the second overcurrent protection device and in the case of the onset of the second overcurrent protection device so also a particularly simple replacement is possible, for. B. in the event that this is designed as a simple fuse and must be replaced after triggering.

Although the provision of the second overcurrent protection device in an easily accessible location, such as the position of the starter, has the advantages described, this in turn can also be dangerous. If a user unwisely wants to insert a fluorescent tube into the converted luminaire again, for example, and exchanges the second overcurrent protection device for the starter of the fluorescent tube, at least damage of the filaments occurs when inserting a fluorescent tube, since these are exposed to a very high current when the starter is closed , Although worse, such as a bursting of the fluorescent tube, can advantageously be avoided by the inventively arranged first overcurrent protection device, even if this triggers only 10 A, but this scenario has at least the result that the fluorescent tube is damaged, has triggered the first overcurrent protection device and replaced must become. However, there are also advantageously available options for how this can be avoided.

For example, when the lamp in the first state has a starter socket as described, the starter may alternatively be replaced by the permanently electrically conductive connection or the second overcurrent protection device such that the electrically conductive connection between the starter socket and the first output of the first socket part and / or the electrically conductive connection between the starter socket and the second input of the second socket part is separated and the permanently electrically conductive connection or the second overcurrent protection device is electrically connected to the first output of the first socket part and the second input of the second socket part.

In other words, the permanently conductive connection or the second overcurrent protection device is not introduced by insertion into the starter socket in the circuit arrangement, but by a separate wiring. For this purpose, for example, the existing arranged on the starter socket lines / wires / cables can be used, thereby simultaneously while the electrically conductive connection of the starter socket from the first output of the first socket part and / or can be separated from the second input of the second socket part. This has the advantage that when a renewed insertion of the starter for a fluorescent tube remains this functionless and is decoupled from the circuit and at the same time the function of the second overcurrent protection device is maintained. For example, if a user mistakenly believes that he can continue to use and operate a fluorescent tube when re-using the associated starter, then the full safety function of the second overcurrent protection device is still present and this would be triggered when a fluorescent tube is inserted, especially at suitable dimensioning such. B. from 1 A to 10 A with nimble tripping before the filaments of the fluorescent tube are damaged. Also, in the event that a permanently conductive electrical connection, which in itself can take no safety function, is used, in the case of this replacement measure, a separate wiring and by the electrical decoupling of the starter socket, which is therefore inoperative, too provided the opportunity to seal the starter socket with a sticker with warnings. Such a closure is immediately perceived by a user when attempting to use a starter. The sticker and / or closure can also be arranged on the opening of the starter socket, that this firm, ie manually not again detachable, closes. Even without additional optional labeling can already be made aware by this solid shoot the user when trying to use a starter that a re-insertion of a fluorescent tube in the light after the conversion is obviously not provided and therefore be prevented from such measures. All of these ways thus increase the likelihood that a user will be prevented from using a fluorescent tube again.

Alternatively, it may also be provided that when the starter is replaced by the second overcurrent protection device by placing it in the starter socket, it is irreversibly placed in the starter socket. The second overcurrent protection device and / or the starter socket may for this purpose, for example, have a mechanical mechanism, for. As a Verklinkungsmechanismus or a latching mechanism that allows easy manual insertion of the second overcurrent protection device in the starter socket, but no manual removal more. In this way, a user can be prevented from removing the second overcurrent protection device. The fact that the user is impeded from removing may cause him or her to refrain from reinserting a fluorescent tube. If it is nevertheless used, the second overcurrent protection device ensures that there is no damage to the fluorescent tube and thus guarantees complete safety at all times thanks to its irreversible arrangement. Since the second overcurrent protection device is irreversible, d. H. is only interchangeable by an electrician or removable only with appropriate tools, it is particularly advantageous to form the second overcurrent protection device as a circuit breaker or as a circuit breaker with reset function. If the second overcurrent protection device triggers once, it does not have to be exchanged expensively; B. by pressing an actuator, are simply reset to the unsolved state.

In combination, it is also particularly advantageous as the first overcurrent protection device a nimble fuse for high trip currents, z. B. from 10 A to use. As described, this has the advantage that this difficult to access fuse with less likelihood, ie only in an emergency, triggers and thus does not need to be replaced often. However, the second overcurrent device would be easily accessible and removably arranged for a user, and z. B. are exchanged again against the starter of the fluorescent tube and then again a fluorescent tube are used, so the first overcurrent protection device responds and must be replaced. By combining with a first high current overcurrent protection device and a second overcurrent protection device which is difficult to access due to its position or which can not be manually removed due to its attachment, all the advantages can be exploited simultaneously, namely the resulting low tripping probability of the first overcurrent protection device. the assurance of safety even with re-insertion of a fluorescent tube, both in terms of damage to the coils up to a bursting of the fluorescent tube and resulting secondary accidents, as well as full safety in the event of short circuits due to driver defects or leakage currents of the lamp socket, while avoiding the response the home security.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to arrange a fuse, in particular a fuse, in the circuit arrangement as the first overcurrent protection fuse. Such a design is very cost-effective and if this is also designed for high currents, this will also rarely trigger, which keeps the cost of replacing low. An education as a circuit breaker with reset function would also be conceivable, but for the assumed manner rather rare triggering cases and in view of the difficult to reach arrangement of the first guard this would not be as cost-effective as a simple fuse.

Furthermore, as the second overcurrent protection fuse, a fuse, in particular a fuse, or a circuit breaker can be arranged in the circuit arrangement. A fuse has the advantage that it is much cheaper. In contrast, a circuit breaker, in particular with reset function, can be reset after triggering comfortable. This is especially recommended when the second overcurrent protection device is to be arranged irreversibly. However, it is also generally advantageous in terms of user comfort when a circuit breaker is arranged in the circuit arrangement as the second overcurrent protection device, which is set up in such a way that it can be reset from a tripped state to an untripped state by an actuation by a user.

These describe variants of the invention are directed primarily to examples in which the existing wiring, in particular the electrically conductive connection to and from the second version part is retained during the conversion, which makes the conversion of the lamp very simple. However, it can also be advantageous to re-wire the luminaire and possibly to remove existing lines, as will be explained in more detail below.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first output of the first socket part is electrically conductively connected to the second terminal point, without being electrically conductively connected to the second socket part. In other words, while the lamp is in operation, a voltage is applied only to the first socket part and not to the second socket part. For this purpose, for example, the wiring from the first output of the first socket part to the starter or starter socket and / or the starter or the starter socket to the second input of the second socket part and / or the second output of the second socket part to the second connection point are removed and a wiring , which leads from the first output of the first socket to the second connection point, are arranged. For this purpose, for example, the cables or wires or wiring of the lamp can be used in the first state. For example, the line of the lamp in the first state, which leads from the first output to the starter socket disconnected at the starter socket and connected to the second connection point o. Ä .. As already inventive coupling of the ballast is a conversion solution for the conversion of the lamp, ie the Opening the lamp or of the wiring of the circuit-containing housing requires, these rewiring measures, in particular the decoupling of the second lamp socket part of the circuit or the circuit arrangement no great additional effort. In contrast, however, can be made even safer by this measure, the lamp. This is achieved in that in this case no voltage is applied to the second socket part. Since the socket parts, as described, are originally designed for smaller voltages and thus the risk of leakage currents is increased by the socket parts, this risk is already reduced by half by the decoupling of the second socket part. This, in turn, significantly reduces the likelihood that the first overcurrent protection device will ever trip due to a short circuit and thus the likelihood that it will have to be replaced. If, in addition, a fluorescent tube is inserted into the rebuilt luminaire, the second filament can no longer be subjected to voltage, which also reduces the risk of damage to the fluorescent tube. Except that in this variant of the invention, the second socket part is decoupled from the circuit arrangement, d. H. no voltage is applied to this, here are all previously described embodiments variants, in particular with regard to the arrangement and design of the second overcurrent protection device and / or a permanently conductive connection, etc., also in combination with this embodiment advantageously possible.

For example, the first output of the first socket part can be electrically conductively connected to the second connection point via the second overcurrent protection device, which is arranged in the circuit arrangement, in particular not in the starter socket. This procedure, in turn, ensures that the second overcurrent protection device is not overridden even when the starter is reinserted into the now functionless starter socket, which is no longer connected to the circuit, and in turn makes it possible to close the starter socket with a sticker bearing warnings. The second overcurrent protection device may, for. B. again so be formed so that it triggers from about 1 A, so that damage to a fluorescent tube is prevented when reinserting and in particular in combination with the first overcurrent protection device comprehensive security is provided.

In a further embodiment of the invention, when the lamp in the first state again has a starter socket, which is electrically conductively connected to the first output of the socket part and the second input of the socket part, wherein the starter is so arranged in the starter socket, so that he is electrically connected to the first output and the second input, the starter are removed from the starter socket and the second overcurrent protection device are arranged in the starter socket. Furthermore, the connection between the starter socket and the second input, and / or between the second output and the second connection point can be separated, and the starter socket can be connected to the second connection point without being connected to the second socket part. This embodiment has the advantage that the starter socket can thus be used for mounting the second overcurrent protection device, which in particular enables a comfortable exchange of the second overcurrent protection device in the event of a tripping. Possible risks, which could result from a replacement of the fuse by the starter and a re-insertion of the fluorescent tube, are already prevented in this case that the second socket part can not be energized and thus the tube no longer ignite despite the starter and could burst with it. Even damage to the second coil is excluded. If you still want to safely prevent damage to the first coil, in turn, measures may be provided such. As the irreversible placing the second overcurrent protection device in the starter socket, as already described.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an LED tube can be inserted into the lamp socket, which has an integrated electronic circuit with a control device which is adapted to demodulate upon receipt of a predetermined modulated electrical signal, and in a corresponding Implement control command to control the LEDs. Thus, a conversion method is advantageously provided that allows the operation of an LED tube with many control functions in a particularly secure manner.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the following drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. The figures show:

1 a schematic representation of a wiring of a fluorescent tube of a lamp, in particular in the first state, according to the prior art;

2 a schematic representation of a converted for the operation of an LED tube luminaire according to the prior art;

3 a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement of a luminaire, which has been rebuilt by a method according to a non-claimed embodiment, wherein the ballast has been replaced by a first overcurrent protection device;

4 a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement of a luminaire, which has been rebuilt by a method according to an embodiment of the invention, further wherein the starter has been replaced by a second overcurrent protection device in the form of a fuse;

5 a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement of a luminaire, which has been rebuilt by a method according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the starter has been replaced by a second overcurrent protection device in the form of a circuit breaker with reset function;

6 a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement of a lamp of the prior art (SdT), which has been rebuilt by a method according to a non-claimed embodiment, wherein the second socket part was electrically separated from the circuit arrangement and the first output of the first socket directly to the second connection point was connected; and

7 a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement of a lamp, which has been rebuilt by a method according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the second frame part was electrically separated from the circuit arrangement and the first output of the first socket part was connected via the second overcurrent protection device to the second connection point.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

3 shows a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement 10a a luminaire produced by a method according to an embodiment not claimed from the first state, for. B. according to 1 , in the second state, as shown, has been rebuilt and so to operate a LED tube 24 suitable is. The original state of the lamp in which they are used to operate a fluorescent tube 12 was designed, was already based 1 described in the introduction.

The luminaire has a circuit arrangement 10a with a first connection point P for coupling to an external conductor or phase of a power network and a second connection point N for coupling to a neutral conductor of the power network. Furthermore, the circuit arrangement comprises 10a a lamp socket with a first socket part 20 and a second version part 22 into which the ends of a fluorescent tube 12 (see. 1 ) or a LED tube 24 , as shown here, for mounting and electrical contact can be introduced. For this purpose, the LED tube shown here 24 a first lamp socket 21 with first contact pins 21a and a second lamp cap 23 with second contact pins 23a on. The LED tube 24 is used in such a way in the lamp holder that one of the first contact pins 21a electrically conductive with the first input 20a of the first version 20 connected, the other of the first contact pins 21a with the first exit 20b of the first version 20 electrically connected, one of the second contact pins 23a with the second entrance 22a the second version 22 electrically connected and the other of the second contact pins 22b electrically conductive with the second output 22b the second version 22 is electrically connected. The LED tube shown here 24 has an LED driver 30 on that in the LED tube 24 is integrated. This LED driver 30 has compared to conventional electronic ballasts further additional features that allow, for. B. to dim the LEDs, to control in groups or to change the color. Such functions, as z. B. by an LDT driver can be provided by a Aufmodulierung of signals on the normal power line (Powerline modulation). The LED driver 30 can demodulate the modulated signals and into corresponding control commands for driving the LED tube 24 implement.

But to such a mode of operation of an LED tube 24 a converted luminaire that has an original circuit arrangement 10 as in 1 has shown, at all, to allow the conventional ballast KVG from the circuit 10 be decoupled, as this would otherwise not let through or modulated on the power line modulated signals. This decoupling of the ballast KVG is in 3 schematically by the two dividing lines 32 shown. This extraction has many more advantages. On the one hand, this allows the LED tube 24 It can be recycled in a much more energy-efficient manner and, in particular, when the conventional ballast KVG is completely removed from the luminaire, it can be recycled and resources such as copper are not tied up throughout the period of use of the luminaire.

Furthermore, the starter was also 18 the fluorescent tube 12 the circuit arrangement 10 removed and replaced in this example by a permanent electrically conductive connection. This replacement can for example take place in that a suitably trained component is inserted into the present in the light starter socket or in that the existing starter socket separated from the circuit and the permanently electrically conductive connection between the first output 20b of the first version 20 and the second entrance 22a the second version 22 directly, ie not via the starter socket is produced.

During conversion, a first overcurrent protection device continued to be used 34 in the circuit arrangement 10a , in particular in a housing 36 arranged with the first connection point P and the first input 20a of the first version 20 was electrically connected. The first overcurrent protection device 34 may preferably represent a fuse or a circuit breaker. The first overcurrent protection device 34 is designed to be an inrush current of the LED driver 30 withstand, without triggering, and further designed, when inserting a fluorescent tube 12 in the lamp socket of the illustrated circuit arrangement 10a to trigger, ie the electrically conductive connection between the first connection point P and the first input 20a of the first version 20 to separate. An advantage in this case, for example, a sluggish 1 A to 2 A fuse, since this has the properties mentioned. In this way, the first overcurrent protection device 34 Many safety features at the same time ready by a fuse parallel to the LED tube 24 could not be implemented. The first overcurrent protection device 34 triggers when, again, a fluorescent tube 12 is used in the converted luminaire, in particular regardless of whether previously the starter 18 has been replaced again against the permanently conductive connection or not, and particularly advantageously solves the first overcurrent protection device 34 also in the case of Short circuits, z. B. in case of a defect in the LED driver 30 , unauthorized current paths on the board and / or unwanted leakage currents due to the formation of the lamp socket for insufficient creepage distances. The first overcurrent protection device 34 thus prevents the triggering of the house fuse, a bursting of the fluorescent tube 12 due to a due to the lack of inductive current limiting resistor (expanded KVG) unavoidable arcing on at least one of the two electrodes of the fluorescent tube 12 or other types of damage, thereby eliminating the risk of secondary accidents.

4 shows a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement 10b a luminaire, which has been rebuilt by a method according to an embodiment of the invention. The illustrated circuit arrangement 10b and the procedure how it was arrived at is identical to that in 3 illustrated and described above with the following differences: This was the one the starter 18 not by a permanently conductive connection, but by a second overcurrent protection device in the form of a fuse 38a replaced, according to their tripping characteristic, the electrically conductive connection between the first output 20b of the first version 20 and the second entrance 22a the second version 22 can separate. On the other hand, the first overcurrent protection device 34 in this example, preferably different dimensions than in the example of 3 , Since two overcurrent protection devices have now been installed, it is advantageous to use the fuse 38a z. B. as slow 1 A fuse form and the first overcurrent protection device 34 such that it triggers only from a current of about 10 A. Will turn a fluorescent tube 12 used, so prevents the fuse 38a by triggering a damage to the fluorescent tube 12 while through the first overcurrent protection device 34 It is ensured that in the case of short circuits, there is no triggering of the home fuse. In addition, the first overcurrent protection device 34 also sure that in the event that again a fluorescent tube 12 and also the starter 18 instead of the fuse 38a was used, a bursting of the fluorescent tube 12 is prevented, since in the case of ignition of the fluorescent tube 12 As a result of arcing currents greater than 20 A, ie significantly greater than 10 A, arise.

The fuse 38a may have been arranged again in the starter socket or the starter socket may have been decoupled from the circuit and the fuse 38a between the first exit 20b of the first version 20 and the second entrance 22a the second version 22 directly, ie not on the starter socket to be arranged electrically conductively connected to these. An arrangement in the starter socket is in terms of replacing the fuse 38a more comfortable, an arrangement with simultaneous electrical extraction of the starter socket for safer in terms of ensuring that the fuse 38a by a user again not so easy against the starter 18 can be replaced and inserting the starter 18 in the starter socket has no effect.

However, both aspects can advantageously also be combined by arranging the second overcurrent protection device irreversibly in the starter socket, so that replacement by the user is not possible. In this case, it is advantageous as the second overcurrent protection device a circuit breaker or a circuit breaker 38b to provide with reset function, as in the circuit arrangement 10c from 5 shown. Thus, in the event of tripping of the circuit breaker 38b this can be easily reset by pressing the untripped state. This in 5 illustrated embodiment for the conversion of the lamp can, moreover, in the same way as that 4 be designed described.

A further protective function can furthermore be provided by the second mounting part 22 electrically from the rest of the circuit 10d . 10e is decoupled, as in 6 and 7 shown.

To the circuit arrangement 10d according to 6 to get back, the conventional ballast KVG is removed from the light, instead at this point the first overcurrent protection device 34 arranged and also the first exit 20a of the first version 20 directly connected to the second connection point N. All other connections, like those from the first exit 20b for starter coverage, from the starter socket to the second entrance 22a the second version 22 and from the second exit 22b the second version 22 to the second connection point N can be separated or removed.

The same applies to the circuit arrangement 10e according to 7 , In this case according to the invention additionally a second overcurrent protection device 38c between the first exit 20b of the first version 20 and the second connection point N has been arranged, which can be designed as a fuse or as a circuit breaker as shown here. In particular, the first overcurrent protection device 34 according to 6 like that too 3 have been described and arranged and still provides the same advantages and protective functions. Regarding the arrangement and design of the first and second overcurrent protection device 34 and 38c according to 7 result in the same design options as 4 and 5 described. In addition, these versions have according to 6 and 7 the advantage that now on the second version part 22 no voltage can be applied, which additionally increases the safety of this lamp, since the lamp is at a lamp replacement 22 then be touched.

Additional safety measures can be provided, for example, by attaching to components of the lamp stickers with warnings, information about the conversion of the lamp and the like. For example, it may also be mounted on a closure for closing the opening of the starter housing, whereby the label, in combination with the closure, provides double security and is arranged for a user in a very easily perceivable location. In addition, on the sticker or other other stickers also information about the correct arrangement of an LED tube 24 in the version for the embodiments according to 6 and 7 in which the LED tube 24 with the end where the LED driver 30 is integrated into the frame part 20 must be used to which voltage can be applied.

Overall, such a method for converting a lamp is specified that is particularly simple and inexpensive, allows energy-efficient operation of the LED tube and the provision of many control functions of the LED tube by the LED driver, but mainly by integrating an overcurrent protection device Provide full protection at the location of the original ballast or in combination with other overcurrent protection devices, covering all possible risks and hazards.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

lamp

10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e

circuitry

12

Fluorescent tube

14

throttle

16

capacitor

20

first version part

20a

first entrance of the first version

20b

first exit of the first version

21

first lamp base

21

first contact pins

22

second version part

22a

second input of the second socket

22b

second output of the second socket part

23

second lamp socket

23a

second contact pins

24

LED tube

26

starter bridging

30

LED driver

32

hyphens

34

first overcurrent protection device

36

casing

38a

fuse

38b

Circuit breaker

38c

second overcurrent protection device

KVG

conventional ballast

EVG

electronic ballast

Claims (13)

Method of remodeling a luminaire which is in a first state for the operation of a fluorescent tube ( 12 ) is designed as a light source, the lamp in a second state in which the lamp for the operation of an LED tube ( 24 ) is designed as a light source, wherein the light in the first state, a circuit arrangement ( 10 ) having - a first connection point (P) for coupling to an outer conductor of a power network; - A second connection point (N) for coupling to a neutral conductor of a power network; A lamp socket with a first socket part ( 20 ) for grasping a first end of a fluorescent tube ( 12 ) or a LED tube ( 24 ) and a second version part ( 22 ) for grasping a second end of a fluorescent tube ( 12 ) or a LED tube ( 24 ), the first part ( 20 ) a first input ( 20a ) and a first output ( 20b ) and wherein the second version part ( 22 ) a second input ( 22a ) and a second output ( 22b ), the second output ( 22b ) of the second version ( 22 ) is electrically connected to the second connection point (N); - a ballast (KVG) with a choke ( 14 ), wherein the ballast (KVG) has an input which is electrically connected to the first connection point (P), wherein the ballast (KVG) has an output which is connected to the first input (KVG) 20a ) of the first version ( 20 ) is electrically connected; and - a starter ( 18 ) connected to the first output ( 20b ) of the first version ( 20 ) and the second input ( 22a ) of the second version ( 22 ) is electrically connected; characterized in that the ballast (KVG) from the circuit arrangement ( 10 ; 10a ; 10b ; 10c ; 10d ; 10e ) and a first overcurrent protection device ( 34 ) electrically conductively connected to the first connection point (P) and the first input ( 20a ) of the first version ( 20 ), so that the first overcurrent protection device ( 34 ) is designed, according to a predetermined tripping characteristic of the first overcurrent protection device ( 34 ) the electrical connection between the first connection point (P) and the first input ( 20a ) of the first version ( 20 ) and that a second overcurrent protection device ( 38a ; 38b ; 38c ) in the circuit arrangement ( 10b ; 10c ; 10e ), the second overcurrent protection device ( 38a . 38b . 38c ) has a sluggish response while the first overcurrent protection device ( 34 ) is designed for significantly higher currents and with a fast response. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the ballast (KVG) is decoupled by the ballast (KVG) is electrically bypassed. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the ballast (KVG) is decoupled by being completely removed from the lamp. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the starter ( 18 ) is removed from the lamp and by the second overcurrent protection device ( 38a ; 38b ), so that the second overcurrent protection device ( 38a ; 38b ) is designed, according to a predetermined tripping characteristic of the second overcurrent protection device ( 38a ; 38b ) the electrical connection between the first output ( 20b ) of the first version ( 20 ) and the second input ( 22a ) of the second version ( 22 ) to interrupt. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lamp in the first state has a starter socket, which with the first output ( 20b ) of the first version ( 20 ) and the second input ( 22a ) of the second version ( 22 ) is electrically connected, wherein the starter ( 18 ) is arranged in the starter socket such that it is connected to the first output ( 20b ) of the first version ( 20 ) and the second input ( 22a ) of the second version ( 22 ) is electrically connected via the starter socket, wherein the starter ( 18 ) by the second overcurrent protection device ( 38a ; 38b ; 38c ) that the starter ( 18 ) is taken from the starter socket and a component which has a socket corresponding to the starter socket and the second overcurrent protection device ( 38a ; 38b ; 38c ), is used in the starter socket. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lamp in the first state has a starter socket, with the first output ( 20b ) of the first version ( 20 ) and the second input ( 22a ) of the second version ( 22 ) is electrically connected, wherein the starter ( 18 ) is arranged in the starter socket so that it is connected to the first output ( 20b ) and the second input ( 22a ) is electrically connected via the starter socket, wherein the starter ( 18 ) by the second overcurrent protection device ( 38a ; 38b ), that the electrically conductive connection between the starter socket and the first output ( 20b ) of the first version ( 20 ) and / or the electrically conductive connection between the starter socket and the second input ( 22a ) of the second version ( 22 ) and the second overcurrent protection device ( 38a ; 38b ) electrically conductive with the first output ( 20b ) of the first version ( 20 ) and the second input ( 22a ) of the second version ( 22 ) is connected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as the first overcurrent protection ( 34 ) A fuse, in particular a fuse, is arranged in the circuit arrangement. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as the second overcurrent protection device ( 38a ; 38b ; 38c ) a fuse, in particular a fuse ( 38a ), or a circuit breaker ( 38b ) is arranged in the circuit arrangement. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3 or 7 to 8, characterized in that the first output ( 20b ) of the first version ( 20 ) is electrically conductively connected to the second connection point (N), without being electrically conductive with the second socket part ( 22 ). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3 or 7 to 8, characterized in that the first output ( 20b ) of the first version ( 20 ) with the second connection point (N) via the second overcurrent protection device ( 38c ) used in the circuit arrangement ( 10e ), in particular not in the starter socket, is arranged, is electrically connected. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3 or 7 to 8, characterized in that the lamp in the first state has a starter socket with the first output ( 20b ) of the first Mounting part ( 20 ) and the second input ( 22a ) of the second version ( 22 ) is electrically connected, wherein the starter ( 18 ) is arranged in the starter socket so that it is connected to the first output ( 20b ) and the second input ( 22a ) is electrically connected, wherein the starter ( 18 ) is removed from the starter socket and the second overcurrent protection device ( 38c ) in the starter socket, the connection between the starter socket and the second input ( 22a ), and / or between the second output and the second connection point, and the starter socket is connected to the second connection point (N) without being connected to the second socket part (10). 22 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as the second overcurrent protection device ( 38b ; 38c ) a circuit breaker in the circuit arrangement ( 10c ; 10e ) arranged to be resettable from a triggered state by an operation by a user to an untripped condition. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the lamp socket, an LED tube ( 24 ), which has an integrated electronic circuit ( 30 ) having a control device which is designed, upon receiving a predetermined modulated electrical signal, to demodulate this and convert it into a corresponding control command for driving the LEDs.

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