DE102019103284A1 - Driver module for the functional expansion of drivers - Google Patents

Abstract

Driver module (20) for a driver (1), preferably for supplying power to an LED light, which has at least one electrical or electronic module component (21), an electrically connected module-side contact point (22) and a module housing (23), the driver module (20) is set up in such a way that it can be mounted on the driver (1) and detached therefrom, and in the mounted state the module-side contact point (22) is in electrical contact with a driver-side contact point (11) of the driver (1) and the module housing ( 23) forms a housing section of the driver (1).

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a driver and a driver module for such a driver, preferably for supplying power to an LED light.

State of the art

An electronic circuit for controlling an electrical / electronic device is understood here as a driver. For example, drivers are used for the power supply of LED lights, in that they provide a suitable power supply for the LEDs from an output voltage. The output voltage can be the usual mains voltage. However, drivers can also be set up, for example, to convert a power supply that was originally intended for another device. Retrofit tube lamps with LED technology have a driver that converts the power supply provided for conventional fluorescent tube lamps so that the retrofit tube lamps can be used in existing sockets and are compatible with existing power supplies.

Drivers comprise electrical and / or electronic components that are usually firmly soldered to defined connection locations on a circuit board. The components, including, for example, ICs, MOSFETs, diodes, capacitors, coils, etc., can be set up to rectify, amplify, smooth and the like an incoming AC voltage. A common driver for supplying power to LED lights includes, for example, a rectifier and a DC voltage converter, such as a Buck converter. The circuit board with the driver components is mostly used in an electrically insulating housing.

LED lights with drivers, for example, go out of the EP 2 852 791 B1 and DE 20 2013 007 592 Ul emerge.

Since the driver components are firmly soldered to the circuit board at defined connection locations, they are set up as non-separable modules. Any components for providing additional functions are also firmly soldered to the board. Alternatively, the driver functions can be implemented by an external module to which the device to be controlled by the driver is connected via a cable. Any additional functions are not integrated into the same form factor.

The functionality of the driver cannot be easily changed or expanded afterwards.

Presentation of the invention

One object of the present invention is to improve the functional flexibility of a driver.

The object is achieved by a driver module with the features of claim 1 and a driver with the features of claim 5. Advantageous further developments follow from the dependent claims, the following presentation of the invention and the description of preferred exemplary embodiments.

The driver module is for a driver, i.e. for the functional expansion or modification of such a driver. The driver is preferably used to supply power to an LED light.

The term “lamp” here includes in particular devices in which the driver and the light engine, that is to say the light-emitting part, are separate devices that are connected to one another via a cable, for example. This includes floor lamps, ceiling panels, etc. The driver is particularly preferably accessible and not integrated with the light engine.

The driver module according to the invention has at least one electrical or electronic module component, a module-side contact point electrically connected to it and a module housing. The driver module is set up so that it can be mounted on the driver and detached therefrom, the module-side contact point being in electrical contact with a driver-side contact point of the driver in the installed state and the module housing forming a housing section of the driver.

It should be pointed out that it should be possible to mount the driver module on the driver and detach it in a defined manner and in a repeatable manner, for example by plugging in, plugging in, pushing in and the like. In other words, measures not in accordance with the intended use, such as permanent soldering of the contact points and subsequent severing, do not fall under the terms “mountable” and “detachable”.

The driver module is thus an additional module that can communicate with the driver via an interface formed by the driver-side and module-side contact point. The driver can thus be expanded or retrofitted with the functions of the driver module. Extra functions can be done quickly and can be added without soldering or assembly effort. Rather, after the driver module has been attached or mounted, the additional functions provided are available to the driver. The driver module can also be supplied with power via the interface. The modification on the driver side, compared to a non-expandable driver, is essentially limited to the driver-side contact point, which is preferably designed with low complexity in order to keep the changes small and to ensure reliable operation of the driver with and without a driver module . By providing additional driver functions through a separate driver module, the basic structure of the driver and thus the costs of the driver do not change or only change insignificantly. Since one and the same driver topography can be used for driver modules with different function variants, the number of driver versions required is reduced. This reduces the complexity of warehousing. Since the driver does not incur any extra costs without additional functions, costs are only incurred for the functions actually used. New variants can be easily and cost-effectively integrated into existing drivers using the standardized or standardizable interface. In this way, new technologies are available more quickly.

In the assembled state, the module housing forms a housing section of the driver. In this way, the driver module combines the function of a housing, for example protection, insulation, assembly aid and the like, with one or more additional functions for the driver.

For this purpose, the module housing is preferably designed as an end cap which at least partially surrounds the driver at one end in the assembled state, i. E. its components at least partially covers.

The module housing preferably covers the module components and / or the module-side contact point at least partially. The module housing offers mechanical protection and electrical insulation of the electrical or electronic components of the driver module. The module housing is preferably made of a plastic. Furthermore, the module housing makes it easier to mount the driver module on the driver.

The driver module preferably has one or more of the following module components: a communication device for wireless or wired communication of the driver with an external device, for example a sensor or a control or programming device; a sensor; an AC / DC converter; a DC / DC converter; a control chip; a control element such as switches, knobs and controls. Furthermore, the driver module can have its own energy source, for example a rechargeable battery, for autonomous operating functions. Additionally or alternatively, a module component can be provided as a communication module that can be addressed and is compatible with a communication standard such as DALI.

The above object is also achieved by a driver that is preferably set up to supply power to an LED light. The driver has: a driver module according to one of the embodiment variants described above; at least one electrical or electronic driver component; and a driver-side contact point which is electrically connected to the driver component and which is set up to be in electrical contact with the module-side contact point in the state in which the driver module is mounted on the driver.

The technical effects, advantages and embodiments that have been set out above in relation to the driver module apply analogously to the driver equipped with such a driver module.

The driver preferably has a circuit board which is equipped with the driver components and preferably with the driver-side contact point. In this way, the basic version of the driver can be produced in a particularly compact, reliable and cost-effective manner by soldering the corresponding components onto the circuit board, for example, while additional functions can be implemented using one or more driver modules.

The driver preferably also has a carrier for fastening and / or stabilizing the circuit board, the carrier preferably comprising a strain relief. In this way, the mechanical stress on the driver components can be minimized. Furthermore, the assembly of the driver module can be simplified in that the carrier is designed for plugging in or plugging on the driver module or has corresponding means.

In the assembled state, the module housing preferably covers the Driver components and / or the driver-side contact point and / or the circuit board and / or the carrier and / or the strain relief at least partially, whereby the module housing in the assembled state forms part of the driver housing and thus offers mechanical protection and electrical insulation for the driver components . In addition, the module housing simplifies the installation of the driver module on the driver.

In addition to the module housing, the driver preferably has a housing which at least partially covers the driver components and / or the driver-side contact point and / or the circuit board and / or the carrier and / or the strain relief, whereby the housing provides mechanical protection and electrical insulation for offers the components of the driver and can also act as an assembly aid for the driver module by connecting and disconnecting the module housing and the housing of the driver via any means. It should be noted, however, that the driver does not necessarily have to have its own housing, but can be built into it as part of an electronic device. In this case, the driver module nonetheless has a module housing in order to protect the module-side components even when they are not installed.

The housing on the driver side, if present, is preferably constructed in several parts. In this case, it comprises at least a first and a second housing section, the driver components and / or the driver-side contact point and / or the circuit board and / or the carrier and / or the strain relief being at least partially received or covered by the first housing section and the second housing section is designed to be detachable from the first housing section and mountable thereon. The designations "first" and "second" only serve to differentiate between two housing sections of the driver, i.e. an order, order or prioritization is not implied.

The second housing section is preferably designed as an end cap which at least partially surrounds the driver at one end in the assembled state.

The module housing thus takes over the function of the second housing section in the state in which the driver module is mounted on the driver. For this purpose, the shape of the module housing can at least partially match that of the second housing section, in particular in the connection area. The second housing section and the module housing can have the same dimensions or essentially the same dimensions.

The driver components preferably comprise one or more of the following components: IC (s), MOSFET (s), diode (s), capacitor (s), coil (s). If there is a programmable logic circuit under the driver components, the modifications on the driver side to implement the expandability using one or more driver modules can be made without significant changes to the hardware.

One or more of the driver components are preferably set up in such a way that they form a DC / DC converter. A DC / DC converter, for example designed as a Buck converter, mostly offers a basic function, in particular for supplying power to LEDs. In this way, the driver can be used without a driver module with an existing DC voltage source, while the functionality for an AC voltage source can be retrofitted by means of a driver module that contains an AC / DC converter. In this case, the driver module is supplied with power via the interface.

Further advantages and features of the present invention can be seen from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments. The features described there can be implemented on their own or in combination with one or more of the features set out above, provided that the features do not contradict one another. The following description of the preferred exemplary embodiments takes place with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure list

• 1 shows schematically a driver with a housing section designed as an end cap;
• 2 shows the driver of the 1 with a driver module designed as an end cap.

Detailed description of preferred exemplary embodiments

Preferred exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar or identically acting elements are provided with identical reference symbols in the different figures. A repeated description of these elements is partly dispensed with in order to avoid redundancies.

The 1 shows schematically a driver 1 . The driver 1 has a circuit board 10 and one or more electrical and / or electronic components, also referred to herein as “driver components” and not shown in the figures, with which the circuit board 10 is equipped. The driver components include, for example, one or more of the following components: IC (s), MOSFET (s), diode (s), capacitor (s), coil (s). The driver components are preferably fixed on the board 10 fixed, for example at defined connection points with the board 10 soldered. The driver 1 preferably comprises a DC voltage converter.

In addition to a power input and a power output, which are not designated in more detail in the figures, the driver 1 a contact point 11 on that one or more electrical contacts 11a includes. These can be on the circuit board 10 be provided. The contact point 11 is also referred to as "driver-side contact point" to distinguish between the module-side contact point described below.

In the embodiment of 1 is the board 10 with a carrier 12th connected or mounted on such in order to minimize the mechanical stress on the driver components. Preferably the carrier comprises 12th a strain relief for this purpose 12a . However, the board can 10 alternatively, be made sufficiently stable so that additional reinforcement or an additional structure may be dispensed with. An integral or one-piece design is also possible.

The driver 1 has according to the present embodiment a housing 13th on that the board 10 and at least partially covers the driver components. The case 13th is used for mechanical protection and electrical insulation. Furthermore, the housing 13th the assembly of the driver 1 on or in another device and, if necessary, have means for such assembly, such as screw openings, guide means, etc. The case 13th is preferably made of a plastic.

The case 13th is preferably constructed in several parts, comprising in this case at least a first and a second housing section 13a and 13b . The circuit board is in the present exemplary embodiment 10 with the driver components essentially in the first housing section 13a and is attached to it. The second housing section 13b is set up detachable, for example to allow access to the inside of the driver. According to the present embodiment is the second housing section 13b designed as an end cap that forms part of the board 10 and / or the wearer 12th covers and the driver 1 closes at one end. The two housing sections 13a , 13b may have latching means, guide means and the like (not shown in the figures) so that they can be separated and reliably connected in a defined and reversible manner. Alternatively or additionally, the housing sections 13a , 13b be designed in such a way that they can be connected to one another by clipping or sliding into one another.

The 2 shows the driver 1 of the 1 , wherein the second housing section 13b , ie the detachable end cap, by a driver module 20th is replaced.

The driver module 20th has one or more electrical or electronic components 21st , also referred to herein as “module components”, and a module-side contact point 22nd with one or more contacts 22a on. The module-side contact point 22nd and / or the modular components 21st can be provided on a circuit board.

The module-side contact point 22nd and the driver-side contact point 11 , especially their contacts 22a and 11a , are mechanically and electrically matched to one another and can be brought into contact in order to exchange electrical signals between the driver components and the module components. The driver-side contact point 11 thus forms a driver-side interface via which the driver module 20th can communicate with the driver components.

The driver module 20th also has a module housing 23 on which the module components 21st as well as the module-side contact point 22nd at least partially covers and instead of the second housing section 13b on the driver 1 is attachable.

In particular, the module housing 23 with the first housing section 13a connectable and detachable therefrom, in the same way as the second housing section 13b with the first housing section 13a is connectable and detachable therefrom. The shape of the module housing is correct for this purpose 23 preferably at least partially with that of the second housing section 13b match, especially in the connection area. The second housing section 13b and the module housing 23 can have the same dimensions or essentially the same dimensions.

According to the present embodiment, the module housing 23 designed as an end cap that forms part of the board 10 and / or the wearer 12th covers and the driver 1 closes at one end. The module housing 23 may have locking means, guide means and the like (not shown in the figures) so that the housing sections can be separated and reliably connected to one another in a defined manner. Alternatively or additionally, the module housing 23 be designed so that it hits the driver 1 can be attached or the parts concerned can be pushed into one another. The module housing 23 serves to protect and isolate the modular components 21st and / or the module-side contact point 22nd , as well as the assembly.

It should be noted that the driver 1 not necessarily its own housing, in particular not the first housing section 13a , but can be built into it as part of an electronic device. In this case, the driver module 20th nevertheless a module housing 23 on.

The driver module 20th is an additional module that works via the interface formed by the contact points 11 and 22nd can communicate with the driver components. The driver module 20th connects to this Way the function of the second housing section 13b , such as a conventional end cap, with one or more additional electrical or electronic functions for the driver 1 .

So can the driver module 20th for example have a sensor or communicate wirelessly or wired with such a sensor. The driver module 20th can be an AC / DC converter, a control chip, a communication device for wireless or wired communication of the driver 1 with an external device, a control element, such as switches, knobs and controls, and / or one or more other components included. Additionally or alternatively, a modular component 21st be provided as a communication module that can be addressed and is compatible with a communication standard such as DALI. All kind of support hardware is in the driver module 20th integrable.

Thus the driver is 1 simply by replacing the second housing section 13b with the driver module 20th the functions of the driver module 20th expandable or retrofittable.

Extra functions can be added quickly and without soldering or assembly work. Rather, stand after the assembly of the driver module 20th , for example plugging in or plugging in, the driver 1 the additional functions provided are available.

The modification on the driver side, compared to a non-expandable driver, is essentially limited to the contact point 11 , whereby this is preferably designed with low complexity in order to keep the changes low and a reliable operation of the driver 1 with and without driver module 20th to guarantee. If there is a programmable logic circuit under the driver components, the driver-side modifications can be made without significant changes to the hardware.

By integrating additional driver functions in a detachable housing section of the driver 1 such as an end cap, the basic structure of the driver changes 1 and thus the costs of the same are not or only insignificant. Still, the driver can 1 by attaching the driver module 20th can be expanded to include the desired additional functions. Because the same driver 1 for driver modules 20th different function variants can be used, the number of driver versions required to serve all scenarios is reduced. This also reduces the complexity of warehousing. Because the driver 1 Without additional functions, there are no extra costs, costs only arise for the functions actually used. In an “assemble-to-order scenario”, a large number of variants can be put together in a simple manner. New variants can be easily and inexpensively integrated into existing drivers thanks to the standardized or standardizable interface 1 integrate. In this way, new technologies are available more quickly.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in more detail by the exemplary embodiments shown, the invention is not restricted thereto. Variations, additions, modifications can be derived from this by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

In general, “a”, “a” etc. can be understood as a singular or a plurality, in particular in the sense of “at least one” or “one or more” etc., as long as this is not explicitly excluded, e.g. by the expression "exactly one" etc.

As far as applicable, all of the individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another and / or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

List of reference symbols

1

driver

10

circuit board

11

Contact point on driver side

11a

Contact

12th

carrier

13th

casing

13a

First housing section

13b

Second housing section

20th

Driver module

21st

Modular component

22nd

Module-side contact point

22a

Contact

23

Module housing

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 2852791 B1 [0004]
• DE 202013007592 [0004]

Claims (14)

Driver module (20) for a driver (1), preferably for supplying power to an LED light, which has at least one electrical or electronic module component (21), an electrically connected module-side contact point (22) and a module housing (23), the driver module (20) is set up in such a way that it can be mounted on the driver (1) and detached therefrom, and in the mounted state the module-side contact point (22) is in electrical contact with a driver-side contact point (11) of the driver (1) and the module housing ( 23) forms a housing section of the driver (1). Driver module (20) Claim 1 , characterized in that the module housing (23) is an end cap which at least partially surrounds the driver (1) at one end in the assembled state. Driver module (20) Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the module housing (23) at least partially covers the module components (21) and / or the module-side contact point (22). Driver module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has one or more of the following module components (21): a communication device for wireless or wired communication of the driver with an external device, for example a sensor or a control or programming device; a sensor; an AC / DC converter; a DC / DC converter; a control chip; a control element such as switches, knobs and controls. Driver (1), preferably for supplying power to an LED light, which has: a driver module (20) according to any preceding claim; at least one electrical or electronic driver component; and a driver-side contact point (11) which is electrically connected to the driver component and which is configured to be in electrical contact with the module-side contact point (22) in the state in which the driver module (20) is mounted on the driver (1). Driver (1) Claim 5 , characterized in that it has a circuit board (10) which is equipped with the driver components and preferably with the driver-side contact point (11). Driver (1) Claim 6 , characterized in that it also has a carrier (12) for fastening and / or stabilizing the circuit board (10), the carrier (12) preferably comprising a strain relief (12a). Driver (1) after one of the Claims 5 to 7th , characterized in that in the assembled state the module housing (23) at least partially covers the driver components and / or the driver-side contact point (11). Driver (1) Claim 7 , characterized in that in the assembled state the module housing (23) at least partially covers the carrier (12), preferably the strain relief (12a). Driver (1) after one of the Claims 5 to 9 , characterized in that it also has a housing (13) which at least partially covers the driver components and / or the driver-side contact point (11). Driver (1) Claim 10 , characterized in that the housing (13) comprises a first and a second housing section (13a, 13b), the driver components and / or the driver-side contact point (11) being at least partially received or covered by the first housing section (13a) and the second Housing section (13b) is designed to be detachable from the first housing section (13a) and mountable thereon. Driver (1) Claim 11 , characterized in that the second housing section (13b) is designed as an end cap which at least partially surrounds the driver (1) at one end in the assembled state. Driver (1) after one of the Claims 5 to 12th , characterized in that the driver components comprise one or more of the following components: IC (s), MOSFET (s), diode (s), capacitor (s), coil (s). Driver (1) after one of the Claims 5 to 13th , characterized in that one or more of the driver components are set up so that they form a DC-DC converter.

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