DE202010017025U1 - Fluorescent tube arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Luminous tube arrangement (1, 20) with at least one LED luminescent tube (3) and at least one luminescent tube holder (2), which has two mutually opposite sockets (6a, 6b) for receiving a pair of contact pins each of a luminescent tube, the sockets (6a, 6b ) each have an insulating body (9) which is rotatably arranged and preferably lockable between an insertion position in which socket contacts are separated from one another and the respective pairs of contact pins can be inserted, and a contact position in which the socket contacts (10) are connected to the respective pairs of contact pins , characterized in that the LED light tube (3) has the contact pin pair (14) on only one base (12b) and that an adapter (4) made of an electrically insulating material which has a pair of conductively connected contact pins ( 17) and on the opposite side has a holder (15) for the LED tube (3) see and can be inserted in one of the two sockets (6a, 6b).

Description

The present invention relates to a fluorescent tube assembly having at least one LED tube and at least one fluorescent tube holder having two opposing sockets for receiving a respective pair of contact probes of a fluorescent tube, wherein the sockets each having an insulating body, between an insertion position, separated from each other in the socket contacts and the respective pairs of contact pins are insertable, and a contact position, in which the socket contacts are connected to the respective pairs of contact pins, rotatably arranged and preferably lockable. Furthermore, the invention relates to an LED tube light, in particular for operation in the fluorescent tube arrangement, with a tube body which is transparent at least in some areas and which is closed at its two axial ends by pedestals, and at least one LED module which is provided in the tube body and only electrically connected to a socket. Finally, the invention relates to an adapter for a fluorescent tube holder for operation in the fluorescent tube assembly.

Lighting tube arrangements of the type mentioned are known and are used to operate LED tubes with fluorescent tube holders of conventional design. The prior art arc tube holders are generally suitable for accommodating two-socket T5 or T8 fluorescent tubes in two opposing G5 or G13 sockets.

The T5 or T8 fluorescent tubes each have a pair of pins on both sockets which, when in use, engage the G5 or G13 sockets to provide electrical power, one socket with one phase and the other socket with one socket Neutral conductor of the electrical circuit is connected. However, fluorescent tubes are increasingly being replaced by LED tubes because of their longer life, better energy efficiency, lower environmental impact and legal requirements.

In order to exchange a fluorescent tube for an LED tube, previously known arc tube assemblies use LED tubes, which are formed in accordance with the design of conventional fluorescent tubes in two sockets. The LED tube includes a T5 or T8 tube body closed at both axial ends by a G5 or G13 socket. Each of the sockets has a pair of power-receiving pins, and both of the pairs of contact pins are electrically connected to LED modules disposed in the tubular body.

To operate the previously known LED fluorescent tube, a starter is removed and a ballast bridged or removed. Subsequently, the LED tube is inserted into both versions of the conventional tube holder and rotated 90 °, whereby the sockets are rotated from the insertion position to the contact position. In the contact position arranged between the two versions LED tube is connected via a socket with the phase and the other version to the neutral of the electrical circuit. However, in the case of a one-sided insertion only one pair of pins in one of the two versions and accidental rotation of the LED tube by 90 ° for the user the risk of electric shock on the other contact pin pair exist, as is passed to this pair of contact pins electrical current. Furthermore, an electrical short can occur if the starter has not been removed.

To avoid the risk of electric shock in the aforementioned one-sided insertion of an LED tube beats the DE 20 2010 001 089 U1 an LED tube of the aforementioned type, which comprises a tube body which is closed at its two axial ends in each case by a socket for G13 sockets. Both pedestals each have a pair of power input pins, with only the pair of pins of one of the two pedestals having LED modules disposed in the tube body being electrically connected. The contact pins of the opposite base, however, are only electrically connected to each other, ie shorted.

Thus, in the one-sided insertion of the LED light tube no electrical current is passed to the not yet used contact pin pair, since the arranged in the tube body LED modules are electrically connected only to a pair of contact pins. The disadvantage, however, that this LED tube outside or not difficult differs from that LED tube, the LED modules are electrically connected to two pairs of contact pins. Thus, there is a risk that it is confused when inserting the LED tubes and the user is unintentionally exposed to the risk of electric shock. In this LED tube, a starter and a ballast must be removed or bridged, otherwise there is a risk of a short circuit when inserting the LED tube.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a fluorescent tube arrangement of the above so-called type that LED fluorescent tubes can be operated safely with conventional fluorescent tube holders for double-capped fluorescent tubes. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention, LED lighting tubes of the type mentioned in such a way that a confusion with those LED fluorescent tubes whose LED modules are electrically connected to two pairs of contact pins, is avoided, and that the LED tubes safely can be operated with conventional fluorescent tube holders. Finally, it is an object of the present invention, adapters of the type mentioned in such a way that conventional fluorescent tube holder can be easily and inexpensively converted to operate LED tubes safely.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the fluorescent tube assembly of the type mentioned above in that the LED tube has the pair of contact pins on only one base and that an adapter made of an electrically insulating material, on one side a pair of conductive contact pins and connected to the opposite side has a holder for the LED tube, provided and can be used in one of the two versions.

The invention is therefore based on the consideration to convert a light tube holder of conventional design for two-socket fluorescent tubes, in particular T5 or T8 fluorescent tubes, by means of an inexpensive to manufacture adapter in a simple way or produce a fluorescent tube holder, can be operated safely with the LED tubes.

The adapter has an electrically insulating material, for example plastic, on one side of which a pair of contact pins connected to one another are arranged. In an analogous manner to the contact pins of a fluorescent tube, the adapter is inserted into a socket, which is in the insertion position, and thus assumes the function of the contact pin pair of a conventional arc tube. By manual rotation of the adapter by 90 ° on the opposite side of the contact pins, the socket is rotated to the contact position, whereby the electric circuit is closed at this socket. The electrically insulating material of the adapter prevents direct contact with the socket contacts and the contact pins of the adapter.

The two-socket LED light tube used in the conventional fluorescent tube holder has a pair of contact pins on only one socket. The other socket has no electrical connections, so that the risk of electric shock when inserting the pair of contact pins of the LED tube into the fluorescent tube holder is not given. In addition, a confusion with LED fluorescent tubes whose LED modules are electrically connected to both pairs of contact pins, excluded. Furthermore, it is ensured that the LED tube is always used in the intended installation direction. Finally, the LED tube with only one pair of contact pins is inexpensive to manufacture.

The pair of contact pins of the LED tube is inserted into the socket in which no adapter is inserted. The opposite socket of the LED tube, which has no pins, is inserted into the holder of the adapter. Finally, the LED tube is rotated by 90 ° to rotate by means of the contact pins of the LED tube light socket in the contact position. In the contact position, the pins of the LED tube are electrically connected to the socket contacts. Thus, the LED light tube is supplied only via the socket with the pair of contact pins with electrical current, wherein the one pin is connected to the phase and the other to the neutral conductor.

Furthermore, a circuit connected in parallel with the two sockets may include an LED driver capable of operating the at least one LED tube with a low voltage. This enables an LED light tube without an internal LED driver to be inserted in the arc tube assembly, thereby reducing the weight of the LED tube light. In addition, the heat development of the LED tube is lower, which increases the life of the LED tube. The LED driver can be used instead of a ballast for fluorescent tubes in the fluorescent tube assembly.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the LED driver for an input voltage of an alternating current and / or a direct current may be formed approximately between 90 and 277 volts. This allows the flexible use of the LED driver in an AC or DC-powered power grid.

Preferably, the LED driver may generate a substantially constant DC output voltage. This increases the durability of the LED tube. The LED driver needs no minimum load to output a voltage.

In an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the output voltage is approximately 36 to 40 volts. Particularly good results have been achieved in this output voltage range.

Furthermore, the LED driver can electrically supply the at least one LED tube with a power requirement of 8 W, 10 W, 11 W, 15 W, 18 W, 20 or 22 W. Thus, LED light tubes with a different power requirement can be operated with the LED driver.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the circuit may have an LED starter with contacts that are conductively connected to each other. Thus, an existing starter can be easily replaced by the LED starter to close the parallel circuit for operating the LED tube.

Preferably, the LED starter between the contacts may have a fuse against voltage spikes. Thus, the LED tube is protected from unwanted voltage spikes.

Another object of the present invention relates to an LED tube light, wherein only the socket connected to the at least one LED module pins for the current consumption and the other socket has no electrical connections. This ensures that there is no risk of electric shock when inserting the LED tube into the fluorescent tube holder. In addition, a likelihood of confusion with LED tubes, which each have a pair of pins on both sockets excluded.

Preferably, the socket with the pins may be a G5 or G13 socket. By using standardized pedestals, the LED tube can be used in commercial fluorescent tube holder.

In a further development of the LED luminous tube according to the invention, the tube body can consist of two half shells, wherein one half shell consists of an at least partially translucent material and the other half shell of an opaque material. In this case, the opaque half shell made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, in particular aluminum. In a preferred manner, the opaque half shell can have a reflector on the inside. Thus, the heat generated by the LED modules can radiate through the thermally conductive half-shell to the environment. In addition, a particularly homogeneous light is generated by the reflection of the emitted light of the LEDs on the reflector used.

Advantageously, the light-transmissive region of the tube body consists of glass, acrylic glass or polycarbonate. In this case, the light-permeable region of the tube body can be transparent or frosted at least in some areas. These materials work well with LED tubes. In addition, these materials are well suited for translucent half shells two-piece tubular body.

Furthermore, an object of the present invention relates to an adapter having a body of an electrically insulating material, on one side of a pair of electrically conductive interconnected pins is arranged, and on the opposite side of a holder for receiving a socket of a LED Tube is formed. This allows the provision of a very simple and secure adapter. In this case, the contact pins are arranged on the side facing away from the user side of the electrically insulating material, so that the risk of an electric shock when inserting the contact pins in a socket does not exist.

By a preferred disc-shaped design of the body this can be well served, especially to use it in a socket and to turn.

Alternatively, the body may have an open at least one side housing which is plugged into a socket of a fluorescent tube holder and on the outer surface of the holder is arranged, wherein the contact pins are arranged on a rotatable body disposed on the adapter and rotatable about its longitudinal axis and in an interior of the Housing protrude. This embodiment of the adapter is particularly well suited for operation in the arc tube assembly. Due to the predetermined arrangement of the rotary body on the housing, the relative position of the contact pins arranged thereon can not be changed to an insulating body of the socket. This simplifies the operation of the adapter.

Conveniently, the holding device can define a receiving space, in particular a cylindrical receiving space, whose cross-section substantially corresponds to that of the base. This improves the hold of the LED tube in the holder of the adapter.

With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the dependent claims and the following description of an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing shows:

1 a schematic front cross-sectional view of a fluorescent tube holder with an LED tube and an adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 an enlarged front cross-sectional view of the LED tube and the adapter from the 1 ;

3 a side view of the in the 1 and 2 shown adapter; and

4 a schematic front cross-sectional view of a fluorescent tube holder with an LED tube and an adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

1 shows a fluorescent tube assembly 1 consisting of a fluorescent tube holder 2 , an LED tube light 3 and an adapter 4 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The lighting tube arrangement 1 is connected to an electrical circuit 5 connected.

The lighting tube arrangement 1 includes a fluorescent tube holder 2 conventional design for double-capped fluorescent tubes, here T8 fluorescent tubes, with two opposing sockets 6a . 6b , here G13 sockets, for holding in each case one pair of contact pins of the arc tube. The versions 6a . 6b each have a socket housing 7a . 7b on, in the present case made of plastic and with its underside on a luminaire part 8th is held. At the to the light tube 3 facing end face of the respective socket housing 7a . 7b is a rotatably arranged insulating body 9 inserted with an insertion slot in an insertion position with an insertion slot of the socket housing 7a . 7b forms a continuous insertion slot to insert the contact pins of the arc tube. In the insertion position, the insulating body separates 9 holder contacts 10 from each other, and in one by rotation of the insulating body 9 achievable contact position are the socket contacts 10 connected to the inserted pairs of contact pins. In both positions is the insulating body 9 lockable.

The between the versions 6a . 6b inserted LED light tube 3 comprises a translucent tubular body 11 , here a T8 fluorescent tube made of acrylic glass, which at its two axial ends in each case by a pedestal 12a . 12b is closed. The tube body 11 may alternatively consist of two half-shells, one half-shell may be made for example of a frosted acrylic or polycarbonate and the other half-shell made of aluminum with an inside mounted reflector. According to the 1 are five LED modules 13 in the tube body 11 arranged and only with a socket electrically 12a connected. This pedestal 12a is presently a G13 socket and has a pair of contact pins 14 for the current consumption over in the 1 left illustrated G13-version 6a of the tube holder 2 on. The other socket 12b on the other hand has no electrical connections.

This in 1 on the right shown base 12b is in a holder 15 of the adapter 4 held, which has a cylindrical cross-section and at the LED to the fluorescent tube 3 pointing outside of an adapter housing 16 is trained. The adapter housing 16 consists of plastic and is from the top of the socket 6b of the tube holder 2 plugged. At the to the insulator 9 the version 6b facing inside of the adapter 4 are at the height of the insulator 9 contact pins 17 on a disc rotatable about its longitudinal axis 18 , here made of plastic, arranged and protrude into the interior of the adapter housing 16 , The contact pins 17 are conductively connected with each other and reach into the socket 6b ,

Alternatively, the adapter 4 , even if it is not shown here, consist of a disc on the frame to the socket 6b facing side a pair of conductive interconnected pins arranged and at its opposite side a holder for receiving the base 12b the LED light tube 3 is trained.

To operate the LED light tube 3 will be on one of the two versions 6 of the tube holder 2 both in the insertion position, the adapter 4 inserted, with the conductive contact pins connected together 14 placed in the interior of the adapter 4 protrude into the insertion slot of the socket 6 be introduced. By turning the disc 18 of the adapter 4 90 ° becomes the version 6 by means of the contact pins 17 turned into the contact position, so the socket contacts 10 to bridge.

The LED light tube 3 will be with the in the 1 on the left side 12a that the pair of pins 14 into the introductory slot of that version 6a introduced that no adapter 4 having. The Indian 1 on the right shown base 12b the LED light tube 3 , which has no pins, is in the holder 15 of the adapter 4 used. Finally, the LED light tube 3 rotated by 90 ° to the means of the contact pins 14 the LED light tube 3 the version 6a to turn into the contact position. In the contact position are the contact pins 14 the LED light tube 3 with the socket contacts 10 electrically connected.

In the 1 shown on the left 6a is at a phase (L) and the right version 6b is to a neutral (N) of the electric circuit 5 connected. Between both versions 6a . 6b Here is an LED starter 19 used, in which the contacts are electrically connected to each other. The one on the right version 6b used adapters 4 bridges the socket contacts 10 the right version 6b , The inserted LED light tube 3 closes the electrical circuit 5 , causing the LED modules 13 to the phase (L) and the neutral conductor (N) are connected.

In conventional fluorescent tube holders 2 who are not starters in a circuit 5 have, which is connected in parallel to the two versions, the socket 6 into which the pins 14 the LED light tube 3 are used, are directly connected to the phase (L) and the neutral conductor (N). The adapter 4 then only assumes the holding function of the LED tube 3 ,

The 4 shows analogous to the fluorescent tube arrangement 1 according to the first embodiment, a fluorescent tube assembly 20 according to a second embodiment consisting of a fluorescent tube holder 2 , an LED tube light 3 and an adapter 4 , The lighting tube arrangement 20 is connected to an electrical circuit 5 connected, which has a LED starter 19 and an additional LED driver 21 having. The LED driver 21 is connected via the phase (L) and the neutral conductor (N) to an AC of about 230 volts and supplies the LED light tube 3 always with a constant output voltage of about 36 to 40 volts, a so-called low voltage. The LED driver 21 Holds the output voltage for LED tubes 3 with a different power requirement constant, which can be about 8 W, 10 W, 11 W, 15 W, 18 W, 20 W and 22 W. This can be about 120 to 408 LED modules 13 in the LED tube 3 be used, which have an LED forward current of about 16 mA to 18 mA.

To the LED light tube 3 To supply a constant output voltage of 36 to 40 V, the LED driver 21 alternatively be connected to a direct current of 90 to 277 V or to an alternating current of about 90 to 277 V.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been 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.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202010001089 U1 [0006]

Claims (19)

Illuminating tube arrangement ( 1 . 20 ) with at least one LED light tube ( 3 ) and at least one fluorescent tube holder ( 2 ), the two opposite versions ( 6a . 6b ) for receiving a respective pair of contact pins of a fluorescent tube, wherein the versions ( 6a . 6b ) each have an insulating body ( 9 ), which are between an insertion position, in the socket contacts separated from each other and the respective pairs of contact pins are inserted, and a contact position, in which the socket contacts ( 10 ) are connected to the respective contact pin pairs, rotatably arranged and preferably lockable, characterized in that the LED light tube ( 3 ) the pair of contact pins ( 14 ) on only one base ( 12b ) and that an adapter ( 4 ) of an electrically insulating material having on one side a pair of conductive pins ( 17 ) and on the opposite side a bracket ( 15 ) for the LED light tube ( 3 ) and provided in one of the two versions ( 6a . 6b ) can be used. Illuminating tube arrangement ( 1 . 20 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that a circuit ( 5 ) parallel to the two versions ( 6a . 6b ), an LED driver ( 21 ), which is suitable, the at least one LED light tube ( 3 ) operate with a low voltage. Illuminating tube arrangement ( 1 . 20 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the LED driver ( 21 ) is formed for an input voltage of an alternating current and / or a direct current approximately between 90 and 277 volts. Illuminating tube arrangement ( 1 . 20 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the LED driver ( 21 ) produces a substantially constant DC output voltage. Illuminating tube arrangement ( 1 . 20 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the output voltage is about 36 to 40 volts. Illuminating tube arrangement ( 1 . 20 ) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the LED driver ( 21 ) is suitable, the at least one LED light tube ( 3 ) with a power requirement of 8 W, 10 W, 11 W, 15 W, 18 W, 20 or 22 W to provide electrical power. Luminous tube arrangement ( 1 . 20 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit ( 5 ) an LED starter ( 19 ) with contacts which are conductively connected to each other. Luminous tube arrangement ( 1 . 20 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the LED starter ( 19 ) has between the contacts a backup against voltage spikes. LED light tube ( 3 ), in particular for operation in the fluorescent tube arrangement ( 1 . 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, with a tube body (at least partially transparent) ( 11 ), which at its two axial ends by pedestal ( 12 ) and at least one LED module ( 13 ), which in the tube body ( 11 ) is provided and is electrically connected only to a base, characterized in that only the with the at least one LED module ( 13 ) connected sockets ( 12a ) Contact pins ( 14 ) for the current consumption and the other socket ( 12b ) has no electrical connections. LED light tube ( 3 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the base ( 12a ) with the contact pins ( 14 ) is a G5 or G13 socket. LED light tube ( 3 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the tube body ( 11 ) consists of two half-shells, wherein a half-shell consists of an at least partially transparent material and the other half-shell made of an opaque material. LED light tube ( 3 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the opaque half-shell made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, in particular aluminum. LED light tube ( 3 ) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the opaque half-shell has on the inside a reflector. LED light tube ( 3 ) according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the light-permeable region of the tubular body ( 11 ) consists of glass, acrylic glass or polycarbonate. LED light tube ( 3 ) according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the light-permeable region of the tubular body ( 11 ) is at least partially transparent or frosted. Adapter ( 4 ) for a fluorescent tube holder ( 2 ), in particular for operation in the fluorescent tube arrangement ( 1 . 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the adapter ( 4 ) comprises a body of an electrically insulating material, on one side of which a pair of electrically conductive interconnected contact pins ( 17 ) is arranged, and at the opposite side a holder ( 15 ) for receiving a socket ( 12 ) of an LED light tube ( 3 ) is trained. Adapter ( 4 ) according to claim 16, characterized in that the body is disc-shaped. Adapter ( 4 ) according to claim 16, characterized in that the body has an at least one side open housing ( 16 ) pointing to a socket ( 6 ) of a fluorescent tube holder ( 2 ) is pluggable and on the outer surface of the bracket ( 15 ) is arranged, wherein the contact pins ( 17 ) on one of the adapters ( 4 ) and rotatable about its longitudinal axis rotary body ( 18 ) are provided and in an interior of the housing ( 16 ) protrude. Adapter ( 4 ) according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the holding device ( 15 ) defines a receiving space, in particular a cylindrical receiving space, whose cross section is substantially that of the base ( 12 ) corresponds.

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