EP2091113B1 - Connection system for light strips or lights - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connection system for light bands or lights. As a light band, for example, a band-like juxtaposition of individual lights is called. Here, a light band comprises e.g. a length from 3 m up. Within a light strip, the wiring for the power supply of the lamps of the lights is provided. A continuous wiring makes it possible to supply the light band with energy only in one place by connecting the wiring to the building energy supply. If multiple light bands used, they are partially interconnected, so that only one light band must be connected to the building energy supply. However, the invention is not only applicable to light strips, but also to lights.

Conventionally, light strips are connected to each other in such a way that at the end of the wiring of a light band, a plug or a socket is attached. A similar device is located at the end of the wiring of the second light band. Between these two light bands, a specially manufactured connecting element is connected by the connecting element is inserted into the plug or the socket of the wiring for the power supply of the first light strip and into the plug or socket on the second light strip. As a result, the power supply of the two light bands is connected together and it is possible to connect only one of the light bands to the building energy supply.

document US 2003/0021111 discloses a known connection system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Nachteitig of such a construction is that it requires additional plugs or sockets at the end of each light strip. In addition, a corresponding connecting element must be made. Due to the design, there is a different plug or socket for the left side of the light band than for the right one Page. This requires on the one hand in the construction of such a light band increased precision, so that the two parts are installed on the right side. On the other hand, the production costs increase because two different parts have to be produced and kept in stock. Even when connecting the connecting element to the two light bands, increased caution and care must be taken to ensure that the individual cables of the light band are not connected incorrectly, so that, for example, a phase comes to lie on the neutral conductor.

Furthermore, it is difficult to check a correct connection of two light bands or their wiring, because the individual conductors of the wiring are not laid open for safety reasons.

The invention has for its object to provide a connection system for lighting strips or lights, which is simple and allows secure connection of two light bands or lights.

The object is achieved by a connection system with the features of claim 1.

Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims, the description and the figures and the description.

According to claim 1, a connection system according to the invention for electrically connecting a first light band or a first light with a second light band or a second light on a first contacting device. At least one current-carrying profile with a plurality of conductors provided in or on the current-carrying profile is mounted in the light bands or lights. The first contacting device is used for electrically contacting the plurality of conductors of a current-carrying profile.

Furthermore, a second contacting device is provided, which is constructed essentially identical to the first contacting device. Here, a plurality of connection devices for connecting at least one connecting element are provided on the first and on the second contacting device. Each contacting device is in electrically conductive contact with a respective conductor of a current-carrying profile when the contacting device is mounted on or on a current-carrying profile. Furthermore, at least one connecting element to the structure an electrical connection between at least one connection device on the first contacting device and at least one corresponding connection device on the second contacting device.

A basic idea of the invention can be seen in using a new simplified connection system. In a conventional system, two different plugs or sockets were needed at the respective end of the cabling of the power supply of a light band. These had to be designed as left and right sockets or plugs. In addition, corresponding connectors were necessary, which were adapted to the left and right socket or the plug. The invention, in which only two contacting devices are used, which are constructed substantially the same, fewer components for connecting two light bands are needed. One advantage is the fact that twice the same component is used to establish the connection between the wiring for the power supply of two light bands. This facilitates warehouse logistics and production since only one component has to be produced.

A further aspect of the invention can be seen in that the establishment of an electrical connection between the two contacting devices is simplified. This is achieved by providing at least one connection device on each contacting device. When the contacting device is attached to the current-carrying profile, each connection device is in electrically conductive contact with a conductor of the current-carrying profile. If two connection devices located at the same point on two different contacting devices are electrically connected to one another, it is relatively easy to ensure that no false contacting takes place. This is achieved in that the two contacting devices are very similar, possibly even the same. As a result, the connection device for a specific conductor on the first contacting device is located exactly at the same point at which the connection device for the same conductor is located on the second contacting device.

False contacting is understood in this context to mean that a conductor of a current-carrying profile of a first light band is electrically connected to another conductor of a current-carrying profile of a second light band which is not is provided for conducting the same phase or the same signal. This would result in bulbs attached to this power routing profile with the mismatched conductor not functioning properly. In unfavorable cases, when exchanging the phases with the PE conductor, even voltage could reach the housing of the light band. Due to the clear structure of the respective connection device at the same point of the two contacting devices a simple control of the correct connection is possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the contacting device has at least one connection device per conductor of the current-carrying profile. This ensures that each conductor of a first current-carrying profile in the first light band can be connected to the corresponding conductor of a second current-carrying profile in the second light band.

In this context, it is preferred if the contacting device is designed as a feeder. A feeder is a component that is used to connect a current carrying profile to the power supply. Normally, a feeder is provided on or at a current-carrying profile. The feeder is connected to the building wiring to connect the conductors on the current-carrying profile to the phases, the neutral or the PE conductor. Likewise, the conductors are connected to corresponding control lines or emergency circuits. By using a feeder as a contacting device has the advantage that no additional component must be produced, but only the volume of the feeder production is increased. In addition, this reduces the logistical effort in warehousing.

In order to simplify the control as to whether the conductors are in each case correctly connected to one another without polarity reversal, it has proven advantageous to additionally provide at least one test socket per conductor of the current-carrying profile on the contacting devices. This test socket can be used to check which phases or signals are present on the respective conductor of the current-carrying profile. In addition, it is also possible to check whether the connection is correctly formed, ie conductive, by means of the connection system according to the invention. Likewise, these test sockets can be used to simplify troubleshooting because they are equivalent Form measuring points that a technician can easily access when checking a light band.

Basically, it is possible to provide the jacks only for connecting test equipment. In a preferred embodiment, however, the test sockets are designed as a further connection device. This makes it possible that the contacting devices can perform a dual function. On the one hand, they can be used as part of the connection system to conductively connect two current-carrying profiles of two light bands. On the other hand, they can be used as a feeder, since the other connection devices can be connected to the building wiring.

As a result, fewer components must be attached to the power supply profile. This offers the advantage that when attaching bulbs, which also have to contact the current-carrying profile, a greater degree of freedom in their positioning is available, since less attention must be paid to already existing on the current-carrying profile components. Another advantage is that with a star-shaped arrangement of light bands from a contacting device, two adjacent current-carrying profiles can be supplied with signals and energy.

In another embodiment, only one connection device is provided on each contacting device. Here, a separate contacting device is provided for the grid feed. Accordingly, in each case a contacting device is necessary on both sides of the two current-carrying profiles to be connected for the electrical connection of these two profiles.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the contacting devices have a polarity reversal protection. This is designed so that it is difficult to set up the contacting device incorrectly on the power supply profile. Accordingly, a contacting device can be attached to the current-carrying profile only in a specific manner, in a specific orientation. Such polarity reversal protection can for example be designed such that the contacting device is formed asymmetrically to the central axis of the current-carrying profile. Here, the current-carrying profile is designed according to asymmetrical to the central axis. As a result, the contacting device can be attached to the current-carrying profile only in one way.

To increase the safety of the contacting devices are designed such that they perform a forced earthing of the light band or the lamp or the housing when mounted on the current-carrying profile. In addition, an anticipatory contact with a conductor can be provided in this case. This is especially the PE conductor. By a corresponding construction it is achieved that the light band, on which or in which the current-carrying profile is provided, is first connected to the PE conductor upon insertion of the contacting device. In the event of any faults, the installer is thus protected and short-circuits or incorrect wiring do not result in voltage being present at the housing of the light strip.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one connecting element is flexible. The connecting element can be designed, for example, as a copper wire in the form of a simple wire conductor. As a result, a certain degree of freedom in the positioning is made possible during the installation of two light bands, since no fixed prefabricated connection elements are provided. Thus, light bands can be laid, for example, in a curve in which some fasteners must be made longer, while others are shorter.

In order to simplify the handling of the connecting elements, it is advantageous if they are combined as a ribbon cable. This results in the advantages that the individual cables are clearly summarized and still continue to be flexible, so that light bands can be laid in a curve or in a circle.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Leuchte mit voneinander gelöster Tragschiene und Geräteträger als Element eines Lichtbandes;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kontaktierungseinrichtung des erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungssystems;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines an zwei Tragschienen angebauten erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungssystem; und

Fig. 4

eine Aufsicht auf ein an zwei Tragschienen angebautes erfindungsgemäßes Verbindungssystem.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments and schematic drawings. In these drawings show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a lamp with separate support rail and equipment carrier as an element of a light strip;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of a contacting device of the connection system according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a mounted on two mounting rails inventive connection system; and

Fig. 4

a plan view of an attached to two mounting rails inventive connection system.

In Fig. 1 a luminaire 2 of a light band is shown. This luminaire 2 has a mounting rail 3 and a device carrier 4.

The support rail 3 is formed as an approximately U-shaped profile. In the support rail 3 recesses 9 are provided to introduce cables for the power supply. Furthermore, a current-carrying profile 5 is mounted in the mounting rail 3.

Below the support rail 3, a device support 4 is shown. This device carrier 4 has on its side facing the support rail 3 a pickup 6 and by way of example one or more electronic assemblies 7. To mount this light 2 of a light strip, the device carrier 4 is inserted from below into the support rail 3 and secured. The attachment can be carried out for example by a positive or non-positive clamping with appropriate fuses.

When using the device carrier 4 in the support rail 3, the pickup 6 contacts the current-carrying profile 5. This makes it possible to remove control signals and / or energy from the current-carrying profile 5 via the pickup 6.

On equipment rack 4 two ports 8 are additionally provided for lamps. In the form shown here, for example, a fluorescent tube can be used. This fluorescent tube is supplied with power removed via the pickup 6. In the area 7 further electronic and electrical devices may be provided, which are needed for example for the operation of the lamp. In order to connect a plurality of such lights or light strips together, the connection system 1 according to the invention is used.

The following is based on the FIGS. 2 to 4 the structure of the connection system 1 according to the invention explained.

In Fig. 2 a contacting device 15 of the connection system 1 is shown. In the embodiment of the contacting device 15 shown here, it is designed for a connection system 1 which can connect two light bands with current-carrying profiles 5, which each have up to eleven conductors. These are at the top the contacting device 15 eleven connection devices 17 are provided. In addition to each connection device 17 is additionally a test socket 19, which is also designed as a connection device.

A connection device 17 and the associated test socket 19 are each arranged side by side, so that an easy assignment is possible. The combination of connection device 17 and test socket 19 for the different conductors is arranged offset on the contacting device 15, so that an assignment, which connection device 17 is provided for which conductor, is easily possible.

In the embodiment shown here is separated from the normal connection means 17 and test sockets 19, a connection device 37 and a test socket 38 for the PE conductor. This ensures that the connection device 37 is clearly recognizable for the PE conductor in the construction of a connection by means of the connection system 1 according to the invention, and it does not come to a polarity reversal or incorrect wiring, especially in this conductor relevant to safety.

Furthermore, a clamping device 26 is provided on one side of the contacting device 15. This clamping device 26 serves for fastening the contacting device 15 to the current-carrying profile 5 and / or the support rail 3 of the light band.

In addition to the connection devices 17, 37 and the test sockets 19, 39, a line fixing 27 is additionally provided on both sides. At this cable fixation 27 cable ties can be attached to relieve fasteners 22 between two contacting devices 15 of occurring forces such as train.

Fig. 3 represents a perspective view of the connection system 1 according to the invention. Here, the connection system 1 in the support rail 5 of a first light band 11 and the support rail 5 of a second light band 12 is installed. In principle, however, it is not necessary to install the connection system 1 in each case in the mounting rail 5. Depending on how a light band 11, 12 is designed, it can also be installed directly in this. In most cases, the light band 11, 12, that is, the support rail 5 and the equipment carrier 6 made of metal. The contacting devices 15 are preferably made of an insulating plastic. The preparation can be done for example by an injection molding process.

The support rails 5 of the first 11 and the second 12 light band are shown shortened here. The following is generally spoken of light band 11, 12, even if in the embodiment shown here only a part thereof, namely the support rail 5 is shown.

In the first light band 11, a current-carrying profile 13 is introduced. Accordingly, in the second light band 12, a second current carrying profile 14 is arranged. By means of the connection system 1 according to the invention, these two current-carrying profiles 13, 14 are electrically conductively connected to one another. For this purpose, a first contacting device 15 is mounted on the first current-carrying profile 13. This is in Fig. 3 not visible. On the second current-carrying profile 14, a second contacting device 16 is attached. Between these two contacting devices 15, 16 extend connecting elements 22, which form the electrically conductive connection between the two contacting devices 15, 16.

To illustrate the connection of the connection system 1 according to the invention is in Fig. 4 a supervision of in Fig. 3 illustrated connection system shown.

In each band of light 11, 12 there is a current-carrying profile 13 and 14. The first contact-making device 15 is now visible here on the first current-carrying profile 13. Accordingly, the second contacting device 16 is mounted on the second current-carrying profile 14. At the two current-carrying profiles 13, 14, some conductors 20 are shown as an example. When attaching a contacting device 15, 16 to a current-carrying profile 13, 14, these conductors 20 are each contacted. The signals or the current which is applied to these conductors 20 is now available at the connection devices 17, 18 of the contacting devices 15, 16. In addition, the signal can be picked up and checked at the test socket 18.

Due to the substantially same structure of the two contacting devices 15, 16, the connecting elements 22 can be connected in a simple manner to the respectively corresponding connection devices 17, 18.

The asymmetrical design of the contacting device 15 and 16 to the central axis 21 of the current-carrying profiles 13, 14 is visible, for example, at the position of the PE connection devices 37.

As shown in relation to the second contacting device 16, the test sockets 19 are arranged such that they can be contacted at least on a contacting device in normal operation. It is also possible, for example, to connect a third light band 17, 18 via this test socket 19, if they are likewise designed as connection devices 17 and 18. Likewise, these connection devices 17, 18 can be used to connect the light bands 11, 12 with the building power supply.

The connection system according to the invention is characterized by a simple structure. In addition, a secure connection of two light bands or lights is possible by means of the system according to the invention.

Claims (11)

1. A connection system (1) for electrically connecting a first light strip (11) or a first lamp to a second light strip (12) or a second lamp,
   wherein the light strips (11, 12) and/or the lamps have in each case at least one electricity guide profile (13, 14) with a plurality of conductors (20) provided in or on the electricity guide profile (13, 14),
   with a first contacting apparatus (15) for electrically contacting the plurality of conductors (20) of an electricity guide profile (13, 14) and with a second contacting apparatus (16) which is essentially identically structured to the first contacting apparatus (15),
   wherein, a plurality of attaching apparatuses (17, 18) for attaching at least one connecting element (22) are provided on the first (15) and on the second (16) contacting apparatus,
   wherein, in the case of a contacting apparatus (15, 16) attached on or at the electricity guide profile (13, 14), each attaching apparatus (17, 18) is in electrically conductive contact with in each case one conductor (20) of the electricity guide profile (13, 14) and wherein the at least one connecting element (22) is constructed for setting up an electrically conductive connection between at least one attaching apparatus (17) on the first contacting apparatus (15) and at least one corresponding attaching apparatus (18) on the second contacting apparatus (16), characterised in that
   at least one test socket (19), which is realised as a further attaching apparatus (17, 18), is constructed per conductor (20) of the electricity guide profile (13, 14) on the contacting apparatuses (15, 16).
2. The connection system according to Claim 1,
   characterised
   in that at least one attaching apparatus (17, 18) is constructed per conductor (20) of the electricity guide profile (13, 14) on the contacting apparatuses (15, 16).
3. The connection system according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterised
   in that the contacting apparatuses (15, 16) are realised as suppliers of energy and/or signals to the electricity guide profile (13, 14).
4. The connection system according to one of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterised
   in that the contacting apparatuses (15, 16) have a reverse-polarity protection and are in particular constructed asymmetrically to the central axis (21) of the electricity guide profile (13, 14).
5. The connection system according to one of Claims 1 to 4,
   characterised
   in that the contacting apparatuses (15, 16) are designed for forced earthing of the light strip (11, 12) or the lamp.
6. The connection system according to one of Claims 1 to 5,
   characterised
   in that the contacting apparatuses (15, 16) are constructed for leading contact with a conductor (22), particularly the PE conductor, of the electricity guide profile (13, 14).
7. The connection system according to one of Claims 1 to 6,
   characterised
   in that the at least one connecting element (22) is flexibly constructed.
8. The connection system according to one of Claims 1 to 7,
   characterised
   in that a plurality of connecting elements (22) are combined in the form of a ribbon cable.
9. The connection system according to one of Claims 1 to 8,
   characterised
   in that a wire conductor is provided as connecting element (22).
10. The connection system according to one of Claims 1 to 9,
    characterised
    in that the respective further attaching apparatus (17, 18) is realised as a supplier.
11. Method for electrically connecting a first light strip (11) or a first lamp to a second light strip (12) or a second lamp, wherein the light strips (11, 12) and/or the lamps have in each case at least one electricity guide profile (13, 14) with a plurality of conductors (20) provided in or on the electricity guide profile (13, 14),
    with a first contacting apparatus (15) for electrically contacting the plurality of conductors (20) of an electricity guide profile (13, 14) and with a second contacting apparatus (16) which is essentially identically structured to the first contacting apparatus (15),
    wherein, a plurality of attaching apparatuses (17, 18) for attaching at least one connecting element (22) are provided on the first (15) and on the second (16) contacting apparatus,
    wherein at least one test socket (19), which is realised as a further attaching apparatus (17, 18), is constructed per conductor (20) of the electricity guide profile (13, 14) on the contacting apparatuses (15, 16),
    wherein, in the case of a contacting apparatus (15, 16) attached on or at the electricity guide profile (13, 14), each attaching apparatus (17, 18) is in electrically conductive contact with one conductor (20) of the electricity guide profile (13, 14) in each case,
    in which the first contacting apparatus (15) is attached on or at the first light strip (11) or the first lamp,
    in which the first contacting apparatus (16) is attached on or at the second light strip (12) or the second lamp, and
    in which the at least one connecting element (22) is attached on at least one attaching apparatus (17) on the first contacting apparatus (15) and on a corresponding attaching apparatus (18) on the second contacting apparatus (16), in order to set up an electrically conductive connection.

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