EP3611807B1 - Light strip system and corresponding converter unit - Google Patents

Light strip system and corresponding converter unit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3611807B1
EP3611807B1 EP19200779.7A EP19200779A EP3611807B1 EP 3611807 B1 EP3611807 B1 EP 3611807B1 EP 19200779 A EP19200779 A EP 19200779A EP 3611807 B1 EP3611807 B1 EP 3611807B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
power supply
supply circuit
voltage
light strip
lines
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19200779.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3611807A1 (en
Inventor
Gerald Ladstätter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Zumtobel Lighting GmbH Austria
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Zumtobel Lighting GmbH Austria
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Publication of EP3611807A1 publication Critical patent/EP3611807A1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F21V23/02—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being transformers, impedances or power supply units, e.g. a transformer with a rectifier
    • F21V23/023—Power supplies in a casing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S4/00—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources
    • F21S4/20—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources with light sources held by or within elongate supports
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/34—Supporting elements displaceable along a guiding element
    • F21V21/35—Supporting elements displaceable along a guiding element with direct electrical contact between the supporting element and electric conductors running along the guiding element
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F21V23/02—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being transformers, impedances or power supply units, e.g. a transformer with a rectifier
    • F21V23/026—Fastening of transformers or ballasts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/14—Rails or bus-bars constructed so that the counterparts can be connected thereto at any point along their length
    • H01R25/142—Their counterparts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S2/00—Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction
    • F21S2/005—Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction of modular construction
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
    • F21S8/03—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of surface-mounted type
    • F21S8/038—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of surface-mounted type intended to be mounted on a light track
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/02—Wall, ceiling, or floor bases; Fixing pendants or arms to the bases
    • F21V21/025—Elongated bases having a U-shaped cross section
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/34—Supporting elements displaceable along a guiding element
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F21V23/02—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being transformers, impedances or power supply units, e.g. a transformer with a rectifier
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
    • F21V23/0442—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
    • F21V23/0464—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors the sensor sensing the level of ambient illumination, e.g. dawn or dusk sensors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
    • F21V23/0442—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
    • F21V23/0471—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors the sensor detecting the proximity, the presence or the movement of an object or a person
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F21V23/06—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being coupling devices, e.g. connectors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/14—Rails or bus-bars constructed so that the counterparts can be connected thereto at any point along their length
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/14—Rails or bus-bars constructed so that the counterparts can be connected thereto at any point along their length
    • H01R25/147—Low voltage devices, i.e. safe to touch live conductors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
    • H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a light strip system for holding and supplying power to several lighting units.
  • the invention also relates to a converter unit which is provided for use in such a light strip system.
  • a trunking system usually has an elongated support structure, in particular one or more support rails for holding the light units, with power supply means for supplying power to the light units being provided at the same time within or on the support structure.
  • a known trunking system of this type is sold by the applicant under the name Tecton .
  • This trunking system which for example in the WO 01/91249 A1 is characterized in that the lighting units can be arranged at any position on the support structure, which is achieved by a special arrangement and storage of the lines for the power supply.
  • the current conductors held in special so-called current conducting profiles are accessible over the entire length of the support structure and, despite all of this, the effects that occur due to temperature fluctuations with regard to different length expansions of the components of the trunking system are compensated. It is only through these special measures that a lighting unit can be positioned anywhere.
  • a trunking system with two power supply circuits is off U.S. 4,688,154 A1 known.
  • trunking systems are also known in which the lighting units can only be arranged at predetermined positions, these positions being predetermined by corresponding contacting elements which enable the lighting to be connected to the power supply. Since the luminaire units generally have standardized lengths, the contacting elements can be positioned on the support structure in a coordinated manner.
  • lighting units were usually used, which contained fluorescent lamps as light sources. These lighting units then usually had a so-called electronic ballast to operate the light sources, which converted the mains supply voltage made available by the trunking system into a suitable operating voltage for the associated lamp (s). Since the length of a fluorescent lamp is in any case significantly greater than the length of an electronic ballast, the use of such a lamp operating device did not affect the design of the luminaire unit, in particular its longitudinal dimensions.
  • Luminaire units with such LED light sources therefore in turn require a so-called converter unit, which converts the supply voltage made available by the trunking system, which is usually a so-called high-voltage voltage, into the low-voltage voltage required to operate the LED light sources.
  • the present invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a new type of solution for light strip systems which makes it possible to arrange lighting units with LED light sources over a greater length and to supply them with power in a suitable manner.
  • the solution according to the invention is based on the idea of providing the low-voltage supply voltage required to operate the lighting units with LED light sources over a limited length of the support structure of a light strip system.
  • converters are used, each of which applies the low voltage to power supply lines over a certain section of the system.
  • the lighting units with the LED light sources can then be flexibly connected to these supply lines; the converters in turn are supplied with power via separate lines.
  • the lighting units no longer need their own converter and can accordingly be designed to be compact or individual in length.
  • the core idea of the present invention is therefore that there is a combination of high-voltage supply and low-voltage supply, which ultimately enables lighting units with LED light sources to be connected to the trunking system.
  • a plurality of second power supply circuits are preferably formed in the trunking system according to the invention, each of which is connected to the first power supply circuit via an associated converter unit.
  • the converter units which are arranged at certain intervals, are then connected to one another via the common high-voltage supply and each section provides the low-voltage voltage required to operate the lighting units.
  • the second power supply circuits each abut one another at their ends and extend in their entirety essentially over the entire length of the support structure.
  • the ends of the second circuits can also be connected to one another. This ultimately creates the possibility that the lighting units can be positioned essentially freely over the entire length of the support structure. This is particularly advantageous because now - due to the compact dimensions of the LED light sources - the lighting units no longer have to have standard lengths but instead can be dimensioned differently. In this case, the advantage of a flexible arrangement is particularly evident.
  • the lines of the second power supply circuit or circuits are arranged freely accessible from a mounting side of the support structure. This facilitates the flexible arrangement and connection of the lighting units to the second power supply circuit or circuits. Since a low-voltage voltage is applied to the corresponding lines, no special protective measures are to be taken compared to the lines of the first power supply circuit, which prevent accidental contact with the lines.
  • the converter units are powered by the first power supply circuit.
  • the lines of the first power supply circuit have contact means for connecting a converter unit at predetermined intervals.
  • the positions for the converter units are predetermined and are preferably selected such that the associated second power supply circuits have a length at which the losses that occur are not too high.
  • the lines of the first power supply circuit such are designed and stored that they allow a substantially free arrangement of the converter units.
  • the design of the Tecton trunking system mentioned above could be used.
  • the support structure of the trunking system is formed by one or more essentially U-shaped support rails. It is then provided that the lines of the first power supply circuit run within the mounting rail.
  • the lines of the second power supply circuit (s), on the other hand, are arranged in the vicinity of the opening in the mounting rail, since this makes contacting by the lighting units easier.
  • the converter units are - viewed in the longitudinal direction of the trunking system - preferably arranged in the middle of the associated second power supply circuit. However, it would also be conceivable that the converter units are arranged in the middle of two adjacent power supply circuits and are connected to the two second power circuits. In this case, a converter unit can then be used to provide a low voltage over a length of approximately 4 to 8 meters.
  • the means for making contact with the first power supply circuit can have a so-called rotary tap, for example. This is preferably used to make electrical contact with the lines of the first Power supply circuit as well as a mechanical lock on the support structure of the trunking system.
  • the means for contacting the second power supply circuit preferably have a plug connected to the housing of the converter unit via a flexible line.
  • first power supply circuit I to which a high-voltage supply voltage (HV) is applied
  • HV high-voltage supply voltage
  • the support structure usually consists of several support rails that are joined to one another and connected to one another.
  • additional second circuits II are formed, to each of which the desired low-voltage voltage is applied and which each extend only over part of the trunking system or the first circuit I, the second power supply circuits II each being supplied via a converter unit.
  • the converter unit thus takes over the coupling between the first power supply circuit I and power supply circuit II and in particular converts the high-voltage voltage HV of the first power supply circuit I into the suitable low-voltage voltage NV.
  • so-called low-voltage groups are formed over a limited length, that is, all lighting units which are connected to the corresponding second power supply circuit II of such an NV group are locally supplied with power by a common converter unit.
  • these second power supply circuits II now have only a limited length, which is dimensioned such that the resulting line losses do not become too high. Because a plurality of second power supply circuits II are arranged adjacent to one another, however, there is again the possibility of connecting lighting units that require the low-voltage voltage over the entire length of the trunking system 1.
  • the totality of the second power supply circuits II does not necessarily have to cover the complete light strip system or the first power supply circuit I.
  • lighting units with LED light sources are only to be arranged in a partial area of the trunking system, while the remaining area of the trunking system is used by high-voltage lighting units.
  • the second power supply circuits II according to the invention can only be formed in the corresponding sections, wherein in particular it would also be conceivable to implement only a single second power supply circuit II in the trunking system.
  • the first power supply circuit I does not necessarily have to extend over the entire length of the support structure.
  • Figure 1 shows a first variant for the arrangement of the second power supply circuits II, in which the individual low-voltage groups are separated from one another and each have a length that corresponds to an individual rail length of the support structure.
  • each individual rail is assigned a converter unit, which supplies the associated low-voltage group or the associated second power supply circuit II.
  • the corresponding second power supply circuits II can - as shown - be separate from one another and adjoin one another at the end or also be connected to one another at their ends.
  • a second variant is also shown, in which two so-called extended low-voltage groups are also used.
  • the associated converter unit is arranged at the transition between two adjacent low-voltage groups and supplies both with the required low-voltage supply voltage, which results in a greater length for the extended low-voltage group.
  • This principle was used again in the third, lower variant, although the length of the extended low-voltage group cannot be increased at will, since otherwise the line losses would increase again.
  • the length of a low-voltage group can also depend, among other things, on which or how many lighting units are to be arranged on the second power supply circuit. Lengths in the range from 4m to 8m are realistic, although in the event that a converter supplies two adjacent power supply circuits II, a length for an extended low-voltage group in the range of up to 16m can be achieved.
  • the core idea of the invention is therefore that converter units are connected to the first power supply circuit, which extends essentially over the entire or a greater length of the trunking system, and then supply local areas with the low-voltage voltage, thereby forming second power supply circuits of limited length which then the lighting units are connected.
  • Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of a trunking system 1 according to the invention, the first power supply circuit I being formed here by cables 10, 11, which in the present case run on the top of a mounting rail 2.
  • the arrangement of the cables 10, 11 can also be designed differently.
  • the first power supply circuit I can also consist of significantly more cables, for example to enable a phase selection and / or the transmission of control signals, as is known from light line systems.
  • the mounting rail 2 is essentially U-shaped and is open towards the underside in order to enable lighting units 100 to be attached. These are, in particular, light units 100 in which LED light sources 105 are used and which accordingly require a low voltage. This low-voltage voltage is now made available in that converter units 20 are arranged at regular intervals of the trunking system 1 and connected to the first power supply circuit I. For example, contact elements 12 could be provided at certain positions of the light strip system 1, with which the converter units 20 are coupled in order to be supplied with current via the first power supply circuit I.
  • a converter unit 20 itself then converts the high-voltage voltage of the first power supply circuit I into a low-voltage voltage and makes this available via lines 15, 16 which form the second power supply circuit II.
  • the lighting units 100 can then be connected to this second power supply circuit II, whereby on the one hand they contact the lines 15, 16 and on the other hand are mechanically fastened to the support rail 2.
  • the converter units 20 are arranged at specific intervals and each locally supply associated lighting units 100 over a specific area, which then form the associated low-voltage group.
  • the arrangement of the converter units 20 and of the second power supply circuits II is preferably such that the lighting units 100 can be arranged essentially over the entire length of the trunking system 1. That is, the totality of the second power supply circuits II preferably covers essentially the entire length of the trunking system 1, wherein - as mentioned above - the second power supply circuits II can only be provided in certain sections.
  • second power supply circuits II and II ' can also be formed on both sides of the support rail 2, which allow additional lighting units 100 to be arranged.
  • FIG. 3 A further training of the in Figure 2 trunking system shown is in Figure 3 shown.
  • power conducting profiles 13, 14 for storing lines of the first power supply circuit I for the power supply and signal transmission are arranged.
  • These current conducting profiles 13, 14 are plastic parts which form grooves which are open to the interior of the support rail 2 and in which the lines are supported.
  • Such a technology is, for example, from the already mentioned Tecton trunking system or the WO 01/91249 A1 known, which has the particular advantage that the lines of the first power supply circuit I can be contacted over the entire length of the trunking system 1.
  • a converter unit 20 is now connected to the lines of the first power supply circuit I by inserting the converter unit 20 into the mounting rail 2 and fixing it mechanically, with contacts being swiveled out at the same time via which the lines located in the current conducting profiles 13, 14 are contacted .
  • a corresponding converter unit is in Figure 4 shown and has an elongated housing 21 in which, in particular, the means for converting the high-voltage voltage into the low-voltage voltage are arranged.
  • Two lateral pivot levers 22, 23 are arranged on the underside of the housing, by means of which a mechanical locking on the support rail 2 is achieved.
  • a contacting element 24 in the form of a so-called rotary tap 24 is also coupled to one of the two pivot levers 22, via which two contacts 25, 26 are pivoted out laterally.
  • the rotary tap 24 is preferably designed such that at least one of the contacts 25, 26 is adjustable, in particular adjustable in height, so that a phase selection is made possible.
  • the converter unit 20 also has a plug 27 which is connected to the housing 21 via a flexible line 28.
  • This plug 27 is used to connect the converter unit 20 to the lines 15, 16 of the second power supply circuit II.
  • the flexible connecting line 27 makes it easier to connect the plug 27, via which the low-voltage voltage is ultimately made available, to the lines of the second power supply circuit II. If the converter unit 20 is to supply two adjacent low-voltage groups, the plug 27 can also be designed as a corresponding bridge.
  • the lines 15, 16 of the second power supply circuit II are arranged in comparison to the lines of the first power supply circuit I or the power conducting profiles 13, 14 in the area of the opening of the support rail 2 and accordingly more easily accessible. This is possible because, in the case of the low-voltage voltage applied to the lines of the second power supply circuit II, no special measures have to be taken to prevent these lines 15, 16 from being accidentally touched. In contrast, corresponding protective measures are absolutely necessary for the lines of the first power supply circuit I, which is why these lines preferably run inside the support rail 2. A contacting of the lines of the second power supply circuit II by the lighting units 100 can accordingly take place in a simple manner by means of a plug contact 101 which, as in FIG Figure 5 is arranged laterally.
  • the converter units 20 are arranged at regular intervals on the trunking system 1 and supply the respective surrounding area with the low-voltage voltage.
  • other lighting units 150 (see FIG Figure 3 ) that require a high-voltage power supply for operation.
  • These high-voltage lighting units 150 which can be, for example, emergency lights to ensure an emergency light supply, are inserted into the mounting rail 2 in the same way as the converter units 20 and have contacting elements with which the lines running in the current conducting profiles 13 and 14 of the first power supply circuit I can be contacted.
  • a more flexible arrangement of different light units 100, 150 is again possible.
  • FIG. 6 finally shows a third variant of a trunking system 1, which is based on the variant of Figures 3-5 is based.
  • second lines 15 'and 16' or 15 "and 16" also run in the upper part of the mounting rail, via which further second power supply circuits II 'and II "or corresponding low-voltage groups are formed.
  • further lighting units 100 can now be connected, which can now be used to implement indirect lighting Support rail 2 is then provided with corresponding openings or breakthroughs to enable a converter unit 20 to be connected to the lines of the additional second upper power supply circuits II ', II ".
  • a converter unit 20 supplies two low-voltage groups arranged on the underside of the mounting rail 2 as well as an additional low-voltage group on the upper side for indirect lighting. Adjacent to this, extended low-voltage groups are formed on the underside and on the top of the mounting rail 2, with a high-voltage lighting module also being connected to the mounting rail 2. It does not necessarily have to be a light module. Instead, it could also be a sensor unit, for example a brightness or motion sensor, via which information for the automated control of the individual lighting units is obtained.
  • the solution according to the invention thus creates the possibility of flexibly connecting lighting units that require a low voltage to a light strip system.
  • the solution is particularly characterized by the fact that existing trunking systems can be expanded without great effort in order to enable the connection of such lighting units, which contain LED light sources, for example, without each lighting unit having to contain its own converter .

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Lichtbandsystem zur Halterung und Stromversorgung mehrerer Leuchten-Einheiten. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine Konvertereinheit, die zur Verwendung in einem derartigen Lichtbandsystem vorgesehen ist.The present invention relates to a light strip system for holding and supplying power to several lighting units. The invention also relates to a converter unit which is provided for use in such a light strip system.

Lichtbandsysteme kommen in verschiedensten Anwendungsfällen zum Einsatz, da sie eine flexible Anordnung auch unterschiedlicher Leuchten-Einheiten ermöglichen und dementsprechend gegenüber fest installierten Einzelleuchten in einfacher Weise an unterschiedliche Gegebenheiten individuell angepasst werden können. Üblicherweise weist ein Lichtbandsystem eine längliche Tragstruktur, insbesondere ein oder mehrere Tragschienen zur Halterung der Leuchten-Einheiten auf, wobei gleichzeitig innerhalb bzw. an der Tragstruktur Stromversorgungsmittel zur Stromversorgung der Leuchten-Einheiten vorgesehen sind.Continuous-row lighting systems are used in a wide variety of applications, as they enable a flexible arrangement of even different lighting units and, accordingly, can easily be individually adapted to different conditions compared to permanently installed individual lights. A trunking system usually has an elongated support structure, in particular one or more support rails for holding the light units, with power supply means for supplying power to the light units being provided at the same time within or on the support structure.

Ein bekanntes Lichtbandsystem dieser Art wird von der Anmelderin unter der Bezeichnung Tecton vertrieben. Dieses Lichtbandsystem, welches beispielsweise in der WO 01/91249 A1 beschrieben ist, zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die Leuchten-Einheiten an einer beliebigen Position der Tragstruktur angeordnet werden können, was durch eine spezielle Anordnung und Lagerung der Leitungen für die Stromversorgung erreicht wird. Insbesondere ist vorgesehen, dass die in speziellen sog. Stromleitprofilen gehaltenen Stromleiter über die gesamte Länge der Tragstruktur hinweg zugänglich sind und trotzallem die aufgrund von Temperaturschwankungen auftretenden Effekte bzgl. unterschiedlicher Längenausdehnungen der Komponenten des Lichtbandsystems ausgeglichen werden. Erst durch diese besonderen Maßnahmen wird erreicht, dass eine Leuchten-Einheit an einer beliebigen Stelle positioniert werden kann Ein Lichtbandsystem mit zwei Stromversorgungskreise ist aus US 4 688 154 A1 bekannt.A known trunking system of this type is sold by the applicant under the name Tecton . This trunking system, which for example in the WO 01/91249 A1 is characterized in that the lighting units can be arranged at any position on the support structure, which is achieved by a special arrangement and storage of the lines for the power supply. In particular, it is provided that the current conductors held in special so-called current conducting profiles are accessible over the entire length of the support structure and, despite all of this, the effects that occur due to temperature fluctuations with regard to different length expansions of the components of the trunking system are compensated. It is only through these special measures that a lighting unit can be positioned anywhere. A trunking system with two power supply circuits is off U.S. 4,688,154 A1 known.

Darüber hinaus sind allerdings auch Lichtbandsysteme bekannt, bei denen die Leuchten-Einheiten lediglich an vorgegebenen Positionen angeordnet werden können, wobei diese Positionen jeweils durch entsprechende Kontaktierungselemente, welche ein Anschließen der Leuchten an die Stromversorgung ermöglichen, vorgegeben sind. Da die Leuchten-Einheiten in der Regel standardisierte Längen aufweisen, können die Kontaktierungselemente darauf abgestimmt an der Tragstruktur positioniert werden.In addition, however, trunking systems are also known in which the lighting units can only be arranged at predetermined positions, these positions being predetermined by corresponding contacting elements which enable the lighting to be connected to the power supply. Since the luminaire units generally have standardized lengths, the contacting elements can be positioned on the support structure in a coordinated manner.

Bei den früheren Lichtbandsystemen kamen in der Regel Leuchten-Einheiten zum Einsatz, welche Leuchtstofflampen als Lichtquellen beinhalteten. Diese Leuchten-Einheiten wiesen dann üblicherweise ein sogenanntes elektronisches Vorschaltgerät zum Betreiben der Lichtquellen auf, welches die von dem Lichtbandsystem zur Verfügung gestellte Netzversorgungs-Spannung in eine geeignete Betriebsspannung für die zugehörige(n) Lampe(n) umsetzte. Da die Länge einer Leuchtstofflampe ohnehin deutlich größer ist als die Länge eines elektronischen Vorschaltgeräts, wirkte sich der Einsatz eines derartigen Lampenbetriebsgeräts nicht auf die Ausgestaltung der Leuchten-Einheit, insbesondere auf deren Längsabmessung aus.With the earlier trunking systems, lighting units were usually used, which contained fluorescent lamps as light sources. These lighting units then usually had a so-called electronic ballast to operate the light sources, which converted the mains supply voltage made available by the trunking system into a suitable operating voltage for the associated lamp (s). Since the length of a fluorescent lamp is in any case significantly greater than the length of an electronic ballast, the use of such a lamp operating device did not affect the design of the luminaire unit, in particular its longitudinal dimensions.

Zwischenzeitlich kommen allerdings in der Beleuchtungstechnologie mehr und mehr Lichtquellen auf LED-Basis zum Einsatz. Derartige Lichtquellen können nicht unmittelbar an die allgemeine Versorgungsspannung, die beispielsweise im Bereich von 230 Volt liegt, angeschlossen werden. Stattdessen benötigen sie eine deutlich niedrigere, sogenannte Niedervoltspannung etwa im Bereich von 24 Volt. Leuchten-Einheiten mit derartigen LED-Lichtquellen benötigen also wiederum eine sogenannte Konvertereinheit, welche die von dem Lichtbandsystem zur Verfügung gestellte Versorgungsspannung, bei der es sich in der Regel um eine sogenannte Hochvoltspannung handelt, in die zum Betrieb der LED-Lichtquellen erforderliche Niedervoltspannung umsetzt.In the meantime, however, more and more light sources based on LEDs are being used in lighting technology. Such light sources cannot be connected directly to the general supply voltage, which is in the range of 230 volts, for example. Instead, they require a significantly lower, so-called low voltage, around 24 volts. Luminaire units with such LED light sources therefore in turn require a so-called converter unit, which converts the supply voltage made available by the trunking system, which is usually a so-called high-voltage voltage, into the low-voltage voltage required to operate the LED light sources.

Da allerdings LED-Lichtquellen nahezu punktförmig sind, wird die Länge einer derartigen Leuchten-Einheit, welche ein oder mehrere LED-Lichtquellen sowie eine Konvertereinheit aufweist, nunmehr maßgeblich durch die Abmessungen der Konvertereinheit beeinflusst. Dies bedeutet, dass Leuchten-Einheiten mit LED-Lichtquellen, die zur Verwendung bei den bekannten Lichtbandsystemen vorgesehen sind, eine gewisse Mindestlänge aufweisen. Hierdurch wird allerdings die Flexibilität bei der Nutzung von LED-Lichtquellen in Lichtbandsystemen stark eingeschränkt.However, since LED light sources are almost point-shaped, the length of such a lighting unit, which has one or more LED light sources and a converter unit, is now significantly influenced by the dimensions of the converter unit. This means that lighting units with LED light sources, which are provided for use in the known light strip systems, have a certain minimum length. However, this severely restricts the flexibility when using LED light sources in trunking systems.

Naheliegend wäre es auf den ersten Blick, auf den Leitungen zur Stromversorgung des Lichtbandsystems bereits die für den Betrieb der LED-Lichtquellen erforderliche Niedervoltspannung zur Verfügung zu stellen. Bei einer derartigen niedrigen Spannung sind allerdings die Verluste in den Stromleitungen verhältnismäßig hoch, sodass auf diesem Weg nur sehr kurze Lichtbandsysteme realisiert werden können.At first glance, it would seem obvious to provide the low-voltage voltage required to operate the LED light sources on the lines for powering the trunking system. At such a low voltage, however, the losses in the power lines are relatively high, so that only very short trunking systems can be implemented in this way.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt deshalb die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine neuartige Lösung für Lichtbandsysteme anzugeben, die es ermöglicht, auch über eine größere Länge hinweg Leuchten-Einheiten mit LED-Lichtquellen anzuordnen und in geeigneter Weise mit Strom zu versorgen.The present invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a new type of solution for light strip systems which makes it possible to arrange lighting units with LED light sources over a greater length and to supply them with power in a suitable manner.

Die Aufgabe wird durch ein Lichtbandsystem zur Halterung und Stromversorgung mehrerer Leuchten-Einheiten mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.The object is achieved by a light strip system for holding and powering several lighting units with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung beruht auf dem Gedanken, jeweils über eine begrenzte Länge der Tragstruktur eines Lichtbandsystems hinweg die zum Betrieb der Leuchten-Einheiten mit LED-Lichtquellen erforderliche Niedervoltversorgungsspannung zur Verfügung zu stellen. Hierfür werden Konverter eingesetzt, die jeweils über einen bestimmten Abschnitt des Systems hinweg die Niedervoltspannung an Stromversorgungleitungen anlegen. An diese Versorgungsleitungen können dann die Leuchten-Einheiten mit den LED-Lichtquellen flexibel angeschlossen werden, die Konverter wiederum werden über separate Leitungen mit Strom versorgt. Die Leuchten-Einheiten benötigen bei dieser Lösung keinen eigenen Konverter mehr und können dementsprechend kompakt bzw. in ihrer Länge individuell ausgestaltet werden.The solution according to the invention is based on the idea of providing the low-voltage supply voltage required to operate the lighting units with LED light sources over a limited length of the support structure of a light strip system. For this purpose, converters are used, each of which applies the low voltage to power supply lines over a certain section of the system. The lighting units with the LED light sources can then be flexibly connected to these supply lines; the converters in turn are supplied with power via separate lines. With this solution, the lighting units no longer need their own converter and can accordingly be designed to be compact or individual in length.

Erfindungsgemäß wird dementsprechend ein Lichtbandsystem zur Halterung und Stromversorgung von Leuchten-Einheiten vorgeschlagen, wobei das System aufweist:

  • eine längliche Tragstruktur, insbesondere mindestens eine Tragschiene, zur Halterung der Leuchten-Einheiten, sowie
  • sich entlang der Tragstruktur erstreckende Stromversorgungsmittel für die Stromversorgung der Leuchten-Einheiten, wobei die Stromversorgungsmittel aufweisen:
    • ∘ erste sich vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Länge der Tragstruktur erstreckende Leitungen, welche einen ersten Stromversorgungskreis bilden,
    • ∘ zweite Leitungen, welche sich über eine Teillänge der Tragstruktur bzw. des ersten Stromversorgungskreises erstrecken und einen zweiten Stromversorgungskreis bilden, der zur elektrischen Kontaktierung durch die Leuchten-Einheiten vorgesehen ist,
    und wobei die Kopplung zwischen dem ersten Stromversorgungskreis und dem zweiten Stromversorgungskreis durch eine Konvertereinheit erfolgt, welche eine in dem ersten Stromversorgungskreis zur Verfügung stehenden erste Versorgungsspannung in eine zum Betreiben der Leuchten-Einheiten geeignete zweite Versorgungsspannung umsetzt. Wie bereits erwähnt kann es sich bei der ersten Versorgungsspannung vorzugsweise um eine Hochvoltspannung handeln, während hingegen die zweite Versorgungsspannung eine Niedervoltspannung ist, welche von den vorzugsweise LED-Lichtquellen aufweisenden Leuchten-Einheiten nutzbar ist.
According to the invention, a trunking system is accordingly proposed for holding and powering lighting units, the system having:
  • an elongated support structure, in particular at least one support rail, for holding the lighting units, as well as
  • Power supply means extending along the support structure for supplying power to the lighting units, the power supply means having:
    • ∘ first lines, which preferably extend essentially over the entire length of the supporting structure and form a first power supply circuit,
    • ∘ second lines, which extend over part of the length of the support structure or the first power supply circuit and form a second power supply circuit which is provided for electrical contacting through the lighting units,
    and wherein the coupling between the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit takes place by a converter unit which converts a first supply voltage available in the first power supply circuit into a second supply voltage suitable for operating the lighting units. As already mentioned, the first supply voltage can preferably be a high-voltage voltage, while, on the other hand, the second supply voltage is a low-voltage voltage which can be used by the lighting units, which preferably have LED light sources.

Kerngedanke der vorliegenden Erfindung ist also, dass eine Kombination aus Hochvolt-Versorgung und Niedervolt-Versorgung vorliegt, welche letztendlich dass Anschließen von Leuchten-Einheiten mit LED-Lichtquellen an das Lichtbandsystem ermöglicht.The core idea of the present invention is therefore that there is a combination of high-voltage supply and low-voltage supply, which ultimately enables lighting units with LED light sources to be connected to the trunking system.

Vorzugsweise sind in dem erfindungsgemäßen Lichtbandsystem mehrere zweite Stromversorgungskreise ausgebildet, welche jeweils über eine zugehörige Konvertereinheit mit dem ersten Stromversorgungskreis verbunden sind. Die in gewissen Abständen angeordneten Konvertereinheiten sind dann über die gemeinsame Hochvolt-Versorgung miteinander verbunden und stellen abschnittsweise jeweils die zum Betrieb der Leuchten-Einheiten erforderliche Niedervoltspannung zur Verfügung. Dabei ist vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass die zweiten Stromversorgungkreise jeweils an Ihren Enden aneinander stoßen und sich in ihrer Gesamtheit im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Länge der Tragstruktur erstrecken. Beispielsweise können die zweiten Stromkreise an ihren Enden auch miteinander verbunden sein. Hierdurch wird letztendlich die Möglichkeit geschaffen, dass die Leuchten-Einheiten im Wesentlichen frei über die gesamte Länge der Tragstruktur hinweg positioniert werden können. Dies ist insbesondere von Vorteil, da nunmehr - aufgrund der kompakten Abmessungen der LED-Lichtquellen - die Leuchten-Einheiten keine Standardlängen mehr aufweisen müssen sondern stattdessen unterschiedlich dimensioniert werden können. In diesem Fall kommt der Vorteil einer flexiblen Anordnung besonders zum Tragen.A plurality of second power supply circuits are preferably formed in the trunking system according to the invention, each of which is connected to the first power supply circuit via an associated converter unit. The converter units, which are arranged at certain intervals, are then connected to one another via the common high-voltage supply and each section provides the low-voltage voltage required to operate the lighting units. It is preferably provided that the second power supply circuits each abut one another at their ends and extend in their entirety essentially over the entire length of the support structure. For example, the ends of the second circuits can also be connected to one another. This ultimately creates the possibility that the lighting units can be positioned essentially freely over the entire length of the support structure. This is particularly advantageous because now - due to the compact dimensions of the LED light sources - the lighting units no longer have to have standard lengths but instead can be dimensioned differently. In this case, the advantage of a flexible arrangement is particularly evident.

Erfindungsgemäß sind die Leitungen des bzw. der zweiten Stromversorgungskreise von einer Montageseite der Tragstruktur her frei zugänglich angeordnet. Hierdurch wird das flexible Anordnen und Anschließen der Leuchten-Einheiten an den bzw. die zweiten Stromversorgungskreise erleichtert. Da an den entsprechenden Leitungen eine Niedervoltspannung anliegt, sind auch im Vergleich zu den Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises keine besonderen Schutzmaßnahmen vorzusehen, durch welche ein versehentliches Berühren der Leitungen verhindert wird.According to the invention, the lines of the second power supply circuit or circuits are arranged freely accessible from a mounting side of the support structure. This facilitates the flexible arrangement and connection of the lighting units to the second power supply circuit or circuits. Since a low-voltage voltage is applied to the corresponding lines, no special protective measures are to be taken compared to the lines of the first power supply circuit, which prevent accidental contact with the lines.

Die Stromversorgung der Konvertereinheiten erfolgt wie bereits erwähnt durch den ersten Stromversorgungskreis. Hierbei kann gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel vorgesehen sein, dass die Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises in vorgegebenen Abständen Kontaktierungsmittel zum Anschließen einer Konvertereinheit aufweisen. In diesem Fall sind die Positionen für die Konvertereinheiten vorgegeben und werden vorzugsweise derart gewählt, dass die zugehörigen zweiten Stromversorgungskreise eine Länge aufweisen, bei der die auftretenden Verluste nicht zu hoch sind. Alternativ hierzu könnte allerdings auch vorgesehen sein, dass die Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises derart ausgebildet und gelagert sind, dass sie eine im Wesentlichen freie Anordnung der Konvertereinheiten ermöglichen. Hierfür könnte beispielsweise auf die Ausgestaltung des bereits erwähnten Lichtbandsystems Tecton zurückgegriffen werden.As already mentioned, the converter units are powered by the first power supply circuit. Here, according to a first exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the lines of the first power supply circuit have contact means for connecting a converter unit at predetermined intervals. In this case, the positions for the converter units are predetermined and are preferably selected such that the associated second power supply circuits have a length at which the losses that occur are not too high. Alternatively, however, could also be provided that the lines of the first power supply circuit such are designed and stored that they allow a substantially free arrangement of the converter units. For this purpose, for example, the design of the Tecton trunking system mentioned above could be used.

Die Tragstruktur des erfindungsgemäßen Lichtbandsystems wird durch eine oder mehrere im Wesentlichen U-förmige Tragschienen gebildet. Hierbei ist dann vorgesehen, dass die Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises innerhalb der Tragschiene verlaufen. Die Leitungen des bzw. der zweiten Stromversorgungskreise sind hingegen in der Nähe der Öffnung der Tragschiene angeordnet, da hierbei das Kontaktieren durch die Leuchten-Einheiten erleichtert wird. Ferner kann ergänzend auch vorgesehen sein, dass an der der Öffnung der Tragschiene abgewandten Seite weitere zweite Stromversorgungskreise angeordnet sind. In diesem Bereich der Tragstruktur könnten dann beispielsweise zusätzliche Leuchten-Einheiten angeordnet werden, welche zur Realisierung einer Indirektbeleuchtung genutzt werden.The support structure of the trunking system according to the invention is formed by one or more essentially U-shaped support rails. It is then provided that the lines of the first power supply circuit run within the mounting rail. The lines of the second power supply circuit (s), on the other hand, are arranged in the vicinity of the opening in the mounting rail, since this makes contacting by the lighting units easier. In addition, provision can also be made for further second power supply circuits to be arranged on the side facing away from the opening of the support rail. In this area of the support structure, additional lighting units could then be arranged, for example, which are used to implement indirect lighting.

Die Konvertereinheiten sind - in Längsrichtung des Lichtbandsystems gesehen - vorzugsweise in der Mitte des zugehörigen zweiten Stromversorgungskreises angeordnet. Denkbar wäre allerdings auch, dass die Konvertereinheiten in der Mitte zweier benachbarter Stromversorgungskreise angeordnet sind und mit beiden zweiten Stromkreisen verbunden sind. Eine Konvertereinheit kann in diesem Fall dann dazu genutzt werden, eine Niedervoltspannung über eine Länge von etwa 4 bis 8 Metern hinweg zur Verfügung zu stellen.The converter units are - viewed in the longitudinal direction of the trunking system - preferably arranged in the middle of the associated second power supply circuit. However, it would also be conceivable that the converter units are arranged in the middle of two adjacent power supply circuits and are connected to the two second power circuits. In this case, a converter unit can then be used to provide a low voltage over a length of approximately 4 to 8 meters.

Wie bereits erwähnt, bezieht sich die vorliegende Erfindung auch auf eine Konvertereinheit zur Stromversorgung mehrerer Leuchten-Einheiten, wobei die Konvertereinheit erfindungsgemäß aufweist:
Mittel zur Befestigung an der Tragstruktur eines Lichtbandsystems, insbesondere an einer Tragschiene,

  • Mittel zur Kontaktierung von an bzw. innerhalb der Tragschiene verlaufenden Leitungen eines ersten Stromversorgungskreises,
  • Mittel zur Kontaktierung von an bzw. innerhalb der Tragstruktur verlaufenden Leitungen eines zweiten Stromversorgungskreises,
  • Mittel zum Umsetzen einer in dem ersten Stromversorgungskreis zur Verfügung stehenden ersten Versorgungsspannung in eine zum Betreiben der Leuchten-Einheiten geeignete zweite Versorgungsspannung.
As already mentioned, the present invention also relates to a converter unit for supplying power to several lighting units, the converter unit according to the invention having:
Means for fastening to the support structure of a trunking system, in particular to a support rail,
  • Means for contacting lines of a first power supply circuit running on or within the mounting rail,
  • Means for contacting lines of a second power supply circuit running on or within the support structure,
  • Means for converting a first supply voltage available in the first power supply circuit into a second supply voltage suitable for operating the lighting units.

Dabei können die Mittel zur Kontaktierung des ersten Stromversorgungskreises beispielsweise einen sogenannten Drehabgriff aufweisen. Über diesen wird vorzugsweise sowohl eine elektrische Kontaktierung der Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises als auch eine mechanische Verriegelung an der Tragstruktur des Lichtbandsystems erzielt. Die Mittel zur Kontaktierung des zweiten Stromversorgungskreises weisen vorzugsweise einen über eine flexible Leitung an das Gehäuse der Konvertereinheit angeschlossenen Stecker auf.The means for making contact with the first power supply circuit can have a so-called rotary tap, for example. This is preferably used to make electrical contact with the lines of the first Power supply circuit as well as a mechanical lock on the support structure of the trunking system. The means for contacting the second power supply circuit preferably have a plug connected to the housing of the converter unit via a flexible line.

Nachfolgend soll die Erfindung anhand der beiliegenden Zeichnung näher erläutert werden. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
schematisch den erfindungsgemäßen Gedanken eines Lichtbandsystems mit kombinierter Hochvolt-Niedervolt-Versorgung;
Figur 2
ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel zur Realisierung eines erfindungsgemäßen Lichtbandsystems;
Figur 3
ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Lichtbandsystems;
Figur 4
eine bei der Variante gemäß Figur 3 zum Einsatz kommende erfindungsgemäße Konvertereinheit;
Figur 5
die Vorgehensweise zur Stromversorgung einer Leuchten-Einheit;
Figur 6
ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Lichtbandsystems und
Figuren 7a und 7b
Möglichkeiten zur gemeinsamen Anordnung von Niedervolt-Leuchten-Einheiten und Hochvolt-Leuchten-Einheiten bei einem erfindungsgemäßen Lichtbandsystem.
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Show it:
Figure 1
schematically the inventive concept of a trunking system with a combined high-voltage / low-voltage supply;
Figure 2
a first embodiment for realizing a trunking system according to the invention;
Figure 3
a second embodiment of a light strip system according to the invention;
Figure 4
one in the variant according to Figure 3 used converter unit according to the invention;
Figure 5
the procedure for powering a lighting unit;
Figure 6
a third embodiment of a trunking system according to the invention and
Figures 7a and 7b
Possibilities for the joint arrangement of low-voltage lamp units and high-voltage lamp units in a trunking system according to the invention.

Der der vorliegenden Erfindung zugrunde liegende Gedanke soll zunächst anhand der schematischen Darstellung von Figur 1 kurz erläutert werden.The idea on which the present invention is based should initially be based on the schematic representation of FIG Figure 1 will be briefly explained.

Hierbei sind schematisch untereinander drei Lichtbandsysteme dargestellt, welche zunächst jeweils einen ersten Stromversorgungskreis I aufweisen, an dem eine Hochvolt-Versorgungsspannung (HV) anliegt, wobei sich dieser erste Stromversorgungskreis I vorzugsweise über die gesamte Länge der Tragstruktur des Lichtbandsystems 1 hinweg erstreckt. Üblicherweise besteht die Tragstruktur aus mehreren aneinandergefügten und miteinander verbundenen Tragschienen.Here, three trunking systems are shown schematically below one another, each of which initially has a first power supply circuit I to which a high-voltage supply voltage (HV) is applied, this first power supply circuit I preferably extending over the entire length of the support structure of the trunking system 1. The support structure usually consists of several support rails that are joined to one another and connected to one another.

Sollen an dieses Lichtbandsystem 1 Leuchten-Einheiten angeschlossen werden, welche eine Niedervolt-Versorgungsspannung (NV) benötigen, so besteht nunmehr das Problem, dass diese Niedervoltspannung nicht an Leitungen des ersten, sich über das gesamte Lichtbandsystem bzw. zumindest über eine größere Länge hinweg erstreckenden Stromkreis I angelegt werden kann, da die sich hierbei ergebenden Verluste über die gesamte Länge des ersten Stromkreises I zu hoch wären.If luminaire units that require a low-voltage supply voltage (NV) are to be connected to this trunking system, the problem now exists that this low-voltage voltage does not extend over the entire trunking system or at least over a greater length on the lines of the first Circuit I can be applied because the resulting losses over the entire length of the first circuit I would be too high.

Erfindungsgemäß werden deshalb zusätzliche zweite Stromkreise II gebildet, an denen jeweils die gewünschte Niedervoltspannung anliegt und welche sich jeweils lediglich über einen Teil des Lichtbandsystems bzw. des ersten Stromkreises I hinweg erstrecken, wobei die zweiten Stromversorgungskreise II jeweils über eine Konvertereinheit versorgt werden. Die Konvertereinheit übernimmt also die Kopplung zwischen erstem Stromversorgungskreis I und Stromversorgungskreis Stromkreis II und setzt insbesondere die Hochvoltspannung HV des ersten Stromversorgungskreises I in die geeignete Niedervoltspannung NV um. Auf diese Weise werden über eine begrenzte Länge hinweg jeweils sogenannte Niedervolt-Gruppen gebildet, das heißt, alle Leuchten-Einheiten, welche an den entsprechenden zweiten Stromversorgungskreis II einer derartigen NV-Gruppe angeschlossen werden, werden lokal von einer gemeinsamen Konvertereinheit mit Strom versorgt. Diese zweiten Stromversorgungskreise II weisen nunmehr allerdings - wie bereits erwähnt - lediglich eine begrenzte Länge auf, die derart bemessen ist, dass die sich ergebenden Leitungsverluste nicht zu hoch werden. Dadurch, dass mehrere zweite Stromversorgungskreise II aneinander angrenzend angeordnet werden, besteht allerdings wiederum die Möglichkeit, über die gesamte Länge des Lichtbandsystems 1 hinweg Leuchten-Einheiten, welche die Niedervoltspannung benötigen, anzuschließen.According to the invention, therefore, additional second circuits II are formed, to each of which the desired low-voltage voltage is applied and which each extend only over part of the trunking system or the first circuit I, the second power supply circuits II each being supplied via a converter unit. The converter unit thus takes over the coupling between the first power supply circuit I and power supply circuit II and in particular converts the high-voltage voltage HV of the first power supply circuit I into the suitable low-voltage voltage NV. In this way, so-called low-voltage groups are formed over a limited length, that is, all lighting units which are connected to the corresponding second power supply circuit II of such an NV group are locally supplied with power by a common converter unit. However, as already mentioned, these second power supply circuits II now have only a limited length, which is dimensioned such that the resulting line losses do not become too high. Because a plurality of second power supply circuits II are arranged adjacent to one another, however, there is again the possibility of connecting lighting units that require the low-voltage voltage over the entire length of the trunking system 1.

An dieser Stelle soll allerdings ausdrücklich darauf hingewiesen werden, dass die Gesamtheit der zweiten Stromversorgungskreise II nicht zwingend das vollständige Lichtbandsystem bzw. den ersten Stromversorgungskreis I abdecken muss. Beispielsweise wäre es durchaus denkbar, dass Leuchten-Einheiten mit LED-Lichtquellen lediglich in einem Teilbereich des Lichtbandsystems angeordnet werden sollen, während hingegen der restliche Bereich des Lichtbandsystems von Hochvolt-Leuchten-Einheiten genutzt wird. In diesem Fall können die erfindungsgemäßen zweiten Stromversorgungskreise II nur in den entsprechenden Abschnitten ausgebildet werden, wobei insbesondere auch denkbar wäre, in dem Lichtbandsystem lediglich einen einzigen zweiten Stromversorgungskreis II zu realisieren. Ferner muss sich der erste Stromversorgungskreis I auch nicht zwingend über die gesamte Länge der Tragstruktur erstrecken.At this point, however, it should be expressly pointed out that the totality of the second power supply circuits II does not necessarily have to cover the complete light strip system or the first power supply circuit I. For example, it would be entirely conceivable that lighting units with LED light sources are only to be arranged in a partial area of the trunking system, while the remaining area of the trunking system is used by high-voltage lighting units. In this case, the second power supply circuits II according to the invention can only be formed in the corresponding sections, wherein in particular it would also be conceivable to implement only a single second power supply circuit II in the trunking system. Furthermore, the first power supply circuit I does not necessarily have to extend over the entire length of the support structure.

Figur 1 zeigt nun zunächst im oberen Bereich eine erste Variante zur Anordnung der zweiten Stromversorgungskreise II, bei der die einzelnen Niedervolt-Gruppen voneinander getrennt sind und jeweils eine Länge aufweisen, die einer einzelnen Schienenlänge der Tragstruktur entspricht. In diesem Fall ist also jeder einzelnen Schiene eine Konvertereinheit zugeordnet, welche die zugehörige Niedervolt-Gruppe bzw. den zugehörigen zweiten Stromversorgungskreis II versorgt. Die entsprechenden zweiten Stromversorgungskreise II können dabei - wie dargestellt - voneinander getrennt sein und stirnseitig aneinander grenzen oder auch an ihren Enden jeweils miteinander verbunden sein. Ferner ist eine zweite Variante dargestellt, bei der auch zwei sogenannte erweiterte Niedervolt-Gruppen zum Einsatz kommen. In diesem Fall ist die zugehörige Konvertereinheit am Übergang zwischen zwei benachbarten Niedervolt-Gruppen angeordnet und versorgt beide mit der erforderlichen Niedervolt-Versorgungsspannung, wodurch eine größere Länge für die erweiterte Niedervolt-Gruppe erzielt wird. Dieses Prinzip wurde bei der dritten, unteren Variante nochmals angewendet, wobei allerdings die Länge der erweiterten Niedervolt-Gruppe nicht beliebig erhöht werden kann, da anderenfalls wieder die Leitungsverluste ansteigen würden. Die Länge einer Niedervolt-Gruppe kann dabei auch unter anderem davon abhängen, welche bzw. wie viele Leuchten-Einheiten an dem zweiten Stromversorgungskreis angeordnet werden sollen. Realistisch sind Längen im Bereich von 4m bis 8m wobei für den Fall, dass ein Konverter zwei benachbarte Stromversorgungskreise II versorgt, eine Länge für eine erweiterte Niedervolt-Gruppe im Bereich von bis zu 16m erzielt werden kann. Figure 1 shows a first variant for the arrangement of the second power supply circuits II, in which the individual low-voltage groups are separated from one another and each have a length that corresponds to an individual rail length of the support structure. In this case, each individual rail is assigned a converter unit, which supplies the associated low-voltage group or the associated second power supply circuit II. The corresponding second power supply circuits II can - as shown - be separate from one another and adjoin one another at the end or also be connected to one another at their ends. A second variant is also shown, in which two so-called extended low-voltage groups are also used. In this case, the associated converter unit is arranged at the transition between two adjacent low-voltage groups and supplies both with the required low-voltage supply voltage, which results in a greater length for the extended low-voltage group. This principle was used again in the third, lower variant, although the length of the extended low-voltage group cannot be increased at will, since otherwise the line losses would increase again. The length of a low-voltage group can also depend, among other things, on which or how many lighting units are to be arranged on the second power supply circuit. Lengths in the range from 4m to 8m are realistic, although in the event that a converter supplies two adjacent power supply circuits II, a length for an extended low-voltage group in the range of up to 16m can be achieved.

Kerngedanke der Erfindung ist also, dass Konvertereinheiten an den sich im Wesentlichen über die gesamte bzw. eine größere Länge des Lichtbandsystems erstreckenden ersten Stromversorgungskreis angeschlossen werden und dann jeweils lokale Bereiche mit der Niedervoltspannung versorgen, wodurch zweite, in ihrer Länge begrenzte Stromversorgungskreise gebildet werden, an welche dann die Leuchten-Einheiten angeschlossen werden. Hierbei bestehen unterschiedliche Möglichkeiten zur Realisierung dieses Gedankens, welche nachfolgend anhand der weiteren Figuren erläutert werden.The core idea of the invention is therefore that converter units are connected to the first power supply circuit, which extends essentially over the entire or a greater length of the trunking system, and then supply local areas with the low-voltage voltage, thereby forming second power supply circuits of limited length which then the lighting units are connected. There are different possibilities for realizing this idea, which are explained below with reference to the other figures.

Figur 2 zeigt hierbei zunächst eine Schnittdarstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Lichtbandsystems 1, wobei hier der erste Stromversorgungskreis I durch Kabel 10, 11 gebildet wird, die im vorliegenden Fall an der Oberseite einer Tragschiene 2 verlaufen. Selbstverständlich kann dabei die Anordnung der Kabel 10, 11 auch anders gestaltet werden. Ferner kann der erste Stromversorgungskreis I auch aus deutlich mehr Kabeln bestehen, um beispielsweise eine Phasenwahl und/oder das Übermitteln von Steuersignalen zu ermöglichen, wie dies aus Lichtbandsystemen bekannt ist. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of a trunking system 1 according to the invention, the first power supply circuit I being formed here by cables 10, 11, which in the present case run on the top of a mounting rail 2. Of course, the arrangement of the cables 10, 11 can also be designed differently. Furthermore, the first power supply circuit I can also consist of significantly more cables, for example to enable a phase selection and / or the transmission of control signals, as is known from light line systems.

Die Tragschiene 2 ist im Wesentlichen U-förmig ausgestaltet und zur Unterseite hin geöffnet um das Ansetzen von Leuchten-Einheiten 100 zu ermöglichen. Hierbei handelt es sich insbesondere um Leuchten-Einheiten 100, bei denen LED-Lichtquellen 105 zum Einsatz kommen und welche dementsprechend eine Niedervoltspannung benötigen. Diese Niedervoltspannung wird nunmehr dadurch zur Verfügung gestellt, dass in regelmäßigen Abständen des Lichtbandsystems 1 Konvertereinheiten 20 angeordnet und an den ersten Stromversorgungskreis I angeschlossen werden. Beispielsweise könnten an bestimmten Positionen des Lichtbandsystems 1 Kontaktelemente 12 vorgesehen sein, mit welchen die Konvertereinheiten 20 gekoppelt werden, um über den ersten Stromversorgungskreis I mit Strom versorgt zu werden.The mounting rail 2 is essentially U-shaped and is open towards the underside in order to enable lighting units 100 to be attached. These are, in particular, light units 100 in which LED light sources 105 are used and which accordingly require a low voltage. This low-voltage voltage is now made available in that converter units 20 are arranged at regular intervals of the trunking system 1 and connected to the first power supply circuit I. For example, contact elements 12 could be provided at certain positions of the light strip system 1, with which the converter units 20 are coupled in order to be supplied with current via the first power supply circuit I.

Eine Konvertereinheit 20 selbst setzt dann die Hochvoltspannung des ersten Stromversorgungskreises I in eine Niedervoltspannung um und stellt diese über Leitungen 15, 16 zur Verfügung, welche den zweiten Stromversorgungskreis II bilden. An diesen zweiten Stromversorgungskreis II können dann die Leuchten-Einheiten 100 angeschlossen werden, wobei sie einerseits die Leitungen 15, 16 kontaktieren und andererseits mechanisch an der Tragschiene 2 befestigt werden.A converter unit 20 itself then converts the high-voltage voltage of the first power supply circuit I into a low-voltage voltage and makes this available via lines 15, 16 which form the second power supply circuit II. The lighting units 100 can then be connected to this second power supply circuit II, whereby on the one hand they contact the lines 15, 16 and on the other hand are mechanically fastened to the support rail 2.

Wie bereits erwähnt sind die Konvertereinheiten 20 in bestimmten Abständen angeordnet und versorgen jeweils lokal über einen bestimmten Bereich hinweg zugehörige Leuchten-Einheiten 100, welche dann die zugehörige Niedervolt-Gruppe bilden. Die Anordnung der Konvertereinheiten 20 sowie der zweiten Stromversorgungskreise II ist vorzugsweise derart, dass die Leuchten-Einheiten 100 im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Länge des Lichtbandsystems 1 hinweg angeordnet werden können. Das heißt, die Gesamtheit der zweiten Stromversorgungskreise II deckt vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen die gesamte Länge des Lichtbandsystems 1 ab, wobei - wie oben erwähnt - die zweiten Stromversorgungskreise II lediglich in bestimmten Abschnitten vorgesehen sein können. Wie in Figur 2 gezeigt ist, können ferner auch zu beiden Seiten der Tragschiene 2 zweite Stromversorgungskreise II und II' ausgebildet sein, welche das zusätzliche Anordnen weiterer Leuchten-Einheiten 100 ermöglichen.As already mentioned, the converter units 20 are arranged at specific intervals and each locally supply associated lighting units 100 over a specific area, which then form the associated low-voltage group. The arrangement of the converter units 20 and of the second power supply circuits II is preferably such that the lighting units 100 can be arranged essentially over the entire length of the trunking system 1. That is, the totality of the second power supply circuits II preferably covers essentially the entire length of the trunking system 1, wherein - as mentioned above - the second power supply circuits II can only be provided in certain sections. As in Figure 2 is shown, second power supply circuits II and II 'can also be formed on both sides of the support rail 2, which allow additional lighting units 100 to be arranged.

Eine Weiterbildung des in Figur 2 dargestellten Lichtbandsystems ist in Figur 3 dargestellt. Dieses unterscheidet sich in erster Linie im Hinblick auf die Anordnung der Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises I und dementsprechend der Kontaktierung des ersten Stromversorgungskreises I durch die Konvertereinheiten 20. Hierbei ist vorgesehen, dass innerhalb eines oberen Aufnahmebereichs der Tragschiene 2 zu beiden Seiten sogenannte Stromleitprofile 13, 14 zur Lagerung von Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises I für die Stromversorgung und Signalübermittlung angeordnet sind. Bei diesen Stromleitprofilen 13, 14 handelt es sich um Kunststoffteile, durch welche zum Innenraum der Tragschiene 2 geöffnete Nuten gebildet werden, in denen eine Lagerung der Leitungen erfolgt. Eine derartige Technologie ist beispielsweise aus dem bereits erwähnten Lichtbandsystem Tecton bzw. der WO 01/91249 A1 bekannt, welches den besonderen Vorteil mit sich bringt, dass die Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises I über die gesamte Länge des Lichtbandsystems 1 hinweg kontaktierbar sind.A further training of the in Figure 2 trunking system shown is in Figure 3 shown. This differs primarily with regard to the arrangement of the lines of the first power supply circuit I and accordingly the Contacting the first power supply circuit I by the converter units 20. It is provided that within an upper receiving area of the mounting rail 2 on both sides so-called power conducting profiles 13, 14 for storing lines of the first power supply circuit I for the power supply and signal transmission are arranged. These current conducting profiles 13, 14 are plastic parts which form grooves which are open to the interior of the support rail 2 and in which the lines are supported. Such a technology is, for example, from the already mentioned Tecton trunking system or the WO 01/91249 A1 known, which has the particular advantage that the lines of the first power supply circuit I can be contacted over the entire length of the trunking system 1.

Der Anschluss einer Konvertereinheit 20 an die Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises I erfolgt nunmehr dadurch, dass die Konvertereinheit 20 in die Tragschiene 2 eingesetzt und mechanisch fixiert wird, wobei gleichzeitig auch Kontakte ausgeschwenkt werden, über welche die in den Stromleitprofilen 13, 14 befindlichen Leitungen kontaktiert werden. Eine entsprechende Konvertereinheit ist in Figur 4 dargestellt und weist ein längliches Gehäuse 21 auf, in dem insbesondere die Mittel zur Umsetzung der Hochvoltspannung in die Niedervoltspannung angeordnet sind. An der Unterseite des Gehäuses sind zwei seitliche Schwenkhebel 22, 23 angeordnet, über welche eine mechanische Arretierung an der Tragschiene 2 erzielt wird. Mit einem der beiden Schwenkhebel 22 ist dabei auch ein Kontaktierungselement 24 in Form eines sogenannten Drehabgriffs 24 gekoppelt, über welches zwei Kontakte 25, 26 seitlich ausgeschwenkt werden. Im eingesetzten Zustand der Konvertereinheit 20 in die Tragschiene 2 werden dann die Kontakte 24, 25 (siehe Figur 5) seitlich ausgeschwenkt, sodass sie in die Nuten der Stromleitprofile 13,14 eingreifen und gegen die entsprechenden Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises I in Anlage gelangen. Hierdurch wird die Konvertereinheit 20 mit Strom versorgt. Vorzugsweise ist dabei der Drehabgriff 24 derart ausgebildet, dass zumindest einer der Kontakte 25, 26 verstellbar, insbesondere höhenverstellbar ist, so dass eine Phasenauswahl ermöglicht ist.A converter unit 20 is now connected to the lines of the first power supply circuit I by inserting the converter unit 20 into the mounting rail 2 and fixing it mechanically, with contacts being swiveled out at the same time via which the lines located in the current conducting profiles 13, 14 are contacted . A corresponding converter unit is in Figure 4 shown and has an elongated housing 21 in which, in particular, the means for converting the high-voltage voltage into the low-voltage voltage are arranged. Two lateral pivot levers 22, 23 are arranged on the underside of the housing, by means of which a mechanical locking on the support rail 2 is achieved. A contacting element 24 in the form of a so-called rotary tap 24 is also coupled to one of the two pivot levers 22, via which two contacts 25, 26 are pivoted out laterally. When the converter unit 20 is inserted into the mounting rail 2, the contacts 24, 25 (see FIG Figure 5 ) swiveled out to the side so that they engage in the grooves of the current conducting profiles 13, 14 and come into contact with the corresponding lines of the first power supply circuit I. The converter unit 20 is thereby supplied with power. The rotary tap 24 is preferably designed such that at least one of the contacts 25, 26 is adjustable, in particular adjustable in height, so that a phase selection is made possible.

Darüber hinaus weist die Konvertereinheit 20 ferner auch einen Stecker 27 auf, der über eine flexible Leitung 28 mit dem Gehäuse 21 verbunden ist. Über diesen Stecker 27 erfolgt dann die Verbindung der Konvertereinheit 20 mit den Leitungen 15, 16 des zweiten Stromversorgungskreises II. Die flexible Verbindungsleitung 27 erleichtert hierbei das Anschließen des Steckers 27, über den letztendlich die Niedervoltspannung zur Verfügung gestellt wird, an die Leitungen des zweiten Stromversorgungskreises II. Soll dabei die Konvertereinheit 20 zwei benachbarte Niedervolt-Gruppen, versorgen, so kann der Stecker 27 auch als entsprechende Brücke ausgebildet sein.In addition, the converter unit 20 also has a plug 27 which is connected to the housing 21 via a flexible line 28. This plug 27 is used to connect the converter unit 20 to the lines 15, 16 of the second power supply circuit II. The flexible connecting line 27 makes it easier to connect the plug 27, via which the low-voltage voltage is ultimately made available, to the lines of the second power supply circuit II. If the converter unit 20 is to supply two adjacent low-voltage groups, the plug 27 can also be designed as a corresponding bridge.

Wie Figur 3 entnommen werden kann, sind die Leitungen 15, 16 des zweiten Stromversorgungskreises II im Vergleich zu den Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises I bzw. den Stromleitprofilen 13, 14 im Bereich der Öffnung der Tragschiene 2 angeordnet und dementsprechend leichter zugänglich. Dies ist deshalb möglich, da bei der an den Leitungen des zweiten Stromversorgungskreises II anliegenden Niedervoltspannung keine besonderen Maßnahmen getroffen werden müssen, welche ein versehentliches Berühren dieser Leitungen 15, 16 verhindern. Demgegenüber sind entsprechende Schutzmaßnahmen bei den Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises I zwingend erforderlich, weshalb diese Leitungen vorzugsweise im Inneren der Tragschiene 2 verlaufen. Ein Kontaktieren der Leitungen des zweiten Stromversorgungskreises II durch die Leuchten-Einheiten 100 kann dementsprechend in einfacher Weise durch einen Steckkontakt 101 erfolgen, der wie in Figur 5 dargestellt seitlich angeordnet wird.As Figure 3 can be seen, the lines 15, 16 of the second power supply circuit II are arranged in comparison to the lines of the first power supply circuit I or the power conducting profiles 13, 14 in the area of the opening of the support rail 2 and accordingly more easily accessible. This is possible because, in the case of the low-voltage voltage applied to the lines of the second power supply circuit II, no special measures have to be taken to prevent these lines 15, 16 from being accidentally touched. In contrast, corresponding protective measures are absolutely necessary for the lines of the first power supply circuit I, which is why these lines preferably run inside the support rail 2. A contacting of the lines of the second power supply circuit II by the lighting units 100 can accordingly take place in a simple manner by means of a plug contact 101 which, as in FIG Figure 5 is arranged laterally.

Auch bei dieser zweiten Variante ist prinzipiell vorgesehen, dass die Konvertereinheiten 20 in regelmäßigen Abständen an dem Lichtbandsystem 1 angeordnet werden und den jeweils umgebenden Bereich mit der Niedervoltspannung versorgen. Dabei kann nunmehr allerdings auch vorgesehen sein, dass in Bereichen, in denen keine Konvertereinheiten 20 an der Tragschiene 2 angeordnet werden, andere Leuchten-Einheiten 150 (siehe Figur 3) angeordnet werden, welche für den Betrieb eine Hochvoltspannungsversorgung benötigen. Diese Hochvolt-Leuchten-Einheiten 150, bei denen es sich beispielsweise um Notleuchten zur Gewährleistung einer Notlichtversorgung handeln kann, werden in gleicher Weise wie die Konvertereinheiten 20 in die Tragschiene 2 eingesetzt und verfügen über Kontaktierungselemente mit denen die in den Stromleitprofilen 13 und 14 verlaufenden Leitungen des ersten Stromversorgungskreises I kontaktiert werden können. Bei dieser zweiten Variante ist also nochmals eine flexiblere Anordnung unterschiedlicher Leuchten-Einheiten 100, 150 möglich.In this second variant, too, it is provided in principle that the converter units 20 are arranged at regular intervals on the trunking system 1 and supply the respective surrounding area with the low-voltage voltage. However, it can now also be provided that in areas in which no converter units 20 are arranged on the support rail 2, other lighting units 150 (see FIG Figure 3 ) that require a high-voltage power supply for operation. These high-voltage lighting units 150, which can be, for example, emergency lights to ensure an emergency light supply, are inserted into the mounting rail 2 in the same way as the converter units 20 and have contacting elements with which the lines running in the current conducting profiles 13 and 14 of the first power supply circuit I can be contacted. In this second variant, a more flexible arrangement of different light units 100, 150 is again possible.

Figur 6 zeigt schließlich eine dritte Variante eines Lichtbandsystems 1, welches auf der Variante der Figuren 3-5 beruht. Zusätzlich verlaufen in diesem Fall allerdings auch noch im oberen Teil der Tragschiene zweite Leitungen 15' und 16' bzw. 15" und 16", über welche weitere zweite Stromversorgungskreise II' und II" bzw. entsprechende Niedervolt-Gruppen gebildet werden. An der Oberseite des Lichtbandsystems 1 können also nunmehr weitere Leuchten-Einheiten 100 angeschlossen werden, welche nunmehr zum Realisieren einer Indirektbeleuchtung genutzt werden können. In der Tragschiene 2 sind dann entsprechende Öffnungen bzw. Durchbrüche vorgesehen, um ein Verbinden einer Konvertereinheit 20 mit den Leitungen der zusätzlichen zweiten oberen Stromversorgungskreise II', II" zu ermöglichen. Auch hier besteht wiederum die Möglichkeit, zusätzlich auch Hochvolt-Leuchten-Einheiten 150 anzuschließen. Figure 6 finally shows a third variant of a trunking system 1, which is based on the variant of Figures 3-5 is based. In this case, however, second lines 15 'and 16' or 15 "and 16" also run in the upper part of the mounting rail, via which further second power supply circuits II 'and II "or corresponding low-voltage groups are formed. On the top of the light strip system 1, further lighting units 100 can now be connected, which can now be used to implement indirect lighting Support rail 2 is then provided with corresponding openings or breakthroughs to enable a converter unit 20 to be connected to the lines of the additional second upper power supply circuits II ', II ". Here, too, there is again the possibility of connecting high-voltage lighting units 150 as well.

Denkbar wäre also letztendlich auch eine Anordnung, wie sie in Figur 7a in perspektivischer Ansicht und in Figur 7b in Schnittdarstellung gezeigt ist. Eine Konvertereinheit 20 versorgt hierbei zwei an der Unterseite der Tragschiene 2 angeordnete Niedervolt-Gruppen sowie zusätzlich eine weitere Niedervolt-Gruppe an der Oberseite zur Indirektbeleuchtung. Daran angrenzend werden erweiterte Niedervolt-Gruppen an der Unterseite sowie der Oberseite der Tragschiene 2 gebildet, wobei zusätzlich noch ein Hochvolt-Leuchten-Modul an die Tragschiene 2 angeschlossen wird. Es muss sich hierbei nicht zwangsläufig um ein Leuchtenmodul handeln. Stattdessen könnte es sich auch um eine Sensoreinheit, beispielsweise einen Helligkeits- oder Bewegungssensor handeln, über den Informationen zur automatisierten Steuerung der einzelnen Leuchten-Einheiten erhalten werden.Ultimately, an arrangement such as that shown in Figure 7a in perspective view and in Figure 7b is shown in sectional view. A converter unit 20 supplies two low-voltage groups arranged on the underside of the mounting rail 2 as well as an additional low-voltage group on the upper side for indirect lighting. Adjacent to this, extended low-voltage groups are formed on the underside and on the top of the mounting rail 2, with a high-voltage lighting module also being connected to the mounting rail 2. It does not necessarily have to be a light module. Instead, it could also be a sensor unit, for example a brightness or motion sensor, via which information for the automated control of the individual lighting units is obtained.

Durch die erfindungsgemäße Lösung wird also die Möglichkeit geschaffen, flexibel Leuchten-Einheiten, welche eine Niedervoltspannung benötigen, an ein Lichtbandsystem anzuschließen. Die Lösung zeichnet sich dabei insbesondere auch dadurch aus, dass bereits bestehende Lichtbandsysteme ohne größeren Aufwand erweitert werden können, um das Anschließen derartiger Leuchten-Einheiten, welche beispielsweise LED-Lichtquellen beinhalten, zu ermöglichen, ohne dass jede Leuchten-Einheit einen eigenen Konverter enthalten muss.The solution according to the invention thus creates the possibility of flexibly connecting lighting units that require a low voltage to a light strip system. The solution is particularly characterized by the fact that existing trunking systems can be expanded without great effort in order to enable the connection of such lighting units, which contain LED light sources, for example, without each lighting unit having to contain its own converter .

Claims (13)

  1. Light strip system (1) for holding and supplying power to lighting units (100) and/or sensor units, wherein the system (1) comprises:
    • an elongated support structure for holding the units (100), said support structure being formed by one or more substantially U-shaped support rail(s) (2), and also
    • power supply means extending along the support structure for supplying power to the units (100),
    wherein the power supply means comprise:
    • first lines (10, 11) extending along the support structure, which form a first power supply circuit (I),
    • second lines (15, 16) extending along the support structure over part of the length of the first power supply circuit (I) and forming a second power supply circuit (II),
    wherein the coupling between the first power supply circuit (I) and the second power supply circuit (II) is effected by a converter unit (20) which converts a first supply voltage available in the first power supply circuit (I) into a second supply voltage suitable for operating the units (100),
    and wherein the lines (15, 16) of the second power supply circuit (II) are arranged freely accessible to the units (100) from a mounting side of the support structure,
    characterized in that
    the lines of the second power supply circuit (II) are arranged in the region of the opening of the support rail(s) (2).
  2. Light strip system according to Claim 1,
    characterized in that
    the power supply means comprise a plurality of second power supply circuits (II) which are preferably each coupled to the first power supply circuit (I) via a separate converter unit (20).
  3. Light strip system according to Claim 2,
    characterized in that
    the second power supply circuits (II) respectively adjoin one another at their ends and, in their entirety, extend essentially over the entire length of the first power supply circuit (I), in particular over the entire length of the support structure.
  4. Light strip system according to Claims 2 or 3,
    characterized in that
    the second power supply circuits (II) are connected to one another at their ends.
  5. Light strip system according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the lines of the first power supply circuit (I) have, at prespecified intervals, contacting means (12) for connecting a converter unit (20).
  6. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4,
    characterized in that
    the lines of the first power supply circuit (I) are arranged and mounted in such a way that they allow a substantially free arrangement of the converter unit(s) (20) along the support structure.
  7. Light strip system according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the lines of the first power supply circuit (I) run within the support rail(s) (2).
  8. Light strip system according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    additional second power supply circuits (II) are arranged on the side facing away from the opening of the support rail(s) (2).
  9. Light strip system according to Claim 8,
    characterized in that
    the additional second power supply circuits (II) are arranged in the upper part of the support rail (2), wherein openings or breakthroughs are preferably provided in the support rail (2), said openings enabling a connection of the converter unit (20) via the lines to the additional second power supply circuits (II).
  10. Light strip system according to Claim 9,
    characterized in that
    the additional second power supply circuits (II) allow a connection of units to the top side of the light strip system.
  11. Light strip system according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the converter unit(s) (20) is or are arranged in the middle of the associated second power supply circuit (II), as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the light-band system (1).
  12. Light strip system according to any one of Claims 1 to 10,
    characterized in that
    the power supply means comprise a plurality of second power supply circuits (II), and in that the converter unit(s) (20) are arranged in the middle of two adjacent second power supply circuits (II), as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the light-band system (1), and are connected to both second power supply circuits (II).
  13. Light strip system according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the first supply voltage is high voltage and the second supply voltage is low voltage.
EP19200779.7A 2011-04-28 2012-04-26 Light strip system and corresponding converter unit Active EP3611807B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102011017702A DE102011017702A1 (en) 2011-04-28 2011-04-28 Trunking system and converter unit for this
EP12717132.0A EP2702647B1 (en) 2011-04-28 2012-04-26 Light strip system and converter unit therefor
PCT/EP2012/057606 WO2012146636A2 (en) 2011-04-28 2012-04-26 Light strip system and converter unit therefor

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12717132.0A Division EP2702647B1 (en) 2011-04-28 2012-04-26 Light strip system and converter unit therefor

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3611807A1 EP3611807A1 (en) 2020-02-19
EP3611807B1 true EP3611807B1 (en) 2021-01-27

Family

ID=46001289

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19200779.7A Active EP3611807B1 (en) 2011-04-28 2012-04-26 Light strip system and corresponding converter unit
EP12717132.0A Active EP2702647B1 (en) 2011-04-28 2012-04-26 Light strip system and converter unit therefor

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12717132.0A Active EP2702647B1 (en) 2011-04-28 2012-04-26 Light strip system and converter unit therefor

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US9845942B2 (en)
EP (2) EP3611807B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103493311B (en)
DE (1) DE102011017702A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012146636A2 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US9845942B2 (en) 2017-12-19
EP3611807A1 (en) 2020-02-19
EP2702647B1 (en) 2019-10-30
US20140049954A1 (en) 2014-02-20
EP2702647A2 (en) 2014-03-05
DE102011017702A1 (en) 2012-10-31
WO2012146636A3 (en) 2013-01-10
CN103493311B (en) 2017-10-17
WO2012146636A2 (en) 2012-11-01
CN103493311A (en) 2014-01-01

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