WO2025180775A1 - Translationally movable adapter for dc busbars - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding adapter having a plurality of contacts which are designed for a releasable electrical connection to DC voltage-conducting conductors (3) in a profiled busbar (5), wherein the conductors (3) are provided in the base and/or in the side walls (4) of the profiled busbar (5), and the holding adapter can be mounted in the busbar (5) by means of a plug-in movement.

Description

TRANSLATORY MOVABLE ADAPTER FOR DC POWER RAILS

Description:

The present invention relates generally to the field of lighting technology, and more specifically to so-called busbars.

Such busbars with an adapter ("tap connector") that can be moved translationally (i.e., by means of a sliding or plugging movement) to establish electrical contact between conductors in the busbar are known, for example, from EP3553898A1, EP3701606B1, and EP287053B1. Using the adapter, the luminaires can be mechanically attached to the busbar and are also electrically supplied via it.

Such power rails are metal profiles that are typically mounted on the ceiling. They are connected to a power supply, which in the current state of the art is an AC supply.

An adapter is then selectively mechanically and electrically engaged into these busbars, which is thus mechanically and electrically connected (with several connecting contacts for each phase to be supplied) to the busbar and, with regard to the electrical connection, to exposed conductors in the busbar.

A luminaire is/is connected to the adapter, which is thus mechanically attached to the track (i.e., suspended in the case of ceiling mounting) and also supplied with power via the adapter. The luminaire contains an operating device (converter), which, in the current state of the art, is supplied with AC voltage via the adapter and provides the appropriate electrical supply for the luminaire's corresponding light sources, for example, one or more LEDs.

The invention retains the principle of this busbar. The conductors in the busbar can be at least partially exposed in the side panels of the profile and/or in the base of the profile for contacting via the adapter's contacts.

A system comprises: a DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range of 200 V to 1500 V, a power rail supplied from the DC voltage supply, a holding adapter for detachable electrical connection with conductors in the busbar and mechanical holder in the busbar, whereby contact is made by a sliding movement.

In contrast to the prior art, the present invention relates to a DC-powered busbar. The invention thus also relates to a system comprising: a DC power supply, for example, with a DC amplitude of more than 220 volts and 1.5 kilovolts, which is referred to as "low voltage" in power electronics; a specifically designed mounting adapter for mounting a luminaire in the busbar and for supplying power via the adapter; and a luminaire with a converter and associated light sources, as well as an optic and housing.

However, the invention also relates specifically to a holding adapter designed for DC supply.

DC power supplies pose problems that are not present with AC power supplies. One problem, for example, is the risk of spark gaps or arcing when the contacts are close to the conductors when making or breaking contact between the contacts of the holding adapter and the conductors of the busbar, meaning they are neither completely separated from them nor fully contacted.

More specifically, the invention relates to reducing the risk of sparking or arcing.

A first aspect relates to a system comprising:

A DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range of 200 V to 1500 V, A busbar supplied from the DC voltage supply,

A holding adapter with several contacts designed for detachable electrical connection to DC voltage-carrying conductors in the busbar, wherein the holding adapter can be mounted into the busbar by a plugging or pushing movement. A second aspect relates to a holding adapter with a plurality of contacts which are designed for detachable electrical connection with DC voltage-carrying conductors in a busbar, wherein the holding adapter can be mounted into the busbar by a plug-in movement.

The busbar consists of a special profile that is installed along the ceiling or wall. This profile contains conductors that carry the electrical energy. The busbar is designed to be modular, meaning it can be adapted and expanded depending on the specific requirements of the installation.

An adapter, for example, is an accessory used in conjunction with the power track to provide additional functionality or flexibility. Here are some features and functions typically associated with an adapter:

Connection options: Adapters are often used to connect conventional electrical devices or lights to the track. They offer various connection options, such as sockets, terminal blocks, or special connectors, enabling a simple and secure connection.

Modularity: Similar to the busbar itself, adapters are typically modular. This means they can be easily added, removed, or moved depending on the system's requirements. This allows users to quickly adjust the configuration of their busbar system to accommodate changes in layout or the arrangement of equipment and machinery.

Functional extensions: The adapters can offer additional functions beyond pure power supply. This could include, for example, the integration of sensors to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, or motion. This allows users to equip their power track system with intelligent features to increase efficiency or enhance security measures.

Safety and Compatibility: The adapters are designed to meet safety standards and ensure a reliable and safe power supply. They are also compatible with the power rail and can be seamlessly integrated into the overall system without the need for additional adjustments. This adapter can be inserted into the busbar in such a way that the electrical contacts can be brought into contact with conductors, preferably in one or more of the busbar's side panels. During this insertion or plugging movement, a mechanical fastening of the retaining adapter in the busbar is simultaneously achieved, as is generally known from the prior art.

Further advantages, features and characteristics of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings.

Fig. ta) and Fig. ib) show a first embodiment in which the insertion movement of the adapter part is either supported by a spring element or takes place against the action of a spring,

Fig. 2a) and Fig. 2b) show a second embodiment in which, in the initial position of Fig. 2a), the contact of the plug-in adapter is separated from the wire in the base or in one of the side walls of the profiled DC busbar by an electrical insulator,

Fig. 3a), 3b), 3c) shows a third embodiment in which the two contacts of the

Insertion adapters for contacting the two conductors of the DC busbar are designed in such a way that they contact the associated conductors of the DC busbar at different times and/or in different directions of movement during the contacting/insertion movement,

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment, in which again in the

Starting point of Fig. a), i.e. before the adapter is fully inserted, an insulator is arranged between the conductor and the contact of the insertion element, and

Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment in which the insertion movement of the adapter is assisted by magnetic force or must take place against a magnetic repulsion force.

All embodiments from Fig. 1 to 5 can be combined with each other as desired. In Fig. la) and lb) an adapter 1 with contacts 2 for contacting a conductor 3 in the side wall 4 of a U-shaped DC busbar 5 can be seen.

More precisely, only one of two contacts of adapter 1 can be seen in the figure.

A spring element is designated by reference numeral 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion movement of the adapter 1 occurs against the spring force of the spring element 6. The user must therefore exert increased force, resulting in the immediate proximity zone between contact 2 and conductor 3, which is critical with regard to sparking or arcing, being passed very quickly. This reduces the overall thermal load on the components involved.

In the example shown, the user moves adapter 1 against the force of a spring element. It is also possible that this movement is spring-assisted, at least over a portion of the range.

It is also possible to combine a partial range with spring assistance with a partial range of insertion movement counteracting the spring action. For example, it can be provided that in a first insertion movement range, starting from the basic position of Fig. 1a), the action must first be counteracted by a spring action (comparable to the embodiment of Figs. ta) and ib)), while in a second, particularly final, approach range of contact 2 to conductor 3, spring assistance is provided. This leads to a type of snap effect and to a very rapid approach of contact 2 to conductor 3 in the immediate approach range.

Fig. 2a) and 2b) show a further embodiment in which the contact 2 (typically there are two contacts for DC voltage contact, of which only one is shown) is to be brought into contact with a conductor 3 in a busbar (here, for example, in the base 20 of the busbar, but it could also be in one of the side cheeks 4) in a translational movement 10. In the basic position of Fig. 2a), the conductor 3 is separated from the contact 2 of the adapter 1 by means of an insulator. During the approach movement (transition from Fig. 2a) to 2b)), the insulator 30 is moved in such a way, in the example shown by direct mechanical action of the contact 2, that the contact 2 can make electrical contact with the conductor 3. The movement of the insulator to release (expose) the conductor 3 can also be achieved by means other than the contact 2 itself. The insulator element ensures that no arc can form, or that the air gap between the contact and the conductor wire is covered by insulating material at small distances.

Fig. 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment in which the holding adapter is now shown with both contacts 2, 2', which are intended to cooperate with corresponding assigned conductors 3, 3'. The overall system of busbar 5 / conductor 3, 3' and contacts 2, 2' of the adapter 1 is designed such that during the approach movement (transition from Fig. 2a) to Fig. 2b) and then for complete contacting in Fig. 3c)), first one of the two contacts, here 2', contacts the assigned conductor 3'. Furthermore, it is provided that the final approach of the second contact 2 to the conductor 3 takes place in a different degree of freedom than the approach of the first contact 2' to the assigned conductor 3'. In the present exemplary embodiment, the approach of the first contact 2' to the conductor 3' is translational (vertical in the illustration). The approach of the other contact 2 to the associated conductor 3 is in another degree of freedom, which could be, for example, a rotation, but here a translation in a different direction, namely in the horizontal direction.

This means that the two contacts are not closed at the same time, which reduces the risk of sparking.

In particular, the risk of arcing is reduced by a design as follows:

• Contact 2' first establishes a potential equalization with high resistance, while the following contact 2 enables the energy flow with low resistance,

• Contact 2 releases the energy flow via contact 2' when contacted (safety switch in the adapter)

• Contact 2' ensures operation of the light in emergency mode (low current consumption), contact 2 enables normal operation with high current consumption via contact 2'

Fig. 4a) and 4b) now show a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which, in the initial position of Fig. 4a), the contact 2 of the adapter 1 is separated from the wire 3 by a thin insulating element (plate) 30. As the contact 2 approaches the conductor 3 by vertical insertion into a side wall 4 of the DC busbar 5, the contact 2 itself bends the insulator 30 such that it can come into contact with the conductor 3. Fig. 5 now shows a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which the translational approach movement of the adapter 1 with its at least one contact 2 is assisted by the force of one or more magnets 40, 40' mounted in the housing of the adapter. In the example shown, the conductor is again arranged in the base 20 of the DC busbar. The magnets 40, 40' result in a very rapid approach of the contact 2 to the conductor 3 of the DC busbar 5 during the final approach phase, which greatly shortens the duration of the dangerous phase in terms of sparking or arcing.

Again, comparable to the mechanical spring element design of Fig. 1a), 1b), it is possible that the magnetic effect is a repulsive effect, so that the user must exert considerable force to insert the adapter 1 with the contact 2. This also leads to a reduction in the duration of the aforementioned critical phase.

However, it is also possible, for example, to have a repulsive magnetic effect in the first phase of the approach movement. This requires the user to exert a great deal of force. In a second, particularly the final, approach phase, an attractive magnetic effect may then be present, which, with the user's constant force, leads to a snapping effect in terms of contact between contact 2 and conductor 3 of the DC busbar 5.

Claims

Claims: 1. Holding adapter with several contacts which are designed for detachable electrical connection to DC voltage-carrying conductors (3) in a profiled busbar (5), wherein the conductors (3) are arranged in the base and/or in the side cheeks (4) of the profiled busbar (5), wherein the holding adapter wherein the holding adapter (1) can be mounted by a plug-in movement in the busbar (5). 2. Holding adapter according to claim 1, comprising at least one external and/or internal spring element (6) which supports the plug-in movement at least in a partial area of the movement and/or counteracts the plug-in movement in a further partial area of the movement. 3. Holding adapter according to claim 2, wherein the further partial area is arranged in front of the partial area during the plug-in movement. 4. Holding adapter according to claim 1, which is designed such that during the plug-in movement two contacts of the holding adapter (1) contact their associated conductor in the busbar (5) at different times. 5. Holding adapter according to claim 1, which is designed such that during the plug-in movement two contacts of the holding adapter (1) contact their associated conductor (3) by movements in different degrees of freedom, in particular different translational directions. 6. System comprising: a DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range of 200 V to 1500 V, a profiled busbar supplied from the DC voltage supply, a holding adapter (1) in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with several contacts which are designed for the detachable electrical connection to DC voltage-carrying conductors (3) in the busbar (5), wherein the holding adapter (1) can be mounted by a plug-in movement in the busbar (5). 7- System according to claim 6, wherein the holding adapter (i) is designed for mounting a luminaire in the power rail (5) and for electrical supply by means of the adapter (1); further comprising a luminaire with a converter and associated lighting means as well as an optic and housing. 8. System according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a movable insulator element is arranged between the holding adapter (1) and the conductors (3) of the busbar (5). 9. System according to one of claims 6 to 8, which is designed such that during the plug-in movement two contacts of the holding adapter (1) contact the same associated conductor (3) in the busbar at different times. 10. System according to one of claims 6 to 9, which is designed such that during the plug-in movement two contacts of the holding adapter (1) contact the same associated conductor (3) by movements in different degrees of freedom, in particular different translational directions. 11. System according to one of claims 6 to 10, which is designed such that a magnetic attraction or repulsion between the holding adapter (1) and the busbar (5) supports or counteracts the plug-in movement at least in sections.