Electronic device for operating a light source

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic device (1) for operating a light source (2), such as an LED light source, the electronic device comprising electronic components (3), a flat housing (4) having two opposite side walls (40), the two opposite side walls being connected by a circumferential edge (41) to define an internal space (42) for encapsulating and carrying the electronic components (3), electrical contacts (5) electrically connected to the electronic components (3) to allow external electrical connection of the electronic components (3), and a spacer (7), the spacer being detachably attached to the housing (4) so as to project from the edge (41) in an extending direction (E) by a stop section (70). The present invention also relates to a lighting fixture system (100) having the electronic device (1) according to the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit comprising the electronic device (1) according to the present invention and having a plurality of spacers (7). In addition, the present invention relates to a method for inserting the electronic device (1) into a lighting fixture track (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device for operating a light source such as an LED light source, the electronic device comprising electronic components accommodated in a housing. The present invention also relates to a luminaire system comprising a luminaire track having a longitudinal track profile, the electronic device being positioned in the longitudinal track profile. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising the electronic device to provide different profile layouts of the longitudinal track profile. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for inserting the electronic device into a luminaire track.

[0002] In the prior art, electronic devices are known that are to be assembled in a longitudinal but flat space of a longitudinal track profile of a luminaire track. These electronic devices are typically accommodated in a housing for encapsulating the electronic components. To allow for a defined positioning of the electronic device within the internal space of the longitudinal track profile, the housing typically has a flat section to be inserted into the longitudinal track profile. The housing also has a widened section at its bottom end. Thus, the housing can have, for example, a T-shaped cross-section. The widened section is designed such that when the electronic device is inserted into the longitudinal track profile with its flat section (e.g., through an insertion opening), the widened section is able to abut against the outer edge of the track profile (e.g., defining the insertion opening for the flat section of the housing to be inserted), thereby allowing for a defined positioning of the electronic components in the insertion direction. This defined position allows for a correct positioning of the electrical contacts of the electronic device relative to electrical connection elements (such as cables) extending within the longitudinal track profile, such that a reliable electrical connection between these elements can be obtained. However, the widened section is rather large and thus visible from the outside, as it is not intended to enter the insertion opening but to abut against the longitudinal track profile to reliably allow for a defined positioning. In addition, grounding of the electronic components has to be provided separately, for example, depending on the relative cross-sectional layout and dimensions of the longitudinal track profile with respect to the electronic device or its housing, a cumbersome grounding connection attachment via a separate cable is required.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device, a luminaire system equipped with such an electronic device, and a method for inserting such an electronic device into a luminaire track, which allow for an increased aesthetic appearance while allowing for a reliable electrical connection even for different layouts of the luminaire track profiles.

[0004] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an electronic device for operating a light source such as an LED light source. The electronic device includes electronic components. In addition, the electronic device includes a flat housing having two opposite side walls, the two opposite side walls being connected by a circumferential edge to define an internal space for encapsulating and carrying the electronic components. In the context of the present invention, "flat" preferably means that the dimensions of the housing along two axes are many times higher than the dimensions of the housing along an axis orthogonal to the other two axes. The electronic device further includes electrical contacts that can be electrically connected to or are electrically connected to the electronic components to allow external electrical connection of the electronic components. The electronic device further includes a spacer detachably attached to or attached to the housing, such that a stop section projects from an edge in an extension direction preferably parallel to the (edge-wise) insertion direction of the electronic device, which insertion direction is in turn preferably parallel to the extension plane of the flat housing.

[0005] The electronic device according to the present invention, especially due to its detachably attached spacer, allows a defined positioning of the electronic device relative to the corresponding layout of a luminaire track into which the electronic device is to be inserted. By means of the selectively attachable spacer, different abutment positions can be defined, which allow the electronic device to always be inserted into the luminaire track interior by a defined / desired amount, thus allowing correct positioning of the electrical contacts, i.e., relative to the electrical connection elements of the luminaire track. Since the electronic device can also be adapted to the corresponding luminaire track profile, the electronic device can preferably be easily hidden within the luminaire track profile, such that widened sections for external abutment can be avoided, thus allowing an increased aesthetic appearance of the luminaire track profile equipped with the electronic device.

[0006] The electronic device further includes a ground pin that is functionally (i.e., preferably electrically) connected to the electronic components and is movably arranged along a movement direction between an exposed position projecting from an edge and a retracted position in which the ground pin projects less from the edge (i.e., compared to the exposed position) or is substantially flush with the edge. The extension direction can preferably be parallel to the movement direction.

[0007] Due to the movably arranged ground pin, the electronic device thus allows a reliable ground connection. In addition, the combination of the detachable spacer and the movably arranged ground pin allows reliable grounding of the electronic device even in different layouts (i.e., resulting in different insertion amounts).

[0008] The ground pin is preferably biased to or towards the exposed position. Thus, the ground pin is always pushed towards the contact and thus towards the ground position. Alternatively, the ground pin can also be designed to be fixed, for example, with a separate fixing device at any defined position along its movement direction. In addition, some structural means can be provided that allow the ground pin to be reliably positioned at a specific number of dedicated positions along the movement direction.

[0009] The spacer, preferably the stop section, may include a through hole along the direction of movement, and the grounding pin is movably received in the through hole and more preferably is movably guided in the through hole. Thus, the grounding pin and the spacer can be arranged in a space-saving manner. In addition, the spacer can simultaneously form a fixing element or even a guiding element to allow defined movement of the grounding pin. If necessary, this also allows mechanical protection of the grounding pin during operation of the electronic device.

[0010] The stop section may project from the edge at most to the exposed position in the extending direction. Since the stop section thus projects at most the same amount as the grounding pin, grounding can always be ensured; especially in the case where on the one hand the spacer enters the adjacent section of the adjacent lamp track profile and on the other hand the grounding pin enters the adjacent grounding section are arranged in the same plane.

[0011] The stop section preferably has a pin-shaped, plate-shaped, nail-shaped or any type of shape. When observed in the extending direction, the stop section may also have an angled (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.) or rounded (e.g., circular, oval, etc.) cross-section. This allows for easy design of the stop section.

[0012] The spacer may include a first engaging structure that detachably engages with a corresponding second engaging structure of the housing for detachably attaching the spacer to the housing. Such a structure can be easily provided and allows for easy detachable attachment of the spacer to the housing. For example, the engaging structure may include a snap connection or the like.

[0013] The spacer may include a holding section that spans or extends at the edge between opposite sidewalls. The spacer can thus be designed to snap over or onto the housing, thereby allowing for easy detachable attachment of the spacer.

[0014] The holding section may include an engaging section that extends along a part of the sidewall. This allows for a reliable mechanical connection between the spacer and the housing.

[0015] The holding section may have, for example, a U-shaped layout, which allows for easier attachment of the spacer to the housing by simply placing the spacer with the U-shaped open side on the edge. Also, the U-shaped layout can improve the intuitive attachment of the spacer to the housing.

[0016] The holding section, preferably the engaging section, may include a first engaging structure. This first engaging structure may simply be the profile of the holding section or may also include additional protruding or indenting structures. The second engaging structure of the housing may then include corresponding indenting or protruding structures, for example, a groove for at least partially receiving the holding section.

[0017] The electrical contact can extend from the housing, preferably from one of its side walls, to allow for external electrical connection of the electronic component. The electrical contact thus provides a protruding section that can be easily made to engage within the external electrical connection element of the luminaire track. Of course, the electrical contact can also be any other type of electrical contact, such as a plug or a socket or an electrical terminal, etc.

[0018] The electrical contact can be designed to be selectively retractable to allow the edge of the electronic device to be inserted into the longitudinal luminaire track. Since the electrical contact can be selectively retracted, the overall size of the electronic device can be reduced, for example, the protruding amount of the electrical contact, such that due to its minimum size, the electronic device is preferably externally limited only by its flat housing and can thus be easily inserted into the flat slot-shaped opening of the longitudinal profile of the luminaire track. Since the electrical contact can be selectively retracted, electrical contact / connection with the electrical connection element can be easily achieved by simply moving the electrical contact out again.

[0019] The electronic device can include a light source electrically connected to the electronic component and / or a connection section for electrically connecting (e.g., selectively) an (e.g., external) light source to the electronic component to operate the light source. The light source is preferably an LED light source. This allows for easy connection of the light source to the electronic device. Of course, the connection section can also be used for electrically connecting any other type of luminaire component, such as a sensor, etc.

[0020] The side walls of the housing all extend substantially parallel to the same plane. This results in a symmetric and particularly flat layout of the housing, which in turn allows the electronic device to be inserted into the flat slot-shaped opening of the longitudinal track profile of the luminaire track.

[0021] The housing and / or the spacer is preferably made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic. Alternatively, the spacer can also be made of a conductive material such as a metal sheet. The spacer can thus be used for grounding. Therefore, the spacer made of a conductive material is preferably (electrically) connected to the electronic component. This can be obtained by direct connection or alternatively and according to a preferred embodiment by a grounding pin. Thus, the grounding pin can be provided in the manner described above and is (electrically) connected to the spacer function, and the spacer is in turn designed to be adjacent to (i.e., in physical contact with) the track profile into which the electronic device is to be inserted. For example, the spacer is above the grounding pin, i.e., extends in its moving direction, such that the preferably biased grounding pin reliably abuts against the conductive spacer, thereby providing a reliable functional connection between the components to allow for a reliable grounding function.

[0022] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a luminaire system, which includes a luminaire track having a longitudinal track profile that extends in a longitudinal direction and defines an internal space. The track profile has a longitudinal opening for accessing the internal space from the outside. The luminaire track also has an electrical connection element that preferably extends within the internal space along the longitudinal direction for electrical access (i.e., from the internal space or through the internal space). The luminaire system also includes an electronic device according to the present invention as described above. The electronic device is edgewise inserted at a defined insertion position obtained when the opening in the internal space physically contacts the abutting section of the track profile opposite the longitudinal opening at the stop section of the spacer, such that the electrical contact and the electrical connection element can enter (or even be in) electrical connection, and such that preferably, if present, the ground pin can be directly or, for example, if made of a conductive material, functionally joined to (or with) the ground section of the luminaire track through the spacer.

[0023] Therefore, the spacer allows the electronic device to be positioned in a defined insertion within the internal space of the longitudinal track profile of the luminaire track, thus allowing for an easy electrical connection of the electronic device to the luminaire track. In combination with the ground pin provided as an optional feature that is movable, easy and reliable grounding can be obtained simultaneously.

[0024] The abutting section and the ground section can be the same (i.e., close to each other or even (partially) overlapping) or even identical (the latter, for example, in the case where grounding is obtained through a conductive spacer). Therefore, the track profile can be simplified, and when using an electronic device in which the ground pin is guided within the through-hole of the spacer, the overall layout can be provided in a space-saving manner.

[0025] The luminaire system can also include a light source, such as an LED light source, which is electrically connected or can be electrically connected to an electronic component for operating the light source. Of course, other electronic components can also be provided to be electrically connected to the electronic component, for example, for operating the electronic component, such as sensors, speakers, etc.

[0026] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a kit, which includes an electronic device according to the present invention as described above or even a luminaire system. The kit also includes a plurality of the spacers having different layouts, such that when attached to the housing, the stop sections respectively protrude from the edge to different extents in the extending direction, where the different extents are preferably selected from the group equal to and less than the extent of the exposed position of the ground pin.

[0027] By providing a corresponding kit, a user can easily arrange an electronic device in a manner suitable for use with a corresponding luminaire track and its longitudinal track profile. Thus, the electronic device can be easily and reliably used in various luminaire track layouts, while always allowing a reliable electrical connection and preferably also allowing a reliable ground connection. Thus, by very simple means, the electronic device can be personalized according to the given requirements defined by the luminaire track layout.

[0028] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for inserting an electronic device into a luminaire track, the method comprising the following steps:

[0029] a) providing a luminaire track having a longitudinal track profile extending along a longitudinal direction and defining an internal space, the track profile having a longitudinal opening for accessing the internal space from the outside; and an electrical connection element extending within the internal space along the longitudinal direction for electrical access,

[0030] b) providing any one of the foregoing electronic devices,

[0031] c) inserting an edge of the electronic component into the internal space until a defined insertion position is obtained when a spacer physically contacts a stop section of the track profile opposite the longitudinal opening, such that

[0032] c1) the electrical contact and the electrical connection element are in a relative position with respect to each other to be in electrical connection with each other or to allow access to electrical connection with each other, and

[0033] c2) preferably, if present, a ground pin is directly or, for example, if made of a conductive material, functionally joined to a ground section of the luminaire track through a spacer.

[0034] By the method according to the invention, the electronic device can be easily inserted into the luminaire track in a reliable and easy manner, while allowing an increased aesthetic appearance due to the electronic device preferably being fully inserted into the luminaire track. At least, due to the type of internal (i.e., hidden within the internal space of the luminaire track) spacer that allows a defined insertion positioning of the electronic device, the housing of the electronic device does not need to be widened or protruded and thus unsightly sections. If present, the movably provided ground pin also allows a reliable ground connection.

[0035] After the electronic device has reached the defined insertion position, the electrical contact is preferably selectively electrically connected to the electrical connection element. This can be achieved, for example, by an electrical contact provided in a selectively retractable manner. Thereby, the external dimensions of the electronic device can be temporarily reduced, thus facilitating the insertion of the electronic device into the internal space of the luminaire track.

[0036] A light source, such as an LED light source, can preferably be electrically connected to the electronic device through a connection section for operating the light source.

[0037] Of course, any other electrical or electronic components can also be electrically connected to the electronic device, for example, for operating the electronic device. The light source (or any other electrical or electronic component) is preferably mechanically connected to the track profile, thus reliably attaching the element to the track profile.

[0038] Further features, details, and advantages of the present invention will now be described by way of embodiments exemplarily represented by the figures in the drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of an electronic device for operating a light source according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown,

[0040] Figure 2 is shown Figure 1 a partially exploded view of the electronic device of

[0041] Figure 3 is shown having Figure 1 a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view of a luminaire system according to an embodiment of the present invention with the electronic device of

[0042] Figure 4 is shown Figure 3 a front cross-sectional view of the luminaire system of

[0043] Figure 5 is shown a front side elevation view of a cross-section of a luminaire system according to another embodiment of the present invention,

[0044] Figure 6 is shown a partial perspective view of an electronic device for operating a light source according to another embodiment of the present invention,

[0045] Figure 7 is shown having Figure 6 a front side elevation view of a cross-section of a luminaire system according to another embodiment of the present invention with the electronic device of

[0046] Figure 8 and is shown a front side elevation view of a cross-section of a luminaire system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] The drawings show different embodiments of an electronic device 1 for operating a light source 2 (such as an LED light source) according to the present invention.

[0048] The electronic device 1 includes an electronic component 3. The electronic component can, for example, be a driver for an LED light source. Of course, the electronic component 3 can also include any other type of electronic component, for example, for operating the light source 2.

[0049] The electronic device 1 further includes a flat housing 4 having two opposite side walls 40 connected by a circular edge 41 to define an internal space 42 for encapsulating and carrying the electronic components 3. According to the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the side walls 40 preferably extend substantially parallel to the same plane. The housing can be made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic.

[0050] The electronic device 1 further includes electrical contacts 5 which can be electrically connected to or are electrically connected to the electronic components 3 to allow external electrical connection of the electronic components. The electrical contacts 5 can project from the housing 4. The electrical contacts 5 can thus be used as plug-like elements. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 5 can also be socket-like elements for receiving corresponding external electrical contact elements. In the former case, the electrical contacts 5 can extend from the housing 4, preferably from one of its side walls 40, to allow external electrical connection of the electronic components 3, as Figure 5 exemplarily visible. In the preferred embodiment, the electrical contacts 5 are designed to be selectively retractable to allow edgewise insertion of the electronic device 1 into a longitudinal luminaire track 10 (i.e., in a direction along the flat extension of the housing 4 or perpendicular to the edge 41).

[0051] The electronic device 1 can optionally further include a ground pin 6 which is functionally connected to the electronic components 3 and is movably arranged along the movement direction M between an exposed position projecting from the edge 41 (as Figure 4 exemplarily shown) and a retracted position (as Figure 5 and 7 exemplarily shown), in the retracted position the ground pin 6 projects less from the edge 41 (i.e., compared to the exposed position) or is substantially flush with this edge. The ground pin 6 is preferably biased to or towards the exposed position. For example, this can be achieved by a spring device 8 which is here exemplarily shown as a helical spring, which is arranged around the ground pin 6 and is supported on one side at a support region 43 (here of the housing 4) and on the other side towards its outer tip portion at a (here flange-like) support section 61 of the ground pin 6. To avoid loss of the ground pin 6, the support section 61 is preferably a widened section which abuts against a second support region 44 of the housing 4 in the exposed position of the ground pin 6. Thus, the ground section 60 of the ground pin 6 projecting (or intended to project) from the housing 4 extends through a through-hole 45 of the housing 4 which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the ground section 60 of the ground pin 6 and less than the diameter of the support section 61 of the ground pin 6. As Figure 4 、 5As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the ground pin 6 here exemplarily includes a rear extension portion 62 that extends inside the housing 4 and makes sliding (electrical) contact with the electrical contact member 30 of the electronic component 3, such that the ground pin 6 is always functionally connected, i.e., electrically connected, to the electronic component 3 regardless of its position between the retracted position and the exposed position. Of course, this functional connection can also be obtained in other ways. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical contact member 30 is preferably biased here in a direction orthogonal to the movement direction M towards the ground pin 6 (e.g., it is itself configured as a spring member) to allow for a reliable functional connection between the ground pin 6 and the electronic component 3.

[0052] The electronic device 1 further includes a spacer 7 that is removably attached or attached to the housing 4 such that a stop section 70 projects from the edge 41 in the extension direction E, which is preferably parallel to the edge of the electronic device towards the insertion direction, which is in turn preferably parallel to the extension plane of the flat housing. If there is a ground pin 6, the extension direction E can be parallel to the movement direction M.

[0053] The spacer can also be made of electrically insulating material. However, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. Figure 6 and 7 , the spacer 7 can also be made of a conductive material such as a metal sheet. This allows the spacer to be used for grounding even when the ground pin 6 is not provided. Therefore, the spacer 7 made of a conductive material is preferably (electrically) connected to the electronic component 3. This can be obtained by direct connection or alternatively and according to the preferred embodiment shown through the ground pin 6. Thus, the ground pin 6 can be arranged in a movable manner as described above and is functionally (i.e., electrically) connected to the spacer 7, which in turn is designed to project and thus be able to come into abutment (i.e., physical contact) with the track profile 11 to be inserted into the electronic device 1, as described in more detail below. For example, the spacer 7 can have a top cover section 75 extending above the ground pin 6, i.e., in its movement direction M, such that the preferably biased ground pin 6 abuts reliably against the conductive spacer 7, as shown in FIGS. Figure 6 and 7 , thereby providing a reliable functional connection between the components to allow for a reliable grounding function. Thus, the ground pin 6 is functionally connected to the electronic component 3 through the electrical contact member 30. The ground pin 6 is then functionally connected to the conductive spacer 7 through its top cover section 74, and the stop section (here two stop sections) 70 projects from the top cover section in the extension direction E. Thus, the spacer 7 made of a metal sheet can be easily manufactured by a simple stamping and bending process.

[0054] If there is a ground pin 6, the stop section 70 can project from the edge 41 in the extension direction up to the exposed position at most, e.g., in FIGS. Figure 4can be seen. For example, in Figure 1 and 2 it can be seen that the stop section 70 preferably has a pin-like shape. The stop section 70 can also have any other shape, such as a nail or a flat plate-like shape, etc., as Figure 6 and 7 exemplarily shown. If the stopper 7 is made of a metal sheet, the latter shape can be easily provided. When viewed in the extending direction E, the stop section can preferably have an angled (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.) or rounded (e.g., circular, oval, etc.) or any other type of cross-sectional shape.

[0055] The spacer 7, preferably the stop section 70, can include a through hole 71 extending along the moving direction M, and the ground pin 6 can be movably received in the through hole. It can be seen that, for example, in Figure 4 the ground pin 6 is preferably movably guided within the through hole 71. In the case of the embodiments of Figure 6 and 7 where the spacer 7 forms (at least part of) the grounding feature of the electronic device 1, the spacer can also be structurally closed above / on the ground pin 6; for example, here by a closed top cover section 75.

[0056] The spacer 7 can also include a first engaging structure 72 that detachably engages with a corresponding second engaging structure 46 of the housing 4 for detachably attaching the spacer 7 to the housing 4. It can be clearly seen in Figure 1 , 4 , 6 and 7 that the spacer 7 can include a holding section 73 to span or extend on the edge 41 between two opposite side walls 40. Thus, the holding section 73 can preferably include an engaging section 74 extending along a part of the side wall 40, for example, clamping the spacer 7 onto the housing 4. It can be clearly seen in Figure 2 and 4 that the holding section 73 can preferably have a U-shaped layout. This layout allows the spacer 7 to save space and be reliably attached to the housing 4. The holding section 73 and preferably the engaging section 74 can preferably include the first engaging structure 72, as Figure 7 exemplarily shown.

[0057] The electronic device 1 can also include a light source that can be electrically connected or is electrically connected to the electronic component 3, thus for operating the light source. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 1 can also include a connecting section (not shown) for electrically connecting the light source to the electronic component 3 to operate the light source. The light source can preferably be an LED light source. Of course, any other type of electrical or electronic component can be connected to the connecting section in the same way.

[0058] Now, referring to Figures 3 to 5, 6 and 7, exemplarily describe a luminaire system 100 according to the present invention. The luminaire system 100 of the present invention comprises a luminaire track 10 having a longitudinal track profile 11, which extends along a longitudinal direction L and delimits or encloses an interior space 12. The track profile 11 has a longitudinal opening 13 for entering the interior space 12 from the outside A. The luminaire track 10 also comprises an electrical connection element 14, which is exemplarily shown here in the form of an electric wire 140, which is preferably arranged in a wire holding section 141. The electrical connection element 14 preferably extends in the longitudinal direction L in the interior space 12 to be electrically accessible, here from or through the interior space 12.

[0059] The lighting system 100 further comprises an electronic device 1 according to the present invention. Figures 3 to 5 , 6 and 7, it can be clearly seen that the electronic device 1 is inserted edgewise through the opening 13 in the inner space 12 at a defined insertion position obtained when the stop section 70 of the spacer 7 is in physical contact with the adjacent section 15 of the track profile 11 opposite the longitudinal opening 13, so that the electrical contact 5 and the electrical connection element 14 can be brought into electrical connection with each other, and preferably, if present, the grounding pin 6 is also directly (such as if present) connected to the grounding section 16 of the luminaire track 10, preferably the track profile 11. Figure 5 ) or by a spacer 7 (as shown in Figure 7 ) functional engagement as exemplarily shown in FIG.

[0060] from Figure 4 and 5 As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 , the abutment section 15 and the grounding section 16 can be identical, or even Figure 7 The exemplary illustrations may be equivalent, thereby allowing the most compact layout of the entire system 100.

[0061] The luminaire system 100 may also include a light source, such as an LED light source, or any other type of electrical or electronic component, which is electrically connected to the electronic component 3, for example, for operating the light source or other electrical / electronic components, respectively.

[0062] Special References Figure 1 and 2 But it is also clear from Figures 3 to 8 It can be deduced that the present invention also relates to a kit comprising an electronic device 1 or even a lighting system 100 according to the present invention and comprising a plurality of said spacers 7 with different layouts, so that when attached to the housing 4, their stop sections 70 respectively protrude from the edge 41 to different degrees in the extension direction E.

[0063] Preferably, they are selected from the group of degrees equal to and less than the degree of the exposed position to different extents. Of course, the electronic device 1 can also be used without the additional spacer 7; then the spacer 7 can be given by the structural layout of the housing 4 itself (here by the upper side of the edge 41). For special reasons, such as a guiding function, a blind spacer 7 can be provided, where the stop section 70 is simply provided by the top cover section 75 of the spacer 7, and the top cover section simply has a corresponding through hole 71 for a direct grounding function (e.g., according to Figure 5 the embodiment) or has a closed top cover section for indirect grounding through the grounding pin 6 (e.g., according to Figure 8 the embodiment) or even for direct grounding through the conductive spacer 7 itself.

[0064] Hereinafter, a method for inserting the electronic device 1 into the lamp track 10 is described.

[0065] In a first step, a lamp track 10 is provided, which has a longitudinal track profile 11 extending along a longitudinal direction L and defining an internal space 12, wherein the track profile 11 has a longitudinal opening 13 for entering the internal space 12 from the outside A; and also has an electrical connection element 14 extending within the internal space 12 along the longitudinal direction L for electrical access.

[0066] In a second step, the electronic device 1 according to the invention is provided.

[0067] In a third step, the edge of the electronic device is inserted into the internal space 12 until a defined insertion position is obtained when the stop section 70 of the spacer 7 physically contacts the adjacent section 15 of the track profile 11 opposite the longitudinal opening 13, such that the electrical contact 5 and the electrical connection element 14 are in a relative position with respect to each other to be in electrical connection with each other or to allow entry into electrical connection with each other, and preferably such that, if present, the grounding pin 6 is functionally engaged with the grounding section 16 of the lamp track. Thus, if a kit according to the invention is provided, the spacer 7 can be selected from a group of spacers 7 according to the layout of the given track profile 11, which allows the best corresponding insertion or relative positioning.

[0068] After the electronic device 1 has reached the defined insertion position, the electrical contact 5 can be selectively electrically connected to the electrical connection element 14. Thus, the electrical contact 5 can be designed to be selectively retractable and then extended again.

[0069] A light source, such as an LED light source, can preferably be electrically connected to the electronic device 1 through another connection section for operating the light source 2. In a preferred embodiment, similar to any other electrical or electronic component, the light source 2 can preferably be mechanically connected to the track profile 11.

[0070] The present invention is not limited by the embodiments described above.

Claims

1. An electronic device (1) for operating a light source (2), the electronic device comprising: Electronic component (3), A flat housing (4) having two opposing sidewalls (40) connected by a peripheral edge (41) to define an internal space (42) for encapsulating and carrying the electronic component (3), An electrical contact (5) electrically connected to the electronic component (3) to allow external electrical connection of the electronic component (3), and A spacer (7) detachably attached to the flat housing (4) such that a stop section (70) projects from the edge (41) in an extending direction (E), wherein the flat housing (4) is within an internal space (12) defined by a track profile (11), and the spacer (7) is above the flat housing (4), wherein the electronic device (1) further includes a ground pin (6) functionally connected to the electronic component (3) and movably disposed along a moving direction (M) between an exposed position projecting from the edge (41) and a retracted position where the ground pin (6) projects less from the edge (41) or is substantially flush with the edge, wherein the extending direction (E) is parallel to the moving direction (M), and / or wherein the ground pin (6) is biased to or towards the exposed position.

2. The electronic device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the light source (2) is an LED light source.

3. The electronic device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer (7) comprises a through hole (71) along the moving direction (M), the ground pin (6) is movably received in the through hole, and / or wherein, The stop section (70) projects from the edge (41) in the extending direction (E) at most to the exposed position.

4. The electronic device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The stop section (70) of the spacer (7) includes the through hole (71).

5. The electronic device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The ground pin (6) is movably guided in the through hole (71).

6. The electronic device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The stop section (70) of the spacer (7) includes the through hole (71), and wherein the ground pin (6) is movably guided in the through hole (71).

7. The electronic device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the stop section (70) has a pin shape, a nail shape or a plate shape, and / or wherein when observed in the extending direction (E), the stop section (70) has an angled or rounded cross-section.

8. The electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the spacer (7) comprises a first engaging structure (72), the first engaging structure detachably engages with a corresponding second engaging structure (46) of the flat housing (4) for detachably attaching the spacer (7) to the flat housing (4).

9. The electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the spacer (7) comprises a holding section (73) to span or extend on the edge (41) between the two opposite side walls (40).

10. The electronic device (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The holding section (73) includes an engaging section (74) extending along a part of the sidewall (40).

11. The electronic device (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The holding section (73) has a U-shaped layout.

12. The electronic device (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The engaging section (74) includes a first engaging structure (72) detachably engaging with a corresponding second engaging structure (46) of the flat housing (4) for detachably attaching the spacer (7) to the flat housing (4).

13. The electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the electrical contact (5) extends from the flat housing (4) to allow external electrical connection of the electronic component (3), and / or wherein the electrical contact (5) is designed to be selectively retractable to allow the edge of the electronic device (1) to be inserted longitudinally into the luminaire track (10).

14. The electronic device (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The electrical contact (5) extends from one of the sidewalls (40) of the flat housing (4).

15. The electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 7, further comprising a light source (2) electrically connected to the electronic component (3) and / or a connecting section for electrically connecting the light source to the electronic component (3) to operate the light source.

16. The electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the side walls (40) all extend substantially parallel to the same plane, and / or wherein the flat housing (4) is made of an electrically insulating material, and / or wherein the spacer (7) is made of an electrically insulating material or a conductive material.

17. The electronic device (1) according to claim 16, wherein the electrically insulating material is plastic and the conductive material is a metal sheet.

18. A luminaire system (100), the luminaire system comprising: A luminaire track (10), the luminaire track having · A longitudinal track profile (11) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and defining an internal space (12), the track profile (11) having a longitudinal opening (13) for accessing the internal space (12) from the outside (A), and · An electrical connection element (14) extending in the internal space (12) along the longitudinal direction (L) for electrical access, and The electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1-17, The electronic device (1) is edgewise inserted into the internal space (12) through the opening (13) in the internal space (12) at a defined insertion position obtained when the stop section (70) of the spacer (7) physically contacts the adjacent section (15) of the track profile (11) opposite the longitudinal opening (13), such that the electrical contact (5) and the electrical connection element (14) can enter into electrical connection.

19. The luminaire system (100) according to claim 18, wherein the ground pin (6) of the electronic device (1) is functionally engaged with the ground section (16) of the luminaire track (10) directly or through the spacer (7).

20. The luminaire system (100) according to claim 19, wherein the adjacent section (15) and the ground section (16) are close to each other or partially overlap.

21. The luminaire system (100) according to any one of claims 18 - 20 further comprises a light source (2), the light source being electrically connected to the electronic component (3) for operating the light source (2).

22. A kit comprising the electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 or the luminaire system (100) according to any one of claims 18 - 21, and comprising a plurality of said spacers (7) having different layouts such that when attached to the flat housing (4), their stop sections (70) protrude from the edge (41) to different extents in the extension direction (E), the different extents being selected from the group consisting of equal to and less than the extent of the exposed position protruding from the edge (41).

23. A method for inserting an electronic device (1) into a luminaire track (10), the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a luminaire track (10) having a longitudinal track profile (11) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and defining an internal space (12), the track profile (11) having a longitudinal opening (13) for accessing the internal space (12) from the outside (A); and an electrical connection element (14) extending within the internal space (12) along the longitudinal direction (L) for enabling electrical access; b) providing an electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 17; c) edgewise inserting the electronic device (1) into the internal space (12) until a defined insertion position is obtained when the stop section (70) of the spacer (7) physically contacts the adjacent section (15) of the track profile (11) opposite the longitudinal opening (13), such that c1) the electrical contact (5) and the electrical connection element (14) are in a relative position with respect to each other to be in electrical connection with each other or to allow entry into electrical connection with each other.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the steps further comprise: c2) the ground pin (6) of the electronic device (1) is functionally joined to the ground section (16) of the luminaire track (10) directly or through the spacer (7).

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein after the electronic device (1) has reached the defined insertion position, the electrical contact (5) is selectively electrically connected to the electrical connection element (14), and / or wherein, A light source (2) is electrically connected to the electronic device (1) through a connecting section of the light source (2) for operating the light source (2), wherein the light source (2) is mechanically connected to the track profile (11).

Images