Fastening element and fastening device for fastening a driver of a lighting device, as well as the lighting device comprising the fastening device.

Abstract

A fastening element for attaching a driver of a lighting device is provided. The fastening element (1, 1') comprises at least one support element (2) with a contact surface (3) for resting on a counter-contact surface (24) of a driver housing (21) and at least one fixing hook (4) for releasably fixing the driver housing to a mounting element (22) by means of the fastening element (1, 1'). The fastening element (1, 1') further comprises at least one spring element (5) with at least one fixing lug (6) for releasably fixing the fastening element (1, 1') to a mounting element (22) of the lighting device. The at least one spring element (5) is designed such that, in the mounted state, the contact surface (3) is pressed onto the counter-contact surface (24) and the driver housing (21) is pressed against the mounting element (22) with an elastic compressive force. A fastening device and a lighting device are also provided.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to fastening devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a fastening element and a fastening device for fastening a driver of a lighting device, as well as a lighting device comprising the fastening device.

[0002] Lighting devices or luminaires with light engines (or light sources) and drivers for powering the light engines are known. To meet the requirements of the circular economy, it is advisable to provide luminaires with replaceable components so that the entire luminaire does not have to be disposed of when one component fails. Since the lifespan of a luminaire can be ten years or more, the customer must also be able to rely on the fact that any replacement parts, which may change in shape and dimensions during this period, will fit into the luminaire. While light sources or light engines for professional LED luminaires are largely standardized, particularly with regard to their dimensions, the placement of electrical connections, and mounting points, the scope of standardization for LED drivers with respect to the aforementioned characteristics is relatively limited.Replacing a driver in standard luminaires is usually a complex process requiring tools (e.g., a screwdriver or pliers). Even with standard drivers, such as those conforming to the Zhaga (industry consortium) standard, changes in the mechanical design occur over time, further complicating driver replacement. Even minor tolerances in the screw holes between the driver and mounting surfaces can cause problems during driver replacement. Mounting devices using fasteners such as screws, washers, or metal claws are common. However, the screws and washers can easily fall out during driver installation and / or removal. The metal claws or fixing claws used to secure drivers are difficult to remove without pliers due to their clamping force and can also cause injury from their sharp edges if no tools are used.Several tool-free mounting options are also known. However, these have the disadvantage of requiring additional clearance above the driver, which is not always available in flat luminaire designs.

[0003] One objective of the present disclosure is to find a simple and cost-effective way to replace drivers in existing lighting devices.

[0004] To solve this problem, a fastening element for mounting an electrical driver of a lighting device is provided, according to a first aspect. The fastening element comprises at least one support element with a contact surface for resting on a counter-contact surface of the driver housing or driver housing.

[0005] The fastening element further comprises at least one fixing hook or mounting hook for releasably fixing the driver housing to a mounting element by means of the fastening element, and at least one spring element with at least one fixing lug or fixing tab for releasably fixing the fastening element to a mounting element of the lighting device. The mounting element can, in particular, be designed as a mounting plate within a housing of the lighting device and / or as a housing part of the lighting device.

[0006] The at least one spring element is designed such that, in the assembled state, the contact surface is pressed against the counter-contact surface and the driver housing is pressed against the mounting element with an elastic compressive force. In particular, the spring force of the at least one spring element can press the driver housing against a mounting surface in the assembled state, thus fixing or securing the driver in its mounting position. The fastening element can therefore function as a snap clip for the detachable connection of the driver to the mounting element.

[0007] Due to the releasable fixing of the at least one fixing hook and the at least one spring element of the mounting element, the driver or driver housing can be easily mounted and, if necessary, removed or replaced. In particular, the mounting element enables simple, tool-free mounting and dismounting of drivers of different designs. For example, drivers, especially Zhaga-compatible drivers, which may be of different dimensions, can be releasably mounted using such mounting elements and easily replaced if necessary.

[0008] In particular, several such fastening elements, for example two or more, can be used to secure the ends of a driver housing. The at least one fixing hook can be designed to engage in at least one fixing opening in the driver housing and the mounting element. In particular, drivers of different dimensions can also have largely standardized fixing openings, for example according to the Zhaga standard, so that different drivers can be secured using the fixing hook.

[0009] The fixing lug of the at least one spring element can be designed to engage in a fixing opening of the mounting element of the lighting device. Thus, the fastening element can be detachably connected on the one hand to the at least one fixing hook on the driver housing and on the other hand to the at least one spring element with the mounting element.

[0010] The at least one spring element can be designed such that, by means of an elastic deformation of the at least one spring element, the at least one fixing nose can be spatially displaced in a lateral and in a perpendicular direction with respect to the bearing surface of the bearing element.

[0011] The at least one fixing hook and the at least one fixing lug can be oriented in opposite directions. In particular, the at least one fixing hook and the at least one fixing lug can be designed such that the fastening element can be released by pressing the at least one fixing lug in the direction of the at least one fixing hook.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fastening element is formed in one piece, particularly as a one-piece injection-molded part. As an injection-molded part, the fastening element can be manufactured cost-effectively in large quantities, for example, from a thermoplastic and / or thermoset material.

[0013] A second aspect involves providing a mounting device for attaching a driver to a lighting device. This mounting device includes at least one fastening element as described in the first aspect, allowing the driver to be easily and releasably mounted and replaced if necessary.

[0014] The at least one fastening element can, in particular, comprise at least two fastening elements for attaching the driver at at least two ends, especially at opposite ends. By attaching the driver at two ends, the driver can be reliably held in place.

[0015] In some embodiments, the mounting device comprises at least one spacer or bracket for separating the driver housing from the mounting element. In particular, the at least one spacer can be designed such that, in the mounted state, at least one air gap exists between the mounting surface of the mounting element and the driver housing. This at least one air gap can contribute to improving the thermal management of the lighting device, especially when the driver and the light engine are arranged on opposing mounting surfaces of a flat mounting element. The at least one air gap can ensure that the driver and the light engine are thermally decoupled from each other. Furthermore, the at least one air gap can be designed to at least partially accommodate at least one fixing hook, at least one fixing lug, and / or at least one further fixing element.In particular, the at least one air gap can be designed such that at least one fixing screw and / or at least one fixing hook for fixing the light engine and / or the driver can project at least partially into the at least one air gap. The at least one air gap can, in particular, ensure that fixing elements of the light engine and the driver, which may, for example, be arranged laterally offset from each other, have sufficient space and do not interfere with each other.

[0016] According to a third aspect, a lighting device is provided. The lighting device comprises at least one light engine for generating light and at least one driver for driving the at least one light engine. The lighting device further comprises at least one mounting element for mounting the at least one driver and at least one fastening device for attaching the at least one driver to the at least one mounting element.

[0017] The mounting element can be designed, in particular, as a mounting plate within a housing of the lighting device and / or as part of the housing of the lighting device. In some embodiments, the mounting plate can have a first main surface for mounting the at least one driver and a second main surface opposite the first main surface for mounting the at least one light engine. Due to the releasable fixing of the at least one fixing hook and the at least one spring element of the mounting element, the driver or the driver housing can be easily mounted and, if necessary, removed or replaced. Thus, the lighting device can be easily upgraded, retrofitted, and / or modified as required.

[0018] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The same reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or equivalently functioning parts. Fig. Figure 1 shows a fastening element for attaching an electrical driver of a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment in different views. Fig. Figure 2 shows a spacer according to an exemplary embodiment in different views. Fig. Figure 3 shows a driver assembly with a mounting device according to an exemplary embodiment in different views. Fig. Figure 4 shows a driver assembly according to another embodiment in different views. Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a fastening element according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a spacer according to a second embodiment, and Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows an assembly with a spacer and a fastening element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows a fastening element for attaching an electrical driver of a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment in different views. In particular, it shows Fig. 1. The fastening element 1 is shown in a perspective view (top left in the image), in a side view (top center in the image), in a front view (top right in the image), in a top view (bottom center in the image), and in a bottom view (bottom right in the image). The fastening element 1 comprises a support element 2 with a contact surface 3 for resting on a counter-contact surface of a driver housing.

[0020] The fastening element 1 further comprises a fixing hook 4 or fastening hook for gripping through a fixing opening of the driver into a corresponding opening of a mounting element of the lighting device and / or a spacer attachable to the mounting element for releasably fixing the driver to the mounting element. The fastening element 1 further comprises two spring elements 5, each with a fixing lug 6 or fastening lug for releasably fixing the fastening element 1 to the mounting element.

[0021] The spring elements 5 are designed in such a way that, by means of an elastic deformation of the spring elements 5, the respective fixing nose can be spatially displaced in a lateral and in a perpendicular direction with respect to the bearing surface 3 of the bearing element 2.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 shows a spacer according to an exemplary embodiment in different views. In particular, it shows Fig. 2. The spacer 10 or bracket is shown in a first perspective view (top left in the image), a side view (top center in the image), a front view (top right in the image), a second perspective view (bottom left in the image), a bottom view (bottom center in the image), and a top view (bottom right in the image). The spacer 10 comprises a flat base 11 for placing on a support surface or mounting surface of a mounting element of the lighting device. The base 11 has a predefined thickness for spacing the driver from a mounting surface.

[0023] The spacer 10 further comprises side walls 12 for the lateral localization of the driver, each with a step 13 for spacing the side walls 12 from the driver housing.

[0024] The base 11 has a recess 14 for inserting a fixing hook 4 of the fastening element 1 and fastening lugs 15 on the underside of the base 11 for attaching the spacer 10 to a mounting element of the lighting device.

[0025] Furthermore, a recess 16 is provided on the lower side of the base 11, so that the fixing hook 4 of the fastening element 1 can grip the base 11 of the spacer 10.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 shows a driver assembly with a mounting device according to an exemplary embodiment in different views. In particular, it shows Fig. 3 the driver assembly 20 in an exploded view (top of the image), a side view (second view from the top), a perspective top view (third row left), a front view (third row right) and a bottom view (bottom of the image).

[0027] The driver assembly 20 comprises a driver 21, a mounting element 22 and a fastening device with two fastening elements 1 according to Fig. 1 for attaching the driver 21 to the mounting element 22. The mounting element 22 is designed in the form of a mounting plate and has a mounting surface 23 for receiving the driver 21.

[0028] The driver housing has counter-support surfaces 24 for receiving the support surfaces 3 of the support elements 2 of the mounting elements 1. The counter-support surfaces 24 have recesses or fixing openings in the form of through-holes (not shown) for receiving the fixing hooks 4 of the mounting elements 1. In particular, the through-holes on the driver housing 21 can be dimensioned or positioned according to the Zhaga standard. The mounting element 22 has fixing openings 25 or fixing openings for receiving the fixing lugs 6 of the spring elements 5 and the fixing hooks 4 of the mounting elements 1.

[0029] In the exploded view (top of the image), the assembly process is illustrated by vertical arrows. In particular, the vertical arrows show the direction of movement of the fastening elements 1 and the assignment of the fixing hooks 4 and the fixing lugs 6 of the fastening elements 1 to the corresponding fixing openings 25 of the mounting element 22.

[0030] To mount the driver 21, the driver 21 can first be placed on the mounting surface 23 of the mounting element 22. The driver 21 can be positioned so that the through-holes on the counter-support surfaces 24 are opposite corresponding fixing openings 25 for receiving the fixing hooks 4.

[0031] In a subsequent step, the fastening elements 1 can be provided and mounted simultaneously and / or sequentially on both longitudinal ends of the driver 21. First, the fastening elements 1 with the fixing hooks 4 can be inserted into the corresponding fixing openings 25 of the mounting element 22. The spring elements 5 can then be pressed towards the fixing hooks 4 and / or the driver 21, and simultaneously the fixing lugs 6 and / or fixing tabs can be inserted into the corresponding fixing openings 25 of the mounting element 22.

[0032] Once both the fixing hooks 4 and the fixing lugs 6 are positioned in the fixing openings 25 of the mounting element 22, the fastening elements 1 can be released. Due to the elastic force of the spring elements 5, the fixing lugs 6 and the fixing hooks 4 are pushed apart in opposite lateral directions and engaged in the fixing openings 25 of the mounting element 22. As a result, the driver 21 is secured in its position by means of the fastening elements 1.

[0033] Because the contact surfaces 3 of the support elements 2 of the mounting elements 1 rest on the counter-contact surfaces 24 of the driver housing, and the fixing hooks 4 pass through the fixing holes or mounting holes of the driver housing and the corresponding fixing openings 25 of the mounting element 22 located below the fixing holes of the driver, the driver 21 is pressed downwards and held on the mounting element 22. In particular, the contact surfaces 3 of the mounting elements 1 are pressed onto the counter-contact surfaces 24 of the driver housing, so that the driver 21 is pressed against the mounting surface 23 and held in its position.

[0034] To remove the driver 21, the spring elements 5 can be pressed laterally towards the driver 21 or towards the fixing hooks 4 in the same manner, so that the fixing lugs 6 can be released from the fixing openings 25. Afterwards, the fastening elements 1 can be removed from the driver and the driver 21 can be detached from the mounting element 22.

[0035] The mounting device allows the driver 21 to be mounted, dismounted and / or replaced quickly and easily without tools, if required.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 shows a driver assembly according to another embodiment in different views. In particular, it shows Fig. 3. The driver assembly 20' is shown in an exploded view (top of the image), a side view (second view from the top), a top view (third row, left), a front view (third row, right), and a bottom view (bottom of the image). The in Fig. The driver assembly 20' shown in section 4 essentially corresponds to the driver assembly 20 of the Fig. 3, wherein the driver assembly 20' additionally includes two spacers 10 or brackets according to Fig. 2 includes.

[0037] In the assembled state, the spacers 10 lie with the base 11 on the mounting surface 23 or support surface of the mounting element 22 and are fastened to the mounting element 22 by means of the fastening lugs 15.

[0038] The fasteners 1 are similar to those in Fig. 3 is fixed to the fixing lugs 6 on the fixing openings 25 of the fastening element. In contrast to the embodiment of the Fig. 3 the fixing hooks 4 of the fastening elements 1 are not attached to the mounting element 22 but to the bases 11 of the spacers 10.

[0039] The perspective exploded view (top of the image) illustrates the assembly process of the driver assembly 20'. The assembly process of the driver assembly 20' essentially corresponds to the assembly process of the driver assembly 20 of the Fig. 3, wherein in an intermediate step the spacers 10 are mounted on the mounting element or attached with the fastening lugs 15.

[0040] The spacers 10 can also be permanently attached to a mounting element or mounting device of the lighting fixture. This is because the spacer 10 does not necessarily have to be replaced when the driver 21 is replaced and can be retained.

[0041] After the spacers 10 are fixed to the mounting element 22, the driver 21 is inserted into the spacers 10 or between the side walls 12 of the spacers 10 and secured with the fastening elements 1. The fixing hooks 4 of the fastening elements 1 are inserted through the through-openings of the driver housing 21 and the bases 11 of the spacers 10. The fixing lugs 6 of the spring elements 5 are attached analogously to the embodiment shown in the Fig. 3 are inserted into the designated fixing openings 25 of the mounting element 22 and secured. After the spring elements 5 are released, the driver position is secured by the fixing hooks 4 and the fixing lugs 6 of the fastening elements 1. The spring force presses the fixing hooks 4 towards the driver 21 into the designated recess 16 on the base 11 of the spacer 10.

[0042] The spacers 10 ensure in particular that an air gap remains between the driver 21 and the mounting element 22, which allows the driver 21 to be thermally decoupled from a light engine mounted on the back of the mounting plate.

[0043] The fastening elements 1 described above can be easily adapted to LED modules of different dimensions.

[0044] This allows the distance between the two spring elements 5 to be increased in order to accommodate wider modules or circuit boards between them.

[0045] Further optimization can be achieved, for example, by increasing the length of the spacer and providing the spacer or bracket itself with two holes for the fixing lugs 6 of the fastening elements 1. This eliminates the need for additional holes in the mounting plate for the fixing lugs. In particular, this reduces the number of smaller holes required if the number of fixing lugs 15 of the spacer 10 is increased, for example, from 2 to 4. This could reduce any impairment of the luminaire's visual appearance by visible dark spots when the light is switched off.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a fastening element according to a second embodiment. The fastening element 1' according to Fig. 5 corresponds essentially to the first embodiment, wherein the fastening element 1' further comprises a bridge 30 in the form of a crossbeam connecting the two spring elements 5, with an actuating point 31 having a roughened or structured surface for improved grip. Thus, the two spring elements 5 can be actuated simultaneously with one hand.

[0047] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a spacer according to a second embodiment. In particular, it shows Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of the spacer 10' according to the second embodiment in use, wherein the spacer 10' is used to hold one end of the driver 21 to the mounting element 22. The driver 21 and the mounting element are in Fig. 6 only partially shown.

[0048] In this embodiment, the spacer 10' or the holder has a groove 32 for receiving a lower part of the driver housing, so that the driver 21 can be easily attached by sliding the housing into the holder. The other end of the driver 21 is secured with the fastening element or snap clip, as shown, for example, in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 can be seen. This simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the driver 21 and requires one less fastening element.

[0049] Fig.Figure 7 schematically shows an assembly with a spacer and a fastening element according to one embodiment. The assembly shown comprises a fastening element 1 according to the first embodiment and a spacer 10 according to the first embodiment, wherein the assembly further includes a connecting cord 33 for connecting the fastening element 1 and the spacer 10. The connecting cord is designed as a plastic cord which connects the fastening element 1 to the spacer. Due to the connection of the fastening element 1 to the spacer 10, it can be ensured in particular that the fastening element or snap clip does not fall off or get lost when handling the fastening device.It is also conceivable that the spacer 10 and the fastening element are made of the same material, so that the two elements are manufactured in one manufacturing step in a single plastic tool.

[0050] The fastening elements described above enable tool-free fastening of the driver or similar components (e.g. control units, emergency lighting modules, etc.) in the luminaire during production and tool-free disassembly in case of maintenance, as well as tool-free fastening of a replacement device.

[0051] Due to its spring-like properties, the fastening element allows for compensation of larger tolerances in driver positioning as well as mounting plate recesses or fixing openings.

[0052] Due to the placement of the spring elements on the outer sides of the mounting bracket, sufficient space remains for the electrical wires leading to the driver terminals. In previous solutions, the mounting screw heads were positioned beneath the wires leading to the terminals, meaning that loosening the screw with a screwdriver would damage the wires, or the wires covering the screw head would make loosening the screw difficult. With the proposed solution, where the actuated spring elements are located on the outer sides, the driver can be mounted or dismounted without damaging the wiring.

[0053] This solution is particularly suitable for standard linear drivers with metal housings, requires no special (re)design of the drivers, and is future-proof as it is compatible with Zhaga-compatible drivers. In particular, the mounting device can be used for driver housings of varying heights.

[0054] Due to the spring force of the spring elements on both sides, the fastening is self-adjusting (e.g. in the case of vibrations or material shrinkage due to thermal stress), so that no additional locking element such as a spring washer for screw fastening is required.

[0055] Furthermore, each fastening element, at least in the illustrated embodiments, has three fastening parts: a fixing hook and two fixing lugs. This means that the driver is securely fastened at six points, with one fastening element on each side, particularly in contrast to a single-point fixing (e.g., by a plastic pin). This allows for reliable driver fastening with a reduced material thickness for the fastening components.

[0056] Since the fixing hook or fastening hook prevents the fastener from falling out when the fixing lugs or locking lugs are released from the recesses of the mounting plate, unlocking is possible with one hand, whereas conventional methods require two hands, especially to prevent the screw from falling out.

[0057] The proposed solution does not result in any additional height apart from the technically necessary air gap between the driver and the mounting element, since the mounting elements do not extend beyond the height of the driver housing when installed.

[0058] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been shown in the preceding description, various changes and modifications can be made. The embodiments mentioned are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the preceding description provides the person skilled in the art with a plan for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby numerous changes can be made to the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Furthermore, according to the principles described herein, several modules or several products can also be combined to obtain additional functions. Reference symbol list 1 fastening element 2 support element 3 Support surface 4 fixing hooks 5 spring element 6 Fixing nose 10 spacers 11 Floor 12 side wall Paragraph 13 14 Exclusion 15 Mounting nose 16 In-depth study 20 Driver assembly 21 drivers 22 Mounting element 23 Mounting area 24 counter-support surfaces 25 Fixing opening 30 Bridge 31 Place of operation 32 Nut 33 Connecting cord

Claims

[1] Fastening element for attaching an electrical driver (21) of a lighting device, comprising: - at least one support element (2) with a support surface (3) for placing on a counter support surface (24) of a housing of the driver (21), - at least one fixing hook (4) for releasably fixing the driver housing to a mounting element (22) by means of the fastening element (1, 1'), and - at least one spring element (5) with at least one fixing lug (6) for releasably fixing the fastening element (1, 1') to the mounting element (22) of the lighting device, wherein the at least one spring element (5) is designed such that, in the mounted state, the contact surface (3) is pressed onto the counter contact surface (24) and the housing of the driver (21) against the mounting element (22) with an elastic compressive force. [2] Fastening element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fixing hook (4) is designed to engage in at least one fixing opening of the housing of the driver (21) and the mounting element (22). [3] Fastening element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing lug (6) of the at least one spring element is designed to engage in a fixing opening (25) of the mounting element (22) of the lighting device. [4] Fastening element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spring element (5) is designed such that the at least one fixing nose (6) can be spatially displaced in a lateral and in a perpendicular direction with respect to the bearing surface (3) of the bearing element (2) by means of an elastic deformation of the at least one spring element (5). [5] Fastening element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fixing hook (4) and the at least one fixing lug (6) are aligned in opposite directions. [6] Fastening device for attaching a driver (21) of a lighting device, wherein the fastening device comprises at least one fastening element (1, 1') according to one of the preceding claims. [7] Fastening device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one fastening element (1, 1') comprises at least two fastening elements (1, 1') for fastening the driver (21) at at least two ends. [8] Fastening device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the fastening device comprises at least one spacer (10) for spacing the housing of the driver (21) from the mounting element (22). [9] Fastening device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one spacer is designed such that there is at least an air gap between the mounting surface (23) and the housing of the driver (21) for at least partially receiving at least one fixing hook (4), at least one fixing lug (6) and / or at least one further fixing element. [10] Lighting device comprising: - at least one light engine to generate light, - at least one driver (21) to drive the at least one light engine, - at least one mounting element (22) for mounting the at least one driver (21), and - at least one fastening device according to one of claims 6 to 9 for detachably fastening the at least one driver (21) to the at least one mounting element (22).

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