Connection device for lighting unit drivers

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for connecting a lighting unit driver (3) to a voltage supply, having a plug (1) comprising: an electric connection terminal (12) for a current supply cable; a housing (11) for receiving the electric connection terminal (12); a plug element (14) on one side of the housing (11) for producing a plug connection, wherein the plug element (14) is electrically connected to the electric connection terminal (12); and a corresponding plug element (2) which is formed directly on a housing (4) of the lighting unit driver (3) and corresponds to the plug element (14) in order to allow a form-fitting and electrically conductive plug connection between the plug element (14) of the plug (1) and the corresponding plug element (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for conveniently connecting a driver for light sources to a power supply connection cable.

[0002] Connecting a light source driver to a power supply is usually done by means of a terminal block on the driver housing, to which the power supply cable is connected. These terminal blocks are relatively easy to use, but such work should generally be carried out by a qualified electrician, which results in increased installation effort.

[0003] While solutions exist where the power supply cable can be pre-connected to a separate connection component, even in this case a cable connection to the driver must still be established later. This connection doesn't necessarily require an electrician, but the effort involved in connecting the driver to the power supply remains essentially the same.

[0004] US Patent 6,273,587 B1 discloses a light strip power supply block comprising a base, a cover for the base with an opening formed therein for receiving an electrical (at least two-core) insulated power supply cable. The cable is fixed to the base in a fixed position against movement relative to the base, and a terminal block mounted on the base comprising a first pair of adjacent electrical contacts for receiving the power leads of the power supply cable and a second pair of adjacent electrical contacts, opposite and electrically connected to the first pair, for receiving the electrical contact leads of a light strip, thereby supplying power from the power supply cable to the light strip.

[0005] US Patent 2017 / 170576 A1 discloses a cover device for an electrical connector, wherein the connector is located at the end of a sheathed conductor with multiple insulated wires. The cover device incorporates an insulation-penetrating terminal that connects incandescent bulb leads located within the cover device to the wires. A translucent housing encloses the bulb, the insulation-penetrating terminal, the entire portion of the uninsulated wires, a portion of the electrical connector, and a portion of the sheathed conductor. The cover is illuminated by the bulb when current flows through the electrical connector and may be color-coded, particularly to indicate the connector's functionality.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a means of making a convenient and reliable connection between driver-side and supply cable-side connection components, which can be carried out by untrained personnel at a later point in an assembly phase of luminaires.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by a device having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims relating thereto.

[0008] An inventive device for connecting a light source driver to a power supply comprises a plug with an electrical terminal, a housing for receiving the electrical terminal, and a plug-in element, as well as a corresponding plug-in element which is directly formed on a housing of the light source driver and electrically coupled to it. The light source driver is, for example, an electrical converter for supplying a light source with current. The light source is preferably a light-emitting diode (LED) or LED modules, for example in the form of a light tile or a light panel.The plug-in element on one side of the housing of the device preferably comprises a series of plugs that correspond to sockets on the corresponding plug-in element on the light source driver in order to enable an electrically conductive, positive locking and thus mechanically stable plug connection of the plug-in element with the corresponding plug-in element.

[0009] Preferably, the device includes a mechanical strain relief clamp that also mechanically secures the power supply cable to the device. For this purpose, the connector housing is designed to accommodate the mechanical strain relief clamp. This ensures reliable electrical contact even when tensile forces are acting on the power supply cable.

[0010] According to the invention, the housing of the plug for receiving the electrical terminal includes a hinged cover to allow convenient access to the electrical terminal and at the same time to protect the terminal and the associated power supply cable from damage and contamination.

[0011] Preferably, the hinged housing cover is transparent to allow visual inspection of the contact between the power supply cable and the electrical terminal. Before finally connecting the lamp driver, for example, it can be visually checked again whether the power supply cable has indeed been correctly connected to the terminal of the device according to the invention.

[0012] Preferably, the housing has fastening elements for attaching the device to a surface, in particular a wall. Especially in the case of recessed luminaires whose drivers must be arranged in the space between the ceiling and the ceiling, it is advantageous if the device according to the invention is attached to a surface of this space to allow for easy connection of the luminaire driver.

[0013] Preferably, the plug-in element of the device according to the invention is shaped in such a way that a twisted connection of the plug-in element with the corresponding plug-in element on the light source driver is prevented.

[0014] For this purpose, it is advantageous to provide the plug-in element with recesses and / or projections that only allow the plug-in element to be joined to the corresponding plug-in element of the lamp driver if the corresponding plug-in element has the appropriate counterpart to the recess or projection of the plug-in element at the respective connection point. This prevents the plug-in element from being connected incorrectly to the corresponding plug-in element on the lamp driver.

[0015] Preferably, the terminal block of the device according to the invention has an additional contact to enable through-wiring or an additional power supply. In an exemplary embodiment, the additional contact of the terminal block can serve to supply additional power to luminaires specifically used as emergency lights, while it serves to through-wire the permanent phase typically present in emergency lighting systems with a single battery if the connected luminaire is not an emergency light.

[0016] Preferably, the plug-in element of the device according to the invention has a fixing element to enable a mechanical locking between the plug-in element and the corresponding plug-in element on the light source driver.

[0017] For example, the fixing element can consist of a tongue that has a wedge at the end which engages in a groove of the corresponding plug element and locks into place when a sufficient insertion depth and thus a reliable connection of the two corresponding plug elements is achieved.

[0018] Preferably, the connector element has contact pins designed to enable a positive-locking connection with contact sockets of the corresponding connector element on the lamp driver. This simplifies the assembly of luminaires, as driver-side and power cable-side components can be coupled effortlessly and reliably, thus establishing a connection without further measures, in particular without additional tools or the like.

[0019] In another embodiment, the contact pins and the plug-in openings can be swapped in pairs, so that the plug-in element has partially or only plug-in openings and the corresponding plug-in element on the light source driver has the corresponding counter-configuration.

[0020] Since the corresponding plug element is now an integral part of the driver housing, the final connection of the driver to the power supply can be carried out in a convenient manner, especially without tools or additional connection elements between the driver housing and the corresponding plug element.

[0021] Preferably, the corresponding connector is form-fitting to the driver housing. In this way, the combination of connector (power cable-side component), corresponding connector (driver-side component), and driver housing has no joints or protrusions that would make it difficult to install the connector system, for example, in hard-to-reach ceiling spaces.

[0022] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the connection device according to the invention in an overview view; Fig. 2 shows the connection device in a detailed view with the housing cover open; Fig. 3 shows the connection device in a further detailed view with the housing cover closed and the connector strips visible.

[0023] First, the following will be used as a starting point Fig. 1 and 2The basic structure and function of the connection device according to the invention are illustrated. Finally, the following are explained: Fig. 3 The connector structure of one exemplary embodiment of the connector was discussed further. Identical elements are sometimes not shown and described repeatedly in similar illustrations.

[0024] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a top view of the connection device consisting of a connector 1 with attached driver-side components 2 and 3. The connector 1 represents the power supply cable-side connection component and has a housing 11 with a cover 16. The cover 16 is preferably hinged to provide convenient access to the connection and strain relief terminals and is designed to be Fig. 1 shown in the closed position. Furthermore, the cover 16 is preferably transparent to allow visual inspection of the connection between the power supply cable and the terminal block before the final connection of a luminaire or the lamp driver.

[0025] In Fig. 2 The connector according to the invention is shown in a separate configuration, with the lamp driver 3 and its corresponding plug element 2 clearly visible unplugged next to the connector 1. The open cover 16 of the connector housing 11 is visible, which contains a terminal 12 for connecting a (not shown) power supply cable. Furthermore, strain relief devices 13 are provided in the housing 11, which also mechanically secure the power supply cable to the connector 1.

[0026] An advantageous embodiment of terminal 12 can consist of having an additional contact beyond the number of conductors in a standard power supply cable, which is used for supplying power to luminaires specifically designated as emergency lights. Typically, in a larger system, not all luminaires are used as emergency lights, but only a specific portion, e.g., every fifth luminaire. In this case, the additional contact of terminal 12 is used to implement the through-wiring for supplying power to the emergency lights. Only in the case of the luminaires actually used as emergency lights is this corresponding contact electrically coupled to the light source driver 3 when connected to it.For all other lights, however, the additional contact at terminal 12 serves exclusively to enable through-wiring.

[0027] According to the invention, the corresponding plug-in element 2 is arranged on its rear side 25 directly on the driver housing 4, which comprises the lamp driver 3. In contrast to previously known solutions, the plug-in element 2 is thus now an integral part of the driver housing 4 or the driver 3 and is internally coupled to the electronic components of the driver 3 without the need for any further measures to establish an electrical connection.

[0028] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows another view of the connector according to the invention, with a particular focus on the connector strip 14 of the plug 1 and the corresponding socket 2 on the light source driver 3. In particular, the direct arrangement of the corresponding plug 2 on the light source driver 3 contributes significantly, on the one hand, to reducing the number of necessary components and, on the other hand, to reducing the effort required to connect the light source driver 3 to the power supply.

[0029] The plug element 14 of the plug 1 preferably comprises a series of plug or contact pins 15 to enable a positive-locking and electrically conductive connection with corresponding plug or contact openings 21 on the plug element 2 of the lamp driver 3 without requiring the use of tools or specialized knowledge. In an alternative embodiment, and as required, the plug pins and corresponding plug openings can be interchanged, so that the plug element 14 has plug openings partially or entirely, and the plug element 2 on the lamp driver 3 has the corresponding reverse configuration.

[0030] Preferably, the plug-in element 14 also has a fixing element 18 to enable mechanical locking between the plug-in element 2 on the lamp driver 3 and the plug-in element 14 on the supply cable side. In one embodiment, the fixing element 18 has a tongue that is formed into a wedge at its end to engage in a groove 24 of the corresponding plug-in element 2.

[0031] The plug-in element 14 can further have structures and / or recesses or projections 17 that prevent the plug-in element 14 from being connected to the corresponding plug-in element 2 on the light source driver in a twisted manner. The plug-in pins 15 of the plug-in element 14 preferably have projections 17 that engage positively in corresponding recesses 22 of the plug-in element 2 of the light source driver. Here, too, in an alternative embodiment and as required, the projections and recesses can be interchanged, so that the plug-in element 14 has recesses on the plug-in pins 15 in some or all cases, and the plug-in element 2 on the light source driver 3 has the corresponding counter-configuration.The plug-in element 14 can also have plug pins which are not all in a row, but are partially offset on the surface of the plug-in element 14 in order to prevent a twisted connection of the plug-in element 14 with the corresponding plug-in element 2 on the light source driver.

[0032] The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. In particular, the light source driver can be a wide variety of types of light source drivers or electrical converters. The plug element of the connector according to the invention can also be attached to different sides of the housing. Different orientations of the axis of rotation around which the hinged cover rotates are also conceivable. Likewise, the illustrated shapes of the terminal block or strain relief clamp are not limited by the invention, as long as they serve their purpose. Similarly, the structures and / or recesses on the plug element and on the corresponding plug element of the device / connector according to the invention are not limited by the aforementioned embodiments.In particular, all described structures and / or recesses on the plug-in element and the corresponding plug-in element facing it are also conceivable for the rear connection of the corresponding plug-in element to an end face of the lamp driver or its housing. All features described above or shown in the figures can be combined advantageously with one another within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for connecting a lighting unit driver (3) to a power supply, comprising: - a plug (1) including: · an electrical connection terminal (12) for a power supply cable; · a housing (11) for accommodating the electrical connection terminal (12); · a plug element (14) on one side of the housing (11) for establishing a plug-in connection, the plug element (14) having an electrical connection to the electrical connection terminal (12); and - a corresponding plug element (2) which is formed directly on a housing (4) of the lighting unit driver (3) and corresponds to the plug element (14) to allow a form-fitting and electrically conductive plug-in connection of the plug element (14) of the plug (1) with the corresponding plug element (2); characterized in that the housing (11) of the plug (1) has a hinged cover (16) to allow access to the electrical connection terminal (12).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the plug (1) further includes a mechanical strain relief clamp (13) for the power supply cable, and the housing (11) of the plug (1) is further configured to accommodate the mechanical strain relief clamp (13).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinged cover (16) is transparent to allow visual inspection of the contact between the power supply cable and the electrical connection terminal (12).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing (11) has fastening elements (13) for mounting the device on a surface, in particular a wall.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plug element (14) is shaped so as to prevent a rotated connection of the plug element (14) with the corresponding plug element (2) on the lighting unit driver (3).

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the plug element (14) has structures and / or recesses or projections (17) that prevent a rotated connection of the plug element (14) with the corresponding plug element (2) on the lighting unit driver (3).

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the corresponding plug element (2) on the lighting unit driver (3) has complementary structures and / or recesses (22) or projections (23) to prevent a rotated connection of the corresponding plug element (2) with the plug element (14).

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrical connection terminal (12) has an additional contact to enable through-wiring or an additional power supply.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the additional contact is configured to enable the additional power supply of an emergency luminaire, or to enable through-wiring if the connected luminaire is not used as an emergency luminaire.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plug element (14) has a locking element (18) to allow a mechanical latching between the plug element (14) and the corresponding plug element (2) on the lighting unit driver (3).

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the locking element (18) has a tongue with a wedge-shaped end that engages in a groove (24) of the corresponding plug element (2).

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plug element (14) has contact pins (15) which are designed to enable a form-fitting connection with contact sockets (21) of the corresponding plug element (2) on the lighting unit driver (3).

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plug element (14) has contact sockets that are designed to enable a form-fitting connection with contact pins of the corresponding plug element (2) on the lighting unit driver (3).

14. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the corresponding plug element (2) is adapted in a form-fitting manner to the driver housing (4).

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