Apparatus holder for luminaire

Abstract

A mounting bracket (100) for a luminaire (1) is formed by a sheet metal part which has a plate-shaped area (101) that forms two opposing mounting areas. A first of the two mounting areas is provided for the arrangement of light source units, in particular for the arrangement of LED boards (130), and the second mounting area, which is opposite the first mounting area, is provided for the arrangement of at least one control gear (140, 141) for supplying power to the light source units. The plate-shaped area (101) has integrally formed spacers (110) which project from the plane of the plate-shaped area (101) into one of the two mounting areas and form raised support surfaces (111) for the light source units or the control gear (140, 141).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a so-called light engine, i.e. a light emission unit for use in a luminaire.

[0002] The term "light engine" typically refers to the component of a luminaire responsible for generating the light emitted by the luminaire. This component primarily includes the light source required for the actual light generation, and possibly also additional components responsible for supplying power to the light source. Often, the light source is further integrated with a primary optic, which performs an initial shaping of the light produced by the light source.

[0003] While in the past, light sources such as incandescent bulbs or fluorescent lamps were used, which consumers could easily replace if they broke, semiconductor-based light sources have now become the standard in lighting technology. In this case, the light sources are often LED boards, where one or more LEDs are positioned on a flat, plate-like substrate. Compared to the aforementioned classic light sources, replacing individual LED boards is generally not straightforward. Therefore, it is usually the case that the LED boards are mounted on a so-called mounting bracket, which is then assembled with the boards as a single unit within a luminaire.For safety reasons, it is often desirable that the end user does not have access to the LED boards in order to avoid accidentally touching the LEDs or the live wires of the LED boards.

[0004] Since LEDs generally cannot be powered directly by the supply voltage provided by the general power grid, a control gear is usually required to operate such light sources. This control gear converts the externally supplied voltage to the luminaire into a suitable operating voltage for the LEDs. This control gear can be positioned separately from the light sources within the luminaire and then connected to them via a flexible cable. However, to simplify luminaire installation and any subsequent maintenance, it would be advantageous to have a single unit comprising both the light sources and the control gear, which can be installed and replaced in a single step. Ideally, this means that the control gear should also be located on the mounting bracket.However, it should be taken into account that both components, i.e., the light source on the one hand and the control gear on the other, generate heat during operation of the light, but excessive thermal stress on the LEDs and the control gear should be avoided.

[0005] US patent 2016 / 0102814 Al proposes a retrofit luminaire for a strip-shaped light fixture, the luminaire comprising a housing, an LED, a driver, and a mounting bracket. The LED strip is mounted on a mounting plate, which in turn is placed on the upper part of the luminaire housing.

[0006] DE 195 12 297 A1 discloses a method for attaching a ballast to a luminaire mounting bracket at least two mounting points using mounting bolts spaced a defined distance apart. One mounting point is located outside the ballast housing on a mounting extension of the ballast housing, and the second mounting point is located inside the housing with a fastening element that engages positively with the housing. A mounting bracket used for arranging LED lamps and an associated control gear is also known from WO 2014 / 138295 A2.

[0007] From DE 20 2016 000 122 U1, a moisture-proof luminaire in a trough design is known. A plate-shaped carrier with semiconductor light sources is permanently fixed in the trough-shaped cover, so that the carrier cannot be removed from the cover without damage and the semiconductor light sources are concealed by the carrier in the cover in the direction of the housing.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a light emission unit for a luminaire whose mounting bracket is suitable for holding both the light source and at least one control gear for the light source, while avoiding any negative thermal interference between these components. Furthermore, the arrangement of both components on the mounting bracket should not result in an increased space requirement.

[0009] The problem is solved by a light emission unit for a luminaire which has the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The light emission unit according to the invention has a device carrier formed by a sheet metal part which has at least one plate-shaped area. According to the invention, this plate-shaped area is used to position the components responsible for light generation on both sides of the device carrier. That is, the lamp units are arranged on one side of the device carrier or the plate-shaped area, while the opposite side is used to position the control gear. However, according to the invention, it is provided that both types of components, i.e., lamp units and control gear, do not rest flat on the plate-shaped area of ​​the device carrier. Instead, the plate-shaped area has integrally formed spacers that project from the plane of the plate-shaped area into at least one of the two mounting areas and form raised contact surfaces.

[0011] According to the invention, a light emission unit for a luminaire is proposed, comprising a device carrier formed by a sheet metal part which has a plate-shaped area through which two opposing mounting areas are formed, wherein at least one light source unit is arranged on a first of the two mounting areas and wherein at least one control gear for supplying power to the at least one light source unit is arranged on the second mounting area, which is opposite the first mounting area, wherein the plate-shaped area of ​​the device carrier has integrally formed spacers which project from the plane of the plate-shaped area into the second mounting area and form raised support surfaces on which the control gear is positioned, and wherein the plate-shaped area has openings which allow light to pass from the first mounting area into the second mounting area.

[0012] By using the spacers according to the invention to position the lamp units or the control gear at a certain distance from the plane of the plate-shaped area, the attachment of the components to the mounting bracket is simplified. In particular, screwing the control gear to the mounting bracket no longer results in the screws protruding through the plane of the plate-shaped area preventing or impairing the arrangement of the lamp units. Instead, lamp units and control gear can now be arranged directly opposite each other on both sides of the mounting bracket without causing any difficulties regarding the arrangement of the fastening elements. This reduces the space required for the mounting bracket or the light engine.A further decisive advantage, however, lies in the fact that the design according to the invention ensures that the light source units and the control gear are always separated by a certain distance, thus reducing the risk of unwanted heat transfer. Even without additional cooling measures, both components can therefore be arranged relatively close to each other without any risk of overheating during operation. With the help of the solution according to the invention, a very compact unit can be created that contains all the components responsible for generating the light in a luminaire and can be installed in a luminaire in just a few assembly steps.

[0013] As already mentioned, the spacers are integrally formed within the plate-shaped area of ​​the device carrier. This is preferably achieved by forming the spacers through embossing. In particular, it can be provided that the spacers are curved in two mutually perpendicular directions. This results in a very stable configuration of the spacers, so that the components arranged on them, such as the lamp units, can be mounted in a defined manner.

[0014] The spacers are preferably frustoconical in shape and may have openings for fasteners, particularly in the area of ​​their bearing surfaces. These openings could be, for example, simple holes or similar features that allow the component to be screwed to the mounting bracket. To ensure a defined, flat bearing surface for the component, the spacers are preferably arranged offset from one another along a longitudinal direction.

[0015] In the mounting bracket of the light emission unit according to the invention, the lamp units and the control gear are arranged on opposite sides of the mounting bracket. To supply power to the lamp units via the control gear, a corresponding cable connection must be routed from one side of the mounting bracket to the other. According to a preferred embodiment, the plate-shaped area can be provided with at least one recess through which the cables can be routed from one side to the other. By appropriately positioning the lamp units relative to the mounting bracket, it can be ensured that the cable sheathing is not damaged by the edges of the sheet metal part.In particular, it may be provided that the light source unit protrudes slightly into the area of ​​the recess, so that the cable routed around the plate-shaped area does not touch the edges of the device carrier.

[0016] Depending on the luminaire in which the inventive light source unit is to be used, it may be desirable for light to be emitted not only into the area of ​​the room towards which the light source units are facing, but also into the opposite area, for example to achieve so-called indirect lighting or to illuminate the luminaire housing in the form of accent lighting. For this purpose, it is often provided that additional light source units are arranged on the side of the mounting bracket opposite the actual light source units, which effect this supplementary light emission.

[0017] According to the invention, this secondary light emission is also caused by the existing light source units. This is made possible by the plate-shaped area having openings that allow light to pass from the first mounting area, where the light source units are located, to the second mounting area. Typically, at least some of the light generated by the light source units will be reflected by components or other parts of the luminaire and fall back onto the mounting surface. At least some of this light can then enter the opposite area through the openings and thus cause the aforementioned secondary light emission.However, in order to make the most efficient use of the light emitted by the light sources overall, it is preferably provided that the device carrier itself is made of a reflective material or has a reflective coating or the like.

[0018] Easy attachment of the device carrier to a luminaire housing is preferably made possible by the fact that it has profiles extending on two sides of the plate-shaped area, which enable it to be attached in a luminaire housing.

[0019] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figures 1 and 2 show views of a so-called moisture-proof luminaire in which a device carrier according to the invention is used; Figure 3 shows an end view of the moisture-proof luminaire; Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the moisture-proof luminaire; Figures 5 and 6 show views of a cover responsible for light emission of the moisture-proof luminaire; Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the front area of ​​the cover; Figures 8 and 9 show views of the locking areas responsible for attaching the cover to the luminaire housing; Figures 10 and 11 show views of the luminaire housing of the moisture-proof luminaire; Figure 12 shows an enlarged view of the end area of ​​the luminaire housing; Figure 13 shows the area of ​​the luminaire housing responsible for locking the cover in place; Figure 14 shows a sectional view of the cover locked to the luminaire housing; Figure 15 shows the attachment of an additional cable holder to the luminaire housing; Figure 16 shows the cable holder in an isolated view; Figure 17 shows an end area of ​​the luminaire housing;Figure 18 shows a view of a special tool element for generating a warning symbol on the outside of the lamp housing; Figure 19 shows a sectional view of the mounting bracket snapped to the lamp housing; Figures 20 and 21 show views of the mounting bracket; Figures 22 to 25 show views of the mounting bracket with the components for light generation attached to it; Figures 26 to 28 show views of a primary optic to be attached to the mounting bracket; and Figure 29 shows the assembly consisting of the mounting bracket and the primary optic attached to the mounting bracket.

[0020] The following describes an application area for the device carrier according to the invention in a so-called damp-proof luminaire. However, the concept according to the invention is not limited to such types of luminaires or to the luminaire shape shown. For example, the device carrier could alternatively be designed as a flat surface instead of the elongated embodiment described below.

[0021] In the Figures 1 and 2 Two perspective views of a moisture-proof luminaire, generally designated with the reference numeral 1, are shown. This luminaire is specifically designed for use in areas where, among other things, elevated humidity may be present. Luminaire 1 is designed to prevent the ingress of dust and / or moisture into its interior. The sealing measures described in more detail below are intended to ensure that luminaire 1 meets the requirements of protection class IP65, ideally class IP66.

[0022] The essential components of the luminaire 1 are a so-called luminaire housing 50, a cover 20, and a component described in more detail below. Figures 1 and 2The luminaire housing is an invisible mounting bracket located within the space enclosed by the luminaire housing 50 and the cover 20, and it carries the components responsible for light generation. The luminaire housing is thus formed by the luminaire housing 50 and the cover 20, which are to be joined together. These enclose an elongated receiving space for the other components of the luminaire 1.

[0023] It is planned that the cover 20 and the luminaire housing 50 will be made of the same material. This represents a significant difference compared to previously known solutions, as the differing requirements previously necessitated making the luminaire housing from one material and the cover responsible for light emission from a different material. Materials used for the luminaire housing were typically chosen to seal the interior of the luminaire against external influences. The cover, in turn, was made of a material that met the optical requirements regarding light emission.

[0024] In the present case, however, it is now provided that the luminaire housing 50 and the cover 20 are made entirely of the same material, whereby, for example, according to a first preferred embodiment, polycarbonate (PC) may be used for both components. This plastic material can be either opaque or opal, with an opaque material preferably being selected for the housing 50, while the cover 20 is opal. That is to say, the cover 20 in this case has at least slightly light-diffusing properties, which leads to a homogeneous, uniform light emission.

[0025] According to another advantageous embodiment, both the luminaire housing 50 and the cover 20 can be made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This material can be made crystal clear. This choice of material allows light to escape not only through the cover 20, but also through the luminaire housing 50, which is also translucent. This can be used to illuminate the housing of the luminaire 1 as a whole or to achieve indirect light emission via the luminaire housing 50.

[0026] In both versions, as already mentioned, the luminaire housing 50 and the cover 20 are made of the same materials. This offers the advantage that both housing components 20 and 50 expand and contract in the same way in response to temperature fluctuations. This prevents temperature fluctuations from negatively affecting the sealing measures described in more detail below. This further improves the sealing of the luminaire 1 against external influences.

[0027] Another special feature of the luminaire 1 is that, apart from the sealing material described below, the sealing of the luminaire's interior against external influences is achieved solely by the two housing components (dwell 50 and cover 20), and both housing components 20 and 50 are designed in such a way that they can be joined together without additional aids. Ideally, the cover 20 and the luminaire housing 50 consist entirely of a single material (such as polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate) without the use of additional, more flexible materials in the connection area, as is the case with many known solutions. This simplifies the manufacturing of both housing parts 20 and 50, as they can be easily produced using injection molding, as described below.On the other hand, the omission of additional connection and sealing measures requires a special interaction of both housing components 20, 50 in the connection area in order to achieve the desired connection and seal.

[0028] In this context, the design of the cover 20, including the measures provided for its connection to the luminaire housing 50, will first be described in detail below. This will be done in particular with reference to the Figures 5 to 9 take place.

[0029] The Figures 5 and 6 The figures first show the complete light cover 20 in perspective view, on the one hand from the inside ( Figure 5 ) and, on the other hand, from the outside ( Figure 6The cover 20 has an elongated, dome-shaped form and smooth outer surfaces. This significantly facilitates cleaning of the surfaces of the luminaire 1 that are primarily responsible for light emission. It also reduces the risk of dirt particles accumulating on the surface of the luminaire 1.

[0030] On the inside of the dome shape, the cover 20 is provided with light-refracting structures across essentially its entire surface, in the illustrated embodiment with longitudinally extending ribs 24. These can, for example, have a prism-like shape with a triangular cross-section in order to influence the light emitted by the cover 20 in the desired transverse direction. Other prism structures (e.g., matrix-like) could also be used here. It should be noted, however, that these light-refracting structures 24 are only optically effective if the material of the cover 20 has no or at least only slight light-scattering properties. That is, these structures 24 primarily come into play in the variant where the cover 20 is made of PMMA.

[0031] The shape of the cover 20 is chosen such that it is approximately trapezoidal in both a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to it. However, the base surface 21 curves into the areas of the side walls 22 and the end faces 23. This shape results in increased mechanical stability of the cover 20, avoids sharp edges on the outside of the cover 20 that could negatively impair light emission, and in turn facilitates cleaning of the surfaces responsible for light emission. The base surface 21 can be shaped as shown in the illustrations of the Figures 3 and 4 The extractor can be slightly concave, which allows the light emission to be additionally influenced in the desired way.

[0032] The components responsible for locking the cover 20 to the luminaire housing 50 and for sealing the luminaire housing can, in particular, Figures 7 to 9can be taken.

[0033] It can be seen at first glance that the outwardly sloping side walls 22 and end faces 23 of the cover 20 transition into a circumferential web 26, which is oriented approximately perpendicular to the plane of the base surface 21 and is intended to engage in a sealing channel of the light fixture 50 which will be described in more detail below.

[0034] This web 26, which extends uninterrupted over the entire circumference, is then intended to provide the actual sealing of the interior of the luminaire in conjunction with a sealing material included in the sealing channel.

[0035] In addition, the cover 20 also has a splash guard edge 25 projecting outwards at a right angle from the upper edge of the sealing rib 26, which is particularly important in Figure 7This is recognizable. In the assembled state of the luminaire housing, this covers the sealing channel of the luminaire housing 50 and thus prevents any direct influence of splashing water or the like on the sealing area. The risk of back pressure acting on the seal is therefore avoided. This is a supplementary protective measure that does not fundamentally prevent the ingress of moisture into the interior of the luminaire (this is to be achieved by the interaction of the seal and the sealing rib 26), but it does provide additional protection for the luminaire 1.

[0036] This splash guard edge 25 also preferably extends fully over the entire outer circumference of the cover 20, but is interrupted at certain points. These are the points where the locking areas 30 are provided, which enable the cover 20 to be locked to the light housing 50 without tools. Several of these locking areas 30 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the cover 20, with a single locking area located in the Figures 8 and 9 is shown enlarged.

[0037] The locking area 30 features, in particular, a rib-like locking projection 31 on the outer circumference of the sealing rib 26, which is supported on its underside by two trapezoidal support ribs 32. This locking projection 31 with the support ribs 32 is intended to engage in a corresponding locking recess in the light housing 50. However, to allow the locking mechanism between the cover 20 and the light housing 50 to be released again at a later time, a rectangular opening 28 is provided above the locking projection 31 in the splash guard edge 25, through which access to the locking projection 31 is provided. Thus, there is an interruption in the splash guard edge 25, which allows the locking mechanism between the cover 20 and the light housing 50 to be released later.

[0038] At the same time, however, there is of course a risk that water could penetrate the sealing area of ​​the luminaire housing through this interruption in the splash guard edge 25. To prevent this, two additional, vertically extending webs 29 are provided, which extend downwards from the end regions of the opening 28 to the locking projection 31. These webs 29, which have a shallower depth than the locking projection 31, rest against the wall of the luminaire housing 50 on both sides of the locking recess described in more detail below when the luminaire housing is locked in place. Thus, while splash water can penetrate into the area above the locking projection 31, it will not penetrate further into the connection area, as this area is completely enclosed by the corresponding wall of the housing housing, the webs 29, and the locking projection 31.The webs 29 and the locking projection 31 accordingly bridge the opening 28 splash guard edge, so that a completely circumferential splash guard is achieved in the area of ​​the connection between cover 20 and tray 50.

[0039] Furthermore, an additional web 27 is provided on the inside of the sealing edge 26 on both sides of the locking areas 30. These additional webs 27 support the interaction of the locking areas 30 of the cover 20 with corresponding locking elements of the tray 50, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0040] It should also be mentioned that the surrounding splash guard edge 25, in addition to its primary function of protecting against splashing water as described above, also serves as a stacking aid. This means that several light covers 20 of the type shown can be easily stacked on top of each other, with the lower edge of one cover 20 resting on the splash guard edge 25 of the cover 20 below it. This facilitates storage and transport of the cover 20. Furthermore, the shape of the cover is designed such that, as already mentioned, it can be easily manufactured using injection molding.

[0041] The design of the light fixture 50 can Figures 10 to 17 and 19 to be taken from, whereby the essential features for the sealing connection of the tub 50 with the cover 20 will first be explained below.

[0042] The luminaire housing 50 initially has a pot- or trough-like configuration and its dimensions essentially correspond to those of the cover 20. Cable leads, which will be explained later, can be provided on the base surface 51 and the end faces 53, through which the electronic components inside the luminaire 1 are connected to external power supply lines.

[0043] The two side walls 52 and the end walls 53 of the light housing 50 comprise an opening facing the cover 20, as shown in the enlarged illustration of Figure 13 The light fixture 50 is double-walled in this area of ​​the opening. More precisely, according to the sectional view... Figure 14The side and end walls 52, 53 are first extended by a first web 62. Furthermore, the basin 50 is laterally extended by a second, angled web 61, this second outer web 61 running essentially parallel to the inner web 62, but projecting slightly beyond it. In this way, a sealing channel 60 is formed that completely encompasses the opening of the basin 50, the outer wall of which is formed by the web 61 and the inner wall by the web 62, and which has a seal 63 in its base region. Preferably, after the basin 50 has been manufactured, this seal is foamed into the channel 60 or introduced by alternative methods and then forms a contact surface for the lower edge of the sealing web 26 of the cover 20. This engages in the channel 60 over its entire circumference and, by bearing against the seal 63, ensures that the interior of the luminaire housing is protected from dust and / or moisture.

[0044] A reliable retention of the cover 20 on the light tray 50 is achieved by detent areas 65, which are enlarged in the illustration according to Figure 13 These locking areas 65 are recognizable. They are formed by the outer web 61 having a thickening 66 facing the interior of the sealing channel 60, which has a locking recess 67. This recess 67, however, only penetrates the thickening 66, but not the entire outer web 61. The housing of the tub 50 is therefore also closed to the outside in this area.

[0045] The positioning of the locking areas 65 corresponds to the arrangement of the previously described locking areas 30 of the cover 20. When the light housing 50 is joined with the cover 20, the locking projections 31 engage in the corresponding recesses 67. The angled support ribs 32 provided on the underside of the locking projections 31 form a chamfer which, when the cover 20 is placed on the housing 50, causes the outer rib 61 to move laterally. This facilitates the joining of the housing 50 and the cover 20.

[0046] Once the cover 20, with its sealing rib 26, has been sufficiently inserted into the sealing channel 60, the locking projections 31 and ribs 32 fully engage in the corresponding recesses 67 of the luminaire housing 50, and the outer rib 61 can return to its original position. This ensures a reliable and stable connection between the cover 20 and the housing 50. As already mentioned, the dimensions of the components responsible for the locking mechanism are selected such that the lower edge of the sealing rib 26 of the cover 20 rests against the seal 63 provided in the base of the channel 60, thereby achieving the desired protection of the interior of the luminaire housing.

[0047] How to continue based on Figure 14As can be seen, in this assembled state, the circumferential splash guard edge 25 of the cover 20 rests on the end face of the outer web 61 to provide the splash protection already described, in addition to the internal seal, and to prevent larger particles from entering the sealing area. Openings exist only through the recesses 28 of the splash guard edge 25 in the area of ​​the individual locking points. These openings are necessary to allow the locking mechanism between the tray 50 and the cover 20 to be released again at a later time. However, as already mentioned, the corresponding spaces are enclosed by the lateral webs 29, which abut the outer web 61 of the tray 50 from the inside, and by the locking projection 31. Therefore, any liquid or dirt particles entering this area cannot easily reach the sealing channel 60.

[0048] This defined interaction between the locking areas 30 of the cover 20 and the locking areas 65 of the tray is further supported by the fact that the webs 27 provided on the inner circumference of the sealing edge 26 bear against the side of the inner web 62 of the tray 50 facing the channel 60 when assembled. That is, the components of the cover 20 responsible for locking and sealing are held in a defined position relative to the interacting elements of the tray 50 by the additional support provided by the webs 27.

[0049] The locking mechanism between cover 20 and light housing 50 is released by inserting a tool, such as a slotted screwdriver, into the locking area through the opening 28 of the splash guard edge 25. By twisting this tool or screwdriver, the outer rib 61 of the housing 50 can be bent outwards, allowing the locking projection 31 to disengage from the locking recess 67. In this way, the locking mechanism between cover 20 and light housing 50 can be released very easily and intuitively. As already mentioned, this is only possible with the aid of a suitable tool, which is usually readily available. The ribs 29 and the locking projection 31 also prevent the tool from accidentally touching and potentially damaging the seal 63 during insertion.

[0050] In this way, a reliably sealing connection between cover 20 and light housing 50 can be easily achieved, which can also be easily disassembled if necessary. As described in Figure 13 It is evident that the inner web 62 opposite the locking recess 67 has an opening or recess 68. While this is not relevant for the subsequent use of the light housing 50 or for its interaction with the cover 20, it facilitates the production of the housing 50 using injection molding. The opening 68, corresponding to the recess 67, significantly simplifies the demolding of the light housing 50 from the injection mold after injection molding.

[0051] Other special features of the luminaire housing 50 relate to the options for supplying external power cables and measures that allow for the arrangement of light-generating components within the luminaire housing. These features will be explained in more detail below.

[0052] Regarding the possibility of supplying external power cables, the luminaire housing 50 provides several options for creating a cable entry point. These are areas 54, 55, and 56, which are initially closed after the housing 50 is manufactured. However, in this case, they feature ring-shaped material weakenings that allow circular sections of the housing to be broken out or removed. In this way, cable entry points can be created through which cables can be routed into the interior of the luminaire. These openings can then be sealed by appropriate additional measures such as grommets or similar components.

[0053] A special feature of the illustrated luminaire housing 50 is that, unlike the usual design, the areas for forming cable entry points are not only located at the ends of the housing 50, but also allow for a central cable entry. In the illustrated housing 50, corresponding areas 54 with material reductions are initially provided centrally in the base surface 51 of the housing 50. Furthermore, additional areas 55 and 56 are also formed at the ends of the base surface 51 and on the end faces 53. Depending on the type of mounting of the luminaire or its application, the routing of an external power supply cable can therefore be flexibly adapted.

[0054] Furthermore, two parallel suspension channels 57 are formed at each end of the base surface 51. These allow, for example, a clamp connected to a suspension cable for suspending the luminaire 1 to engage. Such clamps are already known and enable simple cable or pendant suspension of a luminaire 1. In the present case, the length of the channels 57, into which the arms of the suspension clamp are to engage, is dimensioned such that a certain amount of play remains for positioning the suspension clamp. This also increases the flexibility with regard to the arrangement of the luminaire 1.

[0055] The aforementioned suspension channels 57 can also fulfill a further function. Since the areas of the housing enclosing the channels 57 form linear surface sections, which also extend beyond the curved configuration of the outer surface of the luminaire housing 50, these areas can also be used as support or storage surfaces, thus enabling the simple stacking of identical luminaire housings 50. As explained in connection with the cover 20, this leads to simplified storage and improved transport of the housing 50 to the location of final luminaire installation.

[0056] Further special features of the luminaire housing 50 relate to the design of the interior. It is particularly noticeable that ribs 70, 80 are positioned along the inner walls of the two side surfaces 52 of the housing 50. These serve, on the one hand, to increase the stability of the housing 50, but especially also to enable the tool-free arrangement and fastening of further luminaire components.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, two different types of ribs are provided, each with a different design. In the illustrated embodiment, two ribs of the first type 70 and four ribs of the second type 80 are provided on one side of the tub 50. The ribs of the first type 70, which are positioned in the second and fifth positions longitudinally in this case, will be explained in more detail below. Of course, it would also be conceivable to vary the arrangement and the number of different rib types.

[0058] The shape of a rib of the first type 70 is particularly evident in Figure 12 as well as in Figure 15This is evident. It initially has a first lower section 71, which – due to the curved outer shape of the housing 50 – has approximately the shape of a quarter ellipse and, as shown in the illustration, is provided with a vertical first flank 72 and a horizontal second flank 73. Separated from this first section 71, a further rib section 74 is formed above the horizontal flank 73, which is approximately in the form of a right-angled triangle, although the hypotenuse is angled. Together with the upper edge 73 of the first rib section 71 – and the side wall of the housing – the second rib section 74 encloses a locking recess 75, which serves to hold the device carrier described in more detail below. At its end facing the center of the lamp housing 50, the horizontal edge 73 also has a slight elevation, which laterally limits the locking recess 75.

[0059] The lower rib section 71 also has an approximately triangular additional locking recess 76 in the area of ​​the vertical edge 72. This allows, as shown in the illustration, Figure 15 the locking of one into Figure 16 individually designed cable holder 90. This holder 90 – made, for example, of plastic – is generally designed in an approximately C-shape with a central leg 91 that laterally transitions into two inclined side legs 92, each of which has an end section 93 running parallel to the central leg 91 at its outer end. A slot 94 is provided in each of these end sections, so that the end section 93, which engages in the recess 76 of the rib 70, engages the lower part of the rib 70. This cross-like interlocking of the rib 70 and the wire holder 90 results in the wire holder being held securely in place. Figure 15The wire holder 90 is fixed in the position shown. Since the wire holder 90 is symmetrically designed and interacts with the corresponding opposite rib 70 of the housing 50 in the same way, it can be easily snapped into the housing 50 in the arrangement shown. Feet 95 formed on the underside of the central area 91 support the wire holder 90 against the base of the housing 50. Cables can then be laid between this base and the wire holder 90, supported by several wire holders fixed in the housing 50 in such a way that they run along the base of the housing 50 and do not interfere with the further arrangement of additional components in the luminaire housing.

[0060] In the configuration shown, the corresponding locking recesses 76 for holding the wire holder 90 are provided on the ribs of the first type 70. Of course, corresponding locking recesses could also be provided additionally or alternatively on the ribs of the second type 80 described below. This would allow for an increase in the number of wire holders 90 to be used, which is quite useful depending on the length of the luminaire 1.

[0061] The locking mechanism between wire holder 90 and lamp housing 50 can be easily released by pressing on or pulling on the central area 91 of the holder 90. Due to its flexibility, the end areas 93 of the wire holder 90 are pulled slightly inwards, thus releasing the locking mechanism with the corresponding rib 70.

[0062] Furthermore, it is provided that the ribs of the first type 70 have a feed-through opening 78 laterally offset from the locking recess 76. This can be used, if desired, for routing additional cables or lines. It should also be noted that such an opening 78 could, if necessary, also be provided in the ribs of the second type 80.

[0063] The shape of the ribs of the second type 80 can also Figure 12 These can be removed. They consist primarily of a lower section 81, which has a straight vertical edge 82. As already mentioned, recesses or openings corresponding to the locking recess 76 or the opening 77 of the ribs of the first type 70 could be provided in this lower rib section 81.

[0064] The upper end of this lower rib section 81 is provided with a triangular projection 83, which in turn – together with the side wall of the tub 50 – defines a locking recess 84. In contrast to the locking recess 75 of the first rib 70, however, the locking recess 84 here is not limited at the top, since the rib 80 is only continued by a narrow web 85.

[0065] Further ribs 88 are also provided at the end faces of the lamp housing 50. These ribs 88 facing the interior (see Figure 11 However, they extend only over the height of the inner web 62 of the sealing channel 60 and are oriented perpendicular to the ribs of the first and second types 70 and 80 respectively, which are arranged on the longitudinal sides of the tray 50. They also support, among other things, the stacking of several identical light trays 50.

[0066] The function of the previously explained ribs 70, 80, and 88 in connection with the attachment of the device carrier will be explained below. First, however, the following will be discussed: Figures 17 and 18 I will briefly describe another special feature of the luminaire housing 50. This housing has at least one feature on the outside that is... Figure 17 The recognizable warning symbol 250, featuring a lightning bolt 251 warning of voltage in this case, is present. Of course, there are various ways to apply this warning symbol 250 to the outside of the light housing 50 after its manufacture. For example, the symbol 250 could be embossed, or it could be affixed to or printed on the light housing 50. However, in this particular case, the symbol is intended to be created simultaneously during the injection molding process of the housing 50.

[0067] For this purpose, a special slide used in the injection molding tool is provided, which is in Figure 18shown and labeled with reference numeral 300. This utilizes the fact that the depicted triangular symbol 250, containing the lightning bolt 251, can be realized by using a tool area with surface areas 301, 302, and 303, which are offset from each other in a stepped fashion. The first surface area 301, which forms the first part of the interior of the triangle, is thus adjoined by the second surface area 302, which has the shape of the lightning bolt 251 and is slightly raised above the first area 301. The triangle is finally completed by surface area 303, which is again raised above the second surface area 302.This special design of the slide 300 means that, during the injection molding process, the symbol 250 – with its corresponding stepped surface areas – can be applied directly to the outside of the light housing 50, while still allowing for easy demolding of the housing 50. In this way, the goal of manufacturing the light housing 50 solely by injection molding and avoiding subsequent additional work steps can be achieved in a very simple and elegant manner.

[0068] The third essential component of the damp-proof luminaire 1 is the already mentioned gear tray 100, which is initially installed in the Figures 20 and 21The diagram shows an elongated sheet metal part on which the components of the luminaire 1 responsible for generating the light are to be mounted. A central, plate-shaped area 101 is elongated and slightly shorter than the actual length of the luminaire 1. On both sides of the plate-shaped area 101, the mounting bracket 100 has profiled side legs 102, which are bent in a U-shape at their end regions 103.

[0069] The configuration of these profiles or the side legs 102 can be shown, for example, in the representation in Figure 24 can be removed. It allows it to lock into the light housing 50, whereby in the locked state the in Figure 19a recognizable arrangement results. It is evident how the U-shaped curved end sections 103 of the side legs 102 of the device carrier 100 interact with the locking recesses 75 and 84 of the ribs 70 and 80, respectively. In particular, it is evident that the second upper rib section 74 of the rib of the first type 70 forms a limit stop for the end sections 103 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the opening of the housing 50. The projections 83 of the ribs of the second type 80, in turn, form a lateral limit for the side legs 102. Both rib types 70 and 80 thus primarily fix the side leg 102 in one direction each, with both directions being essentially perpendicular to each other, so that the device carrier 100 as a whole is fixed in the desired position on the housing 50. The shape of the corresponding projections or...The ribs facilitate the insertion of the U-shaped, and therefore somewhat flexible, end section 103 into the locking recesses 75, 84 of the ribs 70, 80, thus enabling easy insertion of the device carrier 100 into the housing tray 50. This locking mechanism can also be released manually if the device carrier 100 needs to be replaced or removed for maintenance purposes.

[0070] The mounting bracket 100 serves to hold both the light-emitting units responsible for generating the light, in this case several LED boards 130, and, opposite it, the positioning of further components responsible for supplying power to the LED boards 130. These are corresponding control gears 140, 141 and connection terminals 142, 143, which are then connected via cables (not shown) to the power supply lines leading into the interior of the luminaire, or from the control gears 140, 141 to the LED boards 130.

[0071] Both the LED boards 130 and the power supply components 140 to 143 are held by the device carrier 100, with the components positioned on both sides of the plate-shaped area 101. It is provided that frustoconical spacers 110 are formed on the side of the plate-shaped area 101 where the LED boards 130 are arranged. These spacers 110 form raised contact surfaces for the LED boards 130, so that they—as, for example, in the Figures 24 and 25 recognizable - exhibiting a certain distance h to the surface of the plate-shaped area 101.

[0072] This spaced arrangement of the 130 LED boards shown offers several advantages.

[0073] Firstly, there is only a very weak direct thermal coupling between the LED boards 130 and the control gears 140, 141. Both components – the LED boards 130 and the control gears 140, 141 – generate heat during operation of the luminaire 1. In the case of excessive thermal coupling, there would be a risk of heat being transferred to the other component, ultimately resulting in excessively high temperatures unsuitable for operation and potentially leading to damage. The spaced arrangement using the spacers 110 now largely results in thermal decoupling between the components, thus avoiding this risk.

[0074] Another advantage is that fastening measures, for example for the LED boards 130, do not impair the arrangement of the other components on the opposite side of the device carrier 100. As shown in particular in the illustration of Figure 25Since the LED boards 130 can be removed, it is intended that they be screwed to the mounting bracket 100. The spacers 110 each have bores or openings 112 on their upper, flat contact area 111, which allow a screw 115 to pass through. Without the spacers 110, this screw 115 would penetrate the plate-shaped area 101 of the mounting bracket 100 and protrude on the opposite side. There, it would potentially obstruct the arrangement of the control gear 140, 141, or the like, which is no longer a problem due to the use of the spacers 110 according to the invention. Similarly, attaching the terminal blocks 142, 143 with corresponding locking pins, which penetrate the plate-shaped area 101 of the mounting bracket 100, does not impair the arrangement of the LED boards 130.The available area of ​​the plate-shaped region 101 can therefore be used efficiently for arranging components for light generation.

[0075] The spacers 110 are preferably an integral part of the device carrier 100. This is generally formed by a correspondingly stamped and formed sheet metal part, whereby the spacers 110 are also formed by stamping and embossing the corresponding area. Ideally, as already mentioned, the spacers 110 are designed in a frustoconical shape with a flat contact surface. They are also curved in two mutually perpendicular planes, which increases their stability so that the LED boards 130 are reliably and stably supported. Stable support of the boards 130 is further enhanced by the fact that the spacers 110, as in particular in Figure 21The components 130 and 141 are positioned alternately offset from one another along the longitudinal direction of the device carrier 100. A single circuit board 130 should rest on at least three spacers 110, thus achieving a defined support. Alternatively or additionally, the spacers 110 could also be provided on the opposite side of the device carrier 100, thereby enabling the operating devices 140, 141 to be arranged at a distance from the plate-shaped area 101.

[0076] The circuit boards 130 are preferably attached to the device carrier 100 by means of screws, as already mentioned, with the circuit board 130 resting on at least three spacers 110. It is preferably provided that the circuit board 130 is fixed centrally in the longitudinal direction and supported with a certain amount of play at both end faces. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a circular hole in the center of the circuit board 130 for screwing, while elongated holes are provided at the end faces. Similarly, the sequence elongated hole-hole-elongated hole can also be provided for the openings 112 in the bearing surfaces 11 of the spacers 110. This measure accommodates different longitudinal expansions due to the different material types, while the circuit board 130 is generally positioned in the desired position relative to the device carrier 100 due to the central fixing.

[0077] When assembling the luminaire 1, it is therefore planned that the gear tray 100 is first fitted with the components responsible for generating the light. This then results in the configuration shown in the Figures 22 and 23 The configuration is recognizable, but cabling still needs to be carried out between the control gear 140 and the LED board 130. Since both components are positioned on opposite sides of the device carrier 100, the connecting cable must be routed across an edge area of ​​the device carrier 100 from one side to the other. For this purpose, it is provided that – as in Figure 21As can be seen, a recess 116 is formed in the end face of the device carrier 100. The cable connecting the control unit 140 to the LED board 130 – not shown in the figures – is to be guided through this recess 116. The shape of the recess 116 and the arrangement of the LED board 130 are chosen such that the end face of the board 130 already projects into the area of ​​the recess 116. This is intended to prevent the cable, which runs from one side of the device carrier 100 to the other, from directly contacting the circumference of the recess 116 and potentially damaging the cable insulation due to burrs or sharp edges created during the manufacturing of the device carrier 100. Of course, the shape of the recess could also be chosen differently to achieve this purpose.However, it is generally desirable that the cable does not come into contact with sharp edges of the device carrier 100.

[0078] As already mentioned, the device carrier 100 is preferably manufactured using a stamping / embossing process, in a single operation. This approach offers the advantage that the individual elements of the device carrier 100, i.e., the spacers 110, openings, locking slots, and the like, are aligned and positioned with great precision. This allows for automated assembly of the device carrier 100, for example, using a robot, whereby any index openings, which define the reference positions used for assembly, can be incorporated into the device carrier 100 simultaneously with the other elements during manufacturing.

[0079] The appropriately equipped and wired device carrier 100 is then inserted into the housing tray 50 and locked or snapped into place there in the manner described above using the ribs 70 and 80. The end-face ribs 88 of the tray 50 form a centering and guiding aid, thus facilitating the appropriate positioning of the device carrier 100 in the housing of the luminaire 1.

[0080] As mentioned at the outset, in a specific variant of the luminaire housing, not only the cover 20 but also the housing liner 50 is designed to be translucent in order to achieve secondary light emission. The light used for this purpose is also intended to originate from the LEDs 131 of the LED boards 130, thus requiring that light be allowed to pass into the housing area where the control gears 140, 141 are located. In the illustrated case, this is achieved by the plate-shaped area 101 having light transmission openings 117 on both longitudinal sides. These light transmission openings 117, which in this case are oval (other shapes would of course also be conceivable) and preferably punched out, are located laterally to the areas where the LED boards or the control gears 140, 141 are positioned and should not be obscured by these components.Scattered light or light reflected from the inside of the cover 20 can then enter the area of ​​the luminaire housing facing away from the cover 20 via these light transmission openings 117 and be emitted here via the translucent housing diffuser 50. To increase the efficiency of utilizing the light generated by the LED boards 130, the gear tray 100 is preferably designed to be reflective. It can either be made of a reflective material or be coated or painted with a corresponding reflective finish.

[0081] Finally, the device carrier 110 can also be used to mount a so-called primary optic, which is intended to influence the light generated by the LED boards 130 before the actual light emission through the cover 20 of the luminaire 1. The use of a corresponding primary optic 150, which is located in the Figures 26 to 29The primary optic shown is particularly advantageous when a material that does not strongly scatter light is chosen for the cover 20 of the luminaire 1. Without the use of a light-diffusing primary optic, the LEDs 131 of the LED boards 130 would be visible as individual point light sources, which is generally a disadvantage due to the desire for uniform or homogeneous light emission. The primary optic shown is therefore intended specifically for the case where the cover 20 is made of PMMA, although it could of course also be used in the variant where the cover 20 is made of PC.

[0082] In such a case, it is therefore planned that the [something] in the Figures 26 to 29The primary optic 150 shown is to be attached to the mounting bracket 100. This primary optic 150 consists of a light-diffusing material (e.g., PC), which initially causes diffuse scattering of the light. The basic shape of the primary optic 150 corresponds approximately to that of the luminaire cover 20. The primary optic 150 is also elongated and dome-shaped so that it can overlap the LED boards 130. Snap-in projections 155 are provided on both sides of the end faces of the primary optic 150. These are located on downwardly projecting ribs 156 of the optic 150 and are dimensioned such that they engage from the outside in corresponding snap-in openings 120 of the mounting bracket 100. These snap-in openings 120 are formed in the side arms 102 of the mounting bracket 100.

[0083] The ribs 156 of the primary optics 150 thus overlap laterally the plate-shaped area 101 of the device carrier 100, allowing the locking projections 155 to engage in the recesses 120 from the outside. Across its wider circumference, the primary optics rest on the surface of the plate-shaped area 101 of the device carrier 100, overlapping both the LED boards 130 and the light transmission openings 117. This prevents unwanted light emission not affected by the primary optics 150. However, the circumferential shape of the primary optics 150 can optionally be designed such that a small area, e.g., a corner area, of the plate-shaped area 101 of the device carrier 100 remains free, i.e., not covered by the primary optics 150. A status LED, for example, can then be positioned in this area to indicate the operating status of the luminaire 1.To improve the visibility of such a status LED, it is advantageous if its light is not mixed with the light of the actual LEDs 131, i.e., not scattered by the primary optics 150, which is ensured by the measure mentioned above.

[0084] To release the locking mechanism between the device carrier 100 and the primary optic 150, the webs 156 simply need to be bent laterally so that the locking projections 155 can leave the recesses 120. A unit consisting of the device carrier 100 and the primary optic 150 locked to it is thus in Figure 29 This assembly can then be inserted into the luminaire housing 50 as a whole, and thus in a simple manner, as described above. The primary optic 150 is not located in the area of ​​the U-shaped end sections 103 of the side legs 102, so that the locking of the device carrier 100 with the housing 50 is not affected.

[0085] Finally, an advantageous feature of the primary optics 150 in the illustrated embodiment is that, viewed longitudinally, it is divided into successive segments 159 by corresponding ribs 157, which form grooves 158 in the emitting surface of the optics 150 from the outside. The light influenced by the primary optics 150 thus consists, before it is emitted through the actual cover 20 of the luminaire 1, of individual partial beams corresponding to the respective segments 159 of the primary optics 150.

[0086] In the case of uniform light emission over the entire length of the device carrier 100, this initially only results in an interesting lighting effect, as the light is perceptibly divided into individual clusters. Alternatively, the segmented division of the primary optics 150 can also be used to actually emit different amounts of light along individual longitudinal sections of the luminaire 1. This then makes it possible, for example, not only to illuminate, i.e., brighten, an area assigned to the luminaire 1, but also to convey information or instructions in this way.A corresponding control of the LED boards 130 could then be used to generate a time-controlled light output across the various segments 159, thereby creating, for example, a chasing light moving along the luminaire 1, which signals a preferred direction (e.g., of an escape route or the like). Light output in different colors could also be implemented across the individual segments 159, which could then be used, for example, in parking lot lighting to indicate whether a parking space below the luminaire is occupied or available.

[0087] Overall, the light fixture shown can be used to achieve various lighting effects. A particular advantage of this fixture is that its various components can be easily manufactured and assembled.

Claims

1. Light-emitting unit for a luminaire (1), comprising a device carrier (100) which is formed by a sheet metal part having a plate-shaped region (101), by means of which two mutually opposite mounting regions are formed, wherein at least one lighting means unit is arranged on a first of the two mounting regions, and wherein at least one operating device (140, 141) for supplying power to the at least one lighting means unit is arranged on the second mounting region, which is opposite the first mounting region, wherein the plate-shaped region (101) of the device carrier (100) has integrally formed spacers (110) which project from the plane of the plate-shaped region (101) into the second mounting region and form elevated support surfaces (111) on which the operating device (140, 141) is positioned, and wherein the plate-shaped region (101) has openings (117) which enable light to pass from the first mounting region into the second mounting region.

2. Light-emitting unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the openings (117) provided for the passage of light are formed on two longitudinal sides of the plate-shaped region on which the at least one lighting means unit is arranged.

3. Light-emitting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the spacers (110) are formed by embossments of the plate-shaped region (101).

4. Light-emitting unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the spacers (110) are curved in two mutually perpendicular directions and / or the spacers (110) are approximately frustoconical.

5. Light-emitting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spacers (110) have openings (112) or bores for fastening means in the support surfaces (111).

6. Light-emitting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spacers (110) are arranged offset relative to one another along a longitudinal direction.

7. Light-emitting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plate-shaped region (101) has at least one recess (116) which enables the routing of cables from one side of the plate-shaped region (101) to the opposite side.

8. Light-emitting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device carrier (100) has profilings (102) extending on two sides of the plate-shaped region (101), which enable fastening of the device carrier (100) in a luminaire housing, wherein the lateral profilings (102) preferably have means for latching with an optical element (150).

9. Light-emitting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device carrier (100) consists of a reflective material or has a reflective coating.

10. Light-emitting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises an optical element (150) which is fastened to the device carrier (100), in particular latched thereto, and spans the light-emitting unit in a dome-like manner, wherein the optical element (150) is preferably subdivided into segments (159) in a longitudinal direction.

11. Luminaire (1), in particular a moisture-proof luminaire, comprising a housing and a light-emitting unit according to one of the preceding claims arranged in the housing, wherein the housing is formed by a luminaire trough (50) and a cover (20) connectable to the luminaire trough (50).

12. Luminaire according to claim 11, characterised in that the luminaire trough (50) has a circumferential sealing channel (60), wherein a seal (63) is arranged in the bottom region of the sealing channel (60) and the cover (20) engages with a circumferential edge region into the sealing channel (60), wherein preferably the luminaire trough (50) is of double-walled design in the region of the channel (60), and wherein the channel (60) is formed in particular by an inner web (62), which extends the side and end walls of the luminaire trough (50), and by an outer web (61), which runs substantially parallel to the inner web (62) and projects beyond it.

13. Luminaire according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the luminaire trough (50) has regions for forming cable feed openings (54, 55, 56), wherein preferably at least one of the regions is formed centrally in a base surface (51) of the luminaire trough (50), and wherein particularly preferably the regions for forming cable feed openings (54, 55, 56) have annular material weakenings which enable the breaking out or removal of circular housing sections.

14. Luminaire according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the luminaire trough (50) is made of polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate, wherein the cover (20) and the luminaire trough (50) are each made of the same material.

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