Holding adapter for DC bus bar

Abstract

A system comprises: - a DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range from 75 V to 1500 V, - a busbar supplied by the DC voltage supply, - a rotatable holding adapter (1) for detachable electrical connection to conductors in the busbar and mechanical mounting in the busbar, wherein the holding adapter has at least one permanent magnet (5). A rotatable holding adapter (1) for detachable electrical connection to conductors in the busbar and mechanical mounting in a DC busbar has connection contacts for rotary contacting of DC conductors of the DC busbar, wherein the holding adapter has a permanent magnet (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of lighting technology, and more specifically to so-called power tracks. Such power tracks are known with AC power, for example, in the form of the "TECTON" product from Zumtobel.

[0002] Such power rails are metallic profiles that are typically mounted on the ceiling. They are connected to a power supply, which in the current state of the art is an AC supply.

[0003] An adapter is then selectively mechanically and electrically engaged into these busbars, which is thus mechanically and electrically connected (with several connecting contacts for each phase to be supplied) to the busbar and, with regard to the electrical connection, to exposed conductors in the busbar.

[0004] A luminaire is then connected to the adapter, which mechanically attaches it to the track (i.e., suspended in the case of ceiling mounting) and also receives its electrical power via the adapter. The luminaire contains an operating device (converter), which, in the current state of the art, is supplied with AC voltage via the adapter and provides the appropriate electrical power for the luminaire's corresponding light sources, for example, one or more LEDs.

[0005] The invention retains the principle of this busbar. The conductors in the busbar can be at least partially exposed in the side panels of the profile and / or in the base of the profile for contacting.

[0006] A system has: a DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range of 75 V to 1500 V, a busbar powered by the DC voltage supply, a rotatable holding adapter for detachable electrical connection with conductors in the busbar and mechanical holder in the busbar.

[0007] A holding adapter for detachable electrical connection with conductors in the busbar and mechanical holder in a DC busbar has connection contacts for rotary contacting of DC conductors of the DC busbar.

[0008] In contrast to the prior art, the present invention relates to a DC-powered busbar. The invention thus also relates to a system comprising: a DC power supply, for example, with a DC amplitude of more than 220 volts and 1 kilovolt, which is referred to as "low voltage" in power electronics; a specifically designed mounting adapter for mounting a luminaire in the track and for supplying power via the adapter; and a luminaire with a converter and associated lamps, as well as an optic and housing.

[0009] However, the invention also relates specifically to a holding adapter designed for DC supply.

[0010] DC power supplies pose problems that are not present with AC power supplies. These problems include, for example, the risk of spark gaps or arcing when the contacts are close to the conductors when making or breaking contact between the contacts of the holding adapter and the conductors of the busbar, meaning they are neither completely spaced from them nor fully contacted.

[0011] More specifically, the invention relates to reducing the risk of sparking or arcing.

[0012] A system has: a DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range of 75 V to 1500 V, a busbar supplied from the DC voltage supply, a preferably rotatable holding adapter for detachable electrical connection with conductors in the busbar and mechanical mounting in the busbar, wherein the holding adapter has at least one permanent magnet.

[0013] The invention also relates to a holding adapter for detachable electrical connection to conductors in the busbar and mechanical mounting in a DC busbar, wherein the holding adapter has connection contacts for contacting DC conductors of the DC busbar, preferably by a (manual) rotational movement of the holding adapter. The holding adapter has a permanent magnet.

[0014] The invention also relates to the use of a permanent magnet for reducing the risk of arcing between a contact of a holding adapter and conductors in a DC voltage-carrying busbar, preferably by extending the path of an arc by deflection.

[0015] Further details of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0016] The invention can, for example, be designed in the manner of a well-known TECTON busbar for DC operation. The TECTON busbar is an innovative technology for power distribution in industrial applications, particularly in factories, warehouses, and other large facilities. Essentially, it is a system that enables the efficient and safe transmission of electrical energy from a power source to various consumers.

[0017] The busbar consists of a special profile that is installed along the ceiling or wall. This profile contains conductors that carry the electrical energy. The busbar is designed to be modular, meaning it can be adapted and expanded depending on the specific requirements of the facility.

[0018] A key advantage of the TECTON busbar is its flexibility. Because it runs along the ceiling or wall, it allows for easy and flexible placement of power connections at various points within the facility. This is particularly useful in environments where the layout of machines and equipment changes frequently.

[0019] In addition, the TECTON conductor rail offers a high level of safety. Because the conductors run within a closed profile, they are protected from external influences such as dust, moisture, or mechanical damage. This significantly reduces the risk of power outages and accidents.

[0020] An adapter, for example, is an accessory used in conjunction with the power track to provide additional functionality or flexibility. Here are some features and functions typically associated with an adapter: Connection options: Adapters are often used to connect conventional electrical devices or lights to the track. They feature various connection options such as sockets, terminals, or special connectors that enable simple and secure connections. Modularity: Similar to the track itself, adapters are typically modular. This means they can be easily added, removed, or moved depending on the system's requirements. This allows users to quickly adapt the configuration of their track system to accommodate changes in layout or the arrangement of devices and machinery. Functional extensions: Adapters can offer additional functions beyond simply supplying power. This could include, for example, the integration of sensors to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, or movement.This allows users to equip their track system with intelligent features to increase efficiency or enhance safety measures. Safety and Compatibility: The adapters are designed to meet safety standards and ensure a reliable and safe power supply. They are also compatible with the track and can be seamlessly integrated into the overall system without the need for additional adjustments.

[0021] This adapter can therefore be rotated in the busbar such that the electrical contacts can be brought into contact with conductors preferably in one or more of the side walls of the busbar 1. During this rotational movement, a mechanical fastening of the retaining adapter in the busbar is simultaneously achieved, as is generally known from the state of the art (see, for example, the TECTON products).

[0022] Figure 1 This schematically shows a holding adapter (in this example) that can be manually rotated by a user, preferably entirely by hand without tools, for insertion into a DC busbar. It has several contact elements (typically two, although three contacts 2, 3, 4 are shown for illustration purposes) for rotary contacting of DC conductors of the DC busbar. This is preferably a so-called rotary tap.

[0023] A permanent magnet 5, for example a neodymium magnet or other rare earth magnet, is preferably provided in the plastic housing of the adapter 1, but optionally also on the housing of the adapter 1. Multiple permanent magnets 5 may also be provided.

[0024] In any case, the at least one permanent magnet 5 is arranged spatially near the contacts 2, 3, 4 in such a way that it may alter the geometry of the arc emanating from the contacts. This typically leads to an extension of the arc path, which in turn can lead to its extinction.

[0025] The arrangement of one or more permanent magnets creates a magnetic field in the contact opening zone (contact between contacts 2, 3, 4 of adapter 1 and the conductors of the busbar). An arc consists of moving electrical charges that are deflected (typically in an arc shape) by the Lorentz force. The direction of deflection is determined by the arrangement of magnet 5. If an arc occurs when the contact between contacts 2, 3, 4 of adapter 1 and the associated conductors of the busbar is opened or closed, it is deflected by the magnet and thus geometrically extended. At a certain length, the energy is no longer sufficient to maintain an ionized channel, which is necessary for the continuation of the arc. This causes the arc to extinguish.

[0026] The energy available for the arc is limited, for example, by current-limiting components in a load supplied via the holding adapter. The load is, for example, an operating device (converter) for supplying an LED load in a luminaire.

[0027] The protective effect according to the invention is therefore based on the geometric extension of the path of the arc (which is necessary given the interaction of the current limitation of the lamp converter of a luminaire supplied by the holding adapter) and not, for example, on a deflection such that the arc is directed into a region of lower conductivity or into a special collecting device where it can be safely extinguished or controlled.

[0028] It is important to note that the adapter 1 according to the invention inherently provides current limitation for the arc, as it supplies a luminaire with a converter (operating device), which converter has a built-in current limiter. The system of the invention thus comprises a luminaire with a converter, which converter can be supplied via the holding adapter from the DC voltage supply via the busbar. The converter has a current limiter.

[0029] Typically, a conventional permanent magnet with a correspondingly compact geometry is installed in the area of ​​the electrical contacts of the adapter.

Claims

1. Holding adapter, preferably a rotary holding adapter, for detachable electrical connection with conductors in a DC busbar and mechanical mounting in a DC busbar, wherein the holding adapter has connection contacts (2, 3, 4) for contacting, preferably by a rotary movement, DC conductors of the DC busbar, wherein the holding adapter (1) has at least one permanent magnet (5).

2. Holding adapter according to claim 1, wherein the at least one permanent magnet (5) is arranged in the vicinity of the connection contacts (2, 3, 4).

3. Holding adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a permanent magnet (5) is provided for each of the connection contacts (2, 3, 4).

4. Holding adapter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnet (5) is arranged in a plastic housing of the holding adapter (1) or on the housing of the holding adapter (1).

5. Holding adapter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnet (5) is a rare earth magnet, in particular an Nd magnet.

6. System comprising: - A DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range of 75 V to 1500 V, - A busbar supplied from the DC voltage supply, - A preferably rotatable holding adapter (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for detachable electrical connection to conductors in the busbar and mechanical mounting in the busbar, wherein the holding adapter (1) has at least one permanent magnet (5).

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the mounting adapter (1) is designed for mounting a luminaire in the power rail and for electrical supply via the adapter; further comprising - a luminaire with a converter, preferably with current limiting, and associated illuminants, as well as an optic and housing.

8. Use of a permanent magnet to reduce the risk of arcing between a contact of a holding adapter and conductors in a DC voltage-carrying busbar.

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