DC bus with rotary tap position assurance

Abstract

A system comprises: - a DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range from 200 V to 1000 V, - a busbar supplied by the DC voltage supply, - a rotatable holding adapter for detachable electrical connection to conductors in the busbar and mechanical holder in the busbar. A holding adapter (5) for detachable electrical connection to conductors in the busbar and mechanical holder in a DC busbar (2) has connection contacts (6, 7) for rotary contacting of DC conductors of the DC busbar. The holding adapter has an internal or external spring element (8) which supports or counteracts the rotary movement of the holding adapter over at least part of the angular range of the rotary movement.

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 according to the invention comprises a DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range of 200 V to 1000 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 retaining adapter for detachable electrical connection with conductors in the busbar and mechanical mounting in a DC busbar has connection contacts for rotary contacting of DC conductors of the DC busbar. The retaining adapter has an internal or external spring element that supports or counteracts the rotary movement of the retaining adapter over at least part of the angular range of the rotary movement.

[0008] In contrast to the prior art, the present invention relates to a busbar supplied with DC voltage. 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 power track and for electrical supply via the adapter, as well as 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. One problem, for example, is 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 separated from them nor fully contacted.

[0011] More specifically, the invention relates to how, during the approach phase or the separation phase of the contacts of the holding adapter to the conductors of the busbar, the duration of this endangered phase with regard to the formation of sparks or arcs can be kept as short as possible.

[0012] According to the invention, this problem is solved in that during the relative overall movement of the electrical contacts of the holding adapter towards or away from the conductors in the busbar, at least over a partial area, this movement is either supported by a spring element and / or works against a spring element.

[0013] If an action occurs against a spring element during the critical phase (i.e., in the immediate approach area toward or away from the conductors), the user must apply increased force, which leads to a faster contacting process. Preferably, after initial contact has been established, the position of the holding adapter, preferably designed as a rotating element, is locked by a locking element, so that the spring element can no longer cause the contacts of the holding adapter to become detached from the conductors of the busbar.

[0014] If the spring element supports the approach movement at least in the immediate approach area, the holding adapter, designed as a rotating element, can preferably be locked in the non-contact position. If such a lock is released, the support provided by the spring element will then ensure a faster approach process.

[0015] According to the invention, spring elements that act in the direction of or against the direction of the approach process can also be combined in a targeted manner. For example, in an initial approach phase (e.g., at a first angle of rotation when the holding adapter is designed as a rotating element), the user may be required to exert force against a first spring element, while in the subsequent approach phase, support is provided by a second spring element, thus resulting in very rapid contact in the final phase through this type of snap action.

[0016] Further details of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a rotatable holder adapter with external spring element in a not yet locked position in a DC power rail Fig. 2 shows a locking element to secure the holding adapter in the locked position in the DC busbar against the (unlocking) spring force of a spring element, and Fig3 shows the rotatable holder adapter with external spring element in the locked position in a DC power rail

[0017] The invention can be designed in the manner of a 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.

[0018] 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 installation.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In addition, the TECTON busbar 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.

[0021] In Fig. 1 A busbar supplied with DC voltage is designated by 1. This indicates a first side wall 2, a second side wall 3, and a base or roof 4. Reference numeral 5 generally designates a holding adapter designed as a rotating element, which has a plurality of electrical contacts 6, 7.

[0022] Conductors carrying DC voltage can be provided in the side walls of the profile of the DC busbar for contacting by the contacts 6, 7 of the holding adapter 5.

[0023] 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.

[0024] This adapter can therefore be rotated in the busbar such that the electrical contacts 6, 7 can be brought into contact with DC voltage-carrying conductors, preferably in one or more of the side walls 2, 3 of the busbar 1. During this rotational movement, a mechanical fastening of the retaining adapter 5 in the busbar is simultaneously achieved, as is generally known from the prior art (see, for example, the TECTON products).

[0025] Reference numeral 8 denotes a spring element, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a leg spring. Other spring types are also possible as alternatives or in addition. The spring element 8 can be integrated, for example, into the plastic housing of the rotary adapter 5, or, as shown, be present as an external element. This external element is held in the busbar 2 by its own holder 9. In the present example, the leg spring 8 is designed such that a leg 10 of this spring element 8 acts against a rotating closing movement of the holding adapter 5 (counterclockwise in this example). The user must therefore apply increased force to effect the contacting and locking rotational movement of the holding adapter 5. This leads to particularly rapid engagement, at least in the final approach phase of the contacts 6, 7 to the associated conductors 6, 7 of the busbar 2.

[0026] Furthermore, Fig. 1 20 denotes a locking element in which the rotary lever adapter 5, pre-tensioned after completion of the rotary movement, can be locked in the fully contacted position.

[0027] As is generally known, a luminaire housing is then connected to the rotary lever adapter 5, which is not only mechanically held in the busbar 4 by this rotary lever adapter 5, but is also electrically supplied (with DC voltage) via the contacts 6, 7 of the rotary lever adapter 5.

[0028] In Fig. 2 This locking element 20 for the rotary lever adapter 5 is shown again. This locking element protrudes, for example, lever-like, from a recess 21 in a side wall 2 of the, for example, substantially U-shaped profile of the busbar 1.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows the state of the rotary lever adapter 5 in the completely mechanically locked position, in which, of course, the electrical contact is also made. Fig. 3 For better illustration, the corresponding conductors of contacts 6, 7 are not shown. The locking element 20 is in the locking position (see comparison to the position of the locking element 20 in the unlocked insertion position of Fig. 1 ).

[0030] The leg 30 of the leg spring 8 is maximally bent and continues to exert a force on the rotary lever adapter 5, counteracting the locking action of the locking element 20.

[0031] With regard to reducing the risk of sparking or arcing, the invention therefore takes advantage of the fact that rotational positions of the rotary lever adapter 5 are safe in which the tap by the contacts 6, 7 is at a maximum distance from the cheeks of the busbar 2, and of course also the fully contacted rotational position of the rotary lever adapter 5. On the other hand, there are dangerous positions in the intermediate phase in which the rotary lever tap is already sufficiently close to the busbar 2 by means of the contacts 6, 7, but is not yet fully contacted.

[0032] In order to reduce the temporal phase of this critical rotation angle range, the invention proposes that at least part of the rotational movement occur either against the preload force of a spring element 8 or with the support of the preload force of a spring element 8. If the movement occurs against the preload force of a spring element 8, the user must actuate the adapter against a relatively high spring force. This results in this phase being passed through very quickly, with the spring force of this spring element 8 preferably decreasing, nonexistent, or even inverted during the approach phase, even with the same amount of force exerted by the user.

[0033] If the spring element 8 supports the rotational movement for contacting, the holding adapter 5 is preferably mechanically secured in its unlocked position - only when the lock is released will a quick contact be made.

[0034] In addition to the electrical supply and mechanical support provided by the interface adapter 5 / busbar 2, the busbar 2 can also transmit control signals to the luminaire mounted using the adapter 5. The control signals can be transmitted via specific control signal lines in the busbar profile (e.g., two wires of a DALI bus). Alternatively or additionally, control signal transmission can also occur via the line in the two poles of the DC supply, for example, by modulating signals, preferably digitally.

[0035] The preferred procedure for engaging the adapter is as follows: The rotating adapter can have three positions. Position 1 (initial position) for luminaire installation, i.e., inserting the luminaire with the adapter, can be, for example, 45 degrees (the angle between the position of the contacts and the contact of the conductors in the busbar). Then, with a single hand movement, the rotating adapter is rotated up to 90 degrees so that a toggle on the adapter snaps into a bar of the busbar (in position), thus ensuring that the electrical contacts are firmly seated in the busbar in contact with the conductors.

[0036] In order to bring the rotary adapter 5 either into the final position or back into the initial position, a critical point, for example in the range of 70 degrees, must be passed through as quickly as possible, which would otherwise entail the risk of generating arcs.

[0037] In this position there is a minimum distance between the electrical contacts and the lines in the busbar 2.

[0038] The locking mechanism as described above can be designed in such a way that it cannot be released by hand, but only with a tool.

[0039] The spring element 8 can in particular be designed such that when the force applied by a user is released at an intermediate point between the open and the closed position of the rotary adapter 5 (for example in the range of approximately 70 degrees), the adapter 5 is automatically pushed back into the open position.

Claims

1. Rotatable holding adapter for detachable electrical connection with conductors in the busbar and mechanical holder in a DC busbar (2), wherein the holding adapter has connection contacts (6, 7) for rotary contacting of DC conductors of the DC busbar (2).

2. Holding adapter according to claim 1, comprising an internal or external spring element (8) which supports and / or counteracts the rotational movement of the holding adapter (5) at least over part of the angular range of the rotational movement.

3. Holding adapter according to claim 2, wherein the spring element (8) is designed to automatically rotate the holding adapter (5) from a position between the unlocked and the locked rotational position in the direction of the unlocked rotational position, preferably into the unlocked rotational position.

4. Holding adapter according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the spring element (8) is designed such that in the approach phase of the holding adapter there is a decreasing, non-existent or even inverted spring force of this spring element (8) compared to an initial phase of the rotational movement.

5. Holding adapter according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the adapter (5) is mechanically secured (20) against the action of the spring element (8) by a locking element (20) in its unlocked or locked position.

6. Holding adapter according to claims 2 to 5, wherein the spring element (8) is an external spring element (8) with respect to the holding adapter (5) which is mounted outside the holding adapter in the busbar (2).

7. Holding adapter according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the spring element (8) is a spring element (8) integrated into a housing of the holding adapter (5).

8. Holding adapter according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the spring element is a torsion spring, in particular a leg spring (8).

9. System comprising: - A DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range of 200 V to 1000 V, - A busbar (2) supplied from the DC voltage supply, and - A rotatable holding adapter (5), preferably according to one of the preceding claims, for detachable electrical connection to conductors in the busbar (2) and mechanical holding in the busbar.

10. System according to claim 9, wherein the holding adapter (5) is designed for mounting a luminaire in the busbar (2) and for electrical supply by means of the holding adapter (5), further comprising - a luminaire with a converter and associated lighting means as well as an optic and housing.

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