DC light bars with delayed contacting

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotatable holding adapter (5) for releasable electrical connection to conductors in a DC busbar (1) and mechanical holding in the DC busbar (1), wherein: the holding adapter (5) has connection contacts for making rotary contact with conductors (6) of the DC busbar (1); and the holding adapter (5) has two preferably spatially separate associated contact parts (K1, K2) for at least one pole of the DC supply unit.

Description

[0001] DC light rails with delayed contact

[0002] Description:

[0003] 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.

[0004] Such power rails are metal 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] The invention retains the principle of this busbar. The conductors of the busbar can be at least partially exposed in the side walls of the profile and / or in the base of the profile for contacting.

[0008] A system has:

[0009] A voltage supply (in the invention DC) with an amplitude in the range of 2oo V to 10oo V,

[0010] A busbar powered by the DC power supply. A rotatable retaining adapter for detachable electrical connection with conductors in the busbar and a mechanical retaining device in the busbar. A retaining adapter for detachable electrical connection with conductors in the busbar and a mechanical retaining device in a DC busbar has connection contacts for contacting, preferably rotary contacting, DC conductors of the DC busbar.

[0011] In contrast to the prior art, however, 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 up to 1.5 kilovolts, which is referred to as "low voltage" in power electronics; a specifically designed mounting adapter for mounting a luminaire in the busbar and for supplying power via the adapter; and a luminaire with a converter and associated light sources, as well as an optic and housing.

[0012] However, the invention also relates specifically to a holding adapter designed for DC supply.

[0013] 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.

[0014] More specifically, the invention relates to reducing the risk of sparking or arcing.

[0015] According to the invention, the risk of sparking or arcing is generally reduced in that, in a holding adapter, in particular a rotating adapter, for insertion into a DC-carrying busbar (i.e. on the busbar with DC-voltage-carrying conductors), the holding adapter is designed such that the contacts for one or both DC poles are configured such that they consist of two contact parts which, as the contacts approach the associated conductors, contact them with a time delay and / or detach from the same conductor with a time delay as they separate. This means that, with regard to the same DC pole, one contact part contacts the associated conductor first.Preferably, this first contacting contact part in the adapter is electrically connected in such a way that only a very small current can flow through it and thus any sparking or arcing can have very little thermal impact.

[0016] When the second contact piece then makes contact with the same conductor during the further locking movement of the retaining adapter, it will carry the majority of the current through this pole. However, due to the initial contact being made by the other contact piece with a lower current load, the risk of sparking or arcing is already greatly reduced in the second contact piece with a higher current load. The potential difference upon contact by the second, subsequent contact piece is already reduced by the initial contact by the first contact piece. The same applies in reverse for the separation movement.

[0017] Preferably, the holding adapter is provided in such a way that the mechanical rotational movement or for locking the holding adapter is continued even if both contact parts are already in contact with the same conductor of the associated DC pole.

[0018] For example, the first contact part can be internally connected with such a high ohmic resistance that only a small current can flow through this contact part.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for contacting a DC conductor of a busbar of a system comprising: a DC voltage supply preferably with an amplitude in the range of 200 V to 1000 V, a busbar (1) supplied from the DC voltage supply, a rotatable holding adapter (5), preferably according to one of claims 1 to 4, for detachable electrical connection to conductors (6) in the busbar (1) and mechanical holding in the busbar (1).

[0020] The holding adapter (5) contacts a pole of the DC supply by means of two associated contact parts (Ki, K2) of the holding adapter (5), which contact the same associated conductor in the busbar (1) at different times, preferably during a rotational movement of the holding adapter (5).

[0021] The invention further relates to a method for releasing the contact of a DC conductor of a busbar of a system, which has: a DC voltage supply preferably with an amplitude in the range of 200 V to 1000 V, a busbar (1) supplied from the DC voltage supply, a rotatable holding adapter (5), preferably according to one of claims 1 to 4, for detachable electrical connection to conductors (6) in the busbar (1) and mechanical holding in the busbar (1).

[0022] The holding adapter (5) contacts a pole of the DC supply by means of two associated contact parts (Ki, K2) of the holding adapter (5), which are released from the same associated conductor in the busbar (1) at different times, preferably during a separating rotational movement of the holding adapter (5).

[0023] Further details of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Furthermore, the TECTON busbar offers a high level of safety. Because the conductors run in 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. In Fig. 1, a profiled busbar, e.g., with a U-shaped cross-section, is designated by 1. This has a first side cheek 2, a second side cheek, and a base or roof. Reference numeral 5 generally designates a holding adapter designed as a rotating element, which has several electrical contacts.

[0028] 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:

[0029] Connection options: Adapters are often used to connect conventional electrical devices or lights to the track. They offer various connection options, such as sockets, terminal blocks, or special connectors, enabling a simple and secure connection.

[0030] Modularity: Similar to the busbar 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 adjust the configuration of their busbar system to accommodate changes in layout or the arrangement of equipment and machinery.

[0031] Functional extensions: The adapters can offer additional functions beyond pure power supply. This could include, for example, the integration of sensors to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, or motion. This allows users to equip their power track system with intelligent features to increase efficiency or enhance security measures.

[0032] 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 power rail and can be seamlessly integrated into the overall system without the need for additional adjustments.

[0033] 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 cheeks 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 prior art (see, for example, the TECTON products). Fig. 1 shows a schematic (i.e., a sectional view) of a busbar system with a conductor 6 and a side cheek 2 of the profile of the busbar 1.

[0034] The busbar i naturally includes an opposite side panel (not shown) as well as another conductor, which can also be provided, for example, at a different height in the side panel 2 (but it can also be arranged on the other side panel or in the base of the profile). Contactable conductors can also be present on both side panels of the busbar.

[0035] A holding adapter 5 is also visible in Fig. 1, which has two contact parts K1, K2 for the same pole of the DC voltage for contacting the same conductor 6. As can be seen from Fig. 1, during the rotational movement (counterclockwise in Fig. 1) to establish electrical contact, the contact part K1 (middle illustration) will first come into contact with the conductor 6. Thus, (when the other pole of the DC voltage is also contacted with another contact of the holding adapter) a first current will flow via this first contact part K1. Preferably the first contact part K1 in the holding adapter 5 is connected with high resistance so that only a small current will flow through the first contact part K1 during the initial contact. During the further rotational approach movement up to the closed position (upper illustration in Fig.1) the second contact part K2 of the same pole then also comes into electrical contact with the same conductor 6 and will then take over the majority (preferably more than 90%) of the current load from this conductor 6. For this purpose, for example, the contact part K2 is internally connected with a lower resistance than the first contact part Kl.

[0036] In Fig. 2, a holding adapter 5 with a plastic housing and the two contact parts Kl, K2 offset in the direction of rotation is shown again.

[0037] Preferably, the two contact parts K1, K2 are only connected internally, but separated externally. They are preferably offset with respect to their rotational position when viewed from above onto the holding adapter 5. The offset is therefore angular around the rotational axis of the holding adapter 5.

[0038] In any case, the offset is selected such that during the rotational contacting movement of the holding adapter 5, contacting of the same conductor (6 in Fig. 1) by the two contact parts Ki, K2 will occur at different times. The two contact parts Ki, K2 are therefore connected to each other internally in the holding adapter by a current-limiting component. When the adapter is inserted, the contact part Kl is closer to conductor 6 and touches conductor 6 first. Only when the adapter 5 is completely closed (rotation around the axis of rotation) does the contact part K2 also contact the same conductor 6. This arrangement and the connection to an internal current limiter prevent an arc discharge from building up when the adapter 5 is opened or closed.

[0039] In the closed state, both contact parts Ki and K2 contact conductor 6. The luminaire is supplied with current via contact part K2 with a low impedance (e.g., 0.005 to 2 A, DC voltage 400 to 1000 V). In the half-open state, contact part K2 is first separated from conductor 6 during the separation movement. A current-limiting element RL between contact parts Kl and K2 is selected such that the voltage across it is lower than the operating voltage of a discharge between contact part K2 and conductor 6 (preferably less than 50 V at 0.05 to 2 A).

[0040] If the contact part Kl is also separated from the conductor 6, the current-limiting element RL in the holding adapter 5 also ensures that the voltage at the contact part Kl is not sufficient to cause an arc, even though the full supply voltage is now present (e.g., between 200 and max. 1000 V). However, the current is preferably limited to less than 1 A by the provision of the current-limiting element RL.

[0041] Typical values ​​for the current-limiting element are 0.5 to 1 kβ at a device power of 100 W (i.e., the power of a converter supplied via the holding adapter). This limits the current to less than 2 A (without load). The voltage drop with load is max. 150 V (at a DC supply voltage of 400 V, 100 W device power, and 500 β current-limiting element RL). Typically, the voltage drop is only 50 V (at a 1000 V DC supply, 100 W device power, and 500 β current-limiting element). This prevents the formation of a stable arc and limits the energy due to sparking to a safe level.

[0042] The invention is thus distinguished by the fact that, in a rotary adapter 5 of such busbar systems, a double contact is provided for the same pole (or for both poles in the case of DC voltage). A current-limiting element RL is provided for the leading (first contacting) contact part. Thus, closing occurs first with reduced power consumption, and opening, i.e., separation from the associated conductor, also occurs with reduced power consumption.

[0043] The implementation is such that both contact parts are arranged at the same contact height, i.e. the same height with respect to the axis of rotation of the holding adapter 5, in order to contact the same conductor 6 in the busbar 1.

Claims

Claims:

1. Rotatable holding adapter (5) for detachable electrical connection with conductors in a DC busbar (1) and mechanical mounting in the DC busbar (1), wherein the holding adapter (5) has connection contacts for rotary contacting of conductors (6) of the DC busbar (1), wherein the holding adapter (5) has two preferably spatially separated associated contact parts (K1, K2) for at least one pole of the DC supply.

2. Rotatable holding adapter according to claim 1, wherein the two contact parts (Kl, K2) are internally connected with different impedances.

3. Rotatable holding adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two contact parts (Ki, K2) are internally connected to one another by means of a current limiting element (RL).

4. Rotatable holding adapter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two contact parts (Ki, K2) are arranged at the same height with respect to the axis of rotation of the holding adapter (5), but angularly offset.

5. System comprising: a DC voltage supply preferably with an amplitude in the range of 200 V to 1000 V, a busbar (1) supplied from the DC voltage supply, a rotatable holding adapter, preferably according to one of the preceding claims, for detachable electrical connection to conductors (6) in the busbar and mechanical mounting in the busbar (1), wherein the holding adapter has two associated contact parts (Ki, K2) for at least one pole of the DC supply, which are designed to contact the associated conductor in the busbar at different times, preferably during a rotational movement of the holding adapter (5).

6. System according to claim 5, wherein the first contacting contact part (K1) is internally connected with a higher resistance than the delayed contact part (K2). 7- System according to one of claims 5 or 6, further comprising a luminaire held and electrically supplied by means of the holding adapter (5), comprising an operating device and lighting means electrically supplied by means of the operating device.

8. System according to claim 7, wherein the operating device has a current limit.

9. Method for contacting a DC conductor of a busbar of a system, which has: a DC voltage supply, preferably with an amplitude in the range from 200 V to 1000 V, a busbar (1) supplied from the DC voltage supply, a rotatable holding adapter (5), preferably according to one of claims 1 to 4, for detachable electrical connection to conductors (6) in the busbar (1) and mechanical holding in the busbar (1), comprising the step that the holding adapter (5) contacts a pole of the DC supply by means of two associated contact parts (Ki, K2) of the holding adapter (5), which contact the associated conductor in the busbar (1) at different times, preferably during a rotary movement of the holding adapter (5).

10. A method for releasing the contact of a DC conductor of a busbar of a system, which has: a DC voltage supply, preferably with an amplitude in the range of 200 V to 1000 V, a busbar (1) supplied from the DC voltage supply, a rotatable holding adapter (5), preferably according to one of claims 1 to 4, for detachable electrical connection to conductors (6) in the busbar (1) and mechanical holding in the busbar (1), comprising the step that the holding adapter (5) contacts a pole of the DC supply by means of two associated contact parts (Ki, K2) of the holding adapter (5), which are released from the associated conductor in the busbar (1) at different times, preferably in the course of a separating rotary movement of the holding adapter (5).

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