Holding adapter with touch switch for DC busbar

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding adapter (1) having a plurality of contacts which are designed for releasable electrical connection to DC voltage-carrying conductors in a busbar, wherein the holding adapter has a touch switch (2) which electrically connects at least one of the contacts internally in the holding adapter (1) by making mechanical contact with the busbar only if the contact has previously come into contact with the associated conductor during the connecting movement of the holding adapter (1).

Description

[0001] HOLDING ADAPTER WITH TOUCH SWITCH FOR DC POWER RAIL

[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 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.

[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 in the busbar can be positioned at least partially exposed in the side panels of the profile and / or in the base of the profile for contacting.

[0008] A system 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 retaining adapter for detachable electrical connection to conductors in the busbar, and a mechanical retainer in the busbar. A retaining adapter for detachable electrical connection to conductors in the busbar and a mechanical retainer in a DC busbar has connection contacts for rotary contacting of DC conductors of the DC busbar.

[0009] 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 less than 1 kilovolt, 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.

[0010] However, the invention also relates specifically to a holding adapter designed for DC supply.

[0011] 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.

[0012] More specifically, the invention relates to reducing the risk of sparking or arcing.

[0013] A first aspect relates to a system comprising:

[0014] A DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range of 200 V to 1000 V,

[0015] A power rail supplied from the DC power supply,

[0016] A holding adapter with a plurality of contacts that are designed for releasable electrical connection to conductors carrying DC voltage in the busbar, wherein the holding adapter has a touch switch that, through mechanical contact with the busbar, only electrically connects at least one of the contacts internally in the holding adapter when the contact has previously come into contact with the associated conductor during the connecting movement of the holding adapter. A second aspect relates to a holding adapter with a plurality of contacts that are designed for releasable electrical connection to conductors carrying DC voltage in a busbar, wherein the holding adapter has a touch switch that, through mechanical contact with the busbar, only electrically connects at least one of the contacts internally in the holding adapter when the contact has previously come into contact with the associated conductor during the connecting movement of the holding adapter.

[0017] Further details of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] An adapter, for example, is an accessory used in conjunction with the 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 offer various connection options such as sockets, terminals, or special connectors that enable a simple and secure connection.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] The basic idea of ​​the present invention is that a touch switch (preferably on the side of the holding adapter, but in principle also on the side of the busbar) is provided, which conductively connects at least one pole of the DC voltage internally in the holding adapter (or alternatively, a conductor of the busbar) if, during the approach movement between the contacts of the holding adapter and the conductors of the busbar, the contacts have already securely contacted the conductors. After this contact between the contacts of the holding adapter and the conductors, the holding adapter is designed such that it can be further mechanically rotated, whereby this further mechanical rotation triggers the activation of the touch switch, which can be a microswitch, for example.

[0028] A microswitch is an electrical switch comprising a movable metal lever or arm held in a specific position by a spring. When an external force is applied to the lever, the lever moves and triggers the switch.

[0029] The microswitch has two or more terminals that connect electrical wires to other components. When the switch is actuated, these terminals are either connected or disconnected, opening an electrical circuit.

[0030] According to the invention, the risk of arcing is prevented by electronically switching the DC power supply. This ensures that the contacts of the busbar tap are not live at the moment of mechanical contact or, conversely, at the moment of opening.

[0031] Furthermore, the current of any glow discharge is resistively limited to such a low level that no thermal damage can occur.

[0032] An IGBT (insulated-gate bipolar transistor) or another transistor with sufficient dielectric strength can be used as an electronic switch. This dielectric strength can be in the range of 800 to 1400, preferably 1200 volts.

[0033] Preferably, the switch does not directly switch the DC voltage supplied by the busbar, but switches an electronic switch that switches the DC voltage.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a cutaway view of a holding adapter according to the invention

[0035] Figures 2 and 4 show alternative designs of the internal circuitry of such a holding adapter, and

[0036] Figure 3 shows such a holding adapter, with its housing removed to better illustrate the PCB, transistor, and microswitch. The IGBT Ti switches at least one path, for example, the negative path of the electrical load.

[0037] The microswitch is designated by reference numeral 2 in Figure 1 and Figure 2, respectively. The IGBT Ti is controlled by this microswitch 2. The microswitch 2 is arranged such that the electrical contacts of the holding adapter (reference numeral i in Figure i) are already in sufficient contact with the conductors of the busbar before the microswitch 2 closes by continuing the rotary movement and thus controls the IGBT Ti to switch on.

[0038] The typical gate / emitter voltage of the IGBT Ti is in the range of 10 to 30 volts. To provide this control voltage, a resistive voltage divider Ri, R2 (in Figure 2) is connected upstream of the microswitch 2, which divides the DC voltage (which can, for example, be in the range between 400 and 100 volts) to the low level of the desired gate / emitter voltage of the IGBT Ti. The resulting significantly lower voltage to be switched by the microswitch 2 (compared to the DC supply voltage) allows the microswitch 2 to be miniaturized. This must now be capable of switching voltages of, for example, a maximum of 30 volts. The insulation strength of the microswitch 2 is sufficiently designed for the maximum supply voltage, which can, for example, be up to 1000 volts DC. An insulation strength of up to 1500 volts AC is preferred, which corresponds to a DC insulation strength of over 2100 volts.

[0039] To protect the gate 3 of the IGBT Ti from excessive voltage, a Zener diode ZD1 can be connected in reverse bias between the gate 3 and emitter 4 of the IGBT Ti. This Zener diode ZD1 is designed to achieve a sufficiently high gate voltage while avoiding damaging voltage at the gate.

[0040] As soon as electrical contact is established between the contacts of the holding adapter 1 and the conductors of the busbar, the voltage divider Ri, R2 is already energized (by the DC voltage DC). As long as the microswitch 2 is not yet closed (i.e. conductive), the voltage divider Ri, R2 has a higher resistance due to the lack of electrical connection of the parallel resistor R3, which is connected in parallel to gate 3 and emitter 4 when the microswitch 2 is conductive. This further reduces the maximum possible current of a glow discharge. When the microswitch 2 is conductive, this resistor R3 is connected in parallel to the resistor R2, whereby the output voltage of the voltage divider Ri, R2 is reduced to a level necessary for the gate 3 of the IGBT Ti. The voltage divider Ri, R2 is designed such that a maximum switching voltage across the microswitch 2 is not exceeded.After the microswitch 2 is switched to conductive, the IGBT Ti switches through the negative path of the electrical load (typically an operating device / converter of a lamp), so that it is supplied with electrical DC voltage.

[0041] Conversely, when the busbar tap is de-contacted (released) by rotating the holding adapter, microswitch 2 opens first, while the contact between the contacts of the holding adapter 1 and the conductors in the busbar is still maintained. Resistor R3, connected in parallel to gate 3 and emitter 4, ensures rapid discharge of the gate capacitance and rapid blocking of the IGBTT1. The current flow to the load thus collapses, and the maximum current through the mechanical contact is limited to a minimum. This current is determined by the supply voltage level and amplitude and the resistance of the series-connected resistors of the voltage divider Ri, R2.

[0042] Only after the microswitch 2 has been switched to non-conductive state does the now currentless mechanical contact between the contacts of the holding adapter 1 and the conductors in the busbar open during the further rotational movement.

[0043] As additional protection of the IGBTs Ti, a freewheeling diode Di is connected in parallel to the load.

[0044] Due to its compactness, the electronic circuit can be accommodated on a small circuit board.

[0045] Figure 4 shows an alternative design to the circuit in Figure 2. The circuit in Figure 2 has been modified with regard to the arrangement of the diodes. The freewheeling diode Di in Figure 2 is now designated D2' and has been repositioned. Diode D2' serves to protect the IGBT when using IGBTs without their own protection diode in the event of AC power supply instead of DC. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the IGBT if the luminaire is (incorrectly) mounted on an AC rail instead of a DC rail.

Claims

Claims:

1. Holding adapter (i) with a plurality of contacts which are designed for the detachable electrical connection to DC voltage-carrying conductors in a busbar, wherein the holding adapter has a touch switch (2) which, by mechanical contact with the busbar, electrically connects at least one of the contacts internally in the holding adapter (1) only when the contact has previously come into contact with the associated conductor during the connecting movement of the holding adapter (1).

2. Holding adapter according to claim 1, wherein the connecting movement is a rotational movement.

3. Holding adapter according to claim 2, which is designed such that during the rotary movement the contact first contacts the conductor of the busbar without current, before the touch switch (2) is activated by a continuation of the rotary movement.

4. Holding adapter according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an electronic switch (Ti) with a control input (3) which is controlled by the touch switch (2).

5. Holding adapter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the touch switch is a microswitch (2).

6. Holding adapter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic switch is an IGBT (Ti).

7. System comprising: a DC voltage supply with an amplitude in the range of 200 V to 1000 V, a busbar supplied from the DC voltage supply, a holding adapter (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with several contacts which are designed for detachable electrical connection with DC voltage-carrying conductors in the busbar, wherein the holding adapter (1) has a touch switch (2) which, by mechanical contact with the busbar, only internally in the holding adapter electrically connects if the contact has previously come into contact with the associated conductor during the connecting movement of the holding adapter (i).

8. System according to claim 7, further comprising a holding adapter (1) held and electrically supplied Luminaire with an operating device and light sources supplied by the operating device, preferably one or more LEDs.

Images