An electronic driver

Abstract

A mechanism for switching an electronic device (100) from a compliance testing enabled state to a protection enabled state. An electrically insulating material (145) is positioned with a protection circuit (130) to prevent the protection circuit (130) from performing a protection function which interferes with the compliance test(s), thereby allowing one or more compliance tests to be performed. The electrically insulating material (145) is removable from the electronic device (100) to, after removal, permit the protection circuit (130) to perform the protection function.

Description

[0001] 2024PF80306

[0002] 1

[0003] AN ELECTRONIC DRIVER

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to the field of electronic drivers.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] There are a wide variety of electronic drivers that are used in the field of electrical engineering. Typically, an electronic driver will convert an input AC signal into a DC signal for driving a load, such as an LED arrangement. It is common for electronic drivers to include one or more protection circuits to protect against undesirable events on the input AC signal, e.g., to perform surge protection and / or overvoltage protection.

[0008] One known example protection circuit is a surge clamp, e.g., comprising a spark gap. This is particularly useful in non-isolated electronic drivers. A surge clamp (e.g., a spark gap) typically connects an input terminal of the electronic driver to a protective ground. When a surge occurs at the input terminal, e.g., an input common mode surge voltage, the surge clamp conducts the surging voltage to the protective ground.

[0009] However, it has been recognized that some desirable compliance test functions for an electronic driver, such as a high potential (hipot) test (also known as a dielectric withstand test), require the application of a large voltage to the electronic driver and this large voltage should be kept on the electronic driver without collapsing. During the test, however, the application of the high voltage could cause the above-mentioned surge clamp to undesirably activate and shunt the high voltage to the protective ground, thereby making the high voltage collapse and causing the electronic driver to erroneously fail the compliance test.

[0010] There is therefore a demand to allow a protection circuit to be disengaged or deactivated, at least to perform the test function(s) on the electronic driver without undesirably activating the protection circuit.

[0011] One known approach for achieving this demand is suggested by the Chinese Patent Application having publication number CN 204272449 U. In this known approach, the protection circuit is selectively connected to a housing defining a protective ground via an insertable pin. The pin can be pulled out to disengage the protection circuit (by disconnecting 2024PF80306

[0012] 2 it from the protective ground) and inserted to re-engage the protection circuit (by connecting it to the protective ground).

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] One disadvantage to existing electronic circuits with a protective circuit that may be deactivated is the requirement for significant manual intervention. In particular, as exemplified by CN 204272449 U, there is a need for a user to manually move a conductive element to deactivate and activate the protection circuit. There is a risk that the operator or user may forget to reconnect the protection circuit, resulting in a risk of arcing or other reliability issues. US2020375042A1 discloses a similar technology by using a detachable jumper. DE102015016232A1 discloses a similar technology using a switch element. Those technologies need to move a conductive element also require the operator or user to interact with conductive elements of the electronic circuit, is very labor expensive and potentially exposing the operator to electrical current. US4340853 Al discloses having an insulated ground wire not connected during hi-pot test and thereafter the insulation is stripped away and a plug is inserted in a counterbore against the bare wire to effectively complete the ground path to the housing. The US4340853A1 is very labor expensive because it needs a person to strip the insulation and insert the plug.

[0015] The present disclosure provides an improved mechanism for switching a protection circuit from a deactivated state (to allow compliance functionality of the electronic device to be tested) and an activated state (for normal operating conditions). An electrically insulating material is positioned to electrically isolate the protection circuit from the power supply circuit of the electronic device and / or a protective earth. This prevents the protection circuit from being activated when the electrically insulating material is in such a position. Therefore, the electronic device is able to withstand a high voltage potential since it is electrically isolated from the protective earth and there is no active discharge component to shunt the high voltage potential to the protective earth, such that the electronic device is able to pass the compliance test. The electrically insulating material is removable such that, upon removal, the protection circuit forms an electrical connection between the supply circuit of the electronic device and the protective earth to thereby activate the protective functionality of the protection circuit. In this way, removal of the electrically insulating material switches the protection circuit from a deactivated state to an activated state.

[0016] The proposed approach is the opposite to the existing techniques, which include only adding material to form a connection. The proposed solution instead suggests pulling out 2024PF80306

[0017] 3 or removing an insulation material to activate the protection functionality. The use of the insulation material also provides additional protection, e.g., to function as an insulation glove to protect human from electrical shock and / or protect circuitry from connecting to a high voltage (e.g., via a common shared ground). The applicant further believes that in the art of power electronics, it is common knowledge to use insulation material to provide a protection function when it is in place, instead of being removed. Whereas in the present application, the insulation material serves to activate the protection circuit when the insulation material has been removed, and this principle is opposite from the above common knowledge in the art.

[0018] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0019] In accordance with a proposed approach, there is provided an electronic driver comprising: a conductive element defining a protective earth; a power supply circuit; a protection circuit configured to provide a protection function for the electronic driver, wherein the protection circuit is positioned between the power supply circuit and the conductive element; and an electrically insulating material removably positioned with the protection circuit between the power supply circuit and the conductive element.

[0020] The electrically insulating material is adapted to, when positioned with the protection circuit, isolate the protection circuit from the conductive element or the power supply circuit, thereby preventing the protection circuit from interfering with a compliance function of the electronic driver and activating the compliance function. The electrically insulating material is also configured to, when removed by a manipulation external to the electronic driver, cause the protection circuit to connect the power supply circuit to the conductive element, thereby activating the protection function.

[0021] The present disclosure provides an electronic driver with a removable piece of electrically isolating material. The electrically isolating material, when located in the electronic driver, functions to deactivate a protection circuit configured to perform a protection function (when activated). This allows for the performance of one or more compliance tests with which the protection function, if not deactivated by the presence of the electrically insulating material, may otherwise inadvertently interfere.

[0022] By incorporating a removable electrically insulating material, the electronic device may be effectively switched from a (compliance) testing mode and a normal operation mode (e.g., protection function enabled mode) without requiring complex internal modifications.

[0023] Manipulating the electrically insulating material is also safer for the operator, e.g., compared to a conductive component. 2024PF80306

[0024] 4

[0025] In a first alternative solution, the electronic driver comprises a biasing element configured to bias the electrically insulating material between the protection circuit and the power supply circuit and / or between the protection circuit and the conductive element. A technical effect of this technical feature is securing the electrically insulating material in place via biasing it between two structures and provide the insulation there between, so as to pass the compliance test. Otherwise if the biasing element does not bias the electrically insulating material between the protection circuit and the power supply circuit and / or between the protection circuit and the conductive element, the electrically insulating material may lost or displace during transportation, movement, installation, and the power supply circuit, the protection circuit and the conductive element may unintentionally electrically connect with each other, and make the driver unable to pass the compliance test. In this case, doing a compliance test may even damage the protection circuit because the compliance test may apply a very high potential which the protection circuit is not able to handle. Even more, the biasing element also makes the electrically connection among the power supply circuit, the protection circuit, and the conductive element better, after the electrically insulating material is removed. Thus this first alternative solution gives the biasing element the above double functions.

[0026] In a second alternative solution, the electronic driver further comprises a mounting structure adapted to secure the electronic driver to an external structure, and the electrically insulating material is configured to, when positioned with the protection circuit, prevent the mounting structure from being able to secure the electronic driver to the external structure. A technical effect of ensuring the protection is activated upon installation and prevent human mistake / forgetting to remove the electrically insulating material.

[0027] In some embodiments, the protection circuit comprises a surge protection circuit and the protection function is a surge protection function. Incorporating a surge protection circuit provides enhanced protection against voltage spikes, improving the overall reliability and longevity of the electronic driver.

[0028] In some embodiments, the protection circuit comprises a spark gap. The use of a spark gap offers rapid and robust response to overvoltage events, providing effective protection against sudden electrical surges.

[0029] In some embodiments, the protection circuit is adapted to be deactivated when the electrically insulating material is positioned with the protection circuit. This feature allows for complete isolation of the protection circuit, thereby isolating the power supply circuit and the protective earth via the protection circuit, during compliance testing, ensuring accurate test pass without interference from the protection circuit. 2024PF80306

[0030] 5

[0031] In some embodiments, when the electrically insulating material is positioned with the protection circuit, the protection circuit is disconnected from the conductive element to allow the compliance test of the electronic driver to be performed. Optionally, the electrically insulating material, when removed, is adapted to deactivate the ability to pass the compliance test. This arrangement allows for comprehensive compliance test without interference from the protection circuit, while ensuring that the protection function is activated during normal operation. Optionally, since the activated protection circuit is usually unable to withstand the compliance test, the ability to pass the compliance test is inherently deactivated. Anyway, the compliance test is only done once and then insulating material is removed, so it does not matter.

[0032] In some embodiments, the compliance test is a voltage withstand test, and the test of the compliance function comprises a high potential test or a dielectric withstand test. Use of a voltage withstand test ensures that the electronic driver meets safety standards for electrical insulation.

[0033] The electrically insulating material, when in place, is for preventing the protection circuit from pulling a high potential of the high potential test or a high dielectric potential of the dielectric withstand test to the protective earth thereby preventing the electrically insulating material from interfering with the high potential test or the dielectric withstand test.

[0034] In other words, the electrically insulating material (when positioned with the protection circuit and between the power supply circuit and the conductive element) will, when a high potential test is performed, prevent the protection circuit from shunting a high potential of the high potential test voltage to the protective earth, which would otherwise interfere with the high potential test.

[0035] Similarly, the electrically insulating material (when positioned with the protection circuit and between the power supply circuit and the conductive element) will, when a dielectric withstand test is performed, prevent the protection circuit from shunting a high dielectric voltage of the dielectric withstand test to the protective earth, which would otherwise interfere with the dielectric withstand test.

[0036] In some embodiments, after the compliance test of the electronic driver is correctly performed, the electrically insulating material is adapted to be removed away from between the protection circuit and the conductive element, and the protection circuit is adapted to be connected to the conductive element and the power supply circuit. This approach ensures that the protection function is activated after successful compliance testing, thus the requirements on both of the compliance function and the protection function are met. 2024PF80306

[0037] 6

[0038] In some embodiments, the conductive element comprises a housing for the electronic driver. Utilizing the housing as the conductive element simplifies the design and reduces the number of components, while still providing effective protective earthing.

[0039] In some embodiments, when the electronic driver (100) comprises the biasing element, the electronic driver comprises a connecting arrangement connected, in series with the protection circuit, between the power supply circuit and the protective earth. The connecting arrangement comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element, with the electrically insulating material positioned between them. The biasing element is configured to bias at least one of the first and second connecting elements towards the electrically insulating material and other one of the first and the second connecting elements. This arrangement ensures an automatic and secure connection when the electrically insulating material is removed, while allowing for easy removal of the electrically insulating material for activating the protection circuit purposes.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element is adapted to form as the biasing element. Integrating the biasing element into the first and / or second connecting element reduces the number of components, simplifying manufacturing and assembly.

[0041] In some embodiments, the biasing element comprises a conductive spring biased towards the electrically insulating material and at least one of the first and second connecting elements. The use of a conductive spring provides reliable contact pressure and ensures good electrical connectivity when the electrically insulating material is removed. This provides a more reliable electronic driver.

[0042] In some embodiments, when the electrically insulating material is configured to, when positioned with the protection circuit, prevent the mounting structure from being able to secure the electronic driver to the external structure. This configuration for the electronic device causes the electrically insulating material to act as a safeguard, ensuring that the electronic driver cannot be (easily) installed without first removing the insulating material and activating the protection function. This would notify the operator not to forget to remove the insulating material when the operator assembles the electronic driver to the external structure.

[0043] In some embodiments, the mounting structure comprises an aperture configured to receive a securing member for securing the mounting structure to the external structure. The electrically insulating material may be configured to, when positioned with the protection circuit, block the aperture of the mounting structure. By physically blocking the mounting aperture, this configuration provides a visual and tactile indication that the insulating material 2024PF80306

[0044] 7 is still in place, reducing the risk of improper installation and / or a failure to activate the protection function.

[0045] In accordance with another proposed approach, there is provided a method of manufacturing an electronic appliance comprising the electronic driver. The method comprises: assembling the electronic driver into the electronic appliance; when the electrically insulating material is positioned with the protection circuit and between the power supply circuit and the conductive element, performing the test of the compliance function; and after performing the test of the compliance function, removing the electrically insulating material. Integrating the testing method into the manufacturing process of the electronic appliance ensures that each product meets both compliance and protection requirements before operation, enhancing overall product quality and safety.

[0046] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

[0047] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a proposed electronic driver;

[0050] Figure 2 illustrates an example connection arrangement;

[0051] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a portion of a proposed electronic appliance; and Figure 5 illustrates a proposed method.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0053] The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.

[0054] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts. 2024PF80306

[0055] 8

[0056] The invention provides a mechanism for switching an electronic device from a compliance testing-enabled state to a protection-enabled state. An electrically insulating material is positioned with a protection circuit to prevent the protection circuit from performing a protection function which interferes with the compliance test, thereby allowing one or more compliance tests to be performed. The electrically insulating material is removable from the electronic device to, after removal, permit the protection circuit to perform the protection function.

[0057] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a proposed electronic driver 100. The electronic driver comprises a conductive element Gl, a power supply circuit 110, a protection circuit 130 and an electronically insulating material 145.

[0058] The conductive element Gl defines a protective earth for the electronic driver 100. The conductive element Gl may, for instance, be at least partially formed from a housing of the electronic driver 100 and / or an electronic appliance 10 in which the electronic driver 100 is positioned.

[0059] The power supply circuit 110 is configured to generate a supply power POUT for a load 190, e.g., an LED arrangement or the like. In particular, the power supply circuit 110 may be configured to receive, as input, an input power PIN (e.g., from a mains power supply or similar such as emergency DC supply) and provide, as output, the supply power POUT for the load 190.

[0060] The power supply circuit 110 may, for instance, comprise a filtering circuit 111 and a converter 112. The filtering circuit 111 may be configured or designed for performing EMI filtering of an input power PIN provided at an input interface 115. The converter 112 may be configured to convert the (filtered) input power PIN into the supply power POUT, e.g., provided at an output interface. Suitable examples of converters are well known in the art, such as buck converters, boost converters, buck-boost converters, flyback converters, and forward converters. The precise configuration of the converter is immaterial to the herein proposed approach.

[0061] The input power PIN may be provided between two power lines, e.g., a live power line L and a neutral power line N. These terminate at respective input terminals of the input interface 115 for the power supply circuit 110.

[0062] In some examples, the power supply circuit 110 may comprise further additional filter circuitry, e.g., a high pass filter Cl (in the form of a capacitor or Y capacitor), for attenuating noise or EMI in the input power PIN. 2024PF80306

[0063] 9

[0064] The electronic driver further comprises a protection circuit 130. The protection circuit 130 is positioned between the power supply circuit 110 and the conductive element Gl. When the protection circuit 130 (electrically) connects the power supply circuit 110 to the conductive element Gl, it performs a protection function for the electronic driver - such as an overvoltage protection function and / or surge protection function.

[0065] By way of example, the protection circuit 130 may comprise or define a spark gap or spark / gas discharge tube (GDT). The spark gap, when electrically connected between the conductive element Gl and the remainder of the power supply circuit, provides surge protection by conducting excessive voltage at the power supply circuit to the protective earth defined by the conductive element Gl. This helps protect sensitive components in the power supply circuit 110 from damage due to voltage surges, i.e., provides a surge protection function.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the protection circuit 130 may comprise a metal oxide varistor or other voltage clamping component ordinary for common mode (CM) surge protection configured to, when electrically connected between the conductive element Gl and the electronic power supply, provide overvoltage protection by clamping the voltage of the input power PIN provided to the power supply circuit 110.

[0067] Other suitable examples of protection circuits will be readily apparent to the skilled person.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the protection circuit is connected between the input interface 115 of the power supply circuit 110 and the conductive element Gl, e.g., between a neutral line N and the conductive element Gl . However, other positions or locations for the protection circuit will be apparent to the skilled person, e.g., dependent upon the design of the power supply circuit 110, the components of said circuit 110 and / or the protection function of the protection circuit. For example, the protection circuit can be additionally or alternatively connected to the live line L. The implementation of the (surge) protection circuit 130 and its connection with the rest of the electronic driver is various and common for those skilled in the art.

[0069] The present disclosure proposes to position an electrically insulating material 145 with the protection circuit 130 and between the power supply circuit and the conductive element Gl. When the electrically insulating material 145 is in place, it electrically isolates the protection circuit 130 from the conductive element Gl or the power supply circuit 110 thereby isolating the power supply circuit 110 from the conductive element Gl with respect to the protection circuit 130. This electrical isolation thereby prevents the protection circuit 130 from performing its protection function. This isolation allows one or more compliance tests (such as 2024PF80306

[0070] 10 a high potential (hipot) test, dielectric withstand test or similar) to be performed on the electronic driver 100 without interference from the protection circuit 130. If the electrically insulating material 145 is not in place, when a high potential or dielectric voltage is applied to the electronic driver, this high voltage will be applied across the protection circuit 130 and break it down, and the high volage will be clamped to the protective earth thereby collapsing, making the hipot test or dielectric withstand test fail.

[0071] The electrically insulating material 145 is configured to be removable by a manipulation external to the electronic driver 100, e.g., a manual manipulation or removal. For example, the electrically insulating material 145 may be accessible through an opening in the housing of the electronic driver 100, if present, or exposed outside of the housing (e.g., protrude out of the housing). This allows the electrically insulating material 145 to be removed after compliance testing, thereby enabling the protection function of the protection circuit 130.

[0072] It will therefore be apparent that the protection circuit 130 is adapted to be deactivated or non-functional when the electrically insulating material 145 is positioned between the protection circuit and the conductive element.

[0073] In this way, removal of the electrically insulating material switches the protection circuit from a deactivated state (in which it is unable to perform the protection function) to an activated state (in which it is able to perform the protection function).

[0074] The electrically insulating material 145 may be formed from any suitable material, such as paper, plastic, rubber, or other non-conductive materials (e.g., non-metals).

[0075] In this context, the term "electrically insulating material" refers to a material or substance that does not allow or significantly impedes the flow of electric current through it, i.e., has a relatively high electrical resistivity. In practice, a material may be considered electrically insulating if its electrical resistivity exceeds a predetermined threshold, typically around 108or higher. However, the value of the predetermined threshold may vary depending on the specific application and industry standards.

[0076] The electrically insulating material 145 may be in the form of a thin sheet, strip, or other suitable shape that can be easily removed from the electronic driver.

[0077] Preferably, the electrically insulating material 145 is disposable, e.g., detachable from the electronic device. In some examples, the electrically insulating material 145 is recyclable and / or compostable, for reduced environmental impact. In some examples, the electrically insulating material 145 is formed from a plant-based material (e.g., paper, pulp or wood) for reduced environmental impact. 2024PF80306

[0078] 11

[0079] In some examples, the electrically insulating material 145 may be shaped to have a gripping portion suitable (e.g., in size and / or shape) for being held between fingers or a finger and thumb of an individual to increase an ease in manual removal of the electrically insulating material.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the electrically insulating material 145 is positioned between the protection circuit 130 and the conductive element Gl. However, in other examples, the electrically insulating material 145 is positioned between the power supply circuit 110 and the protection circuit 130. In both cases, the electrically insulating material 145 prevents an electrical connection from forming between the power supply circuit 110 and the conductive element Gl via the protection circuit 130.

[0081] The electrically insulating material 145 may be placed within a connecting arrangement 140 connected, in series with the protection circuit, between the power supply circuit 110 and the protective earth Gl. The connecting arrangement 140 comprises a first connecting element 141 and a second connecting element 142, which are both electrically conductive. The electrically insulating material 145 is positioned between the first connecting element 141 and the second connecting element 142. The electrically insulating material (when positioned therebetween) prevents an electrical connection from forming between the first connecting element 141 and the second connecting element 142. Thus, when the electrically insulating material 145 is positioned between the connecting elements 141, 142, the connecting arrangement 140 is unable to conduct power, thereby electrically isolating the protection circuit 130 from the conductive element Gl or the power supply circuit 110.

[0082] In the illustrated example, the connecting arrangement 140 is positioned between the protection circuit 130 and the conductive element Gl. This advantageously allows the second connecting element to be mounted directly to the conductive element (e.g., the housing), for improved structural support of the second connecting element.

[0083] However, in other examples, the connecting arrangement 140 is positioned between the power supply circuit 110 and the protection circuit 130.

[0084] The illustrated electronic driver 100 comprises a biasing element configured to (physically or positionally) bias the first connecting element 141 to the second connecting element 142, or vice versa. In this way, when the electrically insulating material is removed, the biasing element will push the first and second connecting elements together to thereby electrically connect the first connecting element 141 to the second connecting element 132 (and vice versa) to cause the connecting arrangement 140 to conduct power. This effectively activates the protection circuit 130. 2024PF80306

[0085] 12

[0086] The biasing force of the first connecting element 141 towards the second connecting element 142 (or vice versa) may be calibrated to provide sufficient contact pressure for a reliable electrical connection when the electrically insulating material is removed, while not being so strong as to make removal of the electrically insulating material difficult.

[0087] In one example, as illustrated, the biasing element is formed from one of the first connecting element 141 and the second connecting element 142. More particularly, the biasing element may be defined by forming the first connecting element 141 or the second connecting element 142 as a conductive spring biased towards the other one of the first connecting element 141 and the second connecting element 142.

[0088] In the illustrated example, the first connecting element 141 is formed from a conductive spring (here: taking a similar shape to a leaf spring) that is biased towards the second connecting element 142.

[0089] In some examples, the second connecting element 142 is directly connected to or integrated with the conductive element Gl. More particularly, the second connecting element 142 may (effectively) form a part of the conductive element (e.g., a part of the housing). In the illustrated example, the second connecting element 142 is directly connected to the conductive element, e.g., forms part of the conductive element Gl.

[0090] Other suitable configurations for the connecting arrangement will be apparent to the skilled person.

[0091] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an alternative design for the connecting arrangement 240. In this example, the first connecting element 241 and the second connecting element 242 take the form of facing (conductive) plates, which are biased towards one another by one or more (e.g., coil) springs 249 or other biasing members (e.g., compressed rubber or the like). The electrically insulating material 245 is positioned between the two plates such that, when removed, the two plates are biased towards one another so that they come into contact with one another to cause the connecting arrangement to become electrically conductive.

[0092] Turning back to Figure 1, there is also proposed an electronic appliance 10 comprising the electronic driver 100 and the load 190. By way of example, the electronic appliance 10 may be a luminaire, in which the load 190 is a lighting element such as an LED arrangement or similar.

[0093] In some cases, the electronic driver 100 may include a mounting structure adapted to secure the electronic driver 100 to an external structure. The electrically insulating material 145 may be configured to, when positioned between the protection circuit 130 and the 2024PF80306

[0094] 13 conductive element Gl, prevent the mounting structure from being able to secure the electronic driver 100 to the external structure. This functions as a visual indicator or physical shield to ensure the electrically insulating material 145 is removed before final installation of the electronic driver 100.

[0095] Figure 3 illustrates a portion of an example electronic appliance 30 comprising the herein proposed electronic driver 100 with a mounting structure.

[0096] The electronic driver 100 comprises the conductive element, a power supply circuit, a protection circuit and an electronically insulating material 145.

[0097] In this approach, the electronic appliance 30 comprises a housing 310 for the electronic driver. The housing has a mounting structure 315 adapted to secure the electronic driver to an external structure. Here, the mounting structure 315 is embodied as a screw hole having bounds configured to engage with a screw. The electrically insulating material 145 is configured to cover or shield the screw hole, such that (to install the electronic appliance to a surface) the electrically insulating material 145 must be removed before the screw hole is exposed for engagement with a corresponding screw.

[0098] The conductive element (not visible) may directly connect to or be formed from the housing 310.

[0099] Other forms of mounting structures will be readily apparent to the skilled person. For instance, the mounting structure may comprise a clip, hook, bracket, or other fastening mechanism adapted to secure the electronic driver / appliance to an external structure. The electrically insulating material 145 may be configured to interfere with or block the operation of such mounting structures until removed, ensuring the protection circuit is properly connected and activated before final installation.

[0100] As illustrated in Figure 3, the electrically insulating material may be shaped to have a gripping portion 146 suitable (e.g., in size and / or shape) for being held between fingers or a finger and thumb of an individual to increase an ease in manual removal of the electrically insulating material.

[0101] In some examples, the gripping portion 146 forms part of the electrically insulating material that is configured to interfere with or block the operation of such mounting structures until the electrically insulating material is removed.

[0102] The illustrated electronic driver 100 comprises the connecting arrangement 140 comprising a first connecting element 141 and a second connecting element 142, which are separated by the electrically insulating material 145. The first connecting element 141 takes 2024PF80306

[0103] 14 the form of a spring (e.g., a leaf spring) that is biased towards the second connecting element 142.

[0104] Figure 4 illustrates the same portion of the example electronic appliance 30 that comprises the herein proposed electronic driver 100 after the electrically insulating material 145 has been removed.

[0105] In the example illustrated by Figure 4, when the electrically insulating material 145 is removed from between the first connecting element 141 and the second connecting element 142, the two connecting elements come into contact with one another, thereby causing the connecting arrangement 140 to become conductive. This electrically connects the power supply circuit to the conductive element via the connecting arrangement 140.

[0106] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method 500 for manufacturing a proposed electronic appliance, which includes a proposed method 550 for testing a proposed electronic device.

[0107] The method 500 comprises a step 510 of assembling the electronic driver into the electronic appliance. This may comprise, for instance, fitting the electronic driver into a housing for the electronic appliance.

[0108] The method 500 also comprises performing a method 550 for testing the electronic driver, which is itself a proposed embodiment.

[0109] The method 500 comprises a step 551 of, when the electrically insulating material is positioned between the protection circuit and the conductive element, performing the test of the compliance function, e.g., performing a High Potential (hipot) Test or dielectric withstand test. Other suitable examples of compliance functions and mechanisms for testing a compliance function are well known in the art, such as ground continuity tests, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests or electronic standards tests. In some cases, test equipment may be configured to automatically perform the test of the compliance function, as well as to detect and record any failures or anomalies during the test procedure.

[0110] As an example, step 551 may comprise supplying a high voltage to an input interface of the electronic driver. This functions to perform a stress test, known as a hipot test, on the dielectric properties of components of the electronic driver. The test may include monitoring for any excessive current flow or breakdown that would indicate dielectric failure.

[0111] During the test of the compliance function, the electrically insulating material acts to prevent the protection circuit from activating prematurely. This allows for an accurate assessment of the electronic driver's insulation properties without interference from the protection circuit. 2024PF80306

[0112] 15

[0113] Method 550 also comprises a step 552 of, after performing the test of the compliance function, removing the electrically insulating material. This is performed using a manipulation external to the electronic device, e.g., a manual manipulation or removal of the electrically insulating material.

[0114] The electrically insulating material may be disposed after removal from the electronic device. Thus, step 552 may comprise disposing the electrically insulating material.

[0115] For normal application, the manufacturing procedure has completed and a protection (surge) test is not carried out in the manufacturing process (since it would shorten the lifetime of the protection circuit).

[0116] For some critical applications, the method 550 may further comprise a step 553, after removing the electrically insulating material, performing a test of the protection function. This may be performed by configuring the electronic driver to be in a state in which the protection function should activate, e.g., applying a high voltage to cause the protection circuit to activate. The precise nature of the test of the protection function will, of course, be dependent upon the precise property or nature of the protection function provided by the protection circuit.

[0117] The method 500 or method 550 may comprise one or more further steps to assemble the electronic device, e.g., providing a cover for enclosing the electronic device, securing the housing for the electronic device together and so on.

[0118] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude plurality.

[0119] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0120] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0121] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

2024PF8030616CLAIMS:

1. An electronic driver (100) comprising: a conductive element (Gl) defining a protective earth; a power supply circuit (110); a protection circuit (130) configured to provide a protection function for the electronic driver, wherein the protection circuit is adapted to connect in series between the power supply circuit and the conductive element; and an electrically insulating material (145, 245) removably positioned with the protection circuit in a way that between the protection circuit and the power supply circuit and / or between the protection circuit and the conductive element, the electrically insulating material being adapted to: when positioned with the protection circuit, insulate the protection circuit from the conductive element or the power supply circuit, thereby preventing the protection circuit from interfering with an ability to pass a compliance test of the electronic driver thereby activating the ability to pass the compliance test; and when removed by a manipulation external to the electronic driver, cause the protection circuit to connect the power supply circuit to the conductive element thereby activating the protection function; wherein the electronic driver (100) comprises a biasing element (249) configured to bias the electrically insulating material (145, 245) between the protection circuit and the power supply circuit and / or between the protection circuit and the conductive element; and / or wherein the electronic driver (100) further comprising a mounting structure (315) adapted to secure the electronic driver to an external structure, and the electrically insulating material (145) is configured to, when positioned with the protection circuit, prevent the mounting structure from being able to secure the electronic driver to the external structure.

2. The electronic driver (100) of claim 1, wherein the protection circuit comprises a surge protection circuit and the protection function is a surge protection function.2024PF80306173. The electronic driver (100) of claim 2, wherein the protection circuit comprises a spark gap.

4. The electronic driver (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protection circuit is adapted to be deactivated when the electrically insulating material is positioned with the protection circuit.

5. The electronic driver (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the electrically insulating material is positioned with the protection circuit, the protection circuit is disconnected from the conductive element to allow the compliance test of the electronic driver to be performed, optionally, the electrically insulating material, when removed, is adapted to deactivate the ability to pass the compliance test.

6. The electronic driver (100) of claim 5, wherein the compliance test is a voltage withstand test, and the compliance test comprises a high potential test or a dielectric withstand test, and the electrically insulating material, when positioned with the protection circuit between the power supply circuit and the conductive element, is adapted for preventing the protection circuit from pulling a high potential of the high potential test or a high dielectric potential of the dielectric withstand test to the protective earth thereby preventing the electrically insulating material from interfering with the high potential test or the dielectric withstand test.

7. The electronic driver (100) of claim 5 or 6, wherein after the compliance test of the electronic driver is correctly performed, the electrically insulating material is adapted to be removed away from the protection circuit, and the protection circuit is adapted to be connected to the conductive element and the power supply circuit.

8. The electronic driver (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the conductive element (Gl) comprises a housing (310) for the electronic driver.

9. The electronic driver (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the electronic driver (100) comprises the biasing element,2024PF8030618 the electronic driver comprises a connecting arrangement (140, 240) connected, in series with the protection circuit, between the power supply circuit and the protective earth, the connecting arrangement comprising a first connecting element (141, 241) and a second connecting element (142, 242); the electrically insulating material (145, 245) is positioned between the first connecting element and the second connecting element; and the biasing element (249) is configured to bias at least one of the first and second connecting elements towards the electrically insulating material (145, 245) and the other one of the first and second connecting elements.

10. The electronic driver (100) of claim 9, wherein the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element is adapted to form as the biasing element.

11. The electronic driver (100) of claim 9 or 10, wherein the biasing element comprises a conductive spring biased towards the electrically insulating material (145, 245) and at least one of the first and second connecting elements.

12. The electronic driver (100) of claim l,when the electrically insulating material (145) is configured to, when positioned with the protection circuit, prevent the mounting structure from being able to secure the electronic driver to the external structure, is adapted to act as a safeguard to ensure that the electronic driver cannot be installed to the external structure without first removing the electrically insulating material and activating the protection function.

13. The electronic driver (100) of claim 12, wherein: the mounting structure (315) comprises an aperture configured to receive a securing member for securing the mounting structure to the external structure; and the electrically insulating material (145) is configured to, when positioned with the protection circuit, block the aperture of the mounting structure.

14. A method (500) of manufacturing an electronic appliance (100) comprising the electronic driver of any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: assembling (510) the electronic driver into the electronic appliance; and2024PF8030619 when the electrically insulating material is positioned with the protection circuit and between the power supply circuit and the conductive element, performing (551) the compliance test; and after performing the compliance test, removing (552) the electrically insulating material.

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