Modular LED light

Abstract

A modular LED light, in particular for explosive areas, has at least one LED module and one central power supply module. At least the LED module is detachably attached to a housing module. The housing module has two arrangement planes in the vertical direction, wherein at least power supply connectors for the LED lights and connection lines to the central power supply module and to the LED module are arranged in the upper arrangement plane and the LED module and a driver device on an LED module receiving element or on the central power supply module are arranged in the lower arrangement plane. The housing module has at least one LED module receiving unit that is arranged lateral to the central power supply module and in which an LED power supply interface for supplying electrical power to the LED module in its usage position is arranged in the LED module receiving element.

Claims

1. A modular LED light, for explosive areas, having at least one LED module and one central power supply module, wherein the at least one LED module is detachably attached to a housing module, the housing module having two arrangement planes spaced apart in the vertical direction, wherein power supply connectors for LED lights and connection lines to the central power supply module and to the LED module are arranged in the upper arrangement plane, and the LED module and a driver device are arranged in the lower arrangement plane, wherein the housing module has at least one LED module receiving element arranged lateral to the central power supply module, and wherein an LED power supply interface is arranged in the LED module receiving element for supplying electrical power to the at least one LED module in a usage position, the housing module including the central power supply module and the at least one LED module receiving element such that the LED power supply interface is in the housing module.

2. The modular LED light according to claim 1, wherein the at least one LED module receiving element has an LED power supply interface for arranging the at least one LED module on one side of the central power supply module, wherein the central power supply module is detachably connected to the driver device, and wherein a plurality of LEDs are arranged in the at least one LED module, on an LED conductor card.

3. The modular LED light according to claim 2, wherein a light focusing device for light distribution is associated with each LED, and the at least one LED module has a module housing made of a thermally conductive plastic material and has a cover that is transparent or translucent in the light emission direction.

4. The modular LED light according to claim 3, wherein the module housing has cooling fins and the at least one LED module has a second, shell-shaped, protective housing in which the module housing is arranged.

5. The modular LED light according to claim 4, wherein the at least one LED module is snapped into the usage position and an articulated device is embodied between the at least one LED module and housing module and the articulated device is formed between an outer edge of the housing module and a top of the protective housing, wherein there is at least one articulated device.

6. The modular LED light according to claim 5, wherein at least one articulated hook for suspending on the outer edge of the housing module of the LED module receiving element projects from the top of the protective housing, the articulated hook configures the at least one LED module to be pivoted into the usage position, wherein in the usage position an electrical connection is produced between the at least one LED module and the LED power supply interface, and wherein the protective housing is one of shock resistant and impact resistant.

7. The modular LED light according to claim 1, wherein the upper arrangement plane furthermore has continuous wiring for connecting to further LED lights, and the at least one LED module receiving element is configured for receiving one of a blind cover and a battery module.

8. The modular LED light according to claim 1, wherein the at least one LED module is configured as “intrinsically safe” for protection against ignition, and the electrical connection between the at least one LED module and the central power supply module is configured as an “increased safety” type for protection against ignition, and the central power supply module is configured as a “powder filling” type for protection against ignition.

9. The modular LED light according to claim 1, wherein the central power supply module has output current circuits for the at least one LED module that are intrinsically safely limited in power and in at least one of voltage and current, wherein at least one of the power supply connection and the LED power supply interface is configured as an “increased security” or “flame-proof enclosure” type for protection against ignition.

10. The modular LED light according to claim 3, wherein the LEDs are arranged in the at least one LED module wired in one of series and parallel, and wherein the LEDs are provided by group in one plane or in a curved arrangement in the at least one LED module, and wherein the at least one LED module is detachably fixed in the usage position using a locking device.

11. The modular LED light according to claim 10, wherein the locking device is coupled to a voltage interruption device, wherein the central power supply module has a cooling device, wherein the driver device has a honeycomb structure, and wherein a separating metal sheet is arranged in the LED light between upper arrangement plane and lower arrangement plane.

12. The modular LED light according to claim 10, wherein the locking device is formed by one or a plurality of fastening screws that joins the protective housing to the at least one LED module receiving element, wherein the protective housing has a light outlet opening associated with the cover of the module housing.

13. The modular LED light according to claim 12, wherein a top of the protective housing has an opening through which the LED power supply interface and a connection device of the module housing are brought into contact, and wherein the at least one LED module and central power supply module with the driver device terminate in a common horizontal plane on a bottom of the LED light.

14. The modular LED light according to claim 10, wherein the locking device comprises a closing rod configured to be brought into engagement with a locking eyelet projecting from the at least one LED module receiving element, and wherein the housing module has air slits oriented towards the at least one LED module and towards openings in the protective housing.

15. The modular LED light according to claim 14, wherein connection clamps are embodied as power supply terminal clamps on one or both sides of the central power supply module in the upper arrangement plane, and wherein the closing rod has an engagement head for engaging a tool.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention shall be described in greater detail using the figures in the attached drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 is a bottom view of one exemplary embodiment of an inventive module LED light;

(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of the LED light from FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a side view as in FIG. 2 having an LED module;

(5) FIG. 4 is a view as in FIG. 1 without LED module;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective top view onto a bottom of the LED light having an LED module and driver device in the central power supply module;

(7) FIG. 6 is the light according to FIG. 5 having an additional LED module;

(8) FIG. 7 is the light according to FIG. 6 having the additional LED module in the usage position, coupled by means of an articulated device;

(9) FIG. 8 is a top view of an LED module;

(10) FIG. 9 is a top view as in FIG. 8 of another LED module;

(11) FIG. 10 is a top view as in FIG. 8 of another LED module;

(12) FIG. 11 is a view as in FIG. 1 of an LED light and in particular of a housing module without LED module and with driver device;

(13) FIG. 12 is a view as in FIG. 11 without driver device;

(14) FIG. 13 is a side view of the LED light as in FIG. 2;

(15) FIG. 14 is a section along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13;

(16) FIG. 15 is a longitudinal section through a module housing of an LED module; and,

(17) FIG. 16 is a longitudinal section as in FIG. 15 through protective housing of the LED module with inserted module housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

(18) FIG. 1 depicts a bottom view of an LED light 1 according to the invention having two lateral LED modules 2, 3. Each of the modules is arranged laterally with respect to a central power supply module 4. They are all joined to a housing module 5, for example using fastening screws 30 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3). A plurality of LEDs 16 may be seen in each or the LED modules 2, 3 through an opening and through a corresponding transparent or translucent cover 21. The LEDs are arranged on different LED conductor cards 17. The two LED modules 2, 3 are embodied identically with respect to the arrangement number of their LEDs 16. Different arrangements of these LEDs or LED conductor cards or different numbers thereof are also possible.

(19) On its top side 24 each LED module has an articulated device 23 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3) that provides initial coupling on the housing module 5. Then the LED modules 2, 3, in their seated position 13 depicted in FIGS. 1 through 3, may be pivoted toward the housing module 5 and fixed in their usage position using an appropriate locking device 27, in this case fastening screws 30.

(20) FIGS. 2 and 3 depict the LED light according to FIG. 1 in a side view, wherein in FIG. 3 an LED module 3 is removed and replaced with a cover. Moreover, in FIGS. 2 and 3 the housing module 5 for the LED light 1 may be seen. It extends, by means of corresponding LED module receiving elements 11 and 14, to both sides of the central power supply module 4 as part of the housing module 5. The LED module receiving elements 11 and 14 cover about half of a top side 24 of each LED module 2, 3, wherein in this region it has an opening.

(21) The locking device 27 is arranged between the top 24 of each LED module 2, 3 and an outer edge 26, in particular of LED module receiving elements. In the exemplary embodiment depicted, it comprises at least one articulated hook 25 that overlaps the outer edge 26.

(22) Moreover, it may be seen in particular in FIG. 2 that the LED light has an upper arrangement plane 6 and a lower arrangement plane 7. Power supply connections and connection lines 10 are provided in the upper arrangement plane 6 (see also FIG. 12), wherein the LED modules 2, 3 and the driver device 15 are arranged in the lower arrangement plane. The two arrangement planes 6, 7 are arranged spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction 8.

(23) Furthermore, corresponding power supply connections 9 may be see on the housing module 5. They permit insertion of connection lines from a voltage source in the central power supply module. The corresponding connection lines within the housing module 5 may also be passed through, i.e., may be guided out on the other side of the housing module 5 and may be used for connecting other LED lights 1 or the like.

(24) FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the housing module 5 without LED modules 2, 3. In particular it may be seen that the two LED module receiving elements 11 and 14 have an electrical plug connection in the form of an LED power supply interface 12. It connects electrically to the LED module and supplies power to the LEDs or LED conductor cards.

(25) The driver device 15 is provided in the central power supply module 4 according to FIG. 4.

(26) In addition, it may be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3 that essentially the LED modules 2, 3 and the driver device 15 terminate approximately in one plane below the housing module 5, wherein only the driver device projects somewhat downward.

(27) FIG. 5 depicts the LED light according to the preceding figures in particular with an empty LED module receiving element 11 into which a corresponding LED module 2 is then inserted in the following FIGS. 5 and 6. To this end, the LED module 2 according to FIG. 6 is moved towards the LED module receiving element and hooked via the articulated device 23, with the engagement of the articulated hook 25, to the outer edge 26 and then pivoted into the usage position (see the other LED module 3 in FIGS. 5 through 7). The LED module 2 is then fixed in this usage position 13 using a locking device 27 in the form of the aforesaid fastening screw 30. When the LED module 2 is pivoted into place, a connection interface 41 of the LED module 2 is correspondingly connected electrically to the LED power supply interface 12.

(28) FIGS. 8 through 10 depict different exemplary embodiments of numbers of LEDs 16 for an LED module 2 or 3. It is also possible to provide a different number or arrangement of LED conductor cards 17. The different LEDs 16 may be used in the provided positions so that the corresponding LED conductor cards 17 may be fitted, for example, with 24, 36 or 48 LEDs. Other numbers are also possible.

(29) Moreover, a light focusing device 18, which in the depicted exemplary embodiments 8 through 10 is associated with each LED in the form of a lens device, is associated with each LED or a group of LEDs.

(30) It is also possible, for example, for the LEDs of a conductor card to be provided with a corresponding light focusing device 18 or for the transparent or translucent cover 21 alternatively or additionally to be embodied, at least at specific locations, as a corresponding light focusing device 18. Alternatively, the light focusing device may be formed by a reflector.

(31) FIGS. 11 and 12 depict two sections through the LED light according to FIG. 4. These sections are disposed approximately in the lower arrangement plane 6 (see FIG. 12) or in the upper arrangement plane 7 (see FIG. 11).

(32) How the corresponding power supply connections 9 and connection lines 10 run in the upper arrangement plane 6 may be seen in particular in FIG. 12. The power supply connections 9 are arranged on both sides of the housing module 5, so that in particular a line may pass through continuously to adjacent LED lights. The corresponding power supply lines 10 are arranged in a tube bushing 39 in the region of the central power supply module 4. The connection lines are then attached on both sides of the tube bushing 10 to connection clamps 40 that are embodied as power supply terminal clamps and supply power to the driver device by means of a plug-in device or the like. Power is supplied to the LED power supply interface 12 from the driver device. In addition, it may be seen in the figures that the driver device 15 has a cooling device 28 in the form of a honeycomb structure. On the one hand, it increases the stability of the and, on the other hand, it conducts heat away from the driver device. The latter may be attached in the central power supply module 4, for example, by means of screws.

(33) The specific connections are embodied with appropriate types of protection against ignition for explosive regions. For example, the outputs of the driver devices may be embodied with the “intrinsic safety” and/or “increased safety” type of protection against ignition in order to provide different LED modules with different capacities. The LED modules be embodied in the “increased safety” type of protection against ignition, wherein electrical circuits of the LED modules may also be embodied in the “intrinsic safety” type of protection against ignition. The connection elements are embodied, for example, in the “increased safety” or “flame-proof” type of protection against ignition.

(34) With respect to the LED conductor cards, it should also be noted that these may be switched both in series or parallel with one another. The light output is increased or decreased by varying the number of LEDs. Using the arrangement of the LEDs and the appropriate light focusing device it is possible to change the light distribution at a certain distance in the direction of light radiation 20 (see also FIG. 2). One example is wide illumination for a relatively large region or even a narrow radiation region in the form of a floodlight. It is also possible for the appropriate LED conductor cards or the LED modules themselves, as well, to be curved in order to permit a different light distribution.

(35) Even in such curved LED modules, at least two regions of the LED modules are embodied identically in order, on the one hand, to embody the articulated device 23 and, on the other hand, to be able to produce the electrical connection to the LED power supply interfaces.

(36) FIG. 13 is a side view, analogous to FIG. 3, wherein in particular the power supply connections 9 project bilaterally from the housing module 5. Two LED modules 2, 3 are arranged on a bottom of the housing module 5 and the driver device 15 is arranged between them in the region of the central power supply module 4.

(37) FIG. 14 is a section along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13 and illustrates in particular a specific embodiment of the locking device 27 for fixing an LED module 2, 3 in its usage position. The locking device 27 according to FIG. 14 comprises a locking rod 36 pivotably borne in the LED module. In FIG. 14 the locking rod is shown with its hook-like ends pivoted out of its engaged position, so that they are not engaged with locking eyelets 37. The latter project towards the LED module from the corresponding LED module receiving element and project through the corresponding opening on the top of the protective housing.

(38) If the locking rod 37 is pivoted counterclockwise through the outside use of a tool on the engagement head 44, the locking rods engage with the corresponding locking eyelets 37, so that the LED module 2 is fixed in its usage position. Reversing this process releases this usage position and the LED module.

(39) FIGS. 15 and 16 depict a longitudinal section through an LED module. It essentially comprises two housings. FIG. 15 depicts a first housing (see module housing 19). It is sealed and in particular made of a thermally conductive material, in particular a plastic material. Embodied on the top of the module housing 19 is a connection device 33 in the form of a connection interface 41 that engages with the LED power supply interface 12 when the LED module is in the usage position (see also FIG. 6). This is how the LEDs may be supplied with power by the central power supply module 4 and in particular by the driver device 15.

(40) The corresponding conductor cards 17 are fitted with a number of LEDs, wherein in this case an appropriate light focusing device 18 is associated with each LED 16. The module housing 19 is somewhat shell-shaped and has a cover 21 that closes a corresponding opening of the module housing. Seals 42 are arranged along edges of the cover 21.

(41) In FIG. 16, the module housing 19 is arranged in another somewhat shell-shaped or trough-shaped protective housing 22 of the LED module. This protective housing 22 housing has on its top the opening 32 that is closed by the corresponding LED module receiving element when the LED module is in the usage position. The opening 32 ensures that, for instance, LED power supply interface and connection interface 41 can come into electrical contact with one another.

(42) Embodied on the top of the protective housing is at least one corresponding articulated hook 25 that is part of the articulated device 23 and that overlaps an outer edge in particular of the LED module receiving element 11 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3). The LED module may be pivoted about this articulated hook 25, for instance out of the position according to FIG. 7, into the usage position. There the LED module is then fixed using the locking device 27 in the form of fastening screws 30 or in the form of the locking rod 36 (see FIG. 14)

(43) According to the invention, a modular LED light is provided that may be used in particular in explosive areas. All LEDs are housed in a sealed manner in their module housing and arranged in the corresponding protective housing with the module housing. This LED module put together in this manner may be arranged in the corresponding LED module receiving element 11 or 14 and may be fixed there in its usage position. The protective housing in particular provides protection from shocks and impacts and also from mechanical stresses, for instance after being installed in the housing module 5.

(44) It is also possible to use the LED module receiving element 11 or 14 for arranging a blind cover, a battery, or other parts, instead of for an LED module 2 or 3. Likewise, instead of the driver device, it is possible to arrange another LED module on the central power supply module 4. In this case the driver device may be contained in an LED module, for example.

(45) The protective housing is produced from a thermally conductive plastic material in order to appropriately draw heat away from the internal devices. This removal of heat may be improved, for example, using cooling fins on the protective housing and/or on the module housing. With respect to the articulated hook, it should be noted that as a rule more than one articulated hook is used, i.e., in particular two, three, or more articulated hooks are used.

(46) With respect to the locking device 27, it should be noted that the latter may be coupled to a voltage interrupting device so that a voltage supply is only interrupted when an LED module is detached using the locking device. Conversely, a voltage supply is not restored unless the locking device is in its final locked position.

(47) The honeycomb structure may be part of a housing of the central power supply module 4 in which the driver device may be used (see for example FIGS. 1 through 3 or FIG. 11 and FIG. 12) or this honeycomb structure is part of the driver device in order to reinforce in particular a housing belonging thereto.

(48) Thus, according to the invention an LED light is provided that may be a replacement for fluorescent tubes and that is constructed modularly in order to be variable both with respect to quantity of light and light distribution. In addition, only the corresponding LED modules are exchanged and/or changed in their number. Moreover, each LED module may be fitted with LEDs differently. Between one and three LED modules may be used in the inventive LED light.