AU2008314104A1

AU2008314104A1 - Interface for a luminous means operating device

Info

Publication number: AU2008314104A1
Application number: AU2008314104A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Reinhard Bockle; Joachim Maier
Original assignee: Tridonicatco GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Tridonicatco GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2007-10-15
Filing date: 2008-10-15
Publication date: 2009-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-15
Also published as: EP2201824A2; DE112008002679A5; AU2008314104B2; WO2009049877A2; WO2009049877A3; EP2201824B1; CN101828429A

Description

WO 2009/049877 PCT/EP2008/008730 Interface for a lighting means-operating device The present invention relates to the operation of lighting means, such as e.g. 5 fluorescent lamps and gas discharge lamps. The invention relates in particular to an operating device or an electronic ballast which has an input, to which a light sensor for monitoring the brightness can be connected, and to methods for utilising this input interface. 10 It is already fundamentally known from EP 0 965 252 BI that an electronic ballast for operating a lamp comprises a connection device, to which a light sensor for monitoring the brightness of a specific spatial region can be connected. The light sensor used for brightness control detects actual values of brightness in a region illuminated by a lamp. These actual values of brightness are fed to the operating 15 device via this connection device. The lamp, whose brightness is detected by the light sensor is controlled by this operating device according to the actual values of brightness and the lighting is dimmed. In parallel with this first connection device, the electronic ballast comprises further 20 connections for receiving external control information e.g. via a bus line. Various information or commands, such as e.g. external dimming-desired values, can be fed to the electronic ballast in such a manner. Furthermore, switch-on or switch-off commands for the electronic ballast can be communicated via the control connections. 25 It should be noted that this measuring-connection device is used for the connection of light sensors or brightness-dependent resistors. In the event that a light sensor is connected to the device, this is verified and identified by the operating device, so that the brightness of the lamp can be adjusted or dimmed according to the sensor value. In this case, the external control information in relation to the brightness of the lamp 30 is not taken into account for the operation of the lamp. In contrast, in the event that no light sensor is to be connected to the electronic ballast, the operating device can be controlled via the further digital control connections, such WO 2009/049877 PCT/EP2008/008730 2 as e.g. DALI or DSI connections. By reason of the low signal transmission rate of such digital connections or interfaces, connected lamps cannot be controlled to rapidly changing actual values of brightness by means of external control information. Therefore, in accordance with this prior art it is not possible to achieve light effects 5 with very rapid light changes. Accordingly, the object of the invention is to provide an improved technique for operating a lamp, with which in particular multiple usage of interfaces is improved. 10 The object is achieved by the characterising features of the claims, wherein the combination of the claims is characterised as a particularly advantageous solution to the problem. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, an operating device for 15 operating at least one lighting means is provided, comprising an interface which is formed as an input channel. This interface can be switched over to an output channel. An operating device for operating at least one lighting means is proposed in accordance with the invention. The operating device comprises an interface having 20 lines which can be switched selectively as an input e.g. for a light sensor or as an output for a low volt-voltage supply. Preferably, the interface can be programmable to perform different functions, e.g. by means of a command fed via a bus. 25 The interface can be used an output channel for providing a voltage, in particular a low volt-voltage. The voltage provided can be configured for operating an external device. 30 The interface can be activatable for supplying at least one additional lighting means.

WO 2009/049877 PCT/EP2008/008730 3 Preferably, the voltage thus provided can be used for operating an emergency lamp, in particular in the form of an inorganic or organic light-emitting diode. As an alternative or in addition thereto, the voltage provided can be designed for 5 operating a lamp for communicating an addressing. The interface can be activated as an active interface or as an output interface via control connections for reception of control information. 10 An operating device for operating at least one lighting means is proposed in accordance with the invention, comprising an output interface for communicating data, wherein this output interface can be configured for outputting a (low volt) supply voltage for external devices. 15 In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention a system for operating at least one lighting means is provided, comprising an operating device of this type. The system can comprise a lighting means which is formed as a gas discharge lamp or fluorescent lamp. 20 Preferably, the system can comprise an emergency lamp or emergency lighting, wherein the operating device is formed to operate the emergency lamp or emergency lighting via the interface. 25 The emergency lamp can be in particular an LED or OLED (light-emitting diode) emergency lamp. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an operating device for lighting means having an emergency lighting operating mode or even an 30 emergency lighting device, comprising an operating circuit of the type stated above, in which the lighting means comprise at least one gas discharge lamp and the one branched voltage supply supplies at least one light-emitting diode, wherein in the W U zUUw/4Y// PCT/EP2008/008730 4 emergency light situation the LED or OLED can be operated instead of the gas discharge lamp. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the operating mode for the 5 operating device, such as e.g. an emergency lighting operating mode, can also be selected from the outside via a control command. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, an electronic ballast is provided, comprising this type of operating device. 10 In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for operating lighting means, wherein in a normal operation, i.e. when an alternating voltage is applied to a supply input of the operating device, a first lighting means, in particular at least one gas discharge lamp, is operated, and when a direct voltage is 15 applied to the supply input of the operating device or when a corresponding command is input via a data line, a second lighting means, in particular at least one light emitting diode LED or OLED, which is different from the first lighting means is operated instead of said first lighting means. 20 Furthermore, a method for operating an operating device for lighting means is provided, wherein the operating device comprises an interface input for connecting a light sensor. This interface input is configured optionally for connecting a passive electronic or optoelectronic device or for receiving an actively communicated signal. A passive device includes in particular a light sensor for brightness control, a 25 potentiometer for dimming, a resistor for addressing, or an IR (infrared)-sensor or light sensor for data transmission. The passive device can be in particular a light sensor for communicating actual values of brightness to the operating device. 30 The actively communicated signal can be an analogue or digital signal.

WO 2009/049877 PCT/EP2008/008730 5 The actively communicated signal can be generated in particular by an effect device, a signal generator and/or a static adjustment element or an adjustment element which can be changed by a user. 5 In an advantageous manner, the passive device can be a potentiometer. The potentiometer can be used for manually dimming and/or switching the lighting means on and off. 10 The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with the aid of preferred exemplified embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawing, in which Figure 1 shows schematically a preferred exemplified embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention, 15 Figure 2 shows schematically a further exemplified embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention using a potentiometer, and Figure 3 shows schematically a further exemplified embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention. 20 Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplified embodiment of a system 1 in accordance with the present invention. The system 1 comprises essentially an operating device 2 for operating one or several lamps 3. The operating device 2 can be in particular an electronic ballast 2 for at least one lamp 3, in particular for at least one fluorescent lamp, such as e.g. a gas discharge lamp. However, the lighting means 25 can also be e.g. light-emitting diodes. The illustrated electronic ballast 2 comprises inputs 4a and 4b of a light sensor interface 5, and two control inputs 6a and 6b for connection of a preferably digital control bus or control lines 7a and 7b. 30 The inputs 4a, 4b and the control inputs 6a and 6b are connected to a control device 8 of the electronic ballast 2.

WO 2009/049877 PCT/EP2008/008730 6 An external resistor can be connected to the light sensor interface 5 of the electronic ballast 2. In particular, a light sensor or photo-resistor can be connected to the light sensor interface 5. This type of known light sensor (not illustrated) is designed to measure the brightness of the light incident thereupon. 5 If a light sensor is actually connected to the sensor interface 5, the actual values of brightness, which are supplied by the light sensor, of a region monitored by the light sensor are fed to the electronic ballast 2, wherein the control device 8 of the electronic ballast 2 can then dim the lamp, which serves to illuminate the monitored region, in 10 dependence upon the supplied actual values of brightness. As illustrated in Figure 1, an analogue or digital signal source is connected in the system 1 to the sensor interface 5 intended for the reception of brightness values. 15 Figure 2 illustrates a further exemplified embodiment of a lighting system I' in accordance with the present invention. The inputs 4a, 4b of the sensor interface 5 are used in this case for connecting a potentiometer 11. The use of the potentiometer 11 permits manual control or 20 dimming of the lamp 3, as the brightness of the lamp 3 is controlled in dependence upon the selected resistance of the potentiometer 11. As a result, the brightness of the lamp 3 can also be changed considerably more quickly than with a light sensor. With a connected light sensor, the electronic ballast 25 2 performs namely a slow brightness change. However, by using the potentiometer 11 more rapid brightness changes can be performed by the electronic ballast 2 and can be adapted preferably to the reaction times of commercially available dimmers. In the exemplified embodiment of Figure 2, the inputs 4a, 4b can be used for 30 connecting the potentiometer 11, wherein this potentiometer 1 can facilitate e.g. manual dimming and can also render it possible to switch the lamp 3 on/off. This exemplified embodiment can be used in existing lamp systems, in particular floor WO 2009/049877 PCT/EP2008/008730 7 lamps, in which the existing sensor interface 5 is used for connecting a potentiometer 11. Therefore, rapid external light control can be achieved in a convenient manner. Accordingly, in the passive mode which is characterised by the connection of a 5 passive electronic or optoelectronic device to the inputs 4a, 4b, the lighting system 1' can optionally be equipped with a light sensor or a potentiometer 11. By means of a corresponding signal via the control inputs 6a, 6b or by means of the actuation of a switch for example, the electronic ballast 2 is able to recognise whether 10 a light sensor or a potentiometer 11 is connected. However, the electronic ballast 2 can also automatically detect whether a potentiometer I I is used for manual dimming or switching on/off. Initially, the electronic ballast 2 instigates a change in brightness or dimming of the connected 15 lamp 3, and simultaneously verifies whether the resistance value at the sensor interface 5 changes. If this resistance value changes, the electronic ballast 2 concludes that a light-sensitive resistor is connected to the light sensor interface 5. On the other hand, if the resistance value does not change during dimming, the electronic ballast 2 recognises a potentiometer 11 which is used for manual dimming. The light 20 sensor mode or the potentiometer mode is activated depending upon the result of this automatic recognition. In accordance with the invention, two control inputs 6a, 6b are provided, so that external control information can be fed to the electronic ballast 2. Various types of 25 control information, such as inter alia configuration information, status query or brightness information, can be received by the electronic ballast 2 via the control inputs 6a, 6b. An item of configuration information can provide the electronic ballast 2 with 30 information as to which information is provided via the inputs 4a, 4b. In the case of the exemplified embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, this interface 5 or the sensor channel can be switched over to an output, i.e. for outputting a voltage, WO 2009/049877 PCT/EP2008/008730 8 such as e.g. a low volt-voltage in particular as a DC-voltage. The switching procedure can be carried out e.g. by means of extreme commands, e.g. bus commands. In accordance with the invention, this interface 3 which is designed preferably for 5 connecting a light sensor can be configured in addition for connecting a passive electronic or optoelectronic device or for receiving an actively communicated signal also for use as an output line. This configuration is performed by a control unit 56 and can be executed in accordance with corresponding configuration or control information, wherein this control information is then communicated preferably via the 10 control connections 6a, 6b to the control unit 56. The system 50 for emergency lighting as illustrated in Figure 3 comprises an electronic ballast 51 which can perform the above-described input functions and can also provide a voltage supply for an LED or OLED (light-emitting diode) during 15 emergency light operation. The lamp 3 is operated or supplied with current via a control output 53 by the electronic ballast 51. The supply is effected in a typical manner which is not described in detail at this juncture, and utilises a mains voltage Un for this purpose. 20 In this case, this mains voltage Un which is provided at the input pin 52 is intended to refer primarily to alternating voltages of e.g. 220 V or 230 V and also direct voltages of e.g. 24 V or 48 V. 25 The system 50 comprises a light-emitting diode 57, preferably several light-emitting diodes which can connected via the control unit 56 to a battery 55 when the mains voltage Un falls below a predefined value. The control unit 56 recognises such a fall in the mains voltage Un and switches the battery 55 on such that it operates the light emitting diode 57 via the interface 5 in an emergency lighting mode. 30 In the emergency lighting mode, the light yield of the light-emitting diode 57 is preferably lower than that of the lamp 3 operated in the normal mode, in order to conserve the battery 55.

WO 2009/049877 PCT/EP2008/008730 9 The emergency lighting system operates an emergency light as soon as the mains supply Un or current supply fails for further lighting elements, in this case the lamp 3. 5 As long as the mains supply is available or sufficient, the battery 55 or in general a direct voltage source is charged up by means of a charging circuit 54 which is controlled by the control unit 56. Preferably, the emergency lighting means or the light-emitting diode 57 can have 10 further units connected upstream thereof, such as e.g. a boost converter. The battery 55 or even other units of the ballast 51 illustrated in Figure 5 can also be provided externally, i.e. outside the ballast 51. An external battery can thus operate the emergency lighting of several ballasts 51 at the same time. 15 Alternatively, in the case of systems having a central emergency light supply, i.e. when the supplying alternating voltage VAC outside the operating device is switched over from the standard mains voltage to another supply voltage (such as e.g. a rectified voltage), the operating device (i.e. the control unit 56) can recognise the 20 switch-over to an emergency light supply and switch the operating mode over from the gas discharge lamp operation to the operation of an LED. Alternatively, a control command which informs the control unit 56 that an emergency lighting situation prevails can also be transmitted via the interface (control 25 inputs 6a and 6b) or a signal which is transmitted directly via the supply line to the input pin 52. Furthermore, the switch-over condition for switching over the operating mode or even other configuration parameters can be specified or changed by a control command via the interface (control inputs 6a and 6b). The configuration parameter can specify e.g. the type of external emergency operation supply (in order to recognise 30 it) or the brightness value, i.e. the corresponding dimming value, by which the emergency lighting element is to be operated.

WO 2009/049877 PCT/EP2008/008730 10 Various types of lamp can be selected as an emergency lighting element. In a preferred exemplified embodiment, the emergency lamp consists of one or several light-emitting diodes. Alternatively, a conventional filament lamp can be used. Fluorescent lamps can also be used as an emergency lamp, wherein it is necessary to 5 take into account that such fluorescent lamps require a certain amount of time, at least several minutes, in order to be heated up and be able to operate at maximum intensity. In accordance with this exemplified embodiment, the sensor channel thus generally becomes active, i.e. is connected to the voltage supply. Different additional light 10 sources can thus be supplied. An example is an emergency light-LED. However, the connected light source, in particular the LED, can also be used e.g. for communicating an addressing. It can be the addressing of the lamp 3 in a lighting system, such as e.g. in a DALI lighting system. The communication is effected 15 preferably and in a known manner by the modulation of the light emitted by the light emitting diode.

Claims

1. Operating device for lighting means which is capable of emergency operation and is formed for operating a first lighting means, in particular at least one gas discharge 5 lamp in normal operation, i.e. when an alternating voltage is applied to a supply input of the operating device, and which is also formed to operate instead of the first lighting means a second lighting means, which is different therefrom, in particular at least one light-emitting diode LED, when a direct voltage is applied to the supply input of the operating device or when a corresponding command is input via a data 10 line.

2. Operating device as claimed in claim I, wherein the second lighting means is operated via an interface which can be optionally also switched as a signal input. 15

3. Operating device as claimed in claim I or 2, wherein the second lighting means is supplied with DC voltage by the operating device.

4. Operating device (51) for operating at least one lighting means (3), comprising an interface (5) which is formed as an input channel, wherein this interface (5) can be 20 switched over to an output channel for a low volt-voltage supply, in particular a DC supply.

5. Operating device (51) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the interface (5) is formed as a sensor-input channel, in particular as a light sensor-input channel. 25

6. Operating device (51) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the interface (5) can be programmed to perform different functions.

7. Operating device (51) as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the voltage 30 provided is configured for operating an external device.

8. Operating device (51) as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the interface (5) can be activated for supplying at least one additional lighting means (57). WO 2009/049877 PCT/EP2008/008730 12

9. Operating device (51) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the voltage provided serves to operate an emergency lamp (57), in particular in the form of a light-emitting diode. 5

10. Operating device (51) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the voltage provided is configured for operating a lamp to communicate an addressing.

11. Operating device (51) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface (5) is activated as an active interface or as an output interface via control 10 connections (6a, 6b) for receiving control information.

12. Operating device (51) for operating at least one lighting means (3), comprising an output interface (5) for communicating data, wherein this output interface can be configured to output a supply voltage for external devices (57). 15

13. System for operating at least one lighting means (3), comprising an operating device (51) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

14. System as claimed in claim 13, comprising a lighting means (3) formed as a gas 20 discharge lamp or fluorescent lamp.

15. System as claimed in claim 13 or 14, comprising an emergency lamp (57), wherein the operating device (51) is formed to operate the emergency lamp (57) via the interface (5). 25

16. System as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the emergency lamp (57) is an LED (light-emitting diode) emergency lamp.

17. Electronic ballast comprising an operating device (51) in accordance with any 30 one of the preceding claims.

18. Method for operating lighting means, wherein in a normal operation, i.e. when an alternating voltage is applied to a supply input of the operating device, a first lighting WO 2009/049877 PCT/EP2008/008730 13 means, in particular at least one gas discharge lamp, is operated, characterised in that when a direct voltage is applied to the supply input of the operating device or when a corresponding command is input via a data line, a second lighting means, in particular at least one light-emitting diode LED, which is different from the first lighting means 5 is operated instead of said first lighting means.