DE102010002355A1 - Module and method for controlling a dimmable control gear - Google Patents

Abstract

A module is specified for controlling a dimmable operating device for a lamp, in which a brief interruption of a supply voltage can be detected as a state transition and in which a dimming state of the operating device can be set depending on the state transition. Furthermore, a corresponding method and an operating device with such a module are proposed.

Description

The invention relates to a module and a method for controlling a dimmable operating device and such a control gear.

Known luminaires are switched on and off via a switch. In this case, an operating device (also referred to as electronic ballast, electronic ballast) is activated and deactivated via the switch. The operating device controls at least one light source, for. As a fluorescent lamp to.

The operating device is installed at the location of the luminaire (eg in the ceiling of a room). It has a 1-10 V interface for dimming the at least one light source according to DIN EN 60929 ( VDE 0712-23 ). However, it is not possible to adjust the brightness of the operating device without additional control cable. The installation of control cables to the individual lights would require considerable construction effort and is often impractical. This is all the more true as in many installations several lights are switched on or off together with a single switch. A further disadvantage is that standard installations (eg existing light switches) do not have means for controlling such a control line.

The object of the invention is to avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages and in particular to provide a possibility of realizing at least one second operating state of an operating device without a separate control line.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

• – bei dem eine kurzzeitige Unterbrechung einer Versorgungsspannung als ein Zustandsübergang detektierbar ist und
• – bei dem abhängig von dem Zustandsübergang ein Dimmzustand des Betriebsgeräts einstellbar ist.

To solve the problem, a module for controlling a dimmable operating device for a light source is specified,

• - In which a brief interruption of a supply voltage is detectable as a state transition, and
• - In which, depending on the state transition, a dimming state of the operating device is adjustable.

Thus, the state transition can advantageously be achieved by means of a conventional switch by the switch off briefly and turned on again. For this purpose, no separate control cables to the operating devices of the bulbs are necessary, an existing installation can be added without changing the switch or lines to a flexible and cheap way to change the brightness of bulbs.

The operating device (also referred to as electronic ballast or electronic ballast) is, in particular, an operating device for a fluorescent lamp or (at least) a semiconductor light-emitting element (eg LED) or a halogen lamp.

The dimming state can be any state of the illuminant with any brightness (greater than 0% to 100%).

It should be noted that the module can be realized in different ways: For example, the module can be designed as a printed circuit board with components and possibly suitable insulation, as a plug or as a circuit with (or without) housing. In principle, the module can be any device that can be used to control the operating device in accordance with the characteristics described here.

The dimming state may be a state in which the module provides an input to an output of the module.

• – einen Spannungsdetektor zur Detektion der kurzzeitigen Unterbrechung der Versorgungsspannung,
• – einen Schaltaktor, der von dem Spannungsdetektor ansteuerbar ist, wobei der Schaltaktor einen Eingang des Moduls mit einem Ausgang des Moduls verbindet.

A further development is that the module comprises

• A voltage detector for detecting the brief interruption of the supply voltage,
• - A switching actuator, which is controlled by the voltage detector, wherein the switching actuator connects an input of the module to an output of the module.

In particular, in this case, a voltage limitation is bridged, i. H. The module itself does not limit the voltage, but connects the input to the output. Accordingly, at the output of the module z. B. a constant light controller are connected, the brightness-dependent, for example by means of a sensor, adjusts the brightness of the bulb.

Another option is that the switch actuator has a terminal, by means of which a switching operation or a switching between the dimming states can be detected. For this purpose, a signal is provided at the connection, which can optionally be further processed or evaluated.

• – einen Spannungsdetektor zur Detektion der kurzzeitigen Unterbrechung der Versorgungsspannung,
• – einen Schaltaktor, der von dem Spannungsdetektor ansteuerbar ist,
• – eine Spannungsbegrenzung zur Einstellung eines Dimmzustands des Betriebsgeräts.

A further education is that the module comprises

• A voltage detector for detecting the brief interruption of the supply voltage,
• A switching actuator that is controllable by the voltage detector,
• - a voltage limit for setting a dimming state of the control gear.

The switch actuator may include, for example: at least one electronic switch (eg transistor, mosfet, IGBT, etc.), a driver, an output of an integrated circuit, a microcontroller, etc.

The voltage limitation can z. B. comprise: at least one Zener diode, at least one resistor, at least one (series connection of) diode (s) or combinations of these components.

Another development is that the voltage detector has a microprocessor, a logic circuit, a bistable flip-flop or a microcontroller.

In particular, it is a further development that a state machine is implemented in the voltage detector.

In particular, the microprocessor may comprise a state machine which, depending on input signals, includes state transitions between states, wherein for each state a predetermined action, e.g. B. control of an output of the microprocessor can be specified.

It is also a development that the voltage detector is electrically buffered, in particular by an energy storage is provided which supplies the voltage detector at least temporarily with energy when the operating device is switched off.

As energy storage, a capacitor or a battery may be provided; the energy storage can, for. B. be charged during active operation of the operating device via the 1-10 V interface.

Furthermore, it is a development that the dimming of the operating device via a 1-10 V interface is adjustable.

The 1-10 V interface is in particular a standard interface of a dimmable operating device according to the Standard DIN EN 60929 ( VDE 0712-23 ).

Within the scope of an additional development, the module is designed for connection to the 1-10 V interface of the operating device, in particular as a plug-in module for the operating device.

In particular, it is advantageous that the module described here can be offered as a retrofit solution for existing dimmable control gear. Retrofitting is easily possible by connecting the module to the two terminals of the 1-10 V interface of the control gear. Preferably, the module can be made correspondingly small (eg in the form of a plug) so that it can be arranged in the operating device or in the luminaire.

A next development consists in that, after the power interruption, a time duration up to an end of the power interruption can be determined and the short-term power interruption can be detected if this time duration is shorter or in particular equal to a predetermined time duration.

One embodiment is that, depending on the state transition, one of a plurality of dimming states of the operating device can be set alternately.

For example, a plurality (possibly different) dimming conditions are possible, which are suitably preselected via a coded switching sequence with only a single switch. For example, a multi-stage dimming can be realized by the switch is repeatedly actuated in a short sequence, the number of operations is encoded as Dimmstufe.

The detectable state transition can also serve as a trigger for switching through a plurality of dimming states of a predetermined series. After reaching the last of the several dimming conditions z. B. be branched back to the first of the multiple dimming conditions.

An alternative embodiment consists in that, after an interruption of the supply voltage, the last active dimming state can be stored for longer than a predetermined first time duration.

Thus, the energy storage in the module can be used to store the current dimming state. It should be noted here that the predetermined first time duration is preferably longer than the time duration for determining the short-term interruption.

A next refinement is that, after an interruption of the supply voltage, the dimming state can be reset for longer than a predetermined second time duration.

Thus, for example, a RESET of the dimming state is possible if the supply voltage for a predetermined second period of time (in particular longer than the period for determining the short-term interruption) is interrupted. This can be achieved that a plurality of lights that are operated via different switches, all have the same dimming after switching on again.

In particular, the first time period and the second time duration may be distinguishable due to different lengths. Thus, it is possible that both a RESET of the dimming state is performed and also the last active dimming state can be stored beyond the period of switching off the operating device and restored when the device is switched on again.

The above object is also achieved by means of an operating device comprising the module described herein.

Furthermore, the above object is achieved by means of a luminaire comprising the module described herein.

• – bei dem eine kurzzeitige Unterbrechung einer Versorgungsspannung als ein Zustandsübergang detektiert wird und
• – bei dem abhängig von dem Zustandsübergang ein Dimmzustand des Betriebsgeräts eingestellt wird.

Furthermore, the object mentioned above is achieved by means of a method for controlling a dimmable operating device for a lighting means,

• - In which a brief interruption of a supply voltage is detected as a state transition, and
• - Wherein depending on the state transition, a dimming state of the operating device is set.

A development consists in that the dimming state of the operating device is set via a 1-10 V interface of the operating device.

It is also an embodiment that, after the power interruption, a time duration is determined up to an end of the power interruption and the short-term power interruption is detected, provided that this time duration is shorter or in particular equal to one (or no longer than one) predetermined time duration.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated and explained below with reference to the drawings.

Show it:

1 a block diagram with an exemplary construction of the module presented here, which is connected to a 1-10 V interface of the operating device;

2 a schematic structure of an arrangement for controlling predetermined Dimmzustände means of the module connected to the operating device;

3 a state transition diagram for two dimming states of a luminaire;

4 a block diagram based on the representation of 1 with an exemplary schematic implementation of the voltage limiting and the switching actuator.

It is proposed to achieve a change of a dimming state for an operating device (ECG) in that at least one short-term power interruption is detected.

The dimming state is any setting of brightness of a lamp, lamp or illuminant. The brightness setting is specified via the operating device (also referred to as electronic ballast, electronic ballast). In particular, it should be mentioned that even a full brightness can be assigned to a dimming state (100% brightness).

As a solution, in particular a module (comprising, for example, a circuit) is proposed, which is provided with a dimmable operating device for a light source, for. As a fluorescent lamp can be connected. In particular, the module can be connected to a 1-10 V interface of a dimmable control gear. The 1-10 V interface has two terminals, via which the brightness (in the form of an analog signal) of a light source connected to the operating device can be set as a function of the voltage at the 1-10 V interface.

The proposed module can be designed as a plug-in module for expanding the operating device. In particular, the module can be used in switched lighting systems in which the operating devices have no separate control lines.

The presented module preferably has energy-efficient components, so that the electrical supply is possible on the basis of the active 1-10 V interface of the operating device.

Since the module does not require a separate mains connection, simple wiring can be made at the 1-10 V interface. Approval (VDE) is possible without any problems. The module can be arranged inside a luminaire (eg on or in the operating device). No control line is necessary, the dimming states can be selected via the on / off switch for the luminaire (or the operating device that controls the luminaire). Preconfigured dimming states can be activated by means of the on / off switch.

In particular, it is advantageous that the module described here can be offered as a retrofit solution for existing dimmable control gear. Retrofitting is easily possible by connecting the module to the two terminals of the 1-10 V interface of the control gear. Preferably, the module can be correspondingly small be designed so that it can be arranged in the operating device or in the lamp.

By switching off and restarting a supply voltage of the operating device can be changed between dimming conditions of the operating device. For this purpose, the module has a circuit which detects a switching sequence or a change of switching positions (eg of the on / off switch) and enables a corresponding activation of the operating device.

For example, a first switching state can correspond to a dimming state of 100% (ie full brightness of the luminous means). A second dimming state corresponds to a reduced brightness of, for example, 70%. Thus, the light source can not only be switched on and off via the on / off switch, but it can, for. B. after a second switching on again within a predetermined period of time, the operating device are switched to the second dimming state.

Accordingly, a plurality of different dimming conditions are possible, which are suitably preselected via a coded switching sequence with only a single switch. For example, a multi-stage dimming can be realized by the switch is repeatedly actuated in a short sequence, the number of operations is encoded as Dimmstufe.

Preferably, a longer turn off, z. For example, for a period of time longer than a second, reset the operating device so that when the switch is pressed again for the first time, the operating device starts in a defined dimming state (eg full brightness).

In this case, it is advantageous that the solution proposed here as a module (eg a circuit) can be connected to an analog interface of the operating device and requires no additional supply voltage. The analogue interface is the 1-10 V interface as used in the Standard DIN EN 60929 ( VDE 0712-23 ) is described.

Preferably, even after switching off the operating device, the last set dimming state is stored (eg by means of energy temporarily stored in the module).

Advantageously, the proposed solution can be used in offices with a variety of bulbs, which have no separate control line and for a dimming with reduced brightness should be adjustable.

Another application relates to day / night lighting of billboards; Thus, the lighting can be dimmed at night with a simple switching operation.

2 shows a schematic structure of an arrangement for controlling predetermined Dimmzustände means of a module 101 that with an operating device 201 connected is.

The operating device 201 (Also referred to as an electronic ballast, electronic ballast) is for operating at least one bulb 203 set up. The light source 203 may comprise a fluorescent lamp, a semiconductor light-emitting element and in particular a light-emitting diode (LED). The operating device 201 this can be at least one light source 203 drive with different brightness. The activation of the light source 203 with a given brightness (greater than 0% to 100%) corresponds to the dimming state (or a dim setting).

The operating device 201 is over a switch 204 with an operating or mains voltage 202 connected. At the switch 204 It can be a conventional pre-installed in the wall switch. The operating device 201 can be near the bulb 203 or together with the bulb 203 be installed in a light.

The module 101 is with a 1-10 V interface of the operating device 201 via lines (or connections) 105 and 106 connected.

1 shows a block diagram with an exemplary structure of the module 101 that over the wires 105 and 106 with the 1-10 V interface of the operating device 201 connected is.

The module 101 includes a voltage detector 103 , a switching actuator 104 and a voltage limit 102 , The administration 105 is with the voltage limit 102 and with the voltage detector 103 connected. The administration 106 is with the voltage detector 103 and with the switch actuator 104 connected. The voltage detector 103 controls the switch actuator 104 at.

About the voltage detector 103 can the mains voltage or a break in the mains voltage of the operating device (as in the case of switching off by the switch 204 ) are detected. Preferably, the voltage detector comprises 103 an energy buffer (eg in the form of a capacitor or a battery) so that the duration of the turn-off can be determined. So it is possible that a loss of mains voltage from the voltage detector 103 noticed and a timer (timer) is started. If the mains voltage is switched on again after a short time (ie before the expiry of a preset period of the timer), then the voltage detector controls 103 the switching actuator, z. B. one Transistor, a driver, a microcontroller, o. Ä. According to. The switching actuator 104 represents by means of the voltage limitation 102 the voltage of the 1-10 V interface accordingly: Depending on the voltage (in the range 1-10 V), the setting of a corresponding Dimmzustands. The voltage limit 102 can z. B. be realized by means of at least one Zener diode, a series circuit of diodes, at least one resistor or combinations of these components.

Optionally, the module 101 an outlet with connections 107 and 108 have, wherein the connection 107 via a zener diode 109 and a controllable electronic switch 110 with the line 105 connected and the connection 108 with the line 106 connected is. The switching actuator 104 can the switch 110 drive; in this case, the wires become 105 . 106 on the connections 107 . 108 switched through, there is no adjustment of the voltage by the voltage limitation 102 , On the basis of the zener diode 109 can be a limitation of the connections 107 . 108 of the module 101 adjusted voltage. Alternatively, the zener diode 109 omitted.

Furthermore, it is an option that the switch actuator 104 a connection 111 and provides a signal if there is a change in the dimming state. For example, the switch actuator 104 so each of the voltage detector 103 made available control for further processing and / or evaluation or to connect another unit.

4 shows a block diagram based on the representation of 1 with an exemplary schematic implementation of the voltage limit 102 and the switch actuator 104 ,

The voltage detector 103 is designed for example as a microprocessor or as a microcontroller and has two outputs 401 . 402 on.

The exit 401 is connected via a resistor R1 to the base of an npn transistor T1 whose collector is connected via a series circuit of a resistor R2 and a zener diode D1 to the line 105 connected is. The cathode of the zener diode D1 points in the direction of the line 105 , The Zener diode D1 has a breakdown voltage of z. B. 4 V on.

The exit 402 is connected via a resistor R3 to the base of an NPN transistor T2, whose collector via a series circuit of a resistor R4 and a Zener diode D2 with the line 105 connected is. The cathode of Zener diode D2 points in the direction of the line 105 , The Zener diode D2 has a breakdown voltage of z. B. 7V on.

The emitters of the transistors T1, T2 are connected to the line 106 connected.

Thus, the module 101 over the voltage detector 103 three different dimming states of the operating device 201 set: In a first dim state (100% brightness) none of the outputs will be 401 . 402 driven. For a second dimming condition, the output becomes 401 controlled, the 1-10 V interface is set to the breakdown voltage of the zener diode D1, which leads to a corresponding change in brightness of the light source connected to the operating device. Furthermore, a third dimming state can be set when the voltage detector is the output 402 controls and thus the 1-10 V interface of the operating device is set to the breakdown voltage of the Zener diode D2.

It should be noted here that fundamentally different dimming states as well as a different number of dimming states can be provided by the module. For example, it is possible to switch in succession through predetermined dimming states if the voltage detector detects a trigger, ie a brief interruption of the mains voltage.

3 shows a state transition diagram for two dimming conditions of a luminaire.

In a state 301 the light is switched off. Likewise, the switch 204 (please refer 2 ) switched off.

Will the switch 204 switched on, the result is a state transition 304 in a state 302 in which the illuminant illuminates at full brightness. Will the switch 204 switched off again, so the light is switched off. There is a state transition 305 in the state 301 ,

Will in the state 302 the desk 204 is briefly switched off and then switched on again (the operating device is disconnected from the mains voltage for a predetermined period of time), then a trigger from the voltage detector 103 (please refer 1 ) and the switching actuator 104 is controlled accordingly. There is a state transition 306 in a state 303 in which the illuminant illuminates with a reduced brightness (ie is controlled accordingly by the operating device).

Will in the state 303 the desk 204 briefly turned off and then turned on again, can accordingly a state transition 308 in the state 302 to be triggered. Thus it is possible, by brief interruptions of the power supply alternately the states 302 and 303 to activate.

Will the switch 204 switched off for a longer period of time, so z. B. is not turned on again before the expiry of a predetermined period of time, so there is a state transition 307 in the state 301 , The lamp is therefore switched off and will be in the state after being switched on again 302 start.

It should be noted here that further dimming states can be provided which, for example, have different brightnesses and in turn, triggered by the trigger (brief interruption of the mains supply, ie brief switch-off, then switching on of the switch 204 ) can be passed through. So the state transition 308 from the state 303 in another (not in 3 shown) dimming state in which the light source is operated with a different (possibly reduced) brightness. Another trigger may be a state transition back to the state 302 cause. It is thus possible to switch through any number of (dimming) states in a given sequence by means of the trigger.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the described state machine z. B. in a microprocessor (or a microcontroller) may be implemented (eg in the voltage detector 103 ). Depending on the respective trigger, the state machine thus implemented carries out a predetermined action, for example by B. the outputs of the microprocessor are suitably controlled.

Preferably, the microprocessor is electrically buffered by means of an energy storage, so that even after switching off the operating device, the current state of the state machine for a certain period of time can be stored. Such buffering can, for. B. by a capacitor and a battery; The energy storage device can be charged via the operating device when the light is switched on.

It is also possible that a separate battery is provided.

So it is possible that after switching on the operating device again the same state is set as before switching off: Accordingly, the state machine according to 3 z. B. be adapted so that the state transitions 305 and 307 omitted.

Another option is that one of the in 3 shown dimming states corresponds to the state in which the switching actuator 104 the voltage limit 102 bypasses and instead the switch 110 controls and thus the input signal of the module 101 at the exits 107 . 108 for further processing, eg. B. for a constant light controller, provides. Thus, in a dimming state, the module can be switched inactive, and at the same time the lines of the 1-10 V interface are made transparent to a unit connected to the module (eg the mentioned constant light controller).

Also it is possible that with each state change, a signal at the connection 111 of the switch actuator indicates that a state transition is taking place.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

101

module

102

voltage limitation

103

voltage detector

104

Switch

105

Line (or connection)

106

Line (or connection)

107

Connection (output of the module)

108

Connection (output of the module)

109

Zener diode

110

Switch (controlled by the switch actuator 104 )

111

Connection of the switch actuator

201

Operating device (electronic ballast, electronic ballast)

202

mains voltage

203

Lamp

204

switch

301

Condition: light switched off

302

Condition: lamp in dimming condition 1

303

Condition: Lamp in dimming condition 2

304

State transition

305

State transition

306

State transition

307

State transition

308

State transition

401

Output of the voltage detector 103

402

Output of the voltage detector 103

R1 to R4

resistors

D1, D2

Zener diodes

T1, T2

Transistors (eg npn bipolar transistors)

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• DIN EN 60929 [0003]
• VDE 0712-23 [0003]
• Standard DIN EN 60929 [0024]
• VDE 0712-23 [0024]
• Standard DIN EN 60929 [0058]
• VDE 0712-23 [0058]

Claims (15)

Module ( 101 ) for controlling a dimmable operating device ( 201 ) for a light source ( 203 ), - in which a short-term interruption of a supply voltage ( 202 ) as a state transition ( 306 . 308 ) is detectable and - depending on the state transition ( 306 . 308 ) a dimming state ( 302 . 303 ) of the operating device ( 201 ) is adjustable. Module according to claim 1, comprising - a voltage detector ( 103 ) for detecting the brief interruption of the supply voltage, - a switching actuator ( 104 ), which is controllable by the voltage detector, wherein the switching actuator connects an input of the module to an output of the module. Module according to claim 1, comprising - a voltage detector ( 103 ) for detecting the brief interruption of the supply voltage, - a switching actuator ( 104 ), which is controllable by the voltage detector, - a voltage limitation ( 102 ) for setting a dimming state of the control gear. Module according to one of Claims 2 or 3, in which the voltage detector ( 103 ) comprises a microprocessor, a logic circuit or a microcontroller. Module according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein in the voltage detector, a state machine is implemented. Module according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the voltage detector is electrically buffered, in particular by an energy storage is provided which supplies the voltage detector at least temporarily with energy when the operating device is switched off. Module according to one of the preceding claims, in which the dimming state of the operating device ( 201 ) is adjustable via a 1-10 V interface. Module according to Claim 7, in which the module is set up for connection to the 1-10 V interface of the operating device, in particular as a plug-in module for the operating device. Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after the power interruption, a time duration can be determined up to an end of the power interruption and the short-term power interruption is detectable, if this time period is shorter or in particular equal to a predetermined period of time. Module according to one of the preceding claims, in which, depending on the state transition, one of a plurality of dimming states of the operating device is alternately adjustable. Module according to one of the preceding claims, in which, after an interruption of the supply voltage, the last active dimming state can be stored for longer than a predetermined first time duration. Module according to one of the preceding claims, in which, after an interruption of the supply voltage for more than a predetermined second period of time, the dimming state can be reset. Operating device with a module according to one of the preceding claims. Method for controlling a dimmable operating device ( 201 ) for a light source ( 203 ), - in which a short-term interruption of a supply voltage ( 202 ) as a state transition ( 306 . 308 ) is detected and - depending on the state transition ( 306 . 308 ) a dimming state ( 302 . 303 ) of the operating device ( 201 ) is set. The method of claim 14, wherein the dimming state of the operating device via a 1-10 V interface of the operating device is set.

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