DE102019128523A1 - SYSTEM AND PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING, CONTROLLING AND REGULATING SEVERAL LUMINAIRES - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (1) for monitoring, controlling and regulating several LEDs (61, 62, ..., 6M), each of which consists of several LED strips (41, 42, ..., 4N) is disclosed. A controller (2) is assigned to each LED strip (41, 42, ..., 4N). A control and evaluation unit (10) is connected to the controller (2) of the multiple LED strips (41, 42, ..., 4N) via a bidirectional data bus (8). A common power source (7) supplies each LED strip (41, 42, ..., 4N) with the required power via the individual controller (2).

Description

The invention relates to a system for monitoring, controlling and regulating several lights.

The invention also relates to a method for monitoring, controlling and regulating a plurality of lights.

The German patent application DE 10 2013 109 866 A1 relates to a device and a method for controlling and defining the brightness of several light-emitting diodes or light-emitting diode modules. In addition to the power supply, the device has a ballast for controlling the light-emitting diodes or light-emitting diode modules. The device additionally comprises a control module with the property of setting the respective number of light-emitting diodes or light-emitting diode modules separately via channels in relation to their brightness with local dimming values per channel in a continuously reversible manner.

In the German patent application DE 10 2012 006 694 A1 a lighting system for interiors, in particular of rail vehicles, is disclosed. The lighting system has at least one sensor; at least one memory and / or at least one network connection and at least one signal processing device with at least one input channel. Information from the sensor, the memory and / or the network connection is communicated via the input channel. At least one lighting parameter to be set for an interior space, such as lighting color and / or illuminance, is commanded via at least one output channel as a function of the communicated information; as well as at least one lighting means which is connected to the output channel and via which different lighting colors and / or illuminance levels can be set.

The object of the invention is to create a system for monitoring, controlling and regulating a plurality of LEDs which can be set variably and in which information about the state of the system can be called up.

The object is achieved by a system for monitoring, controlling and regulating a plurality of LEDs which comprises the features of claim 1

Another object of the invention is to provide a method for monitoring, controlling and regulating a system made up of several LED strips, which method enables variable setting and in which information about the status of the system can be called up.

The above object is achieved by a method for monitoring, controlling and regulating a system made up of several LED strips, which method comprises the features of claim 8.

According to the invention, the system for monitoring, controlling and regulating several LEDs consists of several LED strips. Each LED strip consists of several LEDs. A controller is assigned to each LED strip. The controller is a µ-controller that is formed on each LED strip. The LED strips are communicatively connected to a control and evaluation unit. A common power source is used to power all LED strips. The controller of the LED strip is used, for example, to implement incoming dimming information. A bidirectional data bus is connected to each controller of the LED strips and the control and evaluation unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the controller can be designed as a μ-controller, which is also formed during the production of the LED strips. The controller of the LED strip is used, for example, to implement incoming dimming information. In the case of a multi-channel system (several light colors), the controller is used for multiplex control of the groups of LEDs on an LED strip. The power source is used jointly by all LED strips or groups.

It is used in a multi-channel system (several light colors) for multiplex control of the LED strings.

Each group of LEDs is assigned an electrical switch that can be used to set the different colors of the respective group. In the individual groups there is always a group with white LEDs. The LEDs with the other colors are used, for example, to add the colors. According to one possible embodiment of the invention, up to five groups of LEDs are provided.

The multiple LED strips of the system are connected to one another and to the control and evaluation unit via a bidirectional data bus. The bidirectional data bus is a digital 2-wire bus. The system is to be understood as a dimmable, multi-channel lighting system. Information is constantly exchanged between the control and evaluation unit and the LED strips. This information is, for example, dimming information that is sent from the controller to the controller of the LED strips. Information about errors is also transmitted from the LED strips to the control and evaluation unit via the controller. The information about errors is shown on the LED strip generated by the controller (µ-controller) and reported back to the control and evaluation unit.

Each control and evaluation unit can be communicatively connected to a central unit. Messages from the LED strips with regard to errors and / or failures can be shown on at least one display.

The system according to the invention can in principle be used wherever several LED strips are to be controlled and monitored. The systems of the invention can particularly preferably be used in the interior and / or exterior of rail vehicles.

The method according to the invention for monitoring, controlling and regulating a system is characterized in that a plurality of LED strips are provided, each of which comprises a plurality of LEDs and a single controller. The multiple LED strips are connected to a control and evaluation unit via a bidirectional data bus with the controller of the multiple LED strips. Furthermore, a common power source is assigned to each system, which supplies each LED strip with the required power via the controller.

When the system is started up for the first time, an address is assigned to each LED strip by means of the control and evaluation unit according to a random principle via the bidirectional data bus. For this purpose, according to the invention, software can be installed in the control and evaluation unit which assigns the address to each LED strip.

Each LED strip is queried by the control and evaluation unit for errors via the address. Each controller of each LED strip can be used to dim the LED strips, to determine failures of LEDs of LED strips and / or to compensate for age-related light losses of the LED strips.

Each of the multitude of LED strips includes several groups of LEDs. The individual groups can be controlled via a multiplex control to generate the multiple light colors. For this purpose, an electrical switch (MOSFET) is assigned to each group.

According to a preferred embodiment, information about errors in the LEDs is transmitted from the controller of each LED strip to the control and evaluation unit. The controller is used to determine failure of LEDs, with the controller measuring the voltage across the LED strip. A failure of one or more LEDs or an LED strip can be recognized by a sudden change in voltage.

The control and evaluation unit cyclically polls each LED strip for errors. Error information can then be transmitted from the control and evaluation unit to a central unit.

The controller of each LED strip is used to compensate for light losses caused by aging of the LEDs. For this purpose, the current value of the current source common to all LED strips is continuously increased via the controller so that aging losses can be compensated for. By measuring the operating hours of the LED strips, the current current value is determined in order to compensate for the light losses caused by aging.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung mehrerer LEDs, die in Form eines Streifens angeordnet sind.
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems zur Überwachung und Kontrolle von mehreren LEDs.
• 3 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines mehrkanaligen Systems mit dem mehrere Lichtfarben realisiert werden können.
• 4 zeigt eine schematische Teilansicht eines Zugabteils im Schnitt, bei dem das erfindungsgemäße System verbaut ist.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention and its advantages will now be explained in more detail by means of embodiments without thereby restricting the invention to the embodiment shown. The proportions in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, as some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• 1 shows a schematic representation of several LEDs arranged in the form of a strip.
• 2 shows a schematic representation of the system according to the invention for monitoring and controlling a plurality of LEDs.
• 3 shows a schematic representation of a multi-channel system with which several light colors can be realized.
• 4th shows a schematic partial view of a train compartment in section, in which the system according to the invention is installed.

Identical reference symbols are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The figures merely represent exemplary embodiments of the invention without, however, restricting the invention to the illustrated exemplary embodiments.

1 shows a schematic representation of several LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. that are in the form of an LED strip 4th are arranged. The LED strip 4th is with a controller 2 provided, which is preferably designed as a µ-controller. The controller 2 is used to detect the failure of several LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. , an LED strip 4th . An LED failure, like e.g. short circuit or interruption of the LED strip 4th , is made by measuring voltage across the LED strip 4th determined. The one through the controller 2 The determined voltage shows in the event of a short circuit or an interruption of the LED strip 4th a sudden change in voltage. In the event of a short circuit in the LED strip 4th there is a sudden voltage drop. In the event of an interruption in the LED strip 4th there is a sudden increase in voltage.

The controller 2 of the LED strip 4th is with two electrical connections 16 Mistake. The individual LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. the LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N are via a 2-core cable 18th with the control and evaluation unit 10 electrically connected. The LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. of each LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N are with the controller 2 of the respective LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N connected.

2 shows a schematic representation of the system according to the invention 1 for monitoring and controlling several LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. , with the multiple LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. are combined into several. The multiple LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N are in the system according to the invention 1 via a bidirectional data bus 8th connected. The bidirectional data bus 8th connects a control and evaluation unit 10 of the system 1 with the individual LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N of the system 1 . Via the bidirectional data bus 8th information and / or commands arrive from the control and evaluation unit 10 to the individual LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N and from the individual LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N back to the control and evaluation unit 10 .

By connecting the control and evaluation unit 10 with the individual LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N you get a system 1 , which is to be understood as a dimmable, multi-channel lighting system. Between the control and evaluation unit 10 and the individual LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N information is constantly being exchanged. This information is, for example, dimming information from the control and evaluation unit 10 to individual LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N be sent. Furthermore, the bidirectional data bus 8th Error information from the LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N on the control and evaluation unit 10 Posted. The error information is on the respective LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N through the controller 2 (µ-controller) and to the control and evaluation unit 10 reported back.

The control and evaluation unit 10 is designed so that each LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N is queried cyclically for errors. The to the control and evaluation unit 10 Reported error information can then from the control and evaluation unit 10 to a central unit 20th (please refer 4th ) are transmitted.

The control and evaluation unit is required to be able to assign the error information 10 for each LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N an address. According to the invention, when the system is started up for the first time 1 randomly each led strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N assigned an address. Each of the LED strips can use the address 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N from the control and evaluation unit 10 be queried for errors.

With the system according to the invention 1 Failure detection carried out can result in failure of individual LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. of each of the LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N determine. Likewise, with the system according to the invention 1 a complete interruption of one or more LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N be recognized. For detecting the failure of individual LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. and / or the interruption of LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N is the controller 2 of each LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N responsible for this, the one on the LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N measures applied voltage.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention comprises an LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ten LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. . On every LED 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. of each LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N there is a voltage of 3V, for example. The voltage across an LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N results from the product of the number of LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. per LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N and the one on every LED 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. applied voltage. It should be noted that the number of LEDs mentioned in the exemplary embodiment 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. per LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N and the applied voltage is for descriptive purposes only and is not to be construed as a limitation on the invention. The controller recognizes the voltage measurement 2 the failure of one or more LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. of an LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N . The number of LEDs can be determined from the level of the measured voltage drop 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. determine the per LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N have failed, e.g. due to a short circuit. If in the example described here from the controller 2 a voltage drop of approx. 0.9 volts is measured, one can assume that in the LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N three of the ten LEDs 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M. failed. In the event that a complete LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N fails (interruption of the LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) the voltage goes up, which is also from the controller 2 is measured.

The automatic way of assigning the addresses of the individual LED strips as described above 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N thus avoids time-consuming address setting. The automatic The addresses are assigned by software in the control and evaluation unit 10 or the individual LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N enables. To do this, the software is on each controller 2 of every single LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N Installed.

3 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention 1 that is made up of several groups 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , ..., 5 _p (Channels) with which several light colors can be realized. Each of the groups 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , ..., 5 _p can display its own light color, each LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N a group 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , ..., 5 _p is via an electrical switch 15th (such as a MOSFET) with the controller 2 connected. The controller 2 of each LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N one is used to implement incoming dimming information from the control and evaluation unit 10 used. The in 3 The illustrated embodiment is a system 1 (multi-channel system) that can display several colors of light. Every group 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , ..., 5 _p one LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N can be controlled by a multiplex control. For multiplex control, the controller can 2 the LED strip 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N to be used. The controller 2 operates an electrical switch 15th (such as MOSFET) belonging to each group 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , ..., 5 _p assigned to thereby select the desired color. All LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N are to be shared with a power source 7th connected.

4th Figure 3 is a partial schematic view of a train compartment 30th in section, in which the system according to the invention 1 is installed. An illustration of the use of the present invention in a train compartment 30th serves only for description and should not be construed as limiting the invention. The present invention can also be used outdoors, for example for controlling and monitoring signal lights of a train. In general, the application is conceivable in all areas in which a large number of LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N are to be monitored or controlled.

At the in 4th described embodiment is the system according to the invention 1 for example for lighting in a train compartment 30th used. The multiple LED strips 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N are with the control and evaluation unit 10 connected. In the train compartment 30th can use several of the systems according to the invention 1 are used. Every control and evaluation unit 10 of any system 1 is with a central unit 20th of the train compartment 30th communicatively connected. Every control and evaluation unit 10 asks the LED strip assigned to her 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N cyclically for errors. Error information or error information is then provided by the control and evaluation units 10 to a central unit 20th transmitted. The central unit 20th is for example a display 22nd assigned on which the error information can be displayed. According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the location of the faulty LED strip can also be shown on a map shown 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N be marked. A warning light can also be used 24 the central unit 20th which flashes to indicate the presence of an error.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its accompanying advantages will be understood from the preceding description. Furthermore, it is apparent that various changes can be made in the shape, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing any material advantages. The embodiment described is illustrative only and such changes are encompassed by the following claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention is defined by the following claims.

List of reference symbols

1

system

2

Controller

4th

LED strips

41, 42, ..., 4N

LED strips

51, 52, ..., 5R

group

61, 62, ..., 6M

LED

7th

Power source

8th

bidirectional data bus

10

Control and evaluation unit

12th

display

14th

Multiplex control

15th

electrical switch

16

electrical connections

18th

management

20th

central unit

22nd

Display

24

Warning light

30th

train compartment

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102013109866 A1 [0003]
• DE 102012006694 A1 [0004]

Claims (14)

System (1) for monitoring, controlling and regulating several LEDs (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M ), each of which consists of several LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ), characterized by : • one controller (2) each, which is assigned to each LED strip (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ); • a control and evaluation unit (10); • one power source (7) common to all LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N); and • a bidirectional data bus (8) which is connected to each controller (2) of the LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) and the control and evaluation unit (10). System (1) according to Claim 1 , wherein the controller (2) is a µ-controller which is formed on each of the LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ). System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) divided a plurality of into groups (5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , ..., 5 _P ) LEDs (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M ), and which differ in terms of color. System (1) according to Claim 1 , with each group (5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , ..., 5 _P ) of LEDs (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M ) being assigned an electrical switch (15) via which the different colors of the respective Group (5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , ..., 5 _P ) can be set. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bidirectional data bus (8) is a digital 2-wire bus. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each control and evaluation unit (10) is communicatively connected to a central unit (20) which has at least one display (22) on which messages from the LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) can be displayed with regard to errors and / or failures. Use of the system according to one of the preceding claims in the interior and / or in the exterior of rail vehicles. Method for monitoring, controlling and regulating a system (1) consisting of several LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ), each of which has several LEDs (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M ) , and a single controller (2), and wherein a control and evaluation unit (10) via a bidirectional data bus (8) with the controllers (2) of the multiple LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) is connected, and a common power source (7) which _{supplies each LED strip (4 1} , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) with the required power via each individual controller (2), characterized by the following steps , • that when the system (1) is started up for the first time by means of the control and evaluation unit (10), according to a random principle via the bidirectional data bus (8), each LED strip (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) receives one Address is assigned; • that the address of each LED strip (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) is queried by the control and evaluation unit (10) for errors; and • that each controller (2) of each LED strip (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) for dimming the LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) for determining of failures of LEDs (6 ₁ , 62, ..., 6M) of LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) and to compensate for age-related light losses of the LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) is used. Procedure according to Claim 8 , whereby a software of the control and evaluation unit (10) assigns the address to _{each LED strip (4 1} , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N). Procedure according to Claim 8 , whereby the dimming of the LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) is initiated by the control and evaluation unit (10) via the controller (2). Procedure according to Claim 10 , with each of the plurality of LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) having multiple groups (5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , ..., 5 _P ) of LEDs (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , .. ., 6 _M ), with which several light colors are controlled via an electrical switch (15) each. Procedure according to Claim 8 , information about errors in the LEDs (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M ) from the controller (2) of each LED strip (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) to the control and Evaluation unit (10) are transmitted. Procedure according to Claim 8 , whereby the controller (2) measures the voltage across the LED strips (4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ..., 4 _N ) to determine failures of LEDs (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _{M) and} detects a failure of several LEDs (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , ..., 6 _M ) due to a sudden change in voltage. Use of the method according to one of the preceding Claims 8 to 15 for lighting control indoors and / or outdoors of rail vehicles.

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