DE19543378A1 - Electric lamp dimming control method - Google Patents

Abstract

The control method involves evaluating a supplied control signal to provide an output signal for providing the lamp with a variable power level over a dimming interval. The control signal is provided by defined on-off switching of the energy supply and evaluated by comparison with a reference on-off switching pattern, to provide the output signal for dimming the lamp.

Description

The invention relates to a method for controlling electrical consumers, in particular lighting devices, in which a control signal is evaluated and an output signal is formed as a function of the control signal, with which an electrical consumer is variably supplied with electrical energy during a dimming time t _D ; a circuit for controlling electrical consumers, in particular lighting devices, with at least one evaluation circuit, at least one delay circuit and at least one control circuit for a power circuit, in which the at least one evaluation circuit directly or in directly with a power supply line of the circuit and the at least one evaluation circuit the at least one delay circuit is connected; and a lamp.

To control electrical consumers, especially lighting equipment tion, such a method and a circuit is known in which the Control signal by manual rotation of an actuator, e.g. B. one Potentiometers in a switch insert containing the control system  det. It is also known to operate the control signal manually of sensor buttons usually also in a switch insert housed circuit to form over a period of time.

It is also known that the control signal from an infrared or Ul to form signals transmitted by the remote control. Here comes one Circuit for use in which the control signal from the remote control according to the operation of the remote control Buttons emitted signals is formed. The reception will be direction together with the control in a switch insert in standard size housed and connected to the consumer.

It is also known to have a relatively low lei in vehicle interior lighting Power consumption after opening one in the supply circuit of the vehicle interior lighting arranged door contact switch through a parallel to the door Contact switch automatically dimming switched circuit.

The invention is therefore based on the object, a further method and to provide a further circuit of the type mentioned in the introduction.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a method of the beginning mentioned type, which is characterized in that the control signal by time-defined switching on and off of the energy supply of a Control is formed and the evaluation of the control signal by Ver same as the time course of switching the energy supply on and off control is provided with a predetermined time pattern.

The configuration of the method according to the invention makes it possible to a remote controlled dimming of an electrical consumer without a ge separate remote control and without additional electrical installation lichen. When applied to a suitably equipped consumer it doesn't even require the existing conventional switchgear exchange directions.

In a further inventive embodiment, the method is thereby characterized in that the control signal is independent of electrical signals formed by switching the power supply of the control on and off becomes.  

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, this results in further advantages in that a higher ease of use and a higher complexity of controllable functions can be enabled.

The above method can be implemented particularly expediently if the control signal by a signal modulated onto the energy supply suitable frequency is formed.

Additionally or alternatively, it can also be useful if that Control signal from the control system other than via the energy supply is forwarded. Here is z. B. the additional use of a separate Remote control either to increase comfort or for additional Functions that e.g. B. should not be feasible by everyone, possible Lich.

It can also be useful if in a method according to the invention the control signal by electrical signals in addition to on and off switch the power supply of the controller is formed.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, this is Method characterized in that the result of the evaluation of the Control signal with a signal that is a measure of the ambient brightness is linked to an output signal. This allows the functions especially in the case of lighting devices, additionally through the lighting tion condition of the environment influenced and z. B. locked or activated who the.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention the method is characterized in that the result of the evaluation of the control signal with a signal that is a measure of a noise level is linked to an output signal. Such a link enables advantageous use in many applications Taking into account the environment normally associated with noise activity. A possible area of application is e.g. B. stairwell lighting.

In a further inventive embodiment of a method of the type mentioned at the outset, there is a particularly large area of use if the electrical consumer is supplied with electrical energy in a controllable manner, delayed by a time t _V , during a dimming time t _D. This opens up particularly favorable uses of the method, for. B. in lighting control in stairwells and children's rooms. A sufficiently long time full of illuminance can be combined with a slow extinction of the light, so that, for. B. People in a stairwell do not suddenly stand in the dark after the time of full lighting. The use in the lighting of children's rooms is particularly advantageous since children usually find the sudden switching off of the light after bedtime very uncomfortable. Therefore, if the light is left on until the children fall asleep, there is the problem that, on the one hand, the time to switch off the light has to be monitored and, on the other hand, there is a risk that the children will wake up again due to the sudden darkness. This can easily solve these problems.

Particularly when used in the lighting of traffic routes, it is expedient if the delay time t _V and / or the dimming time t _{D is} changed as a function of the ambient brightness and / or the noise level. It is particularly advantageous if the delay time t _V and / or the dimming time t _D does not begin to run until the signal, which is a measure of the noise level, falls below a predetermined threshold value, in particular if the delay time t _V and / or the dimming time t _{D is} interrupted when the signal, which is a measure of the noise level, exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Particular ease of use arises when the output signal is dimmed up as soon as the signal, which is a measure of the noise level, exceed a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined period of time tet.

Changing needs can be met particularly well if the delay time t _V and / or the dimming time t _{D is changed} via the control signal.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the Ver is drive characterized in that on switching on the Energieversor supply an output signal to the electrical load from is given, wherein on disconnection and reconnection of the Energiever supply within a predetermined time period t _A, an output signal is formed , with which an electrical consumer is delayed by a time t _V ver during a dimming time t _{D is provided} with electrical energy until the consumer is switched off (dimming down), the state of the output signal being stored after dimming down, so that on the the next time the energy supply is switched off and on again within a predetermined period of time t _A, an output signal for switching on the electrical consumer is output.

For a functional extension for the unattended process rens, e.g. B. to pretend the presence of people, it is appropriate moderate if an output signal is formed on another control signal is, so that the electrical consumer at random times for a random duration is switched on.

This is especially true when the frequency of engaging the consume chers is within predetermined limits, especially if the duration the activation of the consumer is within predetermined limits.

For low energy consumption, it is advantageous if that Output signal with a signal that is a measure of the ambient brightness is linked, so that the accidental activation of the electrical Consumer only when the brightness falls below a predetermined level speed occurs.

A deterrent effect against potential burglars can be especially if the limits of the frequency of switching on conditions of the consumer depending on a time signal is changed so that the accidental switching on of the electrical consumption at different times of the day or night follows.

An alarm function can be easily integrated when the control signal with a signal that is a measure of a noise level to an off gear signal is linked so that when a predetermined is exceeded Noise level an output signal is formed, so that the electrical Consumer is switched on and off periodically. A special security False triggering can be obtained by linking  First control signal with the signal that is a measure of the noise level occurs when the signal, which is a measure of the noise level, is one predetermined threshold value for a predetermined period of time.

The object is further achieved by a circuit of the type mentioned at the outset, characterized by at least one dimmer scarf device, on the one hand, at least with the at least one delay scarf device and on the other hand at least with the at least one control circuit is connected for a power circuit.

A simple adaptation of the properties of the circuit to the respective application can be achieved if at least one of the delay circuits comprises an actuating element for setting the delay time (t _V ), in particular if at least one of the dimmer circuits has an actuating element for adjusting the dimming time (t _D ) includes.

An economically advantageous embodiment of the invention can be largely independent of the lot size received when the evaluation scarf device includes a microcontroller circuit, especially if the micro controller circuit also the at least one delay circuit includes.

This is especially true when the microcontroller circuit also comprises at least one dimmer circuit, especially if the microcon troller circuit at the same time the at least one control circuit for one Power circuit includes.

A link between the circuit functions and ambient noise obtained when the circuit further includes a microphone amplifier circuit and comprises a trigger circuit with an adjustable trigger threshold moderately when the microphone amplifier circuit is a filter scarf device for weighted amplification of a fed signal.

An influencing of the circuit functions by the ambient brightness can be obtained if the circuit further includes an amplifier circuit for a light-sensitive sensor and a trigger circuit cash trigger threshold includes.  

For cost-effective production, it can be advantageous if the Circuit further comprises at least one power circuit which with the at least one control circuit for a power circuit connected is. It is there for a particularly high durability and reliability expedient if the at least one power circuit is a triac circuit comprises, through which the power supply to the electrical consumer is variable is adjustable.

The object is finally achieved according to the invention by a lamp a circuit described above. This allows the benefits the circuit according to the invention particularly simply by Circuit-savvy DIY enthusiasts with minimal installa tion effort that the one of attaching a normal lamp needs to exceed, exploit.

The invention will Darge in the following with reference to the drawings presented embodiment are explained in more detail. Show it

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the inventive circuit SEN,

Fig. 2 is a state diagram of an embodiment of the inventive method SEN,

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a luminaire according to the invention in the form of a wall lamp as a top view with the cover removed,

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a lamp according to the invention in the form of a wall lamp in a cross-sectional view, and

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a lamp according to the invention in the form of a ceiling lamp in a partial sectional view.

The circuit 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a first Anschlußklem me 2 over which the circuit can be connected to a power supply line 3 with a conventional house installation, the lung, for example, another terminal 4, a junction box 5, a switch 6 and a defense 7 can include. Via this house installation, the circuit 1 can be switched off with energy via the switch 6 .

The mains voltage U _{N is present} between the neutral conductor N and the phase L of the house installation. A second terminal 8, an electrical consumers such. B. a lamp 9 , can be connected to the circuit 1 . Since there is between the looped through the circuit 1 neutral conductor N and the phase L influenced by the circuit 1 ', the consumer voltage U _V.

A power supply 10 is connected to the conductors L and N within the circuit 1 . The power supply 10 provides the low voltages U _B required for the operation of the circuit 1 as well as a signal S1 with which the exposure of the circuit 1 to the mains voltage U _V is indicated.

The signal S1 is applied to an evaluation circuit 11 via a corresponding line connection. In the evaluation circuit 11 , the signal S1 with a by appropriate circuit, for. B. an RC level holder circuit or the like. Realized pattern for evaluating the signal S1 and thus the switching states of the mains voltage U _N linked.

The evaluation circuit 11 can also be expediently formed by a correspondingly programmed microcontroller circuit. The parameters of the linkage can optionally be changed externally via an input signal S2. The respective operating state of the circuit 1 can be displayed via an output signal S3 of the evaluation circuit 11 with an LED 12 connected to it.

The evaluation circuit 11 is connected via a line to a control circuit 13 for a power circuit, which is connected to the power circuit, for. B. a triac phase gating circuit is assembled. The control circuit 13 receives a signal S4 from the evaluation circuit 11 via the line. The operating state of the control and power circuit 13 is reported back to the evaluation circuit 11 via a corresponding line connection via a signal S5.

The evaluation circuit 11 is also connected via a line to a delay circuit 14 which can be activated by the evaluation circuit 11 via a signal S6. After activation of the delay TIC 14 through S6 14 outputs the delay circuit after expiration of the delay time t deferrers _V, the duration of a is adjustable by a variable resistor 15, circuit 16 via a connection line, a signal S7 to a dimmer.

The dimmer circuit 16 outputs a signal S8 to the control and power circuit 13 via a connecting line to the signal S7 during a dimming time t _D , which can be varied via an adjustable resistor 17 . A feedback of the operating state of the dimmer circuit 16 to the evaluation circuit 11 takes place via a corresponding line connection via a signal S9.

Corresponding to the signal S8, possibly in combination with signal S4, the electrical consumer, the lamp 9 , is supplied with electrical energy in a variable manner during the dimming time t _D , generally in such a way that the lamp 9 has a maximum at the beginning of the dimming time t _D electrical energy is supplied and no longer receives electrical energy at the end of the dimming time t _D.

The circuit 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes ten further Components that extend the application range of the circuit 1.

One of the components is a connection for an external pushbutton 18 , upon actuation of which the delay circuit 14 is subjected to a signal S10 to activate it independently of the evaluation circuit 11 .

Another of these components is a microphone amplifier circuit 19 with an integrated trigger circuit with an adjustable trigger threshold, which can be changed via an adjustable resistor 20 . Expediently, the microphone amplifier circuit 19 also includes a filter circuit for weighted amplification of a signal fed by an external microphone 21 .

If the filtered and amplified microphone signal exceeds the pre-set trigger level, the dimmer circuit 16 is supplied with a signal S11 via a corresponding line, which also reaches the delay circuit 14 via a line branch.

The signal S11 stops the expiration of the delay time t _V and, if this had already expired, the dimming process by the dimmer circuit 16 reversed.

In the event that a conventional switch-off of the lamp 9 is to, after the delay time t _V without dimming can be selected to be, the delay circuit 14 is connected via a line tung directly with the Ansteuerschal 13, via the in such a case the drive circuit 13 through the Signal S12 can be controlled accordingly.

Should be according to a circuit according to the invention already before forth mentioned proposals to perform other functions or the Parameters for operating the circuit can also be controlled remotely and thus More complex signals are supplied to the circuit and this corresponds to one Adequate time coding of switching the mains voltage on and off is too complicated decorated or too uncomfortable to use, can instead of the conven tional switch an operating unit can be provided in addition to the corresponding controls a transmitter for modulating electro includes magnetic waves of suitable frequency, e.g. B. above 21 kHz may be to be influenced by room monitoring devices that are in the Avoid sending the voice frequency range via the house installation.

In such a case, a corresponding customary receiver and decoding circuit would then have to be provided in the circuit 1 , which then transmits the corresponding signals S1 and, if appropriate, more to the corresponding building blocks of the circuit.

Furthermore, it is also possible to additionally provide a remote control receiver with which operating parameters of the circuit 1 can be changed via the line and the signal S2. Such an arrangement with a portable remote control z. B. be useful in public buildings if the change of certain switching states or parameters should be withdrawn from the public's access.

Furthermore, the circuit 1 can be expanded by a block that z. B. is activated via a separate button or switch with which the electrical consumer is switched on via a random generator at random times for a random period. When combined with a clock module, a pretense of an occupied house during the absence of the residents can be achieved particularly realistically and effectively with regard to a deterrent effect against potential burglars if the accidental switching on of the electrical consumer at different times of the day or night occurs at different times follows.

For an alarm function, such a module can also be connected to the microphone amplifier 19 via the line carrying the signal S11, so that the lamp 9 is periodically switched on and off in response to the signal S11.

The state diagram in FIG. 2 shows the temporal relationship of some quantities and signals, from which the sequence of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention becomes clear.

If the power supply to the circuit, ie the mains voltage U _N , is switched on after a long pause, the evaluation circuit 11 outputs a signal S4 to the control circuit 13 , so that the lamp 9 is switched on by the integrated power circuit (consumer voltage U _V ).

If, after any period of time, the mains voltage U _{N is switched} off and on again for a period of time which is not longer than the period of time t _A preset therefor, the evaluation circuit 11 outputs a signal S6 to the delay circuit 14 . This outputs a signal S7 to the dimmer circuit 16 after a preset time t _V , whereupon the latter outputs a signal S8 to the control circuit over a preset time t _D , so that the consumer voltage U _V is reduced from its maximum value to zero during this time.

After the consumer voltage U _{V is set} to zero, the control circuit sends a signal S5 to the evaluation circuit 11 , where the signal S6 switches off and the delay circuit is thus reset.

It is not shown that the signal S5 is stored, so that after the next arbitrarily short switching off and on again of the mains voltage U _N, the consumer is switched on permanently until the mains voltage U _{N is} then switched off and on again for a period of time, which is no longer than the preset time period t _A and thus the previously described dimming down of the consumer is carried out.

Also not shown in Fig. 2 that if the signal S11 is output during the delay time t _V or the dimming time t _D from the microphone amplifier circuit 19 , the expiry of the delay time (t _V ) in the delay circuit is interrupted and at the same time the expiry of Dimmvor is interrupted. If the dimmer circuit 16 applied over a certain predetermined period of time with the addition signal S11 is a Si gnal output S8 in the manner that the lamp is dimmed 9 again to the maximum load voltage U _V via the drive circuit. 13

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a lamp according to the invention in the form of a wall lamp 22 as a top view with the cover removed, and FIG. 4 shows the wall lamp 22 from FIG. 3 in a cross-sectional illustration. A circuit 1 according to the invention is mounted inside the wall lamp 22 on a base plate 23 next to a lamp holder 24 . Via a power supply line 3 , the circuit 1 can be connected to a house installation. A lamp 9 , a button 18 and LEDs 12 are connected to the circuit 1 via further connecting lines 25 . Instead of an LED 12 , a microphone 21 or a photodiode for detecting the ambient brightness can also be installed when the circuit 1 is equipped accordingly.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a lamp according to the invention in the form of a ceiling lamp 26 in a partial sectional view. In this case, a circuit 1 is attached within a conventional canopy 27 . In this ceiling light 26 , the circuit 1 via a Stromversorgungslei device 3 can be connected to a house installation. A lamp 9 in a Lam pen socket 24 and an LED 12 are connected to the circuit 1 via further connecting lines 25 . Instead of the LED 12 , a microphone 21 or a photodiode for detecting the ambient brightness can also be installed if the circuit 1 is equipped accordingly.

From the above description and the representation of execution Playing the invention it is clear that the invention is not limited to combinations of features mentioned in the claims or the description limited, but within the scope of the invention also other combinations of Features listed are conceivable, in particular that in the description In one embodiment, not all of the variations of Functions and elements are shown and described.

Claims (34)

1. Method for control of electrical consumers, in particular Be leuchtungseinrichtungen wherein evaluated a control signal and an output signal is formed in dependence on the control signal, that is supplied with electrical energy, an electrical consumer during a dimming time (t _D) ver änderlich, labeled in characterized is characterized in that the control signal is formed by a time-defined switching on and off of the power supply of a control and the evaluation of the control signal is carried out by comparing the time course of the switching on and off of the power supply of the control with a predetermined time pattern. 2. The method according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized net that the control signal by electrical signals regardless of Switching the power supply of the controller on and off becomes.   3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the Steueri gnal by a signal modulated onto the power supply own frequency is formed. 4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the Control signal from the controller in a different way than via the energy ver supply is supplied. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized records that the control signal by electrical signals in addition for switching the power supply of the control on and off det. 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized records that the result of the evaluation of the control signal with egg signal, which is a measure of the ambient brightness, to a Output signal is linked. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized records that the result of the evaluation of the control signal with egg signal, which is a measure of a noise level, to an off output signal is linked. 8. The method according to the preamble of claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical Ver controllable delayed by a time (t _V ) during a dimming time (t _D ) is variably supplied with electrical energy. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the delay time (t _V ) and / or the dimming time (t _D ) is changed as a function of the ambient brightness and / or the noise level. 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the delay time (t _V ) and / or the dimming time (t _D ) only begins to run when the signal, which is a measure of the noise level, falls below a given threshold. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the expiry of the delay time (t _V ) and / or the dimming time (t _D ) is interrupted when the signal, which is a measure of the noise level, exceeds a predetermined threshold. 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the Output signal is dimmed up once the signal is a measure of the noise level is a predetermined threshold for a front given time period. 13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the delay time (t _V ) and / or the dimming time (t _D ) is changed via the control signal. 14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an output signal for switching on the electrical consumer is output when the energy supply is switched on, with an output signal being formed within a predetermined period of time (t _A ) when the energy supply is switched off and on again , with which an electrical consumer is delayed by a time (t _V ) during a dimming time (t _D ) is supplied with electrical energy until the consumer is switched off (abdim men), the state of the output signal being stored after dimming, so that an output signal for switching on the electrical consumer is output on the next switching off and on again as the energy supply is switched on within a predetermined time period (t _A ). 15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized records that an output signal ge to a further control signal is formed so that the electrical consumer is determined at random ten times for a randomly determined duration. 16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the frequent speed of switching on the consumer within predetermined Limits.   17. The method according to any one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in net that the duration of the consumer starts within predetermined limits. 18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in net that the output signal with a signal that is a measure of the Ambient brightness is linked, so that the random on Switching of the electrical consumer only when falling below one predetermined ambient brightness. 19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in net that the limits of the frequency of engaging the consumption chers changed depending on a time signal predetermined is, so that the accidental switching on of the electrical consumer at different times of the day or night, it occurs differently follows. 20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in net that the control signal with a signal that is a measure of a Noise level is linked to an output signal so that an output when a predetermined noise level is exceeded Signal is formed so that the electrical consumer periodically is switched on and off. 21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the link control signal with the signal that is a measure of the Ge Noise level only occurs when the signal, which is a measure of the Noise level is a predetermined threshold for a given one level period. 22. Circuit for controlling electrical consumers, in particular lighting devices, with at least one evaluation circuit ( 11 ), at least one delay circuit ( 14 ) and at least one control circuit ( 13 ) for a power circuit in which the at least one evaluation circuit ( 11 ) directly or indirectly with a power supply line ( 3 ) of the circuit and the at least one evaluation circuit ( 11 ) is connected to the at least one delay circuit ( 14 ), characterized by at least one dimmer circuit ( 16 ) which on the one hand has at least one delay circuit ( 14 ) and on the other hand at least is connected to the at least one control circuit ( 13 ) for a power circuit. 23. Circuit according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one of the delay circuits ( 14 ) comprises an actuating element ( 15 ) for setting the delay time (t _V ). 24. Circuit according to one of claims 22 to 23, characterized in that at least one of the dimmer circuits ( 16 ) comprises an adjusting element ( 17 ) for setting the dimming time (t _D ). 25. Circuit according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the evaluation circuit ( 11 ) comprises a microcontroller circuit. 26. A circuit according to claim 25, characterized in that the micro controller circuit also includes the at least one delay circuit ( 14 ). 27. Circuit according to one of claims 25 to 26, characterized in that the microcontroller circuit also includes the at least one dimmer circuit ( 16 ). 28. Circuit according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the microcontroller circuit also comprises the at least one drive circuit ( 13 ) for a power circuit. 29. Circuit according to one of claims 22 to 28, characterized in that the circuit further comprises a microphone amplifier circuit ( 19 ) and a trigger circuit with an adjustable trigger threshold. 30. The circuit according to claim 29, characterized in that the microphone amplifier circuit ( 19 ) comprises a filter circuit for weighted amplification of a fed signal. 31. Circuit according to one of claims 22 to 30, characterized in net that the circuit also an amplifier circuit for a photosensitive transducer and a trigger circuit with adj cash trigger threshold includes. 32. Circuit according to one of claims 22 to 31, characterized in that the circuit further comprises at least one power circuit, which is connected to the at least one drive circuit ( 13 ) for a power circuit. 33. Circuit according to claim 32, characterized in that the at least least a power circuit comprises a triac circuit through which the power supply to the electrical consumer is variably adjustable is. 34. Luminaire, characterized by a circuit according to one of the claims che 22 to 33.