EP1349437A2 - Conductor rail system with control line - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has data line extending along a conductor rail (10). A central control unit (12) connected to the data line receives signals from an electrical device arrangement through the data line to control an electrical device of the arrangement. A sensor transmits signals to the central control unit that individually addresses the device in the arrangement.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a busbar system with a data line, comprising a or multiple terminals at any location in the busbar system are flexibly detachably connectable, with a common central control system is provided, and at least one of the terminals is a sensor or a receiver, with which signals can be received and via the data line to the central Control system are conductive.

State of the art

In building technology and in particular in the lighting of buildings, or Parts of buildings are often used lights with adjustable parameters. These adjustable parameters include the selection of lights that are on and the desired brightness with which the lights shine. Usually, the lights are actuated by means of switches, for example on a door, which can also be configured as a dimmer. With these dimmers can the brightness the lights are set.

There are also busbar systems that allow luminaires to be flexibly powered To lay a layman in any number and position at desired positions. The Busbar consists of a mostly U-shaped metal profile, which in or on the Ceiling of a room is firmly attached. Inside the busbar are insulated Conductors provided. Each luminaire is provided with an adapter attached to the Busbar system is attached and by means of built-in contacts with the Power line is connected. Such busbar systems have the advantage that the Position of the lights can also be adjusted by the layman. Furthermore, the Busbar systems have the advantage that they are already installed in new buildings can, even if their use and according to the exact number, type and location the lamps used is not yet known. In such busbar systems However, the lights can not be controlled individually. It is therefore necessary to provide the lights with information about the desired operating state.

The transmission of all information by means of radio or infrared transmitters and Although receivers for this purpose are in principle possible, but prone to failure. The Process produces the so-called electrosmog, the interference of other devices can cause. Also, the use of the required sender and receiver expensive. In infrared transmission, other systems that are also in the Room are disturbed.

The transmission of information via permanently installed cables combined with a Power supply via cable channels is also known. Cable ducts are solid installed plastic pipes or profiles, in which a variety of power cables, Data lines and other cables can be stirred loosely. On the plastic pipe There are permanently integrated connections on which the cables laid in this way are tapped and energy or information can be obtained through a suitable interface can. The connections are permanently installed at predetermined points of the Cable channel. Additional connections can only be made through a specialist be installed comparatively large effort.

It is also under the name of EIB (European Installation Bus) a system with a power rail and a data line known. The system is i.a. described in the publication "Daylight Dependent Lighting Systems Based on Installation Buses "by P.T. Knoop, Progress-Ber.VDI Series 6 No. 396 1998. Each connected light is in this system via a node with the power rail and the data line connected. The node has a data processing unit. The nodes are together with an information generator and a translator in an actuator provided which is fixedly connected to the busbar. Everyone at the System connected node is doing with respect to the communication of connected devices equally. Each connected device is transmitter and Receiver of information communicated via a BUS system. A central control unit is not provided. The system is therefore suitable for quasi arbitrarily large applications such as the management of complex building services for large Building. However, the system is too expensive for many simpler applications consuming.

Another such system is known from DE 299 06 910 U1. There will be one Hanging device for objects to be electrically contacted disclosed. Also here it is a bidirectional two-wire bus system, i. to a system, at which the connected terminals have their own intelligence. The described system is associated with considerable costs, since each terminal with a Microprocessor must be equipped.

From DE 38 12 465 C2, it is also known, simple for lighting technology intended busbars to be combined with data lines. The system has a Central control unit, which takes over the control of the system (master-slave system). The connected lights can be controlled via a simple ballast and an adapter to be connected to the power rail. Over the data line can Control data in the direction of the lights are communicated. This will be the central setting for example the brightness reached.

In the known busbar system with data line, the data flows in the form of control commands from the central control computer to the connected lights. A Changing the operating state can therefore only by a program or a Input to the control computer can be achieved.

Disclosure of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a busbar system, in which Connected terminals controllable depending on the environmental conditions are and which is inexpensive to implement.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that the terminals individually are addressable without own control functions and and a data transfer after the master-slave principle exclusively between a terminal and the central Control system takes place. Flow through the use of sensors or receivers Information also in the opposite direction to the control computer. Of the Control computer can be the information provided by the sensor or receiver record, centrally process and the results to control other connected Provide terminals. By using a common control computer can the terminals are carried out according to cost. The terminals need no own data processing units. The already existing infrastructure for the Power supply is made available simultaneously for data communication, wherein a particularly high level of flexibility is guaranteed, since the devices from the layman without special effort can be installed. This makes use in such Particularly attractive cases in which the type of use changes frequently and the Installations are each provided at different locations. For the Communication is suitable for various standards, for example the communication standard DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface).

As terminals first of all lights are particularly suitable. It can too other consumers, such as monitors, sounders, digital and analogue Recording and playback devices for music, spoken texts or other sounds be provided. Each time the sensor receives a given signal, the Terminal set in operation, the operation set or changed. If one of the If a terminal is a monitor, video sequences or images may become visible if the sensor receives a predetermined signal.

The terminal may also be a display system which depends on a given sensor signal gives a direction indication. Such a display system can be a lit or glowing arrow, or even a display with different Display options. This can be used to set up a person guidance system.

Furthermore, means for logging sensor signals or information based on the sensor signals can be provided. Then the system can be used for monitoring and subsequent evaluation of operations.
For this purpose, means for generating an alarm or emergency call signal are particularly suitable.

The connected sensors can be acoustic and / or optical signals, for Take an example in the form of pictures, picture sequences or video sequences. It can Also be provided counting means. Then events can be recorded statistically or otherwise and thus provide additional information. The sensors can as Presence sensors may be formed, which triggers an actuation of remaining terminals if persons are present and means of switching off the terminals when the People have moved away. This is especially suitable for saving energy.

It can be controlled by the central control computer mechanical adjustment be provided by means of which the position and orientation of the terminals is adjustable. It can continue to be controlled by the central control computer means for changing the Be provided color of connected lights. It can also be used with lights be provided optical means whose properties by means of adjustment at the central Control computer are changeable. Then the properties can be bad too achievable lights are optimally adjusted and complete scenarios without large Effort can be changed and programmed.

For larger applications, the device may be a smaller device to a BUS system be coupled. For this purpose, a suitable interface or a coupler be provided. Then you can get large numbers of terminals in complex Applications are used. Instead of a sensor can also be a receiver be provided, the control signals of a transmitter for controlling other terminals receives. This receiver can be infrared signals or radio signals or the like receive. Then the operations are triggered by a command.

Such a busbar system can be used for lighting and staging Shop windows and stages, as a tour guide and lighting in museums and Exhibition rooms, for the localization of persons or objects in one Building or used as a control system in buildings with public traffic.

All sensors that detect relevant physical quantities are suitable. To include temperature, humidity, air quality, smoke detectors, Motion detector, brightness, in the visible and UV range, noise level, tension and Pressure etc. The latter can be used for detection of burglary and vandalism become.

Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. One Embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings explained in more detail.

Brief description of the drawings

1a

schematically shows a busbar with connected central Control unit.

1b shows

shows the busbar of Figure 1a in cross section

Fig.2

schematically shows a busbar, via a coupler with a Data bus is connected.

Figure 3

shows a plurality of bus bars, each via a coupler with connected to a data bus.

Figure 4

shows a bus bar with a lighting system and an infrared receiver

Figure 5

shows a bus bar with a lighting system and a Daylight sensor

Figure 6

shows lighting system with busbars in the form of a simple control system

Figure 7

illustrates the use of a busbar system with a Infrared transmitter in a museum

Figure 8

illustrates the use of a bus bar system in one Museum, where information already in the receiver of the user are deposited.

Figure 9

shows the use of a busbar system for the localization of People.

Fig. 10

shows a busbar system with a receiver, which Receive information about presentation on a display.

Figure 11

shows a busbar system with a display whose Operating settings are controlled in dependence on a sensor.

Figure 12

shows a busbar system, in which a display information a station receives

Figure 13

shows a busbar system to which a receiver with a Speaker that plays audio information.

Figure 14

shows a signal light connected to a power rail.

Figure 15

shows a Personenleitmodul on an acoustic basis

Description of an embodiment

In Fig.1a a part of a busbar 10 is shown schematically. Such Busbar is already known. The busbar 10 is in Fig.1b again in Cross section shown. The bus bar 10 has a substantially U-shaped Cross-section, with U. open at the bottom. The U-shaped profile can be any Connecting parts by means of a suitable, not shown, adapter are attached. The contact with the power source via cables 17, 19, 21 and 23. Die Busbars are known in the art, e.g. from US 5,869,786 and therefore need will not be described further here. The busbar 10 is further provided with a Data line 11 in the form of two copper cables 13 and 15 provided. The data can flow here in both directions. Furthermore, a control unit 12 is provided (1a). The control unit 12 takes over the control and regulation of all of the Busbar connected terminals. The control unit 12 can also be used as an adapter in be used in any position of the busbar. The illustrated in Fig .. Situation can work without data bus complex systems and is therefore comparatively inexpensive. Due to the limited number of devices it is but only suitable for smaller applications.

2, between the busbar 10 and the control unit 12, a coupler 14th intended. The coupler 14 enables data transmission from the busbar 10 on a bus system. Such bus systems can be EIB or LON. This will be the Scope enlarged. The control unit 12 leads here extensive Functions based on the complex bus system.

Such a bus system can serve to link a plurality of busbars. This is shown in Fig.3. Here are five bus bars 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 via each own coupler 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 and the data bus with the central Control unit 26 connected. It's always just a coupler for a variety of Terminals provided.

Depending on the connected terminal are different uses of described systems possible. In Fig. 4 is a simple illumination system 38th shown. A lamp 40 is movably arranged in a holder 42. The light is on provided with a ballast 44. The lighting arrangement is with a Adapter 46 is clamped to the busbar, which connects to the Power line and the data line manufactures. The ballast 44 is used for recording of data processing means for adjusting the operating state of the lamp 40th The Operating state is in particular by dimming, switching, turning and Pivoting the lamp is set. For more complex applications in the Lighting technology can also optical means such as color filters, lenses or mirrors be used. Then, the operating state by different focusing, Colors etc. are influenced. The required data receives the Illumination system 38 from a central control computer, not shown. This is represented by an arrow 48.

To adjust the operating state of the lighting system is an infrared receiver 50 provided in the busbar. The infrared receiver 50 receives Data from an infrared transmitter 52, the user 54 in the manner of a Remote control is operated. Instead of data transmission by means of infrared signals can also a data transmission via radio or a cable done. The current values of the rail section for the operating state are on a display of the Remote control 52 is displayed. By entering new data can then the operating state be changed at the illumination system 38. For this, the infrared signals first sent to the receiver 50. This is shown by an arrow 56. Of the Receiver 50 converts the infrared signals into a data stream and passes them to the central control computer on. This is shown by an arrow 58. By means of Remote control are also poorly accessible lighting systems on stages or the like easily adjustable. Other lights can be through the same receiver be controlled. Such more complex lighting systems occur, for example, in Shop windows or stages on. For mechanical adjustment of the lights are Motors are provided in the form of servo or stepper motors which control the position of the lights, e.g. can adjust the angle of rotation.

Instead of a controllable receiver is in the embodiment of Figure 5 a Daylight sensor 60 used. The daylight, represented by an arrow 62, becomes detected by the sensor 60 and the associated measured variable to the central control computer passed. This is shown by an arrow 64. In larger rooms will be arranged several such sensors, which also provide measurement data to the control computer pass on. The data is evaluated in the central control computer and the number of lights to be switched on, their position and their degree of dimming for the connected luminaires Lighting systems determined. The control signals are from the central control unit via the data line integrated in the busbar to the illumination system 66 passed. This is shown by the arrow 68. Through the use of sensors can realize an intelligent building management, the energy savings in the Lighting area reached. Instead of a daylight sensor, others can Sensors are used, the measured values in addition to lighting systems and others Affect systems such as blinds. These include noise level meters, UV light sensors, distance meters, presence sensors, motion detectors or Window / door contacts.

FIG. 6 shows a lighting system in the form of a simple control system. After activation of the control system by means of a sensor or a receiver selected lights 70 activated. Other lights 74 that are not on the way stay switched off. The Ortsunkundige 72 then only needs the lights follow one after another to reach a destination. The lights in Connection with presence sensors or motion detectors activated one after the other to show the way. They can also be activated at the same time. The Lights can also be designed as arrows, or Weghinweise on the ground project it.

In Fig.7, the use of a bus bar system 76 in a museum or shown an exhibition. A local radio transmitter 78 distributes those for all exhibits 80 provided audio information on one channel each. This is indicated by arrows 82 shown. In the area of the exhibits 80 is in each case a receiving device 84 at the busbar. The receiving device 84 receives the signals 82 on the channel to the receiver 84 associated exhibit 80. About the data line of the Bus 76 is the required radio channel selected and as an infrared sound signal All headphones 86, which are located in this area, sent. Instead of one Infrared transmission can also be used a radio transmission. This is through an arrow 88 is shown. By using the radio transmitter do not need large amounts of data are transmitted to the receiver, but only the information over the radio channel. Instead of a headphone, a speaker can also be used activated when a person is in front of an exhibit.

In Fig. 8 is another solution for the information exchange in a museum shown. In this solution, the information, i. the audio information too various exhibits 90 in the museum, already completely in the receiver 92 deposited. The targeted, locally linked retrieval of the information takes place via a Infrared transmitter 94 on the power rail. Again, a radio transmission may take place Infrared transmission done. The selection of information is through the Data transmission of the busbar fixed. This principle is also very good to use a control system.

In Figure 9 is on the power rail, an infrared transmitter 96 on the shoulder of a person 98th attached. The transmitter 98 continuously broadcasts person-specific encoding that at significant locations in a complex building of infrared receivers 100 is recognized. This is shown by an arrow 102. The data is about the Busbar 106 forwarded to the central control unit. This is by the arrow 104 is shown. The data includes information about the current location of a Person who can be recorded by a central office and, if necessary, logged. The central office is thus continuously informed about the position and length of stay of all interested persons in the house. Also objects, such as files or the like can be located in this way. The localization system is particularly well suited for use in hospitals, retirement homes etc. where doctors or Nurses must be quickly findable.

The use of another terminal in the form of an infrared receiver 108 with a display 110 is shown in Fig.10. The display 110 (or a suitable Monitor) is used for playback of text and image information that has a high Require storage space and require a high transfer rate. A Transmission over the data line 112 of the busbar system is therefore not meaningful. The actual data is therefore from an infrared transmitter 116, which a memory 118 is coupled to the infrared receiver 108 of the display 110 transmitted, wherein the control is carried out via the data line 112 of the busbar. This includes the selection, modification and adjustment of the sequence of image sequences. These include the start and end, volume, brightness, length of the sequences and like. This is shown by an arrow 114. Also, the settings due to environmental information made via sensors (not shown) or receiver.

The information may also be contained in a memory included in the display 120 is integrated. This case is shown in FIG. 11. A sensor 122 takes Environment information, e.g. the noise level. This is indicated by an arrow 124 shown. The information is passed on to the central control unit. This is shown by an arrow 126. The control unit in turn initiates commands to Adjust the volume to the display 120. This is indicated by an arrow 128 shown. In the same way, the brightness can be regulated by means of a control Brightness sensor can be adjusted. The system of Figure 11 is particularly well suited for use as a billboard for information texts, departure times at the airport terminal, but also for advertising recordings. It can work together with the display Presence and counting systems are used, which provide information about the number of Delivered persons. This is particularly interesting for the advertising industry.

In Fig.12 also a display 130 is shown. Here, however, the data is using an external video transmitter 132 to a receiver 136. This is through an arrow 134 is shown. In this solution, multiple displays can Receive video information. By control commands from the central control unit can via the busbar 138 in addition to the power supply and a selection and Controlling the displays done. This is shown by an arrow 140. Here too The control of the displays may be based on information provided by Sensors are recorded.

In Fig.13 an application is shown in which a public address system 142 to the Busbar 144 is connected. The sound system receives in the shown Representation information by means of an infrared receiver 146 of the data from a Infrared transmitter 148 receives. Volume, type and extent of radiated Audio information can again be controlled by the central control unit. In conjunction with a localization system as described with reference to FIG was, this can be a locally limited exclamation of the person sought. there is via the data line 144, the selected sound system 142 automatically to the Radio channel switched the exclamation, while the rest of the system is not affected is. The volume of the sound system can also vary depending on the signals a noise level sensor or a presence sensor are set.

The applications described above require terminals that are in one Busbar system can be used. The terminals can communicate with each other combined and changed. Add or remove devices can be made by the layman.

In addition to the described sensors, lights, displays and public address systems are further terminals can be connected to the busbar. Such a terminal is a Signal light. This is shown in FIG. 14. The signal light 150 receives its data from the data line of the bus bar 152, which implements it (without feedback). This is shown by an arrow 154. As a luminous surface 156, which consists of a variety is composed of light-emitting diodes, it may vary depending on the data received any color will light up or blink. Furthermore, from the illuminated points a suitable symbol are formed, such as an arrow, in the appropriate direction indicates which the instructed visitor should follow. By the combination of arrow and Number, letter or color, which light up alternately, can also be several Persons are directed. The necessary data, this form of the Visitor guidance comes from a prepared database maintained by staff at the Reception or by the visitor himself to be activated at a computer terminal by simply the desired destination is selected. On the monitor is then the letter or the Number to be followed to reach the selected destination.

Analogous to a personal guidance module on a visual basis is also a Personenleitmodul or passenger orientation module provided on an acoustic basis. This is special suitable for the blind and visually impaired. In Fig. 15, such a device is 160 shown. The device 160 consists of the combination of a distance or Motion detector 162 with a speaker 166. To special, u.U. also special marked locations in the building, the device is located on the busbar 168th If a person or a movement is registered, sounds softly but for the Short range loud enough a brief information about the location. The device is also in Shopfitting applicable. Customers are then targeted to the products in the location Near field pointed. Together with a sensor, for example a distance detector, can also highlight lighting on appropriate goods and shelves to be activated.

All terminals are provided with a security module. The safety module is connectable to the ballast or integrated into the ballast. He exists in essential from a fuse. With the installation of a safety module should be prevented that in case of defects in a terminal contact between the Power line of the data line is made. The data line can then be virtually free be designed accessible and needs due to the low flowing currents should not be secured against accidental contact by the user. In this case, the security module is designed as an adapter, which by a simple Plug connection can be connected.

Claims (25)

Busbar system having a data line, comprising one or more terminals (50, 38) which are flexibly detachably connectable at arbitrary positions in the busbar system, wherein a common central control system is provided, and at least one of the terminals is a sensor (50) or a receiver with which signals can be received and can be conducted via the data line (48) to the central control system,
characterized in that
the terminals are individually addressable without their own control functions and and a data transfer according to the master-slave principle takes place exclusively between a terminal and the central control system. Busbar system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (12) can be used as an adapter in any position of the busbar. Busbar system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the terminals (142) can generate acoustic signals. Busbar system according to Claim 3, characterized in that the acoustic signals can be generated by means of a digital or analog reproduction system in continuous operation and one or more loudspeakers connected thereto, which reproduce recorded text, music or other acoustic signals when the sensor is a predetermined signal receives. Conductor rail system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the terminals is a monitor or display (120) on which video sequences or images become visible when the sensor (122) receives a predetermined signal. Conductor rail system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the terminals is a display system (150) which emits a direction indication as a function of a predetermined sensor signal. Conductor rail system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means are provided for logging sensor signals or information based on the sensor signals. Busbar system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means are provided for generating an alarm or emergency call signal. Conductor rail system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that acoustic signals can be received by one of the sensors (162) connected as terminal equipment. Conductor rail system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that optical signals can be received by one of the sensors connected as terminals. Conductor rail system according to Claim 10, characterized in that the optical signals are images, image sequences or video sequences. Busbar system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that counting means are provided for counting detected with the sensor processes. Conductor rail system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that presence sensors are provided which triggers an actuation of remaining terminals when persons are present and means for switching off the terminals when the persons have moved away. Busbar system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that controllable by the central control computer mechanical adjustment means are provided by means of which the position and orientation of the terminals is adjustable. Busbar system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that controllable means for changing the color of connected luminaires are provided by the central control computer. Conductor rail system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that lamps are provided with optical means whose properties can be changed by means of adjustment on the central control computer. Busbar system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be coupled to a bus system. Busbar system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiver receives control signals of a transmitter for controlling further terminals. Use of a busbar system according to one of the preceding claims for lighting and staging of shop windows and stages. Use of a bus bar system according to one of claims 1 to 18 as Tour guide and lighting in museums and showrooms. Use of a bus bar system according to one of claims 1 to 18 as Control system in buildings with public traffic. Use of a busbar system according to one of claims 1 to 18 for Localization of persons or objects in a building. Sensor, in particular presence sensor, distance sensor, motion sensor, temperature sensor, noise level sensor, smoke sensor or daylight sensor, characterized in that it comprises means for attachment to a busbar according to one of claims 1 to 18, and that it has means for transmitting data to a central control unit which represent the recorded measured values. An infrared or radio receiver, characterized in that it comprises means for attachment to a bus bar according to any one of claims 1 to 18, and in that it comprises means for transmitting data to a central control unit representing received commands or information. Power consumers, in particular lights or lighting systems, monitors or displays, loudspeakers and display systems for use with busbars according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the power consumer has means for transmitting data to a central control unit.

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