EP1513376B1 - Lighting system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lighting system, in particular for emergency lighting, with a plurality of lights and at least one control / Überwachungssein-direction, which is connected to the lights via at least one data line, each light for identification is assigned an address code.

A similar illumination system is known from the patent specification WO03 / 094579 (Environmental Management LTD).

From the practice it is known that a corresponding address code is set by one or two rotary coding switches, which are assigned to the corresponding lamp. Such rotary coding switches are relatively expensive. Furthermore, there is a risk that during installation or subsequently, or when replacing or repairing the corresponding lamp, the address code is not set incorrectly or.

The corresponding control / monitoring device reads out the hardware-set address code of each luminaire so that each luminaire can be controlled and monitored individually.

From the publication DALI Manual, DALI AG Frankfurt am Main, 2001, XP002224999, a method for address assignment for luminaire is known.

The invention has for its object to improve a lighting system of the type mentioned in that the corresponding lights are safe and easily identifiable with relatively low installation and commissioning costs.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, a corresponding unique address code is electronically stored in a memory device associated with each luminaire. Hardware-related settings using, for example, rotary coding switches are no longer necessary. Since the unique address code is assigned by the storage of the corresponding lamp, no errors during installation or identification by the control / monitoring device can take place. Instead, the address code for luminaire identification of at least the control / monitoring device read out via a data line. In this case, the corresponding address code can already be generated during the manufacture of the luminaire for this and stored in it. When the lighting system is set up and initialized, the control / monitoring device can then retrieve the corresponding address code from all luminaires and thus identify the various luminaires. Even when replacing a luminaire, the corresponding new address code of the newly exchanged luminaire can be called up quickly and thus the luminaire replacement can be identified.

As lights, in principle, all lights can be used, which are integrated in a corresponding lighting system, such as profile lights, frame lights, recessed ceiling lights or the like, which may also be designed as a single battery lights.

A corresponding lighting system may well comprise several hundred lights, which are connected by means of a single data line to the control / monitoring device. However, it is very difficult for a single data line for errors in the communication area to locate sources of error, since all lights communicate over the same data line. The arrangement of a plurality of lights on a data line also results in corresponding requirements for the power supply of the particular central control / monitoring device. In this case, the power demand, which is abzudekken by the control / monitoring device, be relatively high, since each lamp has as a data receiver own power consumption, which is multiplied by the total number of lights to determine the total power requirements.

However, in order to dimension the power supply for a smaller power requirement, the control / monitoring device can be connected via two or more data lines, each with a plurality of lights. This also results in a reduced space requirement for the control / monitoring device, whereby smaller housing sizes for this device are possible. In addition, in the event of a short circuit or other damage on one of the data lines, it is still possible to control and monitor the luminaires via the other data lines.

For controlling all relevant lighting functions, such as charge monitoring, mains voltage monitoring, lighting means monitoring, automatic starting a functional and durability test and their evaluation or to display an operating status such as charging fault, illuminant failure, function test or duration test and its test result, the lamp may have at least one microprocessor. This can also take over the control of the communication with the central control / monitoring device when connecting a data line.

In order to be able to securely store corresponding data of each luminaire even if the power supply fails, the memory device can be a non-volatile, in particular supply voltage-independent, storage device. Such a memory device is embodied, for example, in flash, EEProm or other supply voltage-independent memory technology. The corresponding memory device can be associated with the luminaire from the outside, being in contact with, for example, the microprocessor of the luminaire via a corresponding interface. As a result, for example, lights with hardware setting of the address code can be retrofitted, so that even for this manual setting of the address code by the automatic electronic storage is eliminated.

There is also the possibility that the memory device is arranged inside the luminaire, in particular on a printed circuit board.

In addition to data for the luminaire functions already mentioned above, the memory device may contain further data, such as an application program or the like. In addition, a particularly automatically generated serial number can be stored as an address code in the memory device. The automatic generation can for example be done by a programming device that programs the memory device with the application program. The automatically generated consecutive serial number is stored in this context as address code or luminaire address in the memory device.

In addition to an electronic readability of the address code in a simple manner, a visual perception of the address code by a person, for example, in the To allow installation of the lamp, each lamp can be assigned a label on which at least the address code is specified. In this connection, it can be considered as further helpful if the label has a detachable, in particular self-adhesive, address section with a duplicate of the address code. This address section can then be attached during the installation of the lamp in a corresponding installation plan, so that an additional identification of the luminaire at the appropriate installation location in addition to the self-identification by the control / monitoring device is possible.

In order to indicate any further data on the label or wait for the completion of the light before generating the address code, after installation of the corresponding electronic module, that is the assembled printed circuit board in the luminaire housing, a regular function test of the complete luminaire can be done and only during or after this function test then the appropriate label will be printed out. In addition to the address code, further information on luminaire type, article number, supply voltage, mains frequency, battery life, emergency light operating time, date code (date of manufacture) or the like can then be printed on the label.

In order in particular to be able to indicate the address code without errors on the label, the address code can be read out by a printing device before printing. Such a printing device or printer reads out the address code generated during the software programming via a corresponding data line connection and then prints it twice, for example, on the label and the corresponding address section.

Of course, there is also the possibility that a corresponding address code is generated and then printed out only at the last functional test. The label may also be at least part of the luminaire type plate.

In order not to attach the label directly to the luminaire, this and / or the address section of the luminaire can be enclosed as a separate part. However, in order not to lose label and / or address portion optionally, the label may also be on the lamp, on a portion of the corresponding electronics assembly, on the microprocessor or the like, wherein the address portion is a detachable part of the label, which is then detached and glued, for example, in the installation plan.

As a rule, after completion of the luminaire installation and connection of all luminaires via the data lines to the central control / monitoring device, a query of the various address codes takes place. These can be, for example, in the hexadecimal range from 0000 to FFFF. After identification of all lights of the lighting system by the corresponding address code, each lamp can still be assigned an identifier. For this purpose, for example, an input device of the control / monitoring device can be used, such an identifier can be a plain text of the corresponding light location or the like. The identifier may also include corresponding correlations for lights arranged in a group, luminaires arranged on a floor, or the like. In addition, a luminaire can be assigned as identifier the name of a room, the name of specific locations of a building or the like.

By such an identifier can then be worked at a later date, if necessary, without the installation plan, since a corresponding lamp is easy to identify and locate by the associated identifier. In order to continue to use such an identifier in case of failure or damage to the central control / monitoring device, the identifier can be transferred to the respective lamp and stored in this.

Overall, in the lighting system according to the invention as a further advantage that, for example, additional programming or configuration tools are not required because the programming of the corresponding lamp is completed in their installation and the configurations of the lights in the lighting system results in a simple way by querying the address codes , In the lighting system according to the invention eliminates the possibility that, for example, an address code in the hardware encoding two or more times or not awarded, which would otherwise be corresponding difficulties in communication between the control / monitoring device and the lights would result.

Due to the different data lines for each of a plurality of lights, there is also the possibility that corresponding automatic tests for light are performed on a data line, while the corresponding tests for the other data lines are each offset in time. This ensures that at least a majority of the luminaires are in normal operation, while only a small part of the luminaires is tested accordingly. Such tests are prescribed, for example, by appropriate standards to check the function of the lamp, a deterioration of the battery capacity or the like.

In order to connect the corresponding parts of the lighting system in a simple manner with each other and optionally with other facilities within a building, lighting and / or control / monitoring device may have an interface device. The appropriate communication via the interface can be essentially any type known, such as TCP / IP, Ethernet, a fiber optic link and the like. The interface device can be designed as an external or internal interface device of a computer (PC).

In order to be able to read certain messages visually, in particular directly on each luminaire and optionally also on the control / monitoring device, the luminaire and / or the control / monitoring device can have at least one status illuminant, in particular LED. Such a status may indicate, for example, the proper operation of a luminaire, the performance of a test, a defect in the illuminant, a charging fault or battery failure of the luminaire, or improper battery charging. Further status messages are conceivable.

In some lighting systems, the computer (PC) or the like may be provided as a control / monitoring device for the plurality of lights. This is connected via a corresponding interface with the lights on site. The screen of the computer is used to visualize different functions, such as Distribution of luminaires, functional readiness of the luminaires, malfunction of the luminaires and the like. In this case, even such a computer directly read the corresponding address codes from the lights to identify them. However, there is also the possibility that between such a computer and the lights as interface device, the control / monitoring device is arranged according to the invention or computer and interface device form the control / monitoring device. The interface device then takes over, as it were, the communication between the luminaires and the computer, the address codes then being read out by this interface device and forwarded to the computer. The computer may still be responsible for other lighting systems that do not have this automatic address code generation and reading.

In addition, when using a corresponding computer corresponding additional facilities omitted, for example, to make a print connection, which are otherwise configured according to the printer model accordingly. This can then usually be done by the computer.

There is also the possibility of connecting each luminaire and / or control / monitoring device and / or the combination of computer and interface device with a central building management technology device. As a result, for example, the corresponding luminaires can then be controlled via the building control technology device and the control / monitoring device in order to carry out specific switching cycles or the like. According to the invention, for example, a circuit of a continuous light part for each individual lamp in a simple manner by the control / monitoring device is possible to program daytime-dependent switching cycles. Such a switching cycle may be, for example, that at rest, the lighting is reduced to a minimum. Such a switching function for the continuous light can be done according to the invention by the control / monitoring device and the corresponding data lines, so that a switched network phase to carry out such a switching function, which previously had to be additionally wired from the lamp to a light switch or a relay switch contact , is no longer necessary.

The control / monitoring device and / or the computer can have a memory device, in particular a memory card, and / or a luminous interface device or interface device, or such are assigned to the device. The memory card may contain the corresponding configuration and logbook data. It is easily interchangeable and replaceable with other memory cards.

In order to make better use of the various data lines in a simple manner with the advantage of reduced power consumption, simplified troubleshooting and higher reliability, the control / monitoring device can be assigned a changeover switch for switching between the data lines. The switch can preferably be housed in the housing of the central control / monitoring device and be controlled by the corresponding microprocessor such that the connected lights are monitored and controlled strand by line. A short circuit in one line allows the monitoring control of all other lines to continue. For reasons of compatibility, the lamp can additionally be assigned an adapter with addressing device and / or monitoring electronics. The addressing device can be formed in the usual way by decoding switch or the like. By means of such an adapter with addressing device, it is possible to use the lights according to the invention in other lighting systems in which other control / monitoring devices are used. A corresponding software may also be provided for the lights according to the invention.

The control / monitoring device or computer / interface combination can be connected by means of a bus connection to further control / monitoring devices and / or the central building management technology device. This makes a simple data exchange between the different facilities possible.

When using a plurality of bus lines, a corresponding bus multiplexing device may be provided.

In order to adapt the control / monitoring device in a simple manner to a different number of data lines, to different lights and the like, the luminous interface or the interface device and / or the switch optionally be formed with an additional microprocessor and / or a memory device as a plug-in card. This is inserted at the appropriate place in a housing of the central control / monitoring device, so that it is then easily customizable.

The different data lines can in principle be simple two-core wire connections. The different lights can be simple single battery lights with optionally an optional interface in the base for status checking. Also self-monitoring single battery lights are conceivable, which are connected for example via an optional interface with a corresponding bus. Finally, even bus-controlled, self-monitoring single battery lights are possible, which are connected via the bus directly to the central control / monitoring device.

It is also possible that the various lights are part of a group battery supply system.

In the following, an advantageous embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures attached in the drawing.

Figur 1

eine Prinzipdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungssystems mit einer Vielzahl von Leuchten;

Figur 2

ein alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel analog zu Figur 1, und

Figur 3

einen Ausschnitt einer Leiterkarte einer Leuchte mit Etikett.

Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the illumination system according to the invention with a plurality of lights;

FIG. 2

an alternative embodiment analogous to FIG. 1 , and

FIG. 3

a section of a printed circuit board of a lamp with label.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a lighting system 1 according to the invention with a central control / monitoring device 3 and a plurality of lights 2. The lights 2 are arranged in groups along four data lines 4, 5, 6 and 7. About each of these data lines corresponding data between lights 2 and control / monitoring device 3 are interchangeable.

The data lines 4, 5, 6 and 7 terminate at a changeover switch 23 which serves to select a corresponding data line. The switch 23 is controlled by a microprocessor 24, which forms a luminous interface 22 in the form of a plug-in card 25 together with the switch and optionally other electronic devices.

By means of the corresponding plug-in card a plurality of individual battery lights 2 can be controlled.

The plug-in card 25 can be plugged into a housing 31 of the control / monitoring device 3 in a manner known per se. Further electronic components of the control / monitoring device 3 are at least one interface device 16, a memory device 20 in the form of a memory card 21, a microprocessor 26 and a power supply 27.

By means of the interface device 16 is a connection, for example, to a building management device, see FIG. 2 wherein the connection is made via a local area network, TCP / IP, Ethernet, a fiber optic link, or the like.

The memory card 21 serves to receive corresponding configuration and logbook data, wherein all these devices 16, 21 and 22 are connected to an internal bus line 32. For the corresponding voltage supply, these devices are connected to a voltage line 29 or 28 which extend from the power supply 27 within the housing 31. The power supply 27 is connected via power supply line 30 to a central power supply or the like.

In FIG. 2 is a further schematic diagram of a lighting system 1 shown. In this embodiment, two alternatives are shown, wherein in an alternative, a control / monitoring device 3 with corresponding lights 2 via data lines 4, 5, 6 and 7 is connected and on the other hand, a computer 19 is optionally connected as part of a building management device 33 with the lights 2 , When using the computer is the appropriate control / monitoring device Part of an interface device 18 or is formed by computer and interface device, whereby the possibility for parallel operation of the control / monitoring device 3 and the computer 19 is made. Both computer 19 and control / monitoring device 3 are connected to the building management device 33.

In order to be able to assign a corresponding identifier 15 to the address code read out of the luminaires 2, both the computer 19 and the device 3 have an input device 14 in the form of a keyboard. In the lower part of the FIG. 2 a section of a screen of the device 3 is shown, on which an address code 8 in the hexadecimal system is associated with an identifier 15 in plain text, wherein the identifier is entered via the keyboard. All other lights 2 is also assigned such an identifier, which may also be simply a number of the decimal system.

In FIG. 3 a section of the printed circuit board 11 is shown as it is arranged in a corresponding housing of each lamp 2. The printed circuit board 11 has the corresponding electronic devices, which may also include an electric ballast and the like. On the circuit board 11, a microprocessor 10 and a memory device 9 is further arranged. In the memory device 9, the automatically generated address code is stored. This is read out by the control / monitoring device 3 or by the computer / interface device combination 18, 19, thereby identifying the corresponding luminaire 2. The address code is printed by a printer after its generation during or shortly before the completion of the programming of the corresponding luminaire 2 and a corresponding label 12 is produced. On the label, in addition to the address code, further information on the light can be specified, such as light type, item number, supply voltage, mains frequency, battery life, emergency light operating time, data code, etc. The corresponding address code 8 is indicated in the lower end of the label 12, where there is also a detachable address section 13 is arranged with a duplicate of the address code 8. The address portion 13 is usually made self-adhesive, so that after removal from the rest Label can be pasted, for example, in an installation plan for the lighting system.

The corresponding microprocessor 10 of the luminaire 2 serves to control all relevant luminaire functions such as charge monitoring, mains voltage monitoring, illuminant monitoring, automatic starting of a functional and durability test as well as the evaluation of these tests. In addition, the lamp can also have a display in the form of a status illuminant 17, see FIG. 1 , which indicates an operating status such as OK, charging fault, illuminant failure, function test or duration test and its test result and when connecting a corresponding data line control of the communication with the control / monitoring device 3. The storage device 9 on the printed circuit board 11 of the luminaire 2 is a supply voltage-independent storage device in flash EEProm or other technology.

In the following, the mode of operation of the illumination system according to the invention will be explained briefly with reference to the figures.

During the manufacturing process of the luminaire and in particular the corresponding luminaire electronics, an address code, such as a serial number, is automatically generated. This address code is stored in the corresponding memory device of the luminaire. At the same time, the address code is printed on a label and attached to the lamp or attached to this. The label usually contains an address section 13, on which a duplicate of the address code is specified. This address section is detachable and usually self-adhesive. It can be glued in a corresponding installation plan for the lighting system at the appropriate location of the lamp.

Upon initialization of the lighting system, the various address codes of each luminaire are read out by the control / monitoring device and displayed on a screen, for example. There can be an automatic assignment of the address code to an identifier or a corresponding identifier is assigned to each address code after manually entering the identifier. This can each light to be associated with a clear text that describes, for example, the arrangement of the lamp within a building. This identifier is transmitted to the luminaire and stored there.

The lights are each assigned in groups different data lines, which are all connected to the control / monitoring device. Due to the majority of the data lines, it is possible to control and monitor the luminaires in groups, so that a lower power requirement is necessary and at the same time a short circuit or other damage along one data line allows monitoring and control of all other data lines remaining on the luminaires.

The selection of the corresponding data line via a microprocessor controlled switch.

Due to the plurality of data lines, it is also possible to carry out corresponding tests prescribed for safety lighting systems only along one data line for all or part of the lamp connected thereto, while the remaining lamps operate in normal operation.

The lighting system according to the invention results in a cost reduction on account of the optimized luminaire construction, whereby such luminaires can also be used for conventional lighting systems with a corresponding adapter and addressing device. Incorrect entry of address code or missing addressing of the luminaires does not occur because the corresponding address code is generated automatically during luminaire production and thus each luminaire can be clearly identified. This considerably simplifies the installation and also the replacement of such a luminaire. Both each of the lights and the control / monitoring device can have interface devices that allow both a connection with each other and a connection to a central building management technology device.

Claims (9)

1. A lighting system (1) for safety lighting, comprising a plurality of lights (2) and at least one control/monitoring device (3) connected to said lights via at least one data line (4, 5, 6, 7), wherein each light has assigned thereto an address code (8) for identification and a memory means (9) for electronically storing a unique address code, the address code (8) for light identification being adapted to be read by at least the control/monitoring device (3) via the data line (4, 5, 6, 7),
   characterized in that
   the memory means (9) has stored therein, in addition to an application program, an automatically generated serial number as an address code, and that an input unit (14) of a computer (19) or of the control/monitoring device is provided for inputting an identification (15) of each light (4) after the address code query, said identification being associated with the read address code, and the light (2) having associated therewith a label (12) on which at least the address code (8) is indicated.
2. The lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that
   the control/monitoring device (3) is connected to a respective plurality of lights (2) via two or more data lines (4, 5, 6, 7).
3. The lighting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the memory means (9) is a non-volatile, in particular a supply-voltage-independent memory means.
4. The lighting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the label (12) comprises a detachable, in particular a self-adhesive address section (13) with a duplicate of the address code.
5. The lighting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the label (12) is adapted to be printed after the end of a functional test of the light (2), in particular after the production of the latter.
6. The lighting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the address code (8) is adapted to be read by a printer unit prior to printing.
7. The lighting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the label (12) is at least part of the light type plate.
8. The lighting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the label (12) and/or the address section (13) are added to the light (2) as a separate part / as separate parts.
9. The lighting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the identification (15) is adapted to be transmitted to the light (2) and to be stored therein.

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