EP1721494B1 - Evg, or electronic intermediate unit for illuminating elements provided with a programmable or configurable control unit - Google Patents

Evg, or electronic intermediate unit for illuminating elements provided with a programmable or configurable control unit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1721494B1
EP1721494B1 EP20050715522 EP05715522A EP1721494B1 EP 1721494 B1 EP1721494 B1 EP 1721494B1 EP 20050715522 EP20050715522 EP 20050715522 EP 05715522 A EP05715522 A EP 05715522A EP 1721494 B1 EP1721494 B1 EP 1721494B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
operating device
programming
control unit
mains
ballast
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EP20050715522
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1721494A1 (en
Inventor
Stefan Zudrell-Koch
Kai Arbinger
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Tridonic GmbH and Co KG
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Tridonicatco GmbH and Co KG
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/165—Controlling the light source following a pre-assigned programmed sequence; Logic control [LC]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/36—Controlling
    • H05B41/38—Controlling the intensity of light
    • H05B41/39—Controlling the intensity of light continuously
    • H05B41/392—Controlling the intensity of light continuously using semiconductor devices, e.g. thyristor
    • H05B41/3921—Controlling the intensity of light continuously using semiconductor devices, e.g. thyristor with possibility of light intensity variations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of control gear for lamps, wherein a control unit of the ballast or operating device external control information for programming or configuring the performance of the ballast or operating device can be fed and stored in a memory associated with the memory.
  • ECGs Electronic ballasts for operating lamps, in particular of gas discharge lamps are already well known.
  • the latest generation of ballasts are not only able to accurately monitor the performance of a lamp to be operated and ensure trouble-free lamp operation, but also have a data or communication port, via which they communicate with other ballasts or with central control devices can.
  • the transmitted data may also generally affect the performance of the ballast, for example, specify the output to the gas discharge lamp average power or set the preheat before ignition of the lamp.
  • ballasts just described which are designed for extensive data communication, but often also simpler designed ballasts are used, which are exclusively intended to operate the associated lamp according to a predetermined scheme.
  • the operating behavior of these ballasts is largely determined during production and can not be subsequently or only slightly influenced.
  • ballasts are not designed to communicate via corresponding data or communication connections with other participants of a lighting system or with a central control device or at least to receive data from these devices.
  • ballasts In order to open up the possibility in these simpler ballasts, at a later date, so after production at least to a certain extent to influence the performance, it is known to provide such ballasts with a configuration input.
  • passive configuration elements such as e.g. Resistors or the like can be connected, which influence a certain function of the ballast by their physical properties. For example, it is known to adjust the power supplied by the ballast to the lamp or to specify the duration of the preheat phase prior to ignition of the gas discharge lamp by the height of an external resistor connected to the configuration input.
  • Patent document US 4,523,128 A shows a ballast for gas discharge lamps with powerline technology, in which the control unit is functionally integrated in the network.
  • Patent document WO 00/35252 A shows a digital power controller for fluorescent lamps, comprising a gate array and a microprocessor that share functions in parallel, with fast sub-functions performed by the gate array and slower sub-functions by the microprocessor.
  • the circuits are provided with an automatic shutdown for the case when a high frequency ground fault is detected.
  • the present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a novel way to influence the performance of an electronic ballast or a control gear for lighting.
  • the possibility should be opened of external control information for programming or configuring the operating behavior as far as possible simple manner to supply a control unit associated with the control unit, without requiring the arrangement of additional connections or inputs would be required.
  • connection lines which include a resistive voltage divider.
  • connection lines which include a resistive voltage divider.
  • the Connection also be magnetic, capacitive, optical or by means of a radio link.
  • the memory for storing the externally supplied control information is a nonvolatile memory.
  • the control unit has at least one logic circuit, for example a microprocessor, which is connected to the memory.
  • the transmission of the control information is preferably carried out in a period in which the ballast or operating device is inactive insofar as the lamp is not supplied with power in this period. After completion of the transmission of the control information then the lamp can be ignited and operated in the usual manner, the performance is determined by the previously transmitted control information.
  • a programming device is provided, which is designed to be connected to the network connections and / or the output connections of the ballast or operating device in order to transmit the control information to the control unit arranged in the ballast or operating device ,
  • this is a portable programming device, which can be taken by a user to the already installed ballasts / control gear.
  • the present invention also relates to a larger lighting arrangement, which has at least one lamp with an electronic ballast for operating a lamp or with an operating device for a lighting device and a programming device, which in the manner described above is adapted to transmit control information to the ballast or operating device and thus to influence its performance.
  • the subsequent transmission of control information is, moreover, also advantageous because it allows a lamp operation within a desired power window can be ensured. Often soft ballasts after their production of the specified target performance, which is due to unavoidable tolerances in the components used. By subsequently influencing, for example, the intermediate circuit voltage or the operating frequency of the supply voltage supplied to the load circuit with the lamp, such component tolerances can be taken into account and deviations in the output power corrected. Of particular importance in this context is the subsequent calibration of semiconductor light sources such as e.g. LED modules to ensure accurate color output.
  • FIG. 1 shows as an embodiment of an inventively designed electronic ballast for operating a gas discharge lamp.
  • the ballast is just one example of a bulb operating device.
  • the ballast 1 according to the invention is in FIG. 1 merely schematically reproduced with the components essential for the lamp operation, since the present invention can basically be used in all types of electronic ballasts for operating lamps.
  • Illustrated components are connected to the input terminals 5 of the ballast 1 rectifier 2 for rectifying the voltage applied to the terminals 5 AC supply voltage and an inverter 3, which converts the DC voltage obtained from the rectifier 2 into a high-frequency AC voltage and output voltage to output terminals 6 of the ballast. 1 forwarded to which in turn is connected to be operated by the ballast 1 lamp LA.
  • the other components that are usually provided in electronic ballasts, for example, various elements for harmonic filtering or a smoothing circuit for converting the rectified AC supply voltage into a DC voltage of certain height, are not shown because they are already known in their function and not further for the present invention are of importance.
  • present invention is not limited to use in electronic ballasts, but instead can be used generally in control gear for any lamps.
  • An essential component of the electronic ballast 1 with regard to the present invention is a control circuit 4, which can be supplied with commands from the outside and controls the operation of the operating device according to present commands and setpoints.
  • control unit controls the inverter 3 so that the output from the inverter 3 operating voltage for the lamp LA.
  • the control unit 4 generates for this purpose Control information and transmits it to the inverter 3, which may have, for example, a half-bridge arrangement of two controllable switches.
  • the lamp - which may in particular be a gas discharge lamp - operated in the desired manner, in particular first preheated, ignited and supplied with a predetermined power.
  • a memory 4a which may be functionally connected to the control unit 4 or - as shown - is part of the control unit 4.
  • This memory is preferably a nonvolatile memory.
  • the control unit 4 in turn preferably includes a microprocessor ⁇ C, which can access the memory 4a and is responsible for the generation of the corresponding control signals for controlling the inverter 3.
  • microprocessor ⁇ C instead of the microprocessor ⁇ C, a different logic circuit could be used, which takes over the required control tasks.
  • the operating behavior of the illustrated electronic ballast 1 can be changed or adapted by changing or updating the information contained in the memory 4a. So far, it was known to provide an additional control input to the ballast 1, which was connected to the control unit 4 and the memory 4a and could be transmitted via the then corresponding data to the control unit 4.
  • this additional input is now omitted.
  • already existing connections of the ballast 1 are used as a programming input.
  • the output terminals 6 are used, which are connected to the control unit 4 via corresponding connection lines as well as a voltage divider consisting of two resistors R1 and R2.
  • R1 and R2 As in FIG. 1
  • an external programming device 10 which transmits corresponding control information Vprog to the control unit 4.
  • the connection can be made directly to the output of the inverter 3, but it would also be conceivable to connect the programming device 10 to the coil contacts of the lamp LA.
  • the external programmer 10 is designed to be portable and may be adapted to be connected to the various ballasts of a lighting system to subsequently configure or program the devices.
  • the control information transmitted from the external programmer 10 is stored in the memory 4a of FIG Stored control unit 4 and set the performance of the ballast 1 fixed.
  • the data may include information regarding the power supplied by the ballast 1 to the lamp LA. It is possible to externally specify a desired power or operating frequency at which the lamp LA is to operate. As a result, it is possible, in particular, to compensate later for building tolerances occurring during the production of the ballast 1 and thus to ensure that all the lamps are operated at the required or optimum power. Another possibility is to influence the preheating time of the lamps by means of the external control information or to adapt the power to a newly connected lamp type.
  • LEDs or LED modules Another important field of application of the present invention is the control of LEDs or LED modules.
  • Such semiconductor light sources usually have to be calibrated after their placement in order to ensure a light output in the desired color. This is especially important with LEDs, as the power with which the LEDs are operated has a direct effect on the color of the emitted light.
  • an operating device for operating LEDs according to the present invention it is now possible to carry out the required calibration in a simple manner after the LED modules have been fitted.
  • the required operating data can be transmitted according to the invention in a simple manner to the operating device.
  • the essential advantage of the solution according to the invention is that no additional programming or configuration input is required, but instead the already existing connections of the operating device 1, usually as terminal contacts are trained to be used.
  • the input terminals 5 are used as a programming input, it must be ensured that the current required for operating the control unit and / or writing to the memory 4a is still made available. This could be done, for example, by the programming device providing the required energy in this case.
  • the use of an internal battery or a rechargeable battery in the ballast or operating device would be conceivable. In both cases, the operating device could also be programmed in an offline state or with the power switched off.
  • the power supply only has to be sufficient to operate the electronics (control unit, memory, etc.). However, in this programming mode, no power is delivered to connected light means, so that the supply voltage can be lower, that is during actual operation.
  • the supply voltage can also be used in programming mode DC voltage instead of the usual for the light bulb operation AC voltage.
  • the programming commands are modulated onto a supply voltage.
  • the control unit is functionally disconnected from the network. For example. Filtering generally ensures that even high levels of modulation applied to the mains connections can not be reflected back to the mains supply.
  • the transmission of the external control information is preferably carried out in a period in which the lamp LA is not in operation. Only after the data transfer is completed can then a lamp start be made and the lamp operated under the conditions determined by the transmitting control information.
  • the present invention thus makes it possible in a simple manner subsequently, i. after the manufacture of the ballast or control gear to be able to influence its performance.
  • no additional programming input is provided, so that the ballast or operating device can be included in a previously known manner in a housing.
  • also for programming for example.
  • GGGF Can a software change even be executed centrally.

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  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
  • Discharge-Lamp Control Circuits And Pulse- Feed Circuits (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

In the case of an electronic ballast (1) for operating a lamp (10) or an operating device for illumination means, having mains terminals (5) for connecting the ballast (1) or operating device to a current supply, output terminals (6) for connecting a lamp or light source to the ballast (1) or operating device and a control unit (4) for controlling and/or regulating an operating voltage delivered to the lamp (LA) or light source via the output terminals (6), external control information (Vprog) for programming or configuring the operating behavior of the operating device is delivered to the control unit (4) via a programming input, and stored in a memory (4a) associated with the control unit (4). In accordance with the invention, the programming input is formed by means of the mains terminals (5) and/or the output terminals (6) of the ballast (1) or of the operating device (2), which are connected internally with the control unit (4).

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft das Gebiet der Betriebsgeräte für Leuchtmittel, wobei einer Steuereinheit des Vorschaltgeräts bzw. Betriebsgeräts externe Steuerinformationen zum Programmieren oder Konfigurieren des Betriebsverhaltens des Vorschaltgeräts bzw. Betriebsgeräts zuführbar und in einem der Steuereinheit zugeordneten Speicher speicherbar sind.The present invention relates to the field of control gear for lamps, wherein a control unit of the ballast or operating device external control information for programming or configuring the performance of the ballast or operating device can be fed and stored in a memory associated with the memory.

Elektronische Vorschaltgeräte (EVGs) zum Betreiben von Lampen, insbesondere von Gasentladungslampen sind bereits hinlänglich bekannt. Vorschaltgeräte der neuesten Generation sind dabei nicht nur in der Lage, das Betriebsverhalten einer zu betreibenden Lampe genau zu überwachen und einen störungsfreien Lampenbetrieb sicherzustellen, sondern weisen darüber hinaus auch einen Daten- oder Kommunikationsanschluß auf, über den sie mit weiteren Vorschaltgeräten oder mit zentralen Steuereinrichtungen kommunizieren können. Hierdurch besteht beispielsweise die Möglichkeit, den Vorschaltgeräten Helligkeitsbefehle für die anzusteuernden Lampen zu übermitteln. Darüber hinaus können die übermittelten Daten auch allgemein das Betriebsverhalten des Vorschaltgeräts beeinflussen, beispielsweise die an die Gasentladungslampe abzugebende Durchschnittsleistung vorgeben oder die Vorheizdauer vor einer Zündung der Lampe festlegen.Electronic ballasts (ECGs) for operating lamps, in particular of gas discharge lamps are already well known. The latest generation of ballasts are not only able to accurately monitor the performance of a lamp to be operated and ensure trouble-free lamp operation, but also have a data or communication port, via which they communicate with other ballasts or with central control devices can. As a result, for example, it is possible to transmit to the ballasts brightness commands for the lamps to be driven. In addition, the transmitted data may also generally affect the performance of the ballast, for example, specify the output to the gas discharge lamp average power or set the preheat before ignition of the lamp.

Neben diesen soeben beschriebenen Vorschaltgeräten, die für eine umfangreiche Datenkommunikation ausgelegt sind, kommen allerdings vielfach auch einfacher ausgestaltete Vorschaltgeräte zum Einsatz, die ausschließlich dazu vorgesehen sind, die zugeordnete Lampe entsprechend einem vorgegebenen Schema zu betreiben. Das Betriebsverhalten dieser Vorschaltgeräte wird bereits während der Herstellung weitestgehend festgelegt und kann nachträglich nicht oder nur geringfügig beeinflußt werden. Insbesondere sind derartige Vorschaltgeräte nicht dazu ausgelegt, über entsprechende Daten- oder Kommunikationsanschlüsse mit anderen Teilnehmern eines Beleuchtungssystems oder mit einer zentralen Steuereinrichtung zu kommunizieren bzw. zumindest Daten von diesen Geräten zu empfangen.In addition to these ballasts just described, which are designed for extensive data communication, but often also simpler designed ballasts are used, which are exclusively intended to operate the associated lamp according to a predetermined scheme. The operating behavior of these ballasts is largely determined during production and can not be subsequently or only slightly influenced. In particular, such ballasts are not designed to communicate via corresponding data or communication connections with other participants of a lighting system or with a central control device or at least to receive data from these devices.

Um auch bei diesen einfacheren Vorschaltgeräten die Möglichkeit zu eröffnen, zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt, also nach der Herstellung noch zumindest zu einem gewissen Grad das Betriebsverhalten beeinflussen zu können, ist es bekannt, derartige Vorschaltgeräte mit einem Konfigurierungseingang zu versehen. An diesen Konfigurierungseingang können dann passive Konfigurierungselemente wie z.B. Widerstände oder dergleichen angeschlossen werden, welche durch ihre physikalischen Eigenschaften eine bestimmte Funktion des Vorschaltgeräts beeinflussen. Beispielsweise ist es bekannt, durch die Höhe eines an den Konfigurierungseingang angeschlossenen externen Widerstands die Leistung, die von dem Vorschaltgerät an die Lampe abgegeben wird, einzustellen oder die Dauer der Vorheizphase vor einer Zündung der Gasentladungslampe vorzugeben.In order to open up the possibility in these simpler ballasts, at a later date, so after production at least to a certain extent to influence the performance, it is known to provide such ballasts with a configuration input. At this configuration input, passive configuration elements such as e.g. Resistors or the like can be connected, which influence a certain function of the ballast by their physical properties. For example, it is known to adjust the power supplied by the ballast to the lamp or to specify the duration of the preheat phase prior to ignition of the gas discharge lamp by the height of an external resistor connected to the configuration input.

Durch die Anordnung eines zusätzlichen Konfigurierungseingangs wird der Aufwand zur Herstellung des elektronischen Vorschaltgeräts allerdings wiederum erhöht. Ferner sind die Möglichkeiten, das Betriebsverhalten des Vorschaltgeräts mit Hilfe eines derartigen Konfigurierungseingangs zu beeinflussen, begrenzt. Darüber hinaus ist zu berücksichtigen, dass üblicherweise elektronische Vorschaltgeräte vollständig in ein Gehäuse eingeschlossen werden, welches lediglich die Anschlüsse zur Stromversorgung des Vorschaltgeräte sowie die Anschlüsse für die Lampe aufweist. Bei dieser sehr kompakten Ausgestaltung sind ergänzende Anschlüsse oder Eingänge nicht vorgesehen, weshalb eine nachträgliche Beeinflussung des Betriebsverhaltens nicht möglich ist.The arrangement of an additional configuration input is the cost of production of the electronic ballast, however, in turn increased. Furthermore, the possibilities of influencing the operating behavior of the ballast with the aid of such a configuration input are limited. In addition, it should be noted that usually electronic ballasts are completely enclosed in a housing, which has only the connections for the power supply of the ballasts and the connections for the lamp. In this very compact design complementary connections or inputs are not provided, which is why a subsequent influence on the performance is not possible.

Die soeben geschilderten Problemen betreffen nicht nur elektronische Vorschaltgeräte für Gasentladungslampen sondern allgemein Betriebsgeräte für Leuchtmittel. Auch bei anderen Leuchtmitteln wie z.B. Glühlampen, Halogenlampen oder LEDs ist es oftmals gewünscht oder sogar erforderlich, das Betriebsverhalten des Geräts nachträglich beeinflussen zu können (oder einen nachträglich erkannten Fehler in der Software des Betriebsgeräts nachträglich ohne Ausbau und zentral korrigieren zu können). Ein besonders wichtiges Anwendungsbeispiel ist dabei der Einsatz von LEDs oder LED-Modulen, da diese Lichtquellen zur Realisierung einer genauen Farbausgabe nach ihrer Bestückung noch kalibriert werden müssen, was in der Regel durch die Übermittlung entsprechender Konfiguerierungsdaten erfolgt.The problems just described concern not only electronic ballasts for gas discharge lamps but generally control gear for bulbs. Also with other bulbs such. Incandescent lamps, halogen lamps or LEDs, it is often desired or even necessary to be able to influence the performance of the device subsequently (or a subsequently detected error in the software of the operating device subsequently without removal and central to be able to correct). A particularly important application example is the use of LEDs or LED modules, since these light sources for realizing an accurate color output after their placement still need to be calibrated, which is usually done by the transmission of appropriate Konfiguerierungsdaten.

Patentdokument US 4,523,128 A zeigt ein Vorschaltgerät für Gasentladungslampen mit Powerline-Technik, bei dem die Steuereinheit funktionell im Netz integriert ist.Patent document US 4,523,128 A shows a ballast for gas discharge lamps with powerline technology, in which the control unit is functionally integrated in the network.

Patentdokument WO 00/35252 A zeigt einen digitalen Leistungssteller für Fluoreszenzlampen, aufweisend eine Gatteranordnung und einen Mikroprozessor, die parallel Funktionen teilen, wobei schnelle Unterfunktionen durch die Gatteranordnung und langsamere Unterfunktionen durch den Mikroprozessor ausgeführt werden. Die Stromkreise sind mit einer automatisch Abschaltung für den Fall versehen, wenn ein hochfrequenter Erdschluss ermittelt wird.Patent document WO 00/35252 A shows a digital power controller for fluorescent lamps, comprising a gate array and a microprocessor that share functions in parallel, with fast sub-functions performed by the gate array and slower sub-functions by the microprocessor. The circuits are provided with an automatic shutdown for the case when a high frequency ground fault is detected.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt dementsprechend die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine neuartige Möglichkeit anzugeben, das Betriebsverhalten eines elektronischen Vorschaltgeräts oder eines Betriebsgeräts für Leuchtmittel zu beeinflussen. Insbesondere soll die Möglichkeit eröffnet werden, externe Steuerinformationen zum Programmieren oder Konfigurieren des Betriebsverhaltens auf möglichst einfache Weise einer dem Betriebsgerät zugeordneten Steuereinheit zuzuführen, ohne dass hierfür die Anordnung zusätzlicher Anschlüsse oder Eingänge erforderlich wäre.The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a novel way to influence the performance of an electronic ballast or a control gear for lighting. In particular, the possibility should be opened of external control information for programming or configuring the operating behavior as far as possible simple manner to supply a control unit associated with the control unit, without requiring the arrangement of additional connections or inputs would be required.

Die Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst. Die abhängigen Ansprüche bilden den zentralen Gedanken der Erfindung besonders vorteilhaft weiter.The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims further form the central idea of the invention particularly advantageous.

Ein Gedanke der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, als Programmiereingang, über den externe Steuerinformationen einer in dem Vorschaltgerät bzw. Betriebsgerät angeordneten Steuereinheit zugeführt werden können, die Netzanschlüsse zur Stromversorgung des Vorschaltgeräts bzw. Betriebsgeräts und/oder die Ausgangsanschlüsse, welche üblicherweise dazu vorgesehen sind, einer Lampe eine entsprechende Betriebsspannung zuzuführen, zu nutzen, wozu die Netz- bzw. die Ausgangsanschlüsse intern mit der Steuereinheit verbunden sind. Gemäß der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung ist somit kein zusätzlicher Konfigurierungseingang oder Dateneingang erforderlich, da die bereits vorhandenen Anschlüsse des Vorschaltgeräts bzw. Betriebsgeräts für den Datenempfang verwendet werden. Es besteht hierdurch auf sehr einfache Weise die Möglichkeit, Daten an die Steuereinheit zu übermitteln, welche in einem der Steuereinheit zugeordneten Speicher abgelegt werden, wobei die Daten dann das Betriebsverhalten des Vorschaltgeräts bzw. Betriebsgeräts beeinflussen, beispielsweise bestimmte Betriebsparameter vorgeben oder Betriebsabläufe definieren.It is an idea of the present invention, as a programming input, via which external control information can be fed to a control unit arranged in the ballast, the mains connections for the power supply of the ballast or operating device and / or the output connections, which are usually provided for this purpose Lamp to supply a corresponding operating voltage to use, including the network or the output terminals are internally connected to the control unit. According to the solution according to the invention, therefore, no additional configuration input or data input is required, since the already existing connections of the ballast or operating device are used for data reception. There is thus a very simple way to transmit data to the control unit, which are stored in a memory associated with the memory, the data then affect the performance of the ballast or operating device, for example, specify certain operating parameters or define operations.

Die interne Verbindung zwischen den als Programmiereingang dienenden Netzanschlüssen und/oder Ausgangsanschlüssen mit der Steuereinheit kann beispielsweise über Verbindungsleitungen erfolgen, welche einen resistiven Spannungsteiler beinhalten. Alternativ dazu könnte die Verbindung allerdings auch magnetisch, kapazitiv, optisch oder mittels einer Funkverbindung erfolgen.The internal connection between the network connections serving as programming input and / or output connections with the control unit can be effected, for example, via connection lines which include a resistive voltage divider. Alternatively, the Connection, however, also be magnetic, capacitive, optical or by means of a radio link.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung handelt es sich bei dem Speicher zum Speichern der extern zugeführten Steuerinformationen um einen nichtflüchtigen Speicher. Die Steuereinheit weist zumindest eine Logik-Schaltung, beispielsweise einen Mikroprozessor auf, welche mit dem Speicher verbunden ist.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the memory for storing the externally supplied control information is a nonvolatile memory. The control unit has at least one logic circuit, for example a microprocessor, which is connected to the memory.

Die Übermittlung der Steuerinformationen erfolgt vorzugsweise in einem Zeitraum, in dem das Vorschaltgerät bzw. Betriebsgerät insofern inaktiv ist, als die Lampe in diesem Zeitraum nicht mit Strom versorgt wird. Nach Abschluß der Übermittlung der Steuerinformationen kann dann die Lampe in der üblichen Weise gezündet und betrieben werden, wobei das Betriebsverhalten durch die zuvor übermittelten Steuerinformationen festgelegt ist.The transmission of the control information is preferably carried out in a period in which the ballast or operating device is inactive insofar as the lamp is not supplied with power in this period. After completion of the transmission of the control information then the lamp can be ignited and operated in the usual manner, the performance is determined by the previously transmitted control information.

Zur Übermittlung der Steuerinformationen ist gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ein Programmiergerät vorgesehen, welches dazu ausgebildet ist, an die Netzanschlüsse und/oder die Ausgangsanschlüsse des Vorschaltgeräts bzw. Betriebsgeräts angeschlossen zu werden, um die Steuerinformationen an die in dem Vorschaltgerät bzw. Betriebsgerät angeordnete Steuereinheit zu übermitteln. Vorzugsweise handelt es sich hierbei um ein tragbares Programmiergerät, welches von einem Benutzer zu den bereits installierten Vorschaltgeräten / Betriebsgeräten mitgenommen werden kann.In order to transmit the control information, according to the present invention, a programming device is provided, which is designed to be connected to the network connections and / or the output connections of the ballast or operating device in order to transmit the control information to the control unit arranged in the ballast or operating device , Preferably, this is a portable programming device, which can be taken by a user to the already installed ballasts / control gear.

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft dementsprechend auch eine größere Beleuchtungsanordnung, welche zumindest eine Leuchte mit einem elektronischen Vorschaltgerät zum Betreiben einer Lampe bzw. mit einem Betriebsgerät für ein Leuchtmittel sowie ein Programmiergerät aufweist, welches in der oben beschriebenen Weise dazu ausgebildet ist, Steuerinformationen an das Vorschaltgerät bzw. Betriebsgerät zu übermitteln und damit dessen Betriebsverhalten zu beeinflussen.Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a larger lighting arrangement, which has at least one lamp with an electronic ballast for operating a lamp or with an operating device for a lighting device and a programming device, which in the manner described above is adapted to transmit control information to the ballast or operating device and thus to influence its performance.

Die nachträgliche Übermittlung von Steuerinformationen ist im Übrigen auch deshalb von Vorteil, da hierdurch ein Lampenbetrieb innerhalb eines gewünschten Leistungsfensters sichergestellt werden kann. Oftmals weichen Vorschaltgeräte nach ihrer Herstellung von der vorgegebenen Solleistung ab, was auf nicht zu vermeidende Toleranzen in den verwendeten Bauteilen zurückzuführen ist. Durch eine nachträgliche Beeinflussung beispielsweise der Zwischenkreisspannung oder der Betriebsfrequenz der dem Lastkreis mit der Lampe zugeführten Versorgungsspannung können derartige Bauteiltoleranzen berücksichtigt und Abweichungen in der abgegebenen Leistung korrigiert werden. Besonders wichtig ist in diesem Zusammenhang auch die nachträgliche Kalibrierung von Halbleiterlichtquellen wie z.B. LED-Modulen, um hierdurch eine genaue Farbabgabe sicherzustellen.The subsequent transmission of control information is, moreover, also advantageous because it allows a lamp operation within a desired power window can be ensured. Often soft ballasts after their production of the specified target performance, which is due to unavoidable tolerances in the components used. By subsequently influencing, for example, the intermediate circuit voltage or the operating frequency of the supply voltage supplied to the load circuit with the lamp, such component tolerances can be taken into account and deviations in the output power corrected. Of particular importance in this context is the subsequent calibration of semiconductor light sources such as e.g. LED modules to ensure accurate color output.

Nachfolgend soll die Erfindung anhand der beiliegenden Zeichnung näher erläutert werden. Die einzige Figur 1 zeigt dabei als Ausführungsbeispiel ein erfindungsgemäß ausgestaltetes elektronisches Vorschaltgerät zum Betreiben einer Gasentladungslampe. Das Vorschaltgerät ist dabei nur ein Beispiel für ein Leuchtmittel-Betriebsgerät.The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The only FIG. 1 shows as an embodiment of an inventively designed electronic ballast for operating a gas discharge lamp. The ballast is just one example of a bulb operating device.

Das erfindungsgemäße Vorschaltgerät 1 ist in Figur 1 lediglich schematisch mit den für den Lampenbetrieb wesentlichen Komponenten wiedergegeben, da die vorliegende Erfindung grundsätzlich bei allen Arten von elektronischen Vorschaltgeräten zum Betreiben von Lampen Verwendung finden kann.The ballast 1 according to the invention is in FIG. 1 merely schematically reproduced with the components essential for the lamp operation, since the present invention can basically be used in all types of electronic ballasts for operating lamps.

Dargestellte Bestandteile sind ein mit den Eingangsanschlüssen 5 des Vorschaltgeräts 1 verbundener Gleichrichter 2 zum Gleichrichten der an den Anschlüssen 5 anliegenden Versorgungswechselspannung sowie ein Wechselrichter 3, der die von dem Gleichrichter 2 erhaltene Gleichspannung in eine hochfrequente Wechselspannung umsetzt und als Ausgangsspannung an Ausgangsanschlüsse 6 des Vorschaltgeräts 1 weiterleitet, an welche wiederum die von dem Vorschaltgerät 1 zu betreibende Lampe LA angeschlossen ist. Die weiteren Komponenten, die üblicherweise in elektronischen Vorschaltgeräten vorgesehen sind, beispielsweise diverse Elemente zur Oberwellenfilterung oder eine Glättungsschaltung zum Umsetzen der gleichgerichteten Versorgungswechselspannung in eine Gleichspannung bestimmter Höhe, sind nicht dargestellt, da sie in ihrer Funktion bereits bekannt sind und für die vorliegende Erfindung nicht weiter von Bedeutung sind.Illustrated components are connected to the input terminals 5 of the ballast 1 rectifier 2 for rectifying the voltage applied to the terminals 5 AC supply voltage and an inverter 3, which converts the DC voltage obtained from the rectifier 2 into a high-frequency AC voltage and output voltage to output terminals 6 of the ballast. 1 forwarded to which in turn is connected to be operated by the ballast 1 lamp LA. The other components that are usually provided in electronic ballasts, for example, various elements for harmonic filtering or a smoothing circuit for converting the rectified AC supply voltage into a DC voltage of certain height, are not shown because they are already known in their function and not further for the present invention are of importance.

Ferner ist anzumerken, dass die vorliegende Erfindung auch nicht auf den Einsatz bei elektronischen Vorschaltgeräten beschränkt ist, sondern stattdessen allgemein bei Betriebsgeräten für beliebige Leuchtmittel zum Einsatz kommen kann.It should also be noted that the present invention is not limited to use in electronic ballasts, but instead can be used generally in control gear for any lamps.

Eine wesentliche Komponente des elektronischen Vorschaltgeräts 1 im Hinblick auf die vorliegende Erfindung ist eine Steuerschaltung 4, der Befehle von Aussen zugeführt werden können und die den Betrieb des Betriebsgeräts gemäss vorliegenden Befehlen und Sollwerten steuert.An essential component of the electronic ballast 1 with regard to the present invention is a control circuit 4, which can be supplied with commands from the outside and controls the operation of the operating device according to present commands and setpoints.

Im dargestellten Beispiel steuert die Steuereinheit den Wechselrichter 3 damit die von dem Wechselrichter 3 abgegebene Betriebsspannung für die Lampe LA. Die Steuereinheit 4 erzeugt hierzu entsprechende Steuerinformationen und übermittelt diese an den Wechselrichter 3, der beispielsweise eine Halbbrückenanordnung aus zwei steuerbaren Schaltern aufweisen kann. Durch eine entsprechende Beeinflussung der Schaltfrequenzen kann die Lampe - bei der es sich insbesondere um eine Gasentladungslampe handeln kann - in gewünschter Weise betrieben, insbesondere zunächst vorgeheizt, gezündet und mit einer vorgegebenen Leistung versorgt werden.In the illustrated example, the control unit controls the inverter 3 so that the output from the inverter 3 operating voltage for the lamp LA. The control unit 4 generates for this purpose Control information and transmits it to the inverter 3, which may have, for example, a half-bridge arrangement of two controllable switches. By a corresponding influencing of the switching frequencies, the lamp - which may in particular be a gas discharge lamp - operated in the desired manner, in particular first preheated, ignited and supplied with a predetermined power.

Entsprechende Informationen, die das Verhalten der Steuereinheit 4 und damit des Vorschaltgeräts 1 insgesamt beeinflussen, sind in einem Speicher 4a enthalten, der mit der Steuereinheit 4 funktionell verbunden sein kann oder - wie dargestellt - Bestandteil der Steuereinheit 4 ist. Bei diesem Speicher handelt es sich vorzugsweise um einen nichtflüchtigen Speicher. Die Steuereinheit 4 wiederum beinhaltet vorzugsweise einen Mikroprozessor µC, der auf den Speicher 4a zugreifen kann und für die Erzeugung der entsprechenden Steuersignale zur Ansteuerung des Wechselrichters 3 zuständig ist.Corresponding information that influences the behavior of the control unit 4 and thus of the ballast 1 as a whole are contained in a memory 4a, which may be functionally connected to the control unit 4 or - as shown - is part of the control unit 4. This memory is preferably a nonvolatile memory. The control unit 4 in turn preferably includes a microprocessor μC, which can access the memory 4a and is responsible for the generation of the corresponding control signals for controlling the inverter 3.

Anzumerken ist, dass anstelle des Mikroprozessors µC auch eine andere Logik-Schaltung zum Einsatz kommen könnte, welche die erforderlichen Steueraufgaben übernimmt.It should be noted that instead of the microprocessor μC, a different logic circuit could be used, which takes over the required control tasks.

Das Betriebsverhalten des dargestellten elektronischen Vorschaltgeräts 1 kann dadurch verändert bzw. angepasst werden, dass die in dem Speicher 4a enthaltenen Informationen geändert oder aktualisiert werden. Bislang war es bekannt, hierfür einen zusätzlichen Steuereingang an dem Vorschaltgerät 1 vorzusehen, der mit der Steuereinheit 4 bzw. dem Speicher 4a verbunden war und über den dann entsprechende Daten an die Steuereinheit 4 übermittelt werden konnten.The operating behavior of the illustrated electronic ballast 1 can be changed or adapted by changing or updating the information contained in the memory 4a. So far, it was known to provide an additional control input to the ballast 1, which was connected to the control unit 4 and the memory 4a and could be transmitted via the then corresponding data to the control unit 4.

Gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung wird allerdings nunmehr auf diesen zusätzlichen Eingang verzichtet. Stattdessen werden als Programmiereingang bereits vorhandenen Anschlüsse des Vorschaltgeräts 1 genutzt. Im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel werden insbesondere die Ausgangsanschlüsse 6 genutzt, die über entsprechende Verbindungsleitungen sowie einen aus zwei Widerständen R1 und R2 bestehenden Spannungsteiler mit der Steuereinheit 4 verbunden sind. Wie in Figur 1 dargestellt ist, besteht somit nunmehr die Möglichkeit, an die Ausgangsanschlüsse 6 des Vorschaltgeräts 1 ein externes Programmiergerät 10 anzuschließen, welches entsprechende Steuerinformationen Vprog an die Steuereinheit 4 übermittelt. Der Anschluß kann dabei unmittelbar an den Ausgang des Wechselrichters 3 erfolgen, es wäre allerdings auch denkbar, das Programmiergerät 10 an die Wendelkontakte der Lampe LA anzuschließen.However, according to the present invention, this additional input is now omitted. Instead, already existing connections of the ballast 1 are used as a programming input. In the illustrated embodiment, in particular the output terminals 6 are used, which are connected to the control unit 4 via corresponding connection lines as well as a voltage divider consisting of two resistors R1 and R2. As in FIG. 1 Thus, it is now possible to connect to the output terminals 6 of the ballast 1, an external programming device 10, which transmits corresponding control information Vprog to the control unit 4. The connection can be made directly to the output of the inverter 3, but it would also be conceivable to connect the programming device 10 to the coil contacts of the lamp LA.

Anstelle der dargestellten Verbindung zwischen den Ausgangsanschlüssen 6 und der Steuereinheit 4 mittels der dargestellten Verbindungsleitungen und dem resistiven Spannungsteiler könnte auch vorgesehen sein, die Verbindung durch eine magnetische, kapazitive oder optische Koppelung zu realisieren. Ferner wäre auch denkbar, intern die Steuerinformationen von den Ausgangsanschlüssen 6 an die Steuereinheit 4 mittels einer Funkverbindung zu übertragen.Instead of the illustrated connection between the output terminals 6 and the control unit 4 by means of the illustrated connecting lines and the resistive voltage divider could also be provided to realize the connection by a magnetic, capacitive or optical coupling. Furthermore, it would also be conceivable to internally transmit the control information from the output terminals 6 to the control unit 4 by means of a radio link.

Das externe Programmiergerät 10 ist insbesondere tragbar ausgestaltet und kann dazu vorgesehen sein, an die verschiedenen Vorschaltgeräte eines Beleuchtungssystems angeschlossen zu werden, um die Geräte nachträglich zu konfigurieren oder zu programmieren.In particular, the external programmer 10 is designed to be portable and may be adapted to be connected to the various ballasts of a lighting system to subsequently configure or program the devices.

Die von dem externen Programmiergerät 10 übermittelten Steuerinformationen werden in dem Speicher 4a der Steuereinheit 4 abgelegt und legen das Betriebsverhalten des Vorschaltgeräts 1 fest. Insbesondere können die Daten Informationen hinsichtlich der von dem Vorschaltgerät 1 der Lampe LA zugeführten Leistung beinhalten. Dabei besteht die Möglichkeit, extern eine gewünschte Leistung oder Betriebsfrequenz vorzugeben, bei der die Lampe LA zu betreiben ist. Hierdurch besteht insbesondere die Möglichkeit, während der Herstellung des Vorschaltgeräts 1 auftretende Bautoleranzen nachträglich auszugleichen und damit sicherzustellen, dass alle Lampen bei der erforderlichen bzw. optimalen Leistung betrieben werden. Eine weitere Möglichkeit besteht darin, durch die externen Steuerinformationen die Vorheizzeit der Lampen zu beeinflussen oder die Leistung an einen neu angeschlossenen Lampentyp anzupassen.The control information transmitted from the external programmer 10 is stored in the memory 4a of FIG Stored control unit 4 and set the performance of the ballast 1 fixed. In particular, the data may include information regarding the power supplied by the ballast 1 to the lamp LA. It is possible to externally specify a desired power or operating frequency at which the lamp LA is to operate. As a result, it is possible, in particular, to compensate later for building tolerances occurring during the production of the ballast 1 and thus to ensure that all the lamps are operated at the required or optimum power. Another possibility is to influence the preheating time of the lamps by means of the external control information or to adapt the power to a newly connected lamp type.

Ein weiteres wichtiges Anwendungsgebiet der vorliegenden Erfindung ist die Ansteuerung von LEDs bzw. LED-Modulen. Derartige Halbleiterlichtquellen müssen nach ihrer Bestückung in der Regel noch kalibriert werden, um eine Lichtabgabe in der gewünschten Farbe sicherzustellen. Dies ist bei LEDs besonders wichtig, da die Leistung, mit der die LEDs betrieben werden, sich unmittelbar auf die Farbe des abgegebenen Lichts auswirkt. Bei einem Betriebsgerät zum Betreiben von LEDs entsprechend der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht nunmehr die Möglichkeit, die erforderliche Kalibrierung in einfacher Weise nach Bestückung der LED-Module durchzuführen. Die erforderlichen Betriebsdaten können erfindungsgemäß in einfacher Weise an das Betriebsgerät übermittelt werden.Another important field of application of the present invention is the control of LEDs or LED modules. Such semiconductor light sources usually have to be calibrated after their placement in order to ensure a light output in the desired color. This is especially important with LEDs, as the power with which the LEDs are operated has a direct effect on the color of the emitted light. In an operating device for operating LEDs according to the present invention, it is now possible to carry out the required calibration in a simple manner after the LED modules have been fitted. The required operating data can be transmitted according to the invention in a simple manner to the operating device.

Der wesentliche Vorteil der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung besteht darin, dass kein zusätzlicher Programmier- oder Konfigurierungseingang erforderlich ist, sondern stattdessen die bereits vorhandenen Anschlüsse des Betriebsgeräts 1, die üblicherweise als Klemmkontakte ausgebildet sind, genutzt werden.The essential advantage of the solution according to the invention is that no additional programming or configuration input is required, but instead the already existing connections of the operating device 1, usually as terminal contacts are trained to be used.

Dabei besteht alternativ oder zusätzlich zu der dargestellten Ausführungsform, in der die Ausgangsanschlüsse 6 des Vorschaltgeräts 1 als Programmiereingang genutzt werden, auch die - gestrichelt dargestellte - Möglichkeit, die Eingangsanschlüsse 5, an denen üblicherweise die Versorgungswechselspannung für das Vorschaltgerät 1 anliegt, als Programmiereingang zu nutzen. Der Vorteil der dargestellten Variante, bei der als Programmiereingang die Ausgangsanschlüsse 6 verwendet werden, besteht darin, dass in diesem Fall gleichzeitig das Vorschaltgerät 1 in üblicher Weise mit Strom versorgt werden kann.In this case, alternatively or in addition to the illustrated embodiment, in which the output terminals 6 of the ballast 1 are used as a programming input, also the - shown in dashed lines - possibility to use the input terminals 5, where usually the AC supply voltage for the ballast 1, as a programming input , The advantage of the illustrated variant, in which the output terminals 6 are used as a programming input, is that in this case the ballast 1 can be supplied with current in the usual way at the same time.

Werden hingegen die Eingangsanschlüsse 5 als Programmiereingang genutzt, so muß sichergestellt werden, dass der zum Betrieb der Steuereinheit und/oder Beschreiben des Speichers 4a erforderliche Strom weiterhin zur Verfügung gestellt wird. Dies könnte beispielsweise dadurch erfolgen, dass das Programmiergerät in diesem Fall die erforderliche Energie zur Verfügung stellt. Auch die Nutzung einer internen Batterie bzw. eines Akkumulators in dem Vorschaltgerät bzw. Betriebsgerät wäre denkbar. In beiden Fällen könnte das Betriebsgerät auch in einem Offline-Zustand bzw. bei abgeschaltetem Netz programmiert werden.If, however, the input terminals 5 are used as a programming input, it must be ensured that the current required for operating the control unit and / or writing to the memory 4a is still made available. This could be done, for example, by the programming device providing the required energy in this case. The use of an internal battery or a rechargeable battery in the ballast or operating device would be conceivable. In both cases, the operating device could also be programmed in an offline state or with the power switched off.

Während der Programmierung muss die Spannungsversorgung lediglich ausreichen, um die Elektronik (Steuereinheit, Speicher etc.) betrieben zu können. Es wird aber in diesem Programmiermodus keine Leistung an angeschlossene Leichtmittel abgegeben, so dass die Versorgungsspannung niedriger sein kann also beim eigentlichen Betrieb. Die Versorgungsspannung kann im Programmiermodus auch eine Gleichspannung anstelle der für den Leuchtmittelbetrieb üblichen Wechselspannung sein.During programming, the power supply only has to be sufficient to operate the electronics (control unit, memory, etc.). However, in this programming mode, no power is delivered to connected light means, so that the supply voltage can be lower, that is during actual operation. The supply voltage can also be used in programming mode DC voltage instead of the usual for the light bulb operation AC voltage.

Vorstellbar ist auch, dass die Programmierbefehle auf eine Versorgungsspannung aufmoduliert werden. Um die engen Modulationspegel-Limitierungen bei der sogenannten Powerline-Technik überschreiten zu können, ist die Steuereinheit funktionell vom Netz getrennt. Bspw. durch Filterung ist allgemein sichergestellt, dass auch hohe, an die Netzanschlüsse angelegte Modulationspegel nicht auf die Netzversorgung zurückstrahlen können.It is also conceivable that the programming commands are modulated onto a supply voltage. In order to exceed the narrow modulation level limitations in the so-called powerline technology, the control unit is functionally disconnected from the network. For example. Filtering generally ensures that even high levels of modulation applied to the mains connections can not be reflected back to the mains supply.

Die Übermittlung der externen Steuerinformationen erfolgt vorzugsweise in einem Zeitraum, in dem die Lampe LA nicht in Betrieb ist. Erst nachdem der Datentransfer abgeschlossen ist, kann dann ein Lampenstart durchgeführt und die Lampe unter den Bedingungen, die durch die übermittelnden Steuerinformationen festgelegt werden, betrieben werden.The transmission of the external control information is preferably carried out in a period in which the lamp LA is not in operation. Only after the data transfer is completed can then a lamp start be made and the lamp operated under the conditions determined by the transmitting control information.

Die vorliegende Erfindung gestattet es somit, auf einfache Weise nachträglich, d.h. nach der Herstellung des Vorschaltgeräts bzw. Betriebsgeräts, Einfluß auf dessen Betriebsverhalten nehmen zu können. Hierfür ist kein zusätzlicher Programmiereingang vorzusehen, so dass das Vorschaltgerät bzw. Betriebsgerät in bislang bekannter Weise in ein Gehäuse eingeschlossen werden kann. Somit ist auch zur Programmierung, bspw. bei einer Software-Änderung oder Fehlerbehebung kein Ausbau des Geräts notwendig. Gggf. Kann eine Software-Änderung sogar zentral ausgeführt werden.The present invention thus makes it possible in a simple manner subsequently, i. after the manufacture of the ballast or control gear to be able to influence its performance. For this purpose, no additional programming input is provided, so that the ballast or operating device can be included in a previously known manner in a housing. Thus, also for programming, for example. In a software change or troubleshooting no removal of the device necessary. GGGF. Can a software change even be executed centrally.

Claims (27)

  1. An operating device for illumination means, having
    - mains terminals (5) for connecting the operating device to a current supply,
    - output terminals (6) for connecting illumination means to the ballast (1) or operating device and also
    - a control unit (4) for controlling and/or regulating the operation of illumination means connected to output terminals,
    wherein external control information (Vprog) for programming or configuring the operating behaviour of the operating device can be delivered to the control unit (4) via a programming input, and can be stored in a memory (4a) associated with the control unit (4),
    characterised in that
    the programming input is formed by means of the mains terminals (5) and/or the output terminals (6) of the operating device, wherein, at least in the case of the use of the mains terminals (5) as the programming input, the control unit (4) is functionally separated from the mains.
  2. An operating device according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    the mains terminals (5) and/or output terminals (6) forming the programming input are connected with the control unit (4) via connection lines.
  3. An operating device according to claim 2,
    characterised in that
    the connection lines have a voltage divider (R1, R2).
  4. An operating device according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    the mains terminals (5) and/or output terminals (6) forming the programming input are coupled with the control unit (4) magnetically.
  5. An operating device according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    the mains terminals (5) and/or output terminals (6) forming the programming input are coupled with the control unit (4) capacitatively.
  6. An operating device according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    the mains terminals (5) and/or output terminals (6) forming the programming input are coupled with the control unit (4) optically.
  7. An operating device according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    the mains terminals (5) and/or output terminals (6) forming the programming input are coupled with the control unit (4) via a radio connection.
  8. An operating device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the memory (4a) for storing the externally delivered control information is a non-volatile memory.
  9. An operating device according to claim 8,
    characterised in that
    the control unit (4) has a logic circuit, in particular a microprocessor (µC), which is connected with the memory (4a).
  10. An operating device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the ballast (1) or operating device is surrounded by a housing, the mains terminals (5) and the output terminals (6) being formed by means of clamping contacts.
  11. An operating device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    an external programming device (10) can be connected for the transfer of the control information to the coil contacts of the lamp (LA) or light source, or to the mains terminals (5) of the ballast (1) or operating device.
  12. An operating device according to one of claims 1 to 10,
    characterised in that
    an external programming device (10) can be connected for the transfer of the control information to an
    inverter (3) of the ballast (1) or operating device, for generation of an AC supply voltage for the lamp (LA) or light source.
  13. An operating device according to claim 11 or 12,
    characterised in that
    the external programming device (10) during the transfer of the external control information (Vprog) at the same time forms a current supply source for the ballast (1) or operating device.
  14. An operating device according to one of claims 1 to 12,
    characterised in that
    the ballast (1) or operating device has a battery or an accumulator battery for current supply during the transfer of the external control information (Vprog).
  15. An operating device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the external control information determines the output power of the ballast (1) or operating device.
  16. A programming device (10) for programming or configuring the operating behaviour of an electronic ballast (1) for the operation of a lamp (LA) or an operating device for light sources,
    wherein the programming device (10) is provided for connection with mains terminals (5) and/or output terminals (6) of the ballast (1) or operating device, in order to transfer control information (Vprog) to a control unit (4) provided in the ballast (1) or operating device, and
    wherein at least in the case of the use of the mains terminals (5) as programming input, the control unit (4) is functionally separated from the mains.
  17. A programming device (10) according to claim 16,
    characterised in that
    it is portable.
  18. An illumination system, having
    a) at least one luminaire having an electronic ballast (1) for operating a lamp (LA) or an operating device for illumination means, which has
    - mains terminals (5) for connection of the ballast (1) or operating device to a current supply source,
    - output terminals (6) for connecting a lamp (LA) or light source to the ballast (1) or operating device, and also
    - a control unit (4) for control and/or regulation of an operating voltage delivered to the lamp (LA) or light source via the output terminals (6), and also
    b) a programming device (10) for programming or configuring the operating behaviour of the electronic ballast (1) or operating device, wherein the programming device (10) is provided for connection with the mains terminals (5) and/or the output terminals (6) of the ballast (1) or operating device, in order to transfer external control information (Vprog) to the control unit (4), wherein at least in the case of the use of the mains terminals (5) as programming input, the control unit (4) is functionally separated from the mains.
  19. A method of programming or configuring the operating behaviour of an operating device for illumination means,
    wherein the operating device has
    - mains terminals (5) for connection of the operating device to a current supply source,
    - output terminals (6) for connection of illumination means to the operating device, and also
    - a control unit (4) for the control and/or regulation of the operation of the illumination means connected via the output terminals (6),
    and wherein the programming or configuring is effected by means of external control information (Vprog) which is delivered to the control unit (4),
    characterised in that
    the mains terminals (5) and/or the output terminals (6) of the operating device are used as programming input, wherein at least in the case of the use of the mains terminals (5) as programming input, the control unit (4) is functionally separated from the mains.
  20. A method according to claim 19,
    characterised in that
    the transfer of the control information is effected in a configuration phase, in which the lamp (LA) or light source connected to the operating device is not operated.
  21. A method according to claim 19,
    characterised in that
    the transfer of the control information is effected in a phase in which the operating device is separated from a general current supply or the general current supply is switched off.
  22. A method according to one of claims 19 to 21,
    characterised in that
    the external control information (Vprog) is transferred by means of an external programming device (10).
  23. A method according to claim 22,
    characterised in that
    the external programming device (10), during the transfer of the external control information (Vprog), at the same time forms a current supply source for the operating device.
  24. A method according to one of claims 20 to 23,
    characterised in that
    the power of the operating device is determined by the external control information.
  25. A method according to one of claims 20 to 24,
    characterised in that
    during the programming, the operating device is supplied with a reduced supply voltage.
  26. A method according to one of claims 20 to 24,
    characterised in that
    during the programming, the operating device is supplied with a DC supply voltage.
  27. A method according to one of claims 20 to 26,
    characterised in that
    during the programming via the mains terminals, the operating device is functionally separated from the mains in such a way that programming commands cannot be radiated back to the mains.
EP20050715522 2004-03-01 2005-02-24 Evg, or electronic intermediate unit for illuminating elements provided with a programmable or configurable control unit Active EP1721494B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE200410009993 DE102004009993A1 (en) 2004-03-01 2004-03-01 Electronic ballast with programmable or configurable control unit
PCT/EP2005/001966 WO2005084085A1 (en) 2004-03-01 2005-02-24 Evg, or electronic intermediate unit for illuminating elements provided with a programmable or configurable control unit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1721494A1 EP1721494A1 (en) 2006-11-15
EP1721494B1 true EP1721494B1 (en) 2010-04-14

Family

ID=34877222

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20050715522 Active EP1721494B1 (en) 2004-03-01 2005-02-24 Evg, or electronic intermediate unit for illuminating elements provided with a programmable or configurable control unit

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (2) US8638040B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1721494B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1939099B (en)
AT (1) ATE464775T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2005217514B2 (en)
DE (2) DE102004009993A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005084085A1 (en)

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DE102011005048A1 (en) * 2011-03-03 2012-09-06 Tridonic Gmbh & Co Kg Test operation of a control gear for lamps
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US20140265900A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Laurence P. Sadwick Fluorescent Lamp LED Replacement
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CN103796405B (en) * 2013-11-07 2016-03-16 福建睿能科技股份有限公司 A kind of method of remote operation electric ballast, relevant device and illuminator
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US8638040B2 (en) 2014-01-28
EP1721494A1 (en) 2006-11-15
WO2005084085A1 (en) 2005-09-09
AU2005217514B2 (en) 2009-12-03
DE502005009413D1 (en) 2010-05-27
CN1939099B (en) 2010-08-25
US20140103836A1 (en) 2014-04-17
CN1939099A (en) 2007-03-28
US9131546B2 (en) 2015-09-08
ATE464775T1 (en) 2010-04-15
US20080036395A1 (en) 2008-02-14
AU2005217514A1 (en) 2005-09-09
DE102004009993A1 (en) 2005-09-22

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