EP2477462A2 - Central supply system and method for simultaneously dimming a number of lights - Google Patents

Abstract

The system (1) has a voltage supply device (4) i.e. central battery system, connected with lights by a light supply line (3). The supply device supplies light groups (7) as a part of lights (2), and is switchable between a network voltage supply (5) and an emergency voltage supply (6). The supply device includes a dimming control e.g. phase controlled modulator, for the light groups. The dimming control is associated to the network voltage supply and the emergency voltage supply. The lights include a LED as an illuminant. The light supply line is designed for data communication. An independent claim is also included for a method for simultaneously dimming lights.

Description

The invention relates to a central supply system for a plurality of lights, especially safety, rescue or emergency lights, which are connected at least via a lamp supply line with a switchable between mains voltage and emergency power and at least one lighting group as part of the plurality of lights supplying power supply device. A corresponding power supply device is, for example, a central battery system, by which the various lamps are connected to a mains voltage supply. If this mains voltage supply fails, switching to emergency power supply takes place by means of the voltage supply device. Such emergency power supply can work with both AC and DC voltage.

The plurality of lights is usually connected in parallel with the corresponding lamp supply line, with several such light supply lines with a corresponding plurality of lights can be connected to the power supply device. In this case, there is still the possibility that for each individual lamp supply line with a plurality of lights, a corresponding switching takes place separately.

A corresponding central supply system can, in addition to the voltage supply device, also have a central controller which monitors and controls a plurality of such voltage supply devices.

In specific applications of such a central supply system, corresponding lights are arranged in operationally darkened rooms, see for example cinemas, theaters or the like. If a demonstration takes place in these darkened rooms, all luminaires, including corresponding safety, emergency or emergency luminaires, should have a reduced luminous flux, ie a reduced level of illumination. For the normal illumination of such rooms, this means that it is completely switched off or at least dimmed to a very low level of illumination.

For safety, emergency or emergency lights, however, certain regulations apply, according to which these must be clearly visible both in normal lighting, as well as in the above-mentioned operationally darkened rooms. That is, these lights should be able to be changed in their lighting level or in their luminous flux, depending on whether the general or standard lighting is fully on or also off or heavily dimmed. This is particularly advantageous in the operationally darkened areas, since, for example, operated with maximum brightness escape sign light can quickly have a dazzling effect. Likewise, energy savings can be achieved by reducing the luminous flux.

In previously known central supply systems, this takes place in different ways.

It is known, for example from practice, that for each lamp individually with emergency power supply by a rotary switch or a so-called dip switch a certain dimming level is adjustable. Upon return of the mains voltage supply, the corresponding dimming level and its setting via the corresponding switches are no longer considered, and these lights are switched back to their respective nominal luminous flux for normal mains operation.

In another known from practice solution is a corresponding programming of light drivers, electronic ballasts or the like, which are associated with the corresponding lamp to dimming them individually at mains voltage supply or cancel the dimming in emergency power supply. in such lights no additional rotary or dip switches are required.

A disadvantage of the previously known central supply systems is that each luminaire must be opened to modify the dimming level and little flexibility is possible for varying the dimming levels.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to improve a central supply system or a corresponding method for dimming a plurality of lights to the effect that a more flexible dimming in a simple manner and without much effort is possible.

This object is solved by the features of claims 1 and 13, respectively.

According to the invention, the voltage supply device has a dimming control for the lighting group. As a result, at least some of the luminaires, namely all the luminaires of the corresponding luminaire group, can be dimmed directly and simultaneously directly to the luminaire without any further adjustment.

Optionally existing light dimming devices are not affected by this substantially central dimming control and can optionally be used in addition.

The dimming control according to the invention can dim all lights of the corresponding lighting group at the same time and in the same way.

In order to be able to use the dimming control in a simple manner, for example in the case of the present mains voltage supply, this can be assigned to the mains voltage supply.

There is also the possibility that the dimming control is assigned to both the mains voltage supply and the emergency power supply. This can be advantageous if the emergency power supply is also an AC voltage. The mains voltage supply is usually an AC voltage.

There are various ways to implement a corresponding dimming control possible. A realization can be seen in the fact that the dimming control for program control is connected to each voltage regulator of a luminaire of a lighting group at least for brightness control or luminous flux control. This means that corresponding data is transmitted to the voltage regulator of a luminaire via the luminaire supply line or a separate data line, which then effects the dimming locally, but through central control. That is, in this case, the dimming is essentially software-controlled. The corresponding dimming control can take place, for example, via an input mask of a screen in which the dimming can be set for one lighting group or even several lighting groups. After appropriate adjustment, communication with the corresponding voltage regulators takes place in order to influence them so that the associated lights are dimmed.

Such a use of a voltage regulator can be considered particularly advantageous if the luminaire has at least one LED as the luminous means. Such LEDs include, for example, a voltage regulator or a light driver controlled by appropriate data from the central dimming controller to dim the LED.

It should be noted, however, that instead of LEDs as bulbs incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, energy-saving lamps, low or high-voltage halogen lamps or metal halide lamps are used.

Another possibility for dimming control, in which, for example, can be dispensed with a transmission of data for dimming, is a dimming control, which is designed as a phase control. This also applies analogously to a dimming control which is designed as phase-segment control.

In the case of a phase control, a corresponding luminaire is initially de-energized after a line zero crossing. After a predetermined and adjustable time, for example, a present in the dimming control triac is ignited, which turns on the mains voltage supply.

In order to prevent a phase shift in such a phase control, which can occur, for example, in transformers as part of the lights between voltage and current, in addition can be done measuring current and voltage or the corresponding zero crossings. As a result, such a phase shift can be seen and the timing of the ignition pulse can be adjusted accordingly.

In a phase control section, the mains voltage supply is switched on directly in the zero crossing and switched off again after a predetermined and adjustable time. Such a phase section control can have, for example as a switch, a MOS-FET.

The electronic operating devices associated with the luminaires are to be selected such that they have the property of processing a phase-angle or phase-section-modified supply voltage for the output power control. Modern control IC in the control gear allow this recently and thereby allow the dimming operation on such phase control or phase control.

In order to achieve a simple assignment of the dimmer control, for example, to the mains voltage supply, the dimmer control can be connected between a voltage switching device for switching between mains and emergency power supply of the voltage supply device and the mains voltage supply. In order to use the corresponding dimmer control in an emergency power supply in the form of an alternating current, this can be followed by a voltage switching device for switching between mains and emergency power supply.

As already stated above, the luminaire supply line can also be designed for data communication, so that, in addition to voltage, data can also be transmitted via, for example, two individual lines of the luminaire supply line.

In order to dim the corresponding lamp locally and centrally controlled by the dimming control, the lamp may have an electronic or electrical ballast and / or a light driver. These are addressed by the data of the dimming control and ensure a corresponding dimming, which is centrally controlled for luminaires of at least one lighting group. Furthermore, the luminaire can be addressable, for example, wherein the address can be set or assigned to the luminaire or else centrally by the central supply system.

The dimming control can be part of a light management system and integrated accordingly in this. Such a light management system is, for example DALI, controlled by the light with all DALI components involved and each corresponding component is individually addressable. This applies in particular to the ballasts or the above-mentioned lamp drivers. DALI is not only suitable for use in individual rooms, but can also be integrated into the central supply system of a higher-level building management system. In particular, with DALI, a corresponding programming is also possible for dimming by means of the corresponding dimming control.

According to the invention a simultaneous dimming of a variety of switchable with a between mains voltage and emergency power supply and at least a lighting group of the plurality of lamps supplying power supply device connected lights, each individual lamp is switchable at least between two lighting levels. Of course, it is also possible to continuously perform the dimming for all luminaires between a maximum and a minimum level of illumination, wherein the minimum level of illumination can correspond to switching off the luminaire. By means of the voltage supply device, a corresponding luminous flux is influenced by means of the dimming control, at least during the mains voltage supply.

The influencing of the luminous flux for dimming can be done by phase control or phase control. In all embodiments, the corresponding influence of the luminous flux results by controlling the time-averaged current flowing through the corresponding lights. In addition to the influence by Phasenanschnitts- or phase control section can also be a program-controlled influence.

In this context, it may further prove to be advantageous if, for example, not only a dimming from a relatively high to a lower level of illumination takes place, but the dimming control is also used when starting or switching on the corresponding lamps. As a result, a corresponding inrush current can be reduced, which otherwise could lead, for example, to a welding of switch contacts or the like as well as to the destruction or damage of a corresponding luminous means.

Furthermore, according to the invention it is possible to additionally use an individual dimming in addition to the central dimming. This purpose is a light-dedicated dimming circuit, which can be addressed and controlled for example by the dimming control of the power supply device by appropriate commands. The light-emitting dimming circuit may for example be part of a corresponding light driver or a ballast.

In this way a central and similar dimming can be combined with an individual dimming on site.

It may be beneficial if dimming of safety, escape or emergency lights in an emergency power supply to a level of illumination lower than at Mains voltage supply takes place. In an emergency power supply, the general lighting is usually no longer in use, so that the corresponding security, escape sign or emergency lights are also clearly visible when they are dimmed.

If it is determined in the central supply system according to the invention that, for example, an emergency situation is occurring and the general lighting is still in use, but the corresponding safety, escape route or emergency lights must be used for escape route marking, a dimming of these lights can accordingly be suspended centrally in this case so that these lights are well visible even at high illumination levels of general lighting.

In accordance with the invention, it is possible to centrally dim a plurality of luminaires and in particular security, escape sign or emergency luminaires essentially in every lighting situation of general lighting and in particular in emergency situations, whereby this dimming can be carried out in groups for such luminaires or also for all these luminaires. In this context, it should also be noted that, for example, in a central battery system as a power supply device several groups of lights, for example, in different cinemas or the like can be dimmed centrally and compared to each other in different ways and at different times. This is done in the same way as with only one lighting group.

In the following, advantageous embodiments of the invention will be explained and described in more detail with reference to the figures enclosed in the drawing.

Figur 1

eine Prinzipdarstellung eines Zentralversorgungssystems mit zumindest Spannungsversorgungseinrichtung und einer Mehrzahl von Leuchten;

Figur 2

ein Ausführungsbeispiel für eine Dimmsteuerung in der Spannungsversorgungseinrichtung; und

Figur 3

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel für eine Dimmsteuerung in einer Spannungsversorgungseinrichtung.

Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic diagram of a central supply system with at least power supply device and a plurality of lights;

FIG. 2

an embodiment for a dimming control in the power supply device; and

FIG. 3

a further embodiment of a dimming control in a power supply device.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a central supply system 1 according to the invention. From this central supply system 1, at least one power supply device 4 and a number of connected thereto via a lamp supply line 3 lights 2 are shown. To FIG. 1 only three lights are shown, this is only an example and usually a plurality of such lights are connected to the corresponding power supply device 4 via the lamp supply line 3. Some of the luminaires can form a luminaire group 7, which can be dimmed centrally and in a uniform manner. Other parts of the central supply system, such as a central controller or the like, are for simplicity in FIG FIG. 1 not shown. However, there is the possibility that such a central control device controls a plurality of power supply devices 4 and each of these power supply devices 4 a plurality of lighting groups 7 in a corresponding manner.

The power supply device 4 is connected to the normal operation with a mains voltage supply 5 and additionally for an emergency operation with an emergency power supply 6. The mains voltage supply 5 is an AC voltage, while the emergency power supply 6 may be both an AC voltage, as well as a DC voltage, which in the latter case, for example a battery system can be delivered. A corresponding voltage supply device 4 is also called a central or group battery system.

The luminaire supply line 3 consists in the illustrated embodiment of two individual lines, wherein optionally one or two data lines can be additionally provided. According to the invention, however, as a rule the data transmission takes place via the luminaire supply lines 3, so that no separate data lines are necessary.

The corresponding lamps 2 are connected in parallel with the lamp supply line 3, wherein each lamp has at least one corresponding lamp such as LED, incandescent lamp, fluorescent lamp, low or high voltage halogen lamp, energy saving lamp, metal halide lamp or the like. Furthermore, such a lamp may have an electronic ballast 12, a voltage regulator 9 or a light driver 13. Corresponding light drivers are used, for example, in LEDs, which are nowadays, for example, switched-mode drivers.

A corresponding dimming of at least all lights of a lighting group 7 is done by a dimming control 8, see also FIGS. 2 and 3 in the power supply device 4.

The dimming control 8 can be designed in different ways.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of such a dimming control 8 in the form of a phase angle control 10. This is arranged between a voltage switching device 11 of the voltage supply device 4 and the mains voltage supply 5.

According to the other embodiment FIG. 3 is the corresponding dimming control 8 also designed as a phase control 10, but downstream of the voltage switching device 11, that is arranged between this and the lamp supply line 3, see also FIG. 1 ,

The corresponding voltage switching device 11 may be formed as a relay or as an electronic switching device and is known per se. The voltage switching device 11 is used for switching between mains voltage supply and emergency power supply. In all embodiments according to the invention, the dimming control of the power supply device 4 is assigned, so that from this central all lights of a lighting group or different lighting groups are dimmable.

For example, if the dimming is done by means of phase control, the load will remain de-energized after a line break. After a predetermined and adjustable time is then ignited, for example, a triac in the dimmer so as to turn on the power supply. In the following zero crossing, a holding current of the triac is exceeded and the supply voltage is switched off again.

If inductive loads are also supplied by voltage supply device 4, a phase shift between voltage and current usually sets in. This may cause the triac to output an ignition pulse, for example, before the current has actually become zero. This can be prevented by measuring the current and voltage to determine the zero crossings, so as to obtain a corresponding one Detect phase shift and adjust the timing of the ignition pulse accordingly.

If phase control is performed, the mains supply voltage switches on directly at the zero crossing and switches off again after a preset and adjustable time. As a corresponding switch, for example, a MOS-FET can be used. For this switch, however, the mains voltage would first need to be rectified, for example, via a buckle rectifier.

In a further embodiment for the dimming control, this may be part of a light management system, such a light management system being able to work with DALI, for example. Such a light management system controls the light with all the DALI components involved and each component is individually addressed.

A corresponding dimming can also be program or software controlled by the dimming control transmits corresponding data to facilities of the lamp, such devices are, for example, voltage regulator 9, electronic ballast 12 or light driver 13, see FIG. 1 ,

According to the embodiment FIG. 2 the corresponding dimming is only at mains voltage supply, while in the embodiment according to FIG. 3 Dimming can be done not only with mains voltage supply, but also with emergency power supply. This is especially true when the emergency power supply is an AC voltage.

The dimming according to the invention can be done not only for dimming lights in operationally darkened rooms, such as cinemas, theaters or the like, but also to reduce the inrush current. This is done, for example, by the fact that upon switching on a lamp, a corresponding dimming, for example with a soft start, is specified, by which the inrush current is reduced, for example, to avoid welding of contacts or the like when switched on by high inrush currents.

This is also done according to the invention centrally for at least all lights of a lighting group.

A corresponding dimming, especially in operationally darkened rooms, for example, in such a way that in emergency mode, the luminous flux is 100%, while it is 30% in network operation. Dimming to 30% can also be used, for example, when switching on the corresponding luminaires to reduce the inrush current.

In addition to the components mentioned above, the luminaires may also have address switches, dip switches or other components.

Furthermore, according to the invention there is the possibility that in addition to the central dimming additionally an individual dimming of each lamp takes place, which may be particularly advantageous for different light sources. The central dimming is carried out as described above, while the individual dimming software can be done by transmitting appropriate data to components of each lamp, such as voltage regulator, ballast, lamp driver or the like.

According to the invention, each voltage changeover device of the voltage supply device is assigned a dimming control in order to centrally dim the corresponding lighting group (s). This makes it possible to dim all connected luminaires at one time and in the same way without further modifications on the luminaire side.

At the same time, the dimming can also be used during the start-up phase when the lights are switched on in order to avoid excessive inrush currents.

Claims (21)

Central supply system (1) for a plurality of safety, escape sign or emergency lights (2), which at least one lamp supply line (3) with a mains voltage supply (5) and emergency power supply (6) switchable and at least one lighting group (7) as part of Variety of lights (2) supplying power supply device (4) are connected, characterized in that the voltage supply device (4) has a dimming control (8) for the lighting group (7). Central supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimming control (8) of the mains voltage supply (5) is associated. Central supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimming control (8) of the mains voltage supply (5) and the emergency power supply (6) is associated. Central supply system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimming control (8) with each voltage regulator (9) of a lamp (2) of the lighting group (7) is connected at least for the luminous flux control. Central supply system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lamp (2, 7) has at least one LED as a lighting means. Central supply system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimming control (8) is a phase control. Central supply system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimming control (8) is a phase section control. Central supply system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimming control (8) of a voltage switching device (11) of the voltage supply device (4) for switching between mains and emergency power supply (5, 6) is connected downstream. Central supply system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimming control (8) is connected between a voltage switching device (11) of the voltage supply device (4) for switching between mains and emergency power supply (5, 6) and the mains voltage supply (5). Central supply system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lamp supply line (3) is designed for data communication. Central supply system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lamp (2) has an electrical ballast (12) and / or a light driver (13). Central supply system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimming control (8) is integrated in a light management system. Method for the simultaneous dimming of a plurality of safety, escape route or emergency lights (2, 7) connected to a voltage supply device (4) switchable between mains voltage supply and emergency power supply, wherein each individual light (2) is switchable at least between two lighting levels, wherein by means of a dimming control (8) in the power supply device (4), a luminous flux of at least one lighting group (7) as part of the plurality of luminaires is at least during the supply by the mains voltage supply (5). The method of claim 13, wherein influencing the luminous flux for dimming is carried out by phase control. The method of claim 13, wherein influencing the luminous flux for dimming by phase control. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein an influencing of the luminous flux is effected by controlling the time-averaged current flowing through the luminaires. Method according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 16, wherein an influencing of the luminous flux for dimming the lamp downstream of a voltage switching device (11) of the voltage supply device (4). Method according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 16, wherein influencing the luminous flux for dimming the lamp between a voltage switching means (11) of the voltage supply means (4) and the mains voltage supply (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 18, wherein when switching on the lamp (2) or the lighting group (7), a reduction of the inrush current by the dimming control (8). Method according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 19, wherein additionally an individual dimming of a lamp by means of a light-emitting dimming circuit controlled by the dimming control (8). Method according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 20, wherein a dimming of safety, emergency escape or emergency lights at emergency power supply (6) to a level of illumination lower than in mains voltage supply (5).

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