EP3424275B1 - Method and device for automatically detecting the configuration of lamp elements connected in series - Google Patents

Method and device for automatically detecting the configuration of lamp elements connected in series Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3424275B1
EP3424275B1 EP17707278.2A EP17707278A EP3424275B1 EP 3424275 B1 EP3424275 B1 EP 3424275B1 EP 17707278 A EP17707278 A EP 17707278A EP 3424275 B1 EP3424275 B1 EP 3424275B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
thread
light modules
light
modules
lighting
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EP17707278.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3424275A1 (en
Inventor
Richard KIRCHEIS
Thomas Schöpp
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Washtec Holding GmbH
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Washtec Holding GmbH
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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
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/40—Details of LED load circuits
    • H05B45/44—Details of LED load circuits with an active control inside an LED matrix
    • H05B45/46—Details of LED load circuits with an active control inside an LED matrix having LEDs disposed in parallel lines
    • 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
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/50—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDs; responsive to LED life; Protective circuits
    • H05B45/54—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDs; responsive to LED life; Protective circuits in a series array of LEDs

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a vehicle treatment system for automatically detecting the total number and the operating state of lighting modules with lighting elements in a row of individually controllable lighting modules connected in series.
  • Lighting strips or rails with several light modules connected in series are used in a wide variety of applications, for example as illuminated wheel guide rails in car washes.
  • the illuminated wheel guide rails run to the left and right of the vehicle and give the driver orientation when entering the car wash. In particular, they are useful to signal to the driver that he should correct the vehicle position forward or backward. This can be done, for example, using colors or in such a way that individual lighting elements are briefly switched on in sequence, so that a moving light pattern results for the viewer.
  • a light pattern can consist, for example, for the viewer to move the light back and forth along the wheel guide rail.
  • An illuminated wheel guide rail is from the utility model DE 20 2012 103 410 U1 known.
  • the lighting device disclosed therein has a plurality of lighting elements arranged in a row, which are arranged together on an elongated support, and wherein the elongated support is arranged on a guide rail
  • gaps in the lighting e.g. B. by defective lighting elements or lighting modules, cable defects, etc.
  • each have to be recorded manually in order to arrange repairs of the defects or to temporarily adapt the lighting control, for example in the case of light patterns, to it.
  • Gaps may also be desired, for example, to make it easier for the driver to exit the vehicle.
  • the lighting control must be adjusted by checking the total number of lighting modules and their respective operating status and entering them into the lighting control externally using machine parameters. This causes increased effort and downtime during service times.
  • the DE 10 2011 053 491 A1 describes a headlight with light-emitting diodes which are connected in series with one another in several strands. Test signals can be tapped at the positions of electrical connections to identify defective light-emitting diodes.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide a method and a vehicle treatment system for automatically recording the present configuration and the connected lighting elements, so that manual recording of the total number and the operating state and their input via parameters of the system control is no longer necessary.
  • this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle treatment system having the features of claim 11.
  • the object is accordingly achieved by a method for operating a lighting device of a vehicle treatment system, which comprises a first strand with a number N of successively connected, individually controllable and each equipped with at least one lighting element and a second strand with a further number N 'one behind the other Switched, individually controllable and each equipped with at least one lighting element equipped lighting modules, wherein the lighting modules are connected by a circuit, with the following method steps: Detection of the configuration of the lighting modules of the first and the second line, the number of light modules of the first line and the The number of light modules of the second strand are determined by means of the method steps: successive loading of the light modules with a number Nmax ⁇ N different test patterns for the first strand and Nmax ⁇ N 'different r test pattern for the second strand, measurement of an electrical measured variable on the circuit in response to each of the test patterns, and evaluation of the measurement results of each test pattern and from this determination of the total number N of the light modules for the first strand and the total number
  • the light modules of the first and second line are controlled synchronously during operation of the lighting device. If the number of light modules of one of the strands is greater than the number of light modules of the other strand, the size and the position of a gap of the light modules of the other strand are determined according to the invention and during operation of the lighting device the light modules of the first and second strand become dependent controlled by the specific size and the specific position of the gap and a light module of the one strand is assigned to each light module of the other strand such that the light modules of the one strand, to which no light modules of the other strand are assigned, in the area of the gap of the light modules of the other Strands are arranged.
  • the lighting modules of the first and second strands are controlled according to the invention in such a way that mutually assigned lighting modules of the one and the other strand light up simultaneously and none Light modules of the other strand light up if the light modules of one strand light up, to which no light modules of the other strand are assigned.
  • the configuration of a lighting strip is automatically detected by the above method, so that this information no longer has to be fed manually to the lighting control. It therefore saves resources (parameters) and working time (service time).
  • the method described can be used to use one and the same lighting control (software) for different configurations and also future configurations without the need to adapt the lighting control further.
  • a gap in a strand can be automatically detected and then taken into account in the control of the lighting modules.
  • the method can be easily integrated into the operating control of an illuminated wheel guide rail, such as is used in washing systems.
  • the method according to the invention can also be carried out during normal operation, the latter being interrupted for the time of the measurement.
  • the method preferably includes determining, based on the operating state, whether one or more lighting elements with which the lighting modules are equipped are defective. Differences in the results of the electrical measured variable can be used to reliably conclude the operating state of the lighting module and a lighting element fitted thereon. This simplifies maintenance and shortens service times.
  • the method can be expanded in such a way that the detection takes place simultaneously or sequentially in two or more separate strings of light modules.
  • breaks in a strand can be determined. Such an interruption can be caused on the one hand by a defect in a luminaire module, or on the other hand by a desired gap.
  • a first wheel guide rail on the driver's side in the area of the driver's door can be interrupted (ie the circuit is continued, but no light modules are attached in the area of the interruption) in order for the driver to exit the To enable vehicle while a second wheel guide rail on the passenger side has no interruption.
  • the interruption can be determined from the difference between the respective total numbers of light modules.
  • test samples with which the light modules are exposed can preferably be selected such that only one light module is switched on and the other light modules are switched off.
  • the signal-to-noise ratio when measuring the electrical measured variable is high and the operating state of the switched-on light module can be reliably determined.
  • test sample can be applied to the light modules by each light module shortening the test sample by the value relating to this light module and then forwarding the test sample to the subsequent light module. At a given data rate, this shortens the time until all light modules have received the test sample.
  • the test pattern can be a 48-bit data word. Various other data words are also possible.
  • a current (for constant-voltage circuits) or a voltage (for constant-current circuits) can be measured as an electrical measurement variable. The measurement is carried out on the circuit.
  • the individually controllable lighting modules can advantageously be equipped with one or more LEDs as lighting elements.
  • additional signals can be conveyed to the driver of a vehicle by means of colored lighting.
  • the size and the position of the gap is calculated in the method according to the invention in particular on the basis of the difference in the number of light modules of one and the other strand.
  • the detected configuration of the lighting modules of the first and of the second line is stored, and if the operation of the vehicle treatment system designed as a washing system is interrupted, the method described at the beginning is carried out in order to determine whether a lighting module or whether several lighting modules are defective.
  • the method is used in particular for operating wheel guide rails of a car wash system, in which a first wheel guide rail on a driver's side, which comprises a first strand with a plurality of individually controllable lighting modules and each equipped with at least one light element, and a second wheel guide rail on a passenger side, the second Strand with a plurality of individually controllable and each equipped with at least one lighting element comprises lighting modules are arranged.
  • a light module of the one strand is assigned to each light module of the other strand such that the light modules of the one strand, to which no light modules of the other strand are assigned, with respect to a longitudinal extension of the wheel guide rails in the area of the gap of the light modules of the other strand are arranged.
  • the invention proposes a vehicle treatment system, in particular a car wash system, comprising a first line which comprises a number N of individually controllable light modules connected in series and each equipped with at least one light element, a second line which comprises a further number N 'individually controllable and each with at least one lighting element equipped lighting modules, the lighting modules being connected by means of a circuit, and a device for detecting the configuration of the lighting modules of the first and the second strand, comprising: a control unit which is designed such that it connects the lighting modules with a Number of Nmax ⁇ N different test patterns for the first line and Nmax ⁇ N 'different test patterns for the second line successively acted upon, a measuring unit which is designed such that it measures an electrical measured variable on the circuit in response to j Each of the test samples measures, and an evaluation unit which is designed such that it evaluates the measurement results and determines the total number N of light modules for the first strand and the total number N 'for the second strand, as well as their respective operating state; wherein
  • the first strand comprises a first wheel guide rail on a driver's side and the second strand comprises a second wheel guide rail on a passenger side.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a drive-in area of a car wash with illuminated wheel guide rails.
  • the washing system 20 is provided with a washing device 21 known per se, with which the vehicle is washed or otherwise treated.
  • a first illuminated wheel guide rail 15 is arranged on the left, a further illuminated wheel guide rail 16 is arranged on the right of the entry area 23.
  • the illuminated wheel guide rails 15, 16 provide the driver with orientation when entering the washing system 20 and therefore have a plurality of light modules 13 which are fitted in the strips of the wheel guide rails and are connected by means of a circuit.
  • the lighting modules can be equipped with one or more lighting elements such as an LED. Using lighting elements that can display RGB colors, it is possible to convey additional information to the driver of a vehicle entering the car wash.
  • FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a flow chart according to an embodiment of the inventive method.
  • the schedule can be implemented in software that runs as part of the lighting control at the start of regular operations.
  • a counter variable m is initialized with a start value (for example 1).
  • Steps S4 - S10 are then carried out iteratively: first (step S4) the light modules with the m-th measurement configuration of the test sample acted upon and the measurement of the electrical measured variable made on the circuit. It is then checked (step S6) whether the end of the circuit (ie the last of the light modules connected in series) has been reached. If this check is negative, the counter variable m is increased by one unit (step S8). It is then checked in step S10 whether the counter variable m is equal to a theoretical maximum value Nmax of test samples. If this check is negative, the program returns to step S4 for a new iteration.
  • step S6 the program ends the iteration and evaluates the measurement results (S12). It is then checked in step S14 whether maintenance of the lighting module circuit is necessary. It is determined from the determined operating states of the lighting modules whether, for example, lighting elements are defective. If this check is positive, the program indicates that maintenance is required (step S16). Otherwise, the program of the operating control transmits the information that the system is ready for normal operation (step S18).
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a first configuration according to the invention of two strings of individually controllable light modules connected in series.
  • the device comprises a control unit 2, which in turn comprises a measuring unit 4 and an evaluation unit 6.
  • Two separate strings of lighting modules which are generally designated 10, 12, are electrically connected to the control unit 2.
  • a first circuit of the first strand comprises one or more individually controllable lighting modules 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-7, 10-8.
  • a second circuit of the second strand comprises one or more individually controllable lighting modules 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-7, 12-8.
  • the two circuits each have three wires, for example: a power line, a ground line and a data line.
  • the data line can be based on a serial protocol, which enables the transmission of data such as a test pattern from the control unit 2 to the light modules 10, 12 in order, but not the transmission of data in the reverse direction, i.e. to the control unit 2.
  • the control unit 2 sends test patterns to the light modules 10, 12.
  • a first test pattern can consist in the first light module 10-1 being switched on and subsequent light modules 10-2, etc. being switched off.
  • Such a test pattern can be represented as a vector of Nmax binary 0/1 values: (1, 0, 0, ..., 0).
  • the value 1 (on) is determined by which the lighting module 10-1 shortens the test pattern and then shortens the test pattern by the value to subsequent lighting modules 10-2, etc., which in turn transmit the data for them determined values 0 (off) from the first test sample.
  • the same procedure is followed for the second test sample, which has the form (0, 1, 0, ..., 0), as well as for all other test samples.
  • the respective test pattern is carried out by the control unit 2.
  • the control unit 2 In the case of the first test sample, only the lighting element with which the first lighting module 10-1 is equipped lights up, the other lighting modules 10-2, etc. are switched off.
  • the measuring unit 4 measures an electrical measurement variable on the circuit of the first strand during the execution of the test pattern, which can be a current (in the case of constant-voltage circuits) or a voltage (in the case of constant-current circuits). If a certain minimum period of time is required for the measurement, the same test sample can be repeated several times if necessary.
  • the switched-off light modules 10, 12 have only a low power consumption (for example due to a controller), the measured electrical variable essentially depends on the power consumption of the respective light module 10, 12 that is switched on.
  • the typical power consumption of a single, intact light module 10, 12 can be determined in advance.
  • the evaluation of the measurement results for the switching of the first strand is carried out by an evaluation unit 6. From the number of those measurements in which the electrical measured variable has reached a value which corresponds to the power consumption of an individual intact lighting module 10, 12, the total number N of lighting modules 10-1 installed in the circuit of the first line can be reliably determined. 10-2, etc. to be closed.
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a second configuration according to the invention of two strings of individually controllable light modules 10, 12 connected in series.
  • the number of light modules 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-5 installed in the first circuit of the first line is correct , 10-6 not with the number in the second circuit of the second string installed lighting modules 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-7, 12-8.
  • One reason for this may be that the first wheel guide rail 15, in which the first circuit is installed, is interrupted at one point or has a gap.
  • the interruption in the circuit of the first strand can be determined.
  • Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a third configuration according to the invention of two strings of individually controllable lighting modules 10, 12 connected in series.
  • the same number of lighting modules 10, 12 is installed in the circuits of the two strings.
  • the light modules 10-5, 10-7 and 12-9 marked with an asterisk represent light modules 10, 12 in which, for example, the light element is defective or another malfunction such as a cable defect has occurred.
  • such defects on lighting modules 10, 12 and their position within the respective total number of lighting modules 10, 12 in the respective strand can also be determined: in the case of a lighting module 10, 12 in which a lighting element is defective, the respective test pattern is used measured a smaller, namely reduced by the power consumption of the defective lighting element, for example, a residual current that is consumed by the controller of the lighting module 10, 12.
  • the invention also enables simple maintenance of lighting module circuits, such as those used in illuminated wheel guide rails 15, 16 of washing systems 20, since defective lighting modules 10, 12 or lighting elements are automatically detected.
  • the use of the described method is not limited to the wheel guide rail.
  • the method can and will also be used to implement all types of advertisements.
  • the first wheel guide rail 15 is arranged on the driver side of the car wash 20 second wheel guide 16 on the passenger side.
  • the wheel guide rails 15, 16 extend parallel to one another in the entry direction of the car wash 20.
  • the first wheel guide rail 15 comprises a first strand with a plurality of individually controllable lighting modules 10 each equipped with at least one lighting element.
  • the second wheel guide rail 16 comprises a second strand with a plurality of individually controllable lighting modules 12 each equipped with at least one lighting element.
  • the car wash system 20 comprises a device for detecting the configuration of the light modules 10, 12, as described above.
  • the first strand thus comprises the lighting modules 10 and the second strand comprises the lighting modules 12.
  • the device can be used to automatically determine the configuration of the lighting modules 10, 12 of the two strands.
  • defects in the lighting modules 10, 12 can also be determined, as is also described below with reference to the further exemplary embodiment of a method for operating wheel guide rails.
  • the lighting modules 10, 12 are not arranged in wheel guide rails 15, 16 but in other lighting devices, for example in the doors of a vehicle treatment system. In this case, too, it is necessary to automatically detect any gaps in a line using light modules. In the case of such gaps, other devices, such as monitors, are arranged in this case.
  • This exemplary embodiment of a method for operating wheel guide rails 15, 16 of the car wash system 20 is described below:
  • the configuration of the light modules 10, 12 of the first and the second strand is first automatically determined, by means of a method as described above with reference to FIGS Figures 3 and 4th has been described.
  • the number of light modules 10, 12 which are installed in the two strands may not have been predetermined. The number can vary, so that the control of the lighting modules 10, 12 during operation of the car wash 20 cannot already be programmed in advance.
  • the number of light modules 10 of the first strand and the number of light modules 12 of the second strand are thus determined after assembly of the car wash 20.
  • the respective number of light modules 10, 12 of the two strands is stored in a memory of the control unit 2.
  • the evaluation unit 6 of the control unit 2 now compares the number of light modules 10 of the first line with the number of light modules 12 of the second line. If the number of light modules 10, 12 of both strands is the same, the light modules 10, 12 of the two strands are activated synchronously during operation of the wheel guide rails 15, 16. In this case, in the longitudinal extension of the car wash 20, i.e. In the longitudinal direction of the two strands, in each case at the same transverse position, a light module 10-1 on the driver's side and a light module 12-1 on the passenger side, a light module 10-2 on the driver's side and a light module 12-2 on the passenger's side etc. are arranged. The lighting module 10-1 is thus assigned to the lighting module 12-1, the lighting module 10-2 to the lighting module 12-2, etc. Whenever one of the light modules 10 lights up on the driver's side, the associated light module 12 also lights up on the passenger side.
  • the evaluation unit 6 determines the size and the position of a gap in the light modules 10 of the other strand.
  • FIG 4 Such a configuration of the light modules 10, 12 is shown.
  • the evaluation unit 6 can determine by how much the number of light modules 12 of the second strand is greater than the number of light modules 10 of the first strand. It can now be specified in advance that a gap is always arranged in front of the last two light modules 10-5 and 10-6 of the strand with the smaller number of light modules 10. From this, the evaluation unit 6 can determine the position and the size of the gap. This data is stored in the memory of the control unit 2.
  • Each light module 10 of the strand with the smaller number of light modules 10 is assigned a light module 12 of the other strand in such a way that the light modules 12 of one strand, to which no light modules 10 of the other strand are assigned, with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wheel guide rails 15, 16 in the area the gap in the Luminous modules 10 of the other strand are arranged.
  • the lighting module 10-1 is thus assigned the lighting module 12-1, the lighting module 10-2 the lighting module 12-2, the lighting module 10-3 the lighting module 12-3, the lighting module 10-4 the lighting module 12-4.
  • No light module 10 of the first strand on the driver's side is assigned to the light modules 12-5 and 12-6 of the second strand on the passenger side, since the gap of the first strand is positioned on the driver side in the area of these light modules 12-5, 12-6 .
  • the lighting module 10-5 is then assigned the lighting module 12-7 and the lighting module 10-6 the lighting module 12-8.
  • the lighting modules 10, 12 of the first and the second strand are then controlled by the control unit 2 such that mutually associated lighting modules 10, 12 of the one and the other strand light up at the same time and no lighting modules 10 of the other strand light up the driver's side light up when the light modules 12-5, 12-6 of one strand on the passenger side light up, to which no light modules 10 of the other strand on the driver side are assigned.
  • a synchronous running light in the longitudinal direction of the wheel guide rails 15, 16 can be generated, which is interrupted at the gap on the driver's side.
  • the functionality of the light modules 10, 12 can also be checked cyclically in the further operation of the car wash system 20.
  • the operation of the washing system 20 is interrupted, and this with reference to FIGS Figures 2 and 5 described method performed to determine whether a light module 10, 12 or whether a plurality of light modules 10, 12 are defective.
  • the method described above can also be used in the same way for the operation of another lighting device in a vehicle treatment system, which comprises several lines with light modules.

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Description

Gebiet der ErfindungField of the Invention

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Fahrzeugbehandlungsanlage zum automatischen Erfassen der Gesamtanzahl und des Betriebszustands von mit Leuchtelementen besetzten Leuchtmodulen in einem Strang von einzeln ansteuerbaren, hintereinander geschalteten Leuchtmodulen.The invention relates to a method and a vehicle treatment system for automatically detecting the total number and the operating state of lighting modules with lighting elements in a row of individually controllable lighting modules connected in series.

Hintergrund der ErfindungBackground of the Invention

Beleuchtungsleisten oder -schienen mit mehreren, hintereinander geschalteten Leuchtmodulen kommen in unterschiedlichsten Anwendungen zum Einsatz, zum Beispiel als beleuchtete Radleitschienen in Autowaschanlagen.Lighting strips or rails with several light modules connected in series are used in a wide variety of applications, for example as illuminated wheel guide rails in car washes.

Hierbei verlaufen die beleuchteten Radleitschienen links und rechts des Fahrzeugs und geben dem Fahrer Orientierung bei der Einfahrt in die Waschanlage. Insbesondere sind sie nützlich, um dem Fahrer zu signalisieren, dass er die Fahrzeugposition nach vorne bzw. hinten korrigieren soll. Dies kann zum Beispiel durch Farben oder so erfolgen, dass einzelne Leuchtelemente der Reihe nach kurz eingeschaltet werden, so dass sich für den Betrachter ein bewegtes Lichtmuster ergibt. Ein Lichtmuster kann etwa darin bestehen, dass für den Betrachter das Licht entlang der Radleitschiene nach vorne und zurück wandert.The illuminated wheel guide rails run to the left and right of the vehicle and give the driver orientation when entering the car wash. In particular, they are useful to signal to the driver that he should correct the vehicle position forward or backward. This can be done, for example, using colors or in such a way that individual lighting elements are briefly switched on in sequence, so that a moving light pattern results for the viewer. A light pattern can consist, for example, for the viewer to move the light back and forth along the wheel guide rail.

Eine beleuchtete Radleitschiene ist aus der Gebrauchsmusterschrift DE 20 2012 103 410 U1 bekannt. Die darin offenbarte Leuchteinrichtung weist eine Mehrzahl von in einer Reihe angeordneten Leuchtelementen auf, die gemeinsam auf einem länglichen Träger angeordnet sind, und wobei der längliche Träger an einer Leitschiene angeordnet istAn illuminated wheel guide rail is from the utility model DE 20 2012 103 410 U1 known. The lighting device disclosed therein has a plurality of lighting elements arranged in a row, which are arranged together on an elongated support, and wherein the elongated support is arranged on a guide rail

Bei derartigen beleuchteten Radleitschienen besteht das Problem, dass die Konfiguration (Gesamtanzahl und der Betriebszustand) von mit Leuchtelementen besetzten Leuchtmodulen genau bekannt sein muss, um Lichtmuster korrekt abspielen zu können. Nur wenn die Gesamtanzahl der in einem Strang verwendeten Leuchtmodule bekannt ist, können Umkehrpunkte von Lichtmustern korrekt festgelegt werden.The problem with such illuminated wheel guide rails is that the configuration (total number and the operating state) of lighting modules fitted with lighting elements must be known exactly in order to be able to play back light patterns correctly. The reversal points of light patterns can only be correctly determined if the total number of lighting modules used in a string is known.

Außerdem besteht das Problem, dass Lücken in der Beleuchtung, z. B. durch defekte Leuchtelemente oder Leuchtmodule, Kabeldefekte etc., jeweils manuell erfasst werden müssen, um Reparaturen der Defekte zu veranlassen oder um vorübergehend die Beleuchtungssteuerung, etwa bei Lichtmustern, darauf anzupassen. Außerdem können Lücken gewünscht sein, um beispielsweise dem Fahrer den Ausstieg aus dem Fahrzeug zu erleichtern.There is also the problem that gaps in the lighting, e.g. B. by defective lighting elements or lighting modules, cable defects, etc., each have to be recorded manually in order to arrange repairs of the defects or to temporarily adapt the lighting control, for example in the case of light patterns, to it. Gaps may also be desired, for example, to make it easier for the driver to exit the vehicle.

Wenn die Konfiguration einer Beleuchtungsschiene variiert, muss die Beleuchtungssteuerung angepasst werden, indem die Gesamtanzahl der Leuchtmodule und deren jeweiliger Betriebszustand überprüft und extern über Maschinenparameter in die Beleuchtungssteuerung eingepflegt werden. Dies verursacht erhöhte Aufwände und Ausfallzeiten während Service-Zeiten.If the configuration of a lighting track varies, the lighting control must be adjusted by checking the total number of lighting modules and their respective operating status and entering them into the lighting control externally using machine parameters. This causes increased effort and downtime during service times.

Eine Alternative wäre die Festlegung der angeschlossenen Leuchtelemente zur Kompilierzeit und somit die Erzeugung einer Steuerungssoftware pro spezieller Schienenkonfiguration. Diese Möglichkeit bringt aber einen erheblichen Pflegemehraufwand bei zukünftigen Änderungen der Software (z.B. neue Lichtmuster) mit sich und ist bei weitem nicht so flexibel für zukünftige Konfigurationsänderungen.An alternative would be to define the connected lighting elements at compile time and thus to generate control software for each special rail configuration. However, this option entails considerable additional maintenance work in the event of future changes to the software (e.g. new light samples) and is nowhere near as flexible for future configuration changes.

Die DE 10 2011 053 491 A1 beschreibt einen Scheinwerfer mit Leuchtdioden, die in mehreren Strängen seriell miteinander verschaltet sind. Dabei können Prüfsignale an den Positionen elektrischer Verbindungen abgegriffen werden, um defekte Leuchtdioden zu identifizieren.The DE 10 2011 053 491 A1 describes a headlight with light-emitting diodes which are connected in series with one another in several strands. Test signals can be tapped at the positions of electrical connections to identify defective light-emitting diodes.

Ferner sind in der DE 10 2013 110 838 B3 und der DE 10 2008 044 666 A1 weitere Verfahren zur Überprüfung von Leuchten und zur Bestimmung defekter Leuchtelemente beschrieben.Furthermore, in the DE 10 2013 110 838 B3 and the DE 10 2008 044 666 A1 further methods for checking luminaires and for determining defective lighting elements are described.

Schließlich beschreibt die WO 2014/057373 A2 ein Verfahren, bei dem die Wegnahme einer LED eines LED-Arrays kompensiert werden kann.Finally describes the WO 2014/057373 A2 a method in which the removal of an LED from an LED array can be compensated.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, ein Verfahren und eine Fahrzeugbehandlungsanlage zum automatischen Erfassen der vorliegenden Konfiguration und der angeschlossenen Leuchtelemente bereitzustellen, so dass die manuelle Erfassung der Gesamtanzahl und des Betriebszustands sowie deren Eingabe über Parameter der Anlagensteuerung nicht mehr erforderlich ist.The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method and a vehicle treatment system for automatically recording the present configuration and the connected lighting elements, so that manual recording of the total number and the operating state and their input via parameters of the system control is no longer necessary.

Zusammenfassung der ErfindungSummary of the invention

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruch 1 und eine Fahrzeugbehandlungsanlage mit den Merkmalen des Anspruch 11.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle treatment system having the features of claim 11.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die Aufgabe demnach gelöst durch ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Beleuchtungseinrichtung einer Fahrzeugbehandlungsanlage, die einen ersten Strang mit einer Anzahl N hintereinander geschalteter, einzeln ansteuerbarer und mit jeweils zumindest einem Leuchtelement bestückter Leuchtmodule umfasst und die einen zweiten Strang mit einer weiteren Anzahl N' hintereinander geschalteter, einzeln ansteuerbarer und mit jeweils zumindest einem Leuchtelement bestückter Leuchtmodule umfasst, wobei die Leuchtmodule mittels einer Schaltung verbunden sind, mit den folgenden Verfahrensschritten: Erfassung der Konfiguration der Leuchtmodule des ersten und des zweiten Strangs, wobei die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule des ersten Strangs und die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule des zweiten Strangs mittels der Verfahrensschritte bestimmt werden: Aufeinanderfolgende Beaufschlagung der Leuchtmodule mit einer Anzahl Nmax ≥ N unterschiedlicher Prüfmuster für den ersten Strang und Nmax ≥ N' unterschiedlicher Prüfmuster für den zweiten Strang, Messung einer elektrischen Messgröße an der Schaltung in Antwort auf jedes der Prüfmuster, und Auswertung der Messresultate jedes Prüfmusters und daraus Bestimmung der Gesamtanzahl N der Leuchtmodule für den ersten Strang und der Gesamtanzahl N' für den zweiten Strang, sowie deren jeweiligen Betriebszustandes. Der Parameter Nmax gibt dabei die maximale Anzahl unterschiedlicher Prüfmuster an.According to the invention, the object is accordingly achieved by a method for operating a lighting device of a vehicle treatment system, which comprises a first strand with a number N of successively connected, individually controllable and each equipped with at least one lighting element and a second strand with a further number N 'one behind the other Switched, individually controllable and each equipped with at least one lighting element equipped lighting modules, wherein the lighting modules are connected by a circuit, with the following method steps: Detection of the configuration of the lighting modules of the first and the second line, the number of light modules of the first line and the The number of light modules of the second strand are determined by means of the method steps: successive loading of the light modules with a number Nmax ≥ N different test patterns for the first strand and Nmax ≥ N 'different r test pattern for the second strand, measurement of an electrical measured variable on the circuit in response to each of the test patterns, and evaluation of the measurement results of each test pattern and from this determination of the total number N of the light modules for the first strand and the total number N 'for the second strand, and their respective operating status. The Nmax parameter specifies the maximum number of different test samples.

Wenn die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule des ersten Strangs und die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule des zweiten Strangs gleich ist, werden erfindungsgemäß die Leuchtmodule des ersten und des zweiten Strangs im Betrieb der Beleuchtungseinrichtung synchron angesteuert. Wenn die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule eines der Stränge größer ist als die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs, wird erfindungsgemäß die Größe und die Position einer Lücke der Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs bestimmt und im Betrieb der Beleuchtungseinrichtung werden die Leuchtmodule des ersten und des zweiten Strangs in Abhängigkeit von der bestimmten Größe und der bestimmten Position der Lücke angesteuert und jedem Leuchtmodul des anderen Strangs ein Leuchtmodul des einen Strangs so zugeordnet wird, dass die Leuchtmodule des einen Strangs, denen keine Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs zugeordnet sind, im Bereich der Lücke der Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs angeordnet sind. Im Betrieb der Beleuchtungseinrichtung werden erfindungsgemäß die Leuchtmodule des ersten und des zweiten Strangs so angesteuert, dass einander zugeordnete Leuchtmodule des einen und des anderen Strangs gleichzeitig leuchten und keine Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs leuchten, wenn die Leuchtmodule des einen Strangs leuchten, denen keine Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs zugeordnet sind.If the number of light modules of the first line and the number of light modules of the second line are the same, the light modules of the first and second line are controlled synchronously during operation of the lighting device. If the number of light modules of one of the strands is greater than the number of light modules of the other strand, the size and the position of a gap of the light modules of the other strand are determined according to the invention and during operation of the lighting device the light modules of the first and second strand become dependent controlled by the specific size and the specific position of the gap and a light module of the one strand is assigned to each light module of the other strand such that the light modules of the one strand, to which no light modules of the other strand are assigned, in the area of the gap of the light modules of the other Strands are arranged. During operation of the lighting device, the lighting modules of the first and second strands are controlled according to the invention in such a way that mutually assigned lighting modules of the one and the other strand light up simultaneously and none Light modules of the other strand light up if the light modules of one strand light up, to which no light modules of the other strand are assigned.

Durch das obige Verfahren wird die Konfiguration einer Beleuchtungsleiste, automatisch erfasst, sodass diese Information nicht mehr manuell der Beleuchtungssteuerung zugeführt werden muss. Es spart daher Ressourcen (Parameter) und Arbeitszeit (Service-Zeit). Außerdem kann durch das beschriebene Verfahren ein und dieselbe Beleuchtungssteuerung (Software) für verschiedene Konfigurationen und auch zukünftige Konfigurationen verwendet werden, ohne dass eine weitere Anpassung der Beleuchtungssteuerung erforderlich ist.The configuration of a lighting strip is automatically detected by the above method, so that this information no longer has to be fed manually to the lighting control. It therefore saves resources (parameters) and working time (service time). In addition, the method described can be used to use one and the same lighting control (software) for different configurations and also future configurations without the need to adapt the lighting control further.

Bei den erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren kann eine Lücke in einem Strang automatisch erfasst werden und dann bei der Steuerung der Leuchtmodule berücksichtigt werden.In the method according to the invention, a gap in a strand can be automatically detected and then taken into account in the control of the lighting modules.

Das Verfahren kann als Betriebsmodus, der zu Beginn des regulären Betriebs ausgeführt wird, in die Betriebssteuerung einer beleuchteten Radleitschiene, wie sie etwa in Waschanlagen verwendet wird, auf einfache Weise integriert werden. Alternativ kann das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren auch während des regulären Betriebes durchgeführt werden, wobei letzterer für die Zeit der Messung unterbrochen wird.As an operating mode that is carried out at the start of regular operation, the method can be easily integrated into the operating control of an illuminated wheel guide rail, such as is used in washing systems. Alternatively, the method according to the invention can also be carried out during normal operation, the latter being interrupted for the time of the measurement.

Vorzugsweise umfasst das Verfahren als zusätzlichen Verfahrensschritt die Bestimmung, anhand des Betriebszustands, ob ein oder mehrere Leuchtelemente, mit denen die Leuchtmodule bestückt sind, defekt sind. Aus Differenzen in den Resultaten der elektrischen Messgröße kann zuverlässig auf den Betriebszustand des Leuchtmoduls sowie eines darauf bestückten Leuchtelements geschlossen werden. Dies erleichtert die Wartung und verkürzt Service-Zeiten.As an additional method step, the method preferably includes determining, based on the operating state, whether one or more lighting elements with which the lighting modules are equipped are defective. Differences in the results of the electrical measured variable can be used to reliably conclude the operating state of the lighting module and a lighting element fitted thereon. This simplifies maintenance and shortens service times.

Des Weiteren kann das Verfahren dahingehend erweitert werden, dass die Erfassung zeitgleich oder sequentiell in zwei oder mehreren separaten Strängen von Leuchtmodulen erfolgt. Durch den Vergleich der Ergebnisse für separate Stränge können Unterbrechungen in einem Strang bestimmt werden. Eine solche Unterbrechung kann zum einen durch einen Defekt eines Leuchtenmoduls verursacht werden, zum anderen jedoch auch durch eine gewünschte Lücke.Furthermore, the method can be expanded in such a way that the detection takes place simultaneously or sequentially in two or more separate strings of light modules. By comparing the results for separate strands, breaks in a strand can be determined. Such an interruption can be caused on the one hand by a defect in a luminaire module, or on the other hand by a desired gap.

Dies ist insbesondere von Vorteil im Zusammenhang mit beleuchteten Radleitschienen in Autowaschanlagen. Dabei kann eine erste Radleitschiene auf der Fahrerseite im Bereich der Fahrertür unterbrochen sein (d.h., die Schaltung ist fortgesetzt, aber im Bereich der Unterbrechung sind keine Leuchtmodule angebracht), um dem Fahrer den Ausstieg aus dem Fahrzeug zu ermöglichen, während eine zweite Radleitschiene auf der Beifahrerseite keine Unterbrechung aufweist. Durch den Abgleich der Messungen für beide Stränge kann aus der Differenz der jeweiligen Gesamtanzahlen an Leuchtmodulen die Unterbrechung bestimmt werden.This is particularly advantageous in connection with illuminated wheel guide rails in car washes. In this case, a first wheel guide rail on the driver's side in the area of the driver's door can be interrupted (ie the circuit is continued, but no light modules are attached in the area of the interruption) in order for the driver to exit the To enable vehicle while a second wheel guide rail on the passenger side has no interruption. By comparing the measurements for both strings, the interruption can be determined from the difference between the respective total numbers of light modules.

Die Prüfmuster, mit denen die Leuchtmodule beaufschlagt werden, können vorzugsweise so gewählt werden, dass jeweils nur ein Leuchtmodul eingeschaltet und die übrigen Leuchtmodule ausgeschaltet sind. Dadurch ist das Signal-Rausch-Verhältnis bei der Messung der elektrischen Messgröße hoch und der Betriebszustand des eingeschalteten Leuchtmoduls kann zuverlässig bestimmt werden.The test samples with which the light modules are exposed can preferably be selected such that only one light module is switched on and the other light modules are switched off. As a result, the signal-to-noise ratio when measuring the electrical measured variable is high and the operating state of the switched-on light module can be reliably determined.

Die Leuchtmodule können mit einem Prüfmuster beaufschlagt werden, indem jedes Leuchtmodul das Prüfmuster um den dieses Leuchtmodul betreffenden Wert verkürzt und es das Prüfmuster anschließend an das nachfolgende Leuchtmodul weiterleitet. Bei gegebener Datenrate verkürzt dies die Dauer, bis alle Leuchtmodule das Prüfmuster erhalten haben. Zum Beispiel kann das Prüfmuster ein 48-bit Datenwort sein. Verschiedene andere Datenworte sind jedoch auch möglich.A test sample can be applied to the light modules by each light module shortening the test sample by the value relating to this light module and then forwarding the test sample to the subsequent light module. At a given data rate, this shortens the time until all light modules have received the test sample. For example, the test pattern can be a 48-bit data word. Various other data words are also possible.

Als elektrische Messgröße kann eine Stromstärke (bei Constant-Voltage-Schaltungen) oder eine Spannung (bei Constant-Current-Schaltungen) gemessen werden. Dabei wird die Messung an der Schaltung vorgenommen.A current (for constant-voltage circuits) or a voltage (for constant-current circuits) can be measured as an electrical measurement variable. The measurement is carried out on the circuit.

Vorteilhafterweise sind die einzeln ansteuerbaren Leuchtmodule mit einer oder mehreren LED als Leuchtelementen bestückbar. Bei mit LED beleuchteten Radleitschienen in Waschanlagen können dem Fahrer eines Fahrzeugs mittels farbiger Beleuchtung zusätzliche Signale vermittelt werden.The individually controllable lighting modules can advantageously be equipped with one or more LEDs as lighting elements. In the case of wheel guide rails illuminated with LEDs in car washes, additional signals can be conveyed to the driver of a vehicle by means of colored lighting.

Die Größe und die Position der Lücke wird bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren insbesondere anhand der Differenz der Anzahl der Leuchtmodule des einen und des anderen Strangs berechnet.The size and the position of the gap is calculated in the method according to the invention in particular on the basis of the difference in the number of light modules of one and the other strand.

Gemäß einer Weiterbildung des Verfahren wird die erfasste Konfiguration der Leuchtmodule des ersten und des zweiten Strangs gespeichert und bei einer Unterbrechung des Betriebs der als Waschanlage ausgeführten Fahrzeugbehandlungsanlage wird das eingangs beschriebene Verfahren durchgeführt, um zu bestimmen, ob ein Leuchtmodul oder ob mehrere Leuchtmodule defekt sind.According to a further development of the method, the detected configuration of the lighting modules of the first and of the second line is stored, and if the operation of the vehicle treatment system designed as a washing system is interrupted, the method described at the beginning is carried out in order to determine whether a lighting module or whether several lighting modules are defective.

Das Verfahren wird insbesondere zum Betreiben von Radleitschienen einer Autowaschanlage eingesetzt, bei der eine erste Radleitschiene auf einer Fahrerseite, die einen ersten Strang mit mehreren einzeln ansteuerbaren und mit jeweils zumindest einem Leuchtelement bestückten Leuchtmodulen umfasst, und eine zweite Radleitschiene auf einer Beifahrerseite, die einen zweiten Strang mit mehreren einzeln ansteuerbaren und mit jeweils zumindest einem Leuchtelement bestückten Leuchtmodulen umfasst, angeordnet sind.The method is used in particular for operating wheel guide rails of a car wash system, in which a first wheel guide rail on a driver's side, which comprises a first strand with a plurality of individually controllable lighting modules and each equipped with at least one light element, and a second wheel guide rail on a passenger side, the second Strand with a plurality of individually controllable and each equipped with at least one lighting element comprises lighting modules are arranged.

In diesem Fall wird gemäß einer Weiterbildung dieses Verfahren jedem Leuchtmodul des anderen Strangs ein Leuchtmodul des einen Strangs so zugeordnet, dass die Leuchtmodule des einen Strangs, denen keine Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs zugeordnet sind, bezüglich einer Längserstreckung der Radleitschienen im Bereich der Lücke der Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs angeordnet sind.In this case, according to a further development of this method, a light module of the one strand is assigned to each light module of the other strand such that the light modules of the one strand, to which no light modules of the other strand are assigned, with respect to a longitudinal extension of the wheel guide rails in the area of the gap of the light modules of the other strand are arranged.

Ferner schlägt die Erfindung eine Fahrzeugbehandlungsanlage, insbesondere eine Autowaschanlage vor, umfassend einen ersten Strang, der eine Anzahl N hintereinander geschalteter einzeln ansteuerbarer und mit jeweils zumindest einem Leuchtelement bestückter Leuchtmodule umfasst, einen zweiten Strang, der eine weitere Anzahl N' hintereinander geschalteter einzeln ansteuerbarer und mit jeweils zumindest einem Leuchtelement bestückter Leuchtmodule umfasst, wobei die Leuchtmodule mittels einer Schaltung verbunden sind, sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Erfassung der Konfiguration der Leuchtmodule des ersten und des zweiten Strangs, aufweisend: eine Steuerungseinheit, die so ausgebildet ist, dass sie die Leuchtmodule mit einer Anzahl Nmax ≥ N unterschiedlicher Prüfmuster für den ersten Strang und Nmax ≥ N' unterschiedlicher Prüfmuster für den zweiten Strang aufeinanderfolgend beaufschlagt, eine Messeinheit, die so ausgebildet ist, dass sie eine elektrische Messgröße an der Schaltung in Antwort auf jedes der Prüfmuster misst, und eine Auswertungseinheit, die so ausgebildet ist, dass sie die Messresultate auswertet und daraus die Gesamtanzahl N der Leuchtmodule für den ersten Strang und die Gesamtanzahl N' für den zweiten Strang, sowie deren jeweiligen Betriebszustand bestimmt; wobei die Steuereinheit ferner so eingerichtet ist, dass wenn die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule des ersten Strangs und die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule des zweiten Strangs gleich ist, die Leuchtmodule des ersten und des zweiten Strangs im Betrieb der Beleuchtungseinrichtung synchron angesteuert werden und, wenn die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule eines der Stränge größer ist als die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs, die Größe und die Position einer Lücke der Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs bestimmt wird und im Betrieb der Beleuchtungseinrichtung die Leuchtmodule des ersten und des zweiten Strangs in Abhängigkeit von der bestimmten Größe und der bestimmten Position der Lücke angesteuert werden und jedem Leuchtmodul des anderen Strangs ein Leuchtmodul des einen Strangs so zugeordnet wird, dass die Leuchtmodule des einen Strangs, denen keine Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs zugeordnet sind, im Bereich der Lücke der Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs angeordnet sind, und im Betrieb der Beleuchtungseinrichtung die Leuchtmodule des ersten und des zweiten Strangs so angesteuert werden, dass einander zugeordnete Leuchtmodule des einen und des anderen Strangs gleichzeitig leuchten und keine Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs leuchten, wenn die Leuchtmodule des einen Strangs leuchten, denen keine Leuchtmodule des anderen Strangs zugeordnet sind.Furthermore, the invention proposes a vehicle treatment system, in particular a car wash system, comprising a first line which comprises a number N of individually controllable light modules connected in series and each equipped with at least one light element, a second line which comprises a further number N 'individually controllable and each with at least one lighting element equipped lighting modules, the lighting modules being connected by means of a circuit, and a device for detecting the configuration of the lighting modules of the first and the second strand, comprising: a control unit which is designed such that it connects the lighting modules with a Number of Nmax ≥ N different test patterns for the first line and Nmax ≥ N 'different test patterns for the second line successively acted upon, a measuring unit which is designed such that it measures an electrical measured variable on the circuit in response to j Each of the test samples measures, and an evaluation unit which is designed such that it evaluates the measurement results and determines the total number N of light modules for the first strand and the total number N 'for the second strand, as well as their respective operating state; wherein the control unit is further configured so that when the number of light modules of the first strand and the number of light modules of the second strand are the same, the light modules of the first and second strand are controlled synchronously during operation of the lighting device and when the number of light modules one of the strands is greater than the number of light modules of the other strand, the size and position of a gap of the light modules of the other strand is determined, and during operation of the lighting device, the light modules of the first and second strands are dependent on the specific size and the specific one Position of the gap can be controlled and each light module of the other strand a light module of the one strand is assigned in such a way that the light modules of the one strand, to which no light modules of the other strand are assigned, are arranged in the region of the gap of the light modules of the other strand, and the light modules of the first and the second strand are in operation of the lighting device are controlled in such a way that mutually associated light modules of the one and the other strand light up simultaneously and no light modules of the other strand light up if the light modules of the one strand light up, to which no light modules of the other strand are assigned.

Bei einer Ausgestaltung dieser Fahrzeugbehandlungsanlage umfasst der erste Strang eine ersten Radleitschiene auf einer Fahrerseite und der zweite Strang eine zweite Radleitschiene auf einer Beifahrerseite.In one embodiment of this vehicle treatment system, the first strand comprises a first wheel guide rail on a driver's side and the second strand comprises a second wheel guide rail on a passenger side.

FigurenbeschreibungFigure description

Die Erfindung wird nachstehend anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnungen im Einzelnen beschrieben. Dabei zeigt:

Fig. 1
eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Einfahrbereichs einer Waschanlage mit beleuchteten Radleitschienen,
Fig. 2
ein Flussdiagramm der Verfahrensschritte eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens,
Fig. 3 - 5
schematische Darstellungen von unterschiedlichen erfindungsgemäßen Konfigurationen von zwei Strängen hintereinander geschalteter, einzeln ansteuerbarer Leuchtmodule.
The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. It shows:
Fig. 1
1 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a drive-in area of a washing system with illuminated wheel guide rails,
Fig. 2
2 shows a flowchart of the method steps of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention,
3 - 5
schematic representations of different configurations according to the invention of two strings of individually controllable light modules connected in series.

Detaillierte Beschreibung von AusführungsbeispielenDetailed description of exemplary embodiments

Figur 1 zeigt eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Einfahrbereichs einer Waschanlage mit beleuchteten Radleitschienen. Die Waschanlage 20 ist mit einer an sich bekannten Waschvorrichtung 21 versehen, mit der das Fahrzeug gewaschen oder anderweitig behandelt wird. Eine erste beleuchtete Radleitschiene 15 ist links, eine weitere beleuchtete Radleitschiene 16 rechts des Einfahrbereichs 23 angeordnet. Die beleuchteten Radleitschienen 15, 16 geben dem Fahrer Orientierung bei der Einfahrt in die Waschanlage 20 und weisen daher eine Mehrzahl von Leuchtmodulen 13 auf, die in den Leisten der Radleitschienen angebracht und mittels einer Schaltung verbunden sind. Die Leuchtmodule sind mit einem oder mehreren Leuchtelementen wie z.B. einer LED bestückbar. Mittels Leuchtelementen, die RGB-Farben darstellen können, ist es möglich, dem Fahrer eines in die Waschanlage einfahrenden Fahrzeugs zusätzliche Informationen zu vermitteln. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a drive-in area of a car wash with illuminated wheel guide rails. The washing system 20 is provided with a washing device 21 known per se, with which the vehicle is washed or otherwise treated. A first illuminated wheel guide rail 15 is arranged on the left, a further illuminated wheel guide rail 16 is arranged on the right of the entry area 23. The illuminated wheel guide rails 15, 16 provide the driver with orientation when entering the washing system 20 and therefore have a plurality of light modules 13 which are fitted in the strips of the wheel guide rails and are connected by means of a circuit. The lighting modules can be equipped with one or more lighting elements such as an LED. Using lighting elements that can display RGB colors, it is possible to convey additional information to the driver of a vehicle entering the car wash.

Figur 2 zeigt ein Flussdiagramm eines Ablaufplans gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens. Der Ablaufplan kann in einer Software implementiert werden, die zu Beginn eines regulären Betriebs als Teil der Beleuchtungssteuerung ausgeführt wird. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a flow chart according to an embodiment of the inventive method. The schedule can be implemented in software that runs as part of the lighting control at the start of regular operations.

Im ersten Verfahrensschritt (S2) wird eine Zählvariable m mit einem Startwert (zum Beispiel 1) initialisiert. Nachfolgend werden iterativ die Schritte S4 - S10 ausgeführt: zunächst werden (Schritt S4) die Leuchtmodule mit der m-ten Messkonfiguration des Prüfmusters beaufschlagt und die Messung der elektrischen Messgröße an der Schaltung vorgenommen. Danach wird überprüft (Schritt S6), ob das Ende der Schaltung (d.h., das letzte der in der Reihe geschalteten Leuchtmodule) erreicht ist. Fällt diese Überprüfung negativ aus, so wird die Zählvariable m um eine Einheit erhöht (Schritt S8). Danach wird in Schritt S10 überprüft, ob die Zählvariable m gleich einem theoretischen Höchstwert Nmax an Prüfmustern ist. Fällt diese Überprüfung negativ aus, so kehrt das Programm für eine neue Iteration zu Schritt S4 zurück. Fallen hingegen die Überprüfungen in den Schritten S6 oder S10 positiv aus, so beendet das Programm die Iteration und wertet die Messergebnisse aus (S12). Anschließend wird im Schritt S14 überprüft, ob eine Wartung der Leuchtmodul-Schaltung erforderlich ist. Hierbei wird aus den ermittelten Betriebszuständen der Leuchtmodule bestimmt, ob beispielsweise Leuchtelemente defekt sind. Falls diese Überprüfung positiv ausfällt, so zeigt das Programm an, dass eine Wartung erforderlich ist (Schritt S16). Andernfalls übermittelt das Programm der Betriebssteuerung die Information, dass die Anlage betriebsbereit für Normalbetrieb ist (Schritt S18).In the first step (S2), a counter variable m is initialized with a start value (for example 1). Steps S4 - S10 are then carried out iteratively: first (step S4) the light modules with the m-th measurement configuration of the test sample acted upon and the measurement of the electrical measured variable made on the circuit. It is then checked (step S6) whether the end of the circuit (ie the last of the light modules connected in series) has been reached. If this check is negative, the counter variable m is increased by one unit (step S8). It is then checked in step S10 whether the counter variable m is equal to a theoretical maximum value Nmax of test samples. If this check is negative, the program returns to step S4 for a new iteration. If, on the other hand, the checks in steps S6 or S10 are positive, the program ends the iteration and evaluates the measurement results (S12). It is then checked in step S14 whether maintenance of the lighting module circuit is necessary. It is determined from the determined operating states of the lighting modules whether, for example, lighting elements are defective. If this check is positive, the program indicates that maintenance is required (step S16). Otherwise, the program of the operating control transmits the information that the system is ready for normal operation (step S18).

Figur 3 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten erfindungsgemäßen Konfiguration von zwei Strängen hintereinander geschalteter, einzeln ansteuerbarer Leuchtmodule. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a first configuration according to the invention of two strings of individually controllable light modules connected in series.

Die Vorrichtung umfasst eine Steuerungseinheit 2, die wiederum eine Messeinheit 4 und eine Auswertungseinheit 6 umfasst. An die Steuerungseinheit 2 sind zwei separate Stränge von Leuchtmodulen, die allgemein mit 10, 12 bezeichnet werden, elektrisch angeschlossen. Eine erste Schaltung des ersten Strangs umfasst ein oder mehrere einzeln ansteuerbare Leuchtmodule 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-7, 10-8. Entsprechend umfasst eine zweite Schaltung des zweiten Strangs ein oder mehrere einzeln ansteuerbare Leuchtmodule 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-7, 12-8. Die beiden Schaltungen verfügen jeweils über beispielsweise drei Adern: eine Stromleitung, eine Masseleitung und eine Datenleitung. Die Datenleitung kann auf einem seriellen Protokoll basieren, das die Übermittlung von Daten wie beispielsweise einem Prüfmuster ausgehend von der Steuerungseinheit 2 an die Leuchtmodule 10, 12 der Reihenfolge nach ermöglicht, nicht aber die Übermittlung von Daten in der Rückrichtung, d.h. an die Steuerungseinheit 2.The device comprises a control unit 2, which in turn comprises a measuring unit 4 and an evaluation unit 6. Two separate strings of lighting modules, which are generally designated 10, 12, are electrically connected to the control unit 2. A first circuit of the first strand comprises one or more individually controllable lighting modules 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-7, 10-8. Correspondingly, a second circuit of the second strand comprises one or more individually controllable lighting modules 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-7, 12-8. The two circuits each have three wires, for example: a power line, a ground line and a data line. The data line can be based on a serial protocol, which enables the transmission of data such as a test pattern from the control unit 2 to the light modules 10, 12 in order, but not the transmission of data in the reverse direction, i.e. to the control unit 2.

Die Steuerungseinheit 2 sendet Prüfmuster an die Leuchtmodule 10, 12. Im Fall der ersten Schaltung des ersten Strangs kann ein erstes Prüfmuster darin bestehen, dass das erste Leuchtmodul 10-1 eingeschaltet und nachfolgende Leuchtmodule 10-2, etc. ausgeschaltet sind. Ein solches Prüfmuster kann als Vektor von Nmax binären 0/1-Werten dargestellt werden:
(1, 0, 0, ..., 0).The control unit 2 sends test patterns to the light modules 10, 12. In the case of the first switching of the first strand, a first test pattern can consist in the first light module 10-1 being switched on and subsequent light modules 10-2, etc. being switched off. Such a test pattern can be represented as a vector of Nmax binary 0/1 values:
(1, 0, 0, ..., 0).

Für das erste Leuchtmodul 10-1 ist der Wert 1 (Ein) bestimmt, um den das Leuchtmodul 10-1 das Prüfmuster verkürzt und das um den Wert verkürzte Prüfmuster anschließend an nachfolgende Leuchtmodule 10-2, etc. weiterleitet, die ihrerseits die für sie bestimmten Werte 0 (Aus) dem ersten Prüfmuster entnehmen. Analog wird beim zweiten Prüfmuster vorgegangen, das die Form (0, 1, 0, ..., 0) hat, sowie bei allen weiteren Prüfmustern.For the first lighting module 10-1, the value 1 (on) is determined by which the lighting module 10-1 shortens the test pattern and then shortens the test pattern by the value to subsequent lighting modules 10-2, etc., which in turn transmit the data for them determined values 0 (off) from the first test sample. The same procedure is followed for the second test sample, which has the form (0, 1, 0, ..., 0), as well as for all other test samples.

Sobald alle Leuchtmodule 10, 12 den für sie bestimmten Wert aus dem Prüfmuster erhalten haben, wird durch die Steuerungseinheit 2 das jeweilige Prüfmuster ausgeführt. Im Fall des ersten Prüfmusters leuchtet nur das Leuchtelement auf, mit dem das erste Leuchtmodul 10-1 bestückt ist, die übrigen Leuchtmodule 10-2, etc. sind ausgeschaltet.As soon as all the light modules 10, 12 have received the value intended for them from the test pattern, the respective test pattern is carried out by the control unit 2. In the case of the first test sample, only the lighting element with which the first lighting module 10-1 is equipped lights up, the other lighting modules 10-2, etc. are switched off.

Die Messeinheit 4 misst während der Ausführung des Prüfmusters an der Schaltung des ersten Strangs eine elektrische Messgröße, die eine Stromstärke (bei Constant-Voltage-Schaltungen) oder eine Spannung (bei Constant-Current-Schaltungen) sein kann. Ist für die Messung eine gewisse Mindestzeitdauer erforderlich, so kann bei Bedarf ein und dasselbe Prüfmuster mehrfach wiederholt werden.The measuring unit 4 measures an electrical measurement variable on the circuit of the first strand during the execution of the test pattern, which can be a current (in the case of constant-voltage circuits) or a voltage (in the case of constant-current circuits). If a certain minimum period of time is required for the measurement, the same test sample can be repeated several times if necessary.

Da durch die obige Wahl des Prüfmusters die ausgeschalteten Leuchtmodule 10, 12 lediglich eine geringe Leistungsaufnahme (zum Beispiel aufgrund eines Reglers) haben, hängt die gemessene elektrische Messgröße im Wesentlichen von der Leistungsaufnahme des jeweiligen Leuchtmoduls 10, 12 ab, das eingeschaltet ist. Die typische Leistungsaufnahme eines einzelnen, intakten Leuchtmoduls 10, 12 kann im Voraus bestimmt werden.Since, due to the above selection of the test pattern, the switched-off light modules 10, 12 have only a low power consumption (for example due to a controller), the measured electrical variable essentially depends on the power consumption of the respective light module 10, 12 that is switched on. The typical power consumption of a single, intact light module 10, 12 can be determined in advance.

Nachdem entweder die Messungen ergeben, dass das Ende der Schaltung des ersten Strangs erreicht ist, oder aber der Höchstwert Nmax an Prüfmustern erreicht ist, wird die Auswertung der Messergebnisse für die Schaltung des ersten Strangs durch eine Auswertungseinheit 6 durchgeführt. Aus der Anzahl derjenigen Messungen, bei denen die elektrische Messgröße einen Wert erreicht hat, der mit der Leistungsaufnahme eines einzelnen intakten Leuchtmoduls 10, 12 übereinstimmt, kann auf verlässliche Weise auf die Gesamtanzahl N der in der Schaltung des ersten Strangs verbauten Leuchtmodule 10-1, 10-2, etc. geschlossen werden.After either the measurements show that the end of the switching of the first strand has been reached or the maximum value Nmax of test samples has been reached, the evaluation of the measurement results for the switching of the first strand is carried out by an evaluation unit 6. From the number of those measurements in which the electrical measured variable has reached a value which corresponds to the power consumption of an individual intact lighting module 10, 12, the total number N of lighting modules 10-1 installed in the circuit of the first line can be reliably determined. 10-2, etc. to be closed.

Figur 4 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Konfiguration von zwei Strängen hintereinander geschalteter, einzeln ansteuerbarer Leuchtmodule 10, 12. Hierbei stimmt die Anzahl der in der ersten Schaltung des ersten Strangs verbauten Leuchtmodule 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-5, 10-6 nicht mit der Anzahl der in der zweiten Schaltung des zweiten Strangs verbauten Leuchtmodule 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-7, 12-8 überein. Ein Grund dafür kann sein, dass die erste Radleitschiene 15, in der die erste Schaltung verbaut ist, an einer Stelle unterbrochen ist bzw. eine Lücke aufweist. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a second configuration according to the invention of two strings of individually controllable light modules 10, 12 connected in series. The number of light modules 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-5 installed in the first circuit of the first line is correct , 10-6 not with the number in the second circuit of the second string installed lighting modules 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-7, 12-8. One reason for this may be that the first wheel guide rail 15, in which the first circuit is installed, is interrupted at one point or has a gap.

Durch gleichzeitiges oder sequentielles Ausführen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens in den beiden Strängen von Schaltungen der Leuchtmodule 10, 12 und einem nachfolgenden Abgleich der Messergebnisse durch die Auswertungseinheit 6 kann die Unterbrechung in der Schaltung des ersten Strangs ermittelt werden.By simultaneously or sequentially executing the method according to the invention in the two strands of circuits of the light modules 10, 12 and a subsequent comparison of the measurement results by the evaluation unit 6, the interruption in the circuit of the first strand can be determined.

Figur 5 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer dritten erfindungsgemäßen Konfiguration von zwei Strängen hintereinander geschalteter, einzeln ansteuerbarer Leuchtmodule 10, 12. Hierbei ist in den Schaltungen der beiden Stränge eine gleich große Gesamtanzahl von Leuchtmodulen 10, 12 verbaut. Die mit einem Stern markierten Leuchtmodule 10-5, 10-7 sowie 12-9 stellen Leuchtmodule 10, 12 dar, in denen beispielsweise das Leuchtelement defekt ist oder eine sonstige Störung wie ein Kabeldefekt aufgetreten ist. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a third configuration according to the invention of two strings of individually controllable lighting modules 10, 12 connected in series. Here, the same number of lighting modules 10, 12 is installed in the circuits of the two strings. The light modules 10-5, 10-7 and 12-9 marked with an asterisk represent light modules 10, 12 in which, for example, the light element is defective or another malfunction such as a cable defect has occurred.

Mit Hilfe des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens lassen sich auch derartige Defekte an Leuchtmodulen 10, 12 sowie ihre Position innerhalb der jeweiligen Gesamtanzahl von Leuchtmodulen 10, 12 im jeweiligen Strang ermitteln: bei einem Leuchtmodul 10, 12, in dem ein Leuchtelement defekt ist, wird im jeweiligen Prüfmuster eine geringere, nämlich um die Leistungsaufnahme des defekten Leuchtelements reduzierte, elektrische Messgröße gemessen, beispielsweise eine Reststromstärke, die durch den Regler des Leuchtmoduls 10, 12 verbraucht wird.With the aid of the method according to the invention, such defects on lighting modules 10, 12 and their position within the respective total number of lighting modules 10, 12 in the respective strand can also be determined: in the case of a lighting module 10, 12 in which a lighting element is defective, the respective test pattern is used measured a smaller, namely reduced by the power consumption of the defective lighting element, for example, a residual current that is consumed by the controller of the lighting module 10, 12.

Daher kann durch die Erfindung auch eine einfache Wartung von Leuchtmodul-Schaltungen, wie sie beispielsweise in beleuchteten Radleitschienen 15, 16 von Waschanlagen 20 zum Einsatz kommen, ermöglicht werden, da defekte Leuchtmodule 10, 12 bzw. Leuchtelemente automatisch erfasst werden.Therefore, the invention also enables simple maintenance of lighting module circuits, such as those used in illuminated wheel guide rails 15, 16 of washing systems 20, since defective lighting modules 10, 12 or lighting elements are automatically detected.

Die Verwendung des beschriebenen Verfahrens ist nicht auf die Radleitschiene beschränkt. Das Verfahren kann und wird ebenfalls Anwendung finden bei der Realisierung von Anzeigen aller Art.The use of the described method is not limited to the wheel guide rail. The method can and will also be used to implement all types of advertisements.

Ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung betrifft eine Autowaschanlage 20, die insbesondere als Portalanlage ausgebildet ist. Der grundsätzliche Aufbau der Autowaschanlage 20 wurde vorstehend mit Bezug zu Figur 1 beschrieben. Die erste Radleitschiene 15 ist dabei auf der Fahrerseite der Autowaschanlage 20 angeordnet, die zweite Radleitschiene 16 auf der Beifahrerseite. Die Radleitschienen 15, 16 erstrecken sich in Einfahrrichtung der Autowaschanlage 20 parallel zueinander. Die erste Radleitschiene 15 umfasst einen ersten Strang mit mehreren einzeln ansteuerbaren und mit jeweils zumindest einem Leuchtelement bestückten Leuchtmodulen 10. Gleichermaßen umfasst die zweite Radleitschiene 16 einen zweiten Strang mit mehreren einzeln ansteuerbaren und mit jeweils zumindest einem Leuchtelement bestückten Leuchtmodulen 12.Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a car wash system 20, which is designed in particular as a portal system. The basic structure of the car wash 20 has been referred to above Figure 1 described. The first wheel guide rail 15 is arranged on the driver side of the car wash 20 second wheel guide 16 on the passenger side. The wheel guide rails 15, 16 extend parallel to one another in the entry direction of the car wash 20. The first wheel guide rail 15 comprises a first strand with a plurality of individually controllable lighting modules 10 each equipped with at least one lighting element. Likewise, the second wheel guide rail 16 comprises a second strand with a plurality of individually controllable lighting modules 12 each equipped with at least one lighting element.

Des Weiteren umfasst die Autowaschanlage 20 eine Vorrichtung zur Erfassung der Konfiguration der Leuchtmodule 10, 12, wie es vorstehend beschrieben wurde. In diesem Fall umfasst somit der erste Strang die Leuchtmodule 10 und der zweite Strang die Leuchtmodule 12. Mittels der Vorrichtung kann insbesondere automatisch die Konfiguration der Leuchtmodule 10, 12 der beiden Stränge bestimmt werden. Im weiteren Betrieb Autowaschanlage 20 können ferner Defekte von Leuchtmodule 10, 12 ermittelt werden, wie es im Folgenden auch mit Bezug zu dem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben von Radleitschienen beschrieben ist.Furthermore, the car wash system 20 comprises a device for detecting the configuration of the light modules 10, 12, as described above. In this case, the first strand thus comprises the lighting modules 10 and the second strand comprises the lighting modules 12. In particular, the device can be used to automatically determine the configuration of the lighting modules 10, 12 of the two strands. In the further operation of the car wash system 20, defects in the lighting modules 10, 12 can also be determined, as is also described below with reference to the further exemplary embodiment of a method for operating wheel guide rails.

Bei anderen Ausführungsbeispielen sind die Leuchtmodule 10, 12 nicht in Radleitschienen 15, 16 angeordnet sondern in anderen Beleuchtungseinrichtungen, beispielsweise bei Türen einer Fahrzeugbehandlungsanlage. Auch in diesem Fall ist es erforderlich, etwaige Lücken in einem Strang mit Leuchtmodulen automatisch zu erfassen. Bei solchen Lücken sind in diesem Fall andere Einrichtungen, wie zum Beispiel Monitore, angeordnet.In other exemplary embodiments, the lighting modules 10, 12 are not arranged in wheel guide rails 15, 16 but in other lighting devices, for example in the doors of a vehicle treatment system. In this case, too, it is necessary to automatically detect any gaps in a line using light modules. In the case of such gaps, other devices, such as monitors, are arranged in this case.

Im Folgenden wird dieses Ausführungsbeispiel eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben von Radleitschienen 15, 16 der Autowaschanlage 20 beschrieben:
Bei der Inbetriebnahme der Autowaschanlage 20 wird zunächst die Konfiguration der Leuchtmodule 10, 12 des ersten und des zweiten Strangs automatisch bestimmt, und zwar mittels eines Verfahrens, wie es vorstehend mit Bezug zu den Figuren 3 und 4 beschrieben wurde. Bei der Montage der Autowaschanlage 20 ist die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule 10, 12, welche in den beiden Strängen montiert werden gegebenenfalls nicht vorab festgelegt. Die Anzahl kann variieren, so dass die Steuerung der Leuchtmodule 10, 12 im Betrieb der Autowaschanlage 20 nicht bereits vorab programmiert sein kann. Wie vorstehend beschrieben, wird somit die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule 10 des ersten Strangs und die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule 12 des zweiten Strangs nach der Montage der Autowaschanlage 20 bestimmt. Bei diesem ersten Erfassen der Konfiguration der Leuchtmodule 10, 12 wird davon ausgegangen, dass kein Leuchtmodul 10, 12 defekt ist. Dies kann gegebenenfalls auf andere Weise sichergestellt werden. Die jeweilige Anzahl der Leuchtmodule 10, 12 der beiden Stränge wird in einem Speicher der Steuerungseinheit 2 gespeichert.This exemplary embodiment of a method for operating wheel guide rails 15, 16 of the car wash system 20 is described below:
When the car wash system 20 is started up, the configuration of the light modules 10, 12 of the first and the second strand is first automatically determined, by means of a method as described above with reference to FIGS Figures 3 and 4th has been described. When assembling the car wash 20, the number of light modules 10, 12 which are installed in the two strands may not have been predetermined. The number can vary, so that the control of the lighting modules 10, 12 during operation of the car wash 20 cannot already be programmed in advance. As described above, the number of light modules 10 of the first strand and the number of light modules 12 of the second strand are thus determined after assembly of the car wash 20. During this first detection of the configuration of the lighting modules 10, 12, it is assumed that no lighting module 10, 12 is defective. This may be due to other way. The respective number of light modules 10, 12 of the two strands is stored in a memory of the control unit 2.

Die Auswertungseinheit 6 der Steuerungseinheit 2 vergleicht nun die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule 10 des ersten Strangs mit der Anzahl der Leuchtmodule 12 des zweiten Strangs. Wenn die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule 10, 12 beider Stränge gleich ist, werden im Betrieb der Radleitschienen 15, 16 die Leuchtmodule 10, 12 der beiden Stränge synchron angesteuert. In diesem Fall ist in der Längserstreckung der Autowaschanlage 20, d.h. in Längsrichtung der beiden Stränge, jeweils bei derselben Querposition ein Leuchtmodul 10-1 auf der Fahrerseite und ein Leuchtmodul 12-1 auf der Beifahrerseite, ein Leuchtmodul 10-2 auf der Fahrerseite und ein Leuchtmodul 12-2 auf der Beifahrerseite usw. angeordnet. Das Leuchtmodul 10-1 ist somit dem Leuchtmodul 12-1, das Leuchtmodul 10-2 dem Leuchtmodul 12-2 usw. zugeordnet. Immer wenn eines der Leuchtmodule 10 auf der Fahrerseite leuchtet, leuchtet auch das zugeordnete Leuchtmodul 12 auf der Beifahrerseite.The evaluation unit 6 of the control unit 2 now compares the number of light modules 10 of the first line with the number of light modules 12 of the second line. If the number of light modules 10, 12 of both strands is the same, the light modules 10, 12 of the two strands are activated synchronously during operation of the wheel guide rails 15, 16. In this case, in the longitudinal extension of the car wash 20, i.e. In the longitudinal direction of the two strands, in each case at the same transverse position, a light module 10-1 on the driver's side and a light module 12-1 on the passenger side, a light module 10-2 on the driver's side and a light module 12-2 on the passenger's side etc. are arranged. The lighting module 10-1 is thus assigned to the lighting module 12-1, the lighting module 10-2 to the lighting module 12-2, etc. Whenever one of the light modules 10 lights up on the driver's side, the associated light module 12 also lights up on the passenger side.

Wenn hingegen die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule 12 eines der Stränge größer ist als die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule 10 des anderen der Stränge, werden die Leuchtmodule 10, 12 im Betrieb der Radleitschienen 15, 16 auf andere Weise angesteuert. Die Auswertungseinheit 6 bestimmt in diesem Fall die Größe und die Position einer Lücke der Leuchtmodule 10 des anderen Strangs.If, on the other hand, the number of light modules 12 of one of the strands is greater than the number of light modules 10 of the other of the strands, the light modules 10, 12 are actuated in a different way during operation of the wheel guide rails 15, 16. In this case, the evaluation unit 6 determines the size and the position of a gap in the light modules 10 of the other strand.

In Figur 4 ist eine solche Konfiguration der Leuchtmodule 10, 12 gezeigt. Wie es vorstehend beschrieben wurde, kann die Auswertungseinheit 6 bestimmen, um wieviel die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule 12 des zweiten Strangs größer ist als die Anzahl der Leuchtmodule 10 des ersten Strangs. Es kann nun vorab festgelegt sein, dass eine Lücke immer vor den letzten beiden Leuchtmodulen 10-5 und 10-6 des Strangs mit der geringeren Anzahl an Leuchtmodulen 10 angeordnet ist. Hieraus kann die Auswertungseinheit 6 die Position und die Größe der Lücke bestimmen. Diese Daten werden in dem Speicher der Steuerungseinheit 2 gespeichert.In Figure 4 Such a configuration of the light modules 10, 12 is shown. As described above, the evaluation unit 6 can determine by how much the number of light modules 12 of the second strand is greater than the number of light modules 10 of the first strand. It can now be specified in advance that a gap is always arranged in front of the last two light modules 10-5 and 10-6 of the strand with the smaller number of light modules 10. From this, the evaluation unit 6 can determine the position and the size of the gap. This data is stored in the memory of the control unit 2.

Die anschließende Ansteuerung der Leuchtmodule 10, 12 im Betrieb der Radleitschienen 15, 16 erfolgt dann wie folgt:
Jedem Leuchtmodul 10 des Strangs mit der geringeren Anzahl an Leuchtmodulen 10 wird ein Leuchtmodul 12 des anderen Strangs so zugeordnet, dass die Leuchtmodule 12 des einen Strangs, denen keine Leuchtmodule 10 des anderen Strangs zugeordnet sind, bezüglich der Längserstreckung der Radleitschienen 15, 16 im Bereich der Lücke der Leuchtmodule 10 des anderen Strangs angeordnet sind. Dem Leuchtmodul 10-1 wird somit das Leuchtmodul 12-1, dem Leuchtmodul 10-2 das Leuchtmodul 12-2, dem Leuchtmodul 10-3 das Leuchtmodul 12-3, dem Leuchtmodul 10-4 das Leuchtmodul 12-4 zugeordnet. Den Leuchtmodulen 12-5 und 12-6 des zweiten Strangs auf der Beifahrerseite wird kein Leuchtmodul 10 des ersten Strangs auf der Fahrerseite zugeordnet, da in dem Bereich dieser Leuchtmodule 12-5, 12-6 die Lücke des ersten Strangs auf der Fahrerseite positioniert ist. Dem Leuchtmodul 10-5 wird dann das Leuchtmodul 12-7 und dem Leuchtmodul 10-6 das Leuchtmodul 12-8 zugeordnet.The subsequent actuation of the lighting modules 10, 12 during operation of the wheel guide rails 15, 16 then takes place as follows:
Each light module 10 of the strand with the smaller number of light modules 10 is assigned a light module 12 of the other strand in such a way that the light modules 12 of one strand, to which no light modules 10 of the other strand are assigned, with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wheel guide rails 15, 16 in the area the gap in the Luminous modules 10 of the other strand are arranged. The lighting module 10-1 is thus assigned the lighting module 12-1, the lighting module 10-2 the lighting module 12-2, the lighting module 10-3 the lighting module 12-3, the lighting module 10-4 the lighting module 12-4. No light module 10 of the first strand on the driver's side is assigned to the light modules 12-5 and 12-6 of the second strand on the passenger side, since the gap of the first strand is positioned on the driver side in the area of these light modules 12-5, 12-6 . The lighting module 10-5 is then assigned the lighting module 12-7 and the lighting module 10-6 the lighting module 12-8.

Im Betrieb der Radleitschienen 15, 16 werden die Leuchtmodule 10, 12 des ersten und des zweiten Strangs mittels der Steuerungseinheit 2 dann so angesteuert, dass einander zugeordnete Leuchtmodule 10, 12 des einen und des anderen Strangs gleichzeitig leuchten und keine Leuchtmodule 10 des anderen Strangs auf der Fahrerseite leuchten, wenn die Leuchtmodule 12-5, 12-6 des einen Strangs auf der Beifahrerseite leuchten, denen keine Leuchtmodule 10 des anderen Strangs auf der Fahrerseite zugeordnet sind. Auf diese Weise kann beispielsweise ein synchrones Lauflicht in Längsrichtung der Radleitschienen 15, 16 erzeugt werden, welches auf der Fahrerseite bei der Lücke unterbrochen ist.When the wheel guide rails 15, 16 are in operation, the lighting modules 10, 12 of the first and the second strand are then controlled by the control unit 2 such that mutually associated lighting modules 10, 12 of the one and the other strand light up at the same time and no lighting modules 10 of the other strand light up the driver's side light up when the light modules 12-5, 12-6 of one strand on the passenger side light up, to which no light modules 10 of the other strand on the driver side are assigned. In this way, for example, a synchronous running light in the longitudinal direction of the wheel guide rails 15, 16 can be generated, which is interrupted at the gap on the driver's side.

Bei dem Verfahren kann ferner im weiteren Betrieb der Autowaschanlage 20 die Funktionsfähigkeit der Leuchtmodule 10, 12 zyklisch überprüft werden. Hierfür wird der Betrieb der Waschanlage 20 unterbrochen und das vorstehend mit Bezug zu den Figuren 2 und 5 beschriebene Verfahren durchgeführt, um zu bestimmen, ob ein Leuchtmodul 10, 12 oder ob mehrere Leuchtmodule 10, 12 defekt sind.With the method, the functionality of the light modules 10, 12 can also be checked cyclically in the further operation of the car wash system 20. For this purpose, the operation of the washing system 20 is interrupted, and this with reference to FIGS Figures 2 and 5 described method performed to determine whether a light module 10, 12 or whether a plurality of light modules 10, 12 are defective.

Das vorstehend beschriebene Verfahren kann auf gleiche Weise auch zum Betrieb einer anderen Beleuchtungseinrichtung in einer Fahrzeugbehandlungsanlage eingesetzt werden, welche mehrere Stränge mit Leuchtmodulen umfasst.The method described above can also be used in the same way for the operation of another lighting device in a vehicle treatment system, which comprises several lines with light modules.

Claims (12)

  1. Method for operating an illumination device of a vehicle treatment system (20), which comprises a first thread having a number N of light modules (10) that are connected in series, individually controllable and each equipped with at least one light element, and which comprises a second thread having a further number N' of light modules (12) that are connected in series, individually controllable and each equipped with at least one light element, wherein the light modules (10, 12) are respectively connected within a thread by means of a circuit, characterised in that the method comprises the following steps:
    Detection of the configuration of the light modules (10, 12) of the first and the second thread, wherein the number of light modules (10, 12) of the first thread and the number of the light modules (10, 12) of the second thread are determined by means of the following method steps:
    - Successive supply of the light modules (10, 12) with a number Nmax ≥ N of different reference samples for the first thread and Nmax ≥ N' of different reference samples for the second thread,
    - Measuring an electrical parameter on the respective circuit in response to each of the reference samples, and
    - Analysing the measuring results of each reference sample and, from this, determining the total number N of light modules (10, 12) for the first thread and the total number N' for the second thread, and their respective operating state; and,
    when the number of light modules (10) of the first thread and the number of light modules (12) of the second thread are the same, the light modules (10, 12) of the first and the second thread are synchronously controlled when the illumination device is in operation and,
    when the number of light modules (10) of one of the threads is greater than the number of the light modules (12) of the other thread, the size and the position of a gap of the light modules (12) of the other thread is determined, and, when the illumination device is in operation, the light modules (10, 12) of the first and the second thread are controlled depending on the determined size and the determined position of the gap and a light module (10) of the one thread is allocated to each light module (12) of the other thread in such a way that the light modules (10) of the one thread which no light modules (12) of the other thread have been allocated to are arranged in the region of the gap of the light modules (12) of the other thread, and,
    when the illumination device is in operation, the light modules (10, 12) of the first and the second thread are controlled in such a way that light modules (10, 12), allocated to one another, of the one and the other thread simultaneously illuminate, and no light modules (12) of the other thread illuminate, when the light modules (10) of the one thread illuminate which no light modules (12) of the other thread are allocated to.
  2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising:
    determining, by means of the operating state, whether one or more illumination elements (10, 12), with which the light modules are equipped, are defective.
  3. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the detection is carried out simultaneously or sequentially in two or more separate threads of light modules (10, 12).
  4. Method according to claim 3,
    wherein interruptions in a thread are determined by the comparison of the results for separate threads.
  5. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the reference sample is chosen in such a way that in each case only one light module (10, 12) is switched on, and the remaining light modules (10, 12) are switched off.
  6. Method according to claim 5,
    wherein a light module (10, 12) shortens the reference sample by the value relating to this light module (10, 12), and the reference sample is then forwarded to the next light module (10, 12).
  7. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the electrical parameter is a current strength or a voltage.
  8. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the individually controllable light modules (10, 12) can be equipped with one or more LEDs as light elements.
  9. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the size and the position of the gap is calculated by means of the difference in the number of light modules (10, 12) of the one and the other thread.
  10. Method according to one of claims 2 to 9,
    wherein the detected configuration of the light modules (10, 12) of the first and the second thread is stored, and, in the event of an interruption of the operation of the vehicle treatment system (20) designed as a washing system, it is determined whether one light module or whether several light modules are defective.
  11. Vehicle treatment system (20) having
    a first thread, which comprises a number N of light modules (10) that are connected in series, individually controllable and each equipped with at least one light element, a second thread, which comprises a further number N' of light modules (12) that are connected in series, individually controllable and each equipped with at least one light element,
    wherein the light modules (10, 12) are respectively connected within a thread by means of a circuit, characterised in that the vehicle treatment system comprises a device for detecting the configuration of the light modules (10, 12) of the first and the second thread, having:
    a control unit (2), which is designed in such a way that it supplies the light modules (10, 12) with a number Nmax ≥ N of different reference samples for the first thread and Nmax ≥ N' of different reference samples for the second thread,
    a measuring unit (4), which is designed in such a way that it measures an electrical parameter on the respective circuit in response to each of the reference samples, and
    an analysis unit (6), which is designed in such a way that it analyses the measuring results and, from these, determines the total number N of light modules (10, 12) for the first thread and the total number N' for the second thread, and its respective operating state; wherein
    the control unit (2) is further set up in such a way that,
    when the number of light modules (10) of the first thread and the number of light modules (12) of the second thread are the same, the light modules (10, 12) of the first and the second thread are synchronously controlled when the illumination device is in operation and,
    when the number of light modules (10) of one of the threads is greater than the number of light modules (12) of the other thread, the size and the position of a gap of the light modules (12) of the other thread is determined, and, when the illumination device is in operation, the light modules (10, 12) of the first and the second thread are controlled depending on the determined size and the determined position of the gap, and a light module (10) of the one thread is allocated to each light module (12) of the other thread in such a way that the light modules (10) of the one thread, which no light modules (12) of the other thread are allocated to, are arranged in the region of the gap of the light modules (12) of the other thread, and,
    when the illumination device is in operation, the light modules (10, 12) of the first and the second thread are controlled in such a way that light modules (10, 12), allocated to one another, of the one and the other thread illuminate simultaneously, and no light modules (12) of the other thread illuminate when the light modules (10) of the one thread illuminate, which no light modules (12) of the other thread are allocated to.
  12. Vehicle treatment system (20) according to claim 11,
    wherein the first thread comprises a first wheel guide rail (15, 16) on a driver side and the second thread comprises a second wheel guide rail (15, 16) on a passenger side.
EP17707278.2A 2016-03-03 2017-02-24 Method and device for automatically detecting the configuration of lamp elements connected in series Active EP3424275B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016103871.7A DE102016103871A1 (en) 2016-03-03 2016-03-03 Method and device for automatically detecting the configuration of luminous elements connected in series
PCT/EP2017/054305 WO2017148811A1 (en) 2016-03-03 2017-02-24 Method and device for automatically detecting the configuration of lamp elements connected in series

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EP3424275A1 EP3424275A1 (en) 2019-01-09
EP3424275B1 true EP3424275B1 (en) 2020-05-27

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DE (1) DE102016103871A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2808967T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2017148811A1 (en)

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WO2022121114A1 (en) * 2020-12-11 2022-06-16 萤火虫（深圳）灯光科技有限公司 Lighting module control method, lighting module, electronic device, and storage medium

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DE19832550B4 (en) * 1998-07-21 2004-06-03 Jens Wich Luminaire for emergency lighting system and method for programming the lamp
DE102008044666A1 (en) * 2008-08-28 2010-03-11 Erich Jaeger Gmbh & Co. Kg Lights e.g. lamps, testing method for e.g. motor vehicle trailer, involves measuring comparison current value, and testing function of lights based on comparison of value of current flowing through lights with measured value
DE102009027326A1 (en) * 2009-01-05 2010-07-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh Circuit arrangement for detecting breakdown of electrical load, particularly in electrical system of motor vehicle, is provided with sensor device, driver unit and shunt
DE102010033633B4 (en) * 2010-08-06 2012-03-15 Seuffer Gmbh & Co.Kg Power-on control method and power-on control device
DE102011053491A1 (en) * 2011-04-04 2012-10-04 Jb-Lighting Lichtanlagentechnik Gmbh Headlamps with LEDs
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DE102012222652A1 (en) * 2012-12-10 2014-06-12 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for preventing accidents in street lighting systems to avoid current peak, involves turning on two road lamps at different times, and recording two road lamps of electrical characteristics
DE102013110838B3 (en) * 2013-09-30 2015-02-12 Pintsch Bamag Antriebs- Und Verkehrstechnik Gmbh Arrangement and method for monitoring a plurality of LED strands and LED light with such an arrangement
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WO2017148811A1 (en) 2017-09-08
EP3424275A1 (en) 2019-01-09
ES2808967T3 (en) 2021-03-02

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