EP3525552B1 - Circuit arrangement for switching on and off at least two light strands for a vehicle headlight electrically connected in parallel - Google Patents

Circuit arrangement for switching on and off at least two light strands for a vehicle headlight electrically connected in parallel Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3525552B1
EP3525552B1 EP18155962.6A EP18155962A EP3525552B1 EP 3525552 B1 EP3525552 B1 EP 3525552B1 EP 18155962 A EP18155962 A EP 18155962A EP 3525552 B1 EP3525552 B1 EP 3525552B1
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European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
luminous
circuit arrangement
parallel
strings
string
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3525552A1 (en
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Christian Guth
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ZKW Group GmbH
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ZKW Group GmbH
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Priority to EP18155962.6A priority Critical patent/EP3525552B1/en
Priority to CN201910103130.0A priority patent/CN110139421A/en
Publication of EP3525552A1 publication Critical patent/EP3525552A1/en
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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]
    • 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]
    • H05B45/30—Driver circuits
    • H05B45/37—Converter circuits

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a circuit arrangement for alternately switching on and off at least two lighting strands connected electrically in parallel for a vehicle headlight, comprising a parallel circuit, having at least two lighting strands connected electrically in parallel, each lighting strand consisting of a number of light sources electrically connected in series with one another, at least one energy source for supplying the parallel circuit, wherein a first of the at least two electrically parallel-connected lighting strands has a working area with a lower voltage limit and an upper voltage limit for operating the first lighting strand, and wherein a second of the at least two electrically parallel-connected lighting strands has a working area with a lower voltage limit and an upper voltage limit Operation of the second lighting strand, the upper voltage limit of the first lighting strand being below the lower voltage limit of the second lighting strand, the first lighting strand being connected in series with a switching element.
  • Circuit arrangements for switching lighting strands on and off alternately are from the documents EP 3 193 564 A1 as well as US 2018/014368 A1
  • the invention further relates to a lighting device with a circuit arrangement according to the invention and a vehicle headlight with a lighting device according to the invention.
  • An object of the invention is therefore to create a reliable and cost-effective circuit arrangement which makes it possible to effect a change in the operation of at least two strands based on the presence of only a single switching signal.
  • a number of means a number which can be, for example, one, two, three, four or more, in particular six, eight, ten, twelve or more than twelve.
  • the person skilled in the art is able to select the number of respective light sources in accordance with the intended use of the circuit arrangement.
  • all light sources of the LED lighting strands are identical in construction and in particular are equipped with a fixed forward voltage.
  • the number of LEDs connected in series in the lighting strands differs from one another, and in particular it can be provided that the LEDs of all lighting strands are identical in construction. In this way, lighting strands can be created in a very efficient and simple manner that have different working areas in terms of their operating voltage.
  • the number of LEDs connected in series in the at least two lighting strands is the same, with the forward voltages of the LEDs of the two lighting strands differing from one another, in such a way that the upper voltage limit of the first lighting strand is below the lower voltage limit of the second light strand.
  • the energy source is a constant current source.
  • the strings can have the same rated current, and the output current of the constant current source can be rated current, so that only one string can be supplied at a time.
  • the switching element is a relay or a transistor, in particular a MOSFET or a bipolar transistor.
  • the switching voltage of the switching element is between 5 V and 24 V.
  • the voltage provided by the energy source in the parallel connection is between 2 and 60 V, in particular between 5 and 24 V. This operating range is particularly advantageous for use in the automotive sector.
  • the invention further relates to a lighting device, comprising at least one circuit arrangement according to the invention, and to a vehicle headlight, in particular a motor vehicle headlight, comprising a lighting device according to the invention.
  • Figure 1 a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement according to the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a circuit arrangement 1 according to the invention.
  • the circuit arrangement 1 is set up and includes for the alternating switching on and off of at least two lighting strands 2 and 3 connected electrically in parallel for a vehicle headlight a parallel circuit 4, having at least two lighting strands electrically connected in parallel, namely a first lighting strand 2 and a second lighting strand 3, and at least one energy source 5 for supplying the parallel circuit 4.
  • the first lighting strand 2 has a working area with a lower voltage limit and an upper voltage limit for operating the first lighting strand, which are given by the sums of the lower voltage limits or upper voltage limits of the light sources 7 connected in series in the strand, which can in particular be designed as LEDs.
  • the second lighting strand 3 has an increased number of light sources compared to the first lighting strand 2 and thus the lower and upper voltage limits for operating the second lighting strand 3 are correspondingly higher than in the first lighting strand 2.
  • the number and voltage values of the lamps are selected so that the lower voltage limit of the second lighting strand 3 is above the upper voltage limit of the first lighting strand 2.
  • the first lighting strand 2 is connected in series with a switching element 6, which is designed to be switched between an electrically conductive and an electrically blocking state via an external switching signal S ext .
  • the parallel circuit 4 is connected to the energy source 5 in such a way and/or the energy source 5 is designed in such a way that when the switching element 6 is in a conductive state, the voltage U p applied to the parallel circuit 4 lies within the working range of the first lighting strand 2 and thereby the first lighting strand 2 is switched on and the second lighting strand 3 is switched off, and that in a non-conducting state of the switching element 6, the voltage Up applied to the parallel circuit 4 is raised towards the working range of the second lighting strand 3 and thus the first lighting strand 2 is switched off and the second lighting strand 3 is switched on .
  • the total forward voltage i.e.
  • the working range of the first lighting strand 2 can be between 13.5 V and 17.5 V (the lower voltage limit here is therefore 13.5 V and the upper voltage limit is therefore 17, 5 V) and when using ten LED light sources in the second lighting strand 3, the working range of the second lighting strand is between 27 V and 35V (the lower voltage limit here is therefore 27 V and the upper voltage limit is therefore 35 V).
  • switching the switching element 6 through causes the voltage of the constant current source to adjust in such a way that the rated current flows into the first strand 2.
  • the voltage will therefore be between 13.5 V and 17.5 V and will not exceed this value since the nominal current I N is already flowing. Only when the switching element 6 is switched off will it interrupt the connection to the first lighting strand 2, whereby the voltage Up is increased until the rated current I N flows through the second strand 3.
  • the voltage Up is now within the working range of the second lighting strand 3.

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  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Schaltungsanordnung zum wechselseitigen Ein- und Ausschalten zumindest zweier elektrisch parallel geschalteter Leuchtstränge für einen Fahrzeugscheinwerfer, umfassend eine Parallelschaltung, aufweisend zumindest zwei elektrisch parallel geschaltete Leuchtstränge, wobei jeder Leuchtstrang aus einer Anzahl miteinander elektrisch in Serie geschalteten Lichtquellen besteht, zumindest eine Energiequelle zur Versorgung der Parallelschaltung, wobei ein erster der zumindest zwei elektrisch parallel geschalteten Leuchtstränge einen Arbeitsbereich mit einer Spannungsuntergrenze und einer Spannungsobergrenze zum Betrieb des ersten Leuchtstranges aufweist, und wobei ein zweiter der zumindest zwei elektrisch parallel geschalteten Leuchtstränge einen Arbeitsbereich mit einer Spannungsuntergrenze und einer Spannungsobergrenze zum Betrieb des zweiten Leuchtstranges aufweist, wobei die Spannungsobergrenze des ersten Leuchtstranges unterhalb der Spannungsuntergrenze des zweiten Leuchtstranges liegt, wobei der erste Leuchtstrang mit einem Schaltelement in Serie geschaltet ist. Schaltungsanordnungen zum wechselseitigen Ein- und Ausschalten von Leuchtsträngen sind aus den Dokumenten EP 3 193 564 A1 sowie US 2018/014368 A1 bekannt geworden.The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for alternately switching on and off at least two lighting strands connected electrically in parallel for a vehicle headlight, comprising a parallel circuit, having at least two lighting strands connected electrically in parallel, each lighting strand consisting of a number of light sources electrically connected in series with one another, at least one energy source for supplying the parallel circuit, wherein a first of the at least two electrically parallel-connected lighting strands has a working area with a lower voltage limit and an upper voltage limit for operating the first lighting strand, and wherein a second of the at least two electrically parallel-connected lighting strands has a working area with a lower voltage limit and an upper voltage limit Operation of the second lighting strand, the upper voltage limit of the first lighting strand being below the lower voltage limit of the second lighting strand, the first lighting strand being connected in series with a switching element. Circuit arrangements for switching lighting strands on and off alternately are from the documents EP 3 193 564 A1 as well as US 2018/014368 A1 known.

Weiters betrifft die Erfindung eine Leuchtvorrichtung mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Schaltungsanordnung sowie einen Fahrzeugscheinwerfer mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Leuchtvorrichtung.The invention further relates to a lighting device with a circuit arrangement according to the invention and a vehicle headlight with a lighting device according to the invention.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind Schaltungsanordnungen bekannt geworden, bei denen jedem Lichtquellenstrang ein Schaltelement zum Ein- und Ausschalten desselben zugeordnet ist. Um einen Lichtwechsel von einem Strang auf einen anderen Strang zu bewerkstelligen, war es bisher erforderlich, dass zwei Signale übertragen werden müssen, nämlich ein erstes Schaltsignal zum Deaktivieren des Schaltelements eines ersten Stranges und ein zweites Schaltsignal zum Aktivieren des Schaltelements eines zweiten Stranges. Alternative Bauweisen, die z.B. durch Wechselschalter umfassen könnten, sind entweder für Fahrzeugscheinwerferanwendungen ungeeignet, oder kostenintensiv.Circuit arrangements have become known from the prior art, in which each light source strand is assigned a switching element for switching it on and off. In order to achieve a light change from one strand to another strand, it was previously necessary for two signals to be transmitted, namely a first switching signal for deactivating the switching element of a first strand and a second switching signal for activating the switching element of a second strand. Alternative designs, which could include toggle switches, for example, are either unsuitable for vehicle headlight applications or are costly.

Eine Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht daher darin, eine zuverlässige und kostengünstige Schaltungsanordnung zu schaffen, die es ermöglicht anhand des Vorliegens lediglich eines einzigen Schaltsignals einen Wechsel des Betriebs zumindest zweier Stränge zu bewirken.An object of the invention is therefore to create a reliable and cost-effective circuit arrangement which makes it possible to effect a change in the operation of at least two strands based on the presence of only a single switching signal.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Schaltungsanordnung gemäß Anspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a circuit arrangement according to claim 1.

Dadurch kann auf das Vorsehen eines zweiten Schaltelements verzichtet werden, indem ermöglicht wird, bereits durch ein einziges Schaltelement, das lediglich zwischen den Zuständen "leitend" und "nicht leitend" geschaltet werden kann, das wechselweise Schalten zwischen zumindest zwei Strängen zu ermöglichen, wobei zur Ansteuerung lediglich eine einzige Signalleitung, die sich auf ein Bezugspotential bezieht (z.B. Massepotential in einem Fahrzeug) ausreicht.This makes it possible to dispense with the provision of a second switching element by making it possible to enable alternating switching between at least two strands using a single switching element, which can only be switched between the states "conducting" and "non-conducting", whereby for Only a single signal line that refers to a reference potential (e.g. ground potential in a vehicle) is sufficient.

Unter dem Ausdruck "eine Anzahl von" wird im Rahmen dieser Offenbarung - sofern nicht anders angegeben - eine Anzahl verstanden, die beispielsweise eins, zwei, drei, vier oder mehr, insbesondere sechs, acht, zehn, zwölf oder mehr als zwölf betragen kann. Der Fachmann ist in der Lage, die Anzahl der jeweiligen Lichtquellen angepasst an den Einsatzweck der Schaltungsanordnung entsprechend zu wählen.In the context of this disclosure - unless otherwise stated - the expression "a number of" means a number which can be, for example, one, two, three, four or more, in particular six, eight, ten, twelve or more than twelve. The person skilled in the art is able to select the number of respective light sources in accordance with the intended use of the circuit arrangement.

Vorzugsweise kann vorgesehen sein, dass sämtliche Lichtquellen der Leuchtstränge LEDs baugleich und insbesondere mit festgelegter Durchlassspannung ausgestattet sind.Preferably, it can be provided that all light sources of the LED lighting strands are identical in construction and in particular are equipped with a fixed forward voltage.

Zudem kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Anzahl der in den Leuchtsträngen in Serie geschalteten LEDs voneinander abweicht, wobei insbesondere vorgesehen sein kann, dass die LEDs sämtlicher Leuchtstränge baugleich sind. Auf diese Weise können auf sehr effiziente und einfache Weise Leuchtstränge geschaffen werden, die unterschiedliche Arbeitsbereiche hinsichtlich ihrer Betriebsspannung aufweisen.In addition, it can be provided that the number of LEDs connected in series in the lighting strands differs from one another, and in particular it can be provided that the LEDs of all lighting strands are identical in construction. In this way, lighting strands can be created in a very efficient and simple manner that have different working areas in terms of their operating voltage.

Alternativ dazu kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Anzahl der in den zumindest zwei Leuchtsträngen in Serie geschalteten LEDs gleich ist, wobei die Durchlassspannungen der LEDs der zwei Leuchtstränge voneinander abweichen, und zwar auf eine Weise, dass die wobei die Spannungsobergrenze des ersten Leuchtstranges unterhalb der Spannungsuntergrenze des zweiten Leuchtstranges liegt.Alternatively, it can be provided that the number of LEDs connected in series in the at least two lighting strands is the same, with the forward voltages of the LEDs of the two lighting strands differing from one another, in such a way that the upper voltage limit of the first lighting strand is below the lower voltage limit of the second light strand.

Zudem kann vorgesehen sein, dass Energiequelle eine Konstantstromquelle ist. Auf diese Weise kann z.B. eine Anordnung besonders einfach realisiert werden, in der im Falle eines Einschaltens des ersten Stranges der gesamte durch die Energiequelle gelieferte Strom durch den ersten Strang aufgenommen wird und dementsprechend die an der Parallelschaltung anliegende Spannung im Arbeitsbereich des ersten Stranges liegt. Beispielsweise können die Stränge gleichen Nennstrom aufweisen, und der Ausgangsstrom der Konstantstromquelle kann Nennstrom betragen, sodass immer nur ein Strang zur selben Zeit versorgt werden kann.In addition, it can be provided that the energy source is a constant current source. In this way, for example, an arrangement can be implemented particularly easily in which, when the first strand is switched on, the entire current supplied by the energy source is absorbed by the first strand and accordingly the voltage applied to the parallel circuit is in the working range of the first strand. For example, the strings can have the same rated current, and the output current of the constant current source can be rated current, so that only one string can be supplied at a time.

Günstigerweise kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Schaltelement ein Relais oder ein Transistor, insbesondere ein MOSFET- oder ein Bipolar-Transistor, ist.Advantageously, it can be provided that the switching element is a relay or a transistor, in particular a MOSFET or a bipolar transistor.

Zudem kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Schaltspannung des Schaltelements zwischen 5 V und 24V beträgt.In addition, it can be provided that the switching voltage of the switching element is between 5 V and 24 V.

Zudem kann vorgesehen sein, dass die durch die Energiequelle zur Verfügung gestellte an der Parallelschaltung anliegende Spannung zwischen 2 und 60 V, insbesondere zwischen 5 und 24V, beträgt. Dieser Betriebsbereich ist insbesondere für die Anwendung im Automobilbereich vorteilhaft.In addition, it can be provided that the voltage provided by the energy source in the parallel connection is between 2 and 60 V, in particular between 5 and 24 V. This operating range is particularly advantageous for use in the automotive sector.

Die Erfindung betrifft ferner Leuchtvorrichtung, umfassend zumindest eine erfindungsgemäße Schaltungsanordnung, sowie einen Fahrzeugscheinwerfer, insbesondere einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer, umfassend eine erfindungsgemäße Leuchtvorrichtung.The invention further relates to a lighting device, comprising at least one circuit arrangement according to the invention, and to a vehicle headlight, in particular a motor vehicle headlight, comprising a lighting device according to the invention.

Die Erfindung ist im Folgenden anhand einer beispielhaften und nicht einschränkenden Ausführungsform näher erläutert, die in der Figur veranschaulicht ist. Darin zeigt
Figur 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Schaltungsanordnung.The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary and non-restrictive embodiment, which is illustrated in the figure. In it shows
Figure 1 a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement according to the invention.

Figur 1 zeigt eine Schaltungsanordnung 1 gemäß der Erfindung. Die Schaltungsanordnung 1 ist zum wechselseitigen Ein- und Ausschalten zumindest zweier elektrisch parallel geschalteter Leuchtstränge 2 und 3 für einen Fahrzeugscheinwerfer eingerichtet und umfasst eine Parallelschaltung 4, aufweisend zumindest zwei elektrisch parallel geschaltete Leuchtstränge, nämlich eines ersten Leuchtstranges 2 und eines zweiten Leuchtstranges 3, und zumindest eine Energiequelle 5 zur Versorgung der Parallelschaltung 4. Der erste Leuchtstrang 2 weist einen Arbeitsbereich mit einer Spannungsuntergrenze und einer Spannungsobergrenze zum Betrieb des ersten Leuchtstranges auf, die durch die Summen der Spannungsuntergrenzen bzw. Spannungsobergrenzen der in dem Strang in Serie geschalteten Lichtquellen 7, die insbesondere als LEDs ausgeführt sein können, gegeben sind. Figure 1 shows a circuit arrangement 1 according to the invention. The circuit arrangement 1 is set up and includes for the alternating switching on and off of at least two lighting strands 2 and 3 connected electrically in parallel for a vehicle headlight a parallel circuit 4, having at least two lighting strands electrically connected in parallel, namely a first lighting strand 2 and a second lighting strand 3, and at least one energy source 5 for supplying the parallel circuit 4. The first lighting strand 2 has a working area with a lower voltage limit and an upper voltage limit for operating the first lighting strand, which are given by the sums of the lower voltage limits or upper voltage limits of the light sources 7 connected in series in the strand, which can in particular be designed as LEDs.

Gleiches trifft in analoger Weise auf den zweiten Leuchtstrang 3 zu, wobei der zweite Leuchtstrang eine gegenüber dem ersten Leuchtstrang 2 erhöhte Anzahl von Lichtquellen aufweist und damit die Spannungsuntergrenze und Spannungsobergrenze zum Betrieb des zweiten Leuchtstrangs 3 entsprechend höher als bei dem ersten Leuchtstrang 2 ist. Konkret sind Anzahl und Spannungswerte der Leuchtmittel so gewählt, dass die Spannungsuntergrenze des zweiten Leuchtstranges 3 oberhalb der Spannungsobergrenze des ersten Leuchtstranges 2 liegt.The same applies in an analogous manner to the second lighting strand 3, whereby the second lighting strand has an increased number of light sources compared to the first lighting strand 2 and thus the lower and upper voltage limits for operating the second lighting strand 3 are correspondingly higher than in the first lighting strand 2. Specifically, the number and voltage values of the lamps are selected so that the lower voltage limit of the second lighting strand 3 is above the upper voltage limit of the first lighting strand 2.

Der erste Leuchtstrang 2 ist mit einem Schaltelement 6 in Serie geschaltet, das dazu eingerichtet ist, über ein externes Schaltsignal Sext zwischen einen elektrisch leitendenden und einen elektrisch sperrenden Zustand geschaltet zu werden.The first lighting strand 2 is connected in series with a switching element 6, which is designed to be switched between an electrically conductive and an electrically blocking state via an external switching signal S ext .

Die Parallelschaltung 4 ist mit der Energiequelle 5 dergestalt verbunden und/oder die Energiequelle 5 ist dergestalt ausgelegt, dass in einem leitenden Zustand des Schaltelements 6 die an der Parallelschaltung 4 anliegende Spannung Up innerhalb des Arbeitsbereichs des ersten Leuchtstranges 2 liegt und dadurch der erste Leuchtstrang 2 eingeschaltet und der zweite Leuchtstrang 3 ausgeschaltet ist, und dass in einem nichtleitenden Zustand des Schaltelements 6 die an der Parallelschaltung 4 anliegende Spannung Up hin zu den Arbeitsbereich des zweiten Leuchtstranges 3 angehoben und damit der erste Leuchtstrang 2 ausgeschaltet und der zweite Leuchtstrang 3 eingeschaltet ist. Beispielsweise kann bei Verwendung von fünf LED Lichtquellen im ersten Leuchtstrang 2 die Summenvorwärtsspannung, also der Arbeitsbereich des ersten Leuchtstranges 2, zwischen 13,5 V und 17,5 V (die Spannungsuntergrenze beträgt hier demnach 13,5 V und die Spannungsobergrenze beträgt demnach 17,5 V) betragen und bei Verwendung von zehn LED Lichtquellen im zweiten Leuchtstrang 3 der Arbeitsbereich des zweiten Leuchtstranges entsprechend zwischen 27 V und 35V (die Spannungsuntergrenze beträgt hier demnach 27 V und die Spannungsobergrenze beträgt demnach 35 V) liegen. Werden solche Stränge z.B. über eine Konstantstromquelle versorgt, dessen Ausgangsstrom gleich dem Nennstrom eines Stranges ist, so bewirkt ein Durchschalten des Schaltelements 6, dass sich die Spannung der Konstantstromquelle derart einstellt, dass der Nennstrom in den ersten Strang 2 fließt. Die Spannung wird daher zwischen 13,5 V und 17,5 V betragen und diesen Wert nicht übersteigen, da bereits der Nennstrom IN fließt. Erst im Falle eines Ausschaltens des Schaltelements 6 wird dieses die Verbindung mit dem ersten Leuchtstrang 2 unterbrechen, wodurch die Spannung Up erhöht wird, bis der Nennstrom IN durch den zweiten Strang 3 fließt. Die Spannung Up liegt nun innerhalb des Arbeitsbereichs des zweiten Leuchtstranges 3.The parallel circuit 4 is connected to the energy source 5 in such a way and/or the energy source 5 is designed in such a way that when the switching element 6 is in a conductive state, the voltage U p applied to the parallel circuit 4 lies within the working range of the first lighting strand 2 and thereby the first lighting strand 2 is switched on and the second lighting strand 3 is switched off, and that in a non-conducting state of the switching element 6, the voltage Up applied to the parallel circuit 4 is raised towards the working range of the second lighting strand 3 and thus the first lighting strand 2 is switched off and the second lighting strand 3 is switched on . For example, when using five LED light sources in the first lighting strand 2, the total forward voltage, i.e. the working range of the first lighting strand 2, can be between 13.5 V and 17.5 V (the lower voltage limit here is therefore 13.5 V and the upper voltage limit is therefore 17, 5 V) and when using ten LED light sources in the second lighting strand 3, the working range of the second lighting strand is between 27 V and 35V (the lower voltage limit here is therefore 27 V and the upper voltage limit is therefore 35 V). If such strands are supplied, for example, via a constant current source whose output current is equal to the rated current of a strand, switching the switching element 6 through causes the voltage of the constant current source to adjust in such a way that the rated current flows into the first strand 2. The voltage will therefore be between 13.5 V and 17.5 V and will not exceed this value since the nominal current I N is already flowing. Only when the switching element 6 is switched off will it interrupt the connection to the first lighting strand 2, whereby the voltage Up is increased until the rated current I N flows through the second strand 3. The voltage Up is now within the working range of the second lighting strand 3.

In Anbetracht dieser Lehre ist der Fachmann in der Lage, ohne erfinderisches Zutun zu anderen, nicht gezeigten Ausführungsformen der Erfindung zu gelangen. Die Erfindung ist daher nicht auf die gezeigte Ausführungsform beschränkt. Auch können einzelne Aspekte der Erfindung bzw. der Ausführungsform aufgegriffen und miteinander kombiniert werden.In view of this teaching, the person skilled in the art is able to arrive at other, not shown, embodiments of the invention without any inventive intervention. The invention is therefore not limited to the embodiment shown. Individual aspects of the invention or the embodiment can also be taken up and combined with one another.

Etwaige Bezugszeichen in den Ansprüchen sind beispielhaft und dienen nur der einfacheren Lesbarkeit der Ansprüche, ohne diese einzuschränken.Any reference symbols in the claims are exemplary and only serve to make the claims easier to read, without limiting them.

Claims (11)

  1. Circuit arrangement (1) for alternately switching on and off at least two light strings connected electrically in parallel for a vehicle headlamp, comprising
    - a parallel circuit, having at least two luminous strings connected electrically in parallel, each luminous string comprising a number of light sources (7) connected electrically in series with one another
    - at least one energy source (5) for supplying the parallel circuit (4),
    wherein a first (2) of the at least two luminous strings (2, 3) connected electrically in parallel has a working range with a voltage lower limit and a voltage upper limit for operating the first luminous string (2)
    and wherein a second (3) of the at least two luminous strings (2, 3) connected electrically in parallel has a working range with a voltage lower limit and a voltage upper limit for operating the second luminous string (3), wherein the voltage upper limit of the first luminous string (2) is below the voltage lower limit of the second luminous string (3), the first luminous string being connected in series with a switching element (6), the circuit arrangement (1) being set up to bring about a change in the operation of at least two strings (2, 3) on the basis of the presence of only a single external switching signal (Sext), in that the parallel circuit (4) is connected to the energy source (5) in such a way and/or the energy source (5) is designed in such a way
    - that in a conductive state of the switching element (6) the voltage applied to the parallel circuit (4) is within the operating range of the first luminous string (2) and thereby the first luminous string (2) is switched on and the second luminous string (3) is switched off, and
    - in that, in a non-conducting state of the switching element (6), the voltage applied to the parallel circuit (4) is raised towards the operating range of the second luminous string (3) and thus the first luminous string (2) is switched off and the second luminous string (3) is switched on.
  2. Circuit arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein all light sources (7) of the luminous strings are LEDs.
  3. Circuit arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein the LEDs of all luminous strings (2, 3) are identical in construction.
  4. Circuit arrangement (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the number of LEDs connected in series in the light strings (2, 3) differs from one another.
  5. Circuit arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein the number of LEDs connected in series in the at least two luminous strings (2, 3) is the same, wherein the forward voltages of the LEDs of the two luminous strings (2, 3) differ from one another.
  6. Circuit arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy source (5) is a constant current source.
  7. Circuit arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching element (6) is a relay or a transistor, in particular a MOSFET or a bipolar transistor.
  8. Circuit arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching voltage (6) of the switching element is between 5 V and 24V.
  9. Circuit arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the voltage provided by the energy source (5) and applied to the parallel circuit (4) is between 2V and 60V.
  10. Lighting device, comprising at least one circuit arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
  11. Vehicle headlamp, in particular motor vehicle headlamp, comprising a lighting device according to claim 10.
EP18155962.6A 2018-02-09 2018-02-09 Circuit arrangement for switching on and off at least two light strands for a vehicle headlight electrically connected in parallel Active EP3525552B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18155962.6A EP3525552B1 (en) 2018-02-09 2018-02-09 Circuit arrangement for switching on and off at least two light strands for a vehicle headlight electrically connected in parallel
CN201910103130.0A CN110139421A (en) 2018-02-09 2019-02-01 Alternating turns on and off the circuit device of at least two electrically in parallel lamp branches of headlight

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18155962.6A EP3525552B1 (en) 2018-02-09 2018-02-09 Circuit arrangement for switching on and off at least two light strands for a vehicle headlight electrically connected in parallel

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3525552A1 EP3525552A1 (en) 2019-08-14
EP3525552B1 true EP3525552B1 (en) 2023-10-11

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CN (1) CN110139421A (en)

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN100525562C (en) * 2007-02-17 2009-08-05 深圳市纯英新时代科技有限公司 LED lamp component circuit unit and compound serial LED lamp circuit
US8710754B2 (en) * 2011-09-12 2014-04-29 Juno Manufacturing Llc Dimmable LED light fixture having adjustable color temperature
JP2014157744A (en) * 2013-02-15 2014-08-28 Panasonic Corp Light emitting circuit, light emitting module and lighting apparatus
DE102013207245B4 (en) * 2013-04-22 2015-12-03 Osram Gmbh Control of semiconductor light elements and lamp, luminaire or lighting system with such control
US10182486B2 (en) * 2014-09-08 2019-01-15 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. LED drive circuit
US20180014368A1 (en) * 2015-01-13 2018-01-11 Philips Lighting Holding B.V. Operation of led lighting elements under control with a light sensitive element

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN110139421A (en) 2019-08-16
EP3525552A1 (en) 2019-08-14

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