EP3666041A1 - System for operating an electronic light arrangement - Google Patents

System for operating an electronic light arrangement

Info

Publication number
EP3666041A1
EP3666041A1 EP17755109.0A EP17755109A EP3666041A1 EP 3666041 A1 EP3666041 A1 EP 3666041A1 EP 17755109 A EP17755109 A EP 17755109A EP 3666041 A1 EP3666041 A1 EP 3666041A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
buck
light
group
emitting devices
voltage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP17755109.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3666041B1 (en
Inventor
Michael Feldgen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hella GmbH and Co KGaA
Original Assignee
Hella GmbH and Co KGaA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hella GmbH and Co KGaA filed Critical Hella GmbH and Co KGaA
Publication of EP3666041A1 publication Critical patent/EP3666041A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3666041B1 publication Critical patent/EP3666041B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • H05B45/3725—Switched mode power supply [SMPS]
    • H05B45/375—Switched mode power supply [SMPS] using buck topology
    • 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
    • H05B45/3725—Switched mode power supply [SMPS]

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to a system for operating an electronic light
  • each group requiring a different current supply.
  • aforesaid object is achieved by a system for operating an electronic light arrangement, for example an arrangement with light-emitting devices, for instance LEDs or laser diodes or the like.
  • the system comprises:
  • an electronic buck-boost-device which is electrically connected to the primary group for providing a first constant (supply) current to the corresponding light- emitting devices of the primary group
  • At least one electronic buck-device which is electrically connected to the at least one secondary group for providing a second constant (supply) current to the corresponding light-emitting devices of the secondary group.
  • the buck-boost-device is electrically connected to the at least one buck-device for providing a constant voltage (particularly for operating the buck-device and/or the light-emitting devices of the at least one secondary group) by using a voltage drop across the light-emitting devices of the primary group.
  • the constant voltage is provided by the voltage drop of the primary group, particularly equals the voltage drop.
  • the "constant current” and/or “constant voltage” refers to a nearly constant current or voltage respectively, which may vary within a certain range.
  • a current or voltage that varies within a certain tolerance for instance in a range from 0.01 A (Ampere) to 1 A, especially from 0.1 A to 0.2 A, or in a range from 0.1 V (Volt) to 2 V, especially from 0.5 V to 1 V, is regarded as "constant”.
  • the buck-boost-device can for example provide the first constant current, which causes the voltage drop across the light-emitting devices of the primary group.
  • the constant voltage for operating the at least one buck-device equals and/or depends on the voltage drop, which is supplied to the buck-device by the connection between the buck-boost-device and the buck-device(s).
  • This can be a direct or indirect electrical connection, so that for instance other electronic
  • the buck-boost-device is configured as DC-DC- buck-boost-converter for operating as constant current driver.
  • DC-DC refers to a DC-to-DC converter that converts a source of direct current (DC) from one voltage level to another.
  • the buck-boost converter can be a type of DC-to-DC converter that has an output voltage magnitude that is either greater than or less than the input voltage magnitude.
  • the buck-boost-device is configured as a buck (step- down) converter combined with a boost (step-up) converter, which refers to a certain topology of a buck-boost-converter (also referred to as "four-switch buck-boost converter").
  • the buck-boost-converter can operate over a wide input range from 4.5 V to 75 V, preferably from 9 V to 60 V, particularly preferably from 20 V to 30 V, and can for example have further functions like an overvoltage protection or thermal shutdown or the like. Therefore, the buck-boost-device can provide a stable and safe operation for the light arrangement.
  • the buck-boost-device is electrically connected to a supply input of the at least one buck-device for providing an
  • the at least one buck-device is configured to step down the intermediate circuit voltage for providing a supply (operating) voltage for the at least one secondary group (that means the light-emitting devices of the secondary group), wherein particularly preferably the voltage drop depends on the first constant current and the type of light- emitting devices of the primary group, wherein for example the intermediate circuit voltage equals the voltage drop.
  • the assembly of light-emitting devices of the primary group can serve as a supplier for a very constant voltage for operating the at least one buck-device.
  • LEDs as light-emitting devices can provide a very constant voltage drop. Therefore, it is not necessary to use an additional regulation device for providing a constant supply voltage for the buck device(s), which can reduce costs and technical complexity.
  • an electrical primary potential is provided by the voltage drop (for instance a potential at the path through the light- emitting devices of the primary group), and the primary potential is electrically connected to a supply input of the at least one buck-device for providing a constant voltage for operating the at least one buck-device, wherein particularly the voltage drop is a voltage drop across a series connection of the light-emitting devices of the primary group. Therefore, it can be provided that the light-emitting devices of the primary and/or the secondary group(s) are connected in series such that the constant current provided by the buck-boost-device or the buck-device respectively is passed through a common current path of the light-emitting devices in series connection. This allows for a simple and cost-effective configuration of the arrangement.
  • a first buck-device is electrically connected to a first secondary group of the light arrangement for providing a constant current to the first secondary group
  • a second buck-device is electrically connected to a second secondary group of the light arrangement for providing a constant current to the second secondary group
  • both buck-devices are supplied by an intermediate circuit voltage provided by the buck-boost-device.
  • the at least one buck-device is configured as DC- DC-buck-converter for operating as constant current driver.
  • This can be a DC-to-DC power converter which steps down voltage (while stepping up current) from its input (supply) to its output.
  • the buck-device can have a lower complexity than the buck-boot-device. Therefore, costs and technical effort can be reduced when using (only) one buck-boost-converter and the voltage drop of the primary group for suppling downstream buck-devices with operation voltage.
  • the operation voltage of the buck-device(s) can be regulated by the light- emitting devices of the primary group.
  • at least one or at least two or at least three buck-devices can be provided, each connected to a corresponding secondary group. This allows for a highly flexible configuration of the light
  • each of the secondary groups comprises a smaller number of light-emitting devices than the primary group, particularly preferably the second secondary group comprises a smaller number of light-emitting devices than the first secondary group.
  • each secondary group can have lower energy consumption than the primary group. This allows for using the voltage drop of the primary group as supply voltage for each of the buck- devices.
  • the secondary group particularly each of the secondary groups, comprises light-emitting devices configured to be operated with a current lower than the current for operating the light-emitting devices of the primary group. Particularly, this can be the case if different light intensities are used for the different groups.
  • the group with the highest energy consumption can serve as primary group for providing a supply (operation) voltage to the buck-devices of the secondary group(s).
  • the system is configured as a LED driver circuit for operating the light arrangement, wherein preferably the light arrangement is configured as a LED arrangement, particularly as a projection arrangement for projecting an image onto a surface, particularly preferably used for a vehicle.
  • the light arrangement is configured as a LED arrangement, particularly as a projection arrangement for projecting an image onto a surface, particularly preferably used for a vehicle.
  • the vehicle can be configured as a forklift truck or truck or passenger vehicle or the like.
  • the primary group as a first group of light-emitting devices requires a supply current (provided by the buck-boost-device) in a range from 500 mA to 1200 mA, preferably from 700 mA to 1000 mA, particularly preferably 820 mA.
  • the secondary group (or a first secondary group) as a second group of light-emitting devices requires a supply current (provided by the buck-device or a first buck-device) in a range from 200 mA to 800 mA, preferably from 300 mA to 600 mA, particularly preferably 480 mA.
  • a second secondary group as a third group of light- emitting devices requires a supply current (provided by a second buck-device) in a range from 100 mA to 600 mA, preferably from 200 mA to 400 mA, particularly preferably 360 mA.
  • the input voltage for the buck-boost-device is in a range from 9 V to 60 V, wherein the buck-boost-device is configured to step up and step down the input voltage. Therefore, the buck-boost-device can ensure that a constant supply voltage is provided for other buck-devices as well as serving as constant current driver for a set of light-emitting devices. This can have the effect that a highly efficient system for operating a light arrangement can be provided. Also, the buck-devices can work very efficiently since the input voltage provided by the voltage drop is very constant. Additionally, the operational safety can be enhanced since the number of necessary electrical components can be reduced.
  • Fig. 1 a schematically block diagram of an assembly for operating a light arrangement
  • Fig. 2 a schematically block diagram of an inventive system
  • Fig. 3 a further schematically block diagram of an inventive system
  • FIG. 4 schematically an exemplary application of the inventive system.
  • same features always correspond to the same reference signs, therefore generally the features are only described once.
  • FIG 1 a further assembly for operating a light arrangement 2 is shown.
  • a main DC DC constant voltage stage 8 is used to provide a constant supply voltage PV.
  • the main DC DC constant voltage stage 8 is operated by an input voltage VCC.
  • VCC potential designations "VCC” and “PV” are used together with the respective ground potentials “GND DCDC” and “GND LED”. (Further ground potentials are “GND NTC” and “GND”).
  • the constant supply voltage (“PV” / "GND LED") is used for a main DC DC controller 9 and for two buck controllers 20a, 20b.
  • an inventive system 1 can reduce the number of electrical components, and particularly does not necessarily require the usage of an expensive and complex main DC DC constant voltage stage 8.
  • a buck-boost-device 10 is supplied by an input voltage ("VCC”, “GNDDCDC”) and provides a constant current at the outputs ("LED+” and “VCC”).
  • an optional sensor pin is provided (“CNTC”), which can be connected to at least one of the groups, for instance the primary group 2a and the secondary group(s) 2b, 2c.
  • Each group can comprise several light-emitting devices 30 that together form one light arrangement 2. It is also conceivable that the buck-boost-device 10 supports a temperature control function using the sensor pin CNTC.
  • the constant current output "LED+” is connected to the light-emitting devices 30 of the primary group 2a so that a voltage drop across the light-emitting devices 30 is effected (also shown in figure 3).
  • This voltage of the light-emitting devices 30 (or the primary group 2a respectively) can be used to supply a constant voltage for operating at least one buck-device 20.
  • This is achieved by connecting the buck-boost-device 10 with the at least one buck-device 20 (in particular the potential "LED+” and/or "VCC" is connected to each buck-device 20).
  • two buck-devices 20 exist, a first buck-device 20a and a second buck-device 20b.
  • the first buck-device 20a can be electrically connected to a first secondary group 2b by using potentials (or outputs) "LED2+” and “LED2-” and the second buck-device 20b can be connected to a second secondary group 2c by using potentials (or outputs) "LED3+” and “LED3-”.
  • the first buck-device 20a can provide a first secondary potential LED2+ and the second buck-device 20b can provide a second secondary potential LED3+.
  • the three groups of light-emitting devices 30 are exemplary shown.
  • the light-emitting devices 30 of each group can be in a series configuration so that the same current flows through the corresponding light-emitting devices 30.
  • the different groups can comprise a different number of light-emitting devices 30. This is made clear referring to figure 4, which shows a preferred application of the inventive system 1 .
  • a vehicle 5 is shown that comprise the inventive system 1 .
  • the light arrangement 2 is used to project an image 6 on the ground. As to see, light points having a higher distance from the vehicle 5 require a projection with higher intensity than light points having lower distance. Therefore, each group can be operated with a different supply current.

Landscapes

  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention is related to a system (1) for operating an electronic light arrangement (2), comprising: - the light arrangement (2) with one primary group (2a) and at least one secondary group (2b) of light-emitting devices (30), - an electronic buck-boost-device (10) which is electrically connected to the primary group (2a) for providing a first constant current to the corresponding light-emitting devices (30) of the primary group (2a), - at least one electronic buck-device (20) which is electrically connected to the at least one secondary group (2b) for providing a second constant current to the corresponding light-emitting devices (30) of the secondary group (2b).

Description

System for operating an electronic light arrangement
Description
The present invention is related to a system for operating an electronic light
arrangement.
It is known to offer systems for operating an electronic light arrangement, for instance using LED (light emitting diode) driver circuits or the like. It is important in this regard to ensure a constant voltage for the driver circuit so that a stable operation of the light arrangement is provided. In order to achieve this, it is known to use a constant voltage regulator which is connected to a further electronic device, which serves as a constant current driver for the light arrangement.
However, such an assembly is often expensive and technically complex. Additionally, it becomes further complex if different groups of LEDs are used in the light
arrangement, each group requiring a different current supply.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome aforesaid problems in systems for operating an electronic light arrangement at least partially. Particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an easy and cost-efficient solution for operating an electronic light arrangement, for example a LED arrangement.
Aforesaid object is achieved by a system according to independent claim 1 . Further features and details of the invention result from the subclaims, the description and the figures.
Particularly, aforesaid object is achieved by a system for operating an electronic light arrangement, for example an arrangement with light-emitting devices, for instance LEDs or laser diodes or the like. Preferably, the system comprises:
the light arrangement with (particularly exactly) one primary group of light-emitting devices and at least one secondary group of light-emitting devices, an electronic buck-boost-device which is electrically connected to the primary group for providing a first constant (supply) current to the corresponding light- emitting devices of the primary group,
at least one electronic buck-device which is electrically connected to the at least one secondary group for providing a second constant (supply) current to the corresponding light-emitting devices of the secondary group.
According to a further aspect of the invention the buck-boost-device is electrically connected to the at least one buck-device for providing a constant voltage (particularly for operating the buck-device and/or the light-emitting devices of the at least one secondary group) by using a voltage drop across the light-emitting devices of the primary group. In other words, the constant voltage is provided by the voltage drop of the primary group, particularly equals the voltage drop. This has the advantage that a very constant voltage can be provided for operating the buck-device and/or the secondary groups in an easy and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, it is not necessary to use an additional device for providing a constant supply voltage for the buck device.
Preferably, the "constant current" and/or "constant voltage" refers to a nearly constant current or voltage respectively, which may vary within a certain range. Particularly, also a current or voltage that varies within a certain tolerance, for instance in a range from 0.01 A (Ampere) to 1 A, especially from 0.1 A to 0.2 A, or in a range from 0.1 V (Volt) to 2 V, especially from 0.5 V to 1 V, is regarded as "constant".
The buck-boost-device can for example provide the first constant current, which causes the voltage drop across the light-emitting devices of the primary group.
Preferably, the constant voltage for operating the at least one buck-device equals and/or depends on the voltage drop, which is supplied to the buck-device by the connection between the buck-boost-device and the buck-device(s). This can be a direct or indirect electrical connection, so that for instance other electronic
components can be integrated in a current path of this connection between the buck- boost-device and the buck-device. Preferably, it can be provided that the buck-boost-device is configured as DC-DC- buck-boost-converter for operating as constant current driver. Here, "DC-DC" refers to a DC-to-DC converter that converts a source of direct current (DC) from one voltage level to another. The buck-boost converter can be a type of DC-to-DC converter that has an output voltage magnitude that is either greater than or less than the input voltage magnitude. For instance, the buck-boost-device is configured as a buck (step- down) converter combined with a boost (step-up) converter, which refers to a certain topology of a buck-boost-converter (also referred to as "four-switch buck-boost converter"). Particularly, the buck-boost-converter can operate over a wide input range from 4.5 V to 75 V, preferably from 9 V to 60 V, particularly preferably from 20 V to 30 V, and can for example have further functions like an overvoltage protection or thermal shutdown or the like. Therefore, the buck-boost-device can provide a stable and safe operation for the light arrangement.
It can be another aspect of the invention that the buck-boost-device is electrically connected to a supply input of the at least one buck-device for providing an
intermediate circuit voltage to the at least one buck-device, wherein particularly the at least one buck-device is configured to step down the intermediate circuit voltage for providing a supply (operating) voltage for the at least one secondary group (that means the light-emitting devices of the secondary group), wherein particularly preferably the voltage drop depends on the first constant current and the type of light- emitting devices of the primary group, wherein for example the intermediate circuit voltage equals the voltage drop. Surprisingly it has been found that the assembly of light-emitting devices of the primary group can serve as a supplier for a very constant voltage for operating the at least one buck-device. Particularly, LEDs as light-emitting devices can provide a very constant voltage drop. Therefore, it is not necessary to use an additional regulation device for providing a constant supply voltage for the buck device(s), which can reduce costs and technical complexity.
According to the invention, it can also be possible that an electrical primary potential is provided by the voltage drop (for instance a potential at the path through the light- emitting devices of the primary group), and the primary potential is electrically connected to a supply input of the at least one buck-device for providing a constant voltage for operating the at least one buck-device, wherein particularly the voltage drop is a voltage drop across a series connection of the light-emitting devices of the primary group. Therefore, it can be provided that the light-emitting devices of the primary and/or the secondary group(s) are connected in series such that the constant current provided by the buck-boost-device or the buck-device respectively is passed through a common current path of the light-emitting devices in series connection. This allows for a simple and cost-effective configuration of the arrangement.
It is also conceivable that a first buck-device is electrically connected to a first secondary group of the light arrangement for providing a constant current to the first secondary group, and a second buck-device is electrically connected to a second secondary group of the light arrangement for providing a constant current to the second secondary group, wherein both buck-devices are supplied by an intermediate circuit voltage provided by the buck-boost-device. This has the advantage that the buck-boost-device can serve as constant current driver for the primary group as well as intermediate circuit voltage supplier for operating the buck-devices, which reduces costs and complexity. Further, a further loss of efficiency is avoided since a separate constant voltage regulator for providing a constant supply voltage is not necessary.
Preferably, it can be provided that the at least one buck-device is configured as DC- DC-buck-converter for operating as constant current driver. This can be a DC-to-DC power converter which steps down voltage (while stepping up current) from its input (supply) to its output. However, the buck-device can have a lower complexity than the buck-boot-device. Therefore, costs and technical effort can be reduced when using (only) one buck-boost-converter and the voltage drop of the primary group for suppling downstream buck-devices with operation voltage.
Preferably, the operation voltage of the buck-device(s) can be regulated by the light- emitting devices of the primary group. Additionally, at least one or at least two or at least three buck-devices can be provided, each connected to a corresponding secondary group. This allows for a highly flexible configuration of the light
arrangement.
It is also conceivable that the secondary group, preferably each of the secondary groups, comprises a smaller number of light-emitting devices than the primary group, particularly preferably the second secondary group comprises a smaller number of light-emitting devices than the first secondary group. In other words, each secondary group can have lower energy consumption than the primary group. This allows for using the voltage drop of the primary group as supply voltage for each of the buck- devices.
According to another aspect of the invention, it is provided that the secondary group, particularly each of the secondary groups, comprises light-emitting devices configured to be operated with a current lower than the current for operating the light-emitting devices of the primary group. Particularly, this can be the case if different light intensities are used for the different groups. For instance, the group with the highest energy consumption can serve as primary group for providing a supply (operation) voltage to the buck-devices of the secondary group(s).
It can be provided that the system is configured as a LED driver circuit for operating the light arrangement, wherein preferably the light arrangement is configured as a LED arrangement, particularly as a projection arrangement for projecting an image onto a surface, particularly preferably used for a vehicle. This has the advantage that a highly efficient system for operation of the LED arrangement can be used since the projection of images onto a surface (for instance in front or behind the vehicle) requires different groups of LED, each requiring different currents for providing different light intensities. This allows for a uniformly projected image on the surface. Particularly, the vehicle can be configured as a forklift truck or truck or passenger vehicle or the like.
Particularly, the primary group as a first group of light-emitting devices requires a supply current (provided by the buck-boost-device) in a range from 500 mA to 1200 mA, preferably from 700 mA to 1000 mA, particularly preferably 820 mA. Preferably, the secondary group (or a first secondary group) as a second group of light-emitting devices requires a supply current (provided by the buck-device or a first buck-device) in a range from 200 mA to 800 mA, preferably from 300 mA to 600 mA, particularly preferably 480 mA. Preferably, a second secondary group as a third group of light- emitting devices requires a supply current (provided by a second buck-device) in a range from 100 mA to 600 mA, preferably from 200 mA to 400 mA, particularly preferably 360 mA.
It is conceivable that the input voltage for the buck-boost-device is in a range from 9 V to 60 V, wherein the buck-boost-device is configured to step up and step down the input voltage. Therefore, the buck-boost-device can ensure that a constant supply voltage is provided for other buck-devices as well as serving as constant current driver for a set of light-emitting devices. This can have the effect that a highly efficient system for operating a light arrangement can be provided. Also, the buck-devices can work very efficiently since the input voltage provided by the voltage drop is very constant. Additionally, the operational safety can be enhanced since the number of necessary electrical components can be reduced.
In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention are described on the basis of supportive figures. Thereby, the features described in the claims and in the description can be each single or in every combination be essential for the invention. It is shown in:
Fig. 1 a schematically block diagram of an assembly for operating a light arrangement,
Fig. 2 a schematically block diagram of an inventive system,
Fig. 3 a further schematically block diagram of an inventive system,
Fig. 4 schematically an exemplary application of the inventive system. In the different figures same features always correspond to the same reference signs, therefore generally the features are only described once.
In figure 1 , a further assembly for operating a light arrangement 2 is shown.
Particularly, this can be a known system or at least an assembly similar to a known system. It is shown that a main DC DC constant voltage stage 8 is used to provide a constant supply voltage PV. The main DC DC constant voltage stage 8 is operated by an input voltage VCC. In figure 1 , the potential designations "VCC" and "PV" are used together with the respective ground potentials "GND DCDC" and "GND LED". (Further ground potentials are "GND NTC" and "GND"). The constant supply voltage ("PV" / "GND LED") is used for a main DC DC controller 9 and for two buck controllers 20a, 20b.
In figure 2, it is shown that an inventive system 1 can reduce the number of electrical components, and particularly does not necessarily require the usage of an expensive and complex main DC DC constant voltage stage 8. A buck-boost-device 10 is supplied by an input voltage ("VCC", "GNDDCDC") and provides a constant current at the outputs ("LED+" and "VCC"). Furthermore, an optional sensor pin is provided ("CNTC"), which can be connected to at least one of the groups, for instance the primary group 2a and the secondary group(s) 2b, 2c. Each group can comprise several light-emitting devices 30 that together form one light arrangement 2. It is also conceivable that the buck-boost-device 10 supports a temperature control function using the sensor pin CNTC.
The constant current output "LED+" is connected to the light-emitting devices 30 of the primary group 2a so that a voltage drop across the light-emitting devices 30 is effected (also shown in figure 3). This voltage of the light-emitting devices 30 (or the primary group 2a respectively) can be used to supply a constant voltage for operating at least one buck-device 20. This is achieved by connecting the buck-boost-device 10 with the at least one buck-device 20 (in particular the potential "LED+" and/or "VCC" is connected to each buck-device 20). For example, two buck-devices 20 exist, a first buck-device 20a and a second buck-device 20b. The first buck-device 20a can be electrically connected to a first secondary group 2b by using potentials (or outputs) "LED2+" and "LED2-" and the second buck-device 20b can be connected to a second secondary group 2c by using potentials (or outputs) "LED3+" and "LED3-". By stepping down the input voltage ("LED+", "VCC"), the first buck-device 20a can provide a first secondary potential LED2+ and the second buck-device 20b can provide a second secondary potential LED3+.
In figure 3, the three groups of light-emitting devices 30 are exemplary shown. The light-emitting devices 30 of each group can be in a series configuration so that the same current flows through the corresponding light-emitting devices 30.
The different groups can comprise a different number of light-emitting devices 30. This is made clear referring to figure 4, which shows a preferred application of the inventive system 1 . A vehicle 5 is shown that comprise the inventive system 1 . The light arrangement 2 is used to project an image 6 on the ground. As to see, light points having a higher distance from the vehicle 5 require a projection with higher intensity than light points having lower distance. Therefore, each group can be operated with a different supply current.
The previous description of the embodiments describes the present invention only within the scope of examples. Naturally, also single features of the embodiments as far as technically meaningful can be freely combined with one another without leaving the scope of the present invention. Reference list
1 System
2 light arrangement, LED arrangement
2a primary group, first group
2b secondary group, second group
2c secondary group, third group
5 vehicle
6 image
8 main DC DC constant voltage stage
9 main DC DC controller
10 Buck-boost-device, DC-DC-buck-boost-converter
20 Buck-device, DC-DC-buck-converter
20a first buck-device
20b second buck-device
30 light-emitting device, light-emitting diode

Claims

System for operating an electronic light arrangement Patent claims
1 . System (1 ) for operating an electronic light arrangement (2), comprising:
- the light arrangement (2) with one primary group (2a) and at least one secondary group (2b) of light-emitting devices (30),
- an electronic buck-boost-device (10) which is electrically connected to the primary group (2a) for providing a first constant current to the corresponding light-emitting devices (30) of the primary group (2a),
- at least one electronic buck-device (20) which is electrically connected to the at least one secondary group (2b) for providing a second constant current to the corresponding light-emitting devices (30) of the secondary group (2b),
characterized in that
the buck-boost-device (10) is electrically connected to the at least one buck-device (20) for providing a constant voltage by using a voltage drop across the light-emitting devices (30) of the primary group (2a).
2. System (1 ) according to claim 1 ,
characterized in that
the buck-boost-device (10) is configured as DC-DC-buck-boost-converter (10) for operating as constant current driver.
System (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the buck-boost-device (10) is electrically connected to a supply input of the at least one buck-device (20) for providing an intermediate circuit voltage to the at least one buck-device (20), wherein the at least one buck-device (20) is configured to step down the intermediate circuit voltage for providing a supply voltage for the at least one secondary group (2b), wherein preferably the voltage drop depends on the first constant current and the type of light- emitting devices (30) of the primary group (2a), wherein particularly preferably the intermediate circuit voltage equals the voltage drop.
System (1 ) according to any preceding claim,
characterized in that
an electrical primary potential (LED+) is provided by the voltage drop, and the primary potential (LED+) is electrically connected to a supply input of the at least one buck-device (20) for providing a constant voltage for operating the at least one buck-device (20), wherein particularly the voltage drop is a voltage drop across a series connection of the light-emitting devices (30) of the primary group (2a).
System (1 ) according to any preceding claim,
characterized in that
a first buck-device (20a) is electrically connected to a first secondary group (2b) of the light arrangement (2) for providing a constant current to the first secondary group (2b), and a second buck-device (20b) is electrically connected to a second secondary group (2c) of the light arrangement (2) for providing a constant current to the second secondary group (2c), wherein both buck-devices (20) are supplied by an intermediate circuit voltage provided by the buck-boost-device (10). System (1 ) according to any preceding claim,
characterized in that
the at least one buck-device (20) is configured as DC-DC-buck-converter (20) for operating as constant current driver.
System (1 ) according to any preceding claim,
characterized in that
the secondary group (2b), preferably each of the secondary groups (2b, 2c), comprises a smaller number of light-emitting devices (30) than the primary group (2a), particularly preferably the second secondary group (2c) comprises a smaller number of light-emitting devices (30) than the first secondary group (2b).
System (1 ) according to any preceding claim,
characterized in that
the secondary group (2b), particularly each of the secondary groups (2b, 2c), comprises light-emitting devices (30) configured to be operated with a current lower than the current for operating the light-emitting devices (30) of the primary group (2a).
System (1 ) according to any preceding claim,
characterized in that
the System (1 ) is configured as a LED driver circuit for operating the light arrangement (2), wherein the light arrangement (2) is configured as a LED arrangement, particularly as a projection arrangement for projecting an image (6) onto a surface, preferably used for a vehicle (5). System (1 ) according to any preceding claim,
characterized in that
the input voltage for the buck-boost-device (10) is in a range from 9 V to 60 V, wherein the buck-boost-device (10) is configured to step up and step down the input voltage.
EP17755109.0A 2017-08-09 2017-08-09 System for operating an electronic light arrangement Active EP3666041B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2017/070159 WO2019029798A1 (en) 2017-08-09 2017-08-09 System for operating an electronic light arrangement

Publications (2)

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EP3666041A1 true EP3666041A1 (en) 2020-06-17
EP3666041B1 EP3666041B1 (en) 2022-01-05

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EP (1) EP3666041B1 (en)
CN (1) CN111034363B (en)
WO (1) WO2019029798A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8558760B2 (en) * 2004-08-05 2013-10-15 Linear Technology Corporation Circuitry and methodology for driving multiple light emitting devices
US20070040516A1 (en) * 2005-08-15 2007-02-22 Liang Chen AC to DC power supply with PFC for lamp
US8598807B2 (en) * 2010-05-25 2013-12-03 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Multi-channel constant current source and illumination source
CN103857127B (en) * 2012-12-04 2018-01-09 通用电气公司 Dimmable LED with the additional constant current drive circuit of constant voltage
US8884548B2 (en) * 2013-02-28 2014-11-11 Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation Power factor correction converter with current regulated output
JP6396431B2 (en) * 2013-05-03 2018-09-26 フィリップス ライティング ホールディング ビー ヴィ LED lighting circuit
RU2688205C2 (en) * 2014-09-12 2019-05-21 Филипс Лайтинг Холдинг Б.В. Scheme and method for led dimming
EP3016478B1 (en) * 2014-10-29 2018-10-03 Helvar Oy Ab Joint control of output power in a multichannel LED driver
KR102335464B1 (en) * 2014-12-10 2021-12-07 주식회사 엘엑스세미콘 Circuit to control led lighting apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3666041B1 (en) 2022-01-05
WO2019029798A1 (en) 2019-02-14
CN111034363B (en) 2021-11-16
CN111034363A (en) 2020-04-17

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