IT202000013204A1 - ELECTRONIC POWER SUPPLY DEVICE FOR LED LIGHT SOURCES. - Google Patents

Description

ELECTRONIC POWER SUPPLY DEVICE

FOR LED LIGHT SOURCES

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an electronic device for powering LED light sources, in particular of the type used in artificial vision systems for industrial use.

As is known, an artificial vision system comprises multiple video cameras controlled by a unit? computerized to automatically acquire and process images of an environment, for example the workspace of an industrial machine.

In order to ensure optimal image acquisition, the shooting field must be illuminated in the most efficient way. controlled and stable as possible. For this reason, machine vision systems are typically equipped with multiple light sources (also called illuminators). In the most artificial vision systems? recent, these light sources are of the LED (Light Emitting Diode) type, powered by suitable electronic power supply devices.

Currently available electronic devices for powering LED light sources generally have reduced flexibility? of employment. For example, often, ? it is necessary to use power supply devices of various types to power light sources having different light power.

Furthermore, the electronic power supply devices of the prior art have circuit structures which make them not very versatile with respect to the multiple uses which may be required in artificial vision systems.

The problems of the current electronic power supply devices, set out above, affect the artificial vision systems which incorporate such devices, above all as regards the overall dimensions and the industrial production and management costs. Main task of the present invention ? providing an electronic power supply device for LED light sources which overcomes the drawbacks described. Within the scope of this task, an object of the present invention is provide a power electronic device that has a? High versatility? operational and is capable of powering LED light sources of different types, in particular having different luminous power.

A further object of the present invention ? providing an electronic power supply device which has a relatively simple circuit structure, with relatively small overall dimensions.

A further object of the present invention ? to provide an electronic power supply device which is easy to manufacture on an industrial level, at competitive costs with respect to electronic devices of the similar type of the prior art.

This task and these purposes, as well as? other purposes which will appear evident from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, are achieved, according to the invention, by an electronic power supply device for LED light sources, according to claim 1, proposed below, and the related dependent claims.

In its general definition, the electronic power supply device, according to the invention, comprises a plurality of of current generating circuits, each having a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal.

The first input terminal and the second input terminal of each current generating circuit can be electrically connected to an electric power source which supplies the electric energy necessary for the operation of the device.

The first input terminal and the output terminal of each current generator circuit can be electrically connected to an LED light source.

The electronic power supply device, according to the invention, comprises one or more electrical connection devices, each having a first connection terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of a current generating circuit and a second connection terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of a further current generating circuit.

Each electrical connection device ? able to assume a closed state, in which an electric current can? circulate between said first and second connection terminals, and an open state, in which an electric current cannot? circular between said first and second connection terminals.

According to one aspect of the invention, a current generator circuit and a further current generator circuit are electrically connected in parallel to each other to supply one or more current generators. LED light sources, when an electrical connection device electrically connected to said current generating circuits is in said closed state.

According to one aspect of the invention, a current generating circuit and a further current generating circuit operate independently of each other, when an electrical connection device electrically connected to said current generating circuits is in said open state.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the electronic power supply device comprises a first current generating circuit, a second current generating circuit and an electrical connection device having the first connection terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the first generating circuit of current and the second connection terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the second current generator circuit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the electronic power supply device comprises a first current generating circuit, a second current generating circuit, a third current generating circuit, a first electrical connection device having the first connection terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the first current generating circuit and the second connection terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the second current generating circuit, a second electrical connection device having the first connection terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the second current generating circuit and the second connection terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the third current generating circuit and a third electrical connection device having the first connection terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the third current generating circuit and the second connection terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the first current generating circuit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned one or more? electrical connection devices are of the electromechanical type.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned one or more? electrical connection devices are of the semiconductor type.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned one or more? electrical connection devices are capable of reversibly switching between said closed state and said open state in response to driving signals received at the input.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforesaid current generating circuits are of the linear type.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforesaid current generating circuits of the switching type.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each current generator circuit are intended to be electrically connected to a positive pole and to a negative pole of said electric power source, respectively .

According to some embodiments of the invention, the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each current generator circuit are intended to be electrically connected to a negative pole and to a positive pole of said electric power source, respectively .

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention can be better understood by referring to the description given below and to the attached figures, provided for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, in which:

figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the electronic power supply device, according to the present invention;

- figures 2-3 schematically illustrate some embodiment variants of the electronic power supply device illustrated in figure 1;

- figures 4-8 schematically illustrate further embodiments of the electronic power supply device, according to the present invention.

With reference to the cited figures, the present invention refers to an electronic device 1 for powering LED light sources.

The electronic device 1 has a selectively configurable circuit structure which allows several? current generator circuits to operate independently of each other or to connect electrically in parallel (possibly in groups) to power (providing appropriate driving currents) one or more? LED light sources.

The electronic device 1 ? particularly suitable for use in an artificial vision system for industrial applications and, for simplicity? exhibition, sar? described herein with particular reference to this use. This does not intend to limit the scope of application of the present invention in any way. Indeed, the electronic device 1 can? be advantageously employed in applications of a different type, for example in artificial vision systems for domestic applications, medical applications, autonomous driving applications, video surveillance applications and the like.

The electronic device 1 ? connectable electrically to a power source E, preferably capable of supplying a direct current supply voltage (for example of the order of tens or hundreds of Volts).

Preferably, the electronic device 1 comprises a first and second power supply terminal E1, E2 which define a power supply port electrically connectable to the power source E.

The electronic device 1 ? electrically connectable to one or more? light sources L1, L2, L3 intended to illuminate a portion of space, for example the work area of an industrial machine.

According to the invention, the light sources L1, L2, L3 are LED light sources.

Preferably, they advantageously comprise one or more? groups of LED devices electrically connected to each other and arranged according to suitable circuit configurations. Preferably, the electronic device 1 comprises a plurality of doors? exit, each of which? electrically connectable to a corresponding light source L1, L2, L3 to feed it with a suitable supply current (for example in the order of Amperes or tens of Amperes).

In general, both the power source E and the light sources L1, L2, L3 can be of a known type and, for reasons of brevity, they will not be described in further detail here except for the aspects of interest to the user. invention.

The electronic device 1 comprises a plurality of current generating circuits A, B, C. According to some embodiments of the invention (figure 2), these current generating circuits are of the linear type.

According to other embodiments of the invention (figure 3), these current generating circuits are of the switching type.

Each current generator circuit A, B, C comprises a first input terminal A1, B1, C1, a second input terminal A2, B2, C2 and an output terminal A3, B3, C3. The first input terminal A1, B1, C1 and the second input terminal A2, B2, C2 of each current generator circuit A, B, C advantageously define an input port of this current generator circuit.

This entrance door? electrically connectable to the power source E. The first input terminal A1, B1, C1 and the second input terminal A2, B2, C2 of each current generator circuit A, B, C are so? electrically connectable to the power source E. Preferably, the first input terminal A1, B1, C1 of each current generator circuit A, B, C ? connected to the first power supply terminal E1 of the electronic device 1 and the second input terminal A2, B2, C2 ? electrically connected to the second power supply terminal E2 of the electronic device 1.

According to some embodiments of the invention (figures 1-4, 6-7), in the operation of said electronic device 1, the first power supply terminal E1 (and therefore the first input terminal A1, B1, C1 of each circuit current generator) and the second supply terminal E2 (and therefore the second input terminal A2, B2, C2 of each current generator circuit) are electrically connected to the positive pole and to the negative pole of the electric power source E, respectively.

According to other embodiments of the invention (figures 5, 8), in the operation of said electronic device 1, the first power supply terminal E1 (and therefore the first input terminal A1, B1, C1 of each current generating circuit) and the second supply terminal E2 (and therefore the second input terminal A2, B2, C2 of each current generator circuit) are electrically connected to the negative pole and to the positive pole of the electric power source E, respectively.

The first input terminal A1, B1, C1 and the output terminal A3, B3, C3 of each current generator circuit advantageously define an output port of this current generator circuit.

This exit door? electrically connectable to a light source L1, L2, L3.

A light source L1, L2, L3 ? therefore electrically connectable between the first input terminal A1, B1, C1 and the output terminal A3, B3, C3 of each current generator circuit A, B, C.

According to the invention, the electronic circuit 1 comprises one or more? electrical connection circuits SW1, SW2, SW3, each having a first connection terminal S1 and a second connection terminal S2.

The first connection terminal S1 of each electrical connection device SW1, SW2, SW3 ? electrically connected to the output terminal A3, B3, C3 of a current generator circuit A, B, C.

The second connection terminal S2 of each electrical connection device SW1, SW2, SW3 ? electrically connected to the output terminal A3, B3, C3 of a further current generator circuit A, B, C (obviously different from the current generator circuit connected to the first connection terminal S1).

Each electrical connection device SW1, SW2, SW3 ? capable of assuming a closed state and an open state.

When an electrical connection device SW1, SW2, SW3 is in a closed state, a current can circular between the connection terminals S1, S2.

When an electrical connection device SW1, SW2, SW3 is in an open state, a current cannot? circular between the connection terminals S1, S2.

When an electrical connection device SW1, SW2, SW3 is in a closed state, a current generator circuit A, B, C and a further current generator circuit A, B, C connected to it (that is, having terminals d? output A3, B3, C3 connected to terminals S1, S2 of this electrical connection device) are electrically connected in parallel to each other to power one or more? light sources L1, L2, L3.

When an electrical connection device SW1, SW2, SW3 is in an open state, a current generating circuit A, B, C and a further current generating circuit A, B, C connected to it operate independently of each other. other, optionally to autonomously supply a corresponding light source L1, L2, L3.

Depending on the operating state assumed, the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 electrically connect the current generating circuits A, B, C of the electronic device 1 in parallel or keep them segregated from each other.

? it is therefore possible to modify or select the circuit configuration of the electronic device 1, by suitably regulating the operating state of the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3.

In principle, an electronic device 1 comprising N (with N > 1) current generating circuits can? include electrical connection devices. Given that each of these pu? be in an open or closed state, the electronic device 1 can? assume different circuit configurations.

Based on the above, evident how, by acting on the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3, it is possible to select the most? suits the operational needs of the power electronic device.

Obviously, the electronic device 1 can? be arranged in such a way as to be able to assume only some circuit configurations among those theoretically possible. For example, it could employ only a subset of the possible electrical connection devices, thus allowing partial interconnection of the current generating circuits present. Similarly, the electronic device could limit the connection of light sources only in correspondence with predefined output terminals.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 are of the electrical or electromechanical type and can have characteristics of the known type. For example, the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 could consist of switches or relays. In this case, the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 comprise a pair of electrical contacts (fixed contact and moving contact) electrically connected to the relative connection terminals S1, S2. Such electrical contacts can operate in a mating condition (corresponding to a closed state of the electrical connection device) or in a separation condition (corresponding to an open state of the electrical connection device).

They can reversibly switch their operating state by manual operation or in response to a suitable driving signal (in current or voltage).

According to a further example, the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 could consist of ?jumper? or equivalent electrical connectors that can be inserted or removed when installing the electronic power device 1.

According to other embodiments of the invention, the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 are of the semiconductor type and can have characteristics of the known type.

In this case, the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 comprise a transistor (for example of the MOSFET or BJT type) having its own power terminals (source and drain terminals or emitter and collector terminals) electrically connected to the relative power terminals connection S1, S2.

The transistor can? operate in a conducting condition (corresponding to a closed state of the electrical connection device) or in an interdict condition (corresponding to an open state of the electrical connection device).

The transistor can? reversibly switching its operating state in response to a driving signal received at the relative control terminal (gate or base terminal).

Does the electronic device 1 have the following appearance? a? high flexibility? of use: by intervening with simple manual maneuvers or using suitable control signals, its circuit configuration can be adapted according to the characteristics of the light source or light sources to be fed.

The SW1, SW2, SW3 electrical connection devices can be operated by sending control signals from a unit? control system (not shown) of the power supply device 1 (for example comprising a microprocessor or other digital processing device), with considerable advantages in terms of simplicity? and security.

In principle, the light sources L1, L2, L3 could integrate electronic circuits that allow the automatic recognition of their electrical characteristics by the unit? of control of the electronic device 1. In this case the electronic device 1 could automatically select the configuration more? suitable for driving the detected light sources.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the electronic power supply device 1, according to the invention.

According to this embodiment, the electronic device 1 comprises a first current generating circuit A and a second current generating circuit B.

The first and second power supply terminals E1, E2 of the electronic device 1 are intended to be connected to the positive and negative terminals of a voltage generator E (source of electric power) which supplies electric power to the device.

The first input terminal A1, B1 of each current source circuit A, B, ? connected to the first power supply terminal E1 while the second input terminal A2, B2 of each current generator circuit A, B, ? connected to the second power supply terminal E2. The electronic device 1 comprises an electrical connection device SW1 having the first terminal S1 electrically connected to the output terminal A3 of the first current generating circuit A and the second terminal S2 electrically connected to the output terminal B3 of the second current generating circuit b.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the first input terminal A1 and the output terminal A3 of the first current generator circuit A can be electrically connected to a first light source L1 while the second input terminal B1 and the of the output B3 of the second current generator circuit B can be electrically connected to a second light source L2.

When the electrical connection device SW1 is in a closed state, the first current generating circuit A and the second current generating circuit B are electrically connected in parallel with each other to supply both light sources L1, L2. The electronic device 1 therefore assumes a first circuit configuration which allows both light sources L1, L2 to be powered in parallel.

When the electrical connection device SW1 is in an open state, the first current generating circuit A and the second current generating circuit B operate independently of each other. In this case, the first current generator circuit A ? able to power only the first light source L1 and the second current generator circuit B ? capable of powering only the second light source L2. The electronic device 1 therefore assumes a second circuit configuration which allows the light sources L1, L2 to be supplied independently of each other.

Figure 2 shows an example of practical implementation of the electronic device 1 according to the embodiment of Figure 1. In this case, both the first current generator circuit A and the second current generator circuit B are current generators of the linear type having a known type of configuration.

The first current source circuit A comprises:

- a first auxiliary voltage generator VR1 connected to the second input terminal A2 and capable of generating a first reference voltage;

- a first shunt resistor R1 connected to the second input terminal A2;

- a first MOSFET Q1 having the drain terminal connected to the output terminal A3 and the source terminal connected to the shunt resistor R1;

- a first operational amplifier OP1 having input terminals connected to the voltage generator VR1, power supply terminals connected to the input terminals A1, A2 and output terminal connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET Q1.

In general, the first current generator circuit A ? able to supply a supply current I1 ? VRef1/Rs1, where VRef1 ? the reference voltage supplied by the voltage generator VR1 and Rs1 ? the resistance of the shunt resistor R1.

The second current generator circuit B comprises:

- a second auxiliary voltage generator VR2 connected to the second input terminal B2 and capable of generating a second reference voltage;

- a second shunt resistor R2 connected to the second input terminal B2;

- a second MOSFET Q2 having the drain terminal connected to the output terminal B3 and the source terminal connected to the shunt resistor R2;

- a second operational amplifier OP2 having input terminals connected to voltage generator VR2, power supply terminals connected to input terminals B1, B2 and output terminal connected to gate terminal of MOSFET Q2.

In general, the second current generator circuit B ? able to supply a supply current I2 ? VRef2/Rs2, where VRef2 ? the reference voltage supplied by the voltage generator VR2 and Rs2 ? the resistance of the shunt resistor R2.

When the electrical connection device SW1 is in a closed state, the first current generating circuit A and the second current generating circuit B are electrically connected in parallel with each other. Does the electronic device 1 supply both light sources L1, L2 with a supply current I1+I2 ? VRef1/Rs1 VRef2/Rs2.

When the electrical connection device SW1 is in an open state, the first current generating circuit A and the second current generating circuit B operate independently of each other. The electronic device 1 supplies both light sources L1, L2 independently, respectively with the relative supply currents I1, I2.

Figure 3 shows a further practical implementation example of the electronic device 1 according to the embodiment of Figure 1. In this case, both the first current generator circuit A and the second current generator circuit B are current generators of type a switching.

The first current source circuit A comprises:

- a first auxiliary voltage generator VR1 connected to the second input terminal A2 and capable of generating a first reference voltage;

- a first shunt resistor R1 connected to the second input terminal A2;

- a first MOSFET Q1 having the source terminal connected to the shunt resistor R1; - a first filter circuit LC1 (comprising an inductor and a capacitor) electrically connected between the first input terminal A1, the output terminal A3 and the drain terminal of the MOSFET Q1;

- a first diode D1 electrically connected between the first input terminal A1 and the drain terminal of the MOSFET Q1, in parallel with the filter circuit LC1;

- a first controller M1 (for example a regulator for switching power supplies) having power supply ports connected to the input terminals A1, A2 and signal ports connected to the voltage generator VR1, to the shunt resistor R1 and to the gate terminal of the MOSFET Q1.

In general, the first current generator circuit A ? able to supply a supply current I1 with intensity? adjustable between a minimum and a maximum value according to the duty-cycle selected for the MOSFET Q1.

The second current generator circuit B comprises:

- a second auxiliary voltage generator VR2 connected to the second input terminal B2 and capable of generating a second reference voltage;

- a second shunt resistor R2 connected to the second input terminal B2;

- a second MOSFET Q2 having the source terminal connected to the shunt resistor R2; - a second filter circuit LC2 (comprising an inductor and a capacitor) electrically connected between the first input terminal B1, the output terminal B3 and the drain terminal of the MOSFET Q2;

- a second diode D2 electrically connected between the first input terminal B1 and the drain terminal of the MOSFET Q2, in parallel with the filter circuit LC2;

- a second controller M2 (for example a switching power supply regulator) having power supply ports connected to the input terminals B1, B2 and signal ports connected to the voltage generator VR2, the shunt resistor R2 and the gate terminal of the MOSFET Q2.

In general, the second current generator circuit B ? able to supply a supply current I2 with intensity? adjustable between a minimum and a maximum value according to the duty-cycle selected for the MOSFET Q2.

When the electrical connection device SW1 is in a closed state, the first current generating circuit A and the second current generating circuit B are electrically connected in parallel with each other. The electronic device 1 supplies both light sources L1, L2 with a supply current I1+I2.

When the electrical connection device SW1 is in an open state, the first current generating circuit A and the second current generating circuit B operate independently of each other. The electronic device 1 supplies both light sources L1, L2 independently, respectively with the relative supply currents I1, I2.

Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the electronic power supply device 1, according to the invention.

This embodiment? entirely analogous to that illustrated in figure 1. In this case, however, the first input terminal A1 and the output terminal A3 of the first current generator circuit A are not electrically connected to any light source.

When the electrical connection device SW1 is in a closed state, the first current generating circuit A and the second current generating circuit B are electrically connected in parallel to each other to supply the light source L2 operatively associated with the second current generating circuit. current B.

When the electrical connection device SW1 is in an open state, the first current generating circuit A and the second current generating circuit B operate independently of each other. In this case, the first current generator circuit A ? substantially inactive as it is not connected to a light source to be powered. The second current generator circuit B, on the other hand, supplies the second light source L2.

Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the electronic power supply device 1, according to the invention.

Also according to this embodiment (such as those illustrated in figures 1-4), the electronic device 1 comprises a first current generator circuit A and a second current generator circuit B.

In this case, however, the first and second power supply terminals E1, E2 of the electronic device 1 are intended to be connected respectively to the negative and positive terminals of a voltage generator E (electric power source) which supplies power electricity to the device.

However, the electronic device 1 of Figure 5 has a circuit structure and operation that are entirely similar to those of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Embodimental forms of the invention similar to those of figure 5 are possible in which a current generating circuit has terminals which are not electrically connected to a corresponding light source. In this case, the operation of the electronic device 1 ? completely analogous to that of the embodiment of figure 4.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the electronic power supply device 1, according to the invention.

According to this embodiment, the electronic device 1 comprises a first current generating circuit A, a second current generating circuit B and a third current generating circuit C.

The first and second power supply terminals E1, E2 of the electronic device 1 are intended to be connected, respectively, to the positive and negative terminals of a voltage generator E (source of electric power) which supplies electric power to the device. The first input terminal A1, B1, C1 of each current source circuit A, B, C ? connected to the first power supply terminal E1 while the second input terminal A2, B2, C2 of each current generator circuit A, B, C ? connected to the second power supply terminal E2.

The electronic device 1 includes:

- a first electrical connection device SW1 having the first terminal S1 electrically connected to the output terminal A3 of the first current generating circuit A and the second terminal S2 electrically connected to the output terminal B3 of the second current generating circuit B;

- a second electrical connection device SW2 having the first terminal S1 electrically connected to the output terminal B3 of the second current generating circuit B and the second terminal S2 electrically connected to the output terminal C3 of the third current generating circuit C;

- a third electrical connection device SW3 having the first terminal S1 electrically connected to the output terminal C3 of the third current generating circuit C and the second terminal S2 electrically connected to the output terminal A3 of the first current generating circuit C.

According to this embodiment of the invention:

- the first input terminal A1 and the output terminal A3 of the first current generator circuit A can be electrically connected to a first light source L1;

- the first input terminal B1 and the output terminal B3 of the second current generator circuit B can be electrically connected to a second light source L2; - the first input terminal C1 and the output terminal C3 of the third current generator circuit C can be electrically connected to a third light source L3.

In principle, the electronic device 1 can? assume eight different circuit configurations, according to the CB1-CB8 combinations of closed (ON) or open (OFF) operating states assumed by the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3.

These circuit configurations are summarized in the table below.

When the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 assume the combination of operating states CB1, the first current generator circuit A and the second current generator circuit B are electrically connected in parallel to each other to supply both light sources L1, L2. The third current generator circuit C, on the other hand, operates independently of the others and ? capable of powering only the third light source L3. When the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 assume the combination of operating states CB2, the second current generator circuit B and the third current generator circuit C are electrically connected in parallel to each other to supply both light sources L2, L3. The first current generator circuit A, on the other hand, operates independently of the others and ? capable of powering only the second light source L1. When the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 assume the combination of operating states CB3, the first current generator circuit A and the third current generator circuit C are electrically connected in parallel to each other to supply both light sources L1, L3. The second current generator circuit B, on the other hand, operates independently of the others and ? capable of powering only the second light source L2.

When the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 assume the combinations of operating states CB4, CB5, CB6, CB7, the current generating circuits A, B, C are electrically connected in parallel to each other to power the light sources L1, L2, L3 in parallel. Such combinations of operating states of the electrical connection devices are therefore redundant and lead to the same circuit configuration for the electronic device.

When the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 assume the combination of operating states CB8, the three current generators A, B, C are disconnected and independently supply the light sources L1, L2, L3.

Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the electronic power supply device 1, according to the invention.

This embodiment? entirely analogous to that illustrated in figure 6. In this case, however, the first input terminal A1 and the output terminal A3 of the first current generator circuit A are not electrically connected to any light source.

The operation of the electronic device 1 is, in many respects, completely analogous to that of figure 6. However, when the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3 assume the combination of operating states CB2 or CB8, the first circuit generating current A remains essentially inactive, operating independently of the others and not being connected to any light source.

Obviously, embodiments of the invention similar to those of Figure 7 are possible in which two current generating circuits have terminals which are not electrically connected to a corresponding light source. In this case, the current-generating circuits with terminals not electrically connected to a corresponding light source will be substantially inactive when operating independently of the other current-generating circuits.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the electronic power supply device 1, according to the invention.

Also according to this embodiment, the electronic device 1 comprises a first current generator circuit A, a second current generator circuit B and a third current generator circuit C.

In this case, however, the first and second power supply terminals E1, E2 of the electronic device 1 are intended to be connected, respectively, to the negative and positive terminals of a voltage generator E (electric power source) which supplies power supply to the device. There? notwithstanding, the electronic circuit 1 has a circuit structure and operation which are entirely similar to those of the embodiment of figure 6.

Obviously, embodiments of the invention similar to those of Figure 8 are possible in which one or two current generating circuits have terminals which are not electrically connected to a corresponding light source. In this case, the current-generating circuits with terminals not electrically connected to a corresponding light source will be substantially inactive when operating independently of the other current-generating circuits.

Yes ? it has been ascertained in practice that the electronic power supply device for LED light sources, according to the present invention, allows to achieve the set purposes.

Compared to the electronic power supply devices of the prior art, the electronic device according to the invention has functionalities improved in terms of versatility? of employment.

The circuit configuration of the electronic device can? be advantageously modified by suitably selecting the operating status of the electrical connection devices SW1, SW2, SW3.

Embodiments of the invention similar to those shown in figures 1-8 are possible but with a greater number of current generators. If so, how many different circuit configurations the electronic device can? hiring increases considerably. For example, an electronic device comprising 8 current generating circuits can (in principle) include up to 8*(8-1) /2=28 electrical connection devices for interconnecting current generating circuits, allowing the device to assume 2<28>=268435456 circuit configurations.

Assuming that each current generator circuit is designed to deliver a maximum current of 20A, the electronic device can? for example assume circuit configurations in which:

- 8 20A current generator circuits operate independently;

- 6 current generating circuits of 20A and 1 current generating circuit of 40A operate independently;

- 4 current generating circuits of 20A and 2 current generating circuits of 40A operate independently;

- 2 current generating circuits of 20A and 3 current generating circuits of 40A operate independently;

- 4 40A current generator circuits operate independently;

- 2 80A current generator circuits operate independently.

Further embodiments of the invention are possible similar to those shown in figures 1-8 but with current generators having different characteristics. For example, an electronic device 1 comprising 2 current generating circuits with efficiency optimized for maximum currents of 1A and 10A. This electronic device 1 can? for example assume circuit configurations in which:

- 2 current generator circuits operate independently by powering two independent light sources, the first with a maximum current of 1A and the second with a maximum current of 10A;

- 2 current generator circuits operate in a mutually exclusive way, alternately and efficiently feeding a single light source.

Are obviously possible other examples that further highlight the high level of flexibility? of use reachable from the electronic device.

The electronic device, according to the invention, is therefore able to power (simultaneously, where necessary) light sources having different characteristics, especially as regards the luminous power.

The electronic device, according to the invention, offers a level of reliability very high. It can be easily reconfigured in case one or more? current generating circuits are subject to fault conditions which prevent their operation. In practice, the electronic device, according to the invention, offers the possibility to implement simple and effective redundancy mechanisms as regards the power supply of the LED light sources.

The electronic device according to the invention has a very compact circuit structure which is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture on an industrial level by means of manufacturing techniques for printed circuits of the known type.

As illustrated above, the electronic device, according to the invention, is particularly suitable for use in an artificial vision system for industrial applications. It allows to obtain a drastic reduction of the overall dimensions and industrial costs of production and operational management of the artificial vision system in which ? incorporated.

Claims (13)

1. Electronic power supply device (1) for LED light sources comprising a plurality? of current generating circuits (A, B, C), each having a first input terminal (A1, B1, C1), a second input terminal (A2, B2, C2) and an output terminal (A3 , B3, C3), in which an electric power source (E) ? electrically connectable between the first input terminal (A1, B1, C1) and the second input terminal (A2, B2, C2) of each current generator circuit, in which a LED light source (L1, L2, L3) ? electrically connectable between the first input terminal (A1, B1, C1) and the output terminal (A3, B3, C3) of each current generator circuit characterized in that it comprises one or more? electrical connection devices (SW1, SW2, SW3), each having a first connection terminal (S1) electrically connected to the output terminal (A3, B3, C3) of a current generator circuit (A, B, C) and a second connection terminal (S2) electrically connected to the output terminal (A3, B3, C3) of a further current generator circuit, in which each electrical connection device (SW1, SW2, SW3) ? able to assume a closed state, in which an electric current can? circulate between said first and second connection terminals (S1, S2), and an open state, in which an electric current cannot? circular between said first and second connection terminals (S1, S2). 2. Electronic device, according to claim 1, characterized in that a current generating circuit (A, B, C) and a further current generating circuit (A, B, C) are electrically connected in parallel to each other to power a or more LED light sources (L1, L2, L3), when an electrical connection device (SW1, SW2, SW3) electrically connected to said current generating circuits is in said closed state. 3. Electronic device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that a current generating circuit (A, B, C) and a further current generating circuit (A, B, C) operate independently of each other, when an electrical connection device ( SW1, SW2, SW3) electrically connected to said current generating circuits is in said open state. 4. Electronic device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first current generating circuit (A), a second current generating circuit (B) and an electrical connection device (SW1) having the first connection terminal (S1) electrically connected to the terminal output terminal (A3) of the first current generator circuit (A) and the second connection terminal (S2) electrically connected to the output terminal (B3) of the second current generator circuit (B). 5. Electronic device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first current generating circuit (A), a second current generating circuit (B), a third current generating circuit (C), a first electrical connection device (SW1) having the first connection terminal (S1) electrically connected to the output terminal (A3) of the first current generator circuit (A) and the second connection terminal (S2) electrically connected to the output terminal (B3) of the second current generator circuit current (B), a second electrical connection device (SW2) having the first connection terminal (S1) electrically connected to the output terminal (B3) of the second current generator circuit (B) and the second connection terminal (S2 ) electrically connected to the output terminal (C3) of the third current generator circuit (C) and a third electrical connection device (SW3) having the first connection terminal (S1) electrically connected to the output terminal (C3) of the third current generator circuit (C) and the second connection terminal (S2) electrically connected to the output terminal (A3) of the first current generator circuit (A). 6. Electronic device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said one or more? electrical connection devices (SW1, SW2, SW3) are of the electrical or electromechanical type. 7. Electronic device, according to one or more? of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that said one or more? electrical connection devices (SW1, SW2, SW3) are of the semiconductor type. 8. Electronic device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said one or more electrical connection devices (SW1, SW2, SW3) are able to reversibly switch between said closed state and said open state in response to driving signals received at the input. 9. Electronic device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said current generating circuits (A, B, C) are of the linear type. 10. Electronic device, according to one or more? of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said current generating circuits (A, B, C) are of the switching type. 11. Electronic device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first input terminal (A1, B1, C1) and the second input terminal (A2, B2, C2) of each current generator circuit (A, B, C) are intended to be electrically connected, respectively, to a positive pole and to a negative pole of said electric power source (E). 12. Electronic device, according to one or more? of claims from 1 to 10, characterized in that the first input terminal (A1, B1, C1) and the second input terminal (A2, B2, C2) of each current generator circuit (A, B, C ) are intended to be electrically connected, respectively, to a negative pole and to a positive pole of said electric power source (E). 13. Artificial vision system characterized in that it comprises an electronic device (1), according to one or more of the previous claims.