WO2012146719A1

WO2012146719A1 - Operating device for a light-emitting means and adapter for the energy supply thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2012146719A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/057773
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karl-Heinz Fenkart
Original assignee: Tridonic Gmbh & Co Kg
Priority date: 2011-04-28
Filing date: 2012-04-27
Publication date: 2012-11-01
Also published as: EP2702834B1; EP2702834A1; DE102011017676A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (1a) for a light-emitting means (12). Usually, the operating device (1a) has to be configured after the installation. In order to facilitate the configuration, the connection elements (8, 9) for the energy supply of the operating device as well as the components (BA, KB) that are to be configured and the configuration means (20) are transferred into an adapter (1b) that forms an active external device part, preferably in the form of a plug. The adapter (1b) can be installed physically separated from the operating device (1a), but is connected to the same in a manner that the operating energy and eventually data can be transmitted from the adapter (1b) to the operating device (1a). The physically separated arrangement dispenses with the need to have to configure the operating device on the installation site.

Description

Operating device for a light source and adapter for

Energy supply of the same

Operating devices for light sources, in particular electronic ballasts, are usually mounted in lights together with the bulbs on the ceiling of the rooms to be illuminated. After attaching these lights, it is usually still necessary to configure the usually integrated therein operating devices.

An example of the configuration of the operating devices after installation is described in EP 0433 527 AI. It describes how several distributively arranged operating devices are to be controlled by a control center via a data bus at a specific operating address. For this purpose, an original address given to the operating devices is replaced after installation by an appropriate configuration against an operating address.

The configuration can be done in a mechanical way via a provided on the operating device rotary switch, DIP-Swich or the like. However, such a mechanical configuration is difficult. This on the one hand, because the operating devices in lights on the ceilings of the rooms to be illuminated only with tools (ladders and the like.) Can be reached, and on the other hand, because the operating devices are usually installed in the lights, which have a closed housing and the Therefore, to be configured components are not accessible or only after opening the lamp housing. DE 103 29 090 AI discloses a possibility that in operating devices for lighting means having an input for connection of a light sensor, this input can be used to use a resistor for address coding of the operating device. However, it has been found in practice that still the opening of the lamp housing is required to perform such addressing or change. In addition, such a solution increases the space requirement in the luminaire housing, since the resistor must be arranged inside a plug, which then has to be connected to the connection for the light sensor.

Also, the distance from the floor to the ceiling, where operating devices are installed, can be overcome without any problem if the lights and the operating devices contained therein are equipped with light detectors that communicate from the ground by transmitting light signals and the relevant operating addresses can transmit. This method is the subject of DE 44 22 215 AI.

In WO 2011/012417 AI a method for assigning an operating address to a control gear for lighting means is described, which also operates according to the method described above. The light detector is located here on a plug (plug), which is connected to an interface of the operating device. The plug has a controller and is supplied with voltage via the interface by the operating device. The assignment of an operating address is made either by a user transmitting optical digital signals to the light detector with a handheld device or by the user using a computer is programmed. The source address may be stored in the controller. This means that the configuration must be done either remotely using optical aids or directly at the installation site of the control gear.

The invention has for its object to provide a way to configure an operating device after installation of the lamp without optical aids and not necessarily on site.

The solution is the subject of the independent claims. The dependent claims contain expedient embodiments of the invention.

Starting from the state of the art described in WO 2011/012417 AI, the invention consists in one

Operating device for a light source,

with an adapter that acts as an external device part,

preferably as a plug, is formed and which is configurable manually or by the supply of actuating signals,

wherein the connection elements for the power supply of the operating device are located on the external device part, and wherein the external device part is connected to the operating device by current and / or signal conducting means.

The external device part is in this training

hereafter referred to as "adapter".

The invention is based on the consideration that the operating device must be connected via a power supply line to a power source, which is usually the power grid. The power lines are usually not where the control gear must be installed. If the connection elements for the power supply are routed from the operating device to the external device part, ie an adapter (which also contains the configuration means), then the adapter can be located remotely from the operating device, in a location located either directly next to it is located on the power supply lines, or anywhere between this location and the control gear. In this way one wins - as far as the positioning of the configuration means is concerned - in freedom and is no longer forced to make the configuration of the operating device at its installation site or using optical aids.

Preferably, the adapter is designed as a plug and takes on both the function of an electrical contact as well as an extension of the functionality of the operating device.

The operating device can storage means for a

Source address and an operating address included. The operating address can be through or on the adapter

be configured adjusting means.

The adjusting means may be formed, for example, by a rotary switch, a programming resistor or the like.

Another development may be that the operating device is provided with a memory for the source address, and that the adapter has a memory for the operating address. If the operating device is to be controlled via a data bus, the adapter can be provided with additional connecting elements for the connection to the data bus.

A possible alternative to the practical implementation of such an adapter may be that it is provided with resilient contact arms, which form the connection elements for the power supply.

Another possible alternative is that adapter is formed as a two-part connector with male part and female part, and wherein this two-part connector is inserted into the power and / or signal conducting means, such that the one of the two parts with the

Operating device and the other is connected to the associated line of the mains. At least the components serving the configuration can be combined in a configuration module, which in a recess of the adapter with resilient

Contact clamps can be snapped. The invention also relates to a

Lighting unit / lamp having a light source and an inventive operating device.

The invention also relates to a lighting system, comprising a plurality of lights, wherein the lights are each connected via control lines and at least one lamp has an adapter according to the invention. Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawing.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an operating device with an associated adapter according to a first embodiment: Figure 2a is a top view of the adapter shown in Figure 1;

Figure 2b is a side view of the adapter shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3a is a top view of a second embodiment of the adapter;

Figure 3b shows a side view of the adapter according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a luminous means 12 which is operated by means of an operating device 1a. The operating device la generates the necessary for the operation of the lamp 12 operating voltage and includes a voltage generator GE. The voltage generator GE is an electrical circuit for influencing the operation of the luminous means 12.

The operating device la is connected via power line means 13, 16 and / or signal line means 14, 15 with an adapter lb, which can form an active external device part of the operating device la. The adapter is preferably designed as a plug and includes connection elements 8 and 9, with which the adapter lb can be connected to the wires 2, 3 of the power supply. The mains current is forwarded from the adapter lb to the operating device via the current conducting means 13, 16. In addition, the adapter lb can feed itself from the mains current or via the control lines 4, 5, if it contains active components. The operating device la and the associated lighting means 12 can be arranged inside a luminaire (not shown here). The adapter lb can also be arranged inside the luminaire or outside the luminaire. Preferably, the adapter is accessible to the user without having to open the light.

The adapter 1b can be controlled via control lines 4, 5 from a control center (not shown). The control panel can be a push-button or rotary switch or an operating device such as a touch panel. The control lines 4, 5 can be designed as wired or non-wired transmission means in addition to the wires 2, 3 of the power grid. Alternatively, however, the lead wires 2, 3 of the power network can additionally assume the function of the control lines 4, 5.

The operating device la contains a memory UA for the door address and also a controller CT, which controls the voltage generator GE and is also responsible for the address management.

The operating device la can be assigned an operating address, which replaces a stored in a memory UA of the operating device la source address after assembly. The operating address identifies that Operating device in connection with the installation site. The operating address can, however, naturally be awarded only when the operating device and the lamp operated by it have been mounted in a specific location. For this purpose, a configuration of the operating device la is required.

The components to be configured or the configuration or adjustment means are located in or on the adapter Ib. They consist of a (rotary) switch 20 and / or a configuration module KB. With the switch 20, an operating address to be stored in a memory BA of the adapter Ib can be written into the adapter 1b. The configuration can also be made by the mentioned

Configuration block KB is replaced.

In addition to the connecting elements 8 and 9 for the power supply of the adapter lb is still provided with additional connection elements 6, 7, via which a connection with the control lines 4, 5, e.g. a data bus can be made. The adapter lb transmitted data passes the adapter lb to the operating device la on, via signal line means 14, 15 or in modulated form via the power line 13, 16, which is intended for the transmission of the operating energy. For this purpose communication means KMa, KMb are provided both in the adapter 1b and in the operating device 1a, which can receive or also send the data.

The data transmitted from a control center to the operating device la can be looped through, for example, by the adapter 1b from the control lines 4, 5 to the signal conducting means 14, 15, and optionally, the adapter Ib via its communication means KMb additional data via the signal line means 14, 15 to the operating device la send. The operating device 1a can also send data via the adapter 1b to the control lines 4, 5. In addition, it may be possible that the data transmitted via the signal line means 14, 15 are not forwarded to the control lines 4, 5, so that in addition to the communication with the control center through the adapter lb (via the control lines 4, 5) a communication separated therefrom takes place between the adapter lb and the operating device la.

If a configuration of the adapter lb has been carried out by the user (eg via the (rotary) switch 20 and / or the configuration module KB), the adapter can forward this configuration information directly or indirectly via the signal line means 14, 15 or the control of the operating device 1a via the signal line means 14, 15 according to the configuration information adapt.

Different forms of execution are possible. For example, the adapter lb can be assigned an operating address via the (rotary) switch 20 and / or the configuration module KB. Depending on this, the adapter lb can then evaluate the data transmitted via the control lines 4, 5. If he recognizes on the basis of the transmitted with the data operating address information that the data are directed to him, he can forward corresponding control signals to the operating device la or affect the forwarding of the mains current via the power line 13, 16. So it may also be possible that the Operating device la no operating address is assigned, and the control of the operating device la is carried out only by the forwarding of all relevant for this operating device la data, the adapter lb only forwarding the data associated with the adapter lb associated operating address. Thus, in this case, an addressing of the adapter lb, wherein the operating device la must have no operating address.

In a specific embodiment, no signal conducting means 14, 15 need be present, but the operating device la is designed without separate communication means KMa. In this case, with a corresponding switch-off command to the operating address of the adapter lb this interrupt the power supply to the power line means 13, 16 and thus switch off the operating device la. However, it would also be possible for the adapter 1b to forward the configuration information given via the switch 20 and / or the configuration module KB to the operating device 1a via the signal line means 14, 15 (for example, an operating address). The operating device la receives this configuration information and puts it down. For example, a transmitted operating address can be stored in the memory UA of the operating device la. The received configuration information can also be stored in the controller CT. The operating device la can subsequently adapt its communication and / or its behavior in accordance with the received configuration information.

For example, it may be based on the data transmitted via the signal conducting means 14, 15 Operating address information recognizes that the data are directed to the operating device and process it accordingly (ie receive and adapt its behavior).

A configuration can mean not only the operating address but also an adaptation of the behavior of the operating device. For example, via the configuration upon receipt of a corresponding control signal or also by detection by a sensor (eg brightness threshold or presence detection), a brightness value predetermined by such a configuration can be assumed and / or set or a predetermined execution behavior (eg a passage of a sequence of brightness changes and / or the start of a fluorescent lamp at the end of a predetermined preheating time).

The adapter 1b can also read out a configuration stored in the operating device 1a (for example in the controller CT), so that when the operating device 1a is replaced (for example in the case of a defect), the previous configuration of the operating device to be replaced is transferred to the new operating device to be connected can be. In this way, the user can be made a substantial compatibility in a device replacement.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2a and 2b, the configuration module KB is positioned in a recess 13 of the adapter 1b provided for this purpose and is held there by spring contacts 12a, via which it is also supplied with voltage, and via which it continues to exchange signals and data , To use the configuration module KB in the recess 13, it is simply in the Snap spring contacts 12a. The connecting elements 6 to 9 are designed as contact spring arms and allow a very simple and fast connection of the adapter with the corresponding lines 2 to 5. The adapter lb is designed here as a plug. The adapter 1b is connected to the operating device via the current-conducting means 13, 16 and optionally also via the signal-conducting means 14, 15. This has the advantage that the customer can already receive a pre-wired with the adapter lb operating equipment, where he must connect the installation lb, for example, in a light only the leads 2, 3 of the power grid and optionally the control lines 4, 5 , The adapter lb can be designed as a plug so that the customer can make the contact of the operating device via the adapter lb without risk, especially if the adapter lb is designed as a safety plug, such as a so-called, Wieland 'plug.

The term plug includes both the design as a mother part or a male part, thus the execution of the plug is included as a socket.

In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the adapter is designed as a two-part plug and consists of a male part 100b and a female part 100b. The male part IIb is connected via an electrical line 111b to the ^' operating device la. The female part 100c is connected via an electrical line 111c to the associated line of the power network. The two lines 111b and 111c are not only for the power supply of the operating device la and the Configuration blocks KB on the adapter, but also for the transmission of signals and data. In particular, the configuration information is transmitted by means of the electrical line 111b from the adapter to the operating device la.

The male part 100b has male pins 108b, 109b, 110b corresponding to corresponding male recesses 108c, 109c, 110c in the female part 100c.

The male part 100b has a recess 113 for receiving a configuration module KB, which can be snapped into spring contacts 112.

A configuration can be made here as well as in the case of the adapter 1b shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b by exchanging the configuration module or by actuation of adjusting elements (not shown here) on the same. But it can also be a contacting of the adapter with the lead wires 2, 3 of the power grid and optionally the control lines 4, 5 by means of cutting or plug-in terminals.

Claims

Claims :

Operating device (la, lb; 100b, 100c) for a

Light source (12),

with an adapter which is designed as an external device part (1b, 100b, 100c), preferably as a plug,

the manual or by the supply of

Control signals is configurable,

wherein the connection elements (8, 9, 108b to 110b, 109a to 1009c) for the power supply of the operating device (1a) are located on the external device part (1b, 100b, 100c),

and wherein the external device part (lb) with the

Operating device (la) by current-conducting means (13, 16) and / or signal-conducting means (14, 15, 111b)

connected is.

The operating device (1a, 1b, 100c) according to claim 1, wherein the operating device has storage means (UA, UEB) for an originating address and an operating address, and

the external device part (1b, 100b, 100c)

Adjustment means (10) for an operating address

having .

Operating device (la, lb; 100b, 100c) according to claim 2, wherein the operating device is provided with a memory (UA) for the source address,

and wherein the external device part (1b, 100b, 100c) has a memory (BA) for the operating address. Operating device (1a, 1b, 100b, 100c) according to claim 2 or 3,

wherein the adjusting means (20) of a

Rotary switch or a programming resistor are formed.

Operating device (1a, 1b, 100b, 100c) according to one of the preceding claims,

at the external device part (lb; 100b, 100c)

additional connection elements (6, 7) for the

Connection with control lines (4, 5).

Operating device (1a, 1b, 100b, 100c) according to one of the preceding claims,

the external device part (1b, 100b, 100c) has a configuration module (KB) which can be snapped into spring contacts (12a, 112),

Operating device (la, lb) according to one of claims 1 b 5,

the external device part (lb)

having resilient contact terminals, which the

Form connection elements (8, 9) for the power supply.

Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the external device part (100b, 100c) is a two-part connector with a male part (100b) and

Mother part (100c) is, and

wherein the two-piece plug (100b, 100c) in the power conduit means (16, 13) and / or

Signal conducting means (14, 15, 111b) is inserted, such that the one of the two parts (100b) with d < Control gear (la) and the other with the

associated line of the power grid is connected

An adapter (1b, 100b, 100c) for supplying power to an operating device (1a) for a light-emitting means (12), comprising

Connection elements (8, 9, 1008a to 1008c, 1009a to 1009c) for the energy supply of

Operating device (la, lb),

a configuration block (KB) for the operating device (la, lb) and

Power conduit means (13, 16) and / or

Signal conducting means (14, 15, 111b) for a

Forwarding of the current and signal connection via the connecting elements (8, 9, 1008a to 1008c, 1009a to 1009c) to the operating device (la).

10. adapter (lb; 100b, 100c) according to claim 9,

having communication means (KMa, KMb),

wherein the communication means (KMa, KMb) more

Connection elements for an electrical

Include connecting line, via which the adapter (lb) to the operating device (la) is connectable. 11. Adapter (lb; 100b, 100c) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said adjusting means (20) for a

Operating address contains.

12. adapter (lb; 100b, 100c) according to claim 10,

wherein the adjusting means (20) are formed by a rotary switch or a programming resistor.

13. adapter (lb; 100b, 100c) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, this one memory (BA) for a

Operating address, which is assigned to the operating device (la). 14. adapter (lb, 100b, 100c) according to any one of claims 9 to 13,

this additional connection elements {6, 7) for connection to control lines (4, 5).

15. Adapter (lb) according to one of claims 9 to 14,

being this

comprises resilient contact terminals, which form the connection elements (8, 9) for the power supply, and further

the configuration module (KB) can additionally be snapped into spring contacts (12a).

16. adapter (100b, 100c) according to any one of claims 9 to 14,

wherein the adapter is a two-piece plug with

The male part (100b) and female part (100c), and wherein the two-piece plug (100b, 100c) into the power line means (13, 16) and / or

Signal line means (14, 15, 111b, 111c) is used, such that one of the two parts (100b) is connected to the operating device (la) and the other with the associated line of the power network.

17. Lighting unit comprising a lighting means (12) and an operating device (1a, 1b, 100b, 100c) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

18. Lighting system comprising a plurality of lights,

wherein the luminaires in each case via control lines (4, 5) are connected and at least one lamp has an adapter according to one of claims 9 to 16,