Devices, systems and procedures for emergency lighting operation

Abstract

Operating device for at least one light-emitting diode (9), wherein the operating device (10) has an input (11) for coupling with a DC bus (6) for receiving a DC supply voltage, via which the operating device (10) can be supplied with energy by a central unit (3) via the DC bus (6) both in normal operation and in an emergency lighting situation, wherein the operating device (10) has a configurable emergency lighting function, wherein the operating device (10) is configured to generate the LED current for the at least one light-emitting diode (9) in the emergency lighting situation, depending on how the emergency lighting function is configured, and wherein the operating device (10) is designed for PLC communication with the central unit (3) via the DC bus (6), wherein the emergency lighting function can be configured via at least one circuit element (15) of the operating device (10), wherein at least one circuit element is selected from a group consisting of a jumper (16), an adjustable resistor and an adjustable capacitor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to emergency lighting operation of lighting devices. The invention particularly relates to operating devices, luminaires, systems, and methods for emergency lighting operation when an operating device for a lighting device is configured for connection to a direct current (DC) bus.

[0002] Traditionally, control gear for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other lighting devices are often designed to have an input for coupling to an alternating current (AC) supply source and to provide a direct current or voltage for the lighting device at their output. Control gear configured to receive a DC supply voltage has recently become increasingly attractive. For simplification and cost savings, it is possible to provide a central unit that generates a direct current (DC) supply voltage and provides it to one or more control gears via a DC bus. The control gears are provided separately from the central unit and connected to the central unit via the DC bus.

[0003] In numerous applications, especially for building lighting, the use of emergency lighting is necessary or desirable. Emergency lighting can be designed as escape route lighting, intended to facilitate evacuation from rooms in an emergency, particularly in the event of a power system failure. Emergency lighting can serve as anti-panic lighting or as backup lighting, allowing work processes to be temporarily continued in an emergency to bring them to a safe conclusion.

[0004] To provide emergency lighting in light-emitting diode (LED)-based lighting systems, specific LED modules can be provided that differ from those used in normal operation and that can be activated in an emergency. This can have disadvantages in terms of cost and installation space requirements.

[0005] DE 20 2008 002 883 U1 discloses a circuit for controlling at least one lighting unit with an emergency lighting function. A detection unit is provided, which is connected to a supply voltage. A voltage drop in the supply voltage can be detected by the detection unit. An energy storage device is provided, which, by means of the detection unit, allows the at least one lighting unit to be operated with reduced electrical power in the event of the voltage drop.

[0006] DE 10 2010 003 797 A1 discloses a modular LED lighting system comprising a first module to which an AC supply voltage can be supplied, and comprising: an isolation unit, at the output of which a DC voltage galvanically isolated from the supply voltage is provided, and an integrated control circuit. Furthermore, the modular LED lighting system comprises a lamp management module comprising a clocked constant current source supplied with the DC output voltage of the first module, which is controlled by an integrated circuit of the lamp management module, an LED module comprising at least one LED section and supplied by the constant current source, and an emergency lighting operating circuit connected to a rechargeable energy storage device and supplying the modular LED lighting system in the event of a failure of the AC supply voltage.

[0007] DE 10 2004 002 026 A1 relates to the control of lighting control gear via a modulated DC bus. High-frequency digital control signals are modulated onto a DC supply voltage using powerline technology. These signals can be read by powerline demodulators in the control gear and evaluated to control the associated light source. Emergency lighting control units or other control units can be connected to a DC output circuit. These devices can also read signals from the connected control gear from the DC bus if they have a powerline demodulator.

[0008] US 4 150 302 A relates to a battery charging circuit for providing a charging current for a rechargeable battery from the AC mains voltage. The charging circuit is particularly suitable for use in an emergency light and includes a circuit for automatically switching off the charging current when the battery is fully charged. A failure of the AC power supply is detected by the charging circuit, and in response to such a failure, power is applied to an emergency lamp. The circuit can be used either to detect the loss of AC power and provide emergency lighting in response, or as a rechargeable lantern circuit that provides lighting when a switch is operated. To provide the emergency lighting function, a jumper wire is connected across, or in place of, a switch between a negative terminal and a junction of resistors and the emitter of a transistor.To select the operation of the portable lantern, the jumper wire is cut or otherwise disconnected, and the switch turns the lantern on and off.

[0009] There is a need for devices, systems, and methods that can efficiently provide emergency lighting. In particular, there is a need for devices, systems, and methods that can easily provide emergency lighting in a lighting system with a DC bus for supplying operating devices.

[0010] This need is met by an operating device and a method for emergency lighting operation of at least one light-emitting diode with an operating device, as defined in the independent claims. The dependent claims define embodiments.

[0011] According to embodiments of the invention, it is provided that an operating device for at least one light-emitting diode has a configurable emergency lighting function. The configurability can be such that it can be determined whether or not the corresponding operating device should continue to provide an LED current for the LEDs connected on the output side in an emergency lighting situation. The operating device is designed such that, even in an emergency lighting situation, the operating device is supplied with a DC supply voltage via a DC bus. This allows the use of a central energy storage device for several luminaires, which provides the DC supply voltage on the DC bus in an emergency lighting situation. The costs for maintaining decentralized energy storage devices for emergency lighting operation can thus be reduced.

[0012] An operating device for at least one light-emitting diode according to one exemplary embodiment has an input for coupling to a DC bus for receiving a DC supply voltage. The operating device can be supplied with power from a central unit via the DC bus both during normal operation and in an emergency lighting situation. The operating device has a configurable emergency lighting function. In the emergency lighting situation, the operating device is configured to generate the LED current for the at least one light-emitting diode depending on how the emergency lighting function is configured. The operating device is designed for PLC communication ("Power Line Communication") with the central unit via the DC bus.

[0013] Such an operating device can be supplied with power via the DC bus from a central energy storage device in an emergency lighting situation. This configurability allows for the assignment, for example, when installing the operating device or the luminaire containing the operating device, of whether the corresponding operating device should also provide light output through at least one LED in an emergency lighting situation.

[0014] In a system, identical control gear with differently configured emergency lighting functions can be used to implement both luminaires that emit light only during normal operation and luminaires that emit light in emergency situations. The configurable emergency lighting function can be used to specify the functionality in emergency situations and, optionally, also in normal operation.

[0015] The configurability of the emergency lighting function allows selectively assigning the task of supplying the assigned LEDs with LED power even in an emergency lighting situation to only a portion of several control devices. This reduces energy consumption in an emergency lighting situation and allows the emergency lighting function to be maintained for the period required for safety reasons, even with smaller central energy storage systems.

[0016] The operating device can be configured to retain the configured emergency lighting function. Reconfiguration can allow for the assignment of whether the corresponding operating device should also provide power to at least one LED in the event of an emergency.

[0017] The configurable emergency lighting function can be used to determine whether the operating device provides the LED current in the event of an emergency.

[0018] The emergency lighting function can be configured via at least one circuit element of the operating device. The at least one circuit element is selected from a group consisting of a jumper, an adjustable resistor, and an adjustable capacitor. This allows for easy determination, for example, by manually manipulating the circuit element, of whether the operating device generates the LED current in the event of an emergency.

[0019] The at least one circuit element may be a jumper that can be selectively set or removed to determine whether or not the control gear provides the LED current in the event of an emergency lighting condition.

[0020] The at least one circuit element may be a resistor that can be set to at least two different values ​​by a user action to determine whether or not the operating device provides the LED current in the emergency lighting situation.

[0021] The at least one circuit element may be a capacitance that can be set to at least two different values ​​by a user action to determine whether or not the operating device provides the LED current in the emergency lighting situation.

[0022] The at least one circuit element can be read by an integrated semiconductor circuit that controls the operating device. The integrated semiconductor circuit can be a microcontroller, a controller, a microprocessor, a processor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). For example, the integrated semiconductor circuit can determine whether the jumper is set or what value the adjustable resistor or capacitor is set to.

[0023] The emergency lighting function can also be configured by programming via an interface.

[0024] The operating device can have an interface for receiving a command used to configure the emergency lighting function. The input used to connect the operating device to the DC bus when installed can serve as the interface for configuring the emergency lighting function. The interface used to configure the emergency lighting function can be an interface intended solely for programming the operating device. The interface used to configure the emergency lighting function can be a sensor interface, which can be used to connect the operating device to a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, when installed.

[0025] The operating device may comprise an integrated semiconductor circuit configured to detect the emergency lighting case and to control the operating device in the emergency lighting case depending on how the emergency lighting function is configured.

[0026] The integrated semiconductor circuit may be connected to the input and may be configured to detect the emergency lighting event by monitoring a voltage at the input.

[0027] The operating device can comprise a DC / DC converter with a controllable switch. The integrated semiconductor circuit can be configured to switch the controllable switch in a clocked manner in the emergency lighting situation to provide the LED current if the emergency lighting function is configured such that the operating device provides the LED current in the emergency lighting situation.

[0028] In emergency lighting mode, the control gear can generate a lower LED current than during normal operation. The integrated semiconductor circuit can be configured to switch the controllable switch in a timed manner during emergency lighting mode, reducing the LED current compared to normal operation.

[0029] If the operating device is configured to provide the LED current in emergency lighting mode, the integrated semiconductor circuit can control the operating device so that the LED current for the at least one light-emitting diode is generated both in normal operation and in emergency lighting mode.

[0030] A luminaire according to one embodiment comprises an operating device according to one embodiment and at least one light-emitting diode which is connected to an output of the operating device.

[0031] The luminaire can be designed as a luminaire for building lighting. The luminaire can be a wall or ceiling luminaire.

[0032] A lighting system according to one embodiment comprises a DC bus, at least one operating device according to one embodiment connected to the DC bus, and a DC voltage source for providing the supply voltage to the DC bus in the event of an emergency lighting situation.

[0033] The lighting system may comprise a plurality of control devices according to one embodiment. The emergency lighting functions of the plurality of control devices may be configured such that only a portion of the control devices connected to the DC bus are configured to generate the LED current in the emergency lighting situation. This can reduce energy consumption in the emergency lighting situation and extend the duration for which the emergency lighting can be maintained.

[0034] The DC voltage source for emergency lighting can include a battery or accumulator.

[0035] The lighting system may include a central unit comprising a supply circuit for providing the DC supply voltage during normal operation. The supply circuit may include at least one AC / DC converter, a power factor correction circuit, and galvanic isolation. The accumulator may be connected to the supply circuit. During normal operation, the accumulator may be recharged if it is not fully charged. In an emergency lighting situation, the accumulator may be selectively connected to the DC bus to provide the DC supply voltage to the DC bus. A switched-mode DC / DC converter may be connected between the accumulator and the DC bus to set the DC supply voltage to a desired voltage value during an emergency lighting situation.

[0036] The emergency lighting case can be a failure of an AC voltage source, for example a failure of the mains voltage.

[0037] In a method for emergency lighting operation of at least one light-emitting diode according to one embodiment, an operating device is used that has an input for coupling to a DC bus for receiving a DC supply voltage from a central unit. The operating device has a configurable emergency lighting function. The method comprises detecting an emergency lighting situation. The operating device selectively provides an LED current to the at least one light-emitting diode depending on how the emergency lighting function of the operating device is configured. In the emergency lighting situation, the operating device is supplied with the DC supply voltage via the DC bus. The operating device communicates with the central unit via the DC bus via a PLC. The emergency lighting function is configurable via at least one circuit element of the operating device.The at least one circuit element is selected from a group consisting of a jumper, an adjustable resistor and an adjustable capacitance.

[0038] The control gear can detect an emergency lighting condition, for example, by monitoring a voltage level on the DC bus. A change in the voltage level during an emergency lighting condition compared to normal operation can be detected. Alternatively or additionally, an AC signal transmitted via the DC bus and modulated onto the DC supply voltage can be read by the control gear, indicating that an emergency lighting condition has occurred.

[0039] Features of the method according to further embodiments and the effects achieved thereby correspond to the embodiments described with reference to the operating devices, luminaires and lighting systems.

[0040] The method can be carried out by the operating device, the luminaire or the lighting system according to one embodiment.

[0041] Devices and methods according to embodiments can be used in particular for lighting systems in which the illuminant comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of LEDs and the operating device is supplied with a DC supply voltage via a DC bus.

[0042] Further features, advantages and functions of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals designate units with the same or similar function. Fig. 1 shows a lighting system with an operating device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 shows the lighting system of Fig. 1, if the operating device has a different configured emergency lighting function than in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows a lighting system with several luminaires according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 illustrates an operation of the lighting system of Fig. 3 in an emergency lighting situation. Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an operating device according to a further embodiment. Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of an operating device according to a further embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a method performed by an operating device according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 illustrates the detection of an emergency lighting case by monitoring a bus voltage according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 illustrates the detection of an emergency lighting case by monitoring a bus voltage according to another embodiment. Fig. 10 shows a central unit of a lighting system according to an embodiment.

[0043] Fig. Figure 1 shows a system 1 with a central unit 3, a DC bus 6, an operating device 6, and an LED module 8 comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 9. The LEDs 9 can be inorganic LEDs or organic LEDs. Fig. 2 shows the same system 1 when the emergency lighting function is configured differently than in Fig. 1. Even if in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 schematically shows only one operating device 10 and one LED module 8 associated with it, several operating devices can be connected to the DC bus 6 in order to generate an LED current for an LED module connected to their output.

[0044] The central unit 3 comprises a supply circuit 4, which is configured to receive an AC voltage from an AC voltage source 2 during normal operation and to generate a DC supply voltage for the operating device 10. The supply circuit 4 may comprise an AC / DC converter. The supply circuit 4 may comprise a potential separation to provide a voltage in the SELV ("Separated Extra Low Voltage") range to the DC bus 6 and to galvanically separate the DC bus 6 from an input side of the supply circuit 4.

[0045] The system 1 comprises an energy storage device 5. The energy storage device 5 can serve as a voltage source in an emergency lighting situation. An emergency lighting situation is considered in particular to be the case in which the AC voltage source 2, for example the mains voltage, fails. The energy storage device 5 can be a battery or an accumulator. The energy storage device 5 can be a lead-acid accumulator. The energy storage device 5 can be rechargeable. The energy storage device 5 can be configured to maintain a DC supply voltage on the DC bus 6 in an emergency lighting situation in order to supply some or all of the operating devices connected to the DC bus 6 with energy.

[0046] The operating device 10 according to one embodiment is configured to generate an LED current I LEDfor the LED module 8. The operating device 10 can comprise a DC / DC converter 12 to regulate or otherwise adjust the LED current to a setpoint. The DC / DC converter can be a clocked converter, with a controllable switch 13 being switched in a clocked manner to generate the LED current for the LED module 8.

[0047] The operating device 10 can have a configurable emergency lighting function. The emergency lighting function allows the operating device 10 to generate the LED current for the LED module 8, at least for a specified period of time, even in an emergency lighting situation, for example, in the event of a failure of the AC voltage source 2. The current intensity of the LED current can be reduced in an emergency lighting situation compared to normal operation, for example, to a maximum of 10% of the maximum current intensity in normal operation. The configurability of the emergency lighting function makes it possible to specify whether the operating device 10 should provide the LED current at its output in an emergency lighting situation. This configurability makes it possible to specify whether the operating device 10 is used for a luminaire that contributes to emergency lighting or for a luminaire that is switched off in an emergency lighting situation.

[0048] The configurable emergency lighting function can be implemented in different ways. In the case of examples shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an integrated semiconductor circuit 14 is configured to determine, depending on a circuit element of the operating device 10, whether the operating device 10 should generate the LED current in the event of an emergency lighting condition. The circuit element can be a manually manipulable circuit element. For example, by inserting or removing a switching bridge 16, it can be determined whether the operating device also generates the LED current in the event of an emergency lighting condition.

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows a system 1 in which a jumper 16 is present. The integrated semiconductor circuit 14 can detect the presence of the jumper 16, for example, by measuring voltage or resistance. The jumper can be a short-circuit plug. Fig. Figure 2 shows system 1 when the switching bridge 16 is not inserted and a receptacle 15 for the switching bridge remains free. The integrated semiconductor circuit 14 can detect the absence of the switching bridge 16, for example, by measuring voltage or resistance.

[0050] By inserting or removing jumper 16, the emergency lighting function of operating device 10 can be configured so that an LED current is generated in the emergency lighting situation. For example, when jumper 16 is inserted, integrated semiconductor circuit 14 can detect that operating device 10 should also generate the LED current in the emergency lighting situation. If jumper 16 is not inserted, the integrated semiconductor circuit can detect that operating device 10 should not generate any LED current in the emergency lighting situation and should be switched off. Reverse coding can also be used, in which the presence of jumper 16 connecting two conductor tracks indicates that operating device 10 should not generate any LED current in the emergency lighting situation and should be switched off. With this coding, the absence of jumper 15 would indicate that operating device 10 should generate an LED current in the emergency lighting situation.

[0051] Numerous other embodiments of the operating circuit 10 can be used to enable a determination of whether the operating circuit 10 should generate an LED current in the event of an emergency lighting situation. For example, the operating circuit 10 can comprise a resistor that can be set to at least two values. The resistor can be set in a user-defined manner, for example by actuating a DIP switch. The integrated semiconductor circuit 10 can read the set resistor and determine whether the set resistor value indicates a configuration of the emergency lighting function in which the operating device 10 should generate an LED current in the event of an emergency lighting situation. Alternatively or additionally, an adjustable capacitor or another manually manipulable circuit element can be provided, the at least two states of which encode whether or not the operating device 10 should generate an LED current in the event of an emergency lighting situation.

[0052] The operating device 10 is designed so that the configuration of the emergency lighting function is persistent and retained even if normal operation and emergency lighting alternate once or multiple times. However, the operating device 10 can allow reconfiguration of the emergency lighting function, for example, by removing or reinserting the jumper 15, activating a DIP switch, changing a resistance value of a resistor or a capacitance of a capacitor in a user-defined manner, or manually operating a switch of the operating device 10.

[0053] If an emergency lighting situation occurs, the integrated semiconductor circuit 14 can control the operating device 10 such that an LED current is selectively generated in the emergency lighting situation only if the emergency lighting function of the operating device 10 is configured such that the operating device 10 should continue to output an LED current in the emergency lighting situation. If the emergency lighting function of the operating device 10 is configured such that the operating device 10 should continue to output an LED current in the emergency lighting situation, the integrated semiconductor circuit 14 can control the operating device 10 such that an LED current is also provided during normal operation. An operating device 10 that provides the LED current for the LED module 8 during an emergency lighting situation can also generate an LED current during normal operation.

[0054] The operation of the operating device 10, and in particular of the DC / DC converter 12, can differ during normal operation and during emergency lighting. In particular, the integrated semiconductor circuit 14 can switch the controllable switch 13 of the DC / DC converter 12 such that the LED current has a lower current intensity during emergency lighting operation than during normal operation. If the operating device 10 is configured to enable dimming, the integrated semiconductor circuit 14 can switch the controllable switch 13 of the DC / DC converter 12 such that the LED current has a lower current intensity during emergency lighting operation than the current intensity at 100% dimming level, i.e., the maximum current intensity, during normal operation.

[0055] The operating device 10 can also be configured to operate with different DC input voltages during normal operation and emergency lighting. For example, the DC supply voltage on DC bus 3 can be higher during normal operation than during emergency lighting.

[0056] The integrated semiconductor circuit 14 can change the clocked switching of the controllable switch 13 depending on whether the operating device 10 is currently operating in normal operation or in emergency lighting mode, in such a way that the differences in the current intensity of the LED current and / or in the input voltages existing between the operating modes are taken into account.

[0057] The operating device 10 can perform additional functions. If the operating device 10 is configured for dimming, the integrated semiconductor circuit 14 can, for example, read out a dimming command and adapt current control to the newly set dimming level by the dimming command. The dimming command can be transmitted via the DC bus 6 as so-called PLC (“Power Line Communication”). The operating device 10 can have a PLC demodulator for demodulating AC signals modulated onto the DC supply voltage, which signals are used to encode dimming commands. The operating device 10 can also be configured to transmit information via the DC bus 6. The information can, for example, be diagnostic-relevant information, e.g., information about irregular operating states such as fault shutdowns. The information can be transmitted via the DC bus 6.The operating device 10 may include a PLC modulator for modulating AC signals onto the DC bus 6 to transmit the information.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows a system 1 with a plurality of luminaires 21-26, each connected to the DC bus 6. Each of the luminaires 21-26 has an operating device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment and at least one light-emitting diode. In the operating devices 10 of one or more of the luminaires 22, 24, the emergency lighting function is configured such that the corresponding luminaire 22, 24 emits light in the event of an emergency, since the operating device 10 supplies the LEDs with the LED current. In the operating devices 10 of one or more further luminaires 21, 23, 25, 26, the emergency lighting function is configured such that the corresponding luminaire 22, 24 does not emit light in the event of an emergency, since the operating device 10 does not supply the LEDs with the LED current.

[0059] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of system 1 in emergency lighting mode. Luminaires 21-26 can be wall or ceiling luminaires for building lighting. Luminaires 21-26 can be installed inside a building.

[0060] Due to the configuration of the emergency lighting function of the operating devices 10 of the luminaires 22, 24, these operating devices 10 provide the LED current for the LEDs in the event of an emergency lighting, so that the LEDs emit light 31, 33.

[0061] Due to the configuration of the emergency lighting function of the operating devices 10 of the additional luminaires 23, 25, these operating devices 10 do not provide any LED current for the LEDs in the event of an emergency lighting, so that the LEDs of the additional luminaires 23, 25 do not emit any light in the event of an emergency lighting.

[0062] By configuring the emergency lighting functions of the control devices, a lighting pattern for emergency lighting can be defined. It is possible, but not absolutely necessary, to control the various control devices 21-24 in the event of an emergency lighting situation by means of control commands addressed to the various control devices so that the corresponding lighting pattern is generated. Due to the configurable emergency lighting function, for example, a change in the voltage level or a signal transmitted to all control devices simultaneously via the DC bus 6 can indicate that an emergency lighting situation has occurred. In response, the control devices 10 of the luminaires 22, 24 reduce the LED current for emergency lighting operation, while the control devices 10 of another group of luminaires 23, 25 no longer generate any LED current and are switched off or go into standby mode.

[0063] Numerous other modifications of control gear, luminaires, and systems based on the examples can be implemented. For example, the emergency lighting function of a control gear can also be programmed via an interface.

[0064] Fig. 5 shows an operating device 10 according to a further embodiment. The operating device 10 is configured such that the emergency lighting function can be configured via programming at input 11, which is connected to the DC bus 6 when the operating device 10 is installed. The integrated semiconductor circuit 14 can monitor signals received at input 11 with which the emergency lighting function can be configured. For example, an AC voltage signal at input 10 with a first frequency can indicate that the emergency lighting function of the operating device 10 should be configured such that the operating device 10 generates an LED current in the event of an emergency lighting. An AC voltage signal at input 10 with a second frequency can indicate that the emergency lighting function of the operating device 10 should be configured such that the operating device 10 does not generate any LED current in the event of an emergency lighting. Other programming is possible.For example, a first binary sequence can be transmitted to the integrated semiconductor circuit via voltage signals received at input 10, indicating that the emergency lighting function of operating device 10 should be configured such that operating device 10 generates an LED current in the event of an emergency. A second binary sequence can be transmitted to the integrated semiconductor circuit via voltage signals received at input 10, indicating that the emergency lighting function of operating device 10 should be configured such that operating device 10 does not generate an LED current in the event of an emergency.

[0065] The operating device 10 may have a memory 17 that stores whether the emergency lighting function is configured such that the operating device 10 generates an LED current in the event of an emergency. The memory 17 may be a non-volatile memory.

[0066] An interface other than input 11 can also be used to program the operating device 10.

[0067] Fig. 6 shows an operating device 10 according to a further embodiment. The operating device 10 is configured such that the emergency lighting function can be configured via programming at an interface 18. The interface 18 is different from the input 11, which is connected to the DC bus 6 in the installed state. The interface 18 can be a programming interface for the operating device, which is not used in the installed state of the operating device 10. The interface 18 can also be a sensor interface, to which a sensor can be connected in the installed state of the operating device 10 and which is temporarily used to configure the emergency lighting function in order to program the operating device 10. The programming can be carried out as described with reference to Fig. 5 described.

[0068] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a method 40 performed by an operating device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0069] In step 41, the control device 10 can supply LED current to the LEDs during normal operation. In step 42, the control device 10 can determine whether an emergency lighting condition exists. Detection of an emergency lighting condition can be achieved, for example, by monitoring the voltage at input 11 coupled to the DC bus 6. If no emergency lighting condition exists, the supply to the LEDs can continue during normal operation at step 41.

[0070] If an emergency lighting event is detected, the operating device 10 can determine how the emergency lighting function of the operating device 10 is configured in step 43. For this purpose, the integrated semiconductor circuit 14 can query the state of a circuit element, for example, the switching bridge 15, and / or read an indicator for the set configuration from a non-volatile memory 17.

[0071] In step 44, a check is carried out to determine whether, according to the emergency lighting function's configuration, the LED current should also be provided in an emergency lighting situation. If the emergency lighting function is configured to provide the LED current even in an emergency lighting situation, the LEDs are supplied with an LED current for emergency lighting operation in step 45. The LED current can be reduced compared to normal operation.

[0072] If step 44 determines that the emergency lighting function is configured to no longer provide LED current in an emergency situation, step 46 stops the generation of LED current. The control gear can enter standby mode or be shut down.

[0073] The operating device 10 can detect the emergency lighting situation in different ways, such as Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 is described.

[0074] Fig. 8 shows a voltage on the DC bus 6 of a system according to one embodiment when an emergency lighting situation occurs. In a time interval 41 in which the system operates in normal operation, the DC supply voltage has a voltage level 56. In an emergency lighting situation, the DC supply voltage on the DC bus 6 can drop to a further voltage level 58, which is lower than the voltage level 56. The integrated semiconductor circuit 14 of the operating device 14 can detect the falling voltage edge 57 and thereby determine that the emergency lighting situation exists. In a time interval 52, the system operates in emergency lighting mode. The end of emergency lighting mode can be detected by a rising voltage edge on the DC bus 6.

[0075] The different voltage levels 56, 58 on the DC bus 6 during normal operation and emergency lighting operation can result, for example, from an output voltage of the energy storage device 5 being lower than the voltage level of the DC supply voltage generated by the central unit 3 during normal operation. For example, during normal operation, a DC supply voltage of up to 60 volts, e.g., a voltage of 48 volts, can be applied to the DC bus 6. During emergency lighting operation, the DC supply voltage can be reduced, for example, to 24 volts or 12 volts.

[0076] The different voltage levels 56, 58 can be set by the central unit 3 to indicate the start and end of emergency lighting operation.

[0077] Fig. 9 shows a voltage on the DC bus 6 of a system according to one embodiment when an emergency lighting event occurs. The central unit 3 can modulate an AC signal 56 onto the DC supply voltage 56 to indicate that the emergency lighting event has occurred. The integrated semiconductor circuit 14 of the operating device 14 can detect the AC signal 59 and thereby determine that the emergency lighting event exists. Depending on how the emergency lighting function is configured in the corresponding operating device 10, the generation of the LED current can be stopped or the LED current can continue to be generated at a lower current to supply the LEDs. The end of emergency lighting operation can be indicated by another AC signal on the DC bus 6.

[0078] Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram of the central unit 3 according to one embodiment. The central unit 3 comprises a supply circuit 4 with an input 62 coupled to an AC voltage source 61, for example, the mains voltage. The supply circuit 4 can also be configured to be coupled to a photovoltaic element.

[0079] The supply circuit 4 is configured to generate a DC supply voltage and to supply the operating device 10 with power via the DC bus 6. The supply circuit 4 may include a rectifier and a power factor correction circuit 63. The supply circuit 4 may include a DC / DC converter with potential isolation to provide a potential barrier 65. The potential barrier 65 may be a SELV barrier.

[0080] An energy storage device 5, which may be a rechargeable energy storage device, may be connected to or integrated into the supply circuit 4. It is also possible to provide the energy storage device separately from the supply circuit 4.

[0081] The supply circuit 4 can be configured to charge the energy storage device 5 or to enable discharging of the energy storage device via the DC bus 6 in the event of an emergency lighting situation. The supply circuit 4 can comprise an AC / DC converter 66 to generate a direct current for charging the energy storage device 5. The supply circuit 4 can comprise a DC / DC converter 67, which is operated in the event of an emergency lighting situation to provide a DC supply voltage to the DC bus. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 10, the supply circuit 4 can provide a DC supply voltage at an output 68 both in normal operation and in emergency lighting mode. The DC supply voltage can have different voltage levels in normal operation and in emergency lighting mode.

[0082] While embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, modifications may be used in further embodiments. For example, an emergency lighting function of the operating device may also define more than two possible states. This would allow further configurations to be defined in addition to or as an alternative to a first configuration in which the operating device generates the LED current only during normal operation and a second configuration in which the operating device generates the LED current both during normal operation and in the emergency lighting situation. For example, a third configuration may be specified in which the operating device generates the LED current only in the emergency lighting situation.

[0083] In addition to or as an alternative to programming the control gear via an interface during installation, the emergency lighting function can also be configured while the control gear is installed. The emergency lighting function can be implemented via the DC bus in the PLC, with the corresponding control signals containing address information for a control gear.

[0084] Devices and methods according to embodiments can be used in particular for the operation of lighting means comprising LEDs.

Claims

[1] Operating device for at least one light-emitting diode (9), wherein the operating device (10) has an input (11) for coupling to a DC bus (6) for receiving a DC supply voltage, via which the operating device (10) can be supplied with energy from a central unit (3) via the DC bus (6) both in normal operation and in an emergency lighting situation, wherein the operating device (10) has a configurable emergency lighting function, wherein the operating device (10) is configured to generate the LED current for the at least one light-emitting diode (9) in the emergency lighting case depending on how the emergency lighting function is configured, and wherein the operating device (10) is designed for PLC communication with the central unit (3) via the DC bus (6), wherein the emergency lighting function is configurable via at least one circuit element (15) of the operating device (10), wherein the at least one circuit element is selected from a group consisting of a jumper (16), an adjustable resistor and an adjustable capacitor. [2] Operating device according to claim 1, wherein the configurable emergency lighting function can be used to determine whether the operating device (10) generates the LED current in the event of an emergency lighting situation. [3] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (10) has an interface (11; 18) for receiving a command for configuring the emergency lighting function. [4] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an integrated semiconductor circuit (14) which is arranged to detect the emergency lighting case and to control the operating device (10) in the emergency lighting case depending on how the emergency lighting function is configured. [5] Operating device according to claim 4, wherein the integrated semiconductor circuit (14) is connected to the input and is arranged to detect the emergency lighting case by monitoring a voltage at the input (11). [6] Operating device according to one of claims 4 to 5, comprising a converter (12) with a controllable switch (13), wherein the integrated semiconductor circuit (14) is configured to switch the controllable switch (13) in a clocked manner in the emergency lighting case in order to generate the LED current when the emergency lighting function is configured such that the operating device (10) provides the LED current in the emergency lighting case. [7] Luminaire comprising an operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one light-emitting diode (9) connected to an output of the operating device (10). [8] Lighting system comprising: a DC bus (6), at least one operating device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, which is connected to the DC bus (6), and a central unit (3) with a DC voltage source (5) for providing the supply voltage to the DC bus (6) in the emergency lighting case. [9] Lighting system according to claim 8, wherein the lighting system comprises a plurality of operating devices (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, and wherein only some of the operating devices (22, 24) connected to the DC bus have an emergency lighting function configured such that the corresponding operating devices (22, 24) generate the LED current in the emergency lighting case. [10] Lighting system according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the DC voltage source comprises a battery or accumulator (5). [11] Method for emergency lighting operation of at least one light-emitting diode (9) with an operating device (10) having an input (11) for coupling to a DC bus (6) for receiving a DC supply voltage of a central unit (3), wherein the operating device (10) has a configurable emergency lighting function, the method comprising: Detection of an emergency lighting case by the operating device (10), Providing an LED current through the operating device (10) to the at least one light-emitting diode (9) in the emergency lighting case depending on how the emergency lighting function of the operating device (10) is configured, wherein the operating device (10) is supplied with the DC supply voltage via the DC bus (6) in the emergency lighting case, and PLC communication of the operating device (10) with the central unit (3) via the DC bus (6), wherein the emergency lighting function is configurable via at least one circuit element (15) of the operating device (10), wherein the at least one circuit element is selected from a group consisting of a jumper (16), an adjustable resistor and an adjustable capacitor. [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein the method is carried out with the operating device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

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