Duration selector switch for emergency lighting converter

Abstract

The emergency converter device provides an interface for selecting operating parameters for the emergency operation mode of the emergency converter device. The emergency converter device supplies a supply current I to a load device, specifically to an illumination module including one or more light emitting diodes. LED . The emergency converter device includes: a control circuit configured to set at least one operating parameter of the emergency converter device; an interface including a first terminal and a second terminal for electrically connecting a status indicator light emitting diode; and a detection circuit connected to the control circuit. The detection circuit is configured to detect the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode connected to the first terminal and the second terminal, and the control circuit selects the at least one operating parameter of the emergency converter device based on the detected polarity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of emergency power supply devices, in particular emergency power supply devices for emergency lighting, and in particular emergency converter devices. The present invention provides an interface for selecting operating parameters for an emergency operating mode in an emergency converter device and a corresponding method. Background Art

[0002] In an emergency lighting system, an emergency converter device (sometimes also referred to as a converter, ballast or driver device) is used to provide a supply current to an emergency lighting device for a predetermined time in the event of a failure of the mains power supply. In the event of a failure of the mains power supply, the energy stored in an energy storage device (such as a rechargeable battery) is used to maintain the current supply for a rated service time. The rated service time defines the battery discharge duration during which the emergency converter is required to drive the emergency light at a predetermined drive current. The predetermined drive current is the minimum load current that enables the lighting device to complete its task of providing an emergency light level for the rated service time.

[0003] The rated service time or the minimum load current is usually selectable at the emergency converter device using a duration selector switch, for example, setting the rated service time to 1 hour, 2 hours or 3 hours.

[0004] Such a duration select switch is typically implemented using a three pin connector with separate jumper connections and pin headers.

[0005] The functionality of the emergency lighting system must be tested at predefined intervals by performing functional tests and must be continuously monitored during operation using built-in test equipment.

[0006] For example, the functional test is initiated by operating a test switch arranged at or outside the emergency converter of the emergency light system. The test switch is usually connected to the emergency lighting converter via a two-wire interface and wired to a control circuit (e.g., a microcontroller) that controls the operation of the emergency lighting converter device.

[0007] The current operating state of the emergency lighting converter device is signaled using a status indicator light, which is mounted so that it is visible from the outside of the emergency lighting device housing. The status indicator light usually includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) to indicate a plurality of different operating states of the emergency converter. Accordingly, at least two terminals (connectors) for driving the status indicator light emitting diode based on control signals from the microcontroller of the emergency converter are necessary.

[0008] Even though the test switch and the status indicator light are to be installed within the emergency converter device, the test switch interface and the status indicator light interface respectively use four terminals of the emergency lighting converter device, and the duration selection interface requires three dedicated and separate terminals (e.g., implemented as pins) to select a predetermined rated service time from two or three predefined rated service time values.

[0009] In addition to the additional mains interface of the power supply, the battery interface of the emergency power supply, and the lamp interface of the lighting device, the interfaces of the emergency lighting converter device in question also include a duration selection interface, a test switch interface, and a status indicator light interface.

[0010] In short, the interface with the test switch, the interface with the status indicator light, and the duration selection interface for the rated service time of the emergency lighting converter device require a plurality of signal lines on its printed circuit board and corresponding terminals at the interface of the emergency converter device. The interface takes up a considerable space at the housing component of the emergency converter device. Therefore, the interface leads to a considerable cost for manufacturing the emergency converter device, but also brings a huge space requirement in order to ensure that all interfaces are accessible. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention solves the problem of designing an emergency converter device of small size and providing an externally operable interface for setting operating parameters of the emergency converter device.

[0012] The emergency converter device according to the first aspect and the method for setting operating parameters according to the second aspect provide an advantageous solution to this problem.

[0013] The dependent claims define further embodiments of the invention.

[0014] In a first aspect, an emergency lighting converter device for providing a supply current to a load device comprises: a control circuit configured to set at least one operating parameter of the emergency converter device; an interface comprising a first terminal and a second terminal for electrically connecting a status indicator light emitting diode. The emergency converter device comprises a detection circuit connected to the control circuit. The detection circuit is configured to detect the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode connected to the first terminal and the second terminal. The control circuit is configured to select at least one operating parameter of the emergency converter device based on the detected polarity.

[0015] The emergency converter device is now able to distinguish the actual orientation of the status indicator light emitting diode from two possible orientations by determining the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode connected to the first terminal and the second terminal of the status indicator light interface. Each of the two possible orientations of the diode will be associated with one of the two possible operating parameter values. Therefore, the detection circuit detects the actual polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode and provides information about the control circuit of the emergency converter device. The control circuit uses the information obtained about the detected polarity to select and set the associated operating parameter value for the operation of the emergency converter device. This means that a significant part of the interface of the emergency converter device (the duration selection interface) is no longer required, because its functionality is fully integrated into another part of the interface (the status indicator light interface). The entire connector, which usually includes three signal pins and associated jumper switches, can now be omitted.

[0016] As a result, the size of the interface is significantly reduced. The manufacturing costs will also be reduced, since a large connector is no longer necessary. These connectors are often even installed manually by electricians during manufacturing, so the manufacturing costs will be disproportionately reduced.

[0017] Separate jumper connections and pin connectors for setting operating parameter values ​​and which are often lost during the life of the emergency converter device are no longer required, as their functionality is combined with that of the status indicator light emitting diode.

[0018] The detection circuit of an advantageous embodiment is configured to determine whether a short circuit is applied between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0019] If the detection circuit detects not only the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode, but also whether a short circuit is applied between the first terminal and the second terminal of the status indicator light interface, the test switch can also be connected in parallel to the status indicator light interface. The actual test switch position of the detection circuit (whether open or closed) can now be detected and can be transmitted to the control circuit. When a short circuit is detected, the control circuit will start a test routine based on the information obtained. Therefore, the emergency converter device can also save a separate test switch interface, because the status indicator interface can now combine the functionality of the status indicator interface with the functionality of the test switch interface and the duration link selection interface.

[0020] The advantages regarding the small size and the advantageous production properties of the emergency converter device therefore apply to an even greater extent.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the emergency converter device, the at least one operating parameter is a rated service time value or a minimum supply current value.

[0022] The method of the present invention provides a universal capability to set operating parameters of emergency converter devices, such as rated service time. Emergency converter devices benefit significantly from an improved interface, as these converters require a duration selection interface in order to meet different regulatory requirements for one product.

[0023] The interface of the emergency converter device of an advantageous embodiment further comprises an indicator configured to visually indicate an operating parameter value corresponding to an associated polarity of a status indicator light emitting diode connected to the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0024] A simple badge or label attached near the status indicator interface indicates to the user which of the two possible polarities for connecting the status indicator LED is associated with which value of the operating parameter. Thus, one can easily understand how to connect the status indicator LED so as to set the operating parameter to the desired operating parameter value.

[0025] The detection circuit may be configured to generate a digital detection signal including information about the detected polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode.

[0026] Thus, the detection circuit generates a digital signal which can be provided directly to a digital input of a control circuit (eg a microprocessor or ASIC) and used to set an operating parameter value by the control circuit.

[0027] In one embodiment, the digital signal (digital detection signal) comprises information whether a test switch of the emergency converter device is actuated.

[0028] Thus, the detection circuit provides a single digital signal for conveying information about the polarity and, if applicable, the state of the test switch (open or closed). This single digital signal combines the information previously provided from three different interfaces (duration selection interface, test switch interface and status indicator light interface). Accordingly, the number of interfaces at the control circuit is reduced due to reliance on a single digital signal for providing information to the control circuit. The number of required terminals at the control circuit for obtaining this information is also reduced. The reduction in the space requirement related to the number of conductor paths and terminals at the control circuit leads to a simplification in the design of the printed circuit board of the emergency converter device.

[0029] The detection circuit of the preferred embodiment is configured to provide a status indicator LED current based on the detected polarity.

[0030] Thus, the detection circuit ensures that the status indicator light emitting diode performs its function independently of the current polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode relative to the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0031] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for setting at least one operating parameter of an emergency converter device. The emergency converter device comprises a control circuit and an interface, the interface comprising a first terminal and a second terminal for electrically connecting a status indicator light emitting diode between the first terminal and the second terminal. The method comprises the step of detecting, by a detection circuit of the emergency converter device connected to the control circuit, the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode connected to the first terminal and the second terminal. The method further comprises the subsequent step of setting, by the control circuit, at least one operating parameter of the emergency converter device based on the detected polarity. The operating parameter associated with the determined polarity may be stored in a table in a memory of the emergency converter.

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the method for setting at least one operating parameter of an emergency converter device further comprises the step of determining whether to power on the emergency converter device or to perform a reset operation. The steps of detecting and setting are performed only if a power on operation or a reset operation is determined in the step of determining whether to perform a power on operation or a reset operation.

[0033] Performing a determination of a power-on operation or a reset operation of the emergency converter device makes it possible to ensure that the status indicator light emitting diode operates correctly thereafter with the appropriate direction of the status indicator light current.

[0034] The method for setting at least one operating parameter of an emergency converter device may further comprise the step of detecting, by the detection circuit, whether a short circuit is applied between the first terminal and the second terminal. In case a short circuit is determined, the control circuit starts executing a test routine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings provide a more detailed discussion of embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 1 Describes an overview of the external interfaces of the emergency lighting converter unit,

[0037] Figure 2 A duration selection circuit in an emergency lighting converter device according to one embodiment,

[0038] Figure 3 A graphical representation of the logic voltage levels of a digital signal generated by a detection circuit of an embodiment,

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic overview of the mechanical layout of the duration selection components according to one embodiment, and

[0040] Figure 5 Simplified flow chart of a method for setting operating parameters of an emergency converter arrangement.

[0041] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or equivalent structures. For the sake of brevity, the discussion of the embodiments avoids repetitive explanation of structures with the same reference numerals in different drawings when it is considered possible without seriously affecting clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 A general overview of an emergency lighting converter device 1 is provided as an example of an emergency converter device for lighting applications. The emergency lighting converter device 1 shows typical interfaces with externally arranged devices and accessories such as a test switch 14 or a status indicator light emitting diode 10 . Figure 1 Focus is placed solely on those elements and interfaces of the emergency lighting converter device 1 which support an understanding of the invention and its advantages.

[0043] The mains infrastructure of the building provides the emergency lighting converter device 1 with a mains power supply, such as an AC voltage V of 230V / 50Hz, via the power interface 2 of the emergency lighting converter device 1. AC .

[0044] The emergency lighting converter device 1 provides a load current I to the lighting module 3 LED .

[0045] The emergency lighting converter device 1 provides a load voltage U 20 to one or more lighting devices 3 (lighting modules) via a lighting interface 4 . DC There may additionally be a lighting interface 4 for connecting a plurality of lighting devices 3 in parallel.

[0046] The lighting module 3 may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) for providing light.

[0047] The lighting device 3 generally comprises a lighting device such as an LED or a gas discharge lamp, which is supplied with a load voltage U via a lighting interface 4. DC or load current I LED The lighting device 3 may comprise one or more light emitting devices specifically intended for operation during the emergency operating mode.

[0048] Although the previously described elements are also typical of any converter or ballast for lighting applications, the emergency lighting converter device 1 further comprises a battery interface 5 for connecting a rechargeable battery 6 as an energy storage device for storing electrical energy. During the standard operating mode of the emergency lighting converter device 1, the rechargeable battery 6 is charged via the battery interface 5 with a charging current I CHARGE Charging. The emergency lighting converter device 1 draws electrical energy from the mains supply via the mains supply interface 2, thereby operating in a standard operating mode.

[0049] In the emergency operation mode, for example in the event of a mains power failure, the emergency lighting converter device 1 provides the lighting device 3 with electrical energy drawn from the rechargeable battery 6. Specifically, the emergency lighting converter device 1 provides the lighting device 3 with a load current I having a predefined current value during the emergency operation mode. LED A predefined minimum time, battery discharge duration or rated service time is reached.

[0050] The battery discharge duration may, for example, be selectable and may be 1 hour or 3 hours as described above.

[0051] The duration link selection interface 7 of the emergency converter 1 enables the user to preselect the battery discharge duration. The duration link selection interface 7 may include two or more parallel signal lines for connecting one or more selection switches (battery duration selection switches) 8.

[0052] The duration link selection interface 7 and the selection switch 8 may be implemented by a duration link selector comprising three pins 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 arranged in series, the central pin 7.2 being a ground pin connected to ground potential (device ground). A jumper or duration link (including a simple short circuit) may be positioned in either of two different positions on the three pins 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, in each position providing a short circuit of one of the remaining two pins 7.1, 7.3 to the central ground pin 7.2.

[0053] For example, the duration link selection switch 8 may be arranged on a main printed circuit board of the emergency lighting converter device 1 and may be accessible via an opening through a housing component (encapsulation) of the emergency lighting converter device 1 .

[0054] The duration link selection interface 7 is connected to a control circuit 11 of the emergency lighting converter device 1 via a signal line (conductive path or conductor track) on a printed circuit board. The control circuit 11 may include one or more microcontroller circuits or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The control circuit 11 controls the operation of the emergency lighting converter device 1. The control circuit 11 may perform and control functions and program routines, for example, for changing an operating mode (such as a standard operating mode (standard mode of operation / standard operation mode), an emergency operating mode, a charging operating mode for charging the battery 6), or for monitoring the load at the lighting interface 3. The control circuit 11 may perform test and monitoring functions for the emergency lighting converter device 1 and its interface, and control Figure 1 The battery charging circuit is not shown.

[0055] The control circuit 11 may function as a data recorder or data logger by recording data over time or related to the position of the emergency lighting converter device 1 (eg from built-in devices or sensors or data on operating states, faults, etc.).

[0056] The control circuit 11 may for example run an internal test routine, in particular starting the test routine when the test switch 14 is actuated. The test switch 14 may be arranged inside the housing assembly of the emergency lighting converter device 1 or preferably outside the housing assembly.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, a service interval may be selected by operating the test switch 14 .

[0058] The test switch 14 can be implemented in different forms, for example as a rocker switch, a toggle switch or preferably as a push button. The test switch 14 can be arranged in the housing of the lighting device for a person to access and operate from the outside, wherein the emergency lighting converter device 1 is positioned in the housing assembly of the lighting device. The test switch 14 can be wired to the test switch interface 13 using two connecting wires. Typically, one of the terminals (connection elements) of the test switch interface 13 (for example, the first terminal 13.1) is connected to the low-voltage power supply of the emergency lighting converter device 1. The test switch 14 is configured to short-circuit the first terminal 13.1 and the second terminal 13.2 when the test switch 11 is actuated.

[0059] A status indicator lamp, which is depicted as a first status indicator light emitting diode 10, is connected via the status indicator lamp interface 9. The status indicator lamp 10 is connected to the emergency lighting converter device 1 via an interface of the emergency lighting converter device 1 with a first terminal 9.1 and a second terminal 9.2.

[0060] The status indicator light 10 is controlled to emit light in a targeted manner. Thus, the status indicator light 10 can be used to visually signal the operating state of the emergency lighting converter device 1 .

[0061] The control circuit 11 can control the status indicator light 10 in different lighting modes (such as "light on", "light off", "slow flashing", "fast flashing") to signal different operating modes, operating states or results of test procedures of the emergency lighting converter device 1. Some of the results of the different operating modes, operating states or test procedures can signal information such as "system normal", "functional test in progress", "battery life test running", "load fault", "battery fault", "battery charging fault" or "in emergency operating mode".

[0062] The status indicator light emitting diode 10 is driven by a status indicator driving signal, which may be a pulse width modulation signal (PWM signal).

[0063] Preferably, the status indicator light 10 is integrated into a single structural module as the status indicator light 10, such as Figure 1 As shown. A single structural module including the status indicator light 10 and even the test switch 14 can be arranged at a suitable position of the emergency lighting equipment including the emergency lighting converter device 1. Therefore, the control elements (such as the test switch 14 of the emergency lighting converter device 1 and the status indicator light 10) are easy to operate, and the status indicator light 10 is also easy to be read by the user.

[0064] Figure 2 An embodiment of a detection circuit 12 in an emergency lighting converter device 1 is shown.

[0065] The detection circuit 12 provides a DC voltage V LVPS The low voltage power supply operates. V LVPS Can be provided by the secondary circuit of the flyback converter.

[0066] The detection circuit 12 is connected to a first terminal 9 . 1 and a second terminal 9 . 2 of the duration selection / test switch interface 9 . The first terminal 9 . 1 and the second terminal 9 . 2 of the duration selection / test switch interface 9 each represent an input terminal of the detection circuit 12 .

[0067] Figure 2 A state indicator light emitting diode 10 is shown connected between terminals 9.1 and 9.2 in two different polarization states in a single figure. It should be noted that in a first case, the state indicator light emitting diode 10 is connected with its anode terminal 10.1 to terminal 9.2 and with its cathode terminal 10.2 to terminal 9.1, or in a second case 2, the state indicator light emitting diode 10 is connected with its anode terminal 10.1 to terminal 9.1 and with its cathode terminal 10.2 to terminal 9.2.

[0068] Figure 2 Two situations are depicted simultaneously, namely the first and the second, which appear only as alternatives.

[0069] The detection circuit 12 generates a digital output signal SELECT_PARA_TEST, which is transmitted to the control circuit 11. Figure 2 The digital output signal SELECT_PART_TEST provided by the detection circuit 12 depicted in FIG. 1 is a parallel digital signal on two signal lines ( D1 and D2 ).

[0070] The detection circuit 12 is configured to determine whether the anode terminal 10.1 of the status indicator LED 10 is connected to the first terminal 9.1 or the second terminal 9.2 and whether the cathode terminal 10.2 of the status indicator LED 10 is connected to the second terminal 9.2 or the first terminal 9.1.

[0071] In the first case, the status indicator light-emitting diode 10 is connected with its anode terminal 10 . 1 to the terminal 9 . 2 and with its cathode terminal 10 . 2 to the terminal 9 . 1 .

[0072] In the first case, the test switch 14 is in the open state.

[0073] In the first case, the first transistor Q1 and the fourth transistor are switched on via the emitter-collector path. The signal line of the first parameter selection signal D1 to the control circuit 11 is at a logic high signal level. The signal line of the second parameter selection signal D2 to the control circuit 11 is at a logic low signal level.

[0074] The status indicator light emitting diode 10 emits light based on the PWM signal applied to the base of the fourth transistor Q4.

[0075] In the second case, the status indicator light-emitting diode 10 is connected with its anode terminal 10 . 1 to the terminal 9 . 1 and with its cathode terminal 10 . 2 to the terminal 9 . 2 .

[0076] In the second case, the test switch 14 is in the open state.

[0077] In the second case, the second transistor Q2 and the third transistor Q3 are switched on via the emitter-collector path. The signal line of the first parameter selection signal D1 to the control circuit 11 is at a logic low signal level. The signal line of the second parameter selection signal D2 to the control circuit 11 is at a logic high signal level.

[0078] The status indicator light emitting diode 10 emits light based on the PWM signal applied to the base of the third transistor Q3.

[0079] Accordingly, the detection circuit 12 generates a parallel digital signal D on two signal lines, which includes information about the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode 10 relative to the first terminal 9 . 1 and the second terminal 9 . 2 of the status indicator light interface 9 .

[0080] In the third case, the test switch 14 is actuated. A short circuit is applied between the first terminal 9 . 1 and the second terminal 9 . 2 of the status indicator light interface 9 .

[0081] In the third case, the second transistor Q2 and the third transistor Q3 are turned on via the emitter-collector paths thereof to be turned on, or the first transistor Q1 and the fourth transistor Q4 are turned on via the emitter-collector paths to be turned on.

[0082] The signal line of the first parameter selection signal D1 to the control circuit 11 is at a logic low signal level. The signal line of the second parameter selection signal D2 to the control circuit 11 is at a logic low signal level.

[0083] Therefore, in addition to the polarity of the status indicator LED 10 relative to the first terminal 9 . 1 and the second terminal 9 . 2 of the status indicator light interface 9 , the detection circuit 12 also generates a parallel digital signal D on two signal lines, which includes information about the switching state of the test switch 14 .

[0084] The control circuit 11 generates and outputs a PWM signal for driving the status indicator light emitting diode 10. The PWM signal is provided to the bases of the third transistor Q3 and the fourth transistor Q4. The third transistor Q3 and the fourth transistor Q4 ensure that the voltage drop across the status indicator light emitting diode 10 is generated independently of the actual polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode 10 relative to the first terminal 9.1 and the second terminal 9.2.

[0085] The control circuit 11 may generate and output a signal START_TEST for initiating the start of the test routine based on the obtained digital signal D. The signal START_TEST may also be an internal signal of the control circuit 11 .

[0086] Figure 3 The logic voltage levels occurring in this embodiment are depicted. Figure 3 Three different situations are shown, where specific settings of the test switch 14 and specific orientations of the status indicator light emitting diode 10 generate different parameter selection signals D1, D2. The respective parameter selection signals D1, D2 enable the control circuit 11 to determine operating parameters based on a combination of logic levels of the parameter selection signals D1, D2.

[0087] Figure 3 The left side portion A of illustrative embodiment shows the first situation. In the first situation, the status indicator light emitting diode 10 is positioned with respect to the status indicator light interface 9 in a first orientation.

[0088] In the first case, the test switch 14 is in an open (non-conductive) state.

[0089] In the first case, the first transistor Q1 and the fourth transistor Q4 are turned on.

[0090] exist Figure 2In the specific duration selection circuit of , the first parameter selection signal D1 has a voltage level of about 2.8V. Accordingly, for a logic 1 level, the first parameter selection signal D1 exceeds a lower voltage threshold of 2.31V. Figure 2 For a specific duration selection circuit, the second parameter selection signal D2 has a voltage level of about 0.5 V. Accordingly, for a logic 0 level, the second parameter selection signal D2 is lower than an upper voltage threshold of 1 V.

[0091] The control circuit 11 may interpret a first case where the first parameter selection signal D1 is a logic 1 and the second parameter selection signal D2 is a logic 0 so that the parameter will be set to a first value. The parameter may be a rated duration of the emergency operating mode. The parameter may be a rated duration of the emergency operating mode, which may be set to a first parameter value. The first parameter value may be, for example, a duration of 1 hour.

[0092] Figure 3 The central portion B of the diagram shows a second situation. In the second situation, the status indicator light emitting diode 10 is positioned relative to the status indicator light interface 9 in a second orientation.

[0093] In the second case, the test switch 14 is in an open (non-conductive) state.

[0094] The second transistor Q2 and the third transistor Q3 are turned on.

[0095] exist Figure 2 In the specific duration selection circuit, the first parameter selection signal D1 has a voltage level of about 0.5V. Accordingly, for a logic 0 level, the first parameter selection signal D1 is lower than an upper voltage threshold of 1V. Figure 2 For a specific duration selection circuit, the second parameter selection signal D2 has a voltage level of about 2.8 V. Accordingly, for a logic 1 level, the second parameter selection signal D2 exceeds an upper voltage threshold of 2.31 V.

[0096] The control circuit 11 may interpret a second situation in which the first parameter selection signal D1 is a logic 0 and the second parameter selection signal D2 is a logic 1, so that the parameter will be set to a second value. The parameter may be a rated duration of the emergency operating mode. The parameter may be a rated duration of the emergency operating mode and may be set to a second parameter value. The second parameter value may be, for example, a duration of 3 hours.

[0097] Figure 3 The right part C of shows the third situation. In the third situation, the status indicator light emitting diode 10 can be positioned with respect to the status indicator light interface 9 in a first orientation or with respect to the status indicator light interface 9 in a second orientation.

[0098] In the third case, the test switch 14 is in a closed (conductive) state. In the closed state of the test switch 14, a short circuit is applied between the first terminal 9.1 and the second terminal 9.2 of the status indicator light interface 9.

[0099] In the third case, the first transistor Q1 and the fourth transistor Q4 or the second transistor Q2 and the third transistor Q3 are turned on. Figure 2 In the specific duration selection circuit, the first parameter selection signal D1 and the second parameter selection signal D2 both have a voltage level of about 0.7 V. For a logic 0 level, the first parameter selection signal D1 and the second parameter selection signal D2 are lower than a lower voltage threshold of 1 V.

[0100] The control circuit 11 can interpret the third situation, in which both the first parameter selection signal D1 and the second parameter selection signal D2 are logic 0, so that the parameter setting is not changed, but a specific operation program is started. The operation program can be, for example, setting the emergency lighting converter device 1 to a specific operation mode and / or starting to run a test program.

[0101] Figure 3 The logic levels of the three situations, especially the combination of Figure 2 The exemplary duration selection circuit in FIG. 1 shows that by connecting the status indicator light emitting diode with respect to the first terminal 9.1 and the second terminal 9.2 of the status indicator light interface 9 in different orientations, the first parameter value or the second parameter value can be transmitted to the control circuit 11.

[0102] Figure 4 A schematic overview of the mechanical layout of a duration selection assembly according to one embodiment is provided.

[0103] The status indicator light emitting diode 10 comprises a first (anode) terminal 10.1 having a first connection line (black—bl) and a second (cathode) terminal 10.2 having a second connection line (red—rd).

[0104] exist Figure 4 At the upper part, a first terminal 10.1 having a first connection line (black-bl) is connected to a second terminal 9.2 of the status indicator light interface 9. The second terminal 10.2 is connected to the first terminal 9.1 of the status indicator light interface 9 by a second connection line (red-rd).

[0105] The detection circuit 12 detects the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode 10 and provides this information to the control circuit 11. The control circuit 11 associates the received detection information with the duration (rated service time) of 3 hours.

[0106] The status indicator interface 9 may include a visual indicator (e.g., a label) that presents the associated information for a duration of 3 hours, while connecting the first connection line (black - bl) to the second terminal 9.2 of the status indicator interface 9 and connecting the second connection line (red - rd) to the first terminal 9.1 of the status indicator interface 9.

[0107] The visual indicator also includes the associated information of duration of 1 hour, while the first connection line (black-bl) is connected to the first terminal 9.1 of the status indicator interface 9, and the second connection line (red-rd) is connected to the second terminal 9.2 of the status indicator interface 9. This situation corresponds to Figure 4 The lower part.

[0108] exist Figure 4 In the lower part, a first terminal 10.1 with a first connection line (black-bl) is connected to a first terminal 9.1 of the status indicator interface 9. A second terminal 10.2 is connected to a second terminal 9.2 of the status indicator interface 9 with a second connection line (red-rd). In view of this, the detection circuit 12 detects the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode 10 and provides this information to the control circuit 11. The control circuit 11 associates the received detection information with a duration of 1 hour (rated service time).

[0109] Figure 4 Also shown is a test switch 14 connected in parallel to the status indicator light emitting diode 10 .

[0110] Figure 5 A simplified flow chart of a method for setting operating parameters of an emergency converter device 1 is provided.

[0111] The method starts with step S1 of determining whether to power on the emergency converter device 1 or alternatively determining whether to perform a reset operation. If it is determined in step S1 that a power on operation or a reset operation occurs, the method proceeds to step S2.

[0112] In step S2, the detection circuit 12 of the emergency converter device 1 connected to the control circuit detects the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode 10 connected to the first terminal 9.1 and the second terminal 9.2.

[0113] In a step S3 following step S2, the control circuit 11 sets at least one operating parameter of the emergency converter device 1 based on the detected polarity provided by the detection circuit 12. The method then proceeds to step S4.

[0114] In the case that neither a power-on operation nor a reset operation is detected in step S1, the method skips steps S2 and S3 and proceeds directly from step S1 to step S4. In this case, steps S2 and S3 are skipped.

[0115] In step S4, the detection circuit 12 detects whether a short circuit is applied between the first terminal 9.1 and the second terminal 9.2. In case the control circuit 11 determines in step S5 after step S4 that the detection circuit 12 detected a short circuit in step S4, the control circuit 11 proceeds to step S6.

[0116] In case the control circuit 11 determines in step S5 that the detection circuit 12 has not detected a short circuit between the first terminal 9 . 1 and the second terminal 9 . 2 , the method returns to step S4 .

[0117] In step S6 , when the detection circuit 12 provides information about the actuation of the test switch 14 in the digital detection signal D, the control circuit 11 starts executing the test routine.

[0118] This flow chart illustrates that by implementing the present invention it is possible to set operating parameters based on simple input using the polarity of the status indicator LED 10, and even detect the status of the test switch 14, while significantly reducing the complexity of the interface to the emergency lighting converter.

Claims

1. A method for providing a power supply current I to a load device LED An emergency converter device, the emergency converter device comprising: a control circuit (11) configured to set at least one operating parameter of the emergency converter device, An interface (9) comprising a first terminal (9.1) and a second terminal (9.2) for electrically connecting a status indicator light emitting diode (10), and It is characterized in that comprising a detection circuit (12) connected to the control circuit (11), the detection circuit (12) being configured to detect the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode (10) connected to the first terminal (9.1) and the second terminal (9.2), wherein The control circuit (11) is configured to set the at least one operating parameter of the emergency converter device based on the detected polarity.

2. The emergency converter device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The detection circuit (12) is further configured to determine whether a short circuit is applied between the first terminal (9.1) and the second terminal (9.2).

3. The emergency converter device according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The at least one operating parameter is a rated service time value or a minimum supply current value I LED_MIN .

4. The emergency converter device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The interface (9) further comprises an indicator configured to visually indicate an operating parameter value corresponding to the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode (10) connected to the first terminal (9.1) and the second terminal (9.2).

5. The emergency converter device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The detection circuit (12) is configured to generate a digital detection signal (D) comprising information about the detected polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode (10).

6. The emergency converter device according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The digital detection signal (D) includes information whether the test switch (14) is actuated.

7. The emergency converter device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The detection circuit (12) is configured to provide a status indicator LED current I based on the detected polarity. STATUS .

8. A method for setting at least one operating parameter of an emergency converter device (1), The emergency converter device comprises a control circuit (11) and an interface (9), the interface comprising a first terminal (9.1) and a second terminal (9.2) for electrically connecting a status indicator light emitting diode (10), and Features The following steps are involved: detecting (S2) the polarity of the status indicator light emitting diode (10) connected to the first terminal (9.1) and the second terminal (9.2) by a detection circuit (12) connected to the control circuit (11), and The at least one operating parameter of the emergency converter device (1) is set (S3) by the control circuit (11) based on the detected polarity.

9. Method for setting at least one operating parameter of an emergency converter device (1) according to claim 8, Features The following steps are also included: determining (S1) whether to perform a power-on operation or a reset operation on the emergency converter device (1), and The steps of detecting (S2) and setting (S3) are performed only when the power-on operation or the reset operation is determined.

10. Method for setting at least one operating parameter of an emergency converter device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, Features The following steps are also included: detecting (S4) by the detection circuit (12) whether a short circuit is applied between the first terminal (9.1) and the second terminal (9.2), and In case the short circuit is detected, the control circuit (11) starts (S5) executing a test routine.

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