Lamp driving device and LED lamp

Abstract

A technique is presented that solves the problem that an independent lamp powered by an independent lamp driving device cannot detect an interruption of input power of the lamp driving device in time. There is provided a standalone lamp driving device connected to a standalone LED lamp via a wire arrangement, the standalone lamp driving device comprising a power input configured to receive input power; a power conversion circuit converting the input power into an output power, wherein the power conversion circuit comprises a buffer circuit (Cbuff) adapted to buffer the input power and / or the output power; the invention relates to a power supply device for a LED lamp, comprising a power supply device for supplying power to the LED lamp, and a power output connected to the LED lamp via a first wire (V48) in a wire arrangement and providing said output power to the LED lamp, characterised in that it further comprises a detection circuit adapted to detect a command signal modulated on said input power in the form of an interruption of the input power; and a signal output connected to the LED lamp and relaying a command signal to the LED lamp, in which the detection circuit comprises a first optical coupler (U2) having a light emitting side connected to the power input and a light receiving side connected to the signal output and for relaying the command signal to the LED lamp, the light receiving side is adapted to cause the signal output to enter a first state when powered by the input power, and to cause the signal output to enter a different second state when no power is supplied when the input power is interrupted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of LED lighting. Background Art

[0002] Off / On configuration is a low-cost and convenient way to configure a lamp's light output. More specifically, the user interrupts and resumes input power to the lamp over a set period of time, preferably by opening and closing a hard switch connected between the AC input and the lamp. The lamp senses this interruption and resumption of input power and configures itself accordingly. For example, the lamp can configure its light output brightness or color temperature. Each time the switch is opened and closed, the lamp switches to the next configuration in a series of configurations.

[0003] This disconnect / connection configuration has become popular in lamps that are directly connected to the AC input. US2019 / 0082510A1 discloses such a lamp. But this is not easy for some lamps that are connected to the AC input via an additional lamp driver. For example, in track lighting, it is difficult to implement this function. Because the lamp is connected via a bus and powered by a high power lamp driver ACDC (PFC) at a safe low voltage (e.g. 48V) instead of being powered directly by AC. The lamp has a DCDC to convert the 48V voltage into the final LED driving current. As Figure 1 As shown, the lamp driver is connected to the AC via a user-operable switch. It is worth noting that there are usually some buffer capacitors C in the lamp driver. buff , to smooth the AC input power or smooth the 48V output power to the lamp. In order to stably provide 48V output power, the buffer capacitor C buff The buffer capacitor is typically quite large. Therefore, even if the user turns off the switch, cutting off the input power to the lamp driver, the buffer capacitor may be able to maintain the 48V voltage for a considerable period of time, especially when the lamp is operating at a light load, such as in low-brightness mode. Consequently, when the user turns the switch off / on, the controller in the lamp cannot detect the interruption or significant drop in 48V output power. Therefore, a switch off / on configuration is unusable for this type of track lighting system.

[0004] WO2010117340A1 discloses a technology for transmitting a control signal via an AC power line. A CPU in a receiver circuit decodes the signal on the power line and transmits the signal to a controlled device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] US2018139823A1 discloses a PoE track interface (PTI) device that connects the PoE domain and the track optical domain. It separates the power and data of the PoE domain, places the power on a pair of power conductors in the track optical domain, and converts the data into RS485 or DALI protocol on a different pair of communication conductors in the track optical domain.

[0006] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0007] The first idea of the present invention is to use an optocoupler directly connected to the input power to detect the command signal modulated on the input power in the form of interruption of the input power, which is more reliable and less expensive than the CPU used in WO2010117340A1.

[0008] More specifically, in a basic aspect of this first concept, an independent lamp driving device is provided, which is connected to an independent LED lamp via a wire arrangement, and includes a power input terminal for receiving input power; a power conversion circuit for converting the input power into output power, wherein the power conversion circuit includes a buffer circuit suitable for buffering the input power and / or the output power; and a power output terminal, which is configured to be connected to the LED lamp via a first wire in the wire arrangement and provide the output power to the LED lamp, characterized in that it also includes: a detection circuit, which is suitable for detecting a command signal modulated on the input power in the form of an interruption of the input power; and a signal output terminal, which is configured to be connected to the LED lamp and relay the command signal to the LED lamp, wherein the detection circuit includes a first optical coupler, the first optical coupler having a light emitting side connected to the power input terminal and a light receiving side connected to the signal output terminal, and for relaying the command signal on the second wire, is suitable for causing the signal output terminal to enter a first state when powered by the input power, and to cause the signal output terminal to enter a different second state when not powered at the moment of the input power interruption.

[0009] In this aspect, the driver detects an interruption in input power and provides this signal to the LED lamp via a signal line separate from the power line. Therefore, even when such an interruption in input power cannot be detected on the power line, the LED lamp can still reliably detect an interruption in input power from the signal line, and a switchable off / on configuration can be implemented. This aspect of the invention has an advantage over WO2010117340A1 in that it uses input power directly to power the optocoupler used to switch the state of the signal output terminal. Therefore, the state of the signal output terminal is converted in response to the input power without requiring complex CPU and digital processing. This is very cost-effective.

[0010] In another embodiment, the signal output is distinct from the power output and is adapted to be connected to an LED lamp and to relay the command signal to the LED lamp via a second, distinct wire in the wire arrangement.

[0011] In this embodiment, an additional signal line is used between the driver and the lamp to transmit a command signal modulated on the AC input power, which is in the form of an interruption (and optionally subsequent restoration) of the AC input power, and the driver includes circuitry to detect this signal and place it on the additional signal line. Therefore, even if the voltage on the power line between the lamp driver and the lamp does not drop in time when the AC input power is interrupted, the lamp driver can still reliably transmit the signal corresponding to the interruption of the AC input power to the lamp.

[0012] In another embodiment, the snubber circuit is adapted to decouple interruptions in input power from output power.

[0013] Here, "decoupling interruptions in input power from output power" means that when input power is interrupted, there is essentially no interruption or drop in output power detectable by the LED lamp within a reasonable detection window. This aspect is particularly useful for applications where the LED lamp is not directly connected to the AC input power but rather via a lamp driver that can smooth out interruptions in the AC input power due to buffering.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the independent lamp driving device is used in a low voltage track lighting system, and the power conversion circuit is adapted to provide an output power with a voltage of 12V to 48V.

[0015] Track lighting is one example. It should also be noted that other applications with this problem may exist and could also be used. For example, an MR16 lamp application, where an electronic transformer is used as the lamp driver between the AC input power and the MR16 lamp, and the electronic transformer is also able to smooth out interruptions in the AC input power so that there are no interruptions or drops in the high-frequency AC output power that can be detected by the LED MR16 lamp within the detection window. Alternatively, the lamp driver can be a DC-DC power supply operating in a DC grid application.

[0016] At the implementation level, in one embodiment, the detection circuit also includes a first bias power supply coupled to the signal output end and connected in parallel with the light receiving side; wherein the first optical coupler is suitable for being powered by the input power, thereby short-circuiting the first bias power supply and the signal output end to a first state, and is suitable for being decoupled from the first bias power supply and the signal output end to a second state when not powered when the input power is interrupted.

[0017] This embodiment uses an optocoupler to transmit the signal and is relatively low cost and quite reliable.

[0018] In another embodiment, the input power is AC mains and the detection circuit comprises a capacitor adapted to maintain voltage at natural zero crossings of the AC mains but to lose voltage when the AC mains is manually interrupted.

[0019] In this embodiment, the capacitor is used to filter out the natural zero crossings of the AC mains and prevent this from being mistakenly detected as a manual interruption of the AC mains. Because manual interruption of the AC mains occurs much slower than the natural zero crossing, the capacitor effectively acts as a low-frequency pass filter, passing the manual interruption but blocking the natural zero crossings. A capacitor of approximately 10µF can maintain the voltage at the natural zero crossing, but will lose voltage when the AC mains is manually interrupted.

[0020] In another embodiment, the detection circuit is adapted to detect the command signal modulated on the input power in the form of a continuous interruption of the input power and a restoration of the input power within a delay after the interruption of the input power.

[0021] In this embodiment, consecutive disconnection and connection are detected as one command.

[0022] Corresponding to the lamp driver of the first concept, an independent LED lamp connected to an independent lamp driver via a wire device is also provided, the LED lamp comprising: a lamp power input terminal configured to be connected to a power output terminal of the lamp driver and to receive output power from the lamp driver via a first wire of the wire device; a lighting circuit adapted to emit light by means of the received output power; and a controller circuit configured to configure the LED lamp according to a command signal in the form of an interruption of input power to the lamp driver, characterized in that it further comprises a signal input terminal different from the lamp power input terminal, configured to be connected to the signal output terminal of the lamp driver via a second wire different from the wire device, and the controller circuit is adapted to receive a command signal relayed by the lamp driver to the second wire; wherein the signal input terminal comprises a second optical coupler having a light emitting side connected to the signal input terminal and a light receiving side connected to the controller, and in response to providing a command signal to the controller, the second optical coupler is adapted to switch the light receiving side to a first state when powered by a voltage on the signal input terminal, and to switch the light receiving side to a different second state when there is no voltage on the signal input terminal.

[0023] In this embodiment, the lamp senses interruptions in input power to the lamp driver not based on the output power from the lamp driver, but rather based on a relayed signal on a different signal input provided by the lamp driver. This enables the LED lamp to detect interruptions in input power to the lamp driver while smoothing / hiding interruptions in input power with output power. This provides greater controllability for the LED lamp.

[0024] Preferably, the standalone LED lamp is a track light. As mentioned above, track lights are generally unable to obtain the interruption of the input power to the driver in a timely manner from the output power of the driver, so the present invention can be used to solve this problem. It should be noted that there may be other applications of the present invention, such as MR16 lamps.

[0025] At the implementation level, in one embodiment, the signal input terminal also includes a second bias power supply connected to the optical receiving side and the controller; wherein the second optical coupler is suitable for being powered by the voltage on the signal input terminal, thereby short-circuiting the second bias power supply and the optical receiving side to a first state, and is suitable for being decoupled from the second bias power supply and the optical receiving side to a second state when there is no voltage on the signal input terminal.

[0026] In another embodiment, the controller is adapted to determine the command based on detection and / or non-detection of a voltage from said second bias supply source.

[0027] This embodiment provides a low-cost and reliable implementation for relaying command signals.

[0028] In one embodiment, the light emitting side of the second optocoupler is bipolar and adapted to emit light regardless of the polarity of the voltage on the signal input terminal.

[0029] This embodiment is not affected by the polarity of the connection between the lamp and the lamp driver, thus providing more freedom in installing the lamp driver and the LED lamp.

[0030] In another embodiment, the controller is adapted to switch the brightness or the color temperature according to the command signal.

[0031] This embodiment enables the lamp to be configured on an off / on basis, so the lamp is more flexible.

[0032] Corresponding to the lamp driving device and the lamp, a track lighting system including the independent lamp driving device as described above and the independent LED lamp as described above is also provided.

[0033] In another embodiment, the track lighting system further comprises a track arrangement comprising a first conductor, a second conductor and at least one ground wire, wherein the at least one ground wire comprises a common ground wire shared by the first conductor and the second conductor, or two ground wires respectively involving the first conductor and the second conductor.

[0034] Three-wire or four-wire tracks are already popular and widely used. Therefore, the present application utilizes the existing tracks, and the user can relatively easily replace the lamp driver and the lamp, and can have an off / on configuration for track lighting without having to replace the track.

[0035] The first concept described above addresses the difficulty of detecting interruptions by adding a dedicated signal interface within the lamp driver to transmit a signal indicating the interruption. This application also proposes a second concept of the present invention to address this issue from outside the lamp driver. More specifically, the second concept involves adding a signal relay circuit external to the lamp driver, such as within the lamp or on the track, to sense the interruption by observing the output power of the lamp driver, which has a higher sensitivity than the lamp. The signal relay circuit then relays the sensed interruption to the lamp by further effectively and quickly adjusting the power entering the lamp to a level that the lamp can respond to promptly, before the input power is resumed / restored.

[0036] More specifically, a signal relay circuit for between a lamp driving device and a lighting unit is provided, comprising: a receiver adapted to be connected to a power input terminal of the lighting unit, the lighting unit being connected to a power output terminal of the lamp driving device, and the receiver adapted to receive a first signal from the lamp driving device, the first signal indicating an interruption of input power to the lamp driving device, wherein the receiver comprises a voltage detector adapted to detect a voltage at the power input terminal of the lighting unit that is lower than a first threshold level as a first signal; and a transmitter adapted to be connected to the power input terminal of the lighting unit and adapted to relay the first signal to the lighting unit by further pulling down the voltage at the lighting unit.

[0037] This embodiment does not require changes to the lamp driving device, and does not require a dedicated additional interface between the lamp driving device and the lamp. Therefore, the cost of deployment is relatively low.

[0038] In one embodiment, the receiver is adapted to receive a second signal from the lamp driver indicating that input power to the lamp driver is continuing, wherein the voltage detector is adapted to detect the voltage at the lighting unit provided by the lamp driver that has recovered above a second threshold level as the second signal; and the transmitter is adapted to relay the second signal to the lighting unit by ceasing to pull down the voltage at the lighting unit.

[0039] In this embodiment, if the output power of the lamp driving device is restored, the signal relay circuit regards this as a continuation of the input power of the lamp driving device, so the signal relay circuit should preferably relay this continuation of the input power to the lamp by not pulling down the voltage at the lighting unit but restoring it.

[0040] In another embodiment, the second threshold level is equal to the first threshold level. In an alternative embodiment, the second threshold level may be lower than the first threshold level, which may speed up signal relaying and shorten the response time of the LED lamp.

[0041] Additionally, the inventors discovered that since the lamp can be turned off and power consumption from the lamp driver can be stopped according to the first signal, the output power of the lamp driver may rebound because the lamp driver still outputs power from its buffered energy even when the input power to the lamp driver is still interrupted. In order to prevent false detection due to the rebound output power of the lamp driver, the inventors also used delay control to filter out such rebound output power of the lamp driver. More specifically, the signal relay circuit also includes a delay circuit, which is adapted to keep the voltage at the lighting unit low even if the voltage at the power output terminal of the lamp driver recovers for a delay duration; after the delay duration, if the voltage is still sufficient, it is regarded as actual power-on of the lamp driver, rather than a voltage rebound, and the signal relay circuit can relay the signal to the LED lamp.

[0042] In one embodiment, the transmitter comprises a switch connected in parallel with the lighting unit, the switch being adapted to become a low impedance to pull down the voltage from the lamp driver to the lighting unit.

[0043] In this embodiment, the signaling relay short-circuits the power supply to the lighting unit, thereby notifying the lighting unit of the interruption of input power.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the transmitter comprises a switch connected in series between the lamp driver and the lighting unit, the switch being adapted to become a high impedance to pull down the voltage from the switched mode power supply to the lighting unit.

[0045] In this embodiment, the power path of the lamp driving device is cut off and the output power of the lamp driving device can be maintained. Therefore, after the input power is restored, the lamp driving device can be quickly restarted to restore the output power.

[0046] In one embodiment, the signal relay circuit may be a separate device connected to a track that connects the lamp driving device and the lamp.

[0047] The advantage of this embodiment is that it can support conventional lamp drivers and can be used with lamps that have normal disconnection / connection detection. The cost of implementation is very low.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the signal relay circuit is embedded in the lamp. A lamp is provided, comprising the signal relay circuit according to the above and a lighting unit, wherein the lighting unit includes a controller coupled to a power input of the lamp and adapted to control an output state of the lighting unit based on a voltage from a lamp driver relayed by the signal relay circuit.

[0049] This embodiment provides a novel lamp.

[0050] Alternatively, the signal relay circuit may also be embedded in the lamp driving device.

[0051] In another embodiment, the transmitter can be a double-throw device that is adapted to disconnect the lamp driver and the lighting unit while simultaneously creating a connection from the lighting unit to a dummy load to release excess energy in the lighting unit. This can further expedite the reliable relaying of the interruption signal to the lighting unit.

[0052] In a more detailed embodiment, the double-throw device includes a driving input terminal connected to the power input terminal, a throw terminal and two contacts, any one of which is connected to the throw terminal, the two contacts including a normally closed contact and a normally open contact, wherein the throw terminal contacts the normally closed contact when there is no input power on the power input terminal, and the throw terminal contacts the normally open contact when there is no input power on the power input terminal, wherein the throw terminal is suitable for being connected to a lighting unit with a first polarity, the normally closed contact is connected to a dummy load connected to the lighting unit with a second polarity, and the normally open contact is suitable for being connected to a lamp driving device with a first polarity.

[0053] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] For a better understanding of the invention, and in order to show more clearly how it may be put into practice, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] Figure 1 A track lighting system of the prior art is disclosed, which includes a lamp driving device, a lamp, and a track having a wire connecting the lamp driving device and the lamp;

[0056] Figure 2 Disclosed is a new track lighting system comprising a lamp driver, a lamp, and a track having a wire connecting the lamp driver and the lamp, wherein the lamp driver and the lamp are both according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 3 Shown in Figure 2 A cross-section of the track used in the new track lighting system;

[0058] Figure 4 A signal relay circuit according to an embodiment of the second concept of the present invention is shown;

[0059] Figure 5 is a signal relay circuit according to another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention; and

[0060] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A signal relay circuit according to another embodiment of the second concept of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar components.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, on top of the known power supply part, the lamp driving device further comprises a dedicated part for relaying the interruption of the input power to the lamp via an additional signal interface different from the power interface.

[0064] More specifically, the power supply portion of the lamp driving device is similar to Figure 1 The current lamp driving device in which the power supply part includes:

[0065] The power input terminal is used to receive input power, which can be AC mains power.

[0066] A power conversion circuit AC-DC for converting the input power into output power, wherein the power conversion circuit includes a buffer circuit adapted to buffer the input power and / or the output power. In this example, the power conversion circuit has two buffer capacitors C at a power input terminal for input power and a power output terminal for output power. buff ,and

[0067] A power output terminal is connected to the LED lamp via a first wire V48 in the wire arrangement and provides the output power to the LED lamp. Optionally, there is a ground wire Sgnd for the output power.

[0068] and Figure 1 The most significant improvement compared to current lamp driving devices is the dedicated part for relaying the interruption of input power to the lamp, which includes:

[0069] a detection circuit adapted to detect a command signal modulated on the input power in the form of an interruption in the input power; and

[0070] A signal output terminal, different from the power output terminal, is connected to the LED lamp via a different second wire "level" in the wire arrangement and relays the command signal to the LED lamp.

[0071] More specifically, the detection circuit includes:

[0072] a first optical coupler U2 having a light transmitting side connected to the power input terminal and a light receiving side connected to the signal output terminal; and

[0073] A first bias power source V3 is coupled to the signal output end and connected in parallel with the light receiving side.

[0074] When input power is present, it is applied to the first optocoupler U2 via current / voltage limiting resistors R1 and R11 and a voltage limiting Zener diode D11. The first optocoupler is adapted to be powered by the input power, so the light receiving side is closed, short-circuiting the first bias supply V3 and the signal output. In this state, there is no voltage provided by the bias supply V3 to the second conductor "level" (referenced to the second conductor's ground Sgnd).

[0075] When the input power is interrupted, the first optical coupler U2 is deactivated and its light receiving side is turned on and is adapted to be decoupled from the first bias supply source V3 and the signal output terminal. Therefore, the first bias supply source V3 applies the bias voltage to the signal output terminal and the second conductor "level".

[0076] For safety reasons, the voltage of the first bias power supply V3 is lower than 48V.

[0077] In a more detailed embodiment, in order to distinguish the natural zero crossing of the sinusoidal AC mains from the manual interruption of the AC mains, the detection circuit further comprises a capacitor C filter , capacitor C filter Suitable for maintaining voltage at the natural zero crossings of the AC mains, but losing voltage when the AC mains is manually interrupted. The capacitor acts as a low frequency filter: only manual interruptions with low frequencies such as a few Hz can pass through the capacitor and disable the optocoupler U2, but the 50 / 60 Hz natural zero crossings of the AC mains are filtered out and cannot disable the optocoupler. Capacitor C filter The capacitance is, for example, 10uF.

[0078] Figure 3 The wires / conductors in a track used in an embodiment of the present invention are shown. This is a four-conductor track. The two conductors on the upper side serve as the second conductor "Level" and its ground line Sgnd. The two conductors on the lower side serve as the first conductor V48 and its ground line Sgnd. Here, the power supply section and the relay section share the same ground line Sgnd, so the two conductors of Sgnd can be combined into one, and a three-conductor track can be used instead. In an alternative embodiment, the power supply section and the relay section have different grounds, and the four-conductor track shown is necessary.

[0079] Back to Figure 2The present invention also provides an independent LED lamp connected to an independent lamp driver via a wire arrangement. The provided LED lamp also includes a power supply unit similar to that of the known lamp, but includes a new signal receiving unit for receiving a signal indicating interruption of input power relayed by the lamp driver over an additional interface.

[0080] More specifically, the power section of the lamp includes a lamp power input adapted to be connected to a power output of a lamp driver via a first conductor V48 and to receive output power from the lamp driver, and a lighting circuit adapted to emit light in response to the received output power. The lamp also includes a controller circuit adapted to configure the LED lamp in response to a command signal in the form of an interruption of input power to the lamp driver. Notably, the new signal receiving section of the lamp includes a signal input distinct from the lamp power input, connected to a signal output of the lamp driver via a second conductor "Level" of the conductor arrangement, and the controller circuit adapted to receive the command signal relayed by the driver onto the second conductor "Level."

[0081] At the implementation level, in one embodiment, the signal input terminal of the lamp includes a second optocoupler U1, which has a light emitting side connected to the signal input terminal, and a light receiving side, which is connected to the controller (not shown) on the terminal AC_DETECT and the ground SXGND in the lamp; and a second bias power supply V5 of 3.3V connected to the light receiving side and the controller.

[0082] When the lamp driver supplies the V3 voltage when input power is interrupted as described above, the second optocoupler U1 is adapted to be powered by this V3 voltage, thereby short-circuiting the second bias supply source V5 and the light receiving side. Consequently, the controller detects the absence of voltage between the AC_DETECT terminal and the ground SXGND, and can determine that an input power interruption has occurred. When there is no voltage at the signal input terminal provided by the lamp driver while input power is present, the second optocoupler U1 is decoupled from the second bias supply source V5 and the light receiving side, and the second bias supply source V5 applies a voltage between the AC_DETECT terminal and the ground SXGND. The controller senses the voltage between the AC_DETECT terminal and the ground SXGND, and can determine that input power is present.

[0083] In practical track lighting systems, they are preferably polarity-insensitive, providing the installer with the freedom to mount the lamp in any orientation. Therefore, the lamp preferably receives the signal line "level" and its ground Sgnd in both the positive and negative directions. To support this, in one embodiment, the light-emitting side of the second optocoupler U1 is bipolar and is adapted to emit light regardless of the polarity of the voltage on the signal input.

[0084] In another embodiment, to achieve an off / on configuration, the controller is adapted to switch brightness or color temperature based on the command signal. The brightness can be switched in a sequence of high, medium, and low brightness, wherein the controller controls the DC-DC converter in the lamp to supply high, medium, and low currents to the LED units. The color temperature can be switched in a sequence of cool, medium, and warm, wherein the controller can select only cool LEDs, both cool and warm LEDs, with only the warm LEDs being powered by the DC-DC converter. Brightness and color temperature can also be changed together.

[0085] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The present invention discloses an embodiment according to a second concept. The second concept is to preferably add a signal relay circuit outside the lamp driver, and the signal relay circuit is adapted to actively relay the interruption of input power to the lamp driver at the power interface between the lamp driver and the lamp.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, the signal relay circuit is connected between the lamp driving device and the lighting unit. The signal relay circuit includes:

[0087] A receiver adapted to be connected to a power input of the lighting unit, the lighting unit being connected to a power output of the lamp driving device. Figure 4 As shown, the receiver is connected to a power line V48 between the lamp driver and the lamp. The receiver is adapted to receive a first signal from the lamp driver, the first signal indicating an interruption of input power to the lamp driver, wherein the receiver comprises a voltage detector adapted to detect a voltage below a first threshold level at a power input terminal of the lighting unit as the first signal; and

[0088] A transmitter is adapted to be connected to a power input of the lighting unit and to relay the first signal to the lighting unit by further pulling down the voltage at the lighting unit.

[0089] The receiver essentially consists of a resistor R6, a transistor Q1, and a capacitor C3. Resistor R6 is connected between power line V48 and the base of transistor Q1. Capacitor C1 is connected to the collector of transistor Q1. The emitter of transistor Q1 is connected to power line V48 via current / voltage limiting components R8, D1, and D2. The collector of transistor Q1 is connected to the base of transistor Q2. The transmitter comprises transistor Q2. The collector / emitter of transistor Q2 is connected between power line V48 and ground, in parallel with the lamp.

[0090] The current / voltage limiting component R8, D1 and D2, and capacitor C3 are sized so that capacitor C3 is charged to a first voltage threshold from the normal output voltage of the lamp driver of 48 V. For example, the forward voltage of diode D1 is 0.7 V, and the breakdown voltage of Zener diode D2 may be 3 V, resulting in a voltage across capacitor C3 of 48 V - 0.7 V - 3 V = 44.3 V.

[0091] When the AC input power to the lamp driver is interrupted by the switch, the output voltage of the lamp driver begins to drop. When the output voltage drops below 44.3V - 0.7V (emitter voltage - base voltage of transistor Q1) = 43.6V, transistor Q1 turns on and pulls the base of the emitter switch Q2 high. Capacitor C1 smoothes the base voltage of switch Q2, and resistor R7 limits the current flowing into the base of switch Q2.

[0092] Switch Q2 turns on and pulls the voltage on the power line V48 down to a level that the lamp responds to, implementing the off / on configuration. For example, the MCU in the lamp will lose power, and the MCU will register this as an off state. Resistor R3 is used to limit the pull-down current.

[0093] When the AC input power to the lamp driver resumes / is restored, the lamp driver's output voltage begins to increase. When it exceeds 43.6V, transistor Q1 becomes non-conductive. The base of switch Q2 in the emitter discharges via R7 and C1, and switch Q2 becomes non-conductive. The voltage on power line V48 recovers, restarting the MCU in the lamp. The MCU in the lamp interprets this as a switch-on and, based on this switch-off / on cycle, begins configuring the lamp, for example, switching to the next light output state in the sequence.

[0094] In the above embodiment, to relay the interruption of input power, the transmitter is a switch connected in parallel with the lamp and becomes low impedance to short the power line V48, thereby causing the voltage across the lamp to become zero. In an alternative embodiment, the transmitter can be a switch connected in series with the lamp and becomes high impedance, thereby causing the voltage across the lamp to become zero. Figure 4 This alternative embodiment is shown in which block part A is adapted to detect a drop in the output power of the lamp driver. Part B is a hysteresis control circuit to be described later. Part C is a switch in series with the lamp.

[0095] More specifically, Section A includes a Figure 3Transistor Q1, diode D1, Zener diode D2, resistor R1, and capacitor C3 are connected in a circuit. Capacitor C3 is charged to approximately 48-0.7 = 47.3V. Transistor Q1 compares the output voltage of the lamp driver with the voltage across capacitor C3. If this voltage drops below the voltage across capacitor C3, transistor Q1 turns on, triggering transistor Q2 to turn on and transistor Q5, which acts as a switch, to turn off. The lamp is then immediately disconnected from the output power of the lamp driver, and the MCU in the lamp can be powered off and record this disconnection configuration.

[0096] In one embodiment, in order to speed up the response speed of the relay circuit, the threshold used to determine the power-on of the lamp driver can be different from / lower than the threshold used to determine the power-off of the lamp driver. Zener diodes D5 and D4, capacitor C1 and resistor R6, and transistor Q4 achieve this. When the voltage of the output power recovers and increases above a second threshold, such as 45V below 47.3V, it is set to turn off transistor Q2. When the output voltage increases above 45V, Zener diodes D5 and D4 break down, capacitor C1 and resistor R6 charge and turn on transistor Q4. Transistor Q4 turns off transistor Q2, and MOSFET Q5 returns to the on state, so that the lamp is reconnected to the output voltage V48.

[0097] In another embodiment, some energy can be buffered at the input of the lamp driver. When the lamp is disconnected from the lamp driver, the lamp driver still converts the buffered energy into output power. Therefore, even though the lamp driver is disconnected from input power due to the load being disconnected, the output power voltage can even rebound. In this case, this rebound should not be considered a continuation of the input power to the lamp driver. To filter out such events, one embodiment of the present invention can use capacitor C1 to provide time-based filtering: when the voltage is high enough to trigger Zener diodes D5 and D4, it must remain high for a period of time to charge capacitor C1. If it is merely a rebound, it is considered that the rebound will not last long enough to charge capacitor C1 to a sufficient level to turn on transistor Q4. Therefore, such a rebound can be filtered out. If it is a continuation of the input power, it can last long enough to charge capacitor C1 to a sufficient level to turn on transistor Q4.

[0098] Figure 6 Another embodiment is shown, in which a switch connected in series between the driver and the lighting unit is placed inside the driver. This switch is implemented as an AC-driven double-throw relay, which is suitable for disconnecting the lamp driver and the lighting unit while simultaneously connecting the lighting unit to a dummy load to release excess energy in the lighting unit. This further accelerates the reliable relaying of the interruption signal to the lighting unit.

[0099] In a more detailed embodiment, the double-throw device includes a drive input terminal A1 / A2 connected to the power input terminal L / N, a throw terminal 11, and two contacts, any one of which will be connected to the throw terminal 11. The two contacts include a normally closed contact 12 and a normally open contact 14. When there is no input power on the power input terminal, the throw terminal 11 contacts the normally closed contact 12. When there is input power on the power input terminal, the throw terminal contacts the normally open contact 14.

[0100] The throw terminal 11 is suitable for being connected to the lighting unit with a first polarity (e.g., positive polarity), the normally closed contact 12 is suitable for being connected to a virtual load connected to the lighting unit with a second polarity (e.g., negative polarity), and the normally open contact 14 is suitable for being connected to the lamp driving device with a first polarity.

[0101] Figure 6 The current flow when input power is present on the power input is shown. The positive current flows via the contact 14 to the terminal 11 and the lighting unit and returns from the negative line.

[0102] Figure 7 The figure shows the connection when input power is absent / interrupted at the power input. Due to the absence of input power, the relay is de-energized, and throw 11 decouples from contact 14 and couples to contact 12. This disconnects the current from the power source to the lighting unit. Furthermore, a dummy load is connected in parallel with the lighting unit, dissipating any remaining energy in the lighting unit, allowing the lighting unit to more quickly detect the interruption in input power.

[0103] Variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0104] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0105] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arranged" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "arranged" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0106] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An independent lamp driving device connected to an independent LED lamp via a wire arrangement, comprising: A power input terminal, used for receiving input power; A power conversion circuit for converting the input power into output power, wherein the power conversion circuit includes a buffer circuit (C buff ), the buffer circuit is suitable for buffering the input power and / or the output power; as well as a power output terminal configured to be connected to the LED lamp via a first wire (V48) in the wire arrangement and to provide the output power to the LED lamp, It is characterized by further comprising: a detection circuit adapted to detect a command signal modulated on said input power in the form of an interruption of said input power; and a signal output terminal configured to be connected to the LED lamp and relay the command signal to the LED lamp; wherein the detection circuit comprises a first optical coupler (U2) having a light emitting side connected to the power input terminal and a light receiving side connected to the signal output terminal, and for relaying the command signal, the first optical coupler is adapted to, When powered by the input power, the signal output terminal enters a first state, and When no power is supplied at the moment of interruption of the input power, the signal output terminal is caused to enter a different second state.

2. The independent lamp driving device according to claim 1, wherein the signal output terminal is different from the power output terminal and is adapted to be connected to the LED lamp and to relay the command signal to the LED lamp via a different second wire in the wire arrangement.

3. The independent lamp driving device according to claim 2, wherein the buffer circuit (C buff ) is suitable for decoupling the interruption of the input power from the output power.

4. The independent lamp driving device according to claim 1, wherein the independent lamp driving device is used in a low voltage track lighting system, and the power conversion circuit is a power factor correction circuit suitable for providing the output power at a voltage of 12V to 48V.

5. The independent lamp driving device according to claim 4, wherein the detection circuit further comprises: a first bias power supply (V3), coupled to the signal output terminal and connected in parallel with the light receiving side; The first optical coupler (U2) is adapted to be powered by the input power, thereby short-circuiting the first bias power supply (V3) and the signal output terminal to the first state, and is adapted to be decoupled from the first bias power supply (V3) and the signal output terminal to the second state when not powered at the moment of the interruption of the input power.

6. The independent lamp driving device according to claim 5, wherein the input power is AC mains power, and The detection circuit comprises: Capacitor (C filter ), adapted to maintain the voltage at the natural zero crossings of the AC mains, but to lose voltage when the AC mains is manually interrupted.

7. An independent lamp driving device according to claim 1, wherein the detection circuit is suitable for detecting the command signal modulated on the input power in the form of continuous interruption of the input power and restoration of the input power within a certain delay after the interruption of the input power.

8. An independent LED lamp connected to the independent lamp driving device according to claim 7 via a wire device, the independent lamp comprising: a lamp power input terminal configured to be connected to the power output terminal of the lamp driving device and to receive the output power from the lamp driving device via the first wire (V48) of the wire device, a lighting circuit adapted to emit light by receiving the output power, and a controller circuit that configures the LED lamp in response to a command signal in the form of an interruption of the input power to the lamp driver, It is characterized by further comprising: a signal input terminal, different from the lamp power input terminal, the signal input terminal being configured to be connected to the signal output terminal of the lamp driving device via a second wire different from the wire device, and The controller circuit is adapted to receive the command signal relayed by the lamp driving device onto the second conductor; wherein the signal input terminal comprises a second optical coupler (U1), the second optical coupler (U1) having a light emitting side connected to the signal input terminal and a light receiving side connected to the controller, and for providing the command signal to the controller, the second optical coupler (U1) is adapted to, switching the light receiving side to a first state when powered by the voltage on the signal input, and When there is no voltage on the signal input terminal, the light receiving side is switched to a different second state.

9. The standalone LED lamp of claim 8, wherein the standalone LED lamp is a track light.

10. The independent LED lamp according to claim 8, wherein the signal input terminal further comprises: a second bias power supply (V5), connected to the light receiving side and to the controller; The second optical coupler (U1) is adapted to be powered by the voltage on the signal input terminal, thereby short-circuiting the second bias power supply (V5) and the light receiving side to the first state, and is adapted to be decoupled from the second bias power supply (V5) and the light receiving side to the second state when there is no voltage on the signal input terminal.

11. The standalone LED lamp of claim 10, wherein the controller is adapted to determine the command based on detection and / or non-detection of voltage from the second bias supply source.

12. The standalone LED lamp of claim 10, wherein the light emitting side of the second optocoupler is bipolar and adapted to emit light regardless of the polarity of the voltage on the signal input terminal.

13. The independent LED lamp according to claim 8, wherein the controller is adapted to switch brightness and / or color temperature according to the command signal.

14. A track lighting system comprising the independent lamp driving device according to claim 2 and the independent LED lamp according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

15. The track lighting system of claim 14 , further comprising a track having a first conductive rail, a second conductive rail, and a third conductive rail, wherein the first conductive rail is adapted to serve as the first conductor, the second conductive rail is adapted to serve as the second conductor, and the third conductive rail is adapted to serve as a ground for either or both of the first and second conductors.

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