Intelligent dimmer and dimming system
By using the adaptive hybrid dimming technology of the intelligent dimmer, combined with the temperature detection module, the problems of low accuracy, short lifespan and poor safety caused by constant current source dimming are solved, achieving a dimming effect with high accuracy, low power consumption and high safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- INTMAN LIGHTING ELECTRONICS (CHANGZHOU) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
When existing dimmers use constant current source dimming, the temperature rises, affecting the accuracy of the output current, shortening the lifespan, and posing safety hazards.
The device employs an intelligent dimmer, which includes a microprocessor, a dimming signal acquisition module, a voltage regulator module, a switching module, a constant current dimming module, a resistor divider dimming module, and a temperature detection module. The switching module controls the connection between the constant current dimming module or the resistor divider dimming module and the light-emitting element. Combined with the temperature detection module, the device monitors the temperature in real time and switches the working mode to solve the temperature rise problem.
It achieves high-precision dimming, low power consumption, and extended service life, improves the safety of the dimmer, and meets the dimming accuracy and low power consumption requirements of different needs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224538372U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of lighting device technology, specifically relating to components of lighting devices, and particularly to an intelligent dimmer and dimming system. Background Technology
[0002] Generally, dimmers adjust the brightness of the light-emitting element directly through a constant current source. However, the constant current source maintains a constant current by adjusting its own voltage drop, and its power loss is converted into heat. The increase in temperature may cause changes in parameters such as the reference voltage and sampling resistor value of the constant current source, affecting the accuracy of the output current. It also leads to a shortened lifespan and safety issues. Furthermore, the constant current source will directly cut off the power supply to the light-emitting element when it is at high temperature.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new intelligent dimmer and dimming system to solve the technical problems of low accuracy, short lifespan and poor safety caused by the existing dimmers only using a constant current source to heat up during dimming.
[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of the present application concept, and therefore, the above description is not considered to constitute prior art information. Utility Model Content
[0005] This disclosure provides at least one intelligent dimmer and dimming system.
[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide an intelligent dimmer, comprising: a microprocessor, a dimming signal acquisition module, a voltage regulator module, a switching module, a constant current dimming module, a resistor divider dimming module, and a temperature detection module; wherein the dimming signal acquisition module, the voltage regulator module, the constant current dimming module, the temperature detection module, and the switching module are electrically connected to the microprocessor; the switching module is electrically connected to the voltage regulator module; the constant current dimming module and the resistor divider dimming module are electrically connected to the switching module; and the temperature detection module is located at the constant current dimming module; the constant current... The dimming module and the resistor divider dimming module are electrically connected to the light-emitting element; the microprocessor is configured to receive a corresponding dimming signal through the dimming signal acquisition module; the microprocessor is also configured to drive the switching module to control the connection between the voltage regulator module and the constant current dimming module or the voltage regulator module and the resistor divider dimming module according to the dimming signal, so as to adjust the brightness of the light-emitting element; and the microprocessor is also configured to drive the switching module to control the connection between the voltage regulator module and the resistor divider dimming module when the temperature at the constant current dimming module detected by the temperature detection module exceeds a set temperature value.
[0007] In one optional implementation, the dimming signal acquisition module includes: a Bluetooth chip; the Bluetooth chip is electrically connected to a microprocessor; the microprocessor is configured to receive a corresponding dimming signal via the Bluetooth chip.
[0008] In one optional implementation, the dimming signal acquisition module includes: a plurality of trigger buttons; the trigger buttons are electrically connected to a microprocessor; the microprocessor is configured to receive corresponding dimming signals through the trigger buttons.
[0009] In one optional implementation, the voltage regulator module includes a 10V power supply and a linear regulator; the 10V power supply is electrically connected to the switching module through the linear regulator to provide voltage to the constant current dimming module or the resistor divider dimming module.
[0010] In one optional implementation, the switching module includes: a plurality of relay switches; each relay switch is electrically connected to a microprocessor, and each relay switch is electrically connected to a corresponding constant current dimming module and a resistor divider dimming module; the microprocessor is configured to drive each relay switch to open, so as to de-energize the light-emitting element; the microprocessor is also configured to drive one of the relay switches to close, so as to dim the light-emitting element using the corresponding constant current dimming module or resistor divider dimming module.
[0011] In one optional implementation, the constant current dimming module includes: an adjustable constant current source; the adjustable constant current source is electrically connected to a corresponding relay switch, and the adjustable constant current source is electrically connected to a microprocessor; when the relay switch corresponding to the adjustable constant current source is closed, the microprocessor is configured to output a corresponding PWM signal to the adjustable constant current source to adjust the output current of the adjustable constant current source to the light-emitting element.
[0012] In one optional embodiment, the resistor divider dimming module includes: a plurality of dimming resistors; each dimming resistor has a different resistance value, and each dimming resistor is electrically connected to a corresponding relay switch; when the relay switch corresponding to any dimming resistor is closed, the voltage regulator module is connected to the light-emitting element through the dimming resistor.
[0013] In one optional implementation, the temperature detection module includes: a PT100 temperature sensing resistor; the PT100 temperature sensing resistor is electrically connected to a microprocessor and is located at an adjustable constant current source; the microprocessor is configured to detect the temperature at the adjustable constant current source via the PT100 temperature sensing resistor.
[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a dimming system, which includes: a light-emitting element and a smart dimmer as described above; wherein the smart dimmer is electrically connected to the light-emitting element and the smart dimmer is adapted to adjust the brightness of the light-emitting element.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are that, by setting a switching module to control the connection between the constant current dimming module or the resistor voltage divider dimming module and the light-emitting element, it can achieve adaptive hybrid dimming. That is, the constant current dimming module is activated when precise dimming is required, and the resistor voltage divider dimming module is activated when low power consumption is required. In addition, the temperature detection module can detect the temperature of the constant current dimming module in real time, that is, when the temperature of the constant current dimming module is abnormal, the resistor voltage divider dimming module is switched to work. This overcomes the problems of low accuracy, short life and poor safety caused by the constant current source heating up during dimming. It can meet different needs such as high dimming accuracy, low power consumption, long life and high safety.
[0016] Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objectives and other advantages of this invention are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the accompanying drawings.
[0017] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0019] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a smart dimmer provided in this disclosure embodiment;
[0020] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of an intelligent dimmer provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0021] In the picture:
[0022] U1, Microprocessor; U2, Bluetooth chip; U3, Linear regulator; U4, Adjustable constant current source; R4, PT100 temperature sensing resistor; BAT1, 10V power supply. Detailed Implementation
[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless otherwise clearly stated herein. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0025] As used herein, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” etc., generally refer to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase can be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Therefore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic can be included in more than one embodiment of this disclosure, such that these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. As used herein, the terms “example,” “exemplary,” etc., are used to “serve as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation, aspect, or design described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other implementations, aspects, or designs. Rather, the use of the terms “example,” “exemplary,” etc., is intended to present concepts in a specific manner.
[0026] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0027] The following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes some embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.
[0028] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, at least one embodiment provides an intelligent dimmer, comprising: a microprocessor U1, a dimming signal acquisition module, a voltage regulator module, a switching module, a constant current dimming module, a resistor divider dimming module, and a temperature detection module; wherein the dimming signal acquisition module, voltage regulator module, constant current dimming module, temperature detection module, and switching module are electrically connected to the microprocessor U1, the switching module is electrically connected to the voltage regulator module, the constant current dimming module and the resistor divider dimming module are electrically connected to the switching module, and the temperature detection module is located at the constant current dimming module; the constant current dimming module... The optical module, the resistor divider dimming module, and the light-emitting element are electrically connected; the microprocessor U1 is configured to receive a corresponding dimming signal through the dimming signal acquisition module; the microprocessor U1 is also configured to drive the switching module to control the connection between the voltage regulator module and the constant current dimming module or the voltage regulator module and the resistor divider dimming module according to the dimming signal, so as to adjust the brightness of the light-emitting element; and the microprocessor U1 is also configured to drive the switching module to control the connection between the voltage regulator module and the resistor divider dimming module when the temperature at the constant current dimming module detected by the temperature detection module exceeds a set temperature value.
[0029] Specifically, the microprocessor U1 may be, but is not limited to, an ARM Cortex-M3, capable of PWM signal output.
[0030] Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 The light-emitting element is connected to the M terminal.
[0031] In at least one embodiment, by setting a switching module to control the connection between the constant current dimming module or the resistor divider dimming module and the light-emitting element, adaptive hybrid dimming can be achieved. That is, the constant current dimming module is activated when precise dimming is required, and the resistor divider dimming module is activated when low power consumption is required. Furthermore, the temperature detection module can detect the temperature of the constant current dimming module in real time, and switch the resistor divider dimming module to work when the temperature of the constant current dimming module is abnormal. This overcomes the problems of low accuracy, short lifespan, and poor safety caused by the constant current source heating up during dimming. It can meet different requirements such as high dimming accuracy, low power consumption, long lifespan, and high safety.
[0032] In at least one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The dimming signal acquisition module includes: a Bluetooth chip U2; the Bluetooth chip U2 is electrically connected to the microprocessor U1; the microprocessor U1 is configured to receive the corresponding dimming signal through the Bluetooth chip U2.
[0033] Specifically, the Bluetooth chip U2 can be, but is not limited to, the ESP32 Bluetooth chip U2.
[0034] Specifically, the Bluetooth chip U2 can connect to the mobile terminal, and then the mobile terminal communicates with the microprocessor U1 through the Bluetooth chip U2 to send the corresponding dimming signal.
[0035] Specifically, when the microprocessor U1 controls the connection between the voltage regulator module and the constant current dimming module by the switching module driven by the dimming signal, the brightness of the light-emitting element can be adjusted arbitrarily within the set brightness range.
[0036] Specifically, when the microprocessor U1 controls the connection between the voltage regulator module and the resistor divider dimming module according to the dimming signal driving the switching module, it can select one of multiple fixed brightness levels to adjust the brightness of the light-emitting element.
[0037] In at least one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The dimming signal acquisition module includes: a plurality of trigger buttons; the trigger buttons are electrically connected to the microprocessor U1; the microprocessor U1 is configured to receive corresponding dimming signals through the trigger buttons.
[0038] Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 The trigger buttons K1, K2, and K3 can be triggered to adjust the brightness of the light-emitting element.
[0039] In at least one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The voltage regulator module includes a 10V power supply BAT1 and a linear regulator U3; the 10V power supply BAT1 is electrically connected to the switching module through the linear regulator U3 to provide voltage to the constant current dimming module or the resistor divider dimming module.
[0040] Specifically, the linear regulator U3 can be, but is not limited to, the LM317 linear regulator U3.
[0041] Specifically, the 10V power supply BAT1, together with the linear regulator U3, can provide a stable voltage to each functional module.
[0042] In at least one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The switching module includes: a plurality of relay switches; each relay switch is electrically connected to the microprocessor U1, and each relay switch is electrically connected to a corresponding constant current dimming module and a resistor divider dimming module; the microprocessor U1 is configured to drive each relay switch to open, so as to de-energize the light-emitting element; the microprocessor U1 is also configured to drive one of the relay switches to close, so as to dim the light-emitting element using the corresponding constant current dimming module or resistor divider dimming module.
[0043] Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 When relay switch K4 is closed, the voltage regulator module is connected to the constant current dimming module; when any one of relay switches K5, K6, or K7 is closed, the voltage regulator module is connected to the resistor divider dimming module.
[0044] In at least one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The constant current dimming module includes: an adjustable constant current source U4; the adjustable constant current source U4 is electrically connected to a corresponding relay switch, and the adjustable constant current source U4 is electrically connected to a microprocessor U1; when the relay switch corresponding to the adjustable constant current source U4 is closed, the microprocessor U1 is configured to output a corresponding PWM signal to the adjustable constant current source U4 to adjust the output current of the adjustable constant current source U4 to the light-emitting element.
[0045] Specifically, the adjustable constant current source U4 may be, but is not limited to, the LT3083 adjustable constant current source U4.
[0046] Specifically, the adjustable constant current source U4 controls the brightness of the light-emitting element by outputting different currents.
[0047] In at least one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The resistor-divider dimming module includes: a plurality of dimming resistors; each dimming resistor has a different resistance value, and each dimming resistor is electrically connected to a corresponding relay switch; when the relay switch corresponding to any dimming resistor is closed, the voltage regulator module is connected to the light-emitting element through the dimming resistor.
[0048] Specifically, the dimming resistors can be 1kΩ, 10kΩ, 20kΩ, 50kΩ, or 100kΩ, meaning that the dimming resistors R1, R2, and R3 each take one of these values, thereby adjusting the current on the light-emitting element and controlling its brightness.
[0049] In at least one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The temperature detection module includes: a PT100 temperature sensing resistor R4; the PT100 temperature sensing resistor R4 is electrically connected to the microprocessor U1, and the PT100 temperature sensing resistor R4 is located at the adjustable constant current source U4; the microprocessor U1 is configured to detect the temperature at the adjustable constant current source U4 through the PT100 temperature sensing resistor R4.
[0050] Specifically, by using the PT100 temperature sensing resistor R4 to monitor the temperature of the adjustable constant current source U4 in real time, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the adjustable constant current source U4 from becoming too high.
[0051] Based on the same technical concept, at least one embodiment also provides a dimming system, which includes: a light-emitting element and a smart dimmer as described above; wherein the smart dimmer is electrically connected to the light-emitting element and the smart dimmer is adapted to adjust the brightness of the light-emitting element.
[0052] In summary, this invention enables adaptive hybrid dimming by setting a switching module to control the connection between the constant current dimming module or the resistor divider dimming module and the light-emitting element. That is, the constant current dimming module is activated when precise dimming is required, and the resistor divider dimming module is activated when low power consumption is required. Furthermore, the temperature detection module can detect the temperature of the constant current dimming module in real time, and switch the resistor divider dimming module to work when the temperature of the constant current dimming module is abnormal. This overcomes the problems of low accuracy, short lifespan, and poor safety caused by the constant current source heating up during dimming. It can meet different needs such as high dimming accuracy, low power consumption, long lifespan, and high safety.
[0053] The processing and logic flows described in this document can be executed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating outputs. The processing and logic flows can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry, and the devices can be implemented as special-purpose logic circuitry, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).
[0054] While this patent document contains numerous details, it should not be construed as limiting any utility model or the scope of the claims, but rather as a description of features of a particular embodiment of a particular utility model. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various functions described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually in multiple embodiments, or in any suitable sub-combination. Furthermore, although the foregoing features may be described as functioning in certain combinations, or even initially claimed to be so, in some cases one or more features from a combination of claims may be removed from the combination, and a combination of claims may refer to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.
[0055] Similarly, although the operations are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be construed as requiring the specific order or sequence shown to perform such operations, or all the described operations, in order to obtain the desired result. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the embodiments of this patent document should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments.
[0056] Only some implementations and examples are described; other implementations, enhancements, and variations can be made based on the content described and illustrated in this patent document.
[0057] When no intermediate component exists other than a line, trace, or other medium between the first and second components, the first component is directly coupled to the second component. When an intermediate component other than a line, trace, or other medium exists between the first and second components, the first component is indirectly coupled to the second component. The term "coupling" and its variations include direct coupling and indirect coupling. Unless otherwise stated, the term "about" is used to mean a range including upper and lower 10% of the value.
[0058] While several embodiments are provided in this disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. The present examples are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive and are not limited to the details given. For example, various elements or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.
[0059] In the several embodiments provided herein, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can also be implemented in other ways. The apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatus, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than those marked in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.
[0060] Furthermore, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the discrete or individual technologies, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, technologies, or methods. Other items shown or discussed as coupled may be directly connected or indirectly coupled or communicated via some interface, device, or intermediate component in an electrical, mechanical, or other manner. Those skilled in the art can identify other examples of changes, substitutions, and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A smart dimmer, characterized in that, include: Microprocessor, dimming signal acquisition module, voltage regulator module, switching module, constant current dimming module, resistor divider dimming module and temperature detection module; in The dimming signal acquisition module, voltage regulator module, constant current dimming module, temperature detection module, and switching module are electrically connected to the microprocessor. The switching module is electrically connected to the voltage regulator module. The constant current dimming module, the resistor voltage divider dimming module, and the switching module are electrically connected. The temperature detection module is located at the constant current dimming module. The constant current dimming module and the resistor voltage divider dimming module are electrically connected to the light-emitting element; The microprocessor is configured to receive a corresponding dimming signal via a dimming signal acquisition module; The microprocessor is further configured to control the connection between the voltage regulator module and the constant current dimming module or the voltage regulator module and the resistor divider dimming module according to the dimming signal driving the switching module, so as to adjust the brightness of the light-emitting element; and The microprocessor is also configured to drive the switching module to control the voltage regulator module to connect with the resistor divider dimming module when the temperature at the constant current dimming module exceeds a set temperature value, as detected by the temperature detection module.
2. The intelligent dimmer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The dimming signal acquisition module includes: a Bluetooth chip; The Bluetooth chip is electrically connected to the microprocessor; The microprocessor is configured to receive corresponding dimming signals via a Bluetooth chip.
3. The intelligent dimmer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The dimming signal acquisition module includes: several trigger buttons; The trigger button is electrically connected to the microprocessor; The microprocessor is configured to receive corresponding dimming signals by triggering a button.
4. The intelligent dimmer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage regulator module includes: a 10V power supply and a linear regulator; The 10V power supply is electrically connected to the switching module via a linear regulator to provide voltage to the constant current dimming module or the resistor divider dimming module.
5. The intelligent dimmer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The switching module includes: a plurality of relay switches; Each of the relay switches is electrically connected to the microprocessor, and each of the relay switches is electrically connected to the corresponding constant current dimming module and resistor divider dimming module respectively; The microprocessor is configured to drive each relay switch to disconnect, thereby de-energizing the light-emitting element; The microprocessor is also configured to drive one of the relay switches to close, so that the corresponding constant current dimming module or resistor divider dimming module dims the light-emitting element.
6. The intelligent dimmer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The constant current dimming module includes: an adjustable constant current source; The adjustable constant current source is electrically connected to the corresponding relay switch, and the adjustable constant current source is electrically connected to the microprocessor. When the relay switch corresponding to the adjustable constant current source is closed, the microprocessor is configured to output a corresponding PWM signal to the adjustable constant current source to adjust the output current of the adjustable constant current source to the light-emitting device.
7. The intelligent dimmer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The resistor-divider dimming module includes: a plurality of dimming resistors; Each of the dimming resistors has a different resistance value, and each of the dimming resistors is electrically connected to the corresponding relay switch. When the relay switch corresponding to any of the dimming resistors is closed, the voltage regulator module is connected to the light-emitting element through the dimming resistor.
8. The intelligent dimmer as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The temperature detection module includes: a PT100 temperature sensing resistor; The PT100 temperature sensing resistor is electrically connected to the microprocessor, and the PT100 temperature sensing resistor is located at the adjustable constant current source. The microprocessor is configured to detect the temperature at the adjustable constant current source via a PT100 temperature-sensing resistor.
9. A dimming system, characterized in that, include: The light-emitting element and the intelligent dimmer as described in any one of claims 1-8; in The intelligent dimmer is electrically connected to the light-emitting element, and the intelligent dimmer is adapted to adjust the brightness of the light-emitting element.