AC-powered control gear for light sources with additional DC power supply

Abstract

Operating device (101) for operating a lighting section (105) with at least one lighting element, wherein - the operating device (101) includes a power supply path (102), - an alternating voltage, or a first direct voltage, can be supplied to the input (E1) of the operating device (101), - the alternating voltage can be supplied to the input (E2) of the power supply path (102), - the power supply path (102) is configured to provide a second DC voltage at the output (A2) of the power supply path (102) based on the AC voltage, and - the output (A1) of the control device (101) is supplied from the output (A2) of the power supply path (102) for operating the lamp section (105); wherein the power supply path (102) comprises: - a rectifier (103) supplied from the input (E2) of the power supply path (102) and configured to provide a third DC voltage, and - at least one converter stage (104), preferably a PFC stage, which is supplied with the third DC voltage starting from the output (A3) of the rectifier (103); and - wherein the first DC voltage can be supplied to a second node (K2) which carries a second potential, as is the case between the input (E4) of the converter stage (204, 504, 804) and the output (A4) of the converter stage (204, 504, 804), or - wherein the first DC voltage can be supplied to a third node (K3) which carries a third potential, as is the case between the output (A4) of the converter stage (304, 604, 904) and the output (A2) of the power supply path (302, 602, 902).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to control gear for light sources, preferably LEDs, wherein the control gear in a power supply path comprises at least one converter stage, which may be a power factor correction (PFC) stage. In particular, the present invention relates to a control gear for operating a light source path with at least one light source, a lighting device with such a control gear and a light source path comprising at least one light source, and a method for operating such a control gear. The at least one light source is preferably an LED. Background and purpose of the invention

[0002] For example, US patent 2014 / 0292506 A1 discloses a processing unit in a dual-mode lighting device that receives a test command signal from a remote control via a fiber optic cable in the lighting device and initiates an emergency lighting test based on this signal. The processing unit also receives a control command signal from the remote control via the fiber optic cable and controls the normal lighting of the device based on this control command signal. Furthermore, the processing unit monitors feedback loops from a battery, charger, or set of LED lamps in the lighting device and displays a status color indicator via the fiber optic cable based on the monitored feedback.

[0003] Furthermore, the document US 2014 / 0368118 A1 describes methods and systems that enable efficient lighting when electrical power grid systems are unreliable.An example includes a lighting arrangement comprising an input for receiving current from a power source, a controllable power supply with a control input, a current input coupled to the first input, and an output to provide a voltage level controllable based on a control signal received at the control input; a light circuit coupled to the output of the controllable power supply and configured to provide output light in response to the output voltage; and a feedback circuit configured to detect a current to a battery and a voltage at the battery, and having an output connected to the control input of the controllable power supply to provide the control signal to the controllable power supply based on the current at the battery input and / or the voltage at the battery.

[0004] Furthermore, operating devices for lighting devices, such as LEDs, are already known from the prior art. These operating devices are usually supplied with an AC mains voltage and convert this AC voltage into a DC voltage to operate the lighting devices.

[0005] Therefore, such an operating device has at least one converter stage that serves not only to adjust the output electrical power but also to perform power factor correction (PFC). That is, the at least one converter stage corresponds to a power factor correction (PFC) stage. Furthermore, such an operating device can include various other devices or elements, such as a filter and a rectifier, for converting the AC mains voltage supplied to the input of the operating device to the DC voltage provided at the output of the operating device.

[0006] All devices used to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) form a so-called power supply path. That is, if an operating device has a rectifier and at least one converter stage to convert the AC voltage supplied to the input of the operating device to the DC voltage output at the output of the operating device, then the rectifier and the at least one converter stage constitute the power supply path of the operating device.

[0007] Already known operating devices preferably receive a 230 V alternating voltage (AC voltage) directly from a supply network and an actively switched power factor correction circuit in the power supply path of the operating device converts this 230 V alternating voltage preferably to a 400 V direct voltage (DC voltage) in order to comply with standards or legal requirements that limit the return of harmonics to the supply network.

[0008] Recently, a trend has emerged towards storing increasing amounts of electrical energy in buildings using ever-improving battery technology. This is due to the growing number of buildings using renewable energy generation devices, such as photovoltaic systems or solar panels, which generate electricity that is then temporarily stored in batteries or accumulators. The electrical energy generated during the day by solar panels, for example, and subsequently stored in batteries, can then be used by electrical appliances at night.

[0009] In the following, the term "battery" refers to all types of electrical energy storage devices known to experts, such as non-rechargeable batteries, rechargeable batteries, accumulators, etc.

[0010] In contrast to the power grid, which provides an alternating voltage, a battery provides a direct voltage (battery DC voltage), which, unlike a rectified and possibly smoothed alternating voltage, represents a "true" direct voltage.

[0011] If, according to the state of the art, control devices for operating lamps are supplied with a DC voltage from a battery, then this "true" DC voltage is usually converted into an AC voltage and then supplied to the control device, in particular to the power supply path of the control device, and processed like a mains AC voltage, in particular converted into a desired output DC voltage or one corresponding to a setpoint in order to adjust the electrical power supplied to the lamps.

[0012] This has the disadvantage that losses occur in the power supply path of the operating device due to the conversion from battery DC voltage to AC voltage, as well as through the rectifier and the at least one converter stage, which can represent a power factor correction circuit (PFC circuit).

[0013] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved control device for operating light sources, which can be supplied with a DC voltage or battery DC voltage and simultaneously minimizes or eliminates the losses described above. Furthermore, a method for operating such a control device, as well as a lighting device comprising such a control device and a light source section with at least one light source, are to be provided.

[0014] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims further develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous way. Description of the invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, an operating device for operating a lighting system with at least one lighting element is provided, wherein - the operating device includes a power supply path, - an alternating voltage, or a first direct voltage, can be supplied to the input of the operating device, - alternating voltage can be supplied to the input of the power supply path, - the power supply path is set up to provide a second DC voltage at the output of the power supply path based on the AC voltage, and - the output of the control gear is supplied from the output of the power supply path for operating the lighting system. The power supply path includes: - a rectifier supplied from the input of the power supply path and configured to provide a third DC voltage, and - at least one converter stage, preferably a PFC stage, which is supplied with the third DC voltage from the rectifier output. The first DC voltage can be supplied to a second node, which carries a second potential, as exists between the input and output of the converter stage, or - the first DC voltage can be supplied to a third node, which carries a third potential, as is the case between the output of the converter stage and the output of the power supply path.

[0016] Furthermore, the power supply path before the rectifier can include at least one surge protection device and / or filter.

[0017] Furthermore, at least one converter stage can be a DC / DC converter.

[0018] Furthermore, at least one converter stage can be an actively clocked converter stage.

[0019] Furthermore, the at least one converter stage can have at least one output diode, and the second node can carry the second potential as it exists between the input of the converter stage and the at least one output diode.

[0020] Furthermore - the input of at least one converter stage (104) corresponds to a range carrying the third DC voltage, - the output of at least one converter stage corresponds to a range carrying a fourth DC voltage, and - in the area between the input and output of at least one converter stage, a conversion from the third DC voltage to the fourth DC voltage must be possible.

[0021] Furthermore, the fourth DC voltage can be lower or higher than the second DC voltage, or the fourth DC voltage can be equal to the second DC voltage.

[0022] Furthermore, the operating device can include a first and second connection for supplying the alternating voltage and a third connection for supplying the first direct voltage.

[0023] Furthermore, the third connection can be connected to the second or third node.

[0024] Furthermore, a diode can be placed between the third terminal and the third node.

[0025] Furthermore, at least one surge protection device and / or filter can be arranged between the third connection and the second node, or the third node.

[0026] Furthermore, the operating device - a first and a second connection for supplying the alternating voltage and the first direct voltage, - a switch connected to the first terminal (T1), and - include a control device; wherein the control device is configured to control the switch in such a way that - the switch connects the first terminal to the input of the power supply path if the AC voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals, and - the switch connects the first terminal to the second or third node if the first DC voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals.

[0027] Furthermore, the operating device - a first and a second connection for supplying the AC voltage and the first DC voltage, the first connection being connected to the input of the power supply path, - a switch located between the first terminal and the second or third node, and - include a control device; wherein the control device is configured to control the switch in such a way that - the switch is conductive to connect the first terminal to the second node or the third node if the first DC voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals, and - the switch is non-conductive if AC voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals.

[0028] Furthermore, a diode can be placed between the switch and the third node.

[0029] Furthermore, at least one surge protector and / or filter can be arranged between the switch and the second node or the third node.

[0030] Furthermore, the switch can be an electromechanical switch, preferably a relay, and / or a semiconductor switch, preferably a transistor.

[0031] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine, before or after the switch, whether the alternating voltage or the first direct voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals.

[0032] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine, based on the voltage supplied to the input of the operating device and / or the voltage provided between the output of the at least one converter stage and the output of the power supply path, whether the AC voltage or the first DC voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals.

[0033] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to detect the voltage supplied to the input of the operating device and / or the voltage provided between the output of the at least one converter stage and the output of the power supply path by means of a voltage divider.

[0034] Furthermore, the surge protection can be a VDR resistor.

[0035] Furthermore, the filter can be an EMI filter.

[0036] Furthermore, the light source section can include at least one LED.

[0037] The aforementioned optional features can be combined arbitrarily according to the invention to produce the operating device according to the invention.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a lighting device is provided which comprises at least one control device according to the invention and a light source section with at least one light source, preferably at least one LED, wherein the light source section can be operated by the at least one control device.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a control device for operating a lighting system with at least one lighting element is provided, wherein - the operating device includes a power supply path, - an alternating voltage, or a first direct voltage is supplied to the input of the operating device, - the alternating voltage is supplied to the input of the power supply path, - the power supply path provides a second DC voltage at the output of the power supply path based on the AC voltage, and - the output of the control device is supplied from the output of the power supply path to operate the lighting system; the benefit provision pathway includes: - a rectifier, which is supplied from the input of the power supply path and provides a third DC voltage, and - at least one converter stage, preferably a PFC stage, which is supplied with the third DC voltage starting from the output of the rectifier. According to the method, - the first DC voltage is supplied to a second node, which carries a second potential, as exists between the input of the converter stage and the output of the converter stage, or - The first DC voltage is supplied to a third node, which carries a third potential, as is the case between the output of the converter stage and the output of the power supply path. Brief description of the characters

[0040] Further advantages, features and properties of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawing. Fig. 1A to 1E schematically show an operating device according to an example. Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B schematically shows an operating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows an operating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows an operating device according to an example. Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows an operating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows an operating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows an operating device according to an example. Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows an operating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows an operating device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 10A schematically shows an embodiment of voltage detection using the in Fig. 6 operating device shown according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 10B schematically shows another embodiment of voltage detection using the method described in Fig. 9 operating device shown according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 11 shows an operating device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Detailed character description

[0041] Fig. Figures 1A to 1E schematically show an operating device 101 according to an example.

[0042] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1A, the operating device 101 has at least one converter stage 104. Preferably, the converter stage is a power factor correction (PFC) stage. The converter stage 104 can preferably be a DC / DC converter or an actively switched converter stage with at least one switch, such as a buck converter, boost converter, buck-boost converter, flyback converter, forward converter, resonant converter, etc. According to the invention, any converter stage known to those skilled in the art can be used for the at least one converter stage 104.

[0043] Preferably, further converter stages, of the same type as converter stage 104 or of a different type, can be arranged both before and after converter stage 104.

[0044] The at least one converter stage 104 preferably represents an actively switched power factor correction (PFC) stage, which can be operated in any manner known to those skilled in the art in order to adjust, firstly, the output voltage or bus voltage and thus the electrical power provided at output A4 of the at least one converter stage 104, and secondly, to achieve a good power factor. Furthermore, the converter stage 104 can, of course, also be a non-actively switched converter stage.

[0045] The operating device 101 further comprises a rectifier or rectifier circuit 103 which is arranged upstream of the at least one converter stage 104. Preferably, the output A3 of the rectifier 103 is connected directly or indirectly to the input E4 of the at least one converter stage 104. That is, the at least one converter stage 104 is supplied with the alternating voltage rectified by the rectifier from the output A3 of the rectifier 103.

[0046] According to Fig. 1A to 1E, the rectifier 103 and the at least one converter stage 104 form a power supply path 102, wherein the input E3 of the rectifier is supplied directly or indirectly from the input E2 of the power supply path 102 and the output A2 of the power supply path 102 is supplied directly or indirectly by the output A4 of the at least one converter stage 104.

[0047] Preferably, at least one overvoltage protection device 106 and / or a filter 107 are arranged upstream of the rectifier 103 (see Fig. 1E), which are then also part of the power supply path 102. Consequently, the input E3 of the rectifier 103 is then supplied via the at least one overvoltage protection device 106 and / or filter 107 from the input E2 of the power supply path 102.

[0048] A lighting circuit 105 with at least one light source can be connected to output A1 of the control gear 101. The at least one converter stage 104 is then connected directly or indirectly, e.g. via further converter stages (not in Fig. 1A to 1E), connected to the lighting system 105 connected to the control gear 101. Consequently, at least one converter stage 104 provides an output voltage or bus voltage (which is a DC voltage) for the direct or indirect operation of a lighting system 105.

[0049] The light source section 105 is preferably an LED section with at least one LED. According to the invention, any light source known to those skilled in the art can be present in the light source section 105.

[0050] The operating device 101 has three terminals T1, T2, and T3. Terminals T1 and T2 are provided for supplying an alternating voltage to input E1 of the operating device 101, in particular to input E2 of the power supply path 102, preferably from a mains supply. Terminal T3 is provided for supplying a "true" direct current voltage, hereinafter also referred to as DC voltage, from, for example, a battery. The alternating voltage that can be supplied to input E1 of the operating device 101 via terminals T1 and T2 is then supplied to input E2 of the power supply path 102.

[0051] As explained above, a "true" DC voltage corresponds to a DC voltage provided by an electrical energy storage device, such as a rechargeable / non-rechargeable battery or accumulator, and therefore does not correspond to an AC voltage provided by a power supply network, which has been rectified and possibly smoothed.

[0052] The operating device according to the invention can be supplied with an alternating voltage of preferably 230 V and a direct voltage of preferably more than 100 V, particularly preferably more than 300 V. For example, a direct voltage of 380 V or 400 V can be supplied to the operating device according to the invention. Preferably, the amplitude of the direct voltage supplied to the operating device, in particular to the power supply path 102, is higher than the amplitude of the alternating voltage supplied to the operating device, in particular to input E2 of the power supply path 102. The foregoing is valid for all embodiments of the operating device according to the invention.

[0053] By applying an alternating voltage to terminals T1 and T2, an alternating voltage can be supplied to the operating device 101 on the input side (at input E1), in particular to input E2 of the power supply path 102, and by applying a direct voltage to terminals T3 and T2, a direct voltage can be supplied to the operating device 101, in particular to the power supply path 102.

[0054] Preferably, a rectified AC voltage can also be applied to terminals T1 and T2, thus eliminating the need for a rectifier 103 in the operating device 101 for rectification before the at least one converter stage 104. Furthermore, a rectified AC voltage can preferably also be applied to terminals T3 and T2.

[0055] As it is in Fig. As shown schematically in Figures 1A to 1E, terminal T3 of the operating device 101 is connected to node K1 upstream of the at least one converter stage 104. Node K1 is located between output A3 of rectifier 103 and input E4 of the at least one converter stage 104. This means that node K1 carries a potential such as that present between output A3 of rectifier 103 and input E4 of the at least one converter stage 104.

[0056] Preferably, at least one surge protection device 106 and / or filter 107 can be arranged between the terminal T3 and the first node K1 (in Fig. 1E shown).

[0057] Supplying the DC voltage to the power supply path 102, in particular to node K1 of the power supply path 102, before at least one converter stage 304, but after the rectifier 103, has the advantage that the losses caused by the rectifier 103 are avoided and the DC voltage can be converted into a higher or lower voltage by the at least one converter stage 104. For example, if the converter stage 104 is a boost converter (see Fig. 1B), then the DC voltage can be converted to a higher voltage and, if the converter stage 104 corresponds to a buck converter, then the DC voltage can be converted to a lower voltage.

[0058] Output A2 of the power supply path 102 is supplied directly or indirectly by output A4 of the at least one converter stage 104, and output A1 of the operating device 101 is supplied directly or indirectly by output A2 of the power supply path 102. Preferably, output A4 of the at least one converter stage 104 corresponds to output A2 of the power supply path and / or output A2 of the power supply path 102 corresponds to output A1 of the operating device 101.

[0059] The control gear 101 can thus provide electrical power to operate at least one lamp section 105 on the basis of an alternating voltage supplied to the control gear at terminals T1 and T2 and / or a direct voltage supplied to terminal T3.

[0060] In the event that the at least one converter stage 104 is an actively clocked converter stage with at least one switch, the at least one switch can be controlled in a known manner by a control device (not in the Fig. (1A to 1E shown) of the operating device and / or an external control unit are controlled or clocked to provide the desired electrical power for operating the light source section 105. For example, dimming or changing the color position of the light emitted by the light source section 105 can be achieved in a known manner.

[0061] The DC voltage supplied to terminal T3 differs from the DC voltage supplied to a control unit. The DC voltage applied to terminal T3 is supplied to the power supply path 102, specifically to node K1 of the power supply path 102, so that at least one converter stage at output A4, or the power supply path 102 at output A2, can provide a DC voltage to operate the lighting system 105. A DC voltage supplied to a control unit generally represents a signal or serves as a power supply for the control unit, and this DC voltage has a lower amplitude compared to the DC voltage applied to terminal T3 (to provide electrical power for the lighting system 105).Preferably, as already mentioned above, the amplitude of the DC voltage that can be supplied to terminal T3 is higher than the amplitude of the AC voltage that can be supplied to terminals T1 and T2.

[0062] In the event that the control gear 101 provides an output voltage for operating the lamp section based on an AC voltage supplied via terminals T1 and T2 and a DC voltage supplied via terminal T3, appropriate adaptation devices must be provided in the control gear 101, in particular in the power supply path 102, so that no problems arise due to a voltage difference between the rectified AC voltage provided at output A3 of the rectifier 103 and the DC voltage supplied to node K1 in the power supply path 102 via terminal T3.

[0063] The Fig. Figures 1B to 1D show three possible implementation examples of the at least one converter stage 104 when it is configured as an actively clocked converter stage. These implementation examples can, of course, be used for the at least one converter stage in any embodiment of the present invention. Likewise, as already mentioned above, any other converter stage known to those skilled in the art can also be used. Furthermore, the at least one converter stage can preferably also be a non-actively clocked converter stage.

[0064] Preferably, the input E4 of the at least one converter stage 104 corresponds to a region that carries the rectified AC voltage provided by the output A3 of the rectifier 203 or the DC voltage supplied to node K1. Furthermore, the output A4 of the at least one converter stage 104 preferably corresponds to a region that carries the DC voltage converted by the converter stage 104. Consequently, the region between the input E4 and the output A4 of the at least one converter stage 104 preferably corresponds to the region in which the conversion from the rectified AC voltage or DC voltage supplied to the input E4 to the DC voltage provided or output at the output A4 is carried out.

[0065] According to the Fig. 1B corresponds to at least one converter stage 104, a boost converter, so that the rectified AC or DC voltage supplied at input E4 is converted into a higher DC voltage, which is output at output A4.

[0066] Preferably, capacitor C1 forms the input E4 of the at least one converter stage 104, since the AC voltage rectified by rectifier 103 or the DC voltage supplied via terminal T3 drops across it. Capacitance C2 preferably forms the output A4 of the at least one converter stage 104, since the DC voltage converted by converter stage 104 drops across it. The inductor L1, the at least one switch S1, and the output diode D2 constitute the voltage conversion section.

[0067] The DC voltage or electrical power provided at output A4 can be adjusted by controlling or timing switch S1 in any manner known to a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, power factor correction can preferably also be achieved in any manner known to a person skilled in the art.

[0068] According to the Fig. 1C corresponds to at least one converter stage 104 a primary switched flyback converter, such that galvanic isolation is provided between the input E4 and the output A4 of the converter stage 104 by the transformer having the primary winding L1 and secondary winding L2.

[0069] According to the Fig. 1D corresponds to at least one converter stage 104 a primary clocked half bridge converter in which a series circuit of two switches S1 and S2 is controlled or clocked.

[0070] Fig. Figure 1E shows that preferably the power supply path 102 can have further devices or components, such as at least one overvoltage protection device 106 and / or filter 107, upstream of the rectifier 103, i.e., that at least one overvoltage protection device 106 and / or a filter 107 can be arranged between the input E2 of the power supply path 102 and the input E3 of the rectifier 103.

[0071] Furthermore, additional devices or components, such as at least one surge protector 106 and / or filter 107, can preferably be arranged between terminal T3 and node K1. A surge protector upstream of node K1 could be provided due to the high amplitude of preferably more than 100 V, and particularly preferably more than 300 V, of the DC voltage supplied to terminal T3.

[0072] Fig. Figure 1E schematically shows in the lower section a possible embodiment for an overvoltage protection device 106, filter 107, and rectifier 103. The overvoltage protection device preferably corresponds to a VDR resistor or a varistor, which is voltage-dependent in a known manner and, depending on its dimensions, becomes low-resistance above a certain voltage, thus preventing a further voltage increase. According to the invention, however, any other protection circuit known to those skilled in the art can also be used for the overvoltage protection device 106.

[0073] The filter 107 preferably corresponds to an EMI filter, i.e., a filter against electromagnetic interference, which according to the Fig. 1E, for example, can be implemented by two capacitors and two inductors in a known manner. According to the invention, of course, any other filter known to those skilled in the art can also be used for filter 107.

[0074] The rectifier 103 is according to the Fig. 1E, for example, is implemented as a full-bridge rectifier with four diodes. According to the invention, of course, any other rectifier known to those skilled in the art can also be used for rectifier 103, such as a full-wave rectifier with two diodes.

[0075] The above description regarding the possible configurations for a surge protector 106, filter 107, and rectifier 103 is valid for all embodiments of the operating device according to the invention. Furthermore, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the order in which the devices or components, i.e., the surge protector and filter, are arranged can also be changed.

[0076] In the event that no surge protection device 106, filter 107 or rectifier 103 is arranged in the power supply path 102, these devices or components can of course preferably be provided outside the operating device 101, so that, for example, an already rectified AC voltage is supplied at the terminals T1 and T2.

[0077] Fig. 2A and Fig. Figures 2B schematically show an operating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The operating device according to the first embodiment corresponds to the operating device according to the example shown in Figure 2B. Fig. 1A to 1E and therefore the following mainly deal with the differences or further developments regarding the operating device according to the example according to Fig. 1A to 1E explained in more detail. The last two digits of the reference marks of the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B corresponds to the last two digits of the reference symbols of the Fig. 1A to 1E, so that elements with the same reference symbols with respect to the last two digits correspond to each other.

[0078] According to the first embodiment, a DC voltage can be supplied to the area between input E4 and output A4 of the at least one converter stage 204 of the operating device 201, in particular to the power supply path 202 of the operating device 201. That is, in contrast to the one described in the Fig. In the example shown in 1A to 1E, the DC voltage is no longer supplied to a node K1 after the rectifier 103, but before the at least one converter stage 104, but to a node K2 in the at least one converter stage 204.

[0079] Here, node K2 is arranged between input E4 and output A4 of the at least one converter stage 204. Consequently, node K2 carries a potential equivalent to that between input E4 and output E4 of the at least one converter stage 204. Preferably, the converter stage 204 has at least one output diode D2, and node K2 is arranged between input E4 of the converter stage 204 and the at least one output diode D2. That is, node K2 preferably carries a potential equivalent to that between input E4 of the converter stage 204 and the at least one output diode D2 of the converter stage 204.

[0080] As in Fig. 2A and Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 2B, the terminal T3 of the operating device 201, according to the first embodiment, is directly connected to node K2 in the at least one converter stage 204. Preferably, however, at least one surge protection device 206 and / or filter 207 can also be arranged between terminal T3 and the second node K2, i.e., terminal T3 and the second node K2 can be indirectly connected (in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B not shown).

[0081] As already mentioned, the at least one converter stage 204 preferably has at least one output diode D2, and node K2 is preferably arranged upstream of the at least one output diode D2. This has the advantage that the diode D1, which is preferably located between terminal T3 and node K3 downstream of the at least one converter stage 304 of the operating device according to the second embodiment (see Fig. 3) is arranged in which the operating device 201 according to the first embodiment is not required. This is because the at least one output diode D2 of the at least one converter stage 204 can be used instead of the diode D1. This helps to reduce the number of components required.

[0082] The Fig. Figure 2B shows a possible implementation example of at least one converter stage 204 when it is configured as an actively clocked converter stage. According to Fig. 2B corresponds to at least one converter stage 204, a boost converter. The diode D2 of this boost converter corresponds to at least one output diode D2.

[0083] As already mentioned in the example of the operating device according to Fig. 1A to 1E, preferably in the operating device 201 according to the first embodiment, at least one overvoltage protection device 206 and / or filter 207 can be arranged between the input E2 of the power supply path 202 and the rectifier 203. Furthermore, preferably an overvoltage protection device 206 and / or filter 207 can be arranged between the terminal T3 and the node K2. (in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B not shown)

[0084] In the event that a DC voltage is supplied to terminal T3 and consequently to node K2 in the at least one converter stage 204, the clocking or control of switch S1 (see Fig. 2B) are interrupted or terminated by a control device which is normally used to adjust the DC voltage output at output A4 of converter stage 204.

[0085] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows an operating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The operating device according to the second embodiment corresponds to the operating device according to the example shown in Figure 3. Fig. 1A to 1E and the first embodiment, and thus the differences or further developments regarding the operating device of the example according to are mainly discussed below. Fig. 1A to 1E and the first embodiment are explained in more detail. The last two digits of the reference numerals of the Fig. 3 correspond to the last two digits of the reference symbols of the Fig. 1A to 1E as well as 2A and 2B, so that elements with the same reference symbols with respect to the last two digits correspond to each other.

[0086] According to the second embodiment, a DC voltage can be supplied to the operating device 301, in particular to the power supply path 302 of the operating device 301, after the at least one converter stage 304. That is, according to the second embodiment, the DC voltage is supplied to a node K3 after the at least one converter stage 304.

[0087] As it is in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 3, the terminal T3 of the operating device 301 according to the second embodiment is connected to the node K3 after the at least one converter stage 304 preferably via a diode D1.

[0088] Node K3 is arranged between output A4 of the at least one converter stage 304 and output A2 of the power supply path 302. Consequently, node K3 carries a potential such as that which exists between output A4 of the at least one converter stage 304 and output A2 of the power supply path 302.

[0089] In the case (not shown in the figures) that the power supply path 302 has a further converter stage after the converter stage 304, the input of which is supplied by the output A4 of the converter stage 304, the node K3 can preferably be located between the output A4 of the converter stage 304 and the input of the further converter stage, or the node K3 can be located between the output of the further converter stage and the output A2 of the power supply path. Furthermore, the node K3 can preferably correspond to the output A4 of the at least one converter stage 304 and / or the output A2 of the at least one power supply path 302 and / or the output A1 of the operating device 301.

[0090] A diode D1 is preferably arranged between terminal T3 and node K1 to prevent current backflow from node K1 to terminal T3. Preferably, further devices or components, such as at least one overvoltage protection device 306 and / or filter 307 (in Fig. (3 not shown). Of course, further devices or components can also preferably be arranged downstream of diode D1, i.e., between diode D1 and node K1.

[0091] Due to the high amplitude of preferably more than 100V, particularly preferably more than 300V, of the DC voltage that can be supplied to terminal T3, an overvoltage protection device 306 could be used in front of the diode D1.

[0092] Preferably, at least one overvoltage protection device 306 and / or a filter 307 can also be arranged upstream of the rectifier, in particular between the input E2 of the power supply path 302 and the input E3 of the rectifier 303 (in Fig. 3 not shown).

[0093] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows an operating device according to an example. The operating device according to the example according to Fig. 4 corresponds to the operating device according to the example according to Fig. 1A to 1E and therefore the following mainly concerns the differences or further developments regarding the operating device of the example according to Fig. 1A to 1E explained in more detail. The last two digits of the reference marks of the Fig. 4 correspond to the last two digits of the reference symbols of the Fig. 1A to 1E, so that elements with the same reference symbols with respect to the last two digits correspond to each other.

[0094] According to the example according to Fig. 4. A DC voltage can be supplied to the operating device 401, in particular to the power supply path 402 of the operating device 401, after the rectifier 403, but before the at least one converter stage 404, wherein the operating device 401 now no longer has three connections T1, T2, T3, but only two connections T1, T2. That is, the connections T1 and T2 of the operating device 401 are provided both for supplying an AC voltage, preferably mains AC voltage, to the input E2 of the power supply path 402 and for supplying a DC voltage, preferably battery DC voltage, to the power supply path 402.

[0095] Terminal T1 is connected to a switch 408, or the switch 408 is located after terminal T1. If an alternating voltage is supplied to terminals T1 and T2, or applied between the two terminals, the switch 408 is activated by a control device 409 (not shown in the figure). Fig. 4) controlled such that terminal T1 is connected to input E2 of the power supply path 402. If a DC voltage is applied to terminals T1 and T2, the switch 408 is controlled by the control unit 409 such that terminal T1 is connected to node K1 upstream of the at least one converter stage 404.

[0096] The control unit 409 can be arranged either inside or outside the operating device 401. Preferably, the control unit 409 is a microcontroller, ASIC, or a hybrid thereof. Furthermore, the control unit can also control the at least one converter stage 404, or a separate control unit can be provided for controlling the at least one converter stage 404.

[0097] As mentioned above and valid for all (implementation) examples, a DC voltage that can be supplied to the power supply path 402 differs from a DC voltage supplied to a control device, such as the control device 409.

[0098] The DC voltage supplied to the power supply path 402 serves to provide a specific electrical power at the output of the power supply path 402 for operating the lighting circuit that can be connected to the control gear 401. Consequently, this DC voltage is preferably greater than 100 V, and particularly preferably greater than 300 V. Furthermore, the amplitude of this DC voltage can preferably be greater than the amplitude of the AC voltage supplied to the input E2 of the power supply path.

[0099] In contrast, the DC voltage supplied to a control device generally serves for signaling, i.e., the transmission of signals, and / or for supplying power to the control device. The amplitude of such a DC voltage is therefore lower than the amplitudes of the voltages present in the power supply path 402.

[0100] Preferably, at least one surge protector 406 and / or one filter 407 can be arranged between node K1 and switch 408 and / or between terminal T1 and switch 408 (in Fig. 4 not shown).

[0101] Furthermore, preferably at least one surge protection device 406 and / or a filter 407 can be arranged in the power supply path 402 upstream of the rectifier 403 (in Fig. 4 not shown). That is, at least one overvoltage protection device 406 and / or a filter 407 can preferably be arranged between the input E2 of the power supply path 402 and the input E3 of the rectifier 403.

[0102] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows an operating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The operating device according to the third embodiment corresponds to the operating device according to the first embodiment, and therefore the differences and further developments with respect to the operating device of the first embodiment will be explained in more detail below. The last two digits of the reference numerals of the Fig. 5 correspond to the last two digits of the reference symbols of the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, so that elements with the same reference symbols with respect to the last two digits correspond to each other.

[0103] According to the third embodiment, a DC voltage can be supplied to the area between input E4 and output A4 of the at least one converter stage 504 of the operating device 501, in particular to the power supply path 502 of the operating device 501, wherein the operating device now no longer has three connections T1, T2, T3, but only two connections T1, T2. That is, the connections T1 and T2 of the operating device 501 are provided both for supplying an AC voltage, preferably mains AC voltage, to input E2 of the power supply path 502 and for supplying a DC voltage, preferably battery DC voltage, to the power supply path 502.

[0104] Terminal T1 is connected to a switch 508, or the switch 508 is located after terminal T1. If an alternating voltage is supplied to terminals T1 and T2, or applied between the two terminals, the switch 508 is activated by a control device 509 (not shown in the figure). Fig. 5) controlled such that terminal T1 is connected to input E2 of the power supply path 502. If a DC voltage is supplied to terminals T1 and T2, the switch 407 is controlled by the control unit 508 such that terminal T1 is connected to node K2 in the at least one converter stage 504.

[0105] As already in the example according to Fig. As described in section 4, the control unit 509 can be arranged either in the operating device 501 or outside of the operating device 501. Preferably, the control unit 509 is a microcontroller, ASIC, or a hybrid thereof. Furthermore, the control unit can also control the at least one converter stage 504, or a separate control unit can be provided for controlling the at least one converter stage 504.

[0106] Preferably, node K2 is arranged upstream of the at least one output diode D2 of the converter stage 504.

[0107] Preferably, at least one surge protector 506 and / or one filter 507 can be arranged between node K2 and switch 508 and / or between terminal T1 and switch 508 (in Fig. 5 not shown).

[0108] Furthermore, preferably at least one surge protection device 506 and / or a filter 507 can be arranged in the power supply path 502 upstream of the rectifier 503 (in Fig. 5 not shown). That is, at least one overvoltage protection device 506 and / or a filter 507 can preferably be arranged between the input E2 of the power supply path 502 and the input E3 of the rectifier 503.

[0109] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows an operating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The operating device according to the fourth embodiment corresponds to the operating device according to the second embodiment, and therefore the differences and further developments with respect to the operating device of the second embodiment will be explained in more detail below. The last two digits of the reference numerals of the Fig. 6 correspond to the last two digits of the reference symbols of the Fig. 3, so that elements with the same reference symbols with respect to the last two digits correspond to each other.

[0110] According to the fourth embodiment, a DC voltage can be supplied to the operating device 601, in particular to the power supply path 602 of the operating device 601, after the at least one converter stage 604, wherein the operating device 601 now no longer has three connections T1, T2, T3, but only two connections T1, T2. That is, the connections T1 and T2 of the operating device 601 are provided both for supplying an AC voltage, preferably mains AC voltage, to the input E2 of the power supply path 602 and for supplying a DC voltage, preferably battery DC voltage, to the power supply path 602.

[0111] Terminal T1 is connected to a switch 608, or the switch 608 is located after terminal T1. If an alternating voltage is supplied to terminals T1 and T2, or applied between the two terminals, the switch 608 is activated by a control device 609 (not shown in the figure). Fig. 6) controlled such that terminal T1 is connected to input E2 of the power supply path 602. If a DC voltage is applied to terminals T1 and T2, the switch 607 is controlled by the control unit 608 such that terminal T1 is connected to node K3 after the at least one converter stage 604.

[0112] As already in the example according to Fig. As described in Figure 4 and the third embodiment, the control unit 609 can be arranged either in the operating device 601 or outside of the operating device 601. Preferably, the control unit 609 is a microcontroller, ASIC, or a hybrid thereof. Furthermore, the control unit can also control the at least one converter stage 604, or a separate control unit can be provided for controlling the at least one converter stage 604.

[0113] Preferably, a diode D1 is arranged between the switch 608 and the node K3 to prevent current backflow from the node K3 to the first terminal T1 when the switch 608 is in the appropriate position. Furthermore, preferably at least one overvoltage protection device 606 and / or one filter 607 can be arranged between the switch 608 and the diode D1 and / or between the diode D1 and the node K3 (not in Fig. 6 shown).

[0114] Preferably, at least one surge protector 606 and / or one filter 607 can be arranged between node K3 and switch 608 and / or between terminal T1 and switch 608 (in Fig. 6 not shown).

[0115] Furthermore, preferably at least one surge protection device 606 and / or a filter 607 can be arranged in the power supply path 602 upstream of the rectifier 603 (in Fig. (6 not shown). That is, at least one overvoltage protection device 606 and / or a filter 607 can preferably be arranged between the input E2 of the power supply path 602 and the input E3 of the rectifier 603.

[0116] Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows an operating device according to an example. The operating device according to the example according to Fig. 7 corresponds to the operating device according to the example according to Fig. 1A to 1E and example according to Fig. 4 and therefore the following mainly concerns the differences or further developments regarding the operating device of the example according to Fig. 1A to 1E and examples according to Fig. 4 explained in more detail. The last two digits of the reference symbols of the Fig. 7 correspond to the last two digits of the reference symbols of the Fig. 1A to 1E and 4, so that elements with the same reference symbols with respect to the last two digits correspond to each other.

[0117] According to the example according to Fig. 7 A DC voltage can be supplied to the operating device 701, in particular to the power supply path 702 of the operating device 701, before the at least one converter stage 704, but after the rectifier 703, wherein the operating device 701 has only two terminals T1, T2. That is, the terminals T1 and T2 of the operating device 701 are provided both for supplying an AC voltage, preferably mains AC voltage, to the input E2 of the power supply path 702 and for supplying a DC voltage, preferably battery DC voltage, to the power supply path 702.

[0118] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, terminal T1 is connected to a switch 708, or rather, the switch 708 is located after terminal T1. Furthermore, terminal T1 is connected to input E2 of the power supply path 702. The switch 708 of the example according to Fig. 7 differs from switch 408 of the example according to Fig. 4 in that the switch 708 does not switch between two conducting states, but is conducting in one state and non-conducting in another. According to the example (see Fig. 4) namely, in one state the terminal T1 is connected to the input E2 of the power supply path 402 by the conductive switch 407 and in a second state the terminal T1 is directly or indirectly connected to the node K1 before the at least one converter stage 404 by the conductive switch 407.

[0119] According to the example according to Fig. 7. Switch 708 is non-conductive if an alternating voltage is applied to terminals T1 and T2 or between the two terminals. This means that switch 708 is controlled in this case by a control device 709 (in Fig. (7 not shown) is controlled such that it is non-conductive. Consequently, terminal T1 is only connected to input E2 of the power supply path 702 if an AC voltage is applied to terminals T1 and T2.

[0120] If a DC voltage is applied to terminals T1 and T2, switch 708 is conducting. In this case, switch 708 is controlled by the control unit 709 to be conducting. Consequently, terminal T1 is connected to node K1 upstream of the at least one converter stage 704, or to node K1 that carries the same potential as that between output A3 of rectifier 703 and input E4 of the at least one converter stage 704. Switch 708 thus bridges the path between terminal T1 and input E2 of the power supply path 702.

[0121] Preferably, at least one surge protector 706 and / or one filter 707 can be arranged between the switch 708 and the node K1. Furthermore, preferably at least one surge protector 706 and / or one filter 707 can be arranged between the terminal T1 and the switch 708 (in Fig. 7 not shown).

[0122] Furthermore, at least one surge protector 706 and / or filter 707 can be arranged upstream of the rectifier 703, or between terminal T1 and input E3 of the rectifier 703, and / or between input E2 of the power supply path 702 and input E3 of the rectifier 703. In this case, node K1 is preferably arranged upstream of the at least one converter stage 704, but downstream of the at least one surge protector 706, filter 707, and / or rectifier 703.

[0123] Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows an operating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The operating device according to the fifth embodiment corresponds to the operating device according to the first and third embodiments, and therefore the differences and further developments with respect to the operating devices of the first and third embodiments will be explained in more detail below. The last two digits of the reference numerals of the Fig. 8 correspond to the last two digits of the reference symbols of the Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B and Fig. 5, so that elements with the same reference symbols with respect to the last two digits correspond to each other.

[0124] According to the fifth embodiment, a DC voltage can be supplied to the area between input E4 and output A4 of the at least one converter stage 804 of the operating device 801, wherein the operating device 801 has only two terminals T1, T2. That is, terminals T1 and T2 of the operating device 801 are provided both for supplying an AC voltage, preferably mains AC voltage, to input E2 of the power supply path 802 and for supplying a DC voltage, preferably battery DC voltage, to the power supply path 802.

[0125] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, terminal T1 is connected to a switch 808, or rather, the switch 808 is arranged downstream of terminal T1. Furthermore, terminal T1 is connected to input E2 of the power supply path 802. The switch 808 of the fifth embodiment differs from the switch 508 of the third embodiment in that the switch 808 does not switch between two conducting states, but is conducting in one state and non-conducting in another. According to the third embodiment (see Figure 8), the switch 808 is connected to the input E2 of the power supply path 802. Fig. 5) namely, in one state the terminal T1 is connected to the input E2 of the power supply path 502 by the conductive switch 508 and in a second state the terminal T1 is directly or indirectly connected to the node K2 in the at least one converter stage 504 by the conductive switch 508.

[0126] According to the fifth embodiment, the switch 808 is non-conductive if an alternating voltage is supplied to or applied between terminals T1 and T2. That is, in this case, the switch 808 is controlled by a control device 809 (in Fig. (8 not shown) is controlled such that it is non-conductive. Consequently, terminal T1 is only connected to input E2 of the power supply path if an AC voltage is applied to terminals T1 and T2.

[0127] If a DC voltage is applied to terminals T1 and T2, switch 808 is conducting. In this case, switch 808 is controlled by the control unit 809 to conduct. Consequently, terminal T1 is connected to node K2 in the at least one converter stage 804, or to node K2 that carries the same potential as the potential between input E4 and output A4 of the at least one converter stage 804. Switch 808 thus bridges the path between terminal T1 and input E2 of the power supply path 802.

[0128] Preferably, node K2 is arranged upstream of the at least one output diode D2 of the at least one converter stage 804.

[0129] Preferably, at least one surge protector 806 and / or one filter 808 can be arranged between the switch 808 and the node K2. Furthermore, preferably at least one surge protector 806 and / or one filter 807 can be arranged between the terminal T1 and the switch 808. Fig. 8 not shown)

[0130] Furthermore, at least one surge protection device 806 and / or filter 807 can be arranged before the rectifier 803 or between terminal T1 and input E3 of the rectifier 803 and / or between input E2 of the power supply path 802 and input E3 of the rectifier 803.

[0131] Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows an operating device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The operating device according to the sixth embodiment corresponds to the operating device according to the second and fourth embodiments, and therefore the differences and further developments with respect to the operating devices of the second and fourth embodiments will be explained in more detail below. The last two digits of the reference numerals of the Fig. 9 correspond to the last two digits of the reference symbols of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, so that elements with the same reference symbols with respect to the last two digits correspond to each other.

[0132] According to the sixth embodiment, a DC voltage can be supplied to the operating device 901, in particular to the power supply path 902 of the operating device, after at least one converter stage 904, wherein the operating device 901 has only two connections T1, T2. That is, the connections T1 and T2 of the operating device 901 are provided both for supplying an AC voltage, preferably mains AC voltage, to the input E2 of the power supply path 902 and for supplying a DC voltage, preferably battery DC voltage, to the power supply path 902.

[0133] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, terminal T1 is connected to a switch 908, or rather, the switch 908 is arranged downstream of terminal T1. Furthermore, terminal T1 is connected to input E2 of the power supply path 902. The switch 908 of the sixth embodiment differs from the switch 608 of the fourth embodiment in that the switch 908 does not switch between two conducting states, but is conducting in one state and non-conducting in another. According to the fourth embodiment (see Figure 9), the switch 908 is connected to the input E2 of the power supply path 902. Fig. 6) namely, in one state the terminal T1 is connected to the input E2 of the power supply path 602 by the conductive switch 608 and in a second state the terminal T1 is directly or indirectly connected to the node K3 after the at least one converter stage 604 by the conductive switch 608.

[0134] According to the sixth embodiment, the switch 908 is non-conductive if an alternating voltage is supplied to or applied between terminals T1 and T2. That is, in this case, the switch 908 is controlled by a control device 909 (in Fig. (9 not shown) is controlled such that it is non-conductive. Consequently, terminal T1 is only connected to input E2 of the power supply path 902 if an AC voltage is applied to terminals T1 and T2.

[0135] If a DC voltage is applied to terminals T1 and T2, switch 908 is conductive. In this case, switch 908 is controlled by control unit 909 to be conductive. Consequently, terminal T1 is connected to node K3 after the at least one converter stage 904, or to node K3 that carries the same potential as the potential between output A4 of the at least one converter stage 904 and output A2 of the power supply path 902. Switch 908 thus bridges the path between terminal T1 and input E2 of the power supply path 902.

[0136] Preferably, at least one surge protector 906 and / or one filter 907 can be arranged between the switch 908 and the node K3. Furthermore, preferably at least one surge protector 906 and / or one filter 907 can be arranged between the terminal T1 and the switch 908. Fig. 9 not shown)

[0137] Furthermore, at least one surge protector 906 and / or filter 907 can be arranged upstream of the rectifier 903 or between terminal T1 and input E3 of the rectifier 903 and / or between input E2 of the power supply path 902 and input E3 of the rectifier 903. (in Fig. 9 not shown)

[0138] Preferably a diode D1 is arranged between the switch 908 and the node K3 to prevent a current backflow from the node K3 to the first terminal T1 when the switch 908 is conducting.

[0139] Preferably at least one overvoltage protection device 906 and / or one filter 907 can be arranged between the switch 908 and the diode D1 (not in Fig. 9 shown). Furthermore, preferably at least one overvoltage protection device 906 and / or one filter 907 can be arranged between diode D1 and node K3 and / or between terminal T1 and switch 908 (not shown in Fig. 9 shown).

[0140] According to the above explanations, the various (implementation) examples of the operating device differ, firstly, in where or at what point in the operating device, in particular in the power supply path of the operating device, a DC voltage is supplied to the operating device (before the at least one converter stage, the area between the input and output of the at least one converter stage or after the at least one converter stage), and secondly, in how a DC voltage can be supplied to the operating device (via a connection T3 separate from the AC voltage supply or via two connections T1 and T2, via which an AC voltage can also be supplied).

[0141] In general, the operating device according to the invention can be supplied with an alternating voltage, preferably 230 V, and a direct voltage, preferably more than 100 V, particularly preferably more than 300 V. For example, a direct voltage of 380 V or 400 V can be supplied. Preferably, the amplitude of the direct voltage is higher than the amplitude of the alternating voltage. The alternating voltage is preferably supplied from a mains supply and the direct voltage is preferably supplied from a battery.

[0142] In the case of the operating device according to the example according to Fig. 1A to 1E, example according to Fig. 4 and example according to Fig. 7. A DC voltage can be supplied to the operating device, in particular to the power supply path of the operating device, upstream of the at least one converter stage. In the operating device according to the first, third, and fifth embodiments, a DC voltage can be supplied to a region within the at least one converter stage, in particular to the region between the input and output of the at least one converter stage. In the operating device according to the second, fourth, and sixth embodiments, a DC voltage can be supplied to the operating device, in particular to the power supply path of the operating device, downstream of the at least one converter stage.

[0143] In the operating device according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments, if the at least one converter stage is an actively clocked converter stage with at least one switch, the control or clocking of the at least one switch can preferably be interrupted or stopped when a DC voltage is supplied to the operating device. This is because, in the operating device according to these embodiments, the DC voltage is supplied to the power supply path or to a section within the power supply path after the at least one converter stage. This can preferably also be the case for the operating device according to the example shown. Fig. 1A to 1E, example according to Fig. 4 and example according to Fig. 7 must be valid.

[0144] The operating device according to the example according to Fig. In embodiments 1A to 1E, the first and second embodiments have three connections T1, T2 and T3, wherein an alternating voltage, preferably from a supply network, can be supplied to the operating device, in particular to the input of the power supply path of the operating device, via the connections T1 and T2, and a direct voltage, preferably from a battery, can be supplied to the operating device, in particular to the power supply path or a node in the power supply path, via the connection T3.

[0145] The operating device according to the (implementation) examples according to the Fig. Sections 4 to 9 have only two terminals, T1 and T2, through which both an alternating voltage, preferably from a mains supply, can be supplied to the operating device, in particular to the input of the operating device's power supply path, and a direct voltage, preferably from a battery, can be supplied to the operating device, in particular to the power supply path or a node in the power supply path. Terminal T1 is connected to a switch that supplies the direct voltage supplied via terminals T1 and T2 to the respective node in the operating device's power supply path in the same manner as the third terminal T3 described above.

[0146] The switch of the operating device connected to terminal T1, according to the example shown. Fig. 4, the third and fourth embodiments differ from the switch of the operating device connected to terminal T1 according to the example shown. Fig. 7, fifth and sixth embodiments, as already described above.

[0147] Both types of switches can be implemented with one or more electromechanical switches, e.g. relays, and / or with semiconductor switches, preferably by transistors, such as bipolar or MOSFET transistors.

[0148] In the case of the operating device according to the (implementation) examples according to the Fig. As described above, a surge protector is preferably arranged upstream of the rectifier in the power supply path at points 4 to 9. This serves to protect the operating device, in particular the at least one converter stage, because if a DC voltage is applied to terminals T1 and T2, but the switch is not properly closed or controlled (the switch is configured to apply an AC voltage), a higher voltage amplitude could be applied to the at least one converter stage. This is because the amplitude of the DC voltage is preferably higher than the amplitude of the AC voltage or rectified AC voltage. A surge protector would prevent this.

[0149] Furthermore, both switch types must be controlled by a control unit. As mentioned above, this control unit can be located either inside or outside the operating device. In order for the control unit to operate the switch connected to terminal T1, it must be able to determine the voltage supplied to the operating device via terminals T1 and T2. That is, the control unit must be able to determine whether an alternating current (AC) or a direct current (DC) voltage is applied to terminals T1 and T2. This determination can, of course, be made by another device inside or outside the operating device, which then communicates the result to the control unit.

[0150] The following will be based on the Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B describes a possible determination of the voltage applied to terminals T1 and T2 by the control unit. Here, the operating device is used according to the fourth embodiment ( Fig. 10A) and secondly the operating device according to the sixth embodiment ( Fig. 10B) is used as an example for the following explanation. Of course, what is described below also applies to the respective example according to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 7, third and fifth embodiments are valid.

[0151] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10A, the control unit 1009 can determine the voltage at terminals T1 and T2 based on either the input voltage of the operating device 1001 or the voltage supplied at the node between output A4 of the at least one converter stage 1004 and output A2 of the power supply path 1002. The respective voltages are preferably detected using voltage dividers. Any other voltage detection device known to those skilled in the art can also be used. The input voltage of the operating device 1001 corresponds to the voltage supplied to terminals T1 and T2 of the operating device 1001.

[0152] If the control unit 1009 determines whether an AC voltage or a DC voltage is present at terminals T1 and T2 by detecting the input voltage of the operating device 1001, the detection can take place either before or after the switch 1008.

[0153] If the input voltage of the operating device 1001 is detected after the switch 1008, then the switch 1008 must be set such that the terminal T1 is connected to the input E2 of the power supply path 1002.

[0154] If the control device 1009 determines whether an AC or DC voltage is present at terminals T1 and T2 by detecting the voltage provided at the node between output A4 of the at least one converter stage 1004 and output A2 of the power supply path, then the switch 1008 must be set such that terminal T1 is connected directly or indirectly, preferably via a diode D1, to node K3 after the at least one converter stage 1004. In the operating device according to the example ( Fig. 4) the switch 1008 would then have to be set such that the terminal T1 is directly or indirectly connected to the node K1 before the at least one converter stage 1004 and in the third embodiment ( Fig. 5) the switch 1008 would then have to be set such that the connection T1 is directly or indirectly connected to the node K2 in at least one converter stage 1004.

[0155] The one in Fig. The operating device 1001 shown in 10B differs from the one in the Fig. The operating device 1001 shown in the 10A diagram will therefore mainly be discussed in terms of the differences regarding the detection of the input voltage in the device shown in the diagram. Fig. 10B described the switch type shown, wherein this switch type corresponds to the switch type used in the operating device according to the example according to Fig. 7, fifth and sixth embodiments are used.

[0156] If the control unit 1009 determines whether an AC voltage or a DC voltage is present at terminals T1 and T2 by detecting the input voltage of the operating device 1001, the detection can take place either before or after the switch 1008.

[0157] If the input voltage of the operating device 1001 is measured after the switch 1008, then the switch 1008 must be set to "non-conductive".

[0158] If the control device 1009 determines whether an AC or DC voltage is present at terminals T1 and T2 by sensing the voltage provided at the node between output A4 of the at least one converter stage 1004 and output A2 of the power supply path 1002, then the switch 1008 must be set to "conducting" so that terminal T1 is connected directly or indirectly, preferably via a diode D1, to node K3 after the at least one converter stage 1004, thus bridging the path between terminal T1 and input E2 of the power supply path 1002. In the operating device according to the example ( Fig. 7) Switch 1008 would then have to be set to "conducting" so that terminal T1 is directly or indirectly connected to node K1 before at least one converter stage 1004. In the operating device according to the fifth embodiment ( Fig. 8) then the switch 1008 would have to be set to “conducting” so that the terminal T1 is directly or indirectly connected to the node K2 in at least one converter stage 1004.

[0159] As in the Fig. 10 A and Fig. As shown in Figure 10B, the control unit 1009 may preferably have a connection T4 for supplying a DC voltage. As mentioned above, and valid for all (implementation) examples, a DC voltage that can be supplied to the power supply path 1002 differs from a DC voltage supplied to a control unit, such as the control unit 1009.

[0160] The DC voltage supplied to the power supply path 1002 serves to provide a specific electrical power at the output of the power supply path 1002 for operating the lighting circuit 1005, which can be connected to the control gear 1001. Consequently, this DC voltage is preferably greater than 100 V, and particularly preferably greater than 300 V. Furthermore, the amplitude of this DC voltage can preferably be greater than the amplitude of the AC voltage supplied to the input E2 of the power supply path.

[0161] In contrast, the DC voltage supplied to a control device, such as the DC voltage supplied to terminal T4 of control device 1009, generally serves for signaling, i.e., the transmission of signals, and / or for powering the control device. The amplitude of such a DC voltage is therefore lower than the amplitudes of the voltages present in the power supply path 1002.

[0162] Fig. Figure 11 schematically shows an operating device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, at least one surge protection device 1106, filter 1107 and / or rectifier 1103 can preferably be arranged upstream of the at least one converter stage 1102, wherein an exemplary embodiment of the surge protection device 1106, filter 1107 and rectifier 1103 is shown. However, any other protective circuit, filter and rectifier known to those skilled in the art can also be used for this purpose. According to the Fig. The surge protection device 1106 can be activated or deactivated via a switch.

[0163] A lighting device according to the invention comprises at least one control device according to one of the embodiments described above, and a light source section with at least one light source, wherein the at least one control device according to the invention is provided for operating the light source section. The light source section is preferably an LED section with at least one LED.

Claims

[1] Control device (101) for operating a lighting section (105) with at least one lighting element, wherein - the operating device (101) includes a power supply path (102), - an alternating voltage, or a first direct voltage, can be supplied to the input (E1) of the operating device (101), - the alternating voltage can be supplied to the input (E2) of the power supply path (102), - the power supply path (102) is configured to provide a second DC voltage at the output (A2) of the power supply path (102) based on the AC voltage, and - the output (A1) of the control device (101) is supplied from the output (A2) of the power supply path (102) for operating the lamp section (105); wherein the power supply path (102) comprises: - a rectifier (103) supplied from the input (E2) of the power supply path (102) and configured to provide a third DC voltage, and - at least one converter stage (104), preferably a PFC stage, which is supplied with the third DC voltage starting from the output (A3) of the rectifier (103); and - wherein the first DC voltage can be supplied to a second node (K2) which carries a second potential, as is the case between the input (E4) of the converter stage (204, 504, 804) and the output (A4) of the converter stage (204, 504, 804), or - wherein the first DC voltage can be supplied to a third node (K3) which carries a third potential, as is the case between the output (A4) of the converter stage (304, 604, 904) and the output (A2) of the power supply path (302, 602, 902). [2] Operating devices according to claim 1, wherein the power supply path (102) upstream of the rectifier (103) comprises at least one surge protection device (106) and / or filter (107). [3] Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one converter stage (104) is a DC / DC converter. [4] Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one converter stage (104) is an actively clocked converter stage. [5] Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one converter stage (204, 504, 804) has at least one output diode (D2) and the second node (K2) carries the second potential as it exists between the input (E4) of the converter stage (204, 504, 804) and the at least one output diode (D2). [6] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein - the input (E4) of which at least one converter stage (104) corresponds to a range carrying the third DC voltage, - the output (A4) of at least one converter stage (104) corresponds to a range carrying a fourth DC voltage, and - in the area between the input (E4) and output (A4) of at least one converter stage (104) a conversion from the third DC voltage to the fourth DC voltage is possible. [7] Operating device according to claim 6, wherein - the fourth DC voltage is lower or higher than the second DC voltage, or - the fourth DC voltage corresponds to the second DC voltage. [8] Operating device (101, 201, 301) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operating device (101, 201, 301) comprises a first and second connection (T1, T2) for supplying the AC voltage and a third connection (T3) for supplying the first DC voltage. [9] Operating device (101, 201, 301) according to claim 8, wherein the third connection (T3) is connected to the second node (K2) or third node (K3). [10] Operating device (101, 201, 301) according to claim 9, wherein a diode (D1) is arranged between the third terminal (T3) and the third node (K3). [11] Operating device (101, 201, 301) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one surge protection device (106, 206, 306) and / or filter (107, 207, 307) is arranged between the third terminal (T3) and the second node (K2), or the third node (K3). [12] Operating device according to (401, 501, 601) one of claims 1 to 7 with - a first and a second connection (T1, T2) for supplying the AC voltage and the first DC voltage, - a switch (408, 508, 608) that is connected to the first terminal (T1), and - a control device (409, 509, 609); wherein the control device (409, 509, 609) is configured to control the switch (408, 508, 608) such that - the switch (408, 508, 608) connects the first terminal (T1) to the input (E2) of the power supply path (402, 502, 602) if the AC voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals (T1, T2), and - the switch (408, 508, 608) connects the first terminal to the second node (K2) or third node (K3) if the first DC voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals (T1, T2). [13] Operating device (701, 801, 901) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 with - a first and a second terminal (T1, T2) for supplying the AC voltage and the first DC voltage, wherein the first terminal (T1) is connected to the input (E2) of the power supply path (702, 802, 902), - a switch (708, 808, 908) located between the first terminal (T1) and the second node (K2) or third node (K3), and - a control device (709, 809, 909); wherein the control device (709, 809, 909) is configured to control the switch (708, 808, 908) such that - the switch (708, 808, 908) is conductive to connect the first terminal (T1) to the second node (K2) or the third node (K3) if the first DC voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals (T1, T2), and - the switch (708, 808, 908) is not conductive if the AC voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals (T1, T2). [14] Operating device (601, 901) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a diode (D1) is arranged between the switch (608, 908) and the third node (K3). [15] Operating device according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein at least one surge protection device (406, 506, 608, 708, 808, 908) is arranged between the switch (408, 508, 608, 708, 808, 908) and the second node (K2), or the third node (K3). [16] Operating device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the switch (408, 508, 608, 708, 808, 908) is an electromechanical switch, preferably a relay, and / or a semiconductor switch, preferably a transistor. [17] Operating device (1001) according to one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the control device (1009) is configured to determine before or after the switch (1008) whether the AC voltage or the first DC voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals (T1, T2). [18] Operating device (1001) according to one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the control device (1009) is configured to determine, on the basis of the voltage supplied to the input (E1) of the operating device (1001) and / or the voltage provided between the output (A4) of the at least one converter stage (1004) and the output (A2) of the power supply path (1002), whether the AC voltage or the first DC voltage is supplied to the first and second terminals (T1, T2). [19] Operating device (1001) according to claims 12 to 18, wherein the control device (1009) is configured to detect the voltage supplied to the input (E1) of the operating device (1001) and / or the voltage provided between the output (A4) of the at least one converter stage (1004) and the output (A2) of the power supply path (1002) by means of a voltage divider. [20] Operating device according to one of claims 2, 11, and 15, wherein the overvoltage protection is a VDR resistor. [21] Operating device according to one of claims 2, 11, 15 and 20, wherein the filter is an EMI filter. [22] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source section comprises at least one LED. [23] Lighting device with - at least one operating device (101) according to any of the preceding claims, and - a light source section (105) with at least one light source, preferably at least one LED; wherein the light source section (105) can be operated by the at least one control device (101). [24] Method for operating an operating device (101) for operating a lighting section (105) with at least one lighting element, wherein - the operating device (101) includes a power supply path (102), - an alternating voltage, or a first direct voltage is supplied to the input (E1) of the operating device (101), - the alternating voltage is supplied to the input (E2) of the power supply path (102), - the power supply path (102) provides a second DC voltage at the output (A2) of the power supply path (102) based on the AC voltage, and - the output (A1) of the control device (101) is supplied from the output (A2) of the power supply path (102) to operate the lamp section (105); wherein the power supply path (102) comprises: - a rectifier (103) which is supplied from the input (E2) of the power supply path (102) and provides a third DC voltage, and - at least one converter stage (104), preferably a PFC stage, which is supplied with the third DC voltage starting from the output (A3) of the rectifier (103); and - wherein the first DC voltage is supplied to a second node (K2) which carries a second potential, as is the case between the input (E4) of the converter stage (204, 504, 804) and the output (A4) of the converter stage (204, 504, 804), or - wherein the first DC voltage is supplied to a third node (K3) which carries a third potential, as is the case between the output (A4) of the converter stage (304, 604, 904) and the output (A2) of the power supply path (302, 602, 902).

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