Smart Module

Abstract

Lighting unit (4) of a signaling device (1) for optical indication of a state of a system, wherein the lighting unit (4) is mechanically and electrically connectable to a base unit (3) of the signaling device (1), characterized in that the lighting unit (4) is elongated and has an elongated housing (7) in and / or on which a plurality of lighting elements (11) and a control device (12) for controlling the lighting elements (11) are provided, wherein the lighting unit (4) is configured to output different colors.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting unit of a signaling device for the optical indication of a state of a system, wherein the lighting unit is mechanically and electrically connectable to a base unit of the signaling device.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a signaling device comprising a base unit and a lighting unit.

[0003] Signal devices are known from the prior art that have several interconnectable light modules for displaying different colors. The light modules are arranged one above the other and display different colors, for example, red, yellow, and green, to represent the states of an industrial plant. Such modular signal devices are known, among other sources, from EP 3 043 111 A1. A disadvantage of known modular signal devices is that each light module can typically only output one color, and that despite the modular design, the signal device therefore has comparatively low optical flexibility. Since the light modules are separate units that must be controlled independently and each emits optical signals on its own, a completely flexible, continuous light output along the signal device is not possible.Furthermore, even with interconnected lighting modules, it is visually apparent that it is a signaling device with composite lighting modules, since there is an optical separation between the lighting modules.

[0004] In addition, so-called monolithic signal towers are known from the prior art. These essentially consist of encapsulated housings containing the lighting units and all the control and communication logic. An advantage of monolithic signal towers over modular signal towers is that the entire tower can be used flexibly and cohesively to generate continuously running lighting patterns and indicate various states of an industrial plant. Monolithic signal towers typically do not have separate sections, as they do not use separate lighting modules, unlike modular signal towers. However, a disadvantage of monolithic signal towers is that they already contain all the control and communication logic, meaning that in the event of technical defects or modifications to an industrial plant, the entire signal tower must be replaced.Monolithic signal towers are encapsulated units that can only be used or replaced as a whole.

[0005] In light of these considerations, the object of the present invention is to at least partially mitigate or even completely eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a lighting unit for a signaling device that can be flexibly integrated into existing systems and with which a multitude of holistic and coherent lighting patterns can be generated.

[0006] This problem is solved by a lighting unit with the features of claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, a lighting unit of the type mentioned above is designed to be elongated and to have an elongated housing in and / or on which a plurality of lighting elements and a control device for controlling the lighting elements are provided, wherein the lighting unit is configured to output different colors. Advantageously, the lighting unit can be mechanically and electrically detached from the base unit, thereby gaining design flexibility in the use of the signaling device according to the invention. In the case of modifications or modernizations to an industrial plant or in the event of a defect in the signaling device, unlike monolithic signal towers of the prior art, it is not necessary to replace the entire signaling device, but it may suffice to replace only the lighting unit or the base unit.The communication technology for connecting to a higher-level control system can be contained in the base unit or a separate communication unit, while only the control logic for controlling the lighting elements is contained in the lighting unit. For example, it is possible to easily retrofit an existing modular signaling device by retaining only the base unit but replacing the lighting modules with the lighting unit according to the invention. The lighting unit can output multiple colors and, in particular, continuous lighting patterns, i.e., patterns that essentially run continuously along the signaling device, which is not possible with modular signaling devices due to the use of individual lighting modules. The elongated design of the lighting unit allows for the output of a wide variety of patterns, such as traffic light simulations or level indicators.The lighting unit according to the invention can output different colors simultaneously, which is not the case with a lighting module of a modular signal tower from the prior art. The signal device according to the invention therefore combines the advantages of modular signal devices with those of monolithic signal devices. The signal device is preferably designed as a signal tower. The lighting unit can be mechanically and electrically connected to and separated from the base unit, in particular without tools. In one embodiment of the invention, the base unit can have a mounting device for attachment to a horizontal or inclined surface, for example, to a housing of an industrial plant, to a wall, or to a ceiling. The mounting device can, for example, include mounting screws, mounting holes, or mounting clamps.It is also possible that the mounting device has threads or magnets. Mounting plates, mounting tubes, or mounting brackets can also be used. Both the light unit and the base unit can each have electrical contact points that enable an electrical connection between the base unit and the light unit. As mentioned, the light unit is elongated. This means that its longitudinal extent along a longitudinal axis is greater than its transverse extent along a transverse axis, for example, by more than 10%, more than 50%, more than 80%, more than 100%, more than 150%, more than 200%, or more than 250%. The longitudinal axis can coincide with an axis of symmetry of the light unit. The light unit can, for example, have a length between 80 mm and 300 mm and a diameter between 30 mm and 70 mm.The lighting unit comprises several light elements, preferably LEDs, particularly RGB LEDs, so that the unit can output different colors. Preferably, at least six light elements are provided. Particularly preferably, at least ten, at least twenty, or at least twenty-four light elements are provided. As already mentioned, the different colors can be output simultaneously or sequentially. If the different colors are output simultaneously, they are emitted by different light elements. Different colors means that the colors have different wavelengths, which are perceived as different by an average and healthy human eye. The colors refer to the range perceptible to the human eye. For example, the colors can have wavelengths that are at least 10 nm, 20 nm, or at least 30 nm apart.Preferably, the lighting unit is configured to output at least two, three, or four different colors. It is advantageous if the lighting unit can output blue, white, green, yellow, orange, and / or red. However, a significantly higher number of different colors can be output through additive color mixing. The control unit can, for example, include a microprocessor or microcontroller as well as other electronic components, such as amplifier circuits. The lighting elements can be arranged on or inside the housing of the lighting unit. It is advantageous if both the lighting elements and the control unit are arranged on one or more circuit boards located inside the housing of the lighting unit. The housing can have an area that is at least partially transparent. This is advantageous when the lighting elements are arranged inside the housing.The light generated by the lighting elements can penetrate the housing and is visible from the outside. The lighting elements are preferably arranged in a regular pattern. The lighting elements can have single- or multi-colored LEDs, especially RGB LEDs. This allows each lighting element to emit different colors. The lighting elements can preferably be controlled individually or together in groups.

[0008] In particular, the control unit can adjust the brightness of each lighting element or group of lighting elements individually and independently of the other lighting elements. Pulse width modulation (PWM) can be used to adjust the brightness. The system whose status is displayed can be an industrial system, such as a manufacturing plant.

[0009] In one embodiment, the lighting unit has at least two lighting elements that can be controlled by the control device, so that a lighting pattern with at least two different colors can be generated. Of course, more than two controllable lighting elements can also be provided to generate lighting patterns with more than two different colors. For example, at least three, at least four, at least five, or at least six controllable lighting elements can be provided. The lighting pattern can also have more than two different colors, for example, at least three, at least four, at least five, or at least six different colors. The at least two different colors can be displayed simultaneously in the lighting pattern. The lighting pattern can be resolved temporally and / or spatially, and in one variant, it can also be variable temporally and / or spatially.For example, the brightness of the lighting elements can be changed over time, or LEDs at different positions on the lighting unit can be controlled for light output.

[0010] In one embodiment, one or more lighting elements may be configured to output exactly one color or several different colors. In other words, the lighting elements used in one variant may output only one color, while in another variant, depending on the control signal, they may output multiple colors. To output multiple colors, a lighting element may have several sub-lighting elements, each capable of outputting a different color. For example, the lighting elements may contain LEDs of different colors. This can be achieved using so-called RGB LEDs.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting unit can be divided into at least two optical areas, and the control device is configured to control the lighting elements such that a first color is emitted in a first optical area and a second color, different from the first, is emitted in a second optical area. Further optical areas may also be provided. The division of the optical areas can be arbitrary, for example, in a vertical or horizontal direction. The optical areas can therefore be arranged side by side or one above the other. A traffic light simulation, for example, can be generated by the optical areas.

[0012] It is advantageous if at least two lighting elements are arranged one above the other in the longitudinal direction of the lighting unit. The lighting elements can emit different colors. More than two, preferably more than five, lighting elements can also be arranged one above the other. Preferably, more than six lighting elements are arranged one above the other.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more rows of luminaires are provided, aligned longitudinally along the luminaire unit. The luminaires can preferably be individually controlled. Several substantially parallel rows of luminaires can be provided along the circumference of the luminaire unit. It is advantageous if at least four rows of luminaires are provided along the circumference. The luminaires within a row are preferably regularly spaced apart. If several rows of luminaires are provided, these can also be regularly spaced apart from one another.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the control unit is configured to output temporally and / or spatially resolved lighting patterns with the lighting elements, preferably a chasing light, a flashing light, a rotating light, a level indicator, and / or a graduated lighting pattern. For this purpose, the lighting elements or groups of lighting elements can be controlled individually. Of course, the lighting unit can also output only a single color. A graduated lighting pattern can also be used to simulate a modular signal tower.

[0015] It is advantageous if the lighting unit has a mechanical connection section, for example a swivel connection section, on its underside for detachable connection to the base unit. The base unit can have a corresponding connection section on its upper side. The swivel connection section can, for example, be designed as a bayonet connection section, and the corresponding connection section can therefore also be designed as a bayonet connection section. In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting unit can be connected to and disconnected from the base unit without tools. The mechanical connection and disconnection is preferably achieved by a relative rotation of the lighting unit with respect to the base unit.It is advantageous if the connecting section or the corresponding connecting section includes a locking element which, in an end position of the lighting unit, locks the lighting unit to the base unit. The locking element can preferably be released without tools to separate the lighting unit from the base unit.

[0016] In one embodiment, the connecting section is designed such that, in particular, an electrical connection between the control unit and the base unit is simultaneously established when the lighting unit is mechanically connected to the base unit. For this purpose, the lighting unit and the base unit can each have electrical contact points that are brought into electrical contact by the mechanical connection of the lighting unit to the base unit, thereby enabling the transfer of electrical energy and data from the base unit to the lighting unit. The contact points can be arranged such that a complete and correct electrical connection exists when the lighting unit is fully mechanically connected to the base unit, in particular when locked in place.The base unit and the light unit can each have, for example, at least two, at least three, or even more, such as at least five, contact points. If, for example, only two contact points are provided on each of the base unit and the light unit, at least one contact point can be configured for the transmission of both electrical energy and data. The other contact point can provide the reference potential. In this case, data transmission can be serial. Furthermore, an energy storage device, such as a capacitor or a battery, can be provided in the light unit to supply the control unit with electrical energy during data transmission. The energy storage device is charged when no data transmission is taking place. However, it is also possible for data and energy to be transmitted via separate contact points.that the data is transmitted at one or more contact points that are independent of the contact point(s) for the transmission of electrical energy. In this case, serial or parallel data transmission is possible. The energy storage device can be omitted in this variant. It can also be provided that the data is transmitted not by serial data transmission, but by establishing parallel electrical patterns at the contact points. In this case, preferably at least three, in particular at least four, at least five, or at least six contact points can be provided on both the lighting unit and the base unit. With n=6 contact points, thus 2. n-1-1 different commands can be transmitted. One of the n contact points is designated for the reference potential. One or more additional contact points can optionally be provided for the acoustic output unit, which will be described later. The electrical pattern can have logical 0 and 1, where 1 can be implemented, for example, by a 24 V level. 0 can be implemented, for example, by a 0 V level. Colors, brightness values, and / or lighting patterns can be communicated to the control unit via the electrical pattern. The functionality of the lighting unit can be further enhanced with an optional DIP switch, preferably located in or on the lighting unit. For example, a DIP switch can be used to select or adapt the connection technology. This allows the lighting unit to communicate with a wide variety of base units and higher-level control systems.In one variant, for example, a DIP switch can be used to select whether communication with the base unit or a higher-level controller, particularly a programmable logic controller (PLC), occurs via serial communication, especially using two or three contact points, or via parallel electrical circuits. It is also possible for the selection to be made automatically after the base unit has been detected by the control unit, rather than manually via DIP switches. Therefore, DIP switches for selecting the connection technology between the lighting unit and the base unit are not strictly necessary, even when multiple connection technologies are possible.If communication between the base unit or a higher-level controller and the lighting unit is achieved by applying parallel electrical circuit patterns, the number of contact points limits the number of transmittable commands. To increase the flexibility of the lighting unit in this case, a DIP switch, preferably located in or on the lighting unit, can be provided to select functional groups according to which the electrical circuit patterns are interpreted. The functional groups assign a lighting pattern to each electrical circuit pattern. In other words, the functional groups represent mappings of electrical circuit patterns and lighting patterns. Depending on the selected functional group, different lighting patterns are assigned to each electrical circuit pattern. Some functional groups, for example, can better represent the states of certain industrial plants than others.A DIP switch for selecting the function groups therefore increases the range of applications when using parallel electrical circuit patterns as the connection technology. With serial communication, the problem of the limited number of transmittable commands is less of an issue because the data is transmitted serially and the length of the data packets can be selected accordingly. It should be noted that the control unit can communicate with a higher-level controller, in particular a PLC, either indirectly via a communication device, which can be located within the base unit or a separate communication unit, or directly. Even with direct communication with the higher-level controller, the electrical connection can be made via the base unit; however, in one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate communication device can be omitted.It should be noted that other switches can be used instead of DIP switches.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting unit is formed in one piece. Particularly preferably, the lighting unit is encapsulated. This means that, with the exception of the optional housing cover described below, the lighting unit has no individual parts that can be separated from one another without tools.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the lighting elements each have one or more LEDs. If multiple LEDs are provided per lighting element, they can preferably emit different colors. The distance between the LEDs within a lighting element is smaller than the distance between the lighting elements. The lighting elements can, for example, be RGB LEDs.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one switch, preferably a DIP switch, can be provided in or on the lighting unit. This switch is configured, for example, to set a communication setting for communication with a communication device of a base unit or a communication unit. It is also possible to use the at least one switch to configure communication with a higher-level controller. The switch can have the functions described above. It is preferred that the at least one switch allows the selection of one or more function groups, as described above, for communication with the communication device or the higher-level controller. In addition to or as an alternative to selecting the function groups, the at least one switch can also be used to select serial data communication or the use of parallel switching patterns.

[0020] The invention also relates to a signaling device, in particular a signal tower, comprising a base unit and a lighting unit as described above. The lighting unit can be connected to the base unit when the signaling device is assembled. The features, advantages, and effects described above apply accordingly to the signaling device. The lighting unit can be electrically and mechanically connected to and detached from the base unit, preferably without tools.

[0021] It is advantageous if the base unit has a communication device configured to communicate with a higher-level controller and to transmit data, particularly commands, between the control unit and the higher-level controller. Communication between the communication device and the control unit can be unidirectional or bidirectional. In bidirectional communication, the control unit can advantageously transmit data to the higher-level controller via the communication device, such as status information, diagnostic data, or fault codes. Communication between the communication device and the higher-level controller can be wired or wireless. The communication device can relay data from the higher-level controller to the control unit.For example, the communication device can communicate with the higher-level controller using an industrial communication interface, preferably an IO-Link or CAN bus interface. Two-wire or multi-wire lines can be used. The communication device can include a microcontroller or a microprocessor. Alternatively, the signaling device can be directly connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC), with data exchange taking place directly with the PLC. In this case, according to one embodiment of the invention, the communication device can be connected to outputs, particularly I / O outputs, of the PLC using a two-wire or three-wire line. The PLC can also supply the signaling device with electrical power. Data transmission can be serial over the two-wire or three-wire line.Analogous to the above descriptions, the communication device can also be connected to the higher-level controller via several parallel electrical lines, and data and electrical power can be transmitted to the communication device in parallel electrical patterns. The communication device can be connected to the control device within the signaling device, particularly via the contact points mentioned above. The communication device can forward the data from the higher-level controller directly to the control device or process it and then forward it. If different connection types are used between the higher-level controller and the communication device, and between the communication device and the control device, the communication device acts as an interface or gateway.For example, communication between the communication unit and the control unit can be serial via two contact points, while communication between the control unit and the higher-level controller is achieved by applying parallel electrical patterns. The connection between the control unit and the communication unit can include conductor tracks, wire connections, and / or electrical contacts. One advantage of integrating the communication unit into the base unit is that the connection technology can be adapted simply by replacing the base unit. However, an optional DIP switch can further enhance the functionality of the base unit, allowing it, for example, to support multiple selectable connection technologies.For example, the DIP switch may be used to select the connection technology to the control unit or the higher-level control system. In one variant, for instance, a first DIP switch may select whether communication with the higher-level control system occurs via serial communication, particularly using a two- or three-wire line, or through parallel electrical circuits. A second, optional DIP switch may configure the communication between the control unit and the communication device, for example, whether communication with the control unit occurs via serial communication, particularly using a two- or three-wire line, or through parallel electrical circuits.However, it is also possible that the communication device recognizes the control device and / or the higher-level control system and selects a connection technology with the lighting unit based on this recognition.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the signaling device may include a communication unit containing the communication device. The descriptions of the communication device are transferable accordingly. The communication unit may preferably be configured to be mechanically and electrically connectable to both the lighting unit and the base unit. In other words, in a composite signal tower, the communication unit is located between the lighting unit and the base unit. The communication unit and the base unit are separate components. The base unit may have connection contacts for connecting to the higher-level control system, which are connectable to the communication unit. Alternatively, the communication unit may have the connection contacts itself. The communication unit, like the base unit and the lighting unit, may have a housing.The communication unit can be electrically and mechanically connected and also detached from the base unit and / or the lighting unit, preferably without tools.

[0023] It is advantageous if the communication device is configured for serial and / or parallel data communication with the higher-level control system. The connection between the control system and the communication device can also be serial or parallel.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the signaling device may include an acoustic output unit that can be mechanically and electrically connected and disconnected to the lighting unit on its upper surface. The acoustic output unit can emit acoustic signals, such as signal tones or speech. The acoustic output unit can be detachably connected to and disconnected from the lighting unit. For this purpose, additional contact points may be provided on the upper surface of the lighting unit and on the underside of the acoustic output unit. The acoustic output unit may have an additional control device or be controlled by the control device of the lighting unit.If the acoustic output unit has an additional control device, this can be electrically connected to the communication device while mechanically connected to the light unit. Appropriate connecting lines can be provided in the light unit for this purpose. In the assembled state of the signaling device, the acoustic output unit is electrically and mechanically connected to the light unit, and the light unit is electrically and mechanically connected to the base unit or the communication unit.

[0025] Alternatively, a housing cover can be provided that can be connected to the lighting unit at the top.

[0026] In one embodiment, the signaling device can have exactly a single lighting unit. Unlike modular signaling devices, it therefore does not have multiple lighting modules.

[0027] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to figures, to which it is not limited.

[0028] They show: Fig. 1 a signaling device in at least a partially cutaway view; Fig. 2 an uncut view of the signaling device Fig. 3 Another cutaway view of the signaling device in enlarged representation.

[0029] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a signaling device 1 in the form of a signal tower 2 with a base unit 3, a light unit 4, and an acoustic output unit 5. The signaling device 1 serves to indicate the status of a system (not shown), for example, an industrial production plant. The individual units 3, 4, and 5 are shown separately for clarity, but can, of course, also be assembled and connected. In the assembled state, the units 3, 4, and 5 are electrically and mechanically connected to each other in the sequence shown. Instead of the acoustic output unit, only a housing cover (not shown) can be provided. The light unit 4 is elongated along a longitudinal axis 6 and has a housing 7 which has at least a partially transparent area 8, allowing optical light to pass through this transparent area 8.On its underside 9, the lighting unit 4 has a connecting section 10, for example a swivel connection section in the form of a bayonet connection section, for connection to the base unit 3, which has a corresponding connecting section. Within the housing 7, lighting elements 11 and a control unit 12 for controlling the lighting elements 11 are provided. The lighting elements 11 are, for example, designed as RGB LEDs 13 and can therefore emit different colors. In particular, it is thus possible for the lighting unit 4 to emit different colors or lighting patterns simultaneously. The lighting elements 11 can be controlled individually or grouped together, and the groups can be individually controlled by the control unit 12. By controlling the lighting elements 11, orThe groups can generate temporally and / or spatially resolved lighting patterns, such as traffic light simulations, chasing lights, flashing lights, multicolor displays, or level indicators. The lighting elements 11 and the control unit 12 can be arranged on one or more circuit boards 14. The control unit 12 can include at least one microprocessor or microcontroller 15 as well as amplifier circuits for the lighting elements 11.

[0030] For example, the lighting unit 4 has a length between 80 mm and 300 mm and a diameter between 30 mm and 70 mm.

[0031] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the lighting units 11 can be arranged in rows 16, which preferably extend vertically parallel to the longitudinal axis 6. Several parallel rows 16 can be provided along the circumference U of the lighting unit 4. In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting unit 4 can be divided into at least two optical areas 17a, 17b (see Figure 1). Fig.2) is divisible and the control device 12 is configured to control the lighting elements 11 such that a first color, for example red R, is output in a first optical area 17a, and preferably a second color, different from the first color, for example green G, is output in a second optical area 17b. The colors are output in the same lighting unit 4 and not, as with modular signal devices, in different lighting modules. The optical areas 17a, 17b are not fixed but variable and are determined by controlling the lighting elements 11.

[0032] The base unit 3 has a threaded section 19 on its underside 18, which allows the signaling device 1 to be mounted on an object, such as an industrial plant. A connection 20 can be provided within the threaded section 19 to connect the signaling device 1 to a higher-level controller (not shown). Of course, other mounting methods are also possible, such as the use of a mounting plate or a mounting bracket for wall mounting. The connection to a higher-level controller can be established, for example, via an industrial communication interface. A communication device 21 can be provided within the base unit 3, enabling data exchange with the higher-level controller.It should be noted that in one embodiment, direct communication between the lighting unit 4 and the higher-level control unit is also possible, thus eliminating the need for the communication device 21. Serial data communication or parallel electrical circuit patterns can be used for data transmission. The electrical connection between the lighting unit 4 and the higher-level control unit can still be established via wiring or conductor tracks within the base unit 3. The communication device 21 can, for example, comprise a microcontroller or another electronic component. An advantage of the invention is that the lighting unit 4 can be separated from the base unit 3, meaning that in the event of a defect in either the lighting unit 4 or the base unit 3, only the respective unit needs to be replaced, while the other remains unaffected.The communication device 21 can forward data from the higher-level control system to the control device 12. The data can be forwarded unchanged or processed. Based on the received data, the control device 12 then controls the lighting elements 11 accordingly to signal the status of an industrial plant.

[0033] To transmit data from the communication device 21 to the control device 12, first contact points 22a are provided on the base unit 3 and second contact points 22b on the lighting unit 4. The electrical connection between the first contact points 22a and the second contact points 22b is established by the mechanical connection between the base unit 3 and the lighting unit 4. The number of first contact points 22a and the number of second contact points 22b can be the same. It is advantageous if at least two, at least three, or at least four first contact points 22a and second contact points 22b are provided. In the illustration shown, the second contact points 22b are arranged at a lower end of the circuit board 14. Correspondingly, the first contact points 22a are arranged at an upper end of another circuit board 14a of the base unit 3.

[0034] Lighting unit 4 of a signaling device 1 for optical indication of a state, wherein the lighting unit 4 is mechanically and electrically connectable to a base unit 3 of the signaling device 1, wherein the lighting unit 4 is elongated and has an elongated housing 7 in and / or on which a plurality of lighting elements 11 and a control device 12 for controlling the lighting elements 11 are provided, wherein the lighting unit 4 is configured to output different colors. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 043 111 A1

[0003]

Images