Replaceable LED module having memory and LED driver therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to an LED module and a control gear for detachable connection to the LED module, wherein the control gear has a power supply interface and a memory access interface, wherein the control gear further comprises an electronic ballast which is connected to the power supply interface of the control gear, wherein the electronic ballast provides a supply power for the LED module at the power supply interface with at least one adjustable operating parameter, wherein the control gear is further configured to receive module information from a module memory of the LED module via the memory access interface, wherein the electronic ballast sets the operating parameter depending on the received module information.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an LED luminaire comprising an operating device and at least one LED module, wherein the at least one LED module is particularly replaceable. LED luminaires of this type can be used in particular in the field of outdoor or indoor lighting, in display devices, spotlights, or traffic route lighting devices.

[0002] An LED luminaire is a luminaire that uses a single or multiple LEDs as the light source. An LED is understood to be a light-emitting device, in particular a light-emitting diode. This also includes, in particular, organic light-emitting devices, in particular organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Within the luminaire, individual or multiple LEDs are arranged on one or more subassemblies that mechanically hold the LEDs and electrically contact them. These subassemblies are referred to as LED modules.

[0003] LEDs are being increasingly used because they are highly efficient in converting electrical energy into usable light and also enable the generation of light of different colors. Further advantages of using LEDs include the robustness of the light source with respect to mechanical stress, favorable operating behavior at low ambient temperatures, and good switchability and dimmability. Furthermore, LEDs typically have a long service life.

[0004] In some applications, however, the useful life of a luminaire exceeds the lifespan of the LED or LED module used, so that the latter must be replaced with a new one at the end of its lifespan in order to restore the luminaire to an operational condition.

[0005] Replacement may be necessary due to premature failure or normal aging of the LED module. In some applications, replacement is particularly necessary if the emitted light quantity or the color coordinate of the emitted light has changed so much over time that they fall outside a desired range. Replacing an LED module may also be desirable in order to use a more energy-efficient LED module.

[0006] Replaceable lamp modules are known, for example, from DE 10 2007 031 721 A1. There, a lamp module is assigned to a node of a network. The lamp module is also detachably connected to an external memory in which the addressing of the lamp module within the network is stored. If the lamp module is replaced, the external memory can be connected to the new lamp module, so that the addressing of the node is retained.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 10 2005 018 175 A1 discloses an LED module in which an LED array and a corresponding control unit are arranged on a carrier. The LED module is supplied with a direct or alternating voltage, for example, a 12V direct voltage commonly used in the automotive sector, which is transformed by means located on the carrier to the operating voltage intended for operating the LED array. In the event of premature aging of the LED module, the entire LED module, including the control unit, is replaced.

[0008] However, the arrangements known from the prior art do not take into account that technological progress leads to a constant change in the properties of current LEDs. In particular, specific properties of an LED such as luminous efficacy, the typical luminous flux at a certain current strength, the luminous color of the emitted light, etc., can vary depending on the time of production. Improvements in manufacturing processes, for example, lead to LEDs with higher luminous efficacy. Therefore, if an LED module in a luminaire needs to be replaced after a few years, the current LED modules available at that time will differ from those originally used. This leads, in particular, to different luminous properties when replacing an older LED module with a new LED module.

[0009] WO 2009 / 156590 A1 discloses a luminaire comprising at least one replaceable module, each module comprising at least one light source. Each module comprises a controller for compensating for a change in light intensity resulting from the aging of at least one light source by adjusting the electrical power delivered to the at least one light source as a function of time in a predetermined manner.

[0010] WO 2007 / 104137 A2 discloses a light unit that is replaceable in a lighting device. The light unit comprises a carrier to which one or more light-emitting elements are connected. A memory device is further operatively coupled to the carrier, wherein the memory device contains information representative of the operating characteristics of the one or more light-emitting elements associated with the carrier. Upon operative coupling of the light unit to a lighting device, a control system associated with the lighting device can access the memory device to obtain operating characteristics of the one or more light-emitting elements associated with the carrier.In this way, the operating characteristics of the light-emitting elements can be immediately available to the control system without the need to calibrate the lighting device after replacing or changing the light unit with the lighting device.

[0011] DE 10 2007 018884 A1 discloses a method for controlling and monitoring an emergency lighting system. In the event of a mains voltage failure or a drop in the mains voltage below a predetermined threshold, the system triggers a switchover from a mains-powered supply network to a backup network with one or more emergency luminaires. The emergency lighting system is equipped with at least one monitoring and control unit and at least one emergency luminaire operating device, which are connected to each other via the backup network. The data exchanged between the monitoring and control unit and the emergency luminaire operating devices is embedded in a data protocol.

[0012] EP 1 555 859 A1 discloses lighting control gears controlled by a central rectifier / PFC unit that supplies multiple lighting control gears via at least one DC output circuit. High-frequency digital control signals are modulated onto the DC supply voltage using powerline technology. These signals can be read by powerline demodulators in the control gears and evaluated to control the associated lighting device.

[0013] US 5 962 992 A discloses a lighting control system (LCS) for controlling the operation of lamps and other electrical devices from a remote central location.

[0014] US 2005 / 206529 A1 discloses an LED traffic signal module comprising an LED array, a power supply, and a control module. The control module is connected to a display via a communication link, which displays a lamp identification, a light output state, and a number of operating hours.

[0015] It is therefore the object of the present invention to enable a simple and cost-effective replacement of an LED module of an LED luminaire, wherein lighting properties, in particular a luminous flux of the LED luminaire, remain substantially unchanged.

[0016] This object is achieved by an operating device according to claim 1, a luminaire according to claim 7 and a method according to claim 15.

[0017] The operating device according to the invention is designed for detachable connection to an LED module. The operating device has a power supply interface and a memory access interface and comprises an electronic ballast. The electronic ballast is connected to the power supply interface, wherein the ballast provides a supply power for the LED module at the power supply interface with at least one adjustable operating parameter. The operating device is further designed to receive module information from a module memory of the LED module via the memory access interface. Furthermore, the electronic ballast sets the operating parameter depending on the received module information.

[0018] The operating device is thus configured to receive module information from the LED module after replacing the connected LED module and to adjust the supply power of the LED module according to the received module information. Module information can include, among other things, a model, a year of manufacture, a type designation, a serial number, a code, information indicating whether the module has previously been in operation, a number of operating hours, and one or more electrical and / or lighting parameters of the LED module, such as luminous flux, light color, a shutdown temperature, and / or an LED current upon commissioning. The serial number can, in particular, be a 48-bit number.In particular, the module information can include a value for a luminous flux at a predetermined electrical supply current, for example the luminous flux of a group of LEDs of the LED module at an electrical current of 350 mA per LED, a supply current, a supply voltage and / or a permissible range thereof, which is stored in the module memory during manufacture of the LED module. Alternatively or additionally, the module information can also include current parameters that are stored in the module memory during operation of the LED module, such as a dimming level or a current LED current. The current LED current can be higher than an LED nominal current upon commissioning in order to compensate for LED aging. Alternatively, it can also be reduced compared to this in order to reduce the luminous flux to a desired value.

[0019] The module information can be received by the operating device in analog and / or digital form.

[0020] The electronic ballast can further comprise a circuit that adjusts the operating parameter. The circuit can be provided as a separate component of the operating device or integrated into the electronic ballast. The circuit can, in particular, be designed as a microcontroller. Analog, digital, or mixed control of the operating parameter is also possible. The circuit can, in particular, be configured to adjust the operating parameter according to a predetermined programming. The programming can, for example, provide for a reduction in the luminous flux during a time interval.

[0021] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the operating device can be used for detachable connection to a plurality of LED modules. In particular, the operating device can have a plurality of pairs of power supply interfaces and memory access interfaces for detachable connection to one LED module each. In some embodiments, a separate ballast of the operating device can be provided for each pair. Alternatively, an electronic ballast can be provided, which is connected to each of the pairs.

[0022] In some embodiments, the operating device can further be configured to receive module information other than that stored in a module memory of the LED module via the memory access interface. As explained below with reference to an LED module according to the invention, it can be provided, for example, that the operating device is configured to receive at least one module parameter of the LED module, for example a temperature, via the memory access interface. In these embodiments, the operating device further sets the operating parameter depending on the at least one received module parameter.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the power supply interface and the memory access interface of the operating device are combined into an operating device interface for a multi-wire, in particular a two- or four-wire, wired connection to the LED module. This allows data exchange and power supply to take place via the same two-wire connection between the operating device and the LED module, thus eliminating the need for connecting cables. According to a preferred embodiment, the adjustable operating parameter is a voltage, a current, a sampling ratio of a pulse width modulation, and / or an amplitude ratio of an amplitude modulation.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ballast further determines the type of supply power for the LED module depending on the received module information. In particular, in some embodiments, the ballast provides the supply power depending on the received module information by means of a current control and / or a voltage control. It is further preferred that a pulse width modulation method or an amplitude modulation method is used for current control.

[0025] This offers the advantage that the operating device can be used with different types of LED modules, each requiring different forms of power supply. This enables flexible use of the operating device according to the invention. For example, the module memory of the LED module can store information indicating that a group of LEDs in the LED module is to be supplied with electrical power using pulse-width modulation.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the operating device further comprises an operating memory or an operating memory interface for connecting an operating memory, wherein the ballast further sets the operating parameter depending on information stored in the operating memory.

[0027] The operating memory can be permanently integrated into the operating device, in particular into the electronic ballast. Alternatively or additionally, the operating device can have an operating memory interface for connecting an external operating memory, which can be detachably connected to the operating memory interface, for example via a standardized interface, e.g., using a plug-in principle such as a USB interface. Alternatively, the operating memory interface can also be designed wirelessly, for example, as a radio interface.

[0028] The operating memory may further comprise an integrated memory circuit. In particular, the operating memory may comprise an EPROM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, and / or a DRAM. It is particularly preferred that the operating memory comprises a non-volatile memory. This offers the advantage that information stored therein is retained even in the event of a power failure of the operating device.

[0029] The operating memory can also store application-specific data, such as a desired luminous flux, a desired light distribution, and / or a desired light color. Alternatively or additionally, the operating memory can contain a model type, a year of manufacture, a type designation, a serial number, and / or a code for the operating device. Alternatively or additionally, the operating memory can store one or more module information items for one or more currently or previously connected LED modules.

[0030] It is particularly preferred that the operating memory contains a code for the operating device, and that the module information contains a code for the LED module. The electronic ballast is configured to only provide the supply power if the code of the operating device and the code of the LED module match. This allows compatibility between the operating device and the LED module to be verified, thus increasing operational reliability.

[0031] The control gear is configured to store the coding of a connected LED module. This allows the control gear to check, after switching the device off and on again, whether a currently connected LED module was previously connected or whether it is a new LED module from the control gear's perspective. The control gear can be configured to adjust the operating parameters depending on the result of the check. Furthermore, the control gear is configured to store operating data of the electronic ballast, namely a number of operating hours, in the operating memory.

[0032] This enables, for example, the operating device to indicate when a certain number of operating hours has been reached, so that the user can carry out maintenance work or replace the operating device. For this purpose, the operating device can also be connected to a display element such as a visual display or a sound generator. According to the invention, the operating device is connected to a central unit with which it exchanges information. The operating device is configured to transmit a number of operating hours of the operating device and / or one or more LED modules to the central unit. The information can be transmitted between the operating device and the central unit via wired communication or a radio network. In particular, a data line can be provided between the operating device and the central unit.Alternatively, the operating device can be configured to receive information from the central unit and / or to send information to the central unit via a supply line provided for the power supply of the operating device.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the operating device further comprises an operating memory access interface for reading data from the operating memory and / or for storing data in the operating memory.

[0034] This allows stored data, such as the number of operating hours, to be queried so that any maintenance work required can be carried out once a certain number of operating hours has been reached. Furthermore, a design or coding of the operating device can also be queried. In some embodiments, the operating memory access interface also offers the option of storing data used to operate the electrical ballast in the operating memory. For example, a desired luminous flux or a desired light color can be stored in the operating memory. Alternatively or additionally, a coding can also be stored in the operating memory via the operating memory access interface. This allows the coding of the operating device to be adapted if, for example, the operating device is to be used in a new application.The data stored in the operating memory can then be used by the electronic ballast to supply the LED module with the appropriate electrical power. The operating memory access interface can be wired or wireless. The operating memory access interface can, in particular, be provided at a power supply input of the operating device. This way, only one connection on the operating device is required to both receive the electrical supply power and enable data transmission.

[0035] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the operating memory or the operating memory interface for connecting an operating memory is further connected to the memory access interface in order to transfer module information received from the module memory of the LED module to the operating memory and / or to transfer information from the operating memory to the LED module.

[0036] This embodiment enables the exchange of data between the module memory of the LED module and the operating memory of the operating device. Transferring data from the module memory to the operating memory offers the advantage that the LED module data can be queried by the operating device at longer intervals and then stored in the operating memory. This is particularly advantageous when the connection between the memory interface and the memory access interface is established via an energy-intensive medium, such as a radio connection. Furthermore, for some module information, it is only necessary to transfer it to the operating memory once, after replacing the LED module. This is particularly the case for module information such as the LED module type, design, etc.Furthermore, it can be provided that the complete data stored in the module memory of the LED module is transferred to the operating memory of the operating device and / or that the data stored in the operating memory of the operating device is transferred in full to the module memory of the LED module. Alternatively, it can be provided that the data assigned to an LED module and stored in the operating memory of the operating device is transferred to the module memory of the corresponding LED module. The transfer takes place in particular via the memory interface of the LED module and the memory access interface of the operating device.

[0037] In conjunction with an operating memory access interface for reading data from the operating memory and / or writing data to the operating memory, this further offers the advantage that the information stored in the module memory of the LED module can be accessed during operation without having to remove the LED module. Thus, in some embodiments, for example, a central unit, such as a central monitoring device connected to the operating device via the operating memory access interface, can monitor the temperature of the LED module, which is stored as module information in the module memory.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic ballast at the power supply interface provides the supply power on several channels for supplying several groups of LEDs of the LED module, each with at least one adjustable operating parameter.

[0039] This design allows for the separate control of multiple groups of LEDs in the LED module. The groups can differ, for example, in spatial arrangement, spatial orientation, light color, and / or intensity.

[0040] The adjustable operating parameter can be different or the same for different channels. Particularly in embodiments in which one piece of module information relates only to one group of LEDs, such as the temperature of a group of LEDs, the ballast can set the adjustable operating parameter differently for the different channels, depending on the module information assigned to the different groups of LEDs.

[0041] In some embodiments, the electronic ballast provides the supply power to the channels in different ways. For example, one of the channels can be controlled by the ballast using pulse width modulation, and another channel can be controlled by the ballast using amplitude modulation. The control method is determined by the ballast depending on the module information received.

[0042] In a further aspect, the present invention comprises an LED module for detachable connection to an operating device of the type described. The LED module according to the invention has a power interface for detachable connection to the power supply interface of the operating device and a memory interface for detachable connection to the memory access interface of the operating device. The power interface is connected to at least one group of LEDs of the LED module, such that an electrical supply power provided at the power interface is supplied to the at least one group of LEDs. The LED module further has a module memory or a module memory interface for connection to a module memory, wherein the module memory or the module memory interface is connected to the memory interface.

[0043] The supply power can be supplied directly to the at least one group of LEDs. The term "directly" is to be understood as meaning that the LED module has no active device between the power interface and the group of LEDs for transforming the electrical supply power provided at the power interface. Alternatively, a converter can be provided on the LED module that transforms the supply power provided at the power supply interface before it is supplied to the group of LEDs.

[0044] The module memory serves in particular to store module information of the type described above. The module memory can be configured to store module information in analog and / or digital form.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the power interface and the memory interface of the LED module are combined into a module interface for a multi-wire, in particular a two- or four-wire, wired connection to the operating device. As described above, data exchange and power supply can be carried out via the same two-wire connection between the operating device and the LED module, thus eliminating the need for connecting cables.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the LED module comprises multiple groups of LEDs, with the power interface comprising multiple channels. Each channel is connected to a group of LEDs, so that the multiple groups of LEDs are supplied with electrical power separately.

[0047] As already explained above for the appropriately designed control gear, this enables the independent control of multiple groups of LEDs by a single control gear. The LEDs in the multiple groups can be of the same or different types. The groups of LEDs can also have a different arrangement, spatial orientation, light color, and / or intensity.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the LED module further comprises a microcontroller. The microcontroller can, in particular, be configured to enable data transmission between the LED module and a connected operating device. Furthermore, the microcontroller can be configured to compare information received from the operating device with information stored in the module memory. In this way, compatibility between the LED module and the operating device can be determined.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the LED module further comprises at least one sensor for detecting at least one module parameter, in particular a temperature, a luminous flux, and / or a light color of the LED module. The sensor is connected to the memory interface and / or to the module memory or the module memory interface. The sensor can be permanently connected to the LED module or can be connected to the LED module via a sensor interface. The LED module can further comprise means for attaching the sensor.

[0050] This enables the detection of parameters that, for example, influence the radiation behavior of the LED module. The sensor can, for example, be assigned to an LED, a group of LEDs, or a heat sink. Alternatively, the sensor can be configured to detect an ambient temperature of the LED module. In embodiments in which the sensor is connected to the module memory or to the module memory interface, the detected module parameter can also be written to the module memory, from where it can be queried by the operating device via the memory interface. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can also be connected to the memory interface, so that a connected operating device can receive the detected module parameter from the sensor.

[0051] The provision of the sensor enables the electrical supply power of the LED module to be regulated depending on the detected module parameter. For example, if the luminous flux detected by the sensor is higher than the desired luminous flux stored in the operating memory of the control gear, the control gear's electrical ballast can reduce the supplied supply power.

[0052] In embodiments in which the LED module has multiple groups of LEDs, the LED module can further comprise multiple sensors, each assigned to one or more of the groups. This enables the separate detection of group-specific parameters. If, for example, the LED module has a first and a second group of LEDs and the first group is supplied with power by the operating device via a first channel, it can be provided that the ballast sets the operating parameter for the first channel depending on one or more module parameters detected by one or more sensors assigned to the first group of LEDs.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the LED module is configured to receive data from the operating device via the memory interface and to store it in the module memory. In particular, programming of the operating device can be written into the module memory of the LED module in this way. This is advantageous, for example, when the operating device is replaced, since in this embodiment, complex external reprogramming of the new operating device can be dispensed with. If the operating device is replaced, the necessary programming can be carried out by connecting it to the LED module. For example, the operating device can be programmed to reduce the luminous flux to a reduction value within a predetermined time window. This programming can be stored in the operating memory of the operating device.This programming can be transferred to the module memory of a connected LED module via the control gear's memory access interface. If the control gear is replaced, for example, after a failure, and connected to the existing LED module, the programming stored in the LED module's module memory can be transferred to the operating memory of the new control gear via the LED module's memory interface and the control gear's memory access interface.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the LED module further comprises at least one optical device for directing a luminous flux of at least one LED of the LED module, in particular a reflector and / or a diffuser.

[0055] Compared to an arrangement of a light-directing element on the luminaire, which can be provided differently, this offers the advantage that the optical device can be directly matched to the LED used in the LED module. This is particularly advantageous if the radiation behavior of the LED of the new LED module differs from the radiation behavior of the LED of the old LED module after replacement. The optical device can thus be directly optimized for the LED of the new LED module. Furthermore, in connection with the present invention, one or more optical elements for light directing can also be provided, which are assigned to the luminaire. These can be arranged separately from the connected LED module and can be replaced independently of the LED module. The optical element assigned to the luminaire can, for example, comprise a reflector, a diffuser and / or a lens.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the module memory further comprises a non-volatile memory, which in particular has an integrated circuit.

[0057] Using non-volatile memory offers the advantage that the stored information is retained even in the event of a power failure. The non-volatile memory can be an EPROM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, or another electrical, optical, or magnetic storage device.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the module storage can be supplied with electrical power via the power interface of the LED module, the storage interface of the LED module, a separate storage supply interface and / or a battery provided on the LED module.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the memory access interface or the memory interface further comprises a wired electrical interface, an optical interface and / or a radio interface.

[0060] A wired electrical interface offers the advantage that, at the same time as merging the power interface with the power supply interface, it also allows the memory access interface to be connected to the memory interface. This represents a simple and cost-effective connection option. Using an optical interface also offers the advantage of preventing aging phenomena such as electromigration or corrosion of the connection contacts. Providing a wireless interface also offers the advantage that the operating device and the module memory can be arranged away from one another. This is particularly advantageous for large-area or elongated LED modules. Furthermore, this enables an externally arranged monitoring element, such as a central unit, to receive the transmitted information.The use of a radio interface is also advantageous when several LED modules are assigned to an operating device, since in this case only one memory access interface is required on the part of the operating device.

[0061] The LED module and / or the operating device can also be designed with a low or high degree of protection, e.g., IP20 or IP65. In particular, the power interface, the power supply interface, the memory interface, and / or the memory access interface can meet a low or high degree of protection.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the operating device or the LED module further comprises a means for tool-free connection of the LED module to the operating device, in particular for connecting the memory access interface to the memory interface and / or for connecting the power supply interface to the power interface, wherein the means for tool-free connection preferably comprises a plug or a socket.

[0063] The same or different means can be provided for the memory access interface or the memory interface as for connecting the power supply interface or the power interface. For example, a common connector plug or a common connector socket can be provided on the side of the LED module and / or the operating device. Furthermore, a screw base for connecting to the LED module or the operating device can also be provided on the operating device or the LED module. Furthermore, the means for tool-free connection can be configured to simultaneously provide mechanical support for the LED module.

[0064] In some embodiments, the operating device or the LED module can further comprise a cooling interface for thermal coupling with a corresponding cooling interface of the LED module or the operating device. The cooling interface can, in particular, comprise a cooling element made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. Furthermore, the cooling element can comprise a plurality of means for increasing the surface area, such as fins.

[0065] One advantage of the control gear according to the invention and the LED module according to the invention can be illustrated, for example, by the following calculation example: An LED module is operated at commissioning with an LED current of 510 mA to achieve a luminous flux of 8,800 lumens, resulting in a total power consumption of 110 W. After 30,000 hours of operation, due to the aging of the LED module, an LED current of 695 mA is required to maintain the desired luminous flux of 8,800 lumens, which corresponds to a total power consumption of 140 W. It is assumed here that the control gear regulates the LED current accordingly to maintain the desired luminous flux. If the LED module were to fail at this time and were replaced by a new LED module, an LED current of 695 mA would continue to be provided by the control gear without the inventive information flow between the LED module and the control gear.This would correspond to a luminous flux of 10,400 lumens and would therefore be 1,600 lumens higher than the desired luminous flux.

[0066] The LED module with module memory according to the invention makes it possible to detect the replacement of the LED module for the operating device, wherein the operating device according to the invention reduces the LED current accordingly after the replacement of the LED module so that the luminous flux corresponds to the desired value.

[0067] If, in a further scenario, the control gear were to fail after the aforementioned 30,000 hours of operation and be replaced with a new one, the new control gear would provide an LED current of 510 mA without the inventive data exchange between the LED module and the control gear. However, due to the aging of the LED module, this would only correspond to a luminous flux of 7,100 lumens, meaning the luminous flux would be 1,600 lumens lower than the desired luminous flux. In contrast, the control gear according to the invention detects the aging status of the connected LED module based on the number of operating hours stored in the module memory and increases the LED current to achieve the desired luminous flux.

[0068] Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to replace the existing operating device and the existing LED module with an operating device or an LED module of a different type, while maintaining the desired luminous flux. The module memory of the LED module can store characteristic data of the LED module, based on which the connected operating device can calculate the LED current required for the desired lighting, in particular for the desired luminous flux. In a further aspect, the present invention comprises a luminaire with at least one operating device of the type described and at least one LED module of the type described.In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling an LED module, in particular an LED module of the type described above, which is carried out by an operating device, in particular an operating device of the type described above, the method comprising the following steps: . Check whether an identifier received from the LED module is already stored in the control gear if the identifier is not stored, copy programming parameters stored in the control gear to the LED module if an LED reset flag is set, or transfer programming parameters stored in the LED module to the control gear if the LED reset flag is not set.

[0069] The method can also be used with an operating device other than the one described above or the LED module described above, provided that they are set up to transfer programming parameters between the LED module and the operating device.

[0070] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention. Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a luminaire according to the invention with an operating device and an LED module. Figure 2a shows a first embodiment of an operating device according to the invention. Figure 2b shows a second embodiment of an operating device according to the invention with an operating memory. Figure 3a shows a first embodiment of an LED module according to the invention. Figure 3b shows a second embodiment of an LED module according to the invention with a sensor. Figure 3cshows a third embodiment of an LED module according to the invention with several groups of LEDs. Figure 4 shows a flow chart of a program executed by the operating device according to the invention.

[0071] The in the Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of a luminaire according to the invention comprises an operating device 2 and an LED module 3. The operating device 2 is provided with a power supply interface 21 and a memory access interface 22. The LED module 3 has a power interface 31 and a memory interface 32. The power supply interface 21 is detachably connected to the power interface 31. Furthermore, the memory access interface 22 is detachably connected to the memory interface 32.

[0072] In the Figure 2aA first embodiment of the operating device 2 according to the invention is shown. The operating device 2 has a power supply interface 21 and a memory access interface 22, which are connected to an electronic ballast 24 of the operating device 2. The ballast 24 comprises an integrated microcontroller, which evaluates module information received from a connected LED module via the memory access interface 22 in order to set an operating parameter of the electronic ballast 24. The ballast 24 provides the supply power at the power supply interface 21.

[0073] The Figure 2bThe second embodiment of an operating device 2' shown further comprises an operating memory 25. The operating memory 25 is connected to the memory access interface 22 of the operating device 2'. Furthermore, the operating memory 25 is connected to the ballast 24'. The ballast 24' is connected to the operating memory 25 and the memory access interface 22. This arrangement enables the exchange of data between the operating memory 25 and the module memory of a connected LED module via the memory access interface 22. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ballast 24' has access to the information stored in the operating memory 25 in addition to the module information received from the LED module via the memory access interface 22. In the Fig. 2bIn the embodiment shown, the operating memory 25 is integrated into the operating device 2'. In other embodiments, the operating device may have an operating memory interface connected to an external operating memory. The operating memory is replaceable in these embodiments.

[0074] The Figure 3ashows a first embodiment of an LED module 3 according to the invention. The LED module 3 has a group 33 of LEDs. The group 33 is electrically connected to a power interface 31. The power interface 31 is led outwards for detachable connection to an operating device. Furthermore, the LED module 3 has a module memory 34, which is connected to a memory interface 32, which is also led outwards. The group 33 of LEDs is directly connected to the power interface 31, so that the electrical power provided at the power interface 31 is directly supplied to the group 33 of LEDs.

[0075] A second embodiment of an LED module 3' according to the invention is shown in Figure 3bshown. In this embodiment, the LED module 3' has a module memory 34', which is connected to a memory interface 32. Furthermore, the LED module 3' has a group 33 of LEDs, which is connected to a power interface 31. In addition, a sensor 31 is provided on the group 33 of LEDs, which detects a module parameter. In this embodiment, the sensor 31 is designed as a temperature sensor and is arranged next to the group 33 of LEDs and configured to detect their temperature. The sensor 35 is further connected to the module memory 34'. In this embodiment, the temperature detected by the sensor 35 is stored in the module memory 34' and is available at the memory interface 32 for reception by an operating device according to the invention.

[0076] The Figure 3cThe third embodiment of an LED module 3" according to the invention shown comprises three groups 331, 332 and 333 of LEDs. The three groups 331, 332, 333 of LEDs are connected to a power interface 31' of the LED module 3". The power interface 31' has a plurality of channels, with each group 331, 332, 333 of LEDs being assigned a channel. In this way, the three groups 331, 332 and 333 of LEDs can be supplied with electrical power separately via the power interface 31'. Furthermore, the LED module 3" has a module memory 34 connected to a memory interface 32.

[0077] Figure 4shows a flowchart of a program executed by the operating device after switching on. In this embodiment, the operating device is designed as an electrical ballast (EB) and is configured to perform the steps shown in Figure 4 and described below. For this purpose, the operating device has a microprocessor. In step 101, the luminaire, which comprises the operating device and the LED module connected to it, is switched on. In the described embodiment, this is done by switching on the power supply via a central unit. In other embodiments, the operating device has a switch via which it is switched on. The operating device then checks whether one or more LED modules are connected and checks their addressing 102.In the embodiment shown, the LED modules are connected to the operating device via a 1-Wire connection, which provides a two-core wire connection. Communication takes place via the same connection as the electrical supply. The operating device then checks whether the connected LED module has a module memory, for example in the form of an EEPROM 103. If no EEPROM is found on the connected LED module, the operating device subsequently works with internal preset values ​​stored in the operating device's operating memory, so-called EEP values ​​104. If an EEPROM is found on the connected LED module, the operating device checks whether it knows the identifier of the connected LED module 105. For this purpose, the identifiers of the LED modules that have already been connected to the operating device are stored in the operating memory of the operating device.If the LED module's identifier is known to the operating device, i.e., a corresponding entry is present in the operating memory of the operating device, the operating device adopts the value stored in the operating memory of the operating device for the number of operating hours of the connected LED module and subsequently counts this in the flux counter 107. The value for the number of operating hours is also stored in the module memory of the LED module. The operating device then checks whether a maximum LED temperature stored in the operating memory of the operating device is higher than the maximum LED temperature stored in the module memory of the connected LED module 108. If the maximum LED temperature stored in the operating device is higher than the one stored in the LED module, the operating device updates the maximum LED temperature stored for the connected LED module in its operating memory 109.

[0078] The control gear then checks whether the programming data stored in the module memory of the LED module, the Service Box (SB) parameters, correspond to the programming data stored in the operating memory of the control gear 110. The programming data can include a desired luminous flux, a duty cycle, a reduction time period, a dimming value, an LED current, etc. If the programming data stored in the control gear do not correspond to those stored in the LED module, the programming data stored in the control gear are copied 111 into the module memory of the LED module via the memory access interface of the control gear and the memory interface of the LED module. In this way, any reprogramming carried out on the control gear can be transferred to the LED module.The operating device then starts a scheduler provided on the operating device and periodically checks an LED temperature of the LED module 112. In this way, it can be ensured that a maximum permissible LED temperature is not exceeded and thus no overheating and thus premature aging of the LEDs arranged on it occurs. For this purpose, a temperature sensor can be provided on the connected LED module, which can be queried via the memory access interface of the operating device as described above. The periodic check of the LED temperature takes place at intervals of 1 minute. In other embodiments, the temperature check can take place at regular intervals in the range of 15 seconds to 10 minutes, in particular from 30 seconds to 5 minutes, and preferably from 45 seconds to 2 minutes. In this case, after a switch-on time of 10 seconds to 1 hour, in particular from 2 minutes to 40 minutes, preferably from 15 minutes to 30 minutes, any set LED reset flag is cleared 113.As soon as the luminaire is switched off, the control device saves data to the operating memory. In particular, the operating hours for the LED module are updated in the operating memory.

[0079] Returning to step 105, if the operating device does not know the ID of the connected LED module, it acquires the LED module ID, the operating hours value, and operating data from the module memory of the LED module 106. The operating device then checks whether the LED reset flag is set 116. If so, the operating device proceeds to step 111 and copies the programming data from the operating device to the LED module. If not, the operating device acquires the programming data from the LED module 117 and performs a refresh 118. The LED reset flag can therefore be used to control whether the operating device uses the programming from the LED module or from the operating memory of the operating device. For this purpose, this embodiment provides for the LED reset flag to be stored in the LED module.In this way, before replacing the LED module, it can be determined whether a programming provided on the LED module should be used to control the LED module via the operating device, or whether the programming present on the operating device should be used. In other embodiments, the LED reset flag can be stored in the operating device and can be set, for example, via an operating memory access interface provided on the operating device.

[0080] In the Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, it is further provided that programming data can be stored 120 in the operating device via a reparameterization 119. The reparameterization can be performed, for example, via an operating memory access interface of the operating device, to which a service box is connected. The operating device receives new programming data and stores it in the operating memory. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0081] 2, 2'Operating device 3, 3', 3"LED module 21Power supply interface 22Memory access interface 24, 24'Ballast 25Operating memory 31, 31'Power interface 32Memory interface 33, 331, 332, 333Group of LEDs 34, 34'Module memory 35Sensor

Claims

1. Operating device (2, 2') for detachable connection to an LED module (3, 3', 3"), wherein the operating device (2, 2') for detachable connection to the LED module (3, 3', 3") has a power provision interface (21) and a memory access interface (22), wherein the operating device (2, 2') further comprises an electronic ballast (24, 24') which is connected to the power provision interface (21) of the operating device (2, 2'), wherein the electronic ballast (24, 24') provides a supply power for the LED module (3, 3', 3") at the power provision interface (21) with at least one adjustable operating parameter, wherein the operating device (2, 2') is further configured to receive module information from a module memory (34, 34') of the LED module (3, 3', 3") via the memory access interface (22), wherein the electronic ballast (24, 24') adjusts the operating parameter depending on the received module information, characterised in that the operating device (2, 2') is configured to store a code of a connected LED module (3, 3', 3") in order to check after switching off and subsequent switching on whether a currently connected LED module (3, 3', 3") was already connected beforehand, and the operating device is configured to store a number of operating hours of the electronic ballast (24, 24') in an operating memory, and the operating device is configured to transmit a number of operating hours of the operating device and / or of one or more of LED modules to a central unit.

2. Operating device (2, 2') according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable operating parameter comprises a voltage, a current, a sampling ratio of a pulse width modulation and / or an amplitude ratio of an amplitude modulation.

3. Operating device (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply interface (21) and the memory access interface (22) of the operating device are combined to form an operating device interface and can be connected to the LED module (3, 3', 3") via a common line, in particular a multi-core line.

4. Operating device (2') according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises an operating memory (25) or an operating memory interface for connecting an operating memory, wherein the electronic ballast (24') further adjusts the operating parameter depending on information stored in the operating memory (25).

5. Operating device (2') according to claim 4, which is further configured to store operating data of the electronic ballast (24'), in particular a number of operating hours, in the operating memory (25), and / or wherein the operating memory (25) or the operating memory interface for connecting an operating memory is connected to the memory access interface (22) in order to transfer module information received from the module memory (34, 34') of the LED module (3, 3', 3") into the operating memory (25) and / or in order to transfer information from the operating memory (25) to the LED module (3, 3', 3").

6. Operating device (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic ballast (24, 24') provides the supply power at the power provision interface (21) on a plurality of channels for supplying a plurality of groups (331, 332, 333) of LEDs of the LED module (3") with in each case at least one adjustable operating parameter.

7. Luminaire having an operating device (2, 2') according to one of claims 1 to 6 and at least one LED module (3, 3', 3").

8. Luminaire according to claim 7, wherein the LED module (3, 3', 3") comprises: a power interface (31, 31') for detachable connection to the power provision interface (21) of the operating device (2, 2'), a memory interface (32) for detachable connection to the memory access interface (22) of the operating device (2, 2'), wherein the power interface (31, 31') is connected to at least one group (33; 331, 332, 333) of LEDs of the LED module (3, 3', 3"), so that an electrical supply power provided at the power interface (31) is supplied to the at least one group (33; 331, 332, 333) of LEDs, and a module memory (34, 34') or a module memory interface for connection to a module memory, wherein the module memory (34, 34') or the module memory interface is connected to the memory interface (32).

9. Luminaire according to claim 8, wherein the power interface (31, 31') and the memory interface (32) of the LED module are combined to form a module interface and can be connected to the operating device (2, 2') via a common line, in particular a multi-core line.

10. Luminaire according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the LED module (3") has a plurality of groups (331, 332, 333) of LEDs, and wherein the power interface (31') has a plurality of channels, wherein each channel is connected to a group (331, 332, 333) of LEDs, so that the plurality of groups (331, 332, 333) can be supplied separately with electrical power.

11. Luminaire according to one of claims 8, 9 or 10, wherein the LED module (3') further has at least one sensor (35) for detecting at least one module parameter, in particular a temperature, a luminous flux and / or a light colour of the LED module (3'), wherein the sensor (35) is connected to the memory interface and / or to the module memory (34') or the module memory interface, and / or which further has at least one optical device for directing a luminous flux of at least one LED of the LED module (3, 3', 3"), in particular a reflector and / or a diffuser.

12. Luminaire according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the module memory (34, 34') of the LED module (3, 3', 3") comprises a non-volatile memory, which in particular has an integrated circuit, and / or wherein the module memory (34, 34') is supplied with electrical power via the power interface (31, 31') of the LED module (3, 3', 3"), via the memory interface (32) of the LED module (3, 3', 3"), via a separate memory supply interface and / or via a battery provided on the LED module (3, 3', 3").

13. Luminaire according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the memory interface (32) of the LED module (3, 3', 3") comprises a wired electrical interface, an optical interface and / or a radio interface.

14. Luminaire according to one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the LED module (3, 3', 3") further comprises a means for tool-free connection of the LED module (3, 3', 3") to the operating device (2, 2'), in particular for connecting the memory interface (32) to the memory access interface (22) and / or for connecting the power interface (31) to the power provision interface (21), wherein the means for tool-free connection further preferably comprises a plug or a socket.

15. Method for driving an LED module (3, 3', 3"), which is carried out by an operating device (2, 2') according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the method comprises the following steps: checking whether an identifier received from an LED module is already stored in the operating device (105), if the identifier is not stored, copying programming parameters stored in the operating device into the LED module if an LED reset flag is set (111), or adopting programming parameters stored in the LED module into the device if the LED reset flag is not set (117); and transmitting a number of operating hours of the operating device and / or of one or more of LED modules to a central unit.

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