EP2131627A1 - Lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

The lamp (1) has a housing with light-emitting area, where a light-emitting diode matrix is arranged in the light-emitting area. Multiple longitudinal rows are arranged in a side by side manner, and has light-emitting diode spaced from each other. The rows are controlled individually, where the rows are formed as non-rectilinear rows.

Description

The invention relates to a luminaire having a housing with light exit region, an LED matrix arranged in the light exit region, which comprises a plurality of juxtaposed rows of mutually spaced apart LEDs in the longitudinal extent.

So far, the problem of illumination of individual areas by mechanical, moving parts, i. of shields or the bulb itself, solved. Lights are known with conventional bulbs in which parts of the bulb can be covered or the bulb itself can be brought into the desired position. Meanwhile, the LED technology is becoming more common in everyday life. Reasons are the longer life and the much lower energy consumption in contrast to conventional bulbs. State of the art are LED lights, which can be influenced in their light color and light intensity by processors. But when it comes to illuminating only certain areas, mechanical shields or position sensors are also used in the field of LED technology.

Disadvantages of known solutions are economical as well as functional. On the one hand, an uneconomical utilization of light can be noted, for example by fluorescent tubes always shine in their entire length and in certain situations only one area is needed. On the other hand, with complex joints, shields, cables and fasteners, the possibility of individual illumination of the area must be established. It is always trying with eg covers to direct the radiation of light. This is not only true for conventional bulbs, but is currently state of the art, ie also common in LED technology.

In the DE000060037178T2 a luminaire is described with a matrix of LED, which has a housing and a light exit opening,

In a luminaire with such a matrix or in other workplace lighting or room lighting, the disadvantage that they can be adapted only insufficiently or with great effort to the intended use.

For example, the placement of workplace luminaires on computer workstations often leads to glare on the monitor or, if the glare is reduced, to insufficient illumination of the other work surface. Even with room lighting an individual adaptation to different applications is only achieved with either redundant lighting systems that are either switched on or off, or by adjustable lighting systems, such as rail system that require at least a significant amount of work when changing the use. In particular, this is evident in galleries, where exhibitions change and regularly adjust the lighting conditions.

The object of the invention is now to provide a way to adapt the luminous behavior of a luminaire of the type mentioned in the application, in particular for a workplace lighting.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in that the rows of the LED matrix are individually controllable and means are provided for progressing in the longitudinal extension switching on and off each adjacent rows, which include at least a first switching position generator. This makes it possible to set certain luminous areas by progressively connecting or disconnecting adjacent LED rows. This has the advantage, for example, that a workstation light which is arranged above the display of a portable computer and leads to glare on the display can be purposefully switched off in the area of the display.

In one embodiment, in particular, the luminaire can be realized in a longitudinal direction such that the matrix has a larger number of rows than LEDs in one row each.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the lines are formed as non-rectilinear lines. Accordingly, the term matrix is intended to encompass not only square or generally rectangular matrix but also such arrangements in which the lines are nonlinear, e.g. are designed as rings, so a matrix comprises a plurality of concentric rings or nested ellipses or similar shapes, these non-linear lines in the longitudinal direction, for example in the radial direction, are switchable.

It is further provided that a second switching position generator of the same type as the first switching position generator is arranged, wherein both switching position encoders limit a luminous area. Accordingly, the luminous area can be shifted on the LED matrix.

Here also several light areas with two each Switch position sensors be provided. In order to stay in the example, it is thus possible to fade, for example, the display of a portable computer, and allow the right and left of the display light areas, for example, on the one hand to read a manuscript sheet and on the other side literature.

A switching position generator can expediently serve for both switching on and switching off, in that the means for the longitudinal extension of switching on and off comprise switching electronics for driving the LED, which is designed such that when the switching position generator is in position relative to a line which is not switched on switched on and the position of the switch position encoder relative to a line switched this off.

A particular effect, which is similar to the opening or closing of a curtain, is achieved in that the one or more switching position sensors are in a defined relation to the rows of the LED matrix. This causes a switch on or off at the point where actually switching on or off is done.

In a further embodiment, the design of the housing can be functionally integrated into the lamp by the switching position sensor is movably connected to the housing.

The handling effect is illustrated by the fact that a switching position transmitter consists of a longitudinally displaceable actuating means, which cooperates with a position sensor which is connected to the switching electronics. Thus, a decoupling of the switching position of the actual switching operation can take place. This allows for lightweight and highly adaptable position sensors, thereby increasing the possibilities of ergonomic design increase significantly.

It is also possible that a switching position generator is designed as a sliding ring on the housing.

In particular, a plurality of LEDs are controlled by a microprocessor. At least one, preferably two or more switching position transmitters, which operate as light control elements, thereby define the area which is to be illuminated. The shift position sensors are moved or switched by hand and their position is determined so that a microprocessor can determine its exact location and power the LEDs located between the light control elements. Outside LEDs are not powered. This ensures that only the number of LEDs is supplied with energy that is needed for the actual use (work area). In this way, not only the LEDs become energy savers, but in addition the light control itself. Optionally, a second element disposed on the first element can control the light scattering angle. By the second element is moved by a rotation about its axis, the microprocessor controls depending on the position of the second element, the respective LEDs, which should be energized or not. In addition, this second element could change the light color, the light intensity and the light heat of the defined area. That There are at least two elements on a luminaire object which, depending on their position, define the position and quantity of the emitted light. Already every function by itself includes a novelty in the lighting control.

The essential novelty of the invention is the definition of individual light areas by a microprocessor-controlled reduction or multiplication of activated LEDs within a defined spatial structure as well as the novelty of the manual agreement (Tangible Interaction) oriented way, how this light control takes place.

Associated with this, the invention includes economic and functional advantages, i. By excluding unnecessary light areas and eliminating the need for elaborate mechanical processes for producing individual lighting requirements, the electrical energy is utilized more effectively and efficiently.

It is advantageous to contactlessly generate the position information of the shift position sensor. For this purpose, it is provided in one embodiment that the adjusting means is provided with a magnet which is in operative connection with the position sensor, which is magnetically sensitive.

The magnetic field generated by the magnet can be converted into a position information in that the position sensor consists of a plurality of longitudinally arranged behind one another reed contacts, which are connected to the switching electronics.

Another possibility of converting the magnetic field into a position information is that the position sensor is designed as a known magnetostrictive measuring system.

To avoid any mechanically moving components on the switching position generator, this can consist of a parallel to the LED matrix arranged touch-sensitive input field. Thus, it is possible that, for example, with the finger on the input field is moved along and according to the finger movement a luminous area is set.

In particular, for the use of a lamp according to the invention as room lighting, the lamp itself would not be physically or difficult to reach, it is expedient to arrange the switch position transmitter in a remote control unit which is wirelessly connected to the receiving unit and this with the switching electronics.

On the remote control unit, there are several ways of implementing the switching position sensor, namely by means of a rotary encoder, a keyboard or a touch-sensitive input field. With a combined rotary encoder / switch it is also possible to simulate several switch position encoders. The implementation of the input field can be done in an analogous manner to an input field on the lamp itself.

Basically, it is possible that a remote control unit in addition to switching position sensors, which are arranged on the lamp itself, provide, for example, to make the lamp in their applications multivalent.

The luminaire according to the invention also makes it possible to dimming in an elegant way by providing the switching position generator with a first input means adjusting the luminous intensity of the LED, which is connected to the switching electronics which control the luminous intensity of the LED according to the position of the input means. For example, the ring can not only be longitudinally displaceable but also rotatable and the rotational movement can be evaluated for setting the luminosity.

However, a rotational movement of the ring could also be used for the setting of certain light directions of the LED, for example by tilting the LED matrix or for the selection of certain rows of LEDs, so adjacent LED multiple lines.

The invention also makes it possible to adapt the luminescent colors of the luminaire to the intended use or the user's sense, in that the LEDs are designed as multicolor LEDs and the switching position generator is provided with a second input means which adjusts the luminescent color of the LED and which is connected to the switching electronics is, which is designed to control the luminous color of the LED according to the position of the input means.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Teilansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Arbeitsplatzleuchte

Fig. 2

eine Darstellung der funktionalen Module einer erfindungsgemäßen Leuchte,

Fig. 3

eine Schaltungsanordnung der funktionalen Module,

Fig. 4

Draufsicht auf eine LED-Matrix,

Fig. 5

ein perspektivischer Teilschnitt mit der Darstellung der Gestaltung eines Schaltpositionsgebers mit einem längsverschiebbaren Stellmittel,

Fig. 6

Tabelle der durch einen Reed-Kontakt bewirkten Schaltzustände,

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung einer Arbeitsplatzleuchte mit veränderlichen Leuchtbereichen in einem Anfangszustand,

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung einer Arbeitsplatzleuchte mit veränderlichen Leuchtbereichen, mit verschiedenen Leuchtbereichen,

Fig. 9

eine Darstellung des Funktionsprinzips eines magnetostriktiven Sensors,

Fig. 10

die Darstellung eines Schaltpositionsgebers in Form eines berührungssensitiven Eingabefeldes und

Fig. 11

die Prinzipdarstellung einer Fernsteuerung einer erfindungsgemäßen Leuchte.

The invention will be explained below with reference to various embodiments. In the accompanying drawings shows

Fig. 1

a partial perspective view of a workplace lamp according to the invention

Fig. 2

a representation of the functional modules of a lamp according to the invention,

Fig. 3

a circuit arrangement of the functional modules,

Fig. 4

Top view of an LED matrix,

Fig. 5

a perspective partial section showing the design of a Schaltpositionsgebers with a longitudinally displaceable actuating means,

Fig. 6

Table of the switching states caused by a reed contact,

Fig. 7

a schematic representation of a task lamp with variable lighting areas in an initial state,

Fig. 8

a schematic representation of a workplace lamp with variable lighting areas, with different lighting areas,

Fig. 9

a representation of the principle of operation of a magnetostrictive sensor,

Fig. 10

the representation of a Schaltpositionsgebers in the form of a touch-sensitive input field and

Fig. 11

the schematic diagram of a remote control of a lamp according to the invention.

A luminaire according to the invention Fig. 1 can be used as a workstation light 1, especially for a wide variety of needs on a VDU workstation. In the foreground is working with mobile devices such as laptops or netbooks, which are not like conventional PCs constantly in a central location. The light is no longer controlled via an on / off switch, as in a normal high table lamp, but the user can achieve the required lighting ratio by illuminated luminous areas 2 and unlit luminous areas 3 by means of switching position sensors 4, which in this embodiment realizes as movable rings are, set.

Functionally, the light should be able to be directed by touching or pulling rings into desired working areas 5.

As in Fig. 9 and Fig. 3 1, three functional modules 6, 7, were provided in the luminaire 1 according to the invention. The illumination is realized by rows of LEDs 6, which are also in Fig. 4 can be seen. The sensory detection of the positions is performed by a position sensor 7 in the form of reed contacts 8, which in the longitudinal extent 9 perpendicular to the in Fig. 4 illustrated LED rows 6 are arranged. As an interface between the position sensor 7 and the LED rows 6 logic modules 10 are used.

Reed contacts 8, consisting of a contact spring and a magnet armature, are usually melted under vacuum but also under inert gas in a glass flask. Of the Contact closure is caused by an externally applied magnetic field, typically by permanent magnets or current-carrying coils.

If a magnetic field-generating component is brought into the vicinity of a reed contact 8, magnet armature and contact spring contract and close the contact (push-button principle). As the distance increases, the magnetic field strength decreases and the reed contact 8 opens. In the workplace lamp 1, the reed contacts 8 were mounted on a printed circuit board 11 perpendicular to the luminous lines, as shown in FIG Fig. 2 is shown. Here, for example, a neodymium or a round magnet can be used. The neodymium magnet has a rectangular shape with a north and a south pole. The maximum distance defines the distance that guarantees reliable switching of the reed contact 8.

As in Fig. 5 shown, 12 pockets 13 are inserted in the housing. Magnets are arranged on the switching position transmitter 4 and here on the actuating means 14 in the form of a ring, which project into the pockets 13 in order to keep the distance to the reed contacts 8 as small as possible.

The reed contacts 8 work like buttons. If an adjusting means 14 with a magnet past a reed contact 8, the contact switches. The resulting "low-high" edge must be detected and then evaluated. For this purpose, T-flip-flops are suitable, because with each "low-high" edge at its input, the output signal changes, as in Fig. 6 is shown.

As in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is shown, in one embodiment, four rings 15 to 18 are used, the number of which, however, is expandable. These rings 15 to 18 are arranged displaceably on the housing 12.

If the first ring 15 is pulled along the housing 12, should following him the light, sliding. If the second ring 16 is subsequently pulled behind, the light goes out again. It is thus possible to illuminate defined desired working areas 5 below the workstation light 1 or to leave it unlit.

Fig. 7 illustrates this schematically wherein with the aid of the first ring 15 and the second ring 16 of the luminous area 2 is formed for the laptop, with the third ring 17 and the fourth ring 18 of the luminous area 2 for a worksheet.

It is also possible to influence the luminous regions 2 by turning the rings 15 to 18. In this case, a possible further function is the dimming and forward or backward alignment of the respective light areas. First, these areas must be defined by the mounting of the rings 15 to 18.

The following functional principle is made possible: If the first ring 15 is rotated in a mathematically positive sense, then the intensity of the light can be adjusted. At the electrical level, the base-emitter voltage at the drive transistor 19 must be influenced for this purpose. A possible wiring of the fixed voltage controller is the circuit in Fig. 3 , Thus, a variable output voltage can be realized at the fixed voltage controller, which influences the base current IB to be controlled and thus the voltage UBE. Due to the exponential relationship, small changes in UBE are sufficient to achieve large changes in the collector current IC. To dim the LEDs 20, the transistor 19 must be driven in the active linear region. As a result, the collector current can be influenced by the transistor 19 and thus the brightness of the LEDs 20.

Another embodiment is the change of the entire light cone. In this case, the second ring 16 of the respective light range serves as a function switch. With this it would be possible to turn off all the LEDs 20 out of the defined light range along the workstation lamp 1. Depending on the respective direction of rotation, the order of the connecting longitudinal rows can be determined.

Instead of the described reed contacts, it is also possible to determine the position of the actuating means 14, which is also provided here with magnets again, by means of magnetoristriktiver sensors. In Fig. 9 represents the principle of the operation of a magnetostrictive sensor.

Magnetostrictive transducers are sensors that operate on the principle of magnetostriction. The sensor consists of a pressure-resistant measuring rod, which fits, for example, in a drilled piston rod, as well as an annular position sensor (permanent magnet), which is mounted at the end of the rod.

The measurement process is triggered by a short current pulse in magnetostrictive sensors, which generates a circular magnetic field around the waveguide. The field lines of the position transmitter, which marks the measuring position in the waveguide, run perpendicular to this. At the superposition of the two magnetic fields in the waveguide creates an elastic deformation, the magnetostriction. This deformation propagates in the waveguide on both sides at a speed of about 2800ms. At one end of the waveguide, the torsion wave is converted into an electrical signal, attenuated at the other, so that there are no overlaps in subsequent measurements. A microcontroller calculates the runtime from the point of origin to the signal converter.

The exact location of the position sensor thus results from a transit time measurement, in which the position of the magnet of the position sensor from the time between the start of the current pulse and the arrival of the electrical response signal, the detected in a torsional transducer structure-borne sound wave is determined.

The transit time from the point of origin to the signal converter is directly proportional to the distance between the position sensor and the signal converter. This principle enables a non-contact, wear-free absolute position measurement.

As shown Fig. 10 the switching position generator 4 consists of a touch-sensitive input field 21.

Fig. 11 represents the principle of control of the lamp according to the invention by a remote control 22. In this case, the switching position sensor 4 is arranged in the remote control unit 22, which is wirelessly connected to a receiving unit 23 and this with the switching electronics for switching the LED rows 6. In this case, the switching position generator 4 consist of a rotary encoder 24 of a keyboard or a touch-sensitive input field 21.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Workplace light

2

illuminated light area

3

unlit illuminated area

4

Switching position sensor

5

Workspace

6

LED line

7

position sensor

8th

Reed contact

9

longitudinal extension

10

logic module

11

circuit board

12

casing

13

bag

14

actuating means

15

first ring

16

second ring

17

third ring

18

fourth ring

19

drive transistor

20

LED

21

touch-sensitive input field

22

Remote control

23

receiver unit

24

encoders

Claims (18)

Luminaire with a housing with light exit region, arranged in the light exit region LED matrix, which comprises a plurality of juxtaposed rows of spaced LED in longitudinal direction, characterized in that the rows are individually controllable and means for progressive in the longitudinal extension on and off each adjacent lines, are provided, which include at least a first switching position generator. Luminaire according to claim 1, characterized in that the matrix has a larger number of lines than LED in a row. Luminaire according to claim 7, or 2, characterized in that the lines are formed as non-rectilinear lines. Luminaire according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a second switching position sensor of the same kind as the first switching position sensor is arranged, wherein both switching position encoders limit a luminous area. Luminaire according to claim 4, characterized in that a plurality of luminous areas are provided, each with two switching position sensors. Luminaire according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the means for progressing in the longitudinal extension switching on and off include a switching electronics for driving the LED, which is designed such that when the position of the Schaltpositionsgebers relative to a line not switched on and turned on when the switch position generator position relative to a line switched this off. Luminaire according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the switching position encoders are in a defined relation to the rows of the LED matrix. Luminaire according to claim 7, characterized in that the switching position sensor is movably connected to the housing. Luminaire according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a switching position sensor consists of a longitudinally displaceable actuating means which cooperates with a position sensor which is connected to the switching electronics. Luminaire according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a switching position generator is designed as a displaceable on the housing ring. Luminaire according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the adjusting means is provided with a magnet which is in operative connection with the position sensor, which is magnetically sensitive. Luminaire according to claim 11, characterized in that the position sensor consists of a plurality of longitudinally successively arranged reed contacts, which are connected to the switching electronics. Luminaire according to claim 11, characterized in that the position sensor is designed as a magnetrostrictive measuring system. Luminaire according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the switching position generator consists of a parallel to the LED matrix arranged touch-sensitive input field. Luminaire according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the switching position sensor is arranged in a remote control unit which is wirelessly connected to the receiving unit and this with the switching electronics. Luminaire according to claim 15, characterized in that the switching position generator consists of a rotary encoder, a keyboard or a touch-sensitive input field. Luminaire according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the switching position generator is provided with a luminosity of the LED adjusting first input means which is connected to the switching electronics, which is designed to control the luminous intensity of the LED according to the position of the input means. Luminaire according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the LED are designed as multi-color LED and the switching position generator is provided with a luminous color of the LED adjusting second input means, with the switching electronics is connected, which is designed to control the color of the LED according to the position of the input means.

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