DE202005018998U1 - Electric candle for lighting Christmas tree, has electric circuits to switch-on and/or switch-off LED, and internal battery, where electric circuits have contactless proximity switches with Hall sensor for detecting proximate object - Google Patents

Abstract

The candle has an electric light source (7) e.g. LED, to produce the candle flame light, and electric circuits e.g. surface mounted device (SMD) circuit, to switch-on and/or switch-off the source. The circuit includes contactless proximity switches with a magnetic sensor e.g. Hall sensor (6), for detecting a proximate object. An internal battery (3) with a voltage ranging from 0.8 to 1.5 volt, is provided in the candle. An independent claim is also included for a system including an electric candle.

Description

The The invention relates to an electric candle, in particular Christmas tree candle, which a candle body, an electric light source for generating the candle flame light and an electrical circuit for turning on / off the electrical Light source includes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising such an electric candle and a candle extinguisher.

It It is already known to replace candlesticks with artificial lighting. In particular, more artificial Christmas tree lights are used as they increase the risk of fire exclude and the replacement of spent candles can be omitted. There are both wireless electric candles with an internal energy storage as well as wired lighting systems.

The font DE 203 03 609 U1 describes an electric lighting device in candle form. In the shaft of the electric candle light, a battery is housed.

The font DE 203 02 795 U1 also describes a wireless electric Christmas tree candle. The candle comprises an electrical circuit with a DC-DC converter to increase the battery voltage to a voltage suitable for the lamp voltage. The switching on / off takes place via a remote control. For this purpose, the electric Christmas tree candle is equipped with an ultrasonic receiver or an infrared photodiode.

The writing DE 20 2005 005 419 U1 A battery-operated candle with an electric lamp is to be removed, which is switched on or off in the manner of a flashlight via a battery contact spring.

Another battery powered Christmas tree light is in the font DE 296 15 410 U1 described. The lamp is switched on / off either via a light-sensitive switch or via a remote control. In the latter case, the luminaire is equipped with an integrated signal receiver.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an electric candle create with one for the practical use well suited on / off functionality is. In particular, an individual on and off the electric candle and a power-saving realization of On / Off function can be achieved.

The The invention is based task by the Characteristics of the independent claims solved. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are Subject of the dependent claims.

According to claim 1 comprises an electrical according to the invention Candle a candle body, an electric light source for generating the candle flame light and an electrical circuit for turning on / off the electrical Light source. According to the invention the electrical circuit a non-contact proximity switch on.

Of the contactless proximity switch causes an individual on / off of the electrical Candle alone by an approach of an object (e.g., by hand or, as more fully described below) especially for that provided object) can be effected. This will clear the natural Candles modeled candle extinguishing process brought about. About that can out proximity switch be realized energy saving.

A Particularly preferred embodiment of the electric candle features The fact that the electric candle is wireless and one internal energy storage, in particular battery or accumulator, having. In this case, the power-saving realization option comes of proximity switches a special meaning too. About that In addition, this embodiment has the known advantages of the wireless Realization (free choice of place of the candle, none the aesthetic Appearance disturbing Wiring).

Preferably indicates the non-contact proximity switch for detecting an approaching object a magnetic sensor, in particular Hall sensor on. In this Case, the object to be detected is provided with a magnet. As soon as the magnet is sufficiently close to the Hall sensor, that of the Magnetic magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor and causes the switching on and / or off of the electric light source.

To a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the contactless proximity switch for detecting an approaching object a capacitive sensor. Opposite the use of one a magnetic field responsive sensor has a capacitive sensor the advantages on it being cheaper than a magnetic field sensor is manufacturable and that no special aid (magnet) too his activity is required. For example, capacitive proximity switches only by the approximation the hand raised become.

Preferably, the electrical circuit includes a DC-DC converter. This will achieve that the battery voltage is transformed to a higher value, which is sufficient for the operation of an integrated circuit and / or the electric light source (eg LED). Thereby, the electric candle with a single battery, for example, a voltage between 0.8 V to 1.5 V are operated, whereby the weight of the candle can be kept low.

Preferably is used as a light source, an LED. This will be a lesser Electricity requirement and a long service life of the electric light source guaranteed.

The The invention further relates to a system comprising an electrical Candle of the type mentioned and a candle extinguisher for operating the Proximity switch. The use of a candle extinguisher causes the candle to be extinguished like a real flame candle can. This is on the one hand a certain gag dar. Beyond can be achieved by using a candle extinguisher This always due to its shape in a defined position brought to the proximity switch becomes. This is the reliability the operation of the proximity switch elevated. Furthermore, due to the defined actuation position of the candle extinguisher, can reduce the sensitivity of the proximity switch be reduced, resulting in lower quiescent demand of the proximity switch allows.

Especially the advantages mentioned are modeled on a conventional candle extinguisher cup-shaped or conical candle extinguisher achieved since the extinguishing cup or deletes judge during the deletion process Exactly about the modeled candle flame is lowered. It's just as good However, it is also possible that instead of the extinguishing cup or extinguishing funnel bifurcated or annular Proximity element provided and e.g. attached to the end of a stalk, which the candle is defined during the deletion process embraces.

Especially at a capacitive proximity sensor is the candle extinguisher from an electrically conductive Material, preferably of metal.

The Invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference closer to the drawings described; in the drawings shows

1 a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an electric candle;

2 a cross-sectional view of the plug body;

3 a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit according to the invention;

4 a circuit diagram of an electrical circuit with magnetic field sensor; and

5 the combination of an electric candle with a candle extinguisher.

The 1 and 2 show an exemplary illustration of an inventive electric candle. This comprises a hollow cylindrical plug body 1 and a luminous body 2 , The candle body 1 is for example made of plastic and in its external appearance of a standard candle (eg Christmas tree candle) modeled. For example, its height H1 = 75 mm, its outer circumference Ua = 16.5 mm and its inner circumference Ui = 14.5 mm. In the lower part of the candle body 1 there is a battery 3 , eg a 1.5 V Mignon AA cell, which may have a height of H2 = 50.5 mm. Possible, for example, is the use of a micro AAA cell. Above the battery 3 There is an SMD (Surface Mounted Device) board 4 on which an electrical circuit is constructed (other boards or mounting methods are also possible). A head section 5 the SMD board 4 protrudes from the top of the candle body 1 out and carry a sensor 6 and an LED 7 , The luminous body 2 has eg a screw thread 8th on which he is in an upper threaded section 9 of the candle body 1 is screwed. The Leuchtkör by 2 has, for example, a shape based on a natural candle flame and consists of a light-transmitting, light-scattering (ie opaque) material. When assembled, the head section is located 5 the SMD board 4 with the sensor attached to it 6 and the LED 7 inside the filament 2 ,

The luminous body 2 may for example have a height of H2 = 37 mm and a maximum diameter of D = 17 mm. Unlike in the 1 shown, the sensor can 6 be arranged so that it is on the inner wall of the filament 2 is present or located immediately adjacent the Leuchtkörperinnenwandung.

Depending on the design of the proximity switch, it may be in the sensor 6 For example, be a magnetic field sensor, in particular Hall sensor, or a capacitive sensor. The LED 7 is preferably a yellow LED. The luminous body 2 is preferably gray or colorless, but may optionally also have a suitable hue.

The foot of the candle body 1 can be provided in a manner not shown with a - especially integrally molded - clamping system, by means of which the candle can be attached to the Christmas tree. The clamping system can be used to align the electric candle 1 . 2 be equipped with a ball joint. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the electric candle 1 . 2 For example, to use an Advent wreath and equip for this purpose with a suitable foot (eg a thorn). Alternatively, the electric candle 1 . 2 also like in 1 be realized without fastening device and be used in conventional candle holders.

3 shows by way of example a schematic diagram of a in the electric candle 1 . 2 used for coming electrical circuit. The electrical circuit comprises egg nen DC-DC converter 11 , a sensor electronics 20 , a flip-flop electronics 12 , the sensor 6 as well as the LED 7 , The battery voltage can be between 0.8 V and 1.5 V, for example. The DC-DC converter 11 transforms the battery voltage to a voltage value of, for example, 3.3 V. The transformed voltage is the sensor electronics 20 supplied with the sensor 6 communicates. The output signal of the sensor electronics 20 becomes the flip-flop electronics 12 fed the LED 7 on / off.

If there is evidence in the detection range of the sensor 6 located object takes the output signal of the sensor electronics 20 a high value. As a result, approaching and subsequently removing a detected object causes a pulse 21 in the output signal of the sensor electronics 20 , A first of the sensor electronics 20 received pulse causes the output side of the flip-flop electronics 12 connected LED from the DC-DC converter 11 is supplied with power. Only at a renewed detection of an approaching object, ie when a second pulse occurs 21 at the entrance of the flip-flop electronics 12 , the LED becomes 7 disconnected from the power supply, ie switched off.

4 shows a first embodiment of an electrical circuit with a magnetic field proximity switch, the structure of the circuit diagram of 3 equivalent. The same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals. As a DC-DC converter 11 For example, the MAX1724EZK33 converter from MAXIM can be used. One via the DC-DC converter 11 Returned impedance L1 can be 10 μH and capacitances C1 and C2 can each be 10 μF.

The output voltage of 3.3 V of the DC-DC converter 11 is an integrated circuit IC1 12 , a Hall sensor 13 and a capacitance C4 (for example, 0.1 μF). Furthermore, it is connected to a series circuit consisting of a Tran sistor T1 (eg the type designation BC 548), the LED 7 and a suitably selected resistor R1.

At the Hall sensor 13 (corresponds to the sensor 6 in the 1 ) may be, for example, the hall sensor from Allegro with the type designation A3212. Between input I for the supply voltage (requires 2.5 V to 3.5 V) and the output O of the Hall sensor 13 is a resistance R2 of eg 50 kΩ. A capacitance C3 between ground and the output O of the Hall sensor 13 can be 10 pF, for example.

The output O of the Hall sensor 13 is the integrated circuit IC1 12 fed. This is a dual-D type flip-flop. For example, the integrated circuit with the type designation HEF4013B from Philips Semiconductor can be used. The integrated circuit IC1 12 the output side is connected to the control input of the switching transistor T1. Once the Hall sensor 13 detects a magnetic field, the output O of the Hall sensor 13 switched from the supply voltage to ground. The IC1 12 then controls the switching transistor T1 in the forward mode, the LED 7 is turned on. According to the mode of operation of the double-D flip-flop in the IC1 12 remains the ON state of the LED 7 obtained when the magnetic field is removed and the output O of the Hall sensor 6 back to supply voltage potential (3.3V). Only at a repeated detection of a magnetic field (the output O of the Hall sensor 13 switches to ground), the output of the double-D flip-flop changes in IC1 12 , Then the switching transistor T1 and the LED blocks 7 goes out.

Is according to a second embodiment of the sensor 6 a capacitive sensor used, the electrical circuit can also be used in 3 have shown basic structure. In terms of the DC-DC converter 11 and the flip-flop electronics 12 can the same components as in the 4 shown used. Possible realizations of the sensor electronics 20 for capacitive sensors are known in the art and can be found on the Internet, for example, at http://www.qsl.net/dk5ke/csensor.html or http://www.atx-netzteil.de/kapazitiver_sensor.htm.

For example, the sensor electronics 20 for a capacitive sensor in a manner not shown here (in addition to the designed as an integrated circuit flip-flop electronics 12 (IC1)) also contain an integrated circuit. This integrated circuit includes an oscillator which is connected to the capacitive sensor 6 (ie a metal surface) is connected (see http://www.atx-netzteil.de/kapazitiver_sensor.htm). Both the inverted oscillator signal and the capacitive sensor 6 related oscillator signal can be the flip-flop electronics 12 be forwarded. As long as these two signals almost simultaneously on the flip-flop electronics 12 arrive, this does not change their switching state. Only when by approaching (or touching) the sensor surface of the capacitive sensor 6 that over the sensor 6 guided oscillator signal is significantly delayed by the body capacitance to ground, turns on the flip-flop electronics 12 on the output side, the LED 7 one.

The switching state of the flip-flop electronics 12 (eg the IC1 in 4 ) is at a removal of the object (eg fingers or aids) from the capacitive sensor 6 maintained and only changes when the object is approached again to the capacitive sensor 6 ,

5 shows an elevational view of an electric candle according to the invention in combination with a candle extinguisher. The candle extinguisher has a handle 30 and at its end an extinguishing cup or extinguishing funnel 31 on. If a magnetic proximity switch is used, located in the inner wall of the extinguishing cup or extinguishing funnel 31 a small magnet 32 (Orientation irrelevant), which is the magnetic field for the Hall sensor 6 . 13 provides and thus the switching on and off of the LED 7 via the Hall sensor 6 . 13 causes. The candle extinguisher 30 . 31 can be realized for example from a plastic material. In the case of a capacitive proximity sensor 6 is the candle extinguisher 30 . 31 eg of metal.

The candle extinguisher 30 . 31 can also be used to "light" the electric candle. Instead of a blotting cup or extinguishing funnel 31 can also be used a ring or fork-shaped tail, or it can be completely dispensed with such an end piece.

The transverse dimension of the extinguishing cup or extinguishing funnel 31 is only slightly larger than the diameter of the filament 2 at the height of the sensor 6 , This ensures that the extinguishing cup or extinguishing funnel 31 when lowering onto the luminous element 2 always in close proximity to the proximity sensor 6 arrives. This can reduce the sensitivity of the proximity sensor 6 be reduced and thus a low power consumption of the sensor electronics 20 be achieved.

Both embodiments is common that compared to cable-powered Christmas tree candles, other fairy lights or single, operated by hand switch Candles the electrical according to the invention Candles used singly and flexible like real candles on the Christmas tree can be attached. You can individually and without manually operated on / off switch the candle will be switched. In combination with the candle extinguisher, the Candle to be extinguished like a real flame candle. Using A 1.5V Mignon AA battery is the burning time depending on the quality of the battery used between 80 and 120 hours.

Claims (15)

Electric candle comprising a candle body ( 1 ), an electric light source ( 7 ) for producing the candle flame light and an electrical circuit ( 6 . 11 . 12 . 20 ) for switching on and / or off the electric light source, characterized in that the electrical circuit is a non-contact proximity switch ( 6 . 20 ). Electric candle according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric candle is wireless and an internal energy storage ( 3 ), in particular battery or accumulator. Electric candle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the non-contact proximity switch ( 6 . 20 ) for detecting an approaching object a magnetic sensor ( 6 . 13 ), in particular Hall sensor. Electric candle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the non-contact proximity switch ( 6 . 20 ) for detecting an approaching object, a capacitive sensor ( 6 ) having. Electric candle according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the electrical circuit ( 6 . 11 . 12 . 20 ) a DC-DC converter ( 11 ) contains. Electric candle according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the electrical circuit ( 6 . 11 . 12 . 20 ) contains at least one integrated circuit (IC1). Electric candle according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the electrical circuit ( 6 . 11 . 12 . 20 ) is an SMD circuit. Electric candle according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the electric candle ( 1 . 2 ) only a single battery ( 3 ), in particular a 1.5V AA cell or an AAA cell. Electric candle according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the light source ( 7 ) is an LED. Electric candle according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the electric candle ( 1 . 2 ) is a Christmas tree candle. System comprising an electric candle ( 1 . 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims and a candle extinguisher and / or lighter ( 30 . 31 ) for actuating the proximity switch ( 20 . 6 ). System according to claim 11, characterized in that the candle extinguisher and / or lighter ( 30 . 31 ) a conical or cup-shaped extinguishing cup ( 31 ) having. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the candle extinguisher and / or lighter ( 30 . 31 ) has a ring or fork-shaped end piece. System according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the candle extinguisher and / or lighter ( 30 . 31 ) is made of metal. System according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the non-contact proximity switch ( 6 . 20 ) for detecting an approaching object a magnetic sensor ( 6 . 13 ), in particular Hall sensor, and the candle extinguisher and / or lighter ( 30 . 31 ) with a magnet ( 32 ) is equipped.