JP5285343B2 - Lighting device, lighting apparatus, and lighting system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting device, a lighting fixture, and a lighting system that can adjust the brightness of a light source to a desired value by operating a power switch.

  For example, in a lighting fixture that turns on a light source represented by a fluorescent lamp, a lighting fixture with a dimming function that incorporates a lighting device that can adjust the brightness of the light source is widely used. In an illumination system using a plurality of these dimming lighting fixtures, a dimming signal line for sending a signal (analog signal or digital signal) indicating a dimming degree (dimming ratio) to each lighting fixture is laid. A lighting system that allows a user to arbitrarily adjust the brightness of a lighting fixture by transmitting a dimming signal indicating a desired dimming ratio to each lighting fixture from a dimming controller attached to a wall surface It is. However, in such a dimming lighting system, wiring work for laying both a power line for supplying commercial power to each lighting fixture and a dimming signal line for transmitting a dimming signal is required. In addition, in the case of so-called renewal in which an existing lighting fixture is replaced with a dimming lighting fixture from a non-dimming lighting fixture, there is a problem that the dimming signal line is not laid and cannot be handled. In order to solve this problem, for example, wireless dimming signal transmission using a remote controller or the like, and power line signal carrier technology in which a dimming signal is superimposed on a commercial power supply voltage have been proposed. The cost of the transmitter / receiver is high, which has been a factor in increasing the overall cost of the lighting system.

  On the other hand, for example, in a lighting fixture mainly for residential use, means for changing the brightness of the lighting fixture by turning on / off a power switch (wall switch) is used. For example, as described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-115799), each time the lighting apparatus recognizes a short-time power-off operation and recognizes a short-time power-off operation. In general, for example, a method of sequentially switching the brightness of the lamp in the order of full lighting → dimming lighting → extinguishing (nightlight) → full lighting is widely adopted.

  By using such means, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to newly install a dimming signal line, and the user can adjust the brightness of the luminaire using the existing power line. However, when such a lighting fixture is used for an application in which a plurality of lighting fixtures are connected to a single wall switch such as a lighting system for facilities, for example, the time for recognizing the power-off time for each lighting fixture. Therefore, when the power-off time operated by the user is not appropriate, the brightness of only some of the fixtures is changed, and the brightness (dimming ratio) setting values of the respective lighting fixtures vary. There was a problem.

  This problem will be described by taking as an example a case where two lighting fixtures A and B are connected to one wall switch using the operation explanatory diagram shown in FIG. Let T1 be the power-off time in the first power-off operation. Assuming that TA is a set time for recognizing the short-time power-off operation, the lighting device A recognizes that the short-time power-off operation has been performed and T1 <TA. Switches from dimming to dimming. On the other hand, the set time TB for the lighting fixture B to recognize the power-off operation for a short time has a relationship of TB <TA due to variations among the lighting fixtures, and the power-off time T1> TB by the wall switch. The luminaire B does not recognize that the power-off operation has been performed for a short time and continues to be fully lit.

  Therefore, the dimming state of each lighting fixture after the first power-off operation (that is, when the relationship of TB <T1 <TA) is set is different, and brightness variation occurs between the fixtures. Thereafter, since the power-off times T2 and T3 in the second and third power-off operations are in the relationship of T2 <TB <TA and T3 <TB <TA, the dimming setting is set for each lighting fixture. The dimming setting is sequentially switched while switching and the dimming state are different from each other. Usually, since there is little variation in the set time (TA, TB) for the lighting fixtures to recognize the power-off operation for a short time, once there is a deviation in the dimming setting values, all the lighting fixtures are dimmed. It is very difficult to align the set values again, and a fatal problem occurs particularly when the number of lighting fixtures connected to the wall switch is large.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, a special reset means for returning the dimming setting value of all the lighting fixtures to a predetermined value is provided, or a short-time power-off operation within a predetermined time is provided. Set the number of operations to turn off the power, such as full lighting if 1 time, 75% dimming if 3 times, 50% dimming if 3 times, 25% dimming if 4 times. It was necessary to use means such as uniquely determining the relationship of the dimming ratio. As a result, even if a deviation occurs in the dimming setting value for each lighting fixture due to variations in the lighting fixture setting time for recognizing the power-off operation, the setting operation is performed again after performing the reset operation once. Thus, it is possible to align the light control setting values.

  However, even in such a lighting system, especially when there are a large number of dimming ratios that can be set, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the variation in brightness of each lighting fixture, and it continues to be set incorrectly. There is a problem that it is highly likely to be used and the expected power saving effect cannot be obtained. In addition, in the method of setting the dimming ratio according to the number of power-off operations, it is practically difficult to select the brightness of the lighting fixture in a stepless or very large number of steps. .

On the other hand, according to Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-103199), when the operator performs a first operation to turn on / off the power switch, the value that has been set for the dimming rate of the discharge lamp until then. Of the dimming rate that is tentatively changed at a predetermined time interval and then tentatively changed when the operator performs a second operation to turn on / off the power switch. It has been proposed to control the discharge lamp to light with the dimming rate at that time as the dimming ratio thereafter. However, even in the method of Patent Document 2, once there is a deviation in the dimming setting value for each lighting fixture, even if the first power switch is turned on / off, there is a deviation in the dimming rate. However, since the dimming rate is tentatively changed as it is, there is a problem that a normal dimming rate cannot be set. For this reason, when a deviation occurs in the dimming setting values for each lighting fixture, it is necessary to perform a special reset operation for returning the dimming setting values of all the lighting fixtures to predetermined values.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-115799 JP 2008-103199 A

  As explained in the above-mentioned prior art, in the lighting system that can adjust the brightness of the lighting fixture by the operation of the wall switch (power switch), it is not necessary to lay the dimming signal line, and the construction is easy. Although there is an advantage that it is possible to easily cope with renewal, there is a possibility that the brightness setting may not be normally performed in all the lighting fixtures when a plurality of lighting fixtures are operated collectively.

  It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to adjust the brightness of a lighting fixture by operating a wall switch (power switch) and to allow a user to easily and reliably set a dimming ratio by operating the wall switch. And

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a lighting circuit unit 5 that lights a light source 4 by receiving a power supply voltage, and an output control unit that controls the lighting circuit unit 5 and performs dimming of the light source 4. 6, a storage element 9 for storing a dimming ratio setting value, and a degree of dimming and lighting the light source 4 in the output control unit 6 based on the dimming ratio setting value stored in the memory element 9 In the lighting device 3, which includes a dimming control unit 7 that outputs a command value of a dimming ratio indicating the power supply, and a power source detection unit 8 that detects the power source voltage and determines the on / off state of the power source. 7 receives a signal from the power supply detection unit 8 and detects a first predetermined power on / off operation, a dimming ratio command value to be output to the output control unit 6 is set to a predetermined value. When switching to the dimming ratio setting mode that switches sequentially from the value step by step or continuously Furthermore, during the dimming ratio setting mode period, the dimming ratio command value when the dimming control unit 7 detects a second predetermined power on / off operation is set as a new dimming ratio setting value. Means for storing in the storage element 9 is provided , and when the dimming control unit 7 shifts to the dimming ratio setting mode, notifying means for notifying the user that the dimming ratio setting mode is to be shifted is provided. It is a feature.

  According to the present invention, the brightness of the lighting fixture can be adjusted by operating a power switch such as a wall switch, and the user can set the dimming ratio while checking the actual brightness of the lighting fixture or a change in the brightness. Since it is possible, the dimming ratio can be set easily and reliably. Moreover, it is possible to comprise so that the brightness of a lighting fixture can be selected from stepless or very many steps. Furthermore, in the dimming ratio setting mode, the dimming ratio setting value for each lighting fixture is shifted because the dimming ratio command value is sequentially switched from a predetermined value step by step or continuously. Even in the case where the light is emitted, the brightness of each lighting fixture can be made uniform without performing a special reset operation.

<Embodiment 1>
As a first embodiment of the present invention, the illumination system of FIG. 1 will be described. In FIG. 1, a wall switch 1 is a power switch for turning on / off the supply of commercial power to a plurality of lighting fixtures A, B,. Note that the connection of the commercial power source to the wall switch 1 is general and will not be described here. The power is supplied from the wall switch 1 to the plurality of lighting fixtures A, B,... Further, each of the lighting fixtures A, B,..., Z has a light source 4 and a lighting device 3 mounted on the lighting fixture, supplying commercial power to the lighting device 3, and the lighting device 3 lighting the light source 4. By doing so, a lighting system is configured.

  Next, the detailed structure of the lighting device 3 is shown in FIG. The lighting device 3 is supplied with power from the commercial power supply AC via the power line 2 from the wall switch 1, and controls the lighting circuit unit 5 for lighting the light source 4 and the lighting circuit unit 5, and outputs (brightness) of the light source 4. The output control unit 6 for controlling the power supply voltage, the power supply detection unit 8 for detecting the state of the power supply voltage supplied to the lighting device 3 and determining the on / off state of the wall switch 1, and the light control to the output control unit 6 The light control unit 7 that outputs a command value and a non-volatile memory 9 that stores the light control command value that the light control unit 7 outputs to the output control unit 6 are configured.

  Next, the operation of this system will be described using the operation explanatory diagram of FIG. When the power detection unit 8 detects the on / off state of the wall switch 1 and the dimming control unit 7 detects a predetermined power on / off operation (here, the power off operation for a short time T1), the dimming control unit 7 shifts from the normal lighting mode to the dimming ratio setting mode. In the dimming ratio setting mode, the dimming control unit 7 turns on the dimming ratio every predetermined time interval (for example, about every 10 to several tens of seconds) → 75% dimming → 50% dimming → 25% dimming → Outputs the dimming command value to the output control unit 6 so as to automatically and repeatedly switch over, such as full lighting. In this dimming ratio setting mode, the dimming control unit 7 stores the dimming ratio when the predetermined power on / off operation (here, power off operation) is detected next in the nonvolatile memory 9.

  When the power is turned on next time, the dimming control unit 7 reads the dimming ratio stored in the nonvolatile memory 9 and outputs a dimming command value corresponding to the read dimming ratio to the output control unit 6. The lighting circuit unit 5 operates so as to light the light source 4 with the dimming ratio stored in the nonvolatile memory 9.

  As described above, the plurality of lighting fixtures connected to one wall switch 1 by a predetermined power on / off operation shifts to the dimming ratio setting mode in which the dimming ratio changes automatically in sequence, thereby allowing the user to It becomes possible to set the brightness of each lighting fixture to a desired brightness while actually confirming the brightness or a change in brightness with a measuring means such as visual observation or an illuminometer. Further, even if some lighting fixtures cannot shift to the dimming ratio setting mode due to variations in the power on / off recognition time of each lighting fixture, the user can recognize it from the change in brightness. There is an effect that the possibility of erroneous setting as described can be greatly reduced.

  It should be noted that the predetermined power on / off operation for shifting to the dimming ratio setting mode is performed for a short time to turn off or for a short time to turn on the power in order to prevent accidental switching to the dimming ratio setting mode. It may be defined by the number of operations, or may be defined by the number of power on / off operations within a predetermined time.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the change in the dimming ratio in the dimming ratio setting mode may be repeated from full lighting to lower limit dimming, or may be repeated from full lighting to lower limit dimming to full lighting. Good.

  Further, the lighting device 3 may be configured by one circuit block, or is divided into a control circuit block that performs the above-described control and a lighting circuit block that performs dimming lighting of the light source 4 in accordance with a signal from the control circuit block. May be configured.

<Embodiment 2>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an operation explanatory diagram shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the present embodiment continuously changes the dimming ratio in the dimming ratio setting mode in the configuration and operation of the lighting system, lighting fixture, and lighting device of the first embodiment (approximately). Including continuous multi-stage). Since other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  According to this example, since the user can set the dimming ratio to an arbitrary brightness within a predetermined dimming range, the convenience can be further improved. Further, in the first embodiment, when the power is turned off in the vicinity of the timing at which the dimming ratio is automatically switched in the dimming ratio setting mode, the dimming ratio switching timing for each lighting fixture varies depending on the variation in timing. Although there was a possibility that the setting value of the dimming ratio for each lighting fixture may vary, in this example, the dimming ratio changes continuously, so dimming due to variations in the dimming ratio change speed of each lighting fixture. Variations in the ratio setting value can be suppressed to a level that is substantially free of problems.

<Embodiment 3>
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an operation explanatory diagram shown in FIG. In this embodiment, in the configuration and operation of the lighting system, lighting fixture, and lighting device of Embodiment 1 or 2, as shown in FIG. 5A, the change in the dimming ratio in the dimming ratio setting mode The number of repetitions is limited.

  As shown to Fig.5 (a), when the frequency | count of a change of a light control ratio changes reaches a limit frequency (here 2 times), it is comprised so that it may reset to a normal lighting mode automatically. In this case, the dimming ratio setting value is not stored in the non-volatile memory 9, and the lighting apparatus continues to be lit based on the previously set dimming ratio setting value after returning to the normal lighting mode.

  According to this example, even if the normal operation of the wall switch 1 is mistakenly switched to the dimming ratio setting mode, the dimming ratio setting is inadvertently changed because the normal lighting mode is automatically restored. Can be prevented. In addition, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent a shift in the change timing of the dimming ratio due to variations in the dimming ratio change speed of each lighting fixture in the dimming ratio setting mode from increasing as the number of repetitions increases.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, by defining a predetermined power on / off operation for storing the dimming ratio setting value in the dimming ratio setting mode as a short time (T2) power off operation. In the case of accidentally shifting to the dimming ratio setting mode by the normal operation of the wall switch 1, even when the power is turned off during the dimming ratio setting mode, the dimming ratio setting value is not stored. It is possible to prevent the dimming ratio setting from being changed carelessly.

<Embodiment 4>
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an operation explanatory diagram shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, in the configuration and operation of the lighting system, the lighting fixture, and the lighting device according to the first to third embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, a notification that informs the user that the mode has been shifted to the dimming ratio setting mode. A mode is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when a predetermined power on / off operation (here, a power off operation for a short time T1) is detected, the lighting device 3 blinks the light source 4 (here, blinks twice), and illumination is performed. Inform the user that the instrument has entered the dimming ratio setting mode. Thus, by providing a notification function that informs the user that the lighting fixture has shifted to the dimming ratio setting mode, all of the plurality of lighting fixtures connected to one wall switch 1 shift to the dimming ratio setting mode. The user can easily recognize this. Therefore, even when some lighting fixtures cannot shift to the dimming ratio setting mode due to variations in the power on / off recognition time of each lighting fixture, the user recognizes it and restarts the setting operation, It is possible to prevent an erroneous setting that the dimming ratio setting values of the lighting fixtures are set differently. Further, even when the operation of the normal wall switch 1 is erroneously shifted to the dimming ratio setting mode, the user can easily recognize it and prevent the dimming ratio setting operation from being performed.

  As for the notification method, as shown in FIG. 6, in addition to blinking the light source 4 one or more times, a method of switching between full lighting and dimming lighting one or more times may be used. The example does not limit the notification means.

<Embodiment 5>
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an operation explanatory diagram shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, in the configuration and operation of the lighting systems, lighting fixtures, and lighting devices of the first to fourth embodiments, the dimming ratio setting value is normal in the dimming ratio setting mode as shown in FIG. Is provided with a notification mode for notifying the user that it has been updated.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the set value of the dimming ratio is stored in the nonvolatile memory 9 by a predetermined procedure in the dimming ratio setting mode, the lighting device 3 blinks the light source 4 (here, the power source 4 is turned on). 2 blinks) to inform the user that the dimming ratio setting value of the lighting fixture has been updated normally. In this way, by providing a notification function that notifies the user that the dimming ratio setting value has been successfully updated, all the dimming ratios of the plurality of lighting fixtures connected to one wall switch 1 are normally updated. The user can easily recognize this. Therefore, even when the dimming ratio setting of some lighting fixtures is not normally performed, the user can recognize it and redo the setting operation.

  Further, when the dimming ratio is selected in a stepwise manner as in the first embodiment, by changing the number of blinks according to the set dimming ratio, all the lighting fixtures have the desired dimming ratio. The user can easily recognize that the setting has been made. That is, if the number of blinking of each luminaire is different, it can be easily recognized that the setting value has varied, so that the setting operation can be performed again.

  In addition, when continuously selecting the dimming ratio as in the second embodiment, by changing the blinking time according to the set dimming ratio, all the lighting fixtures have the desired dimming ratio. The user can easily recognize that the setting has been made. That is, if the blinking time of each lighting fixture is different, it can be easily recognized that the setting value has varied, so that the setting operation can be performed again.

  As a notification method, in addition to blinking of the light source 4 as shown in FIG. 7, a method of repeating all lighting and dimming lighting may be used, and this embodiment limits the notification means. is not.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the illumination system of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the lighting fixture of this invention, and a lighting device. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing for demonstrating the subject of a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Wall switch 2 Power supply line 3 Lighting device 4 Light source AZ Lighting fixture

Claims (9)

A lighting circuit unit that turns on a light source in response to supply of a power supply voltage, an output control unit that controls the lighting circuit unit and performs dimming of the light source, a storage element that stores a setting value of a dimming ratio, and the memory A dimming control unit that outputs a dimming ratio command value indicating the degree of dimming and lighting of the light source to the output control unit based on a set value of the dimming ratio stored in a million element, and detects the power supply voltage In a lighting device comprising a power source detection unit for determining an on / off state of a power source, when the dimming control unit receives a signal from the power source detection unit and detects a first predetermined power on / off operation In addition, the dimming ratio setting mode period in which the command value of the dimming ratio to be output to the output control unit is switched to a dimming ratio setting mode in which the predetermined value set in advance is sequentially switched stepwise or continuously. The dimming control unit is a second predetermined Means for storing in said memory element provided command value of the dimming ratio when detecting the power on / off operation as the setting for the new dimming ratio,
A lighting device comprising: a notification unit that notifies the user that the dimming control unit shifts to the dimming ratio setting mode when the dimming control unit shifts to the dimming ratio setting mode .   During the dimming ratio setting mode period, the dimming control unit repeatedly switches the dimming ratio command value to be output to the output control unit sequentially from a predetermined value in a stepwise or continuous manner. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is performed.   An upper limit is set for the number of times the dimming control unit repeats the operation of switching the dimming ratio command value output to the output control unit in a stepwise or continuous manner from a predetermined value set in advance. When the upper limit is exceeded, the dimming ratio setting mode is terminated, and the dimming control unit sets the dimming ratio to the output control unit based on the dimming ratio setting value stored in the storage element. The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the command value is output. The lighting device according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user that a new setting value of the dimming ratio is stored in the storage element . 5. The lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification means is blinking of a light source or increase / decrease of a dimming ratio . The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the notification method of the notification unit is changed according to a set value of the dimming ratio stored in the storage element . The notification means is blinking of the light source or increase / decrease of the dimming ratio, and the number of flashing or dimming ratio increase / decrease, flashing, or dimming according to the set value of the dimming ratio stored in the storage element. The lighting device according to claim 6, wherein the light ratio increase / decrease time is changed . An illumination fixture comprising: a lighting device, and a light source according to claim 1. 9. A lighting system comprising: a power switch; and a plurality of lighting fixtures according to claim 8 to which a power supply voltage is supplied via the power switch .

Images