JPH08321209A - Improved type system for individually performing remote control of luminaire provided at intervals - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a sensor sensitive to an infrared remotely controlled transmitter from being affected by infrared radiation emanating from an electric bulb itself. SOLUTION: An infrared radiation transmitting rod 83 for guiding infrared radiation from a transmitter to the sensor 22 of a radiation receiver 20 is provided within a luminaire. The inner end 83a of the rod 83 is introduced into the housing 60 of the receiver 20 from its opening 71 and faces the sensor 22, and the outer end 83b of the rod 83 projects slightly outward from an opening 80 formed in the wiring path cover 79 of the luminaire. The outer periphery of the rod 83 is covered with a shield layer. Therefore, the infrared radiation emitted from an electric bulb in the luminaire does not enter the rod 83. Since the outer end of the rod 83 faces the exterior of the luminaire, the infrared radiation from the transmitter readily impinges thereon.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control for a lighting fixture, and more particularly, to an improvement of a system for selectively controlling a plurality of lighting fixtures mounted on a head with a hand-held infrared transmitter and its components. It also relates to improvements to the system and components described in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 407,696 entitled "Remote Control System for Individually Controlling Remotely Installed Lighting Fixtures". The filing date of the US patent application is the same as the US filing date of the present application. The subject matter described in that US patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A conventional luminaire remote control system is described in detail in the above-referenced US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 407,696.

A plurality of discharge lamps spaced apart from each other
It is well known to illuminate a space (eg with a fluorescent lamp), or with an incandescent lamp. Generally, one or more fluorescent lamps are provided with a ballast in one luminaire. The lighting fixtures are provided at four foot centers or eight foot centers on the ceiling at intervals. Similarly, a plurality of overhead incandescent light fixtures are provided at each center spaced greater than approximately 2 feet. The above-mentioned plurality of conventional lighting fixtures are usually connected to one power source and can be switched off and on at the same time.
If these devices have a dimming function, they are dimmed simultaneously.

It is also known to individually control or dim such overhead mounted luminaires. For example, in an office space, when one worker and another worker are at a workplace separated by a predetermined distance, one worker
More or less light may be desired or required by other workers than desired or required. There are known dimming systems that are capable of selectively dimming the lights of some luminaires to meet the needs of individual operators. For example, each luminaire can be individually cabled to a dimmer located remotely from it. However, installing the cables can be quite expensive and it is not easy for the system user to immediately determine which dimmer controls which luminaire.

Alternatively, the dimmer can be incorporated into each luminaire. And this dimmer is controlled by a signal sent by a low voltage cable, or
Controlled by a signal sent on a line voltage cable through the power line carrier system. Unfortunately, however, these two conventional devices require expensive interface devices within each luminaire to convert and / or decode the received dimmer control signals.

According to another known system, a dimmer with dimming control is provided in each luminaire, which control is, for example, via a rigid pole having a dimension long enough to reach the luminaire. It is operated manually by rotating the. In this case, each luminaire can be selectively adjusted. However,
This system is inconvenient to use, and once the illuminance of the luminaire is set, it is difficult or inconvenient to readjust it. Furthermore, it is difficult to retrofit a control system having this characteristic into an existing facility and install it.

A known fluorescence controller system is sold by Colortran Inc., having an address in Burbank, California under the name "Sector Fluorescence Controller". According to this “sector fluorescence controller”, the infrared receiver is provided at a position apart from each fluorescent lamp fixture. Therefore, whether this receiver is fixed to the T-shaped bar, fixed to the wall or fixed to the louver,
Or it is embedded in a flat hole that is flush with the ceiling or wall. Therefore, in addition to the conventional dimming ballast, a ballast controller is provided in the luminaire. Then, a ballast controller provided inside the lighting fixture and an external infrared receiver are connected by a cable. The dimming level is controlled by illuminating an infrared receiver at one or more luminaires from a handheld remote control infrared transmitter.

Wiring from an external sensor complicates the installation of the device. In addition, since the sensor is remote from the lighting equipment, a separate installation work is required and the sensor is exposed to the outside. In addition, the Colortran infrared transmitter has a launch angle of 30 degrees. Therefore, several receivers will be illuminated simultaneously, so that the user
It is difficult to selectively control only one luminaire unless it is in the correct position below the luminaire to be controlled.

A system similar to the above system is Silvertown High Tech Corporation (Silvertown
It is sold by Hitech Corporation. In this system, an infrared receiver is provided on the louver of the fluorescent luminaire. In this system, the infrared receiver is adapted only to the particular fluorescent lamp luminaire, which tends to block the light output from the luminaire.

A further system is Matsushita
It is sold by Shita). In this system, one transmitter can individually control two or more receivers. This can be achieved by adjusting the switch of the transmitter to match the preset switch setting of the receiver corresponding to the luminaire to be controlled. For example, lighting device A can be controlled by setting the switch to the first position, and lighting device B can be controlled by setting the switch to the second position. In this system, the user remembers which luminaire corresponds to which switch position, ie luminaire A corresponds to the first position and luminaire B corresponds to the second position. I have to keep it.

The user is liable to forget, which causes confusion. Especially when controlling three or four luminaires by means of three or four switch positions, there is confusion, which is by no means preferable. Moreover, there is a practical limit to the number of switch positions that can be provided. On the other hand, in a large room, the number of lighting fixtures may exceed this limit. In addition, the programming and reprogramming of the receiver when the number of luminaires is large, for example 20 luminaires, becomes enormous.

US Patent Application No. 08 / 407,696 mentioned above.
The system according to the invention of the issue will be described in more detail below, but when compared to this system, the transmitter simply points the transmitter to the receiver in the luminaire to be controlled. This is simple, clear and ergonomically clear. Moreover, no programming or reprogramming of the receiver is required.

It is also known to use an infrared transmitter to control a dimmer equipped with a wall box.
Such an infrared transmitter is sold under the trade name of "Grafik Eye" by Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., the assignee of the present application. It is a preset dimming control.
A similar oscillator is also described in US Pat. No. 5,191,265. According to the "graphic eye" dimming control system, the control circuit provided in the wall box remotely controls the lighting equipment and other electric lights. An infrared transmitter directed at the housing of the wall box produces a beam. This beam provides information to switch on and off, information to set the dimming level of each luminaire to one of several preset levels, or to continuously increase or decrease the light intensity. Contains information to do. The above-mentioned Lutron Electronics Company, Inc. has another similar system under the trade name "Ranax-Wireless Dimming Control System (Ranax-Wi
reless dimming control system) ". These systems are not intended to control individual ceiling-mounted luminaires in a room independently of other nearby luminaires (these luminaires are approximately 2 feet apart from each other). ing).

The above-mentioned US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 407,696
The invention described in No. 1 solves the above problems. According to the invention, each luminaire to be controlled comprises a radiation receiver and a ballast control circuit. In the case of a fluorescent luminaire, this ballast control circuit is provided in the housing of the luminaire and is connected to the dimming ballast inside the housing of the luminaire. In the case of an incandescent lamp luminaire, each lamp to be controlled is equipped with a radiation receiver and a dimmer. These radiation receivers and dimmers are connected to the light to be controlled. By providing a small opening in the housing of each luminaire, it is optically connected to the radiation receiver and can be easily illuminated from any position in the room where each luminaire is located. For example, a radiation transmitter that emits a narrow beam with a beam angle of about 8 degrees is used, and this transmitter can irradiate the radiation receiving aperture provided in each lighting device, and is controlled at this time. Other luminaires that are more than about two feet away from the desired luminaire will not illuminate. In a room with an area of 30 feet square and a height of 10 feet, the luminaires that are 2 feet apart from each other can be easily distinguished from each other. When the space is even larger, the user himself / herself can move to distinguish the luminaires approaching each other.

The receiver has a novel structure and includes a printed circuit board arranged in the center of a usual back box. A radiation sensor is provided on the printed circuit board. This radiation sensor faces the opening side of the box covered by the yoke. The radiation used is preferably infrared light, and the yoke has a portion through which the infrared radiation passes in order to allow the infrared radiation to reach the radiation sensor. Focused high frequency ultrasound can also be utilized.

Further, either a visible or invisible laser beam containing information encoded in a conventional manner can be used. The laser beam is diffused by optical means such as a diverging lens. In the case of the visible beam, one can create a beam, such as a flashlight pointer, which makes it easier to direct the transmitter to the receiver.

Finally, it is also possible to use narrowly focused radio frequencies. These radio frequencies can be transmitted from a parabolic reflector provided on the transmitter. The parabolic reflector used has a diameter of about 4.3 cm and a frequency of 60 GH
z. The diverging beam has an angle of about 8 degrees. If radio frequency is used, of course the aperture used for optical signals will be redesigned.

US Patent Application No. 08 / 407,696
A novel mounting structure is provided for installing the receiver structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. According to this mounting method, the hook-and-loop type resin fastener surface is fixed to the yoke, and the hook-and-loop type fastener surface that cooperates with the hook-and-loop type fastener surface is provided inside each luminaire, preferably in each luminaire. It is attached to the wiring path cover of. Therefore, all wiring can be incorporated into the wiring path of each luminaire. An opening is formed in the wiring path cover of each luminaire to optically connect with a radiation receiver provided in the receiver housing. The housing of the receiver can easily be provided in the housing of the track, which allows it to communicate with the opening provided in the track cover. The receiver housing is then pushed into place. In order to focus the input radiation onto the sensing element of the radiation receiver,
An optical lens insert can be provided within the yoke. This lens insert is replaceable, and by preparing several kinds of lens inserts, several kinds of angles for receiving the input radiation can be prepared.

The lens slightly protrudes from the opening provided in the housing of each lighting fixture and receives the infrared rays emitted from the transmitter. The transmitter is an infrared transmitter of the type adopted in the above-mentioned Lutron Graphic Eye System used in the wall box type dimming system. The graphic eye transmitter is an infrared transmitter that emits a signal consisting of 12 different code combinations. The transmitter is capable of emitting at a beam angle of about 8 degrees, and thus can selectively illuminate relatively close ceiling-mounted luminaires. Depending on the control performed, the dimming of the selected luminaire can be adjusted to one of a plurality of preset dimming conditions, or the dimming can be increased or decreased continuously. In this way, the transmitter will increase, decrease, preset,
End trim and the like are possible. Alternatively, an oscillator with a slide or rotary actuator can be used to provide continuous dimming control.

This new structure has the great advantage that existing equipment can be retrofitted. Therefore, all that is required is to open a small opening in the wireway cover and match the opening in the wireway cover with the infrared receiver / ballast controller. A dimming ballast is then provided in the luminaire wiring and then connected to the receiver and ballast controller in the luminaire wiring. At this time, no external wiring is required. The wireway cover with the installed receiver and ballast controller is then reinstalled in each luminaire.

US Patent Application No. 08 / 407,696
It is stated that the invention described in the publication can also be used in many types of existing lighting fixtures and can be used with external switch dimming circuits. Photocells, occupancy sensors, time clocks, central relay panels and other input means can also be used with this new system. Further, according to the invention,
It is possible to operate any number of ballasts with a single receiver.

US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 407,696
The main application of the invention disclosed in the above issue is a large open plan office area illuminated by an overhead fluorescent light fixture such as a video display device such as a personal computer is particularly used. However, the present invention is also used in places where audio and visual presentations are made, hospitals, nursing homes, production areas and control rooms, to control safe lighting both indoors and outdoors, and to save energy. Used to lower the illumination level to save.

Further locations where the above invention may be utilized are damp locations where normal wall controls cannot be used due to the risk of electrical shock, or wall controls for controlling voltage are operated. It is a place with a dangerous atmosphere where there is a risk of explosion when sparks are triggered. In such places, the receiver can be provided in the protective device,
The lighting is also controlled by a hand-held remote control transmitter that operates at low voltage.

The above invention has been described with respect to controlling the level of illumination. However, the output from the receiver can also be used in a known manner to control the position of the motor, such as the position of the motor used in window shade control systems, or the speed of the motor. . The output from the receiver can also be used to control other types of actuators such as solenoids.

[0025]

The above-mentioned US patent application No. 0
The above invention described in 8 / 407,696 achieves its object sufficiently. However, it has been found that there are the following problems. That is, in this system, since the radiation is shielded by the shield plate or the lens of the luminaire or there is an unexpected reflection, there is a directionality of the sensitive direction. In addition, this system is sensitive to infrared radiation sources other than the infrared signal of a remotely operated transmitter. Furthermore, in this system, the receiver is insensitive and waiting for a signal, so that the response to a valid infrared signal from the transmitter is slow.

The above-mentioned US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 407,696
A further problem with the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,097 is that as the infrared receiver moves a distance from the housing, for example 24 inches, expensive fiber optic cables are required.

[0027]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, a radiation receiver extends from a radiation receiver housing and comprises an elongated radiation transmission means or antenna. This transmission means has a sufficiently long length from the wiring path of the luminaire to which the receiver is attached to its free end, and the free end is flush with the reflective surface of the luminaire or the surface of the lens cover. Is or penetrates it. In a general lighting fixture, a parabolic lens cover or a prism lens is used, so that it has a shielding structure. In this way, the shielding structure tends to block the radiation aiming line from a position forming a certain angle with respect to the vertical line lowered from the luminaire. Receiving at the free end of the radiation receiver by extending the radiation receiver so that its free end, or tip, lies in the outermost plane of the luminaire's shielding structure or projects slightly beyond it. The generated radiation is not affected by the shielding in the lens cover, that is, the internal reflection.

According to one embodiment, the radiation receiver comprises a rigid elongated radiation transmission rod made of a rigid elongated molded resin (eg acrylic or polycarbonate). And the diameter of the rod is not a critical dimension, for example 4
It is a fraction of an inch and its length is typically about 5 inches, although this is also not a critical dimension. These dimensions depend on the construction of the lens of the luminaire. The outer or free end of the receiver rod has a rounded or flattened end. On the other hand, the inner end of the rod in the receiver housing facing the sensor is preferably rounded in a convex shape. The axially extending shape of the rod may be arbitrary. For example, it may be a straight rod extending perpendicularly from the yoke of the receiver housing. Alternatively, it can be folded depending on the mounting needs when mounting the radiation receiver in the luminaire. Whatever its shape, it is important that the free end of the radiation receiver has a sufficient length dimension that it is not blocked by the obstruction member of the illuminator, i.e. the lens.

The receiver rod is any infrared transmitting resin rod, but several different shaped rods can be molded simultaneously in one mold. The plurality of differently shaped rods are carried with the receiver housing and / or system equipment. The user can select the rod shape that best fits his luminaire.

According to another refinement, a part of the receiver is covered with an infrared shielding material or structure. With this shielding material or the shielding structure, it is possible to shield the infrared rays of the electric lamp, improve the S / N ratio, and widen the reception range. By making the shielding structure of a parabolic curve, not only can infrared noise be shielded, but infrared signals can also be collected at the receiver rod.

Preferably, the radiation receiver rod or receiver guide is connectable to the receiver housing with a snap fit. And this fitting allows the rod to rotate freely around the axis at the connection to the receiver. Therefore, its end connected to the transmitter housing is always fixed with respect to the LED or other radiation sensor in the housing. However, the rotation of the end allows the position adjustment of the free end of the rod on the outer surface of the lens of the luminaire. Other connection methods such as a press-fitting method, a screwing method, a lock key method, or a bayonet connection method may be used.

The receiver housing according to the present invention is often remote from the location where it receives the signal from the transmitter.
In such a case, a flexible elongate radiation transmission member, i.e. a light pipe up to 2 feet in length, is employed, one end of which is fixed to the receiver housing while the free end is, for example, illuminated. Fix in the ceiling tile near the fixture. A conventional device that uses infrared rays as a carrier uses a light pipe consisting of an expensive ordinary fiber optic cable, one end of which is located near the infrared sensor in the receiver housing, while the other end is a free end. Was fixed to the connector, the free end of which penetrated the ceiling tile or the like and was exposed to the room space containing the luminaire. In this case, a ferule terminal is required at the end of the light pipe. Instead of a flexible optical fiber transmission body, it is preferable to adopt a cheaper infrared transmission body.

Light transmitters for visible light are available that consist of thin cables that are flexible and can be folded with radii of curvature as small as 1 inch. They are,
It is named "terminal optical fiber". This terminal optical fiber is composed of an elongated silicon monomer gel core for optical transmission with a clad layer made of Teflon (registered trademark) and a black resin jacket layer on the outside thereof. This device is used as a light transmitter for visible light used for spot lighting, floodlighting, underwater lighting, and the like. Teflon clad functions as a light shield,
The black jacket also protects the UV rays and prevents the gel core from becoming yellow. One of these cables is Lumenito International Corporation, which has an address in Costa Mesa, California.
Manufactured by Lumenyte Int'l Corporation and having a product number of EL100, its length is about 24 inches and its diameter is about 3/16 inch. These light conduits are less expensive than conventional infrared optical fibers.

The optical transmission core of the terminal optical fiber was believed to be extremely attenuator of infrared radiation, for example at a wavelength of about 880 nm. However, surprisingly, contrary to common sense, the following was found. That is, a terminal optical fiber cable having a gel core that transmits visible light does not attenuate infrared rays of about 880 nm, and is suitable for use as an infrared transmitter having a length of up to about 24 inches according to the present invention. , Almost no problem. Therefore, in the present invention, a low-priced terminal infrared optical fiber can be adopted in place of the long-priced and expensive elongated infrared optical fiber.

The fixed end of the terminal optical fiber can be snapped or fixed to the radiation receiver housing, as in the case of the rigid resin rod of short dimensions described above. Therefore, there is no need to modify the structure of the housing, which is generally acceptable for various types of radiation transmitters. If a terminal fiber optic cable is used, the cable need not be rotatable with respect to the housing. This is because the cable has the inherent flexibility.

A special connector is provided to secure the free end of the fiber optic cable to or through the ceiling tile. Generally, the connector comprises an elongated hollow tubular bush. The bush then has an elongated hollow sleeve that fits snugly within the opening in the ceiling tile. A flange is integrally formed on one end of the tubular body, and the flange is
Sit on the top surface of the ceiling tile that surrounds the tile opening. The black jacket is stripped off at the free end of the terminal optical fiber and screwed into the tubular bush until the free end projects about 1 inch from the bottom of the ceiling tile. A trim ring capable of receiving the focus lens is then pushed into the free end of the cable and press fit into the sleeve of the bush to secure the cable and bush to the tile.

According to a further feature of the new construction of the bush, the bottom edge of the bush is serrated to form a circular serrated edge. This serrated edge is used to cut a circular opening in the ceiling tile. Then, this circular opening exactly coincides with the outer size of the bush. The serrated edge is covered with a trim ring after the bush is installed.

It has been found that the radiation transmitter selects and is sensitive to external radiation, such as infrared radiation emanating from a light provided in the luminaire. Therefore, reduce the signal sensitivity of the receiver,
The receiver is designed to operate only on signals from the remote transmitter. However, this slows the response speed of the receiver to the code signal from the transmitter.

According to an improvement of the invention, the receiver circuit is in the "working" or more sensitive state when a valid start signal is continuously received from a "standby" state in which it does not respond to disturbing infrared signals. It is characterized by being switched to a high state. Therefore, when the receiver operates, the system will more easily respond to further signaling data. More specifically, each series of signals emitted by the infrared transmitter includes an 8-bit start byte and three data bytes or 24 bits. Each of the start bits is sampled four times by the receiver. And all four samples must have the bit high (this is called the 4/4 decision) in order to be a valid high bit. If all eight start bits are high, i.e. 32 consecutive high samples, the microcontroller considers a valid input signal and acts on the data signal. However, the next 24 data bits and all consecutive signals are judged valid by the 3/4 decision, which makes the control system run more smoothly. That is, when all bits are sampled four times, only three times are required to be high. The 3/4 decision criterion applies only if a repeat of the command (light level up, light level down, or program mode) is decoded. If the command is not repeated (10
When moving to a 0% light level or when moving to another preset light level), the decision criterion is returned to the 4/4 decision. Repeated commands such as increase or decrease can change the light level only slightly. To transition from a low light level to a high light level, for example, the unit must receive many commands. By relaxing the decision criteria, changes will be facilitated. This process continues until 1.5 seconds (or any other time) has passed without a command. The system then returns to the 4/4 decision. The 4/4 decision is referred to herein as the "insensitive state." It should be noted here that the above terms are "4/4 decision" and "3/4 decision", but these terms are broad as 100% and 75% decisions respectively. Can be interpreted.

As another feature of the invention, the receiver housing includes an active switch, such as a relay contact, triac, or the like, connected in series with the ballast power circuit to disconnect the ballast. The active switch is located within the receiver housing.

According to yet another feature of the invention, the novel construction of the receiver structure and circuit is incorporated within a ballast housing. The radiation signal is then introduced into the radiation receiving circuit via the infrared passage, usually through an opening provided in the ballast housing. Two
By combining two parts in a common housing, the circuit and the support means can be used in common, saving both cost and space.
Also, the wiring between the two circuits can be omitted. Therefore, by making the housing common, for example, the power source can be made common, the output driver can be made common, and the printed circuit board can be made common.

[0042]

1 is a block diagram of a system according to the present invention. In this system, one radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 20 includes a power supply 21,
The circuit includes an infrared signal receiver 22, an EEPROM circuit 23, a microcontroller 24, and a dimming circuit 25. The dimming circuit 25 includes a suitable semiconductor power switch. An on / off power switch 26 may be provided which may consist of a triac, relay contacts or the like. The switch 26
Is connected in series with the ballast power line and operates at the output of the microcontroller 24.

The receiver 22 can respond to any narrow band radiation, but is preferably in the infrared band.

Radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 2
0 is provided inside the lighting fixture 30. The lighting fixture 30 will be described in detail later. The lighting fixture 30 also includes various known dimming ballasts 31. The dimming ballast applies a voltage to one or more discharge lamps, such as a 32 watt fluorescent lamp, under constant control. The dimming ballast 31 is a "Hi-Lume" ballast or an "ECO".
What is known as a -10 "ballast can be used.
These ballasts are sold by Lutron Electronics Company, Inc., which is the assignee of the present invention. Ballast 31 typically has three input leads drawn from the radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 20. These three leads include a lead SH (switch hot), a lead DH (dimming hot) and a lead N (neutral). However, the ballast may include controls other than those using three input leads. For example, a (0-10V) control, which is used for low voltage controlled ballasts, can be used. This control is equipped with a typical 4-lead system (hot, neutral, purple and gray). Input leads SH (switch hot) and N shown in FIG.
(Neutral) is connected to the receiver / ballast control circuit 20. Since both the receiver / ballast control circuit 20 and the ballast 31 are present in the luminaire 30, the connection between the two is also made in the luminaire 30, which is important.

Various known infrared transmitters are used to control the illumination level of the luminaire shown in FIG. FIG. 1 shows two types of oscillators. First transmitter 40
Is a known increase / decrease oscillator. The transmitter 40 is a small handheld unit and includes an increase control button 41 and a decrease control button 42. These buttons 41 or 4
A beam of infrared rays 43 narrowed in focus and coded by pressing any of 2 (beam divergence angle is 8 degrees)
Occurs. This infrared radiation is emitted toward the infrared sensor of the receiver 22, whereby the electric lamp is controlled by the ballast, and the output light is increased or decreased.

As will be apparent from a later description, a plurality of lighting devices 3 provided at a predetermined interval in one room.
0, 1 from almost any position in most rooms
It can be controlled individually by one transmitter 40.

Instead of the oscillator 40, a more sophisticated oscillator 50 can be used. This transmitter 50 is, for example, a wall-mounted dimming remote control sold by Lutron Co., Ltd., which is sold under the trademark "Graphic Eye". The transmitter 50 includes one up / down control 51 and a plurality of push buttons 52. Each of the plurality of pushbuttons 52 corresponds to one of a plurality of preset dimming states and causes the ballast 31 to be in that one dimming state. The construction and operation of oscillator 50 is described in US Pat. No. 5,191,265.

As will be described later, either oscillator 40 or 50 can be used to calibrate the dimming settings of the controlled lamp in the manner described in US Pat. No. 5,191,265. When using the transmitter 50, the lower limit scale, upper limit scale and other parameter scales are
This can be done by combining pressing the preset button 52 and transmitting an appropriate code signal.

The structure of the radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 20 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIGS. Figure 2
As shown in FIG. 5, the radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 20 is housed in an ordinary resin back box 60. The back box 60 includes mounting ears 61 and 62. The circuit board 63 is provided on the usual snap-in posts 64 and 65 (FIG. 3) of the yoke plate 70. The circuit board 63 carries an infrared sensor 22 or equivalent radiation sensor for receiving a special carrier used to carry remote signals. The circuit board 63 also includes an integrated circuit including the power supply 21, the microcontroller 24, and the EEPROM 23.
And, in some cases, the power semiconductor 25 shown in FIG. Leads SH, DH and N
Extend through an opening 66 in the housing 60. In addition, an active on / off switch, which acts as an active on / off sensor switch, can be added to modify the output of the ballast.

The side surface of the housing 60 is usually closed by a metal yoke. When the present invention is applied, the yoke plate 70 is made of resin. The yoke plate 70 has an opening 71 formed in itself. This opening 71 allows the infrared radiation used or other radiation carrying signals to pass through. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 22 can be illuminated through the plate 70.

To mount the housing 60 within the luminaire, a new design mounting scheme using a new design hook and loop tape (sold under the trademark Velcro) can be used. This Velcro tape is supplied in reel form. And this velcro tape cooperates with each other which is detachably united with each other.
It consists of a piece of tape. These two tapes have a pressure sensitive adhesive on their outer surface. The adhesive surface is covered with release paper. As best shown in Figure 4,
Each tape is cut into a certain length, and the tape piece 75 is attached so as to cover a part of the yoke 70. Velcro strip 76 on the upper side, after peeling the release paper from it,
It adheres to the bottom surface of the removal yoke 70. Housing 60
When attaching, the release paper attached to the bottom surface of the strip 77 is peeled off (see FIG. 3). In the housing 60, the optical sensor 22 is provided above the radiation receiving openings 80, 71 (see FIG. 3) provided in the wiring path cover 79,
Alternatively, it is positioned so as to come to another part of the luminaire. Next, the lower strip is pressed against the inner surface of the rear side of the cover 79 (see FIG. 3) for the wiring path of the luminaire. To fix the housing 60 to the luminaire 30, bolts,
Rivets, magnets, double-sided adhesive tape and other fasteners can be used.

No. 08 / 407,696 mentioned above.
In the configuration disclosed in No. 5, as shown in FIG.
The snap-in type infrared lens 81 is fitted in the opening 71 by a snap-in method. The lens 81 is designed to have an arbitrary allowable angle of incidence of incident radiation. Also, for special applications, different lenses may be used as needed.
For example, the lens 81 is configured as a Fresnel lens 82, and even if the infrared radiation reaches the lens 81 at a very shallow angle with respect to the ceiling surface, the infrared light is refracted along the axis of the lens to the yoke 70. Formed opening 71
To reach the sensor 22.

The above-mentioned US application No. 08 / 407,69
According to the description of No. 6, when the sensor 22 is removed from the receiver, the radiation detected by the optical (infrared) transmission fiber can be conveyed to the sensor 22.

According to one feature of the invention, the Fresnel lens 82 is replaced by an elongated optical transmission body 83 (see FIGS. 5-9). According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lens 83 is a molded resin lens. This molded resin lens is the lens 84, 85, 8 shown in FIG.
6 can be molded simultaneously with a plurality of other lenses of various shapes. These lenses have a common sprue 87 and can be easily removed from the sprue 87. Lens 83 is preferably made of acrylic resin. Other resins, such as polycarbonate, can also be used. This polycarbonate transmits the detection radiation used in the system from the outer end to the inner end in the vicinity of the radiation sensor. The four lenses 83 to 82 can be delivered to the customer as a group. The customer will choose the shape that best fits the equipment. This point will be described later. Lens 83
Has a round end 83a and a square end 83b. Round end 83a
Faces the radiation sensor 22 (see FIG. 9), and when the square end 83b faces the outside of the luminaire, by accident,
The best performance was observed. This point will be described below.

FIG. 9 shows a state where the receiver housing 60 is fixed between the rear surface 78 of the luminaire and the wiring path cover 79, as described above. FIG. 9 also shows
A dimming ballast 90 is shown which is secured in a suitable manner to the back 78 of the luminaire. Ballast 90 replaces the non-dimmed ballast provided in the facility being refurbished, but with three input leads SH, DH, N.
It has. Each of these input leads is suitably connected to a corresponding lead extending from the radiation receiver and ballast control circuit 20 inside the luminaire. The ballast output lead 91 is connected to an electric lamp.

Ballast 90 can be any dimming ballast, for example, Lutron (registered trademark) "Hi-Lu".
A me "(registered trademark) ballast may be employed.

In the refurbishment work, the operator need only open a small opening 80 in the wiring path cover 79. The ballast 90 and the radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 20 are then easily installed and wired together. Then, the lens 83 serves as the opening 8 of the wiring path cover 79.
Reinstall the wireway cover so that it is in the 0 position. In this way, the refurbishment can be done quickly and easily.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an elongated lens, such as lens 83 shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8, is snap action mounted within aperture 71. As a modification, the lens may be rotatable within the opening 71 so that the square end 83b can move laterally. This point will be described later. The snap-in structure can be in any manner. For example, the lens 83 includes a flange 83c (FIGS. 6 to 8 and 9 (a)) and a protrusion, that is, a snap 83, provided apart from each other.
You may shape | mold with d, 83e, 83f (FIG. 8, FIG. 9 (a)). The protrusion is forcedly passed through the opening 71, and the upper surface of the plate 70 is overcome by snap action to hold the flange 83c against the bottom surface of the plate 70.
However, the fitting method has a sufficient margin for the lens 83 to rotate within the opening 81.

According to one embodiment of the invention, molded lens 83 has a length from flange 83c to square end 83b of about 4 inches and a bottom from flange 83c to round end 83a of 0.45 inches. It has a length. The diameter of the rod 83 is about 0.248 inches and the flange 83
The diameter of c is 0.348 inch and its axial length is 0.
It was 050 inches. Flange 83c and projections 83d, 8
The spacing between the facing surfaces of 3e and 83f was about 0.060 inch. Each of the above projections is a tapered bar, approximately 0.
It has a length of 030 inches and a height of 0.015 inches. The round end 83a had a radius dimension of 0.125 inch.

It is also possible to adopt other connection structures. For example, a friction-fitting method can be adopted, or a permanent bolt means can be adopted. If one mating method is adopted, the same mating method may be used for any of the molded lenses shown in FIG.
Is preferably connectable to an external optical device.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show a conventional fluorescent lighting fixture 100 having a prism lens cover 101. A typical luminaire of this type has a width dimension of 2 feet and a length dimension of 4 feet and comprises four 32 watt fluorescent tubes 102, 103, 104, 105.
All wiring and ballast 90 for the light is housed behind the wireway cover 79. This wiring path cover 79 is bolted to the back surface 78 of the luminaire,
Or Fastener is stopped. The ballast 90 and the radiation receiver and ballast control circuit 20 are housed within the luminaire, so the wiring connecting the two is not outside the luminaire. Further according to the invention,
The lens 84 projects from the bottom surface of the lens cover 101, and also projects through an opening formed in the cover lens or its support. In FIG. 11, the rod 84 is linear. But if the housing 60
If is provided on the side of the cover 79, the lens 83 is utilized to vertically project its elongated portion. By projecting the end portion of the lens from the surface of the lens cover 101, it is possible to eliminate the shadow effect of the lens with respect to the aiming line of the radiation and unexpected reflection. Therefore, by making the end portion of the rod 84 flush with or over the bottom surface of the lens cover 101, the operability becomes better. Best results were obtained with the lens protruding by about one-half inch.
However, the protrusion dimension may be different.

In the case of a prism lens, the lens cover 10
In order to eliminate the need to form an opening at 1, the end of the radiation transmission rod lens 84 is covered with the cover lens 10.
The operability was improved by bringing it closer to the upper surface of 1. Further, if the rod 84 is the shield 504 of FIG.
The sensitivity can be improved if covered by. The shield 504 has a focusing end 506. The focusing end 506 can be conical or parabolic, which allows the desired infrared signal to be focused at the end of the rod 84.

The present invention is applicable to many other types of luminaires. For example, FIG. 13 shows a fluorescent lamp lighting fixture including a louver, that is, a parabola lens cover 110 instead of the prism lens 101 of FIG. FIG.
The luminaire shown in Fig. 3 has three electric lights 113, 114, 115.
Are provided with two wiring path covers 111 and 112. A ballast (not shown) and the radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 20 are mounted in the cover 111. Radiation receiver and ballast control circuit 20 is preferably mounted on one of the slopes of cover 111. The lens 83 according to the present invention projects toward the bottom surface of the lens cover 110 or exceeds it, so that the aiming line of the radiation from the remote control transmitter shown in FIG.
There is no reflection at. The lens 83 is
It can be rotated to any position you need. The best results were obtained when the lens protruded about 1/2 inch. However, the amount of protrusion is not particularly limited.

FIG. 12 (a) shows a further improvement. In this improvement, the lens 83 is covered with an infrared shield 502 except for the exposed portion at its tip.
This shield prevents undesired direct infrared radiation emanating from the lamp from reaching the infrared sensor, while the desired infrared signal to be received at the desired infrared signal exposed end is infrared along the rod 83. It can be transmitted to the sensor. The infrared shield shown is provided on the bent rod 83, but can also be used on other shaped rods.

FIG. 14 shows a luminaire 116 having a louver lens cover 117 rotatably provided. In the figure, the cover 117 is in an open state. The ballast 90 is fixed inside the luminaire. The housing 60 is fixed to the bottom of the end channel 118, and the linear resin lens 84 extends outward. The lens 84 is of sufficient length to extend to or beyond the bottom surface 117a of the lens cover 117 when the cover is closed. Lens cover flange 117
A notch 117b is formed in c. As a result, the lens cover 117 can be opened and closed, and when it is closed, the lens cover 117 can be projected through the cover 117. Furthermore, there is a sufficient gap for opening the cover 117 without removing the lens 84. You can do it.

FIG. 15 shows a state in which the present invention is applied to the housing 120 of a compact downlight type fluorescent lighting fixture. Therefore, the small fluorescent lamp 121 is replaced by the reflector 122.
It is provided inside. The dimming stabilizer 123 is fixed to the outside of the housing 120. And the input wiring 1
24 (SH, DH, N leads) are connected to the associated output wiring 125 of the radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 20. The radiation receiver and ballast control circuit 20 is provided inside the housing 120 of the luminaire, as desired. Then, the lens 86 projects through an opening formed in the housing 120 and projects so as to receive irradiation of an infrared signal. The radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 20 and the ballast 123 are connected to each other by the housing 12.
It is performed inside 0. Ballast 123 to fluorescent lamp 121
The output wiring 126 leading to is also housed inside the housing 120. All input lines 127 (switched between hot and neutral) are introduced into housing 120 through conduit 128. In this way, the invisible infrared sensor is fixed or retrofitted within the existing luminaire 116, as shown in the previous embodiment. In addition, all wirings are connected inside the housing 120.

FIG. 16 shows another type of luminaire with a compact fluorescent lamp 121 and a newly constructed means for sending infrared signals to a sensor in the housing 60. The housing 130 has a cone shape and is appropriately provided so as to be flush with the ceiling tile of the ceiling 131. The wiring box 132 is fixed to the cone 130. Also, the dimming ballast 133 and the radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 2
0 is provided on the opposite surface of the box 132 and is internally connected to the box 132. Power input is introduced into the luminaire by a metal tube 137. The output line to the fluorescent lamp 121 is housed in the tube 134. Since this structure physically separates the radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 20 from the region of the ceiling 131, the light pipe 135 terminating at the lens 81 is fixed in the ceiling tile 131 by snap action. To be done.

The light pipe previously used was a flexible optical fiber line with connecting ferules on both ends. Such structures are extremely expensive.
An important feature of the present invention is the light pipe 135, which is a flexible transmission body that is hardly expensive and is conventionally considered to be useful only for visible light other than 887 nm infrared light.
Is to be used as. Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a terminal optical fiber is adopted as the light pipe 135 as shown in FIG. The light pipe 135 includes a core 135a of silicon monomer gel covered with a sheath 135b made of Teflon (registered trademark) and a black resin jacket 135c. The Teflon sheath 135b is used to ensure internal reflection as the radiation propagates in the core 135a. Also, the black jacket 135c is the core 1
35a from purple light which tends to turn yellow to core 1
Used to shield 35a. For example, gel cores with a diameter of 1/8 inch were believed to attenuate infrared radiation significantly and not be used as infrared transmitters. 88 such light pipes up to 24 inches long
It has been shown to be capable of delivering 7 nm infrared well and be perfectly adequate for most systems.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 16, line 135 is, for example, Lumenite International Corporation.
Parts No. "EL 1
There are terminal optical fibers such as "00". The optical fiber has a length of about 24 inches or more and a minimum radius of curvature of about 1 inch. This material is considerably less expensive than conventional infrared fibers with connecting ferules.

According to another important feature of the invention, FIG.
6, 17 and FIG. 18, the connection structure 200 is adopted to connect the light pipe 135 and the ceiling tile 131. The newly constructed connector is a resin bush 2 having a flange end 202.
01 and a rigid hollow cylindrical portion 203 having a thin wall surface. The barrel 203 has a serrated end 204 so that a hole can be drilled in the tile 131 by reciprocating the bush 201 about its axis. The tubular portion 203, which was used to open the hole, fits snugly into this hole.

The flange 202 has a central opening at its center. The light pipe 135 is exactly inserted into this central opening. Its insertion length is short. Figure 16 (a)
In the black jacket 135c shown in (1), the end of the portion penetrating the inside of the bush 201 is separated from the light pipe.

The outer coupler 210 or trim ring is a molded resin part. The outer coupler 210 has a terminal flange 211. This flange 211 is
The end of the tubular portion 203 and the opening of the tile 131 are covered, and the bottom of the ceiling tile 131 is pressed. Ring 210 has a hollow central extension 232. The outer diameter of the extension portion 232 is dimensioned so as to fit exactly on the inner surface of the tubular portion 203. On the other hand, the end of the light pipe 135 penetrates the center of the bottom of the ring 210. A red resin Fresnel lens 235 (similar to lens 81 in FIG. 5 (a)) is fitted snugly on the bottom of the outer coupler 210 and covers the input free end of the light pipe 135. The outer coupler 210, when assembled as shown in FIG.
It is designed to fit to the bottom of 1.

FIG. 22 shows a novel semi-rigid optical configuration. This configuration is a combination of the features of the rigid lenses 83-86 and the features of the flexible light pipe 135. In the case of a rigid lens, it is not necessary to fix its free end. However, the position of the free end is predetermined by the shape of the lens. On the other hand, the free end of the flexible light pipe can be positioned in any position, but it must be fixed to keep it in place.

According to the semi-rigid optical structure of the novel structure shown in FIG. 22, it can be bent by hand, so that it can be positioned at any position preferable for receiving the infrared signal best. It can also hold its position without being fixed.

The light pipe 510 having the novel structure is the light pipe 1.
Similar to 35, but with the addition of a semi-flexible wire 512 located under the shield 514. The wire 512 is semi-flexible and the entire combined structure can be manually folded into any shape. However, this combined structure is sufficiently rigid that
When the bending force is released, the combined structure is self-retaining and can retain any shape, similar to a pipe cleaner.

FIG. 23 shows another novel semi-rigid optical configuration. This configuration also allows the flexible light pipe to be flexible and maintain a predetermined position like a rigid lens.

The semi-rigid optical structure of this novel structure shown in FIG. 23 is made of a material similar to that of the rigid lens 83 (that is, a lens made of acrylic resin), but shortens the polymerization process. As a result, the lens has flexibility and can maintain a predetermined shape without the semi-flexible wire 512.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, # 16 AWG copper wire 512 has been found to be reasonably stiff. The copper wire is semi-flexible, and the light pipe 510 can be manually bent to be positioned at a desired permanent position. The copper wire shown is parallel to the fiber, but it could be wrapped around the fiber or it could be a continuous shield. Materials with similar properties to copper can also be used.

The present invention can also be applied to a lighting device for an incandescent lamp for a ceiling, as shown in FIG. In FIG.
The incandescent lamp canopy lighting device 140 has a wiring box 141 fixed to the ceiling 142. Support plate 1
43 is provided so as to traverse the wiring box 141 and supports the hollow screw 144. Hollow screw 144
Supports a lamp holder 145 via a chain 146. According to the present invention, the housing 20 of the radiation receiver / dimmer having the lens 83 projecting out of the housing 140 is provided in the housing 140. The power cable from the box 141 is connected to the radiation receiver / dimmer 20. This radiation receiver / dimmer 20 is a power semiconductor dimmer controlled by an infrared signal received through a lens 83.
(Indicated by reference numeral 25 in FIG. 1). Output cables from the radiation receiver / dimmer 20 include a dimming hot cable and a dimming neutral cable, extending through the center of the support screw 144 and one or more incandescent lamps in the holder 145. Connected to a light.

Each of the incandescent lamp luminaires arranged on the ceiling surface can be selectively dimmed so as to satisfy each user at different positions in the room, as shown and described in FIG. It is like this. Further, each such light can be provided with a center-to-center spacing greater than about 2 feet and yet be distinguishable from each other by an infrared transmitter that emits a diverging beam of about 8 degrees. The receiver of the novel construction according to the present invention can also be used by attaching it to a candlestick, a light cord or the like protruding from a wall, and having an incandescent lamp having a design similar to that shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. It can also be used as a downlight for lights. However, in this case, an incandescent lamp is used instead of a fluorescent lamp.

Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a track lighting fixture. In a truck illuminator, the receiver / dimmer is incorporated into an adapter that is attached to the truck, and the controlled luminaire is attached to the adapter.

A plurality of ballasts installed in each lighting device provided at a predetermined interval can be controlled by a single receiver. A luminaire with a receiver according to the invention can be used with an input means such as a photocell detector for adjusting the illuminance of a lamp in response to ambient light. In addition, the newly constructed receiver can also be used with external dimming controls. In this dimming control, dimming of the light can be accomplished under the control of an infrared transmitter, an occupancy detector, or manual control or a timer or the like. In this regard,
See U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 407,696.

The present invention is further characterized in that the microcontroller 24 is adopted as a control means having a novel structure. This microcontroller 24
Enhances the sensitivity of the system for inputting infrared data signals. More specifically, infrared rays as disturbances from the controlled illumination light and other light sources are in the surroundings, so there is a means to guarantee that a valid signal from the remote transmitter was received before changing. is necessary. In the conventional system and the system of the present invention, the infrared signal is composed of eight consecutive start bits, which are followed by twenty-four data bits. To ensure that it is a valid signal, each of the bits is sampled four times to reveal if they are high. All four samples must be high for the bit to be high. This system is named "4/4 decision".
If all eight start bits are high (i.e. 32 consecutive high samples), the system determines that it is a valid start bit. Then, the decision criterion is relaxed to "3/4 decision" which is more sensitive than "3/4 decision". The system remains in the 3/4 decision only when the repeat command is decoded (light level is increasing, decreasing, or in program mode). If the command is not repeated,
The decision returns to the 4/4 decision. The system operates on a 3/4 decision basis until no new data is received or 1.5 seconds after the last command is received. Therefore, the system returns to the "insensitive state" when no valid signal is present (and therefore does not respond to spurious infrared signals). However, this system is sensitive to useful signals.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the system having the above-mentioned new structure. In FIG. 20, the processor operates on the basis of “4/4 decision” at the start.
The data is input to the sample infrared port 300. Then, for the first eight start bits, it is determined if all 32 samples (4 samples for each bit) were high (block 301). If YES, it is determined that a valid start byte has been detected.
(Block 302). The microcontroller then
Relaxed to the decision criteria of the 3/4 decision (block 303),
The next 24 bits (data bits) are sampled on a relaxed basis (block 304). The received data is decrypted and processed (block 305).

Next, it is determined whether the data is a repeat command (block 306). If yes, the system continues sampling on the basis of the 3/4 decision and waits for the next start byte (block 30).
7). If no, the system returns to the 4/4 decision criteria.

When 1.5 seconds have passed without a command (or any other time has passed), the system returns to the sensitivity of the 4/4 decision criterion (block 308), however, if the new If a start byte is detected, the system continues with the 3/4 decision criteria (block 309).

When further describing the above operation, it should be noted that the system is constantly sampling the infrared port. Sampling is done at a rate that results in 4 samples per transmitted bit. When the system is dead, the four samples approaching must be high if the microcontroller is trying to determine that one bit is high.

The system is insensitive until it receives 32 consecutive high samples (8 high bits).
After the 32nd high sample, the system interprets it as a start bit and relaxes the decision criterion to 3/4 decisions (3 or 4 in the last 4 samples are high to interpret as a high bit). I have to).

The decision criterion remains a 3/4 decision until the 24-bit data information is received and decoded. This criterion holds in the 3/4 decision only when the repeat command is decoded (increasing or decreasing light level or program mode). If the command is not repeat (when it reaches 100% light level or the lowest light level), then the decision criterion is returned to the 4/4 decision.

When the system receives an increase intensity command, a slightly small change in light level occurs. The system needs to receive multiple increase commands to go from low light output to full light output. Relaxing the decision criteria after the initial increase command is issued facilitates the system to receive subsequent increase or decrease commands.

After 1.5 seconds have passed since the last repeat command, the decision criterion reverts to a decision of 4/4 to prevent false triggering by the start byte.

The reason for changing to the 3/4 decision for the repetitive command is to make the dimming look smooth.
If not, interference will occur when changing the light level and the system will create gaps in the repetitive command flow.

Another important feature of the present invention is that, as shown in FIG. 21, a ballast 31 and a radiation receiver.
A ballast control circuit is one that is incorporated into a single, common housing while sharing the power supply and other components. The new combination is shown schematically in the block diagram of FIG. In detail, in FIG. 21, all the components are provided in a common housing 400 (this portion is shown by a broken line). This housing has approximately the same volume as the housing for the ballast 31 of FIG. A light pipe 135 having the same configuration as the light pipe of FIG. 16 penetrates through the wall surface of the housing 400. However, any optical receiver can be used, including the optical receiver shown in the other preceding figures and the optical receiver shown in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 407,696. However, the light pipe 135 is preferred because the ballast in the luminaire is typically at a remote location.

The components inside the housing 400 include AC
RFI filter 401 and rectifier 402 connected to power supply
And The DC output terminal of the rectifier 402 is connected to the MOSF via the inductor 403 and the diode 404.
It is connected to an inverter consisting of ET405 and 406. The connection point between the MOSFETs 405 and 406 is connected to the ballast transformer 407. Ballast transformer 407
Is connected to a fluorescent lamp 408 or a plurality of electric lamps as desired. The capacitor 411 is connected in series with the inductor 407 and resonates with the inductor 407 at a desired frequency. Light 4 at this resonance frequency
08 is driven. An additional MOSFET 409 and capacitor 410 are provided as a conventional boost converter. The ballast control IC 420 is a MOSFET driver and is provided to control the MOSFETs 409, 405, 406 in any suitable known manner. The driver 421 is controlled by the microcontroller 24 (see FIG. 1).

All of the above constructions are parts of the conventional ballast 31 shown in FIG. 1, except for the microcontroller 24. Further, in the housing of the ballast 31, the control I
A power supply for driving the C420 is included. IC4
The power supply for 20 is shown as power supply 421 in FIG. The power supply 421 draws power from the positive output terminal of the power supply 402. This is shown as output line "A". The output terminal of the power supply 402 is connected to the input terminal of the chip power supply 421. The structure of the receiver shown in FIG. 21 also includes an infrared receiving circuit 22 and
It is provided in the housing 400 with the microcontroller 24, the EEPROM circuit 23.

According to the invention, the receiver 20 shown in FIG.
By replacing the component parts, the component parts are saved and the space is also reduced. Therefore,
The power supply 421 of the ballast control 420 is also shown in FIG.
It also achieves the purpose of the power supply 21. Furthermore, all circuits can be configured with a single circuit board. Further, the separate housing 60 shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 can be omitted.

According to a further improvement, the microcontroller 24 and the ballast control IC 420 can be combined together to further reduce cost.

The present invention has been described with respect to its embodiments. However, other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific disclosures disclosed herein, but only by the claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a lighting fixture used in the present invention. This luminaire is compatible with a radiation receiver / ballast control circuit with a remotely operated radiation transmitter.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a housing of a receiver / ballast control circuit that can be used in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. The illustration shows the resin yoke, the back of the device and the cover for the wiring path, and hooks.
The loop type fastener is shown in a partially exploded view.

4 is a bottom view of a housing of the receiver / ballast control circuit shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

FIG. 5 (5) shows different forms of resin radiation transmitter mounted on a common molding sprue. (5a) refers to prior US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 807,69
6 shows a lens structure provided in the housing of FIG. 3 disclosed in No. 6;

FIG. 6 shows one of the transmitters of FIG. In this view, the mounting flanges and snaps of the transmitter are shown in detail.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the mounting flange and nap shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

9 (9) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the receiver / ballast control circuit of FIG. 3. FIG. The lens of Figures 6 and 7 is located in the wireway of the luminaire and is connected to the leads of the dimming ballast inside the luminaire.
(9a) shows an enlarged detailed structure of the connector shown in (9).

FIG. 10 shows a bottom surface, that is, a light output side, of a fluorescent lighting fixture including a prism lens. This device includes a newly constructed infrared receiver according to the present invention.

11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG.

FIG. 12 (a) shows a novel configuration of the radiation receiver / ballast control. In this figure, an infrared shield covers the radiation transmitter except at its tip. (12b) is a radiation receiver equipped with an infrared shield and a focus cone.
Shows ballast control.

13 is a cross-sectional view of a device similar to the device of FIG. However, a parabolic louver is provided instead of the prism lens. The radiation receiver projects from the bottom of the lens.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a lighting device including a parabolic louver according to a modification. Radiation receiver / ballast control The control circuit and the infrared transmission rod are placed in different positions.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a downlight type compact fluorescent lighting fixture including a radiation / ballast control circuit and a radiation receiver according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 (16) is a schematic sectional view similar to FIG. 15 of a downlight type modified compact lighting fixture. This device comprises a receiver / ballast control circuit and a novel construction of the terminal optical fiber according to the invention. (16a) is a known terminal optical fiber sectional view for visible light transmission.

FIG. 17 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a mounting bush for mounting the terminal optical fiber of FIG. 16 on a ceiling tile.

18 is a sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG.

FIG. 19 schematically shows a state in which the present invention is applied to a caropy of an incandescent lamp lighting device.

20 is a flow chart of a program incorporated into the microcontroller of FIG. 1 to prevent the system from operating due to stray infrared radiation.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a receiver circuit and a ballast circuit integrally incorporated in a common housing.

FIG. 22 shows the structure of a semi-rigid light pipe.

FIG. 23 shows another semi-rigid light pipe.

[Explanation of symbols]

 20 Radiation receiver / ballast control circuit 21 Power supply 22 Infrared signal receiver, infrared sensor, optical sensor 23 EEPROM circuit 24 Microcontroller 25 Dimming circuit, power semiconductor 26 On / off power switch 30 Lighting fixture 31 Dimming Ballast 40 Transmitter, remote control transmitter 41 Increase control button 42 Decrease control button 43 Infrared 50 Transmitter 51 Up / down control 52 Push button 60 Back box, housing 61, 62 Mounting ear 63 Circuit board 64, 65 Snap-in Post 66 Opening 70 Yoke plate 71 Opening 75 Tape piece 76 Bell cross trip 77 Tape strip 78 Back 79 Wireway cover 80 Opening 81 Infrared lens 82 Fresnel lens 83 Elongated light transmission body, rod, lens 8 3a Round end 83b Square end 83c Flange 83d, 83e, 83f Protrusion 84, 85, 86 Lens 87 Sprue 90 Light control ballast 91 Output lead 100 Fluorescent lighting fixture 101 Prism cover, lens cover 102, 103, 104, 105 Fluorescent tube 110 Parabolic lens cover 111, 112 Cable path cover 113, 114, 115 Electric lamp 116 Lighting fixture 117 Louver lens cover 117a Bottom surface 117b Cutout 117c Lens cover flange 118 End channel 120 Housing 121 Fluorescent lamp 122 Reflector 123 Light control ballast 124 Input wiring 125 Output wiring 126 Output wiring 127 Input line 128 Cable tube 130 Housing, cone 131 Ceiling, ceiling tile 132 Wiring box 133 Dimming ballast 134 Tube 135 Light Pipe, Line 135a Core 135b Sheath 135c Black Resin Jacket 137 Metal Tube 140 Incandescent Lamp Canopy Lighting Fixture, Housing 141 Wiring Box 142 Ceiling 143 Support Plate 144 Hollow Screw, Support Screw 145 Light Holder 146 Chain 200 Connection Structure 201 Bush 202 Flange 203 Hollow tube portion 204 End portion 210 External coupler, trim ring 211 End flange 232 Hollow extension portion 235 Fresnel lens 400 Housing 402 Rectifier 403 Inductor 405,406,409 MOSFET 407 Ballast transformer 408 Fluorescent lamp 410,411 Capacitor 420 Ballast Control IC 421 Chip power supply, power supply, driver 502 Infrared shield 504 Shield 506 Focusing end 51 0 light pipe 512 semi-flexible wire 514 shield

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Russell El Macadam, United States 18103 Allentown, PA, East Mosser Street 317 (72) Inventor Noel Mayo, USA 19121 Philadelphia, PA South South College Avenue 2000 (72) Inventor Scott Sea Miller United States 18235 Lehighton, PA, North Nineth Street 144 (72) Inventor Robert A. Reis, USA 18145 Jonathan Drive, Easton, PA No. 61 (72) Inventor Ian Lowbottom Woodside Avenue, Chalfont, PA 18914, USA -No. 4 (72) Inventor Joel S. Spira 18036 Pleasant View Road Coopersburg, PA USA

Claims (86)

[Claims] 1. A housing for a ceiling-mounted lighting fixture having an internal space and a bottom opening area, a dimming ballast fixed in the internal space of the housing of the lighting fixture, and provided in the internal space of the housing of the lighting fixture. And
At least one electric lamp connected to the ballast; a lens of the luminaire that extends planarly in the bottom opening area of the luminaire housing; fixed in the interior space of the luminaire housing, and
It has a radiation sensor and is connected to a dimming ballast provided inside the housing of the luminaire, and
Radiation receiver including a dimming control circuit therein and operative to regulate an output of a dimming ballast, the radiation sensor outputting to the at least one lamp in response to receiving a coded radiation signal. A portable, hand-operated type for adjusting the output of the radiation receiver to direct the dimming level of at least one lamp by sending radiation towards the radiation sensor from a location remote from the circuit and luminaire housing. Type radiation transmitter, an elongated radiation lens having one end arranged in the vicinity of the radiation sensor and a free end arranged at a position flush with the bottom surface of the lens of the luminaire or penetrating therethrough. A dimming system with and. 2. The housing of the lighting device includes a wiring path cover, the wiring path cover has an opening communicating with the radiation sensor, and the radiation receiver is fixed to an inner surface of the wiring path cover. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening is in communication with a radiation sensor. 3. The elongated radiation lens is an elongated rod selected from the group of infrared transmissive resins including polycarbonate and acrylic.
Dimming system described. 4. The light control system according to claim 3, wherein the elongated radiation lens is an elongated acrylic rod. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the free end of the elongated radiation lens is operative to receive a wide angle of coded radiation input. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is operative to emit a narrow beam infrared radiation including a code selected to modify dimming conditions of at least one lamp. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein said transmitter is operative to emit a narrow beam infrared radiation containing a selected code for altering dimming conditions of at least one lamp. 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the narrow beam is 8 degrees. 9. The receiving circuit has a wall box type insulating housing to which a resin yoke cover is fixed, and the yoke cover is arranged across the radiation sensor and positioned so as to match with the radiation sensor. And a dimming circuit mounted on one circuit board together with the radiation sensor, the circuit board being supported across the inside of the wall box type housing and being substantially parallel to the yoke cover. The system according to Item 1. 10. The lighting equipment housing has a wiring path cover, and a second opening is formed in the wiring path cover,
10. The system according to claim 9, further comprising fixing means for providing the radiation receiving circuit on the inner surface of the wiring path cover, and the second opening communicating with the opening of the yoke. 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the fixing means for mounting the radiation receiving circuit on the inner surface of the housing of the lighting fixture is a double-sided adhesive tape. 12. The housing further comprises a plurality of luminaire housings, a plurality of dimming stabilizers, a plurality of electric lights, and a plurality of radiation receivers, and each luminaire is installed on a ceiling. The system of claim 1, wherein the systems are at least 2 feet apart from each other in the direction. 13. The housing further comprises a plurality of luminaire housings, a plurality of dimming stabilizers, a plurality of electric lights, and a plurality of radiation receivers, and each luminaire can be installed on any ceiling. The system of claim 3, wherein the systems are at least 2 feet apart from each other in the direction. 14. An external switch means is further provided, the external switch means being provided at a position distant from the housing of the lighting fixture, being connected to the dimming control circuit, and outputting the output of the dimming control circuit. It works to change,
The apparatus of claim 1 further operating prior to actuation of said radiation oscillator. 15. The dimming system according to claim 14, wherein the external switch means is at least one device selected from the group consisting of an on / off switch, an occupancy sensor, a time clock and a central relay system. 16. A ceiling mounted housing for a luminaire having an interior space and a bottom opening area, a dimming ballast fixed in the interior space of the luminaire housing, and provided in the interior space of the luminaire housing. And
At least one electric lamp connected to the ballast; a generally planar luminaire cover extending planarly in a bottom opening area of the luminaire housing; fixed in the interior space of the luminaire housing; and
It has a radiation sensor and is connected to a dimming ballast provided inside the housing of the luminaire, and
Radiation receiver including a dimming control circuit therein and operative to regulate an output of a dimming ballast, the radiation sensor outputting to the at least one lamp in response to receiving a coded radiation signal. A hand-held portable for adjusting the output of a radiation receiver to direct the dimming level of at least one lamp by sending radiation from a position below the housing of the luminaire to a radiation sensor. Type radiation transmitter and one end located in the vicinity of the sensor and passing through the opening of the luminaire so that its free end maximizes the aiming line directly receiving radiation at the free end. A dimming system with an elongated radiation lens located. 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the transmitter is operative to emit a narrow beam infrared radiation including a code selected to modify dimming conditions of at least one lamp. 18. The narrow beam is 8 degrees.
7. The system according to 7. 19. The receiving circuit has a wall box type insulating housing to which a resin yoke cover is fixed, the yoke cover being arranged across the radiation sensor and being positioned so as to coincide with the radiation sensor. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the system has a controlled aperture, the dimming circuit is mounted on a circuit board with a radiation sensor, the circuit board being supported by the yoke cover and substantially parallel to the yoke cover. 20. The light control system according to claim 16, wherein the elongated radiation lens is an elongated resin rod. 21. At least first and second luminaires provided on a ceiling of a room about 8 feet high,
Each luminaire includes each dimming circuit and a radiation sensor, and the respective output light of the first and second luminaires is adjusted by irradiating the radiation sensor with infrared radiation, and each radiation sensor is It extends beyond the surface of each luminaire, is exposed to receive infrared radiation and has a portion that is not obstructed by the structure of each luminaire, and the first and second luminaires are 2 feet or more. The portable radiation transmitters, which are widely spaced apart from each other and are adapted to output an infrared beam having a beam angle of 8 degrees, each radiation sensor having a light-receiving angle of more than about 30 degrees, Neither the radiation sensor of the first luminaire nor the radiation sensor of the second luminaire illuminates the other radiation sensor. A lighting system that can receive the output beam of a radiation transmitter. 22. The radiation sensor according to claim 21, wherein each of the radiation sensors is an elongated resin rod, and the rod has one end fixed to a position near the radiation sensor and a free end located outside the lighting fixture. Lighting system. 23. A radiation receiver for receiving and processing an infrared signal, comprising: an infrared sensitive circuit component; and signal information contained in an infrared signal received by the radiation receiver connected to the infrared sensitive circuit component. A control circuit for generating an output regarding the housing, a housing, a fixed end that is present in the housing and is supported by the housing, and is disposed near the infrared sensitive circuit component, and an outside of the housing for receiving the infrared signal. A radiation receiver comprising an infrared transmission member having a free end disposed on the. 24. The receiver structure according to claim 23, wherein the infrared transmission member is a resin rod. 25. The receiver structure according to claim 24, wherein the resin rod is linear. 26. The receiver structure according to claim 24, wherein the resin rod has at least one bent portion. 27. The receiver structure of claim 24, wherein the fixed end is rounded and the free end is a square end along a plane perpendicular to the rod axis. 28. The receiver structure according to claim 23, wherein the elongated member is rotatable about its axis. 29. The receiver structure of claim 28, wherein the fixed end is rounded and the free end is a quadrangular end along a plane perpendicular to the rod axis. 30. The receiver structure of claim 26, wherein the elongated member is rotatable about its axis. 31. The elongated infrared transmission member is a flexible terminal optical fiber having a length of less than about 24 inches and transmitting visible light.
Described receiver structure. 32. The receiver structure as claimed in claim 31, wherein the flexible terminal optical fiber comprises a gel core surrounded by a light reflecting layer and an ultraviolet blocking outer layer. 33. Further provided is a supporting means for supporting said elongated infrared transmitting member, said supporting means having one flange integrated with an end portion of said light pipe and a plurality of snaps. , The flange and the snap are axially separated from each other by the thickness of the wall surface, and the snap is forcibly inserted into the opening of the wall surface, while the flange is
29. The receiver according to claim 28, which abuts against a wall surface opposite to a surface with which the snap engages. 34. A ceiling tile support structure for supporting a free end of the elongated infrared transmission member is further provided, the support structure comprising a bush including an elongated tubular sleeve and a trim member, the sleeve being provided at one end thereof. The trim member has a flange and is adapted to slide into the free end of the tubular sleeve, the tubular sleeve penetrating the ceiling tile such that the flange contacts one side of the ceiling tile, while the trim member Are brought into contact with the opposite surface of the ceiling tile, and the free end of the elongated transmission member penetrates the center of the flange and the center of the tubular sleeve and trim member, whereby
32. The receiver structure of claim 31, wherein the surface of the ceiling tile that receives the trim member is exposed to external radiation. 35. The receiver according to claim 34, wherein an end surface of the tubular sleeve opposite to the flange is serrated, and a circular opening is cut into a ceiling tile to receive the tubular sleeve. Construction. 36. A structure for forming an opening in a sawtooth body which is thin, planar and rigid, and comprises a bush made of an elongated tubular sleeve and a trim member, the sleeve having one end and the other. An end, a flange at one end, the trim member adapted to slide into the free end of the tubular sleeve, the tubular sleeve penetrating the body, the flange on one side of the body. A receiver structure for contacting, wherein the free end of the tubular sleeve has a serrated surface such that a circular opening is cut into the body to receive the tubular sleeve. 37. The structure of claim 36, wherein the body is a ceiling tile. 38. The system of claim 1, wherein the dimming ballast and the radiation receiving circuit are provided in a common housing. 39. The dimming ballast and the radiation receiver each have a power input terminal, and a single common power source is connected to the power input terminals for the dimming ballast and the radiation receiver. 39. The system according to claim 38. 40. A combination of a controllable lighting ballast circuit and an integral control structure sensitive to radiation, the control structure including a radiation sensor, the ballast circuit and the control structure being a common housing housing. Provided in the housing, the housing having a cable extending therefrom and a wire for connecting to a lamp, and being connectable to a luminaire, each of the stabilizing circuit and the control structure having a power input terminal. A combination of a ballast circuit and a control structure, having a single common power circuit connected to the power input terminals of the ballast circuit and the control structure. 41. The common housing has an opening aligned with the radiation sensor, the opening allowing radiation to pass from the exterior of the luminaire to the radiation sensor. The combination described. 42. A method of adjusting the sensitivity of a signal sensor having a resting state and an operating state, the method comprising: monitoring the operating signal as a valid signal as compared to ambient noise; If not present, reducing the sensitivity of the signal sensor to make it insensitive to ambient noise; increasing the sensitivity of the signal sensor if the effective signal is continuous; Reducing the sensitivity of the signal sensor if no valid signal is present for a predetermined period of time. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the enable signal is a preset series of high start bits followed by a preset predetermined data bit. 44. The respective bits are sampled a predetermined number of times in advance, and when the respective sampling bits are all in agreement with respect to the bit state, the circuit is converted from the rest state to the operating state and continuously. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein less than all of the sampling bits must match in operation in operation. 45. The method of claim 43, wherein the circuit operates in the dormant state with a 4/4 decision and in the activated state with a 3/4 decision. 46. A ceiling mounted housing for a luminaire having an interior space and a bottom opening area, a dimming ballast fixed in the interior space of the luminaire housing, and provided in the interior space of the luminaire housing. And
At least one electric lamp connected to the ballast, and extending horizontally across the bottom area of the housing of the luminaire and detachable from said bottom area so that at least one electric lamp can be connected or disconnected Fixed in the interior space of the housing of the luminaire, and
It has a radiation sensor and is connected to a dimming ballast provided inside the housing of the luminaire, and
Radiation receiver including a dimming control circuit therein and operative to regulate an output of a dimming ballast, the radiation sensor outputting to the at least one lamp in response to receiving a coded radiation signal. A portable, hand-operated type for adjusting the output of the radiation receiver to direct the dimming level of at least one lamp by sending radiation towards the radiation sensor from a location remote from the circuit and luminaire housing. Type radiation transmitter, one end located in the vicinity of the radiation sensor, within the interior space of the luminaire and parallel to the bottom of the luminaire cover and less than about 1/2 inch from the bottom. Elongated with a free end located at a position between the plane and a surface of the luminaire Dimming system that includes a di instantiation lens. 47. The housing of the luminaire includes a wiring path cover, the wiring path bar has an opening communicating with the radiation sensor, and the radiation receiver is fixed to an inner surface of the wiring path cover. 47. The system of claim 46, wherein the opening is in communication with a radiation sensor. 48. The elongated radiation lens comprises:
47. The dimming system of claim 46, which is an elongated rod selected from the group of infrared permeable resins including polycarbonate and acrylic. 49. The system of claim 46, wherein the free end of the elongated radiation lens is operative to receive a coded radiation input at a wide angle. 50. The system of claim 46, wherein the transmitter is operative to emit a narrow beam infrared radiation including a code selected to modify dimming conditions of at least one lamp. 51. The system of claim 49, wherein the transmitter is operative to emit a narrow beam infrared radiation including a selected code for modifying dimming conditions of at least one lamp. 52. The narrow beam is 8 degrees.
0 described system. 53. The receiving circuit has a wall box type insulating housing to which a resin yoke cover is fixed, the yoke cover being arranged across the radiation sensor and being positioned so as to coincide with the radiation sensor. And a dimming circuit mounted on one circuit board together with the radiation sensor, the circuit board being supported across the inside of the wall box type housing and being substantially parallel to the yoke cover. Item 46. The system according to Item 46. 54. The lighting equipment housing has a wiring path cover, and a second opening is formed in the wiring path cover,
54. The system according to claim 53, further comprising fixing means for mounting the radiation receiving circuit on an inner surface of the wiring path cover, the second opening communicating with the opening of the yoke. 55. The system according to claim 54, wherein the fixing means for mounting the radiation receiving circuit on the inner surface of the housing of the luminaire is a double-sided adhesive tape. 56. Further comprising a plurality of luminaire housings, a plurality of dimming ballasts, a plurality of electric lights, and a plurality of radiation receivers, each luminaire comprising: 47. The system of claim 46, wherein the system is at least 2 feet apart from each other in the direction. 57. A housing for a plurality of lighting fixtures, a plurality of dimming ballasts, a plurality of electric lights, and a plurality of radiation receivers, wherein each lighting fixture is installed on the ceiling. 49. The system of claim 48, wherein the systems are at least 2 feet apart from each other in the direction. 58. An external switch means is further provided, the external switch means being provided at a position distant from the housing of the lighting fixture, being connected to the dimming control circuit, and outputting the output of the dimming control circuit. It works to change,
47. The apparatus of claim 46, further operating to override actuation of the radiation oscillator. 59. The dimming system according to claim 58, wherein said external switch means is at least one device selected from the group consisting of an on / off switch, an occupancy sensor, a time clock and a central relay system. 60. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lens of the luminaire comprises a plurality of louvers, the louvers extending generally orthogonally from the interior of the luminaire and terminating in a common plane. 61. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the cover of the lighting fixture is a prism lens cover, and the free end of the elongated radiation lens is disposed near the inner surface of the prism lens cover. 62. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the elongated radiation lens is located between the side of the luminaire lens and the luminaire. 63. A housing of a lighting fixture adapted to be mounted on a ceiling, and a dimming ballast fixed inside the housing of the lighting fixture,
At least one electric lamp mounted on the housing of the luminaire and connected to the ballast; a radiation receiving circuit fixed in the housing of the luminaire and having a radiation sensor; It has an elongated radiation lens that extends to a position and a hand-held portable radiation transmitter, and the radiation receiver has a dimming control circuit, which when the radiation sensor receives a coded radiation signal, The dimming ballast accordingly operates to regulate its output to at least one of the lights, the radiation transmitter emitting radiation from a position below the instrument housing towards a radiation sensor. It becomes so that, by adjusting the output of the radiation receiver, said at least horn electric lamp in which the dimming system adapted to adjust the dimming level. 64. The system of claim 63, wherein said transmitter is operative to emit a narrow beam infrared radiation having a code selected to modify dimming conditions of at least one lamp. 65. The narrow beam is 8 degrees.
4. The system described in 4. 66. The receiving circuit has a wall box type insulating housing to which a resin yoke cover is fixed, the yoke cover being arranged across the radiation sensor and being positioned so as to match with the radiation sensor. 64. The system according to claim 63, having a controlled opening, wherein the dimming circuit is mounted on a circuit board together with a radiation sensor, the circuit board being supported by the yoke cover and being substantially parallel to the yoke cover. 67. The light control system according to claim 63, wherein the elongated radiation lens is an elongated resin rod. 68. A luminaire housing configured to be provided on a surface of a room and having an internal space and a planar bottom opening area; a dimming structure; and luminaire housing provided in an internal space of the luminaire housing. And
At least one light connected to the dimming structure, fixed in the interior space of the housing of the luminaire, and
It has a radiation sensor and is connected to a dimming structure provided inside the housing of the luminaire, and
Radiation receiver including a dimming control circuit therein and operative to regulate an output of a dimming structure, the radiation sensor outputting a coded radiation signal to at least one lamp in response to receipt. A portable, hand-operated type for adjusting the output of the radiation receiver to direct the dimming level of at least one lamp by sending radiation towards the radiation sensor from a location remote from the circuit and luminaire housing. A dimming system having a type radiation transmitter, an elongated radiation lens having one end arranged in the vicinity of a radiation sensor, and a free end arranged at a position irradiated with infrared radiation from a remote radiation device. 69. The system of claim 68, wherein the electric lamp is an incandescent lamp. 70. An infrared radiation transmitting structure for transmitting an infrared signal, comprising: a flexible infrared transmitting member; an integral part that is integrated with the infrared transmitting member and fixed in an infrared shielding sheath. Infrared radiation transmission structure with flexible support wire. 71. The infrared radiation transmitting structure according to claim 70, wherein the combination of the transmission member, the support wire and the sheath can be manually folded. 72. The transmission member, the support wire,
The infrared radiation transmitting structure according to claim 71, wherein the combination of the sheaths maintains its shape after being bent. 73. The transmission member, the support wire,
73. The infrared radiation transmitting structure according to claim 72, wherein the combination with the sheath can be repeatedly bent by hand, and the shape in the re-folded state after bending can be maintained. 74. A combination of the infrared radiation transmitting structure according to claim 70 and an infrared sensitive circuit component, wherein the infrared transmitting structure receives infrared light and supplies it to an infrared sensitive circuit member. 75. A radiation receiver for receiving and processing an infrared signal, comprising: an infrared sensitive circuit component; and a signal included in the infrared signal received by the radiation receiver connected to the infrared sensitive circuit component. A control circuit that produces an information-related output, a housing, a fixed end that extends through the housing and is supported by the housing, and is located proximate to the infrared sensitive circuit components, and is located outside the housing. A radiation receiver comprising: an infrared transmission member having a free end adapted to receive an infrared signal, the infrared transmission member being covered with an infrared shielding cover over its entire length except for the free end. 76. The radiation receiver according to claim 75, wherein the infrared shielding cover is an opaque resin tube. 77. A radiation receiver for receiving and processing an infrared signal, comprising: an infrared sensitive circuit component; and a signal connected to the infrared sensitive circuit component and included in the infrared signal received by the radiation receiver. A control circuit that produces an information-related output, a housing, a fixed end that extends through the housing and is supported by the housing, and is located proximate to the infrared sensitive circuit components, and is located outside the housing. And an infrared transmission member having a free end adapted to receive an infrared signal. The infrared transmission member is covered with an infrared shielding cover over its entire length except for the free end, and the radiation Coated with a focusing structure to focus the infrared signal on the infrared transmission member Radiation-receiving device which is adapted. 78. The radiation focusing structure comprises an inverted truncated cone for focusing an input infrared signal on a free end of the infrared transmission member, and an infrared ray covering the infrared transmission member except the free end portion. 79. A radiation receiver according to claim 77, comprising a shield sheath. 79. The radiation receiver of claim 78, wherein the inverted truncated cone has a parabolic shape. 80. An infrared transmitting structure for transmitting an infrared signal, comprising an infrared transmitting / transmitting material which can be bent by hand and can hold the bent shape. 81. The infrared emitting structure according to claim 80, wherein the infrared emitting structure is a silicone-acrylic polymer partially polymerized. 82. A combination of an infrared sensitive circuit component and an infrared transmitting structure for transmitting an infrared signal to the infrared sensitive circuit component, the infrared transmitting structure comprising a flexible infrared transmitting member. 83. The combination of claim 82, wherein the infrared emitting structure is manually foldable. 84. The combination according to claim 83, wherein the infrared emitting structure maintains a shape after being bent. 85. The combination according to claim 82, wherein said transmitting structure is repeatedly foldable by hand and retains its refolded shape after folding. 86. The combination according to claim 82, wherein the infrared emitting structure is a silicone acrylic polymer partially polymerized.