JPH0855681A - Lighting load control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate need of complicated setting work by easily coping with a change of the number or sort of lighting loads by a small number of product sorts, and forming them to be immediately used by only connecting them to each other. CONSTITUTION:Plural separate operation modules 20 capable of separately setting dimming levels of lighting loads L are connected in series through a transmission path Ts, and a main operation module 10 to totally operate the plural lighting loads L is connected through the transmission path Ts. Each separate operation module 20 is provided with a shift registor 31 for transmission and a shift registor 32 for receiving, contents of the shift registor 31 for transmission are transferred to the main operation module 10 synchronously with clock signals from the main operation module 10, and the contents from the main operation module 10 are transferred to the shift registors 32 for receiving.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention includes a plurality of lighting loads, and a lighting load control system capable of individually or collectively controlling lighting / extinction and dimming of each lighting load. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a plurality of lighting loads are used in stage lighting, and the lighting for each scene is changed by changing the lighting / turning-off of each lighting load and the dimming level for each scene. There is. By changing the lighting in this way, it is possible to change the atmosphere and draw attention to a specific place.
In offices and the like, there is an increasing demand for using a plurality of lighting loads to turn on / off each lighting load and change the dimming level to create a lighting environment.

In the operating device used for producing the lighting environment as described above, it is troublesome to operate each lighting load individually, so that a plurality of lighting loads are collectively registered in advance. In order to control, an operation unit for collective operation is provided in addition to an operation unit for individual operation.
In other words, for general homes, shops, offices, etc., it is sufficient to prepare several types of lighting patterns that produce the lighting environment. Therefore, the individual operation buttons for individually operating each lighting load are associated with the lighting patterns. What has several batch operation buttons may be used.

As an operating device proposed from such a point of view, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, a lighting load L of four circuits can be connected, and a lighting load L is provided for each circuit.
Is equipped with an up button PBu and a down button PBd capable of setting the dimming level, and four scene selection buttons for collectively operating the lighting loads L of the four circuits so that the lighting patterns are registered in advance. Those with PBs have been proposed. The operation device is also provided with an extinguishing button PBe for collectively extinguishing the illumination loads L of the four circuits. In this type of operating device, the number of connectable lighting loads L is not limited to four, but the scene selection button PBs and the individual operating up button PBu and down button PBd are provided in one body. Therefore, it is necessary to use different operating devices according to the number of lighting loads L to be controlled, and the incandescent lamp and the fluorescent lamp have different dimming circuit configurations. Therefore, if it is required to mix and use the incandescent lamp and the fluorescent lamp, it is necessary to prepare an operating device in which the circuit configurations for the incandescent lamp and the fluorescent lamp are combined. Furthermore, depending on the lighting load L, different rated voltages may be used in combination. That is, there is a problem that an operating device corresponding to the combination of the lighting loads L is required and the number of product types increases. To put it the other way around, the operating device does not have expandability, and there is a problem that it is not possible to deal with changes in the number and types of lighting loads L.

On the other hand, by connecting a plurality of terminals to the central control unit and transmitting and receiving a transmission signal between the central control unit and each terminal by a time division multiplex transmission system, each terminal is connected. A lighting load control system has been proposed in which data can be exchanged between devices and the operation data from an operation terminal device is transmitted to a terminal device provided with a lighting load. In this type of lighting load control system, an address is set to each terminal, and the correspondence between the terminal connected to the lighting load that is the target of collective control and the terminal that performs collective control is set in the central control unit. If registered in advance, it is possible to collectively control a plurality of lighting loads by operating the operation terminal device. In such a lighting load control system, a terminal for individual operation, a terminal for collective operation, a control terminal having a circuit configuration for an incandescent lamp,
If a control terminal device having a circuit configuration of a fluorescent lamp is prepared, it becomes possible to cope with a change in the number and type of lighting loads with a small number of products.

[0006]

However, if the time-division multiplex transmission system is adopted as described above, it is necessary to set an address for each terminal, and it is certain that the address will be set for a large number of terminals. The work to do is very time-consuming, and there is a problem that correct setting is difficult if you are not sufficiently skilled.

The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and enables a small number of products to easily cope with a change in the number and type of lighting loads, and can be connected to each other immediately. It is intended to provide a lighting load control system that can be used and does not require complicated setting work.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of dimming levels capable of setting dimming levels of lighting loads connected in series on a transmission line having transmission and reception lines are connected. An individual operation module and a lighting load connected to any one of the individual operation modules via a transmission line and connected to a plurality of individual operation modules on the transmission line are collectively controlled to be in a registered lighting state. A main operation module is provided separately, and each individual operation module has a dimming circuit that dims the lighting load according to given dimming level data, and an operation input unit that sets the dimming level of the lighting load, Equipped with shift registers for transmission and reception inserted in the transmission line, transmit dimming level data set in the operation input section in synchronization with the clock signal from the main operation module And a first transmission control unit for serially transferring the dimming level data transferred from the main operating module to the dimming circuit, and the main operating module is provided in each individual operating module. A second transmission control unit that associates the dimming level data transmitted / received with the individual operation module with the transmission order of the dimming level data transmitted / received through the transmission line after the clear signal for erasing the contents of the shift register of the first transmission control unit is transmitted. And a scene selection button for collectively setting a plurality of lighting loads to a predetermined lighting state, and when operated together with the scene selection button, the dimming level data set in each individual operation module at the time of operation is secondly transmitted. Correlate the memory button to be received by the control unit and the dimming level data received by operating the memory button with the scene selection button. And a scene storage unit that paid, at the time of operation in a single scene operation button, wherein the transfer to each individual operating module the stored dimming level data to the scene storage unit through the second transmission control unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a shift register connected to the main operation module through a transmission line is provided, and the input data is transferred to the main operation module in synchronization with the clock signal from the main operation module and the main operation module receives the input data. Extended function including a third transmission control unit that receives output data, an input unit that gives input data to the third transmission control unit, and an output unit that is controlled by output data passed from the third transmission control unit It is characterized in that a module is added.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, each individual operation module determines whether or not the received data from the main operation module has been updated at regular time intervals, and when there is no update, the dimming level data obtained by the operation input unit is used. It is characterized in that it is provided with a control switching means for giving to the dimming circuit without sending it to the transmission line. The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the main operation module and each individual operation module are provided with a body having a shape and a size that can be attached to a mounting frame standardized for an embedded wiring device. To do.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a lighting load whose lighting state or a light distribution state can be controlled by an external signal and a plurality of lighting loads can be connected to each lighting load by designating a load number given to each lighting load. It has a control terminal that selects the state of individually supplying an external signal to the load, and a load selection button that is connected to the control terminal via a signal line and that selects the lighting load that provides the external signal. And an operation console for instructing the content of the external signal of the device, the operation console includes a table storage unit that stores the load selection button and the lighting load in association with each other, and the illumination stored in the table storage unit when the load selection button is operated. Based on the normal operation mode for selecting the load and the control terminal when the power of the console is turned on to request the return of the connection status of the lighting load and the data returned from the control terminal, each load selection button In association with a light load, characterized in that it comprises a mode selection button for selecting an automatic patch mode for storing this correspondence relationship in the table storage unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of load selection buttons are sequentially arranged on the operator console, and in the automatic patch mode, the lighting loads connected to the control terminal are sequentially associated with each load selection button. It is characterized by

[0013]

According to the structure of the invention of claim 1, the main operation module is provided separately from the individual operation module to which the lighting load is connected, and each individual operation module is set when the dimming level of each lighting load is individually set. The main operation module is operated when collectively controlling the lighting states of a plurality of lighting loads, and the individual operation module that has a dimming circuit adapted to each lighting load must be used. Therefore, even if the lighting loads of various specifications (models and rated voltages) are mixed, it is possible to deal with them by preparing a relatively small number of individual operation modules. Here, when a lighting load that cannot perform dimming control is used, a configuration adapted to turn on / off the individual operation module may be adopted. That is, a small number of products can support various combinations of lighting loads.

Further, the transmission control unit having transmission and reception shift registers inserted in the transmission line is provided, and the dimming level data stored in the shift register in synchronization with the clock signal from the main operation module is supplied to the main operation module. The dimming level data from the main operation module is written to the shift register as well as being transmitted to the main operation module. Therefore, the main operation module only manages the transmission order and the number of clocks, and the dimming level data transmitted and received corresponds to which individual operation module. It is possible to know whether it is a real thing, and the work of setting an address, which was necessary in the past, becomes unnecessary. That is, the main operation module and the individual operation module can be used if they are serially connected by a transmission line and the power is turned on.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the extended function module that can be inserted into the transmission path is provided, and the extended function module and the main operation module are connected via the transmission control unit having the shift register. Since data transmission is performed by using the extension function module, various function extensions can be performed by simply installing the extension function module in the transmission line by providing appropriate input and output sections in the extension function module. .

According to the third aspect of the invention, in the individual operation module, when the received data from the main operation module is not updated at regular time intervals, the dimming level data obtained by the operation input unit is given to the dimming circuit. Thus, it is possible to use the main operation module when it is not connected, when the main operation module fails, when a short circuit or disconnection occurs in the transmission line, or when the individual operation module is desired to be used alone.

According to the structure of the invention of claim 4, the main operation module and each individual operation module have a body and shape which can be attached to the mounting frame standardized for the embedded wiring equipment. Since it is equipped, it can be installed using the installation frame for wiring equipment that has been provided conventionally, there is no need to separately design and manufacture a member for installation work, it is possible to suppress the increase in construction costs, Moreover, since the same construction technique as that for general wiring equipment can be applied, even a general electrician can easily perform construction without learning new techniques. Furthermore, if necessary, it can be attached to the mounting frame in combination with a wiring device such as an ordinary switch or an outlet.

According to the structure of the invention of claim 5, as for the lighting load whose lighting state or light distribution state can be controlled by an external signal, a plurality of lighting loads can be connected to the control terminal and each lighting is connected. If the load can be identified by the load number and the automatic patch mode is selected on the console connected to the control terminal via the signal line, the control terminal is accessed when the power is turned on and a request to return the lighting load connection status is requested. Then, each load selection button is associated with each lighting load based on the data returned from the control terminal, and this correspondence is stored in the table storage unit. Therefore, the lighting load and the load selection button can be stored without manual work. Can be associated with each other, and an operation unit for manually setting the connection relationship is not required, which simplifies the configuration and enables downsizing. Moreover, it is easy to use because it is not necessary to manually set the connection relationship.

According to the structure of the sixth aspect of the invention, since the lighting loads connected to the control terminal are sequentially associated with the plurality of load selection buttons arranged in sequence on the operation console, the load selection buttons are arranged in sequence. On the other hand, even if the load selection buttons to which the lighting load is not connected are not sandwiched between them and the number of load selection buttons is large relative to the number of lighting loads, the load selection buttons that are not associated with lighting loads are loaded. The selection buttons are grouped together on one end side. That is, it is possible to allocate the illumination load to the load selection buttons whose number is limited, without waste.

[0020]

【Example】

(Embodiment 1) As shown in FIG. 1, a lighting load control system is constructed by serially connecting one main operation module 10 and a plurality of individual operation modules 20 through a transmission line Ts. As shown in FIG. 2, a lighting load L is connected to each individual operation module 20.

First, the individual operation module 20 will be described. Each individual operation module 20 has a CPU 21, R
A microcomputer including an AM 22 and a ROM 23 is provided, and a dimmer circuit 25 is connected to the microcomputer via an interface 24. The dimming circuit 25 is configured according to the type of the lighting load L connected to the individual operation module 20, and is configured according to, for example, an incandescent lamp or a fluorescent lamp. Further, it is configured for 100V or 200V according to the rated voltage of the lighting load L. The dimming circuit 25 turns on / off the lighting load L according to an instruction from the microcomputer, and sets the dimming level according to an instruction from the microcomputer when the lighting load L is turned on. Here, the dimming circuit 25 has various types such as a phase control type and an inverter control type, but an appropriate type may be adopted according to the specifications of the illumination load L and the like.

In order to instruct the dimming level to the dimming circuit 25, an up button PBu for changing the dimming level in the direction of increasing the light output and a down button PBd for changing the dimming level in the direction of decreasing the light output. An operation input section 26 having two push button switches is provided. However,
The operation input unit 26 does not directly instruct the dimming level to the dimming circuit 25 when the main operating module 1 is connected, but instructs the dimming circuit 25 to the dimming level through the main operating module 10. In addition, the dimming level set in the dimming circuit 25 is a level display unit 2 for displaying a bar graph by arranging a plurality of light emitting diodes in a straight line.
Displayed by 7. The instruction to turn off the lighting load L is given only from the main operation module 10.

By the way, in the individual operation module 20,
A transmission control unit 30 for exchanging data with the main operation module 10 is provided. The transmission control unit 30 includes a transmission shift register 31 that performs parallel-serial conversion.
And a receiving shift register 32 for performing serial-parallel conversion, a transmitting latch 33 for writing parrelel data to the transmitting shift register 31, and a receiving latch 34 for receiving parrelel data from the receiving shift register 32. . The transmission shift register 31 and the reception shift register 32 transmit / receive data serially through the transmission line Ts.

The clear signal CLR, the clock signal CK and the shift / latch switching signal S / L from the main operation module 10 are transmitted to the individual operation module 20 through the transmission line Ts. When the clear signal CLR is received, the contents of the transmission shift register 31 and the reception shift register 32 are erased, the data of the transmission shift register 31 and the reception shift register 32 are sequentially shifted by the clock signal CK, and the transmission line Ts is transmitted. Will be sent to.
When the shift / latch switching signal S / L is received, the data stored in the transmission latch 33 at that time is transferred to the transmission shift register 31 and the data stored in the reception shift register 32. Are transferred to the receiving latch 34. The transmission latch 33 and the reception latch 34 exchange data with the microcomputer. Although not shown, the main operation module 10 supplies power to the microcomputer of the individual operation module 20 and the transmission control unit 30. That is, the main operation module 1 is connected by a separate power line.
0 to each individual operation module 20 (for example, 5
V). However, the power supply to the dimming circuit 25 is separately supplied from the commercial power supply AC.

The main operation module 10 is provided for collectively operating a plurality of lighting loads L, whereas each individual operation module 20 individually operates each lighting load L. That is, the main operation module 10 is a CPU
A microcomputer including a RAM 11, a RAM 12, and a ROM 13 is provided.
The transmission line Ts is connected through 4. Further, the microcomputer has two scene selection buttons PBs for collectively controlling a plurality of lighting loads L in a pre-registered pattern and three push-buttons for a light-off button PBe for turning off all the lighting loads L. Operation input unit 15 with switch
Is connected to the selection display unit 16 including a light emitting diode that lights up in response to the operated one of the push button switches of the operation input unit 15. Further, a remote control device 17 having functions of the operation input unit 15 and the selection display unit 16 provided outside is provided.
However, as can be realized, a wireless transmission / reception unit 18 that transmits / receives a wireless signal such as infrared light to / from the remote control device 17 is also provided. However, the main operation module 1
0 is the operation input unit 15 and is a memory button P used when assigning the lighting state of the illumination load L to each scene selection button PBs.
Although Bm is provided, the remote controller 17 cannot perform an operation corresponding to this function.

Next, a method of exchanging information between the main operation module 10 and each individual operation module 20 will be described. Now, it is assumed that the transmission shift register 31 and the reception shift register 32 in each individual operation module 20 are 16-bit shift registers. That is, the data transmitted and received between the main operation module 10 and each individual operation module 20 has a 16-bit length, and the transmission data from the main operation module 10 is as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3A, it is composed of 4-bit mode data MD, 4-bit fade time data FT, and 8-bit dimming level data DL, and the reception data of the main operation module 10 is as shown in FIG. 4-bit type data K
D consists of 4-bit monitoring data MT and 8-bit operation data OP. The mode data MD notifies that the main operation module 10 is connected, and instructs up to 16 types such as turning on / off, fade-in / fade-out, and so on when the mode data MD is fade-in or fade-out. 1 by time data FT
The light output of the lighting load L is controlled at the time designated by the six stages. Further, the light output is 256 according to the dimming level data DL.
The light output designated by the dimming level data DL becomes the upper limit when the fade-in or the fade-out is performed. The type data KD indicates the type of each individual operation module 20, and identifies up to 16 types such as incandescent lamp / fluorescent lamp, 100V / 200V, and the like. The monitoring data MT informs the main operation module 10 of operating states such as lighting and extinguishing of the lighting load L connected to each individual operation module 20, and the operation data OP indicates the operation input unit 26 provided in each individual operation module 20. Notify the operation status.
Since the operation input unit 26 is provided with the up button PBu and the down button PBd as described above, the operation of the up button PBu and the down button PBd is assigned to each 1 bit of the operation data OP, and the remaining 6 bits are left. To reserve.

The main operation module 10 automatically detects the individual operation module 20 when the power is turned on in order to grasp the connected individual operation module 20. Here, the main operation module 10 and each individual operation module 20 are supplied with power from the commercial power supply AC, and each individual operation module 20 is supplied before the main operation module 10 is turned on.
It is assumed that the power of is turned on. The main operation module 10 sends a clear signal CLR when the power is turned on, and each individual operation module 20 that has received the clear signal CLR erases the contents of the transmission shift register 31 and the reception shift register 32. Main operation module 1
0 then sends out the shift / latch switching signal S / L to cause the transmission shift register 31 to transfer the data in the transmission latch 33. When the clock signal CK is sent from the main operation module 10 after the data is stored in the transmission shift register 31, the data stored in the transmission shift register 31 of each individual operation module 20 is transferred to the main operation module 10. It will be transmitted serially. Since this data transmission is synchronous transmission synchronized with the clock signal CK, in the main operation module 10, which individual operation module 20 has which bit position data depends on the relationship between the number of clock signals CK transmitted and the received data. You can know. Here, it is assumed that all bits of the transmission shift register 31 are set to 0 by the clear signal CLR from the main operation module 10, and any bit of the data from the individual operation module 20 to the main operation module 10 is always 1. If the above setting is made (for example, the monitoring data MT is data in which any one bit is always 1), it corresponds to one individual operation module 20 received by the main operation module 10. When all bits of the data are 0, it is recognized that the data is not from the individual operation module 20. Therefore, the main operation module 10 divides data every 16 bits, and the number of individual operation modules 20 connected to each other can be known from the number of divisions until all bits become 0. As described above, the main operation module 10 knows how many individual operation modules 20 are connected, and what kind of individual operation module 2 is connected.
It is possible to grasp in what order 0s are connected.

The main operation module 10 operates the individual operation modules 2 by the above-described operation when the power is turned on.
The type of 0 and the order of connection on the transmission path Ts are stored in the RAM 12. After that, the main operation module 10 transmits data to each individual operation module 20 at a constant cycle and simultaneously receives data from each individual operation module 20. That is, the connected individual operation module 2
Since the number of 0s is already known, first clear signal CL
After erasing the contents of the transmission shift register 31 and the reception shift register 32 by R, the serial data is transmitted in synchronization with the clock signal CK. At this time,
The shift / latch switching signal S / L selects shift and serial data is sequentially transferred between the individual operation modules 20. If the shift / latch switching signal S / L is set to the latch after transmitting the serial data for 16 bits × the number of units in this way, the next data is transferred from the transmission latch 33 to the transmission shift register 31. The receiving shift register 32 transfers data to the receiving latch 34. By repeating such an operation, data can be transmitted from the main operation module 10 to each individual operation module 20 and data can be transmitted from each individual operation module to the main operation module 10. Therefore, if the cycle of the clock signal CK is t, (the number of individual operation modules 20) × 16 × t is set as one cycle, and
Data can be transmitted between the main operation module 10 and each individual operation module 20.

Data is transmitted and received between the main operation module 10 and each individual operation module 20 as described above, and when the operation input section 26 is operated in any one of the individual operation modules 20, the operation data OP Is set. The operating state of the lighting load L at that time is set as the monitoring data MT. When the main operation module 10 receives the operation data OP by the operation of the operation input unit 26, the up button PBu and the down button are operated by the operation input unit 26 with respect to the dimming level of each individual operation module 20 stored in the RAM 12. The dimming level is increased or decreased by one step depending on which of PBd and PBd is operated. The dimming level set by the main operation module 10 in this manner is stored in the scene storage unit in the RAM 12 and transmitted to the operated individual operation module 20 of the operation input unit 26, and is transmitted to the individual operation module 20. The dimming level of the connected lighting load L is changed. The above operation is repeatedly performed while the operation input unit 26 is continuously operated, and when the operation of the operation input unit 26 is completed, the dimming level stored in the RAM 12 of the main operation module 10 does not change. The change in the light output of the lighting load L is also stopped. Here, the number of individual operation modules 20 connected to the main operation module 10 is practically at most about 10, so if the clock signal CK has a cycle of 0.1 milliseconds, it is 16 The dimming level can be increased / decreased by one step in a cycle of milliseconds. That is, since the dimming level increases or decreases by about 60 steps in 1 second, the light output of the illumination load L can be changed from off to all lighting in about 5 seconds.

On the other hand, the main operation module 10 is provided with a memory button PBm, and in the state where the lighting load L is set to a desired dimming level in each individual operation module 20, a desired scene selection button PBs and a memory are stored. When the button PBm and the button are simultaneously pressed, the data registered in the RAM 12 as the dimming level of each individual operation module 20 at that time is RA
It is written in the area corresponding to the scene selection button PBs pressed in M12.

If the dimming level is assigned to the scene selection button PBs as described above, the scene selection button PBs
When s is pressed alone, the dimming level assigned to the scene selection button PBs is transferred to each individual operation module 20. That is, when the scene selection button PBs is pressed, the main operation module 10 sends the clear signal CLR and then sequentially outputs the dimming level to each individual operation module 20 in synchronization with the clock signal, and each individual operation module 20. When the dimming level data DL is stored in the reception shift register 32, the shift / latch switching signal S / L
Is used as a latch to transfer the contents of the reception shift register 32 to the reception latch 34. In this way, in each individual operation module 20, the lighting load L is turned on at a predetermined dimming level. Similarly, if the turn-off button PBe is pressed, the mode data MD in the turn-off mode can be transmitted to each individual operation module 20 to turn off the lighting load L. The scene selection button PBs and the extinguishing button PBe are provided with corresponding indicator lights LP each made of a light emitting diode, and when the scene selection button PBs and the extinguishing button PBe are pressed, the indicator lamps LP are turned on to collectively control or perform collective control. A message indicating that the light has been turned off is displayed.

By the way, as described above, in the main operation module 10, a plurality of lighting loads L can be collectively turned on at a predetermined dimming level, and a plurality of lighting loads L can be collectively turned off. In each individual operation module 20, the dimming level of each lighting load L can be individually changed. However, the dimming level of a plurality of lighting loads L can be collectively changed, and the number of scene selection buttons PBs can be changed. It may be required to increase the number, to control the dimming level of the illumination load L in conjunction with an external device in addition to the scene selection button PBs, or to perform fade-in and fade-out operations. These requirements are met by connecting the extension function module 40.

As shown in FIG. 4, the function expansion module 40 basically has a transmission control unit composed of a transmission shift register 41 and a reception shift register 42, and an input for setting data to the transmission shift register 41. Part 43
And an output unit 44 that receives data from the reception shift register 42. Transmission shift register 4
The 1 and the reception shift register 42 are serially connected together with the transmission shift register 31 and the reception shift register 32 of the individual operation module 20. Also,
The transmission shift register 41 and the reception shift register 42, like the individual operation module 20, have a clear signal CLR and a clock signal C from the main operation module 10.
It is controlled by the K and shift / latch switching signals S / L, and the function expansion module 40 is supplied with power (for example, 5 V) from the main operation module 10. In the function expansion module 40 having such a configuration, the various functions described above can be realized by appropriately providing the input unit 43 and the output unit 44 with the functions. Here, the function expansion module 40 does not require a microcomputer.

For example, a dimming master module 45 as shown in FIG. 5 is used as an extended function module for collectively changing the dimming level of the lighting load L connected to each individual operation module 20. The dimming master module 45 includes a master up button Pmu and a master down button Pmd as an input unit 43, and a level display unit 46 that arranges a plurality of light emitting diodes in a straight line to perform bar graph display as an output unit 44. . When the master up button Pmu and the master down button Pmd are operated by allocating each one bit of the operation data OP, the main operation module 10 determines which of the master up button Pmu and the master down button Pmd is operated. Can be recognized. The type data KD and the monitoring data MT are registered in the input unit 43 so that they are fixedly set. In the main operation module 10, each time the information from the dimming master module 45 is received (identified by the connection order at power-on and the type data KD), the dimming level to all the individual operation modules 20 is increased or decreased by one step. And transfers it to each individual operation module 20. In this way, the dimming level can be collectively changed for all the illumination loads L. The dimming level of the dimming master module 45 when the power is turned on is reset so that the dimming level is 100%.

Further, the main operation module 10 receives the information from the dimming master module 45, and returns the dimming level data D to the dimming master module 45.
By also increasing / decreasing L by one step, the display level on the level display unit 46 is increased / decreased by one step. here,
The output value of the reception shift register 42 is changed while the reception shift register 42 shifts so that the display level of the level display unit 46 does not change during the reception of the data in the reception shift register 42. The input data is latched or latched in the level display unit 46.

An external interlocking module 47 as shown in FIG. 6 is provided as a function expansion module for interlocking with an external device. The external interlocking module 47 has three sets of contact input terminals 48 that receive contact inputs from an external device as the input unit 43 and three sets of contact output terminals 49 that output contact output to the external device as the output unit 44. Prepare The contact input terminal 48 and the contact output terminal 49 are equivalent to the scene selection button PBs and the extinguishing button PBe in the main operation module 10, respectively, and the input information to the contact input terminal 48 uses the spare bits of the operation data OP. It is transmitted to the main operation module 10. Then, if there is a contact input from an external device, it is possible to turn off or batch control,
When linking another system, the contact output terminal 49 may be connected to the contact input terminal 48 of the external interlocking module 47 provided in the other system.

When it is desired to increase the number of scene selection buttons PBs, a scene expansion module 50 as shown in FIG. 7 is used. The scene expansion module 50 is provided with six scene selection buttons PBs and one storage button PBm as an input section 43, and is provided with an indicator lamp LP formed of a light emitting diode which is turned on when each scene selection button PBs is operated. There is. Therefore, as in the case of the main operation module 10, the operating state is notified by turning on the indicator light LP in response to the operation of the scene selection button PBs.

When the light output of the illumination load L is changed with the passage of time such as fade-in or fade-out, the timer setting module 51 as shown in FIG. 8 is used. In the timer setting module 51, the scene selection button PB
It is possible to set the time for controlling the lighting state to be the same as the lighting state selected by s or the light-off button PBe. That is, the two scene selection buttons PBs of the main operation module 10
Three pairs of setting knobs TH and TM for setting the hour and the minute are provided so as to correspond to the light-off button PBe and the light-off button PBe, respectively. The setting knobs TH and TM are digital rotary switches, so that the time can be set in 1 hour increments and the minutes can be set in 10 minute increments. However, when the time set by the timer setting module 51 comes, the extinguishment or collective control is selected. Here, since it takes about 10 bits to transfer the three types of time set as described above to the main operation module 10, a timer circuit for counting the time is provided as the input unit 43 of the timer setting module 51. When the set time comes, only the information corresponding to the operation of the scene selection button PBs or the extinguishment button PBe is transmitted.

By the way, the main operation module 1 described above
0, individual operation module 20, function expansion module 40
Each of the bodies is configured so that it can be attached to a mounting frame that is standardized for each embedded wiring device. That is, it can be attached to a mounting frame for three large squares, which is standardized by JIS standard, for mounting and mounting an embedded wiring device using an embedded box such as a switch box. It is equipped with a body of the size of three unit wiring accessories that can be attached to the attachment frame. In short, the mounting frame for three large polygons has a body that can be mounted only one, and both side surfaces of the body are holding protrusions that can be engaged with the holding holes provided in the mounting frame (Fig. (Not shown) is projected. Then, when mounting on a wall,
As shown in, if the main operation module 10 and the two individual operation modules 20 are attached to one attachment frame using the attachment frames for three stations, and the decorative frame 9 is attached to this attachment frame, It can be constructed in the same manner as ordinary wiring equipment. Further, since the mounting member of the wiring device can be diverted during the mounting work, it is not necessary to newly prepare the mounting member, and the increase in the cost of the mounting work can be suppressed. A cable can be used as the transmission line Ts that connects the main operation module 10, the individual operation module 20, and the function expansion module 40, but a male connector is projectingly provided on one side surface of the body to If a recess for accommodating the female connector is provided on the other side surface and the transmission line Ts is formed by connecting the male connector and the female connector, the transmission line Ts can be secured without using a separate cable only by connecting the bodies. It is possible to Further, in this configuration, the main operation module 1
0, individual operation module 20, function expansion module 40
In the case where the two are separated from each other, it is also possible to connect the male connector and the female connector via a cable.

In the above configuration, the transmission shift register 3
1, the reception shift register 32, the transmission latch 33, and the reception latch 34 are each for 16 bits, but each for 8 bits, and the upper 8 bits of the 16-bit data are used.
The bits and the lower 8 bits may be transmitted separately. Although not in the above embodiment, the main operation module 1
Since the information transmitted from 0 to the individual operation module 20 is provided with the fade time data FT, if the fade time data FT is created by an appropriate method and transmitted from the main operation module 10, the individual operation module 20 receives the mode data. Fade-in or fade-out can be performed at the time designated by the fade time data FT according to whether the fade-in or the fade-out is designated by the MD.

(Embodiment 2) In the embodiment described above, when the up button PBu and the down button PBd are operated in each individual operation module 20, the dimming level data DL is sent to the individual operation module 20 via the main operation module 10.
However, if collective control of the lighting load L is not required, using another device will increase the cost. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the individual operation module 20 has a function of determining whether or not the main operation module 10 is connected, and a function according to operation information of the up button PBu and the down button PBd when the main operation module 10 is not connected. A function for creating the dimming level data by the microcomputer in the individual operation module 20 and giving it to the dimming circuit 25 is added.

That is, as described in the first embodiment, the main operation module 10 updates the contents of the reception shift register 32 of each individual operation module 20 at regular time intervals after the power is turned on. That is, new data is stored in the receiving latch 34 at regular time intervals. Therefore, in the control switching means composed of the microcomputer of the individual operation module 20, when the content of the receiving latch 34 is not updated at a constant time interval, the main operation module 1
It is determined that 0 is not connected. In this way, when it is determined that the main operation module 10 is not connected, the microcomputer of the individual operation module 20 creates dimming level data when the operation states of the up button PBu and the down button PBd are captured. The dimming level of the lighting load L is changed by inputting this dimming level data to the receiving latch 34 in the same manner as the dimming level data transmitted from the main operation module and inputting it to the dimming circuit 25. Here, the time required for the dimming level to change by one step by operating the up button PBu or the down button PBd when the main operation module 10 is not connected is appropriately set in the individual operation module 20. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3) This embodiment shows a configuration suitable for the main operation module 10 and the individual operation module 20 when the operation at a plurality of locations is required. That is, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the main operation module 10
Also, the individual operation module 20 is provided with external operation connectors 19 and 29 that enable connection of operation input sections 15 and 26 to the microcomputer to external circuits. Therefore, the operation input is performed by connecting the connection connectors 57 and 58 of the external operation modules 55 and 56 having the same function as the operation input units 15 and 26 to the external operation connectors 19 and 20 through the connection line Tc. Part 1
5, 26 and the external operation modules 55, 56 are connected in parallel, and the same operation as that of the main operation module 10 or the individual operation module 20 can be performed in a place away from the main operation module 10 or the individual operation module 20. It becomes. Although FIG. 10 shows a configuration in which the operation can be performed at two locations, a plurality of external units can be provided by additionally providing the external operation modules 55 and 56 with connectors for feeding the connecting connectors 57 and 58. Operation module 5
By connecting 5 and 56, it is possible to operate the illumination load L from more places. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 4) In this embodiment, a so-called remote control spotlight is used as the illumination load L, which can remotely control the light projecting direction, the beam opening and the like. Lighting load L
11 are connected to the control terminals 60 as shown in FIG. 11, and a maximum of eight lighting loads L can be connected to each control terminal 60. An address is set in each control terminal device 60, and a plurality of lighting loads L connected to each control terminal device 60 can be distinguished by load numbers. For example, if addresses 1, 2, and 3 are given to the three control terminals 60, and the load numbers of the lighting loads L connectable to the respective control terminals 60 are 1, 2, ... , 1-1, 1-2, ..., 3-7, 3-8 depending on the combination of address and load number
Thus, each lighting load L can be individually identified.

Each control terminal device 60 is connected to the console 70 via a signal line Ls for serial transmission, and by operating a load selection button 71 provided on the console 70, a lighting load to be remotely controlled. L can be individually selected. That is, each lighting load L is assigned to the load selection button 71 by the address and the load number, and by operating any one of the plurality of load selection buttons 71, the remote control of the corresponding lighting load L is performed. Is possible.

By the way, the control terminal unit 60 is designed not only to instruct the lighting load L to be turned on and off, but also to instruct the direction of the lighting load L and the opening of the beam. Since this kind of control is generally performed by an analog signal, the control output line between the control terminal 60 and the lighting load L cannot be extended so much, and the vicinity of the position where the lighting load L is arranged cannot be extended. It is required to install the control terminal 60 in the. Therefore, although a maximum of eight lighting loads L can be connected to each control terminal 60, a plurality of control terminals 80 can be provided when the lighting loads L are distributed even if the lighting loads L are eight. It is necessary to install a stand. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, three control terminals 60 are provided for eight lighting loads L, and four lighting loads L have load numbers 1 and 3 in the control terminal 60 having an address of 1. 4 and 7, two lighting loads L are connected to the control terminal 60 having the address 2 as load numbers 1 and 2, and two lighting loads L are connected to the control terminal 60 having the address 3. Are connected as load numbers 1 and 8.

On the other hand, eight load selection buttons 7 are provided on the console 70.
1 is provided for each load selection button 71 and each lighting load L
Are assigned one to one. Here, up to 24 lighting loads L can be connected to the three operation terminals 60, but in the present embodiment, if about 8 lighting loads L are used in a hall, a hall, a banquet hall, etc. Since it is supposed to be a good place, an operation console 70 provided with eight load selection buttons 71
Has been adopted. Therefore, more lighting load L
In a place where is required, the operation console 70 having more load selection buttons 71 may be adopted.

More specifically, the console 70 is C
A microcomputer having a PU 72, a RAM 73, and a ROM 74 is a main component, and the RAM 73 has a load selection button 7
An area serving as a table storage unit for storing a table that associates 1 with the address and load number of the lighting load L is provided, and this area is stored and held by the backup battery 75 even after the power is cut off. There is.
The microcomputer is connected to a signal line Ls connecting the control terminal 60 and the console 70 via a serial communication interface 76, and an interface 77 is provided between the microcomputer and the load selection button 71. Further, the interface 77 also has a mode selection button 78 capable of selecting an automatic patch mode for allocating the illumination load L to the load selection button 71 and a normal operation mode for selecting the illumination load L by operating the load selection button 71. Is connected to the microcomputer via. Although not shown, the console 7
An operation unit for instructing turning on / off of the lighting load L, dimming amount, direction, beam opening, etc. is also provided at 0. This operation unit is effective only for the illumination load L selected by the load selection button 71.

On the other hand, the control terminal 60 includes a CPU 61, R
A drive unit 64 mainly corresponding to a load number so as to give instructions to a maximum of eight lighting loads L, mainly including a microcomputer including an AM62 and a ROM63.
And a serial communication interface 65 having one end connected to the other end of the signal line Ls connected to the console 70, and an address setting unit 66 for setting the address of the control terminal 60. The address setting unit 66 uses a DIP switch here. Therefore, in the control terminal 60, the serial transmission signal having the address data that matches the address set by the address setting unit 66 is transmitted to the console 70.
When it is input from the serial communication interface 65, the drive unit 64 corresponding to the load number is validated after the match determination, and the lighting load L is controlled according to the control signal from the console 70. In order to enable such control, in the normal operation mode, at least an address, a load number, and mode data for instructing the automatic patch mode and the normal operation mode from the console 70 to the signal line Ls. , And a control data for instructing the control contents of the lighting load L.

By the way, the illumination load L on the load selection button 71
It is conceivable to manually assign the numbers using a patch cord or a matrix switch. Further, a load selection button 71 is provided on the operation terminal device, the lighting load L is connected to the control terminal device, and the address correspondence between the operation terminal device and the control terminal device is manually set. By doing so, the load selection button 71 and the lighting load L may be associated with each other. However, in any case, there is a problem that the allocation work is performed manually, and the allocation work is troublesome. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the work of allocating the illumination load L to the load selection button 71 is automated so that the work of allocating the light load L does not take time.

That is, when the power of the console 70 is turned on again after the automatic patch mode is selected by the mode selection button 78, the address data is sequentially changed in the console 70, and the maximum number of control terminals 60 that can be connected. In order. On the other hand, in the control terminal device 60 that receives the signal of the automatic patch mode, one set of control output lines is short-circuited on the lighting load L side, so that the lighting load L to the drive unit 64 corresponding to each load number is The presence or absence of the connection is known, and the result is returned to the console 70. That is, when the control terminals 60 are sequentially accessed on the console 70, the lighting load L corresponding to which load number of the control terminal 60 is accessed.
Can know if they are connected. Therefore, a table is created in the RAM 73 so that combinations of the accessed address of the control terminal device 60 and the load number returned from the control terminal device 60 are sequentially assigned to the load selection buttons 71. For example, assuming that the eight load selection buttons 71 are sequentially numbered 1 to 8,
A table is created in the form of a pair (load selection button number, address-load number) such as (1, 1-1), ..., (8, 3-8). In the automatic patch mode, since the load mode is switched to the confirmation mode after the allocation of the illumination load L to each load selection button 71 is completed, the illumination load L is selected one by one by each load selection button 71 and each load selection button 71 and the illumination. It is confirmed whether or not the correspondence with the load L is set correctly.

After that, when the normal operation mode is selected by the mode selection button 78 and the power of the console 70 is turned on again, thereafter, the illumination load L is selected by the load selection button 71 according to the table created as described above. Can be done.
Here, in the automatic patch mode, the control terminal 60 automatically detects whether or not the lighting load L is connected. However, by providing a dip switch for selecting whether to use each drive unit 64, The selected state of the DIP switch may be read and returned to the console 70.

As described above, since the illumination load L is automatically assigned to the load selection button 71 in the automatic patch mode, there is no need for manual operation, setting error does not occur, and usability is improved. Since a member for performing the operation is not required, the size can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. Moreover, since the illumination load L is sequentially assigned to the load selection buttons 71, no wasted space is created in the load selection buttons 71, and the illumination load L is assigned to the limited number of load selection buttons 71. It can be allocated without waste.

[0054]

According to the invention of claim 1, a main operation module is provided separately from the individual operation module to which the lighting load is connected,
When individually setting the dimming level for each lighting load, operate each individual operation module, and when collectively controlling the lighting status of multiple lighting loads, operate the main operation module. By using a module equipped with a dimming circuit adapted to each lighting load, a relatively small number of individual operation modules can be prepared even when lighting loads of various specifications (models and rated voltages) are mixed. There is an advantage that you can deal with it. As a result, there is an advantage that a small number of products can support various combinations of lighting loads.

Further, the transmission control section having transmission and reception shift registers inserted in the transmission line is provided, and the dimming level data stored in the shift register in synchronization with the clock signal from the main operation module is supplied to the main operation module. The dimming level data from the main operation module is written to the shift register while being transferred to the main operating module. Therefore, the dimming level data transmitted / received corresponds to which individual operation module only by managing the transmission sequence and the number of clocks. It has an advantage that it can be known whether it is a real address, and the work of setting an address, which has been necessary in the past, becomes unnecessary. That is, there is an advantage that the main operation module and the individual operation module can be used if they are serially connected through the transmission line and the power is turned on.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the extended function module that can be inserted into the transmission path is provided, and the data transmission between the extended function module and the main operation module is performed through the transmission control unit including the shift register. Because
Providing an appropriate input unit and output unit in the extended function module has an effect that various functions can be extended by a simple construction work in which the extended function module is simply inserted into the transmission path.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the individual operation module does not update the data received from the main operation module at regular time intervals, the dimming level data obtained by the operation input unit is given to the dimming circuit. If the module is not connected or the main operation module fails,
This has the advantage that it is possible to use the individual operation module in response to a short circuit or disconnection of the transmission line or when the individual operation module is to be used alone.

According to the invention of claim 4, the main operation module and each individual operation module are provided with a body having a shape and size that can be attached to a mounting frame standardized for an embedded wiring device. , It can be installed and installed using the installation frame for wiring equipment that has been provided conventionally, there is no need to separately design and manufacture members for installation and installation, and it is possible to suppress the increase in installation costs, and moreover general wiring Since the same construction technique as for the equipment can be applied, general electric contractors can easily construct it without learning new techniques. Furthermore,
There is an advantage that it can be attached to the mounting frame in combination with a wiring device such as an ordinary switch or an outlet if necessary.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, with respect to a lighting load whose lighting state or light distribution state can be controlled by an external signal, a plurality of lighting loads can be connected to the control terminal unit, and each lighting load has a load number. When the automatic patch mode is selected on the console connected to the control terminal via the signal line, the control terminal is accessed when the power is turned on and a request to return the lighting load connection status is issued. Since each load selection button is associated with each lighting load based on the data returned from the device and this correspondence is stored in the table storage unit, it is possible to associate the lighting load with the load selection button without any manual work. This has the advantage that the operation unit for manually setting the connection relationship is not required, and the configuration is simple and the size can be reduced. Moreover, the connection relationship can be set manually. Tasks to configure Te is to have the advantage of good usability because it is unnecessary.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of load selection buttons arranged in order on the operator console are associated with the lighting loads connected to the control terminal in order, the lighting load is associated with each row of the load selection buttons. Even if the number of load selection buttons that are not connected is not sandwiched between them and the number of load selection buttons is large relative to the number of lighting loads, the load selection buttons that are not associated with lighting loads are arranged in the load selection buttons. Will be put together on one side of the above. That is, there is an effect that the illumination load can be allocated to the load selection buttons whose number is limited without waste.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a wiring diagram showing the connection relationship of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a format of a transmission signal used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a function expansion module used in the first embodiment.

5 is a front view of the dimming master module used in Embodiment 1. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of an external interlocking module used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a scene extension module used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the timer setting module used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a usage example of the first embodiment.

10A and 10B show a third embodiment, FIG. 10A is a wiring diagram showing a usage example of a main operation module, and FIG. 10B is a wiring diagram showing a usage example of an individual operation module.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 main operation module 12 RAM 20 individual operation module 25 dimming circuit 26 operation input unit 30 transmission control unit 31 transmission shift register 32 reception shift register 40 extended function module 41 transmission shift register 42 reception shift register 43 input unit 44 Output unit 60 Control terminal 70 Operation console 71 Load selection button 73 RAM 78 Mode selection button L Lighting load Ls Signal line PBm Storage button PBs Scene selection button Ts Transmission path

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of individual operation modules which are serially connected on a transmission line having transmission and reception lines and which can set a dimming level of a lighting load respectively connected thereto, and one individual operation module. Each module is equipped with a main operation module that controls the lighting loads connected to the module via the transmission line and connected to multiple individual operation modules on the transmission line so that the lighting loads are registered in advance. The operation module includes a dimming circuit that dims the lighting load according to the supplied dimming level data, an operation input unit that sets the dimming level of the lighting load, and a transmission and reception unit inserted in the transmission path. Equipped with a shift register, and the dimming level data set in the operation input section is synchronized with the clock signal from the main operation module and serialized to the main operation module through the transmission line And a first transmission control unit that transfers the dimming level data transferred from the main operation module to the dimming circuit, and the main operation module includes:
The dimming level data transmitted / received according to the transmission order of the dimming level data transmitted / received through the transmission path after the clear signal for erasing the contents of the shift register of the first transmission control unit provided in each individual operation module is transmitted to the individual operation module. A second transmission control unit to be associated with, a scene selection button for collectively setting a plurality of lighting loads to a predetermined lighting state, and a dimming set in each individual operation module at the time of operation when operated together with the scene selection button The second transmission control unit includes a memory button for receiving the level data, and a scene memory unit for storing the dimming level data received by operating the memory button in association with the scene selection button. When operating the, the dimming level data stored in the scene storage section is transferred to each individual operation module through the second transmission control section. Lighting load control system according to. 2. A shift register connected to the main operation module through a transmission path, which transfers input data to the main operation module in synchronization with a clock signal from the main operation module and receives output data from the main operation module. And an extended function module including an input unit for giving input data to the third transmission control unit and an output unit controlled by output data passed from the third transmission control unit. The lighting load control system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. Each individual operation module determines whether or not the received data from the main operation module is updated at regular time intervals, and when there is no update, sends the dimming level data obtained by the operation input unit to the transmission path. 2. The lighting load control system according to claim 1, further comprising control switching means for providing the dimming circuit without the control. 4. The main operation module and each individual operation module are provided with a body having a shape and a size that can be attached to a mounting frame standardized for an embedded wiring device. Item 1. The lighting load control system according to item 1. 5. A lighting load capable of controlling a lighting state or a light distribution state by an external signal, and a plurality of lighting loads can be connected to each lighting load by designating a load number given to each lighting load. And a load selection button for selecting a lighting load that is connected to the control terminal via a signal line and that supplies an external signal, and the contents of the external signal to the selected lighting load. The operation console includes a table storage unit that stores the load selection button and the illumination load in association with each other, and normally selects the illumination load stored in the table storage unit when the load selection button is operated. Corresponding each lighting load to each load selection button based on the operation mode and the data sent back from the control terminal by requesting the control terminal to access the lighting load connection status when the console power is turned on. An illumination load control system, comprising: a mode selection button for selecting an automatic patch mode for storing a lever correspondence in a table storage unit. 6. A plurality of load selection buttons are sequentially arranged on the console, and in the automatic patch mode, the lighting loads connected to the control terminal are sequentially associated with each load selection button. The lighting load control system according to claim 5.