JP2020109728A - Dimmer and light source device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a dimmer and a light source device, for keeping a dimming speed from a dimming lower limit side to a dimming upper limit side within a certain range and achieving a change in light with a good response.SOLUTION: The dimmer includes: a constant voltage power supply circuit, having a pair of output terminals electrically connected to a light source device, for supplying a DC voltage from the pair of output terminals to the light source device; a capacitor provided between the pair of output terminals; a control unit for lighting the light source device with brightness according to a dimming degree by adjusting a voltage value of the DC voltage according to a dimming degree of a dimming signal; and a load adjustment unit, having a pair of terminal portions electrically connected to each of the pair of output terminals, having a first state making a current to flow between the pair of terminal portions and a second state in which the current between the pair of terminal portions is smaller than that in the first state. The control unit sets the load adjustment unit to the second state when the dimming degree is equal to or higher than a predetermined value and sets the load adjustment unit to the first state when the dimming degree is less than the predetermined value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a dimmer and a light source device.

Illumination including a light source device that is turned on in response to a DC voltage input, and a dimmer that can adjust the brightness of light emitted from the light source device by changing the DC voltage input to the light source device The system is known.

The light source device is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light bulb. The dimmer changes the DC voltage input to the light source device in response to a dimming signal input from an operating device or the like, thereby turning on the light source device with brightness according to the dimming signal. The dimmer adjusts the brightness of the light emitted from the light source device from all lights to off, according to the dimming signal, for example.

A plurality of light source devices may be connected to the output side of the dimmer, for example. The plurality of light source devices are connected in parallel to the output side of the dimmer. The dimmer performs constant voltage control so as to output a substantially constant DC voltage according to the dimming signal. Accordingly, even when the number of light source devices connected to the dimmer changes, a substantially constant DC voltage can be input to one or a plurality of light source devices. Even when a plurality of light source devices are connected to the dimmer, each of the plurality of light source devices can be turned on with substantially constant brightness according to the dimming signal.

A capacitor for stabilizing the DC voltage is mounted on the output side of the dimmer. Therefore, for example, when a low dimming degree is set with a small number of light source devices connected to the dimmer, when the load current becomes small, the discharge time of the capacitor becomes long, and the DC voltage There was a possibility that the change time would be delayed. For example, when lowering the dimming degree from a state in which the high dimming degree is set, it takes time to discharge the capacitor, and it may take time to reach a DC voltage according to the dimming degree. That is, when changing from a bright state to a dark state, it may take time until the darkness is obtained according to the dimming degree.

For this reason, in the dimmer and the light source device, it is desired to suppress the dimming speed from the dimming lower limit side to the dimming upper limit side within a certain range, and realize the light change with good response.

Japanese Patent No. 5058778

Embodiments of the present invention provide a dimmer and a light source device that suppresses the dimming speed from the dimming lower limit side to the dimming upper limit side within a certain range, and realize a light change with a good response.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the light source device has a pair of output terminals electrically connected to each other, while supplying a DC voltage to the light source device from the pair of output terminals, the voltage value of the DC voltage is An adjustable constant voltage power supply circuit, a capacitor provided between the pair of output terminals, and a dimming signal input, and controlling the operation of the constant voltage power supply circuit based on the dimming signal, It is provided between the control unit that lights the light source device with brightness according to the dimming degree by adjusting the voltage value of the DC voltage according to the dimming degree of the dimming signal, and between the pair of output terminals. A first state having a pair of terminal portions electrically connected to each of the pair of output terminals, in which a current flows between the pair of terminal portions, and a current between the pair of terminal portions. A load adjusting unit having a second state that is smaller than the first state, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the load adjusting unit based on the dimming signal, and the dimming degree is a predetermined value. There is provided a dimmer in which the load adjustment unit is in the second state at the above time and the load adjustment unit is in the first state when the dimming degree is less than the predetermined value.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a dimmer and a light source device that realize a change in light with a good response by suppressing the dimming speed from the dimming lower limit side to the dimming upper limit side within a certain range.

It is a block diagram which represents typically the lighting system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flow chart which expresses an example of operation of the lighting system concerning an embodiment typically. It is a flow chart which represents typically an example of another operation of the lighting system concerning an embodiment. It is a flow chart which represents typically an example of another operation of the lighting system concerning an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing typically the modification of the lighting system concerning an embodiment. It is a flow chart which expresses an example of operation of the lighting system concerning an embodiment typically. It is a flow chart which represents typically an example of another operation of the lighting system concerning an embodiment. It is a flow chart which represents typically an example of another operation of the lighting system concerning an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing typically the modification of the lighting system concerning an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing typically the modification of the lighting system concerning an embodiment.

Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Note that the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each portion, the size ratio between the portions, and the like are not necessarily the same as the actual ones. Even if the same portion is shown, the dimensions and ratios may be different depending on the drawings.
In the specification and the drawings of the application, components similar to those described in regard to a drawing thereinabove are marked with like reference numerals, and a detailed description is omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a lighting system according to an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting system 10 includes a dimmer 12, a light source device 14, and an operating unit 16. The dimmer 12 is connected to the light source device 14 and the operation device 16. Further, the dimmer 12 is connected to the AC power supply 2. The AC power supply 2 is, for example, a commercial power supply of 100V (effective value). As a result, the dimmer 12 is supplied with AC power from the AC power supply 2.

The operation device 16 has, for example, operation members such as switches and levers, and inputs a dimming signal to the dimmer 12 according to the operation of the operation member by the user. The dimming signal is a signal for setting an arbitrary dimming degree between the dimming upper limit and the dimming lower limit in the dimmer 12. The dimming upper limit is, for example, all light (dimming 100%). The dimming lower limit is, for example, off (dimming 0%). The lower limit of dimming may be, for example, a dimming degree of about several percent. Further, the dimming signal may have a configuration in which the dimming degree is continuously changed between the dimming upper limit and the dimming lower limit, or may be stepwise between the dimming upper limit and the dimming lower limit in several% steps or the like. A configuration in which the dimming degree is changed may be used.

The dimmer 12 converts the AC power supplied from the AC power supply 2 into DC power having a voltage value corresponding to the dimming degree of the dimming signal, and supplies the DC power to the light source device 14. Thereby, the dimmer 12 turns on the light source device 14 with the brightness according to the dimming degree of the dimming signal.

The power supplied to the dimmer 12 is not limited to AC power, but may be DC power. The dimmer 12 may be configured, for example, to convert the voltage value of the DC power supplied from the DC power supply into a voltage value according to the dimming degree and supply the voltage value to the light source device 14. Further, the dimming signal is not limited to the configuration input from the operation device 16 to the dimmer 12. For example, a dimming signal may be input to the dimmer 12 from an external control device or the like via a network or the like. For example, a dimming signal may be input by an operation member provided on the dimmer 12 itself. In the case of these configurations, the operation device 16 can be omitted. The operation device 16 is provided in the lighting system 10 as necessary and can be omitted.

The lighting system 10 includes, for example, a plurality of light source devices 14. The dimmer 12 is configured to be able to connect a plurality of light source devices 14, for example. The plurality of light source devices 14 are connected in parallel to the output of the dimmer 12. The dimmer 12 applies substantially the same DC voltage to the plurality of light source devices 14. Accordingly, each of the plurality of light source devices 14 can be turned on with the brightness according to the dimming degree of the dimming signal.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which two light source devices 14 are connected to the dimmer 12. The number of light source devices 14 connected to the dimmer 12 may be one, or may be three or more. The number of light source devices 14 included in the lighting system 10 may be any number. The configurations of the plurality of light source devices 14 are substantially the same. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the second light source device 14 is illustrated in a simplified manner.

The dimmer 12 includes a constant voltage power supply circuit 20, a capacitor 22, a control unit 24, a load adjusting unit 26, and a voltage detecting unit 28.

The constant voltage power supply circuit 20 has a pair of input terminals 20a and 20b and a pair of output terminals 20c and 20d. The pair of input terminals 20a and 20b are electrically connected to the AC power supply 2. As a result, the AC power of the AC power supply 2 is supplied to the constant voltage power supply circuit 20 via the pair of input terminals 20a and 20b. The pair of output terminals 20c and 20d are electrically connected to the light source device 14. When the lighting system 10 includes a plurality of light source devices 14, the plurality of light source devices 14 are connected in parallel between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d.

The constant voltage power supply circuit 20 converts the AC voltage input from the AC power supply 2 into a DC voltage, and supplies the converted DC voltage from the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d to the light source device 14. The constant voltage power supply circuit 20 can adjust the voltage value of the DC voltage supplied to the light source device 14. In this example, the constant voltage power supply circuit 20 is a so-called AC-DC converter. The constant voltage power supply circuit 20 may be, for example, a DC-DC converter or the like. The constant voltage power supply circuit 20 may have any configuration capable of supplying a DC voltage having a predetermined voltage value to the light source device 14.

The capacitor 22 is provided between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d of the constant voltage power supply circuit 20. The capacitor 22 stabilizes the voltage value of the DC voltage output from the constant voltage power supply circuit 20, for example.

The voltage detection unit 28 is provided between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d of the constant voltage power supply circuit 20. The voltage detection unit 28 detects the voltage value of the DC voltage output from the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d of the constant voltage power supply circuit 20, and inputs the detection result to the control unit 24.

The control unit 24 receives the input of the dimming signal. The controller 24 is, for example, electrically connected to the operating device 16 and receives the dimming signal output from the operating device 16. The control unit 24 may receive a dimming signal from an external device via a network interface or the like, or may be electrically connected to an operation member for setting the dimming degree and provided in the dimmer 12. The dimming signal may be directly received from the operating member.

The control unit 24 controls the operation of the constant voltage power supply circuit 20 based on the dimming signal, and adjusts the voltage value of the DC voltage according to the dimming degree of the dimming signal to obtain the brightness according to the dimming degree. The light source device 14 is turned on. The constant voltage power supply circuit 20 supplies a DC voltage having a substantially constant voltage value according to the dimming degree to the light source device 14 under the control of the control unit 24.

The control unit 24 increases the voltage value according to the increase in the dimming degree. The control unit 24 controls the operation of the constant voltage power supply circuit 20 so that the voltage value is about 40 V when the dimming lower limit is set, and the constant voltage power supply circuit is set so that the voltage value is about 80 V when the dimming upper limit is set. Twenty operations are controlled. Then, the control unit 24 operates the constant voltage power supply circuit 20 between the dimming lower limit and the dimming upper limit based on an arbitrary dimming curve so that the voltage value is between 40V and 80V. Control.

Further, the control unit 24 controls the operation of the constant voltage power supply circuit 20 based on the dimming signal, and feedback-controls the operation of the constant voltage power supply circuit 20 based on the detection result of the voltage detection unit 28, for example. Thereby, the voltage value of the DC voltage can be appropriately adjusted by the voltage value according to the dimming degree.

The dimmer 12 further includes, for example, a current detection unit 30. The current detector 30 detects the current value of the direct current flowing between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d. In other words, the current detector 30 detects the load current flowing through the light source device 14. The current detector 30 inputs the detection result of the current value to the controller 24. The current detection unit 30 is, for example, a current detection resistor. The control unit 24 feedback-controls the operation of the constant voltage power supply circuit 20 based on the detection result of the voltage detection unit 28 and the detection result of the current detection unit 30, for example. Thereby, the voltage value of the DC voltage can be appropriately adjusted by the voltage value according to the dimming degree.

The load adjustment unit 26 has a pair of terminal portions 26a and 26b provided between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d and electrically connected to the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d, respectively. The one terminal portion 26a is electrically connected to the one output terminal 20c. The other terminal portion 26b is electrically connected to the other output terminal 20d.

The load adjusting unit 26 has a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which a current is passed between the pair of terminal portions 26a and 26b. The second state is a state in which the current between the pair of terminal portions 26a and 26b is at least smaller than that in the first state, and the current may be cut off.

The load adjustment unit 26 has, for example, a resistance element 40 and a switching element 42. The resistance element 40 is provided between the pair of terminal portions 26a and 26b. The switching element 42 is connected in series with the resistance element 40 between the pair of terminal portions 26a and 26b. The switching element 42 is, for example, a mechanical switch such as a relay.

When the switching element 42 is turned on, the resistance element 40 is connected in parallel to the light source device 14 and the capacitor 22, and a current flows between the pair of terminal portions 26a and 26b. On the other hand, when the switching element 42 is turned off, the path connecting the resistance element 40 in parallel to the light source device 14 and the capacitor 22 is cut off, and the current substantially does not flow between the pair of terminal portions 26a and 26b.

That is, in this example, by turning on the switching element 42, the load adjusting unit 26 is in the first state, and by turning off the switching element 42, the load adjusting unit 26 is in the second state. As shown in this example, the second state in which the current between the pair of terminal portions 26a and 26b is smaller than the first state is even when no current flows between the pair of terminal portions 26a and 26b. Good. The second state may be, for example, a state in which a current smaller than the current flowing in the first state flows between the pair of terminal portions 26a and 26b.

The control unit 24 controls the operation of the load adjusting unit 26 based on the dimming signal, sets the load adjusting unit 26 to the second state when the dimming degree is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and sets the load adjusting unit when the dimming degree is less than the predetermined value. 26 is the first state. In this example, the control unit 24 is electrically connected to the switching element 42, and switches the switching element 42 between ON and OFF to switch the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state.

The control unit 24 switches between the first state and the second state depending on whether the dimming degree is equal to or more than a predetermined value or less than the predetermined value. For example, when the dimming degree is 10% as the predetermined value, the load adjusting unit 26 is set to the second state when the dimming degree is 10% or more. Then, the control unit 24 sets the load adjusting unit 26 in the first state when the dimming degree is less than 10%, for example. The predetermined value is preferably set to a dimming degree at which the responsiveness of the output voltage of the dimmer 12 decreases when the dimming degree of the dimming signal is lowered from a high value to a low value.

The light source device 14 includes a light emitting element 60, a constant current power supply circuit 62, a control unit 64, a voltage detection unit 66, and a current detection unit 68. The light emitting element 60 is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). The light emitting element 60 is, for example, an organic light emitting diode (OLED), an inorganic electroluminescent (Inorganic ElectroLuminescence) light emitting element, an organic electroluminescent (Organic ElectroLuminescence) light emitting element, or another electroluminescent light emitting element. But it's okay. The light emitting element 60 may be any element that is turned on by applying a DC voltage.

The light source device 14 has a connecting portion 70. The dimmer 12 has a connected portion 32 for connecting the connecting portion 70 of the light source device 14. The dimmer 12 has, for example, a plurality of connected parts 32 for connecting the connecting parts 70 of the plurality of light source devices 14. The light source device 14 is electrically connected to the dimmer 12 via the connecting portion 70 and the connected portion 32.

The light source device 14 is, for example, a light bulb. More specifically, it is an LED bulb. The connection part 70 is, for example, a base, and the connected part 32 is a socket for receiving the base. Therefore, the light source device 14 is electrically connected to the dimmer 12 only by the two contact portions provided on the base.

The constant current power supply circuit 62 includes a pair of input terminals 62a and 62b for inputting a DC input voltage supplied from the dimmer 12, and a pair of output terminals 62c and 62d electrically connected to the light emitting element 60. And. The constant current power supply circuit 62 can supply a direct current to the light emitting element 60 based on the input voltage and can adjust the current value of the direct current. The constant current power supply circuit 62 is, for example, a DC-DC converter.

The voltage detection unit 66 is provided between the pair of input terminals 62a and 62b of the constant current power supply circuit 62. The voltage detection unit 66 detects the voltage value of the DC voltage input from the dimmer 12 to the pair of input terminals 62a and 62b of the constant current power supply circuit 62, and inputs the detection result to the control unit 64.

The current detector 68 detects the current value of the direct current flowing between the pair of output terminals 62c and 62d of the constant current power supply circuit 62. In other words, the current detector 68 detects the load current flowing through the light emitting element 60. The current detector 68 inputs the detection result of the current value to the controller 64. The current detector 68 is, for example, a current detection resistor.

The control unit 64 detects the voltage value of the input voltage based on the detection result of the voltage detection unit 66. The input voltage of the light source device 14 supplied from the dimmer 12 corresponds to the dimming degree of the dimming signal. Therefore, the dimming degree can be recognized in the control unit 64 by detecting the voltage value of the input voltage. As described above, in the illumination system 10, by changing the voltage value of the input voltage supplied to the light source device 14 in accordance with the dimming degree, even if the connecting portion 70 is a base that can connect only two wires, It is possible to supply electric power and transmit dimming power with only a line of a book.

The control unit 64 controls the operation of the constant current power supply circuit 62 based on the detected voltage value of the input voltage, and adjusts the current value of the direct current supplied to the light emitting element 60 according to the voltage value of the input voltage. Thereby, the control unit 64 turns on the light emitting element 60 with the brightness according to the voltage value (dimming degree) of the input voltage. Under the control of the control unit 64, the constant current power supply circuit 62 supplies the light emitting element 60 with a DC current having a substantially constant current value according to the voltage value (dimming degree) of the input voltage.

The control unit 64 also feedback-controls the operation of the constant current power supply circuit 62 based on the detection result of the current detection unit 68, for example. Thereby, the current value of the direct current can be appropriately adjusted by the current value according to the dimming degree.

A capacitor 22 for stabilizing the DC voltage is mounted on the output side of the dimmer 12. Therefore, for example, when the load current becomes small, such as when a low dimming degree is set in a state where the number of light source devices 14 connected to the dimmer 12 is small, the discharge time of the capacitor 22 becomes long, The change time of the DC voltage may be delayed. For example, when lowering the dimming degree from a state in which the high dimming degree is set, it takes time to discharge the capacitor 22, and it may take time to reach a DC voltage according to the dimming degree. That is, when changing from a bright state to a dark state, it may take time until the darkness is obtained according to the dimming degree.

On the other hand, in the dimmer 12 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 24 controls the operation of the load adjusting unit 26 based on the dimming signal, and controls the load adjusting unit 26 when the dimming degree is equal to or more than a predetermined value. When the dimming degree is less than the predetermined value, the load adjusting unit 26 is set to the first state. Thereby, for example, even when a low dimming degree less than a predetermined value is set and the load current flowing through the light source device 14 becomes small, the current is passed through the load adjusting unit 26 in the first state and accumulated in the capacitor 22. The charge can be discharged. Therefore, even when a low dimming degree is set, the discharge time of the capacitor 22 can be shortened and the change time of the DC voltage can be prevented from being delayed. The dimming speed when the load current on the dimming lower limit side is small can be made closer to the dimming speed when the load current on the dimming upper limit side is large.

As described above, in the dimmer 12 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the dimming speed from the dimming lower limit side to the dimming upper limit side within a certain range, and realize a light response with a good response.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of the operation of the lighting system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of the operation of the control unit 24 of the dimmer 12.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the control unit 24 determines whether the rated power consumption of the connected light source device 14 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S01 in FIG. 2).

Information indicating the rated power consumption (wattage) of the connected light source device 14 is input to the control unit 24. The information on the rated power consumption is input from the operation device 16 to the control unit 24, for example. The information on the rated power consumption may be input to the control unit 24 from an external device via a network or the like, similarly to the dimming signal, or may be input to the control unit 24 from an operation member provided in the dimmer 12 itself. You may enter. The method of inputting the information on the rated power consumption may be any method that can be appropriately input to the control unit 24.

The control unit 24 determines whether or not the rated power consumption of the connected light source device 14 is equal to or more than a predetermined value, based on the input information on the rated power consumption. When the control unit 24 determines that the load adjustment unit 26 is switched between the first state and the second state, the control unit 24 sets the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 to the first state and the second state (step of FIG. 2). S02).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the load is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 24 sets the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state to the second dimming degree higher than the first dimming degree. The light intensity is set (step S03 in FIG. 2).

In this way, the control unit 24 changes the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state according to the rated power consumption of the connected light source device 14.

When the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 is low, the load current becomes smaller than when the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 is high even if the same dimming degree is set. Therefore, when the rated power consumption is low, the control unit 24 raises the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state, as compared with the case where the rated power consumption is high. , The current is allowed to flow to the load adjusting unit 26 from the state where the dimming degree is higher.

As a result, even when the light source devices 14 having different rated power consumptions are connected to the dimmer 12, it is possible to suppress the variation in the dimming speed due to the difference in the rated power consumptions and realize a more responsive light change. it can.

In the example of FIG. 2, the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state is changed in two steps. The predetermined value of the dimming degree is not limited to two steps and may be changed in three or more steps. For example, when a plurality of types of light source devices 14 having different rated power consumptions are connected to the dimmer 12, the predetermined value of the dimming degree may be changed for each type of the connected light source devices 14.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of another operation of the lighting system according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the plurality of light source devices 14 can be connected to the dimmer 12, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the number of the connected light source devices 14 is a predetermined value or more. Is determined (step S11 in FIG. 3).

Information indicating the number of connected light source devices 14 is input to the control unit 24. The method of inputting the information on the number of light source devices 14 may be any method that can be appropriately input to the control unit 24, like the information on the rated power consumption.

The control unit 24 determines whether or not the number of connected light source devices 14 is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, based on the input information on the number of light source devices 14. When the control unit 24 determines that the load adjustment unit 26 is switched between the first state and the second state when it is determined that the predetermined value or more, the control unit 24 sets the predetermined value of the dimming degree to the first dimming degree (step of FIG. 3 ). S12).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the load is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 24 sets the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state to the second dimming degree higher than the first dimming degree. The light intensity is set (step S13 in FIG. 3).

In this way, the control unit 24 changes the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state, according to the number of connected light source devices 14.

When the number of light source devices 14 is small, the load current becomes smaller than when the number of light source devices 14 is large, even if the same dimming degree is set. Therefore, when the number of the light source devices 14 is small, the control unit 24 determines the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state more than when the number of the light source devices 14 is large. The value is increased so that the current flows through the load adjusting unit 26 from the state where the dimming degree is higher.

As a result, even if an arbitrary number of light source devices 14 are connected to the dimmer 12, the variation in the dimming speed due to the difference in the number of connected lights of the light source device 14 is suppressed, and a more responsive light change is realized. can do.

In the example of FIG. 3, the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state is changed in two steps. The predetermined value of the dimming degree is not limited to two steps and may be changed in three or more steps. For example, the predetermined value of the dimming degree may be changed for each number of connected light source devices 14.

Further, for example, by inputting the information on the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 and the information on the number of the light source devices 14 to the control unit 24, the control unit 24 causes the rated power consumption of the connected light source device 14 to be input. The predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state may be changed according to the number and the number.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of another operation of the lighting system according to the embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 24 determines whether the current value of the load current flowing between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S21 in FIG. 4).

The control unit 24 detects the current value of the load current flowing between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d based on the detection result of the current detection unit 30. Then, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the current value of the load current with respect to a predetermined dimming degree (for example, at the time of full light) is a predetermined value or more.

When the control unit 24 determines that the load adjustment unit 26 is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the control unit 24 sets the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state to the first dimming degree (step of FIG. 4 ). S22).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the load is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 24 sets the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state to the second dimming degree higher than the first dimming degree. The luminous intensity is set (step S23 in FIG. 4).

Thus, the control unit 24 determines the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state according to the current value of the load current flowing between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d. Change the value.

Thereby, for example, even if the information on the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 and the information on the number of the light source devices 14 are not input to the control unit 24 one by one, the difference in the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 and the difference in the number of connecting lights may occur. It is possible to appropriately suppress the variation in the dimming speed. It is possible to save the user the trouble of inputting the information on the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 and the information on the number of the light source devices 14, and to appropriately generate the variation in the dimming speed due to forgetting to input the information. Can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to realize a more responsive light change.

In the example of FIG. 4, the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 26 between the first state and the second state is changed in two steps. The predetermined value of the dimming degree is not limited to two steps and may be changed in three or more steps. For example, the predetermined value of the dimming degree may be changed stepwise according to the current value of the load current flowing between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d, or the predetermined value of the dimming degree may be continuously changed. Good. Further, for example, a threshold value may be set for the load current, and when the load current becomes equal to or less than the threshold value, the load adjusting unit 26 may be switched from the second state to the first state.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a modified example of the illumination system according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the lighting system 100, in the dimmer 112, the load adjusting unit 26 of the dimmer 12 of the above-described embodiment is replaced with the load adjusting unit 126. The other configurations are similar to those of the above-described embodiment, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The load adjustment unit 126 has a pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b provided between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d and electrically connected to the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d, respectively. The load adjustment unit 126 has a resistance element 140 and a switching element 142. The resistance element 140 is provided between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b. The switching element 142 is connected in series with the resistance element 140 between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b. In this example, the switching element 142 is a semiconductor switch such as a transistor or an FET (Field Effect Transistor). That is, in the load adjusting unit 126, the switching element 42, which is a mechanical switch of the load adjusting unit 26, is replaced with the switching element 142 of the semiconductor switch.

Similarly to the load adjusting unit 26, the load adjusting unit 126 also brings the load adjusting unit 126 into the first state by turning on the switching element 142 and turns the switching element 142 into the off state. 126 is in the second state.

The controller 24 is electrically connected to the control terminal of the switching element 142. The control unit 24 switches the load adjustment unit 126 between the first state and the second state by switching on/off of the switching element 142. As described above, the configuration of the load adjusting unit may be a configuration using a mechanical switch or a configuration using a semiconductor switch.

In addition, in the load adjustment unit 126 that uses a semiconductor switch for the switching element 142, the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b can be adjusted by the voltage applied to the control terminal of the switching element 142. The load adjusting unit 126 can adjust, for example, the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b in the first state. Further, in the load adjusting unit 126, for example, a state in which a current smaller than the current flowing in the first state flows between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b can be set as the second state.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of the operation of the lighting system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an example of the operation of the control unit 24 of the dimmer 112.
As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the rated power consumption of the connected light source device 14 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S31 in FIG. 6).

The control unit 24 determines whether or not the rated power consumption of the connected light source device 14 is equal to or more than a predetermined value, based on the input information on the rated power consumption. The input method of the information on the rated power consumption may be any method that can be appropriately input to the control unit 24, as described above.

When determining that the load adjusting unit 126 is in the first state, the control unit 24 sets the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal units 126a and 126b to the first current value when determining that the load adjusting unit 126 is in the first state. (Step S32 of FIG. 6).

On the other hand, when the control unit 24 determines that the current value is less than the predetermined value, the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal units 126a and 126b when the load adjusting unit 126 is in the first state is set to be smaller than the first current value. Is set to a higher second current value (step S33 in FIG. 6).

In this way, the control unit 24 adjusts the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b in the first state according to the rated power consumption of the connected light source device 14.

When the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 is low, the load current becomes smaller than when the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 is high even if the same dimming degree is set. Therefore, when the rated power consumption is low, the control unit 24 controls the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b when the load adjustment unit 126 is in the first state, as compared with the case where the rated power consumption is high. The current value is increased so that the current flows through the load adjusting unit 126.

As a result, even when the light source devices 14 having different rated power consumptions are connected to the dimmer 12, it is possible to suppress the variation in the dimming speed due to the difference in the rated power consumptions and realize a more responsive light change. it can.

In the example of FIG. 6, the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b in the first state is changed in two steps. The current value is not limited to two levels and may be changed in three or more levels. For example, when a plurality of types of light source devices 14 having different rated power consumptions are connected to the dimmer 112, the current value may be changed for each type of the connected light source devices 14.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of another operation of the lighting system according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the plurality of light source devices 14 can be connected to the dimmer 112, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the number of connected light source devices 14 is a predetermined value or more. Is determined (step S41 in FIG. 7).

The control unit 24 determines whether or not the number of connected light source devices 14 is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, based on the input information on the number of light source devices 14. The method of inputting information on the number of light source devices 14 may be any method that can be appropriately input to the control unit 24.

When determining that the load adjusting unit 126 is in the first state, the control unit 24 sets the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal units 126a and 126b to the first current value when determining that the load adjusting unit 126 is in the first state. (Step S42 of FIG. 7).

On the other hand, when the control unit 24 determines that the current value is less than the predetermined value, the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal units 126a and 126b when the load adjusting unit 126 is in the first state is set to be smaller than the first current value. Is set to a higher second current value (step S43 in FIG. 7).

In this way, the control unit 24 adjusts the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b in the first state according to the number of connected light source devices 14.

When the number of light source devices 14 is small, the load current becomes smaller than when the number of light source devices 14 is large, even if the same dimming degree is set. Therefore, when the number of the light source devices 14 is small, the control unit 24 sets the load adjusting unit 126 between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b when the load adjusting unit 126 is in the first state, when the number of the light source devices 14 is large. The current value of the current flowing through the load adjusting unit 126 is increased so that the current flows through the load adjusting unit 126.

As a result, even when an arbitrary number of light source devices 14 are connected to the dimmer 112, variation in the dimming speed due to the difference in the number of connected lights of the light source device 14 is suppressed, and a more responsive light change is realized. can do.

In the example of FIG. 7, the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b in the first state is changed in two steps. The current value is not limited to two levels and may be changed in three or more levels. For example, the current value may be changed for each number of connected light source devices 14.

Further, for example, by inputting the information on the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 and the information on the number of the light source devices 14 to the control unit 24, the control unit 24 causes the rated power consumption of the connected light source device 14 to be input. The current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b in the first state may be adjusted depending on the number and the number.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of another operation of the lighting system according to the embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control unit 24 determines whether the current value of the load current flowing between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S51 in FIG. 8).

The control unit 24 detects the current value of the load current flowing between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d based on the detection result of the current detection unit 30. Then, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the current value of the load current with respect to a predetermined dimming degree (for example, at the time of full light) is a predetermined value or more.

When determining that the load adjusting unit 126 is in the first state, the control unit 24 sets the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal units 126a and 126b to the first current value when determining that the load adjusting unit 126 is in the first state. (Step S52 of FIG. 8).

On the other hand, when the control unit 24 determines that the current value is less than the predetermined value, the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal units 126a and 126b when the load adjusting unit 126 is in the first state is set to be smaller than the first current value. Is set to a higher second current value (step S53 in FIG. 8).

In this way, the control unit 24 adjusts the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b in the first state according to the current value of the load current flowing between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d. To do.

Thereby, for example, even if the information on the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 and the information on the number of the light source devices 14 are not input to the control unit 24 one by one, the difference in the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 and the difference in the number of connecting lights may occur. It is possible to appropriately suppress the variation in the dimming speed. It is possible to save the user the trouble of inputting the information on the rated power consumption of the light source device 14 and the information on the number of the light source devices 14, and to appropriately generate the dimming speed variation due to forgetting to input the information. Can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to realize a more responsive light change.

In the example of FIG. 8, the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b in the first state is changed in two steps. The current value is not limited to two levels and may be changed in three or more levels. For example, the current value may be changed stepwise or the current value may be continuously changed according to the current value of the load current flowing between the pair of output terminals 20c and 20d.

For example, it is possible to adjust the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions 126a and 126b in the first state by arbitrarily combining the examples shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and the examples shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. In addition, the predetermined value of the dimming degree when switching the load adjusting unit 126 between the first state and the second state may be changeable. As a result, it is possible to realize a more responsive light change.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a modified example of the lighting system according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the dimmer 212 of the lighting system 200, the load adjusting unit 26 is omitted. The configuration of the dimmer 212 is substantially the same as the configuration of the dimmer 12 except that the load adjusting unit 26 is omitted, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the illumination system 200, the load adjusting unit 26 is omitted from the dimmer 212, and the light source device 214 is provided with the load adjusting unit 226 instead. Since the configuration of the light source device 214 other than the load adjusting unit 226 is substantially the same as that of the light source device 14, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The load adjustment unit 226 is provided between the pair of input terminals 62a and 62b of the constant current power supply circuit 62 and has a pair of terminal portions 226a and 226b electrically connected to the pair of input terminals 62a and 62b, respectively. .. The load adjustment unit 226 includes, for example, a resistance element 240 and a switching element 242. Since the configuration of the load adjusting unit 226 is substantially the same as the configuration of the load adjusting unit 26, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 64 controls the operation of the load adjusting unit 226 based on the voltage value (dimming degree) of the input voltage detected by the voltage detecting unit 66, and when the voltage value is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the load adjusting unit 226 is set to the second value. The load adjusting unit 226 is set to the first state when the voltage value is less than the predetermined value. In this example, the control unit 64 is electrically connected to the switching element 242, and switches the switching element 242 between on and off to switch the load adjusting unit 226 between the first state and the second state.

Thereby, for example, even when a low dimming degree less than a predetermined value is set and the load current flowing through the light emitting element 60 becomes small, the current is passed through the load adjusting unit 226 in the first state and the capacitor of the dimmer 212 is adjusted. The electric charge accumulated in 22 can be discharged. Therefore, even when a low dimming degree is set, it is possible to shorten the discharge time of the capacitor 22 and prevent the change time of the DC voltage from being delayed. The dimming speed when the load current on the dimming lower limit side is small can be made closer to the dimming speed when the load current on the dimming upper limit side is large.

Also in the light source device 214 according to the present embodiment, similarly to the dimmer 12 of the above-described embodiment, the dimming speed from the dimming lower limit side to the dimming upper limit side is suppressed within a certain range, and a light response with good response is realized. can do. As described above, the load adjusting unit may be provided on the dimmer side or the light source device side.

However, when a plurality of light source devices are connected to the dimmer, it is preferable to provide a load adjusting section on the dimmer side. As a result, the number of parts in the entire lighting system can be reduced as compared with the case where the load adjustment unit is provided in each of the plurality of light source devices, and the load adjustment unit is arranged in the vicinity of the capacitor 22, so that The discharge of 22 can be performed more reliably.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a modified example of the lighting system according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the light source device 314 of the illumination system 300, the load adjustment unit 326 is provided on the output side of the constant current power supply circuit 62.

The load adjusting unit 326 is provided between the pair of output terminals 62c and 62d of the constant current power supply circuit 62 and has a pair of terminal portions 326a and 326b electrically connected to the pair of output terminals 62c and 62d, respectively. .. The load adjustment unit 326 includes, for example, a resistance element 340 and a switching element 342. Since the configuration of the load adjusting unit 326 is substantially the same as the configuration of the load adjusting unit 26, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 64 controls the operation of the load adjustment unit 326 based on the voltage value (dimming degree) of the input voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 66, and when the voltage value is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the load adjustment unit 326 is set to the second value. The load adjusting unit 326 is set to the first state when the voltage value is less than the predetermined value. In this example, the control unit 64 is electrically connected to the switching element 342, and switches the switching element 342 between on and off to switch the load adjusting unit 326 between the first state and the second state.

Thereby, for example, even when a low dimming degree less than a predetermined value is set and the load current flowing through the light emitting element 60 becomes small, the current can be passed through the load adjusting unit 326 in the first state. For this reason, the power consumption in the constant current power supply circuit 62 increases, and as a result, the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor 22 of the dimmer 212 can be easily discharged. Therefore, even when a low dimming degree is set, the discharge time of the capacitor 22 can be shortened and the change time of the DC voltage can be prevented from being delayed. The dimming speed when the load current on the dimming lower limit side is small can be made closer to the dimming speed when the load current on the dimming upper limit side is large. As described above, the load adjusting unit 326 may be provided on the input side or the output side of the constant current power supply circuit 62.

The load adjusting units 226 and 326 of the light source devices 214 and 314 have substantially the same configuration as the load adjusting unit 26. The configurations of the load adjusting units 226 and 326 of the light source devices 214 and 314 may be substantially the same as the configurations of the load adjusting unit 126.

In addition, in the load adjusting units 226 and 326 of the light source devices 214 and 314, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a predetermined value of the dimming degree when the load adjusting unit 26 is switched between the first state and the second state is set. 6 to 8, the current value of the current flowing between the pair of terminal portions when the load adjusting portions 226 and 326 are set to the first state may be adjustable. ..

The configuration of the load adjusting unit is not limited to the above. For example, a variable resistor such as a digital potentiometer may be used as the load adjusting unit, and the first state and the second state may be switched by changing the resistance value. The configuration of the load adjusting unit is an arbitrary configuration capable of switching between a first state in which a current flows between the pair of terminal portions and a second state in which the current between the pair of terminal portions is smaller than the first state. Good.

Although some embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described, these embodiments or examples are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments or examples can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments or examples and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

2... AC power supply, 10... Lighting system, 12... Dimmer, 14... Light source device, 16... Manipulator, 20... Constant voltage power supply circuit, 22... Capacitor, 24... Control part, 26... Load adjusting part, 28... Voltage detecting section, 30... Current detecting section, 32... Connected section, 40... Resistor element, 42... Switching element, 60... Light emitting element, 62... Constant current power supply circuit, 64... Control section, 66... Voltage detecting section, 68 ... current detection part, 70... connection part, 100... lighting system, 112... dimmer, 126... load adjusting part, 140... resistance element, 142... switching element, 200... lighting system, 212... dimmer, 214... Light source device, 226... Load adjusting unit, 240... Resistor element, 242... Switching element, 300... Lighting system, 314... Light source device, 326... Load adjusting unit, 340... Resistor element, 342... Switching element

Claims (10)

A pair of output terminals electrically connected to the light source device, while supplying a DC voltage to the light source device from the pair of output terminals, a constant voltage power supply circuit capable of adjusting the voltage value of the DC voltage,
A capacitor provided between the pair of output terminals,
By receiving an input of a dimming signal, controlling the operation of the constant voltage power supply circuit based on the dimming signal, and adjusting the voltage value of the DC voltage according to the dimming degree of the dimming signal, A control unit for turning on the light source device with brightness according to the luminous intensity,
A first state which is provided between the pair of output terminals and has a pair of terminal portions electrically connected to the pair of output terminals, and in which a current flows between the pair of terminal portions; A load adjusting unit having a second state in which a current between the pair of terminal portions is smaller than the first state,
Equipped with
The control unit controls the operation of the load adjusting unit based on the dimming signal, sets the load adjusting unit to the second state when the dimming degree is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and the dimming degree is less than the predetermined value. A dimmer that sets the load adjustment unit to the first state at the time of. The dimmer according to claim 1, wherein the load adjuster is capable of adjusting a current flowing between the pair of terminals in the first state. The dimmer according to claim 2, wherein the control unit adjusts a current flowing between the pair of terminal units in the first state according to a rated power consumption of the light source device. The pair of output terminals can be electrically connected to the plurality of light source devices connected in parallel,
The adjustment unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit adjusts a current flowing between the pair of terminal units in the first state according to the number of the light source devices connected to the pair of output terminals. Light equipment. The control unit detects a load current flowing between the pair of output terminals, and adjusts a current flowing between the pair of terminal units in the first state according to the load current. The dimmer according to any one of 1. The dimmer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit can change the predetermined value. The dimmer according to claim 6, wherein the control unit changes the predetermined value according to a rated power consumption of the light source device. The pair of output terminals can be electrically connected to the plurality of light source devices connected in parallel,
The dimmer according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control unit changes the predetermined value according to the number of the light source devices connected to the pair of output terminals. The dimmer according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control unit detects a load current flowing between the pair of output terminals and changes the predetermined value according to the load current. A light emitting element,
It has a pair of input terminals for inputting a DC input voltage and a pair of output terminals electrically connected to the light emitting element, and supplies a direct current to the light emitting element based on the input voltage. Together with a constant current power supply circuit capable of adjusting the current value of the direct current,
According to the voltage value, the voltage value of the input voltage is detected, the operation of the constant current power supply circuit is controlled based on the voltage value, and the current value of the direct current is adjusted according to the voltage value. A control unit for turning on the light emitting element with a bright brightness,
A first state having a pair of terminal portions electrically connected to each of the pair of input terminals or each of the pair of output terminals, wherein a first state in which a current flows between the pair of terminal portions; and the pair of terminals A second state in which a current between the parts is smaller than the first state, and a load adjusting part,
Equipped with
The control unit controls the operation of the load adjusting unit based on the voltage value, sets the load adjusting unit to the second state when the voltage value is a predetermined value or more, and the voltage value is less than the predetermined value. A light source device which sometimes sets the load adjusting unit to the first state.

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