JP4848646B2 - Dimmer and dimming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a dimmer for dimming and controlling a plurality of connected lighting fixtures, and a dimming system including these lighting fixtures and dimmers, for example, a conference room used by an unspecified number of people The present invention relates to a dimmer and a dimming system suitable for use in a meeting room or the like.

  In some cases, it is necessary to adjust the illumination pattern according to the installation location, use environment, and the like of the luminaire. For example, a projector is often used in a meeting room or the like, but when using the projector, it is necessary to make the image projected on a screen or the like easily visible and bright enough to take a memo at hand. Conventionally, in lighting fixtures where the dimming level cannot be set, when using the projector, turn off all lighting fixtures, or turn off only the lighting fixture on the side where the image is projected, etc. I was adjusting. However, when all the lighting fixtures are turned off, the image projected by the projector is easy to see, but it is difficult to take notes. On the other hand, when only the lighting fixture on the side on which the image is projected is turned off, the difference in illuminance between the area where the lighting fixture is turned on and the area where the lighting fixture is turned off becomes strong and uncomfortable.

  In recent years, lighting fixtures that can be dimmed and controlled by dimming signals have become widespread, and as a device for dimming control of such a lighting fixture, a dimmer for a single circuit, a dimmer for a memory type multi-circuit, etc. It is used (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the one-circuit dimmer 101 includes a volume V11 for setting the dimming level of the connected lighting fixture, and ON / OFF for turning on or off the connected lighting fixture. And a switch SW11.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the memory type multi-circuit dimmer 201 includes a volume V21 for setting a dimming level of the lighting fixture connected to each circuit, and a lighting fixture connected to each circuit. Is provided with an ON / OFF switch SW21 for turning on or off the light and a pattern switch SW22 that is selected and operated when a predetermined illumination pattern is reproduced.
JP-A-6-292263

  However, since the dimmer 101 for one circuit can set all the dimming levels of all the connected lighting fixtures to the same value, for example, an image displayed on a screen or the like as in the case of using the projector described above. Is easy to see, and it is necessary to arrange two dimmers for one circuit 101 in order to make it bright enough to take notes at hand. If two dimmers for one circuit 101 are arranged, when the lighting apparatus is turned on or turned on, two operations are required each time, which takes time. Further, when adjusting the illumination pattern when using the projector, it is necessary to manually operate the volume V11 every time. Therefore, assuming that it is used by an unspecified number of people, , You will not be able to judge how far you should turn off the lights, and you will be wasting valuable time.

  On the other hand, in the case of the memory type multi-circuit dimmer 201, the illumination pattern at the time of use of the projector is stored in advance, so that there is no need to worry about adjusting the brightness. There is a switch, and first-time users may find it difficult to know which switch to operate when turning on the luminaire, and may not even realize that the lighting pattern for the projector is set in the dimmer There is also.

  As described above, conventionally, there was no dimmer suitable for installation in a place used by an unspecified number of people, such as a conference room, etc., so that illumination that can be dimmed and controlled by a dimming signal Despite the widespread use of appliances, the use of dimmers in locations used by an unspecified number of people has not progressed.

  Further, in the conventional dimmers 101 and 201, generally, each value in the setting range of the volumes V11 and V21 is assigned so as to correspond linearly to the dimming level of the lighting fixture. Such a volume allocation method is not particularly problematic when there is no bias in the usage frequency of the dimming level, but the following problem occurs when there is a bias in the usage frequency of the dimming level. For example, as described above, assuming use in a conference room or the like, the dimming level is set to 100% in the case of a bright illumination pattern such as when the projector is not used, and darker illumination such as when the projector is used. In the case of a pattern, the dimming level is set in the range of about 5% to about 40%. For this reason, the light control level in the vicinity of 41% to 99% is hardly used, and the volume setting range assigned to this range is wasted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a dimmer and a dimming system capable of reproducing a desired illumination pattern with a simple operation even if the person is unfamiliar with the operation. Objective.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a dimmer and a dimming system capable of efficiently assigning a setting range such as a volume operated when setting the dimming level of the lighting fixture to the dimming level of the lighting fixture. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the invention provides a dimmer for dimming control of a plurality of connected lighting fixtures by outputting a dimming signal, wherein the plurality of lighting fixtures are divided into two circuits. And a dimming signal output to a lighting fixture connected to each of the two circuits based on the pattern selection means, which is selected and operated when reproducing a predetermined illumination pattern. A dimming control means for controlling the dimming level of the luminaire connected to each of these circuits to regenerate the lighting pattern assigned to the selected pattern selecting means, and the pattern selecting means is operated by the user when adjusting the assigned illumination pattern, and a level setting means for setting a dimming level of the connected luminaire to the two circuits, The setting range of the level setting means is assigned according to the usage frequency of the dimming level of the lighting fixture, and the setting range of the level setting means is widely assigned to the range of the dimming level where the usage frequency is high. The setting range of the level setting means is narrowly assigned to this range .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the dimmer according to the first aspect, the lighting pattern includes a first pattern for turning off all lighting fixtures connected to the two circuits, and the two circuits. A second pattern that sets the dimming level of all connected lighting fixtures to approximately 100%, and a dimming level of the lighting fixture connected to one circuit is set to a first predetermined level, and is connected to the other circuit. And a third pattern for setting the dimming level of the luminaire to a second predetermined level, wherein the pattern selection means is assigned to each of the first pattern to the third pattern. It has the 3rd selection means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

The invention of claim 3 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures that are connected to the two circuits and that can be adjusted and controlled by the dimming signal, and the dimmer according to claim 1 or 2. It is a light control system characterized by.

According to the dimmer of the first aspect, since the dimming level of the plurality of lighting fixtures connected in two circuits is controlled based on the selected pattern selecting means, the lighting pattern is reproduced. The user can reproduce a predetermined illumination pattern by operating only the pattern selection means without individually operating a plurality of lighting fixtures. In addition, since multiple lighting fixtures are controlled in two circuits, it is possible to reduce the number of switches for operating the lighting fixtures, making it easier to find switches to be operated, etc. Even an inexperienced person can easily operate without hesitation. Moreover, since the level setting means which sets the light control level of the lighting fixture connected to the 1st circuit and the 2nd circuit is provided, the adjustment of the illumination pattern according to the installation environment and use environment of a lighting fixture is attained. . Furthermore, since the setting range of the level setting means is assigned according to the usage frequency of the dimming level of the lighting fixture, the waste of the setting range of the level setting means assigned to the range of the dimming level with low usage frequency is eliminated The setting range of the level setting means can be used efficiently.

  According to the dimmer described in claim 2, since the first pattern to the third pattern are respectively assigned to the first selection means to the third selection means, the user selects the first selection means. By operating the third to third selection means, the first pattern to the third pattern can be easily reproduced.

According to the light control system of the third aspect , it is possible to provide a light control system having the effect of the first or second aspect .

  A dimmer according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the dimmer 1 is installed in a conference room R used by an unspecified number of people. The dimmer 1 is a device that performs dimming control of a plurality of inverter fluorescent lamp lighting fixtures (hereinafter simply referred to as lighting fixtures) 11A and 11B connected by outputting a duty signal (dimming signal). A dimming system 80 is formed by the instruments 11A and 11B and the dimmer 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of lighting fixtures 11 </ b> A and 11 </ b> B are connected to the dimmer 1 by being divided into two circuits of a first circuit 10 </ b> A and a second circuit 10 </ b> B via wirings 12 </ b> A and 12 </ b> B. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, the dimmer 1 includes a first switch based on a pattern switch (pattern selecting means) SW that is selected and operated when reproducing a predetermined illumination pattern, and the pattern switch SW that is selected and operated. The duty signals output to the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B connected to the circuit 10A and the second circuit 10B are controlled, and the dimming levels of the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B connected to the respective circuits 10A and 10B are controlled. And an arithmetic processing unit (dimming control means) 4 for reproducing the illumination pattern assigned to the selected pattern switch SW. In addition, the dimmer 1 includes a DC power supply unit 2 that converts an AC current input from the commercial power supply 20 into a DC current, a signal generation unit 4 that generates a duty signal, a volume V that includes a variable resistor, and a light emitting diode L. It has. As shown in FIG. 2, the pattern switch SW may be formed on the operation panel 40 attached to the wall surface of the conference room R or the like, or may be formed on the wireless remote controller 50.

  The arithmetic processing unit 3 is operated by a DC power source supplied from the DC power source unit 2 and executes internal processing based on inputs from the pattern switch SW and the volume V selected and operated by the user. The duty signal output to 11A and 11B is controlled to control the dimming level of the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B, thereby reproducing the illumination pattern. Further, the arithmetic processing unit 3 turns on the light emitting diode L corresponding to the currently reproduced illumination pattern in accordance with the operated pattern switch SW, and notifies the user of the currently reproduced illumination pattern.

  The lighting pattern reproduced by the dimmer 1 includes an all-off pattern (first pattern) for turning off all the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B connected to the first circuit 10A and the second circuit 10B, and All lighting patterns (second pattern) that make the dimming levels of all the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B connected to the first circuit 10A and the second circuit 10B substantially 100%, and the first circuit 10A The dimming level of the luminaire 11B connected to the second circuit 10B is set to a rather dark dimming level (for example, about 5% (first predetermined level)). And a projector pattern (third pattern) that makes the light control level slightly darker (for example, about 40% (second predetermined level)). The projector pattern is used when an image is projected on the screen S using the projector P, as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the illumination pattern is an overall tone adjusted so that the entire conference room R is darkened, which is used when the image is projected where the projection direction of the projector P is not the direction of the screen S or the like. A light pattern is also included.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pattern switch SW includes an ON / OFF switch (first selection means) SW1 assigned to the all-off pattern and an all-on switch (second display) assigned to the all-lighting pattern. Selection means) SW2, projector pattern switch (third selection means) SW3 assigned to the projector pattern, and overall dimming pattern switch SW4 assigned to the overall dimming pattern. .

  Note that when the ON / OFF switch SW1 is operated in a state where the full lighting pattern, the projector pattern, or the total dimming pattern is reproduced, a transition is made to the full extinction pattern. On the other hand, when the ON / OFF switch SW1 is operated with the all-off pattern, the illumination pattern that has been reproduced before the all-off pattern is reproduced is reproduced.

  The ON / OFF switch RSW1, full lighting switch RSW2, projector pattern switch RSW3, and total dimming pattern switch RSW4 of the wireless remote controller 50 shown in FIG. 5 are respectively ON / OFF switch SW1 and full lighting switch of the operation panel 40. This corresponds to SW2, projector pattern switch SW3, and overall dimming pattern switch SW4. A signal output from the wireless remote controller 50 is input to the dimmer 1 via the light receiving unit 40a of the operation panel 40 (see FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the light-emitting diode L includes a first light-emitting diode L1 that is turned on when the illumination pattern being reproduced is a full turn-off pattern, and a light-emitting diode L that is turned on when the illumination pattern is a full turn-on pattern. 2 light emitting diodes L2, a third light emitting diode L3 that is turned on when the illumination pattern is a projector pattern, and a fourth light emitting diode L4 that is turned on when the illumination pattern is an overall dimming pattern. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, the volume V is fixed so that the illumination pattern assigned to the pattern switch SW is fixed, and cannot be operated on the end user side. The method of fixing the illumination pattern assigned to the pattern switch SW may not be the volume (variable resistor) V, but may be a memory that stores information relating to the dimming level assigned to the pattern switch SW. . In this case, when the pattern switch SW is selected and operated, the information stored in the memory is input to the arithmetic processing unit 3, and the dimming levels of the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B are determined based on the information. As shown in FIG. 3, the volume V includes the volumes V1A and V1B for setting the dimming level of the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B in the projector pattern, and the dimming of the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B in the overall dimming pattern. A volume V2 for setting the level is set, and a dimming level optimum for use in the conference room R is set in advance.

  Next, an operation method of the dimmer 1 will be described. After entering the room, the user presses the ON / OFF switch SW1 to turn on the lighting devices 11A and 11B in the conference room R. When the projector P is used using the screen S, the projector pattern switch SW3 is pressed to reproduce the projector pattern that has been adjusted in advance. At this time, the projector pattern switch RSW3 of the wireless remote controller 50 may be pressed.

  When the use of the projector P is ended and the discussion is returned to the discussion, the full lighting switch SW2 is pressed to reproduce the full lighting pattern, thereby brightening the room. After the conference, the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B are all turned off by pressing the ON / OFF switch SW1.

  Thus, according to the dimmer 1 of the present embodiment, the dimming levels of the plurality of lighting fixtures 11A and 11B connected in two circuits are controlled based on the pattern switch SW that has been selected and operated, Since the illumination pattern is reproduced, the user can reproduce the predetermined illumination pattern by operating only the pattern switch SW without individually operating the plurality of lighting fixtures 11A and 11B. That is, since the all-off pattern, all-on pattern, and projector pattern are assigned to the all-off switch SW1, all-on switch SW2, and projector pattern switch SW3, respectively, the user operates these pattern switches SW. Thus, the all-off pattern, all-on pattern, and projector pattern can be easily reproduced.

  In addition, since the plurality of lighting fixtures 11A and 11B are controlled in two circuits, the switches for operating the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B can be reduced, making it easier to find the switch to be operated, Even a person unfamiliar with the operation of the dimmer 1 can be easily operated without hesitation.

  In addition, since the illumination pattern assigned to the pattern switch SW is fixed and adjustment of the illumination pattern on the end user side is unnecessary, even a user who is not familiar with the operation of the dimmer 1 can set the dimming level. The illumination pattern can be easily operated without bothering. In addition, when there are a large number of conference rooms and the like, adjustment of the illumination pattern may be a heavy burden on the facility manager, but the dimmer 1 in which an optimal illumination pattern is set in advance as in this embodiment. Since it can be used as it is after the construction, the burden on the facility manager can be reduced.

  Next, a dimmer according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The dimmer 1 of this embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the illumination pattern assigned to the pattern switch can be adjusted on the end user side.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the volume V is formed in a portion where the front panel of the operation panel 40 is removed so that the end user can adjust the illumination pattern via the volume V. In this way, the volume V is covered with the front panel and hidden from the end user, so that the number of switches appearing on the front plate can be reduced and the user can easily find the switch to be operated.

  The user operates the volume V to set the dimming level of the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B connected to the first circuit 10A and the second circuit 10B, and adjust the lighting pattern assigned to the pattern switch SW. To do.

The volume V includes volumes V1A and V1B that are operated when adjusting the projector pattern, and a volume V2 that is operated when adjusting the overall dimming pattern.
The volume V1A is for setting the dimming level of the lighting fixture 11A connected to the first circuit 10A, and the volume V1B is the dimming level of the lighting fixture 11B connected to the second circuit 10B. It is for setting. The volume V2 is used to collectively set the dimming levels of the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B connected to the first circuit 10A and the second circuit 10B.

  The setting range (movable range) of the volume V is assigned according to the usage frequency of the dimming level of the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B, and the setting range of the volume V is widely assigned to the range of the dimming level with high usage frequency. The setting range of the volume V is narrowly assigned to the range of the dimming level that is used less frequently.

  For example, when the dimmer 1 is connected to a lighting fixture in which the relationship between the dimming level and the illuminance is substantially linear, the setting range of the volume V is assigned exponentially to the dimming level of the lighting fixture. Generally, it is known that the luminous flux ratio (dimming level) of a lighting fixture and the brightness perceived by the human eye are not linearly related but have an exponential relationship, and 2.3 power control characteristics Etc. are used for dimmers and the like. In this way, by assigning the setting range of the volume V exponentially to the dimming level of the lighting fixture, it becomes possible to set the dimming level suitable for the eyes of a person who feels the brightness exponentially, The illumination pattern can be easily adjusted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the setting range of the volume V is hardly assigned to the range of the light control level that is hardly used, and the use frequency is low. The range of the dimming level is assigned so that the setting range of the volume V is narrower than that in the case where the setting range is linearly assigned to the dimming level. Moreover, the setting range of the volume V is assigned to a dimming level range that is frequently used but is not so severely set as compared with a case where the setting range of the volume V is linearly assigned to the dimming level. Furthermore, the setting range of the volume V is assigned to a range of the light control level that is frequently used and is severely set so as to be wider than the above.

  Next, a procedure for adjusting the illumination pattern assigned to the pattern switch SW will be described. First, the front panel covering the volume V is removed so that the volume V can be operated. Then, the projector pattern switch SW3 is pressed to reproduce the projector pattern. At this time, the projector pattern switch RSW3 of the wireless remote controller 50 may be operated. Then, in order to make the image projected on the screen S etc. easy to see and bright enough to take a memo at hand, the volume V1A is operated to adjust the dimming level of the luminaire 11A on the side close to the screen S. It is set to be considerably dark, and the light control level of the luminaire 11B far from the screen S is set to be slightly dark by operating the volume V1B.

  Next, the overall dimming pattern switch SW4 is pressed to reproduce the overall dimming pattern, and the volume V2 is operated to adjust the overall dimming pattern. The overall dimming pattern is adjusted so that the entire conference room R becomes dark assuming that the image is projected where the projection direction of the projector P is not the direction of the screen S or the like. When the adjustment of the projector pattern and the overall dimming pattern is completed, the front plate is attached and the illumination pattern adjustment operation is completed. The operation method of the dimmer 1 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the dimmer 1 of the present embodiment, since the volume V for setting the dimming level of the lighting fixtures 11A and 11B connected to the first circuit 10A and the second circuit 10B on the end user side is provided. The lighting pattern can be adjusted according to the installation environment and usage environment of the luminaire.

  Further, since the setting range of the volume V is assigned according to the usage frequency of the dimming level of the luminaire, the setting range of the volume V assigned to the range of the dimming level with low usage frequency is eliminated, and the volume V is eliminated. Can be used efficiently.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the dimming pattern assigned to the pattern switch SW may not be a projector pattern or the like, and is appropriately determined according to the installation location and use environment of the dimmer 1.

Explanatory drawing of the usage example of the light controller which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the light control system provided with the tuning optical device. The block diagram of a tuning optical device. The front view of the operation panel of a tuning optical device. The front view of the wireless remote control used for a tuning optical device. The front view which shows the state which removed the front plate of the operation panel of the dimmer which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The graph which shows the relationship between the volume of a tuning light device, and the light control level of a lighting fixture. The front view of the operation panel of the 1 circuit dimmer which concerns on a prior art example. The front view of the operation panel of the memory | storage type multicircuit dimmer which concerns on a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dimmer 2 DC power supply part 3 Arithmetic processing part (dimming control part)
4 signal generator 80 dimming system 10A first circuit 10B second circuit 11A, 11B lighting fixture SW1 ON / OFF switch (pattern selection means (first selection means))
SW2 all lighting switch (pattern selection means (second selection means))
SW3 Projector pattern switch (pattern selection means (third selection means))
SW4 Whole dimming pattern switch (pattern selection means)
V1A, V1B, V2 Volume (level setting means)

Claims (3)

In a dimmer for dimming control of a plurality of connected lighting fixtures by outputting a dimming signal,
The plurality of lighting fixtures are divided into two circuits and connected,
A pattern selection means that is selected and operated when reproducing a predetermined illumination pattern;
Based on the pattern selection means, to control the dimming signal output to the luminaire connected to each of the two circuits, to control the dimming level of the luminaire connected to each of these circuits, A dimming control means for reproducing an illumination pattern assigned to the selected pattern selection means;
A level setting means for setting a dimming level of a lighting fixture which is operated by a user when adjusting the illumination pattern assigned to the pattern selection means and connected to the two circuits;
Equipped with a,
Assigning the setting range of the level setting means according to the frequency of use of the dimming level of the lighting fixture,
A dimmer characterized by assigning a wide setting range of the level setting means to a range of dimming levels having a high use frequency and narrowly assigning a setting range of the level setting means to a range of dimming levels having a low use frequency . The lighting pattern includes a first pattern that turns off all lighting fixtures connected to the two circuits, and a first pattern that sets the dimming level of all lighting fixtures connected to the two circuits to approximately 100%. A second dimming level of the lighting fixture connected to one of the circuits and the second dimming level of the lighting fixture connected to the other circuit. Pattern and
2. The dimmer according to claim 1, wherein the pattern selection unit includes a first selection unit to a third selection unit assigned to each of the first pattern to the third pattern. A plurality of lighting fixtures connected to the two circuits and adjustable and controlled by the dimming signal;
  A dimming system comprising the dimmer according to claim 1.

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