TWI475924B - Light dimming device - Google Patents

Description

Dimming device

The present invention relates to a dimming device.

A discharge lamp lighting device configured to illuminate a discharge lamp at a desired dimming level in accordance with a control signal is known (for example, refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2007-149408A). The discharge lamp lighting device has been configured to dim (control dimming level) by controlling the power supplied to the discharge lamp.

Recently, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which generally have high luminance characteristics and low power consumption characteristics have been used for lighting purposes. Also, such LED bulbs having the same base as conventional incandescent bulbs have been provided. Therefore, it is contemplated that the LED bulb can be used in conjunction with a dimming device configured to control the intensity of the light by a phase control method. Here, the minimum illuminating voltage of the LED bulb (the minimum voltage at which the LED bulb starts to illuminate) is usually quite different between the bulbs. Therefore, if an LED bulb with a dimming device is used, when a new LED bulb is replaced, since the supply power at the lower dimming limit has been adjusted according to the previous LED bulb, the new LED bulb may not emit light with the lower dimming limit. . For this reason, the user has been asked to adjust the "lower limit of dimming".

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dimming device that can easily adjust the supply power to the lower limit of the dimming range.

The dimming device of the present invention includes: a dimming control portion configured to control power supplied to the lighting load to illuminate the lighting load at a desired dimming level within a dimming range, and configured to supply the lighting load The power is adjusted to the dimming lower limit setting unit at the lower limit of the dimming range. The present invention is characterized in that the dimming lower limit setting portion includes a first operation portion for increasing the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range, and a second operation portion for reducing the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range.

In the dimming device, preferably, the dimming device further includes an indication portion configured to notify the user of an invalid operation: the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range is set to a maximum value of the predetermined adjustment range The second operation portion is operated by operating the first operation portion and the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range being set to the minimum value of the predetermined adjustment range.

In the dimming device, preferably, the dimming device further includes a light emitting portion that is configured to illuminate when the lighting load is turned off to indicate the mounting position, and the light emitting portion also functions as the indicating portion.

In the dimming device, preferably, the dimming device further includes a main body covering the dimming control portion, the dimming lower limit setting portion is disposed at the concave portion (the concave portion is disposed on an outer surface of the main body), and the dimming device is further A cover member configured to be detachably attached to the main body to cover the dimming lower limit setting portion is included.

According to the invention, the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range can be adjusted by operating the first operation unit and the second operation unit. Therefore, the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range can be adjusted in accordance with each lighting load. Therefore, the present invention can surely illuminate the illumination load with the lower limit of the dimming range.

1‧‧‧ dimming device

2‧‧‧Commercial AC power supply

3‧‧‧Lighting load

11‧‧‧ dimming control department

12‧‧‧ Zero Crossing Detection Department

13‧‧‧ dimming level setting department

14‧‧‧ Dimming lower limit setting unit

15‧‧‧Lighting Department

16‧‧‧ memory

20‧‧‧ Subject

21‧‧‧After body

22‧‧‧ precursor

23‧‧‧ Engagement

23a‧‧‧ Hole

24‧‧‧Protruding

25‧‧‧Meshing nails

26‧‧‧ gap

27‧‧‧ highlights

27a‧‧‧Protruding

28‧‧‧ Groove

29‧‧‧Rotary handle

29a‧‧‧ trench

30‧‧‧ recess

31‧‧‧First Operation Department

32‧‧‧Second Operations Department

33‧‧‧shade

34‧‧‧Wiring insertion hole

35‧‧‧Tool insertion hole

40‧‧‧Cleaning pieces

41‧‧‧ round hole

42‧‧‧Elongation hole

43‧‧‧ Engagement piece

43a‧‧‧ nails

50‧‧‧ Fixing frame

50a‧‧‧ window hole

51‧‧‧ side film

52‧‧‧Frame film

53‧‧‧ hole

54‧‧‧ screw holes

55‧‧‧Elongation hole

56‧‧‧ hook hole

57‧‧‧ round hole

60‧‧‧Face rack

61‧‧‧ window hole

62‧‧‧Frame film

63‧‧‧through holes

64‧‧‧Meshing holes

70‧‧‧Decorative panels

71‧‧‧ window hole

80‧‧‧Close cover

D1, D2‧‧‧ dots

DB1‧‧‧ full wave rectifier

L1‧‧‧ curved lines

Q1‧‧‧Switching elements

S1‧‧‧ signal

T1‧‧‧delay time

T1, T2‧‧‧ connection terminal

V1, V2‧‧‧ voltage

Vth1‧‧‧ threshold

1 shows a dimming device of the present embodiment, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the dimming device in which the decorative panel is separated, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the dimming device in which the decorative panel is separated from the cover member.

Fig. 2 shows a dimming device of the present embodiment, Fig. 2A is a front view thereof, Fig. 2B is a right side view thereof, Fig. 2C is a rear view thereof, and Fig. 2D is a bottom view thereof.

Fig. 3 shows a dimming device of the present embodiment, Fig. 3A is an exploded view thereof, and Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the cover member viewed from the back.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the dimming device of this embodiment.

5A to 5D, FIG. 5A is a waveform diagram showing the output voltage V1 of the full-wave rectifier, FIG. 5B is a waveform diagram showing the output signal S1 of the zero-crossing detecting portion, and FIG. 5C is a diagram showing the conduction of the switching element Q1. A waveform diagram of the non-conduction state, and FIG. 5D is a waveform diagram of the voltage V2 applied to the illumination load 3.

Fig. 6 is an explanatory view for explaining the relationship between the operation position of the rotary handle and the dimming level by the dimming device according to the present embodiment.

The dimming device of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of the dimming device 1 of the present invention. The dimming device 1 includes connection terminals T1 and T2 connected to an external circuit, a full-wave rectifier DB1, a switching element Q1, a dimming control unit 11, a zero-crossing detecting unit 12, a dimming level setting unit 13, and dimming. The lower limit setting unit 14, the light emitting unit 15, and the memory 16.

A series circuit composed of a commercial AC power source 2 and an illumination load 3 such as an LED bulb is connected between the connection terminals T1 and T2 as an external circuit. The AC input terminals of the full-wave rectifier DB1 are each connected to the connection terminals T1, T2.

The full-wave rectifier DB1 performs full-wave rectification of the input AC voltages from the connection terminals T1, T2 to be converted into a DC voltage. A switching element Q1 such as a thyristor (SCR) is connected between the DC output terminals of the full-wave rectifier DB1.

The voltage V1 (AC power supply voltage for full-wave rectification by the full-wave rectifier DB1) is input to the zero-crossing detecting portion 12. The zero-crossing detecting unit 12 compares the voltage V1 with a predetermined threshold value Vth1 to detect a zero crossing point of the AC power source voltage. The zero-crossing detecting unit 12 outputs the signal S1 based on the comparison result of the voltage V1 and the threshold value Vth1. The signal level of the signal S1 output by the zero-crossing detecting unit 12 is a low level (L) when the voltage V1 is lower than the threshold value Vth1, and is a high level (H) when the voltage V1 is higher than the threshold value Vth1. (Refer to Figures 5A, 5B). Therefore, the signal level of the signal S1 of the zero-crossing detecting unit 12 is at a low level (L) near the zero crossing point of the AC power source voltage.

The dimming level setting unit 13 is for setting the "dimming level" of the illumination load 3. The dimming level setting unit 13 is composed of a rotating body (not shown) having an operating element and a power switch. The rotating system is configured such that the resistance value of the rotating body changes in accordance with the rotational position of the operating element. When the user operates the operating element to be placed in the closed position, the dimming control portion 11 turns off the switching element Q1 to extinguish the lighting load 3. When the user operates the operating element from the closed position to the desired rotational position, the dimming control portion 11 controls the power supplied to the lighting load 3 in accordance with the resistance value of the rotating body, thereby illuminating the lighting load at the dimming level according to the rotational position. 3 lights up.

The dimming lower limit setting unit 14 is for setting the electric power supplied to the lighting load 3 to the lower limit of the dimming range (to be described later).

The dimming control unit 11 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer or the like. At a time when the output signal S1 from the zero-crossing detecting unit 12 is changed from the low level (L) to the high level (H) (When the delay time t1 corresponds to the dimming level set by the dimming level setting unit 13), the dimming control unit 11 switches the switching element Q1 to the on state. Then, the dimming control section 11 operates the switching element Q1 to remain in the on state until the next zero crossing point (refer to FIG. 5C). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5D, the phase angle of the supply voltage V2 supplied to the lighting load 3 is adjusted, and the power supplied to the lighting load 3 is adjusted. Therefore, the illumination load 3 is lit at a specific dimming level according to the setting of the dimming level setting portion 13. Here, the larger the conduction phase angle (which is defined as the period during which the switching element Q1 is turned on in the half cycle of the AC power source), the larger the electric power supplied to the illumination load 3 becomes, and thus the light output of the illumination load 3 is increased. .

The light emitting portion 15 is composed of, for example, a light emitting diode. The light emitting portion 15 is configured to be able to see the light emitted from the outside of the dimming device 1. The light-emitting conditions (such as light emission, blinking, and extinction) of the light-emitting portion 15 are controlled by the dimming control unit 11.

The memory 16 is composed of non-volatile memory. The memory 16 stores the supplied electric power at the lower limit of the dimming range set by the dimming lower limit setting unit 14. It is noted that the memory 16 is configurable to store the delay time "t1" described above.

The detailed structure of the dimming device 1 will be described below with reference to Figs. In the following description, the directions of the top (top), bottom (bottom), right, and left are defined according to the directions in FIG. 2A unless otherwise noted. Further, the direction of "front" is defined on the left side in FIG. 2B, and the direction of "back" is defined on the right side in FIG. 2B.

The dimming device 1 mainly includes a main body 20 and a cover member 40. A cover 40 is attached to the body 20 to cover the front side of the body 20.

The main body 20 is configured by assembling the rear body 21 and the front body 22. The rear body 21 is formed of a synthetic resin and formed into a box shape having a front end opening. The precursor 22 is formed of a synthetic resin into a box shape having a rear end opening. Therefore, the main body 20 is formed in a substantially box shape. The rear end side of the top surface of the front body 22 is provided with two engaging pieces 23, and the rear end side of the bottom surface of the front body 22 is provided with two engaging pieces 23. Each of the engaging pieces 23 protrudes rearward. Each of the engaging pieces 23 is formed to have a hole 23a. The rear body 21 is provided with a projection 24 at its top and bottom surfaces. Here, each of the projections 24 is disposed at a position relative to one of the holes 23a of the engaging piece 23 of the front body 22. The front body 22 is placed on the front side of the rear body 21 to close the common opening, and then each of the projections 24 is engaged with the hole 23a of the corresponding engaging piece 23, thereby joining the rear body 21 with the front body 22.

The main body 20 is covered with, for example, connection terminals T1, T2, full-wave rectifier DB1, open Components of the component Q1, the dimming control unit 11, the zero-crossing detecting unit 12, the dimming level setting unit 13, the dimming lower limit setting unit 14, the light-emitting unit 15, and the memory 16 (shown in FIG. 4) Related circuit components are in it.

The body 20 is formed to be attachable to a metal holder 50 that is standardized for the embedded wiring device. The main body 20 is formed in a shape of a so-called "double module size". Here, the "single module size" is defined as the size of an embedded wiring device by which three devices can be mounted side by side in the holder 50. The dual module size is then defined as the size of the vertical configuration of both the single module sizes.

A groove 28 is provided at the right end and the left end thereof near the front portion of the top surface of the front body 22 (which constitutes the front portion of the main body 20), and a groove 28 is provided at the right end thereof near the front portion of the bottom surface of the front body 22. And the left end. A substantially disk-shaped rotary handle 29 is rotatably attached to the front side of the front body 22 (i.e., the front side of the main body 20). The rotary handle 29 is coupled to a rotary shaft (operation element) that is wrapped in a rotating body (not shown) in the main body 20. The rotary handle (operation portion) 29 is operated to set the dimming level of the illumination load 3. The front surface of the rotary handle 29 is provided with a groove 29a as a symbol for setting the rotational position of the rotary handle 29. The front surface of the front body 22 is provided with a recess 30 recessed rearward from the other portion of the surface at its lower right corner. The first operation portion 31 and the second operation portion 32 are disposed at the recess 30. Each of the first and second operating portions 31, 32 is composed of a button of a push button switch. The first and second operating portions 31, 32 are vertically disposed such that the first operating portion 31 is located above the second operating portion 32. The front surface of the front body 22 is provided with a lamp cover 33 configured to transmit light emitted from the light-emitting portion 15 (which is housed in the main body 20) to the outside. The shade 33 is disposed below the rotary handle 29.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the rear surface of the rear body 21 (which constitutes the rear portion of the main body 20) is formed with both of the wiring insertion holes 34 for inserting electric wires into the inside of the main body 20. Further, a tool insertion hole 35 disposed in the vicinity of both of the wiring insertion holes 34 is formed on the back surface of the rear body 21. Here, the quick connect type terminal device (not shown) constituting the above-described connection terminals T1, T2 is housed in the inside of the main body 20. The electric wire inserted through the wiring insertion hole 34 is connected to the terminal device. Inserting a tool (such as a flat-blade screwdriver) through the tool insertion hole 35, and pressing the tip end of the tool to bend the rocking spring (not shown; which is included in the quick-connect terminal device) to be separated from the electric wire, thereby being The terminal device easily removes the wires. Since the quick connect type terminal device is well known, its detailed description is omitted here.

The cover member 40 is detachably attached to the front side of the main body 20 (i.e., the front side of the front body 22). The cover member 40 is formed of a synthetic resin and formed into a square flat plate shape. Used to pass through the handle A circular hole 41 of 29 is opened in the center of the cover member 40. The elongated hole 42 for passing through the lamp cover 33 is opened at a position lower than the circular hole 41. As shown in FIG. 3B, the back surface of the cover member 40 is provided with an engaging piece 43 projecting rearward from a position with respect to the top or bottom surface of the front body 22. Each of the engaging pieces 43 has a nail 43a. The nail 43a of the engaging piece 43 is engaged with the corresponding groove 28, so that the cover member 40 is attached to the main body 20. The cover member 40 is attached to the main body 20 so as to hide the first operation portion (first button) 31 and the second operation portion (second button) 32. In the present embodiment, the indication portion for indicating the range of rotation of the rotary lever 29 is expressed around the circular hole 41 on the front surface of the cover member 40 as by printing. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the small dot D1 indicates the position of the lower limit of the dimming range, and the large dot D2 indicates the position of the upper limit of the dimming range. The curved line L1 connecting the dots D1 and D2 indicates the movable range of the rotary handle 29. That is, the operating range of the rotary handle 29 (the range of rotation between the dot D1 and the dot D2, excluding the "OFF" position) corresponds to the dimming range of the illumination load 3. Also, an "OFF" font is displayed on the right side of the small dot D1. The position of "OFF" indicates the closed position of the power switch of the rotating body.

Each of the right side and the left side of the front body 22 (which constitutes the front portion of the main body 20) is provided with a pair of engaging nails 25 near the upper end. Here, each side piece 51 of the fixing frame 50 is provided with a plurality of holes 53. Engagement nails 25 are formed to engage the holes 53. Then, the main body 20 is attached to the holder 50 by engaging the engaging nails 25 and the holes 53. In the case where the main body 20 is attached to the fixing frame 50, almost the entire front surface of the main body 20 protrudes forward from the center opening 50a of the fixing frame 50 (refer to FIGS. 1A, 1B). As shown in FIG. 3A, each of the right side and the left side of the front body 22 is formed with a pair of slits 26 at the upper and lower positions of the pair of engaging nails 25. Each of the slits 26 is open at the rear side. In the case of this configuration, the protruding piece 27 formed between the pair of slits 26 can be bent in the right-left direction. Here, each of the protruding pieces 27 is provided with a protruding portion 27a at its rear end portion. When the protruding portion 27a is pressed, the protruding piece 27 is bent toward the inside. Therefore, the engaging nail 25 of the protruding piece 27 is moved to the outside of the hole 53, so that the engaging nail 25 is disengaged from the hole 53. Therefore, the main body 20 can be detached from the fixing frame 50.

Each of the upper and lower frame pieces 52 of the holder 50 is formed with an elongated hole 55. The fixing frame 50 can be attached to the surface of the structure by passing the fixing screw through the elongated hole 55 and then screwing the fixing screw to the embedded case buried in the surface of the structure. Further, each of the upper and lower frame pieces 52 is formed with a hook hole 56. A structural member (building member) composed of a panel (not shown in the drawings) is disposed between the fixing frame 50 and a metal clip (not shown in the drawings), and is hooked to engage the metal clip with the hook hole 56. Thereby, the fixing frame 50 can be attached to the member. In addition, each of the upper and lower frame sheets 52 One is formed with a circular hole 57. The fixing frame 50 can be attached to the member by passing the fixing screw through the circular hole 57 and then directly screwing the fixing screw to the structural member. The holder 50 is attached to the surface of the structure by one of the above attachment methods selected according to the installation position.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the reticle 60 having the aperture 61 is attached to the front side of the holder 50. The aperture 61 is formed to have a longer vertical length and a longer horizontal length than the aperture 50a of the holder 50. Each of the upper and lower frame pieces 52 of the holder 50 is formed with a screw hole 54. Next, each of the upper and lower frame pieces 62 of the mask frame 60 is formed with a through hole 63 at a position with respect to the screw hole 54. The fixing screw (not shown in the drawings) is passed through the through hole 63 of the reticle 60, and the fixing screw and the screw hole 54 are screwed, thereby fixing the reticle 60 to the holder 50.

The decorative panel 70 is attached to the front side of the panel holder 60 to cover the holder 50 and the screw head for fixing the fixing screws of the mask holder 60 as described above to improve the appearance. The decorative panel 70 has a window opening 71. The window hole 71 is formed to have a slightly smaller size than the window hole 61 of the face plate holder 60. The decorative panel 70 is provided with nails (not shown) formed on the back side thereof. The nails are joined to the engagement holes 64 formed in the right and left frame pieces of the reticle 60, thereby attaching the decorative panel 70 to the reticle 60. In the case where the decorative panel 70 is attached to the panel holder 60, the front surface of the dimming device 1 is exposed from the window 71 of the decorative panel 70.

Since the main body 20 (which is formed to have a "double module size" as described above) is attached to the mount 50, a space of "single module size" is left in the mount 50. Therefore, the aperture 61 of the panel holder 60 is not completely closed. In the present embodiment, the closure cover 80 is attached to the panel holder 60 to close the space (refer to FIG. 1).

The dimming device 1 of the present invention has the configuration as described above and is attached to the surface of the structure as described below. First, the constructor (user) brings the main body 20 from the back of the holder 50 to the vicinity of the holder 50, and then engages the engaging nails 25 on the right and left sides of the main body 20 with the holes 53 of the holder 50, thereby using The body 20 is attached to the holder 50. Then, the constructor pulls the wire toward the front side through a mounting hole (which is previously formed on the surface of the structure) which is not previously wired (which is pre-wired in the back space of the surface of the structure not shown). The constructor strips the cover on the end side of the wire and inserts the wire into the wire insertion hole 34. Thereby the wires are connected to the terminal device. The constructor then places the excess (extra) wire into the mounting hole and secures the mounting bracket 50 to the surface of the structure such that the back of the body 20 is disposed inside the mounting hole. Next, the constructor will engage the nail 43a of the piece 43 The recesses 28 of the precursor 22 are individually engaged to attach the cover member 40 to the front side of the body 20. Finally, the constructor attaches the reticle 60 and the trim panel 70 to the front side of the mount 50.

In the case where the dimming device 1 is attached to the surface of the structure, the front surface of the main body 20 is covered by the cover member 40. Therefore, the constructor cannot operate the first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32. In this case, since the rotary handle 29 is exposed through the circular hole 41 of the cover member 40, the rotary handle 29 can be manipulated despite attaching the cover member 40. Further, since the globe 33 is exposed through the elongated hole 42 of the cover member 40, the light of the light-emitting portion 15 can be seen through the cover 33 even though the cover member 40 is attached. It is noted that the present embodiment is configured such that in the case where the decorative panel 70 is attached to the reticle 60, there is no space for inserting a finger or a tool between the louver 71 and the cover member 40. Therefore, the present embodiment prevents the cover member 40 from being detached in this case.

When the user rotates the rotary handle 29 in the counterclockwise direction so that the groove 29a coincides with the "OFF" position, the power switch of the rotary body is switched to "OFF". In this case, the dimming control portion 11 keeps the switching element Q1 off to turn off the power supplied to the lighting load 3, thereby extinguishing the lighting load 3.

When the user rotates the rotary handle 29 in the clockwise direction to move the groove 29a from the "OFF" position to the position of the dot D1, the power switch of the rotary body is switched to "ON". When the user rotates the rotary handle 29 to match the desired position between the groove 29a and the dot D1 and the dot D2, the dimming control portion 11 has a rotational position corresponding to the rotary handle 29 with dimming. The dimming level illuminates the lighting load 3. That is, the dimming control section 11 controls the electric power supplied to the lighting load 3 to illuminate the lighting load 3 in a dimming level determined within the dimming range in response to the operation of the rotary lever (operation portion) 29. For example, the dimming control unit 11 applies a fixed voltage to a series circuit composed of a fixed resistor and a rotating body, and measures a voltage between both ends of the rotating body to measure a resistance value of the rotating body. Then, the dimming control unit 11 turns on the switching element Q1 at a time point when the output signal S1 of the zero-crossing detecting unit 12 is changed from the low level (L) to the high level (H) and the delay time t1 elapses. Note that as described above, the delay time t1 is determined according to the rotational position of the rotary handle 29 (i.e., the resistance value of the rotating body). Therefore, the dimming control unit 11 sets the above-mentioned delay time t1 in accordance with the rotational position of the rotary lever 29. Thereafter, the dimming control unit 11 keeps the switching element Q1 "on" until the next zero crossing of the AC power source. In the present embodiment, the conduction phase angle of the switching element Q1 is set in accordance with the rotational position of the rotary handle 29, so that the illumination load 3 can be illuminated with dimming.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the dimming level Y and the resistance value X of the rotating body operated via the rotary handle 29. The relationship between the resistance value X and the dimming level Y can be expressed as Equation (1) shown below. Here, when the resistance value X is set to the minimum value X0, the dimming level Y becomes the lowest, and the lowest level is expressed as "a". When the resistance value X is set to the maximum value X1, the dimming level Y becomes the highest, and this highest level is expressed as "Ymax". Note that in the present embodiment, "when the dimming level Y is the highest level Ymax, the electric power supplied to the lighting load 3" is a preliminary decider and is stored in the memory 16. In other words, in the present embodiment, when the dimming level Y is the lowest level "a", the power supplied to the lighting load 3 is variable. That is, when the dimming level Y is the lowest level "a", the power supplied to the lighting load 3 is set by the user via the dimming lower limit setting portion 14, and the set value is stored in the memory 16.

When the user rotates the rotary handle 29 to change the resistance value of the rotating body, the dimming control unit 11 determines the phase by which the switching element Q1 is turned on based on the input from the dimming level setting unit 13 (that is, based on the resistance value of the rotating body). angle. Then, after the zero-crossing detecting unit 12 detects the zero-crossing point (that is, the output signal S1 is changed from the low level (L) to the high level (H)), the elapsed time t1 (which is determined according to the resistance value of the rotating body) At the time point, the dimming control unit 11 switches the switching element Q1 to the on state. After the dimming control unit 11 is switched from the non-conduction state to the on state, the switching element Q1 remains turned on until the next zero crossing point. The dimming device 1 repeats the above behavior every half cycle of the commercial AC power source 2. Therefore, the illumination load 3 supplies the AC voltage V2 whose conduction phase angle is determined by the dimming control unit 11 (refer to FIG. 5D). Then, the illumination load 3 is illuminated with a dimming level according to the rotational position of the rotary handle 29.

In the present embodiment, the dimming range of the illumination load 3 is defined as a range between the lowest level "a" and the highest level Ymax. Further, in the present embodiment, the power supplied to the illumination load 3 can be adjusted to the lower limit of the dimming range (that is, the lowest level "a") by using the dimming lower limit setting portion 14.

The dimming lower limit setting unit 14 includes a first operation unit (first button) 31 and a second operation unit (second button) 32. In the present embodiment, the electric power supplied to the lighting load 3 at the lower limit of the dimming range is adjusted in accordance with the operations of the first operating portion 31 and the second operating portion 32. This supply of electricity The entire value is stored in the memory 16. In order to adjust the supply power to the lower limit of the dimming range, the user first rotates the rotary handle 29 to make the groove 29a of the rotary handle 29 coincide with the dot D1 (which is the lower limit position of the dimming range), thereby dimming the range The lower limit level lights up the lighting load 3. Then, the user detaches the decorative panel 70 as shown in FIG. 1A, and detaches the cover member 40 as shown in FIG. 1B to expose the first operation portion 31 and the second operation portion 32. The dimming control unit 11 (always) monitors the operation inputs from the first and second operation units 31, 32. When the first operation portion (first button) 31 is pressed once, the dimming control portion 11 increases the supplied electric power at the lower limit of the dimming range by a predetermined amount of change. In detail, when the first operation portion 31 is pressed once, the dimming control portion 11 increases the conduction phase angle of the switching element Q1 (i.e., increases the conduction period of the switching element Q1) to increase the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range. The amount of change scheduled. When the second operation portion (second button) 32 is pressed once, the dimming control portion 11 reduces the supplied electric power at the lower limit of the dimming range by a predetermined amount of change. In detail, when the second operation portion 32 is pressed once, the dimming control portion 11 reduces the conduction phase angle of the switching element Q1 to reduce the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range by a predetermined amount of change. Here, the predetermined amount of change described above is defined in advance. For example, the above variation is caused by the first supply power (for example, 20% of the power supplied to the lighting load 3 when the dimming level Y is the maximum level Ymax) and the second supply power (for example, when When the light level Y is the maximum level Ymax, the difference between the 0% of the power supplied to the illumination load 3 is equally divided into N (for example, N is 100).

When the user presses the first operating portion 31 or the second operating portion 32, the power supplied to the lighting load 3 at the lower limit of the dimming range is increased or decreased as a function of the operation, thereby adjusting (increasing or decreasing) The brightness of the illumination load 3 at the lower end of the light range. Therefore, by operating the first and second operating portions 31, 32 to simultaneously check the lighting condition (brightness) of the lighting load 3, the user can easily adjust the dimming level to the lower limit of the dimming range. After adjusting the supply power to the lower limit, the user attaches the cover member 40 to the front side of the main body 20, attaches the decorative panel 70 to the front side of the reticle holder 60, and completes the adjustment.

As described above, the dimming device 1 of the present embodiment includes the dimming control unit 11 and the dimming lower limit setting unit 14. The dimming control section 11 is configured to control the power supplied to the lighting load 3 to illuminate the lighting load 3 at a desired dimming level within the dimming range. The dimming lower limit setting unit 14 is configured to adjust the electric power supplied to the illumination load 3 to the lower limit of the dimming range. The dimming lower limit setting unit 14 includes a first operation unit 31 for increasing the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range, and a second operation unit 32 for reducing the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range.

In the case of this configuration, the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range can be adjusted by using the first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32. Therefore, even when the LED bulbs (whose illuminating start voltages are usually quite different) are used as the illuminating load 3, the lower limit of the dimming range can be surely adjusted by adjusting the supply power according to the lower limit of the dimming range according to each LED bulb. Light the LED bulb.

The dimming device 1 of this embodiment further includes an indication portion. The indication unit is configured to operate the first operation portion 31 with the supply power of the lower limit of the dimming range set to a maximum value of the predetermined adjustment range, and the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range is set to a predetermined adjustment range In the case of the minimum value, the user is notified of the invalid operation when the second operation unit 32 is operated. In the present embodiment, the indication portion is constituted by the light-emitting portion 15. In the present embodiment, the dimming control portion 11 causes the light-emitting portion 15 to blink to notify the user of the invalid operation (i.e., the supply power that is notified at the lower limit of the dimming range cannot be changed by the operation). Therefore, the dimming device 1 can surely inform the user of the invalid operation. Note that the indication portion is not limited to the light emitting portion 15. The indicator can be informed via a vocal method such as a buzzer or a speaker. Further, the indication portion can be notified by using both the illumination and the utterance method (by using, for example, a light-emitting diode, and a buzzer or a speaker).

The dimming control unit 11 is configured to cause the light-emitting unit 15 to emit light to instruct the installation position of the dimming device 1 when the illumination load 3 is turned off.

In the case of this arrangement, the light-emitting portion 15 for indicating the installation position also serves as an instruction portion. Therefore, the number of components of the device can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the outer surface of the main body 20 is provided with a recess 30, and the dimming lower limit setting portion 14 (the first operation portion 31 and the second operation portion 32) is provided in the recess portion 30. The dimming lower limit setting portion 14 is covered (hidden) by the cover member 40 detachably attached to the main body 20.

Since the dimming lower limit setting portion 14 is covered by the cover member 40, the possibility of performing an erroneous operation of the dimming lower limit setting portion 14 can be reduced. Further, since the dimming lower limit setting portion 14 is disposed in the concave portion 30 formed on the surface of the main body 20, the present embodiment can reduce the amount of protrusion of the cover member 40 from the main body 20 while avoiding the cover member 40 and the dimming lower limit setting portion 14 Obstruction between.

In the above-described embodiment, the dimming level setting portion 13 has a rotating body with a power switch, and the illumination is turned off by operating the rotating handle to match the position of the groove 29a of the rotating handle 29 with the "OFF" font. Load 3. However, the lighting/extinction of the lighting load 3 can be switched by another configuration. For example, in the dimming device 1 and by the commercial AC power source 2 and the lighting load A switch is connected between the series circuits formed by 3. In this configuration, the lighting load 3 can be turned on/off by the switch.

1‧‧‧ dimming device

14‧‧‧ Dimming lower limit setting unit

20‧‧‧ Subject

21‧‧‧After body

22‧‧‧ precursor

28‧‧‧ Groove

29‧‧‧Rotary handle

29a‧‧‧ trench

30‧‧‧ recess

31‧‧‧First Operation Department

32‧‧‧Second Operations Department

33‧‧‧shade

40‧‧‧Cleaning pieces

41‧‧‧ round hole

42‧‧‧Elongation hole

50‧‧‧ Fixing frame

51‧‧‧ side film

52‧‧‧Frame film

55‧‧‧Elongation hole

56‧‧‧ hook hole

60‧‧‧Face rack

61‧‧‧ window hole

62‧‧‧Frame film

63‧‧‧through holes

64‧‧‧Meshing holes

80‧‧‧Close cover

D1, D2‧‧‧ dots

L1‧‧‧ curved lines

Claims (6)

A dimming device comprising: a dimming control unit configured to control power supplied to a lighting load to illuminate the lighting load at a desired dimming level Y within a dimming range; a dimming lower limit setting unit Configuring to adjust the supply power to the lighting load to a lower limit of the dimming range; and an operating portion having a predetermined operating range; wherein the dimming lower limit setting portion includes: a first operating portion for adding The supplied power at a lower limit of the dimming range; and a second operating portion for reducing the supplied power at a lower limit of the dimming range, and wherein the operating range of the operating portion corresponds to the dimming range . The dimming device of claim 1, wherein the dimming device further comprises an indication portion configured to set the supply power to a maximum of a predetermined adjustment range at a lower limit of the dimming range In the case of the value, when the first operation portion is operated and when the supply power is set to the minimum value of the predetermined adjustment range when the supply power is set to the minimum value of the predetermined adjustment range, the user is notified of the invalid operation. The dimming device of claim 2, wherein the dimming device further comprises a light emitting portion configured to illuminate when the lighting load is extinguished to indicate a mounting position, and wherein the light emitting portion is also used as the indication unit. The dimming device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dimming device further comprises a body covering the dimming control portion, wherein the dimming lower limit setting portion is disposed in a recess, A recess is disposed on an outer surface of the body, and wherein the dimming device further includes a cover configured to be detachably attached to the body to cover the dimming lower limit setting portion. The dimming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supply power of the lighting load is determined when the dimming level is a highest level Ymax, and the dimming is performed. The supply power of the illumination load to the lower limit a of the range can be adjusted by the dimming lower limit setting unit. The dimming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dimming level Y is represented by the following formula: Wherein X represents a resistance value of the operation portion, X0 represents a minimum value of the resistance value X, X1 represents a maximum value of the resistance value X, a represents a minimum level of the dimming level Y, and Ymax represents One of the dimming levels Y is the maximum level.