TWI479944B - 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 dimming limit" according to each of the LED bulbs.

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.

A light control device according to the present invention includes an operation unit, a dimming control unit, a dimming lower limit setting unit, and a mode switching unit. The operating unit is operated by the user to set the dimming level of the lighting load. The dimming control unit is configured to determine a desired dimming level within a dimming range based on operation of the operating portion and configured to control power supplied to the lighting load to illuminate the lighting load at the determined dimming level. The dimming lower limit setting unit is configured to adjust the power supplied to the lighting load to the lower limit of the dimming range. The mode switching portion is configured to switch the operation mode of the dimming device to: The dimming control unit illuminates the illumination mode of the illumination load with dimming according to the operation of the operation unit, or wherein the dimming lower limit setting unit adjusts the power supplied to the illumination load to the dimming range according to the operation of the operation unit. The adjustment mode of the lower limit.

In the dimming device, preferably, the dimming device further includes: a main body in which the dimming control unit and the dimming lower limit setting unit are disposed, the operation unit is disposed on the front surface of the main body; and the at least the operation portion is exposed In the case of the cover, the cover is detachably attached to the main body to cover the front side of the main body. The mode switching portion includes a detecting device for detecting whether the cover member is attached or detached, and is configured to switch the operation mode to the lighting mode when the cover member is attached to the main body, and to operate the mode when the cover member is separated from the main body Switch to the adjustment mode.

In the dimming device, preferably, in a case where the operation mode is switched to the light emission mode via the mode switching portion, the operation range of the operation portion corresponds to the dimming range of the illumination load; and the operation mode is performed via the mode switching portion When switching to the adjustment mode, the operation range of the operation unit corresponds to the adjustment range of the supplied power at the lower limit of the dimming range.

In the dimming device, preferably, the dimming device further includes: a light emitting portion configured to illuminate when the lighting load is extinguished to indicate the mounting position; and configured to cause the light emitting portion to be extinguished differently than the lighting load The lighting condition is illuminated to inform the operation mode to switch to the indication portion of the adjustment mode.

According to the present invention, when the operation mode is switched to the adjustment mode via the mode switching unit, the "power supplied to the lighting load at the lower limit of the dimming range" can be adjusted by operating the operation portion. Therefore, even when such a luminaire having a large difference in illuminating starting voltage is used as a lighting load, it is possible to surely illuminate the lighting load by adjusting the supply power to the lower limit of the dimming range in accordance with each lighting load.

1‧‧‧ dimming device

2‧‧‧Commercial AC power supply

3‧‧‧Lighting load

11‧‧‧Control Department

12‧‧‧ Zero Crossing Detection Department

13‧‧‧Operation Department (Dimming Operation Department)

14‧‧‧Mode Switching Department

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‧‧‧Touch switch

31a‧‧‧ button

32‧‧‧Slide switch

32a‧‧‧Operation projection

33‧‧‧shade

34‧‧‧Wiring insertion hole

35‧‧‧Tool insertion hole

36‧‧‧Touch switch 36

36a‧‧‧ button 36a

40‧‧‧Cleaning pieces

41‧‧‧ round hole

42‧‧‧Elongation hole

43‧‧‧ Engagement piece

43a‧‧‧ nails

44‧‧‧Protruding

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.

3 shows the dimming device of the embodiment, FIG. 3A is an exploded view thereof, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the cover 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.

7 is a view showing another example of the dimming device of the embodiment, FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the dimming device in which the decorative panel is separated, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the dimming device in which the decorative panel is separated from the cover member; .

8 is another example of the dimming device of the embodiment, FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the dimming device in which the decorative panel is separated, and FIG. 8B is a view of the dimming device in which the decorative panel is separated from the cover member. Stereo picture.

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 control unit 11, a zero-crossing detecting unit 12, an operation unit (dimming operation unit) 13, and mode switching. The portion 14, the light emitting portion 15, and the memory 16. Note that in the present embodiment, the control unit 11 has functions (described later) of the "dimming control unit" and the "dimming lower limit setting unit".

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 Vth1 To detect the zero crossing point of the AC power supply 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 mode switching unit 14 is configured to switch (select) the operation mode of the dimming device 1 to illuminate the "lighting mode" of the lighting load 3 with dimming or to supply the lighting load 3 with the lower limit of the dimming range. The "electricity" is adjusted to the "adjustment mode". That is, the dimming device 1 of the present invention has an illumination mode in which the illumination load 3 emits light at a desired dimming level within the dimming range, and an adjustment mode in which the supply power is adjusted to the lower limit of the supply range as an operation mode. The operation mode (light emission mode and adjustment mode) of the dimming device 1 is switched (selected) by using the mode switching unit 14. In the present invention, the mode switching unit 14 switches the operation mode of the control unit 11 between the "light-emitting mode" and the "adjustment mode", thereby causing the operation mode of the light control device 1 to be in "lighting mode" and "adjustment mode". Switch between. The control unit 11 functions as a dimming control unit in the "light-emitting mode" and functions as a dimming lower limit setting unit in the "adjustment mode". Note that in the following, "the power value supplied to the lighting load 3 at the lower limit of the dimming range" is simply referred to as "supply lower limit" and is expressed as "Pa". That is, the "supply lower limit Pa" is adjusted in the adjustment mode.

The mode switching unit 14 is composed of a touch switch 31 having a button 31a. The button 31a is disposed on the front surface of the main body 20 of the dimming device 1. For example, when the button 31a is pressed to cause the touch switch 31 to be turned on, the operation mode of the control unit 11 (the operation mode of the dimming device 1) is switched to the light emission mode (that is, the function of the control unit 11 as the dimming control unit). For example, when the button 31a is not pressed and the touch switch 31 is turned off, the operation mode of the control unit 11 (the operation mode of the dimming device 1) is switched to the adjustment mode (that is, the function of the control unit 11 as the dimming lower limit setting unit). .

The operation unit 13 is composed of, for example, 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. The operation unit 13 is used in different applications depending on the operation mode of the dimming device 1. That is, in the light emission mode, the operation unit 13 is configured to set the "dimming level of the illumination load 3". In the adjustment mode, the operation unit 13 is configured to set the above-described "supply lower limit Pa". In the illumination mode, when the operating element of the rotating body is placed in the closed position by the user, the control unit 11 (as dimming control) The switching element Q1 is turned off to extinguish the illumination load 3. Also in the lighting mode, when the operating element is rotated from the closed position to the desired rotational position by the user, the control unit 11 (as the dimming control unit) controls the power supplied to the lighting load 3 in accordance with the resistance value of the rotating body. Thereby, the illumination load 3 is illuminated at the dimming level according to the rotational position. In the adjustment mode, when the operating element is placed at the desired rotational position by the user, the control unit 11 (as the dimming lower limit setting unit) sets the supply lower limit Pa based on the resistance value of the rotating body.

The control unit 11 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer or the like. The mode of operation of the control unit 11 is switched by the mode switching unit 14. As described above, the control unit 11 functions as a dimming control unit in the "light-emitting mode" and functions as a dimming lower limit setting unit in the "adjustment mode". In the illumination mode, a time is elapsed from the time when the output signal S1 of the zero-crossing detecting unit 12 is changed from the low level (L) to the high level (H) (delay time t1, which corresponds to the operation unit 13 When the dimming level is set, the control unit 11 (as the dimming control unit) switches the switching element Q1 to the on state. Then, the control unit 11 (as the dimming control unit) 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 clear dimming level in accordance with the setting of the operation unit 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. . At the same time, in the adjustment mode, the control unit 11 (as the dimming lower limit setting unit) determines the supply lower limit Pa based on the operation of the operation unit 13. Then, the control unit (dimming lower limit setting unit) 11 stores the value (supply lower limit Pa) in the memory 16.

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. In this embodiment, the lighting conditions (e.g., illuminating, blinking, and extinguishing) of the light-emitting portion 15 are controlled by the control portion 11. When the illumination load 3 is turned off, the control unit 11 lights the light-emitting portion 15 to leak the position of the dimming device 1. When switching to the adjustment mode, the control section 11 causes the light-emitting section 15 to blink at a predetermined time interval to notify the user that the operation mode is switched to the adjustment mode.

The memory 16 is composed of non-volatile memory. The memory 16 stores the value of the supplied electric power adjusted by the control unit (dimming lower limit setting unit) 11 in the adjustment mode. That is, remember The memory 16 stores the supply lower limit Pa. 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 and T2, a full-wave rectifier DB1, a switching element Q1, a control unit 11, a zero-crossing detecting unit 12, an operation unit 13, a mode switching unit 14, a light-emitting unit 15, and a memory 16. The components (shown in Figure 4) are associated with the circuit components.

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 front surface of the rotary handle 29 is provided as a setting for rotating the handle 29 The groove 29a of the symbol of the rotational position. The front surface of the front body 22 is provided with a recess 30 recessed rearward from the other portion of the surface in the lower right corner thereof. The button 31a of the touch switch 31 (which constitutes the mode switching portion 14) is disposed at the recess 30. 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. A circular hole 41 for passing through the rotary handle 29 is opened at 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 back surface of the cover member 40 is provided with a circular rod-shaped projecting portion 44 that protrudes rearward from a position relative to the button 31a of the touch switch 31. In the case where the cover member 40 is attached to the main body 20, the protruding portion 44 presses the button 31a. Therefore, in this configuration, the cover member 40 is attached to the main body 20 to hide the touch switch 31 (mode switching portion 14). 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. 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.

The right side and the left side of the front body 22 (which constitutes the front portion of the main body 20) are at the upper end A pair of engaging nails 25 are provided in the vicinity. 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. Further, each of the upper and lower frame pieces 52 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. Inch. The decorative panel 70 is provided with nails (not shown in the drawings) 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 engages the nails 43a of the engaging pieces 43 and the grooves 28 of the front body 22, respectively, thereby attaching the cover member 40 to the front side of the main body 20. Finally, the constructor attaches the reticle 60 and the trim panel 70 to the front side of the mount 50.

When the dimming device 1 is attached to the surface of the structure, the protruding portion 44 formed on the back surface of the cover member 40 presses the button 31a of the touch switch 31. Therefore, the operation mode of the control unit 11 is switched to the "light-emitting mode" based on the contact signal from the touch switch 31 (which constitutes the mode switching unit 14). 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.

In the case where the operation mode of the control unit 11 is switched to the lighting mode, the rotation handle The operating range of 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.

In the light-emitting mode, when the user rotates the rotary handle 29 in the counterclockwise direction so that the groove 29a of the rotary handle 29 coincides with the position of "OFF", the power switch of the rotary body is switched to "OFF". In this case, the control section (dimming control section) 11 keeps the switching element Q1 off to turn off the power supplied to the illumination load 3, thereby extinguishing the illumination load 3. The control unit 11 keeps the lighting unit 15 lit, whereby the control unit 11 informs the user of the installation position of the dimming device 1.

In the light-emitting mode, when the user rotates the rotary handle 29 in the clockwise direction to move the groove 29a of the rotary lever 29 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 of the rotary handle 29 and the dot D1 and the dot D2, the control portion (dimming control portion) 11 has dimming The dimming level corresponding to the rotational position of the rotary handle 29 illuminates the illumination load 3. For example, the control unit (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 the resistance value of the rotating body. Then, 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, the control unit (dimming control unit) 11 switches the switching element Q1. Inductive state. Note that as described above, the delay time t1 is determined based on the rotational position of the rotary handle 29 (i.e., the resistance value of the rotating body). Therefore, in the light emission mode, the control unit (dimming control unit) 11 sets the above-mentioned delay time t1 in accordance with the rotational position of the rotary lever 29. Thereafter, the control unit (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.

6 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the dimming level Y and the resistance value X of the rotating body to which the rotating shaft (operating element) is coupled to the rotating 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 determined in advance and stored in the memory 16. In other words, In the present embodiment, when the dimming level Y is the lowest level "a" (i.e., the supply lower limit Pa), the power value supplied to the lighting load 3 is a variable, and the value is adjusted in the adjustment mode. That is, when the dimming level Y is the lowest level "a", the electric power supplied to the lighting load 3 is adjusted in the adjustment mode by using the operation portion 13, and the set value is stored in the memory 16. .

As described above, when the user rotates the rotary handle 29 to change the resistance value of the rotary body whose rotation shaft is coupled to the rotary handle 29, the control portion (dimming control portion) 11 is based on the input from the operation portion 13 (ie, based on The resistance value of the rotating body is used to determine the phase angle by which the switching element Q1 is turned on. 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 control unit (dimming control unit) 11 switches the switching element Q1 to the on state. After the control unit (dimming control unit) 11 switches 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. Therefore, the illumination load 3 supplies the AC voltage V2 whose conduction phase angle is determined by the control unit (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 illumination mode, the dimming range of the illumination load 3 is defined as the range between the lowest level "a" and the highest level Ymax. In the present embodiment, the power supplied to the illumination load 3 can be adjusted to the lower limit of the dimming range (i.e., the lowest level "a") by operating the operation portion 13 in the adjustment mode. That is, the present embodiment can adjust the supply lower limit Pa in the adjustment mode.

In order to adjust the supply lower limit Pa, the user first detaches the decorative panel 70 from the reticle 60 and detaches the cover member 40 from the main body 20. When the cover member 40 is detached, the button 31a of the touch switch 31 (which constitutes the mode switching portion 14) is released, thereby switching the operation mode of the control portion 11 from the light-emitting mode to the adjustment mode. When the operation mode of the control unit 11 is switched to the adjustment mode, the control unit 11 causes the light-emitting unit 15 to blink, thereby notifying the user that the operation mode is switched to the adjustment mode. In the adjustment mode, 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 adjustment range of the supply lower limit Pa. Adjustment range of supply lower limit Pa The upper limit (although not particularly limited) is 20% of the "electric power supplied to the lighting load 3 when the dimming level Y is the highest level Ymax" (that is, 20% of the upper limit of the supplied electric power). The lower limit of the adjustment range (although not particularly limited) is 0% of the upper limit of the supplied electric power. In other words, in the adjustment mode, when the groove 29a of the rotary handle 29 coincides with the dot D2, the supply lower limit Pa is set at the upper limit of the adjustment range (for example, set to 20% of the upper limit of the supplied electric power). Further, when the groove 29a of the rotary handle 29 coincides with the dot D1, the supply lower limit Pa is set to the lower limit of the adjustment range (for example, set to 0% of the upper limit of the supplied electric power). In the adjustment mode, when the user operates the rotary handle 29 to a desired position, the control portion 11 (functioning as the dimming lower limit setting portion) is determined according to the rotational position of the rotary lever 29 (that is, according to the resistance value of the rotating body). The lower limit of supply Pa. Thereafter, the user attaches the cover member 40 to the main body 20. At this time, the button 31a is pressed by the protruding portion 44 of the cover member 40, thereby switching the operation mode of the control portion 11 from the adjustment mode to the illumination mode. At this time, when the adjustment mode is completed, the control unit 11 causes the memory 16 to store the supply lower limit Pa determined based on the rotational position of the rotary lever 29.

In the light emission mode after the supply lower limit Pa is adjusted, the control unit (dimming control unit) 11 uses: a supply lower limit Pa stored in the memory 16 (supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range (at the lowest level "a" The supplied electric power)), the electric resistance value X which is changed according to the rotational position of the rotary shank 29, and the above-mentioned equation (1) determine the dimming level. Then, the control unit 11 causes the illumination load 3 to emit light based on the determined dimming level.

As described above, the dimming device 1 of the present embodiment includes the operation unit 13, the dimming control unit, the dimming lower limit control unit, and the mode switching unit 14. (In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 has the dimming control unit. And the function of both the dimming lower limit control unit). The operation unit 13 is operated by the user to set the dimming level of the illumination load 3. The control unit 11 (function of the dimming control unit) is arranged to determine a desired dimming level within the dimming range in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 13. The control unit 11 (as a function of the dimming control unit) is configured to control the power supplied to the lighting load 3 to illuminate the lighting load 3 at a desired dimming level. The control unit 11 (as a function of the dimming lower limit setting unit) is arranged to adjust the electric power supplied to the lighting load 3 to the lower limit of the dimming range (that is, to adjust the supply lower limit Pa). The mode switching unit 14 switches the operation mode of the dimming device 1 (the operation mode of the control unit 11) to the light emission mode or the adjustment mode. In the light emission mode, the control unit 11 (which functions as a dimming control unit) lights the illumination load 3 with dimming according to the operation of the operation unit 13. In the adjustment mode, the control unit 11 (which functions as the dimming lower limit setting unit) is supplied in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 13. The power to the lighting load 3 is adjusted to the lower limit of the dimming range (supply lower limit Pa).

In the case of this configuration, when the operation mode is switched to the adjustment mode by the use mode switching unit 14, the user can adjust the power supplied to the illumination load 3 to the lower limit of the dimming range via the operation unit 13 (adjustment) Supply lower limit Pa). That is, the user can adjust the supply lower limit Pa according to each lighting load 3. Therefore, even when the LED bulbs whose illumination start voltages are generally quite different are used as the illumination load 3, the LED bulb can be surely illuminated at the lowest level of the dimming range by adjusting the supply lower limit Pa. In addition, the operation unit can be used for setting the dimming level and setting the supply lower limit Pa. Therefore, the number of components of the device can be reduced.

The dimming device 1 of the embodiment further includes a main body 20 and a cover member 40. The main body 20 covers the dimming control unit and the dimming lower limit setting unit (that is, the control unit 11). A rotary handle 29 (which constitutes the operation portion 13) is provided on the front surface of the main body 20. In the case where at least the operation portion 13 (the rotary handle 29) is exposed, the cover member 40 is detachably attached to the main body 20 so as to cover the front surface of the main body 20. The mode switching unit 14 includes detecting means for detecting whether the cover member 40 is attached or detached. Note that in the present embodiment, the detecting means is constituted by the touch switch 31 having the button 31a configured to be pressed by the projection 44 of the cover member 40. The mode switching portion 14 is configured to switch the operation mode to the lighting mode when the cover member 40 is attached to the main body 20; and to switch the operation mode to the adjustment mode when the cover member 40 is separated from the main body 20.

In the case of this configuration, the operation mode can be switched between the illumination mode and the adjustment mode only by attaching/detaching the cover member 40. Therefore, no extra work is required to switch the operating mode. Further, the operation mode is surely switched from the adjustment mode to the illumination mode by attaching the cover member 40 to the main body 20.

In the present embodiment, the operation range of the operation unit 13 (the range between the circle D1 and the dot D2) corresponds to the illumination load 3 in a state where the operation mode is switched to the illumination mode by the mode switching unit 14. Dimming range (range between the lowest and highest levels of the dimming range). In other words, in a state where the operation mode is switched to the adjustment mode by the mode switching unit 14, the operation range of the operation unit 13 corresponds to the adjustment range of the supply lower limit Pa (that is, the adjustment range of the supply power at the lower limit of the dimming range).

It is noted that the dimming range of the illumination load 3 corresponds to a range from a minimum level (eg, from 0-20%) to a maximum level (100%). In other words, the adjustment range of the supply lower limit Pa The circumference corresponds to, for example, a range of 0-20%. That is, the adjustment range (for example, 0-20%) in the adjustment mode is narrower than the settable range (0-100%) in the illumination mode. Therefore, in the adjustment mode, the present embodiment can finely adjust the supply lower limit Pa by the adjustment range of the operation range of the operation unit 13 and the supply lower limit Pa.

The light control device 1 of the present embodiment further includes a light-emitting portion 15 and an instruction portion (in the present invention, the control portion 11 also serves as an instruction portion). When the illumination load 3 is turned off, the light-emitting portion 15 is lit to indicate the installation position of the dimming device 1. In the adjustment mode, the instructing portion causes the light-emitting portion 15 to emit light at a light-emitting condition different from the case when the illumination load 3 is turned off, thereby notifying that the operation mode is switched to the adjustment mode.

In the case of this arrangement, in the adjustment mode, the control unit 11 (which serves as an instruction unit) causes the light-emitting unit 15 to emit light in a light-emitting condition different from that in the case where the illumination load 3 is turned off. Therefore, the embodiment can inform the user that the operation mode is switched to the adjustment mode. Further, the present embodiment uses the light-emitting portion 15 for indicating the installation position to notify the operation mode to switch to the adjustment mode. Therefore, the number of members of the device can be reduced as compared with the case where another light emitting portion is provided. As described above, the indication portion of the present embodiment notifies that the mode is switched to the adjustment mode by blinking the light-emitting portion 15. However, the configuration of the indication portion is not limited to this. For example, the indication portion can inform such mode switching by causing the light-emitting portion 15 to emit light having a wavelength different from that when the illumination load 3 is extinguished. The indication section can inform the mode switching via the use of an utterance 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).

In the embodiment described above, the mode switching unit 14 includes a detecting device (the touch switch 31) for detecting the connection/separation of the cover member 40, and the mode switching portion 14 is configured to detect the cover member 40. When connected, the operation mode is switched to the lighting mode; and when the connection of the cover 40 is not detected, the operation mode is switched to the adjustment mode. However, the mode switching unit 14 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the mode switching portion 14 can be configured to be operated by a user.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 7, the mode switching portion 14 is constituted by a slide switch 32 having an operation projection 32a. The operation projection 32a is provided on the front surface of the main body 20. The operation mode of the control portion 11 can be switched to the illumination mode or to the adjustment mode by the user disassembling the cover member 40 and changing the position of the operation projection portion 32a. Switching the operation mode by using the operation projection 32a In the case of the adjustment mode, the user can set the supply lower limit Pa by operating the rotary handle 29. After the setting, when the user slides the operation projection 32a to another position, the control portion 11 causes the memory 16 to store the set value of the supply lower limit Pa, and the control portion 11 switches the operation mode to the illumination mode. Then, in the light emission mode, the control unit 11 controls to illuminate the illumination load 3.

In still another configuration shown in Fig. 8, the mode switching unit 14 is constituted by a touch switch 36 having a button 36a. The button 36a is provided on the front side of the main body 20. In this configuration, the projection for pressing the button 36a is not provided on the back surface of the cover member 40. That is, when the cover member 40 is attached to the main body 20, the button 36a of the touch switch 36 is not pressed by the cover member 40. When the user disassembles the cover member 40 and presses the button 36a of the touch switch 36 for more than a predetermined time, the control portion 11 switches the operation mode from the lighting mode to the adjustment mode in accordance with the contact input from the touch switch 36. Then, the user can set the supply lower limit Pa. Thereafter, when the user presses the button 36a of the touch switch 36 for more than a predetermined time, the control portion 11 causes the memory 16 to store the set value of the supply lower limit Pa, and the control portion 11 switches the operation mode to the light-emitting mode. In this configuration, each time the button 36a of the touch switch 36 is pressed by the user for more than a predetermined time, the operation mode of the control portion 11 is alternately switched between the lighting mode and the adjustment mode.

In the embodiment described above, the operation portion 13 has a rotating body with a power switch, and when the groove 29a of the rotary handle 29 coincides with the position of the "OFF" font, the illumination load 3 is turned off. However, the lighting/extinction of the lighting load 3 can be switched by another configuration. For example, a switch can be connected between the dimming device 1 and a series circuit composed of the commercial AC power source 2 and the lighting load 3. In this configuration, the lighting load 3 can be turned on/off by the switch.

In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 11 has the functions of both the dimming control unit and the dimming lower limit setting unit, and when the operation mode is switched to the lighting mode, the control unit 11 functions as a dimming control unit; When switching to the adjustment mode, the control unit 11 functions as a dimming lower limit setting unit. However, the dimming device 1 is not limited to this configuration. The dimming device 1 may have a separate dimming control unit and a dimming lower limit setting unit.

1‧‧‧ dimming device

20‧‧‧ Subject

21‧‧‧After body

22‧‧‧ precursor

28‧‧‧ Groove

29‧‧‧Rotary handle

29a‧‧‧ trench

30‧‧‧ recess

31‧‧‧Touch switch

31a‧‧‧ button

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 (8)

A dimming device comprising: an operating portion operated by a user to set a dimming level of a lighting load; a dimming control portion configured to determine a desired dimming within a dimming range according to operation of the operating portion a level, the dimming control unit is configured to control power supplied to the lighting load to illuminate the lighting load at a determined dimming level; a dimming lower limit setting unit configured to supply power to the lighting load Adjusting a lower limit of the dimming range; and a mode switching unit configured to switch the operation mode of the dimming device to: wherein the dimming control unit lights up according to an operation of the operating portion with dimming The illumination mode of the illumination load, or the adjustment mode in which the dimming lower limit setting unit adjusts the power supplied to the illumination load to the lower limit of the dimming range according to the operation of the operation unit, wherein the dimming device further comprises: a main body Covering the dimming control unit and the dimming lower limit setting portion, the operation portion is disposed on a front surface of the main body; and a cover member for exposing at least the operation portion And detachably attaching to the main body to cover the front surface of the main body, wherein the mode switching portion includes detecting means for detecting whether the cover member is attached or detached, and wherein the mode switching portion is configured to be The cover member switches to the illumination mode when attached to the main body, and switches the operational mode to the adjustment mode when the cover member is separated from the main body. The dimming device of claim 1, wherein in the illumination mode, an operating range of the operating portion corresponds to the dimming range of the lighting load, and wherein in the adjusting mode, the operating portion is This operating range corresponds to the adjustment range of the supplied power at the lower limit of the dimming range. The dimming device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the operating range of the operating portion corresponds to two indications formed around the operating portion A range between the ministries. The dimming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimming device further comprises: a light emitting portion configured to illuminate when the lighting load is extinguished to indicate the mounting position; And an indicating portion configured to cause the light emitting portion to emit light in a light emitting condition different from a case when the lighting load is extinguished, so as to notify the operation mode to switch to the adjusting mode. A dimming device comprising: an operating portion operated by a user to set a dimming level of a lighting load; a dimming control portion configured to determine a desired dimming within a dimming range according to operation of the operating portion a level, the dimming control unit is configured to control power supplied to the lighting load to illuminate the lighting load at a determined dimming level; a dimming lower limit setting unit configured to supply power to the lighting load Adjusting a lower limit of the dimming range; and a mode switching unit configured to switch the operation mode of the dimming device to: wherein the dimming control unit lights up according to an operation of the operating portion with dimming An illumination mode of the illumination load, or an adjustment mode in which the dimming lower limit setting unit adjusts the power supplied to the illumination load to a lower limit of the dimming range according to an operation of the operation unit, wherein the operation unit is in the illumination mode The operating range corresponds to the dimming range of the lighting load, and wherein in the adjusting mode, the operating range of the operating portion corresponds to the lower limit of the dimming range Power adjustment range. A dimming device as set forth in claim 5, wherein the operating range of the operating portion corresponds to a range between the two indicating portions formed around the operating portion. The dimming device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, 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 an indicating portion configured to cause the light emitting portion to emit light in a lighting condition different from a case when the lighting load is extinguished, to notify an operation mode Switch to this adjustment mode. A dimming device comprising: an operating portion operated by a user to set a dimming level of a lighting load; a dimming control portion configured to determine a desired dimming within a dimming range according to operation of the operating portion a level, the dimming control unit is configured to control power supplied to the lighting load to illuminate the lighting load at a determined dimming level; a dimming lower limit setting unit configured to supply power to the lighting load Adjusting a lower limit of the dimming range; a mode switching unit configured to switch the operation mode of the dimming device to: wherein the dimming control unit lights the illumination according to an operation of the operating portion with dimming An illumination mode of the load, or an adjustment mode in which the dimming lower limit setting unit adjusts the power supplied to the illumination load to a lower limit of the dimming range according to an operation of the operation unit; and a light emitting unit configured to extinguish the illumination load Lights up to indicate the installation position; and an indication portion configured to cause the light-emitting portion to emit light at a different lighting condition than when the lighting load is extinguished, to inform the operation Formula switching to the adjustment mode.