Intelligent Converter for Lighting Control Device for Improving Total Harmonic Distortion and Electromagnetic Interference and Lighting Control Device Comprising the Same

Abstract

The converter for an illumination control device for controlling illumination according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a filter circuit for removing noise components included in an input power supply; a full-wave rectifier circuit for generating a full-wave rectified power supply from the input power supply from which the noise components have been removed; a power conversion circuit for generating a driving power supply for illumination using the full-wave rectified power supply; and a dimming control circuit for outputting a dimming control signal for adjusting the driving power supply to the power conversion circuit based on a dimming level indicating the brightness of the illumination. When the dimming level is less than a first reference value, the dimming control circuit outputs a first control signal to the full-wave rectifier circuit. In response to the first control signal, the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the converter for the illumination control device is reduced by reducing the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a converter and a lighting control device including the same, and more particularly, to an intelligent converter for a lighting control device and a lighting control device including the same, which improve total harmonic distortion (THD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Background Art

[0002] As a device that emits light using electricity, lighting includes a light-emitting device for emitting light. In order to cause the light-emitting device to emit light, a power source corresponding to the rated power source of the light-emitting device needs to be provided. In general, the specifications of the common power source and the rated power source are different from each other. Therefore, it is necessary to convert the common power source into the rated power source of the light-emitting device. Therefore, lighting includes a converter of a lighting control device for converting a common power source into a rated power source.

[0003] In terms of operating characteristics, power conversion devices such as converters may generate harmonics. Harmonics not only reduce the performance of the converter, but also may cause failures in external electronic devices due to increased energy consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to manage based on an appropriate standard. As an index for determining the degree of harmonic generation in a converter, there is total harmonic distortion (THD). In the case of a converter, the total harmonic distortion is defined as the Korean standard (KS). In addition, power conversion devices such as converters may generate electromagnetic interference (EMI), which may cause failures in the converter and external electronic devices. As the electromagnetic interference generated by the converter, there are radiated electromagnetic interference and conducted electromagnetic interference. The electromagnetic interference standard of the converter is legally regulated by the propagation method. This standard is applied to the converter as the electromagnetic interference standard of electronic devices.

[0004] On the other hand, the total harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference related to such a converter are set based on the rated power source. Therefore, in the case where the brightness of the lighting can be controlled (i.e., dimming), it is necessary to set the total harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference standards for each dimming level, and the converter needs to satisfy the total harmonic distortion standard and the electromagnetic interference standard of the dimming level. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Problem

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a converter for a lighting control device and a lighting control device including the same, which can change the synthetic capacitance of the converter for the lighting control device based on the dimming level of the converter for the lighting control device.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a converter for a lighting control device that can improve the total harmonic distortion (THD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) of the converter for a lighting control device by changing the combined capacitance of the converter for a lighting control device based on the dimming level of the converter for a lighting control device.

[0008] Technical Solution

[0009] The converter for a lighting control device for controlling lighting according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a filter circuit for removing noise components included in an input power supply; a full-wave rectifier circuit for generating a full-wave rectified power supply from the input power supply from which the noise components have been removed; a power conversion circuit for generating a driving power supply for lighting using the full-wave rectified power supply; and a dimming control circuit for outputting a dimming control signal for adjusting the driving power supply to the power conversion circuit based on a dimming level indicating the brightness of the lighting. When the dimming level is less than a first reference value, the dimming control circuit outputs a first control signal to the full-wave rectifier circuit, and in response to the first control signal, the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the converter for a lighting control device is reduced by reducing the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit.

[0010] The lighting control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in the lighting and is used to control the above lighting. It includes: a control modem for receiving an input power supply in the form of alternating current from an external controller; and a converter for a lighting control device for generating a driving power supply in the form of direct current using the input power supply in the form of alternating current. The control modem outputs a dimming level signal indicating the dimming level of the brightness of the lighting to the converter for a lighting control device. The converter for a lighting control device adjusts the magnitude of the driving power supply based on the dimming level signal. When the dimming level is less than a first reference value, the combined capacitance of the converter for a lighting control device is changed to a first capacitance. When the dimming level is equal to or greater than the first reference value, the combined capacitance of the converter for a lighting control device is changed to a second capacitance greater than the first capacitance. When the dimming level is greater than a second reference value greater than the first reference value, the combined capacitance of the converter for a lighting control device is changed to a third capacitance greater than the second capacitance.

[0011] Effect of the Invention

[0012] The converter for a lighting control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can change the capacitance based on the dimming level of the lighting, and thus has the effect of being able to improve the total harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference of the converter for a lighting control device.

[0013] In addition, the converter for the lighting control device according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following effect. That is, currently, there are only standards for total harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference for the rated power supply of lighting. Therefore, in addition to the rated power supply, the capacitance can be changed based on the dimming level signal of the lighting to meet the standards for total harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference for each dimming level. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 FIG. showing a lighting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 FIG. showing a lighting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 FIG. showing a converter for a lighting control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 FIG. showing a full-wave rectifier circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 FIG. showing the operation of a full-wave rectifier circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 FIG. showing the effect of improving total harmonic distortion based on the operation of a full-wave rectifier circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 FIG. showing a filter circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 FIG. showing the operation of a filter circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 9 AND Figure 10 FIG. showing the effect of improving electromagnetic interference based on the operation of a filter circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 11 FIG. showing the operation of a converter for a lighting control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 12 FIG. showing a flowchart of a method for operating a converter for a lighting control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, in order to clearly explain the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be given to the same or similar structural elements throughout the specification.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted to have the same meaning as in the relevant technical literature and the content disclosed herein. Unless explicitly defined in this specification, they shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different embodiments and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0028] Figure 1 A lighting system showing an embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 1 , the lighting system 10 may include a lighting 100, a lighting controller 200, and a power supply 300.

[0029] The lighting 100 may be a device that emits light using electricity. For example, the lighting 100 may be a lighting fixture such as a street lamp or a tunnel lamp including a light-emitting device. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. And, for example, the lighting 100 may be an appliance such as a light-emitting diode including a light-emitting diode (LED) device. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0030] The lighting 100 may be connected to the lighting controller 200 through a wire PL and may emit light based on the voltage transmitted from the lighting controller 200. According to an embodiment, the lighting 100 and the lighting controller 200 may be connected through a wire PL and may receive a working voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage) through the wire PL.

[0031] The lighting 100 may change its brightness based on time. That is, the lighting 100 may perform brightness control (i.e., dimming). According to an embodiment, the lighting 100 may perform dimming based on the control of the lighting controller 200, or may perform dimming based on the information stored in the lighting 100 (e.g., in the absence of external control).

[0032] The lighting controller 200 may control the lighting 100. According to an embodiment, the lighting controller 200 is connected to the power supply 300 and the lighting 100 and may transmit the power received from the power supply 300 (e.g., a commercial power supply) to the lighting 100. For example, the power supply, as a commercial power supply, may be an alternating voltage with a frequency of 60 Hz and an amplitude of 220 V.

[0033] For example, the lighting controller 200 may be a panelboard that controls the lighting 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] The power supply 300 is used to supply electrical energy as a power source, and the power source can be supplied through the wire PL. According to an embodiment, the power supply 300 can be a power plant, a substation or a transformer. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0035] Figure 2 Illumination according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Referring to Figure 2 , the illumination 100 may include a control modem 110, a converter for a lighting control device 120, and a lamp module 130.

[0036] The control modem 110 can operate based on the input power supply VIN. According to an embodiment, the control modem 110 receives the input power supply VIN in the form of an AC waveform, generates a working power supply in the form of a DC waveform from the received AC waveform input power supply VIN, and can operate based on the working power supply. For example, the control modem 110 may include an AC / DC converter, receive the input power supply VIN in the form of an AC waveform through the wire PL, and generate a working power supply in the form of a DC waveform from the AC waveform input power supply VIN.

[0037] The control modem 110 can output the received input power supply VIN to the converter for a lighting control device 120. According to an embodiment, the control modem 110 includes a bypass circuit, and can output the input power supply VIN received from the lighting controller 200 to the converter for a lighting control device 120 through the bypass circuit.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the control modem 110 can communicate with the lighting controller 200 to send and receive data. For example, the control modem 110 and the lighting controller 200 perform wire communication through the wire PL, and can operate using the data transmitted through the wire PL. For example, the control modem 110 can receive control data for controlling the dimming of the illumination 100 from the lighting controller 200 through the wire PL.

[0039] The converter for a lighting control device 120 can output a driving power supply IOUT for driving the lamp module 130. According to an embodiment, the converter for a lighting control device 120 generates the driving power supply IOUT based on the input power supply VIN, and can output the generated driving power supply IOUT to the lamp module 130. For example, the input power supply VIN can be a voltage in the form of alternating current, and the driving power supply IOUT can be a current in the form of direct current. That is, the converter for a lighting control device 120 converts the input power supply VIN into a driving power supply IOUT for the operation (i.e., lighting) of the lamp module 130, and can output the driving power supply IOUT to the lamp module 130.

[0040] The lamp module 130 can emit light based on the supplied driving power supply IOUT. According to an embodiment, the lamp module 130 can be a light-emitting diode lamp, a halogen lamp, or a sodium lamp including a light-emitting diode (LED) device. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the type of lamp module.

[0041] The lighting 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention can perform dimming. Thus, the brightness of the lighting 100 can vary based on time.

[0042] The brightness of the lighting 100 can be based on the brightness of the lamp module 130 as a light source, and the brightness of the lamp module 130 can be based on the intensity of the operating power supply IOUT output from the lighting control device converter 120. According to an embodiment, the lighting control device converter 120 can adjust the intensity of the operating power supply IOUT to control the dimming of the lighting 100. For example, the lighting control device converter 120 can adjust the intensity of the driving power supply IOUT within a range from a minimum level to a maximum level.

[0043] The control modem 110 can output a dimming level signal DLS for controlling the dimming (i.e., brightness adjustment) of the lighting 100. According to an embodiment, the control modem 110 can output a dimming level signal DLS related to the dimming level representing the brightness of the lighting 100 to the lighting control device converter 120, and the lighting control device converter 120 can adjust the magnitude (or intensity) of the driving power supply IOUT to be output to the lamp module 130 based on the dimming level signal DLS.

[0044] In this case, the dimming level signal DLS can be a voltage having a specific range of levels. For example, the dimming level signal DLS is a voltage from 0V to 10V, or can be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0045] That is, the magnitude of the driving power supply IOUT output from the lighting control device converter 120 can vary with the dimming level signal DLS output from the control modem 110.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the lighting control device converter 120 can receive the dimming level signal DLS output from the control modem 110, can adjust the intensity of the operating power supply IOUT within a range from a minimum level to a maximum level based on the dimming level signal DLS, and ultimately, can adjust the brightness of the lighting 100 within a range from a minimum level to a maximum level.

[0047] Figure 3 Shows a converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 3, the converter 120 for the lighting control device may include a filter circuit 121, a full-wave rectifier circuit 123, a power conversion circuit 125, and a dimming control circuit 129.

[0048] The filter circuit 121 may receive the input power supply VIN. The filter circuit 121 may remove the noise components included in the input power supply VIN. That is, the filter circuit 121 may remove the electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise included in the input power supply VIN.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the filter circuit 121 may remove the conductive noise and radiative noise included in the input power supply VIN and output the input power supply with the noise removed.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter circuit 121 may change the combined capacitance under the control of the dimming control circuit 129. Thus, the electromagnetic interference performance of the filter circuit 121 can be improved. This will be described in detail below.

[0051] According to an embodiment, a voltage stabilizing circuit is further provided at the front end of the filter circuit 121, and the filter circuit 121 may receive the input power supply VIN that has passed through the voltage stabilizing circuit.

[0052] When an overcurrent or overvoltage is input as the input power supply VIN, the voltage stabilizing circuit may protect the converter 120 for the lighting control device by blocking the overcurrent or overvoltage. For example, the voltage stabilizing circuit may include a fuse for blocking the input overcurrent and a varistor for blocking the input overvoltage. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0053] The full-wave rectifier circuit 123 may convert the input power supply VIN with the noise removed transmitted from the filter circuit 121 into a DC power supply. According to an embodiment, the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 may perform a rectification process and a smoothing process on the input power supply VIN with the noise removed to output a full-wave rectified power supply. For example, the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 may perform a rectification process and a smoothing process on the input power supply VIN in the form of alternating current with the noise removed to output a DC power supply in the form of direct current.

[0054] The power conversion circuit 125 receives the DC power supply and may output a driving power supply IOUT using the DC power supply. According to an embodiment, the power conversion circuit 125 may output the driving power supply IOUT to the lamp module 130 by improving the power factor of the DC power supply and transforming the DC voltage with the improved power factor.

[0055] The power conversion circuit 125 may include a power factor correction (PFC) circuit 125a, a switching circuit 125b, an inverter 125c, and a power supply circuit 125d.

[0056] The power factor correction circuit 125a may improve the power factor of the input power supply. According to an embodiment, the power factor correction circuit 125a may improve the power factor of the input power supply by reducing the phase difference between the voltage and the current. For example, the power factor correction circuit 125a may make the phases of the voltage and the current the same phase to improve the power factor of the input power supply. For example, the power factor correction circuit 125a may improve the power factor of the input power supply by changing the magnitude of the DC power supply.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the power factor correction circuit 125a may include a plurality of devices and integrated circuits.

[0058] The switching circuit 125b may be connected between the power factor correction circuit 125a and the inverter 125c, and may control the transmission of the DC power supply from the power factor correction circuit 125a to the inverter 125c. According to an embodiment, the switching circuit 125b converts the DC power supply transmitted from the power factor correction circuit 125a into a pulsed power supply through a switching operation, and may transmit the converted pulsed power supply to the inverter 125c.

[0059] The switching circuit 125b may adjust the width of the pulsed power supply, and may adjust the magnitude of the output power supply output from the inverter 125c by adjusting the width of the pulsed power supply. That is, the switching circuit 125b may control the output of the output power supply of the inverter 125c by controlling the switching operation of the inverter 125c.

[0060] For example, the switching circuit 125b may include switching devices such as transistors and integrated circuits.

[0061] The inverter 125c steps up or down the pulsed power supply output from the switching circuit 125b, and may output the stepped-up or -down pulsed power supply as the output power supply. According to an embodiment, the inverter 125c may include a first inductor and a second inductor coupled to the first inductor. The first inductor receives the pulsed power supply, and the second inductor may receive the stepped-up or -down output power supply.

[0062] The power supply circuit 125d may provide the power required for the operation of the power factor correction circuit 125a and the switching circuit 125b. According to an embodiment, the power supply circuit 125d may provide a power supply in the form of direct current required for the operation of the power factor correction circuit 125a and the switching circuit 125b. For example, the power supply circuit 125d may supply power to the integrated circuits included in the power factor correction circuit 125a and the switching circuit 125b respectively.

[0063] The output circuit 127 can generate a driving power supply IOUT by using the output power supply output from the converter 125c. According to an embodiment, the output circuit 127 can perform DC processing on the output power supply output from the converter 125c to output the driving power supply IOUT. For example, the driving power supply IOUT can be a DC voltage or a DC current.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the output circuit 127 includes a plurality of diodes and capacitors. The plurality of diodes rectify and output the output power supply. The rectified output power supply can be smoothed by the capacitors. According to an embodiment, the output circuit 127 may further include a line filter, and the above line filter includes an inductor.

[0065] The output circuit 127 can output the driving power supply IOUT to the lamp module 130. According to an embodiment, the output circuit 127 may further include a detection circuit for detecting the magnitude of the driving power supply IOUT output from the output circuit 127. The detection circuit can detect the magnitude of the driving power supply IOUT and output a detection result ISTEP to the dimming control circuit 129. According to an embodiment, the detection result ISTEP can be a signal representing the magnitude of the driving power supply IOUT. For example, the magnitude of the detection result ISTEP can be the same as the magnitude of the driving power supply IOUT, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] The dimming control circuit 129 can control the filter circuit 121, the full-wave rectification circuit 123, and the power conversion circuit 125.

[0067] The dimming control circuit 129 can output a dimming control signal DCS for controlling the brightness of the lighting 100 to the power conversion circuit 125. According to an embodiment, the dimming control circuit 129 can output a dimming control signal DCS for controlling the brightness of the lighting 100 to the power conversion circuit 125 based on the output intensity of the output circuit 127.

[0068] For example, the dimming control signal DCS output from the dimming control circuit 129 can be transmitted to the switching circuit 125b of the power conversion circuit 125. The switching circuit 125b can adjust the pulse power width transmitted to the converter 125c based on the dimming control signal DCS to adjust the intensity of the driving power supply IOUT. Finally, the brightness of the lighting 100 can be adjusted.

[0069] For example, the dimming control circuit 129 includes an optocoupler and can output the dimming control signal DCS to the switching circuit 125b by controlling the optocoupler. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0070] The dimming control circuit 129 of the embodiment of the present invention can control the lighting control device converter 120 to change the combined capacitance of the lighting control device converter 120 based on the dimming level of the lighting 100.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the dimming control circuit 129 can control the converter 120 for the lighting control device. When the dimming level of the lighting 100 is less than the first reference value, the combined capacitance of the converter 120 for the lighting control device is changed to the first capacitance. When the dimming level is equal to or greater than the first reference value, the combined capacitance of the converter 120 for the lighting control device is changed to a second capacitance greater than the first capacitance. When the dimming level is greater than a second reference value larger than the first reference value, the combined capacitance of the converter 120 for the lighting control device is changed to a third capacitance greater than the second capacitance.

[0072] The dimming control circuit 129 can output control signals CS1 and CS2 based on the dimming level of the lighting 100 to facilitate changing the combined capacitance of the converter 120 for the lighting control device.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the dimming control circuit 129 can output a first control signal CS1 for changing the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 and a second control signal CS2 for changing the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121. For example, the dimming control circuit 129 can reduce the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 by outputting the first control signal CS1, and can increase the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121 by outputting the second control signal CS2.

[0074] The dimming control circuit 129 can output the control signals CS1 and CS2 based on the magnitude of a dimming level signal DLS related to the dimming level of the lighting 100 or a detection result ISTEP.

[0075] For example, the dimming control circuit 129 includes an integrated circuit having an arithmetic processing function. The integrated circuit can output the first control signal CS1 by comparing the dimming level of the lighting 100 with a pre-stored first reference value and based on the comparison result. And the integrated circuit can output the second control signal CS2 by comparing the dimming level of the lighting 100 with a pre-stored second reference value and based on the comparison result. In this case, the first reference value can be less than the second reference value.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the converter 120 for the lighting control device includes an optocoupler, which can transmit the control signals CS1 and CS2 from the dimming control circuit 129 to the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 and the filter circuit 121 through the optocoupler.

[0077] For example, the dimming control circuit 129 includes a first light-emitting device and a second light-emitting device. A first control signal CS1 in the form of an optical signal is output by controlling the first light-emitting device, and a second control signal CS2 can be output by controlling the second light-emitting device. In this case, the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 includes a first light-receiving device, and the second light-receiving device can operate in response to the first control signal CS1 in the form of an optical signal output from the first light-emitting device. Also, the filter circuit 121 includes a second light-receiving device, and the second light-receiving device can operate in response to the second control signal CS2 in the form of an optical signal output from the second light-emitting device.

[0078] On the other hand, in the embodiments of the present invention, the output manners of the control signals CS1 and CS2 are not limited thereto.

[0079] Figure 4 A full-wave rectifier circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Refer to Figure 4 , the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 may include a rectifier circuit 123a and a smoothing circuit 123b.

[0080] When the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 decreases, the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced (i.e., improved). As described below, the converter 120 for the lighting control device according to the embodiments of the present invention can change the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 based on the dimming level of the lighting 100. Therefore, it has the effect of improving the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device based on the dimming level.

[0081] The rectifier circuit 123a can rectify the noise-removed input power supply VIN output from the filter circuit 121. According to an embodiment, the rectifier circuit 123a can rectify the noise-removed input power supply VIN based on a full-wave rectification or half-wave rectification method to output a ripple power supply. For example, the rectifier circuit 123a may include a diode bridge circuit, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0082] The smoothing circuit 123b can smooth the pulsed power supply output from the rectifier circuit 123a to output a full-wave rectified power supply. According to an embodiment, the smoothing circuit 123b may include at least one smoothing capacitor Cs.

[0083] In the embodiments of the present invention, the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 can decrease in response to the first control signal CS1. According to an embodiment, the combined capacitance of the smoothing circuit 123b can decrease in response to the first control signal CS1.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the smoothing circuit 123b may include a plurality of capacitors arranged in a first arrangement, and the arrangement of the plurality of capacitors may change from the first arrangement to a second arrangement in response to a first control signal CS1. In this case, the capacitance in the second arrangement of the smoothing circuit 123b may be smaller than the capacitance in the first arrangement.

[0085] For example, the smoothing circuit 123b may include: a first capacitor C1 that is selectively connected in parallel with the smoothing capacitor Cs in response to the first control signal CS1; and a first switch SW1 that is connected to the first capacitor C1 and operates in response to the first control signal CS. The parallel connection of the smoothing capacitor Cs and the first capacitor C1 depends on the on and off states of the first switch SW1, whereby the combined capacitance of the smoothing circuit 123b can be changed. For example, the smoothing capacitor Cs and the first capacitor C1 may be arranged between the rectifier circuit 123a and the power factor correction circuit 125a.

[0086] For example, as Figure 4 shown, one end of the smoothing capacitor Cs is connected to one end of the first capacitor C1, the other end of the smoothing capacitor Cs is connected to one end of the first switch SW1, and the other end of the first capacitor C1 may be connected to the other end of the first switch SW1. In this case, if the first switch SW1 is turned off in response to the first control signal CS1, the first capacitor C1 connected in parallel with the smoothing capacitor Cs is disconnected, whereby the combined capacitance of the smoothing circuit 123b is reduced.

[0087] In the embodiments of this specification, although the smoothing circuit 123b further includes a first capacitor C1 that is connected in parallel with the smoothing capacitor Cs in response to the first control signal CS1, according to an embodiment, the smoothing capacitor Cs may also be a variable capacitor whose capacitance changes in response to the first control signal CS1.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the first control signal CS1 may be output based on the dimming level of the lighting 100. For example, when the dimming level of the lighting 100 is lower than a first reference value, the first control signal CS1 may be output.

[0089] Figure 5 Shows the operation of the full-wave rectifier circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 Part (a) shows the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 with the first switch SW1 turned on, Figure 5 Part (b) shows the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 with the first switch SW1 turned off.

[0090] The dimming control circuit 129 can output a first control signal CS1 by comparing the magnitude of the dimming level signal DLS (or detection result ISTEP) with a stored first reference value and based on the comparison result. The first switch SW1 can be turned off in response to the first control signal CS1. That is, the first switch SW1 can be turned on or off based on the dimming level of the lighting 100.

[0091] As Figure 5 shown in part (a) of, when the first control signal CS1 is not output, the first switch SW1 is in the on state. In this case, the smoothing capacitor Cs and the first capacitor C1 can be connected in parallel.

[0092] As Figure 5 shown in part (b) of, when the first control signal CS1 is output, the first switch SW1 is in the off state. In this case, as the smoothing capacitor Cs and the first capacitor C1 connected in parallel are disconnected from each other, the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 will be reduced. Thereby, the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced.

[0093] That is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the dimming level of the lighting 100 is less than the first reference value, the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced (i.e., improved) by reducing the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123.

[0094] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the effect of improving the total harmonic distortion based on the operation of the full-wave rectifier circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 6 , Example 1 (CASE1) shows the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device when the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 remains unchanged, and Example 2 (CASE2) shows the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device according to an embodiment of the present invention when the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 changes based on the dimming level.

[0095] Referring to Example 1, the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can increase as the dimming level decreases. In particular, within the range where the dimming level is less than the first reference value, there can be a problem that the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device is greater than the limit value. That is, when the dimming level of the lighting 100 is less than a specified reference (e.g., the first reference value), there can be a problem that the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device is greater than the limit value.

[0096] Referring to Example 2, when the dimming level is less than the first reference value, a first control signal CS1 is output from the dimming control circuit 129. As the first switch SW1 closes in response to the first control signal CS1, the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 will be reduced. Thereby, the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced.

[0097] That is, the converter 120 for the lighting control device according to the embodiment of the present invention can change (i.e., reduce) the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 based on the dimming level of the lighting 100. Thereby, the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced. In particular, when the dimming level of the lighting 100 is below the first reference value, the converter 120 for the lighting control device according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the total harmonic distortion from being greater than the limit value by reducing the combined capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123.

[0098] Figure 7 The filter circuit according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown. Referring to Figure 7 , the filter circuit 121 may include a first filter circuit 121a and a second filter circuit 121b.

[0099] When the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121 increases, the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced (i.e., improved). As described below, the converter 120 for the lighting control device according to the embodiment of the present invention can change the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121 based on the dimming level of the lighting 100. Therefore, the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be improved based on the dimming level.

[0100] The first filter circuit 121a can remove the radiated noise components included in the input power supply VIN. According to an embodiment, the first filter circuit 121a may include: a first line filter LF1 for removing high-frequency noise; and a first filter capacitor Cf1 connected to the rear end of the first line filter LF1.

[0101] And, the first filter circuit 121a may include a second capacitor C2 that is selectively connected in parallel with the first filter capacitor Cf1 in response to a second control signal CS2. Thereby, the combined capacitance of the first filter circuit 121a can be changed.

[0102] According to an embodiment, a steady-state circuit is connected between the first line filter LF1 and the first filter capacitor Cf1. The steady-state circuit includes a fuse for blocking overcurrent or a varistor and a discharge capacitor for blocking input overvoltage.

[0103] The second filter circuit 121b can remove the conductive noise components included in the input power supply VIN. According to an embodiment, the second filter circuit 121b may include: a second line filter LF2 for removing low-frequency noise; discharge capacitors SP1 and SP2 connected between the line filters LF2; a second filter capacitor Cf2 connected to the rear end of the second line filter LF2; and discharge resistors R1, R2, and R3.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the first line filter LF1 can remove noise in a high frequency band (e.g., above 30 MHz), and the second line filter LF2 can remove noise in a low frequency band (e.g., less than 1 MHz). For example, the number of windings per unit length of the inductor included in the first line filter LF1 may be less than the number of windings per unit length of the inductor included in the second line filter LF2.

[0105] In an embodiment of the present invention, the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121 can increase in response to the second control signal CS2. According to an embodiment, the combined capacitance of the first filter circuit 121a can increase in response to the second control signal CS2.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the first filter circuit 121a may include a plurality of capacitors arranged in a third arrangement, and the arrangement of the plurality of capacitors can be changed from the third arrangement to a fourth arrangement in response to the second control signal CS2. In this case, the capacitance in the fourth arrangement of the first filter circuit 121a can be greater than the capacitance in the third arrangement.

[0107] For example, the first filter circuit 121a may include a second switch SW2 connected to the second capacitor C2 and operating in response to the second control signal CS2. The parallel connection of the first filter capacitor Cf1 and the second capacitor C2 depends on the on and off states of the second switch SW2, thereby changing the combined capacitance of the first filter circuit 121a.

[0108] For example, as Figure 7 shown, one end of the first filter capacitor Cf1 is connected to one end of the second capacitor C2, the other end of the first filter capacitor Cf1 is connected to one end of the second switch SW2, and the other end of the second capacitor C2 can be connected to the other end of the second switch SW2. In this case, if the second switch SW2 is turned on in response to the second control signal CS2, the second capacitor C2 is connected in parallel with the first filter capacitor Cf1, thereby increasing the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121.

[0109] In the embodiments of the present specification, although the first filter circuit 121a further includes a second capacitor C2 connected in parallel with the first filter capacitor Cf1 in response to the second control signal CS2, according to an embodiment, the first filter capacitor Cf1 may also be a variable capacitor whose capacitance changes in response to the second control signal CS2.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the second control signal CS2 may be output based on the dimming level of the lighting 100. For example, when the dimming level of the lighting 100 is higher than a second reference value, the second control signal CS20 may be output. In this case, the second reference value serving as the output reference of the second control signal CS2 may be greater than the first reference value serving as the output reference of the first control signal CS1.

[0111] Figure 8 To illustrate the operation of the filter circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 Part (a) shows the filter circuit 121 with the second switch SW2 closed. Figure 8 Part (b) shows the filter circuit 121 with the second switch SW2 open.

[0112] The dimming control circuit 129 may output the second control signal CS2 by comparing the magnitude of the dimming level signal DLS (or the detection result ISTEP) with the stored second reference value and based on the comparison result. The second switch SW2 may be turned on in response to the second control signal CS2. That is, the second switch SW2 may be turned on or off based on the dimming level of the lighting 100.

[0113] As Figure 8 shown in part (a), in the case where the second control signal CS2 is not output, the second switch SW2 is in the off state. In this case, the first filter capacitor Cf1 and the second capacitor C2 are not connected to each other.

[0114] As Figure 8 shown in part (b), in the case where the second control signal CS2 is output, the second switch SW2 is in the on state. In this case, as the first filter capacitor Cf1 and the second capacitor C2 are connected in parallel, the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121 will increase. Thereby, the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced.

[0115] That is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the dimming level of the lighting 100 is greater than the second reference value, the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced (i.e., improved) by increasing the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121.

[0116] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a diagram showing the effect of improving electromagnetic interference based on the operation of the filter circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9To show the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device when the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121 remains unchanged, Figure 10 To show the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device when the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121 of the embodiment of the present invention changes.

[0117] Referring to Figure 9 , there may be an interval where the quasi-peak of the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device is greater than the limit value. According to an embodiment, the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device may increase as the dimming level of the lighting 100 increases. In particular, when the dimming level is greater than the second reference value, there may be an interval where the quasi-peak of the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device is greater than the limit value.

[0118] Referring to Figure 10 , when the dimming level is greater than the second reference value, a second control signal CS2 is output from the dimming control circuit 129. As the second switch SW2 turns on in response to the second control signal CS2, the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121 will increase. Thereby, the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced. As Figure 10 shown, it can be confirmed that the quasi-peak greater than the reference limit value no longer exists.

[0119] That is, the converter 120 for the lighting control device of the embodiment of the present invention can change (i.e., increase) the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121 based on the dimming level of the lighting 100. Thereby, the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced. In particular, when the dimming level of the lighting 100 is greater than the second reference value, the converter 120 for the lighting control device of the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the electromagnetic interference from being greater than the limit value by increasing the combined capacitance of the filter circuit 121.

[0120] Figure 11 To show the operation of the converter for the lighting control device of the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 11 , the capacitances of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 and the filter circuit 121 changing with the dimming level DL of the lighting 100 are shown. Among them, the second reference value may be greater than the first reference value.

[0121] According to the embodiment of the present invention, when the dimming level of the lighting 100 is less than the first reference value, the capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 can be reduced. According to an embodiment, when comparing the dimming level of the lighting 100 with the pre-stored first reference value, if the dimming level is less than the first reference value, the dimming control circuit 129 can reduce the capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 by outputting the first control signal CS1.

[0122] For example, as described with reference to Figures 4 to 6 When the dimming level is less than the first reference value, the dimming control circuit 129 can output a first control signal CS1 to the full-wave rectifier circuit 123. In response to the first control signal CS1, the first capacitor C1 connected in parallel with the smoothing capacitor Cs is disconnected. As a result, the capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 can be reduced, and ultimately, the total harmonic distortion of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced.

[0123] Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the dimming level of the lighting 100 is greater than the second reference value, the capacitance of the filter circuit 121 can be increased. According to the embodiment, when comparing the dimming level of the lighting 100 with the pre-stored second reference value, if the dimming level is greater than the second reference value, the dimming control circuit 129 can increase the capacitance of the filter circuit 121 by outputting a second control signal CS2.

[0124] For example, as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 When the dimming level is greater than the second reference value, the dimming control circuit 129 can output a second control signal CS2 to the filter circuit 121. In response to the first control signal CS2, the second capacitor C2 is connected in parallel with the second filter capacitor Cf1. As a result, the capacitance of the filter circuit 121 can be increased, and ultimately, the electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device can be reduced.

[0125] That is, the converter 120 for the lighting control device according to the embodiment of the present invention can change (increase or decrease) the capacitance of the filter circuit 121 or the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 based on the dimming level of the lighting 100, thereby improving the total harmonic distortion or electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device.

[0126] Figure 12 FIG. is a flowchart showing a working method of the converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 12 , the converter 120 for the lighting control device can compare the dimming level of the lighting with the stored reference value (step S110). According to the embodiment, the dimming control circuit 129 can compare the dimming level of the lighting 100 with the pre-stored second reference value and the first reference value.

[0127] For example, the dimming control circuit 129 can compare the dimming level with the stored reference value by using the dimming control signal DLS transmitted from the control modem 110. The dimming control signal DLS transmitted from the control modem 110 can include information related to the dimming level of the lighting 100.

[0128] Also, for example, the dimming control circuit 129 can compare the dimming level with a stored reference value by using the detection result ISTEP output from the output circuit 127. The detection result ISTEP is related to the magnitude of the driving power supply IOUT, and the driving power supply IOUT transmitted to the lamp module 130 can be related to the dimming level of the lighting 100.

[0129] According to the comparison result, when the dimming level is less than the first reference value (Y in step S120), the converter 120 for the lighting control device can reduce the capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 (step S130). According to an embodiment, when the dimming level is less than the first reference value, the dimming control circuit 129 can output a first control signal CS1 to the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 to reduce the capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123.

[0130] According to the comparison result, when the dimming level is greater than the second reference value which is larger than the first reference value (Y in step S140), the converter 120 for the lighting control device can increase the capacitance of the filter circuit 121 (step S150). According to an embodiment, when the dimming level is greater than the second reference value, the dimming control circuit 129 can output a second control signal CS2 to the filter circuit 121 to increase the capacitance of the full-wave rectifier circuit 123.

[0131] The converter 120 for the lighting control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can change (increase or decrease) the capacitance of the filter circuit 121 or the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 based on the dimming level of the lighting 100, thereby improving the total harmonic distortion or electromagnetic interference of the converter 120 for the lighting control device.

[0132] Thus, the lighting 100 including the converter 120 for the lighting control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve the total harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference. In particular, the total harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference can be adjusted according to the dimming level, and thus, the limit values corresponding to each dimming level can be satisfied.

[0133] On the other hand, although Figure 12 an example showing step S140 is executed after step S120 is illustrated, according to an embodiment, step S120 can be executed after step S140, or step S120 and step S140 can also be executed simultaneously.

[0134] As described above, although the embodiments have been described with reference to the limited embodiments and the drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and deformations based on the above content. For example, even if the described technology is executed in an order different from the described method and / or the structural elements such as the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in an implementation different from the described method, or even if they are replaced or substituted by other structural elements or equivalent technical solutions, appropriate results can be achieved.

[0135] Therefore, other embodiments, other examples, and contents equivalent to the scope of the invention claimed also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0136] Industrial Applicability

[0137] The present invention relates to a converter and a lighting control device including the same.

Claims

1. A converter for a lighting control device, characterized in that, Comprising: A filter circuit for removing noise components included in the input power supply; A full-wave rectifier circuit for generating a DC constant voltage from the input power supply from which the noise components have been removed; A power conversion circuit for generating a drive power supply for the above-mentioned lighting using the above-mentioned DC constant voltage; and A dimming control circuit for outputting a dimming control signal for adjusting the above-mentioned drive power supply to the above-mentioned power conversion circuit based on a dimming level indicating the brightness of the above-mentioned lighting, When the above-mentioned dimming level is less than a first reference value, the above-mentioned dimming control circuit outputs a first control signal to the above-mentioned full-wave rectifier circuit, In response to the above-mentioned first control signal, the total harmonic distortion of the converter for the lighting control device is reduced by reducing the equivalent capacitance of the above-mentioned full-wave rectifier circuit, When the above-mentioned dimming level is greater than a second reference value larger than the above-mentioned first reference value, the above-mentioned dimming control circuit outputs a second control signal to the above-mentioned filter circuit, In response to the above-mentioned second control signal, the electromagnetic interference of the converter for the lighting control device is reduced by increasing the equivalent capacitance of the above-mentioned filter circuit, The above-mentioned filter circuit includes: A first filter circuit for removing high-frequency noise of the above-mentioned input power supply; and A second filter circuit for removing low-frequency noise of the above-mentioned input power supply, The above-mentioned first filter circuit includes a plurality of capacitors, The arrangement of the above-mentioned plurality of capacitors changes from a third arrangement to a fourth arrangement in response to the above-mentioned second control signal, The capacitance in the above-mentioned fourth arrangement of the above-mentioned first filter circuit is greater than the capacitance in the above-mentioned third arrangement.

2. The converter for a lighting control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The above-mentioned dimming control circuit includes an integrated circuit having an arithmetic processing function, When comparing the above-mentioned dimming level with a pre-stored first reference value, in the case where the above-mentioned dimming level is less than the first reference value, the above-mentioned integrated circuit outputs the above-mentioned first control signal to the above-mentioned full-wave rectifier circuit, When comparing the above-mentioned dimming level with a pre-stored second reference value, in the case where the above-mentioned dimming level is greater than the second reference value, the above-mentioned integrated circuit outputs the above-mentioned second control signal to the above-mentioned filter circuit.

3. The converter for a lighting control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The above-mentioned dimming control circuit determines the above-mentioned dimming level by means of a dimming level signal transmitted to the converter for the lighting control device or the above-mentioned drive power supply.

4. The converter for a lighting control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The above-mentioned full-wave rectifier circuit includes: A rectifier circuit for rectifying the input power supply from which the above-mentioned noise components have been removed to generate a pulsed power supply; and A smoothing circuit for smoothing the above-mentioned pulsed power supply to output a DC power supply, The above-mentioned smoothing circuit includes a plurality of capacitors, The arrangement of the above-mentioned plurality of capacitors changes from a first arrangement to a second arrangement in response to the above-mentioned first control signal, The capacitance in the above-mentioned second arrangement of the above-mentioned smoothing circuit is less than the capacitance in the above-mentioned first arrangement.

5. The converter for a lighting control device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The above-mentioned smoothing circuit includes: A smoothing capacitor for smoothing the above-mentioned pulsed power supply; A first capacitor connected to one end of the above-mentioned smoothing capacitor; and A first switch connected to the other end of the above-mentioned first capacitor and connected to the other end of the above-mentioned smoothing capacitor, The above-mentioned first switch is closed in response to the above-mentioned first control signal.

6. The converter for a lighting control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The above-mentioned first filter circuit includes: A first line filter for removing high-frequency noise of the above-mentioned input power supply; A first filter capacitor connected to the above-mentioned first line filter; A second capacitor, connected to one end of the above-mentioned first filter capacitor; and A second switch, connected to the other end of the above-mentioned second capacitor and to the other end of the above-mentioned first filter capacitor, The above-mentioned second switch is turned on in response to the above-mentioned second control signal.

7. The converter for a lighting control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The above-mentioned first filter circuit includes a first line filter, and the first line filter includes a first inductor, The above-mentioned second filter circuit includes a second line filter, and the second line filter includes a second inductor, The number of turns of the above-mentioned first inductor is less than the number of turns of the second inductor.

8. The converter for a lighting control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The above-mentioned first filter circuit further includes a steady-state circuit, arranged between the above-mentioned first line filter and the above-mentioned first filter capacitor, and includes a blocking device for blocking over-power.

9. The converter for a lighting control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The above-mentioned dimming control circuit includes a first light-emitting device for outputting the above-mentioned first control signal in the form of an optical signal, The above-mentioned light-emitting device includes a first light-receiving device that receives the above-mentioned first control signal output from the above-mentioned first light-emitting device and reduces the combined capacitance of the above-mentioned full-wave rectifier circuit in response to the above-mentioned first control signal.

10. A lighting control device, provided in a lighting and used for controlling the above lighting, characterized in that, Comprising: A control modem that receives an input power supply in the form of alternating current from an external controller; and A converter for a lighting control device that generates a driving power supply in the form of direct current using the above-mentioned input power supply in the form of alternating current, The above-mentioned control modem outputs a dimming level signal representing the brightness of the above-mentioned lighting to the above-mentioned converter for a lighting control device, The above-mentioned converter for a lighting control device adjusts the magnitude of the above-mentioned driving power supply based on the above-mentioned dimming level signal, When the above-mentioned dimming level is less than a first reference value, the combined capacitance of the above-mentioned converter for a lighting control device is changed to a first capacitance, When the above-mentioned dimming level is equal to or greater than the above-mentioned first reference value, the combined capacitance of the above-mentioned converter for a lighting control device is changed to a second capacitance greater than the above-mentioned first capacitance, When the above-mentioned dimming level is greater than a second reference value greater than the above-mentioned first reference value, the combined capacitance of the above-mentioned converter for a lighting control device is changed to a third capacitance greater than the above-mentioned second capacitance.

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