Lighting system and lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a lighting system and a lighting fixture that can handle both wired and wireless control signals.SOLUTION: In a lighting system A1, a wired interface unit 2 converts a first control signal Y11, which is a wired signal of a first transmission method transmitted from a first controller C1 and instructs the lighting state of a lighting load 9, into a second control signal Y12, which is a wired signal of a second transmission method, and insulates the wired signal of the first transmission method from the wired signal of the second transmission method. A wireless interface unit 3 converts a wireless control signal Y21, which is a wireless signal transmitted from the second controller C2 and instructs the lighting state, into a third control signal Y22, which is a wired signal. A lighting control unit 4 adjusts the lighting state of the lighting load 9 by controlling the lighting circuit 1 on the basis of the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting system and a lighting fixture. [Background technology]

[0002] The lighting device described in Patent Document 1 includes a first dimming terminal, a second dimming terminal, a control circuit, and a lighting device, and dims the light source.

[0003] The first dimming terminal receives a control signal from a lighting control device that sets the on / off or dimming rate of the light source. The control signal received at the first dimming terminal is a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal or an amplitude signal.

[0004] The second dimming terminal receives a command signal sent by the control unit according to an external condition or a command signal sent by the control unit from a user. The control signal received at the second dimming terminal is a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) signal.

[0005] The control circuit controls the lighting circuit in response to the control signal. The lighting circuit is controlled by the control circuit to dim the light source. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-129156 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The lighting device of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has a first dimming terminal and a second dimming terminal as two systems of dimming terminals, and both the first dimming terminal and the second dimming terminal receive wired signals.

[0008] Therefore, the lighting device (lighting system) of Patent Document 1 cannot handle both wired and wireless control signals.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting system and a lighting fixture that can accommodate both wired and wireless control signals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lighting circuit, a wired interface unit, a wireless interface unit, and a lighting control unit. The lighting circuit lights up a lighting load. The wired interface unit converts a first control signal, which is a wired signal of a first transmission method transmitted from a first controller and instructs a lighting state of the lighting load, into a second control signal, which is a wired signal of a second transmission method, and insulates between the wired signal of the first transmission method and the wired signal of the second transmission method. The wireless interface unit converts a wireless control signal, which is a wireless signal transmitted from a second controller and instructs the lighting state, into a third control signal, which is a wired signal. The lighting control unit adjusts the lighting state of the lighting load by controlling the lighting circuit based on the second control signal and the third control signal.

[0011] A lighting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned lighting system and the lighting load. Effect of the Invention

[0012] As described above, the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to handle both wired and wireless control signals. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a lighting system for transmitting a control signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a lighting system that transmits the response signal. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a lighting system that performs the above-mentioned selection control. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the lighting system that performs the above-mentioned abnormality notification. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a lighting system according to a first modified example. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are waveform diagrams showing the fourth control signal in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a lighting fixture including the lighting system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The following embodiments relate generally to a lighting system and a luminaire, and more particularly to a lighting system and a luminaire that control a lighting state of a lighting load based on a control signal.

[0015] The following embodiment is merely an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0016] The lighting system and the lighting fixture of the present embodiment are used indoors, such as in an office, a factory, a store, a detached house, or a housing complex, or outdoors, such as in a tunnel, a road, or a ground. Note that the place where the lighting system and the lighting fixture of the present embodiment are used is not limited to a specific place.

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] (Embodiment) (1) Overview of the lighting system FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of a lighting system A1 that lights up a lighting load 9 as a lighting system according to an embodiment.

[0019] The lighting system A1 includes a lighting circuit 1, a wired interface unit 2, a wireless interface unit 3, and a lighting control unit 4.

[0020] The lighting circuit 1 lights up the lighting load 9 .

[0021] The wired interface unit 2 converts the first control signal Y11, which is a wired signal of a first transmission method transmitted from the first controller C1 and instructs the lighting state of the lighting load 9, into a second control signal Y12, which is a wired signal of a second transmission method. Furthermore, the wired interface unit 2 provides insulation between the wired signal of the first transmission method and the wired signal of the second transmission method.

[0022] The wireless interface unit 3 converts the wireless control signal Y21, which is a wireless signal transmitted from the second controller C2 and instructs the lighting state of the lighting load 9, into a third control signal Y22, which is a wired signal.

[0023] The lighting control unit 4 adjusts the lighting state of the lighting load 9 by controlling the lighting circuit 1 based on the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22.

[0024] In the above-mentioned lighting system A1, the wired interface unit 2 receives the first control signal Y11, which is a wired signal, and converts it into the second control signal Y12, which is a wired signal having a different transmission method. The wireless interface unit 3 receives the wireless control signal Y21, which is a wireless signal, and converts it into the third control signal Y22, which is a wired signal. Then, the lighting control unit 4 controls the lighting circuit 1 based on the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22. Therefore, the lighting system A1 can handle both control signals, that is, a wired signal (the first control signal Y11) and a wireless signal (the wireless control signal Y21).

[0025] (2)Details A lighting system A1 shown in FIG. 1 lights a lighting load 9 with dimming.

[0026] The lighting load 9 has a plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements. For example, the lighting load 9 has an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) corresponding to a plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements are connected in series. The lighting load 9 is not limited to a configuration having LEDs as solid-state light-emitting elements. The lighting load 9 may have other solid-state light-emitting elements such as organic electroluminescence (OEL) or semiconductor laser diodes (Laser Diodes, LD). The number of solid-state light-emitting elements is not limited to a plurality, and may be one. The electrical connection relationship of the plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements is a series connection, but is not limited to this connection relationship. The electrical connection relationship of the plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements may be a parallel connection, or a combination of a series connection and a parallel connection.

[0027] 1, the lighting system A1 includes a lighting circuit 1, a wired interface unit 2, a wireless interface unit 3, a lighting control unit 4, and a storage unit 5. The lighting system A1 is supplied with DC power from a DC power source PS, and transmits and receives signals between the lighting system A1 and a first controller C1 and a second controller C2.

[0028] The DC power supply PS has a power supply device or a battery, and outputs a DC voltage Vin to the lighting system A1. The power supply device may be, for example, an AC / DC converter that converts AC power to DC power, or a DC / DC converter that converts DC power to DC power. The battery is preferably, for example, a secondary battery that is charged with commercial power or power generated using renewable energy (such as solar power, wind power, geothermal power, and hydroelectric power).

[0029] The first controller C1 is a controller that performs wired communication with the lighting system A1. The first controller C1 and the lighting system A1 are connected with each other via two communication lines W11 and W12. Between the first controller C1 and the lighting system A1, wired communication of a differential transmission method is performed via the two communication lines W11 and W12. It is preferable that the wired communication via the communication lines W11 and W12 conforms to a standard of a wired LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Note that the wired communication via the communication lines W11 and W12 may be a dedicated communication standard.

[0030] The second controller C2 is a controller that performs wireless communication with the lighting system A1. Wireless communication using radio waves, infrared rays, visible light, or the like is performed between the second controller C2 and the lighting system A1. The wireless communication using radio waves is wireless communication that complies with standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or low-power wireless that does not require a license (specified low-power wireless). The wireless communication may be a dedicated communication standard.

[0031] (2.1) Lighting circuit The lighting circuit 1 receives as input a DC voltage Vin output from a DC power supply PS. The lighting circuit 1 generates a DC output voltage Vo by stepping down, stepping up, or stepping up / down the DC voltage Vin, and outputs the output voltage Vo. A lighting load 9 is connected between output terminals of the lighting circuit 1, and the output voltage Vo is applied between both ends of the lighting load 9. The lighting circuit 1 adjusts the output voltage Vo to adjust the output current Io supplied from the lighting circuit 1 to the lighting load 9, and lights the lighting load 9 at a desired dimming level. The lighting circuit 1 is controlled by a lighting control unit 4.

[0032] (2.2) Wired interface section Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, the "wired interface unit" may be referred to as the "wired IF unit".

[0033] The wired IF unit 2 is connected to the first controller C1 via two communication lines W11 and W12, and is connected to the lighting control unit 4 via two communication lines W21 and W22. The wired IF unit 2 has an interface function that converts the transmission method of wired signals between the first controller C1 and the lighting control unit 4.

[0034] Specifically, the wired IF unit 2 converts a wired signal of a differential transmission method (first transmission method) transmitted from the first controller C1 via the communication lines W11 and W12 into a wired signal of a single-ended transmission method (second transmission method). The wired IF unit 2 outputs the converted wired signal of the single-ended transmission method to the lighting control unit 4 via the communication lines W21 and W22. The communication lines W11 and W12 are signal lines through which signals of the differential transmission method are transmitted. The communication line W21 is a signal line through which signals of the single-ended transmission method are transmitted, and the communication line W22 is a ground line serving as a reference potential.

[0035] Furthermore, the wired IF unit 2 converts the wired signal of the single-ended transmission method (second transmission method) transmitted from the lighting control unit 4 via the communication lines W21 and W22 into a wired signal of the differential transmission method (first transmission method). The wired IF unit 2 outputs the converted wired signal of the differential transmission method to the first controller C1 via the communication lines W11 and W12.

[0036] Furthermore, the wired IF unit 2 insulates the communication lines W11, W12 from the communication lines W21, W22. That is, it insulates between the wired signals of the differential transmission method and the wired signals of the single-ended transmission method. The configuration for isolation is realized by, for example, an optical isolation method or a transformer isolation method.

[0037] In this embodiment, each of the wired signals transmitted through the communication lines W11 and W12 and the wired signals transmitted through the communication lines W21 and W22 is a binary voltage signal and includes bit information. The format of the wired signals transmitted through the communication lines W11 and W12 is the same as the format of the wired signals transmitted through the communication lines W21 and W22. That is, the bit information included in the wired signal before conversion by the wired IF unit 2 is the same as the bit information included in the wired signal after conversion.

[0038] (2.3) Radio Interface Section Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, the "wireless interface unit" may be referred to as the "wireless IF unit."

[0039] The wireless IF unit 3 transmits and receives wireless signals to and from the second controller C2 by wireless communication. The wireless IF unit 3 is connected to the lighting control unit 4 via two communication lines W31 and W32, and transmits and receives wired signals to and from the lighting control unit 4 by wired communication via the communication lines W31 and W32. The wireless IF unit 3 has an interface function that converts wireless signals to wired signals and wired signals to wireless signals between the second controller C2 and the wireless IF unit 3.

[0040] Specifically, the wireless IF unit 3 converts the wireless signal transmitted from the second controller C2 into a wired signal of a single-ended transmission method (second transmission method). The wireless IF unit 3 outputs the converted wired signal of the single-ended transmission method to the lighting control unit 4 via communication lines W31 and W32. The communication line W31 is a signal line through which the signal of the single-ended transmission method is transmitted, and the communication line W32 is a ground line that serves as a reference potential.

[0041] Furthermore, the wireless IF unit 3 converts the wired signal of the single-ended transmission method (second transmission method) transmitted from the lighting control unit 4 via the communication lines W31 and W32 into a wireless signal. The wireless IF unit 3 transmits the converted wireless signal to the second controller C2.

[0042] In this embodiment, the wired signals transmitted through the communication lines W31 and W32 are binary voltage signals containing bit information. The format of the wired signals transmitted through the communication lines W31 and W32 is the same as the format of the wired signals transmitted through the communication lines W21 and W22.

[0043] (2.4) Lighting control section The lighting control unit 4 is connected to the wired IF unit 2 via communication lines W21 and W22, and is connected to the wireless IF unit 3 via communication lines W31 and W32.

[0044] The lighting control unit 4 adjusts the lighting state of the lighting load 9 by controlling the lighting circuit 1 based on the wired signal received via the communication lines W21 and W22 and the wired signal received via the communication lines W31 and W32. The lighting control unit 4 is connected to the lighting circuit 1 via one signal transmission line L1, and outputs a drive control signal for driving and controlling the lighting circuit 1 to the signal transmission line L1. The lighting circuit 1 adjusts the lighting state of the lighting load 9 based on the drive control signal received via the signal transmission line L1. That is, the lighting control unit 4 controls the lighting circuit 1 via the one signal transmission line L1 formed between the lighting control unit 4 and the lighting circuit 1.

[0045] Moreover, the lighting control unit 4 can transmit a signal to the first controller C1 via the wired IF unit 2 by transmitting a wired signal via the communication lines W21 and W22. The lighting control unit 4 can transmit a signal to the second controller C2 via the wireless IF unit 3 by transmitting a wired signal via the communication lines W31 and W32.

[0046] (2.5) Storage section The storage unit 5 stores a wired address and a wireless address. The wired address is an address unique to the lighting system A1 that is pre-assigned to the lighting system A1 and is used in the control by the first controller C1. The wireless address is an address unique to the lighting system A1 that is pre-assigned to the lighting system A1 and is used in the control by the second controller C2.

[0047] Specifically, the first controller C1 sets the wired address of the destination lighting system A1 as a destination address included in the wired signal of the differential transmission method transmitted to the lighting system A1 via the communication lines W11 and W12. In this case, the wired address is also set as a destination address of the wired signal of the single-ended transmission method transmitted to the lighting control unit 4 via the communication lines W21 and W22.

[0048] The second controller C2 sets the wireless address of the lighting system A1 as the destination address to be included in the wireless signal to be transmitted to the lighting system A1. In this case, the wireless address is also set as the destination address of the wired signal of the single-ended transmission method transmitted to the lighting control unit 4 via the communication lines W31 and W32.

[0049] The lighting control unit 4 reads out the destination address included in the received wired signal, and compares the read out destination address with the wired address and wireless address stored in the storage unit 5. If the read out destination address is a wired address, the lighting control unit 4 determines that the data included in the received wired signal is data created by the first controller C1. If the read out destination address is a wireless address, the lighting control unit 4 determines that the data included in the received wired signal is data created by the second controller C2.

[0050] Therefore, in the lighting system A1, the lighting control unit 4 can distinguish between the controls by the first controller C1 and the second controller C2 by storing the wired address and the wireless address in the storage unit 5. That is, the lighting control unit 4 can perform individual control to control the lighting load 9 while distinguishing between the controls by the first controller C1 and the second controller C2.

[0051] (2.6) Dimming Control The lighting system A1 can perform dimming control of the lighting load 9 according to instructions from the first controller C1 and the second controller C2.

[0052] 1 will be described below as signals instructing the dimming level of the lighting load 9. That is, the lighting state of the lighting load 9 instructed by the first control signal Y11, the second control signal Y12, the wireless control signal Y21, and the third control signal Y22 is the dimming level of the lighting load 9.

[0053] The first controller C1 transmits a first control signal Y11 instructing a dimming level of the lighting load 9 via the communication lines W11 and W12. The first control signal Y11 is a wired signal of a differential transmission method. The wired IF unit 2 converts the first control signal Y11 of the differential transmission method into a second control signal Y12 of a single-ended transmission method, and outputs the second control signal Y12 to the lighting control unit 4 via the communication lines W21 and W22. The lighting control unit 4 controls the lighting circuit 1 based on the second control signal Y12 to dim the lighting load 9.

[0054] The second controller C2 transmits a wireless control signal Y21 instructing a dimming level of the lighting load 9. Upon receiving the wireless control signal Y21, the wireless IF unit 3 converts the wireless control signal Y21 into a third control signal Y22 of a single-ended transmission method, and outputs the third control signal Y22 to the lighting control unit 4 via communication lines W31 and W32. The lighting control unit 4 controls the lighting circuit 1 based on the third control signal Y22, thereby dimming the lighting load 9.

[0055] Therefore, the lighting system A1 can dim-control the lighting load 9 based on each of the first control signal Y11, which is a wired signal, and the wireless control signal Y21, which is a wireless signal. Moreover, by making the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22 wired signals of the same transmission method (single-ended transmission method), the lighting control unit 4 only needs to have two input systems corresponding to the same transmission method. That is, the configuration of the lighting control unit 4 can be simplified. Furthermore, by making the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22 wired signals of the same format, the configuration of the lighting control unit 4 can be further simplified.

[0056] Moreover, the lighting system A1 transmits signals between the external first controller C1 using a differential transmission method, thereby suppressing the influence of common mode noise on communication with the first controller C1. Moreover, the lighting system A1 transmits signals inside the lighting system A1 using a single-ended transmission method, thereby simplifying the configuration.

[0057] The lighting control unit 4 is connected to the lighting circuit 1 via one signal transmission path L1, and upon receiving the second control signal Y12 or the third control signal Y22, outputs a drive control signal based on the received second control signal Y12 or third control signal Y22 to the signal transmission path L1. The lighting circuit 1 adjusts the lighting state of the lighting load 9 based on the drive control signal received via the signal transmission path L1. In this way, the lighting control unit 4 controls the lighting circuit 1 via the one signal transmission path L1 regardless of whether it receives the second control signal Y12 or the third control signal Y22. Therefore, the lighting system A1 can simplify the control and avoid mixing of controls.

[0058] The second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22 are wired signals of the same format, and if the command they instruct is the same, the bit information of the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22 is the same. Therefore, the lighting system A1 can further simplify the configuration of the lighting control unit 4 that receives the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22.

[0059] Moreover, when the lighting control unit 4 receives the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22 at the same timing, it is preferable that the lighting control unit 4 discards either the second control signal Y12 or the third control signal Y22. For example, if the lighting control unit 4 prioritizes the first controller C1 performing wired communication over the second controller C2 performing wireless communication, the lighting control unit 4 discards the third control signal Y22 when the lighting control unit 4 receives the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22 at the same timing. Moreover, if the lighting control unit 4 prioritizes the second controller C2 performing wireless communication over the first controller C1 performing wired communication, the lighting control unit 4 discards the second control signal Y12 when the lighting control unit 4 receives the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22 at the same timing.

[0060] As described above, the lighting system A1 can suppress confusion in dimming control by prioritizing either the second control signal Y12 or the third control signal Y22, even when the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22 are received at the same time.

[0061] (2.7) Response signal After performing dimming control using the second control signal Y12, the lighting control unit 4 returns a response signal only to the first controller C1, which is the sender of the second control signal Y12 (first control signal Y11), among the first controller C1 and the second controller C2. After performing dimming control using the third control signal Y22, the lighting control unit 4 returns a response signal only to the second controller C2, which is the sender of the third control signal Y22 (wireless control signal Y21), among the first controller C1 and the second controller C2.

[0062] The response signal will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0063] After performing dimming control by the second control signal Y12, the lighting control unit 4 transmits a first response signal Y13, which is a binary voltage signal of a single-ended transmission method, via the communication lines W21 and W22. The first response signal Y13 is a signal notifying whether the dimming control by the second control signal Y12 has been completed normally, or a signal notifying the current state of the lighting load 9 dimmed by the second control signal Y12. The wired IF unit 2 receives the first response signal Y13 via the communication lines W21 and W22. The wired IF unit 2 converts the first response signal Y13, which is a binary voltage signal of a single-ended transmission method, into a second response signal Y14, which is a binary voltage signal of a differential transmission method. The wired IF unit 2 outputs the second response signal Y14 to the first controller C1 via the communication lines W11 and W12.

[0064] After performing dimming control using the third control signal Y22, the lighting control unit 4 transmits a third response signal Y23, which is a binary voltage signal of a single-ended transmission method, via the communication lines W31 and W32. The third response signal Y23 is a signal notifying whether the dimming control using the third control signal Y22 has been completed normally, or a signal notifying the current state of the lighting load 9 that has been dimmed using the third control signal Y22. The wireless IF unit 3 receives the third response signal Y23 via the communication lines W31 and W32. The wireless IF unit 3 converts the third response signal Y23 of the single-ended transmission method into a wireless response signal Y24, which is a wireless signal, and transmits the wireless response signal Y24 to the second controller C2.

[0065] That is, the wired IF unit 2 converts the first response signal Y13, which is a wired signal of a single-ended transmission method output from the lighting control unit 4 in response to the second control signal Y12, into a second response signal Y14, which is a wired signal of a differential transmission method, and outputs the second response signal Y14 to the first controller C1. The wireless IF unit 3 converts the third response signal Y23, which is a wired signal output from the lighting control unit 4 in response to the third control signal Y22, into a wireless response signal Y24, which is a wireless signal, and outputs the wireless response signal Y24 to the second controller C2.

[0066] As described above, the lighting system A1 returns a response signal to only one of the first controller C1 and the second controller C2, which is the sender of the control signal. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the lighting system A1 returns a response signal to both the first controller C1 and the second controller C2, the lighting system A1 can reduce the time occupied by communication related to the transmission of the response signal and also suppress malfunctions in the first controller C1 and the second controller C2.

[0067] (2.8) Selection Control When communication with each of the first controller C1 and the second controller C2 is established, the lighting control unit 4 preferably discards either the second control signal Y12 or the third control signal Y22. That is, when communication with each of the first controller C1 and the second controller C2 is established, the lighting control unit 4 performs selection control to select only one of the first controller C1 and the second controller C2 and execute only the instructions of the selected controller.

[0068] An example of the selection control will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0069] The lighting control unit 4 has a function of determining whether or not communication has been established with each of the first controller C1 and the second controller C2.

[0070] For example, the first controller C1 transmits a first confirmation signal Y15, which is a wired signal of a differential transmission type, via the communication lines W11 and W12 at the time of startup and periodically thereafter. The wired IF unit 2 converts the first confirmation signal Y15 of the differential transmission type into a second confirmation signal Y16 of a single-ended transmission type and outputs the second confirmation signal Y16 to the lighting control unit 4 via the communication lines W21 and W22. The lighting control unit 4 determines that communication with the first controller C1 is established while periodically receiving the second confirmation signal Y16.

[0071] The second controller C2 transmits a third confirmation signal Y25, which is a wireless signal, at the time of startup and periodically thereafter. Upon receiving the third confirmation signal Y25, the wireless IF unit 3 converts the third confirmation signal Y25 into a fourth confirmation signal Y26, which is a wired signal of a single-ended transmission system, and outputs the fourth confirmation signal Y26 to the lighting control unit 4 via the communication lines W31 and W32. While the lighting control unit 4 is periodically receiving the fourth confirmation signal Y26, it determines that communication with the second controller C2 is established.

[0072] When communication is established only with the first controller C1 among the first controller C1 and the second controller C2, the lighting control unit 4 performs dimming control according to the second control signal Y12. When communication is established only with the second controller C2 among the first controller C1 and the second controller C2, the lighting control unit 4 performs dimming control according to the third control signal Y22.

[0073] When communication with both the first controller C1 and the second controller C2 is established, the lighting control unit 4 selects, for example, the first controller C1 from the first controller C1 and the second controller C2. The lighting control unit 4 performs dimming control according to an instruction from the selected first controller C1. That is, even if the lighting control unit 4 receives the third control signal Y22, it discards the third control signal Y22. By discarding the third control signal Y22, the lighting control unit 4 prioritizes the first controller C1 that performs wired communication over the second controller C2 that performs wireless communication.

[0074] Furthermore, when communication with both the first controller C1 and the second controller C2 is established, the lighting control unit 4 may select the second controller C2 from among the first controller C1 and the second controller C2. In this case, the lighting control unit 4 performs dimming control according to an instruction from the selected second controller C2. That is, even if the lighting control unit 4 receives the second control signal Y12, it discards the second control signal Y12. By discarding the second control signal Y12, the lighting control unit 4 prioritizes the second controller C2 that performs wireless communication over the first controller C1 that performs wired communication.

[0075] As described above, the lighting system A1 can use either the first controller C1 or the second controller C2 with priority by performing selective control. For example, the lighting system A1 can suppress the influence of environmental changes on wireless communication and improve the reliability of dimming control by prioritizing the first controller C1 that performs wired communication over the second controller C2 that performs wireless communication.

[0076] (2.9) Abnormality notification As shown in FIG. 4, if an abnormality occurs in communication with the second controller C2, the lighting control unit 4 generates a first abnormality signal Y31, which is a binary voltage signal of a single-ended transmission method. The lighting control unit 4 transmits the first abnormality signal Y31 via the communication lines W21 and W22. The lighting control unit 4 generates the first abnormality signal Y31, for example, when communication with the second controller C2 becomes impossible or when there are many errors in communication with the second controller C2. The wired IF unit 2 receives the first abnormality signal Y31 via the communication lines W21 and W22. The wired IF unit 2 converts the first abnormality signal Y31, which is a binary voltage signal of a single-ended transmission method, into a second abnormality signal Y32, which is a binary voltage signal of a differential transmission method, and outputs the second abnormality signal Y32 to the first controller C1 via the communication lines W11 and W12.

[0077] That is, if an abnormality occurs in communication with the second controller C2, the lighting control unit 4 generates a first abnormality signal Y31, which is a wired signal of a single-ended transmission method. The wired IF unit 2 converts the first abnormality signal Y31 into a second abnormality signal Y32, which is a wired signal of a differential transmission method, and outputs the second abnormality signal Y32 to the first controller C1.

[0078] As described above, when an abnormality occurs in communication with the second controller C2, the lighting system A1 transmits an abnormality signal to the first controller C1. Therefore, the lighting system A1 can improve the reliability of the system by notifying the first controller C1, which performs wired communication, of the abnormality in wireless communication.

[0079] (3) First Modification 5 shows a lighting system A2 of a first modified example. The lighting system A2 further includes a logical AND circuit 6. Note that the same components as those in the lighting system A1 are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] In the lighting system A2, similarly to the lighting system A1, the wired signals transmitted via the communication lines W11 and W12, the wired signals transmitted via the communication lines W21 and W22, and the wired signals transmitted via the communication lines W31 and W32 are each a binary voltage signal. The binary voltage signals take either an H (High) level or an L (Low) level. In this modification, the binary voltage signals are normal High, which is normally at an H level.

[0081] Specifically, the communication lines W21 and W22 and the communication lines W31 and W32 are connected to two inputs of the AND circuit 6, respectively. The communication lines W41 and W42 are connected to one output of the AND circuit 6, and the output of the AND circuit 6 is connected to the lighting control unit 4 via the communication lines W41 and W42. The wired signals transmitted via the communication lines W21 and W22 and the wired signals transmitted via the communication lines W31 and W32 are wired signals of a single-ended transmission method. In this case, the communication lines W21 and W31 are signal lines, and the communication lines W22 and W32 are ground lines. The communication line W21 is pulled up to a pull-up voltage Vc via a pull-up resistor R1. The communication line W31 is pulled up to a pull-up voltage Vc via a pull-up resistor R2.

[0082] The wired IF unit 2 includes an output switch, and the output switch is connected between the communication lines W21 and W22. Therefore, when the output switch of the wired IF unit 2 is off, the wired signals (such as the second control signal Y12) of the communication lines W21 and W22 are at H level, and when the output switch of the wired IF unit 2 is on, the wired signals of the communication lines W21 and W22 are at L level.

[0083] The wireless IF unit 3 includes an output switch, and the output switch is connected between the communication lines W31 and W32. Therefore, when the output switch of the wireless IF unit 3 is off, the wired signals (such as the third control signal Y22) of the communication lines W31 and W32 are at H level, and when the output switch of the wireless IF unit 3 is on, the wired signals between the communication lines W31 and W32 are at L level.

[0084] The AND circuit 6 outputs the AND result of the second control signal Y12 transmitted via the communication lines W21, W22 and the third control signal Y22 transmitted via the communication lines W31, W32 as a fourth control signal Y40 to the lighting control unit 4 via the communication lines W41, W42. The fourth control signal Y40 is a binary voltage signal of a single-ended transmission type, and is a signal indicating the AND of the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22.

[0085] If the first controller C1 does not transmit the first control signal Y11 and the second controller C2 does not transmit the wireless control signal Y21, the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22 each maintain the H level. At this time, the fourth control signal Y40 maintains the H level as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0086] When the first controller C1 transmits the first control signal Y11 or the second controller C2 transmits the wireless control signal Y21, the fourth control signal Y40 transitions between H level and L level, for example, as shown in Fig. 6B, similarly to the second control signal Y12 or the third control signal Y22. That is, when either the second control signal Y12 or the third control signal Y22 is transmitted, the logical AND circuit 6 outputs the fourth control signal Y40 having a waveform similar to that of the transmitted second control signal Y12 or third control signal Y22.

[0087] The lighting control unit 4 receives a fourth control signal Y40 from the AND circuit 6 via communication lines W41 and W42, and performs dimming control based on the fourth control signal Y40.

[0088] As described above, the AND circuit 6 can combine two signal transmission paths consisting of the communication lines W11, W12 and the communication lines W21, W22 into one signal transmission path consisting of the communication lines W41, W42. Therefore, the lighting control unit 4 does not need to have two input paths, and only needs to have one input path. As a result, the configuration of the lighting control unit 4 can be simplified.

[0089] Each of the wired signals transmitted through the communication lines W11 and W12, the wired signals transmitted through the communication lines W21 and W22, and the wired signals transmitted through the communication lines W31 and W32 may be a normally low binary voltage signal that is normally at L level. In this case, the lighting system A2 includes an OR circuit instead of the AND circuit 6. The OR circuit outputs the result of the OR of the second control signal Y12 and the third control signal Y22 as a fourth control signal to the lighting control unit 4 through the communication lines W41 and W42.

[0090] Moreover, the configuration of the lighting system A1 of the embodiment can be appropriately applied to the lighting system A2 of this modified example.

[0091] (4) Lighting fixtures 7 shows a lighting fixture B1 as an example of a lighting fixture including the lighting system A1 or A2. The lighting fixture B1 includes a light source unit 101 and a housing 102 that supports the light source unit 101.

[0092] The light source unit 101 has a long box-shaped outer shell and houses the lighting load 9 inside the shell. The lighting load 9 has, for example, a long board and a number of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) mounted on the board in a line along the longitudinal direction. The housing 102 has a long shape and houses the lighting system A1 or A2 inside the housing 102. The light source unit 101 is supported on one side of the housing 102, and the lighting system A1 or A2 and the lighting load 9 are connected. The housing 102 also includes a pair of reflectors 103 that protrude obliquely upward from both side edges of the light source unit 101 along the longitudinal direction.

[0093] Lighting device B1 is equipped with lighting system A1 or A2, and is therefore capable of handling both wired control signals (first control signal Y11) and wireless signals (wireless control signal Y21).

[0094] (5) Other modifications The control signals (the first control signal Y11, the second control signal Y12, the wireless control signal Y21, the third control signal Y22, the fourth control signal Y40, etc.) may be signals instructing adjustment of the color of the lighting load 9 as the lighting state of the lighting load 9. In addition, the control signals may be signals for schedule control of the lighting load 9, signals instructing lighting, signals instructing turning off, etc. as the lighting state of the lighting load 9.

[0095] The wired signal may be a signal that complies with a standard such as DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface).

[0096] The first transmission method may be a transmission method other than a differential transmission method. The second transmission method may be a transmission method other than a single-ended transmission method. That is, it is sufficient that the first transmission method and the second transmission method are different from each other.

[0097] When communication with both the first controller C1 and the second controller C2 is established, the lighting control unit 4 may perform dimming control according to the last received control signal, either the second control signal Y12 or the third control signal Y22.

[0098] The communication between the first controller C1 and the lighting control unit 4 may be at least one-way communication in which a signal is transmitted from the first controller C1 to the lighting control unit 4. The communication between the second controller C2 and the lighting control unit 4 may be at least one-way communication in which a signal is transmitted from the second controller C2 to the lighting control unit 4.

[0099] The lighting systems A1 and A2 may be lighting devices in which the components constituting the lighting system are housed in a single housing, or may be configured in such a way that the components constituting the lighting system are distributed.

[0100] The lighting fixture equipped with the lighting system A1 or A2 may be any lighting fixture other than the lighting fixture B1 (see FIG. 7), such as a downlight, a ceiling light, a pendant light, or a spotlight.

[0101] (6) Summary The lighting system (A1, A2) of the first aspect according to the above embodiment includes a lighting circuit (1), a wired interface unit (2), a wireless interface unit (3), and a lighting control unit (4). The lighting circuit (1) lights up the lighting load (9). The wired interface unit (2) converts a first control signal (Y11), which is a wired signal of a first transmission method transmitted from a first controller (C1) and instructs the lighting state of the lighting load (9), into a second control signal (Y12), which is a wired signal of a second transmission method, and insulates between the wired signal of the first transmission method and the wired signal of the second transmission method. The wireless interface unit (3) converts a wireless control signal (Y21), which is a wireless signal transmitted from a second controller (C2) and instructs the lighting state, into a third control signal (Y22), which is a wired signal. The lighting control unit (4) adjusts the lighting state of the lighting load (9) by controlling the lighting circuit (1) based on the second control signal (Y12) and the third control signal (Y22).

[0102] The above-mentioned lighting system (A1, A2) can accommodate both a wired signal (first control signal Y11) and a wireless signal (wireless control signal Y21).

[0103] In the lighting system (A1, A2) of the second aspect according to the above-mentioned embodiment, in the first aspect, it is preferable that the lighting control unit (4) controls the lighting circuit (1) via one signal transmission path (L1) formed between the lighting control unit (4) and the lighting circuit (1).

[0104] The above-mentioned lighting systems (A1, A2) can simplify the control and avoid the mixing of controls.

[0105] In the lighting system (A1, A2) of the third aspect according to the above-described embodiment, in the first or second aspect, the third control signal (Y22) is preferably a wired signal of the second transmission method.

[0106] The above-described lighting systems (A1, A2) can simplify the configuration of the lighting control unit (4).

[0107] In the lighting system (A1, A2) of the fourth aspect of the above-mentioned embodiment, in any one of the first to third aspects, it is preferable that the first transmission method is a differential transmission method and the second transmission method is a single-ended transmission method.

[0108] The above-mentioned lighting system (A1, A2) transmits and receives signals between the external first controller (C1) using a differential transmission method that is resistant to common mode noise. Also, the lighting system (A1, A2) transmits and receives signals inside the lighting system (A1, A2) using a single-ended transmission method, thereby simplifying the configuration.

[0109] It is preferable that the lighting system (A1, A2) of the fifth aspect according to the above-mentioned embodiment further includes a memory unit (5) in any one of the first to fourth aspects. The memory unit (5) stores a unique wired address used in control by the first controller (C1) and a unique wireless address used in control by the second controller (C2).

[0110] The above-mentioned lighting systems (A1, A2) can perform individual control to control the lighting load (9) while distinguishing between the control by the first controller (C1) and the control by the second controller (C2).

[0111] In the lighting system (A1, A2) of the sixth aspect according to the above embodiment, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the wired interface unit (2) preferably converts the first response signal (Y13), which is a wired signal of the second transmission method output from the lighting control unit (4) in response to the second control signal (Y12), into a second response signal (Y14), which is a wired signal of the first transmission method, and outputs the second response signal (Y14) to the first controller (C1). The wireless interface unit (3) preferably converts the third response signal (Y23), which is a wired signal output from the lighting control unit (4) in response to the third control signal (Y22), into a wireless response signal (Y24), which is a wireless signal, and outputs the wireless response signal (Y24) to the second controller (C2).

[0112] The above-mentioned lighting system (A1, A2) can reduce the time occupied by communication related to the transmission of the response signal, and can also prevent malfunctions in the first controller (C1) and the second controller (C2).

[0113] In the lighting system (A1, A2) of the seventh aspect of the above-mentioned embodiment, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, it is preferable that the lighting control unit (4) discards either the second control signal (Y12) or the third control signal (Y22) when communication is established with each of the first controller (C1) and the second controller (C2).

[0114] The above-mentioned lighting system (A1, A2) can preferentially use either the first controller (C1) or the second controller (C2).

[0115] In the lighting system (A1, A2) of the eighth aspect of the above-mentioned embodiment, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, when the lighting control unit (4) receives the second control signal (Y12) and the third control signal (Y22) at the same timing, it is preferable to discard either the second control signal (Y12) or the third control signal (Y22).

[0116] The above-described lighting systems (A1, A2) can reduce disruptions to the control of the lighting load (9).

[0117] In the lighting system (A2) of the ninth aspect according to the above embodiment, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, each of the second control signal (Y12) and the third control signal (Y22) is preferably a binary voltage signal. The lighting system (A2) preferably further includes a logical product circuit (6) that outputs a logical product of the second control signal (Y12) and the third control signal (Y22) to the lighting control unit (4). The communication line (W21) through which the second control signal (Y12) is transmitted and the communication line (W31) through which the third control signal (Y22) is transmitted are each pulled up.

[0118] The lighting system (A2) described above can simplify the configuration of the lighting control unit (4).

[0119] In the lighting system (A1, A2) of the tenth aspect according to the above-mentioned embodiment, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, it is preferable that the lighting control unit (4) generates a first abnormality signal (Y31), which is a wired signal of the second transmission method, if an abnormality occurs in communication with the second controller (C2). The wired interface unit (2) converts the first abnormality signal (Y31) into a second abnormality signal (Y32), which is a wired signal of the first transmission method, and outputs the second abnormality signal (Y32) to the first controller (C1).

[0120] The above-mentioned lighting systems (A1, A2) can improve the reliability of the system.

[0121] In the lighting system (A1, A2) of the eleventh aspect according to the above-mentioned embodiment, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the lighting state is preferably a dimming level of the lighting load (9).

[0122] The above-described lighting systems (A1, A2) can accommodate both a wired signal (first control signal Y11) and a wireless signal (wireless control signal Y21) in controlling the dimming of the lighting load (9).

[0123] A lighting device (B1) according to a twelfth aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a lighting system (A1, A2) according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects and a lighting load (9).

[0124] The above-mentioned lighting device (B1) can handle both a wired signal (first control signal Y11) and a wireless signal (wireless control signal Y21). [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] A1, A2 lighting system B1 Lighting equipment 1 Lighting circuit 2 Wired interface section (wired IF section) 3. Wireless interface section (wireless IF section) 4 Lighting control section 5 Storage section 6 AND Circuit 9 Lighting Load C1 First controller C2 Second Controller L1 signal transmission line W21, W31 communication lines Y11 First control signal Y12 Second control signal Y13 First response signal Y14 Second response signal Y21 Wireless control signal Y22 3rd control signal Y23 3rd response signal Y24 Radio response signal Y31 First abnormal signal Y32 Second abnormal signal

Claims

1. a lighting circuit for lighting a lighting load; a wired interface unit that converts a first control signal, which is a wired signal of a first transmission method transmitted from a first controller and instructs a lighting state of the lighting load, into a second control signal, which is a wired signal of a second transmission method, and provides insulation between the wired signal of the first transmission method and the wired signal of the second transmission method; a wireless interface unit that converts a wireless control signal, which is a wireless signal that is transmitted from the second controller and indicates the lighting state, into a third control signal, which is a wired signal; a lighting control unit that adjusts the lighting state of the lighting load by controlling the lighting circuit based on the second control signal and the third control signal. Lighting system.

2. The lighting control unit controls the lighting circuit via a single signal transmission path formed between the lighting control unit and the lighting circuit. The lighting system of claim 1.

3. The third control signal is a wired signal of the second transmission method. The lighting system of claim 1.

4. the first transmission method is a differential transmission method, The second transmission method is a single-ended transmission method. The lighting system of claim 1.

5. a storage unit that stores a unique wired address used in control by the first controller and a unique wireless address used in control by the second controller. The lighting system of claim 1.

6. The wired interface unit includes: converting a first response signal, which is a wired signal of the second transmission method output from the lighting control unit in response to the second control signal, into a second response signal, which is a wired signal of the first transmission method, and outputting the second response signal to the first controller; The wireless interface unit includes: converting a third response signal, which is a wired signal output from the lighting control unit in response to the third control signal, into a wireless response signal, which is a wireless signal, and outputting the wireless response signal to the second controller; The lighting system of claim 1.

7. The lighting control unit discards either the second control signal or the third control signal when communication with each of the first controller and the second controller is established. The lighting system of claim 1.

8. When the lighting control unit receives the second control signal and the third control signal at the same timing, the lighting control unit discards one of the second control signal and the third control signal. The lighting system of claim 1.

9. each of the second control signal and the third control signal is a binary voltage signal; a logical AND circuit configured to output a logical AND result of the second control signal and the third control signal to the lighting control unit, The communication line through which the second control signal is transmitted and the communication line through which the third control signal is transmitted are each pulled up. The lighting system of claim 1.

10. The lighting control unit generates a first abnormality signal, which is a wired signal of the second transmission method, when an abnormality occurs in communication with the second controller, The wired interface unit includes: converting the first abnormality signal into a second abnormality signal which is a wired signal of the first transmission method, and outputting the second abnormality signal to the first controller; The lighting system of claim 1.

11. The lighting state is the dimming level of the lighting load. The lighting system of claim 1.

12. A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 11; The lighting load. Lighting fixtures.

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