Signal conversion device, power supply device, and illumination device

Abstract

To reduce discomfort when fade-in and fade-out are interrupted.SOLUTION: A signal conversion device converts a first instruction level instructed by a first control signal into a second instruction level instructed by a second control signal. The first control signal includes the details of control of fade-in and fade-out. The details of control of fade-in and fade-out are the details of control of monotonously increasing or monotonously decreasing the first instruction level to the final target first instruction level over a predetermined fade time. When the fade-in and fade-out are interrupted before the fade time is reached, the signal conversion device adjusts the second instruction level so as to reduce the difference between a lighting control level corresponding to the first instruction level at the interruption time point and a lighting control level corresponding to the second instruction level at the interruption time point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a signal conversion device, a power supply device, and a lighting device, and more particularly to a signal conversion device that converts a signal transmitted from an external device, a power supply device that operates in accordance with a signal output from the signal conversion device, and a lighting device having a light source that is turned on by the power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, systems that comply with the DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) standard defined in IEC62386 have become popular as systems for remotely controlling the dimming and color adjustment of lighting devices.

[0003] Meanwhile, systems that comply with standards other than the DALI standard (hereinafter referred to as non-DALI standards) are still in use. In order to use lighting devices for systems that comply with the non-DALI standard in systems that comply with the DALI standard, devices (signal conversion devices) that convert DALI standard dimming instruction signals into non-DALI standard dimming instruction signals are provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Here, the relationship between the amount of light emitted from the light source (dimming level) and the dimming instruction level included in the dimming instruction signal of the DALI standard may differ from the relationship between the amount of light and the dimming instruction level of non-DALI standards. For example, in the DALI standard, the relationship is such that when the dimming instruction level decreases by a certain amount, the amount of light decreases at a certain rate, while in the non-DALI standard, the dimming instruction level and the amount of light are proportional to each other.

[0005] In the conventional example described in Patent Document 1, the dimming instruction signal conforming to the DALI standard is converted into a dimming instruction signal conforming to a non-DALI standard, taking into consideration the difference in the relationship between the dimming instruction level and the amount of light as described above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-125119 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] DALI-standard lighting control includes dimming control (fade-in), which monotonically increases the light intensity (dimming level) over a predetermined time (fade time), and dimming control (fade-out), which monotonically decreases the light intensity. The DALI-standard fade-in and fade-out only specify a final target dimming level and fade time, but do not specify the dimming level during the fade time. Therefore, when a conventional signal conversion device (such as the conventional example described in Patent Document 1) executes DALI-standard fade-in and fade-out, it executes fade-in and fade-out based on the relationship between the dimming level and light intensity of the non-DALI standard, rather than the DALI standard.

[0008] If the fade-in and fade-out dimming control is interrupted before the dimming instruction level reaches the final target dimming instruction level, the difference between the non-DALI standard dimming instruction level and the DALI standard dimming instruction level at the time of interruption is likely to become large. If the difference in light intensity at the time of interruption is large between a lighting device that complies with the DALI standard and a lighting device that complies with the non-DALI standard, it may cause discomfort to people in the lighting environment.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a signal conversion device, a power supply device, and a lighting device that can reduce the sense of discomfort that occurs when a fade-in or fade-out is interrupted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A signal conversion device according to one aspect of the present disclosure converts a first command level indicated by a first control signal into a second command level indicated by a second control signal. The first command level and the second command level correspond to dimming levels of a light source, and the relationship between the second command level and the dimming level is different from the relationship between the first command level and the dimming level. The first control signal includes fade-in and fade-out control content. The fade-in and fade-out control content monotonically increases or decreases the first command level to the final target first command level over a predetermined fade time. If the fade-in and fade-out are interrupted before the fade time is reached, the second command level is adjusted to reduce the difference between the dimming level corresponding to the first command level at the time of interruption and the dimming level corresponding to the second command level at the time of interruption.

[0011] A power supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure receives the second control signal from the signal conversion device and adjusts the amount of electricity supplied to the light source so that the dimming level corresponds to the second instruction level indicated by the received second control signal.

[0012] An illumination device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the light source and the power supply device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The signal conversion device, power supply device, and lighting device of the present disclosure have the advantage of being able to reduce the sense of discomfort felt when fading in and fading out is interrupted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a signal conversion device, a power supply device, and a lighting device (light source unit) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the first instruction level of the DALI standard and the second instruction level of the non-DALI standard and the dimming level in the signal conversion device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lighting device (light source unit) of the same. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device (light source unit) of the same. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a second modification of the signal conversion device, the power supply device, and the lighting device (light source unit) of the above embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the first instruction level of the DALI standard and the second instruction level of the non-DALI standard and the toning level in the signal conversion device of the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, a signal conversion device, a power supply device, and a lighting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each diagram described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Note that the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0016] (1) Overview The signal conversion device SP1 according to the embodiment converts a first command level CL1 instructed by a first control signal CS1 into a second command level CL2 instructed by a second control signal CS2 (see FIG. 1).

[0017] The first instruction level CL1 and the second instruction level CL2 correspond to dimming levels of the light source LS1, and the relationship between the second instruction level CL2 and the dimming level is different from the relationship between the first instruction level CL1 and the dimming level. Note that the "dimming level" in this disclosure is defined as the ratio of the current supplied to the light source LS1 when the state in which the light source LS1 is lit at its rated current is defined as 100%.

[0018] For example, the relationship between the second command level CL2 and the dimming level is linear, as shown by the straight line X2 in Fig. 2. On the other hand, the relationship between the first command level CL1 and the dimming level is expressed by an exponential curve, as shown by the curve X1 in Fig. 2.

[0019] The first control signal CS1 includes fade-in and fade-out control details. The fade-in control details are for monotonically increasing the first command level CL1 over a predetermined fade time to the final target first command level CL1. Specifically, the fade-out control details are for monotonically increasing the dimming level at a constant rate along the curve X1. The fade-out control details are for monotonically decreasing the first command level CL1 over a predetermined fade time to the final target first command level CL1. Specifically, the fade-out control details are for monotonically decreasing the dimming level at a constant rate along the curve X1.

[0020] Here, when the signal conversion device SP1 according to the embodiment receives a first control signal CS1 for fade-in and fade-out control, it monotonically increases or decreases the second instruction level CL2 at a constant rate (a rate determined by the fade time) along the line X2 to the second instruction level CL2 corresponding to the final target first instruction level CL1. That is, in the fade-in and fade-out control, the dimming level corresponding to the first instruction level CL1 during the fade may not match the dimming level corresponding to the second instruction level CL2 during the fade (see FIG. 2). Therefore, if the fade-in or fade-out is interrupted before the fade time is reached, a difference may occur between the dimming level corresponding to the first instruction level CL1 at the time of interruption and the dimming level corresponding to the second instruction level CL2 at the time of interruption.

[0021] Therefore, when the fade-in or fade-out is interrupted before the fade time is reached, the signal conversion device SP1 according to the embodiment adjusts the second command level CL2 to reduce the difference between the dimming level corresponding to the first command level CL1 at the time of interruption and the dimming level corresponding to the second command level CL2 at the time of interruption. As a result, the signal conversion device SP1 according to the embodiment can reduce the difference in light intensity at the time of interruption between the light source directly controlled by the first control signal CS1 and the light source LS1 controlled by the second control signal CS2, thereby reducing the sense of discomfort felt when the fade-in or fade-out is interrupted.

[0022] In addition, the power supply device PS1 of the embodiment receives a second control signal CS2 from the signal conversion device SP1 of the embodiment, and adjusts the amount of electricity supplied to the light source LS1 so that the dimming level corresponds to the second instruction level CL2 instructed by the received second control signal CS2 (see Figure 1).

[0023] Therefore, the power supply device PS1 according to the embodiment can reduce the sense of incongruity that occurs when fade-in and fade-out are interrupted.

[0024] Furthermore, the lighting device (light source unit A1) according to the embodiment includes a light source LS1 and a power supply device PS1 according to the embodiment (see FIG. 4).

[0025] Therefore, the lighting device (light source unit A1) according to this embodiment can reduce the sense of incongruity felt when fading in and fading out is interrupted.

[0026] (2)Details Next, the signal conversion device SP1, the power supply device PS1, and the lighting device (light source unit A1) according to the embodiment will be described in detail. In the following description, the signal conversion device SP1 according to the embodiment, the power supply device PS1 according to the embodiment, and the lighting device according to the embodiment will be abbreviated as the signal conversion device SP1, the power supply device PS1, and the lighting device.

[0027] (2-1) Details of the lighting equipment First, the light source unit A1, which is an illumination device, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] The light source unit A1 is detachably attached to a fixture body 6 that is directly attached to the ceiling, for example. That is, the light source unit A1 constitutes a lighting fixture in combination with the fixture body 6. The fixture body 6 may be embedded in the ceiling, or may be directly attached to or embedded in the wall or floor.

[0029] The fixture main body 6 includes a rectangular box-shaped storage compartment 60 with an open bottom, a pair of reflectors 61 protruding obliquely upward from both longitudinal edges of the storage compartment 60, and a pair of end plates 62 provided at both longitudinal ends of the storage compartment 60 and the pair of reflectors 61 (see FIG. 4). The fixture main body 6 is installed on a ceiling by inserting hanging bolts (not shown) into at least two of a plurality of mounting holes 63 provided on the bottom surface of the storage compartment 60 and tightening nuts (not shown) onto the hanging bolts. A power line is inserted into one of a plurality of electrical wire holes 64 provided on the bottom surface of the storage compartment 60. The power line inserted into the electrical wire hole 64 is electrically connected to a terminal block 65 attached to the inner bottom surface of the storage compartment 60. Three electrical wires 66 extend from the terminal block 65. The ends of these three electrical wires 66 are electrically connected to a male power connector 67. Furthermore, a signal line (not shown) that serves as a transmission path for the first control signal CS1 is inserted into another wire hole 64. The signal line inserted into the wire hole 64 is then electrically connected to the signal conversion device SP1.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the light source unit A1 includes a light source LS1, a power supply device PS1, a mounting plate 3, a signal conversion device SP1, and a cover 5.

[0031] The light source LS1 has a number of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 20 and a substrate 21. The LEDs 20, which are light-emitting elements, are, for example, packaged white LEDs for illumination. However, the light-emitting elements are not limited to LEDs and may be organic electroluminescence elements, semiconductor laser elements, or the like.

[0032] The substrate 21 is formed in a long rectangular shape. However, the substrate 21 may be formed by connecting a plurality of substrates in the longitudinal direction. The large number of LEDs 20 are mounted in a single row at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 21, at the center of the short side on the surface (lower surface) of the substrate 21 (see FIG. 4). The large number of LEDs 20 are electrically connected in series or series-parallel by printed wiring formed on the surface of the substrate 21.

[0033] The mounting plate 3 is made of a metal plate and has a long rectangular shape. The mounting plate 3 has a long rectangular bottom plate 30 and a pair of side plates 31 that rise upward from both ends along the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 30. The light source LS1 is attached to the surface (underside) of the bottom plate 30 by a plurality of claws (not shown) cut and raised from the bottom plate 30.

[0034] The cover 5 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape from a translucent synthetic resin such as acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin. The cover 5 also has a pair of protruding walls 50 that protrude upward along the longitudinal direction. The cover 5 accommodates the mounting plate 3 between the pair of protruding walls 50, and is attached to the mounting plate 3 by hooking the hook portions formed on the tips (upper ends) of the pair of protruding walls 50 onto the tips (upper ends) of the pair of side plates 31 of the mounting plate 3.

[0035] (2-2) Details of the power supply The power supply device PS1 has a lighting circuit 40 and a power supply case 41 that houses the lighting circuit 40. The lighting circuit 40 is composed of a printed circuit on which various electronic components including integrated circuits and a female power connector 43 are mounted on a rectangular printed circuit board 42. The power connector 43 is electrically and mechanically connected to the power connector 67.

[0036] The power supply case 41 is made of a metal plate and is formed into a long rectangular box shape with one surface (bottom) open (see FIG. 4). The power supply case 41 houses the lighting circuit 40 and is fixed to the mounting plate 3 with the open surface facing the back surface (top surface) of the bottom plate 30. Note that the power supply case 41 is electrically connected to the mounting plate 3 when fixed to the mounting plate 3. Furthermore, the mounting plate 3 is electrically connected to the fixture body 6 when the light source unit A1 is attached to the fixture body 6. Therefore, the power supply case 41 of the power supply device PS1 is electrically connected to the fixture body 6 through the mounting plate 3.

[0037] 1, the lighting circuit 40 is supplied with AC power from a commercial power system 9 through a power connector 43. The lighting circuit 40 has a power conversion circuit 400, a constant current circuit 401, a control circuit 402, a control power supply circuit 403, a pair of output terminals 404 and 405, a signal terminal 406, a control power supply terminal 407, and a ground terminal 408. One output terminal 404 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the light source LS1, and the other output terminal 405 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the light source LS1.

[0038] The power conversion circuit 400 is configured to convert AC power supplied from the power grid 9 into DC power. The power conversion circuit 400 preferably includes, for example, a full-wave rectifier circuit, a power factor correction circuit (a step-up chopper circuit), a buck converter (a step-down chopper circuit), etc. Alternatively, the power conversion circuit 400 may be configured with a full-wave rectifier circuit and a converter circuit. The converter circuit includes a single-stage converter (also called a one-converter) capable of performing voltage conversion and power factor correction in parallel. Specifically, the converter circuit preferably includes a SEPIC (Single Ended Primary Inductance Converter) type DC / DC converter circuit.

[0039] The constant current circuit 401 is configured to make the DC current supplied from the power conversion circuit 400 to the light source LS1 via a pair of output terminals 404 and 405 coincide with a target value.

[0040] The control circuit 402 includes a microcontroller as a main component. The control circuit 402 is configured to switch between operating and stopping the power conversion circuit 400 and the constant current circuit 401, and to change the target value of the DC current (load current) in the constant current circuit 401, in response to a second control signal CS2 (second command level CL2) received from the signal conversion device SP1.

[0041] The control circuit 402 receives a second control signal CS2 from the signal conversion device SP1 through a signal terminal 406 and a ground terminal 408. The second control signal CS2 is a digital signal. However, the second control signal CS2 may be an analog signal such as a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal.

[0042] The control power supply circuit 403 is configured to generate a control power supply voltage from the DC output of the power conversion circuit 400. The control power supply circuit 403 is configured to generate a control power supply voltage (for example, a DC voltage of about 5 V to 3.3 V) from the output voltage of the power conversion circuit 400. The control power supply circuit 403 applies the generated control power supply voltage to a control power supply terminal 407 and a ground terminal 408, and supplies it to the signal conversion device SP1 via two electric wires.

[0043] (2-3) Details of the signal conversion device (2-3-1) Circuit configuration of signal conversion device The signal conversion device SP1 includes a signal processing circuit 10 and a communication control circuit 11 (see FIG. 1). The communication control circuit 11 is capable of bidirectional communication with an external controller C1 via a signal line. The communication control circuit 11 is configured to receive a first control signal CS1 transmitted from the controller C1, adjust the signal voltage of the received first control signal CS1, and transmit the adjusted signal to the signal processing circuit 10. The first control signal CS1 transmitted from the controller C1 complies with the DALI standard. However, the first control signal CS1 may also comply with a standard other than DALI.

[0044] The signal processing circuit 10 includes a microcontroller, such as the RL78 / I1A manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation.

[0045] The signal processing circuit 10 processes a first control signal CS1 received from the controller C1 via the communication control circuit 11. One type of signal processing performed by the signal processing circuit 10 is signal processing (signal conversion) that converts a first command level CL1 commanded by the first control signal CS1 into a second command level CL2 commanded by a second control signal CS2. Note that the second control signal CS2 complies with a standard different from DALI (hereinafter referred to as the non-DALI standard).

[0046] In the DALI standard, 254 dimming levels ranging from 0.1% to 100.0% (rated lighting) are assigned one-to-one to 254 first command levels CL1 ranging from 1 to 254. Note that in the DALI standard, the first command level CL1 and the dimming level have an exponentially changing relationship as shown by the curve X1 in Figure 2.

[0047] On the other hand, in the non-DALI standard, 201 second command levels CL2 from 0 to 200 are assigned in a one-to-one relationship to 200 dimming levels ranging from 0.0% (off) to 100.0% (rated on). However, a dimming level of 1.0% is assigned to two second command levels CL2, 1 and 2, and dimming levels in 0.5% increments from 1.0% to 100.0% are assigned in a one-to-one relationship to second command levels CL2 from 2 to 200. In addition, a dimming level of 100.0% is assigned to 54 second command levels CL2 from 201 to 254. In other words, in the non-DALI standard, the relationship between the second command level CL2 and the dimming level is linear, as shown by the line X2 in Figure 2.

[0048] Here, the signal processing circuit 10 stores the relationship between the first instruction level CL1 and the dimming level in the DALI standard, and the relationship between the second instruction level CL2 and the dimming level in the non-DALI standard, in a table format in memory (a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory).

[0049] For example, when the value of the first command level CL1 instructed by the first control signal CS1 received from the controller C1 is 200, the signal processing circuit 10 refers to the table stored in memory and obtains the dimming level value (23.0%) corresponding to the first command level CL1 of 200. Next, the signal processing circuit 10 refers to the table stored in memory and obtains the value of the second command level CL2 (CL2:46) corresponding to the dimming level of 23.0%. In this way, the signal processing circuit 10 converts the first command level CL1 (CL1:200) instructed by the first control signal CS1 into the second command level CL2 (CL2:46) instructed by the second control signal CS2.

[0050] The signal processing circuit 10 transmits a second control signal CS2 including the converted second command level CL2 (CL2: 46) to the control circuit 402 of the power supply device PS1. The control circuit 402 stores the relationship between the second command level CL2 and the dimming level in a table format in memory. Therefore, the control circuit 402 can obtain the dimming level (23.0%) corresponding to the second command level CL2 (CL2: 46) by referring to the table stored in memory. The control circuit 402 provides the constant current circuit 401 with a target value (current value corresponding to a dimming level of 23.0%) corresponding to the obtained dimming level (23.0%). The constant current circuit 401 then adjusts the DC current supplied to the light source LS1 so that the target value corresponds to the target value provided by the control circuit 402. As a result, the light source LS1 is dimmed to the dimming level (23.0%) specified by the first command level CL1 of the first control signal CS1.

[0051] (2-3-2) Structure of signal conversion device The signal conversion device SP1 further includes a case 12 that houses the signal processing circuit 10 and the communication control circuit 11 (see FIG. 4). The case 12 is made of synthetic resin and is formed in the shape of a box with one side open. The case 12 is attached to the power supply case 41 so that the open side faces the longitudinal end face of the power supply case 41. However, instead of being attached to the power supply case 41, the case 12 may be attached to the mounting plate 3 of the light source unit A1.

[0052] (2-4) Fade-in and fade-out operations of the signal conversion device Next, the operation of the signal conversion device SP1 when the control content of the first control signal CS1 is fade-in and fade-out will be described.

[0053] The DALI standard's fade-in and fade-out control commands use the final target dimming level and the time (fade time) required to change from the current dimming level to the final target dimming level as parameters. For example, to fade in and increase the dimming level from 0.1% to 100% over a fade time of 90 seconds, the first command level CL1 should be increased by approximately 2.8 steps (≒ 254 ÷ 90 seconds) every second. In this case, the actual light output of light source LS1 increases exponentially, following the curve X1 in Figure 2.

[0054] On the other hand, when DALI-standard fade-in and fade-out are executed using non-DALI-standard fade-in and fade-out, for example, when increasing (fading in) the dimming level from 0.1% to 100% over a fade time of 90 seconds, the second command level CL2 is increased by approximately 2.2 steps (≈200 ÷ 90 seconds) every second. In this case, the actual light intensity of light source LS1 increases along line X2 in Figure 2.

[0055] Here, in a lighting environment where DALI-compliant and non-DALI-compliant lighting devices are mixed, even if the dimming levels at any given point during the fade time of the two types of lighting devices are different, if the final target dimming levels are the same, it is unlikely that people in the lighting environment will feel uncomfortable.

[0056] However, if the fade-in or fade-out is interrupted before the fade time is reached, the dimming level of a DALI-compliant lighting device at the time of interruption may be significantly different from that of a non-DALI-compliant lighting device. For example, consider a case where a 90-second fade-in from 0.1% to 100% dimming is interrupted 60 seconds after the fade-in began. In this case, the DALI-compliant lighting device's first command level CL1 at the time of interruption is 168 (= 60 seconds x 2.8), resulting in a dimming level of 9.5%. In contrast, the non-DALI-compliant lighting device's second command level CL2 at the time of interruption is 132 (= 60 seconds x 2.2), resulting in a dimming level of 66.0%. In other words, at the time of interruption, there was a 56.5% difference between the dimming level of the DALI-compliant lighting device (light source) and the dimming level of the non-DALI-compliant lighting device (light source LS1).As a result, it is likely that people in a lighting environment where DALI-compliant and non-DALI-compliant lighting devices coexist will feel uncomfortable.

[0057] Therefore, when the fade-in and fade-out are interrupted before the fade time is reached, the signal conversion device SP1 adjusts the second command level CL2 so as to reduce the difference between the dimming level corresponding to the first command level CL1 at the time of interruption (e.g., 9.5%) and the dimming level corresponding to the second command level CL2 at the time of interruption (e.g., 66.0%).

[0058] For example, the signal processing circuit 10 of the signal conversion device SP1 refers to a table stored in memory to obtain a dimming level (9.5%) corresponding to the first command level CL1 (CL1: 168) at the time of interruption, and obtains a second command level CL2 (CL2: 19) corresponding to the obtained dimming level (9.5%). Next, the signal processing circuit 10 decreases the second command level CL2 to be instructed to the control circuit 402 of the power supply device PS1 from the current second command level CL2 (CL2: 132) to the new second command level CL2 (CL2: 19) over an adjustment time. In other words, if the signal processing circuit 10 instantaneously changes the second command level CL2 from 132 to 19, the light intensity of the light source LS1 of the lighting device (light source unit A1) that does not comply with the DALI standard will suddenly decrease, which may cause discomfort (discomfort) to people. Therefore, if the signal processing circuit 10 gradually changes the second instruction level CL2 from 132 to 19 over an adjustment time, the light intensity of the light source LS1 of the lighting device (light source unit A1) that does not comply with the DALI standard will not decrease suddenly, reducing the possibility of causing discomfort (annoyance) to people.

[0059] Here, it is preferable that the signal processing circuit 10 determines the adjustment time for the second command level CL2 based on the difference between the dimming levels corresponding to the first command level CL1 and the second command level CL2 at the time of interruption. For example, if the signal processing circuit 10 sets a longer adjustment time as the difference between the dimming levels corresponding to the first command level CL1 and the second command level CL2 at the time of interruption increases, the rate at which the light intensity of the light source LS1 changes can be suppressed, and the possibility of causing discomfort (discomfort) to a person can be reduced.

[0060] Alternatively, the signal processing circuit 10 may determine the adjustment time of the second command level CL2 according to the fade time. For example, if the signal processing circuit 10 shortens the adjustment time as the fade time becomes shorter, the possibility of causing discomfort (annoyance) to people can be reduced.

[0061] The signal conversion device SP1 (signal processing circuit 10) may be able to select a mode in which an adjustment time is provided and a mode in which no adjustment time is provided when adjusting the second instruction level CL2 from the point in time when the fade-in or fade-out is interrupted. Switching between these two modes may be performed by a DIP switch electrically connected to the input port of the signal processing circuit 10, or may be performed by the first control signal CS1.

[0062] Therefore, if the signal conversion device SP1 (signal processing circuit 10) can select a mode in which an adjustment time is provided or a mode in which an adjustment time is not provided depending on the installation location, application, etc. of the light source LS1 (light source unit A1), usability can be improved.

[0063] Furthermore, the signal conversion device SP1 (signal processing circuit 10) may select either a mode with an adjustment time or a mode without an adjustment time, depending on at least one of the dimming level corresponding to the first instruction level CL1 at the time of interruption and the dimming level corresponding to the second instruction level CL2 at the time of interruption. That is, since the retina's photosensitivity generally decreases in bright places (light adaptation) and increases in dark places (scotopic adaptation), for example, if the dimming level corresponding to the first instruction level CL1 at the time of interruption is 70% or higher, it is considered that there is little risk of discomfort even without an adjustment time. Furthermore, taking into account light-dark adaptation, it is preferable that the signal processing circuit 10 shorten the adjustment time of the second instruction level CL2 in the case of a fade-in than in the case of a fade-out. In other words, it is preferable that the signal processing circuit 10 lengthen the adjustment time of the second instruction level CL2 in the case of a fade-out than in the case of a fade-in. This allows the signal processing circuit 10 to complete the dimming level adjustment in a short time while reducing discomfort.

[0064] (3) Variations Next, several modified examples of the signal conversion device SP1 and the power supply device PS1 according to the embodiment will be described. However, the basic configuration of each of the modified examples described below is the same as the basic configuration of the embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the configurations that are common to the basic configuration of the embodiment and the configurations that are substantially common, and illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "substantially common configuration" means a configuration that is slightly different in shape, size, etc., but has the same function.

[0065] (3-1) Variation 1 The signal conversion device SP1 and power supply device PS1 of the first modification are characterized in that the signal conversion device SP1 is housed in the power supply case 41 of the power supply device PS1. In other words, the power supply device PS1 of the first modification is characterized in that it includes the signal conversion device SP1.

[0066] In the first modification, the signal converter SP1 is housed in the power supply case 41 of the power supply device PS1, so that the signal converter SP1 can be configured integrally with the power supply device PS1, thereby improving the workability of the assembly work. However, by configuring the signal converter SP1 according to the embodiment separately from the power supply device PS1, the versatility of the signal converter SP1 can be improved.

[0067] (3-2) Variation 2 DALI lighting control includes color tuning control (hereinafter referred to as color tuning fade-in) that monotonically increases the light color (color temperature) over a specified fade time, and color tuning control (hereinafter referred to as color tuning fade-out) that monotonically decreases the light color. DALI color tuning fade-in and color tuning fade-out only specify the final target light color (color tuning level) and fade time, but do not specify the color tuning level during the fade time. Therefore, when performing DALI color tuning fade-in and color tuning fade-out with a non-DALI lighting device, it is necessary to perform the color tuning fade-in and color tuning fade-out based on the relationship between the non-DALI standard's specified level and color tuning level.

[0068] If the color tone fade-in and fade-out control is interrupted before the color tone level reaches the final target color tone level, the difference between the non-DALI color tone level and the DALI color tone level at the time of interruption may become large. If the difference in light color (color temperature) between the DALI-compliant lighting device and the non-DALI-compliant lighting device at the time of interruption is large, people in the lighting environment may feel uncomfortable.

[0069] Therefore, when the toning fade-in and toning fade-out are interrupted before the fade time is reached, the signal conversion device SP1 of the second modification adjusts the second instruction level CL2 so as to reduce the difference between the toning level corresponding to the first instruction level CL1 at the time of interruption and the toning level corresponding to the second instruction level CL2 at the time of interruption.

[0070] The light source LS1 in Modification 2 includes a first LED module 2A having an LED 20A with an incandescent color (color temperature 2700K) and a second LED module 2B having an LED 20B with a daylight color (color temperature 6500K) (see FIG. 5 ). The light color (dimming level) of the light source LS1 is determined by the ratio of the light intensity of the first LED module 2A to the light intensity of the second LED module 2B. That is, if the ratio of the light intensity of the first LED module 2A to the light intensity of the second LED module 2B is 100:0, the light color of the light source LS1 is incandescent color, and if the ratio is 0:100, the light color of the light source LS1 is daylight color. Furthermore, if the ratio of the light intensity of the first LED module 2A to the light intensity of the second LED module 2B is 50:50, the light color of the light source LS1 is white. Note that the light color can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the light intensity of each module while maintaining the ratio.

[0071] The lighting circuit 40 of the power supply device PS1 in Modification 2 includes a first constant current circuit 401A, a second constant current circuit 401B, a pair of first output terminals 404A and 405A, and a pair of second output terminals 404B and 405B. The positive electrode of the first LED module 2A is electrically connected to one of the first output terminals 404A, and the negative electrode of the first LED module 2A is electrically connected to the other of the first output terminals 405A. The positive electrode of the second LED module 2B is electrically connected to one of the second output terminals 404B, and the negative electrode of the second LED module 2B is electrically connected to the other of the second output terminals 405B. The first constant current circuit 401A operates to adjust the DC current supplied to the first LED module 2A to a first target value. The second constant current circuit 401B operates to adjust the DC current supplied to the second LED module 2B to a second target value.

[0072] In Modification 2, the first instruction level CL1 and the second instruction level CL2 correspond to the toning level of the light source LS1, and the relationship between the second instruction level CL2 and the toning level is different from the relationship between the first instruction level CL1 and the toning level. The "toning level" in Modification 2 is defined by the light color (color temperature [K]) obtained by mixing the incandescent light of the first LED module 2A and the daylight light of the second LED module 2B, and is a value ranging from the incandescent color temperature of 2700K to the daylight color temperature of 6500K. The relationship between the second instruction level CL2 and the toning level is linear, as shown by the straight line X4 in FIG. 6. Meanwhile, the relationship between the first instruction level CL1 and the toning level is expressed by a pseudo-curve, as shown by the curve X3 in FIG. 6.

[0073] In the DALI standard, color temperature levels (color temperatures) ranging from 6494K (daylight color) to 2681K (incandescent color) are assigned to 220 first indication levels CL1 ranging from 154 to 373.

[0074] On the other hand, in the non-DALI standard, color toning levels in 50K increments from 2700K to 6500K are assigned one-to-one to 77 second instruction levels CL2 from 23 to 99. That is, in the non-DALI standard, the relationship between the second instruction level CL2 and the color toning level is linear, as shown by the line X4 in Figure 6.

[0075] Here, the signal processing circuit 10 stores in memory in table format the relationship between the first instruction level CL1 and the toning level in the DALI standard, and the relationship between the second instruction level CL2 and the toning level in the non-DALI standard.

[0076] For example, when the value of the first command level CL1 instructed by the first control signal CS1 received from the controller C1 is 300, the signal processing circuit 10 refers to the table stored in memory and obtains the value of the toning level (3333K) corresponding to the first command level CL1 of 300. Next, the signal processing circuit 10 refers to the table stored in memory and obtains the value of the second command level CL2 (CL2:36) corresponding to the value closest to the toning level of 3333K. In this way, the signal processing circuit 10 converts the first command level CL1 (CL1:300) instructed by the first control signal CS1 into the second command level CL2 (CL2:36) instructed by the second control signal CS2.

[0077] The signal processing circuit 10 transmits a second control signal CS2 including the converted second instruction level CL2 (CL2:36) to the control circuit 402 of the power supply device PS1. The control circuit 402 stores the relationship between the second instruction level CL2 and the toning level (first target value and second target value) in a table format in memory. Therefore, the control circuit 402 can obtain the toning level (first target value and second target value) corresponding to the second instruction level CL2 (CL2:36) by referring to the table stored in memory. The control circuit 402 provides the obtained first target value to the first constant current circuit 401A and the second target value to the second constant current circuit 401B. The first constant current circuit 401A then adjusts the DC current supplied to the first LED module 2A of the light source LS1 to match the first target value provided by the control circuit 402. Furthermore, the second constant current circuit 401B adjusts the DC current supplied to the second LED module 2B of the light source LS1 so that the DC current matches the second target value provided by the control circuit 402. As a result, the light source LS1 is adjusted to the color level instructed by the first instruction level CL1 of the first control signal CS1 (actually, the closest color level).

[0078] Next, the operation of the signal conversion device SP1 of the second modified example when the control content of the first control signal CS1 is color toning fade-in and color toning fade-out will be described.

[0079] The DALI standard's color temperature fade-in and fade-out control commands use the final target color temperature level and the time (fade time) required to change from the current color temperature level to the final target color temperature level as parameters. For example, to fade in the color temperature level from 2681K to 6494K over a 90-second fade time, the first command level CL1 should be increased by approximately 2.4 steps per second (≒ 220 ÷ 90 seconds). In this case, the actual light color of light source LS1 increases along curve X3 in Figure 6.

[0080] On the other hand, when executing DALI-standard color toning fade-in and fade-out with non-DALI-standard color toning fade-in and fade-out, for example, when increasing the color level from 2700K to 6500K over a fade time of 90 seconds (color toning fade-in), the second instruction level CL2 is increased by approximately 0.85 steps per second (≈77 / 90 seconds). In this case, the actual light color of the light source LS1 increases along the line X4 in FIG. 6.

[0081] Here, in a lighting environment where lighting devices that comply with the DALI standard and lighting devices that do not comply with the DALI standard are mixed, although the color adjustment levels at any given point in the fade time of the two types of lighting devices are different, if the final target color adjustment levels are the same, it is thought that there is little chance that people in the lighting environment will feel uncomfortable.

[0082] However, if the color temperature adjustment fade-in or fade-out is interrupted before the fade time is reached, the color temperature adjustment level of a DALI-compliant lighting device at the time of interruption may be significantly different from the color temperature adjustment level of a non-DALI-compliant lighting device. For example, consider a case where a color temperature adjustment fade-in from 2681K to 6494K over a 90-second fade time is interrupted 60 seconds after the start of the color temperature adjustment fade-in. In this case, the DALI-compliant lighting device's first instruction level CL1 at the time of interruption is 373 - 144 (= 60 seconds x 2.4) = 229, resulting in a color temperature adjustment level of 4367K. In contrast, the non-DALI-compliant lighting device's second instruction level CL2 at the time of interruption is 23 + 51 (= 60 seconds x 0.85) = 74, resulting in a color temperature adjustment level of 5250K. In other words, at the time of interruption, there was a difference of 883K between the color adjustment level of the DALI-compliant lighting device (light source) and the color adjustment level of the non-DALI-compliant lighting device (light source LS1).As a result, it is likely that people in a lighting environment where DALI-compliant and non-DALI-compliant lighting devices coexist will feel uncomfortable.

[0083] Therefore, when the toning fade-in and toning fade-out are interrupted before the fade time is reached, the signal conversion device SP1 of variant 2 adjusts the second instruction level CL2 so as to reduce the difference between the toning level (e.g., 4367K) corresponding to the first instruction level CL1 at the time of interruption and the toning level (e.g., 5250K) corresponding to the second instruction level CL2 at the time of interruption.

[0084] For example, the signal processing circuit 10 of the signal conversion device SP1 of Modification 2 refers to a table stored in memory to acquire a toning level (4367K) corresponding to the first command level CL1 (CL1: 229) at the time of interruption, and acquires a second command level CL2 (CL2: 56) corresponding to the acquired toning level (4367K). Next, the signal processing circuit 10 decreases the second command level CL2 to be instructed to the control circuit 402 of the power supply device PS1 from the current second command level CL2 (CL2: 74) to the new second command level CL2 (CL2: 56) over an adjustment time. In other words, if the signal processing circuit 10 instantaneously changes the second command level CL2 from 74 to 56, the light color of the light source LS1 of the lighting device (light source unit A1) that does not comply with the DALI standard may suddenly change, causing discomfort (annoyance) to people. Therefore, if the signal processing circuit 10 gradually changes the second instruction level CL2 from 74 to 56 over an adjustment time, the light color of the light source LS1 of the lighting device (light source unit A1) that does not comply with the DALI standard will not decrease suddenly, reducing the possibility of causing discomfort (annoyance) to people.

[0085] (4) Summary A signal conversion device (SP1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure converts a first command level (CL1) commanded by a first control signal (CS1) into a second command level (CL2) commanded by a second control signal (CS2). The first command level (CL1) and the second command level (CL2) correspond to dimming levels of a light source (LS1), and the relationship between the second command level (CL2) and the dimming level is different from the relationship between the first command level (CL1) and the dimming level. The first control signal (CS1) includes fade-in and fade-out control content. The fade-in and fade-out control content is control content that monotonically increases or decreases the first command level (CL1) to a final target first command level (CL1) over a predetermined fade time. When the fade-in and fade-out are interrupted before the fade time is reached, the second instruction level (CL2) is adjusted so as to reduce the difference between the dimming level corresponding to the first instruction level (CL1) at the time of interruption and the dimming level corresponding to the second instruction level (CL2) at the time of interruption.

[0086] The signal conversion device (SP1) of the first aspect can reduce the sense of discomfort when fading in and out is interrupted by narrowing the difference in light intensity at the time of interruption of the fade between the light source directly controlled by the first control signal (CS1) and the light source (LS1) controlled by the second control signal (CS2).

[0087] A signal conversion device (SP1) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the first aspect. When adjusting the second command level (CL2) from the point of interruption, the signal conversion device (SP1) according to the second aspect preferably determines an adjustment time of the second command level (CL2) according to a dimming level corresponding to the second command level (CL2) at the point of interruption.

[0088] The signal conversion device (SP1) according to the second aspect can reduce the possibility of causing discomfort by gradually changing the second instruction level (CL2) over an adjustment period, without abruptly changing the light amount of the light source LS1.

[0089] A signal conversion device (SP1) according to a third aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the first aspect. When adjusting the second command level (CL2) from the point of interruption, the signal conversion device (SP1) according to the third aspect preferably determines an adjustment time for the second command level (CL2) based on a difference between the dimming levels corresponding to the first command level (CL1) and the second command level (CL2) at the point of interruption.

[0090] The signal conversion device (SP1) of the third aspect, for example, can reduce the rate at which the light intensity of the light source (LS1) changes and the possibility of causing discomfort by lengthening the adjustment time as the difference between the dimming levels corresponding to the first instruction level (CL1) and the second instruction level (CL2) at the time of interruption increases.

[0091] A signal conversion device (SP1) according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the first aspect. When adjusting the second command level (CL2) from the interruption point, the signal conversion device (SP1) according to the fourth aspect preferably determines the adjustment time of the second command level (CL2) according to the fade time.

[0092] The signal conversion device (SP1) according to the fourth aspect can reduce the possibility of causing discomfort by shortening the adjustment time as the fade time becomes shorter, for example.

[0093] A signal conversion device (SP1) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the first aspect. When adjusting the second command level (CL2) from the interruption point, the signal conversion device (SP1) according to the fifth aspect preferably adjusts the adjustment time of the second command level (CL2) shorter in the case of fade-in than in the case of fade-out.

[0094] Taking into account light-dark adaptation, the signal conversion device (SP1) of the fifth aspect can complete the adjustment of the dimming level in a short time while reducing the sense of discomfort by shortening the adjustment time of the second instruction level (CL2) in the case of fade-in compared to the case of fade-out.

[0095] A signal conversion device (SP1) according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of aspects 2 to 5. The signal conversion device (SP1) according to the sixth aspect is preferably capable of selecting a mode in which an adjustment time is provided and a mode in which an adjustment time is not provided when adjusting the second instruction level (CL2) from the point of interruption.

[0096] The signal conversion device (SP1) according to the sixth aspect can select between a mode in which an adjustment time is provided and a mode in which an adjustment time is not provided, thereby improving usability.

[0097] A signal conversion device (SP1) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of the second to sixth aspects. The signal conversion device (SP1) according to the seventh aspect preferably selects either a mode with an adjustment time or a mode without an adjustment time, depending on at least one of the dimming level corresponding to the first instruction level (CL1) at the time of interruption and the dimming level corresponding to the second instruction level (CL2) at the time of interruption.

[0098] The signal conversion device (SP1) according to the seventh aspect can complete the adjustment of the dimming level in a short time while reducing discomfort, for example, by not setting an adjustment time when the dimming level corresponding to the first instruction level (CL1) at the time of interruption is relatively high.

[0099] A signal conversion device (SP1) according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of the first to seventh aspects. In the signal conversion device (SP1) according to the eighth aspect, it is preferable that the relationship between the second instruction level (CL2) and the dimming level is linear.

[0100] In the signal conversion device (SP1) according to the eighth aspect, the relationship between the second command level (CL2) and the dimming level is linear, and therefore the dimming level can be increased or decreased at a constant speed during fade-in and fade-out.

[0101] A signal conversion device (SP1) according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the eighth aspect. In the signal conversion device (SP1) according to the ninth aspect, it is preferable that the first control signal (CS1) is a control signal that complies with the DALI standard.

[0102] The signal conversion device (SP1) according to the ninth aspect can adjust the light source (LS1) in response to the first control signal (CS1) that complies with the DALI standard, thereby improving usability.

[0103] A power supply device (PS1) according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure receives a second control signal (CS2) from a signal conversion device (SP1) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and adjusts the amount of electricity supplied to a light source (LS1) so that the dimming level corresponds to a second instruction level (CL2) indicated by the received second control signal (CS2).

[0104] The power supply device (PS1) according to the tenth aspect can reduce the sense of incongruity felt when fading in and fading out is interrupted.

[0105] A power supply device (PS1) according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the tenth aspect. It is preferable that the power supply device (PS1) according to the eleventh aspect further includes a signal conversion device (SP1) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0106] The power supply device (PS1) according to the eleventh aspect can improve the workability of the assembly work.

[0107] An illumination device (light source unit A1) according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source (LS1) and the power supply device (PS1) according to the tenth or eleventh aspect.

[0108] The lighting device according to the twelfth aspect can reduce the sense of incongruity felt when fading in and fading out is interrupted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] SP1 signal converter CS1 First control signal CS2 Second control signal CL1 First indication level CL2 Second instruction level LS1 light source PS1 power supply A1 Light source unit (lighting device)

Claims

1. A signal conversion device that converts a first instruction level indicated by a first control signal into a second instruction level indicated by a second control signal, the first instruction level and the second instruction level correspond to dimming levels of a light source, and a relationship between the second instruction level and the dimming level is different from a relationship between the first instruction level and the dimming level; the first control signal includes fade-in and fade-out control content, The fade-in and fade-out control content is a control content of monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing the first instruction level to a final target first instruction level over a predetermined fade time, If the fade-in and the fade-out are interrupted before the fade time is reached, the second instruction level is adjusted so as to reduce the difference between the dimming level corresponding to the first instruction level at the time of the interruption and the dimming level corresponding to the second instruction level at the time of the interruption. Signal conversion device.

2. when adjusting the second instruction level from the time of interruption, determining an adjustment time of the second instruction level according to the dimming level corresponding to the second instruction level at the time of interruption.

2. The signal conversion device according to claim 1.

3. When adjusting the second instruction level from the time of interruption, an adjustment time of the second instruction level is determined based on a difference between the dimming levels corresponding to the first instruction level and the second instruction level at the time of interruption.

2. The signal conversion device according to claim 1.

4. When adjusting the second instruction level from the interruption point, a time for adjusting the second instruction level is determined according to the fade time.

2. The signal conversion device according to claim 1.

5. When adjusting the second instruction level from the interruption point, an adjustment time of the second instruction level is set shorter in the case of the fade-in than in the case of the fade-out.

2. The signal conversion device according to claim 1.

6. When adjusting the second instruction level from the interruption point, a mode in which the adjustment time is provided and a mode in which the adjustment time is not provided can be selected. A signal conversion device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. selecting either a mode in which the adjustment time is provided or a mode in which the adjustment time is not provided, depending on at least one of the dimming level corresponding to the first instruction level at the time of the interruption and the dimming level corresponding to the second instruction level at the time of the interruption; A signal conversion device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

8. a relationship between the second instruction level and the dimming level being linear; A signal conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The first control signal is a control signal that complies with the DALI standard.

9. The signal conversion device according to claim 8.

10. receiving the second control signal from the signal conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and adjusting the amount of electricity supplied to the light source so as to achieve the dimming level corresponding to the second instruction level instructed by the received second control signal; power supply.

11. The signal conversion device is further provided. The power supply device according to claim 10.

12. the light source; the power supply device of claim 10; Equipped with Lighting equipment.

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