Lighting control device, lighting fixture, and lighting control system

Abstract

To provide a lighting control unit and the like capable of easily changing an operation mode.SOLUTION: A lighting control unit 30a used being connected to the other lighting control unit 30b includes: first input terminals H1 and N1; a first control terminal LH1; and a first control circuit 60a that determines an operation mode of the lighting control unit 30a. The other lighting control unit 30b includes second input terminals H2 and N2, and a second control terminal LH2. Each of the first input terminals H1 and N1 and the first control terminal LH1 are connected to one of the second input terminal H2 and N2 and the second control terminal LH2. The first control circuit 60a is configured to detect a connection mode between the lighting control unit 30a and the other lighting control unit 30b and determines the operation mode of the lighting control unit 30a on the basis of the connection mode out of the multiple candidate operation modes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting control device, a lighting fixture, and a lighting control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, lighting systems equipped with multiple lighting fixtures are known (for example, Patent Document 1). In the lighting system described in Patent Document 1, when a human presence sensor of a parent lighting fixture detects a person, the parent lighting fixture turns on, and the child lighting fixtures connected to the parent lighting fixture also turn on in conjunction with the parent lighting fixture. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-212626 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a lighting system such as that described in Patent Document 1, the operation mode cannot be easily changed.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and provides a lighting control device and the like that can easily change operation modes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the lighting control device according to the present invention is a lighting control device that is used by being connected to another lighting control device, and includes a pair of first input terminals for inputting an AC voltage, a first control terminal different from the pair of first input terminals, and a first control circuit for determining an operation mode of the lighting control device. The other lighting control device includes a pair of second input terminals for inputting an AC voltage and a second control terminal different from the pair of second input terminals. Each of the pair of first input terminals and the first control terminal is connected to one of the pair of second input terminals and the second control terminal. The first control circuit detects a connection mode between the lighting control device and the other lighting control device, and determines the operation mode of the lighting control device from a plurality of candidate operation modes based on the connection mode.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the lighting fixture according to the present invention includes the lighting control device, a light source, and a lighting circuit to which the AC voltage is input to supply power to the light source.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the lighting control system according to the present invention includes the lighting control device and the other lighting control device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lighting control device or the like that can easily change the operation mode.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, processes (steps), order of processes, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional components.

[0012] Note that each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) A lighting control device, a lighting fixture, and a lighting control system according to the embodiment will be described.

[0014] [Overall Configuration] First, the overall configuration of the lighting control system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing the overall configuration of the lighting control system 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 also shows an AC power supply 12 together with the lighting control system 10.

[0015] The AC power supply 12 is a power supply that supplies AC power to the lighting control system 10, and is, for example, a utility power supply such as an external commercial power supply.

[0016] The lighting control system 10 is a system that controls a plurality of lighting fixtures, and includes a lighting control device 30a and another lighting control device 30b different from the lighting control device 30a. In the present embodiment, the lighting control system 10 includes lighting fixtures 20a and 20b. The lighting fixtures 20a and 20b are applied with an AC voltage from a single AC power supply 12 and are turned on and off in conjunction with each other. Note that the lighting control system 10 may further include a lighting fixture 20c. The lighting fixture 20c is connected to a first input terminal N1 and a first control terminal LH1 described later, and is turned on and off in conjunction with the lighting fixtures 20a and 20b.

[0017] The lighting fixture 20a includes a lighting control device 30a, a first lighting circuit 22a, and a first light source 28a. The lighting fixture 20b includes a lighting control device 30b, a second lighting circuit 22b, and a second light source 28b.

[0018] Each component of the lighting fixture 20a will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control device 30a according to the present embodiment.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control device 30a is a device that is connected to and used with another lighting control device 30b. As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting control device 30a includes a pair of first input terminals H1 and N1, a first control terminal LH1, and a first control circuit 60a. In the present embodiment, the lighting control device 30a further includes a first switch circuit 40a, a first detection circuit 50a, a resistance element 47a, a first sensor 70a, and a fuse 21a.

[0020] The pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 are terminals for inputting an AC voltage applied by the AC power supply 12. The effective value of the AC voltage input to the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 is, for example, 100V.

[0021] The first control terminal LH1 is a terminal connected to one of a pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 via the first switch circuit 40a. As shown in FIG. 2, the first control terminal LH1 is connected to the first input terminal H1 via the first switching element 41a.

[0022] The first switch circuit 40a is a circuit connected between one of a pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 and the first control terminal LH1, and switches the conduction state between one of a pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 and the first control terminal LH1. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first switch circuit 40a includes a first switching element 41a, a capacitor 42a, resistor elements 43a and 44a, an inductor 45a, and a photocoupler 46a.

[0023] The first switching element 41a is a switching element that is connected to one of a pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 and is subjected to on / off control. In the present embodiment, the first switching element 41a is connected to the first input terminal H1 via a fuse 21a. The first switching element 41a is a triac. The first switching element 41a switches from an off state to an on state when a signal is input to the gate terminal of the first switching element 41a, and switches to an off state when the current flowing through the first switching element 41a becomes zero. Specifically, from the time when a voltage is applied as a signal to the gate terminal of the first switching element 41a (that is, the time when the magnitude of the voltage of the signal input to the gate terminal becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value), until the current flowing through the first switching element 41a becomes zero, the first switching element 41a is maintained in an on state. From the time when the current flowing through the first switching element 41a becomes zero until a voltage is applied to the gate terminal of the first switching element 41a, the first switching element 41a is maintained in an off state. One main terminal of the first switching element 41a is connected to the first input terminal H1 via a fuse 21a, and the other main terminal is connected to the first control terminal LH1 via an inductor 45a. By controlling the on / off of the first switching element 41a (that is, by a so-called phase control method), the magnitude of the power that can be output from the first control terminal LH1 and the first input terminal N1 can be controlled.

[0024] The capacitor 42a and the resistor element 43a are elements for suppressing a surge input to the gate terminal of the first switching element 41a. The capacitor 42a and the resistor element 43a are connected in parallel between the gate terminal of the first switching element 41a and one main terminal. One terminal of each of the capacitor 42a and the resistor element 43a is connected to the first input terminal H1 via a fuse 21a.

[0025] The resistor element 44a is connected between the photocoupler 46a and the other main terminal of the first switching element 41a. In other words, the resistor element 44a is connected between the photocoupler 46a and the connection point of the first switching element 41a and the inductor 45a.

[0026] The inductor 45a is connected between the first switching element 41a and the first control terminal LH1. In other words, the inductor 45a and the first switching element 41a are connected in series between the first input terminal H1 and the first control terminal LH1.

[0027] The photocoupler 46a is a coupler having a light emitting diode and a phototriac. The phototriac of the photocoupler 46a is connected between the gate terminal of the first switching element 41a and the resistor element 44a. The light emitting diode of the photocoupler 46a is connected to the first control circuit 60a and emits light or turns off based on a signal from the first control circuit 60a.

[0028] The resistor element 47a is a resistor element connected in series to the first switching element 41a between one of the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 and the first switching element 41a. The resistor element 47a may be connected in series to the first switching element 41a between the first control terminal LH1 and the first switching element 41a. By providing such a resistor element 47a, the lighting control device 30a can suppress the fuse 21a from blowing due to a short circuit between the output terminals of the AC power supply 12 when the first switching element 41a is in the on state. That is, a failure of the lighting control device 30a can be suppressed.

[0029] The first detection circuit 50a is a circuit connected to the first control terminal LH1 and detects a control signal input to the first control terminal LH1. In the present embodiment, the first detection circuit 50a is connected between the first control terminal LH1 and the first input terminal N1 and detects a voltage applied between the first control terminal LH1 and the first input terminal N1. The first detection circuit 50a includes a diode bridge 51a, resistor elements 52a and 54a, a Zener diode 53a, and a photocoupler 55a.

[0030] The diode bridge 51a is a rectifier circuit connected between the first input terminal N1 and the first control terminal LH1. The two input terminals of the diode bridge 51a are respectively connected to the first input terminal N1 and the first control terminal LH1. The output terminal on the high potential side of the diode bridge 51a is connected to one terminal of the resistance element 52a, and the output terminal on the low potential side is connected to one terminal of the resistance element 54a.

[0031] One terminal of the resistance element 52a is connected to the output terminal on the high potential side of the diode bridge 51a, and the other terminal is connected to the cathode terminal of the Zener diode 53a.

[0032] The cathode terminal of the Zener diode 53a is connected to the resistance element 52a, and the anode terminal is connected to the resistance element 54a.

[0033] One terminal of the resistance element 54a is connected to the output terminal on the low potential side of the diode bridge 51a, and the other terminal is connected to the anode terminal of the Zener diode 53a.

[0034] The photocoupler 55a is a coupler having a light emitting diode and a phototransistor. The cathode terminal of the light emitting diode of the photocoupler 55a is connected to one terminal of the resistance element 54a, and the anode terminal is connected to the other terminal of the resistance element 54a. The phototransistor of the photocoupler 55a is connected to the first control circuit 60a and outputs a signal to the first control circuit 60a in response to the light from the light emitting diode.

[0035] By having the above configuration, when the magnitude (absolute value) of the voltage between the first input terminal N1 and the first control terminal LH1 becomes larger than a predetermined value, the first detection circuit 50a outputs a signal to the first control circuit 60a. In other words, the first detection circuit detects a control signal in which the magnitude of the voltage input to the first control terminal LH1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and outputs a signal to the first control circuit 60a according to the detected control signal.

[0036] The first control circuit 60a is a circuit that determines the operation mode of the lighting control device 30a. The first control circuit 60a detects the connection mode between the lighting control device 30a and another lighting control device 30b, and based on the connection mode, determines the operation mode of the lighting control device 30a from among a plurality of candidate operation modes. The plurality of candidate operation modes includes a first operation mode and a second operation mode different from the first operation mode. In the present embodiment, the first control circuit 60a controls the first switching element 41a of the first switch circuit 40a. More specifically, the first control circuit 60a performs on / off control of the first switching element 41a. The first control circuit 60a can be realized, for example, by a microcomputer. A microcomputer is a one-chip semiconductor integrated circuit having a memory such as a ROM and a RAM in which a program is stored, a processor (CPU; Central Processing Unit) that executes the program, a timer, and an input / output circuit including an A / D converter, a D / A converter, and the like. Note that the first control circuit 60a may be realized using an electric circuit other than a microcomputer. The detailed operation of the first control circuit 60a will be described later.

[0037] The first sensor 70a is a sensor that detects the state around the lighting control device 30a. In the present embodiment, the first sensor 70a includes a human presence sensor and an illuminance sensor. The first sensor 70a outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the first control circuit 60a. Thereby, for example, when the human presence sensor included in the first sensor 70a detects a person, the lighting control device 30a can turn on the first light source 28a by the first control circuit 60a controlling the first lighting circuit 22a. Also, the lighting control device 30a can turn on the first light source 28a only when it detects that the surroundings of the lighting control device 30a are dark based on the illuminance sensor included in the first sensor 70a.

[0038] The fuse 21a is a current interrupting element that is connected to one of a pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 and suppresses an overcurrent from flowing through the lighting fixture 20a. The fuse 21a interrupts the current when a current of a magnitude equal to or greater than a predetermined value is input for a predetermined time or longer. In the present embodiment, the fuse 21a is connected to the first input terminal H1.

[0039] The first lighting circuit 22a is an example of a lighting circuit that supplies power to the first light source 28a when an AC voltage is input. The first lighting circuit 22a receives an AC voltage from the first input terminals H1 and N1. The first lighting circuit 22a is connected to the first input terminal H1 via the fuse 21a and is also connected to the first input terminal N1. In the present embodiment, the operation of the first lighting circuit 22a is controlled by the first control circuit 60a. As shown in FIG. 2, the first lighting circuit 22a includes a filter circuit 23, a rectifier circuit 24, and a power supply circuit 25.

[0040] The filter circuit 23 is a circuit that suppresses noise generated by the power supply circuit 25 from flowing out to the AC power supply 12, which is a commercial power system.

[0041] The rectifier circuit 24 is a circuit that rectifies the AC voltage input to the first lighting circuit 22a. In the present embodiment, the rectifier circuit 24 rectifies the AC voltage output from the filter circuit 23. The rectifier circuit 24 includes, for example, a diode bridge.

[0042] The power supply circuit 25 is a converter circuit that converts the rectified voltage output from the rectifier circuit 24 into a DC voltage suitable for the first light source 28a. The power supply circuit 25 includes, for example, a buck chopper circuit. The power supply circuit 25 is controlled by the first control circuit 60a. For example, the switching element of the converter circuit included in the power supply circuit 25 is turned on and off by the first control circuit 60a. Note that the power supply circuit 25 may include a boost chopper circuit.

[0043] The first light source 28a is an example of a light source that emits light when power is supplied from the first lighting circuit 22a. In the present embodiment, the first light source 28a includes a light emitting element and is supplied with direct current power. As the light emitting element included in the first light source 28a, for example, a solid light emitting element such as an LED or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element can be used.

[0044] Each component of the lighting fixture 20b will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control device 30b according to the present embodiment.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control device 30b is a device that is connected and used with another lighting control device 30a. As shown in FIG. 3, the lighting control device 30b includes a pair of second input terminals H2 and N2, a second control terminal LH2, and a second control circuit 60b. In the present embodiment, the lighting control device 30b further includes a second switch circuit 40b, a second detection circuit 50b, a resistance element 47b, a second sensor 70b, and a fuse 21b. The pair of second input terminals H2 and N2, the second control terminal LH2, the second switch circuit 40b, the second detection circuit 50b, the second control circuit 60b, the resistance element 47b, the second sensor 70b, and the fuse 21b each have the same configuration as the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1, the first control terminal LH1, the first switch circuit 40a, the first detection circuit 50a, the first control circuit 60a, the resistance element 47a, the first sensor 70a, and the fuse 21a shown in FIG. 2. Hereinafter, each component of the lighting control device 30b will be briefly described.

[0046] The pair of second input terminals H2 and N2 are terminals for inputting an AC voltage applied by the AC power supply 12.

[0047] The second control terminal LH2 is a terminal connected to one of the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2 via the second switch circuit 40b. As shown in FIG. 3, the second control terminal LH2 is connected to the second input terminal H2 via the second switching element 41b.

[0048] The second switch circuit 40b is connected between one of a pair of second input terminals H2 and N2 and the second control terminal LH2, and is a circuit that switches the conduction state between one of the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2 and the second control terminal LH2. As shown in FIG. 3, the second switch circuit 40b includes a second switching element 41b, a capacitor 42b, resistor elements 43b and 44b, an inductor 45b, and a photocoupler 46b. The second switching element 41b, the capacitor 42b, the resistor elements 43b and 44b, the inductor 45b, and the photocoupler 46b each have the same configuration as the first switching element 41a, the capacitor 42a, the resistor elements 43a and 44a, the inductor 45a, and the photocoupler 46a shown in FIG. 2.

[0049] The second detection circuit 50b shown in FIG. 3 is a circuit connected to the second control terminal LH2 and detects a control signal input to the second control terminal LH2. In the present embodiment, the second detection circuit 50b is connected between the second control terminal LH2 and the second input terminal N2 and detects a voltage applied between the second control terminal LH2 and the second input terminal N2. The second detection circuit 50b includes a diode bridge 51b, resistor elements 52b and 54b, a Zener diode 53b, and a photocoupler 55b. The diode bridge 51b, the resistor elements 52b and 54b, the Zener diode 53b, and the photocoupler 55b each have the same configuration as the diode bridge 51a, the resistor elements 52a and 54a, the Zener diode 53a, and the photocoupler 55a shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] The resistor element 47b is a resistor element connected in series with the second switching element 41b between one of the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2 and the second switching element 41b. The resistor element 47b may be connected in series with the second switching element 41b between the second control terminal LH2 and the second switching element 41b. By including such a resistor element 47b, the lighting control device 30b can suppress the fuse 21b from blowing due to a short circuit between the output terminals of the AC power supply 12 when the second switching element 41b is in the on state. That is, a failure of the lighting control device 30b can be suppressed.

[0051] With the above configuration, when the magnitude (absolute value) of the voltage between the second input terminal N2 and the second control terminal LH2 becomes greater than a predetermined value, the second detection circuit 50b outputs a signal to the second control circuit 60b. In other words, the second detection circuit detects a control signal in which the magnitude of the voltage input to the second control terminal LH2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and outputs a signal to the second control circuit 60b according to the detected control signal.

[0052] The second control circuit 60b shown in FIG. 3 is a circuit that determines the operation mode of the lighting control device 30b. The second control circuit 60b detects the connection mode between the lighting control device 30b and another lighting control device 30a, and determines the operation mode of the lighting control device 30b from among a plurality of candidate operation modes based on the connection mode. In the present embodiment, the second switching element 41b of the second switch circuit 40b is controlled. More specifically, the second control circuit 60b performs on / off control of the second switching element 41b.

[0053] The second sensor 70b is a sensor that detects the state around the lighting control device 30b. In the present embodiment, the second sensor 70b includes a human presence sensor and an illuminance sensor.

[0054] The fuse 21b is connected to one of the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2, and is a current interrupting element that suppresses an overcurrent from flowing through the lighting fixture 20b. In the present embodiment, the fuse 21b is connected to the second input terminal H2.

[0055] The second lighting circuit 22b is an example of a lighting circuit that receives an AC voltage and supplies power to the second light source 28b. The second lighting circuit 22b receives an AC voltage from the second input terminals H2 and N2. The second lighting circuit 22b is connected to the second input terminal H2 via the fuse 21b, and is also connected to the second input terminal N2. In this embodiment, the operation of the second lighting circuit 22b is controlled by the second control circuit 60b. As shown in FIG. 3, the second lighting circuit 22b has a filter circuit 23, a rectifier circuit 24, and a power supply circuit 25. The filter circuit 23, the rectifier circuit 24, and the power supply circuit 25 have the same configurations as the filter circuit 23, the rectifier circuit 24, and the power supply circuit 25 shown in FIG. 2, respectively.

[0056] The second light source 28b is an example of a light source that emits light by receiving power from the second lighting circuit 22b. In the present embodiment, the second light source 28b includes a light-emitting element and is supplied with DC power. The second light source 28b may have a similar configuration to the first light source 28a, or may have a different configuration.

[0057] With the above configuration, for example, when the human sensor of the first sensor 70a detects a person, the first control circuit 60a of the lighting control device 30a can control the on / off of the first switching element 41a. Accordingly, a control signal is input from the first control terminal LH1 to the second control terminal LH2 of the lighting control device 30b. The second detection circuit 50b detects the control signal input to the second control terminal LH2 and outputs a signal to the second control circuit 60b. The second control circuit 60b controls the second lighting circuit 22b to turn on the second light source 28b. In this way, according to the lighting control system 10 of the present embodiment, the first light source 28a and the second light source 28b can be turned on in conjunction with each other. Note that the on / off control of the first switching element 41a may be stopped at a predetermined time after the human sensor of the first sensor 70a no longer detects a person. The predetermined time may be, for example, about 5 seconds.

[0058] [Lighting control system operation] The operation of the lighting control system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5. FIGS. 4 and 5 are circuit diagrams showing an example of the connection mode of the lighting control system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, each of the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1, and the first control terminal LH1 is connected to one of the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2, and the second control terminal LH2.

[0060] In the connection mode shown in FIG. 1, the first input terminal H1 and the second input terminal H2 are connected, the first input terminal N1 and the second input terminal N2 are connected, and the first control terminal LH1 and the second control terminal LH2 are connected. In this case, unless at least one of the first switching element 41a of the first switch circuit 40a and the second switching element 41b of the second switch circuit 40b is turned on, no control signal is input to the first control terminal LH1 and the second control terminal LH2. Therefore, the first control circuit 60a detects that it is in the connection mode shown in FIG. 1 when the first switching element 41a and the second switching element 41b are in the off state and no control signal is input to the first control terminal LH1. In the present embodiment, the first control circuit 60a detects the state of the second switching element 41b based on the elapsed time from the start of input of the AC voltage. Specifically, from the start of input of the AC voltage to the lighting control devices 30a and 30b, during an off time greater than zero, the first control circuit 60a maintains the first switching element 41a in the off state, and the second control circuit 60b maintains the second switching element 41b in the off state. That is, if the elapsed time from the start of input of the AC voltage is less than the off time, the first switching element 41a and the second switching element 41b are maintained in the off state. The first control circuit 60a can simultaneously detect the state of the second switching element 41b and the presence or absence of input of the control signal by detecting the presence or absence of detection of the control signal in the first detection circuit 50a at an off detection time when the elapsed time from the start of input of the AC voltage is a time less than the off time. Similarly to the first control circuit 60a, the second control circuit 60b can also simultaneously detect the state of the first switching element 41a and the presence or absence of input of the control signal. Thereby, the first control circuit 60a and the second control circuit 60b can each detect that it is in the connection mode shown in FIG. 1 when the elapsed time from the start of input of the AC voltage is less than the off time and no control signal is input to the first control terminal LH1 and the second control terminal LH2. The length of the off time is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the off time is 2 seconds. Also, the off detection time may be any time greater than or equal to 0 and less than the off time. For example, the first control circuit 60a checks the presence or absence of detection of the control signal in the first detection circuit 50a immediately after the first control circuit 60a is activated.At this time, the off detection time is approximately 0 seconds.

[0061] When the first control circuit 60a and the second control circuit 60b detect the connection state shown in FIG. 1, they determine the operation mode of the lighting control devices 30a and 30b to be the second operation mode, which is a normal operation mode. In the second operation mode, for example, the first control circuit 60a continuously turns on or off the first light source 28a in response to the input of a signal from the first sensor 70a. When turning on the first light source 28a, the first control circuit 60a inputs a control signal to the second control terminal LH2 by controlling the first switching element 41a to be on or off. In response to this, the second control circuit 60b detects that the control signal has been input to the second control terminal LH2 and turns on the second light source 28b. This allows the second light source 28b to be turned on in conjunction with the first light source 28a.

[0062] In addition, when the first control circuit 60a detects that a control signal has been input to the first control terminal LH1, it determines that the lighting control device 30b has turned on the second light source 28b, and continuously turns on the first light source 28a.

[0063] In the connection mode shown in FIG. 4, the first input terminal H1 and the second input terminal N2 are connected, the first input terminal N1 and the second input terminal H2 are connected, and the first control terminal LH1 and the second control terminal LH2 are connected. In the case of such a connection mode, when an AC voltage is applied to each input terminal, an AC current flows through a path shown by a thick dashed line in FIG. 4, so that the first detection circuit 50a detects a control signal and outputs a signal to the first control circuit 60a. In this embodiment, the first control circuit 60a that receives this signal determines the operation mode of the lighting control device 30a from among a plurality of candidate operation modes based on the detection of the control signal and the state of the second switching element 41b. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first control circuit 60a detects that the second switching element 41b is in an OFF state. The second control circuit 60b also detects that the control signal has been detected and that the second switching element 41b is in an OFF state, similar to the first control circuit 60a.

[0064] In the connection mode shown in FIG. 5, the first input terminal H1 and the second input terminal H2 are connected, the first input terminal N1 and the second control terminal LH2 are connected, and the first control terminal LH1 and the second input terminal N2 are connected. In such a connection mode, when an alternating voltage is applied to each input terminal, an alternating current flows along the path indicated by the thick dashed line in FIG. 5. Note that the input terminals of the filter circuit 23 included in the first lighting circuit 22a are connected via at least one of a capacitor and an inductor. Therefore, an alternating current can flow between the input terminals of the first lighting circuit 22a.

[0065] As described above, when the current flows, the first detection circuit 50a detects a control signal and outputs a signal to the first control circuit 60a. In the present embodiment, upon receiving this signal, the first control circuit 60a determines the operation mode of the lighting control device 30a from among a plurality of candidate operation modes based on the detection of the control signal and the state of the second switching element 41b. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first control circuit 60a detects that the second switching element 41b is in the off state.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the path indicated by the thick dashed line, an alternating current also flows along the path passing through the first input terminal H1, the first lighting circuit 22a, the first input terminal N1, the second control terminal LH2, the second detection circuit 50b, and the second input terminal N2. Therefore, the second detection circuit 50b also detects a control signal and outputs a signal to the second control circuit 60b. The second control circuit 60b detects that a control signal has been input to the second control terminal LH2 and that the first switching element 41a is in the off state.

[0067] As described above, the first control circuit 60a detects that a control signal has been detected at the first control terminal LH1 and that the second switching element 41b is in the off state. Further, the second control circuit 60b detects that a control signal has been detected at the second control terminal LH2 and that the first switching element 41a is in the off state. In this case, the first control circuit 60a and the second control circuit 60b detect that the lighting control system 10 is in the connection mode shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5.

[0068] In this case, the first control circuit 60a and the second control circuit 60b determine the operation modes of the lighting control devices 30a and 30b to be a first operation mode different from the second operation mode. The first operation mode is a candidate operation mode for maintaining the first switching element 41a and the second switching element 41b in the off state. Thereby, for example, in the connection mode shown in FIG. 4, the current flowing from the AC power supply 12 can be suppressed in the path passing through the first input terminal H1, the fuse 21a, the resistance element 47a, the first switch circuit 40a, the first control terminal LH1, the second control terminal LH2, the second switch circuit 40b, the resistance element 47b, the fuse 21b, and the second input terminal H2. In the connection mode shown in FIG. 5, the current flowing from the AC power supply 12 can be suppressed in the path passing through the first input terminal H1, the fuse 21a, the resistance element 47a, the first switch circuit 40a, and the first control terminal LH1. Therefore, the power consumption in the lighting control system 10 can be reduced. Further, when the lighting control devices 30a and 30b do not include the resistance elements 47a and 47b, respectively, it is possible to suppress the short circuit of the output terminal of the AC power supply 12 through the path. Thereby, the failure of the lighting control devices 30a and 30b due to the fusing of the fuses 21a and 21b can be suppressed.

[0069] Also, in the first operation mode, the lighting control devices 30a and 30b do not turn on (and off) each light source in conjunction with each other. Therefore, the first operation mode is effective when performing a lighting test on only one of the lighting fixtures 20a and 20b.

[0070] As described above, according to the lighting control devices 30a and 30b according to the present embodiment, the operation mode can be easily changed only by changing the connection mode.

[0071] In the first control circuit 60a of the lighting control device 30a according to the present embodiment, in the first operation mode, by controlling the first lighting circuit 22a, among a plurality of candidate operation modes, the first light source 28a may be lit in a lighting mode different from the lighting mode of the first light source 28a in the candidate operation modes other than the first operation mode. Hereinafter, an example of the lighting mode of the first light source 28a in the first operation mode will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of the lighting mode of the first light source 28a in the first operation mode according to the present embodiment. The horizontal axis of FIG. 6 represents time. The vertical axis of FIG. 6 represents the brightness (i.e., luminance) of the first light source 28a. The brightness on the vertical axis of FIG. 6 represents the ratio (%) to the rated brightness of the first light source 28a.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, in the first operation mode, the first control circuit 60a controls the first lighting circuit 22a to periodically change the brightness of the first light source 28a at a brightness of 50% or less of the rated brightness of the first light source 28a. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first light source 28a is continuously lit, and the brightness of the first light source 28a is periodically changed. More specifically, the first control circuit 60a lights the first light source 28a at a brightness of 30% of the rated value for 0.1 second, then lights it at a brightness of 5% of the rated value for 0.1 second, then lights it at a brightness of 30% of the rated value for 0.1 second, and then lights it at a brightness of 5% of the rated value for 0.7 second. The first control circuit 60a repeats this operation. That is, the first control circuit 60a changes the brightness of the first light source 28a at a cycle of 1 second.

[0073] On the other hand, in the second operation mode which is a normal operation mode, the first control circuit 60a lights the first light source 28a continuously and at a constant brightness, for example. In this way, by making the lighting modes different between the first operation mode and the second operation mode, the user can grasp the connection mode of the lighting control system 10. Further, by setting the brightness of the first light source 28a in the first operation mode to 50% or less of the rated brightness, the power consumption in the first operation mode can be reduced. Note that the brightness of the first light source 28a in the first operation mode may be set to 30% or less of the rated brightness. Thereby, the power consumption in the first operation mode can be further reduced.

[0074] The lighting mode in the first operation mode is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6. For example, the lighting mode in the first operation mode may be a lighting mode for security that intermittently lights at a constant period with a brightness close to the rated brightness of the first light source 28a (for example, a brightness of 80% or more of the rated brightness).

[0075] Also, in the first operation mode, the first light source 28a may be blinked in a predetermined blinking pattern, and information such as the manufacturing date and identification number of the lighting control device 30a may be indicated by the blinking pattern.

[0076] Also, in the first operation mode, the first light source 28a may be continuously lit without depending on the signal from the first sensor 70a. Furthermore, the dimming level of the first light source 28a may be changed stepwise or continuously according to the elapsed time.

[0077] Also, in the first operation mode, when the first sensor 70a detects a person, the lighting time of the first light source 28a may be made shorter than the lighting time in the second operation mode. Thereby, adjustments such as the detection range of the first sensor 70a can be made in a shorter time than when the lighting control device 30a is operated in the second operation mode.

[0078] [Flow of operation of lighting control device] The flow of operation of the lighting control device 30a in the lighting control system 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation after the AC voltage is input to the lighting control device 30a according to the present embodiment.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 7, first, an AC voltage is input to the lighting control system 10 (S10). Along with this, the supply of power to the first control circuit 60a is started. Here, initialization processing such as initialization of the input terminals of the first control circuit 60a may be performed.

[0080] Subsequently, the first control circuit 60a determines whether a control signal has been input to the first control terminal LH1 before the off-time has elapsed since the start of the input of the AC voltage (S20). Specifically, the first control circuit 60a determines whether a control signal has been input to the first control terminal LH1 based on the presence or absence of a signal input from the first detection circuit 50a at an off-detection time when the elapsed time since the start of the input of the AC voltage is a time less than the off-time.

[0081] When the first control circuit 60a determines that no control signal has been input (No in S20), the first control circuit 60a determines the operation mode to be the second operation mode, which is the normal mode (S40). Specifically, in the second operation mode, the first control circuit 60a continuously turns on or off the first light source 28a in response to the input of a signal from the first sensor 70a. Also, when it is determined that the lighting control device 30b has turned on the second light source 28b when a control signal is input to the first control terminal LH1, the first light source 28a is continuously turned on. Note that a standby period for stabilizing various sensors included in the first sensor 70a may be provided before starting the operation in the second operation mode.

[0082] On the other hand, when the first control circuit 60a determines that a control signal has been input (Yes in S20), the first control circuit 60a determines the operation mode to be the first operation mode (S30).

[0083] As described above, in the lighting control device 30a, the operation mode can be easily changed only by changing the connection mode.

[0084] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the lighting control device 30a according to the present embodiment is used by being connected to another lighting control device 30b. The lighting control device 30a includes a pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 for inputting an AC voltage, and a first control terminal LH1 different from the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1. The lighting control device 30a further includes a first control circuit 60a that determines the operation mode of the lighting control device 30a. Another lighting control device 30b includes a pair of second input terminals H2 and N2 for inputting an AC voltage, and a second control terminal LH2 different from the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2. Each of the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 and the first control terminal LH1 is connected to one of the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2 and the second control terminal LH2. The first control circuit 60a detects the connection mode between the lighting control device 30a and another lighting control device 30b, and determines the operation mode of the lighting control device 30a from a plurality of candidate operation modes based on the connection mode.

[0085] Accordingly, in the lighting control device 30a, the operation mode can be easily changed only by changing the connection mode.

[0086] Further, in the lighting control device 30a, the plurality of candidate operation modes may include a first operation mode and a second operation mode different from the first operation mode. The first control circuit 60a may determine the operation mode of the lighting control device 30a to be the second operation mode when one of the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 is connected to one of the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2, and the other of the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 is connected to the other of the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2. The first control circuit 60a may determine the operation mode of the lighting control device 30a to be the first operation mode when one of the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 is connected to the other of the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2, and the other of the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 is connected to one of the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2.

[0087] By changing the connection mode between the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 and the pair of second input terminals H2 and N2, the operation mode of the lighting control device 30a can be easily changed.

[0088] Further, the lighting control device 30a may further include a first switching element 41a that is connected to one of the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 and is on / off controlled. The first control terminal LH1 may be connected to one of the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 via the first switching element 41a. Also, the first control circuit 60a may control the first switching element 41a.

[0089] This enables the other lighting control device 30b to operate in conjunction with the lighting control device 30a.

[0090] Further, the lighting control device 30a may further include a resistance element 47a connected in series with the first switching element 41a between one of the pair of first input terminals H1 and N1 and the first switching element 41a, or between the first control terminal LH1 and the first switching element 41a.

[0091] This can suppress the short - circuit between the output terminals of the AC power supply 12 when the first switching element 41a is in the on state. That is, the failure of the lighting control device 30a can be suppressed.

[0092] Also, the plurality of candidate operation modes may include a candidate operation mode in which the first switching element 41a is maintained in the off state.

[0093] This can suppress the short - circuit between the output terminals of the AC power supply 12 when the first switching element 41a is in the on state. That is, the failure of the lighting control device 30a can be suppressed. Also, the power consumption in the circuit passing through the first switching element 41a can be reduced.

[0094] Further, the lighting control device 30a may further include a first detection circuit 50a connected to the first control terminal LH1, and the first detection circuit 50a may detect a control signal input to the first control terminal LH1.

[0095] Thereby, since the control signal input to the first control terminal LH1 can be detected, it becomes possible to determine the operation mode and to perform interlocking of the lighting control devices 30a and 30b.

[0096] Further, the lighting fixture 20a may include the lighting control device 30a, a first light source 28a, and a first lighting circuit 22a to which an AC voltage is input and which supplies power to the first light source 28a.

[0097] Thereby, installers of the lighting control system 10 and the like can notice miswiring of the lighting control system 10.

[0098] Further, the plurality of candidate operation modes may include a candidate operation mode in which the brightness of the first light source 28a is periodically changed at a brightness of 50% or less of the rated brightness of the first light source 28a.

[0099] In this way, by varying the lighting mode according to the candidate operation mode, the user can grasp the connection mode of the lighting control device 30a. Further, by setting the brightness of the first light source 28a at the time of lighting to 50% or less of the rated brightness, power consumption can be reduced.

[0100] Further, the lighting control system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a lighting control device 30a and another lighting control device 30b.

[0101] Thereby, it is possible to realize a lighting control system 10 in which the operation mode can be easily changed.

[0102] (Modification example, etc.) As described above, the lighting control devices 30a and 30b according to the present invention have been described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0103] For example, the lighting control device 30a includes the first sensor 70a, but it is not necessarily required to include it. For example, the first sensor 70a may be provided outside the lighting control device 30a in the lighting fixture 20a. The same applies to the lighting control device 30b.

[0104] Also, the lighting control devices 30a and 30b each include the resistance elements 47a and 47b, but they are not necessarily required to include them. For example, when the lighting control device 30a does not include the resistance element 47a, the lighting fixture connected between the first input terminal N1 and the first control terminal LH1 can be controlled by on / off controlling the first switching element 41a of the first switch circuit 40a.

[0105] Also, the lighting control devices 30a and 30b each include the first switch circuit 40a and the second switch circuit 40b, but they are not necessarily required to include them. That is, the between the first input terminal H1 and the first control terminal LH1, and between the second input terminal H2 and the second control terminal LH2 may be in a non-conductive state at all times.

[0106] Also, in the above embodiment, the first control circuit 60a and the second control circuit 60b detected the states of the first switching element 41a and the second switching element 41b respectively based on the elapsed time from the start of the input of the AC voltage. However, the mode of detecting the state of each switching element is not limited to this. For example, the second control circuit 60b may transmit a signal indicating the state of the second switching element 41b to the first control circuit 60a, and the first control circuit 60a may detect the state of the second switching element 41b based on the signal. Also, the first control circuit 60a may transmit a signal indicating the state of the first switching element 41a to the second control circuit 60b, and the second control circuit 60b may detect the state of the first switching element 41a based on the signal. Also, the transmission path of such a signal is not particularly limited. Such a signal may be transmitted by wireless communication or by wired communication using a signal line connecting the first control circuit 60a and the second control circuit 60b.

[0107] In addition, forms obtained by applying various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to each embodiment, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0108] 10 Lighting control system 20a, 20b Lighting fixtures 22a First lighting circuit 22b Second lighting circuit 28a First light source 28b Second light source 30a, 30b Lighting control devices 41a First switching element 41b Second switching element 47a, 47b Resistance elements 50a First detection circuit 50b Second detection circuit 60a First control circuit 60b Second control circuit H1, N1 First input terminals H2, N2 Second input terminals LH1 First control terminal LH2 Second control terminal

Claims

1. A lighting control device used in connection with another lighting control device, comprising: a pair of first input terminals for inputting an AC voltage; a first control terminal different from the pair of first input terminals; a first control circuit for determining an operation mode of the lighting control device, wherein the other lighting control device comprises: a pair of second input terminals for inputting an AC voltage; a second control terminal different from the pair of second input terminals, wherein each of the pair of first input terminals and the first control terminal is connected to one of the pair of second input terminals and the second control terminal; the first control circuit detects a connection mode between the lighting control device and the other lighting control device, and determines the operation mode of the lighting control device from among a plurality of candidate operation modes based on the connection mode. A lighting control device.

2. The plurality of candidate operation modes include a first operation mode and a second operation mode different from the first operation mode, wherein when one of the pair of first input terminals is connected to one of the pair of second input terminals and the other of the pair of first input terminals is connected to the other of the pair of second input terminals, the first control circuit determines the operation mode of the lighting control device to be the second operation mode; and when one of the pair of first input terminals is connected to the other of the pair of second input terminals and the other of the pair of first input terminals is connected to one of the pair of second input terminals, the first control circuit determines the operation mode of the lighting control device to be the first operation mode. The lighting control device according to Claim 1.

3. The lighting control device further comprises a first switching element connected to one of the pair of first input terminals and controlled to be turned on and off, wherein the first control terminal is connected to one of the pair of first input terminals via the first switching element, and the first control circuit controls the first switching element. The lighting control device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The lighting control device further comprises a resistance element connected in series with the first switching element between one of the pair of first input terminals and the first switching element or between the first control terminal and the first switching element. The lighting control device according to Claim 3.

5. The plurality of candidate operation modes include a candidate operation mode for maintaining the first switching element in an off state. The lighting control device according to Claim 3 or 4.

6. The lighting control device further comprises a first detection circuit connected to the first control terminal. The first detection circuit detects a control signal input to the first control terminal. The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a light source, and a lighting circuit to which the AC voltage is input and which supplies power to the light source. Lighting fixture.

8. The plurality of candidate operation modes include a candidate operation mode in which the brightness of the light source is periodically changed at a brightness of 50% or less of the rated brightness of the light source. The lighting fixture according to claim 7.

9. The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the other lighting control device. Lighting control system.

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