Lighting devices and lighting fixtures

Abstract

To provide a lighting device capable of handling both analog signals and digital signals.SOLUTION: A lighting device A1 includes a first signal receiving unit 11, a second signal receiving unit 12, an electric power supply unit 2, and a control unit 3. The first signal-receiving unit 11 can receive digital signals. The second signal-receiving unit 12 can receive analog signals. The electric power supply unit 2 supplies electric power to an LED module 4. The control unit 3 controls the electric power supply unit 2 to adjust the electric power to be supplied to the LED module 4. The control unit 3 is configured to execute selectively a first control operation to adjust the electric power according to a digital signal received by the first signal-receiving unit 11 and second control operation to adjust the electric power according to an analog signal received by the second signal receiving unit 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting device and a lighting fixture, and more particularly to a remotely controllable lighting device and a lighting fixture including the lighting device.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional example, a dimming control device (lighting device) described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The dimming control device described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as a conventional example) includes a signal selection circuit that selects one of two types of dimming signals, and a control circuit that controls a light source circuit according to one dimming signal selected by the signal selection circuit. The two types of dimming signals are a PWM (pulse width modulation) signal input from a dimmer and a two-stage voltage signal corresponding to on / off of a relay. The signal selection circuit includes a first conversion circuit that integrates the PWM signal with an integration circuit and converts it into a DC voltage having a voltage value corresponding to the duty ratio of the PWM signal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the field of lighting control, there are cases where a lighting load (lighting fixture) is remotely controlled using a digital signal. However, since both of the two types of dimming signals in the conventional example are processed as analog signals, they cannot support remote control by a digital signal.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting device and a lighting fixture that can support both analog signals and digital signals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lighting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first signal receiving unit capable of receiving a digital signal, a second signal receiving unit capable of receiving an analog signal, a power supply unit that supplies power to a lighting load, and a control unit that controls the power supply unit to adjust the power supplied to the lighting load. The control unit selectively performs a first control operation that adjusts the power in accordance with the digital signal received by the first signal receiving unit, and a second control operation that adjusts the power in accordance with the analog signal received by the second signal receiving unit. The first signal receiving unit converts the received digital signal into a communication signal for serial communication and outputs it to the control unit. The second signal receiving unit outputs a voltage signal obtained by smoothing the received analog signal to the control unit. When the power is turned on and the control unit starts operating, if the communication signal is input from the first signal receiving unit, the control unit executes the first control operation. If the communication signal is not input from the first signal receiving unit, the control unit executes the first control operation if the communication signal is input at least once after the power is turned on, and executes the second control operation if the communication signal is not input at all.

[0007] A lighting fixture according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a lighting device, a lighting load that is lit by the lighting device, and a fixture body that holds the lighting load. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The lighting device and lighting fixture of this disclosure have the effect of being able to handle both analog and digital signals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the waveform of the DMX signal in the same lighting device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the waveforms of the PWM signal and voltage signal in the same lighting device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the lighting device described above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, lighting devices and luminaires according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.

[0011] (1) Overview The lighting device A1 according to this embodiment includes a first signal receiving unit 11, a second signal receiving unit 12, a power supply unit 2, and a control unit 3 (see Figure 1).

[0012] The first signal receiving unit 11 is capable of receiving digital signals. The digital signals received by the first signal receiving unit 11 are, for example, digital signals conforming to standards such as DALI (registered trademark) (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) or DMX (Digital Multiplex) 512A. However, the digital signals may also be digital signals conforming to communication standards other than DALI (registered trademark) and DMX 512A.

[0013] The second signal receiving unit 12 is capable of receiving analog signals. The analog signal received by the second signal receiving unit 12 is, for example, a PWM (pulse width modulation) signal. However, the analog signal may also be a voltage signal with a variable voltage or a current signal with a variable current.

[0014] The power supply unit 2 supplies power to the lighting load (LED module 4). However, the lighting load may be other lighting loads besides the LED module 4, such as organic electroluminescent elements or laser diodes.

[0015] The control unit 3 controls the power supply unit 2 to adjust the power (current) supplied to the LED module 4. For example, the control unit 3 dims the LED module 4 by increasing or decreasing the power (current) per unit time supplied from the power supply unit 2 to the LED module 4.

[0016] In addition, the control unit 3 alternatively executes a first control operation of adjusting the power (current) according to the digital signal received by the first signal receiving unit 11 and a second control operation of adjusting the power (current) according to the analog signal received by the second signal receiving unit 12.

[0017] Thus, when the first signal receiving unit 11 of the lighting device A1 according to the embodiment receives a digital signal, the control unit 3 is made to perform the first control operation to adjust the power (current) supplied from the power supply unit 2 to light and dim the LED module 4. Also, when the second signal receiving unit 12 of the lighting device A1 according to the embodiment receives an analog signal, the control unit 3 is made to perform the second control operation to adjust the power (current) supplied from the power supply unit 2 to light and dim the LED module 4. As a result, the lighting device A1 according to the embodiment has the advantage of being able to respond to both analog and digital signals.

[0018] The lighting fixture B1 according to the embodiment includes the lighting device A1 according to the embodiment, a lighting load (LED module 4) lit by the lighting device A1 according to the embodiment, and a fixture body 5 that holds the LED module 4 (see figure 5 reference).

[0019] The lighting fixture B1 according to the embodiment is a floodlight for performing floodlighting installed in an outdoor stadium or the like. However, the lighting fixture B1 according to the embodiment may be a lighting fixture for outdoor lighting other than a floodlight or a lighting fixture for indoor lighting.

[0020] Thus, since the lighting fixture B1 according to the embodiment includes the lighting device A1 according to the embodiment, it has the advantage of being able to respond to both analog and digital signals.

[0021] (2) Details of the lighting device according to the embodiment The lighting device A1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as the lighting device A1) includes a first signal receiving unit 11, a second signal receiving unit 12, a power supply unit 2, and a control unit 3 as described above (see FIG. 1).

[0022] (2-1) First signal receiving unit The first signal receiving unit 11 can receive a digital signal compliant with the DMX512A communication standard as a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as a DMX signal). The DMX signal received by the first signal receiving unit 11 is transmitted from a DMX controller via a DMX cable.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a waveform diagram of the DMX signal. The DMX signal (DMX packet) is provided with a mark before break (MBB) time in which a HIGH state continues for a predetermined time at its start position. After the MBB, the DMX signal is provided with a break time in which a LOW state continues for a predetermined time, and after the break time, a mark after break (MAB) time for distinguishing between a break and a start code is provided. Then, after the MAB time, a start bit, a start code, a stop bit are followed, and a plurality (512) of data areas (slots) are provided. The 512 slots correspond one-to-one to 512 channels, and can store 8-bit control data per channel.

[0024] For the control of lighting fixtures corresponding to DMX512A, usually, a plurality of channels are required. For example, one channel is used for switching on and off the lighting fixture, and one channel is used for specifying the dimming ratio of the lighting fixture. However, if configured to instruct rated lighting at a dimming ratio of 0% and turning off at a dimming ratio of 100% as described later, it is also possible to control the switching on and off of the lighting fixture and the dimming ratio with one channel.

[0025] When controlling multiple lighting fixtures, each fixture is assigned an address (any value between 001 and 512). The address (also called the start address) indicates the number of the first channel used to control each lighting fixture. For example, a lighting fixture with a start address of "001" reads control data from the first channel (the first channel) of the DMX signal to the required number of channels (e.g., the second channel) as control data addressed to itself. Thus, DMX signals can transmit control data to multiple lighting fixtures connected in a daisy-chain configuration using a single DMX cable.

[0026] The first signal receiving unit 11 converts the received DMX signal into another digital signal, for example, a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) signal. The first signal receiving unit 11 sequentially converts the DMX signal into a baseband signal (a binary signal of HIGH and LOW), and then converts the converted baseband signal into a UART signal. The first signal receiving unit 11 then outputs the converted UART signal to the control unit 3 (see Figure 1). However, the first signal receiving unit 11 may also convert the DMX signal into a digital signal other than a UART signal, for example, a digital signal compliant with a serial communication standard such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0027] (2-2) Second signal receiving unit The second signal receiving unit 12 is capable of receiving a PWM signal as an analog signal. The PWM signal indicates the dimming ratio of the lighting load (LED module 4) by the duty cycle (ratio of on time to one period) of a square wave signal with a constant period. A dimming ratio of 0% corresponds to the rated illumination level of the LED module 4, and a dimming ratio of 100% corresponds to zero illumination level (i.e., off) of the LED module 4.

[0028] Figure 3 shows the waveform diagram of a PWM signal. For example, a PWM signal with a duty cycle of 50% instructs the dimming ratio to be set to 50%. A PWM signal with a duty cycle of 25% instructs the dimming ratio to be set to 25%. Furthermore, a PWM signal with a duty cycle of 80% instructs the dimming ratio to be set to 80%. When the dimming ratio is set to 50%, the light output of LED module 4 is reduced by 50% from the rated light output. Similarly, when the dimming ratio is set to 25% and 80%, the light output of LED module 4 is reduced by 25% and 80%, respectively, from the rated light output.

[0029] However, a dimming ratio of 0% may correspond to zero light output of LED module 4, and a dimming ratio of 100% may correspond to the rated illumination light output of LED module 4. Similarly, a PWM signal with a duty cycle of 0% may instruct the dimming ratio to be set to 100% (the light output of LED module 4 at its rated illumination level), and a PWM signal with a duty cycle of 100% (actually 95% to 100%) may instruct the dimming ratio to be set to 0% (turning off LED module 4).

[0030] The second signal receiving unit 12 has a smoothing circuit. The second signal receiving unit 12 converts the received PWM signal into a voltage signal having a voltage level corresponding to its duty cycle by smoothing the PWM signal with the smoothing circuit (see Figure 3). A PWM signal with a duty cycle of 0% is converted into a voltage signal whose voltage level is equal to the reference voltage V1 (for example, V1 = 10V). A PWM signal with a duty cycle of 50% is converted into a voltage signal whose voltage level is half of the reference voltage V1 (V1 / 2 = 5V). Similarly, PWM signals with duty cycles of 25% and 80% are converted into voltage signals whose voltage levels are 25% of the reference voltage V1 (V1 / 4 = 2.5V) and 80% of the reference voltage (4 × V1 / 5 = 8V), respectively (see Figure 3). The second signal receiving unit 12 then outputs the converted voltage signals to the control unit 3 (see Figure 1). However, the second signal receiving unit 12 may convert the PWM signal into an analog signal other than a voltage signal, such as a current signal.

[0031] (2-3) Power supply section The power supply unit 2 includes an AC / DC converter that converts AC power supplied from an external power source (e.g., a commercial power grid) into DC power, a DC / DC converter that boosts or lowers the DC voltage output from the AC / DC converter, and driver circuits that drive each of these circuits. The power supply unit 2 supplies the DC power output from the DC / DC converter to the LED module 4 to light up the LED module 4.

[0032] The driver circuit provides feedback control to the DC / DC converter to match the output current (DC current) of the DC / DC converter to a target value. The driver circuit also adjusts the target value of the output current according to the control signal (dimming signal) received from the control unit 3.

[0033] (2-4) Control Unit The control unit 3 has a signal determination unit 30, an arithmetic unit 31, and an output unit 32 (see Figure 1). The control unit 3 has a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The functions of the signal determination unit 30, arithmetic unit 31, and output unit 32 in this disclosure are realized by the processor executing a computer program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The computer program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system. Alternatively, the computer program may be provided via a telecommunications line. Or, the computer program may be provided recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). Integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs referred to here are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integrations), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integrations). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices capable of reconfiguring junction relationships or circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to herein includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits. In this disclosure, the control unit 3 has a general-purpose microcontroller (for example, the RL78 / I1A manufactured by Renesas Electronics).

[0034] The signal determination unit 30 determines whether the UART signal input to the serial data input terminal from the first signal receiving unit 11 is a signal converted from a correct DMX signal. Here, "correct DMX signal" means a digital signal that conforms to the DMX512A communication format. For example, the signal determination unit 30 starts counting on the falling edge of the signal input to the serial data input terminal and captures the count value on the rising edge. The signal determination unit 30 then measures the LOW width from the captured count value, and if the measured LOW width is within a predetermined range corresponding to the break time, it determines that the UART signal input to the serial data input terminal is a signal converted from a correct DMX signal. If the measured LOW width is not within the predetermined range corresponding to the break time, the signal determination unit 30 determines that the UART signal input to the serial data input terminal is a signal converted from an incorrect DMX signal. Note that an "incorrect DMX signal" may be output from the first signal receiving unit 11 due to noise interference in the first signal receiving unit 11, for example.

[0035] Furthermore, the signal determination unit 30 performs A / D conversion on the voltage signal input from the second signal receiving unit 12 to the analog input terminal. The signal determination unit 30 determines that the voltage signal input from the second signal receiving unit 12 to the analog input terminal is a voltage signal converted from a correct PWM signal if the A / D converted voltage signal does not change for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second to several seconds). Conversely, the signal determination unit 30 determines that the voltage signal input from the second signal receiving unit 12 to the analog input terminal is a voltage signal converted from an incorrect PWM signal if the A / D converted voltage signal changes within the predetermined time. Note that an "incorrect PWM signal" may be output from the second signal receiving unit 12 due to noise interference in the second signal receiving unit 12.

[0036] The arithmetic unit 31 selectively executes either the first control operation or the second control operation. The first and second control operations are realized by the microcontroller's processor executing a program for the first control operation and a program for the second control operation.

[0037] When the first control operation is performed, the arithmetic unit 31 generates control data to control the power supply unit 2 according to the UART signal that the signal determination unit 30 has determined to have been converted from a correct DMX signal. The control data sets the target value of the output current of the power supply unit 2 to any value in 256 steps from "00 (hexadecimal)" (turns off the LED module 4) to "FF (hexadecimal)" (turns on the LED module 4 at its rated brightness). However, the arithmetic unit 31 may also set the target value of the output current of the power supply unit 2 in the control data to any value in 65536 steps from "0000 (hexadecimal)" to "FFFF (hexadecimal)". The arithmetic unit 31 then outputs the generated control data to the output unit 32.

[0038] Furthermore, when the second control operation is performed, the arithmetic unit 31 generates control data for controlling the power supply unit 2 according to the voltage signal (A / D converted voltage signal) that the signal determination unit 30 has determined to have been converted from a correct PWM signal. The control data is the same as the control data generated in the first control operation, and for example, the target value of the output current of the power supply unit 2 is set to any value in 256 steps from "00 (hex)" to "FF (hex)". However, the arithmetic unit 31 may also set the target value of the output current of the power supply unit 2 in the control data to any value in 65536 steps from "0000 (hex)" to "FFFF (hex)". Then, the arithmetic unit 31 outputs the generated control data to the output unit 32.

[0039] The output unit 32 converts the control data received from the calculation unit 31 into a control signal (dimming signal) that can be read by the driver circuit of the power supply unit 2. For example, the output unit 32 converts the target value of the output current indicated in the control data into a control signal (PWM-type dimming signal) in which the duty cycle is replaced. The output unit 32 outputs the converted control signal to the driver circuit of the power supply unit 2. The driver circuit then changes the target value of the output current to the target value indicated by the control signal received from the output unit 32.

[0040] (2-5) Operation of the lighting device Next, the operation of the lighting device A1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4. Note that the flowchart in Figure 4 corresponds to the operation of the control unit 3.

[0041] When power is supplied to the control unit 3, the signal determination unit 30, the calculation unit 31, and the output unit 32 begin operation.

[0042] The arithmetic unit 31 determines whether or not a UART signal is input from the first signal receiving unit 11 (Step 1 in Figure 4). If the signal determination unit 30 determines that a UART signal is input from the first signal receiving unit 11 and that the input UART signal is a signal converted from a correct DMX signal, the arithmetic unit 31 executes the first control operation (Step 2 in Figure 4). When the arithmetic unit 31 executes the first control operation, it generates control data to control the power supply unit 2 according to the UART signal that the signal determination unit 30 determined to be converted from a correct DMX signal. The arithmetic unit 31 then outputs the generated control data to the output unit 32. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 31 stores the generated control data in memory. When the arithmetic unit 31 generates new control data, it updates the contents of the memory with the newly generated control data. In other words, the memory of the control unit 3 always stores the latest control data.

[0043] The output unit 32 converts the control data received from the calculation unit 31 into a control signal (dimming signal) that can be read by the driver circuit of the power supply unit 2. The output unit 32 then outputs the converted control signal to the power supply unit 2 (its driver circuit) (step 3 in Figure 4).

[0044] If no UART signal is input from the first signal receiving unit 11, the arithmetic unit 31 determines whether or not a UART signal has been input from the first signal receiving unit 11 at least once since power-on (step 4 in Figure 4). If a UART signal has been input from the first signal receiving unit 11 at least once since power-on, the arithmetic unit 31 executes the first control operation (step 2 in Figure 4). At this time, the arithmetic unit 31 reads the control data stored in memory and outputs the read control data to the output unit 32.

[0045] On the other hand, if no UART signal input is received from the first signal receiving unit 11 after power-up, the calculation unit 31 performs a second control operation (step 5 in Figure 4). When the calculation unit 31 performs the second control operation, it generates control data to control the power supply unit 2 according to the voltage signal that the signal determination unit 30 has determined to have been converted from a correct PWM signal. The calculation unit 31 then outputs the generated control data to the output unit 32. Furthermore, the calculation unit 31 stores the generated control data in memory.

[0046] The output unit 32 converts the control data received from the calculation unit 31 into a control signal (dimming signal) that can be read by the driver circuit of the power supply unit 2, and outputs it to the power supply unit 2 (its driver circuit) (Step 3 in Figure 4).

[0047] After outputting control data to the output unit 32, the calculation unit 31 returns to step 1 to determine whether or not a UART signal is being input from the first signal receiving unit 11. Thereafter, the calculation unit 31 repeats the processes from step 1 to step 5 until the power supply is cut off.

[0048] (3) Advantages of the lighting device according to the embodiment The lighting device A1 includes a first signal receiving unit 11 capable of receiving digital signals (DMX signals), a second signal receiving unit 12 capable of receiving analog signals (PWM signals), and a control unit 3. The control unit 3 selectively performs a first control operation that adjusts the power according to the DMX signal received by the first signal receiving unit 11, and a second control operation that adjusts the power according to the PWM signal received by the second signal receiving unit 12.

[0049] Therefore, the lighting device A1 can handle both analog signals (PWM signals) and digital signals (DMX signals).

[0050] For example, if the lighting system at the time of installation was a lighting system that used PWM signals, the control unit 3 of the lighting device A1 performs a second control operation in accordance with the PWM signal received by the second signal receiving unit 12. If the lighting system is later updated from one using PWM signals to one using DMX signals after the system has been put into operation, the installation work is completed by disconnecting the signal cable for the PWM signal from the second signal receiving unit 12 and connecting the DMX cable to the first signal receiving unit 11. Then, in the new lighting system, the control unit 3 of the lighting device A1 performs a first control operation in accordance with the DMX signal received by the first signal receiving unit 11.

[0051] However, since the lighting device A1 can handle both PWM and DMX signals, it has the advantage of being usable continuously even when the lighting system is upgraded from one that uses PWM signals to one that uses DMX signals.

[0052] Furthermore, in the lighting device A1, the digital signal that the first signal receiving unit 11 can receive is a signal (DMX signal) that conforms to the digital multiplex communication standard (DMX512A). In addition, the analog signal that the second signal receiving unit 12 can receive is a pulse width modulation signal (PWM signal).

[0053] However, since the lighting device A1 is compatible with DMX signals, a digital multiplex communication standard widely used in the field of lighting control, and PWM signals, which use pulse width modulation, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs compared to using a proprietary signaling method.

[0054] Furthermore, in the lighting device A1, if the second signal receiving unit 12 receives an analog signal while the first control operation is being performed, the control unit 3 continues to perform the first control operation (see steps 1, 4, and 2 in Figure 4). In other words, if the first signal receiving unit 11 has ever received a DMX signal, it can be assumed that the lighting device A1 is incorporated into a lighting system that uses DMX signals. Therefore, the analog signal received by the second signal receiving unit 12 is likely to be an incorrect signal (for example, noise), and by the control unit 3 continuing to perform the first control operation, it is possible to prevent the LED module 4 from being controlled to an unintended state by the incorrect signal.

[0055] Furthermore, in the lighting device A1, the first signal receiving unit 11 converts the received DMX signal into a communication signal (UART signal) for serial communication and outputs it to the control unit 3, and the second signal receiving unit 12 outputs a voltage signal obtained by smoothing the received PWM signal to the control unit 3. Thus, since the lighting device A1 converts the DMX signal and PWM signal into a highly versatile digital signal (UART signal) and analog signal (voltage signal) that can be used in fields other than lighting control, the component cost for realizing the control unit 3 can be reduced.

[0056] Here, the control unit 3 has a computer system (microcontroller) that includes a processor capable of executing programs for the first control operation and the second control operation, respectively. The programs for the first control operation and the second control operation are stored in the microcontroller's memory. In other words, the lighting device A1 implements the control unit 3 using a single computer system (microcontroller). Therefore, compared to a case where the first control operation and the second control operation are executed by separate computer systems (microcontrollers), the lighting device A1 can reduce manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts.

[0057] (4) Details of the lighting fixture according to the embodiment The lighting fixture B1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as lighting fixture B1) comprises a lighting device A1, an LED module 4 that is lit by the lighting device A1, and a fixture body 5 that holds the LED module 4, as shown in Figure 5. Note that lighting fixture B1 is a floodlight installed in outdoor stadiums or the like for flood lighting. However, lighting fixture B1 may be a lighting fixture for outdoor lighting other than a floodlight, or a lighting fixture for indoor lighting.

[0058] The lighting fixture B1 comprises four LED modules 4. Multiple heat dissipation fins 50 are provided on the back of each LED module 4. The heat generated by each LED module 4 while lit is efficiently dissipated by the multiple fins. The fixture body 5 is formed in a rectangular frame shape from a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel plate. The fixture body 5 supports the four LED modules 4 arranged in two rows vertically and horizontally. The fixture body 5 also has a support part 51 that supports the lighting device A1. The support part 51 is positioned behind the multiple fins 50 provided on each of the four LED modules 4. Here, the lighting device A1 comprises a printed circuit that forms a power supply unit 2 and a control unit 3, and a housing 6 formed in a rectangular tube shape that houses the printed circuit. The housing 6 is formed in a rectangular tube shape from, for example, aluminum die casting. However, the lighting device A1 may be installed at a location separate from the fixture body 5.

[0059] The fixture body 5 is supported by the arm 7. The arm 7 is formed in a U-shape from a metal plate such as a galvanized steel sheet. The fixture body 5 is rotatably screwed to both ends of the arm 7.

[0060] However, since lighting fixture B1 is equipped with a lighting device A1, it has the advantage of being able to handle both analog signals (PWM signals) and digital signals (DMX signals).

[0061] (5) Summary A lighting device (A1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first signal receiving unit (11), a second signal receiving unit (12), a power supply unit (2), and a control unit (3). The first signal receiving unit (11) is capable of receiving digital signals. The second signal receiving unit (12) is capable of receiving analog signals. The power supply unit (2) supplies power to a lighting load (LED module 4). The control unit (3) controls the power supply unit (2) to adjust the power supplied to the lighting load. The control unit (3) selectively performs a first control operation that adjusts the power according to the digital signal received by the first signal receiving unit (11), and a second control operation that adjusts the power according to the analog signal received by the second signal receiving unit (12).

[0062] The lighting device (A1) according to the first embodiment can handle both analog and digital signals.

[0063] A lighting device (A1) according to a second aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the lighting device (A1) according to the second aspect, the digital signal that the first signal receiving unit (11) can receive is preferably a signal conforming to a digital multiplex communication standard. The analog signal that the second signal receiving unit (12) can receive is preferably a pulse width modulation signal.

[0064] The lighting device (A1) according to the second embodiment is compatible with digital signals of the digital multiplex communication standard widely used in the field of lighting control and analog signals of pulse width modulation, and therefore can reduce manufacturing costs compared to using a proprietary signaling method.

[0065] A lighting device (A1) according to a third aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with the first or second aspect. In the lighting device (A1) according to the third aspect, it is preferable that the control unit (3) continues the execution of the first control operation if the second signal receiving unit (12) receives an analog signal while the first control operation is being performed.

[0066] In the lighting device (A1) according to the third embodiment, if the first signal receiving unit (11) has ever received a digital signal, the control unit (3) continues to execute the first control operation, thereby preventing the lighting load from being controlled to an unintended state due to an incorrect signal.

[0067] A lighting device (A1) according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combining it with the second aspect. In the lighting device (A1) according to the fourth aspect, it is preferable that the first signal receiving unit (11) converts the received digital signal into a communication signal for serial communication and outputs it to the control unit (3). It is preferable that the second signal receiving unit (12) outputs a voltage signal obtained by smoothing the received analog signal to the control unit (3).

[0068] The lighting device (A1) according to the fourth embodiment converts signals into highly versatile digital signals (UART signals) and analog signals (voltage signals) that can be used in fields other than lighting control, thereby reducing the component costs required to implement the control unit (3).

[0069] A lighting device (A1) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the first or second aspect. In the lighting device (A1) according to the fifth aspect, the control unit (3) preferably includes a program for a first control operation, a program for a second control operation, and a computer system including a processor capable of executing the respective programs for the first and second control operations.

[0070] The lighting device (A1) according to the fifth embodiment can reduce manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts compared to the case in which the first control operation and the second control operation are executed by separate computer systems.

[0071] A lighting fixture (B1) according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure comprises a lighting device (A1) according to any of the first to fifth aspects, a lighting load that is lit by the lighting device (A1), and a fixture body (5) that holds the lighting load.

[0072] The lighting fixture (B1) according to the sixth embodiment is equipped with a lighting device (A1) and can therefore handle both analog and digital signals. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] A1 Lighting device B1 Lighting fixtures 2 Power supply section 3. Control Unit 4 LED modules (lighting load) 5. Main body of the device 11. First signal receiving unit 12. Second signal receiving section

Claims

1. A first signal receiving unit capable of receiving digital signals, A second signal receiving unit capable of receiving analog signals, A power supply unit that supplies power to the lighting load, A control unit that controls the power supply unit and adjusts the power supplied to the lighting load, Equipped with, The control unit selectively performs a first control operation to adjust the power according to the digital signal received by the first signal receiving unit, and a second control operation to adjust the power according to the analog signal received by the second signal receiving unit. The first signal receiving unit converts the received digital signal into a communication signal for serial communication and outputs it to the control unit. The second signal receiving unit outputs a voltage signal obtained by smoothing the received analog signal to the control unit. When power is turned on and the control unit starts operating, if the communication signal is input from the first signal receiving unit, it executes the first control operation; if the communication signal is not input from the first signal receiving unit, it executes the first control operation if the communication signal is input one or more times after power is turned on, and executes the second control operation if the communication signal is not input even once. Lighting device.

2. The digital signal that the first signal receiving unit can receive is a signal that conforms to the digital multiplex communication standard. The analog signal that the second signal receiving unit can receive is a pulse width modulation signal. The lighting device according to claim 1.

3. If the second signal receiving unit receives the analog signal while the first control operation is being performed, the control unit continues to perform the first control operation. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit comprises a program for the first control operation, a program for the second control operation, and a computer system including a processor capable of executing the programs. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, The lighting load that is lit by the lighting device, The fixture body that holds the aforementioned lighting load, Equipped with, Lighting fixtures.

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