Sequentially activated flash lamp system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a sequentially activated flash lamp system equipped with communication equipment not requiring communication cables, achieving high convenience. [Solution] A sequentially activated flash lamp system (1) according to the present invention includes flash lamps (AP1 to APn), a power supply part (DP), a power supply wiring (E3), and a controller (F). A lighting control part (BP1 to BPn) of each of the flash lamps (AP1 to APn) comprises a reception unit (bP11 to bP1n), a control unit (b21 to b2n), and a power supply unit (b31 to b3n). The sequentially activated flash lamp system (1) is characterized in that: the lighting control part (BP1 to BPn) is connected to the power supply part (DP) through the power supply wiring (E3); and the reception unit (bP11 to bP1n) and the power supply part (DP) are each provided with a PLC adapter (PF1 to PFn, PX), and both perform bidirectional communication.

Description

Chained flashlight system

[0001] The present invention relates to a chained flashlight system.

[0002] The chain flashing light system, which has traditionally been used at airports in Japan, is a system in which a lighting signal is sent from the control center to each light unit, causing the flashing lights (hereinafter also referred to as "light units") to light up in sequence from one end of the runway to the other, in a repeated cycle.

[0003] As shown in Patent Document 1, in a chain-type flashlight system installed on an airport runway, flashlights are installed as approach lights, usually with 8 to 29 lights installed every 30 meters over a length of 900 meters from the direction of approach of the aircraft toward the end of the runway.

[0004] In a chained flashlight system, a known method of communication between a controller and multiple flashlights is to install communication wiring along the airport runway and use the communication wiring to send a lighting signal from the controller to each flashlight (Patent Document 1).

[0005] In the chain-type flashing light system shown in Patent Document 1, communication wiring is connected to each of the flashing lights installed along an airport runway. The communication wiring is a cable that transmits and receives communication data between an air traffic control unit and multiple flashing lights. However, when installing communication wiring due to the construction of a new airport runway, the distance to be installed is long, which results in a significant installation time and cost. Furthermore, even if communication wiring has already been installed at an airport, it is prone to breaks and poor continuity due to natural disasters such as typhoons and heavy rain, as well as deterioration over time, so frequent inspection and replacement of the communication wiring and related equipment, among other maintenance, has been essential.

[0006] Re-table No. 2018-139017

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a highly convenient chain flashlight system that does not require the installation or maintenance of new communication wiring by equipping airports where the chain flashlight system is installed with communication equipment that does not require the installation of communication wiring.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the chain flashlight system of the present invention includes a controller, a plurality of flashlights, and a plurality of lighting control units corresponding to each of the flashlights and controlling the lighting of the flashlights; the lighting control units have a receiving unit and are connected to a power supply unit; the power supply unit supplies power to the lighting control units through a power wiring and has a first communication device; the receiving unit has a second communication device and performs data communication with the first communication device through the power wiring; and the controller performs data communication with the first and second communication devices.

[0009] According to the present invention, by introducing communication equipment into a chained flashing light system at airports and other locations, it is possible to construct a chained flashing light system that can perform data communication between a controller and flashing lights without installing communication wiring.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional chained flashlight system. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a chained flashlight system in Example 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a chained flashlight system in Example 2.

[0011] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, an example of a chained flashlight system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The embodiment described below shows a specific example of the present invention, and therefore the arrangement, functions, and numerical values ​​of the components described in the embodiment are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, components such as wiring, screws, and connectors are generally omitted from the drawings.

[0013] First, an outline of a conventional chain flashlight system (hereinafter also referred to as "system") 10 will be described.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional chain flashlight system 10.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a flash lamp A １ ~A ｎ, lighting control unit B １ ~B ｎ , communication wiring C1 to C3, power supply unit D, power wiring E2 to E3, controller F, and console G. １ ~B ｎ are the receiving unit b1, １ ~b1 ｎ , control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ , power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ and abnormality detection unit b4 １ ~b4 ｎ Flash lamp A １ ~A ｎ are the corresponding lighting control units B １ ~B ｎ and lighting control unit B １ ~B ｎ is connected to the controller F by a communication line C3. The operation console G is connected to the controller F by a communication line C1, and is connected to the power supply unit D by a communication line C2.

[0016] The power supply unit D has power supply wiring E2 to E3, and the controller F is connected to the power supply wiring E2 and receives power from the power supply unit D. １ ~B ｎ are connected to the power supply unit D by the same power wiring E3. Power is supplied to the system 10 centrally from the power supply unit D. Power is supplied to the operation console G separately from a commercial power source or the like.

[0017] The console G transmits a start signal for the system 10 to the controller F via a communication line C1 and to the power supply unit D via a communication line C2. １ ~A ｎ is electrically connected to the power supply unit D, receives a start signal, and goes into a standby state.

[0018] A plurality of lighting control units B １ ~B ｎ is connected to the power supply unit D by a power supply wiring E3. The power supply unit D is connected to the flash lamp A through the power supply wiring E. １ ~A ｎ and lighting control unit B １ ~Bｎ The power supply unit D is usually powered by a general commercial power supply.

[0019] The lighting signal transmitted from the control console G installed in the airport control room through the communication wiring C1 and from the controller F through the communication wiring C3 is transmitted to each flashing light A. １ ~A ｎ Lighting control unit B １ ~B ｎ and the lighting control unit B １ ~B ｎ Information is fed back from the controller F to the control console G via communication lines C3 and C1.

[0020] In the system 10, flash lamp A １ ~A ｎ In order to guide aircraft onto the runway, a flashing light A is installed at the end of the runway opposite to the approach direction of the aircraft, with the entrance end of the runway as the reference point. １ is placed at the entrance end of the runway. ｎ In Figure 1, arrow AD indicates the approach direction of the aircraft.

[0021] In the system 10, flash lamp A ｎ , and flash lamp A ｎ Lighting control unit B corresponding to ｎ The number of sets n when one set is defined as one set is 29 in Japan. ｎ Flash lamp A connected to ｎ The number of is one.

[0022] Lighting control unit B １ ~B ｎ are the corresponding flash lamps A １ ~A ｎ Lighting control unit B controls the lighting of the １ ~B ｎ are the receiving unit b1, １ ~b1 ｎ , control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ , power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ and abnormality detection unit b4 １ ~b4 ｎ It has.

[0023] The lighting signal transmitted from the console G is received by the receiving unit b1. １ ~b1 ｎ The receiving unit b1 １ ~b1 ｎ Further, the lighting control unit B １ ~B ｎ It has a transmission function to transmit information such as the lighting signal and the flashing light abnormality signal, and functions as a transmission unit.

[0024] The lighting signal is flashing light A. １ ~A ｎ This is a signal that instructs the flash lamp A to emit a flash. １ ~A ｎ Once lit, the light will remain on, so the lighting signal is １ ~A ｎ Signals and flashing lights A regarding lighting time １ ~A ｎ The signal includes a light-off signal that turns off the light after a certain lighting time.

[0025] Control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ is power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ That is, the control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ is the corresponding flash lamp A １ ~A ｎ The power supply unit b3 receives the lighting signal. １ ~b3 ｎ Based on the time conditions until the power is turned on, １ ~b3 ｎ Turn on the power.

[0026] Flashlight A １ ~A ｎ In the case where the lighting signal is １ ~A ｎ Signals regarding the lighting time of flashing lamp A １ ~A ｎ and a light-off signal that turns off the light after a predetermined lighting time, the control unit b2１ ~b2 ｎ power supply unit b3 based on a signal relating to the lighting time or a light-off signal １ ~b3 ｎ Turn off the power of the power supply unit b3. １ ~b3 ｎ When the power is ON, the corresponding flash lamp A １ ~A ｎ Turn on the flashlight A. １ ~A ｎ is flashlight A １ Flashlight A ｎ The lights will light up in sequence in the direction.

[0027] In the system 10, the communication wirings C1 to C3 are wirings that can perform two-way communication, serving as both input communication wirings and output communication wirings in one line. １ ~B ｎ At the same time, it functions as a communication wiring for transmitting a lighting signal to the lighting control unit B １ ~B ｎ It functions as an output communication wiring for feeding back information from the controller F to the operation console G.

[0028] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the chain flashlight system 1 in Example 1. Hereinafter, in Example 1, the same names and symbols are used for components having the same configurations and functions as the components in the conventional example described above, and descriptions that overlap with the conventional example will basically be omitted.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the system 1 includes a flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ , lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ , a power supply unit DP, power supply wiring E1 to E3, a controller F, and an operation console G. １ ~BP ｎ are the receiving units bP1, １ ~bP1 ｎ , control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ , power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ and abnormality detection unit b4１ ~b4 ｎ It has a flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ are the corresponding lighting control units BP １ ~BP ｎ and lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ is connected to the controller F and the console G.

[0030] Receiving unit bP1 １ ~bP1 ｎ is a PLC (Power Line Communications) adapter (PF) that is electrically connected to the power supply wiring E3 and transmits and receives information. １ ~PF ｎ The power supply unit DP is connected to a PLC adapter (PF) via a power supply wiring E3. １ ~PF ｎ The console G is connected to the controller F via a communication line C1, and the controller F is connected to the PLC adapter (PX) of the power supply unit DP via a communication line C2.

[0031] Flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ Receiving unit bP1 １ ~bP1 ｎ is a PLC adapter (PF １ ~PF ｎ ) is equipped with a PLC adapter (PF １ ~PF ｎ ) is connected to the PLC adapter (PX) of the power supply unit DP via a power wiring E3.

[0032] The operation console G is connected to the flashlight AP through the PLC adapter (PX). １ ~AP ｎ PLC adapter (PF １ ~PF ｎ The power supply unit DP receives power from an AC power source and supplies it to the flash lamp AP through a power supply wiring E3. １ ~AP ｎ and supplies power to the receiving unit bP1 through the PLC adapter (PX). １~bP1 ｎ PLC adapter (PF １ ~PF ｎ ) and performs two-way communication.

[0033] The lighting signal is transmitted from the console G to the controller F through the communication wiring C1, and is transmitted from the controller F to the PLC adapter (PX) of the power supply unit DP through the communication wiring C2. １ ~AP ｎ Lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ and the lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ The information is transmitted to the PLC adapter (PX) via the power supply wiring E3, and is fed back to the controller F via the communication wiring C2, and then to the operation console G via the communication wiring C1.

[0034] As in the conventional example shown in FIG. １ ~AP ｎ In order to guide aircraft onto the runway, a flashing light AP is installed at the end of the runway opposite the direction of the aircraft's approach, with the entrance end of the runway as the base. １ is placed at the entrance end of the runway, and AP ｎ 2, the arrow AD indicates the approach direction of the aircraft.

[0035] In the system 1 shown in FIG. ｎ , and Flashlight AP ｎ The lighting control unit BP corresponding to ｎ The number of sets n when each set is defined as one set is 3 in the figure, as in Conventional Example 1, but is not limited to this and may be any integer equal to or greater than 2. The number of sets n is determined based on the number of flash lamps AP in chain flash lamps regulated by each country of the world. ｎ Specifically, the number of sets n is 2 to 30, and in Japan, the number of sets n is 29. In each set, the lighting control unit BP ｎ Flashlight AP connected to ｎ The number of flash lamps AP is one, but multiple flash lamps AP may be connected. １ ~AP ｎare flashing lights AP, respectively. １ ~AP ｎ Address information Ia1 to Ia ｎ It is desirable to have the following.

[0036] As in the conventional example, in the system 1, the lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ are the corresponding flash lamps AP １ ~AP ｎ Lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ are the receiving units bP1, １ ~bP1 ｎ , control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ , power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ and abnormality detection unit b4 １ ~b4 ｎ In addition, the lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ are the lighting control units BP １ ~BP ｎ Address information Ib1 to Ib ｎ It is desirable that the control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ However, the abnormality detection unit b4 １ ~b4 ｎ When the function of the abnormality detection unit b4 is included, １ ~b4 ｎ When it is not necessary to independently arrange the abnormality detection unit b4 １ ~b4 ｎ need not be deployed as an independent unit.

[0037] Receiving unit bP1 １ ~bP1 ｎ PLC adapter (PF １ ~PF ｎ ) receives the lighting signal transmitted from the console G through the controller F. １ ~bP1 ｎ Further, the lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎIt has a transmission function to transmit information such as the lighting signal and the flashing light abnormality signal, and functions as a transmission unit.

[0038] The lighting signal is a flashing light AP １ ~AP ｎ This is a signal that instructs the flash lamp AP to emit a flash. １ ~AP ｎ Once lit, the light will remain on, so the light signal is １ ~AP ｎ Signals and flashing lights AP regarding lighting time １ ~AP ｎ The signal usually includes a light-off signal that turns off the light after a certain lighting time. The lighting time is 0.01 to 50 milliseconds.

[0039] Control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ is power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ That is, the control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ is the corresponding flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ The power supply unit b3 receives the lighting signal. １ ~b3 ｎ Based on the time conditions until the power is turned on, １ ~b3 ｎ Turn on the power.

[0040] Flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ In the flashing light AP １ ~AP ｎ Signals regarding the lighting time of the flashing lamp AP １ ~AP ｎ and a light-off signal that turns off the light after a predetermined lighting time, the control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ power supply unit b3 based on a signal relating to the lighting time or a light-off signal １ ~b3 ｎ Turn off the power.

[0041] Power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ is powered on and the corresponding flash light AP １ ~AP ｎ The power supply units b31 to b3n turn on the flash lamp AP １ ~AP ｎ Any known voltage application means can be used as long as it can light up the power supply unit b3. １ ~b3 ｎ It is desirable that the power supply unit b3 includes a known power storage means such as a capacitor. １ ~b3 ｎ When the power is turned on, the power of the storage means is supplied to the corresponding flash lamp AP １ ~AP ｎ By supplying the corresponding flash lamp AP １ ~AP ｎ may be turned on.

[0042] Flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ is flashlight AP １ Flashlight AP from ｎ In the direction, at a predetermined interval T ｐ That is, the control unit b2 ｎ teeth 、 From receiving the lighting signal ｐ Power supply unit b3 after xn seconds ｎ It operates under the time condition of turning on the power of the specified interval T ｐ is about 17 milliseconds, but is not limited to this, and the lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ The time lag may be set in consideration of the time lag that occurs between when the light source receives the simultaneously transmitted light-up signal and when the light source receives the simultaneously transmitted light-up signal.

[0043] The system 1 includes a power supply unit DP and a power supply wiring E3, and includes a plurality of lighting control units BP. １ ~BP ｎ are connected to the power supply unit DP by the same power wiring E3. The power supply to the system 1 may be centrally transmitted from the power supply unit DP as shown in Fig. 2, but it is not limited to one location, and power may be supplied from inlets arranged at appropriate locations.

[0044] Next, flashlight AP using System 1 １ ~AP ｎ The lighting method will be explained below.

[0045] First, when a lighting signal is sent from the console G to the controller F through the communication wiring C1, a power ON signal is sent from the controller F to the PLC adapter (PX) attached to the power supply unit DP through the communication wiring C2, and the lighting signal is sent from the PLC adapter (PX) to the lighting control units BP through the power wiring E3. １ ~BP ｎ In the example shown, the power for the console G and the controller F is supplied from the power supply unit DP via the power supply wirings E2 and E1, respectively, but this is not limiting, and the power may be received from an outlet (not shown) that supplies existing commercial power.

[0046] The controller F transmits the lighting signal once or more. When the controller F transmits the lighting signal multiple times, the controller F transmits the lighting signal at predetermined intervals T ｆ The lighting signal is repeatedly transmitted at predetermined intervals T ｆ The standard is about 500 milliseconds, but this is not limiting.

[0047] Next, the lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ Receiving unit bP1 １ ~bP1 ｎ PLC adapter (PF １ ~PF ｎ ) receives the lighting signal transmitted from the controller F. Then, the control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ But the corresponding flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ The power supply unit b3 receives the lighting signal. １ ~b3 ｎ Based on the time condition until the power is turned on, power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ By turning on the power of the corresponding flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ will light up.

[0048] To give a specific example, control unit b2 ｎ The time condition is T ｐ Power supply unit b3 after xn seconds ｎ is the time condition for turning on the power supply for a predetermined time T ｐ is about 17 milliseconds, the flash lamp AP １ , AP ２ , ..., AP ｎ will light up approximately 17 milliseconds, approximately 34 milliseconds, . . . , approximately 17×n milliseconds after receiving the light-up signal, respectively.

[0049] As in the conventional example, flash lamp AP １ ~AP ｎ flashing lights AP near the runway entrance １ is placed near the end of the entrance. ｎ The pilot of the aircraft is then given a flashing light AP １ ~AP ｎ When looking at the aircraft, flashing lights AP flash at intervals of approximately 17 milliseconds along the approach direction of the aircraft (arrow AD direction). １ ~AP ｎ will light up in sequence.

[0050] As described above, the system 1 receives the lighting signal transmitted from the controller F through the console G and transmits it to the receiving unit bP1. １ ~bP1 ｎ After receiving the signal, the lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ Control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ Based on the time condition, the flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ After the transmission of the lighting signal is completed, the controller F turns on all the flashing lights AP １ ~AP ｎ The controller 10 waits until the lighting report information from the controller 10 is completed, and then transmits the result to the console G.

[0051] Furthermore, by using the power supply wirings E2 and E3, it is possible to feed back information such as an abnormal signal, which will be described later, to the controller F. This allows the flash lamp AP １ ~AP ｎ and lighting control unit BP １ ~BPｎ It is possible to monitor the operating status of the control panel G and the controller F, and perform maintenance at an appropriate time. Instead of using the communication wiring C1 that connects the control panel G and the controller F and the communication wiring C2 that connects the controller F and the PLC adapter (PX) arranged in the power supply unit DP, by arranging a PLC adapter in each of the control panel G and the controller F and connecting each PLC adapter to the power supply wiring E1, E2, the control panel G, the controller F, the power supply unit DP, and the lighting control unit BP can be connected to each other via the power supply wiring E1, E2, E3. １ ~BP ｎ Two-way communication may be performed between the two.

[0052] In the system 1, the controller F further includes a plurality of lighting control units BP １ ~BP ｎ At the same time, a luminous intensity designation signal is sent to the lighting control unit BP through the power supply wiring E2 to E3. １ ~BP ｎ Receiving unit bP1 １ ~bP1 ｎ receives the luminous intensity designation signal, and the lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ Control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ is power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ Flashing light when power is on １ ~AP ｎ The power supply unit b3 is connected to the power supply unit b1 so that the luminous intensity of the power supply unit b3 is set to the luminous intensity specified by the luminous intensity specifying signal. １ ~b3 ｎ The power supply of the lighting control unit BP is turned on. １ ~BP ｎ Power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ is powered on and the corresponding flash light AP １ ~AP ｎ It is desirable to light the flash lamp AP at the luminous intensity designated by the luminous intensity designation signal. １ ~AP ｎ The luminosity of the flash lamp AP after power ON １ ~AP ｎ This is the peak luminosity.

[0053] The luminous intensity designation signal may be a signal that designates a specific luminous intensity value, or may be a signal that designates a preset luminous intensity. The preset luminous intensity is not particularly limited, but examples include high lighting (6000 to 20000 cd), medium lighting (600 to 2000 cd), and low lighting (100 to 450 cd). In this way, when the luminous intensity designation signal is a signal that designates a preset luminous intensity, when a lighting signal is transmitted from the console G through the controller F, the flash lamp AP １ ~AP ｎ The flash lamp AP emits a flash with high lighting intensity, and when a light intensity designation signal is sent from the controller F, １ ~AP ｎ may be set to flash at medium or low intensity.

[0054] The system 1 allows the controller F to transmit a luminous intensity specification signal, so that the flashing lamp AP can be set to a desired value depending on the ambient brightness, such as morning, daytime, evening, or night. １ ~AP ｎ The brightness of the flashlight can be adjusted to an appropriate brightness, and the pilot of the aircraft can １ ~AP ｎ This allows you to see the flashes more clearly.

[0055] In the system 1, a plurality of lighting control units BP １ ~BP ｎ further includes an abnormality detection unit b4 １ ~b4 ｎ Abnormality detection unit b4 １ ~b4 ｎ is flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ , receiving unit bP1 １ ~bP1 ｎ , control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ , power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ , and the controller F, and transmits an abnormality signal to the console G via the power supply wiring E1 to E3. １ ~b4 ｎ is flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ, receiving unit bP1 １ ~bP1 ｎ , control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ , power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ The means for detecting the voltage value, current value, etc. of each unit can be determined appropriately depending on the type of controller F.

[0056] Abnormality detection unit b4 １ ~b4 ｎ The flashing light AP can easily identify the flashing light, unit, and equipment that is experiencing an abnormality. １ ~AP ｎ Address information Ia ｎ or lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ Address information Ib ｎ may be transmitted. １ ~AP ｎ ,Abnormalities in each unit and controller F are detected by flashing lights AP １ ~AP ｎ and abnormalities in each unit, or flashing light AP １ ~AP ｎ If there is an abnormality such as a disconnection of the connection between each unit and other units, the abnormality detection unit b4 １ ~b4 ｎ By having this, it is possible to feed back an abnormality signal to the operation console G. １ ~AP ｎ and lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ It is possible to monitor abnormalities such as the above and perform maintenance at the appropriate time.

[0057] As in the conventional example, in the system 1, the controller F transmits one bit of information in the lighting signal with a predetermined pulse signal width. The predetermined pulse signal width is 0.1 to 499.9 milliseconds. Specifically, when the lighting signal is 256 bits of information and is transmitted as one or more signals, the controller F transmits the first one bit of information and then transmits the remaining 255 bits of information in one-bit increments at a predetermined interval. The predetermined interval is the time from the transmission of the nth one bit of information in the lighting signal to the transmission of the n+1th one bit of information in the lighting signal. The predetermined interval is preferably constant. The proportion of the signal width (pulse width) occupied by one bit of information in each interval is not particularly limited. The proportion is 50 to 90%. Furthermore, if the system 10 of the embodiment can specify a luminous intensity, the controller F may transmit one bit of information in the luminous intensity specification signal with a predetermined pulse signal width in addition to or instead of the lighting signal.

[0058] If the system 1 includes a heater, the controller F may transmit 1-bit information in the heating signal with a predetermined pulse signal width, either simultaneously with the lighting signal or independently. １ ~b4 ｎ In this case, the abnormality detection unit b4 may receive 1-bit information in the abnormality signal transmitted from the abnormality detection unit b4 with a predetermined pulse signal width. １ ~b4 ｎ However, it can also be said that one bit of information in the abnormality signal is transmitted with a predetermined pulse signal width. The predetermined pulse signal widths of the light intensity designation signal, heating signal, and abnormality signal are the same as those described above for the light intensity designation signal, heating signal, or abnormality signal, with the term "lighting signal" being replaced with "light intensity designation signal," "heating signal," or "abnormality signal."

[0059] In this way, by the controller F transmitting or receiving one bit of information for each signal at a predetermined pulse signal width, the influence of noise can be reduced even if noise is mixed into each signal due to a surge or the like. Therefore, the system 10 including the controller F that transmits or receives one bit of information for each signal at a predetermined pulse signal width is excellent in noise resistance and prevention of signal degradation. Furthermore, by setting the proportion of the signal width in each interval to the above-mentioned proportion, for example, noise resistance can be further improved and degradation of each signal can be further prevented.

[0060] In the system 1, the abnormality detection unit b4 １ ~b4 ｎ When the lighting signal is not yet transmitted, the flash lamp AP １ ~AP ｎ , receiving unit bP1 １ ~bP1 ｎ , control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ , and power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ An abnormality in at least one of the units is detected.

[0061] In this way, the flash lamp AP １ ~AP ｎ , receiving unit bP1 １ ~bP1 ｎ , control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ , power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ By detecting abnormalities in the flashing light AP １ ~AP ｎ Before using the flashlight AP １ ~AP ｎ , lighting control unit BP １ ~BP ｎ This allows for easy replacement of the components, thereby improving maintainability.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a chain flashlight system 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0063] Hereinafter, in Example 2, the same names and symbols are used for components having the same configurations and functions as the components in the above-mentioned conventional example and Example 1, and explanations that overlap with those in the conventional example and Example 1 are basically omitted.

[0064] As shown in FIG. １ ~AW ｎ Receiving unit bW1 １ ~bW1 ｎ indicates a wireless communication module W, which is a communication device that operates by receiving power from a power supply wiring E3. １ ~W ｎ The power supply unit DW is provided with a wireless communication module W (second communication device: slave unit). １ ~W ｎ The console G is connected to the controller F via a communication wiring C1, and the controller F is connected to the wireless communication module WX disposed in the power supply unit DW via a communication wiring C2.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the wireless communication module WX and the wireless communication module W are used in the system 2. １ ~W ｎ The wireless communication module W uses communication devices of wireless standards such as NB-loT, LTE-M, Sigfox (registered trademark), and LoRaWAN (registered trademark), but is not limited to these, and any usable wireless standard may be used. １ ~W ｎ The data is transmitted to the wireless communication module W １ ~W ｎ For example, data transmitted from the wireless communication module (first communication device) WX may be transmitted to the flashing lamp AW. １ Receiving unit bW1 １ A wireless communication module (second communication device: slave device) W １ and the adjacent flashing lights AW ２ Receiving unit bW1 ２ Wireless communication module W ２ Then, the wireless communication module W ２The adjacent wireless communication module W ３ Send data to the flashing light AW ３ From AW ｎ Wireless communication module W ３ ~W ｎ By transmitting data up to the flashing light AW, the data from the first communication device WX is ｎ Wireless communication module W ｎ In addition, the wireless communication module (first communication device) WX and the wireless communication module (second communication device) W １ ~W ｎ The data communication between the wireless communication module W is bidirectional. １ ~W ｎ When used as a repeater, short-distance communication within 100-300 m is used, and communication modules of wireless standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Thread (registered trademark) / Zigbee (registered trademark) can be used.

[0066] 3 shows an example in which power is supplied to the console G and the controller F from the power supply unit DW via power lines E2 and E1, respectively, but this is not limiting, and power may be received from an outlet (not shown) that supplies existing commercial power as long as the power source is capable of operating the console G and the controller F. Furthermore, power may be supplied from other power sources such as a private generator or a battery.

[0067] The console G communicates with the flashlight AW through the wireless communication module WX. １ ~AW ｎ Receiving unit bW1 １ ~bW1 ｎ The wireless communication module W １ ~W ｎ The power supply unit DW receives AC power from a commercial power source and connects it to the flash lamp AW via the power supply wiring E3. １ ~AW ｎ The lighting signal transmitted from the console G through the controller F is transmitted from the wireless communication module WX to each flashing lamp AW. １ ~AW ｎ Lighting control unit BW １ ~BW ｎWireless communication module W １ ~W ｎ and the lighting control unit BW １ ~BW ｎ Information is fed back from the control panel G to the controller F and the control console G. In Fig. 3, arrow AD indicates the approach direction of the aircraft. Power supply to the power supply unit DW may be supplied from the commercial power source used for the control panel G and the controller F, or from other power sources such as private power generation or a battery. Instead of using the communication wiring C1 connecting the control panel G and the controller F and the communication wiring C2 connecting the controller F and the wireless communication module (WX) arranged in the power supply unit DW, wireless communication modules are arranged in each of the control panel G and the controller F, and by relaying (linking) between the respective wireless communication modules, communication between the control panel G, the controller F, the power supply unit DW, and the lighting control unit BW can be performed via the multiple wireless communication modules. １ ~BW ｎ Two-way communication may be performed between the two.

[0068] In the system 2, the lighting control unit BW １ ~BW ｎ is a wireless communication module W １ ~W ｎ Based on the operation signal via １ ~AW ｎ Controls the lighting of the receiving unit bW1 １ ~bW1 ｎ The wireless communication module W １ ~W ｎ The receiving unit bW1 receives the lighting signal transmitted from the wireless communication module WX. １ ~bW1 ｎ Further, the lighting control unit BW １ ~BW ｎ It has a transmission function to transmit information data, etc., and functions as a transmission unit. The information transmitted and received includes lighting signals, flashing light abnormality signals, etc.

[0069] The lighting signal is flashing light AW １ ~AW ｎThe operation procedure of the lighting signal is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. １ ~AW ｎ The lighting method will be explained below.

[0070] First, when a lighting signal is sent from the console G to the controller F through the communication wiring C1, a power ON signal is sent from the controller F to the wireless communication module WX installed in the power supply unit DW through the communication wiring C2. Then, the lighting signal is sent from the wireless communication module WX to the plurality of lighting control units BW. １ ~BW ｎ Wireless communication module W installed in １ ~W ｎ are simultaneously transmitted to

[0071] The system 2 has a power supply unit DW and power supply wirings E1 to E3, and a plurality of lighting control units BW １ ~BW ｎ are connected to the power supply unit DW by power wiring E3. Power to the system 2 may be supplied from a centralized power supply unit DW as shown in Figure 3, or may be supplied from inlets located at appropriate locations on the runway. The power wiring E1 to E3 can be determined appropriately based on an existing power distribution system, and a single-phase two-wire system, a single-phase three-wire system, a three-phase three-wire system, etc. can be used.

[0072] The controller F transmits the lighting signal once or more. When the controller F transmits the lighting signal multiple times, the controller F transmits the lighting signal at predetermined intervals T ｆ The lighting signal is repeatedly transmitted at predetermined intervals T ｆ The standard is about 500 milliseconds, but this is not limiting.

[0073] Next, the lighting control unit BW １ ~BW ｎ Receiving unit bW1 １ ~bW1 ｎ Wireless communication module W １ ~W ｎ receives the lighting signal transmitted from the controller F. Then, the control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ But the corresponding flashing light AW１ ~AW ｎ The power supply unit b3 receives the lighting signal. １ ~b3 ｎ Based on the time condition until the power is turned on, power supply unit b3 １ ~b3 ｎ Turn on the power of the corresponding flash lamp AW １ ~AW ｎ will light up.

[0074] To give a specific example, control unit b2 ｎ The time condition is T ｐ Power supply unit b3 after xn seconds ｎ is the time condition for turning on the power supply for a predetermined time T ｐ is about 17 milliseconds, the flash lamp AW １ , A.W. ２ , ..., AW ｎ will light up approximately 17 milliseconds, approximately 34 milliseconds, . . . , approximately 17×n milliseconds after receiving the light-up signal, respectively.

[0075] As in the conventional example and Example 1, the flash lamp AW １ ~AW ｎ flashing lights AW near the runway entrance １ is placed near the end of the entrance, and AW ｎ The pilot of the aircraft should be able to see the flashing lights AW. １ ~AW ｎ When you look at the aircraft, flashing lights AW will flash at intervals of approximately 17 milliseconds along the approach direction of the aircraft (arrow AD direction). １ ~AW ｎ will light up in sequence.

[0076] As described above, the system 2 receives the lighting signal transmitted from the controller F through the console G and transmits it to the receiving unit bW1. １ ~bW1 ｎ After receiving the signal, the lighting control unit BW １ ~BW ｎ Control unit b2 １ ~b2 ｎ Based on the time condition, the flash lamp AW １ ~AW ｎ Also, the flashing light AW１ ~AW ｎ The wireless communication modules W １ ~W ｎ One of the modules, for example, a wireless communication module W １ receives the lighting signal transmitted from the wireless communication module WX and transmits this transmission data to another wireless communication module W ２ and transmits the signal to the wireless communication module W. ２ The transmitted data is transmitted to the wireless communication module W ３ By repeating this operation, the lighting signal is transmitted to the wireless communication module W １ ~W ｎ relayed to the wireless communication modules W2 to W ｎ may be used as a repeater to transmit a lighting signal, etc. After the transmission of the lighting signal is completed, the controller F １ ~AW ｎ The controller 10 waits until the lighting report information from the controller 10 is completed, and then transmits the result to the console G.

[0077] In addition, the wireless communication module W １ ~W ｎ The wireless communication module WX can communicate bidirectionally with the flashlight AW, and information such as an abnormal signal can be fed back to the control console G via the controller F. １ ~AW ｎ and lighting control unit BW １ ~BW ｎ This allows for monitoring of the status of the equipment, enabling maintenance to be performed at the appropriate time.

[0078] In the system 2, the controller F further includes a plurality of lighting control units BW １ ~BW ｎ 2, wireless communication module W １ ~W ｎ and a wireless communication module WX, and simultaneously transmits a luminance designation signal to the plurality of lighting control units BW. １ ~BW ｎ is the abnormality detection unit b4 １ ~b4 ｎ The system 1 of the first embodiment has the same functions as the system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0079] In system 2, controller F transmits 1-bit information in the lighting signal with a predetermined pulse signal width. This specific operation is the same as that of system 1 in embodiment 1. Furthermore, the aspect in which system 2 has a heater is also the same as that of system 1 in embodiment 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] In this way, by the controller F transmitting or receiving one bit of information in each signal at a predetermined pulse signal width, the influence of noise can be reduced even if noise is mixed into each signal due to a surge or the like. Therefore, the system 2 including the controller F that transmits or receives one bit of information in each signal at a predetermined pulse signal width is excellent in noise resistance and prevention of signal degradation. Furthermore, by setting the proportion of the signal width in each interval to the above-mentioned proportion, for example, noise resistance can be further improved and degradation of each signal can be further prevented.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications of the above-described embodiment are possible.

[0082] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-22728, filed February 19, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0083] According to the present invention, at airports where a chain flashlight system is installed, communication equipment that does not require the installation of communication cables can be installed, thereby enabling the smooth operation of a highly convenient chain flashlight system.

[0084] 1, 2, 10... Chain flashlight system (system) A １ , A ２ , A ｎ ....Flash lamp (conventional example) AP １ , AP ２ , AP ｎ ...Flash lamp (Example 1) AW １ , AW ２ , AW ｎ ...Flashing lamp (Example 2) AD.....Direction of approach (arrow) B １ , B ２ , B ｎ・・・・・・・Lighting control unit (conventional example) BP １ , BP ２ , BP ｎ ....Lighting control unit (Example 1) BW １ , B.W. ２ , B.W. ｎ ....Lighting control unit (Example 2) b1 １ , b1 ２ , b1 ｎ .... Receiving unit (conventional example) bP1 １ , bP1 ２ , bP1 ｎ Receiving unit (Example 1) bW1 １ , bW1 ２ , bW1 ｎ Receiving unit (Example 2) b2 １ , b2 ２ , b2 ｎ ...Control unit b3 １ , b3 ２ , b3 ｎ ...Power supply unit b4 １ , b4 ２ , b4 ｎ ・・・Abnormality detection unit C1, C2, C3・・・・・・Communication wiring D, DP, DW・・・・・・Power supply unit E1, E2, E3・・・・・・Power wiring F・・・・・・・・・・・・Controller G・・・・・・・・・・・・Operation console PX・・・・・・・・・・・・PLC adapter (first communication device: parent unit) PF １， PF ２ , P.F. ｎ PLC adapter (second communication device: slave unit) WX Wireless communication module (first communication device: master unit) W １ , W2, W ｎ Wireless communication module (second communication device: slave unit)

Claims

1. A chain flashlight system comprising: a controller, a plurality of flashlights, and a plurality of lighting control units corresponding to each of the flashlights and controlling the lighting of the flashlights; the lighting control units have a receiving unit and are connected to a power supply unit; the power supply unit supplies power to the lighting control units through power wiring and has a first communication device; the receiving unit has a second communication device and performs data communication with the first communication device through the power wiring; and the controller performs data communication with the first and second communication devices.

2. A chain flashlight system comprising a controller, a plurality of flashlights, and a plurality of lighting control units corresponding to each of the flashlights and controlling the lighting of the flashlights, wherein the lighting control units have a receiving unit and are connected to a power supply unit, the power supply unit supplies power to the lighting control units through power wiring and has a first communication device, the receiving unit has a second communication device, both of the first communication device and the second communication device are wireless communication modules that communicate data wirelessly, and the controller communicates data with the first and second communication devices.

3. The chained flashlight system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second communication devices are PLC adapters that perform data communication via the power supply wiring.

4. The chained flashlight system according to claim 1, wherein the power wiring is a single-phase two-wire system, a single-phase three-wire system, or a three-phase three-wire system.

5. A chained flashlight system as described in claim 2, wherein the second communication device provided in the receiving unit of the flashlight is a wireless communication module having a data relay function for communicating data with the second communication device provided in the receiving unit of an adjacent flashlight.

6. The chained flashlight system according to claim 1, wherein the lighting control section comprises, in addition to the receiving unit, a control unit and a power supply unit, the receiving unit receives a lighting signal, the control unit turns on the power supply unit based on a time condition set for the corresponding flashlight from the reception of the lighting signal to the power supply unit being turned on, and the power supply unit turns on the corresponding flashlight when it is turned on.

7. The chain flashlight system according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of lighting control units further include an abnormality detection unit.

8. A chained flashlight system according to claim 1, further comprising an operation console which transmits lighting signals to the plurality of lighting control units simultaneously through the controller, the receiving unit receives the lighting signals, and the power supply unit turns on the corresponding flashlights when powered on.

9. A chained flashlight system as described in claim 8, wherein the controller waits after completing transmission of the lighting signal until lighting report information from all of the flashlights is complete, and then transmits the results to the console.

10. A chained flashlight system as described in claim 8, wherein the console performs two-way data communication with the second communication device through the first communication device that is in communication with the controller.

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