JPH0714681A - lighting equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To provide a lighting device that can be developed as a product with different functions simply by exchanging attachments for the same type. [Structure] A control unit 3 controls the electronic ballast 1 and monitors the control state of the electronic ballast 1. Therefore, if a control signal is externally input to the control unit 3, the lighting state of the fluorescent lamp 2 can be controlled via the electronic ballast 1, and the lighting state of the fluorescent lamp 2 can be output from the control unit 3 as a state signal. The status signal is sent through the signal line Ls to the instrument body 6
It is sent to the socket 4 provided in the. The attachment 5a is detachably attached to the socket 4, and the attachment 5
A transmits a status signal to an external monitoring device through the multiplex transmission line Lm.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a luminaire having an electronic ballast composed of an inverter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been provided luminaires for supplying power to a lamp through an electronic ballast including an inverter. In this type of lighting equipment, it is possible to control the lighting / extinguishing of the lamp, dimming, color adjustment, etc. by giving an external control signal to the electronic ballast, and the lighting state of the lamp is monitored by the electronic ballast. This makes it possible to output a status signal to the outside.

Some lighting fixtures equipped with this type of electronic ballast include a control unit such as a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the electronic ballast, and control signals and status signals are transmitted and received through this control unit. By
It is easy to upgrade its functionality. For example, by using a wireless signal that uses light as a medium, the lamp can be turned on / off or dimmed without using a wall switch, and by connecting a human body detection sensor, the Something that turns on and off is provided.

[0004]

As described above, since the luminaire having the built-in electronic ballast can easily be highly functionalized, products having various functions have been developed according to the demand of the market. However, since many types of lighting fixtures with different designs, shapes, colors, etc. are provided, it is virtually impossible to develop products with new functions for all types. In other words, there is a problem in that when a user selects a lighting device according to a function request, it is often impossible to find a product satisfying the design, shape, color and the like.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and by making a part for enhancing the function of an electronic ballast detachable as an attachment, a product having a different function by simply exchanging the attachment for the same product type. It is intended to provide a lighting fixture that can be deployed as.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 can control the lighting state of the lamp in accordance with a control signal from the outside, and can also respond to the lighting state of the lamp. In a lighting fixture with an electronic ballast that generates a status signal, the attachment is mechanically and detachably coupled to an attachment that has a built-in signal processing circuit that exchanges at least one of a control signal and a status signal to perform a predetermined process. And a socket having a connecting portion for electrically connecting the electronic ballast and the signal processing circuit when the attachment is attached.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the attachment is a data multiplexing unit for transmitting at least one of a control signal and a status signal to an external device separately provided by a multiplex transmission signal. It is characterized by including. According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the attachment includes a display unit that displays a lighting state of the lamp based on a state signal.

The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, a plurality of sockets are provided.

[0009]

According to the structure of the present invention, an attachment having a built-in signal processing circuit for transmitting and receiving at least one of a control signal and a status signal and performing a predetermined process, and a coupling for mechanically detachably coupling the attachment. By providing a socket provided with a connecting portion that electrically connects the electronic ballast and the signal processing circuit when the parts and the attachment are attached, a control signal for controlling the electronic ballast and a status signal from the electronic ballast are provided. The signal processing circuit to be monitored can be separated as an attachment. In other words, for luminaires that have the same appearance, the function can be changed simply by replacing the attachment, and even if a new function is developed, the same function can be applied to all products equipped with sockets. It becomes possible to deploy. As a result, it becomes possible to make a wide selection of appearances (design, shape, color, etc.) even when a product is selected in terms of function, and the user is more likely to be satisfied. Also, if a lighting fixture is already installed and you want to change or expand to a new function, you can purchase an attachment with that function, and the user is satisfied with the change or expansion to the new function. It can be done as much as possible and is cheaper than when replacing the entire luminaire.

The structures of claims 2 to 4 are preferred embodiments, and if the control signal and the status signal are transmitted / received to / from an external device using the multiplex transmission signal as in claim 2, it is less. It is possible to control and monitor a large number of lighting fixtures by wiring the number of wires. Also, when multiplex transmission signals are used, address data is set for each lighting fixture, and by using the address data, the lighting fixtures can be individually turned on / off or a plurality of designated lighting fixtures can be batched. Then, it becomes possible to perform control such as turning on and off. Further, by providing the attachment with a display unit for displaying the lighting state of the lamp as in the third aspect, it is possible to provide a function of notifying the replacement time of the lamp by detecting the state such as the end of the life of the lamp. Further, if a plurality of sockets are provided as in the fourth aspect, it is possible to provide the lighting fixture with two or more kinds of functions.

[0011]

Embodiments (Embodiment 1) The lighting equipment of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
It is configured as shown in (a). That is, an electronic ballast 1 including an inverter and a fluorescent lamp 2 as a lamp that is supplied with power through the electronic ballast 2 are provided in the instrument body 6, and the electronic ballast 1 is controlled by the control unit 3 including a microprocessor and the like. The control unit 3 sends a control signal to the electronic ballast 1 to turn on / off the fluorescent lamp 2, adjust light, adjust color, and the like.
Further, the control unit 3 monitors the lighting state of the fluorescent lamp 2 with a lamp current or a lamp voltage, and outputs a state signal according to the lighting state. Power is externally supplied to the electronic ballast 1 and the control unit 3. A socket 4 is connected to the control unit 3 via a wire line Lp and a signal line Ls. Electric wire Lp
Supplies power to the socket 4, and the signal line Ls connects to the socket 4
A status signal is sent to. Further, the socket 4 is also connected to a multiple signal line Lm connected to an external device.
The electric wire line Lp, the signal line Ls, and the multiple signal line Lm are each 2 lines, and a total of 6 lines are connected to the socket 4. Socket 4
Is provided with a contact portion (not shown) electrically connected to the above-mentioned 6 lines, and a coupling portion (not shown) for mechanically coupling the attachment 5a. Since the attachment 5a is detachably coupled to the coupling portion of the socket 4, the attachment 5a is attached to the socket 4.
In the state in which is connected, the contact portion of the socket 4 is electrically connected to the internal circuit of the attachment 5a. As the structure of the contact part and the connecting part, a structure that receives a hooking blade known in sealing rosettes and the like can be adopted.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the attachment 5a monitors a status signal input from the control section 3 through the signal line Ls, and when the status changes, the status signal is time-divided or divided. The multi-transmission signal transmitted from the data conversion unit 11 is converted into a predetermined format with address data added by the multi-transmission transmission unit 12, and the multi-transmission line Lm is provided. Sent to. Here, the power supply inside the attachment 5a is supplied through the power supply line Lp. Address data required for multiplex transmission is set in the address setting unit 13. Here, the address setting unit 13 is composed of a DIP switch.

The case 10 of the attachment 5a is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the hook plug blade 10a is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a substantially L-shape. By connecting the hook blade 10a to the socket 4, the attachment 5a can be mechanically attached to and detached from the socket 4 and can be electrically connected. Address setting unit 13
The DIP switch is exposed on the lower surface of the case 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the multiplex transmission line Lm is connected to the monitoring device B together with other lighting equipment A. The monitoring device B monitors the lighting state of the fluorescent lamp 2 in each lighting fixture A by transmitting a transmission signal specifying the address data of each lighting fixture A to each lighting fixture A via the multiplex transmission line Lm. That is, in the monitoring device B, the fluorescent lamp 2 provided in each lighting fixture A is turned on / off through the multiplex transmission line Lm.
Information such as dimming level, control abnormality, and replacement time of the fluorescent lamp 2 is received.

By mounting the attachment 5a on the socket 4 as described above, it becomes possible to monitor the luminaire A by the multiplex transmission signal. Further, by using the multiplex transmission signal, the multiplex signal line Lm can be wired with a small number of wires, and the wiring construction is facilitated even when a large number of lighting fixtures A are monitored. In the above configuration, the socket 4 and the attachment 5a are connected by 6 lines, but it is also possible to connect by connecting 5 lines by sharing one of the 2 lines of the status signal with the ground side of the power supply. It is also possible to connect by a four-wire by superimposing the status signal on the power supply. As the number of wires for electrical connection between the socket 4 and the attachment 5a is reduced in this way, the reliability is improved and the configuration is simplified. Further, the shape of the attachment 5a is not limited to the cylindrical shape, and the connecting portion and the contact portion of the socket 4 with the attachment 5a have a structure of receiving the hooking blade 10a and a connector with a fastener. It is also possible to adopt a form in which an ordinary plug-in type connector and a fixture such as a screw are used. Further, in the above configuration, the state signal is only sent to the outside, but it goes without saying that the control signal may be input from the outside.

(Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an attachment 5b for transmitting a wireless signal using light as a medium is used. That is,
As shown in FIG. 4B, the attachment 5b includes a data converter 14 that monitors a status signal and converts the status signal into a corresponding wireless signal format when the status changes. The output signal of the wireless signal transmitter 1 is composed of an infrared light emitting diode or the like.
It is converted into light at 5 and sent out. This wireless signal is received by the monitoring device C, and the lighting state of the fluorescent lamp 2 can be remotely monitored. The information transmitted from the attachment 5 to the monitoring device C by the wireless signal is the same as that in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the case 10 of the attachment 5b has a cylindrical shape, a 4-wire hooking blade 10a is provided on the upper surface thereof, and a window 10b corresponding to the wireless signal transmission unit 15 is formed on the lower surface thereof. It Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment except that a wireless signal is used instead of the multiplex transmission line Lm.

According to the above configuration, since the wireless signal is light and has directivity, the transmission range of the wireless signal can be limited by the structure, and the monitoring device C can be used.
It is possible to easily limit the monitoring target in.
Furthermore, since the wireless signal has directivity, it is possible to specify the monitoring target without setting address data, and it is also possible to change the monitoring target by changing the installation location of the monitoring device C. It is possible.

(Embodiment 3) This embodiment uses an attachment 5c that transmits a wireless signal using a radio wave as a medium, and the other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment. That is, the wireless signal transmitter 15
However, the second embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that it is provided with an oscillation circuit, a modulation circuit, an antenna, etc., and is configured to send out radio waves. Further, the case 10 of the attachment 5c does not have a window formed on the lower surface as shown in FIG. 6, but is made of a material that transmits radio waves.

According to the above configuration, since the wireless signal is a radio wave and is omnidirectional, the transmission range is not limited depending on the structure, and one monitor C can provide a large number of lighting fixtures. It is possible to monitor A intensively. Further, since it is omnidirectional, the luminaire A can be monitored even if the monitoring device C is moved, and the monitoring device C can be made portable. If it is necessary to individually recognize each lighting fixture A, the address data may be set as in the case of using the multiplex transmission signal.

(Embodiment 4) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the attachment 5d is provided with a display section 17 for displaying a state according to the contents of the state signal. The data processing unit 16 can analyze the status signal and display the lighting / extinction of the fluorescent lamp 2, the dimming level, the control abnormality, the replacement time of the fluorescent lamp 2, and the like. Here, as the display unit 17, a segment display light emitting diode is used as shown in FIG. 8, and each of the above states can be identified by the number displayed on the display unit 17. Display 1
No. 7 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and the one that identifies the lighting state of the light emitting diode as continuous lighting or intermittent lighting, the one that uses a two-color light emitting diode,
It may be configured such that a message is displayed using a character display such as a liquid crystal display. Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 5) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the attachment timer 5e has a built-in integration timer 19, and the status signal is analyzed by the data processor 18 to detect the fluorescent lamp 2. The lighting period is calculated, and this period is integrated by the integration timer 19. The time accumulated by the integration timer 19 is displayed on the replacement time display unit 20 to indicate the replacement time of the fluorescent lamp 2.

As shown in FIG. 10, three light emitting diodes 20a, 20b, 20c are used as the replacement time display section 20 to indicate the preparation time, recommended time, and limit time for replacement of the fluorescent lamp 2. ing. Here, the display content is not limited to this, and the display method may be such that a character display such as a liquid crystal display is used to display the message. Although the integration timer 19 integrates the lighting period of the fluorescent lamp 2, if the integrated time is corrected according to the lighting conditions such as the number of times of turning on / off and the dimming level, the fluorescent lamp 2 can be replaced more accurately. It becomes possible to inform the time. Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 6) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, two sockets 4 are provided in the instrument body 6, and the other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment. If two sockets 4 are provided in this way, the attachments 5b and 5c for transmitting the wireless signals shown in the second and third embodiments.
And the state display attachment 5d shown in the fourth embodiment.
Alternatively, the replacement time display attachment 5e shown in the fifth embodiment can be used at the same time. The method of combining the attachments 5a to 5e is not particularly limited, but it is possible to combine two types of functions, so that it is possible to further enhance the function as compared with the case of using one type of attachments 5a to 5e. Can be planned. For example, in the present embodiment in which the attachment 5b of the second embodiment and the attachment 5d of the fourth embodiment are used in combination, the operating state of the lighting fixture A including other lighting fixtures A is centrally monitored by the monitoring device C, and Each lighting fixture A
It is possible to check the operating state individually for each.

Although two sockets 4 are provided in the above configuration, three or more sockets 4 may be provided. As shown in the above embodiments, the attachment 5
By providing the socket 4 to which the a to 5e can be attached and detached in the instrument main body 6, a blank attachment having no function is attached to the socket 4 at the time of product shipment, and a desired attachment according to the function required by the user. 5a
It is only necessary to purchase ~ 5e and attach it to the socket 4. With such a configuration, it is possible to select the function of the lighting equipment of the same type in appearance only by exchanging the attachments 5a to 5e.

[0025]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an attachment having a built-in signal processing circuit for transmitting and receiving at least one of a control signal and a status signal and performing a predetermined process, and a coupling for mechanically detachably coupling the attachment. Since it is equipped with a socket that has a connecting part that electrically connects the electronic ballast and the signal processing circuit when the parts and attachments are mounted, it provides a control signal for controlling the electronic ballast and monitors a status signal from the electronic ballast. The signal processing circuit to be separated can be separated as an attachment, and for lighting fixtures that have the same appearance, the function can be changed simply by exchanging the attachment, and even if a new function is developed, a socket is provided. This has the effect of enabling the same function to be applied to all products. As a result, even when a product is selected in terms of functionality, it is possible to make a wide selection of appearances (design, shape, color, etc.), and there is an advantage that the user is more likely to be satisfied. Also, if a lighting fixture is already installed and you want to change or expand to a new function, you can purchase an attachment with that function, and the user is satisfied with the change or expansion to the new function. There is an advantage that it can be performed as much as possible, and it is cheaper than when replacing the entire lighting fixture.

If a control signal and a status signal are transmitted and received to and from an external device using the multiplex transmission signal as in the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to control and monitor a large number of luminaires by wiring construction with a small number of wires. It will be possible. Also, when multiplex transmission signals are used, address data is set for each lighting fixture, and by using the address data, the lighting fixtures can be individually turned on / off or a plurality of designated lighting fixtures can be batched. Then, it becomes possible to perform control such as turning on and off.

If the display section for displaying the lighting state of the lamp is provided in the attachment as in the third aspect of the present invention, it is provided with a function of notifying the replacement time of the lamp by detecting the end of life of the lamp or the like. You can Claim 4
If a plurality of sockets are provided as in the invention of (1), it is possible to provide the lighting fixture with two or more kinds of functions.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows Example 1, (a) is an overall block diagram,
(B) is a block diagram of the attachment.

2 is a perspective view of an attachment used in Embodiment 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a usage pattern of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 4 shows the second embodiment, (a) is an overall block diagram,
(B) is a block diagram of the attachment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an attachment used in a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an attachment used in a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows Example 4, (a) is an overall block diagram,
(B) is a block diagram of the attachment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an attachment used in Example 4.

FIG. 9 shows Example 5, (a) is an overall block diagram,
(B) is a block diagram of the attachment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an attachment used in Example 5.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic ballast 2 Fluorescent lamp 3 Control part 4 Socket 5a Attachment 5b Attachment 5c Attachment 5d Attachment 5e Attachment 11 Data conversion part 12 Multiplex transmission part 13 Address setting part 14 Data conversion part 15 Wireless signal transmission part 16 Display part 17 Data processing part 18 Integration timer 19 Replacement time display

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] August 9, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0011

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0011]

Embodiments (Embodiment 1) The lighting equipment of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
It is configured as shown in (a). That is, an electronic ballast 1 including an inverter and a fluorescent lamp 2 as a lamp that is supplied with power through the electronic ballast 2 are provided in the instrument body 6, and the electronic ballast 1 is controlled by the control unit 3 including a microprocessor and the like. The control unit 3 sends a control signal to the electronic ballast 1 to turn on / off the fluorescent lamp 2, adjust light, adjust color, and the like.
Further, the control unit 3 monitors the lighting state of the fluorescent lamp 2 with a lamp current or a lamp voltage, and outputs a state signal according to the lighting state. Power is externally supplied to the electronic ballast 1 and the control unit 3. A socket 4 is connected to the control unit 3 via a power line Lp and a signal line Ls. Power line Lp
Supplies power to the socket 4, and the signal line Ls connects to the socket 4
A status signal is sent to. Further, the socket 4 is also connected to a multiple signal line Lm connected to an external device.
The power line Lp, the signal line Ls, and the multiple signal line Lm are two lines each, and a total of six lines are connected to the socket 4. Socket 4
Is provided with a contact portion (not shown) electrically connected to the above-mentioned 6 lines, and a coupling portion (not shown) for mechanically coupling the attachment 5a. Since the attachment 5a is detachably coupled to the coupling portion of the socket 4, the attachment 5a is attached to the socket 4.
In the state in which is connected, the contact portion of the socket 4 is electrically connected to the internal circuit of the attachment 5a. As the structure of the contact part and the connecting part, a structure that receives a hooking blade known in sealing rosettes and the like can be adopted.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Motoharu Terada 1048, Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd. (72) Masanobu Ogawa, 1048, Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd. 72) Inventor Yasuhisa Idaira 1048 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A control signal and a status signal in a luminaire having an electronic ballast capable of controlling the lighting status of a lamp in accordance with a control signal from the outside and generating a status signal corresponding to the lighting status of the lamp. And an electronic ballast and a signal processing circuit are electrically connected when the attachment is mounted, and an attachment including a signal processing circuit that performs a predetermined process by transmitting and receiving at least one of A luminaire, comprising: a socket having a connecting portion for connection. 2. The attachment according to claim 1, further comprising a data multiplexing unit that transmits at least one of a control signal and a status signal to an external device separately provided by a multiplex transmission signal. lighting equipment. 3. The lighting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attachment includes a display unit that displays a lighting state of the lamp based on the state signal. 4. The luminaire according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of sockets are provided.