JP2020068071A - Power supply device and illumination system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a power supply device and an illumination system capable of simplifying a configuration and control for transmitting a transmission signal while supplying load current.SOLUTION: A power supply device 1 includes a signal control circuit 1e for controlling a signal generation circuit 1b to output a transmission signal from an output unit 1c. The signal control circuit 1e switches a path, through which load current Io output from the output unit 1c is to flow, between a plurality of paths Y1, Y2 to transmit the transmission signal. Each of the plurality of paths Y1, Y2 generates adjustment voltage V3 between a first terminal T1 and a second terminal T2 when the load current Io flows. Values of adjustment voltage V3 generated by the plurality of paths Y1, Y2 differ from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates generally to power supplies and lighting systems.

  Conventionally, there is an LED controller that supplies DC power to an LED lighting terminal via a power supply line. For example, in the LED controller of Patent Document 1, the DC voltage applied to the power supply line is pulse-controlled (duty controlled) by the LED controller, whereby the lighting power amount is changed and the lighting of the LED is dimming-controlled. However, this pulse control is performed not for signal transmission but for changing the amount of lighting power supplied to the LED lighting terminal.

  Therefore, the LED controller of Patent Document 1 superimposes the information signal on the DC power supply voltage in order to transmit the control signal for controlling the operation of the LED lighting terminal to the LED lighting terminal. The LED lighting terminal controls the lighting of the LED by changing the amount of lighting power based on the received information signal. Specifically, the LED controller has a communication function of transmitting a high-frequency information signal having control contents such as dimming as a control signal by superimposing and transmitting the control signal on the DC voltage. Then, the LED controller transmits the information signal to the LED lighting terminal via the power supply line.

JP, 2013-48556, A

  The LED controller (power supply device) described above needs to have a communication function of superimposing and transmitting a high-frequency information signal as a control signal on a DC voltage (power supply voltage). As a result, in order to supply the lighting power (load current) of the LED lighting terminal (lighting equipment) and to send the control signal (transmission signal), the configuration and control of the device are complicated.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device and a lighting system that can simplify the configuration and control for supplying a load current and transmitting a transmission signal.

  A power supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a DC power supply, a signal generation circuit, an output unit, and a signal control circuit. The DC power source applies a DC voltage to the pair of electric paths. The signal generation circuit has a plurality of paths connected in parallel between a first end and a second end, and connects the first end to one of the pair of electric paths. The output unit outputs a voltage between the other end of the pair of electric paths and the second end as a power supply voltage. The signal control circuit controls the signal generation circuit to transmit a transmission signal from the output unit. The signal control circuit transmits the transmission signal by switching a path, out of the plurality of paths, through which a load current output from the output unit flows. The signal generation circuit switches the value of the adjustment voltage generated between the first end and the second end when the path through which the load current flows is switched.

  A lighting system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the power supply device described above and a lighting device that is supplied with the load current from the power supply device to light a light source, and the lighting device receives the transmission signal. A receiver is provided.

  As described above, the present invention has an effect that the configuration and control for supplying the load current and transmitting the transmission signal can be simplified.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a lighting system including a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a DC power supply of the above power supply device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the information acquisition unit of the above power supply device. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a signal generation circuit of the above power supply device. FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the above power supply device. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a first modification of the above power supply device. FIG. 7: is a circuit diagram which shows the 2nd modification of the power supply device same as the above. FIG. 8: is a circuit diagram which shows the 3rd modification of the power supply device same as the above. FIG. 9: is a circuit diagram which shows the 4th modification of the illumination system same as the above. FIG. 10: is a circuit diagram which shows the 5th modification of the power supply device same as the above. FIG. 11: is a circuit diagram which shows the 6th modification of the power supply device same as the above. FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a seventh modification of the above power supply device.

  The following embodiments and variations generally relate to power supplies and lighting systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a power supply device that transmits a transmission signal in which a value of a DC voltage is changed to a lighting device, and a lighting system.

  The power supply device and the lighting system of the embodiment and each modification are mainly used in offices, factories, stores, offices, and the like. Further, the power supply device and the illumination system of the embodiment and each modification can be used in a detached house or a dwelling unit of an apartment house.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 5.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting system A1 of the present embodiment includes a power supply device 1, a lighting fixture 2, and a dimmer 3.

  The power supply device 1 includes a DC power supply 1a, a signal generation circuit 1b, an output unit 1c, an information acquisition unit 1d, and a signal control circuit 1e.

  The DC power supply 1a receives the AC voltage Va (AC power) of the commercial power supply 9 and performs a power conversion process (AC / DC conversion) for converting the AC voltage Va into the DC voltage V1 to the pair of electric paths E11 and E12. It is configured to apply the DC voltage V1. The electric potential of the electric path E11 becomes the high electric potential of the DC voltage V1, and the electric potential of the electric path E12 becomes the low electric potential of the DC voltage V1. That is, when the DC voltage V1 is applied to the pair of electric paths E11 and E12, the electric potential of the electric path E11 becomes higher than the electric potential of the electric path E12. The DC power supply 1a adjusts the value of the DC voltage V1 to a predetermined value. In the present embodiment, the value of the DC voltage V1 is 24V, but the value of the DC voltage V1 is not limited to a specific value. However, the value of the DC voltage V1 is preferably 50 V or less from the viewpoint of safety. The commercial power supply 9 is an AC power supply with a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the DC power supply 1a. The DC power supply 1a includes a filter 101, a rectifier 102, capacitors 103, 107 and 111, a transformer 104, a switching element 105, a diode 106, resistance elements 108, 109 and 110, a shunt regulator 112, a photocoupler 113, and a power supply control unit 114. Have.

  The AC voltage Va input to the DC power supply 1 a is full-wave rectified by the rectifier 102 via the filter 101. The filter 101 has, for example, a noise removing inductor and capacitor, and a surge absorber, and attenuates unnecessary frequency components (for example, high frequency noise). The rectifier 102 is a full-wave rectifier composed of, for example, a diode bridge. A capacitor 103, which is an input capacitor, is connected between output terminals of the rectifier 102, and a series circuit of a primary winding of a transformer 104 and a switching element 105 is connected between both ends of the capacitor 103. The switching element 105 is, for example, an enhancement type N-channel MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor). In FIG. 2, one end of the primary winding of the transformer 104 is connected to the positive electrode of the capacitor 103, and the other end of the primary winding of the transformer 104 is connected to the drain of the switching element 105. The source of the switching element 105 is connected to the negative electrode of the capacitor 103. The gate of the switching element 105 is connected to the power supply controller 114. The switching element 105 may be a transistor other than the enhancement type N-channel MOSFET.

  One end of the secondary winding of the transformer 104 is connected to the anode of the diode 106, and the cathode of the diode 106 is connected to the positive electrode of the capacitor 107. The other end of the secondary winding of the transformer 104 is connected to the negative electrode of the capacitor 107. The capacitor 107 is an output capacitor for smoothing, and is composed of, for example, an electrolytic capacitor. The positive electrode of the capacitor 107 is connected to the electric path E11, and the negative electrode of the capacitor 107 is connected to the electric path E12. That is, the voltage across the capacitor 107 becomes the DC voltage V1. A series circuit of voltage dividing resistance elements 109 and 110 is connected between both ends of the capacitor 107, and the resistance element 109 is located on the high side and the resistance element 110 is located on the low side. A capacitor 111 is connected between both ends of the resistance element 110. Further, the positive electrode of the capacitor 107 is connected to the negative electrode of the capacitor 111 via the resistance element 108, the photodiode of the photocoupler 113, and the shunt regulator 112. The collector and emitter of the phototransistor of the photocoupler 113 are connected to the input port of the power supply controller 114.

  Here, the voltage at the connection point of the resistance elements 109 and 110 is smoothed by the capacitor 111, and the voltage across the capacitor 111 corresponds to the average value of the DC voltage V1. Further, a series circuit of the resistance element 108, the input photodiode of the photocoupler 113, and the shunt regulator 112 is connected between the high potential of the DC voltage V1 and the negative electrode of the capacitor 111. The shunt regulator 112 generates a reference voltage inside the shunt regulator 112, and adjusts the current flowing through the shunt regulator 112 according to the difference between the voltage across the capacitor 111 and the reference voltage. As a result, the current flowing through the photodiode of the photocoupler 113 increases or decreases according to the voltage across the capacitor 111. The collector and emitter of the phototransistor of the photocoupler 113 are connected to the input port of the power supply controller 114. The power supply control unit 114 monitors the DC voltage V1 by acquiring the current flowing in the phototransistor of the photocoupler 113 as voltage data.

  Based on the voltage data, the power supply control unit 114 turns on and off the switching element 105 at a high frequency to generate a DC voltage V1 that is a rectified voltage of the AC voltage Va.

  In the DC power supply 1a, the transformer 104 and the photocoupler 113 function as an insulating circuit that electrically insulates the input stage (AC voltage Va) and the output stage (DC voltage V1) of the DC power supply 1a. Therefore, the safety is improved by electrically insulating the input stage and the output stage of the DC power supply 1a.

  The signal generation circuit 1b has a first end T1 and a second end T2, as shown in FIG. The electric path E12 is connected to the first end T1. The electric path E13 is connected to the second end T2. The signal generation circuit 1b is configured to apply a DC power supply voltage V2 to the pair of electric paths E11 and E13. The electric potential of the electric path E11 becomes a high electric potential of the power supply voltage V2, and the electric potential of the electric path E13 becomes a low electric potential of the power supply voltage V2. That is, when the power supply voltage V2 is applied to the pair of electric paths E11 and E13, the electric potential of the electric path E11 becomes higher than the electric potential of the electric path E13. When the voltage between the first end T1 and the second end T2 (the voltage of the first end T1 viewed from the second end T2) is the adjustment voltage V3, the signal generation circuit 1b changes the value of the adjustment voltage V3. Thus, the value of the power supply voltage V2 can be changed.

  The output unit 1c has a pair of output terminals. A pair of electric paths E11 and E13 are connected to the pair of output terminals, respectively, and a power supply voltage V2 is applied. A pair of power supply paths E21 and E22 are connected to the pair of output terminals, respectively. The electric path E11 is connected to the power supply path E21 via the output unit 1c, and the electric path E13 is connected to the power supply path E22 via the output unit 1c. Further, a capacitor 131 (see FIG. 4) is preferably connected between the pair of output terminals.

  At least one lighting fixture 2 is connected between the pair of power supply paths E21 and E22. The lighting fixture 2 is supplied with the power supply voltage V2 by the power supply device 1 through the pair of power supply paths E21 and E22, and is supplied with the load current Io from the power supply device 1 through the pair of power supply paths E21 and E22. That is, the lighting fixture 2 operates using the power supply device 1 as a power supply. The power supplied from the power supply device 1 to the lighting fixture 2 is DC power, and the power distribution from the power supply device 1 to the lighting fixture 2 is DC power distribution. The lighting fixture 2 is turned on by the DC power supplied via the pair of power supply paths E21 and E22, and illuminates the space to be illuminated. Although one lighting fixture 2 is connected between the pair of power feeding paths E21 and E22 in FIG. 1, even if a plurality of lighting fixtures 2 are connected between the pair of power feeding paths E21 and E22. Good.

  The dimmer 3 phase-controls the AC voltage Va supplied from the commercial power supply 9 to generate a phase control voltage Vb, and the phase control voltage Vb is input to the information acquisition unit 1d. That is, the dimmer 3 adjusts the conduction angle, which is a conduction period for each half-wave of the phase control voltage Vb, and in the present embodiment, the conduction angle of the phase control voltage Vb indicates an instruction value of the dimming level. Corresponds to information. The information acquisition unit 1d receives the instruction information indicating the instruction value of the dimming level as the conduction angle of the phase control voltage Vb. The dimmer 3 includes, for example, a rotary type or a slide type operation unit operated by the user, and the conduction angle is adjusted by the user operating the operation unit.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the information acquisition unit 1d. The information acquisition unit 1d includes a rectifier 121, a reading unit 122, and a photocoupler 123.

  The rectifier 121 performs full-wave rectification on the phase control voltage Vb. The reading unit 122 compares the rectified voltage of the phase control voltage Vb with the determination reference value to turn on / off the phototransistor of the photocoupler 123 in synchronization with the phase control voltage Vb. The reading unit 122 turns on the phototransistor of the photocoupler 123 with an on-duty corresponding to the magnitude of the conduction angle for each half-wave of the phase control voltage Vb. For example, when the conduction angle increases, the on-duty increases, and when the conduction angle decreases, the on-duty decreases. Alternatively, the on-duty may decrease as the conduction angle increases, and the on-duty may increase as the conduction angle decreases. The collector and emitter of the phototransistor of the photocoupler 123 are connected to the input port of the signal control circuit 1e. That is, the dimming signal Sa that turns on and off in synchronization with the conduction angle for each half wave of the phase control voltage Vb is input to the input port of the signal control circuit 1e.

  The signal control circuit 1e receives the dimming signal Sa from the information acquisition unit 1d and outputs the control signal Sb to the signal generation circuit 1b. The control signal Sb is a signal for controlling the signal generation circuit 1b. The signal generation circuit 1b changes the waveform of the power supply voltage V2 to transmit a transmission signal indicating the dimming level based on the dimming signal Sa to the lighting fixture 2.

  The signal control circuit 1e includes a computer. When the computer executes the program, some or all of the functions of the signal control circuit 1e are realized. The computer includes a processor that operates according to a program as a main hardware configuration. The processor may be of any type as long as it can realize the function by executing the program. The processor is configured by one or a plurality of electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (large scale integration). Although referred to as an IC or an LSI here, it may be called a system LSI, a VLSI (very large scale integration), or a ULSI (ultra large scale integration) depending on the degree of integration. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a reconfigurable logic device that can reconfigure the junction relation inside the LSI or set up the circuit section inside the LSI can also be used for the same purpose. You can The plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or may be provided on the plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated in one device or may be provided in the plurality of devices. The program is recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The program may be stored in the recording medium in advance, or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network such as the Internet.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the signal generation circuit 1b. The signal generation circuit 1b includes a switch element Q1 and a resistance element R1. The switch element Q1 is, for example, an enhancement type N-channel MOSFET. The drain of the switch element Q1 (terminal on the high potential side of the switch element Q1) is connected to the second end T2, and the source of the switch element Q1 (terminal on the low potential side of the switch element Q1) is connected to the first end T1. A parasitic diode is generated between the drain and the source of the switch element Q1, and the forward direction of the parasitic diode is from the source to the drain of the switch element Q1. The resistance element R1 is connected between the drain and source of the switch element Q1 (between the first end T1 and the second end T2). In this case, a first path Y1 passing through the switch element Q1 and a second path Y2 passing through the resistance element R1 are formed between the first end T1 and the second end T2. The signal generation circuit 1b has a value of the adjustment voltage V3 when the load current Io is the first path Y1 and a value of the adjustment voltage V3 when the load current Io is the second path Y2. Act differently from each other.

  The signal control circuit 1e is connected to the gate of the switch element Q1 and is configured to perform PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control of the switch element Q1. The signal control circuit 1e applies the control signal Sb shown in the upper part of FIG. 5 to the gate of the switch element Q1. The signal control circuit 1e adjusts the voltage value of the control signal Sb (gate voltage of the switch element Q1) to the ON voltage [Von] of the switch element Q1 (voltage higher than the gate-source threshold voltage of the switch element Q1). , Switch element Q1 is turned on. Further, the signal control circuit 1e turns off the switch element Q1 by adjusting the voltage value of the control signal Sb to 0V (or a negative voltage value). Then, the signal control circuit 1e performs PWM control of the on-duty, which is the ratio of the period in which the control signal Sb becomes the on-voltage [Von] with respect to the PWM cycle W1. In FIG. 5, assuming that the PWM cycle W1 is constant and the ON period in which the control signal Sb is the ON voltage [Von] is Won, the ON duty is Won / W1. When the off period in which the control signal Sb is 0V is Woff, the off duty is Woff / W1. The PWM frequency of control signal Sb (the reciprocal of PWM cycle W1) is, for example, 1.2 kHz, but is not limited to this value.

  When the switch element Q1 is turned on, the connection between the first end T1 and the second end T2 (between the electric path E12 and the electric path E13) is conducted via the switch element Q1 (first path Y1). The ON resistance of the switch element Q1 is much smaller than the resistance value of the resistance element R1 and can be regarded as approximately 0Ω. In this case, the load current Io flowing from the second end T2 hardly flows into the resistance element R1 and flows out from the first end T1 through the switch element Q1. Therefore, the value of the adjustment voltage V3 generated between the first end T1 and the second end T2 is almost 0V. As a result, when the switch element Q1 is turned on, the value of the power supply voltage V2 becomes [V21] which is almost equal to the value of the DC voltage V1 (see FIG. 5).

  When the switch element Q1 is turned off, the first end T1 and the second end T2 are electrically connected only via the resistance element R1 (second path Y2). In this case, the load current Io flowing from the second end T2 flows out from the first end T1 through the resistance element R1. Therefore, a voltage drop equal to the product of the load current Io and the resistance value of the resistance element R1 occurs across the resistance element R1. The voltage drop of the resistance element R1 becomes the adjustment voltage V3 generated between the first end T1 and the second end T2. As a result, when the switch element Q1 is turned on, the value of the power supply voltage V2 shown in the lower part of FIG. 5 becomes [V22] obtained by subtracting the value of the adjustment voltage V3 from the value of the DC voltage V1 (see FIG. 5).

  The value [V31] of the adjustment voltage V3 when the switch element Q1 is turned off is larger than the value (approximately 0V) of the adjustment voltage V3 when the switch element Q1 is turned on. Therefore, the value [V22] of the power supply voltage V2 becomes smaller than the value [V21] of the power supply voltage V2 (see FIG. 5). For example, it is preferable that the value [V21] of the power supply voltage V2 is 24V and the value [V22] of the power supply voltage V2 is 20V. However, the value [V21] of the power supply voltage V2 and the value [V22] of the power supply voltage V2 are not limited to specific values, and may satisfy the relationship of [V21]> [V22].

  Further, the value [V22] of the power supply voltage V2 can be defined as follows. The value of the resistance component of the load when the switch element Q1 is off (the resistance component when the power supply device 1 is viewed from the output section 1c toward the power supply paths E21 and E22) is [R0], and the resistance value of the resistance element R1 is [ R1]. In this case, the value [V22] of the power supply voltage V2 becomes [V21] · {[R0] / (R0 + [R1])}.

  As described above, the signal control circuit 1e performs PWM control of the switch element Q1 so that the path between the first end T1 and the second end T2 through which the load current Io passes is the first path Y1 and the second path. Switch to either Y2. The signal control circuit 1e switches the path between the first end T1 and the second end T2 to either the first path Y1 or the second path Y2, so that the transmission signal PWM-modulated to the power supply voltage V2 is transmitted. The transmission signal can be transmitted to the lighting fixture 2 via the power feeding paths E21 and E22 in a superimposed manner. In this case, the value of the power supply voltage V2 becomes [V21] every PWM cycle W1. Then, the value of the power supply voltage V2 becomes [V21] over the ON period Won of the control signal Sb. Therefore, the on-duty of the power supply voltage V2, which is the ratio of the period in which the value of the power supply voltage V2 is [V21] with respect to the PWM cycle W1, is the same (or almost the same) as the on-duty of the control signal Sb (FIG. 5). reference).

  The signal generation circuit 1b described above has the switch element Q1 and the resistance element R1, and the transmission signal can be superimposed on the power supply voltage V2 by turning the switch element Q1 on and off. That is, the signal generation circuit 1b can switch the value of the power supply voltage V2 with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can supply the load current Io and transmit the transmission signal with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one.

  The value [V22] of the power supply voltage V2 is smaller than [V21] but larger than 0V. Further, the value [V22] of the power supply voltage V2 is a size that enables the operation of the lighting device 2a of the lighting device 2 described later. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can supply sufficient operating power to the lighting device 2a to operate the lighting device 2a even when the on-duty of the power supply voltage V2 is small.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting fixture 2 includes a lighting device 2a and a light source 2b. The lighting device 2a includes a signal receiving unit 201 and a constant current circuit 202. The light source 2b has a plurality of solid state light emitting elements. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of solid state light emitting elements is an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the plurality of solid state light emitting elements are connected in series.

  The light source 2b is not limited to the configuration having an LED as a solid light emitting element. The light source 2b may have another solid-state light emitting element such as an organic EL (Organic Electro Luminescence, OEL) or a semiconductor laser diode (Laser Diode, LD). Further, the number of solid-state light emitting elements is not limited to a plurality and may be one. The electrical connection of the plurality of solid state light emitting devices is a series connection, but is not limited to this connection. The electrical connection relationship of the plurality of solid state light emitting elements may be parallel connection, or may be connection relationship in which series connection and parallel connection are combined.

  The signal receiving unit 201 monitors the power supply voltage V2 of the pair of power supply paths E21 and E22, and can compare the voltage value of the power supply voltage V2 with a threshold value to read the transmission data from the PWM-modulated transmission signal. it can. That is, the signal receiving unit 201 detects (reads) the on-duty of the power supply voltage V2 based on the change in the voltage value of the power supply voltage V2. The signal receiving unit 201 outputs the PWM signal Sc (see FIG. 1) having the same on-duty or off-duty as the on-duty of the power supply voltage V2 to the constant current circuit 202.

  The constant current circuit 202 receives the power supply voltage V2 from the pair of power supply paths E21 and E22 and supplies a lighting current to the light source 2b to light the light source 2b. The constant current circuit 202 performs constant current control so that the value of the lighting current supplied to the light source 2b matches the target current value. Then, the constant current circuit 202 sets, based on the PWM signal Sc, an operation period in which the constant current control is performed and a stop period in which the lighting current is set to 0 without performing the constant current control. The on-duty or off-duty of the PWM signal Sc is the same as the on-duty of the power supply voltage V2, and the constant current circuit 202 starts the operation period for each PWM cycle W1 to perform the constant current control, and the on-period Won (Fig. The constant current control is performed over the same period (see 5). Then, when the ON period Won ends, the constant current circuit 202 starts the stop period and sets the lighting current to 0 without performing the constant current control. Then, the operation period is repeated for each PWM cycle W1. At this time, the ratio of the operation period to the PWM cycle W1 becomes the same as the on-duty of the power supply voltage V2. The constant current circuit 202 has, for example, a regulator, a step-down converter, or a step-up converter.

  Therefore, the lighting current is supplied to the light source 2b during the ON period Won in the PWM cycle W1, and the lighting current is not supplied outside the ON period Won. The longer the ON period Won, the higher the dimming level of the light source 2b, and the shorter the ON period Won, the lower the dimming level of the light source 2b. That is, the constant current circuit 202 performs PWM dimming.

  As described above, the signal receiving unit 201 generates the PWM signal Sc set to the same on-duty or off-duty as the on-duty of the power supply voltage V2. The constant current circuit 202 sets the ON period of the PWM signal Sc to the operation period. That is, the operation period of the constant current circuit 202 is synchronized with the PWM signal Sc. Therefore, the signal processing in the signal receiving unit 201 and the constant current circuit 202 is simple signal processing, and each signal processing circuit in the signal receiving unit 201 and the constant current circuit 202 is a discrete component, a logic IC, or a control IC ( Integrated Circuit) can be configured. That is, the lighting device 2a does not need to include a processor that operates by executing a program, and the configuration can be simplified.

  Further, when the switch element Q1 of the signal generation circuit 1b is off and the constant current control of the lighting fixture 2 is stopped to reduce the load current Io, the power consumption in the resistor element R1 (= Io · [R1] ) Can also be reduced. However, the PWM frequency of the control signal Sb is preferably 500 Hz or higher in order to prevent the flicker of the light emitted from the light source 2b from being felt by the human eye.

  In addition, the constant current circuit 202 is not limited to the above-described configuration for PWM dimming the light source 2b. For example, the constant current circuit 202 may be configured to increase the target current value as the on-duty or off-duty of the PWM signal Sc is increased, adjust the magnitude of the lighting current, and perform amplitude dimming of the light source 2b. . Further, the constant current circuit 202 may be configured to execute amplitude dimming and PWM dimming in combination.

  Further, the lighting device 2a may include a constant voltage circuit instead of the constant current circuit 202 and perform PWM control of the voltage (lighting voltage) applied to the light source 2b. Further, the constant voltage circuit may be configured to adjust the magnitude of the lighting voltage according to the on-duty or the off-duty of the PWM signal Sc and perform amplitude dimming of the light source 2b. Further, the constant voltage circuit may be configured to execute amplitude dimming and PWM dimming in combination.

  Further, the transmission signal superimposed on the power supply voltage V2 is not limited to the PWM-modulated transmission signal. For example, the transmission signal may be amplitude modulation for switching the power supply voltage V2 to any of two or more amplitudes, or FSK (Frequency Shift) for switching the frequency of the transmission signal superimposed on the power supply voltage V2 to one of two or more frequencies. It may be a transmission signal modulated by another modulation method such as Keying).

  When the transmission signal is amplitude-modulated so as to include each value of H (High) and L (Low), the signal receiving unit 201 reads each value of H and L from the value of the power supply voltage V2 as binary information. The constant current circuit 202 may perform dimming control of the light source 2b based on the binary information. In this case, the signal receiving unit 201 may read the rising and falling of the power supply voltage V2 as binary information, and the constant current circuit 202 may perform dimming control of the light source 2b based on this binary information.

  The switch element Q1 is not limited to the enhancement type N-channel MOSFET. The switch element Q1 may be another switch element such as an enhancement type P-channel MOSFET, a depletion type MOSFET, a junction FET, a bipolar transistor, or a thyristor.

  Further, the signal control circuit 1e is provided with the drive circuit of the switch element Q1 inside the signal control circuit 1e, but may be provided outside the signal control circuit 1e.

  The information represented by the conduction angle of the phase control voltage Vb is not limited to the dimming level instruction value. For example, the conduction angle of the phase control voltage Vb may correspond to instruction information for instructing the state of the light source 2b other than the dimming level such as toning (color temperature of light). In this case, the transmission signal indicates the state of the light source 2b other than the dimming level (color adjustment, etc.), and the lighting device 2a controls the lighting state of the light source 2b so as to attain the instructed lighting state.

  The instruction information received by the information acquisition unit 1d is not limited to the conduction angle of the phase control voltage Vb. For example, the information acquisition unit 1d may acquire the instruction information by receiving a digital signal or an analog signal modulated by a predetermined modulation method from an external controller and demodulating the digital signal or the analog signal. The signal transmission from the external controller to the information acquisition unit 1d may be wired communication or wireless communication. Wired communication is performed via a twisted pair cable, a dedicated communication line, a LAN (Local Area Network) cable, or the like. The wireless communication is performed by wireless LAN, low power wireless communication, infrared communication, or the like.

  Further, the type of the lighting fixture 2 is preferably a downlight or a spotlight, but may be another type.

(First modification)
FIG. 6 shows a first modification of the signal generation circuit 1b.

  The signal generation circuit 1b of the first modified example includes a switch element Q1 and a diode unit D1. That is, in the signal generation circuit 1b of the first modification, the resistance element R1 (see FIG. 4) of the signal generation circuit 1b of the above embodiment is replaced with the diode unit D1. The diode unit D1 is composed of a series circuit of a plurality of diodes. In the diode unit D1, the cathode of one of the pair of adjacent diodes is connected to the anode of the other diode. The cathode of the diode at one end of the diode unit D1 is connected to the first end T1, and the anode of the diode at the other end of the diode unit D1 is connected to the second end T2. That is, the diode unit D1 is connected between the first end T1 and the second end T2 so as to be in the forward direction from the second end T2 toward the first end T1. In this case, a first path Y1 passing through the switch element Q1 and a second path Y2 passing through the diode unit D1 are formed between the first end T1 and the second end T2.

  When the switch element Q1 is turned on, conduction is established between the first end T1 and the second end T2 via the switch element Q1 (first path Y1). Even if the load current Io flowing from the second end T2 flows out from the first end T1 through the switch element Q1, the voltage across the switch element Q1 (drain-source voltage) generated by the ON resistance of the switch element Q1 is It is smaller than the forward voltage of the diode unit D1 (the sum of the forward voltages of the plurality of diodes). Therefore, the load current Io hardly flows through the diode unit D1, and the value of the adjustment voltage V3 generated between the first end T1 and the second end T2 becomes almost zero. As a result, when the switch element Q1 is turned on, the value of the power supply voltage V2 becomes [V21] which is almost equal to the value of the DC voltage V1 (see FIG. 5).

  When the switch element Q1 is turned off, the first end T1 and the second end T2 are electrically connected only via the diode unit D1 (second path Y2). In this case, the load current Io flowing from the second end T2 flows out from the first end T1 through the diode unit D1. Therefore, a voltage drop equal to the sum of the forward voltages of the plurality of diodes occurs across the diode unit D1. The voltage drop of the diode unit D1 becomes the adjustment voltage V3 generated between the first end T1 and the second end T2. As a result, when the switch element Q1 is turned on, the value of the power supply voltage V2 becomes [V22] obtained by subtracting the value of the adjustment voltage V3 from the value of the DC voltage V1 (see FIG. 5). For example, if the number of the plurality of diodes is N and the forward voltage of each diode is Vf (for example, about 1V), the value of the adjustment voltage V3 is N · Vf. The value of the adjustment voltage V3 can be adjusted by appropriately setting the number “N” of the plurality of diodes.

  Therefore, the signal control circuit 1e can perform PWM control of the switch element Q1 to superimpose the PWM-modulated transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2 and transmit the transmission signal to the lighting fixture 2 via the power supply paths E21 and E22. .

  The above-described signal generation circuit 1b has the switch element Q1 and the diode unit D1, and the switch element Q1 is turned on / off to superimpose the transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can supply the load current Io and transmit the transmission signal with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one.

(Second modified example)
FIG. 7 shows a second modification of the signal generation circuit 1b.

  The signal generation circuit 1b of the second modified example includes a switch element Q1 and a Zener diode ZD1. That is, in the signal generation circuit 1b of the second modification, the resistance element R1 (see FIG. 4) of the signal generation circuit 1b of the above-described embodiment is replaced with the Zener diode ZD1. Then, the anode of the Zener diode ZD1 is connected to the first end T1, and the cathode of the Zener diode ZD1 is connected to the second end T2. That is, the Zener diode ZD1 is connected between the first end T1 and the second end T2 so as to be in the opposite direction from the second end T2 toward the first end T1. In this case, a first path Y1 passing through the switch element Q1 and a second path Y2 passing through the Zener diode ZD1 are formed between the first end T1 and the second end T2.

  When the switch element Q1 is turned on, conduction is established between the first end T1 and the second end T2 via the switch element Q1 (first path Y1). Even if the load current Io flowing from the second end T2 flows out from the first end T1 through the switch element Q1, the voltage across the switch element Q1 (drain-source voltage) generated by the ON resistance of the switch element Q1 is It is smaller than the Zener voltage of the Zener diode ZD1. Therefore, the load current Io hardly flows through the Zener diode ZD1 and the value of the adjustment voltage V3 generated between the first end T1 and the second end T2 becomes almost zero. As a result, when the switch element Q1 is turned on, the value of the power supply voltage V2 becomes [V21] which is almost equal to the value of the DC voltage V1 (see FIG. 5).

  When the switch element Q1 is turned off, the first end T1 and the second end T2 are electrically connected only via the Zener diode ZD1 (second path Y2). In this case, the load current Io flowing from the second end T2 flows out from the first end T1 through the Zener diode ZD1. Therefore, the Zener voltage of the Zener diode ZD1 is generated across the Zener diode ZD1. The Zener voltage of the Zener diode ZD1 becomes the adjustment voltage V3 generated between the first end T1 and the second end T2. As a result, when the switch element Q1 is turned on, the value of the power supply voltage V2 becomes [V22] obtained by subtracting the value of the adjustment voltage V3 from the value of the DC voltage V1 (see FIG. 5). The value of the adjustment voltage V3 can be adjusted by the Zener voltage of the Zener diode ZD1.

  Therefore, the signal control circuit 1e can perform PWM control of the switch element Q1 to superimpose the PWM-modulated transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2 and transmit the transmission signal to the lighting fixture 2 via the power supply paths E21 and E22. .

  The above-described signal generation circuit 1b has the switch element Q1 and the Zener diode ZD1 and can turn on and off the switch element Q1 to superimpose the transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can supply the load current Io and transmit the transmission signal with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one.

(Third modification)
FIG. 8 shows a third modification of the signal generation circuit 1b.

  The signal generation circuit 1b of the third modified example includes a switch element Q1, a control power supply K1, a capacitor C1, and a diode D2. A series circuit of a control power supply K1 and a capacitor C1 is connected between the electric path E11 and the electric path E12. The control power supply K1 has a step-down chopper circuit, a series regulator, a three-terminal regulator, or the like, and receives the DC voltage V1 as an input and outputs a DC control voltage Vc. The control voltage Vc is applied across the capacitor C1. The anode of the diode D2 is connected to the drain of the switch element Q1, and the cathode of the diode D2 is connected to the positive electrode of the capacitor C1 (high potential of the control voltage Vc). That is, a series circuit of the capacitor C1 and the diode D2 is connected between the first end T1 and the second end T2. In this case, a first path Y1 passing through the switch element Q1 and a second path Y2 passing through a series circuit of the capacitor C1 and the diode D2 are formed between the first end T1 and the second end T2. .

  When the switch element Q1 is turned on, conduction is established between the first end T1 and the second end T2 via the switch element Q1 (first path Y1). Even if the load current Io flowing from the second end T2 flows out from the first end T1 through the switch element Q1, the voltage across the switch element Q1 (drain-source voltage) generated by the ON resistance of the switch element Q1 is It is smaller than the sum of the control voltage Vc and the forward voltage of the diode D2. Therefore, the load current Io hardly flows through the Zener diode ZD1 and the value of the adjustment voltage V3 generated between the first end T1 and the second end T2 becomes almost zero. As a result, when the switch element Q1 is turned on, the value of the power supply voltage V2 becomes [V21] which is almost equal to the value of the DC voltage V1 (see FIG. 5).

  When the switch element Q1 is turned off, the first end T1 and the second end T2 are electrically connected only via the series circuit (second path Y2) of the capacitor C1 and the diode D2. In this case, the load current Io flowing from the second end T2 flows out from the first end T1 through the diode D2 and the capacitor C1. At this time, the control voltage Vc is applied between both ends of the capacitor C1 by the control power source K1, and the sum of the control voltage Vc and the forward voltage of the diode D2 is the sum of the first end T1 and the second end T2. The adjustment voltage V3 is generated during the period. As a result, when the switch element Q1 is turned on, the value of the power supply voltage V2 becomes [V22] obtained by subtracting the value of the adjustment voltage V3 from the value of the DC voltage V1 (see FIG. 5).

  Therefore, the signal control circuit 1e can perform PWM control of the switch element Q1 to superimpose the PWM-modulated transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2 and transmit the transmission signal to the lighting fixture 2 via the power supply paths E21 and E22. .

  The above-described signal generation circuit 1b has the switch element Q1, the control power supply K1, the capacitor C1, and the diode D2, and when the switch element Q1 is turned on / off, the transmission signal can be superimposed on the power supply voltage V2. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can supply the load current Io and transmit the transmission signal with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one.

(Fourth modification)
In the power supply device 1 of the fourth modified example, as shown in FIG. 9, the connection form of the signal generation circuit 1b with respect to the electric paths E11 and E12 is different from the above-described embodiment and the first to third modified examples. In the fourth modification, the electric path E11 is connected to the first end T1 of the signal generation circuit 1b. The electric path E14 is connected to the second end T2. The signal generation circuit 1b is configured to apply a DC power supply voltage V2 to the pair of electric paths E14 and E12. The electric potential of the electric path E14 becomes the high electric potential of the feeding voltage V2, and the electric potential of the electric path E12 becomes the low electric potential of the feeding voltage V2. That is, when the power supply voltage V2 is applied to the pair of electric paths E14 and E12, the electric potential of the electric path E14 becomes higher than the electric potential of the electric path E12. When the voltage between the first end T1 and the second end T2 (the voltage of the first end T1 viewed from the second end T2) is the adjustment voltage V3, the signal generation circuit 1b changes the value of the adjustment voltage V3. Thus, the value of the power supply voltage V2 can be changed.

  A pair of electric paths E14 and E12 are connected to a pair of output terminals of the output unit 1c, respectively, and a power supply voltage V2 is applied. A pair of power supply paths E21 and E22 are connected to the pair of output terminals, respectively. The electric path E14 is connected to the power feeding path E21 via the output unit 1c, and the electric path E12 is connected to the power feeding path E22 via the output unit 1c.

  In this case as well, the value of the power supply voltage V2 can be changed by the signal control circuit 1e controlling the signal generation circuit 1b to change the value of the adjustment voltage V3.

(Fifth Modification)
FIG. 10 shows a fifth modification. In the fifth modified example, the power supply device 1 of the fourth modified example (see FIG. 9) is combined with the signal generation circuit 1b of the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 4).

  The signal generation circuit 1b of the fifth modified example includes a switch element Q1 and a resistance element R1. The drain of the switch element Q1 is connected to the first end T1, and the source of the switch element Q1 is connected to the second end T2. The resistance element R1 is connected between the drain and source of the switch element Q1 (between the first end T1 and the second end T2).

  Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the signal control circuit 1e performs PWM control of the switch element Q1 to superimpose the PWM-modulated transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2 and illuminates via the power supply paths E21 and E22. The transmission signal can be transmitted to the device 2.

  The signal generation circuit 1b described above has the switch element Q1 and the resistance element R1, and the transmission signal can be superimposed on the power supply voltage V2 by turning the switch element Q1 on and off. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can supply the load current Io and transmit the transmission signal with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one.

(Sixth Modification)
FIG. 11 shows a sixth modification. In the sixth modification, the signal generating circuit 1b of the first modification (see FIG. 6) is combined with the power supply device 1 of the fourth modification (see FIG. 9).

  The signal generation circuit 1b of the sixth modified example includes a switch element Q1 and a diode unit D1. The drain of the switch element Q1 is connected to the first end T1, and the source of the switch element Q1 is connected to the second end T2. The anode of the diode at one end of the diode unit D1 is connected to the first end T1, and the cathode of the diode at the other end of the diode unit D1 is connected to the second end T2. That is, the diode unit D1 is connected between the first end T1 and the second end T2 so as to be in the forward direction from the first end T1 toward the second end T2.

  Therefore, similarly to the above-described first modified example, the signal control circuit 1e performs PWM control of the switch element Q1 to superimpose the PWM-modulated transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2, and passes the power supply paths E21 and E22. The transmission signal can be transmitted to the lighting device 2.

  The above-described signal generation circuit 1b has the switch element Q1 and the diode unit D1, and the switch element Q1 is turned on / off to superimpose the transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can supply the load current Io and transmit the transmission signal with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one.

(Seventh modification)
FIG. 12 shows a seventh modification. In the seventh modified example, the signal generation circuit 1b of the second modified example (see FIG. 7) is combined with the power supply device 1 of the fourth modified example (see FIG. 9).

  The signal generation circuit 1b of the seventh modified example includes a switch element Q1 and a Zener diode ZD1. The drain of the switch element Q1 is connected to the first end T1, and the source of the switch element Q1 is connected to the second end T2. The anode of the Zener diode ZD1 is connected to the second end T2, and the cathode of the Zener diode ZD1 is connected to the first end T1. That is, the Zener diode ZD1 is connected between the first end T1 and the second end T2 so as to be in the opposite direction from the first end T1 to the second end T2.

  Therefore, similarly to the above-described second modified example, the signal control circuit 1e performs PWM control of the switch element Q1 to superimpose the PWM-modulated transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2, and passes the power supply lines E21 and E22. The transmission signal can be transmitted to the lighting device 2.

  The above-described signal generation circuit 1b has the switch element Q1 and the Zener diode ZD1 and can turn on and off the switch element Q1 to superimpose the transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can supply the load current Io and transmit the transmission signal with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one.

(8th modification)
Further, the signal generation circuit 1b of the third modification (see FIG. 6) may be combined with the power supply device 1 of the fourth modification (see FIG. 9). Also in this case, similarly to the above-described fourth modification, the signal control circuit 1e performs PWM control of the switch element Q1 to superimpose the PWM-modulated transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2 to supply the power supply paths E21 and E22. A transmission signal can be transmitted to the luminaire 2 via the.

  The above-described signal generation circuit 1b has the switch element Q1 and the Zener diode ZD1 and can turn on and off the switch element Q1 to superimpose the transmission signal on the power supply voltage V2. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can supply the load current Io and transmit the transmission signal with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one.

  As described above, the power supply device (1) according to the first aspect of the embodiment includes the DC power supply (1a), the signal generation circuit (1b), the output unit (1c), and the signal control circuit (1e). , Is provided. The DC power supply (1a) applies a DC voltage (V1) to the pair of electric paths (E11, E12). The signal generation circuit (1b) has a plurality of paths (Y1, Y2) connected in parallel between the first end (T1) and the second end (T2), and has a pair of electric paths (E11, E12). The first end (T1) is connected to one of the two. The output unit (1c) outputs a voltage between the other of the pair of electric paths (E11, E12) and the second end (T2) as a power supply voltage (V2). The signal control circuit (1e) controls the signal generation circuit (1b) to transmit the transmission signal from the output section (1c). The signal control circuit (1e) transmits a transmission signal by switching among the plurality of paths (Y1, Y2) the path through which the load current (Io) output from the output unit (1c) flows. The signal generation circuit (1b) switches the value of the adjustment voltage (V3) generated between the first end (T1) and the second end (T2) when the path through which the load current (Io) flows is switched.

  The power supply device (1) described above can switch the value of the power supply voltage (V2) with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one. That is, the power supply device (1) can simplify the configuration and control for supplying the load current (Io) and transmitting the transmission signal.

  Further, in the power supply device (1) of the second aspect according to the embodiment, in the first aspect, the DC voltage (V1) is applied to the series circuit of the signal generation circuit (1b) and the output section (1c). Preferably.

  The power supply device (1) described above can switch the value of the power supply voltage (V2) with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one.

  In the power supply device (1) of the third aspect according to the embodiment, in the first or second aspect, at least one of the plurality of paths (Y1, Y2) has a first end (T1) and a second end. It is preferable to have a switch element (Q1) for connecting and disconnecting between the two ends (T2). The signal control circuit (1e) switches between conduction and interruption by the switch element (Q1).

  The power supply device (1) described above can switch the value of the power supply voltage (V2) with a simpler configuration and control than the conventional one.

  Moreover, in the power supply device (1) of the fourth aspect according to the embodiment, in the third aspect, at least one of the plurality of paths (Y1, Y2) has at least one diode (D2) connected in series and a control power source. It is preferable to have (K1). The control power supply (K1) generates a DC control voltage (Vc). The anode of the diode (D2) is connected to the high potential side terminal of the switch element (Q1), and the cathode of the diode (D2) is connected to the control power supply (K1).

  The power supply device (1) described above can simplify the configuration and control for supplying the load current (Io) and transmitting the transmission signal.

  Further, in the power supply device (1) of the fifth aspect according to the embodiment, in the third aspect, at least one of the plurality of paths (Y1, Y2) has a first end (T1) and a second end (T1). It is preferable to have a resistance element (R1) connected between T2).

  The power supply device (1) described above can simplify the configuration and control for supplying the load current (Io) and transmitting the transmission signal.

  Further, in the power supply device 1 of the sixth aspect according to the embodiment, in the third aspect, it is preferable that at least one of the plurality of paths (Y1, Y2) has a diode (diode unit D1). The anode of the diode (D1) is connected to the high potential side terminal of the switch element (Q1).

  The power supply device (1) described above can simplify the configuration and control for supplying the load current (Io) and transmitting the transmission signal.

  Further, in the power supply device (1) of the seventh aspect according to the embodiment, in the third aspect, at least one of the plurality of paths (Y1, Y2) preferably has a Zener diode (ZD1). The cathode of the Zener diode (ZD1) is connected to the high potential side terminal of the switch element (Q1).

  The power supply device (1) described above can simplify the configuration and control for supplying the load current (Io) and transmitting the transmission signal.

  Furthermore, the illumination system (A1) of the eighth aspect according to the embodiment supplies the power supply device (1) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and the load current (Io) from the power supply device (1). And a lighting device (2a) for lighting the light source (2b). The lighting device (2a) includes a signal receiving unit (201) that receives a transmission signal.

  The lighting system (A1) described above can simplify the configuration and control for supplying the load current (Io) and transmitting the transmission signal.

  Further, the above-described embodiments and modified examples are examples. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modification, and even if it is other than this embodiment and modification, as long as it does not deviate from the technical idea of the present invention, the design Of course, various changes can be made according to the above.

1 Power Supply Device 1a DC Power Supply 1b Signal Generation Circuit 1c Output Unit 1e Signal Control Circuit 2 Lighting Equipment 2a Lighting Device 2b Light Source 201 Signal Reception Unit A1 Lighting System D1 Diode Unit D2 Diodes E11, E12 Electric Circuit Io Load Current K1 Control Power Supply Q1 Switch Element R1 resistance element T1 first end T2 second end V1 DC voltage V2 feeding voltage V3 adjusting voltage Vc control voltage Y1, Y2 path ZD1 Zener diode

Claims (8)

A direct current power source for applying a direct current voltage to the pair of electric circuits,
A signal generation circuit having a plurality of paths connected in parallel between a first end and a second end, and connecting the first end to one of the pair of electric paths;
An output unit that outputs a voltage between the other end of the pair of electric paths and the second end as a power supply voltage,
A signal control circuit that controls the signal generation circuit to transmit a transmission signal from the output unit,
The signal control circuit transmits the transmission signal by switching a path through which a load current output from the output unit flows among the plurality of paths.
The signal generation circuit is a power supply device that switches a value of an adjustment voltage generated between the first end and the second end when a path through which the load current flows is switched. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the DC voltage is applied to a series circuit of the signal generation circuit and the output unit. At least one of the plurality of paths has a switch element that connects and disconnects between the first end and the second end,
The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the signal control circuit switches between the conduction and the interruption by the switch element. At least one of the plurality of routes is
Having a diode and a control power supply connected in series,
The control power supply generates a DC control voltage,
The anode of the diode is connected to the high potential side terminal of the switch element,
The power supply device according to claim 3, wherein a cathode of the diode is connected to the control power supply. At least one of the plurality of routes is
The power supply device according to claim 3, further comprising a resistance element connected between the first end and the second end. At least one of the plurality of routes is
Have a diode,
The power supply device according to claim 3, wherein an anode of the diode is connected to a high-potential-side terminal of the switch element. At least one of the plurality of routes is
Has a Zener diode,
The power supply device according to claim 3, wherein a cathode of the Zener diode is connected to a high potential side terminal of the switch element. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A lighting device that lights the light source by being supplied with the load current from the power supply device;
The lighting system includes a signal receiving unit that receives the transmission signal.

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