Illumination device and wireless power supply system

Abstract

To efficiently perform wireless power supply.SOLUTION: An illumination device 100 comprises: a power source circuit 120; an antenna 140 which radiates radio waves of microwave bands for wireless power supply using power supplied from the power source circuit 120; and a lighting section 130 which radiates illumination light using power supplied from the power source circuit 120. A maximum radiation direction 21 of radio waves is different from a maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of illumination light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device and a wireless power supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp equipped with a power transmitter that wirelessly transmits microwaves. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-212849 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device and a wireless power feeding system that can efficiently feed power wirelessly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a power supply circuit, an antenna that radiates microwave band radio waves for wireless power supply using power supplied from the power supply circuit, and a lighting unit that irradiates illumination light using power supplied from the power supply circuit, wherein the direction of maximum radiation of the radio waves is different from the direction of maximum luminous intensity of the illumination light.

[0006] A lighting device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a power supply circuit, an antenna that radiates microwave band radio waves for wireless power supply using power supplied from the power supply circuit, and a lighting unit that irradiates illumination light using power supplied from the power supply circuit, wherein a beam angle of the radio waves is different from a beam angle of the illumination light.

[0007] A wireless power supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a lighting device according to the above embodiment and an electrical appliance, the electrical appliance including a receiving antenna that receives the radio waves radiated from the antenna, and a charging circuit that charges a rechargeable battery using the radio waves received by the receiving antenna. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently supply power wirelessly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the emission range of radio waves and illumination light from a wireless power feeding system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the wireless power supply system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the illumination device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an outline of the emission range of radio waves and illumination light from a wireless power feeding system according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an outline of the emission range of radio waves and illumination light from a wireless power feeding system according to the second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an outline of the emission range of radio waves and illumination light from a wireless power feeding system according to the third modification of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an illumination device according to a third modification of the first embodiment. In FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless power feeding system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a first example of adjustment of an antenna of a lighting device according to Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a first example of adjustment of the antenna of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of adjustment of the antenna of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the following, a lighting device and a wireless power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection forms of the components, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated precisely. Therefore, for example, the scales in each figure do not necessarily match. In addition, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0012] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating the relationship between elements, such as parallel or perpendicular, terms indicating the shape of elements, such as cylindrical or rectangular, and numerical ranges are not expressions that only express a strict meaning, but are expressions that include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about a few percent.

[0013] In addition, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" do not refer to the number or order of components, unless otherwise specified, but are used for the purpose of avoiding confusion between and distinguishing between components of the same type.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) [Wireless power supply system] First, a wireless power supply system including a lighting device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an emission range of radio waves and illumination light by the wireless power supply system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the wireless power supply system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the wireless power supply system 1 includes a lighting device 100 and an electric device 200.

[0016] The lighting device 100 is a device that has not only a lighting function for illuminating a space, but also a wireless power supply function for wirelessly supplying power to other devices (specifically, electrical device 200). The lighting device 100 emits microwave waves for wireless power supply.

[0017] 1, the lighting device 100 is generally attached to a ceiling or the like where there are few obstacles blocking the illumination light. This has the advantage that the radio waves for wireless power supply emitted from the lighting device 100 can easily reach a wide range or a long distance.

[0018] The lighting device 100 is, for example, a ceiling light attached to a ceiling surface, but is not limited thereto. The lighting device 100 may be, for example, a light bulb lamp, a halogen lamp, a high intensity discharge lamp (HID lamp), a lamp having a GX53 type base (conductive pin), a straight tube lamp, a spotlight, a base light (light bar), a downlight, or the like.

[0019] The electric device 200 is a device that receives power supplied wirelessly. The electric device 200 operates using the power received wirelessly. The electric device 200 is, for example, a smartphone, but is not limited thereto. The electric device 200 may be a sensor device that detects biological information, environmental information, or device information, an information device such as a wireless earphone or a game controller, a mobile terminal such as a tablet PC, or a home appliance. The electric device 200 may also be, for example, an external device attached to a PC that receives power supplied wirelessly. The electric device 200 may also be incorporated in a moving object such as a transport robot, a mobile robot, or a car.

[0020] [Lighting equipment] Next, a specific configuration of the lighting device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lighting device 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, the lighting device 100 includes an AC power receiving unit 110, a power supply circuit 120, a lighting unit 130, and an antenna 140. As shown in Fig. 3, the lighting device 100 includes a housing 170. Note that Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional structure of the lighting unit 130 and the housing 170 for the purpose of explaining the positional relationship of each component of the lighting device 100. Components other than the lighting unit 130 and the housing 170 are shown as functional blocks.

[0022] The AC power receiving unit 110 is an example of a power receiving unit that receives AC power. For example, the AC power receiving unit 110 receives AC power from an external power source such as a commercial power source. The magnitude of the AC power is a value determined for each country or region, such as AC 100V, and is AC 110V, AC 220V, AC 240V, etc., but is not particularly limited. The AC power receiving unit 110 supplies the received AC power to the power supply circuit 120. For example, the AC power receiving unit 110 is a base, a conductive pin, an adapter, or the like, and has a structure that can be connected to a socket for the base or conductive pin, a hook-in ceiling body, a wiring duct, a terminal block, or the like.

[0023] The power supply circuit 120 converts the AC power received by the AC power receiving unit 110 into DC power, and outputs the DC power to the illumination unit 130 and the antenna 140. As shown in FIG.

[0024] The lighting circuit 121 generates power to be supplied to the lighting unit 130 and outputs the power to the lighting unit 130. Specifically, the lighting circuit 121 generates DC power based on AC power supplied from the AC power receiving unit 110, and supplies the generated DC power to the lighting unit 130 to light up the lighting unit 130.

[0025] The wireless power supply circuit 122 generates power to be supplied to the antenna 140 and outputs it to the antenna 140. Specifically, the wireless power supply circuit 122 converts the AC power supplied from the AC power receiving unit 110 into DC power, and radiates the converted wireless power from the antenna 140 as radio waves.

[0026] The power supply circuit 120 includes one or more substrates (not shown) and a plurality of circuit elements (not shown) mounted on the substrates. The substrate is, for example, a printed wiring board, and includes wiring that electrically connects the plurality of circuit elements. The plurality of circuit elements include at least one of an integrated circuit (IC) element, a resistor, a diode, a transistor, a transformer, an inductor, a capacitor, and the like. The plurality of circuit elements are electrically connected to each other to configure an AC / DC converter, a boost circuit, a step-down circuit, and the like, and realize the functions of the lighting circuit 121 and the wireless power supply circuit 122.

[0027] The power supply circuit 120 may also include a control circuit such as a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes, for example, a non-volatile memory in which a program is stored, a volatile memory which is a temporary storage area for executing the program, an input / output port, a processor for executing the program, and the like. The control circuit may also be a programmable Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or a reconfigurable processor in which the connections and settings of circuit cells in an LSI are reconfigurable. The functions executed by the control circuit may be realized by software or hardware.

[0028] The illumination unit 130 emits illumination light using power supplied from the power supply circuit 120. As shown in Fig. 3, the illumination unit 130 includes, for example, a substrate 131 and a light-emitting element 132 that emits light for illumination light. In this embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting elements 132 are mounted on the substrate 131.

[0029] The substrate 131 is, for example, a printed wiring board, and includes wiring that electrically connects the plurality of light emitting elements 132 mounted on the surface to the lighting circuit 121. The wiring is, for example, a pattern wiring formed using a metal such as copper. The substrate 131 is provided with an opening (through hole) 131b that penetrates in the thickness direction. The opening 131b is an opening for arranging at least a part of the antenna 140, and is provided, for example, in the center of the substrate 131.

[0030] The substrate 131 is an example of a plate material containing at least a metal in a part thereof. The substrate 131 is also an example of a reflecting member that reflects at least one of illumination light and radio waves. The metal contained in the substrate 131 can reflect radio waves. The metal contained in the substrate 131 is, for example, copper wiring, but is not limited thereto. For example, a metal film (solid film) having a size substantially the same as that of the substrate 131 in a plan view may be provided on the back surface of the substrate 131 (the surface opposite to the mounting surface of the light emitting element 132) or inside the substrate 131. For example, the surface of the substrate 131 may be painted with a white paint (white resist). The white resist has high light reflectivity, and therefore can increase the light extraction efficiency of the lighting device 100.

[0031] The plurality of light-emitting elements 132 are elements that emit light using DC power supplied from the lighting circuit 121, and are, for example, LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements. The LED elements include, for example, an LED chip that emits blue light, and a yellow phosphor that is excited by the blue light emitted by the LED chip and emits yellow light. White light, which is a mixture of the blue light emitted by the LED chip and the yellow light emitted by the yellow phosphor, is emitted as illumination light. The light-emitting elements may be laser light-emitting elements or organic EL (Electroluminescence) elements. Furthermore, the illumination light is not limited to white light, and may be colored light.

[0032] The light emission intensity of the plurality of light emitting elements 132 changes according to the amount of power supplied from the lighting circuit 121. Therefore, by adjusting the amount of power supplied, it becomes possible to adjust the intensity of the illumination light (i.e., dimming).

[0033] Furthermore, the multiple light-emitting elements 132 emit white light of the same color temperature, but may include light-emitting elements that emit white light of different color temperatures. By adjusting the emission intensity of each of the multiple light-emitting elements that emit white light of different color temperatures, it is possible to adjust the light color of the illumination light (i.e., adjust the color). Each of the multiple light-emitting elements 132 may be a light-emitting element corresponding to RGB. The illumination unit 130 does not need to have the function of adjusting light and color.

[0034] The antenna 140 is a directional antenna. That is, the antenna 140 has a direction in which the radio waves for wireless power supply are easily radiated and a direction in which the radio waves for wireless power supply are not easily radiated. Therefore, by adjusting the position and orientation of the antenna 140, it is possible to adjust the maximum radiation direction and radiation range of the radio waves for wireless power supply.

[0035] The range in which power can be supplied from one antenna 140 (the range in which radio waves can reach with sufficient strength) is, for example, within 3 m from the antenna 140. Since the ceiling height in a typical building does not exceed 3 m, when the lighting device 100 is fixed to the ceiling, the radio waves for power supply can reach not only the area directly below the lighting device 100 but also a certain range. By adjusting the radiation direction of the radio waves from the multiple antennas 140, wireless power supply can be performed over a wide area or with high radio wave strength. The power supply range from one antenna 140 may exceed 3 m. As a result, wireless power supply can be performed with high radio wave strength even when applied to a building with a high ceiling.

[0036] The antenna 140 emits, for example, radio waves having a frequency included in the 920 MHz band of the microwave band (300 MHz to 300 GHz). Alternatively, the antenna 140 may emit, for example, radio waves having a frequency included in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5.7 GHz band. Note that the frequency bands are regulated in Japan as technical standards for spatial transmission type wireless power transmission in Article 24, Article 49-9, Appendix 1 and Appendix 3 of the Radio Equipment Regulations.

[0037] The 920 MHz band (specifically, the range of 917.8 MHz to 919.4 MHz) is a frequency band that can be used even if people are present within a certain range from the radio wave radiation source. The 2.4 GHz band (specifically, the range of 2410 MHz to 2486 MHz) is a frequency band that is prohibited from use when people are present within a certain range from the radio wave radiation source. Similarly, the 5.7 GHz band (specifically, the range of 5738 MHz to 5766 MHz) is a frequency band that is prohibited from use when people are present within a certain range from the radio wave radiation source. The 2.4 GHz band and the 5.7 GHz band are useful for rapid charging because they allow high-power wireless power supply.

[0038] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, at least a part of the antenna 140 is located in the opening 131b provided in the substrate 131 and the through hole 171b provided in the fixture body 171. Specifically, the antenna 140 is provided so that at least a part of it protrudes from the opening 131b. The protruding direction is the main lighting direction, for example, the floor surface direction when the lighting device 100 is attached to a ceiling. This allows the antenna 140 to radiate radio waves toward the floor surface side. Note that the antenna 140 does not need to protrude from the opening 131b. For example, the antenna 140 may be provided so that the tip of the antenna 140 is flush with the opening surface of the opening 131b (specifically, the extension surface of the main surface (mounting surface of the light emitting element 132) on the floor surface side of the substrate 131).

[0039] The housing 170 is a housing that supports the illumination unit 130. Specifically, the housing 170 has a mounting surface 171a on which the illumination unit 130 is mounted. In the present embodiment, the housing 170 is an outer housing of the lighting device 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 170 includes an appliance body 171 and a light-transmitting cover 172.

[0040] The fixture body 171 is a main body of the lighting device 100. One of the main surfaces of the fixture body 171 is a mounting surface 171a on which the lighting unit 130 is mounted. The mounting surface 171a is a part of the outer surface of the fixture body 171. Therefore, the lighting unit 130 is disposed outside the fixture body 171 and is covered by a light-transmitting cover 172. Note that the mounting surface 171a may be an inner surface of the fixture body 171, and the lighting unit 130 may be accommodated inside the fixture body 171.

[0041] 3, the mounting surface 171a is provided with a through-hole 171b penetrating the mounting surface 171a in order to arrange at least a part of the antenna 140. Although not shown in the figure, a wire such as a cable that electrically connects the lighting circuit 121 and the illumination unit 130 may be inserted into the through-hole 171b.

[0042] In this embodiment, the fixture body 171 is formed using a metal material such as aluminum or iron. By using a metal material with high thermal conductivity, it is possible to dissipate heat generated in the illumination unit 130. By suppressing the temperature rise of the illumination unit 130, it is possible to suppress the decrease in light emission efficiency.

[0043] The fixture body 171 is formed by, for example, die casting or sheet metal processing. The surface of the fixture body 171 may be coated with a resin material. For example, an insulating film may be formed on the outer and inner surfaces of the fixture body 171. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of short circuits and electric leakage through the fixture body 171. The fixture body 171 may be a housing made of resin. When the fixture body 171 is a housing made of resin, the radio waves from the antenna 140 are not blocked by the fixture body 171, so that the efficiency of radio wave utilization (efficiency of wireless power supply) can be improved.

[0044] The light-transmitting cover 172 is disposed on the light irradiation side of the illumination unit 130, and transmits light irradiated from the illumination unit 130. The light-transmitting cover 172 is formed using a material that is translucent to visible light. For example, the light-transmitting cover 172 is formed using a transparent resin such as an acrylic resin.

[0045] The light-transmitting cover 172 may be provided with a light-scattering structure that scatters light. For example, the surface of the light-transmitting cover 172 may be provided with fine irregularities that scatter light. Alternatively, particles such as fillers that scatter light may be dispersed inside the light-transmitting cover 172. By scattering the light, it is possible to suppress irradiation of strong light locally.

[0046] The light-transmitting cover 172 does not necessarily have to be provided. Furthermore, a light-transmitting lens or the like may be provided depending on the type of the lighting device 100. The specific configurations, shapes, sizes, and the like of the light-transmitting cover 172 and the fixture body 171 can be appropriately changed depending on the type and size of the lighting device 100.

[0047] [Electrical Equipment] Next, a specific configuration of electrical device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the electric device 200 includes a power receiving antenna 210, a charging circuit 220, and a rechargeable battery 230.

[0049] The power receiving antenna 210 receives radio waves for wireless power supply radiated from the antenna 140. The power receiving antenna 210 is, for example, a pattern antenna having wiring provided on a substrate. Alternatively, each of the power receiving antennas 210 may be a rod-shaped antenna. There is no particular limitation on the type of the power receiving antenna 210 as long as it can receive radio waves for wireless power supply.

[0050] Charging circuit 220 charges rechargeable battery 230 using radio waves received by power receiving antenna 210. Specifically, charging circuit 220 includes one or more boards (not shown) and a plurality of circuit elements (not shown) mounted on the boards. The board is, for example, a printed wiring board, and includes wiring that electrically connects the plurality of circuit elements. The plurality of circuit elements include at least one of an integrated circuit (IC) element, a resistor, a diode, a transistor, a transformer, an inductor, a capacitor, and the like. The plurality of circuit elements are electrically connected to configure charging circuit 220.

[0051] The rechargeable battery 230 is a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged. The rechargeable battery 230 is charged by the charging circuit 220. The rechargeable battery 230 may be detachable from the electrical device 200.

[0052] The electric device 200 operates using power charged in the rechargeable battery 230. Although not shown in Fig. 2, the electric device 200 includes components for performing its functions. For example, if the electric device 200 is a smartphone, the electric device 200 includes a display, a touch sensor, a speaker, a microphone, a camera, a processor, a memory, a communication interface, and the like. The electric device 200 executes a predetermined function by operating these various components using the power charged in the rechargeable battery 230.

[0053] [Radio wave and illumination light emission range] Next, several examples of the emission range of radio waves and illumination light from lighting device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0054] The lighting device 100 emits (irradiates and radiates) illumination light and radio waves. In Fig. 1, a maximum luminous intensity direction 11 and an illumination range 12 of the illumination light, and a maximum radiation direction 21 and a radiation range 22 of the radio waves are shown.

[0055] The maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light is a direction from the center of the illumination device 100 toward the maximum luminous intensity point of the illumination light. The center of the illumination device 100 can be regarded as the center of the illumination unit 130. Specifically, the center of the illumination device 100 can be regarded as the center (center of gravity) of the main surface of the substrate 131 on which the plurality of light emitting elements 132 are mounted, when viewed in plan. The maximum luminous intensity point of the illumination light is a point with the highest luminous intensity among the illumination light emitted from the illumination device 100. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 is vertically downward, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] The illumination range 12 of the illumination light is a range defined by the beam angle θ1 of the illumination light. The beam angle θ1 is also called the half-value angle or 1 / 2 beam angle, and is defined as the angle between two points at which the luminous intensity is 1 / 2 of the maximum luminous intensity, relative to the optical center. The optical center may be considered to be the center of the illumination device 100.

[0057] The maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave is the direction from the center of the antenna 140 toward the maximum intensity point of the radio wave. The center of the antenna 140 can be regarded as the center (or the power supply point) of the substrate on which the pattern antenna is formed. Alternatively, the maximum radiation direction 21 may be defined with the center of the lighting device 100 as the starting point, similar to the maximum luminous intensity direction 11. For example, when the lighting device 100 includes multiple antennas 140, the center of the lighting device 100 can be defined as the starting point. The maximum intensity point of the radio wave is the point at which the radiation intensity is the highest among the radio waves emitted from the lighting device 100.

[0058] The radiation range 22 of the radio wave is a range defined by the beam angle θ2 of the radio wave. The beam angle θ2 is also called the half-power angle or 1 / 2 beam angle, and is defined as the angle between two points at which the intensity is 1 / 2 of the maximum intensity, relative to the radio wave center. The radio wave center may be considered to be the center of the antenna 140 or the center of the lighting device 100.

[0059] 1, in this embodiment, the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave is different from the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light. The angle θ between the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave and the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light is less than 90°, but is not limited to this. The angle θ may be less than 45°.

[0060] Also, for example, the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave and the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light may be substantially the same. Specifically, the angle θ may be less than 30°, less than 20°, less than 10°, or less than 5°.

[0061] When the lighting device 100 is a lighting device installed at approximately the center of the ceiling in a room, such as a ceiling light, the purpose is to illuminate the entire room, so the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 is often vertically downward toward the floor surface. In contrast, the electrical device 200 to be wirelessly powered is not necessarily placed vertically below the lighting device 100, so even if the maximum radiation direction 21 is made to coincide with the maximum luminous intensity direction 11, there are cases in which highly efficient wireless power supply cannot be realized.

[0062] For this reason, in the lighting device 100 according to the present embodiment, the maximum radiation direction 21 is made different from the maximum luminous intensity direction 11. For example, the maximum radiation direction 21 is set to be a direction toward the location of the electrical device 200 to be the target of wireless power supply. This allows efficient wireless power supply.

[0063] [Variations] Next, several modified examples of embodiment 1 will be described. In each of the several modified examples described below, the main difference is the emission range of the radio waves and the illumination light compared to embodiment 1. In the following explanation, the differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described, and the explanation of the commonalities will be omitted or simplified.

[0064] [Variation 1] First, the first modification will be described with reference to FIG. 4A.

[0065] Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating an outline of the emission range of radio waves and illumination light by a wireless power supply system 1A according to a first modification of the first embodiment. The wireless power supply system 1A illustrated in Fig. 4A includes an illumination device 100A. The specific configuration of the illumination device 100A is similar to the configuration of the illumination device 100 illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. The illumination device 100A according to this modification is different in that the illumination unit 130 irradiates illumination light so as to have a plurality of maximum luminous intensity directions.

[0066] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4A, the illumination light emitted from the illumination device 100A has maximum luminous intensity directions 11a and 11b. The maximum luminous intensity directions 11a and 11b are different from each other and are inclined with respect to the front direction of the illumination device 100A (vertically downward in the example of Fig. 4A). Therefore, illumination ranges 12a and 12b of the illumination light are formed around the front direction of the illumination device 100A. Such a light distribution of the illumination light is also called a batwing light distribution. The batwing light distribution can be realized by adjusting the arrangement of the light emitting elements 132 included in the illumination unit 130 and / or optical members such as lenses.

[0067] In this modification, the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave coincides with the vertically downward direction of the lighting device 100A and is different from both of the maximum luminous intensity directions 11a and 11b. It is possible to set the maximum radiation direction 21 and radiation range 22 of the radio wave according to, for example, the position of the electrical device 200 to be the target of wireless power supply, without depending on the maximum luminous intensity directions 11a and 11b of the illumination light. This allows efficient wireless power supply.

[0068] In this modification, the radiation range 22 of the radio waves does not overlap with either the illumination range 12a or 12b of the illumination light. Even if the electric device 200 to be the target of wireless power supply is not present in either the illumination range 12a or 12b, the radio waves can be radiated toward the electric device 200, and efficient wireless power supply can be performed.

[0069] In addition, when there are a plurality of maximum luminous intensity directions 11a and 11b, the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave may be the same as one of the plurality of maximum luminous intensity directions 11a and 11b. In other words, it is sufficient that the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave is different from at least one of the plurality of maximum luminous intensity directions 11a and 11b.

[0070] [Variation 2] Next, the second modification will be described with reference to FIG. 4B.

[0071] Fig. 4B is a diagram illustrating an outline of the emission range of radio waves and illumination light by a wireless power supply system 1B according to Variation 2 of Embodiment 1. The wireless power supply system 1B illustrated in Fig. 4B includes an illumination device 100B. The specific configuration of the illumination device 100B is similar to the configuration of the illumination device 100 illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. In the illumination device 100B according to this variation, the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light and the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio waves are the same. In other words, the angle θ between the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 and the maximum radiation direction 21 is 0°.

[0072] In this modification, as shown in FIG. 4B, the beam angle θ1 of the illumination light is different from the beam angle θ2 of the radio wave. That is, the spread of the illumination light is different from the spread of the radio wave. In FIG. 4B, the beam angle θ1 is larger than the beam angle θ2. This allows the illumination light to be irradiated over a wide range while the radio wave is emitted in a spot manner over a narrow range. By narrowing the radiation range 22 of the radio wave, the waste of power can be reduced, and therefore wireless power supply can be performed efficiently.

[0073] Note that the beam angle θ1 of the illumination light may be smaller than the beam angle θ2 of the radio wave. This allows the illumination light to be spot-illuminated in a narrow range while emitting radio waves over a wide range. For example, even if multiple electrical devices 200 to be the targets of wireless power supply are located apart from one another, wireless power supply can be performed for each of the multiple electrical devices 200. Furthermore, by narrowing the illumination range 12 of the illumination light, power waste can be reduced, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0074] The emission range of the radio waves and illumination light is realized by adjusting the arrangement of the antenna 140 and the illumination unit 130, as well as the arrangement of components such as reflectors or lenses that can adjust the direction of travel of the radio waves and / or light.

[0075] [Variation 3] Next, Modification 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 4C.

[0076] Fig. 4C is a diagram illustrating an outline of the emission range of radio waves and illumination light by a wireless power supply system 1C according to a third modification of the first embodiment. The wireless power supply system 1C illustrated in Fig. 4C includes an illumination device 100C. The specific configuration of the illumination device 100C is similar to that of the illumination device 100 illustrated in Fig. 2. In the illumination device 100C according to this modification, the angle θ between the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light and the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio waves is 90° or more.

[0077] For example, as shown in Fig. 4C, the angle θ between the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 and the maximum radiation direction 21 is 180°. The radiation range 22 of the radio waves does not overlap with the illumination range 12 of the illumination light. Specifically, the illumination light is irradiated toward the room in which the illumination device 100C is placed, whereas the radio waves are irradiated toward the floor above the room in which the illumination device 100C is placed. In this way, a room in which radio waves are irradiated and wireless power supply is possible is different from a room that is irradiated and illuminated by illumination light.

[0078] In the lighting device 100C according to this modification, the maximum radiation direction 21 and radiation range 22 of the radio wave are located on the opposite side to the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 and illumination range 12 of the illumination light. Therefore, when a plate material containing metal is provided on the floor surface side (light irradiation side) of the antenna 140, the plate material does not need to have an opening (through hole).

[0079] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a lighting device 100C according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 5, the lighting device 100C includes a lighting unit 130C having a substrate 131C and a housing 170C having a fixture body 171C instead of the lighting unit 130 and the housing 170, as compared with the lighting device 100 shown in FIG. 3. The antenna 140 is located on the opposite side (specifically, the ceiling side) to the side irradiated with the illumination light, with the substrate 131C as a reference. The substrate 131C does not have an opening 131b. The fixture body 171C does not have a through hole 171b. When the fixture body 171C is made of metal, a through hole for transmitting radio waves may be provided on the ceiling side of the antenna 140.

[0080] According to this modification, it is possible to wirelessly supply power to electrical device 200 that is present on a floor different from the space to be illuminated. In addition, since illumination range 12 of the illumination light and radiation range 22 of the radio wave do not substantially overlap, the illumination design can be realized without considering the radiation direction of the radio wave, etc. For example, it is possible to arrange more light emitting elements 132 without providing an opening in substrate 131C, thereby increasing the amount of illumination light.

[0081] The lighting device 100C may emit radio waves having multiple maximum radiation directions. For example, the lighting device 100C may include multiple antennas 140 with different radiation directions. As an example, the radiation direction of radio waves from one antenna 140 is set to the emission side of the illumination light, and the radiation direction of radio waves from another antenna 140 is set to the opposite side to the emission side of the illumination light. This allows wireless power supply across multiple floors with one lighting device 100C.

[0082] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0083] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the emission direction or emission range of at least one of the radio waves and the illumination light can be changed. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the commonalities will be omitted or simplified.

[0084] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless power supply system 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the wireless power supply system 2 includes a lighting device 101 instead of the lighting device 100, as compared with the wireless power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment. The lighting device 101 differs from the lighting device 100 in that it includes a driving unit 150.

[0085] The driving unit 150 is a part of a change unit that changes at least one of the maximum radiation direction of the radio waves, the maximum luminous intensity direction of the illumination light, the radiation range of the radio waves, and the illumination range of the illumination light. In this embodiment, the driving unit 150 changes the positional relationship between the substrate 131, which is an example of a reflecting member, and at least one of the antenna 140 and the illumination unit 130. The driving unit 150 can change, for example, the position and / or attitude of at least a part of the antenna 140 and the illumination unit 130. The driving unit 150 is realized by an actuator such as a motor, but is not limited to this.

[0086] [Antenna adjustment] In the following, an example in which the substrate 131 of the illumination unit 130 is an example of a reflective member and the positional relationship between the substrate 131 and the antenna 140 is changed will be described.

[0087] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing a first example of adjustment of antenna 140 of lighting device 101 according to the present embodiment. In the first example, the change unit (drive unit 150) changes at least one of the maximum radiation direction and the radiation range of radio waves, for example, by changing the positional relationship between antenna 140 and opening 131b of substrate 131.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 7A, an opening 131b is provided in the substrate 131. The driving unit 150 can change the positional relationship between the antenna 140 and the opening 131b. Specifically, the driving unit 150 holds the antenna 140 so that the position of the antenna 140 can be changed, and can be inserted into the opening 131b. Note that Fig. 7A shows an example in which the driving unit 150 includes an arm-shaped holding unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the driving unit 150 inserts the antenna 140 into the opening 131b to increase the amount of protrusion from the opening 131b toward the floor surface. This makes it possible to increase the beam angle θ2 of the radio wave and to widen the radiation range 22 of the radio wave. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7A, the amount of protrusion of the antenna 140 from the opening 131b toward the floor surface is made less than 0 (retracted), thereby making it possible to reduce the beam angle θ2 of the radio wave. In this way, the radiation range 22 of the radio wave can be changed by adjusting the positional relationship between the antenna 140 and the opening 131b. Alternatively, the driving unit 150 may change the orientation of the antenna 140. By changing the orientation of the antenna 140, the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave can be changed.

[0090] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of adjustment of antenna 140 of lighting device 101 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, antenna 140 is disposed in metal cylinder 142. Cylinder 142 is an example of a reflecting member. Cylinder 142 has a cylindrical shape, but may have a rectangular cylindrical shape. In addition, both ends of cylinder 142 in the axial direction may be closed or open.

[0091] Slits 144 are provided on the side surface of the cylindrical body 142. In Fig. 8, two slits 144 are provided, but the number of slits 144 is not particularly limited. Radio waves from the antenna 140 can be radiated through the slits 144.

[0092] 8, the driving unit 150 rotatably supports the cylindrical body 142. By rotating the cylindrical body 142 around its axis, the position of the slit 144 changes. By changing the position of the slit 144, it is possible to change the maximum radiation direction 21 and the radiation range 22 of the radio wave. For example, by bringing the slit 144 closer to the opening 131b, it is possible to widen the radiation range 22 of the radio wave.

[0093] The driving unit 150 is executed by, for example, a control unit (not shown). For example, the control unit controls the driving unit 150 based on an instruction from an operation terminal such as a remote controller or a smartphone. Alternatively, the control unit may acquire position information of the electric device 200 to be wirelessly powered, and control the driving unit 150 based on the acquired position information. The position information of the electric device 200 can be acquired by, for example, a sensor such as a camera, communication with the electric device 200, or the like.

[0094] As described above, by changing the positional relationship between antenna 140 or slit 144 of cylinder 142 and opening 131b, it is possible to change maximum radiation direction 21 and radiation range 22 of radio waves. Note that drive unit 150 may change the position or attitude of substrate 131 instead of antenna 140 or slit 144.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, the driving unit 150 may change the position and attitude of an optical member such as a reflector that reflects the illumination light or a lens that transmits the illumination light. For example, the driving unit 150 may be able to tilt and hold the substrate 131. This allows the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 and the illumination range 12 of the illumination light to be changed.

[0096] Alternatively, the lighting device 101 may include a plurality of antennas 140 having different maximum radiation directions, and a control unit that selects an antenna 140 that is to radiate radio waves from the plurality of antennas 140. The control unit is a part of a change unit that changes at least one of the maximum radiation direction of the radio waves, the maximum luminous intensity direction of the illumination light, the radiation range of the radio waves, and the illumination range of the illumination light. The control unit can change the maximum radiation direction of the radio waves from the lighting device 101 by selecting an antenna 140 that is to perform wireless power supply from the plurality of antennas 140.

[0097] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the position of antenna 140 can be automatically changed by driving unit 150, but the present invention is not limited to this. Lighting device 101 does not need to have driving unit 150. For example, when installing lighting device 101, a contractor or a user may manually adjust the position of antenna 140. For example, lighting device 101 may include a mechanism that can fix antenna 140 at each of a plurality of positions and / or attitudes.

[0098] (summary) As described above, the lighting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, like the lighting devices 100, 100A, 100C or 101 described above, comprises a power supply circuit 120, an antenna 140 that radiates microwave band radio waves for wireless power supply using power supplied from the power supply circuit 120, and a lighting unit 130 that irradiates illumination light using power supplied from the power supply circuit 120, and the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio waves is different from the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light.

[0099] This makes it possible to set the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 and the maximum radiation direction 21 in appropriate directions according to the needs of each of illumination and wireless power supply. For example, it is possible to radiate radio waves toward an electrical device 200 placed in a specific area while providing general illumination in a space. Since waste of radio waves radiated from the antenna 140 can be reduced, wireless power supply can be performed efficiently.

[0100] In addition, in the lighting device according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the lighting device according to the first aspect, the angle θ between the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave and the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light is less than 30°.

[0101] This allows the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave to be slightly different from the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light, thereby improving the accuracy of meeting requests. Since the amount of radio waves radiated from the antenna 140 that are wasted can be reduced, wireless power supply can be performed efficiently.

[0102] In addition, in the lighting device according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the lighting device according to the first aspect, the angle θ between the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave and the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light is 90° or more.

[0103] This allows, for example, radio waves to be emitted towards the floor above the space to be illuminated.

[0104] An illumination device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the illumination device according to any one of the first to third aspects, in which radiation range 22 of the radio waves does not overlap illumination range 12 of the illumination light.

[0105] As a result, even if the electric device 200 is not present within the illumination range 12, wireless power supply can be performed efficiently.

[0106] Furthermore, like the above-described lighting device 100B, the lighting device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention includes a power supply circuit 120, an antenna 140 that radiates microwave band radio waves for wireless power supply using power supplied from the power supply circuit 120, and a lighting unit 130 that irradiates illumination light using power supplied from the power supply circuit 120, and the beam angle θ2 of the radio waves is different from the beam angle θ1 of the illumination light.

[0107] This allows the beam angles θ1 and θ2 to be set according to the needs of lighting and wireless power supply, respectively. For example, it is possible to radiate radio waves toward the electrical device 200 placed in a specific area while providing general lighting in a space. Since waste of radio waves radiated from the antenna 140 can be reduced, wireless power supply can be performed efficiently.

[0108] In addition, in the lighting device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the lighting device according to the fifth aspect, the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio wave is the same as the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light.

[0109] As a result, radio waves are emitted near the center of the illumination range 12 of the illumination light, making it easier for the user to distinguish the radio wave emission range 22. Since it becomes easier to know where the electric device 200 should be placed, it is possible to reduce waste of radio waves and perform efficient wireless power supply.

[0110] Furthermore, an illumination device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the illumination device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a change unit that changes at least one of the maximum radiation direction 21 of the radio waves, the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 of the illumination light, the radiation range 22 of the radio waves, and the illumination range 12 of the illumination light.

[0111] This allows changes according to the installation status of the lighting device or the position of the electrical device 200, making it easier to respond to requests, and also reducing waste of radio waves, allowing efficient wireless power supply.

[0112] In addition, an illumination device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the illumination device according to the seventh aspect, in which the change unit includes a reflective member (e.g., substrate 131, cylindrical body 142) that reflects at least one of the illumination light and the radio waves, and a drive unit 150 that changes the positional relationship between the reflective member and at least one of the antenna 140 and the illumination unit 130.

[0113] This makes it possible to easily change the maximum radiation direction 21 and the maximum luminous intensity direction 11 by utilizing the reflecting member.

[0114] Furthermore, a lighting device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the lighting device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and further comprises a plate material (substrate 131) at least a portion of which contains metal, and an opening 131b penetrating the plate material in the thickness direction is provided, and at least a portion of antenna 140 is located within opening 131b or protrudes from opening 131b.

[0115] This makes it possible to easily change the maximum radiation direction 21 and radiation range 22 of the radio wave depending on the positional relationship with the opening 131b.

[0116] Furthermore, the lighting device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the lighting device according to the ninth aspect, further comprising a change unit that changes at least one of the maximum radiation direction 21 and the radiation range 22 of the radio waves by changing the positional relationship between the antenna 140 and the opening 131b.

[0117] This allows changes according to the installation status of the lighting device or the position of the electrical device 200, making it easier to respond to requests, and also reducing waste of radio waves, allowing efficient wireless power supply.

[0118] An illumination device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the illumination device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a plate material at least partially containing a metal, and at least a portion of the antenna 140 is located on the opposite side to the irradiation side of the illumination light with respect to the plate material.

[0119] This allows antenna 140 to be placed in a location where it is unlikely to interfere with the illumination light, making it possible to efficiently use the illumination light for spatial illumination.

[0120] In addition, an illumination device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention is the illumination device according to the eleventh embodiment, in which the illumination unit 130 or 130C includes a plate material (substrate 131 or 131C) and a plurality of light-emitting elements 132 mounted on the surface of the plate material.

[0121] Further, an illumination device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the illumination device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, in which the illumination unit 130 or 130C irradiates illumination light so as to have a plurality of maximum luminous intensity directions, and the maximum radiation direction of the radio waves is different from at least one of the plurality of maximum luminous intensity directions.

[0122] Further, a lighting device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the lighting device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, and includes an AC power receiving unit 110 that receives AC power, and a power supply circuit 120 converts the AC power received by the AC power receiving unit 110 into DC power and outputs it to the antenna 140 and the lighting unit 130.

[0123] This allows the use of a general commercial power source, etc., thereby increasing the freedom in installing the lighting device.

[0124] Moreover, a wireless power supply system according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention includes a lighting device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C or 101, and an electric device 200, like the wireless power supply system 1, 1A, 1B, 1C or 2 described above, and the electric device 200 includes a receiving antenna 210 that receives radio waves radiated from the antenna 140, and a charging circuit 220 that charges a rechargeable battery 230 using the radio waves received by the receiving antenna 210.

[0125] This provides the same effects as the lighting devices according to the above-mentioned aspects. Specifically, power can be efficiently supplied wirelessly to the electric device 200.

[0126] (others) Although the lighting device and the wireless power supply system according to the present invention have been described based on the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0127] For example, the illumination unit 130 may emit auxiliary illumination light instead of the main illumination light for spatial illumination. For example, the illumination unit 130 may be a light source unit for so-called night lighting.

[0128] Furthermore, the lighting device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, or 101 may be used outdoors. For example, the lighting device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, or 101 may be a street light, a road light, a tunnel light, or the like, fixed to a structure such as a pillar.

[0129] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2 Wireless Power Supply System 11, 11a, 11b Maximum luminosity direction 12, 12a, 12b Lighting range 21 Maximum radiation direction 22 Radiation Range 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 101 lighting equipment 110 AC power receiving unit 120 Power supply circuit 121 Lighting circuit 130, 130C lighting section 131, 131C board 131b Aperture 132 Light emitting element 140 Antenna 142 Cylinder 144 Slit 150 Drive unit 200 Electrical Equipment 210 Receiving antenna 220 Charging circuit 230 Rechargeable Battery

Claims

1. A power supply circuit; an antenna that radiates microwaves for wireless power supply using power supplied from the power supply circuit; an illumination unit that emits illumination light using power supplied from the power supply circuit, The maximum radiation direction of the radio wave is different from the maximum luminous intensity direction of the illumination light. Lighting equipment.

2. The angle between the maximum radiation direction of the radio wave and the maximum luminous intensity direction of the illumination light is less than 30°.

10. The lighting device of claim 1.

3. The angle between the maximum radiation direction of the radio wave and the maximum luminous intensity direction of the illumination light is 90° or more.

10. The lighting device of claim 1.

4. The radiation range of the radio wave does not overlap with the illumination range of the illumination light.

10. The lighting device of claim 1.

5. A power supply circuit; an antenna that radiates microwaves for wireless power supply using power supplied from the power supply circuit; an illumination unit that emits illumination light using power supplied from the power supply circuit, The beam angle of the radio wave is different from the beam angle of the illumination light. Lighting equipment.

6. The maximum radiation direction of the radio wave is the same as the maximum luminous intensity direction of the illumination light.

6. The lighting device according to claim 5.

7. further comprising a change unit that changes at least one of a maximum radiation direction of the radio wave, a maximum luminous intensity direction of the illumination light, a radiation range of the radio wave, and an illumination range of the illumination light. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The change unit is a reflecting member that reflects at least one of the illumination light and the radio wave; A driving unit that changes a positional relationship between the reflecting member and at least one of the antenna and the illumination unit.

8. An illumination device according to claim 7.

9. The lighting device includes a plate material at least partially including a metal, The plate material has an opening penetrating therethrough in a thickness direction, At least a portion of the antenna is located within the opening or protrudes from the opening. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. Further, a change unit is provided that changes a positional relationship between the antenna and the opening to change at least one of a maximum radiation direction and a radiation range of the radio waves.

10. The lighting device according to claim 9.

11. The lighting device includes a plate material at least partially including a metal, At least a part of the antenna is located on the opposite side to the side irradiated with the illumination light with respect to the plate member. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. The illumination unit includes the plate and a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted on a surface of the plate.

12. The lighting device of claim 11.

13. the illumination unit emits the illumination light so as to have a plurality of maximum luminous intensity directions; The maximum radiation direction of the radio wave is different from at least one of the multiple maximum luminous intensity directions. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A power receiving unit that receives AC power, The power supply circuit converts AC power received by the power receiving unit into DC power and outputs the DC power to the antenna and the lighting unit. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

15. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An electrical device, The electrical device includes: a receiving antenna for receiving the radio waves radiated from the antenna; A charging circuit that charges a rechargeable battery using the radio waves received by the power receiving antenna. Wireless power supply system.

Images