Lighting device and lighting system

Abstract

To provide a lighting device and a lighting system that can facilitate inspection work.SOLUTION: A lighting device 10 includes a battery 14, an inspection unit 26 that inspects the battery 14, an operation unit 17 that can be operated externally, a communication unit 19 that communicates with an external terminal 30, and a control unit 20. The control unit 20 sets an inspection schedule contained in a signal transmitted from the external terminal 30 and received by the communication unit 19, or an inspection schedule input by operating the operation unit 17, and causes the inspection unit 26 to inspect the battery 14 based on the inspection schedule.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present invention relate to a lighting device and a lighting system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, disaster prevention lighting devices such as emergency exit lights and emergency lights are equipped with batteries to light the device during a power outage, and the batteries are inspected to check for deterioration, abnormalities, etc. Battery inspection is performed by going to the lighting device and pressing an inspection switch equipped on the lighting device or sending an inspection signal from a remote control, etc. The inspection result is displayed on the lighting device's monitor lamp or sent to the remote control upon request.

[0003] Because battery inspections take a specified amount of time, workers must first instruct the inspection at the lighting device location and then return to the lighting device after the specified inspection time has elapsed to check the inspection results, making the inspection work cumbersome. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7109163 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device and a lighting system that can facilitate inspection work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The lighting device of the embodiment includes a battery, an inspection unit that inspects the battery, an operation unit that can be operated from outside, a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal, and a control unit. The control unit sets an inspection schedule included in a signal transmitted from the external terminal and received by the communication unit or an inspection schedule input by operation of the operation unit, and causes the inspection unit to inspect the battery based on the inspection schedule. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the embodiment, it is expected that inspection work can be made easier. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a lighting device showing a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a first example of an inspection circuit of the lighting device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a second example of the inspection circuit of the lighting device. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a third example of the inspection circuit of the lighting device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a fourth example of the inspection circuit of the lighting device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a lighting system including the lighting device. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a lighting device showing a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a lighting system showing a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a lighting system showing a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0010] The lighting device of the present embodiment is applied to a lighting device for disaster prevention, such as an emergency light that turns on during a power outage, or an emergency light that turns on during a power outage.

[0011] 1 shows a block diagram of a lighting device 10. The lighting device 10 includes a housing 11, a power supply unit 12 arranged in this housing 11, a light source 13 as a load, and a battery 14 as an object to be inspected.

[0012] The power supply unit 12 operates on external power when external power such as commercial AC power is supplied, and also operates on power from the battery 14 during a power outage when the external power is cut off.

[0013] In the case of an emergency light, the light source 13 is used for lighting the guidance panel, and in the case of an emergency light, it is used for emergency lighting in the event of a power outage. The light source 13 is, for example, a light emitting element such as an LED, but other light source types such as lamps may also be used.

[0014] The battery 14 may be a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-ion battery.

[0015] The power supply unit 12 also includes a power supply section 16 that turns on the light source 13 and charges and discharges the battery 14, an operation section 17 such as an inspection switch, a display section 18 such as a monitor lamp, a communication section 19 that communicates with the outside, and a control section 20 that controls the power supply unit 12.

[0016] The power supply unit 16 includes a lighting unit 22 that lights the light source 13, and a charging unit 23 that charges the battery 14. When external power is supplied, the lighting unit 22 supplies lighting power converted from the external power to the light source 13 to light the light in the case of an emergency light, and keeps the light source 13 in an off state in the case of an emergency light, while during a power outage, the lighting unit 22 supplies lighting power converted from the power of the battery 14 to the light source 13 to light the light in both the emergency light and emergency light. The charging unit 23 charges the battery 14 with external power.

[0017] The operation unit 17 is a check switch or the like, and is disposed at a position where it can be operated from outside the housing 11 .

[0018] The display unit 18 is a monitor lamp composed of a plurality of, for example, light-emitting elements, and is disposed in a position visible from outside the housing 11. The monitor lamp displays the inspection result of the battery 14 by a lighting color or a lighting form such as off, continuous lighting, flashing, etc.

[0019] The communication unit 19 communicates with other lighting devices 10 and external terminals 30, sends received signals to the control unit 20, and transmits signals from the control unit 20. The communication unit 19 includes a wireless communication unit (wireless communication module) that transmits and receives wireless signals using a wireless medium by a predetermined wireless communication method. For example, a mesh network is used as the wireless communication method, and for example, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) mesh network is used as the mesh network. The communication unit 19 may also include an optical signal communication unit that transmits and receives optical signals using an optical medium such as infrared rays.

[0020] The external terminal 30 includes, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer with a dedicated app installed, a remote control as a dedicated terminal, or other terminal equipped with an operation unit and a display unit as well as a clock function. The external terminal 30 communicates with the communication unit 19 by wireless communication using a predetermined wireless communication method, and transmits various signals such as a unique address set for each lighting device 10, an inspection schedule, a manual inspection instruction for instructing a manual inspection at a timing different from the inspection schedule, an instruction to select an inspection mode and an inspection form, and a request for an inspection result for the lighting device 10, and also receives a signal including the inspection result from the lighting device 10. When transmitting a signal to the lighting device 10, the external terminal 30 may transmit time information based on its own clock function in the signal.

[0021] The control unit 20 includes the functions of a clock unit 25, an inspection unit 26 that inspects the battery 14, and a storage unit 27 that stores various information.

[0022] The timekeeping unit 25 has a clock function that provides time information including the date and time (date and time), and a timer function that counts elapsed time information.

[0023] Furthermore, the inspection unit 26 inspects the battery 14 based on a set inspection schedule or a manual inspection instruction from the external terminal 30 or the operation unit 17. In the inspection, the inspection circuit, which will be described later, discharges the power of the battery 14 for a predetermined inspection time, and then checks the voltage of the battery 14 and compares the voltage with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the battery 14 is normal or has an abnormality due to deterioration or the like.

[0024] The inspection unit 26 can select between an optical inspection mode in which the lighting unit 22 lights up the light source 13 using power from the battery 14 to inspect the battery 14, and a non-optical inspection mode in which the battery 14 is inspected by discharging power from the battery 14 using a dummy load 42 described later.

[0025] The inspection unit 26 has a number of inspection modes for inspecting the battery 14, and for each inspection mode, a light-emitting inspection form or a non-light-emitting inspection form can be selected.

[0026] The inspection modes include a normal inspection mode, a short inspection mode for inspecting in a short time, a refresh inspection mode, and the like.

[0027] The normal inspection mode is a statutory inspection mode that performs an inspection for a specified time (a time stipulated by law), such as 20 minutes or 60 minutes. In the normal inspection mode, during an inspection in which the power of the battery 14 is discharged, the state of the battery 14 is inspected by detecting the voltage of the battery 14 and monitoring whether it falls below a predetermined voltage threshold. If the voltage does not fall below the voltage threshold within the specified time, the battery 14 is determined to be normal, and if the voltage falls below the voltage threshold within the specified time, the battery 14 is determined to be abnormal due to degradation or the like.

[0028] The short-time inspection mode is a mode in which an inspection is performed simply in a time shorter than the time specified in the normal inspection mode. The short-time inspection mode is performed on the premise that the inspection result at the first inspection in the normal inspection mode or the refresh inspection mode is stored in the memory unit 27. The inspection result stored in the memory unit 27 includes a discharge curve indicating the degree of voltage drop of the battery 14. In the short-time inspection mode, the discharge curve, which is the degree of voltage drop of the battery 14 due to the next or subsequent inspection operation, is compared with the initial discharge curve, which is the degree of voltage drop at the first time stored in the memory unit 27, and if the deviation width from the initial discharge curve is within a predetermined threshold, the battery 14 is predicted and determined to be normal, whereas if the deviation width from the initial discharge curve exceeds a predetermined threshold, the battery 14 is predicted and determined to be abnormal due to degradation or the like. In this case, since the degree of voltage drop of the battery 14 also changes depending on the temperature of the battery 14, it is preferable to take into consideration the temperature conditions at the time of inspection.

[0029] The refresh inspection mode is a mode in which the inspection of the battery 14 is performed for a longer time than in the normal inspection mode. In the refresh inspection mode, during the inspection in which the power of the battery 14 is discharged, the state of the battery 14 is inspected while detecting the voltage of the battery 14 and monitoring whether it falls below the refresh voltage threshold set lower than the voltage threshold in the normal inspection mode. If the voltage does not fall below the refresh voltage threshold within a predetermined refresh inspection time, the battery 14 is determined to be normal. On the other hand, if the voltage falls below the refresh voltage threshold within the predetermined refresh inspection time, the battery 14 is determined to be abnormal due to deterioration or the like. In the refresh inspection mode, the battery 14 is discharged to a predetermined lower limit voltage (discharge end voltage). Depending on the type of battery 14, the chargeable and dischargeable power capacity of the battery 14 decreases due to repeated charging and discharging, but the chargeable and dischargeable power capacity of the battery 14 can be restored by executing the refresh inspection mode.

[0030] It is preferable to execute the refresh inspection mode before the normal inspection mode is executed. After refreshing the battery 14 and restoring it to a normal chargeable / dischargeable power capacity, an inspection in the normal inspection mode is executed, so that the state of the battery 14 can be checked accurately.

[0031] For example, in the case of an emergency light, one of the following can be selected: normal inspection mode: light emission inspection form (light source 13 is turned on), non-non-light emission inspection form (discharge to dummy load 42), short-time inspection mode: light emission inspection form (light source 13 is turned on), short-time inspection mode: non-light emission inspection form (discharge to dummy load 42), refresh inspection mode: light emission inspection form (light source 13 is turned on), refresh inspection mode: non-light emission inspection form (discharge to dummy load 2). In the case of an emergency light, it is possible to inspect the battery 14 by discharging the power to the dummy load 42 while the light source 13 is turned on by external power to display an emergency panel. In other words, the non-light emission inspection form in the case of an emergency light is a form in which the battery 14 is inspected by discharging the power to the dummy load 42 while the light source 13 is turned on by external power.

[0032] In the case of emergency lighting, the following can be selected: normal inspection mode: light-emitting inspection type (light source 13 is turned on), normal inspection mode: non-light-emitting inspection type (discharging to dummy load 42), short-time inspection mode: light-emitting inspection type (light source 13 is turned on), short-time inspection mode: non-light-emitting inspection type (discharging to dummy load 42), refresh inspection mode: light-emitting inspection type (light source 13 is turned on), refresh inspection mode: non-light-emitting inspection type (discharging to dummy load 42).

[0033] In this way, in the case of emergency lights or emergency guide lights, by discharging the dummy load 42, inspection can be carried out in the same lighting state as the lighting state of the light source 13 during normal times.

[0034] The storage unit 27 also stores various information such as the address of the lighting device 10 itself, a set inspection schedule, inspection results, etc. The inspection schedule includes the inspection date and time, and an inspection period from the schedule setting date (start date) to the inspection date, such as six months.

[0035] A non-volatile memory that retains stored contents even when power is cut off is used for the storage unit 27. The storage unit 27 also includes a first storage unit that stores old inspection schedule information and a second storage unit that stores new inspection schedule information when a new inspection schedule is set, and normally performs inspection based on the new inspection schedule stored in the second storage unit, but when inspection based on the new inspection schedule cannot be performed due to a malfunction of the second storage unit, it may be possible to perform inspection based on the old inspection schedule stored in the first storage unit.

[0036] The control unit 20 has the following functions.

[0037] A function of setting an inspection schedule contained in a signal transmitted from an external terminal 30 and received by the communication unit 19 or an inspection schedule input by operating the operation unit 17, and having the inspection unit 26 inspect the battery 14 based on the inspection schedule.

[0038] A function for accepting a manual inspection instruction from an external terminal 30 or an operating unit 17 at a timing different from the timing of an inspection based on the inspection schedule, causing an inspection unit 26 to inspect the battery 14, and further resetting the inspection schedule so that, when an inspection of the battery 14 is performed based on the manual inspection instruction, the inspection schedule is reset so that the next inspection date and time is delayed by a specified period, or the inspection period count is reset and a new inspection period count is started.

[0039] This function prohibits the execution of an inspection based on the inspection schedule within a specified time from the execution of the inspection (when the inspection is completed) when a manual inspection instruction is received from the external terminal 30 or the operation unit 17 at a timing different from the timing of the inspection based on the inspection schedule and an inspection of the battery 14 is performed, and enables the execution of an inspection based on the inspection schedule after the specified time has elapsed.

[0040] A function of acquiring time information contained in a signal transmitted from an external terminal 30 and received by the communication unit 19, and setting or updating the time of the clock function of the timing unit 25 for executing the inspection schedule.

[0041] During inspection, the inspection unit 26 inspects the battery 14 in a selected inspection mode, and in each inspection mode, the inspection is performed in either a light emission inspection mode in which the light source 13 is turned on by the lighting unit 22 to inspect the battery 14, or a non-light emission inspection mode in which the power of the battery 14 is discharged by the dummy load 42 to inspect the battery 14.

[0042] This function allows the inspection unit 26 to fully charge the battery 14 and then perform an inspection in the normal inspection mode if an abnormality is found in the battery 14 during inspection in the short-time inspection mode.

[0043] Furthermore, in the control of the control unit 20 based on the setting of the inspection mode, inspection is performed every few hours in the short-term inspection mode, and if no abnormality is found, inspection is continued every few hours in the short-term inspection mode, while if an abnormality is found, inspection is performed in the normal inspection mode after the battery 14 is fully charged, and further, it is preferable that after the short-term inspection mode has been performed for a specified period of time or a specified number of times, inspection is performed in the refresh inspection mode.

[0044] The inspection schedule may also be managed using the timer function of the clock unit 25. For example, the normal inspection mode is set for each period specified by regulations, the short-time inspection mode is set every Sunday night, and the refresh inspection mode is set once a year.

[0045] Next, first to fourth circuit examples of the inspection circuit that causes the inspection unit 26 to execute the inspection are shown in FIG. 2 to FIG.

[0046] The first circuit example in FIG. 2 shows an example that can be applied to both emergency lights and emergency exit lights.

[0047] In this first circuit example, a light source module 41 is connected to an output terminal 40 of the lighting unit 22 of the power supply unit 16. The light source module 41 includes a light source 13, which is an actual load, and a dummy load 42 for inspection that can discharge the power of the battery 14. The dummy load 42 is, for example, a resistor, and consumes power by converting a flowing current into heat. The dummy load 42 may be a load that consumes the same power as the light source 13, which is an actual load, or may consume more power than the light source 13, which is an actual load, in order to shorten the inspection time. By including the dummy load 42 in the light source module 41, the load value of the dummy load 42 can be set corresponding to the load value of the light source module 41.

[0048] An actual load circuit 45 is formed between a battery power output section 43 of a power conversion circuit, such as a boost circuit that boosts the power of a battery 14, and a ground section 44. The actual load circuit 45 is connected to a light source 13 as an actual load, a first switch SW1, and a parallel circuit of a resistor R1 for detecting a current value and a feedback circuit FB1.

[0049] Between the battery power output section 43 and the ground section 44, a dummy load circuit 46 is formed in which a dummy load 42, a second switch SW2, a resistor R2 for detecting a current value, and a feedback circuit FB2 are connected.

[0050] The switches SW1 and SW2 constitute a switching unit that switches between a light emission inspection mode in which the light source 13 is turned on by the power of the battery 14 during inspection, and a non-light emission inspection mode in which the power of the battery 14 is discharged to the dummy load 42. The switches SW1 and SW2 are, for example, transistors, and are controlled by a microcomputer 47 of the control unit 20. When the real load circuit 45 is formed, the microcomputer 47 turns on the first switch SW1 and controls the on-duty of the first switch SW1 so that the current flowing through the light source 13 detected by the first feedback circuit FB1 becomes a predetermined value, and when the dummy load circuit 46 is formed, the microcomputer 47 turns on the second switch SW2 and controls the on-duty of the second switch SW2 so that the current flowing through the dummy load 42 detected by the second feedback circuit FB2 becomes a predetermined value.

[0051] In the first circuit example, during inspection, it is possible to select between an optical inspection mode in which an actual load circuit 45 is formed and the light source 13 is turned on to inspect the battery 14, and a non-optical inspection mode in which a dummy load circuit 46 is formed and the dummy load 42 discharges the power of the battery 14 to inspect the battery 14.

[0052] Moreover, the second circuit example of the inspection circuit in FIG. 3 shows an example that can be applied to both emergency lights and emergency exit lights.

[0053] In this second circuit example, the dummy load 42 is located on the power supply unit 12 side, not on the light source module 41 side. In the power supply unit 12, a dummy load circuit 46 is formed between a battery power output section 43 and a ground section 44, in which the dummy load 42, a second switch SW2, a resistor R2 and a feedback circuit FB2 are connected. Other configurations and operations of the second circuit example are similar to those of the first circuit example, but the power discharged to the dummy load 42 is changed according to the load value of the light source 13 of the light source module 41.

[0054] Moreover, the third circuit example in FIG. 4 shows an example that can be applied to an emergency light in which the light source 13 is always turned on.

[0055] In the third circuit example, inspection is performed using a dummy load 42 while the light source 13 is turned on by external power, and further, a light source module 41 includes the light source 13 and the dummy load 42.

[0056] An actual load circuit 45 is formed between an external power output unit 48 of a power conversion unit that converts external power from an external power source such as a commercial AC power source into a predetermined lighting power, and a ground unit 44. The actual load circuit 45 is formed by connecting the light source 13, which is an actual load, a first switch SW1, and a parallel circuit of a resistor R1 and a feedback circuit FB1.

[0057] A third switch SW3 is connected between the battery power output unit 43 and the output terminal 40 and between the external power output unit 48 and the output terminal 40, and the third switch SW3 is controlled by the microcomputer 47.

[0058] Then, when the emergency light to which external power is being supplied is normally turned on, the microcontroller 47 turns on the first switch SW1 (the second and third switches SW2, SW3 are turned off) and supplies lighting power from the external power output unit 48 to the light source 13 to turn it on.

[0059] When the emergency light for the emergency exit light is turned on during a power outage in which the external power is cut off, the microcontroller 47 turns on the first switch SW1, the third switch and SW3 (the second switch SW2 is turned off) and supplies lighting power from the battery 14 from the battery power output unit 43 to the light source 13 of the actual load circuit 45 via the third switch SW3 to turn on the light.

[0060] When inspecting in a light emission inspection mode in which the light source 13 is turned on to inspect the battery 14, the microcontroller 47 stops the output from the external power output unit 48, turns on the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 (the second switch SW2 is turned off), and supplies lighting power from the external power output unit 48 to the light source 13 to light it.

[0061] When inspecting the second lighting mode using the dummy load 42 during normal lighting, the microcontroller 47 turns on the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 (the third switch SW3 is off) and supplies lighting power from external power from the external power output unit 48 to the light source 13 to light it, and also supplies lighting power from the battery 14 via the battery power output unit 43 to the dummy load 42.

[0062] Moreover, a fourth circuit example in FIG. 5 shows an example that can be applied to an emergency light in which the light source 13 is always turned on.

[0063] 4, the dummy load 42 is located on the power supply unit 12 side, not on the light source module 41 side. A dummy load circuit 46 is formed in the power supply unit 12 between the battery power output section 43 and the ground section 44, in which the dummy load 42, a second switch SW2, a resistor R2 and a feedback circuit FB2 are connected. The other configurations and operations of the fourth circuit example are similar to those of the third circuit example, but the power discharged to the dummy load 42 is changed according to the load value of the light source 13 of the light source module 41.

[0064] Next, the control operation by the control unit 20 of the lighting device 10 will be described.

[0065] When or after the lighting device 10 is installed, the control unit 20 sets an inspection schedule contained in a signal transmitted by an operator operating the external terminal 30, or an inspection schedule input by an operator operating the operation unit 17, and stores the set inspection schedule in the memory unit 27.

[0066] The external terminal 30 transmits an inspection schedule including the inspection date and time and the inspection period, and further transmits time information that the external terminal 30 has.

[0067] When inputting an inspection schedule by operating the operation unit 17, for example, a setting mode is entered by a specified operation such as pressing and holding the inspection switch for a specified period of time or more. In this setting mode, the inspection period up to the day when the inspection will be performed, such as a number of days or hours later, is set as the inspection schedule each time the inspection switch is pressed once, or depending on the length of time the inspection switch is kept pressed. After the inspection schedule is set, the setting mode is released by again pressing and holding the inspection switch for a specified period of time or more, or the setting mode is automatically released if no operation is performed for a specified period of time.

[0068] Furthermore, an inspection mode for inspecting the battery 14 is selected and set by the external terminal 30, and the inspection form in the selected inspection mode is selected and set as either a light emitting inspection form or a non-light emitting inspection form. The inspection mode and inspection form may be preset at the time of shipment from the factory, or may be arbitrarily changed at the time of installation or after installation.

[0069] Then, based on the inspection schedule stored in memory unit 27 and the time information from timing unit 25, lighting device 10 causes inspection unit 26 to inspect battery 14 when the inspection timing based on the inspection schedule arrives.

[0070] As described above, the inspection of the battery 14 is carried out in an inspection mode that is selected from among the normal inspection mode, short-time inspection mode, and refresh inspection mode, and is also carried out in a light emission inspection form or a second lighting form that is selected corresponding to the inspection mode.

[0071] When the light emission inspection mode is set to normal inspection mode, the light source 13 is turned on using power from the battery 14, and the voltage of the battery 14 is detected and monitored to see if it falls below a predetermined voltage threshold within a specified time to determine whether the battery 14 is normal or has an abnormality due to deterioration or the like.

[0072] When the non-light emitting inspection mode is set in the normal inspection mode, the power of the battery 14 is discharged to the dummy load 42, and the voltage of the battery 14 is detected and monitored to see if it falls below a predetermined voltage threshold within a specified time to determine whether the battery 14 is normal or has an abnormality due to deterioration or the like.

[0073] In addition, the short-time inspection mode is such that the first inspection is performed in the normal inspection mode, the refresh inspection mode, or the like, and the inspection results are stored in the memory unit 27, after which the short-time inspection mode can be performed in subsequent inspections.

[0074] In the next or subsequent inspection operation, if the light emission inspection mode is set in the short-time inspection mode, the light source 13 is turned on using power from the battery 14, the voltage of the battery 14 is detected, and the degree of voltage drop is compared with the degree of voltage drop during the initial inspection stored in the memory unit 27 to predict and determine whether the battery 14 is normal or has an abnormality due to deterioration or the like.

[0075] In the next or subsequent inspection operation, if the non-light emitting inspection mode is set in the short-time inspection mode, the power of the battery 14 is discharged to the dummy load 42, the voltage of the battery 14 is detected, and the degree of voltage drop is compared with the degree of voltage drop during the initial inspection stored in the memory unit 27 to predict and determine whether the battery 14 is normal or has an abnormality due to deterioration or the like.

[0076] In the short-time inspection mode, the state of the battery 14 is predicted and determined from the degree of voltage drop of the battery 14, so that the inspection can be performed in a short time.

[0077] If an abnormality is found in the battery 14 during inspection in the short-time inspection mode, it is preferable to fully charge the battery 14 and then perform an inspection in the normal inspection mode using either the optical inspection form or the non-optical inspection form to accurately check the condition of the battery 14.

[0078] Furthermore, when the light emission inspection mode is set in the refresh inspection mode, the light source 13 is lit using the power from the battery 14, and the voltage of the battery 14 is detected and monitored to see if it falls below a refresh voltage threshold that is set lower than the voltage threshold in the normal inspection mode, thereby determining whether the battery 14 is normal or has an abnormality due to deterioration or the like.

[0079] When the non-light emission inspection mode is set in the refresh inspection mode, the power of the battery 14 is discharged to the dummy load 42, and the voltage of the battery 14 is detected and monitored to see if it falls below a refresh voltage threshold that is set lower than the voltage threshold in the normal inspection mode, thereby determining whether the battery 14 is normal or has an abnormality due to deterioration or the like.

[0080] In the refresh inspection mode, the battery 14 is discharged to a predetermined lower limit voltage (discharge end voltage) to recover the chargeable and dischargeable power capacity of the battery 14.

[0081] In addition, in the control of the control unit 20 based on the setting of the inspection mode, inspection is performed every few hours in the short-term inspection mode, and if no abnormality is found, inspection is continued every few hours in the short-term inspection mode. On the other hand, if an abnormality is found, inspection is performed in the normal inspection mode after the battery 14 is fully charged, and further, it is preferable that inspection is performed in the refresh inspection mode after a specified period of time or after the short-term inspection mode has been performed a specified number of times.

[0082] In this way, by making it possible to select between a light emission inspection mode in which the light source 13 is turned on using power from the battery 14 for inspection, and a non-light emission inspection mode in which the power of the battery 14 is discharged using the dummy load 42 for inspection, it is possible to carry out inspection of the battery 14 according to the conditions at the location where the lighting device 10 is installed.

[0083] For example, in places or during times when there are people around the lighting device 10, the non-light emitting inspection mode allows the inspection operation to be performed without making the people feel uncomfortable. Also, by switching to the light emitting inspection mode during an inspection operation immediately after installation of the lighting device 10 or when a predetermined number of inspections has been reached, it is possible to visually check whether the lighting device 10 is operating normally.

[0084] Furthermore, since a light emitting inspection form or a non-light emitting inspection form can be selected for each of the multiple inspection modes, inspection of the battery 14 can be performed according to the conditions at the location where the lighting device 10 is installed.

[0085] Furthermore, when the inspection operation of the battery 14 is completed, the inspection result is stored in the memory unit 27 and displayed on the display unit 18. After the inspection operation is completed, the battery 14 is charged by the charging unit 23.

[0086] Then, when the worker operates the external terminal 30 to transmit a signal requesting the inspection result to the lighting device 10, the inspection result stored in the storage unit 27 of the lighting device 10 is transmitted from the lighting device 10 to the external terminal 30, and the inspection result can be confirmed on the external terminal 30. At this time, when communication is performed using a wireless signal, the external terminal 30 selects a lighting device 10 from which the inspection result is to be obtained from among the lighting devices 10 with which it can communicate, and receives the inspection result, and when communication is performed using an optical signal, the external terminal 30 receives the inspection result by operating it while pointing it at the lighting device 10. The inspection result can also be confirmed by visually checking the display unit 18 of the lighting device 10.

[0087] In this way, with the lighting device 10, an inspection schedule can be set using the external terminal 30 or the operation unit 17 of the lighting device 10, and inspections are automatically performed based on the inspection schedule, so that the worker only needs to go to the location of the lighting device 10 to check the inspection results, making the inspection work easy.

[0088] In addition, when the lighting device 10 receives a signal transmitted from the external terminal 30, it acquires the time information contained in the signal and resets or updates the time of the clock function of the timing unit 25 for executing the inspection schedule, thereby preventing the inspection date and time for executing the inspection schedule from being shifted.

[0089] In addition, even if the timing of the inspection is different from the timing of the inspection based on the inspection schedule, a manual inspection instruction can be accepted from the external terminal 30 or the operation unit 17, and when this manual inspection instruction is accepted, the above-mentioned inspection operation is performed.

[0090] When a manual inspection is performed at a timing different from the inspection schedule, the inspection schedule may be reset. For example, if an inspection date and time is set as the inspection schedule, the inspection date and time is reset to set a new inspection date and time after a predetermined period, and if an inspection period is set, the count of the inspection period that has progressed is reset and a new count of the inspection period is started from the day the manual inspection was performed.

[0091] Furthermore, if a manual inspection is performed at a timing different from the inspection schedule, the execution of inspection based on the inspection schedule and the execution of manual inspection are prohibited for a predetermined time after the execution of the manual inspection. This is because, after the inspection operation, charging of the battery 14 by the charging unit 23 begins, but if an inspection is performed while the remaining power of the battery 14 is being charged and has been reduced by the inspection operation, there is a risk that an abnormality in the battery 14 will be detected. Therefore, the predetermined time for prohibiting the execution of the inspection is a sufficient time for the remaining power of the battery 14 consumed by the inspection operation to be restored by charging. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the inspection is allowed to be performed.

[0092] Furthermore, when the inspection date and time approaches or the inspection period until the day the inspection is to be performed approaches, the lighting device 10 may transmit an inspection notice to the external terminal 30 or a server 51 described later. Similarly, when the inspection is completed, the lighting device 10 may transmit an inspection completion notice to the external terminal 30 or the server 51. This makes it possible to check on the external terminal 30 or the server 51 which lighting devices 10 will be inspected or which lighting devices 10 have completed inspection.

[0093] Furthermore, the lighting device 10 may notify how many inspections have been performed by the number of times the monitor lamp on the display unit 18 flashes. For example, when the first inspection is being performed, the monitor lamp flashes at a fixed interval, and when the second inspection is being performed, the lamp flashes twice in succession, and then flashes twice in succession after a longer off time than the two flashes. This allows the worker to easily grasp the inspection status.

[0094] An inspection schedule may be preset in the lighting device 10 at the time of shipment from the factory, and the inspection period may start counting until the day the inspection is to be performed when the lighting device 10 is turned on. In this case, the inspection schedule may be changed by the external terminal 30 or the operation unit 17 of the lighting device 10 after the lighting device 10 is installed.

[0095] Next, a lighting system 50 is shown in Fig. 6. The lighting system 50 includes a plurality of lighting devices 10 installed at a plurality of installation locations, an external terminal 30, and a server 51 that constitutes a cloud.

[0096] A unique address is assigned to each of the lighting devices 10, and the lighting devices 10 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication unit 19, so that a wireless communication network is constructed by the lighting devices 10 using a predetermined wireless communication method.

[0097] After the lighting devices 10 of the lighting system 50 are installed, the address numbers may be transmitted as addresses to the lighting devices 10 by the external terminal 30 and set. The address numbers may be set individually for each lighting device 10. In this case, communication between the lighting devices 10 is not required.

[0098] When transmitting the address number to be set to the lighting device 10, the external terminal 30 may transmit inspection schedule information in which a predetermined coefficient is combined with the address number. The predetermined coefficient is, for example, the inspection period until the day when the inspection is to be performed, and the inspection schedule is the address number x the period until the inspection is performed.

[0099] For example, if the address numbers range from 1 to 100 and the period until an inspection is performed is 48 hours, an inspection schedule is set in which the inspection period is staggered for each lighting device 10, such that address number "1" is 1 x 48 hours = 48 hours, address number "2" is 2 x 48 hours = 96 hours, address number "3" is 3 x 48 hours = 144 hours, and so on.

[0100] Each lighting device 10 receives and sets the address number and inspection schedule transmitted from the external terminal 30.

[0101] In this case, an inspection schedule is set with staggered inspection periods for each lighting device 10. This means that inspections of multiple lighting devices 10 overlap, causing the remaining power of batteries 14 in the multiple lighting devices 10 to decrease. If a power outage occurs at this time, it is possible to prevent the lighting time of light sources 13 in the multiple lighting devices 10 from being shortened.

[0102] In addition, in the lighting system 50, one of the multiple lighting devices 10, for which an inspection schedule has been set by the external terminal 30 or the operation unit 17 of the lighting device 10, may transmit inspection schedule information to the other lighting devices 10, and on the other hand, upon receiving the inspection schedule information, the other lighting devices 10 may set an inspection schedule based on the received inspection schedule information.

[0103] In this case, if an operator sets an inspection schedule for one lighting device 10 using the external terminal 30 or the operation unit 17 of the lighting device 10, inspection schedules can be automatically set for multiple other lighting devices 10, making the setting work easier.

[0104] Furthermore, in this case, by combining this with the method of setting the address number and inspection schedule described above and setting an address number of "1" and an inspection schedule (1 x 48 hours = 48 hours) to one lighting device 10, it is possible to automatically set address numbers "2", "3", ... and inspection schedules (2 x 48 hours = 96 hours) (3 x 48 hours = 144 hours) ... for other lighting devices 10 in order of proximity to the first lighting device 10.

[0105] Furthermore, in this case, when time information is transmitted from the external terminal 30 along with an inspection schedule to one lighting device 10, and the inspection schedule is set and the time of the clock function of the timing unit 25 is reset or updated, the time information may be transmitted along with the inspection schedule information to other lighting devices 10 to cause them to set the time.

[0106] Furthermore, when an inspection schedule is set by the operation unit 17 of the lighting device 10, the inspection schedule information may be transmitted to the external terminal 30 or the server 51. In this case, the inspection schedule information is the count start time at which the count of the inspection period starts.

[0107] Furthermore, in the lighting system 50, one lighting device 10 that performs an inspection among the multiple lighting devices 10 may transmit inspection execution information to at least the other adjacent lighting devices 10, while the other lighting devices 10, upon receiving the inspection execution information, may prohibit the execution of an inspection within a predetermined time after receiving the inspection execution information. This prohibition of the execution of an inspection includes both the execution of an inspection based on an inspection schedule and the execution of an inspection by operating the external terminal 30 or the operation unit 17 of the lighting device 10.

[0108] This is because, for example, if inspection is performed on at least a plurality of adjacent lighting devices 10 within a predetermined time, the remaining power of the batteries 14 in these lighting devices 10 decreases, and if a power outage occurs at this time, there is a risk that the lighting time of the light sources 13 will be shortened in at least the area where the plurality of adjacent lighting devices 10 are installed. Therefore, when inspection is performed on one lighting device 10, by not performing inspection on at least other adjacent lighting devices 10 within a predetermined time, even if a power outage occurs and the lighting time of the light source 13 of one lighting device 10 is shortened, the light source 13 can be lit for a predetermined time in at least other adjacent lighting devices 10.

[0109] The predetermined time for prohibiting the execution of the inspection is a time sufficient for the remaining power of the battery 14 consumed by the inspection operation to be restored by charging. Also, since the wireless strength is different according to the distance between the multiple lighting devices 10, the adjacent lighting devices 10 can be identified from the wireless strength.

[0110] Furthermore, the lighting system 50 may include an analysis unit that is external to the lighting device 10 and acquires and analyzes the inspection results from the lighting device 10. The analysis unit may be included in either the external terminal 30 or the server 51, or may be included in both.

[0111] If an abnormality is confirmed by the analysis in the analysis section, an abnormality display lighting operation signal is transmitted from the external terminal 30 or the server 51 to the lighting device 10 in which the abnormality has occurred.

[0112] When the target lighting device 10 that has been found to have an abnormality as a result of the analysis by the analysis section receives the abnormality display lighting operation signal, it displays the abnormality by, for example, blinking the light source 13.

[0113] In this case, the process is carried out in the following flow of steps 1 to 5 in order, where an inspection in a light emitting inspection form or a non-light emitting inspection form is carried out in the lighting device 10 and the inspection result is stored (step 1), the external terminal 30 requests the lighting device 10 to transmit the inspection result and receives the inspection result transmitted from the lighting device 10 (step 2), which is analyzed in an analysis section of the external terminal 30 or the server 51 (step 3), the analysis result in the event of an abnormality is transmitted from the external terminal 30 or the server 51 to the target lighting device 10 (step 4), and it is displayed that an abnormality has occurred in the target lighting device 10 (step 5).

[0114] In addition, in a lighting system 50 configured with a plurality of lighting devices 10, it is only necessary to provide one analysis unit for the plurality of lighting devices 10, and the configuration of the plurality of lighting devices 10 can be simplified.

[0115] In addition, since the lighting device 10 displays an abnormality when it receives an analysis result in the case where an abnormality occurs from the external terminal 30 or the server 51, the worker can visually check the lighting device 10 in an abnormal state even in a place where multiple lighting devices 10 are installed. In addition, since the lighting device 10 only stores the inspection result after the inspection is performed and does not display an abnormality according to the inspection result (the lighting device 10 does not blink or light up unnecessarily), and displays an abnormality when it receives an analysis result in the case where an abnormality occurs, it is unlikely to cause discomfort to people around. For example, if the worker has the external terminal 30, the worker can perform the above-mentioned operations of steps 2 to 5 when approaching the lighting device 10, thereby performing the inspection without causing discomfort to people around, and the worker can visually check the lighting device 10 in an abnormal state.

[0116] Furthermore, the external terminal 30 or the server 51 may use an AI function to automatically generate the next inspection schedule from the inspection results from the lighting device 10, the surrounding environment such as the temperature of the location where the lighting device 10 is installed, and information such as the usage time and number of years of use of the lighting device 10, and transmit the schedule to the lighting device 10 to be set.

[0117] Next, a lighting device 10 according to a second embodiment is shown in Fig. 7. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] In the second embodiment, the lighting device 10 does not include the dummy load 42, and includes a light control unit 55 that switches between a state in which light from the light source 13 is emitted to the outside and a state in which it is not emitted. For example, the light control unit 55 can be a liquid crystal shutter that changes the light transmittance according to the drive voltage, a shutter mechanism or iris mechanism that changes the light transmittance by swinging or rotating, or an optical means that changes the refractive index. The light control unit 55 is disposed in the path through which the light from the light source 13 is emitted to the outside.

[0119] In each inspection mode, inspection is performed by turning on the light source 13, but by switching the light control unit 55, it is possible to select and execute a light emission inspection mode in which the light of the light source 13 is emitted to the outside to inspect the battery 14, or a non-light emission inspection mode in which the battery 14 is inspected without emitting the light of the light source 13 to the outside.

[0120] In this way, by providing the light control unit 55, it is possible to select and perform inspection in a light-emitting inspection form or a non-light-emitting inspection form, thereby enabling inspection of the battery 14 to be carried out according to the conditions at the installation location of the lighting device 10.

[0121] Next, a lighting system 60 according to a third embodiment is shown in Fig. 8. Note that the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0122] The lighting system 60 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 61 which are emergency lights, a power supply unit 62, and heat-resistant wiring 63 which connects the plurality of lighting fixtures 61 and the power supply unit 62.

[0123] The lighting fixture 61 has a light source 13. The power supply unit 62 has a battery 14, a lighting section 22 that lights the light sources 13 of the multiple lighting fixtures 61 with the power of the battery 14, a charging section 23 that charges the battery 14, a dummy load 42 that can discharge the power of the battery 14, and an inspection section 26 that inspects the battery 14. The battery 14 has a power capacity required to light the light sources 13 of the multiple lighting fixtures 61 for a predetermined period of time. The dummy load 42 has a load value corresponding to the combined load value of the light sources 13 of the multiple lighting fixtures 61.

[0124] When external power is being supplied, the power supply unit 62 does not supply power to the multiple luminaires 61 and keeps the light sources 13 of the multiple luminaires 61 in an off state, while during a power outage, the lighting unit 22 supplies lighting power converted from the power of the battery 14 to the light sources 13 of the multiple luminaires 61 to turn them on.

[0125] Even in the lighting system 60 configured in this manner, it is possible to select and execute an optical inspection mode in which the power of the battery 14 in the power supply unit 62 is supplied to multiple lamps 61 to light the light source 13 and thereby inspect the battery 14, and a non-optical inspection mode in which the power of the battery 14 is discharged by the dummy load 42 to inspect the battery 14.

[0126] Next, a lighting system 60 according to a fourth embodiment is shown in Fig. 9. Note that the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] In the fourth embodiment, unlike the third embodiment, the dummy load 42 is not provided, and each luminaire 61 is provided with a light control unit 55 (see the above-mentioned second embodiment) that switches between a state in which light from the light source 13 is emitted to the outside and a state in which it is not emitted. Also, a signal for controlling the switching of the light control unit 55 is transmitted from the power supply unit 62 to each luminaire 61.

[0128] In each inspection mode, inspection is performed by turning on the light source 13, but by switching the light control unit 55 of each lighting fixture 61, it is possible to select and execute either a light emission inspection mode in which the light of the light source 13 is emitted to the outside to inspect the battery 14, or a non-light emission inspection mode in which the battery 14 is inspected without emitting the light of the light source 13 to the outside.

[0129] In this way, by equipping each luminaire 61 with a light control unit 55, it is possible to select and perform inspection in a light-emitting inspection form or a non-light-emitting inspection form, thereby enabling inspection of the battery 14 to be carried out according to the conditions at the location where the lighting device 10 is installed.

[0130] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 10. Lighting Equipment 13 Light source 14 Batteries 17 Control section 19 Communications Department 20 Control section 26 Inspection Department 30 External Terminal 50 Lighting System

Claims

1. A battery; an inspection unit that inspects the battery; An operating unit that can be operated from the outside; A communication unit that communicates with an external terminal; a control unit that sets an inspection schedule included in a signal transmitted from the external terminal and received by the communication unit or an inspection schedule input by operation of the operation unit, and causes the inspection unit to inspect the battery based on the inspection schedule; A lighting device comprising:

2. The control unit accepts an inspection performed by the external terminal or the operation unit at a timing different from the inspection timing based on the inspection schedule, and resets the inspection schedule when the inspection is performed.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit accepts an inspection performed by the external terminal or the operation unit at a timing different from the timing of the inspection based on the inspection schedule, and when the inspection is performed, prohibits the execution of the inspection based on the inspection schedule within a predetermined time from the execution of the inspection, and enables the execution of the inspection based on the inspection schedule after the predetermined time has elapsed.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit acquires time information included in a signal transmitted from the external terminal and received by the communication unit, and sets or updates a time for executing the inspection schedule.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

5. A lighting device according to claim 1 , The lighting devices communicate with each other via the communication unit, Among the plurality of lighting devices, the lighting device that performs an inspection transmits inspection execution information to the other lighting devices; When the other lighting device receives the inspection execution information, the other lighting device prohibits the execution of inspection within a predetermined time from receiving the inspection execution information. A lighting system comprising:

6. Among the plurality of lighting devices, the lighting device for which the inspection schedule is set transmits inspection schedule information to the other lighting devices; When the other lighting device receives the inspection schedule information, the other lighting device sets an inspection schedule based on the received inspection schedule information.

6. The lighting system according to claim 5.

7. The lighting device receives and sets an address number transmitted from the external terminal; When transmitting the address number to be set to the lighting device, the external terminal transmits inspection schedule information combining the address number with a predetermined coefficient.

6. The lighting system according to claim 5.

8. An analysis unit that acquires and analyzes inspection results from the lighting device, The lighting device that is found to have an abnormality as a result of the analysis by the analysis unit displays the abnormality by using a light source.

6. The lighting system according to claim 5.

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