Luminaire and illumination system

By integrating the communication unit adjacent to the lighting device on the support member, the lighting fixture addresses space management challenges, ensuring efficient component placement and wiring within the fixture.

JP2025074277AActive Publication Date: 2025-05-13MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025033585
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-04
Publication Date
2025-05-13
Estimated Expiration
2041-05-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing lighting fixtures face challenges in securing space due to the separate placement of power supply units and radio control units, which can lead to interference with other components and difficulties in wiring.

Method used

The lighting fixture design includes a support member with a light source on one surface and a lighting device on the opposite surface, along with a communication unit positioned adjacent to the lighting device in the short direction of the support member, allowing for efficient use of space.

Benefits of technology

This configuration enables easy space management within the lighting fixture, reducing the risk of component interference and improving wiring space, thus enhancing overall installation and operational efficiency.

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Abstract

To obtain a luminaire and an illumination system that easily secure a space inside the luminaire.SOLUTION: A luminaire according to the present disclosure comprises: a supporting member; a light source provided on a first surface of the supporting member; a lighting device provided on a second surface on the side opposite to the first surface of the supporting member, and lighting the light source; and a communication unit comprising a communication board on which a communication control part for converting a command received from the outside, into a control signal for controlling the lighting device, and transmitting it to the lighting device is arranged, and provided on the second surface of the supporting member. The communication unit is provided adjacently to the lighting device in a short direction of the supporting member so that a direction of a perpendicular line of the communication board intersects with a direction of a perpendicular line of the second surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to lighting fixtures and lighting systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit includes a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements, a light-emitting element substrate on which the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements are mounted, a power supply unit that is a power supply source for the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements, and a control unit that controls the light emission of the semiconductor light-emitting elements. The light-emitting unit also includes a support member having a first surface on which the light-emitting element substrate is attached and a second surface opposite to the first surface on which the power supply unit and the control unit are provided. The control unit has an antenna that receives a signal, and a wireless control unit that controls the power supplied from the power supply unit in response to the signal received by the antenna. The wireless control unit is provided on the second surface and is spaced apart from the power supply unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6537391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the power supply unit and the wireless control unit are provided at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the lighting fixture. This configuration may make it difficult to secure space for arranging other components. Specifically, for example, there is a risk that the power supply unit or the wireless control unit may interfere with the hanging bolt that fixes the fixture body. In addition, there is a risk that it may be difficult to secure wiring space for the power line.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a lighting fixture and a lighting system that make it easy to ensure space inside the lighting fixture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The lighting fixture of the present disclosure comprises a support member, a light source provided on a first surface of the support member, a lighting device provided on a second surface of the support member opposite the first surface and turning on the light source, and a communication unit provided on the second surface of the support member and having a communication board on which a communication control unit is arranged that converts commands received from the outside into control signals for controlling the lighting device and transmits the commands to the lighting device, the communication unit being provided adjacent to the lighting device in the short direction of the support member so that the direction of the perpendicular to the communication board intersects with the direction of the perpendicular to the second surface of the support member. Effect of the Invention

[0007] In the lighting fixture according to the present disclosure, the communication unit is provided adjacent to the lighting device in the short side direction of the support member, which makes it easy to ensure space inside the lighting fixture. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 is a perspective view of the lighting fixture according to the first embodiment, seen from a different direction. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the light source unit according to the first embodiment is removed from the fixture body. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a light source unit according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a disassembled state of the communication unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a communication unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the communication board according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a lighting device and a communication unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lighting fixture according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of range A in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A lighting fixture and a lighting system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description may be omitted.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lighting fixture 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed from another direction. FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which a light source unit 2 according to the first embodiment has been removed from a fixture body 3. The lighting fixture 1 includes a light source unit 2 and a fixture body 3 that holds the light source unit 2 on a ceiling. The fixture body 3 and the light source unit 2 are detachable via, for example, a spring 3a. This allows a user to select and replace the light source unit 2 with a different color temperature or brightness.

[0011] 4 is a perspective view of the light source unit 2 according to the first embodiment. The light source unit 2 includes a long support member 12. The support member 12 is also called a frame. The support member 12 is provided with a spring receiving metal fitting 12a that engages with the spring 3a. The X direction shown in FIG. 4 is the short side direction of the support member 12, and the Y direction is the long side direction of the support member 12.

[0012] A light source is provided on a first surface of the support member 12. A lighting device 5 that turns on the light source is provided on a second surface of the support member 12 opposite to the first surface. The lighting device 5 controls the power supplied to the light source. In addition, a communication unit 4 that communicates with the lighting device 5 is provided on the second surface of the support member 12. The lighting device 5 and the communication unit 4 are stored between the fixture body 3 and the support member 12.

[0013] The communication unit 4 controls the lighting device 5 in response to commands from other lighting fixtures or lighting control devices. The communication unit 4 receives dimming commands, for example, to change the brightness, from other lighting fixtures or lighting control devices. The communication unit 4 converts the received dimming commands into control signals for controlling the lighting device 5 and transmits them to the lighting device 5. The lighting device 5 changes the power supplied to the light source in response to the received control signal. This changes the brightness of the lighting fixture 1.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an exploded state of the communication unit 4 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the communication unit 4 according to the first embodiment. The communication unit 4 includes a communication board 6, a resin case 7 that houses the communication board 6, and a signal line 8 that connects to the lighting device 5. The signal line 8 has at least four lines: two lines through which power is supplied from the lighting device 5 to drive the communication unit 4, and two lines through which a control signal is transmitted to and received from the lighting device 5.

[0015] 7 is a plan view of the communication board 6 according to the first embodiment. The communication unit 4 includes an antenna 9 that receives wireless signals from other lighting fixtures or lighting control devices. The communication unit 4 also includes a communication control unit 10 that converts the wireless signal received by the antenna 9 into a control signal for controlling the lighting device 5 and transmits the control signal to the lighting device 5. The antenna 9 and the communication control unit 10 are mounted on the communication board 6.

[0016] In Fig. 7, the antenna 9 is formed of copper foil on the communication board 6. However, the antenna 9 may be a chip antenna, which is a dedicated component. The antenna 9 may also be a lead antenna formed of an electric wire. The antenna 9 may also be provided outside the resin case 7. The length of the antenna 9 is preferably 1 / 4 wavelength of the frequency used in wireless communication. This allows for stable wireless communication.

[0017] The lighting control device may collect information such as the lighting state or power consumption of the lighting fixture 1. In this case, when the antenna 9 receives a command from the lighting control device, the communication control unit 10 checks the status with the lighting device 5. The communication control unit 10 responds to the lighting control device via the antenna 9 with the information obtained from the status check.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the lighting device 5 and the communication unit 4 according to the first embodiment. The communication unit is provided adjacent to the lighting device 5 in the short side direction of the support member. The communication unit 4 is provided in a gap next to the lighting device 5 in the short side direction of the support member 12. In addition, the resin case 7 of the communication unit 4 and the case of the lighting device 5 are in contact with each other. The resin case 7 of the communication unit 4 and the case of the lighting device 5 may be fixed so as to be in close contact with each other. In this embodiment, since the lighting device 5 and the communication unit 4 are provided adjacent to each other, the signal line 8 can be shortened. Therefore, the noise superimposed on the signal line 8 can be reduced, and communication failures can be suppressed.

[0019] The lighting device 5 has a communication terminal 11 that communicates with the communication unit 4. The communication terminal 11 is connected to the signal line 8. The communication unit 4 is provided on the communication terminal 11 side of the lighting device 5. This makes it possible to further shorten the path for connecting the communication unit 4 and the lighting device 5.

[0020] The communication unit 4 is disposed so that the communication board 6 faces the side of the lighting device 5. In this case, the antenna 9 is provided on the support member 12 side of the communication unit 4. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 8, the antenna 9 is provided on the lower side inside the communication unit 4. In FIG. 8, the position of the antenna 9 is indicated by a dashed line. For example, the lighting fixture 1 has the fixture body 3 disposed in the ceiling or on the ceiling. In this case, by arranging the antenna 9 on the support member 12 side, it is possible to increase the radio wave intensity on the floor side when the lighting fixture 1 is installed. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize wireless communication by the antenna 9.

[0021] Also, a slit may be formed in the support member 12. The slit is, for example, an elongated hole shape, and is formed beside the lighting device 5 in the short direction of the support member 12. The antenna 9 is arranged so as to overlap with the slit in a plan view. This can further improve the reception sensitivity of the antenna 9. Also, by forming the slit beside the lighting device 5 in the short direction of the support member 12, the reduction in rigidity caused by the provision of the slit can be reinforced by the case of the lighting device 5.

[0022] Furthermore, the communication unit 4 and the lighting device 5 may be connected directly, not limited to being connected by the signal line 8. For example, a connector protruding from the communication unit 4 may be directly connected to a connector protruding from the lighting device 5. This makes it possible to further shorten the path for connecting the communication unit 4 and the lighting device 5.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of lighting fixture 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of range A in Fig. 9. Lighting device 5 includes lighting device board 16, and case top 17 and case bottom 18 for housing lighting device board 16. A circuit for controlling the lighting state of light source 15 is formed on lighting device board 16. For example, a lighting circuit such as a switching circuit that supplies power to light light source 15, and a control circuit that controls the lighting circuit are formed on lighting device board 16. Case top 17 and case bottom 18 are made of, for example, sheet metal.

[0024] The light source unit 2 includes a light source cover 19 that covers the light source 15. The light source cover 19 transmits light from the light source 15 and is, for example, a resin cover. The light source cover 19 is coupled to the support member 12. The support member 12 has a main portion 12b having a first surface and a second surface, and a side portion 12c that extends from an end portion in the short side direction of the main portion 12b toward the second surface side. The light source cover 19 has a holding portion 19a that holds the support member 12. The holding portion 19a covers a part of the main portion 12b and the side portion 12c of the support member 12.

[0025] The resin case 7 of the communication unit 4 has a fitting portion 13 and a fitting portion 14. The fitting portions 13 and 14 are convex portions that protrude outward from the resin case 7. The fitting portion 13 fits into the light source cover 19. The fitting portion 13 contacts the holding portion 19a of the light source cover 19. The fitting portion 13 may also contact the side portion 12c of the support member 12. The fitting portion 14 fits into the case top 17 of the lighting device 5. This fixes the communication unit 4 and the lighting device 5 in close contact. The fitting portion 13 and the fitting portion 14 allow the communication unit 4 to be easily attached and detached from the light source unit 2. This allows the user to select whether or not to have a communication function, and the type of communication function.

[0026] Furthermore, in the short-side direction of the support member 12, a power line 20 for supplying power to the lighting device 5 is arranged on the opposite side of the communication unit 4 with respect to the lighting device 5. In this embodiment, by arranging the communication unit 4 on one side of the lighting device 5, it is possible to ensure a routing space for the power line 20 for supplying power to the light source unit 2 on the other side of the lighting device 5.

[0027] In this embodiment, the communication unit 4 is provided adjacent to the lighting device 5 in the short side direction of the support member 12. This makes it easier to secure space inside the lighting fixture 1. Specifically, by arranging the communication unit 4 and the lighting device 5 in the short side direction of the support member 12, it is easier to secure space for arranging components such as a hanging bolt or a power line, compared to when they are arranged in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, by having the lighting device 5 and the support member 12 substantially integrated without being spaced apart, it is even easier to secure space.

[0028] With respect to the second surface of the support member 12 as a reference, the height of the resin case 7 of the communication unit 4 may be equal to the height of the lighting device 5. This eliminates the need to enlarge the recess of the fixture body 3 in order to accommodate the communication unit 4. This prevents the lighting fixture 1 from becoming too large.

[0029] Moreover, the communication unit 4 is disposed in an upright state relative to the support member 12. This makes it possible to further reduce the space required for disposing the communication unit 4.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the communication unit 4 performs wireless communication with the outside. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the communication unit 4 may perform wired communication with the outside. In this case, the antenna 9 may not be provided.

[0031] Furthermore, a lighting system may be configured by the lighting fixture 1 of the present embodiment and a lighting control device that communicates with the communication unit 4.

[0032] The technical features described in the present embodiment may be used in appropriate combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Lighting fixture, 2 Light source unit, 3 Fixture body, 3a Spring, 4 Communication unit, 5 Lighting device, 6 Communication board, 7 Resin case, 8 Signal line, 9 Antenna, 10 Communication control section, 11 Communication terminal, 12 Support member, 12a Spring receiving bracket, 12b Main section, 12c Side section, 13 Fitting section, 14 Fitting section, 15 Light source, 16 Lighting device board, 17 Case top, 18 Case bottom, 19 Light source cover, 19a Holding section, 20 Power line,

Claims

1. A support member; A light source provided on a first surface of the support member; a lighting device provided on a second surface of the support member opposite to the first surface, the lighting device turning on the light source; a communication unit provided on the second surface of the support member, the communication unit having a communication board on which a communication control unit is disposed that converts an external command into a control signal for controlling the lighting device and transmits the control signal to the lighting device; Equipped with The communication unit is disposed adjacent to the lighting device in the short side direction of the support member so that the direction of the perpendicular to the communication board intersects with the direction of the perpendicular to the second surface of the support member.

2. A lighting fixture according to claim 1 ; A lighting control device in communication with the communication unit; A lighting system comprising:

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Lighting drive device and lighting control system

    JP2017208310A

  • Luminaire

    JP2018174024A

  • Illuminating device

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  • Light-emitting unit and lighting device including the light-emitting unit

    JP6537391B2