Illuminating device
The lighting device with a timer-based adjustment and inspection process ensures timely and accurate periodic inspections, addressing delays from test runs and maintaining battery health.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024011989
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-12
Smart Images
Figure 2025117247000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting device. [Background technology]
[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for lighting devices that automatically perform periodic inspections when the statutory inspection period stipulated by the Fire Service Act or the Building Standards Act is reached. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technology for a lighting device that automatically performs periodic inspections of batteries based on the usage time of the emergency power supply measured by a built-in timer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-027706 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, with the above technology, there was an issue that the timing of regular inspections was delayed due to test runs conducted outside of the operating period.
[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a lighting device that can be subjected to periodic inspections at appropriate times without being affected by test runs performed outside of the operating period. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure is a lighting device that is preferably equipped with a timer that measures the time that power is supplied from commercial power, and a rechargeable battery, and is configured to perform an adjustment process that adjusts the timer's count value, and an inspection process that performs regular inspections, wherein the adjustment process includes a process of reading a flag and determining whether the read flag is "done," and if the flag is not "done," a process of resetting the timer's count value, a process of starting the timer's timekeeping, and if the timer's count value reaches a first specified time, a process of writing "done" to the flag, and if the flag is "done," a process of reading the stored timer count value and starting the timer's timekeeping so as to add to the read timer count value, and wherein the inspection process is a start process that starts regular inspection when the timer's count value reaches a second specified time. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the aspects of the present disclosure, regular inspections can be carried out at appropriate times without being affected by test runs conducted outside of the operating period. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an illumination device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a control circuit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a timing process performed by the lighting device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing a timing process performed by the lighting device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 11 is a flowchart showing a timing process performed by a lighting device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Embodiment 1 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Lighting device 100 is a lighting device that operates on power supplied from an external power source 2. Here, external power source 2 is a commercial power source that supplies AC power.
[0010] The lighting device 100 receives power supply from an external power source 2 at a control unit 4. The control unit 4 converts the AC power supplied from the external power source 2 into DC power using an AC / DC converter 42. The AC / DC converter 42 converts the voltage value when converting the input AC power into DC power. The voltage value of the output DC current may differ depending on the circuit to which it is supplied, or may be the same for all circuits.
[0011] Furthermore, AC / DC converter 42 may be a combination of multiple converters. For example, if the voltage value to be converted differs depending on the circuit to which the power is supplied, a configuration including multiple DC / DC converters for outputting the required voltage value may be used.
[0012] The AC / DC converter 42 supplies the converted power to a charge / discharge circuit 44. The charge / discharge circuit 44 controls the supplied power to charge the battery 6. The battery 6 is a so-called secondary battery that can be charged and discharged, such as a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, or a lithium polymer battery.
[0013] The AC / DC converter 42 also supplies the converted power to a lighting circuit 46. The lighting circuit 46 operates using the supplied power to control the lighting state of the light source 8. The lighting state may be, for example, a lighting state, an extinguishing state, or a dimming state.
[0014] More specifically, the lighting circuit 46 controls the lighting state of the light source 8 by controlling the voltage applied to the light source 8 and the current or power supplied to the light source 8. The light source 8 is a light-emitting element, such as a light-emitting diode, an organic EL, or an infinite EL.
[0015] The AC / DC converter 42 also supplies the converted power to a control circuit 48. The control circuit 48 operates using the supplied power to control the AC / DC converter 42, the charge / discharge circuit 44, and the lighting circuit 46.
[0016] More specifically, the control circuit 48 controls the lighting circuit 46 to control the lighting state of the light source 8. Furthermore, the control circuit 48 can create a simulated power outage state for each circuit in the control unit 4 by stopping the operation of the AC / DC converter 42. The control circuit 48 can check whether the battery 6 has reached the end of its life by continuing this simulated power outage state for a statutory period of time.
[0017] Next, a case where power is not supplied from the external power source 2, such as in an emergency, will be described. In this case, the charge / discharge circuit 44 determines that the lighting device 100 is in a power outage state, and receives power from the battery 6. The charge / discharge circuit 44 also supplies the power supplied from the battery 6 to the lighting circuit 46 and the control circuit 48. The lighting circuit 46 and the control circuit 48 operate as described above.
[0018] If the control voltage value supplied from the AC / DC converter 42 to the lighting circuit 46 and the control circuit 48 is higher than the voltage value of the power supplied from the battery 6, the discharge circuit included in the charge / discharge circuit 44 may have a simple circuit configuration. An example of such a simple circuit configuration is an OR-connected diode.
[0019] This section explains battery inspections. Battery inspections are required at the legal inspection intervals stipulated by the Fire Service Act or the Building Standards Act. For example, inspections of emergency exit lights are required by the Fire Service Act, and inspections of emergency lighting devices are required by the Building Standards Act.
[0020] One known method for inspecting the battery is to manually operate a test switch. Operating the test switch switches the power supply source for the lighting device to the built-in emergency battery. Then, by checking that the lighting device continues to operate for a predetermined period of time, the user can confirm that the battery is normal, i.e., that the battery has not reached the end of its service life.
[0021] However, the above method has the problem that if the user forgets to perform the manual operation, the inspection cannot be performed. To solve this problem, lighting devices with a self-inspection function are used. The self-inspection function is a function that automatically performs regular inspections when the legal inspection deadline has arrived.
[0022] This periodic inspection is carried out by checking that the lighting device, with its light source lit by power from its built-in battery, operates for the inspection operation time. The inspection operation time is the time set by law to determine the battery life. For example, the inspection operation time is 20 minutes for the standard type if the lighting device is an emergency exit light, or 60 minutes for the long-lasting type if the lighting device is an emergency lighting device, and 30 minutes for the standard type if the lighting device is an emergency lighting device, or 60 minutes for the long-lasting type.
[0023] However, with the above-mentioned method, the time taken for test runs at the manufacturing plant or for power-on tests at installation is also recorded, shortening the time until the first regular inspection. In other words, there is a problem in that the timing of regular inspections is delayed due to test runs conducted outside of the operating period. The present disclosure solves this problem.
[0024] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a control circuit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, control circuit 48 in lighting device 100 may be implemented by a microcomputer 50 including a memory 47, a CPU 49, a timer 51, an inspection timer 52, and a backup timer 53. The functions of control circuit 48 may be implemented by CPU 49 that executes a program stored in memory 47.
[0025] 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a timing process performed by the lighting device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The horizontal axis represents the passage of time. Here, an example is shown in which the timing process performed by lighting device 100 includes a process of resetting the count value of timer 51, which measures the power-on time of lighting device 100, when the power-on time is shorter than 12 hours.
[0026] The symbol a indicates the timing when the lighting device 100 is turned on for a test run. The test run may be, for example, a test run performed at a manufacturing factory or a power-on test performed at the time of installation. If the power-on time t1 at this time is shorter than 12 hours, the lighting device 100 resets the count value of the timer 51.
[0027] The time b indicates the timing when the lighting device 100 is turned on for facility operation. If the power-on time t2 at this time is 12 hours or more, the lighting device 100 does not reset the count value of the timer 51.
[0028] As described above, the lighting device 100 resets the count value of the timer 51 when the power-on time is shorter than 12 hours, and does not reset the count value of the timer 51 when the power-on time is 12 hours or more. That is, the lighting device 100 performs processing to start counting the power-on time when the power-on time reaches 12 hours or more. This processing allows periodic inspections to be performed at appropriate times without being affected by test runs performed outside of the operating period.
[0029] 4 is a flowchart showing a timing process performed by the lighting device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. This timing process includes an adjustment process for adjusting the count value of timer 51 and an inspection process for performing a periodic inspection. Specifically, steps 100 to 114 are the adjustment process, and steps 116 to 128 are the inspection process.
[0030] First, in step 100, the microcomputer 50 reads a flag. This flag is stored in the memory 47. If the lighting device 100 has already been installed, the flag is written with "Installed," indicating that the count value of the timer 51 does not need to be reset in the subsequent processing. The flag writing process will be described later.
[0031] Next, in step 102, the microcomputer 50 checks the flag that it has read and determines whether it is "done." If it is not "done," the process proceeds to step 104. If it is "done," the process proceeds to step 112.
[0032] In step 104, the microcomputer 50 resets the count value of the timer 51. The count value of the timer 51 is stored in the memory 47 described above.
[0033] Next, in step 106, the microcomputer 50 starts the timer 51. The count value of the timer 51 is stored in the memory 47 in real time or when the power is cut off. This storage allows the timer to continue timing even when the power is restored after a power cut.
[0034] Next, in step 108, the microcomputer 50 determines whether the count value of the timer 51 has reached a first specified time. If it has, the process proceeds to step 110. If it has not, the process returns to step 108. Here, the first specified time is a time threshold that can distinguish whether the energization is a test run performed outside the operating period, and is, for example, 12 hours. The period outside the operating period is, for example, the period before completion of construction or before delivery to the client.
[0035] That is, the first specified time may be a short time such as three hours if it is known in advance that the test run outside the operating period will only be performed for a few minutes. The first specified time may also be a longer time if it is desired to reliably confirm that the operating period has been entered. For example, since emergency lights or emergency lighting devices are connected to a wiring system that is constantly powered once the operating period is entered, the specified time may be 24 hours, 48 hours, one week, or one month.
[0036] In step 110, the microcomputer 50 writes "Done" to the flag and proceeds to step 116. This writing enables the microcomputer 50 to memorize the fact that it has been determined that the power-on time has reached the specified time. As described above, the processes of steps 104 to 110 are performed when there is a possibility that the power-on of the lighting device 100 is a test run conducted outside of the operating period.
[0037] Meanwhile, in step 112, the microcomputer 50 reads the count value of the timer 51 stored in the memory 47. Next, in step 114, the timer starts counting so as to add to the count value read in step 112. The count value of this timer counting is stored in the memory 47 in real time or when the power is turned off.
[0038] By the processing of steps 112 and 114, the count value of the timer 51 will not be reset after the timing when the flag becomes "Done" in step 110. Therefore, the microcomputer 50 can measure the time since the lighting device 100 entered the operating period. Furthermore, even if a power outage occurs during the operating period of the lighting device 100, the count value of the timer 51 will not be reset, so that the accumulated value from before the power outage can be measured.
[0039] Next, in step 116, microcomputer 50 determines whether the count value of timer 51 has reached a second specified time. If it has, the process proceeds to step 118. If it has not, the process returns to step 116. Here, the second specified time is a threshold value for the time period after which a periodic inspection should be performed, such as six months.
[0040] In step 118, the microcomputer 50 starts a periodic inspection. For example, the microcomputer 50 creates a simulated power outage state for the lighting device 100. As a result, the charging / discharging circuit 44 switches the power supply source to the battery 6, making it possible to determine whether the battery 6 has reached the end of its life.
[0041] Next, in step 120, the microcomputer 50 starts timing of the inspection timer 52. The inspection timer 52 is a timer that measures the time for performing periodic inspection, separate from the timer 51 that measures the time for which the lighting device 100 is energized.
[0042] Next, in step 122, the microcomputer 50 determines whether the voltage of the battery 6 is equal to or greater than a specified voltage. If it is equal to or greater than the specified voltage, the process proceeds to step 124. If it is not equal to or greater than the specified voltage, the process proceeds to step 125. Here, the specified voltage is the voltage threshold at which it can be determined that the battery has reached the end of its life.
[0043] In step 124, the microcomputer 50 determines whether the time counted by the inspection timer 52 is equal to or greater than the inspection operation time. If it is equal to or greater than the inspection operation time, the microcomputer 50 proceeds to step 126. If it is not equal to or greater than the inspection operation time, the microcomputer 50 returns to step 122.
[0044] Next, in step 126, the microcomputer 50 notifies the user that the battery is normal. This notification may be made by the lighting status of an indicator provided in the lighting device 100, or by displaying the status on an external device via communication or the like. The external device may be, for example, a remote control terminal or a status display screen of a building management system.
[0045] Meanwhile, in step 125, microcomputer 50 notifies that the battery is at the end of its life. As in step 124, the notification may be made by the lighting state of an indicator provided in lighting device 100, or may be made by displaying the information on an external device via communication or the like.
[0046] Next, in step 128, the microcomputer 50 resets the count values of the timer 51 and the inspection timer 52 stored in the memory 47, and returns to step 116. As described above, the processes of steps 112 to 128 are performed after the lighting device 100 has entered the operating period. These processes cause the timers to start timing again after the periodic inspection is completed, so that the periodic inspection can be automatically performed when the time for performing the next periodic inspection has passed.
[0047] Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, only the time during which the lighting device 100 is energized after the lighting device 100 has entered the operating period is measured, and a periodic inspection is performed each time the second specified time is reached. However, in the first embodiment, the battery 6 is charged and discharged even for a short time during a test run performed outside the operating period. In other words, there is a problem in that the battery life is shortened by the charging and discharging of the battery 6 performed during a period not subject to periodic inspection.
[0048] To solve this problem, the microcomputer 50 of this embodiment has an auxiliary timer 53 whose count value is not reset, in addition to the timer 51 whose count value is reset in step 104. That is, the auxiliary timer 53 is a timer that counts the cumulative value of the power-on time since the lighting device 100 was first powered on.
[0049] In this case, the microcomputer 50 can select whether to base the determination of whether the second specified time has been reached in step 116 on the count value of the timer 51 or the backup timer 53. By having the microcomputer 50 determine whether the second specified time has been reached on the count value of the backup timer 53, it is possible to perform periodic inspections according to the actual operation of the battery 6 even if the number of trial runs performed outside the operating period is excessively large.
[0050] In the above-described embodiment where the selection is possible, the default setting is preferably the count value of the timer 51. By setting the count value of the timer 51 as the default setting, it is possible to perform a periodic inspection starting from the timing when the lighting device 100 enters the operating period at the latest, thereby ensuring that a statutory inspection is performed.
[0051] Embodiment 3 5 is a flowchart showing a timing process performed by a lighting device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the count value of timer 51 is reset when the check button is operated. Note that a description of steps that overlap with the process in FIG. 4 will be omitted.
[0052] In step 116, the microcomputer 50 determines whether the count value of the timer 51 has reached the second specified time. If it has, the process proceeds to step 118. If it has not, the process proceeds to step 117.
[0053] In step 117, the microcomputer 50 determines whether or not it has detected the operation of the inspection button. If it has, the process proceeds to step 118. If it has not, the process returns to step .
[0054] The check button is a button that is manually operated when checking the connection to confirm whether the battery 6 is properly connected to the lighting device 100. The operation of the check button that is detected may be a press of the check button, a long press, or a pressing pattern such as Morse code.
[0055] The process performed in the connection check is the same as the process for checking the life of the battery 6 during the periodic inspection of the lighting device 100. That is, when the connection check is performed, the microcomputer 50 can check the life of the battery 6. Therefore, if the connection check is performed, the next timing for checking the life of the battery 6 is sufficient after the second specified time has elapsed since the connection check. Therefore, in this embodiment, the count value of the timer 51 is reset when the inspection button is operated, thereby minimizing the number of periodic inspections.
[0056] Although the first to third embodiments of the present disclosure have described an embodiment in which the lighting device 100 is always in the automatic inspection mode, the lighting device 100 may be configured to switch on the automatic inspection mode in response to a specific operation on the lighting device 100. That is, the timing process performed by the lighting device 100 may be started after the automatic inspection mode is turned on. The specific operation may be, for example, an operation from an external device such as a remote control, an operation of an inspection button, or a power on / off operation such as a so-called pull-less operation.
[0057] This embodiment allows the timer to measure time more accurately in accordance with the timing when the user starts using the lighting device 100.
[0058] Below, the aspects of the present disclosure will be summarized as appendices.
[0059] (Appendix 1) It is equipped with a timer that measures the time that commercial power is supplied and a rechargeable battery. The system is configured to perform an adjustment process for adjusting the count value of the timer and an inspection process for performing a periodic inspection, The adjustment process A process to read the flag and determine whether the flag is "done"; If it is not "Done", A process of resetting a count value of the timer; a process of starting the timer and writing "done" to the flag when the count value of the timer reaches a first specified time; If it is "Done", A process of reading the stored count value of the timer; The process of starting the timer to add to the count value of the read timer. The process includes: The inspection process A start process for starting a periodic inspection when the count value of the timer reaches a second specified time. Lighting equipment. (Appendix 2) Further, a backup timer is provided for counting the cumulative value of the power-on time from the time when the commercial power source is first turned on, The start process can be selected based on either the timer or the standby timer. 10. The lighting device of claim 1. (Appendix 3) a check button that is manually operated when checking whether the battery is properly connected; When the check button is operated, the count value of the timer is reset. 3. The lighting device of claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) Turn on automatic inspection mode depending on specific operations 4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The specific operation is at least one of an operation from an external device, an operation of a check button, or an operation to turn the power on or off. 5. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [Explanation of symbols]
[0060] 4. Control Unit 6 batteries 51 Timer 53 Auxiliary Timer 100 lighting equipment
Claims
1. It is equipped with a timer that measures the time that commercial power is supplied and a rechargeable battery. The system is configured to perform an adjustment process for adjusting the count value of the timer and an inspection process for performing a periodic inspection, The adjustment process A process to read the flag and determine whether the flag is "done"; If it is not "Done", A process of resetting a count value of the timer; a process of starting the timer and writing "done" to the flag when the count value of the timer reaches a first specified time; If it is "Done", A process of reading the stored count value of the timer; The process of starting the timer to add to the count value of the read timer. The process includes: The inspection process A start process for starting a periodic inspection when the count value of the timer reaches a second specified time. Lighting equipment.
2. Further, a backup timer is provided for counting the cumulative value of the power-on time from the time when the commercial power source is first turned on, The start process can be selected based on either the timer or the standby timer. The lighting device according to claim 1 .
3. a check button that is manually operated when checking whether the battery is properly connected; When the check button is operated, the count value of the timer is reset.
3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.
4. Turn on automatic inspection mode depending on specific operations The lighting device according to claim 1 .
5. The specific operation is at least one of an operation from an external device, an operation of a check button, or an operation of turning on / off the power.
5. The lighting device according to claim 4.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Lighting apparatus, disaster prevention lighting fixture, and disaster prevention lighting system
JP2020027706A