Emergency lighting device and emergency lighting system

Abstract

To suppress the occurrence of defects when performing inspections.SOLUTION: A control circuit unit 14 is configured to selectively switch between a normal lighting mode, an emergency lighting mode, a constant light-off mode, and an inspection mode. The control circuit unit 14 that executes the normal lighting mode controls a normal lighting circuit unit 120 to turn on a light source 10. The control circuit unit 14 that executes the emergency lighting mode controls an emergency lighting circuit unit 13 to turn on the light source 10. The control circuit unit 14 that executes the constant light-off mode controls the normal lighting circuit unit 120 to turn off the light source 10. The control circuit unit 14 that executes the inspection mode causes the charging circuit unit 121 to stop charging a secondary battery 11 and controls the emergency lighting circuit unit 13 to turn on the light source 10. The control circuit unit 14 executes the constant light-off mode in priority to the inspection mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an emergency lighting device and an emergency lighting system, and more particularly to an emergency lighting device that is equipped with a secondary battery and provides emergency lighting, and an emergency lighting system that has the emergency lighting device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional example, we will take the emergency lighting device described in Patent Document 1 as an example. The emergency lighting device described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the conventional example) includes a light source, a lighting circuit that turns on the light source, a battery that supplies power to the lighting circuit during a power outage or during inspection, a charging circuit that constantly charges the battery, and an inspection control unit that controls the device to enter an inspection mode in which the light source is turned on by power supply from the battery through external operation or external signal input.

[0003] The inspection control unit can also execute the inspection mode by wireless signals from an external remote control, etc. Furthermore, the inspection control unit can communicate with an external control panel via wired or wireless communication, and can execute the inspection mode by receiving commands from the control panel, including inspection commands based on a preset schedule. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-204409 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, the Fire Service Act allows facilities such as theaters, movie theaters, and planetariums to turn off emergency lighting devices (guide lights) during times when darkness is particularly required, such as during a performance in a theater or during a screening in a movie theater.

[0006] However, in the above-described conventional example, there is a risk that the inspection will be carried out while the emergency lighting device is turned off.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an emergency lighting device and an emergency lighting system that can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions during inspection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An emergency lighting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source, a secondary battery, a normal lighting circuit unit, a charging circuit unit, an emergency lighting circuit unit, and a control circuit unit. The normal lighting circuit unit turns on the light source using normal power supplied from a normal power source. The charging circuit unit charges the secondary battery using the normal power. The emergency lighting circuit unit turns on the light source using emergency power supplied from the secondary battery. The control circuit unit controls the normal lighting circuit unit, the charging circuit unit, and the emergency lighting circuit unit. The control circuit unit is configured to selectively switch between a normal lighting mode, an emergency lighting mode, a normal light-off mode, and an inspection mode. The control circuit unit that executes the normal lighting mode controls the normal lighting circuit unit to turn on the light source. The control circuit unit that executes the emergency lighting mode controls the emergency lighting circuit unit to turn on the light source. The control circuit unit that executes the normal light-off mode controls the normal lighting circuit unit to turn off the light source. The control circuit unit that executes the inspection mode controls the charging circuit unit to stop charging the secondary battery and controls the emergency lighting circuit unit to turn on the light source. The control circuit unit executes the constant light-off mode in priority to the inspection mode.

[0009] An emergency lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the emergency lighting device and a signal device that issues an inspection start signal to the control circuit unit of the emergency lighting device, wherein the control circuit unit of the emergency lighting device executes the inspection mode upon receiving the inspection start signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The emergency lighting device and emergency lighting system disclosed herein have the advantage of being able to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions during inspection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an emergency lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the emergency lighting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the emergency lighting device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an emergency lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an emergency lighting device A1 and an emergency lighting system S1 according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0013] (1) Overview (1-1) Overview of the emergency lighting device according to the embodiment The emergency lighting device A1 according to the embodiment includes a light source 10, a secondary battery 11, a normal lighting circuit unit 120, a charging circuit unit 121, an emergency lighting circuit unit 13, and a control circuit unit 14 (see FIG. 1). The emergency lighting device A1 according to the embodiment is, for example, an emergency exit guide light. However, the emergency lighting device A1 according to the embodiment may be an emergency lighting device other than an emergency exit guide light, such as a stairway guide light or an emergency light.

[0014] The normal lighting circuit unit 120 lights the light source 10 with normal power supplied from the normal power source 9. The normal power source 9 is, for example, a commercial power system with an effective value of 100V or 200V. The charging circuit unit 121 charges the secondary battery 11 with the normal power. The emergency lighting circuit unit 13 lights the light source 10 with emergency power supplied from the secondary battery 11. The control circuit unit 14 controls the normal lighting circuit unit 120, the charging circuit unit 121, and the emergency lighting circuit unit 13.

[0015] Here, when emergency exit guide lights (hereinafter referred to as guide lights) are installed in theaters, movie theaters, planetariums, etc., the Fire Service Act allows them to be turned off during times when darkness is particularly required, such as during a performance in a theater or a movie in a movie theater. In the following description, turning off the light source 10 by the emergency lighting device A1 under the above-mentioned conditions may be referred to as being constantly off.

[0016] The control circuit unit 14 is configured to selectively switch between a normal lighting mode, an emergency lighting mode, a constant light-off mode, and an inspection mode. When the control circuit unit 14 is executing the normal lighting mode, it controls the normal lighting circuit unit 120 to turn on the light source 10. When the control circuit unit 14 is executing the emergency lighting mode, it controls the emergency lighting circuit unit 13 to turn on the light source 10. When the control circuit unit 14 is executing the constant light-off mode, it controls the normal lighting circuit unit 120 to turn off the light source 10. When the control circuit unit 14 is executing the inspection mode, it controls the charging circuit unit 121 to stop charging the secondary battery 11, and controls the emergency lighting circuit unit 13 to turn on the light source 10.

[0017] The control circuit 14 executes the constant lights-off mode in priority over the inspection mode. That is, when the control circuit 14 executes the constant lights-off mode while the inspection mode is being executed, the control circuit 14 interrupts the inspection mode and executes the constant lights-off mode. That is, the emergency lighting device A1 according to the embodiment can prevent the occurrence of a problem in which the inspection mode is executed while the light source 10 is in the constant lights-off mode and the light source 10 is turned on.

[0018] (1-2) Overview of the emergency lighting system according to the embodiment The emergency lighting system S1 according to the embodiment includes an emergency lighting device A1 and a signal device 7 that provides an inspection start signal to a control circuit section 14 of the emergency lighting device A1.

[0019] The control circuit unit 14 of the emergency lighting device A1 executes the inspection mode when it receives the inspection start signal.

[0020] Here, the control circuit unit 14 executes the constant lights-out mode in priority over the inspection mode. Therefore, the emergency lighting system S1 according to the embodiment can prevent the occurrence of a malfunction in which the control circuit unit 14 executes the inspection mode during the constant lights-out mode and turns on the light source 10 of the emergency lighting device A1.

[0021] (2)Details (2-1) Details of the emergency lighting device according to the embodiment Next, an emergency lighting device A1 according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The emergency lighting device A1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as lighting device A1) is, for example, an emergency exit lighting device (emergency exit lighting device) installed at an emergency exit of a movie theater. However, the lighting device A1 may also be installed in facilities other than movie theaters, such as theaters and planetariums. Furthermore, the lighting device A1 may be an emergency light or a lighting device other than an emergency exit lighting device (for example, a stairway lighting device).

[0022] (2-1-1) Emergency lighting system configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting device A1 includes a light source 10, a secondary battery 11, a rectifying and smoothing unit 16, a power supply unit 12, an emergency lighting circuit unit 13, a control circuit unit 14, a timer unit 15, a switching unit 17, a control power supply circuit unit 18, and the like.

[0023] The light source 10 includes, for example, a light emitting diode. However, the light source 10 is not limited to a light emitting diode and may be a cold cathode fluorescent lamp or the like. The light source 10 is configured to illuminate a panel on which an evacuation guidance pictogram is formed, by light emitted from the light emitting diode.

[0024] The secondary battery 11 is, for example, a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery, but may also be a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0025] The rectifying smoothing unit 16 is configured to rectify and smooth the AC voltage supplied from the utility power supply 9. For example, the rectifying smoothing unit 16 has a full-wave rectifier made up of a diode bridge and a smoothing capacitor that smooths the pulsating voltage output from the full-wave rectifier. However, the rectifying smoothing unit 16 may have a power factor correction circuit made up of a boost chopper circuit or the like in addition to the full-wave rectifier and smoothing capacitor.

[0026] The power supply unit 12 has a flyback converter that steps down the DC voltage input from the rectifying and smoothing unit 16, a normal lighting circuit unit 120, and a charging circuit unit 121. The normal lighting circuit unit 120 is configured to light the light source 10 with the DC voltage stepped down by the flyback converter. The charging circuit unit 121 is configured to charge the secondary battery 11 with the DC voltage stepped down by the flyback converter.

[0027] The emergency lighting circuit section 13 is configured to light the light source 10 with a direct current discharged from the secondary battery 11 .

[0028] The switching unit 17 is configured to selectively switch between a connection state in which the normal lighting circuit unit 120 and the light source 10 are electrically connected, and a non-connection state in which the normal lighting circuit unit 120 and the light source 10 are electrically disconnected.

[0029] The control power supply circuit unit 18 is configured to generate a control power supply voltage from the DC voltage output from the flyback converter of the power supply unit 12 and the discharge voltage of the secondary battery 11. The control power supply voltage generated by the control power supply circuit unit 18 is supplied to circuits having active elements, namely, the power supply unit 12, the switching unit 17, the emergency lighting circuit unit 13, the control circuit unit 14, and the timer unit 15.

[0030] The control circuit unit 14 has a microcontroller. The control circuit unit 14 is configured to cause the processor of the microcontroller to execute a control program, thereby performing various processes, which will be described later.

[0031] The timekeeping unit 15 has a plurality of timer ICs (Integrated Circuits). That is, the timekeeping unit 15 is configured to measure the elapsed time from an arbitrary point in time using a plurality of timer ICs. However, the timekeeping unit 15 may be realized by a timer function installed in a microcontroller included in the control circuit unit 14.

[0032] The timer 15 measures, for example, the power-on time of the utility power source 9, the period during which charging of the charging circuit 121 (described later) is suspended, the time during which the control circuit 14 is in inspection mode (inspection implementation time), etc. When the power-on time reaches a predetermined time (e.g., three months), the timer 15 outputs an inspection start signal to the control circuit 14. Note that the power-on time means the accumulated time during which utility power is supplied to the lighting device A1 from the utility power source 9. Note that the timer 15 may measure the date and time using an RTC module.

[0033] (2-1-2) Basic operation of emergency lighting devices Next, the basic operation of the lighting device A1 will be described. The control circuit unit 14 is configured to selectively switch between four operation modes (normal lighting mode, emergency lighting mode, constant light-off mode, and inspection mode).

[0034] The control circuit unit 14 basically operates in the normal lighting mode when normal power is being supplied from the normal power supply 9. When the control circuit unit 14 is operating in the normal lighting mode, it switches the switching unit 17 to the connected state, causes the normal lighting circuit unit 120 to turn on the light source 10, and causes the charging circuit unit 121 to charge the secondary battery 11.

[0035] Furthermore, the control circuit unit 14 executes the emergency lighting mode when normal power is no longer supplied from the normal power source 9 due to a power outage or the like. During execution of the emergency lighting mode, the control circuit unit 14 stops the power supply unit 12 and switches the switching unit 17 to a non-connected state, causing the emergency lighting circuit unit 13 to turn on the light source 10 (emergency lighting).

[0036] Furthermore, when a lights-off signal is input from outside (for example, signal device 7, which will be described later) while normal power is being supplied from normal power supply 9, control circuit unit 14 executes the constant lights-off mode. While executing the constant lights-off mode, control circuit unit 14 stops normal lighting circuit unit 120 and turns off light source 10 while keeping charging circuit unit 121 operating. An example of a case where a lights-off signal is input from outside to control circuit unit 14 is when the movie theater is unoccupied, such as during the period between the closing time and the opening time of the movie theater (nighttime) while a movie is being shown.

[0037] (2-1-3) Emergency lighting equipment inspection operation Furthermore, when the control circuit unit 14 receives an inspection start signal output from the timer unit 15 while the normal lighting mode is being executed, the control circuit unit 14 executes the inspection mode. While the control circuit unit 14 is executing the inspection mode, it stops the normal lighting circuit unit 120 and the charging circuit unit 121, switches the switching unit 17 to a disconnected state, and causes the emergency lighting circuit unit 13 to turn on the light source 10 (emergency lighting) for a predetermined inspection time (20 or 60 minutes for emergency lights, 30 or 60 minutes for emergency lights). The control circuit unit 14 monitors whether a predetermined current is flowing through the light source 10 during the inspection time, and determines whether the secondary battery 11 needs to be replaced by comparing the voltage of the secondary battery 11 after the inspection time has ended with a threshold value. If an abnormality (a malfunction of the light source 10 or a need for replacement of the secondary battery 11) is detected during the inspection, the control circuit unit 14 notifies the user of the abnormality by, for example, flashing an indicator LED.

[0038] After the inspection time has elapsed, the control circuit unit 14 switches from the inspection mode to the normal lighting mode and executes the normal lighting mode.

[0039] Furthermore, the timing unit 15 resets the counting of the power-on time after the end of the inspection time (either immediately after the end of the inspection time or after a certain time (for example, the time required to fully charge the secondary battery 11) has elapsed from the end of the inspection time) and starts counting the power-on time anew. This allows the lighting device A1 to automatically perform inspections at regular intervals (for example, every three months).

[0040] Here, when control circuit unit 14 receives an inspection start signal from timer unit 15 while the constant lights-out mode is being executed, it continues to execute the constant lights-out mode without switching to the inspection mode. For example, during a movie screening in a movie theater, control circuit unit 14 executes the constant lights-out mode and turns off light source 10, so it is not preferable for control circuit unit 14, which receives an inspection start signal, to execute the inspection mode and turn on light source 10.

[0041] Thus, when the power-on time counted by the timer 15 reaches a predetermined time, if the lighting device A1 is in the constant off mode, the control circuit 14 does not execute the inspection mode but continues to execute the constant off mode, thereby preventing the occurrence of a problem in which inspection is automatically executed while the lighting device A1 is in the constant off mode.

[0042] Incidentally, if the control circuit unit 14 receives a lights-out signal while the inspection mode is being executed, it executes the lights-out mode in priority to the inspection mode. For example, if a movie starts playing while the control circuit unit 14 is executing the inspection mode, the inspection mode can be interrupted and the lights-out mode executed, thereby preventing the occurrence of a problem in which an inspection is automatically executed while the lights are out.

[0043] Furthermore, when the control circuit unit 14 suspends the execution of the inspection mode and executes the always-off mode, it controls the charging circuit unit 121 to stop charging the secondary battery 11. Furthermore, the control circuit unit 14 resumes execution of the inspection mode if it ends the always-off mode before the period during which charging of the secondary battery 11 is suspended reaches a predetermined period (see FIG. 2).

[0044] Here, with reference to the time chart of Fig. 2, the operation of the lighting device A1 when the control circuit unit 14 suspends the execution of the inspection mode and executes the lights-out mode will be described. The top row of Fig. 2 shows a time chart of execution / non-execution of the lights-out mode by the control circuit unit 14. The second row from the top of Fig. 2 shows a time chart of execution / non-execution of the inspection mode by the control circuit unit 14. The third row from the top of Fig. 2 shows a time chart of charging / non-charging of the charging circuit unit 121. The bottom row of Fig. 2 shows counting / non-counting of elapsed time by the timer unit 15. The horizontal axis in Fig. 2 represents time t.

[0045] When the control circuit unit 14 receives an inspection start signal while the normal lighting mode is being executed, the control circuit unit 14 executes the inspection mode and stops charging the charging circuit unit 121. The control circuit unit 14 also starts measuring the elapsed time from the start of the inspection and the charging stop period of the charging circuit unit 121 (time t=t1).

[0046] When a lights-off signal is input from the signal device 7 while the inspection mode is being executed, the control circuit unit 14 prioritizes and executes the constant lights-off mode even while the inspection mode is being executed (time t=t2). At the same time as executing the constant lights-off mode, the control circuit unit 14 causes the timer unit 15 to stop counting the elapsed time, and stores the elapsed time (=t2-t1) counted by the timer unit 15. However, the control circuit unit 14 causes the timer unit 15 to count the charging suspension period even while the constant lights-off mode is being executed.

[0047] When the lights-off signal is no longer input from the signal device 7 while the lights-off mode is in progress, the control circuit 14 ends the lights-off mode (time t=t3). Then, the control circuit 14 determines whether the elapsed time from the start of the inspection mode (time t=t1) to the end of the lights-off mode (time t=t3), i.e., the charging suspension period (=t3-t1), exceeds a predetermined period. Note that the predetermined period is preferably set to a time that takes into consideration the drop in battery voltage of the secondary battery 11 due to self-discharge, for example, from one hour to several hours.

[0048] If control circuit unit 14 determines that the charging suspension period has not exceeded the predetermined period, it resumes execution of the inspection mode (time t=t3). In other words, control circuit unit 14 resumes execution of the inspection mode if it ends the always-off mode before the period during which charging of secondary battery 11 is suspended reaches the predetermined period. At this time, control circuit unit 14 adds the execution period of the inspection mode that was executed immediately before execution of the always-off mode, that is, the elapsed time measured by timer unit 15 (=t2-t1), and causes timer unit 15 to measure the execution period of the inspection mode. For example, if the execution period of the inspection mode before control circuit unit 14 executed the always-off mode was five minutes, control circuit unit 14 will end the inspection mode when the execution period of the inspection mode after the restart plus five minutes reaches the predetermined inspection time (time t=t4).

[0049] Thus, if the lighting device A1 ends the constant off mode before the period during which charging of the secondary battery 11 is stopped reaches a predetermined period, the lighting device A1 causes the control circuit unit 14 to resume execution of the inspection mode. Therefore, the inspection mode is automatically resumed without receiving an inspection start signal, thereby simplifying the inspection work.

[0050] Furthermore, the lighting device A1 adds the elapsed time measured by the timing unit 15 before the interruption to the elapsed time measured by the timing unit 15 after the resumption of the inspection, thereby reducing the time required for the inspection after the control circuit unit 14 resumes the execution of the inspection mode.

[0051] Next, the operation of the lighting device A1 when the charging suspension period exceeds a predetermined period will be described with reference to the time chart of Fig. 3. The top row of Fig. 3 shows a time chart of the control circuit unit 14 executing / not executing the constant off mode. The second row from the top of Fig. 3 shows a time chart of the control circuit unit 14 executing / not executing the inspection mode. The third row from the top of Fig. 3 shows a time chart of the charging / not charging of the charging circuit unit 121. The bottom row of Fig. 3 shows the counting / not counting of elapsed time by the timer unit 15. The horizontal axis in Fig. 3 represents time t.

[0052] When the control circuit unit 14 receives an inspection start signal while the normal lighting mode is being executed, the control circuit unit 14 executes the inspection mode and stops charging the charging circuit unit 121. The control circuit unit 14 also starts measuring the elapsed time from the start of the inspection and the charging stop period of the charging circuit unit 121 (time t=t1).

[0053] When a lights-off signal is input from the signal device 7 while the inspection mode is being executed, the control circuit unit 14 prioritizes and executes the constant lights-off mode even while the inspection mode is being executed (time t=t2). At the same time as executing the constant lights-off mode, the control circuit unit 14 causes the timer unit 15 to stop counting the elapsed time, and stores the elapsed time (=t2-t1) counted by the timer unit 15. However, the control circuit unit 14 causes the timer unit 15 to count the charging suspension period even while the constant lights-off mode is being executed.

[0054] When the lights-off signal is no longer input from the signal device 7 while the lights-off mode is in progress, the control circuit 14 ends the lights-off mode (time t=t3). Then, the control circuit 14 determines whether the elapsed time from the start of the inspection mode (time t=t1) to the end of the lights-off mode (time t=t3), i.e., the charging suspension period (=t3-t1), exceeds a predetermined period.

[0055] If control circuit 14 determines that the charging suspension period has exceeded the predetermined period, it causes charging circuit 121 to resume charging of secondary battery 11 without resuming execution of the inspection mode (time t=t3). In other words, control circuit 14 controls charging circuit 121 to resume charging of secondary battery 11 without resuming execution of the inspection mode if the constant off mode is ended after the charging suspension period has exceeded the predetermined period.

[0056] Then, the control circuit 14 executes the inspection mode again (time t=t4) after a certain time (e.g., 24 hours) has elapsed since the charging circuit 121 resumed charging of the secondary battery 11. The control circuit 14 ends the inspection mode when the execution period of the inspection mode after the restart reaches a predetermined inspection time (e.g., 20 minutes) (time t=t5).

[0057] Thus, when lighting device A1 ends the lights-out mode after the period during which charging of secondary battery 11 is suspended reaches a predetermined period, lighting device A1 causes charging circuit unit 121 to charge secondary battery 11 without causing control circuit unit 14 to resume execution of inspection mode. This prevents lighting device A1 from resuming execution of inspection mode when secondary battery 11 is not sufficiently charged, thereby improving the accuracy of inspection results.

[0058] Furthermore, the lighting device A1 executes the inspection mode again after a certain time (e.g., 24 hours) has elapsed since the charging circuit unit 121 resumed charging of the secondary battery 11, and therefore, by executing the inspection mode when the secondary battery 11 is fully charged, the accuracy of the inspection results can be improved.

[0059] (2-2) Details of the emergency lighting system according to the embodiment Next, the emergency lighting system S1 according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0060] (2-2-1) Emergency lighting system configuration An emergency lighting system S1 (hereinafter abbreviated as lighting system S1) according to the embodiment has one or more lighting devices A1 and a signal device 7 (see FIG. 4). Although two lighting devices A1 are shown in FIG. 4, the lighting system S1 may have one or three or more lighting devices A1. The lighting device A1 of the lighting system S1 has a common configuration with the emergency lighting device A1 according to the embodiment, except that it does not have a timing unit 15.

[0061] The signal device 7 includes a timer 71 that measures the power-on time of the utility power source 9, and a control unit 70 that issues an inspection start signal to the lighting device A1 when the power-on time measured by the timer 71 reaches a predetermined time. The signal device 7 also includes a communication circuit unit 72. The communication circuit unit 72 is configured to transmit the inspection start signal and the light-off signal to each lighting device A1 via a signal line L1. The signal device 7 is installed in a control room or the like of the facility (movie theater, theater, etc.). The signal device 7 is supplied with utility power from the utility power source 9 via a power supply line 90.

[0062] The control unit 70 has a microcontroller. The control unit 70 is configured to cause the processor of the microcontroller to execute a control program, thereby performing various processes, which will be described later.

[0063] The timing unit 71 has a timer IC. That is, the timing unit 71 is configured to measure the elapsed time from an arbitrary point in time using the timer IC. However, the timing unit 71 may be realized by a timer function installed in a microcontroller included in the control unit 70. The timing unit 71 measures the power-on time of the utility power supply 9.

[0064] When the power-on time measured by the timer 71 reaches a predetermined time (for example, three months), the control unit 70 causes the communication circuit unit 72 to transmit an inspection start signal to each lighting device A1.

[0065] (2-2-2) Emergency lighting system operation Next, the operation of the lighting system S1 will be described.

[0066] The control unit 70 of the signal device 7 operates to send a light-off signal to each lighting device A1 when a predetermined on-trigger input is received. Furthermore, the control unit 70 operates to send a signal (hereinafter referred to as a cancel signal) for canceling the light-off signal to each lighting device A1 when a predetermined off-trigger input is received. Here, the on-trigger input and the off-trigger input are generated by, for example, the on / off operation of a manual switch provided on the signal device 7. Furthermore, the on-trigger input and the off-trigger input are generated by the locking / unlocking operation of an electric lock installed at the entrance of a facility (such as a movie theater or theater), the turning on / off operation of a lighting fixture installed in the facility, the on / off output of an automatic flasher, etc. In other words, if the control unit 70 determines that the facility is unoccupied based on the locking operation of the electric lock, the turning off operation of a lighting fixture, or the on output of the automatic flasher, it transmits a light-off signal to each lighting device A1. Furthermore, if the control unit 70 determines that the facility is not unoccupied based on the unlocking operation of the electric lock, the lighting operation of the lighting fixture, and the off output of the automatic flasher, it transmits a cancel signal to each lighting device A1.

[0067] The communication circuit unit 72 is configured to transmit a light-off signal and a cancel signal to each lighting device A1 via the signal line L1 based on instructions from the control unit 70. Each lighting device A1 is assigned a unique address for communication purposes. By specifying the destination address, the communication circuit unit 72 can transmit the light-off signal and the cancel signal to all lighting devices A1, or to one or more specific lighting devices A1.

[0068] Furthermore, when the power-on time measured by the timer 71 reaches a predetermined time (e.g., three months), the control unit 70 transmits an inspection start signal from the communication circuit unit 72 to each lighting device A1 via the signal line L1. The control circuit unit 14 of each lighting device A1 executes inspection mode upon receiving the inspection start signal. If an abnormality is detected during inspection (such as a malfunction of the light source 10 or the need to replace the secondary battery 11), the control circuit unit 14 notifies the occurrence of the abnormality by, for example, blinking an indicator LED. Furthermore, it is preferable that the control circuit unit 14 notify the signal device 7 of the abnormality via the signal line L1. After the inspection time has elapsed, the control circuit unit 14 switches from inspection mode to normal lighting mode and executes the normal lighting mode.

[0069] Furthermore, the timing unit 71 resets the counting of the energization time after the end of the inspection time (immediately after the end of the inspection time or after a certain time (for example, the time required to fully charge the secondary battery 11) has elapsed from the end of the inspection time) and starts counting the energization time anew. This enables the signal device 7 to automatically inspect each lighting device A1 at regular intervals (for example, every three months).

[0070] Here, if the power-on time of the timer 71 reaches a predetermined time while the control circuit 14 is in the constant-off mode, the control unit 70 does not transmit an inspection start signal to each lighting device A1. For example, during a movie screening at a movie theater, the signaling device 7 causes the control circuit 14 of each lighting device A1 to execute the constant-off mode to turn off the light source 10. Therefore, it is not desirable for the control circuit 14 to execute the inspection mode to turn on the light source 10.

[0071] Therefore, when the power-on time measured by the timer 71 reaches a predetermined time, if the control circuit unit 14 of each lighting device A1 is in the constant off mode, the signal device 7 does not transmit an inspection start signal, thereby preventing the occurrence of a malfunction in which an inspection is automatically performed while the lighting device is in the constant off mode.

[0072] Incidentally, during the period between the closing time and the opening time of a movie theater, the control circuit unit 14 may be caused to operate in a constant lights-out mode in order to reduce power consumption. In this case, it is believed that no particular inconvenience will arise if the control circuit unit 14 operates in the inspection mode and turns on the light source 10. Therefore, during the period between the closing time and the opening time of a movie theater, the control unit 70 of the signal device 7 can transmit a forced inspection start signal to each lighting device A1 to forcibly cause the control circuit unit 14 to operate in the inspection mode, thereby performing regular inspections.

[0073] Furthermore, the timer 71 may continue to measure the power-on time even after the power-on time has reached the predetermined time. In this case, it is preferable that the timer 71 corrects the power-on time based on the time that has elapsed since the predetermined time was reached. For example, if the predetermined time is reached while the light is always off, it is preferable that the timer 71 subtract from the power-on time the time that has elapsed since the control unit 70 transmitted the light-off signal until it transmitted the cancel signal, starting from the time that the predetermined time was reached.

[0074] As a result, even if the power-on time reaches a predetermined time during the constantly off state, the signal device 7 can cause each lighting device A1 to perform periodic inspection at predetermined time intervals except for the period during which the lighting devices A1 are constantly off.

[0075] Incidentally, when the control circuit unit 14 of each lighting device A1 receives an on-trigger input while the control circuit unit 14 is in the inspection mode, the control unit 70 transmits a light-off signal to each lighting device A1 to execute the lights-off mode in priority over the inspection mode. For example, if a movie starts playing while the control circuit unit 14 of each lighting device A1 is in the inspection mode, the control unit 70 can interrupt the inspection mode and execute the lights-off mode, thereby preventing the occurrence of a malfunction in which an inspection is automatically executed during the lights-off mode.

[0076] (3) Summary The emergency lighting device (A1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source (10), a secondary battery (11), a normal lighting circuit unit (120), a charging circuit unit (121), an emergency lighting circuit unit (13), and a control circuit unit (14). The normal lighting circuit unit (120) lights the light source (10) using normal power supplied from a normal power source (9). The charging circuit unit (121) charges the secondary battery (11) using the normal power. The emergency lighting circuit unit (13) lights the light source (10) using emergency power supplied from the secondary battery (11). The control circuit unit (14) controls the normal lighting circuit unit (120), the charging circuit unit (121), and the emergency lighting circuit unit (13). The control circuit unit (14) is configured to selectively switch between a normal lighting mode, an emergency lighting mode, a constant light-off mode, and an inspection mode. The control circuit unit (14) that executes the normal lighting mode controls the normal lighting circuit unit (120) to turn on the light source (10). The control circuit unit (14) that executes the emergency lighting mode controls the emergency lighting circuit unit (13) to turn on the light source (10). The control circuit unit (14) that executes the constant light-off mode controls the normal lighting circuit unit (120) to turn off the light source (10). The control circuit unit (14) that executes the inspection mode causes the charging circuit unit (121) to stop charging the secondary battery (11) and controls the emergency lighting circuit unit (13) to turn on the light source (10). The control circuit unit (14) executes the constant light-off mode with priority over the inspection mode.

[0077] The emergency lighting device (A1) according to the first aspect can prevent the occurrence of a problem in which inspection is automatically performed during the constant light-off mode by suspending the inspection mode and executing the constant light-off mode.

[0078] An emergency lighting device (A1) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the first aspect. In the emergency lighting device (A1) according to the second aspect, when the control circuit unit (14) interrupts the inspection mode and switches to the constant-off mode, it is preferable that the control circuit unit (14) controls the charging circuit unit (121) to stop charging the secondary battery (11). It is preferable that the control circuit unit (14) resumes the inspection mode if the constant-off mode is terminated before the period during which charging of the secondary battery (11) is stopped reaches a predetermined period.

[0079] The emergency lighting device (A1) according to the second aspect can simplify the inspection work by automatically restarting the inspection.

[0080] An emergency lighting device (A1) according to a third aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the second aspect. In the emergency lighting device (A1) according to the third aspect, it is preferable that the control circuit unit (14) controls the charging circuit unit (121) to resume charging of the secondary battery (11) without resuming execution of the inspection mode when the lights-out mode is terminated after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0081] The emergency lighting device (A1) according to the third aspect can improve the accuracy of the inspection result by preventing the inspection mode from being resumed when the secondary battery (11) is not sufficiently charged.

[0082] An emergency lighting device (A1) according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the second aspect. The emergency lighting device (A1) according to the fourth aspect preferably further includes a timer unit (15). The timer unit (15) is preferably configured to measure the elapsed time while the control circuit unit (14) is executing the inspection mode. When the control circuit unit (14) ends the lights-out mode and resumes execution of the inspection mode before the predetermined period has elapsed, the control circuit unit (14) preferably adds the elapsed time measured by the timer unit (15) after the resumption of the inspection mode to the elapsed time measured by the timer unit (15) before the interruption.

[0083] The emergency lighting device (A1) according to the fourth aspect can reduce the time required for inspection after the control circuit section (14) resumes the execution of the inspection mode.

[0084] An emergency lighting device (A1) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the fourth aspect. In the emergency lighting device (A1) according to the fifth aspect, when the constant-off mode is terminated after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, it is preferable that the control circuit unit (14) executes the inspection mode again after a certain time has elapsed since causing the charging circuit unit (121) to resume charging of the secondary battery (11).

[0085] The emergency lighting device (A1) according to the fifth aspect can improve the accuracy of the inspection result by executing the inspection mode in a state where the secondary battery (11) is fully charged.

[0086] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure includes an emergency lighting device (A1) according to any one of the first to fifth aspects and a signal device (7) that provides an inspection start signal to a control circuit unit (14) of the emergency lighting device (A1). The control circuit unit (14) of the emergency lighting device (A1) executes an inspection mode upon receiving the inspection start signal.

[0087] The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the sixth aspect can prevent the occurrence of a problem in which inspection is automatically performed during the lights-out mode by interrupting the inspection mode and executing the lights-out mode.

[0088] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the sixth aspect. In the emergency lighting system (S1) according to the seventh aspect, the signal device (7) includes a timer unit (71) that measures the energization time of the service power source (9), and a control unit (70) that gives an inspection start signal to the emergency lighting device (A1) when the energization time measured by the timer unit (71) reaches a predetermined time.

[0089] The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the seventh aspect can cause the emergency lighting device (A1) to be inspected periodically and automatically. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] A1 Emergency lighting system S1 Emergency Lighting System 7 Signaling Devices 9 Regular power supply 10 light source 11 Secondary battery 13 Emergency lighting circuit section 14 Control circuit section 15 Timing section 70 Control Section 71 Timing section 120 Regular lighting circuit section 121 Charging circuit section

Claims

1. A light source and A secondary battery, a normal lighting circuit section that lights the light source with normal power supplied from a normal power source; a charging circuit section that charges the secondary battery with the normal power; an emergency lighting circuit unit that lights up the light source using emergency power supplied from the secondary battery; a control circuit section for controlling the normal lighting circuit section, the charging circuit section, and the emergency lighting circuit section; Equipped with the control circuit unit is configured to alternatively switch between a normal lighting mode in which the normal lighting circuit unit is controlled to turn on the light source, an emergency lighting mode in which the emergency lighting circuit unit is controlled to turn on the light source, a normal lighting-out mode in which the normal lighting circuit unit is controlled to turn off the light source, and an inspection mode in which the charging circuit unit stops charging the secondary battery and controls the emergency lighting circuit unit to turn on the light source, The control circuit executes the lights-out mode in priority to the inspection mode. Emergency lighting equipment.

2. when the control circuit unit interrupts the inspection mode and executes the lights-out mode, the control circuit unit controls the charging circuit unit to stop charging the secondary battery; the control circuit unit controls the charging circuit unit so as to resume execution of the inspection mode if the constant light-off mode is ended before a period during which charging of the secondary battery is stopped reaches a predetermined period.

2. The emergency lighting device according to claim 1.

3. the control circuit unit controls the charging circuit unit so that, if the lights-out mode is terminated after the predetermined period has elapsed, the charging circuit unit resumes charging of the secondary battery without resuming execution of the inspection mode.

3. An emergency lighting device according to claim 2.

4. Further comprising a timing unit, the timer unit is configured to measure an elapsed time while the control circuit unit is executing the inspection mode, When the control circuit unit terminates the always-off mode and resumes execution of the inspection mode before the period reaches the predetermined period, the control circuit unit adds the elapsed time after the resumption measured by the timing unit to the elapsed time before the interruption measured by the timing unit.

3. An emergency lighting device according to claim 2.

5. When the control circuit unit terminates the always-off mode after the predetermined period has elapsed, the control circuit unit causes the charging circuit unit to resume charging of the secondary battery, and then executes the inspection mode again after a certain time has elapsed.

5. An emergency lighting device according to claim 4.

6. The emergency lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a signal device that gives an inspection start signal to the control circuit unit of the emergency lighting device; and the control circuit unit of the emergency lighting device executes the inspection mode when receiving the inspection start signal. Emergency lighting system.

7. The signaling device a timer that measures the duration of power supply to the utility power source; a control unit that issues the inspection start signal to the emergency lighting device when the energization time measured by the timer unit reaches a predetermined time; Equipped with 7. An emergency lighting system according to claim 6.

Images