Signaling device, and emergency lighting system

Abstract

To provide a signaling device capable of simplifying the process of checking inspection results.SOLUTION: A signaling device 7 includes: a time measuring unit 71; and a control unit 70 that outputs an inspection start signal according to the time measured by the time measuring unit 71. The time measuring unit 71 is configured to count the time or duration of the normal power supply that supplies normal power to the emergency lighting device. The control unit 70 is configured to output an inspection start signal to an emergency lighting system when the current flow time measured by the time measuring unit 71 reaches the predetermined time, or when the time reaches the predetermined inspection start time. The inspection start signal is a signal for the emergency lighting system to start the inspection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a signaling device and an emergency lighting system, and more particularly to a signaling device that transmits a signal to an emergency lighting device having a secondary battery, and an emergency lighting system having the signaling device and the emergency lighting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, lighting fixtures (emergency lighting devices) configured to automatically perform inspections have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The lighting fixture described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the conventional example) includes a light emitter that emits light using supplied power, and a storage battery that supplies power to the light emitter when power is not supplied from the commercial power source. The conventional example is configured to automatically perform an inspection after the inspection interval time has elapsed since receiving power from the commercial power source, using a timer function, even if the inspection switch is not operated, and to notify the inspection results via a notification unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-81405 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, multiple emergency lighting devices are usually installed in buildings such as commercial facilities and public facilities. In such cases, if conventional examples are used for multiple emergency lighting devices, inspections of the multiple emergency lighting devices will be carried out randomly, making the work of checking the inspection results cumbersome.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a signaling device and an emergency lighting system that can simplify the work of checking inspection results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A signaling device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a timer and a control unit that outputs an inspection start signal in accordance with the time measured by the timer. The timer is configured to count the time or duration of a normal power source that supplies normal power to an emergency lighting device. The control unit is configured to output the inspection start signal to the emergency lighting device when the power-on time measured by the timer reaches a predetermined time or when the time reaches a predetermined inspection start time. The inspection start signal is a signal that causes the emergency lighting device to start an inspection.

[0007] An emergency lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of emergency lighting devices and the signal device. Each of the plurality of emergency lighting devices includes a light source, a secondary battery, a normal lighting circuit unit that lights the light source using the normal power, a charging circuit unit that charges the secondary battery using the normal power, an emergency lighting circuit unit that lights the light source using emergency power supplied from the secondary battery, and a control circuit unit that 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, and an inspection mode. During the normal lighting mode, the control circuit unit controls the normal lighting circuit unit to turn on the light source. During the emergency lighting mode, the control circuit unit controls the emergency lighting circuit unit to turn on the light source. During the inspection mode, the control circuit unit 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 section executes the inspection mode when it receives the inspection start signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The signaling device and emergency lighting system disclosed herein have the advantage of simplifying the work of checking inspection results. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a signaling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of an emergency lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an emergency lighting device in the emergency lighting system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a signal processing unit in the emergency lighting system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a signaling device 7 and an emergency lighting system S1 according to an embodiment of 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.

[0011] (1) Overview (1-1) Overview of the signaling device according to the embodiment The signaling device 7 according to the embodiment includes a timing unit 71 and a control unit 70 that outputs an inspection start signal in accordance with the time measured by the timing unit 71 (see FIG. 1). The timing unit 71 is configured to count the time or duration of power supply from a service power source 9 that supplies service power to the emergency lighting device A1. 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.

[0012] The control unit 70 is configured to output an inspection start signal to the emergency lighting device A1 when the power-on time measured by the timer unit 71 reaches a predetermined time or when the time reaches a predetermined inspection start time. For example, the control unit 70 may output the inspection start signal every time the power-on time measured by the timer unit 71 reaches three months. Alternatively, the control unit 70 may output the inspection start signal when the date and time measured by the timer unit 71 reaches a predetermined date and time (for example, midnight on the first day of January, April, July, and October). The inspection start signal output by the control unit 70 is a signal for causing the emergency lighting device A1 to start an inspection.

[0013] Thus, the signal device 7 according to the embodiment outputs an inspection start signal to the emergency lighting devices A1 to start inspection in accordance with the timing result (power-on time or time) of the timing unit 71, so that the plurality of emergency lighting devices A1 can be inspected simultaneously. As a result, the signal device 7 according to the embodiment can simplify the work of checking the inspection results compared to when the plurality of emergency lighting devices A1 inspect randomly.

[0014] (1-2) Overview of the emergency lighting system according to the embodiment The emergency lighting system S1 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of emergency lighting devices A1 and a signal device 7 according to the embodiment (see FIG. 2).

[0015] Each of the emergency lighting devices A1 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. 3).

[0016] The normal lighting circuit unit 120 lights the light source 10 with normal power supplied from the normal power source 9. 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.

[0017] The control circuit unit 14 is configured to selectively switch between a normal lighting mode, an emergency lighting 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 inspection mode, it 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 inspection mode when it receives an inspection start signal.

[0018] Thus, the emergency lighting system S1 according to the embodiment can cause the control circuit units 14 of the plurality of emergency lighting devices A1 that have received the inspection start signal output from the signal device 7 according to the embodiment to simultaneously perform inspections. As a result, the emergency lighting system S1 according to the embodiment can simplify the work of checking the inspection results compared to when the plurality of emergency lighting devices A1 perform inspections randomly.

[0019] (2) Details Next, a signal device 7 according to an embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as signal device 7) and an emergency lighting system S1 according to an embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as lighting system S1) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The lighting system S1 is installed in, for example, a movie theater. However, the lighting system S1 may also be installed in facilities other than movie theaters, such as theaters and planetariums.

[0020] The lighting system S1 has a plurality of emergency lighting devices A1 and a signal device 7 (see FIG. 2). The lighting system S1 also has an external device 2 and a signal processing unit 3. Although only two lighting devices A1 are shown in FIG. 2, the lighting system S1 may have three or more lighting devices A1.

[0021] (2-1) Emergency lighting system configuration Each of the plurality of emergency lighting devices A1 (hereinafter abbreviated as lighting devices A1) is an emergency exit guide light (emergency exit guide light) installed at an emergency exit of a facility such as a movie theater. However, the lighting devices A1 may be guide lights other than emergency exit guide lights (for example, stairway guide lights) or emergency lights.

[0022] When an emergency exit light is installed in a theater, movie theater, planetarium, or the like, the Fire Service Act allows it to be turned off during times when darkness is particularly required, such as during a performance in a theater or a movie theater. In the following description, turning off the light source 10 by the lighting device A1 under the above-mentioned conditions may be referred to as "constantly off."

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, 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 switching unit 17, a control power supply circuit unit 18, and the like.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The secondary battery 11 is, for example, a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery, but may also be a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0026] The rectifying smoothing unit 16 is configured to rectify and smooth the AC voltage supplied from the utility power supply 9 (see FIG. 2). 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, in addition to the full-wave rectifier and smoothing capacitor, the rectifying smoothing unit 16 may also have a power factor correction circuit made up of a boost chopper circuit or the like.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The emergency lighting circuit section 13 is configured to light the light source 10 with a direct current discharged from the secondary battery 11 .

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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, and the control circuit unit 14.

[0031] The control circuit unit 14 has a microcontroller. The control circuit unit 14 is configured to perform various processes described below by causing the processor of the microcontroller to execute a control program. The control circuit unit 14 can receive an inspection start signal output (transmitted) from the signal device 7 via the signal line L1.

[0032] (2-2) Basic operation of emergency lighting devices Next, a 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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).

[0035] Furthermore, when a lights-off signal is input from the signal device 7 while normal power is being supplied from the normal power supply 9, the control circuit unit 14 executes the normal lights-off mode. While executing the normal lights-off mode, the control circuit unit 14 stops the normal lighting circuit unit 120 and turns off the light source 10 while keeping the charging circuit unit 121 operating. The lights-off signal is output from the signal device 7 when, for example, the theater is empty, such as when a movie is being shown at the theater or during the period between the theater's closing time and its opening time (at night).

[0036] (2-3) Emergency lighting system inspection operation Furthermore, when the control circuit unit 14 receives an inspection start signal output from the signal device 7, it executes the inspection mode. While executing the inspection mode, the control circuit unit 14 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, and 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 compares the voltage of the secondary battery 11 after the inspection time has ended with a threshold value to determine whether the secondary battery 11 needs to be replaced. 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 occurrence of the abnormality by, for example, flashing an indicator LED. In addition, the emergency lighting device A1 may be equipped with a communication device that communicates with the signal device 7, and the results of the inspection by the control circuit unit 14 (whether the light source 10 is in good condition and whether the secondary battery 11 needs to be replaced) may be notified to the signal device 7 via the communication device.

[0037] 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.

[0038] (2-4) Configuration of signaling devices The signal device 7 includes a timing unit 71 and a control unit 70 (see FIG. 1). The signal device 7 also includes a communication circuit unit 72. The signal device 7 is installed in a control room or the like of the facility (movie theater, theater, etc.).

[0039] 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.

[0040] The control unit 70 outputs a light-off signal to the signal processing unit 3 via a two-wire electric wire L2 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 70 outputs the light-off signal by raising the line voltage of the electric wire L2 from a low voltage (for example, 0 V) ​​to a high voltage (for example, an AC voltage with an effective value of 100 V). The control unit 70 outputs the light-off signal when it receives an on-trigger input via a manual operation or an on-trigger signal via a signal line L3 from an external device 2 (described later). Furthermore, the control unit 70 stops outputting the light-off signal when it receives an off-trigger input via a manual operation or an off-trigger signal via the signal line L3 from the external device 2.

[0041] The timekeeping unit 71 has a timer IC (Integrated Circuit) or an RTC (Real Time Clock) module. That is, the timekeeping unit 71 is configured to measure the elapsed time from an arbitrary point in time using a timer IC, or to measure the date and time using an RTC module. However, the timekeeping unit 71 may also be realized by a timer function or a real time clock function installed in a microcontroller included in the control unit 70.

[0042] The timing unit 71 measures the power-on time of the utility power source 9. When the power-on time measured by the timing unit 71 reaches a predetermined time (e.g., three months), the control unit 70 outputs an inspection start signal to the lighting device A1. The power-on time means the accumulated time during which utility power is supplied from the utility power source 9 to the signal device 7 and the lighting device A1. The timing unit 71 may measure the date and time using an RTC module. When the timing unit 71 measures the date and time, the control unit 70 outputs the inspection start signal when the date and time measured by the timing unit 71 reaches a predetermined date and time (e.g., midnight on the first day of January, April, July, and October).

[0043] The communication circuit unit 72 transmits the inspection start signal output from the control unit 70 to each lighting device A1 via signal line L1. Each lighting device A1 is assigned a unique address for communication purposes. The communication circuit unit 72 can transmit the inspection start signal to all lighting devices A1, or to one or more specific lighting devices A1, by specifying the destination address.

[0044] (2-5) Configuration of the signal processing unit The signal processing unit 3 has a first relay 31, a second relay 32, a pair of input terminals 33, a pair of power supply terminals (first power supply terminal 34A, second power supply terminal 34B), and three output terminals (first output terminal 35A, second output terminal 35B, third output terminal 35C) (see FIG. 4).

[0045] The pair of input terminals 33 are electrically connected to the two-wire electric wire L2. That is, the pair of input terminals 33 receive a light-off signal output from the control unit 70 of the signal device 7.

[0046] The first power supply terminal 34A and the second power supply terminal 34B are electrically connected to the utility power supply 9. That is, a utility voltage (an AC voltage with an effective value of 100 V) is input from the utility power supply 9 to the first power supply terminal 34A and the second power supply terminal 34B.

[0047] The first output terminal 35A is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal 34A. The first output terminal 35A is electrically connected to the first power supply line P1. The second output terminal 35B is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal 34B. The second output terminal 35B is electrically connected to the second power supply line P2. The third output terminal 35C is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal 34A and the first output terminal 35A via the second relay 32. The third output terminal 35C is electrically connected to the third power supply line P3.

[0048] The first relay 31 has a first excitation coil 310 and a first relay contact 311. The first excitation coil 310 is electrically connected to a pair of input terminals 33. One end of the first relay contact 311 is electrically connected to a first power supply terminal 34A and a first output terminal 35A.

[0049] The second relay 32 has a second excitation coil 320 and a second relay contact 321. One end of the second excitation coil 320 is electrically connected to the other end of the first relay contact 311. The other end of the second excitation coil 320 is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal 34B and the second output terminal 35B. One end of the second relay contact 321 is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal 34A and the first output terminal 35A. The other end of the second relay contact 321 is electrically connected to the third output terminal 35C.

[0050] When a light-off signal is input to the pair of input terminals 33, the first relay 31 is excited so that the first exciting coil 310 is excited and the first relay contact 311 is closed (turned on). On the other hand, when a light-off signal is not input to the pair of input terminals 33, the first relay 31 is not excited so that the first relay contact 311 is opened (turned off).

[0051] When the first relay contact 311 is closed (ON), the second exciting coil 320 of the second relay 32 is excited, and the second relay contact 321 is closed (ON). On the other hand, when the first relay contact 311 is open (OFF), the second relay 32 is not excited, and the second relay contact 321 is opened (OFF).

[0052] Therefore, when no light-off signal is input to the input terminal 33, both the first relay contact 311 and the second relay contact 321 are turned off. Therefore, the signal processing unit 3 outputs the normal voltage input to the first power supply terminal 34A and the second power supply terminal 34B from the first output terminal 35A and the second output terminal 35B, and does not output the normal voltage (light-off signal) from the third output terminal 35C.

[0053] On the other hand, when a light-off signal is input to the input terminal 33, both the first relay contact 311 and the second relay contact 321 are turned on. Therefore, the signal processing unit 3 outputs the normal voltage input to the first power supply terminal 34A and the second power supply terminal 34B from the first output terminal 35A, the second output terminal 35B, and the second output terminal 35B and the third output terminal 35C, respectively. In other words, the signal processing unit 3 processes the light-off signal output from the signal device 7 and outputs it from the third output terminal 35C.

[0054] Here, each of the lighting devices A1 included in the lighting system S1 operates on regular power supplied via the first power line P1 and the second power line P2, and is configured to receive a light-off signal from the signal device 7 via the third power line P3 (see FIG. 3). That is, the control circuit 14 of each lighting device A1 executes the constant light-off mode in accordance with the signal processing result of the signal processing unit 3 (the light-off signal received via the third power line P3).

[0055] Thus, the lighting system S1 processes the light-off signal in the signal processing unit 3, and can provide each lighting device A1 with a light-off signal suitable for the control circuit unit 14. Note that the signal processing unit may be provided in each lighting device A1.

[0056] (2-6) External equipment The external device 2 is configured to output a signal according to the presence or absence of people in the area where the lighting device A1 is installed to the signal device 7. The area is a place where people can enter and exit in a facility (e.g., a movie theater) that is the target of evacuation guidance. However, the area is not limited to being indoors and may be outdoors.

[0057] The external device 2 detects, for example, the lock state of the entrance / exit of the area and outputs signals (on-trigger signal and off-trigger signal). Specifically, the external device 2 is configured to output an on-trigger signal when a lock (for example, an electric lock) installed on the door of the entrance / exit is locked, and to output an off-trigger signal when the lock is unlocked.

[0058] Furthermore, the external device 2 may detect the state of the lighting fixtures installed in the area and output signals (on trigger signal and off trigger signal). Specifically, the external device 2 is configured to monitor the state of a switch for switching the lighting fixtures on and off, and to output an on trigger signal when the switch is off (lighting fixture is off), and to output an off trigger signal when the switch is on (lighting fixture is on).

[0059] Alternatively, the external device 2 may be a photoelectric automatic flasher. The external device 2, which is a photoelectric automatic flasher, is configured to output a high-level signal (on-trigger signal) when the outdoor brightness (illuminance) is below a threshold, and to output a low-level signal (off-trigger signal) when the outdoor brightness is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0060] The external device 2 may also be a human presence sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person within the area. The external device 2 as a human presence sensor is configured to output an ON trigger signal when no human presence is detected within the area, and to output an OFF trigger signal when a human presence is detected within the area.

[0061] The lighting system S1 has at least one type of external device 2 out of the above-mentioned multiple types of external devices 2. An on-trigger signal and an off-trigger signal output (transmitted) from the external device 2 are input (received) to a control unit 70 of the signaling device 7 via a signal line L3. The control unit 70 outputs a light-off signal when it receives an on-trigger signal from the external device 2, and stops outputting the light-off signal when it receives an off-trigger signal.

[0062] (2-7) Operation of signaling devices and emergency lighting systems Next, the operation of the signaling device 7 and the lighting system S1 will be described.

[0063] When the power-on time measured by the timer 71 reaches a predetermined time (e.g., three months) or when the date and time measured by the timer 71 coincides with a scheduled date and time, the control unit 70 of the signal device 7 causes the communication circuit unit 72 to transmit an inspection start signal to each lighting device A1 via the signal line L1. The control circuit unit 14 of each lighting device A1 executes the inspection mode upon receiving the inspection start signal. The timer 71 resets the power-on time measurement and starts a new power-on time measurement after the end of the inspection time (either immediately after the end of the inspection time or after a certain time (e.g., the time required to fully charge the secondary battery 11) has elapsed since the end of the inspection time). This allows the signal device 7 to automatically inspect each lighting device A1 at regular intervals (e.g., every three months).

[0064] Thus, the signal device 7 and the lighting system S1 output an inspection start signal to the lighting devices A1 to start inspection in accordance with the timing result (power-on time or date and time) of the timing unit 71, so that the multiple lighting devices A1 can be inspected simultaneously. As a result, the signal device 7 and the emergency lighting system S1 can simplify the work of checking the inspection results compared to when the multiple lighting devices A1 are inspected randomly. However, the signal device 7 and the emergency lighting system S1 may also divide the multiple lighting devices A1 into multiple groups in advance and inspect each group at a different timing.

[0065] Furthermore, when the control unit 70 receives a manual on-trigger input, it outputs a light-off signal to each lighting device A1 to turn off the light source 10 of each lighting device A1. That is, in a situation where it is desirable to keep the light source 10 off, such as during a movie screening in a movie theater, the signaling device 7 and the lighting system S1 can prevent the light from the light source 10 from interfering with the screening by causing the control circuit unit 14 of each lighting device A1 to execute the constant light-off mode.

[0066] Furthermore, if the power-on time of the timer 71 reaches a predetermined time while the control unit 70 is outputting (transmitting) a light-off signal to each lighting device A1, the control unit 70 does not transmit an inspection start signal to each lighting device A1.

[0067] Thus, the signal device 7 and the lighting system S1 do not output an inspection start signal while outputting the light-off signal, and cause the control circuit unit 14 of each lighting device A1 to continue to operate in the constant light-off mode without executing the inspection mode. As a result, the signal device 7 and the lighting system S1 can prevent the occurrence of a malfunction in which each lighting device A1 automatically performs an inspection and turns on the light source 10 while the lighting device A1 is constantly off (such as during a movie screening at a movie theater).

[0068] Furthermore, 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 to 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 of the signaling device 7 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.

[0069] Furthermore, when an on-trigger signal is input from the external device 2 to the control unit 70, the lighting system S1 preferably causes the control unit 70 to output a light-off signal to each lighting device A1.

[0070] Therefore, when the facility (area) is unoccupied, the signal device 7 and the lighting system S1 can reduce unnecessary power consumption and achieve energy savings by causing the control circuit unit 14 of each lighting device A1 to execute a constant off mode and turn off the light source 10.

[0071] However, if the facility is unoccupied, it is considered that no particular inconvenience will occur if the control circuit unit 14 of each lighting device A1 stops the constant off mode and executes the inspection mode to turn on the light source 10. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 70 is enabled to output an inspection start signal when an on-trigger signal is input from the external device 2.

[0072] Therefore, the lighting system S1 can perform regular automatic inspections while saving energy by enabling the inspection mode to be executed when the control circuit unit 14 of each lighting device A1 is in a constant off mode to turn off the light source 10 when the facility is unmanned, for example, outside the business hours of a movie theater.

[0073] (2-8) Modified lighting system Next, several modified examples of the lighting system S1 according to the embodiment will be described. However, the basic configuration of the lighting system S1 of each modified example described below is common to the basic configuration of the lighting system S1 according to the embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components that are common to the basic configuration of the lighting system S1 according to the embodiment, and illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "substantially common configuration" means a configuration that is slightly different in shape, size, etc., but has the same function.

[0074] (2-8-1) Variation 1 The lighting system S1 of the first modification is characterized in that the communication circuit unit 72 of the signal device 7 is configured to transmit the inspection start signal via the transmission path (the first power supply line P1 and the second power supply line P2) that transmits the light-off signal. For example, the communication circuit unit 72 may transmit the inspection start signal by superimposing a high-frequency signal on the AC voltage applied to the first power supply line P1 and the second power supply line P2 using power line carrier communication technology.

[0075] Thus, the lighting system S1 of the first modification transmits the light-off signal and the inspection monitoring signal over the same transmission line, thereby eliminating the need for the signal line L1 and enabling wiring savings.

[0076] (2-8-2) Variation 2 The lighting system S1 of the second modification is characterized in that at least one of the plurality of emergency lighting devices A1 is a flashing emergency light or a flashing emergency light with a sound.

[0077] The flashing guide light is an emergency guide light that has a flashing light source separate from the light source 10, and guides people to an emergency exit by flashing the other light source when the light source 10 is turned on in an emergency.

[0078] A flashing emergency exit light with guidance sounds is an emergency exit light that has an additional speaker for outputting guidance sounds, and guides people to the emergency exits by outputting guidance sounds (for example, a voice message such as "Emergency exit is this way") from the speaker.

[0079] Thus, the lighting system S1 of the second modification can automatically inspect not only ordinary emergency lights, but also flashing emergency lights and flashing emergency lights with sound guidance.

[0080] (3) Summary A signaling device (7) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a timer (71) and a control unit (70) that outputs an inspection start signal in accordance with the time measured by the timer (71). The timer (71) is configured to count the time or the duration of power supply from a utility power source (9) that supplies utility power to an emergency lighting device (A1). The control unit (70) is configured to output an inspection start signal to the emergency lighting device (A1) when the power supply time measured by the timer (71) reaches a predetermined time or when the time reaches a predetermined inspection start time. The inspection start signal is a signal that causes the emergency lighting device (A1) to start an inspection.

[0081] The signal device (7) according to the first aspect can inspect multiple emergency lighting devices (A1) simultaneously, which simplifies the work of checking the inspection results compared to when multiple emergency lighting devices (A1) are inspected randomly.

[0082] A signal device (7) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the signal device (7) according to the second aspect, when an external trigger input is received, the control unit (70) preferably outputs a light-off signal for keeping the emergency lighting device (A1) constantly off, and does not output an inspection start signal while the light-off signal is being output to keep the emergency lighting device (A1) constantly off.

[0083] The signal device (7) according to the second aspect can prevent the occurrence of a problem in which an inspection is automatically performed during a movie screening (when the lights are always off) in a movie theater, causing the light source (10) to be turned on.

[0084] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of emergency lighting devices (A1) and a signaling device (7) according to the first or second aspect. Each of the emergency lighting devices (A1) includes a light source (10), a secondary battery (11), a normal lighting circuit unit (120) that turns on the light source (10) using normal power, a charging circuit unit (121) that charges the secondary battery (11) using normal power, an emergency lighting circuit unit (13) that turns on the light source (10) using emergency power supplied from the secondary battery (11), and a control circuit unit (14) that 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, and an inspection mode. The control circuit unit (14) executing the normal lighting mode controls the normal lighting circuit unit (120) to turn on the light source (10). The control circuit unit (14) executing the emergency lighting mode controls the emergency lighting circuit unit (13) to turn on the light source (10). The control circuit unit (14) executing 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 inspection mode when it receives an inspection start signal.

[0085] The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the third aspect can inspect multiple emergency lighting devices (A1) simultaneously, which simplifies the process of checking the inspection results compared to when multiple emergency lighting devices (A1) are inspected randomly.

[0086] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the third aspect. In the emergency lighting system (S1) according to the fourth aspect, the control circuit unit (14) is preferably configured to selectively switch between a normal lighting mode, an emergency lighting mode, an inspection mode, and a constant-off mode. When the control circuit unit (14) is in the constant-off mode, it is preferable that the control circuit unit (14) controls the constant lighting circuit unit (120) to turn off the light source (10).

[0087] In the emergency lighting system (S1) according to the fourth aspect, the control circuit section (14) executes the constant off mode to turn off the light source (10), thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption and achieving energy savings.

[0088] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the fourth aspect. In the emergency lighting system (S1) according to the fifth aspect, the control unit (70) is preferably capable of outputting a light-off signal to the emergency lighting device (A1). The control circuit unit (14) preferably executes a constant light-off mode when receiving the light-off signal. The control unit (70) preferably does not output an inspection start signal to the emergency lighting device (A1) when the control circuit unit (14) is executing the constant light-off mode.

[0089] The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the fifth aspect can prevent the occurrence of a problem in which an inspection is automatically performed during a movie screening (when the lights are always off) in a movie theater, causing the light source (10) to be turned on.

[0090] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the fifth aspect. The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the sixth aspect preferably further includes an external device (2) electrically connected to the signal device (7). The control unit (70) preferably outputs a light-off signal when a predetermined signal is input from the external device (2), and allows output of an inspection start signal when a signal is input from the external device (2).

[0091] The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the sixth aspect can perform periodic automatic inspections while saving energy.

[0092] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the sixth aspect. In the emergency lighting system (S1) according to the seventh aspect, the external device (2) is preferably configured to output a signal to the signal device (7) according to the presence or absence of a person in an area where the emergency lighting device (A1) is installed.

[0093] The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the seventh aspect can achieve energy savings without compromising safety, for example, by outputting a light-off signal from the control unit (70) when there is no one in the area.

[0094] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the seventh aspect. In the emergency lighting system (S1) according to the eighth aspect, it is preferable that the external device (2) detects the lock state of the entrance / exit of the area and outputs a signal.

[0095] The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the eighth aspect can easily detect the presence or absence of a person in an area.

[0096] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the seventh aspect. In the emergency lighting system (S1) according to the ninth aspect, it is preferable that the external device (2) detects the lighting condition of the area and outputs a signal.

[0097] The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the ninth aspect can easily detect the presence or absence of a person in an area.

[0098] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of the third to ninth aspects. In the emergency lighting system (S1) according to the tenth aspect, it is preferable that the signal device (7) further includes a communication circuit unit (72). It is preferable that the communication circuit unit (72) is configured to designate a unique address to each of the plurality of emergency lighting devices (A1) and transmit an inspection start signal.

[0099] The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the tenth aspect can transmit an inspection start signal to all of the lighting devices (A1), or to one or more specific lighting devices (A1), by specifying the address of the destination.

[0100] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of the fifth to tenth aspects. The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the eleventh aspect preferably further includes a signal processing unit (3) that processes a light-off signal. The control circuit unit (14) preferably executes a constant light-off mode according to the signal processing result of the signal processing unit (3).

[0101] The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the eleventh aspect can provide the control circuit section (14) with a suitable light-off signal to each lighting device (A1).

[0102] An emergency lighting system (S1) according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the eleventh aspect. In the emergency lighting system (S1) according to the twelfth aspect, it is preferable that the signal device (7) further includes a communication circuit unit (72). It is preferable that the communication circuit unit (72) is configured to transmit an inspection start signal via a transmission path that transmits the light-off signal.

[0103] The emergency lighting system (S1) according to the twelfth aspect can reduce wiring by transmitting the light-off signal and the inspection monitoring signal over the same transmission line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] A1 Emergency lighting system S1 Emergency Lighting System 2 External equipment 3. Signal Processing Section 7 Signaling Devices 9 Regular power supply 10 light source 11 Secondary battery 13 Emergency lighting circuit section 14 Control circuit section 70 Control Section 71 Timing section 72 Communication circuit section 120 Regular lighting circuit section 121 Charging circuit section

Claims

1. A timing unit; a control unit that outputs an inspection start signal in response to the time measured by the timer unit; Equipped with the timer unit is configured to count the time or duration of power supply of a normal power source that supplies normal power to the emergency lighting device, the control unit is configured to output the inspection start signal to the emergency lighting device when the energization time measured by the timer unit reaches a predetermined time or when the time reaches a predetermined inspection start time, The inspection start signal is a signal for causing the emergency lighting device to start inspection. Signaling device.

2. when receiving an external trigger input, the control unit outputs a light-off signal for keeping the emergency lighting device constantly off, and does not output the inspection start signal while the control unit is outputting the light-off signal to keep the emergency lighting device constantly off; 2. The signaling device of claim 1.

3. a plurality of emergency lighting devices; The signaling device of claim 1 or 2; and Each of the plurality of emergency lighting devices includes: A light source and A secondary battery, a normal lighting circuit unit that lights the light source using the normal power; 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 selectively 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, 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 unit executes the inspection mode when receiving the inspection start signal; Emergency lighting system.

4. The control circuit unit is configured to selectively switch among the normal lighting mode, the emergency lighting mode, the inspection mode, and a constant light-off mode that controls the constant lighting circuit unit to turn off the light source.

4. An emergency lighting system according to claim 3.

5. the control unit is capable of outputting a light-off signal to the emergency lighting device, the control circuit unit executes the constant lights-out mode when receiving the lights-out signal; the control unit does not output the inspection start signal to the emergency lighting device when the control circuit unit is in the always-off mode.

5. An emergency lighting system according to claim 4.

6. further comprising an external device electrically connected to the signaling device; The control unit outputs the light-off signal when a predetermined signal is input from the external device, and enables output of the inspection start signal when the signal is input from the external device.

6. An emergency lighting system according to claim 5.

7. The external device is configured to output the signal according to the presence or absence of a person in an area where the emergency lighting device is installed to the signal device.

7. An emergency lighting system according to claim 6.

8. The external device detects the lock state of the entrance / exit of the area and outputs the signal.

8. An emergency lighting system according to claim 7.

9. the external device detects the lighting condition of the area and outputs the signal; 8. An emergency lighting system according to claim 7.

10. the signaling device further includes a communication circuit unit; The communication circuit unit is configured to designate a unique address to each of the plurality of emergency lighting devices and transmit the inspection start signal to the corresponding device.

4. An emergency lighting system according to claim 3.

11. Further, a signal processing unit processes the light-off signal, The control circuit executes the always-off mode in accordance with a signal processing result of the signal processing unit.

6. An emergency lighting system according to claim 5.

12. the signaling device further includes a communication circuit unit; The communication circuit unit is configured to transmit the inspection start signal via a transmission path that transmits the light-off signal.

12. An emergency lighting system according to claim 11.

Images