Lighting device

Abstract

To reduce a sense of incongruity given to a user when inspecting an emergency power supply.SOLUTION: A lighting device 1 includes a light source 2, an emergency power supply 3, a regular lighting part 4, an emergency lighting part 6, and a control part 8. The regular lighting section 4 lights the light sources 2 with regular power supplied from the regular power source PS1. The emergency lighting unit 6 lights the light source 2 with the emergency power supplied from the emergency power supply 3. The controller 8 controls the regular light 4 and the emergency light 6. The control unit 8 has, as operation modes, a normal mode when the regular power source PS1 supplies regular power, an emergency mode when the regular power source PS1 stops supplying regular power, and a check mode for checking the emergency power source 3. In the inspection mode, the control section 8 alternately repeats a first period in which the regular lighting section 4 is controlled to supply regular power to the light source 2 and a second period in which the emergency lighting section 6 is controlled to supply emergency power to the light source 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to lighting devices, and more particularly to lighting devices with emergency power supplies. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a disaster prevention lighting fixture that includes a lighting circuit that lights a light source using emergency power supplied from an emergency power source when the external power source is stopped, a power timer that measures the period of use of the emergency power source, and a control circuit that performs an inspection to discharge the emergency power source after the measured value of the period of use reaches a predetermined inspection value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-027706 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In disaster prevention lighting fixtures (lighting devices) such as those described in Patent Document 1, the lighting state of the light source differs between normal use and when the emergency power source (emergency power supply) is being inspected, which could cause discomfort to users of the disaster prevention lighting fixtures when inspecting the emergency power source (emergency power supply).

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned reasons, and aims to reduce the sense of discomfort felt by users when inspecting an emergency power supply. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A lighting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source, an emergency power source, a normal lighting unit that lights the light source using normal power supplied from a normal power source, the emergency lighting unit that lights the light source using the emergency power supplied from the emergency power source, and a control unit that controls the normal lighting unit and the emergency lighting unit. The control unit has three operating modes: a normal mode when the normal power source supplies the normal power, an emergency mode when the normal power source stops supplying the normal power, and an inspection mode for inspecting the emergency power source. In the normal mode, the control unit controls the normal lighting unit to supply the normal power to the light source, thereby turning on the light source. In the emergency mode, the control unit controls the emergency lighting unit to supply the emergency power to the light source, thereby turning on the light source. In the inspection mode, the control unit alternately repeats a first period in which it controls the normal lighting unit to supply the normal power to the light source and a second period in which it controls the emergency lighting unit to supply the emergency power to the light source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the user when inspecting the emergency power supply. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the lighting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the appearance of the lighting device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of a flyback converter included in the lighting device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the lighting device in the normal mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the lighting device in the emergency mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the lighting device in the inspection mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the lighting device of the first modification in the inspection mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the lighting device of the second modification in the inspection mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment and modifications. Various modifications other than the embodiment and modifications can be made depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the following embodiments (including modifications) may be realized in appropriate combinations.

[0010] (1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting device 1 according to this embodiment includes a light source 2, an emergency power supply 3, a normal lighting unit 4, an emergency lighting unit 6, and a control unit 8.

[0011] The normal lighting unit 4 lights the light source 2 with normal power supplied from the normal power supply PS1.

[0012] The emergency lighting unit 6 lights up the light source 2 using emergency power supplied from the emergency power supply 3.

[0013] The control unit 8 controls the normal lighting unit 4 and the emergency lighting unit 6.

[0014] The control unit 8 has three operating modes: a normal mode when the utility power supply PS1 is supplying utility power, an emergency mode when the utility power supply PS1 has stopped supplying utility power, and an inspection mode in which the emergency power supply 3 is inspected.

[0015] In the normal mode, the control unit 8 controls the normal lighting unit 4 to supply normal power to the light source 2, thereby lighting the light source 2.

[0016] In the emergency mode, the control unit 8 controls the emergency lighting unit 6 to supply emergency power to the light source 2, thereby lighting the light source 2.

[0017] In the inspection mode, the control unit 8 alternately repeats a first period T1 in which the normal lighting unit 4 is controlled to supply normal power to the light source 2, and a second period T2 in which the emergency lighting unit 6 is controlled to supply emergency power to the light source 2.

[0018] Here, it is preferable that the total amount of emergency power to be supplied from the emergency power supply 3 to the light source 2 during inspection is the amount of power that needs to be supplied to the light source 2 in an emergency (when the normal power supply PS1 stops supplying normal power due to a power outage, etc.).

[0019] According to the above configuration, by alternately supplying normal power and emergency power to the light source 2, the brightness of the light source 2 can be made brighter than when only emergency power is supplied, without exceeding the total amount of emergency power that should be supplied to the light source 2 during inspection. This reduces the sense of discomfort felt by users (for example, users of the facility in which the lighting device 1 is installed) when the emergency power supply 3 is inspected.

[0020] Furthermore, with the above configuration, when inspecting the emergency power supply 3, the possibility that the user will mistakenly believe that a power outage has occurred can be reduced.

[0021] (2) Details Hereinafter, the lighting device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. The lighting device 1 is, for example, an emergency exit guide light installed at an emergency exit of a facility. Here, the facility in which the lighting device 1 is installed may be, for example, a theater, a planetarium, a movie theater, etc. The lighting device 1 may also be an emergency light or an emergency light other than an emergency exit guide light (for example, a stairway guide light, etc.).

[0022] (2.1) Lighting equipment configuration 1, the lighting device 1 includes a light source 2, an emergency power supply 3, a normal lighting unit 4, a charging unit 5, an emergency lighting unit 6, a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a switching driver 7, a control unit 8, a timer unit 9, an operation unit 10, and an alarm unit 11. Although not shown in the figure, the lighting device 1 also includes a diode for preventing backflow as appropriate.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the lighting device 1 includes a main body A1, a light source unit A2, and a display block A3. The main body A1 is made of synthetic resin and has a rectangular box shape with an opening on the front. The main body A1 houses the emergency power supply 3, normal lighting unit 4, charging unit 5, emergency lighting unit 6, control unit 8, first switch SW1, second switch SW2, switching drive unit 7, timer unit 9, operation unit 10, and alarm unit 11 shown in FIG. 1. The light source unit A2 houses a light source 2 and a light guide that guides light emitted from the light source 2. The display block A3 includes a panel A30 illuminated by the light source 2. A pictogram for evacuation guidance is formed on the panel A30. The display block A3 is attached to the main body A1 so as to cover the remaining portion of the opening of the main body A1 except for the upper portion where the light source unit A2 is attached.

[0024] The light source 2 is configured by a light-emitting unit U1 including at least one (two in this embodiment) light-emitting diode D1 (D11, D12) connected in series. The light source 2 has a first terminal C1 and a second terminal C2 to which normal power and emergency power are supplied. The first terminal C1 is connected to the anode of the light-emitting diode D11 of the light-emitting unit U1. The second terminal C2 is connected to the cathode of the light-emitting diode D12 of the light-emitting unit U1. The light source 2 may be configured by connecting two or more sets of light-emitting units U1 in parallel. Furthermore, the light-emitting unit U1 is not limited to one including at least one light-emitting diode D1, and may also include at least one cold cathode fluorescent lamp or the like.

[0025] The emergency power supply 3 is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery. The emergency power supply (hereinafter referred to as secondary battery) 3 is, for example, a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery, a lithium-ion secondary battery, or the like.

[0026] When the lighting device 1 is an emergency light, the lighting device 1 is configured so that the light emitted from the light source 2 illuminates the back side of a panel A30 (see FIG. 3) on which pictograms for evacuation guidance are formed.

[0027] The service lighting unit 4 lights the light source 2 using service power supplied from a service power supply PS1. The service power supply PS1 is, for example, a commercial power system with an effective voltage of 100V or 200V. The service lighting unit 4, for example, includes a rectifying / smoothing unit that rectifies and smoothes the AC voltage supplied from the service power supply PS1, and a step-down unit that steps down the DC voltage input from the rectifying / smoothing unit. The rectifying / smoothing unit includes, for example, a full-wave rectifier formed by a diode bridge, a smoothing capacitor that smooths the pulsating voltage output from the full-wave rectifier, a power factor correction circuit including a boost chopper circuit, etc. The step-down unit also includes, for example, a flyback converter F1 (see FIG. 4). That is, the service lighting unit 4 includes the flyback converter F1. The flyback converter F1 includes a switch SW3 such as a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), an isolation transformer Tr1, a diode D2, and a capacitor Cn1. The switch SW3 is controlled to be turned on / off by the control unit 8 via a drive circuit (not shown) included in the normal lighting unit 4. The isolation transformer Tr1 has a primary coil In1 and a secondary coil In2. The primary coil In1 is an input-side coil to which a DC voltage is input from the rectifying smoothing unit, and the secondary coil In2 is an output-side coil that outputs a DC voltage to the light source 2 and the charging unit 5. Here, the primary coil In1 and secondary coil In2 are insulated from each other, so that the normal power supply PS1 and the light source 2 can be insulated from each other.

[0028] 1, the normal lighting unit 4 has a first output terminal Cp1 and a second output terminal Cp2, and is configured to be able to control the output of the DC voltage stepped down by the flyback converter F1 between the first output terminal Cp1 and the second output terminal Cp2 based on a command signal from the control unit 8. When outputting the DC voltage, the first output terminal Cp1 becomes the high potential side, and the second output terminal Cp2 becomes the low potential side.

[0029] The charging unit 5 is connected to the first output terminal Cp1 and the second output terminal Cp2, and is configured to charge the secondary battery 3 with the DC current output from the normal lighting unit 4. The charging unit 5 is configured to be able to control the output of DC current to the secondary battery 3 based on a command signal from the control unit 8. In other words, the charging unit 5 is configured to be able to control the output of DC current to the secondary battery 3 based on the command signal from the control unit 8.

[0030] The emergency lighting unit 6 lights the light source 2 with emergency power supplied from the secondary battery 3 when the service power supply PS1 is stopped due to a power outage or the like, or when the secondary battery 3 is being inspected. Specifically, the emergency lighting unit 6 lights the light source 2 with a DC voltage applied from the secondary battery 3 when the service power supply PS1 is stopped due to a power outage or the like, or when the secondary battery 3 is being inspected. The emergency lighting unit 6 has a step-down unit that steps down the DC voltage input from the secondary battery 3. The step-down unit includes, for example, a flyback converter. Note that the step-down unit of the emergency lighting unit 6 is not limited to a flyback converter, and may be a step-down chopper circuit.

[0031] The emergency lighting unit 6 has a third output terminal Cp3 and a fourth output terminal Cp4, and is configured to be able to control the output of the DC voltage stepped down by the step-down unit between the third output terminal Cp3 and the fourth output terminal Cp4 based on a command signal from the control unit 8. In other words, the emergency lighting unit 6 is configured to be able to control the output of the DC voltage between the third output terminal Cp3 and the fourth output terminal Cp4 based on a command signal from the control unit 8. When outputting the DC voltage, the third output terminal Cp3 becomes the high potential side, and the fourth output terminal Cp4 becomes the low potential side.

[0032] The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are controlled to be turned on / off by the control unit 8 via the switching driver 7. The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are, for example, semiconductor switches such as MOSFETs. Note that the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 may also be analog switches, electromagnetic relays, etc.

[0033] The switching driver 7 controls the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to an on state or an off state independently in response to a control signal input from the controller 8.

[0034] Here, the connection relationships among the light source 2, normal lighting unit 4, emergency lighting unit 6, first switch SW1, and second switch SW2 will be described. The first terminal C1 of the light source 2 is connected to the first output terminal Cp1 on the high potential side of the normal lighting unit 4 via the first switch SW1. The first terminal C1 is also connected to the third output terminal Cp3 on the high potential side of the emergency lighting unit 6 via the second switch SW2. The second terminal C2 of the light source 2 is connected to the second output terminal Cp2 on the low potential side of the normal lighting unit 4. The second terminal C2 is also connected to the fourth output terminal Cp4 on the low potential side of the emergency lighting unit 6.

[0035] The control unit 8 mainly comprises, for example, a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The functions of the control unit 8 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0036] The control unit 8 controls the normal lighting unit 4, the charging unit 5, the emergency lighting unit 6 and the switching drive unit 7.

[0037] The timekeeping unit 9 has a timer IC (Integrated Circuit) or an RTC (Real Time Clock) module. That is, the timekeeping unit 9 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 9 may also be realized by a timer function or real-time clock function installed in the control unit 8.

[0038] The timer 9 measures the time that the utility power supply PS1 is energized. When a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a predetermined point in time, the timer 9 outputs an inspection start signal to the control unit 8. Note that the energization time refers to the accumulated time that utility power has been supplied from the utility power supply PS1 to the lighting device 1. Note that the timer 9 may measure the date and time using an RTC module.

[0039] The operation unit 10 has a function of accepting user operations. One example of the operation unit 10 is a push button switch. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 10 is provided so as to be exposed to the outside through a through hole H1 provided in the bottom surface A10 of the main body A1. When operated by the user, the operation unit 10 accepts the user operation and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the accepted operation to the control unit 8.

[0040] The notification unit 11 is controlled by the control unit 8 and has a function of notifying the user of the state of the secondary battery 3. One example of the notification unit 11 is a monitor lamp including a light-emitting diode. As shown in FIG. 3, the notification unit 11 is provided so as to be exposed to the outside through a through-hole H2 provided in the bottom surface A10 of the main body A1. The notification unit 11 may also be a speaker device or the like that notifies the user of the state of the secondary battery 3 by sound.

[0041] The lighting device 1 further includes a control power supply unit (not shown). The control power supply unit is configured to generate a control power supply voltage from the DC voltage output from the normal lighting unit 4 and the DC voltage discharged from the secondary battery 3. The control power supply voltage generated by the control power supply unit is supplied to circuits having active elements, namely, the normal lighting unit 4, the emergency lighting unit 6, the switching driver unit 7, the control unit 8, the timer unit 9, and the alarm unit 11.

[0042] (2.2) Operation of lighting devices Next, the basic operation of the lighting device 1 will be described. The control unit 8 has four operation modes (normal mode, emergency mode, normal-off mode, and inspection mode). The normal mode is an operation mode when the normal power supply PS1 is supplying normal power, and is an operation mode in which the normal lighting unit 4 is controlled to supply normal power to the light source 2, thereby turning on the light source 2. The emergency mode is an operation mode when the normal power supply PS1 has stopped supplying normal power, and is an operation mode in which the emergency lighting unit 6 is controlled to supply emergency power to the light source 2, thereby turning on the light source 2. The normal-off mode is an operation mode in which the light source 2 is kept off. The inspection mode is an operation mode in which the secondary battery 3 is inspected while the normal power supply PS1 is supplying normal power, and is an operation mode in which the normal lighting unit 4 and the emergency lighting unit 6 are controlled to turn on the light source 2. More specifically, in the inspection mode, the control unit 8 turns on the light source 2 by alternately supplying normal power and emergency power to the light source 2.

[0043] The control unit 8 is configured to operate in one of four operating modes.

[0044] When normal power is supplied from the normal power supply PS1, the control unit 8 basically operates in normal mode. In normal mode, as shown in Fig. 1, the control unit 8 controls the first switch SW1 to be on and the second switch SW2 to be off, causing the normal lighting unit 4 to light the light source 2 and the charging unit 5 to charge the secondary battery 3.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, in the normal mode, the control unit 8 controls the normal lighting unit 4 so that the value of the current (load current) I0 flowing through the light source 2 becomes a first current value I1.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 8 operates in emergency mode when normal power is no longer supplied from the normal power supply PS1 due to a power outage or the like. In emergency mode, the control unit 8 stops the normal lighting unit 4 and the charging unit 5, controls the first switch SW1 to be turned off, and controls the second switch SW2 to be turned on, causing the emergency lighting unit 6 to light the light source 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, in the emergency mode, the control unit 8 controls the emergency lighting unit 6 so that the value of the load current I0 flowing through the light source 2 becomes a second current value I2 that is smaller than the first current value I1. In this operation example, the second current value I2 is, for example, 1 / 3 of the first current value I1. In other words, when the control unit 8 is operating in the emergency mode, the brightness of the light source 2 is approximately 1 / 3 of that when the control unit 8 is operating in the normal mode. Note that the "brightness of the light source" in this disclosure refers to, for example, the luminance of the surface of the panel A30 illuminated from behind by the light source 2.

[0048] Furthermore, when an external light-off signal is input during operation in the normal mode, the control unit 8 switches the operation mode to the constant light-off mode. In the constant light-off mode, the control unit 8 controls the first switch SW1 to be turned off and the second switch SW2 to be turned off while keeping the constant lighting unit 4 and the charging unit 5 operating. In this way, the control unit 8 causes the charging unit 5 to charge the secondary battery 3 while maintaining the light source 2 in an off state.

[0049] Furthermore, when the control unit 8 receives an inspection start signal output from the timer unit 9 while operating in the normal mode, it switches the operation mode to the inspection mode and inspects the secondary battery 3. Note that, when an operation input signal is input from the operation unit 10 while operating in the normal mode, the control unit 8 also switches the operation mode to the inspection mode and inspects the secondary battery 3. In other words, the control unit 8 also switches the operation mode from the normal mode to the inspection mode when the operation unit 10 is operated by a user. Note that the user who operates the operation unit 10 is, for example, the manager of the facility where the lighting device 1 is installed. This allows the inspection of the secondary battery 3 to be performed at a timing desired by the user (manager).

[0050] In the inspection mode, the control unit 8 stops the charging unit 5 while keeping the normal lighting unit 4 operating. That is, in the inspection mode, charging of the secondary battery 3 is stopped. In this state, as shown in FIG. 7 , the control unit 8 alternately controls a first period T1 in which the normal lighting unit 4 supplies normal power to the light source 2 and a second period T2 in which the emergency lighting unit 6 supplies emergency power to the light source 2. The sum of the first period T1 and the second period T2 is, for example, several milliseconds. Although not shown in FIG. 7 , a short dead time is appropriately provided between the first period T1 and the second period T2 so that the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are not turned on simultaneously.

[0051] In the inspection mode, the control unit 8 controls the normal lighting unit 4, the emergency lighting unit 6, the first switch SW1, and the second switch SW2 to turn on the light source 2 for a predetermined time. That is, the control unit 8 operates in the inspection mode for the predetermined time. Also, the first period T1 and the second period T2 are alternately repeated for the predetermined time. Note that in the inspection mode, the predetermined time for turning on the light source 2 is 60 minutes or less. For example, the predetermined time is 20 minutes or 60 minutes if the lighting device 1 is an emergency light, and 30 minutes or 60 minutes if the lighting device 1 is an emergency light.

[0052] In the inspection mode, the control unit 8 controls the first switch SW1 to be on and the second switch SW2 to be off during the first period T1, and controls the first switch SW1 to be off and the second switch SW2 to be on during the second period T2.

[0053] The control unit 8 controls the normal lighting unit 4 so that the load current I0 flowing through the light source 2 becomes equal to the first current value I1 during the first period T1. The control unit 8 also controls the emergency lighting unit 6 so that the load current I0 flowing through the light source 2 becomes equal to the first current value I1 during the second period T2. That is, the control unit 8 controls the normal lighting unit 4, the emergency lighting unit 6, the first switch SW1, and the second switch SW2 so that the load current I0 flowing through the light source 2 becomes constant during the inspection mode. Note that the term "constant" used in this disclosure does not necessarily mean a completely constant state, but also includes cases where the load current I0 varies within a practically acceptable range. For example, a constant load current I0 also includes cases where the load current I0 varies due to a small dead time between the first period T1 and the second period T2. Because the load current I0 flowing through the light source 2 is constant, the brightness of the light source 2 becomes substantially constant during the inspection mode. Furthermore, since the value of the load current I0 in the inspection mode is equal to the value of the load current I0 in the normal mode, the brightness of the light source 2 in the inspection mode is equal to the brightness of the light source 2 in the normal mode. In other words, the luminance of the surface of the panel A30 in the inspection mode is equal to the luminance of the surface of the panel A30 in the normal mode. This reduces the sense of discomfort felt by a user (e.g., a user of a facility in which the lighting device 1 is installed) when inspecting the secondary battery 3. It also reduces the possibility that a user will mistakenly believe that a power outage has occurred and that the service power supply PS1 has stopped supplying service power when inspecting the secondary battery 3. Note that "equal" in the present disclosure is not limited to exact agreement, but also includes differences within an allowable error range.

[0054] Furthermore, in the inspection mode, the control unit 8 controls the normal lighting unit 4, the emergency lighting unit 6, the first switch SW1, and the second switch SW2 so that the total amount of emergency power (first amount of power) supplied to the light source 2 is equal to the total amount of emergency power (second amount of power) required to be supplied to the light source 2 when the normal power source PS1 stops supplying normal power due to a power outage or the like. This makes it possible to confirm during inspection whether the secondary battery 3 can supply the light source 2 with the second amount of power required when the normal power source PS1 stops supplying normal power. Note that the second amount of power is the amount of power that can light the light source 2 for a period of time (a predetermined period of time) sufficient to safely guide the user when the normal power source PS1 stops supplying normal power due to a power outage or the like.

[0055] Here, the first amount of power is calculated by multiplying the voltage of the secondary battery 3 by the first current value I1 and the total time of the second period T2 during the predetermined period (e.g., 20 minutes). The second amount of power is calculated by multiplying the voltage of the secondary battery 3 by the second current value I2 and the predetermined time.

[0056] The control unit 8 sets the first period T1 and the second period T2 so that the first amount of power is equal to the second amount of power. Specifically, the control unit 8 controls the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 so that the ratio between the first period T1 and the second period T2 is a predetermined ratio. More specifically, the control unit 8 controls the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 so that the ratio between the first period T1 and the second period T2 is 1:0.25 to 1:1.

[0057] In this operation example, when the operation mode of the control unit 8 is the emergency mode, the second current value I2 of the load current I0 flowing through the light source 2 due to the DC voltage supplied from the emergency lighting unit 6 is 1 / 3 times the first current value I1 of the load current I0 when the operation mode of the control unit 8 is the inspection mode. In other words, the first current value I1 is three times the second current value I2. Therefore, to make the first and second amounts of power equal, the total duration of the second period T2 within the predetermined period must be 1 / 3 of the predetermined time. Therefore, in this operation example, the control unit 8 controls the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 so that the ratio of the first period T1 to the second period T2 is 2:1, i.e., 1:0.5. As a result, the ratio of the sum of the first period T1 and the second period T2 to the second period T2 is 3:1, and the total duration of the second period T2 within the predetermined period is 1 / 3 of the predetermined time. The ratio between the first period T1 and the second period T2 may be set appropriately between 1:0.25 and 1:1 depending on the magnitude of the second current value I2 relative to the first current value I1. For example, when the value of the second current value I2 is 1 / 5 of the first current value I1, the control unit 8 controls the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 so that the ratio between the first period T1 and the second period T2 is 4:1, that is, 1:0.25. When the value of the second current value I2 is 1 / 2 of the first current value I1, the control unit 8 controls the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 so that the ratio between the first period T1 and the second period T2 is 1:1.

[0058] In the inspection mode, the control unit 8 monitors whether a predetermined current is flowing through the light source 2, and compares the voltage of the secondary battery 3 after the light source 2 has been turned on for a predetermined time (i.e., after the inspection of the secondary battery 3 has been completed) with a threshold value to determine whether or not the secondary battery 3 needs to be replaced. If an abnormality is found during the inspection (such as the light source 2 not lighting up or the voltage of the secondary battery 3 falling below the threshold value), the control unit 8 notifies the user of the occurrence of the abnormality by, for example, flashing the notification unit 11, which is a monitor lamp.

[0059] After the inspection of the secondary battery 3 is completed, the control unit 8 switches the operation mode from the inspection mode to the normal mode.

[0060] The timing unit 9 resets the counting of the power-on time after a certain time (for example, the time required to fully charge the secondary battery 3) has elapsed since the inspection of the secondary battery 3 was completed, and starts counting the power-on time anew.

[0061] The timing unit 9 outputs an inspection start signal to the control unit 8 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a predetermined point in time after the completion of the inspection of the secondary battery 3 (in this operation example, the point in time when the timing unit 9 newly starts counting the power-on time after the completion of the inspection of the secondary battery 3). In other words, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the predetermined point in time after the completion of the inspection of the secondary battery 3, the control unit 8 switches the operation mode from normal mode to inspection mode and inspects the secondary battery 3. This allows the inspection of the secondary battery 3 to be carried out periodically. The predetermined period is one year or less. For example, the predetermined period is six months or three months. This allows the inspection of the secondary battery 3 to be carried out periodically.

[0062] (3) Variations The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. Modifications of the above-described embodiment are listed below.

[0063] (3.1) Variation 1 In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 controlled the normal lighting unit 4 and the emergency lighting unit 6 in the inspection mode so that the load current I0 flowing through the light source 2 was constant (first current value I1), but the control unit 8 may also control the normal lighting unit 4 and the emergency lighting unit 6 so that the load current I0 flowing through the light source 2 changed over time.

[0064] 8, the control unit 8 controls the normal lighting unit 4 during a first period T1 so that the value of the load current I0 becomes a third current value I3, which is greater than the first current value I1. The control unit 8 also controls the emergency lighting unit 6 during a second period T2 so that the value of the load current I0 becomes a second current value I2. As described above, the second current value I2 is the value of the load current I0 that flows to the light source 2 by the DC voltage supplied from the emergency lighting unit 6 when the operation mode of the control unit 8 is the emergency mode.

[0065] This allows inspection of the secondary battery 3 to be performed under conditions closer to those in an emergency (when the operation mode of the control unit 8 is in the emergency mode). Also, by flowing the third current value I3, which is greater than the first current value I1 in normal times (when the operation mode of the control unit 8 is in the normal mode), in the first period T1, it is possible to prevent the brightness of the light source 2 from decreasing significantly compared to normal times when inspecting the emergency power supply 3, thereby reducing the sense of discomfort felt by the user.

[0066] (3.2) Variation 2 The control unit 8 may control the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 so that there is a period during which the load current I0 flowing through the light source 2 becomes zero.

[0067] 9, in a third period T3 between the first period T1 and the second period T2, the control unit 8 simultaneously controls the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to be turned off, thereby controlling the load current I0 to 0. In this modification, the control unit 8 controls the normal lighting unit 4 and the emergency lighting unit 6 so that the value of the load current I0 becomes the first current value I1 in the first period T1 and the second period T2.

[0068] In this way, by providing the third period T3, the brightness of the light source 2 during inspection of the emergency power supply 3 can be set lower than normal, within a range that does not cause discomfort to the user.

[0069] (3.3) Other Modifications The lighting device 1 according to the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize each function of the control unit 8 according to the present disclosure. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The IC or LSI referred to here is referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and includes integrated circuits called system LSI, very large scale integration (VLSI), or ultra large scale integration (ULSI). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which is programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the connections within the LSI or the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as a processor. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also comprises one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0070] (4) Summary As described above, the lighting device (1) of the first aspect includes a light source (2), an emergency power supply (3), a normal use lighting unit (4), an emergency lighting unit (6), and a control unit (8). The normal use lighting unit (4) lights the light source (2) using normal power supplied from the normal power supply (PS1). The emergency lighting unit (6) lights the light source (2) using emergency power supplied from the emergency power supply (3). The control unit (8) controls the normal use lighting unit (4) and the emergency lighting unit (6). The control unit (8) has three operating modes: a normal mode when the normal power supply (PS1) is supplying normal power; an emergency mode when the normal power supply (PS1) has stopped supplying normal power; and an inspection mode for inspecting the emergency power supply (3). In the normal mode, the control unit (8) controls the normal use lighting unit (4) to supply normal power to the light source (2) and thereby turn on the light source (2). In the emergency mode, the control unit (8) controls the emergency lighting unit (6) to supply emergency power to the light source (2), thereby turning on the light source (2). In the inspection mode, the control unit (8) alternately repeats a first period (T1) in which the control unit (4) controls the normal lighting unit (4) to supply normal power to the light source (2), and a second period (T2) in which the control unit (8) controls the emergency lighting unit (6) to supply emergency power to the light source (2).

[0071] According to this aspect, by alternately supplying normal power and emergency power to the light source (2), the brightness of the light source (2) can be made brighter than when only emergency power is supplied without exceeding the total amount of emergency power that should be supplied to the light source (2) during inspection. This reduces the sense of discomfort felt by the user when inspecting the emergency power source (3).

[0072] The lighting device (1) of the second aspect is the same as that of the first aspect, and further includes a first switch (SW1) and a second switch (SW2) whose on / off is controlled by the control unit (8). The light source (2) has a first terminal (C1) and a second terminal (C2) to which normal power and emergency power are supplied. The first terminal (C1) is connected to a first output terminal (Cp1) on the high potential side of the normal lighting unit (4) via the first switch (SW1), and to a third output terminal (Cp3) on the high potential side of the emergency lighting unit (6) via the second switch (SW2). The second terminal (C2) is connected to a second output terminal (Cp2) on the low potential side of the normal lighting unit (4), and to a fourth output terminal (Cp4) on the low potential side of the emergency lighting unit (6). The control unit (8) controls the first switch (SW1) to be on and the second switch (SW2) to be off in normal mode. In the inspection mode, the control unit (8) controls the first switch (SW1) to be on and the second switch (SW2) to be off during the first period (T1), and controls the first switch (SW1) to be off and the second switch (SW2) to be on during the second period (T2).

[0073] According to this aspect, by alternately supplying normal power and emergency power to the light source (2), the brightness of the light source (2) can be made brighter than when only emergency power is supplied without exceeding the total amount of emergency power that should be supplied to the light source (2) during inspection. This reduces the sense of discomfort felt by the user when inspecting the emergency power source (3).

[0074] In the lighting device (1) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the ratio between the first period (T1) and the second period (T2) is a predetermined ratio.

[0075] According to this aspect, in the inspection mode, the total amount of emergency power supplied to the light source (2) can be controlled.

[0076] In the lighting device (1) of the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the ratio of the first period (T1) to the second period (T2) is 1:0.25 to 1:1.

[0077] According to this aspect, in the inspection mode, the total amount of emergency power supplied to the light source (2) can be controlled.

[0078] In the lighting device (1) of the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the current (I0) flowing through the light source (2) is constant in the inspection mode.

[0079] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort felt by the user when inspecting the emergency power supply (3).

[0080] In the lighting device (1) of the sixth aspect, in any of the first to fifth aspects, the total amount of emergency power supplied to the light source (2) in the inspection mode is equal to the total amount of emergency power that needs to be supplied to the light source (2) when the normal power source (PS1) stops supplying normal power.

[0081] According to this aspect, it is possible to check whether the emergency power supply (3) is capable of supplying the second amount of electric power required to the light source (2) when the normal power supply (PS1) stops supplying normal power.

[0082] In the lighting device (1) of the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the normal lighting section (4) includes a flyback converter (F1).

[0083] According to this embodiment, the utility power supply (PS1) and the light source (2) can be insulated from each other.

[0084] The lighting device (1) of an eighth aspect is the lighting device (1) of any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising an operation unit (10) that accepts a user's operation. When the operation unit (10) is operated by the user, the control unit (8) switches the operation mode from a normal mode to an inspection mode.

[0085] According to this aspect, the emergency power supply (3) can be inspected at a timing desired by a user, such as a manager of a facility where the lighting device (1) is installed.

[0086] In the lighting device (1) of a ninth aspect, in any of the first to eighth aspects, the control unit (8) switches the operation mode from the inspection mode to the normal mode when inspection of the emergency power supply (3) is completed. The control unit (8) switches the operation mode from the normal mode to the inspection mode when a predetermined period has elapsed from a predetermined point in time after the completion of inspection of the emergency power supply (3).

[0087] According to this embodiment, the emergency power supply (3) can be inspected periodically.

[0088] In the lighting device (1) of the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the predetermined period is one year or less.

[0089] According to this embodiment, the emergency power supply (3) can be inspected periodically.

[0090] In the lighting device (1) of the eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the light source (2) is turned on for a predetermined time in the inspection mode.

[0091] According to this aspect, inspections required by law can be carried out automatically.

[0092] In the lighting device (1) of the twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the predetermined time is 60 minutes or less.

[0093] According to this aspect, inspections required by law can be carried out automatically.

[0094] In the lighting device (1) of a thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the emergency power supply (3) is a secondary battery.

[0095] According to this embodiment, the emergency power supply (3) can be charged and used repeatedly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. Lighting equipment 2 light source 3 Emergency power supply 4 Regular lighting section 6 Emergency lighting section 8 Control Unit 10 Control section C1 1st terminal C2 2nd terminal Cp1 First output terminal Cp2 Second output terminal Cp3 3rd output terminal Cp4 4th output terminal F1 Flyback Converter I0 current PS1 regular power supply SW1 First switch SW2 Second switch T1 1st period T2 2nd period

Claims

1. A light source and Emergency power supply and a normal lighting unit that lights the light source using normal power supplied from a normal power source; an emergency lighting unit that lights up the light source using emergency power supplied from the emergency power supply; a control unit that controls the normal lighting unit and the emergency lighting unit, the control unit has, as operation modes, a normal mode when the utility power supply is supplying the utility power, an emergency mode when the utility power supply has stopped supplying the utility power, and an inspection mode in which inspection of the emergency power supply is performed, The control unit In the normal mode, the normal lighting unit is controlled to supply the normal power to the light source, thereby lighting the light source; In the emergency mode, the emergency lighting unit is controlled to supply the emergency power to the light source, thereby lighting the light source; In the inspection mode, a first period in which the normal lighting unit is controlled to supply the normal power to the light source and a second period in which the emergency lighting unit is controlled to supply the emergency power to the light source are alternately repeated. Lighting equipment.

2. The device further includes a first switch and a second switch that are controlled to be turned on / off by the control unit, the light source has a first terminal and a second terminal to which the normal power and the emergency power are supplied, the first terminal is connected to a first output terminal on a high potential side of the normal lighting unit via the first switch, and is connected to a third output terminal on a high potential side of the emergency lighting unit via the second switch; The second terminal is connected to a second output terminal on the low potential side of the normal lighting unit and to a fourth output terminal on the low potential side of the emergency lighting unit, The control unit In the normal mode, the first switch is controlled to be on and the second switch is controlled to be off; In the inspection mode, during the first period, the first switch is controlled to be on and the second switch is controlled to be off, and during the second period, the first switch is controlled to be off and the second switch is controlled to be on. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

3. The ratio between the first period and the second period is a predetermined ratio.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the ratio of the first period to the second period is 1:0.25 to 1:1; 4. The lighting device according to claim 3.

5. In the inspection mode, the current flowing through the light source is constant.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. In the inspection mode, the total amount of the emergency power supplied to the light source is equal to the total amount of the emergency power required to be supplied to the light source when the normal power source stops supplying the normal power.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The normal lighting unit includes a flyback converter.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. further comprising an operation unit that accepts user operations; When the operation unit is operated by the user, the control unit switches the operation mode from the normal mode to the inspection mode.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The control unit When the inspection is completed, the operation mode is switched from the inspection mode to the normal mode; when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a predetermined point in time after the completion of the inspection, the operation mode is switched from the normal mode to the inspection mode.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The predetermined period is one year or less.

10. The lighting device according to claim 9.

11. The control unit turns on the light source for a predetermined time in the inspection mode.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The predetermined time is 60 minutes or less.

12. The lighting device according to claim 11.

13. The emergency power supply is a secondary battery.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

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