Power supply unit and lighting unit

Abstract

The objective of this disclosure is to achieve miniaturization compared to conventional examples. [Solution] Power supply device A1 comprises a power supply block 1 that supplies power to a load and a wireless communication device 2 that performs wireless communication. The wireless communication device 2 controls the power supply block 1 to adjust the power according to commands obtained by wireless communication. The power supply block 1 has a plate-shaped power supply board 10 on which circuit components 11 are mounted, and a connection part 3 provided on the power supply board 10 that is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 2. The connection part 3 is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 2 from a direction along the surface 100 of the power supply board 10 (first direction D1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device and a lighting device, and more particularly, to a power supply device having a wireless communication function and a lighting device including the power supply device.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional example, a lighting fixture (lighting device) described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The lighting fixture described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as a conventional example) includes an LED module, a lighting circuit that controls lighting of the LED module, and a wireless communication unit that is connected to the lighting circuit and performs wireless communication with other lighting fixtures or lighting control devices.

[0003] The wireless communication unit has a wireless communication module board and a wireless communication unit case that houses the wireless communication module board. The wireless communication unit case is fixed to the sheet metal of the lighting fixture by screws. Also, the wireless communication unit and the lighting circuit are connected by at least four wirings.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] A power supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a power supply block that supplies power to a load and a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication. The wireless communication device controls the power supply block to adjust the power in accordance with commands obtained by the wireless communication. The power supply block has a plate-shaped power supply board on which circuit components are mounted and a connection portion provided on the power supply board and electrically connected to the wireless communication device. The connection portion is electrically connected to the wireless communication device from a direction along the surface of the power supply board.

[0008] A lighting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a power supply device and one or more light sources that are lit by the power supplied from the power supply device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The power supply and lighting devices disclosed herein have the advantage of being smaller than conventional examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a power supply device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the wireless communication device and connection section in the same power supply unit. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the main components of the power supply unit shown above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a circuit block diagram of the power supply block in the same power supply unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded side view of the power supply unit shown above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the power supply unit shown above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view of the enclosure of the power supply unit described above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a modified version of the power supply unit described above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device as described above, seen from obliquely below. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device as described above, seen from obliquely above. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the main part in Modification 1 of the lighting device as described above. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of Modification 2 of the lighting device as described above. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of Modification 2 of the lighting device as described above. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of Modification 3 of the lighting device as described above.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the power supply device and the lighting device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each figure described in the following embodiments is a schematic figure, and the respective ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Note that 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 can be made according to the design and the like as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0012] (1) Outline The power supply device A1 according to the embodiment includes a power supply block 1 that supplies power to a load, and a wireless communication device 2 that performs wireless communication (see FIG. 1). Note that the load to which power is supplied from the power supply block 1 is preferably a light-emitting element (light source) such as a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic electroluminescence element, or a laser diode.

[0013] The wireless communication device 2 controls the power supply block 1 to adjust the power according to a command obtained by wireless communication. The wireless communication device 2 preferably receives a wireless signal transmitted from a communication device such as a remote controller or a smartphone, and controls the power supply block 1 according to the command included in the wireless signal. Note that the communication medium of the wireless communication is preferably an electromagnetic wave such as radio wave, infrared ray, visible light, etc., and radio wave is particularly desirable.

[0014] The power supply block 1 includes a plate-shaped power supply substrate 10 on which the circuit component 11 is mounted, and a connection portion 3 provided on the power supply substrate 10 and electrically connected to the wireless communication device 2.

[0015] The power supply substrate 10 is, for example, composed of a rectangular printed wiring board. The circuit component 11 includes two types of circuit components, an inserted component and a surface-mounted component. The circuit component 11 which is an inserted component is mounted on the surface 100 which is the component surface of the power supply substrate 10. The circuit component which is a surface-mounted component is mainly mounted on the back surface which is the solder surface of the power supply substrate 10. However, a part of the circuit component which is a surface-mounted component may be mounted on the component surface (surface 100).

[0016] The connection portion 3 is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 2 from the direction (first direction D1) along the surface 100 of the power supply substrate 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The connection portion 3 preferably has, for example, a receptacle connector (female connector). When the connection portion 3 has a receptacle connector, the wireless communication device 2 preferably has a plug connector (male connector) that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the receptacle connector. However, the connection portion 3 may have a plug connector and the wireless communication device 2 may have a receptacle connector.

[0017] Thus, since the power supply device A1 according to the embodiment electrically connects the connection portion 3 and the wireless communication device 2 from the direction (first direction D1) along the surface 100 of the power supply substrate 10, it is possible to achieve miniaturization as compared with the case of electrically connecting the connection portion 3 and the wireless communication device 2 through a plurality of wirings as in the conventional example.

[0018] Furthermore, the lighting device B1 according to the embodiment includes a power supply device A1 according to the embodiment and one or more light sources (LED modules 50) that are lit by the power supplied from the power supply device A1 according to the embodiment (see Figure 10).

[0019] Since the lighting device B1 according to this embodiment includes the power supply device A1 according to this embodiment, it can be made smaller compared to the case in which the connection part 3 and the wireless communication device 2 are electrically connected via multiple wires as in the conventional example.

[0020] (2) Details (2-1) Details of the power supply The power supply unit A1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as power supply unit A1) comprises a power supply block 1 and a wireless communication device 2 (see Figure 1).

[0021] (2-1-1) Circuit configuration of the power supply unit Figure 4 shows the circuit configuration of power supply unit A1. Power supply unit A1 comprises a power supply block 1 and a wireless communication device 2.

[0022] The power supply block 1 includes a power connector 12, a power conversion circuit 13, a constant current circuit 14, a control circuit 15, a connection part 3, and the like.

[0023] The power conversion circuit 13 includes, for example, a rectifier circuit such as a diode bridge, a boost chopper circuit (power factor correction circuit), and the like. The power conversion circuit 13 converts AC power supplied from an external power supply P1 through a power connector 12 into DC power. The external power supply P1 is, for example, a commercial power grid that supplies AC voltage and AC current with an effective value of 100V or 200V. However, the power conversion circuit 13 may include a switching power supply circuit with a power factor correction function, such as a buck chopper circuit, a buck-boost chopper circuit, or a flyback converter, instead of a boost chopper circuit.

[0024] The constant current circuit 14 includes, for example, a buck converter. The constant current circuit 14 steps down the DC voltage output from the power conversion circuit 13 and applies it to the LED module 50, and also adjusts the DC current flowing through the LED module 50. However, the constant current circuit 14 may be equipped with various chopper circuits, series regulators, etc., instead of a buck converter.

[0025] The control circuit 15 includes, for example, a microcontroller. The control circuit 15 controls the power conversion circuit 13 to maintain its output voltage at a constant DC voltage. Furthermore, the control circuit 15 controls the step-down chopper circuit of the constant current circuit 14 to match the DC current supplied from the constant current circuit 14 to the LED module 50 to a target value. The control circuit 15 is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 2 via the connection part 3. As will be described later, the control circuit 15 changes the target value of the DC current supplied to the LED module 50 in response to a control signal received from the wireless communication device 2.

[0026] The wireless communication device 2 includes a wireless communication circuit 23, an antenna 24, etc. (see Figure 2). The wireless communication circuit 23 is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication compliant with a wireless communication standard, such as BLE (Bluetooth® low energy). However, the wireless communication circuit 23 only needs to be configured to perform wireless communication compliant with any one standard, such as BLE, Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, and 920MHz band low-power radio stations (for telecontrol). The wireless communication circuit 23 can send and receive wireless signals through the external antenna 24. The wireless communication device 2 operates by receiving a control power supply voltage from the power supply block 1 through the connection part 3.

[0027] The connection section 3 has, for example, four contacts 31 (see Figure 2). The four contacts 31 include a ground contact, a control power supply voltage contact, and two control signal contacts.

[0028] However, the wireless communication circuit 23 of the wireless communication device 2 acquires a control signal from the wireless signal received via the antenna 24 and outputs the acquired control signal to the control circuit 15 of the power supply block 1 via the connection unit 3. The control circuit 15 dims the LED module 50 by changing the target value of the DC current supplied to the LED module 50 according to the control signal received from the wireless communication circuit 23. If the LED module 50 includes multiple types of LEDs with different light colors, for example, two types of LEDs such as incandescent LEDs and daylight LEDs, the control circuit 15 can also adjust the color of the LED module 50 by individually adjusting the target value of the DC current supplied to the incandescent LEDs and the target value of the DC current supplied to the daylight LEDs. Alternatively, if the LED module 50 includes three or more types of LEDs with different light colors, such as red, blue, green, and white, the control circuit 15 can also adjust the color of the LED module 50 by individually adjusting the target value of the DC current supplied to each color LED.

[0029] (2-1-2) Structure of the power supply unit The power supply block 1 has a board-shaped power supply board 10 on which multiple circuit components 11 are mounted on its surface 100 (see Figure 1). The power supply board 10 is, for example, made of a rectangular printed circuit board. A power connector 12 is mounted on one end of the power supply board 10 in the longitudinal direction (the left end in Figure 1). The multiple circuit components 11 include two types of circuit components: through-hole components and surface-mount components. Through-hole components 11 are mounted on the surface 100, which is the component side of the power supply board 10 (see Figure 1). Surface-mount components are mainly mounted on the back side, which is the solder side of the power supply board 10. However, some surface-mount components may also be mounted on the component side (surface 100). The power conversion circuit 13, constant current circuit 14, and control circuit 15 of the power supply block 1 are made of printed circuits consisting of the power supply board 10 and the multiple circuit components 11.

[0030] The wireless communication device 2 has a plate-shaped wireless communication substrate 20 (see Figure 2). A wireless communication circuit 23 is mounted on the surface 200 of the wireless communication substrate 20. An antenna 24 is also provided on the surface 200 of the wireless communication substrate 20. The antenna 24 is made of a conductor (copper foil) formed on the surface 200 of the wireless communication substrate 20.

[0031] A projection 21 is provided at one end of the wireless communication board 20 in the longitudinal direction (first direction D1) (see Figure 2). The projection 21 is rectangular in shape and shorter than the width dimension in the short direction (second direction D2) of the wireless communication board 20, and is integrally formed with the wireless communication board 20. Four conductors 22 are provided on the surface 210 of the projection 21 (see Figure 2). Each of the four conductors 22 is formed in a rectangular shape with the first direction D1 as its longitudinal direction. The four conductors 22 are also arranged parallel to each other with a gap in between along the second direction D2. These four conductors 22 are electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit 23. For example, the two conductors 22 at both ends in the second direction D2 are configured to make one-to-one contact and conduct electricity with the ground contact 31 and the control power supply voltage contact 31 of the connection part 3. The remaining two conductors 22 are configured to make one-to-one contact and conduct electricity with the two control signal contacts 31 of the connection part 3.

[0032] The connection part 3 has a box body 30 having an opening 300 into which the protruding piece 21 is inserted, four contacts 31 provided inside the box body 30, four terminals 32 electrically connected one-to-one with each contact 31, and four leg pieces 33 (see Figure 2). In this embodiment, the connection part 3 is made up of a general-purpose receptacle connector (Type A) compliant with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but it is not intended to limit the design to this.

[0033] The box body 30 is formed into a bottomed rectangular tube shape by processing a metal plate. The four leg pieces 33 protrude from the side of the box body 30 along the second direction D2. However, the four leg pieces 33 are integrally formed with the box body 30 by the metal plate.

[0034] The four contacts 31 are supported by a rectangular support (not shown) made of an electrically insulating material (e.g., synthetic resin) and housed inside the box 30. The tips of the four contacts 31 are bent into a V-shape (see Figure 3). However, the tips of the contacts 31 may be bent into a U-shape. The four terminals 32 protrude from the side of the box 30 along the second direction D2. The four terminals 32 are also arranged in a row with spacing between them along the first direction D1.

[0035] The connector 3 is mounted on the surface 100 of the power supply board 10, located near one end (the left end in Figure 1) from the center in the longitudinal direction of the power supply board 10, and at one end (the rear side in Figure 1) in the short direction of the power supply board 10. However, the connector 3 is mounted on the power supply board 10 such that the opening 300 of the casing 30 faces the other end (the right end in Figure 1) in the longitudinal direction (first direction D1) of the power supply board 10. The four terminals 32 of the connector 3 are inserted one by one into the four through-holes provided on the power supply board 10 and soldered to the printed circuit board on the back side (solder side) of the power supply board 10.

[0036] The wireless communication device 2 is mechanically and electrically connected to the connection part 3 by inserting the projection 21 into the opening 300 of the box body 30 along the first direction D1 (see Figures 1 and 2). The projection 21 inserted into the box body 30 from the opening 300 is positioned in the space between the inner surface of the box body 30 and the support. The four conductors 22 provided on the surface 210 of the projection 21 then make one-to-one contact and conduction with the four contacts 31 supported by the support. At this time, the V-shaped bent tip deforms, generating contact pressure on each contact 31 against the conductor 22, ensuring reliable contact and conduction between each contact 31 and each conductor 22 (see Figure 3).

[0037] However, since the power supply unit A1 electrically connects the connection part 3 and the wireless communication device 2 from a direction along the surface 100 of the power supply board 10 (first direction D1), it can be made smaller compared to the case where the connection part 3 and the wireless communication device 2 are electrically connected via multiple wires, as in the conventional example.

[0038] Here, the wireless communication device 2, which is electrically connected to the connection part 3, overlaps with the power supply board 10 when viewed from the direction normal to the surface 100 of the power supply board 10 (second direction D2) (see Figures 1 and 3). Therefore, the power supply A1 does not allow the wireless communication device 2 and the connection part 3 to protrude outside the projection range of the power supply board 10 when viewed from the direction normal to the surface 100 (second direction D2), thus enabling further miniaturization.

[0039] Furthermore, the connection part 3 is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 2 with the thickness direction of the wireless communication board 20 (third direction D3) and the thickness direction of the power supply board 10 (second direction D2) intersecting (see Figures 1 and 2). In other words, the connection part 3 supports the wireless communication device 2 with the wireless communication board 20 standing upright relative to the surface 100 of the power supply board 10. Here, the antenna 24 formed on the surface 200 of the wireless communication board 20 radiates radio waves more strongly in the direction along the surface 100 of the power supply board 10 (third direction D3), and can also receive radio waves arriving from the third direction D3 more strongly. Therefore, the power supply device A1 can improve the transmission and reception performance of radio waves in the direction along the surface 100 of the power supply board 10 (third direction D3).

[0040] Here, radiated noise is generated when current containing noise originating from circuit components constituting the power conversion circuit 13 of the power supply block 1, such as semiconductor switching elements and choke coils, flows through the conductors (printed wiring) of the power supply board 10. Such radiated noise may adversely affect wireless communication in the wireless communication device 2.

[0041] However, since the power supply unit A1 has the wireless communication board 20 positioned on the surface 100 of the power supply board 10, it is possible to miniaturize the wireless communication device 2 while keeping it away from the noise-causing circuit components and conductors of the power supply board 10, compared to the case where the wireless communication device 2 is kept away from the noise-causing circuit components and conductors of the power supply board 10 along the surface 100 of the power supply board 10.

[0042] Furthermore, the power supply unit A1 employs a configuration in which multiple conductors 22 are formed on the surface of a projection 21 of the wireless communication board 20, and multiple contacts 31 provided inside the housing 30 are electrically connected to the multiple conductors 22 of the projection 21 that are inserted through the opening 300 of the housing 30 so as to be aligned with the surface 100 of the power supply board 10.

[0043] Therefore, since the power supply unit A1 uses a part (protruding piece 21) of the wireless communication board 20 of the wireless communication device 2 as a connector that is electrically connected to the connection part 3, it is possible to further miniaturize the unit compared to the case where a separate connector is mounted on the wireless communication board 20.

[0044] (2-1-3) Modified Power Supply Device Next, several modifications of the power supply unit A1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the basic configuration of each modification of power supply unit A1 described below is the same as the basic configuration of power supply unit A1 according to the embodiment. Therefore, components that are common to or substantially common with the basic configuration of power supply unit A1 according to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their illustration and description will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "substantially common components" means components that differ slightly in shape, size, etc., but have the same function.

[0045] (2-1-3-1) Variation 1 Modified Example 1's power supply unit A1 further comprises a housing 4 that houses the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 (see Figures 5-7). In other words, by housing the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 in the housing 4, Modified Example 1's power supply unit A1 can avoid direct contact of people with the charging parts of the power supply block 1.

[0046] The housing 4 is formed in the shape of a long box with one side open by bending a metal plate (see Figure 7). The housing 4 has a bottom plate 41 facing the open side, a pair of first side plates 42 protruding from both ends of the bottom plate 41 in the short direction, a pair of second side plates 43 protruding from both ends of the bottom plate 41 in the longitudinal direction, and a mounting plate 44 protruding from the tip of one of the second side plates 43 in the thickness direction of the second side plate 43.

[0047] A boss portion 410 is provided on the base plate 41 (see Figure 7). The boss portion 410 is formed integrally with the base plate 41 by cutting and raising a part of the base plate 41 in a bridge shape. A female thread portion 411 is provided in the center of the boss portion 410.

[0048] Each of the pair of first side plates 42 has a fixing claw 420 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Each fixing claw 420 is formed integrally with the first side plate 42 by cutting and bending a portion of the first side plate 42. Furthermore, each of the pair of first side plates 42 has a hemispherical projection 421 at one end in the longitudinal direction. Each projection 421 is formed integrally with the first side plate 42 by cutting and bending a portion of the first side plate 42 (see Figure 7). One of the second side plates 43 has a window opening through which a power connector 12 is inserted.

[0049] The power supply block 1 is housed in the housing 4 such that the power connector 12 is inserted through the window hole in the second side plate 43 and the surface 100 of the power supply board 10 faces the opening (see Figures 5 and 6). Then, a screw is inserted through a through hole that penetrates the power supply board 10, and the boss portion 410 is screwed into the female thread portion 411, and the power supply board 10 is fixed by being sandwiched from the thickness direction by the four fixing claws 420 and the two protrusions 421 (see Figure 6).

[0050] Here, when the wireless communication device 2 is housed in a metal casing 4, the radio waves radiated from the antenna 24 and the radio waves arriving at the antenna 24 cannot travel inside the casing 4 without passing through the openings in the casing 4.

[0051] Therefore, in the modified example A1, openings 40 for passing radio waves are provided in each of the pair of first side plates 42 of the housing 4 (see Figures 5 and 6). Thus, in the modified example A1, since openings 40 are provided in the housing 4 (the pair of first side plates 42), radio waves radiated from the antenna 24 and radio waves arriving at the antenna 24 can travel back and forth inside the housing 4 through the openings 40. As a result, the power supply A1 of the modified example A1 can improve the sensitivity of wireless signal transmission and reception compared to the case in which the housing 4 does not have openings 40.

[0052] Furthermore, in the modified example 1, the power supply A1 preferably forms a slot antenna by an opening 40 provided in the housing 4. In order for the opening 40 to function as a slot antenna, the longitudinal dimension of the opening 40 is preferably at least one-quarter and no more than two-thirds of the wavelength of the radio waves used as the communication medium by the wireless communication device 2, with about half being the most desirable. For example, if the wireless communication device 2 uses radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band as the communication medium, the wavelength is approximately 120 mm, so the length of the opening 40 is preferably 30 mm or more and 60 mm or less. The short-side dimension of the opening 40 is preferably a few millimeters, for example, about 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0053] However, in the modified example 1, the power supply A1 forms a slot antenna by an opening 40 provided in the housing 4, thereby improving the wireless communication performance of the wireless communication device 2.

[0054] (2-1-3-2) Modification example 2 The power supply unit A1 of the modified example 2 is characterized by the configuration of the connection part 3. In the modified example 2, the connection part 3 is mounted on the surface 100 of the power supply board 10 with the width direction of the housing 30 aligned with the thickness direction of the power supply board 10, in other words, with the housing 30 lying flat (see Figure 8).

[0055] Therefore, in the modified example 2, the power supply A1 is positioned horizontally (with the thickness direction of the wireless communication board 20 aligned with the thickness direction of the power supply board 10), and the projection 21 is inserted into the opening of the box 30 by moving it parallel to the surface 100 of the power supply board 10.

[0056] However, in the modified example 2, the power supply A1 electrically connects the wireless communication device 2 to the connection part 3 with the thickness direction of the wireless communication board 20 and the thickness direction of the power supply board 10 aligned, so the height of the wireless communication device 2 and the connection part 3 (height from the surface 100 of the power supply board 10) can be reduced, thereby achieving further miniaturization.

[0057] (2-2) Details of the lighting equipment The lighting device B1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as lighting device B1) comprises a light source unit 5 and a fixture body 6 that supports the light source unit 5 (see Figures 9-11). The light source unit 5 is detachably attached to the fixture body 6 which is directly attached to the ceiling. However, the fixture body 6 may be embedded in the ceiling. Alternatively, the fixture body 6 may be directly attached to the wall or embedded in the wall.

[0058] (2-2-1) Main body of the device The main body of the device 6 comprises a long, box-shaped housing 60 with an open bottom, a pair of reflectors 61 projecting diagonally upward from the open edges on both sides along the longitudinal direction of the housing 60, and a pair of end plates 62 provided at both ends of the housing 60 and the pair of reflectors 61 in the longitudinal direction (see Figures 10 and 11). The housing 60 and the pair of reflectors 61 are integrally formed by punching and bending metal plates.

[0059] The fixture body 6 is installed on the ceiling by inserting suspension bolts through at least two of the multiple mounting holes 63 provided on the bottom (top) surface of the housing 60, and tightening nuts onto these suspension bolts. In addition, a power cable is inserted through one of the multiple power supply holes 64 provided on the bottom surface of the housing 60.

[0060] A terminal block 65 is attached to the bottom of the housing 60 (see Figure 10). The terminal block 65 is electrically connected to the power lines. The ends of the power lines are provided with power connectors (not shown) that are electrically connected to the power connector 12 of the power supply unit A1.

[0061] However, the power cable inserted through the power hole 64 of the fixture body 6 is electrically connected to the terminal block 65, and via the terminal block 65, power line, and power connector, is electrically connected to the power supply A1 of the light source unit 5.

[0062] The housing section 60 has a pair of hooking holes and a pair of hooking parts 601 located near both ends in its longitudinal direction (see Figure 10). The pair of hooking holes are provided on the side wall of one end of the housing section 60 in the short direction. The pair of hooking parts 601 are positioned on the upper part of the other end of the housing section 60 in the short direction (see Figure 10).

[0063] (2-2-2) Light source unit As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the light source unit 5 comprises an LED module 50, a mounting member 51, a cover 52, and a power supply unit A1. The power supply unit A1 has the same structure as the power supply unit A1 of Modified Example 1.

[0064] The LED module 50 has two substrates 500 and a number of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) mounted on the surface (bottom surface) of each substrate 500 (see Figure 10). The light-emitting element, an LED (not shown), is, for example, a packaged white LED for illumination. However, the light-emitting element is not limited to an LED, and may be an organic electroluminescent element or a semiconductor laser element, etc. The number of substrates 500 in the LED module 50 is not limited to two, and may be three or more, or even just one.

[0065] Each circuit board 500 is formed in a long rectangular shape. Numerous LEDs are mounted in a single row at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of each circuit board 500, in the center of the short side of the surface (bottom surface) of each circuit board 500. The numerous LEDs are electrically connected in series or series-parallel by printed wiring formed on the surface of each circuit board 500. In addition, two sets of connectors 502 are mounted on one end of the longitudinal side of the surface of each circuit board 500 (see Figure 10). The printed wiring formed on the surface of each circuit board 500 is electrically connected via the two sets of connectors 502.

[0066] The mounting member 51 is formed from a metal plate into a long, rectangular trough shape (see Figures 10 and 11). The mounting member 51 has a long, rectangular base plate 510 and a pair of side plates 511 that rise upward from both ends along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 510. The LED module 50 is attached to the underside of the base plate 510 by a plurality of claws 512 that are cut out from the base plate 510 (see Figure 10).

[0067] The mounting member 51 is provided with a pair of hook fittings 513 that protrude outwards from one end in the short direction near both ends in the longitudinal direction (see Figures 10 and 11). Furthermore, the mounting member 51 is provided with a pair of hook springs 514 at the other end in the short direction near both ends in the longitudinal direction (see Figure 11). The pair of hook fittings 513 and the pair of hook springs 514 play a role in holding the light source unit 5 to the fixture body 6, as will be described later.

[0068] The power supply unit A1 is attached to the bottom plate 510 of the mounting member 51 so that the opening of the housing 4 faces the top surface of the bottom plate 510 (see Figure 11). The housing 4 is attached to the mounting member 51 by screwing the mounting plate 44 to the bottom plate 510.

[0069] The cover 52 has a long, semi-cylindrical cover body 520, a pair of cover ends 521 attached to each of the longitudinal ends of the cover body 520, a pair of protruding walls 522, and a pair of extensions 523 (see Figures 10 and 11). However, the shape of the cover body 520 is not limited to a long, semi-cylindrical shape, but can be any shape such as a rectangular tube.

[0070] The pair of extensions 523 project inward from both ends of the cover body 520 in the short direction along the longitudinal direction of the cover body 520. The pair of protruding walls 522 project upward from the pair of extensions 523 along the longitudinal direction of the cover body 520 (see Figure 11). The cover body 520, the pair of protruding walls 522, and the pair of extensions 523 are integrally formed from a translucent synthetic resin such as acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin.

[0071] The pair of cover ends 521 are formed in a semi-circular shape in plan view from a material having the same light-transmitting properties as the cover body 520. The pair of cover ends 521 are attached one to each of the longitudinal ends of the cover body 520. In other words, both longitudinal ends of the cover body 520 are closed by the cover ends 521.

[0072] The cover 52 houses the mounting member 51 between a pair of protruding walls 522, and is attached to the mounting member 51 by the upper ends of the pair of protruding walls 522 being hooked onto the tips (upper ends) of the pair of side plates 511 of the mounting member 51 (see Figure 11).

[0073] The light source unit 5 is temporarily suspended from the fixture body 6 by hooking the ends of a pair of hook fittings 513 into a pair of hook holes in the housing section 60. While the light source unit 5 is temporarily suspended, wiring work such as connecting the power connector of the power cable to the power connector 12 of the power supply unit A1 is performed. After the wiring work is completed, the light source unit 5 is hooked onto a pair of hook springs 514 one by one into a pair of hook sections 601, and then pressed against the fixture body 6 from below so that the power supply unit A1 is housed in the housing section 60, and is held in place by the spring force of the pair of hook springs 514 (see Figure 9).

[0074] (2-2-3) Operation of the lighting device Lighting devices B1 are installed, for example, on the ceiling of an office. Often, multiple lighting devices B1 are installed on the office ceiling in a row, spaced apart both vertically and horizontally. These multiple lighting devices B1 installed on the office ceiling can communicate wirelessly with each other. That is, when the wireless communication device 2 of any one of the lighting devices B1 receives a wireless signal from a remote controller or the like, the wireless communication device 2 of the lighting device B1 that received the wireless signal transmits a wireless signal containing the control information included in the received wireless signal. Then, the wireless communication devices 2 of one or more other lighting devices B1 receive the wireless signal and transmit the received wireless signal further. In this way, the wireless communication devices 2 of multiple lighting devices B1 send and receive wireless signals in a bucket brigade-like fashion, enabling remote control of dimming, color adjustment, etc., by transmitting control information to lighting devices B1 that are beyond the reach of the remote controller's wireless signal.

[0075] (2-3) Modified lighting devices Next, several modifications of the lighting device B1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the basic configurations of the lighting devices B1, B2, and B3 of each modification described below are the same as the basic configuration of the lighting device B1 according to the embodiment. Therefore, components that are common to or substantially common with the basic configuration of the lighting device B1 according to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their illustration and description will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "substantially common components" means components that differ slightly in shape, size, etc., but have the same function.

[0076] (2-3-1) Variation 1 In the embodiment, the lighting device B1 surrounds the power supply device A1 with a metal fixture body 6, but radio waves can travel back and forth through gaps such as the tip (upper end) of the reflector 61 of the fixture body 6 and the ceiling panel.

[0077] In contrast, the lighting device B1 of the modified example 1 is equipped with an external antenna 25 on the wireless communication device 2, and at least a portion of the external antenna 25 is positioned below the mounting member 51 (see Figure 12).

[0078] The external antenna 25 is made of a linear conductor (for example, a metal wire). One end of the external antenna 25 in the longitudinal direction is inserted through a through hole 515 provided in the bottom plate 510 of the mounting member 51 and electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit 23. The remaining part of the external antenna 25 is positioned so as to be approximately parallel to the surface (bottom surface) of the bottom plate 510 (see Figure 12).

[0079] However, since the external antenna 25 is surrounded by a synthetic resin cover 52, radio waves radiated from the external antenna 25 can pass through the cover 52, and the radio waves that have passed through the cover 52 can be received by the external antenna 25.

[0080] Therefore, the lighting device B1 of the modified example 1 can improve the communication performance of the wireless communication device 2 compared to the lighting device B1 of the embodiment.

[0081] (2-3-2) Modification example 2 The lighting device B2 in Modified Example 2 is a so-called spotlight and is detachably attached to a lighting wiring duct (also called a lighting duct) (see Figure 13). In the following description, the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions of the lighting device B2 in Modified Example 2 are defined as follows, assuming that the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the main body 70 and the longitudinal direction of the arm 75 are perpendicular to each other, as shown in Figure 13. That is, the longitudinal direction of the arm 75 is defined as the up-and-down direction, the axial direction of the main body 70 (the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm 75) is defined as the front-to-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to the up-and-down direction and the front-to-back direction is defined as the left-to-right direction (see arrows in Figure 13).

[0082] The lighting device B2 of the modified example 2 comprises a luminaire B21, an arm 75, and a plug unit B22 (see Figure 13). The plug unit B22 is mechanically and electrically detachably attached to a lighting wiring duct installed on the ceiling or the like. The arm 75 is rotatably attached to the lower part of the plug unit B22. The axis of rotation of the arm 75 is parallel to the vertical direction. The luminaire B21 is supported by the arm 75 so as to be rotatable in a plane including the vertical and front-back directions. However, the rotatable range of the luminaire B21 is approximately 90 degrees, from a position where the axial direction of the main body 70 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the arm 75 (see Figure 13) to a position where the axial direction of the main body 70 is parallel.

[0083] The lighting fixture B21 comprises a main body 70, a light source unit 72, a lens unit 73, a power supply A2, an end cover 76, and the like (see Figures 13 and 14).

[0084] The main body 70 has a first main body portion 701 and a second main body portion 702. The first main body portion 701 and the second main body portion 702 are each formed by die-casting an aluminum alloy into a cylindrical shape with open ends. The first main body portion 701 and the second main body portion 702 have the same diameter but different axial lengths. The second main body portion 702 is formed to be longer in the axial length than the first main body portion 701.

[0085] The second main body 702 has a rectangular slit 703 formed from its rear end to the axial center. The width (distance in the left-right direction) of the slit 703 is wider than the width of the arm 75.

[0086] The light source unit 72 includes an LED 720 which is the light source, a holder 721, a pair of connectors 722, a thermal conductive sheet, and a unit body 724 (see Figure 14). The LED 720 is a COB (Chip on Board) type white LED for lighting. The unit body 724 is formed in a disc shape by die-casting an aluminum alloy.

[0087] A rectangular recess is provided in the center of the front of the unit body 724. A rectangular heat conductive sheet is housed in this recess. In addition, one screw insertion hole 725 and one screw hole 726 are provided on both the left and right ends of the unit body 724 (see Figure 14).

[0088] A holder 721 for holding the LED 720 is attached to the front of the unit body 724. The holder 721 is made of synthetic resin and is formed in a frame shape with a square window opening in the center. The holder 721 holds the LED 720 by fitting it into the window. The LED 720, held by the holder 721 and attached to the unit body 724, is in close contact with the thermal conductive sheet and is thermally connected to the unit body 724 via the thermal conductive sheet.

[0089] The lens unit 73 includes a lens, a lens holder, a cover 732, a rotor 733, etc. (see Figure 14). The lens is a Fresnel lens formed from a light-transmitting synthetic resin such as silicone resin, acrylic resin, or polycarbonate resin. The lens holder is formed in an annular shape from synthetic resin. The lens holder holds the lens by surrounding it.

[0090] The cover 732 is formed in a disc shape from a translucent synthetic resin such as acrylic resin. The cover 732 is attached to the rotor 733 as described later. The cover 732 prevents insects from entering the rotor 733 by covering the front surface of the rotor 733 (see Figure 13). The rotor 733 has a cylindrical portion and an annular operating portion 734 provided at the front end of the cylindrical portion (see Figure 13). The lens and lens holder are housed inside the cylindrical portion.

[0091] The lens unit 73 is housed within the first main body portion 701 of the main body 70, as will be described later (see Figures 13 and 14). Here, the lens unit 73 moves in the front-rear direction within the cylindrical portion by operating the operating portion 734 to rotate the rotor 733. In other words, the lens unit 73 can adjust the illumination range of the light emitted from the LED 720 and focused by the lens by changing the relative distance between the LED 720 and the lens by operating the operating portion 734.

[0092] In the modified example 2, the power supply A2 has an AC / DC conversion block 74A and a DC conversion block 74B (see Figure 14).

[0093] The AC / DC conversion block 74A has an AC / DC conversion circuit that converts AC voltage (AC power) supplied from the power system via the lighting wiring duct and plug unit B22 to DC voltage (DC power). The AC / DC conversion circuit consists of a first printed circuit board 741 on which multiple circuit components are mounted on a double-sided printed circuit board. The AC / DC conversion block 74A further includes a first heat sink 743 to which the first printed circuit board 741 is attached, and a first heat conductive member 745 interposed between the first printed circuit board 741 and the first heat sink 743 (see Figure 14).

[0094] The DC conversion block 74B includes a DC conversion circuit, a connection part 3, and a wireless communication device 2. The DC conversion circuit has a DC conversion circuit that converts (steps down) the DC voltage output from the AC / DC conversion block 74A to a DC voltage suitable for the LED 720. The DC conversion circuit is composed of a second printed circuit board 742 on which multiple circuit components are mounted on a double-sided printed circuit board. The connection part 3 is mounted on the second printed circuit board 742. Furthermore, the DC conversion block 74B also includes a second heat sink 744 to which the second printed circuit board 742 is attached, and a second heat conductive member 746 interposed between the second printed circuit board 742 and the second heat sink 744 (see Figure 14).

[0095] The end cover 76 has a cover plate 760, a mounting portion 761, a first boss 764, and a second boss 765 (see Figure 14). The cover plate 760, the mounting portion 761, the first boss 764, and the second boss 765 are integrally formed from aluminum alloy die casting.

[0096] The mounting portion 761 is configured to rotatably attach the arm 75 to the end cover 76. Two screw holes 7610 are provided on the front surface of the mounting portion 761, spaced apart in the left-right direction (see Figure 14). That is, the AC / DC conversion block 74A is attached to the end cover 76 by screwing the first heat sink 743 into these two screw holes 7610. Furthermore, recesses 7611 are provided at both ends of the mounting portion 7611 in the left-right direction. One screw hole 7612 is provided on the bottom surface of each recess 7611 (see Figure 14).

[0097] The first boss 764 is formed in a roughly pyramidal truncated shape. The first boss 764 is integrally formed with the cover plate 760 so as to protrude forward from the lower end of the front surface of the cover plate 760. A screw hole 7640 is formed on the tip surface (front surface) of the first boss 764. The second boss 765 is formed in a roughly prismatic shape. The second boss 765 is integrally formed with the cover plate 760 so as to protrude forward from both sides of the first boss 764 at the lower end of the front surface of the cover plate 760. Two screw holes 7650 are provided on the tip surface (front surface) of the second boss 765. These two screw holes 7650 are located on the left and right sides of the first boss 764 when viewed from the front.

[0098] A DC conversion block 74B is attached to the second boss 765. In other words, two screws, one inserted into each of the screw insertion holes provided in the second heat sink 744, are then screwed into each of the two screw holes 7650, thereby fixing the second heat sink 744 to the end cover 76.

[0099] The end cover 76 is attached to the second main body 702 by being screwed into the screw hole 7640 of the first boss 764 and the two screw holes 7612 of the mounting portion 761.

[0100] However, in Modification 2, the power supply A2 is housed within the second main body 702, making it less likely to be directly touched by a person. Therefore, the lighting device B2 in Modification 2 does not need to house the power supply A2 in a housing. It is preferable that the lighting device B2 in Modification 2 has an opening in the second main body 702 that forms a slot antenna.

[0101] (2-3-3) Modified example 3 The lighting device B3 in the modified example 3 is a so-called downlight, which is installed in the ceiling, for example, by being embedded in a recessed hole provided in the ceiling.

[0102] Modified example 3, the lighting device B3, comprises a lamp body 8 and a power supply device A3 (see Figure 15). The lamp body 8 has a truncated cone-shaped frame 80, a cover 81 that closes the bottom surface of the frame 80, three mounting springs 82, and an LED (not shown). The LED is positioned above the bottom surface of the frame 80 and covered by the cover 81. The three mounting springs 82 are fixed to the frame 80 so as to protrude from the edge of the frame 80 along the radial direction of the frame 80.

[0103] The power supply unit A3 in Modified Example 3 comprises a power supply block 1, a wireless communication device 2, a connection part 3, and a metal housing 4. The housing 4 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The power supply block 1, the wireless communication device 2, and the connection part 3 are housed within the housing 4. The housing 4 of the power supply unit A3 in Modified Example 3 is mounted on the upper part of the frame 80. It is preferable that the housing 4 of the power supply unit A3 in Modified Example 3 has an opening for forming a slot antenna.

[0104] In the modified example 3, the lighting device B3 is installed on the ceiling by inserting the power supply A3 into the ceiling space through the recessed hole, and sandwiching the ceiling panel around the recessed hole between the periphery of the frame 80 and the three mounting springs 82.

[0105] However, the lighting device B3 of the modified example 3, like the lighting device B1 according to the embodiment, can be made smaller compared to the case where the connection part 3 and the wireless communication device 2 are electrically connected via multiple wires as in the conventional example.

[0106] (3) Summary A power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to a first aspect of this disclosure comprises a power supply block (1) that supplies power to a load and a wireless communication device (2) that performs wireless communication. The wireless communication device (2) controls the power supply block (1) to adjust the power in accordance with commands obtained by wireless communication. The power supply block (1) has a plate-shaped power supply board (10) on which circuit components (11) are mounted and a connection part (3) provided on the power supply board (10) that is electrically connected to the wireless communication device (2). The connection part (3) is electrically connected to the wireless communication device (2) from a direction (first direction D1) along the surface (100) of the power supply board (10).

[0107] The power supply unit (A1; A2; A3) according to the first embodiment can be made smaller compared to the conventional example in which the connection unit (3) and the wireless communication device (2) are electrically connected via multiple wires.

[0108] A power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to a second aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the wireless communication device (2) electrically connected to the connection part (3) overlaps with the power supply board (10) when viewed from the direction normal to the surface (100) (second direction D2) of the power supply board (10).

[0109] The power supply unit (A1; A2; A3) according to the second embodiment does not allow the wireless communication device (2) and connection part (3) to protrude outside the projection range of the power supply board (10) as viewed from the normal direction (second direction D2) of the surface (100), thus enabling further miniaturization.

[0110] A power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to a third aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combination with the first or second aspect. In the power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to the third aspect, the wireless communication device (2) preferably has a plate-shaped wireless communication substrate (20). The connection portion (3) is preferably electrically connected to the wireless communication device (2) with the thickness direction (third direction D3) of the wireless communication substrate (20) and the thickness direction (second direction D2) of the power supply substrate (10) intersecting.

[0111] The power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to the third embodiment can improve the transmission and reception performance of radio waves in the direction (third direction D3) along the surface (100) of the power supply board (10).

[0112] A power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combination with the first or second aspect. In the power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to the fourth aspect, the wireless communication device (2) preferably has a plate-shaped wireless communication substrate (20). The connection portion (3) is preferably electrically connected to the wireless communication device (2) with the thickness direction of the wireless communication substrate (20) and the thickness direction of the power supply substrate (10) aligned.

[0113] The power supply unit (A1; A2; A3) according to the fourth embodiment can be further miniaturized by reducing the height of the wireless communication device (2) and the connection part (3) (height from the surface 100 of the power supply board 10).

[0114] A power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with a third or fourth aspect. In a power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to a fifth aspect, the wireless communication device (2) preferably has a projection (21) provided at the end of a wireless communication substrate (20) and a plurality of conductors (22) formed on the surface of the projection (21). The connection part (3) preferably has a box (30) having an opening (300) into which the projection (21) is inserted, and a plurality of contacts (31) provided inside the box (30) and electrically connected to the plurality of conductors (22). The box (30) preferably is mounted on the power supply substrate (10) such that the insertion direction of the projection (21) into the opening (300) is aligned with the surface (100) of the power supply substrate (10).

[0115] In the fifth embodiment, the power supply device (A1; A2; A3) has a part (protruding piece 21) of the wireless communication board (20) of the wireless communication device (2) as a connector that is electrically connected to the connection part (3). As a result, the power supply device (A1; A2; A3) in the fifth embodiment can be further miniaturized compared to the case in which a separate connector is mounted on the wireless communication board (20).

[0116] A power supply unit (A1;A3) according to a sixth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to fifth aspects. Preferably, the power supply unit (A1;A3) according to the sixth aspect further comprises a housing (4) housing a power supply block (1) and a wireless communication device (2).

[0117] The power supply device (A1; A3) according to the sixth embodiment can, in particular, avoid direct contact of a person with the live parts of the power supply block (1).

[0118] A power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to a seventh aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with a sixth aspect. In a power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to a seventh aspect, the housing (4) is preferably made of a conductive material such as metal and has an opening (40) for allowing electromagnetic waves, which are the communication medium for wireless communication, to pass through.

[0119] The power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to the seventh embodiment can improve the sensitivity of wireless signal transmission and reception compared to the case in which no opening (40) is provided in the housing (4).

[0120] Power supply devices (A1; A2; A3) according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with the seventh aspect. In the power supply devices (A1; A2; A3) according to the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the housing (4) forms a slot antenna by an opening (40).

[0121] The power supply devices (A1; A2; A3) according to the eighth embodiment can improve the wireless communication performance of the wireless communication device (2).

[0122] A lighting device (B1; B2; B3) according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure comprises a power supply device (A1; A2; A3) according to any of the first to eighth aspects, and one or more light sources (LED modules 50) that are lit by power supplied from the power supply device (A1; A2; A3).

[0123] The lighting device (B1; B2; B3) according to the ninth embodiment can be made smaller compared to the conventional example in which the connection part (3) and the wireless communication device (2) are electrically connected via multiple wires.

[0124] A lighting device (B1; B2; B3) according to a tenth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with the ninth aspect. In the lighting device (B1; B2; B3) according to the ninth aspect, it is preferable that the wireless communication device (2) controls the power supply block (1) to adjust at least one of the light intensity and light color of the light emitted from the light source in response to a command obtained by wireless communication.

[0125] The lighting device (B1; B2; B3) according to the tenth embodiment allows for remote control of the light source while reducing wiring. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] A1;A2;A3 Power supply B1;B2;B3 Lighting device D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 Third direction 1 Power Block 2 Wireless communication device 3. Connection part 4 cabinets 10 Power supply board 11 Circuit Components 20 Wireless communication board 21 Protrusion 22 Conductors 30 box body 31 Contact 40 openings 50 LED modules (light sources) 100 (Surface of power supply board) 300 aperture

Claims

1. A power supply block that supplies power to the load, A wireless communication device that performs wireless communication, Equipped with, The wireless communication device controls the power supply block to adjust the power in accordance with commands obtained by the wireless communication. The aforementioned power supply block is A board-shaped power supply board with circuit components mounted on it, A connection part provided on the power supply board and electrically connected to the wireless communication device, It has, The aforementioned connection portion is electrically connected to the wireless communication device from a direction along the surface of the power supply board. power supply.

2. The wireless communication device electrically connected to the connection portion overlaps with the power supply board when viewed from the direction normal to the surface. The power supply device according to claim 1.

3. The wireless communication device has a plate-shaped wireless communication substrate, The connection portion is electrically connected to the wireless communication device with the thickness direction of the wireless communication board and the thickness direction of the power supply board intersecting. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The wireless communication device has a plate-shaped wireless communication substrate, The connection portion is electrically connected to the wireless communication device with the thickness direction of the wireless communication board and the thickness direction of the power supply board aligned. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The aforementioned wireless communication device is A projection provided at the end of the wireless communication substrate, Multiple conductors formed on the surface of the protruding piece, It has, The aforementioned connection part is A box having an opening into which the aforementioned projection is inserted, A plurality of contacts provided inside the box and electrically connected to the plurality of conductors, It has, The box is mounted on the power supply board such that the insertion direction of the projection into the opening is aligned with the surface of the power supply board. The power supply device according to claim 3.

6. The system further comprises the power supply block and the housing for the wireless communication device. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The housing is made of a conductive material such as metal and has openings for allowing electromagnetic waves, which are the communication medium for the wireless communication, to pass through. The power supply device according to claim 6.

8. The housing has a slot antenna formed by the opening. The power supply device according to claim 7.

9. A power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, One or more light sources that are lit by the power supplied from the power supply device, Equipped with, Lighting device.

10. The wireless communication device controls the power supply block to adjust at least one of the light intensity and color of the light emitted from the light source in accordance with the command obtained by the wireless communication. The lighting device according to claim 9.

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