Power supply unit and lighting unit

Abstract

It will be smaller compared to conventional models. [Solution] Power supply unit A1 comprises a power block 1, a wireless communication device 2, a connection unit 3, and a housing. The wireless communication device 2 is arranged to be aligned with the power block 1 in one direction (first direction D1) and performs wireless communication using power supplied from the power block 1. The connection unit 3 electrically connects the power block 1 and the wireless communication device 2. The housing houses the power block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 in a state where the power block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 are electrically connected via the connection unit 3. The wireless communication device 2 is electrically connected to the power block 1 from a direction along one direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device and a lighting device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a power supply device including a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication, 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 the 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 substrate and a wireless communication unit case that houses the wireless communication module substrate. The wireless communication unit case is fixed to the sheet metal of the lighting fixture by screws. Further, the wireless communication unit and the lighting circuit are connected by at least four wirings.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above conventional example, since the wireless communication unit is arranged at a distance from the lighting circuit along the longitudinal direction of the lighting fixture, it is difficult to miniaturize the structure (power supply device) including the wireless communication unit and the lighting circuit.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply device and a lighting device that can be miniaturized as compared with the conventional example.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A power supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a power supply block, a wireless communication device, a connection unit, and a housing. The wireless communication device is arranged to be aligned with the power supply block in one direction and performs wireless communication using power supplied from the power supply block. The connection unit electrically connects the power supply block and the wireless communication device. The housing houses the power supply block and the wireless communication device in a state where the power supply block and the wireless communication device are electrically connected via the connection unit. The wireless communication device is electrically connected to the power supply block from a direction along the one direction.

[0008] A lighting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a power supply device and a light source. The light source is illuminated by power supplied from the power supply device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a power supply device and a lighting device can be made smaller compared to conventional examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the power supply block of the power supply device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the main part of the power supply block of the power supply unit shown above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a circuit block diagram of the power supply unit shown above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of the power supply unit shown above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a bottom 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 perspective view of the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the same lighting device, seen from diagonally below. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the same lighting device, seen from diagonally above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a lighting device according to a modified example 1 of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The power supply and lighting devices according to the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The diagrams referenced in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the size and thickness of the components shown in the diagrams do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensions, nor do the size ratios and thickness ratios between components necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (Embodiment) (1) Overview of power supply and lighting equipment First, an overview of the power supply unit A1 and lighting device B1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the power supply A1 according to this embodiment comprises a power supply block 1, a wireless communication device 2, a connection unit 3, and a housing 4 (see Figure 4). The wireless communication device 2 is arranged to be aligned with the power supply block 1 in one direction (for example, the vertical direction) and performs wireless communication using power supplied from the power supply block 1. The connection unit 3 electrically connects the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2. The housing 4 houses the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 in a state where they are electrically connected via the connection unit 3. The wireless communication device 2 is electrically connected to the power supply block 1 from a direction along one direction.

[0014] In the power supply device A1 according to this embodiment, the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 are arranged in one direction and electrically connected via the connection part 3. Therefore, it is possible to make the device smaller compared to the conventional example in which the lighting circuit and the wireless communication unit are electrically connected via multiple wires.

[0015] In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the lighting device B1 according to the embodiment includes a power supply device A1 and a light source (LED module 50). The light source is lit by the electric power supplied from the power supply device A1.

[0016] Since the lighting device B1 according to the embodiment includes the power supply device A1 according to the embodiment, it can be miniaturized as compared with the case where the lighting circuit and the wireless communication unit are electrically connected via a plurality of wirings as in the conventional example.

[0017] (2) Details of the power supply device Next, details of the power supply device A1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] (2.1) Circuit configuration of the power supply device First, the circuit configuration of the power supply device A1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply device A1 according to the embodiment includes a power supply block 1, a wireless communication device 2, and a connection part 3.

[0020] (2.1.1) Power supply block As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply block 1 has a power connector 12, a power conversion circuit 13, a constant current circuit 14, and a control circuit 15.

[0021] The power conversion circuit 13 has, for example, a rectifier circuit such as a diode bridge and a boost chopper circuit (power factor correction circuit). The power conversion circuit 13 converts the AC power supplied from the external power supply P1 through the power connector 12 into DC power. The external power supply P1 is, for example, a commercial power system and supplies an AC voltage and an AC current with an effective value of 100V or 200V. Note that the power conversion circuit 13 may be provided with a switching power supply circuit having a power factor correction function such as a buck chopper circuit, a buck-boost chopper circuit, or a flyback converter instead of the boost chopper circuit.

[0022] 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 (Light Emitting Diode) module 50, and also adjusts the DC current flowing through the LED module 50. The constant current circuit 14 may also include various chopper circuits or series regulators instead of the buck converter.

[0023] 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. The control circuit 15 also 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 (specifically, its wireless communication circuit 23) 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.

[0024] (2.1.2) Wireless communication devices As shown in Figure 3, the wireless communication device 2 includes a wireless communication circuit 23 and an antenna 24.

[0025] The wireless communication circuit 23 is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication in accordance with a wireless communication standard, such as BLE (Bluetooth® low energy). The wireless communication circuit 23 only needs to be configured to perform wireless communication in accordance 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 transmit and receive wireless signals through an external antenna 24. The wireless communication device 2 operates by receiving a control power supply voltage from the power supply block 1 via the connection section 3. That is, the wireless communication device 2 performs wireless communication using power supplied from the power supply block 1.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Alternatively, if the LED module 50 includes three or more LEDs of different 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.

[0028] In other words, the power supply A1 is configured to adjust at least one of the light intensity and light color emitted from the LED module 50 in accordance with commands (control information) acquired by wireless communication from the wireless communication device 2. This allows the power supply A1 to remotely control the LED module 50 while, for example, achieving miniaturization and reduced wiring.

[0029] (2.1.3) Connection The connection section 3 electrically connects the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2. As shown in Figure 1, the connection section 3 includes a first connector 31 and a second connector 32.

[0030] The first connector 31 has, for example, four first contacts. The four first contacts include a ground contact, a control power supply voltage contact, and two control signal contacts. The first connector 31 is, for example, a female connector.

[0031] The second connector 32 has, for example, four second contacts. The four second contacts correspond one-to-one with the four first contacts. The second connector 32 is, for example, a male connector that can be connected to the first connector 31, which is a female connector. That is, the second connector 32 is electrically connected to the first connector 31.

[0032] (2.2) Structure of the power supply unit Next, the structure of the power supply unit A1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 4-6. Note that the housing 4 is not shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0033] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the thickness direction of the power supply board 10 is defined as the first direction D1, the longitudinal direction of the power supply board 10 is defined as the second direction D2, and the short direction (width direction) of the power supply board 10 is defined as the third direction D3. Furthermore, the arrows indicating "D1," "D2," and "D3" in Figures 1, 2, and 4-6 are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent any actual physical components.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4 to 6, the power supply device A1 according to this embodiment comprises a power supply block 1, a wireless communication device 2, a connection unit 3, and a housing 4.

[0035] (2.2.1) Power Block As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the power supply block 1 has a board-shaped power supply board 10 on which a plurality of circuit components 11 are mounted on its surface 100. The power supply board 10 is made up of, for example, a rectangular printed circuit board. A power connector 12 is mounted on one end of the power supply board 10 in the second direction D2 (the left end in Figure 1). The plurality of circuit components 11 include two types of circuit components: through-hole components and surface-mount components. The through-hole components 11 are mounted on the surface 100, which is the component side of the power supply board 10 (see Figure 1). The surface-mount components are mainly mounted on the back side, which is the solder side of the power supply board 10. In addition, some of the surface-mount components may 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 up of printed circuits consisting of the power supply board 10 and the plurality of circuit components 11.

[0036] (2.2.2) Wireless communication devices As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wireless communication device 2 has a plate-shaped wireless communication substrate 20. A wireless communication circuit 23 (see Figure 3) is mounted on the surface of the wireless communication substrate 20. An antenna 24 (see Figure 3) is also provided on the surface of the wireless communication substrate 20. The antenna 24 is made of a conductor (copper foil) formed on the surface of the wireless communication substrate 20.

[0037] (2.2.3) Connection section As described above, the connection section 3 includes a first connector 31 and a second connector 32.

[0038] The first connector 31 is provided on the power supply block 1. More specifically, the first connector 31 is provided on the surface 100 of the power supply board 10 of the power supply block 1. Specifically, the first connector 31 is mounted on the surface 100 of the power supply board 10, closer to one end (left side in Figure 1) from the center of the power supply board 10 in the second direction D2, and on one end side (back side in Figure 1) of the power supply board 10 in the third direction D3.

[0039] The second connector 32 is provided on the wireless communication board 20 of the wireless communication device 2. More specifically, the second connector 32 is provided on the back surface of the wireless communication board 20 of the wireless communication device 2 (the surface facing the front surface 100 of the power supply board 10). Specifically, the second connector 32 is mounted in the center of the back surface of the wireless communication board 20.

[0040] Then, by connecting the second connector 32 mounted on the wireless communication board 20 to the first connector 31 mounted on the power supply board 10, the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 are electrically connected via the connection part 3. At this time, by bringing the wireless communication board 20 of the wireless communication device 2 closer to the power supply board 10 of the power supply block 1 from a direction along one direction (first direction D1), the wireless communication device 2 is electrically connected to the power supply block 1. In other words, the wireless communication device 2 is electrically connected to the power supply block 1 from a direction along one direction. In this way, the connection part 3 electrically connects the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2. More specifically, the connection part 3 electrically connects the power supply board 10 of the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication board 20 of the wireless communication device 2. When the wireless communication board 20 of the wireless communication device 2 is electrically connected to the power supply board 10 of the power supply block 1, the wireless communication device 2 is positioned to be aligned with the power supply block 1 in one direction.

[0041] Here, the wireless communication board 20 of the wireless communication device 2 is electrically connected to the power supply board 10 of the power supply block 1 via the connection part 3, and in a plan view from one direction (first direction D1), it overlaps with the power supply board 10 (see Figure 2). In the example of Figure 2, in a plan view from one direction, the entire wireless communication board 20 overlaps with the power supply board 10. As a result, the wireless communication device 2 and the connection part 3 do not protrude outside the projection range of the power supply board 10 as viewed from one direction, thus enabling further miniaturization. In this embodiment, one direction is the direction along the thickness direction of the power supply board 10 and the thickness direction of the wireless communication board 20. That is, the thickness direction of the wireless communication board 20 and the thickness direction of the power supply board 10 are the directions along one direction.

[0042] (2.2.4) Enclosure As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the housing 4 is formed by bending a metal plate to create a long, box-like structure with an opening 40 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first opening 40") on one side. The housing 4 includes a bottom plate 41, a pair of first side plates 42, a pair of second side plates 43, and a mounting plate 44. The pair of first side plates 42 protrude from both ends of the bottom plate 41 in the third direction D3. The pair of second side plates 43 protrude from both ends of the bottom plate 41 in the second direction D2. The mounting plate 44 protrudes from the tip of one of the pair of first side plates 42 in the thickness direction of the first side plate 42.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the base plate 41 has a boss portion 410. The boss portion 410 is integrally formed 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. The base plate 41 also has a second opening 412. The second opening 412 penetrates the base plate 41 in the thickness direction of the base plate 41. The second opening 412 is rectangular in shape, and is longer in the second direction D2 than in the third direction D3. The second opening 412 is provided in the base plate 41 at a position facing the wireless communication substrate 20.

[0044] Each of the pair of first side plates 42 has a pair of fixing claws 420, as shown in Figure 5. The pair of fixing claws 420 are provided at both ends of the first side plate 42 in the second direction D2. Each fixing claw 420 is formed integrally with the first side plate 42 by cutting and bending a part of the first side plate 42. Furthermore, each of the pair of first side plates 42 has a hemispherical projection 421, as shown in Figure 5. The projection 421 is provided at one end of the first side plate 42 in the second direction D2. Each projection 421 is formed integrally with the first side plate 42 by cutting and bending a part of the first side plate 42. One of the second side plates 43 has a window opening through which a power connector 12 is inserted.

[0045] 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 first opening 40 (see Figures 5 and 6). Then, screws inserted through through holes in the power supply board 10 are screwed into the female threads 411 of the boss portion 410, and the power supply board 10 is fixed by being sandwiched between the four fixing claws 420 and the two protrusions 421 from the thickness direction of the power supply board 10.

[0046] When the power supply board 10, to which the wireless communication board 20 is attached, is fixed to the housing 4, the entire power supply board 10 and the entire wireless communication board 20 are housed within the housing 4, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In other words, the housing 4 houses the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 in a state where they are electrically connected via the connection part 3. Therefore, when the housing 4 is attached to the mounting member 51 described later, it is possible to avoid direct contact of a person with the charging part of the power supply block 1.

[0047] In the power supply A1 according to this embodiment, as described above, the housing 4 has a first opening 40 and a second opening 412 that is different from the first opening 40. Furthermore, when the wireless communication board 20 of the wireless communication device 2 is housed in the housing 4, the thickness direction of the wireless communication board 20 is aligned with the direction in which the first opening 40 and the second opening 412 are aligned, i.e., a single direction (first direction D1). Therefore, even when the wireless communication device 2 is housed in a metal housing 4, radio waves radiated from the antenna 24 and radio waves arriving at the antenna 24 can travel back and forth within the housing 4 through the first opening 40 and the second opening 412. As a result, the power supply A1 is able to transmit and receive wireless signals compared to when the housing 4 is not provided with the first opening 40 and the second opening 412. In other words, the housing 4 has an opening (first opening 40) for allowing electromagnetic waves, which are the communication medium for wireless communication, to pass through.

[0048] Furthermore, in the embodiment, it is preferable that the power supply A1 forms a slot antenna by a second opening 412 provided in the housing 4. That is, it is preferable that the housing 4 forms a slot antenna by the second opening 412. In order for the second opening 412 to function as a slot antenna, it is preferable that the dimensions of the second opening 412 in the second direction D2 be 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, when the wireless communication device 2 uses radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band as the communication medium, the wavelength is about 120 mm, so it is preferable that the dimensions of the second opening 412 in the second direction D2 be at least 30 mm and no more than 60 mm. Also, it is preferable that the dimensions of the second opening 412 in the third direction D3 be a few millimeters, for example, about 1 mm to 5 mm. In this way, since the power supply A1 in the embodiment forms a slot antenna by a second opening 412 provided in the housing 4, the wireless communication performance of the wireless communication device 2 can be improved. As described above, the second aperture 412 is preferably a slot antenna.

[0049] In the power supply device A1 according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the direction in which the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 are aligned is the vertical direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the power supply block 1, the wireless communication device 2, and the first opening 40 and second opening 412 provided in the housing 4 are arranged in the order of first opening 40, wireless communication device 2, power supply block 1, and second opening 412 from the bottom in the vertical direction. That is, it is preferable that they are arranged in the order of first opening 40, wireless communication device 2, power supply block 1, and second opening 412 in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to improve the sensitivity of wireless signal transmission and reception compared to the case in which only the first opening 40 is provided in the housing 4.

[0050] (3) Details of the lighting equipment Next, we will describe the details of the lighting device B1 according to the embodiment.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the lighting device B1 according to this embodiment comprises a light source unit 5 and a fixture body 6 that supports the light source unit 5. The light source unit 5 is detachably attached to the fixture body 6 which is directly attached to the ceiling. The fixture body 6 may also be embedded in the ceiling. Furthermore, the fixture body 6 may be directly attached to a wall or embedded in a wall.

[0052] (3.1) Main body of the device As shown in Figures 8 and 9, 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. The housing 60 and the pair of reflectors 61 are integrally formed, for example, by punching and bending a metal plate.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Furthermore, a terminal block 65 is attached to the bottom surface of the housing 60 (see Figure 8). The terminal block 65 is electrically connected to the power lines. The ends of the power lines are provided with a power connector (not shown) which is electrically connected to the power connector 12 of the power supply unit A1.

[0055] 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.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, 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. 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 located on the upper part of the other end of the housing section 60 in the short direction.

[0057] (3.2) Light source unit As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the light source unit 5 comprises an LED module 50, a mounting member 51, a cover 52, and the power supply A1 described above. In other words, the lighting device B1 comprises a power supply A1 and a light source (LED module 50) that lights up with power supplied from the power supply A1.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, the LED module 50 has two substrates 500 and a number of LEDs mounted on the surface (bottom surface) of each substrate 500. The light-emitting element, the LED, is, for example, a packaged white LED for illumination. However, the light-emitting element is not limited to LEDs, and may be an organic electroluminescent element or a semiconductor laser element, etc. Also, the number of substrates 500 in the LED module 50 is not limited to two, but may be three or more, or even just one.

[0059] 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 on 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 on the surface of each circuit board 500 (see Figure 8). The printed wiring formed on the surface of each circuit board 500 is electrically connected via the two sets of connectors 502.

[0060] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the mounting member 51 is formed from a metal plate into a long, rectangular trough shape. 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 8).

[0061] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the mounting member 51 is provided with a pair of hook fittings 513 near both ends in the longitudinal direction, which protrude outwards from one end in the short direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, 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. 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.

[0062] The power supply unit A1 is attached to the bottom plate 510 of the mounting member 51 with the first opening 40 of the housing 4 facing the upper surface of the bottom plate 510 (see Figure 9). The housing 4 is attached to the mounting member 51 by screwing the mounting plate 44 to the bottom plate 510.

[0063] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cover 52 comprises 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. Note that the shape of the cover body 520 is not limited to a long, semi-cylindrical shape, but may be any shape such as a rectangular tube.

[0064] 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 9). 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.

[0065] The pair of cover ends 521 are formed in a semi-circular shape in plan view from the same translucent material as the cover body 520. One cover end 521 is attached to each end of the cover body 520 in the longitudinal direction. That is, both ends of the cover body 520 in the longitudinal direction are closed by the cover ends 521.

[0066] 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 9).

[0067] 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 is performed, such as connecting the power connector of the power cable to the power connector 12 of the power supply unit A1. After the wiring work is completed, the light source unit 5 is hooked onto a pair of hook springs 514 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 7).

[0068] (3.3) 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.

[0069] (4) Effects In the power supply device A1 according to this embodiment, the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 are arranged in one direction (first direction D1) and are electrically connected via the connection part 3. Therefore, compared to the conventional example in which the lighting circuit and the wireless communication unit are electrically connected via multiple wires, it is possible to achieve a smaller size.

[0070] More specifically, in the power supply device A1 according to this embodiment, the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 are electrically connected without the use of wiring harnesses, and the wireless communication device 2 is positioned at close range to the power supply block 1, thus enabling miniaturization.

[0071] Furthermore, in the power supply device A1 according to this embodiment, the connection section 3 includes a first connector 31 provided on the power supply block 1 and a second connector 32 provided on the wireless communication board 20. As a result, the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication device 2 (wireless communication board 20) can be electrically connected simply by electrically connecting the first connector 31 and the second connector 32.

[0072] Furthermore, in the power supply device A1 according to this embodiment, the power supply board 10 of the power supply block 1 and the wireless communication board 20 of the wireless communication device 2 can be electrically connected by the connection part 3.

[0073] Furthermore, in the power supply device A1 according to the embodiment, since the thickness direction of the wireless communication board 20 and the thickness direction of the power supply board 10 are aligned in a single direction (first direction D1), miniaturization can be achieved in that single direction.

[0074] Furthermore, in the power supply unit A1 according to this embodiment, the wireless communication board 20 is electrically connected to the power supply board 10 via the connection part 3, and when viewed from one direction (first direction D1) in a plan view, it overlaps with the power supply board 10. As a result, the wireless communication device 2 and the connection part 3 do not protrude outside the projection range of the power supply board 10 when viewed from one direction, thus enabling further miniaturization.

[0075] Furthermore, in the power supply device A1 according to this embodiment, the housing 4 has an opening (first opening 40) for allowing electromagnetic waves, which are the communication medium for wireless communication, to pass through. Therefore, compared to the case where the housing 4 does not have the first opening 40, it becomes possible to send and receive wireless signals.

[0076] Furthermore, in the power supply device A1 according to this embodiment, the first opening 40, wireless communication device 2, power supply block 1, and second opening 412 are arranged in the vertical direction in that order. Therefore, compared to the case where only the first opening 40 is provided in the housing 4, the sensitivity of transmitting and receiving wireless signals can be improved.

[0077] Furthermore, in the power supply device A1 according to this embodiment, the housing 4 forms a slot antenna with the second opening 412, which improves the wireless communication performance of the wireless communication device 2.

[0078] Furthermore, since the lighting device B1 according to this embodiment is equipped with the power supply device A1 described above, it can be made smaller compared to the conventional example in which the lighting circuit and the wireless communication unit are electrically connected via multiple wires.

[0079] (5) Variant The embodiments described above are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The embodiments described above can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. The following lists some modifications of the embodiments described above. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0080] (5.1) Variation 1 The lighting device B2 in Modification 1 is a so-called downlight, and is installed on the ceiling, for example, by being embedded in a recessed hole provided in the ceiling.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, the lighting device B2 according to Modification 1 comprises a lamp body 8 and a power supply device A2. 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 is 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.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10, the power supply unit A2 according to Modified Example 1 includes a power supply block 1 (see Figure 1), a wireless communication device 2 (see Figure 1), a connection part 3 (see Figure 1), 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 inside the housing 4. The housing 4 of the power supply unit A2 according to Modified Example 1 is attached to the upper part of the frame 80. In addition, it is preferable that the housing 4 also has an opening for forming a slot antenna.

[0083] In the modified example 1, the lighting device B2 is installed on the ceiling by inserting the power supply A2 into the ceiling space through a recessed hole, and sandwiching the ceiling panel around the recessed hole between the periphery of the frame 80 and three mounting springs 82.

[0084] According to the lighting device B2 of the modified example 1, similar to the lighting device B1 of the embodiment, it is possible to achieve miniaturization compared to the case in the conventional example where the lighting circuit and the wireless communication unit are electrically connected via multiple wires.

[0085] (5.2) Other variations The following are some other variations.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the second opening 412, which is one of the first opening 40 and the second opening 412, forms a slot antenna. Alternatively, the first opening 40 may also form a slot antenna. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the first opening 40 and the second opening 412 forms a slot antenna. In short, it is preferable that the housing 4 forms a slot antenna by at least one of the first opening 40 and the second opening 412.

[0087] In the embodiment described above, one direction is the vertical direction, but one direction is not limited to the vertical direction; for example, it may be the horizontal direction, or a direction between the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0088] (Aspect) This specification discloses the following aspects:

[0089] The power supply device (A1; A2) according to the first embodiment comprises a power supply block (1), a wireless communication device (2), a connection part (3), and a housing (4). The wireless communication device (2) is arranged to be aligned with the power supply block (1) in one direction (first direction D1) and performs wireless communication using power supplied from the power supply block (1). The connection part (3) electrically connects the power supply block (1) and the wireless communication device (2). The housing (4) houses the power supply block (1) and the wireless communication device (2) in a state where they are electrically connected via the connection part (3). The wireless communication device (2) is electrically connected to the power supply block (1) from a direction along one direction.

[0090] According to this embodiment, miniaturization can be achieved compared to conventional examples.

[0091] In the power supply device (A1; A2) according to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the wireless communication device (2) has a plate-shaped wireless communication board (20). The connection part (3) includes a first connector (31) and a second connector (32). The first connector (31) is provided on the power supply block (1). The second connector (32) is provided on the wireless communication board (20) and is electrically connected to the first connector (31).

[0092] According to this embodiment, the power supply block (1) and the wireless communication device (2) can be electrically connected simply by electrically connecting the first connector (31) and the second connector (32).

[0093] In the power supply device (A1; A2) according to the third embodiment, in the second embodiment, the power supply block (1) has a plate-shaped power supply board (10) on which circuit components (11) are mounted on the surface (100). The connection part (3) electrically connects the wireless communication board (20) and the power supply board (10).

[0094] According to this embodiment, the wireless communication board (20) and the power supply board (10) can be electrically connected by the connection part (3).

[0095] In the power supply device (A1; A2) according to the fourth embodiment, in the third embodiment, the thickness direction of the wireless communication board (20) and the thickness direction of the power supply board (10) are aligned in one direction.

[0096] According to this embodiment, miniaturization can be achieved in one direction.

[0097] In the power supply device (A1; A2) according to the fifth embodiment, in the third or fourth embodiment, the wireless communication board (20) is electrically connected to the power supply board (10) via the connection part (3) and overlaps with the power supply board (10) in a plan view from one direction.

[0098] According to this embodiment, further miniaturization can be achieved.

[0099] In the power supply device (A1; A2) according to the sixth embodiment, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the housing (4) has an opening (40) for allowing electromagnetic waves, which are the communication medium for wireless communication, to pass through.

[0100] According to this embodiment, wireless signals can be transmitted and received compared to the case in which no opening (40) is provided in the housing (4).

[0101] In the power supply device (A1; A2) according to the seventh embodiment, one direction is the vertical direction in the sixth embodiment. The housing (4) has a first opening (40) and a second opening (412), which are openings (40). The second opening (412) is different from the first opening (40). In the vertical direction, the first opening (40), wireless communication device (2), power supply block (1), and second opening (412) are arranged in that order.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the sensitivity of transmitting and receiving wireless signals can be improved compared to the case where only the first opening (40) is provided in the housing (4).

[0103] In the power supply device (A1; A2) according to the eighth embodiment, in the seventh embodiment, the housing (4) forms a slot antenna by at least one of the first opening (40) and the second opening (412).

[0104] According to this embodiment, the wireless communication performance of the wireless communication device (2) can be improved.

[0105] The lighting device (B1;B2) according to the ninth embodiment comprises a power supply device (A1;A2) according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments, and a light source (50). The light source (50) is lit by power supplied from the power supply devices (A1;A2).

[0106] According to this embodiment, miniaturization can be achieved compared to conventional examples.

[0107] In the lighting device (B1;B2) according to the tenth embodiment, in the ninth embodiment, the power supply device (A1;A2) adjusts at least one of the light intensity and light color of the light emitted from the light source (50) in accordance with commands obtained by wireless communication of the wireless communication device (2).

[0108] According to this embodiment, the light source (50) can be remotely controlled while achieving miniaturization and reduced wiring.

[0109] The configurations relating to the second to eighth aspects are not essential to the power supply unit (A1; A2) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0110] The configuration relating to the ninth aspect is not essential to the lighting device (B1; B2) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1 Power Block 2 Wireless communication device 3 Connection part 4 cabinets 10 Power supply board 11 Circuit Components 20 Wireless communication board 31 First Connector 32 Second connector 40 First opening (opening) 50 LED modules (light sources) 100 surface 412 Second opening A1,A2 Power supply B1,B2 Lighting equipment D1 First direction (one direction)

Claims

1. Power block and A wireless communication device is arranged in line with the power supply block in one direction and performs wireless communication using power supplied from the power supply block. A connection section that electrically connects the power supply block and the wireless communication device, The power supply block and the wireless communication device are electrically connected via the aforementioned connection portion, and the power supply block and the wireless communication device are housed in a housing that accommodates the power supply block and the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is electrically connected to the power supply block from a direction along the one direction. power supply.

2. The wireless communication device has a plate-shaped wireless communication substrate, The aforementioned connection part is The first connector provided in the power supply block, The wireless communication board includes a second connector which is electrically connected to the first connector, The power supply device according to claim 1.

3. The power supply block has a plate-shaped power supply board on which circuit components are mounted on its surface, The aforementioned connection part electrically connects the wireless communication board and the power supply board. The power supply device according to claim 2.

4. The thickness direction of the wireless communication substrate and the thickness direction of the power supply substrate are in the direction along the one direction. The power supply device according to claim 3.

5. The wireless communication board, while electrically connected to the power supply board via the connection portion, overlaps with the power supply board in a plan view from one direction. The power supply device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The housing has an opening for allowing electromagnetic waves, which are the communication medium for the wireless communication, to pass through. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The aforementioned direction one is the vertical direction, The aforementioned enclosure is The first opening, which is the aforementioned opening, It has a second opening that is different from the first opening, In the aforementioned vertical direction, the first opening, the wireless communication device, the power supply block, and the second opening are arranged in that order. The power supply device according to claim 6.

8. The housing forms a slot antenna through at least one of the first opening and the second opening. The power supply device according to claim 7.

9. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The system includes a light source that is illuminated by power supplied from the aforementioned power supply device, Lighting device.

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

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