Unusual lighting fixtures

Abstract

The objective is to obtain an emergency lighting device that can mitigate the shortened lifespan of emergency power supplies. [Solution] The emergency lighting device according to this disclosure comprises a load, a charging circuit for charging an emergency power supply, a control circuit having a first operating mode for checking the state of the emergency power supply, and a second operating mode for when the normal power supply fails. In the first operating mode, the control circuit stops charging the emergency power supply from the charging circuit and discharges from the emergency power supply to the load until the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches a predetermined second threshold that is lower than a predetermined first threshold. If the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches the first threshold before a predetermined inspection time has elapsed since the start of discharge to the load, the emergency power supply is determined to be abnormal. If the voltage of the emergency power supply at the time the inspection time has elapsed since the start of discharge to the load is higher than the first threshold, the emergency power supply is determined to be normal.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an emergency lighting device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting fixture capable of improving the determination accuracy of the degree of deterioration of a battery. In this lighting fixture, a lighting circuit lights a light source with power supplied from a battery. A voltage detection unit detects the battery voltage of the battery and generates data of the detected value of the battery voltage. A deterioration determination unit performs a deterioration determination process for determining the degree of deterioration of the battery. An index derivation unit obtains an index used for the deterioration determination process based on the amount of decrease in the detected value before and after the battery voltage drops due to the start of discharge of the battery, and the discharge current of the battery. The deterioration determination unit performs the deterioration determination process based on the index.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As an emergency power source for an emergency lighting device such as that of Patent Document 1, Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) rechargeable batteries are often adopted. In such a rechargeable battery, generally, the shortening of the service life can be expected by discharging regularly. Furthermore, it is known that the shortening of the service life can be more effectively alleviated by discharging the rechargeable battery to near the discharge cut-off voltage. However, in a general emergency lighting device, for example, the rechargeable battery may be constantly charged with a minute current such as trickle charging, and the rechargeable battery may not be discharged. Or, even if the rechargeable battery is discharged, it may not be discharged sufficiently. In such a case, there was a possibility that the shortening of the service life of the rechargeable battery could not be alleviated.

[0005] This disclosure aims to provide an emergency lighting device that can mitigate the shortening of the lifespan of emergency power supplies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The emergency lighting device according to the first disclosure comprises a load, a charging circuit configured to charge the emergency power supply by converting the power of the normal power supply, a control circuit configured to have a first operating mode for checking the state of the emergency power supply, and a second operating mode for when the normal power supply fails. In the first operating mode, the control circuit stops charging the emergency power supply from the charging circuit and discharges from the emergency power supply to the load until the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches a predetermined second threshold that is lower than a predetermined first threshold. If the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches the first threshold before a predetermined inspection time has elapsed since the start of discharge to the load, the control circuit determines that the emergency power supply is abnormal. If the voltage of the emergency power supply at the time the inspection time has elapsed since the start of discharge to the load is higher than the first threshold, the control circuit determines that the emergency power supply is normal. In the second operating mode, the control circuit discharges from the emergency power supply to the load.

[0007] The emergency lighting device according to the second disclosure comprises a load, a charging circuit configured to charge the emergency power supply by converting the power of the normal power supply, a control circuit configured to have a first operating mode for checking the state of the emergency power supply, a second operating mode for when the normal power supply fails, and a third operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode, the control circuit stops charging the emergency power supply from the charging circuit, discharges from the emergency power supply to the load, and if the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches a predetermined first threshold before a predetermined inspection time has elapsed from the start of discharge to the load, the control circuit determines that the emergency power supply is abnormal, and if the inspection time has elapsed from the start of discharge to the load When the voltage of the emergency power supply at the time of the check is higher than the first threshold, the control circuit determines that the emergency power supply is normal. In the second operating mode, the control circuit discharges the emergency power supply to the load. In the third operating mode, with the charging circuit stopped from charging the emergency power supply to the emergency power supply, the control circuit discharges the emergency power supply to the load until the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches a predetermined second threshold that is lower than the first threshold. When the control circuit performs an inspection in the first operating mode, it first performs the third operating mode to discharge the emergency power supply, then recharges the emergency power supply with the charging circuit, and then performs the first operating mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The emergency lighting device according to this disclosure has an operating mode in which discharge is performed up to a second threshold lower than a first threshold for determining an abnormality in the emergency power supply. Therefore, the shortening of the lifespan of the emergency power supply can be mitigated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the emergency lighting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the circuit configuration of the emergency lighting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3]This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the emergency lighting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the emergency lighting device according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Each embodiment of the emergency lighting device will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repetition of the description may be omitted.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an emergency lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1. The emergency lighting device 1 comprises an emergency lighting device 2 and a first load 100 and a second load 200 connected to the emergency lighting device 2. An emergency power supply 33 is further connected to the emergency lighting device 2. The second load 200 is a light source that outputs light to the outside of the emergency lighting device 1 and can be composed of, for example, one or more LEDs. The second load 200 is a load that provides light to the user as an emergency lighting operation in the event of a power outage. The first load 100 is composed of, for example, a resistor. The first load 100 is used in a first operating mode, which will be described later, and is an inspection mode for diagnosing the deterioration of the emergency power supply 33.

[0012] The emergency lighting device 2 includes a charging circuit 3 configured to receive the normal power supply 10 and convert the power from the normal power supply 10 to charge the emergency power supply 33. The normal power supply 10 is, for example, commercial AC power. The first load 100 and the second load 200 are connected to the emergency power supply 33 via a drive circuit 4.

[0013] Furthermore, the emergency lighting device 2 is equipped with a control circuit, a microcomputer 50. The microcomputer 50 controls the charging circuit 3 and the drive circuit 4. The microcomputer 50 is configured to have a first operating mode for checking the status of the emergency power supply 33 and a second operating mode for when the normal power supply 10 fails. In the first operating mode, the determination unit 50a of the microcomputer 50 compares the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 with a voltage threshold to determine whether the emergency power supply 33 is normal or abnormal. The notification unit 50b of the microcomputer 50 transmits a signal to notify the determination result of the determination unit 50a using the display LED 52. "Abnormal" indicates that the emergency power supply 33 has reached the end of its lifespan or that the emergency power supply 33 has deteriorated.

[0014] The power outage detection unit 5 is a voltage detection circuit for detecting a power outage in the normal power supply 10. The deterioration detection unit 6 is a voltage detection circuit for detecting deterioration of the emergency power supply 33. The external communication unit 51 detects an inspection signal that causes the emergency lighting device 1 to perform a first operating mode inspection. The first operating mode inspection may also be performed by operating the inspection switch 68. The indicator LED 52 notifies that the emergency power supply 33 should be replaced according to the judgment result of the judgment unit 50a. The power supply voltage for the operation of the microcomputer 50 is generated from the charging circuit 3 and the emergency power supply 33.

[0015] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the emergency lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1. First, using Figure 2, we will explain the normal charging operation in which the normal power supply 10 is energized and the emergency power supply 33 is charged. The AC voltage supplied by the normal power supply 10 is converted into a pulsating voltage by the rectifier 11 and rectified by the capacitor 21. The pulsating voltage rectified by the capacitor 21 is supplied to the driver 20 via the resistor 22. This causes the driver 20 to start operating. The resistor 22 is a limiting resistor for supplying the power supply voltage to the driver 20.

[0016] The pulsating voltage rectified by capacitor 21 is supplied to the primary winding 231 of coil 23. The other end of the primary winding 231 is connected to the drain terminal of a switching element 24 such as a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor). The gate of the switching element 24 is connected to the driver 20. The switching element 24 switches in response to the drive signal output from the driver 20.

[0017] The operation of the switching element 24 generates a high-frequency voltage in the first secondary winding 232 of the coil 23. The secondary winding 232 is connected to the anode of the diode 27. The high-frequency voltage is rectified by the diode 27 and smoothed by the capacitor 32 connected to the cathode of the diode 27. Constant voltage feedback control is performed by the driver 20 so that a constant voltage is generated as the voltage charged to the capacitor 32. The coil 23, switching element 24, and diode 27 constitute a so-called flyback circuit. The capacitor 32 is charged by a switching power supply circuit such as the flyback circuit. The voltage across the capacitor 32 is supplied to the constant current control unit 36.

[0018] The constant current control unit 36 ​​is composed of, for example, a voltage drop circuit. The constant current control unit 36 ​​is connected to the emergency power supply 33. The emergency power supply 33 is supplied with a charging current controlled to a constant current by the constant current control unit 36. The flyback circuit and the constant current control unit 36 ​​correspond to the charging circuit 3. The emergency power supply 33 is, for example, a removable battery. The emergency power supply 33 is configured to be replaceable when it deteriorates over time due to use.

[0019] The capacitor 32 is further connected to the anode of the diode 37. The cathode of the diode 37 is connected to the control power generation unit 40. The control power generation unit 40 is also connected to the cathode of the diode 38, and the anode of the diode 38 is connected to the emergency power supply 33. The control power generation unit 40 is supplied with power from an OR circuit composed of the diode 37 and the diode 38. When the normal power supply 10 is supplied, the cathode voltage of the diode 37 is higher than the cathode voltage of the diode 38. Therefore, the control power generation unit 40 is supplied with current from the capacitor 32 and not from the emergency power supply 33. That is, all of the constant current supplied by the constant current control unit 36 can be supplied to the emergency power supply 33.

[0020] The control power generation unit 40 generates a constant voltage and generates a voltage Vcc1, which is the control power supply voltage of the microcomputer 50. The voltage Vcc1 is, for example, 5V. The microcomputer 50 operates with the voltage Vcc1. The microcomputer 50 includes terminals P1 to P10.

[0021] The resistance division values of the resistors 34 and 35 connected to the emergency power supply 33 are input to the terminal P1. Therefore, the microcomputer 50 can detect the voltage value of the emergency power supply 33 using the P1 terminal. The resistors 34 and 35 correspond to the deterioration detection unit 6.

[0022] The second secondary winding 233 of the coil 23 is connected to the anode of the diode 28. The cathode of the diode 28 is connected to the capacitor 29 and the resistor 30. The output voltage of the secondary winding 233 is rectified by the diode 28 and the capacitor 29. The resistance division values of the resistors 30 and 31 connected in parallel with the capacitor 29 are input to the terminal P2. The secondary winding 233 of the coil 23 is wound in the same phase as the primary winding 231. Therefore, an alternating current voltage is applied to the secondary winding 233, and a voltage is generated when the flyback circuit is operating. As a result, when a voltage is generated at the terminal P2, the microcomputer 50 can determine that there is a normal power supply 10, and when no voltage is generated at the terminal P2, the microcomputer 50 can determine that there is no normal power supply 10. That is, the microcomputer 50 can detect whether there is a power outage. The diode 28, the capacitor 29, the resistor 30, and the resistor 31 correspond to the power outage detection unit 5.

[0023] Next, as an operation during a power outage when the normal power supply 10 is cut off, an emergency lighting operation will be described. This operation corresponds to the second operation mode. When the normal power supply 10 is cut off, the flyback circuit does not operate. Therefore, a voltage cannot be generated in the capacitor 32, and the charging current supply from the constant current control unit 36 to the emergency power supply 33 is disabled. Also, the power supply from the diode 37 to the control power generation unit 40 becomes unavailable.

[0024] However, the control power generation unit 40 is supplied with power from the charge stored in the emergency power supply 33 via the diode 38 to generate the voltage Vcc1. As a result, the microcomputer 50 can continue to operate. Thus, the microcomputer 50 can detect that the normal power supply 10 is in a power outage state by the terminal P2. When the microcomputer 50 detects that the normal power supply 10 is in a power outage state, it controls the lighting of the second load 200, which is an emergency light source, using the power of the emergency power supply 33. That is, in the second operation mode, the microcomputer 50 discharges from the emergency power supply 33 to the second load 200.

[0025] An emergency power supply 33 is connected to one end of the coil 61. The other end of the coil 61 is connected to the drain of the switching element 62 and the anode of the diode 63. The switching element 62 is, for example, a MOSFET. The gate of the switching element 62 is connected to terminal P4 of the microcomputer 50. The switching element 62 switches according to the drive signal output from terminal P4. The switching operation of the switching element 62 generates a high-frequency voltage at the cathode of the diode 63. The high-frequency voltage is smoothed by a capacitor 64 connected to the cathode of the diode 63. The coil 61, the switching element 62, and the diode 63 constitute a so-called boost chopper circuit. The capacitor 64 is charged by a switching power supply circuit such as the boost chopper circuit. This switching power supply circuit corresponds to the drive circuit 4.

[0026] A series circuit consisting of a second load 200, switch 201, and resistor 67 is connected in parallel with capacitor 64. A series circuit consisting of a first load 100, switch 101, and resistor 67 is also connected in parallel with capacitor 64. Furthermore, a series circuit consisting of resistors 65 and 66 is connected in parallel with capacitor 64. Terminal P8 of the microcomputer 50 is connected to switch 201. Terminal P7 of the microcomputer 50 is connected to switch 101. The connection point between switches 101 and 201 and resistor 67 is connected to terminal P5 of the microcomputer 50. This allows the microcomputer 50 to detect the voltage across resistor 67. Additionally, the voltage divider value of resistors 65 and 66 is input to terminal P6 of the microcomputer 50. This allows the microcomputer 50 to detect the voltage across capacitor 64.

[0027] In emergency lighting operation, the microcomputer 50 turns on switch 201 via terminal P8 and turns off switch 101 via terminal P7. This prevents power from being supplied to the first load 100, while allowing power to be supplied to the second load 200. The current flowing through the second load 200 flows through resistor 67, generating a voltage across resistor 67. By detecting the voltage across resistor 67 at terminal P5, the microcomputer 50 can detect the current flowing through the second load 200. Furthermore, by setting the voltage generated across resistor 67 to a sufficiently low value, the voltage charged in capacitor 64 becomes approximately equal to the voltage applied to the second load 200. Therefore, the voltage applied to the second load 200 can be detected at terminal P6 of the microcomputer 50.

[0028] The microcomputer 50 uses the values ​​detected at terminals P5 and P6 to calculate the product of the current flowing through the second load 200 and the applied voltage. The microcomputer 50 reflects the calculation result in the switching control of the switching element 62 via terminal P4 so that the power supplied to the second load 200 remains constant. As a result, the power supplied to the second load 200 is controlled by constant power feedback, allowing the second load 200 to be controlled appropriately. Therefore, appropriate light can be obtained from the second load 200. The power supplied to the second load 200 is determined by a control command value internally stored in the microcomputer 50, and the control command value is set appropriately in balance with the performance of the second load 200 and the required light level.

[0029] Next, we will describe the inspection mode operation for diagnosing the status of the emergency power supply 33. This operation corresponds to the first operating mode. The first operating mode is performed when the normal power supply 10 is energized and the emergency lighting operation is not in progress. The external communication unit 51 is connected to terminal P9 of the microcomputer 50. In addition, the indicator LED 52 is connected to terminal P10 of the microcomputer 50. Furthermore, a series circuit of resistor 53 and photocoupler LED 54 is connected to terminal P3 of the microcomputer 50. The photocoupler transistor 26 is connected to the driver 20 via resistor 25.

[0030] When an inspection signal is input to the external communication unit 51 from an external source, for example as an infrared signal, the infrared signal is converted into an electrical signal and detected by terminal P9 of the microcomputer 50. This causes the microcomputer 50 to enter a first operating mode. In the first operating mode, a signal is output from terminal P3 of the microcomputer 50, and current flows to the LED 54 of the photocoupler. Resistor 53 is a limiting resistor that limits the current flowing to the LED 54 of the photocoupler.

[0031] The photocoupler's transistor 26 is activated by the photocoupler's LED 54, changing the terminal voltage of the driver 20. The resistor 25 is a limiting resistor that restricts the current flowing through the photocoupler's transistor 26. When the terminal voltage of the driver 20 changes, the driver 20 stops operating. When the driver 20 stops, the flyback circuit stops operating, and the current supply to the emergency power supply 33 stops, similar to the power outage described above. At this time, power is supplied to the microcomputer 50 from the emergency power supply 33, and the microcomputer 50 can continue to operate.

[0032] The microcomputer 50 outputs a drive signal to the switching element 62 from terminal P4. This causes the switching element 62 to switch, and a smoothed voltage is generated across the capacitor 64, similar to the emergency lighting operation. In the first operating mode, the microcomputer 50 turns on switch 101 via terminal P8 and turns off switch 201 via terminal P7. As a result, power is not supplied to the second load 200, but power can be supplied to the first load 100. The current flowing through the first load 100 flows through resistor 67, generating a voltage across resistor 67. The microcomputer 50 can detect the current flowing through the first load 100 by detecting this voltage via terminal P5. Furthermore, by setting the voltage generated across resistor 67 to a sufficiently low value, the voltage charged in capacitor 64 becomes approximately equal to the voltage applied to the first load 100. Therefore, the microcomputer 50 can detect the voltage applied to the first load 100 via terminal P6.

[0033] Similar to the emergency lighting operation, the microcomputer 50 uses the values ​​detected at terminals P5 and P6 to calculate the product of the current flowing through the first load 100 and the applied voltage. The microcomputer 50 reflects the calculation result in the switching control of the switching element 62 via terminal P4 so that the power supplied to the first load 100 remains constant. As a result, the power supplied to the first load 100 is controlled by constant power feedback.

[0034] If operation continues, the charge of the emergency power supply 33 will decrease and the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 will drop. The microcomputer 50 detects this voltage of the emergency power supply 33 at terminal P1. When the time spent operating in the first operating mode reaches a predetermined test time, the microcomputer 50 determines whether the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 has reached a first threshold. This test time is also called the effective lighting time. This allows the microcomputer 50 to determine the deterioration of the emergency power supply 33.

[0035] The microcomputer 50 outputs the judgment result to the display LED 52, informing the user whether it is okay to continue using the emergency power supply 33 as is, or whether it would be better to replace the emergency power supply 33.

[0036] The microcomputer 50 continues in the first operating mode even after outputting the judgment result to the display LED 52. The microcomputer 50 detects the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 at terminal P1 and determines whether the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 has reached a second threshold lower than the first threshold. If the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 has reached the second threshold, the microcomputer 50 terminates the first operating mode. Then, in order to operate the flyback circuit again, it stops the signal output from terminal P3 and restarts charging of the emergency power supply 33.

[0037] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the emergency lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1. The operation of the emergency lighting device 1 described above will be explained using the flowchart. First, the normal power supply 10 is input (Step 1). This activates the charging circuit 3, and the emergency power supply 33 is charged from the normal power supply 10 (Step 2). The microcomputer 50 detects whether or not there is an input from the normal power supply 10 using the power outage detection unit 5 (Step 3).

[0038] When the normal power supply 10 is shut off and a power outage is detected (power outage in step 3), the microcomputer 50 starts the second operating mode (step 4). The microcomputer 50 controls the drive circuit 4 to supply power from the emergency power supply 33 to the second load 200 (step 5). As a result, the second load 200 outputs light from the emergency lighting device 1, and the user can obtain light. The microcomputer 50 then determines whether there is input from the normal power supply 10 again, and if the power outage continues, steps 4 and 5 are repeated.

[0039] When the microcomputer 50 determines that the normal power supply 10 is energized (power supply in step 3), it determines whether the external communication unit 51 has received a test signal (step 6). If there is no test signal (No in step 6), it continues to control the charging of the emergency power supply 33 (step 2).

[0040] If an inspection signal is present (Yes in step 6), the microcomputer 50 starts the first operating mode (step 7). The microcomputer 50 stops the operation of the charging circuit 3 and stops charging the emergency power supply 33 from the normal power supply 10. Furthermore, the microcomputer 50 controls the drive circuit 4 to supply power to the first load 100 from the emergency power supply 33 (step 8). This consumes the charge of the emergency power supply 33. The microcomputer 50 uses the degradation detection unit 6 to detect whether the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 has reached a first threshold after a predetermined inspection time has elapsed (step 9). This determines whether the emergency power supply 33 has deteriorated.

[0041] As a result of the assessment, when the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 reaches the first threshold (reaching step 9), it is determined that the emergency power supply 33 is degraded. At this time, the microcomputer 50 activates the indicator LED 52 to prompt the user to replace the emergency power supply 33 (step 10). Power supply from the emergency power supply 33 to the first load 100 continues.

[0042] If the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 does not reach the first threshold (not reached in step 10), it is determined that the emergency power supply 33 has not deteriorated. At this time, the microcomputer 50 activates the indicator LED 52 to show the user that the emergency power supply 33 has not deteriorated (step 11). Power supply from the emergency power supply 33 to the first load 100 is also continued.

[0043] The microcomputer 50 uses the degradation detection unit 6 to detect whether the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 has reached a second threshold (step 12). If the second threshold has been reached (step 12 is reached), the microcomputer 50 operates the charging circuit 3 again to start charging the emergency power supply 33 from the normal power supply 10. If the second threshold has not been reached (step 12 is not reached), power supply from the emergency power supply 33 to the first load 100 continues, and step S12 is repeated until the second threshold is reached.

[0044] Based on the above, in the first operating mode, the microcomputer 50 stops charging the emergency power supply 33 from the charging circuit 3 and discharges the emergency power supply 33 to the first load 100. At this time, the microcomputer 50 continues discharging until the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 reaches a predetermined second threshold, which is lower than a predetermined first threshold. If the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 reaches the first threshold before a predetermined inspection time has elapsed since the start of discharge to the first load 100, the microcomputer 50 determines that the emergency power supply 33 is abnormal. Also, if the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 at the time the inspection time has elapsed since the start of discharge to the first load 100 is higher than the first threshold, the microcomputer 50 determines that the emergency power supply 33 is normal.

[0045] Thus, the emergency lighting device 1 according to this embodiment has an operating mode in which discharge is performed up to a second threshold lower than the first threshold for determining an abnormality in the emergency power supply 33. Therefore, the emergency power supply 33 can be sufficiently discharged, which can mitigate the shortening of the emergency power supply 33's lifespan.

[0046] Furthermore, by separately providing a first load 100 and a second load 200, and making the first load 100, for example, a resistor, it is possible to prevent the provision of unnecessary light to the user in the first operating mode when the normal power supply 10 is supplied, thereby preventing any impairment of user comfort.

[0047] Note that the first load 100 does not have to be a resistor. The first load 100 may be a constant voltage diode, or a light source provided separately from the second load 200. The light source may be, for example, one or more LEDs. Here, if the first load 100 is a light source, it is preferable that the first load 100 be provided so as not to affect the light output of the second load 200. The first load 100 may be installed at a distance from the second load 200, or it may be installed in a light-shielded fixture, for example, so as not to emit light from the emergency lighting device 1. Also, in both the first and second operating modes, discharge may be performed on the same light source as the load. In other words, instead of providing the first load 100 and the second load 200 separately, discharge may be performed on a single light source in both the first and second operating modes.

[0048] Generally, with a resistor, all the input power is converted into heat. In contrast, with an LED, 50% of the input power is converted into heat and the other 50% into light. Therefore, by using the first load 100 as a light source, the heat generated by the first load 100 can be suppressed. The first load 100 may also be an electrical load such as a general diode, electronic load, motor, communication equipment, or camera. It is desirable that the first load 100 can consume the same amount of power as the second load 200.

[0049] The output power of the emergency power supply 33 may be the same in the first and second operating modes. By setting the control command value for constant power feedback in the first operating mode to the same value as the control command value in the second operating mode, the same power is output from the emergency power supply 33 in both the first and second operating modes. In emergency lighting operation, it is important to provide appropriate light for an appropriate amount of time during a power outage. By making the power consumption during emergency lighting and inspection the same, as in this embodiment, the time that the system can operate during inspection becomes equal to the time that it can operate during a power outage. Therefore, it is easier to diagnose the deterioration of the emergency power supply 33 in the first operating mode.

[0050] The configuration of the emergency lighting device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example. Furthermore, the second load 200 can be any light source and is not limited to LEDs. Also, the control method for charging the emergency power supply 33 is not limited. For example, intermittent charging, rapid charging, trickle charging, and staged charging can be employed. Moreover, the control method for the first and second operating modes is not limited to constant power feedback; it is sufficient that the output power from the emergency power supply 33 is equivalent in the first and second operating modes. For example, control methods such as constant current feedback and constant voltage feedback can be employed for the first and second operating modes. Furthermore, the control methods for the first and second operating modes may differ.

[0051] Furthermore, the microcomputer 50 may execute the first operating mode not only upon receiving an inspection signal from an external source, but also at a pre-set date and time. Alternatively, the microcomputer 50 may execute the first operating mode after a pre-set time has elapsed until the start of the inspection. The date and time of the inspection, or the time until the start of the inspection, may be changeable from the external communication unit 51.

[0052] In this embodiment, an LED 52 is given as an example of a notification circuit that notifies the result of the determination based on the first operating mode. However, the notification circuit may also notify by light, sound, image, video, vibration, or communication with an external device. In the case of communication with an external device, for example, notification or information display may be made to a mobile terminal or another terminal. The notification circuit may notify not only the status of the emergency power supply 33, but also the status of the first load 100 or the second load 200. For example, if the microcomputer 50 detects an abnormal condition such as a short circuit or open circuit in each load, it may notify in a way different from the method of notifying the status of the emergency power supply 33. For example, the status of the emergency power supply 33 may be notified by the blinking or flashing of a green LED, and the status of the load may be notified by the blinking or flashing of a red LED. The number of times the LEDs blink may be different for the first load 100 and the second load 200. In addition, the status of the load may be notified by light, sound, image, video, vibration, or communication with an external device.

[0053] In this embodiment, an example in which the control circuit is a microcomputer 50 has been described. However, the control circuit is not limited to this, and any arithmetic circuit can be used. For example, the control circuit may consist of one or more processors and one or more memories. The memories store information used for control by the control circuit, such as a first threshold and a second threshold.

[0054] These modifications can be appropriately applied to the emergency lighting device according to the following embodiment. Since the emergency lighting device according to the following embodiment has many similarities with Embodiment 1, the explanation will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0055] Embodiment 2. The control circuit of this embodiment differs from the control circuit of Embodiment 1 in that, in addition to a first operating mode for checking the state of the emergency power supply 33 and a second operating mode for when the normal power supply 10 fails, it has a third operating mode. The third operating mode is a refresh mode in which the emergency power supply 33 is discharged once before the first operating mode. In the third operating mode, the control circuit stops charging the emergency power supply 33 from the charging circuit 3 and discharges the emergency power supply 33 to the first load 100 until the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 reaches a second threshold. In the first operating mode, the discharge only needs to be performed until the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 reaches a first threshold, and does not need to be continued until the second threshold is reached.

[0056] In this embodiment as well, the same circuit configuration as in Embodiment 1 can be adopted for the emergency lighting device 1. The operation of the emergency lighting device 1 will be explained using Figure 2. The operation in normal charging mode and the operation in the second operating mode are the same as in Embodiment 1. The operation in the first operating mode is the same as in Embodiment 1, except that the discharge ends when the determination by the first threshold is completed.

[0057] Next, the third operating mode will be described. The third operating mode is performed when the normal power supply 10 is energized and the emergency lighting operation is not in progress. When an inspection signal is input to the external communication unit 51 from an external source, it is detected by terminal P9 of the microcomputer 50. This causes the microcomputer 50 to enter the third operating mode. In this way, the third operating mode is intentionally performed, for example, in response to a signal from an external device. When the third operating mode is activated, a signal is output from terminal P3 of the microcomputer 50, and current flows to the LED 54 of the photocoupler. The transistor 26 of the photocoupler is activated by the LED 54 of the photocoupler, and changes the terminal voltage of the driver 20.

[0058] When the terminal voltage of driver 20 changes, driver 20 stops operating. This stops the flyback circuit from operating, and the current supply to emergency power supply 33 stops, similar to a power outage. At this time, power is supplied to the microcomputer 50 from emergency power supply 33, and the microcomputer 50 can continue to operate. The microcomputer 50 outputs a drive signal to the switching element 62 from terminal P4. This causes the switching element 62 to switch, and a smoothed voltage is generated across capacitor 64, similar to the emergency lighting operation.

[0059] In the third operating mode, the microcomputer 50 turns on switch 101 via terminal P7 and turns off switch 201 via terminal P8. As a result, power is not supplied to the second load 200, but power can be supplied to the first load 100. The current flowing through the first load 100 flows through resistor 67, generating a voltage across resistor 67. The microcomputer 50 can detect the current flowing through the first load 100 by detecting this voltage via terminal P5. Furthermore, by setting the voltage generated across resistor 67 to a sufficiently low value, the voltage charged in capacitor 64 becomes approximately equal to the voltage applied to the first load 100. Therefore, the microcomputer 50 can detect the voltage applied to the first load 100 via terminal P6.

[0060] Similar to the emergency lighting operation, the microcomputer 50 uses the values ​​detected at terminals P5 and P6 to calculate the product of the current flowing through the first load 100 and the applied voltage. The microcomputer 50 reflects the calculation result in the switching control of the switching element 62 via terminal P4 so that the power supplied to the first load 100 remains constant. As a result, the power supplied to the first load 100 is controlled by constant power feedback.

[0061] If operation continues as is, the charge of the emergency power supply 33 will decrease, and the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 will drop. The microcomputer 50 detects the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 at terminal P1 and continues to discharge the charge of the emergency power supply 33 until the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 reaches the second threshold. When the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 reaches the second threshold, the microcomputer 50 switches to normal charging operation and charges the emergency power supply 33 for a preset time or longer. After that, the microcomputer 50 performs a test in the first operating mode.

[0062] In the first operating mode, the microcomputer 50 detects the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 at terminal P1 and determines whether or not it reached the first threshold within the test time. The microcomputer 50 outputs the determination result to the display LED 52 and terminates the first operating mode. After that, the microcomputer 50 stops the signal output from terminal P3 and resumes charging the emergency power supply 33 in order to operate the flyback circuit again.

[0063] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the emergency lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 2. Steps 1 to 6 are the same as those in Embodiment 1. When it is determined that there is an inspection signal, the microcomputer 50 starts a third operation mode to discharge the emergency power supply 33 before the first operation mode (step 207). The microcomputer 50 stops the operation of the charging circuit 3. As a result, charging from the normal power supply 10 to the emergency power supply 33 is stopped. The microcomputer 50 controls the drive circuit 4 to supply power from the emergency power supply 33 to the first load 100 (step 208). The charge of the emergency power supply 33 is consumed by supplying power to the first load 100. The microcomputer 50 detects whether the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 has reached a second threshold using the degradation detection unit 6 (step 209).

[0064] When the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 reaches the second threshold, the microcomputer 50 operates the charging circuit 3 again to charge the emergency power supply 33 from the normal power supply 10 (step 210). After that, the microcomputer 50 starts the first operating mode (step 7). Steps 7 to 11 are the same as in Embodiment 1. However, after steps 10 and 11, the power supply from the emergency power supply 33 to the first load 100 is not continued, and the process returns to step 2. In other words, the microcomputer 50 operates the charging circuit 3 to start charging the emergency power supply 33 from the normal power supply 10.

[0065] Based on the above, when the microcomputer 50 performs an inspection using the first operating mode, it first performs the third operating mode to discharge the emergency power supply 33, then recharges the emergency power supply 33 using the charging circuit 3, and then performs the first operating mode. In the third operating mode, discharge is performed until the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 reaches a second threshold that is lower than the first threshold. Thus, the emergency lighting device 1 according to this embodiment has an operating mode in which discharge is performed to a second threshold that is lower than the first threshold for determining an abnormality in the emergency power supply 33. Therefore, the emergency power supply 33 can be sufficiently discharged before inspection. This prevents a false judgment that the emergency power supply is abnormal even though it is normal, simply because it has not been discharged. Furthermore, it can mitigate the shortening of the lifespan of the emergency power supply 33.

[0066] In this embodiment as well, the discharge may be performed on the same light source as the load in the first, second, and third operating modes. In other words, it is not necessary to provide the first load 100 and the second load 200 separately.

[0067] In embodiments 1 and 2, the inspection signal received by the external communication unit 51 is not limited to an infrared signal, but may also be a wireless communication signal such as Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth®. As the control method for the third operating mode, it is not limited to constant power feedback, but may also be a control method such as constant current feedback or constant voltage feedback.

[0068] The microcomputer 50 may, in addition to receiving an inspection signal from an external source, perform the third operating mode on a predetermined day or time, and then perform the first operating mode. The predetermined day or time may be a predetermined date and time, or it may be the time until the start of a predetermined inspection. Such an inspection date and time, or the time until the start of the inspection, is programmed into the microcomputer 50 as a schedule. This allows for an automatic transition to the third operating mode and then to the first operating mode. This schedule may be changeable from the external communication unit 51. Furthermore, it is also possible that the schedule for the first operating mode is set, and the third operating mode is performed first when the set time arrives.

[0069] Furthermore, the microcomputer 50 may have an operating mode in which it performs the third operating mode but does not perform the first operating mode. For example, the microcomputer 50 may automatically perform the third operating mode immediately after receiving a signal from the external communication unit 51, after a preset time has elapsed, or when the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 reaches a preset voltage, and may not perform the first operating mode thereafter.

[0070] The microcomputer 50 may notify the user to execute the third operating mode immediately after receiving a signal from the external communication unit 51, after a preset time has elapsed, or when the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 reaches a preset voltage. The microcomputer 50 may also notify the user to execute the third operating mode if the first or second operating mode is not executed by a predetermined day or time. If the third operating mode is executed as a result of the notification, the first operating mode may or may not be performed afterward. Furthermore, if the schedule for the third or first operating mode is set by the program, the above notification is not required. In addition, if a preset time has not elapsed since the voltage of the emergency power supply reached the first or second threshold after a power outage, the execution of the third operating mode or the above notification is not required.

[0071] In the first or third operating mode, the time it takes for the voltage of the emergency power supply 33 to reach each voltage threshold, the voltage from before the start of discharge to after the completion of discharge, etc., may be stored in the microcomputer 50. Furthermore, these values ​​may be automatically or manually transmitted to the cloud from the external communication unit 51 and stored in the cloud. This allows the stored data to be used for data analysis, etc.

[0072] The technical features described in each embodiment may be used in combination as appropriate.

[0073] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) Load and A charging circuit configured to convert power from the regular power supply to charge the emergency power supply, A control circuit is configured to have a first operating mode for checking the status of the emergency power supply and a second operating mode for when the normal power supply fails. Equipped with, In the first operating mode, the control circuit is: With charging from the charging circuit to the emergency power supply stopped, the emergency power supply is discharged from the emergency power supply to the load until the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches a predetermined second threshold that is lower than a predetermined first threshold. If the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches the first threshold before a predetermined inspection time has elapsed since the start of discharge to the load, the emergency power supply is determined to be abnormal. The emergency power supply is determined to be normal when the voltage of the emergency power supply at the time elapsed from the start of discharge to the load to the inspection time is higher than the first threshold. An emergency lighting device characterized in that, in the second operating mode, the control circuit performs a discharge from the emergency power supply to the load. (Note 2) The aforementioned load includes a first load and a second load which is a light source. In the first operating mode, the control circuit performs discharge on the first load. The emergency lighting device according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the control circuit performs a discharge to the second load in the second operating mode. (Note 3) The aforementioned load is a light source, The emergency lighting device according to Appendix 1, characterized in that discharge is performed on the same light source in the first operating mode and the second operating mode. (Note 4) Load and A charging circuit configured to convert power from the regular power supply to charge the emergency power supply, A control circuit configured to have a first operating mode for checking the status of the emergency power supply, a second operating mode for when the normal power supply fails, and a third operating mode, Equipped with, In the first operating mode, the control circuit is: With charging from the charging circuit to the emergency power supply stopped, discharge is performed from the emergency power supply to the load. If the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches a predetermined first threshold before a predetermined inspection time has elapsed since the start of discharge to the load, the emergency power supply is determined to be abnormal. The emergency power supply is determined to be normal when the voltage of the emergency power supply at the time elapsed from the start of discharge to the load to the inspection time is higher than the first threshold. In the second operating mode, the control circuit discharges from the emergency power supply to the load. In the third operating mode, the control circuit stops charging the emergency power supply from the charging circuit and discharges the emergency power supply to the load until the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches a predetermined second threshold that is lower than the first threshold. The control circuit is characterized in that, when performing an inspection in the first operating mode, it first performs the third operating mode to discharge the emergency power supply, then recharges the emergency power supply with the charging circuit, and then performs the first operating mode. (Note 5) The aforementioned load includes a first load and a second load which is a light source. In the first operating mode and the third operating mode, the control circuit performs discharge on the first load. The emergency lighting device according to Appendix 4, characterized in that the control circuit performs a discharge to the second load in the second operating mode. (Note 6) The aforementioned load is a light source, The emergency lighting device according to Appendix 4, characterized in that discharge is performed on the same light source in the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode. (Note 7) The emergency lighting device according to Appendix 2 or Appendix 5, characterized in that the first load is a light source provided separately from the second load. (Note 8) The emergency lighting device according to Appendix 7, characterized in that the first load is provided so as not to affect the light output of the second load. (Note 9) An emergency lighting device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that the output power of the emergency power supply is the same in the first operating mode and the second operating mode. (Note 10) The emergency lighting device according to any one of Appendix 4 to Appendix 8, characterized in that the control circuit performs the third operating mode on a predetermined day or time. (Note 11) The emergency lighting device according to any one of Appendix 4 to Appendix 8, characterized in that the control circuit has an operating mode in which the third operating mode is performed and the first operating mode is not performed. (Note 12) The emergency lighting device according to any one of Appendix 4 to Appendix 8, characterized in that the third operating mode is performed in response to a signal from an external device. (Note 13) The emergency lighting device according to any one of Appendix 4 to Appendix 8, characterized in that the control circuit notifies the user to implement the third operating mode if the first operating mode or the second operating mode is not implemented by a predetermined day or time. (Note 14) The system includes a notification circuit that notifies the result of the determination made in the first operating mode, The notification circuit is characterized by providing notification by light, sound, image, video, vibration, or communication with an external device, as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Emergency lighting device, 2 Emergency lighting device, 3 Charging circuit, 4 Drive circuit, 5 Power outage detection unit, 6 Degradation detection unit, 10 Normal power supply, 11 Rectifier, 20 Driver, 21 Capacitor, 22 Resistor, 23 Coil, 24 Switching element, 25 Resistor, 26 Transistor, 27 Diode, 28 Diode, 29 Capacitor, 30 Resistor, 31 Resistor, 32 Capacitor, 33 Emergency power supply, 34 Resistor, 35 Resistor, 36 Constant current control unit, 37 Diode, 38 Diode, 40 Control power generation unit, 50 Microcomputer, 50a Judgment unit, 50b Notification unit, 51 External communication unit, 52 Display LED, 53 Resistor, 54 LED, 61 Coil, 62 Switching element, 63 Diode, 64 Capacitor, 65 Resistor, 66 Resistor, 67 Resistor, 68 Inspection switch, 100; 1st load, 101; switch, 200; 2nd load, 201; switch, 231; primary winding, 232; secondary winding, 233; secondary winding

Claims

1. Load and A charging circuit configured to convert power from the regular power supply to charge the emergency power supply, A control circuit is configured to have a first operating mode for checking the status of the emergency power supply and a second operating mode for when the normal power supply fails. Equipped with, In the first operating mode, the control circuit is: With charging from the charging circuit to the emergency power supply stopped, the emergency power supply is discharged from the emergency power supply to the load until the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches a predetermined second threshold that is lower than a predetermined first threshold. If the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches the first threshold before a predetermined inspection time has elapsed since the start of discharge to the load, the emergency power supply is determined to be abnormal. The emergency power supply is determined to be normal when the voltage of the emergency power supply at the time elapsed from the start of discharge to the load to the inspection time is higher than the first threshold. An emergency lighting device characterized in that, in the second operating mode, the control circuit performs a discharge from the emergency power supply to the load.

2. The aforementioned load includes a first load and a second load which is a light source. In the first operating mode, the control circuit performs a discharge on the first load. The emergency lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control circuit performs a discharge to the second load in the second operating mode.

3. The aforementioned load is a light source, The emergency lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that discharge is performed on the same light source in the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

4. Load and A charging circuit configured to convert power from the regular power supply to charge the emergency power supply, A control circuit configured to have a first operating mode for checking the status of the emergency power supply, a second operating mode for when the normal power supply fails, and a third operating mode, Equipped with, In the first operating mode, the control circuit is: With charging from the charging circuit to the emergency power supply stopped, discharge is performed from the emergency power supply to the load. If the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches a predetermined first threshold before a predetermined inspection time has elapsed since the start of discharge to the load, the emergency power supply is determined to be abnormal. The emergency power supply is determined to be normal when the voltage of the emergency power supply at the time elapsed from the start of discharge to the load to the inspection time is higher than the first threshold. In the second operating mode, the control circuit discharges from the emergency power supply to the load. In the third operating mode, the control circuit stops charging the emergency power supply from the charging circuit and discharges the emergency power supply to the load until the voltage of the emergency power supply reaches a predetermined second threshold that is lower than the first threshold. The control circuit is characterized in that, when performing an inspection in the first operating mode, it first performs the third operating mode to discharge the emergency power supply, recharges the emergency power supply with the charging circuit, and then performs the first operating mode.

5. The aforementioned load includes a first load and a second load which is a light source. In the first operating mode and the third operating mode, the control circuit performs discharge on the first load. The emergency lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control circuit performs a discharge to the second load in the second operating mode.

6. The aforementioned load is a light source, The emergency lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that discharge is performed on the same light source in the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode.

7. The emergency lighting device according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that the first load is a light source provided separately from the second load.

8. The emergency lighting device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first load is provided so as not to affect the light output of the second load.

9. The emergency lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the output power of the emergency power supply is the same in the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

10. The emergency lighting device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the control circuit performs the third operating mode on a predetermined day or time.

11. The emergency lighting device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the control circuit has an operating mode in which the first operating mode is not performed after the third operating mode is performed.

12. The emergency lighting device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the third operating mode is performed in response to a signal from an external device.

13. The emergency lighting device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the control circuit notifies the user to implement the third operating mode if the first operating mode or the second operating mode is not implemented by a predetermined date or time.

14. The system includes a notification circuit that notifies the result of the determination made in the first operating mode, The notification circuit is characterized by providing notification by light, sound, image, video, vibration, or communication with an external device, as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images