Lighting fixtures

Abstract

To provide a lighting fixture installed to a ceiling that is capable of wireless communication while maintaining design property of the lighting fixture.SOLUTION: A lighting fixture 100 installed to a ceiling includes a light source 201, a communication module 6, and a luminaire body 1. The light source 201 emits light. The communication module 6 includes a communication board 60 and performs wireless communication. The luminaire body 1 is made of a metal and covers the communication module 6. The luminaire body 1 includes a bottom part 10 and a side part 11a. The bottom part 10 is opposite to a ceiling plane while the lighting fixture 100 is installed to the ceiling. The side part 11a is adjacent to the bottom part 10. The luminaire body 1 is provided with a slit 12 working as a slot antenna. The communication board 60 is opposite to the side part 11a. The slit 12 includes a boundary part 10a between a first inner surface 101 that is an inner surface of the bottom part 10 and a second inner surface 111 that is an inner surface of the side part 11a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture, and more particularly to a lighting fixture having a communication module for performing wireless communication.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a lighting device (lighting fixture) including a lighting device. In the lighting device of Patent Document 1, the lighting device includes a wireless communication module (communication module) and a metal housing that houses the wireless communication module.

[0003] In the lighting device of Patent Document 1, a first slit and a second slit are provided on a side surface of the housing. And in the lighting device of Patent Document 1, the first slit and the second slit function as slot antennas.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in a lighting fixture attached to a ceiling, providing a slit that functions as a slot antenna on a side surface of the housing reduces the design quality of the lighting fixture.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting fixture that enables wireless communication while maintaining the design quality of the lighting fixture in a lighting fixture attached to a ceiling.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A lighting fixture according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a lighting fixture mounted on a ceiling. The lighting fixture comprises a light source, a communication module, and a fixture body. The light source emits light. The communication module includes a communication board and performs wireless communication. The fixture body is made of metal and covers the communication module. The fixture body has a bottom and a side. The bottom faces the ceiling surface when the lighting fixture is mounted on the ceiling. The side is adjacent to the bottom. The fixture body has a slit that functions as a slot antenna. Between the ceiling surface and the light source It is provided. The communication board faces the side portion. The slit includes the boundary portion between the first inner surface and the second inner surface. The first inner surface is the inner surface of the bottom portion. The second inner surface is the inner surface of the side portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, wireless communication becomes possible while maintaining the aesthetic design of the lighting fixture. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of a lighting fixture according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a magnified perspective view of the same lighting fixture, partially broken off. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the same lighting fixture taken along the line A1-A1 in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the same lighting fixture, including the edge of the slit in the fixture body. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view including the edge of the slit in the fixture body of the lighting fixture according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view including the edge of the slit in the fixture body of the lighting fixture according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 7]Figure 7A is a partial cross-sectional view including the edge of the slit in the fixture body of a lighting fixture according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. Figure 7B is a partial cross-sectional view including the edge of the slit in the fixture body of a lighting fixture according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2. Figure 7C is a partial cross-sectional view including the edge of the slit in the fixture body of a lighting fixture according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3. Figure 7D is a partial cross-sectional view including the edge of the slit in the fixture body of a lighting fixture according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a lighting fixture according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The lighting fixtures relating to Embodiments 1 to 3 and their modified forms will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the figures referenced in Embodiments 1 to 3 and their modified forms are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component shown in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) 1. Overall configuration of the lighting fixture The lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a fixture body 1 and a light source unit 2, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. In Figure 3, the position of the ceiling surface 300 when the fixture body 1 is mounted on the ceiling is shown as a dashed line. The fixture body 1 is mounted on the ceiling, for example. The light source unit 2 is detachably attached to the fixture body 1. Therefore, the lighting fixture 100 is mounted on the ceiling.

[0012] The lighting fixture 100 has a long shape in one direction. Hereinafter, the direction in which the lighting fixture 100 is installed on the ceiling will be referred to as direction D1. The direction along the long axis of the lighting fixture 100 will be referred to as direction D2. The direction along the short axis of the lighting fixture 100 will be referred to as direction D3.

[0013] 2. Components of each part of a lighting fixture (1) Main body of the device As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the fixture body 1 has a base plate 10 and a pair of side plates 11. The pair of side plates 11 includes side plate 11a and side plate 11b. The base plate 10 is formed in a long rectangular shape. More specifically, the long axis direction of the base plate 10 is direction D2, and the short axis direction of the base plate 10 is direction D3. Each of the side plates 11 is a long rectangular shape in direction D2. More specifically, the long axis direction of the side plate 11 is direction D2, and the short axis direction of the side plate 11 is direction D1. Also, each of the side plates 11 rises from the end of the base plate 10 in direction D3 to direction D1. The fixture body 1 is made of metal. More specifically, the base plate 10 and the pair of side plates 11 are integrally formed by bending a single metal plate. In other words, the pair of side plates 11 have the function of improving the strength of the base plate 10.

[0014] The base plate 10 faces the ceiling surface 300 when the lighting fixture 100 is installed on the ceiling. More specifically, when the lighting fixture 100 is installed on the ceiling, the outer surface of the base plate 10 faces the ceiling surface 300. The base plate 10 corresponds to the bottom.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a slit 12 is formed in the instrument body 1. Here, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part B1 in FIG. 1, and shows a state in which a part of the support member 21 described later is broken. Further, FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view including the edge of the slit 12 of the instrument body 1, and is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the slit 12 of the instrument body 1 in FIG. 3. The slit 12 includes a boundary portion 10a (see FIG. 4) between the inner surface of the bottom plate 10 (first inner surface 101) and the inner surface of the side plate 11a (second inner surface 111). The side plate 11a corresponds to the side portion. The "boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 and the second inner surface 111" is a virtual straight line connecting the boundaries between the first inner surface 101 of the bottom plate 10 and the second inner surface 111 of the side plate 11a at both ends of the slit 12 along the direction D2 with a straight line. Also, "the slit 12 includes the boundary portion 10a" means that the boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 and the second inner surface 111 is located inside the slit 12 or at the edge of the slit 12. The slit 12 has an elongated shape along the direction D2. Here, since the boundary portion 10a extends along the direction D2, the slit 12 is elongated along the boundary portion 10a. Also, the slit 12 is provided across the bottom plate 10 and the side plate 11a. [[ID=⒉]]

[0016] (2) Light source unit As shown in FIG. 3, the light source unit 2 includes a light source module 20. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the light source unit 2 further includes a power supply unit 5. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light source unit 2 further includes a communication module 6. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the light source unit 2 further includes a support member 21 and a cover 22.

[0017] (2.1) Light source module The light source module 20 has a substrate 200 and a plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs 201) mounted on the lower surface 200a of the substrate 200 (see FIG. 3). The LED 201 corresponds to a light source. The LED 201 emits light along the direction D1. The substrate 200 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape. Conductors for connecting a plurality of (only one is shown in FIG. 3) LEDs 201 are formed on the lower surface 200a of the substrate 200.

[0018] The plurality of LEDs 201 are each a white LED for lighting of the package type. Note that the light-emitting element of the light source module 20 may be a light-emitting element other than an LED such as an organic electroluminescent element or a semiconductor laser element.

[0019] (2.2) Power supply unit The power supply unit 5 is formed in a long box shape in the direction D2. The power supply unit 5 has a rectifying circuit that rectifies an AC voltage supplied from an external power supply, a boosting circuit that boosts and smoothes the pulsating DC voltage rectified by the rectifying circuit, a high-voltage circuit that steps down the DC voltage output from the boosting circuit, a control circuit that controls the high-voltage circuit, and the like. The control circuit controls the high-voltage circuit so as to make the current (load current) supplied to the light source module 20 constant-current by matching it with a target value. Further, the control circuit adjusts the target value of the load current based on the wireless signal received by the communication module 6 to dim the light source module 20.

[0020] (2.3) Communication module The communication module 6 has a communication board 60 and a communication cover 61 that covers the communication board 60. The communication board 60 is a board formed in a rectangular shape. The communication module 6 has an antenna 62 and a control circuit element formed on the communication board 60. The antenna 62 of the communication board 60 has directivity with respect to at least the direction intersecting the main surface 601 of the communication board 60. The communication cover 61 is, for example, a resin cover and is a protective member that protects the communication board 60, the antenna 62 on the communication board 60, and the control circuit element.

[0021] The communication module 6 performs wireless communication. More specifically, the communication module 6 receives wireless signals via wireless communication and causes the power supply unit 5 to perform control based on the wireless signals. For example, the communication module 6 notifies the control circuit of the power supply unit 5 of the content of the wireless signal. The control circuit of the power supply unit 5 performs ON control, OFF control, and dimming control by adjusting the target value of the load current based on the wireless signal. Wireless communication is communication using radio waves. Here, wireless communication does not include communication using light, such as infrared communication. Also, wireless communication as referred to here does not include near-field communication, where the maximum communication distance is 0.3m or less. Wireless communication is, for example, wireless communication using the frequency band of 2.4GHz to 2.48GHz. More specifically, wireless communication is, for example, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy).

[0022] The communication module 6 is positioned so that the main surface 601 of the communication board 60 is oriented along directions D1 and D2. In other words, the main surface 601 of the communication board 60 intersects with direction D3. This causes the antenna 62 of the communication module 6 to electromagnetically couple with the slit 12 of the device body 1. Therefore, the slit 12 of the device body 1 functions as a slot antenna for the communication module 6.

[0023] (2.4) Support members and covers As shown in Figure 3, the support member 21 has a main portion 210 and a pair of side wall portions 211. The main portion 210 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape along direction D2. More specifically, the long axis direction of the main portion 210 is direction D2, and the short axis direction of the main portion 210 is direction D3. Each of the side wall portions 211 is an elongated rectangular shape along direction D2. More specifically, the long axis direction of the side wall portion 211 is direction D2, and the short axis direction of the side wall portion 211 is direction D1. Each of the side wall portions 211 rises from the end of the main portion 210 in direction D3 to direction D1.

[0024] The support member 21 also has a positioning piece 212, a locking piece 213, and a pair of cover mounting pieces 214. The positioning piece 212 is formed in a prismatic shape that protrudes downward from the end on the lower surface of the main part 210. The locking piece 213 is formed in an L-shape that protrudes downward from the end on the lower surface of the main part 210. The positioning piece 212 and the locking piece 213 are each formed along the entire length of the main part 210 in the longitudinal direction, parallel to each other along direction D2, which is the longitudinal direction of the main part 210. The substrate 200 of the light source module 20 is inserted into the space between the locking piece 213 and the main part 210, and the end of the substrate 200 is locked to the locking piece 213. The substrate 200 is then positioned in direction D2 by the positioning piece 212. Each of the cover mounting pieces 214 is formed in an L-shape and protrudes from the end in direction D3 of the main part 210 along direction D1. The support member 21 is integrally formed by extrusion molding of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the cover 22 has a front wall 220, a pair of side walls 221, and a pair of mounting portions 222. The front wall 220 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape along direction D2. More specifically, the long axis direction of the front wall 220 is direction D2, and the short axis direction of the front wall 220 is direction D3. Each of the side walls 221 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape along direction D2. More specifically, the long axis direction of the side wall 221 is direction D2, and the short axis direction is direction D1. Each of the mounting portions 222 is formed in an elongated U-shape along direction D2 and protrudes from the inner end of the side wall portion 211. More specifically, the first end of the side wall 221 in direction D1 is joined to the end of the front wall 220 in direction D2, and the second end is provided with a mounting portion 222. The cover 22 is integrally formed by extrusion molding of a translucent synthetic resin, such as polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin. Furthermore, in order to diffuse the light emitted from the light source module 20, the cover 22 is formed in a milky white color by mixing fillers into the synthetic resin material.

[0026] (3) Relationship between slits and communication modules As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the communication module 6 is positioned such that the main surface 601 of the communication board 60 is aligned with directions D1 and D2. Here, "positioned so that the main surface 601 of the communication board 60 is aligned with direction D1" includes not only the case where the main surface 601 of the communication board 60 is parallel to direction D1, but also the case where the angle between the main surface 601 of the communication board 60 and direction D1 is within a certain range. Similarly, "positioned so that the main surface 601 of the communication board 60 is aligned with direction D2" includes not only the case where the main surface 601 of the communication board 60 is parallel to direction D2, but also the case where the angle between the main surface 601 of the communication board 60 and direction D2 is within a certain range. A certain range is, for example, 30° or less. This makes it easy for the communication module 6 to communicate with other devices located in direction D3 as viewed from the communication module 6. Other devices include, for example, remote controls, tablet terminals, and scheduling devices. Other devices include, for example, a remote control, a tablet terminal, and another lighting fixture that relays wireless signals from a scheduler to the lighting fixture 100. Therefore, the lighting fixture 100 can avoid ceilings with many metal structures and conduct wireless communication using the space below the ceiling. Also, because the lighting fixture 100 is long in direction D2, communication can be conducted in direction D3, which is the short axis direction, thereby reducing the obstruction of communication by the components of the lighting fixture 100.

[0027] The fixture body 1 covers the communication module 6. More specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fixture body 1 covers the communication module 6 in directions D1 and D3. The communication module 6 is located between the upper surface 200b of the substrate 200 of the light source module 20 and the fixture body 1. The communication substrate 60 faces the side plate 11a. More specifically, the main surface 601 of the communication substrate 60 faces the second inner surface 111 of the side plate 11a. This allows the communication module 6 to communicate in direction D3 without obstructing the light irradiation of the light source module 20.

[0028] The slit 12 of the fixture body 1 is positioned so that, in a plan view from direction D3, the slit 12 and the communication board 60 are aligned along direction D1. Furthermore, in the fixture body 1, in a plan view from direction D1, the slit 12 is positioned away from the communication board 60 along direction D3. This causes the antenna 62 of the communication module 6 and the slit 12 of the fixture body 1 to electromagnetically couple, so that the slit 12 and antenna 62 function as a slot antenna. Therefore, the communication module 6 can transmit and receive radio waves from the slit 12 in directions D3 and D1. Here, as shown in Figure 3, the support member 21 is not in contact with the ceiling surface 300. As a result, radio waves transmitted by the communication module 6 from the slot antenna propagate in direction D3 from between the support member 21 and the ceiling surface 300, and similarly, radio waves from the slot antenna in direction D3 reach the slit 12 from between the support member 21 and the ceiling surface 300. Therefore, the communication module 6 can transmit radio waves from the slit 12 in direction D3 and receive radio waves arriving from direction D3 to the slit 12. In other words, the fixture body 1 can efficiently receive wireless signals from other lighting fixtures installed on the ceiling.

[0029] The slit 12 of the fixture body 1 includes the boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 of the base plate 10 and the second inner surface 111 of the side plate 11a. Furthermore, the slit 12 is formed to span both the base plate 10 and the side plate 11a. Therefore, the slit 12 of the fixture body 1 is not visible unless viewed from the ceiling surface 300 side of the support member 21. In other words, users of a facility (e.g., a room) where the lighting fixture 100 is installed are unlikely to notice that the lighting fixture 100 has a slit 12. This reduces the reduction in the aesthetic appeal of the lighting fixture 100 due to the slit 12. In addition, the presence of the slit 12 in the side plate 11a improves the gain in direction D3.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the slit 12 of the device body 1 is elongated in the direction D2. That is, the slit 12 is elongated in the direction along the boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 of the bottom plate 10 and the second inner surface 111 of the side plate 11a. The length W1 of the slit 12 is approximately half the wavelength of the radio waves transmitted and received by the communication module 6. The length W1 of the slit 12 is the length along the direction D2 of the slit 12. Specifically, when the frequency of the radio waves transmitted and received by the communication module 6 is between 2.4 GHz and 2.48 GHz, the length W1 of the slit 12 is between 54.5 mm and 68.8 mm. This improves the gain of the slot antenna due to electromagnetic coupling between the slit 12 and the antenna 62 of the communication module 6.

[0031] Furthermore, the width of the slit 12 in the device body 1 along directions D1 and D3 is, for example, 1 mm. Here, "width W2 of the slit 12 along direction D1" (see Figure 4) refers to the width W2 of the slit 12 along direction D1 in a plan view from direction D3. More specifically, "width W2 of the slit 12 along direction D1" refers to the opening width of the slit 12 in the device body 1 along direction D1. Similarly, "width W3 of the slit 12 along direction D3" refers to the width W3 of the slit 12 along direction D3 in a plan view from direction D1. More specifically, "width W3 of the slit 12 along direction D3" refers to the opening width of the slit 12 in direction D3 in the side plate 11a. Therefore, the slit 12 of the device body 1 has an opening width of 1 mm in both a plan view from direction D1 and a plan view from direction D3. This improves the gain of the slot antenna due to electromagnetic coupling between the slit 12 and the antenna 62 of the communication module 6.

[0032] 3. Effects The lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 1 is mounted on the ceiling. The lighting fixture 100 comprises an LED 201 that emits light and a communication module 6 that includes a communication board 60 and performs wireless communication. The lighting fixture 100 further comprises a fixture body 1. The fixture body 1 is made of metal and covers the communication module 6. The fixture body 1 has a bottom plate 10 that faces the ceiling surface when the lighting fixture 100 is mounted on the ceiling, and a side plate 11a adjacent to the bottom plate 10. The fixture body 1 is provided with a slit 12 that functions as a slot antenna. The communication board 60 faces the side plate 11a. The slit 12 includes a boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 of the bottom plate 10 of the fixture body 1 and the second inner surface 111 of the side plate 11a. Therefore, the lighting fixture 100 can efficiently receive wireless signals from direction D3, which is the normal direction of the side plate 11a. Furthermore, since the slit 12 is in contact with the boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 of the bottom plate 10 of the fixture body 1 and the second inner surface 111 of the side plate 11a, users of the facility where the lighting fixture 100 is installed are unlikely to notice the presence of the slit 12. Therefore, the reduction in the aesthetic appeal of the lighting fixture 100 due to the slit 12 can be minimized.

[0033] Furthermore, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 1, the slit 12 is provided spanning the bottom plate 10 and the side plate 11a of the fixture body 1. Therefore, the gain of the slot antenna is improved with respect to wireless signals from direction D3, which is the normal direction of the side plate 11a. As a result, wireless control of the lighting fixture 100 can be performed from a remote location.

[0034] Furthermore, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 1, the length W1 of the slit 12 is 54.5 mm or more and 68.8 mm or less. As a result, when the frequency of the radio waves transmitted and received by the communication module 6 is 2.4 GHz or more and 2.48 GHz or less, the length W1 of the slit 12 becomes sufficiently close to half the wavelength of the radio waves, thereby improving the gain of the slot antenna. This allows the lighting fixture 100 to be controlled wirelessly from a distance.

[0035] Furthermore, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 1, the slit 12 is elongated in the direction along the boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 of the bottom plate 10 of the fixture body 1 and the second inner surface 111 of the side plate 11a. Therefore, since the slit 12 does not have a long axis in the direction along direction D1, users of the facility where the lighting fixture 100 is installed are even less likely to notice the presence of the slit 12.

[0036] Furthermore, the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 1 has an elongated shape in direction D2. The side plate 11a is arranged along direction D2. Therefore, since the communication module 6 communicates in direction D3, which is the short axis direction of the lighting fixture 100, the obstruction of communication by the components of the lighting fixture 100 can be reduced.

[0037] Furthermore, the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a substrate 200. The LED 201 is arranged on the lower surface 200a of the substrate 200. The communication module 6 is arranged between the upper surface 200b of the substrate 200 and the fixture body 1. Therefore, the communication module 6 can communicate in direction D3 without obstructing the light irradiation of the light source module 20.

[0038] (Embodiment 2) In the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 2, the slit 12 is formed on the first inner surface 101 of the bottom plate 10 of the fixture body 1.

[0039] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixture body 1 of the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 2, and, similar to Figure 4, is a partial cross-sectional view including the edge of the slit 12. As shown in Figure 5, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 2, the slit 12 is formed on the first inner surface 101 of the bottom plate 10 of the fixture body 1. Furthermore, the slit 12 is not provided on the side plate 11a side (below the boundary portion 10a in Figure 5) of the boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 and the second inner surface 111 in the fixture body 1. That is, the edge of the slit 12 includes the boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 and the second inner surface 111. Therefore, since the slit 12 is not provided on the side plate 11a in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 2, users of the facility (e.g., a room) where the lighting fixture 100 is installed are even less likely to notice that the lighting fixture 100 has a slit 12. This further reduces the deterioration of the design of the lighting fixture 100 due to the slit 12.

[0040] The slit 12 of the fixture body 1 is elongated in the direction along direction D2.

[0041] The width W3 of the slit 12 in the main body of the device 1 along the direction D3 is, for example, 1 mm. This improves the gain of the slot antenna due to the electromagnetic coupling between the slit 12 and the antenna 62 of the communication module 6.

[0042] In the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 2, the slit 12 does not penetrate the fixture body 1 in direction D3. However, even in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 2, in a plan view from direction D1, the slit 12 is located away from the communication board 60 in direction D3 in the fixture body 1. Therefore, the slot antenna can transmit and receive radio waves from the slit 12 in direction D3. Also, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 2, the support member 21 is not in contact with the ceiling surface 300. As a result, the slot antenna, formed by the electromagnetic coupling between the slit 12 and the antenna 62 of the communication module 6, can transmit radio waves in direction D3 and receive radio waves arriving from direction D3 to the slit 12. In other words, even in the fixture body 1 according to Embodiment 2, wireless signals from other lighting fixtures installed on the ceiling can be efficiently received.

[0043] (Embodiment 3) In the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 3, the slit 12 is formed in the side plate 11a of the fixture body 1.

[0044] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixture body 1 of the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 3, and, similar to Figure 4, is a partial cross-sectional view including the edge of the slit 12. As shown in Figure 6, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 3, the slit 12 is formed on the second inner surface 111 of the side plate 11a of the fixture body 1. Furthermore, the slit 12 is not provided on the fixture body 1 on the bottom plate 10 side (to the right of the boundary portion 10a in Figure 6) from the boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 and the second inner surface 111. That is, in the fixture body 1, the edge of the slit 12 includes the boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 and the second inner surface 111. Therefore, users of a facility (e.g., a room) where the lighting fixture 100 is installed are unlikely to notice that the lighting fixture 100 has a slit 12. This reduces the reduction in the aesthetic appeal of the lighting fixture 100 due to the slit 12.

[0045] The slit 12 of the fixture body 1 is elongated in the direction along direction D2.

[0046] The width W2 of the slit 12 in the main body of the device 1 along the direction D1 is, for example, 1 mm. This improves the gain of the slot antenna due to the electromagnetic coupling between the slit 12 and the antenna 62 of the communication module 6.

[0047] In the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 3, the slit 12 does not penetrate the fixture body 1 in direction D1, but penetrates in direction D3. Therefore, the slot antenna can transmit and receive radio waves from the slit 12 in direction D3. Also, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 3, the support member 21 is not in contact with the ceiling surface 300. As a result, the slot antenna, formed by the electromagnetic coupling between the slit 12 and the antenna 62 of the communication module 6, can transmit radio waves in direction D3 and receive radio waves arriving from direction D3 to the slit 12. In other words, even in the fixture body 1 according to Embodiment 3, wireless signals from other lighting fixtures installed on the ceiling can be efficiently received.

[0048] (Other modifications according to the embodiment) (1) In the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 2, the slit 12 is formed on the first inner surface 101 of the bottom plate 10 of the fixture body 1. The edge of the slit 12 includes the boundary portion 10a between the first inner surface 101 and the second inner surface 111 of the fixture body 1. In this case, as shown in Figure 5, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 2, the slit 12 is provided on a part of the side plate 11a of the fixture body 1 that does not include the second inner surface 111.

[0049] However, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 2, the slit 12 does not have to be provided on the side plate 11a of the fixture body 1. For example, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 7A, the shape of the slit 12 on the first inner surface 101 and the shape on the outer surface of the bottom plate 10 are the same. In other words, the slit 12 does not include the outer surface of the side plate 11a. Also, for example, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 7B, the edge of the slit 12 includes the edge of the outer surface of the bottom plate 10 in direction D3. In these cases as well, if the shape of the opening by the slit 12 in the fixture body 1 is the same in a plan view from direction D1, it will have the same effect as a slot antenna.

[0050] Similarly, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 3, the slit 12 does not have to be provided on the bottom plate 10 of the fixture body 1. For example, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3, as shown in Figure 7C, the shape of the slit 12 on the second inner surface 111 and the shape on the outer surface of the side plate 11a are the same. In other words, the slit 12 does not include the outer surface of the bottom plate 10. Also, for example, in the lighting fixture 100 according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 3, as shown in Figure 7D, the edge of the slit 12 includes the end of the outer surface of the side plate 11a in direction D1. In these cases as well, if the shape of the opening by the slit 12 in the fixture body 1 is the same in a plan view from direction D3, it will have the same effect as a slot antenna.

[0051] (2) In the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 3, the communication module 6 communicates using BLE with a frequency band of 2.4 GHz to 2.48 GHz. However, for example, the communication module 6 may communicate using other communication standards that use a frequency band of 2.4 GHz to 2.48 GHz. Also, the communication module 6 may communicate using other communication standards that use other frequency bands. In this case, the length of the slit 12 is preferably about half the wavelength of the radio waves used for communication. More specifically, the length of the slit 12 is, for example, 0.45 times or more and 0.55 times or less the wavelength of the radio waves used for communication.

[0052] (3) The lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 3 has an elongated shape in direction D2. However, the shape of the lighting fixture 100 is not limited to this. For example, the shape of the lighting fixture 100 may be square or circular when viewed from a plan view from direction D1.

[0053] (4) The lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 3 is directly attached to the ceiling. However, the installation method of the lighting fixture 100 is not limited to this.

[0054] For example, the lighting fixture 100 according to a modified embodiment of Embodiment 1 is mounted on the ceiling via a lighting duct. That is, the lighting fixture 100 is attached to a lighting duct mounted on the ceiling. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture 100 according to a modified embodiment of Embodiment 1, and corresponds to the A1-A1 cross-section in Figure 1. In Figure 8, the position of the lighting duct 310 when the lighting fixture 100 is mounted on the ceiling is shown as a dashed line. The lighting fixture 100 has a connector for attachment to the lighting duct 310 on the outer surface of the bottom plate 10 of the fixture body 1.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, when the lighting fixture 100 is attached to the lighting duct, the support member 21 does not come into contact with the lighting duct 310. That is, the communication module 6 is not completely covered by the lighting duct 310 and the support member 21. As a result, similar to the lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 3, in the modified lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 1, the slot antenna formed by the electromagnetic coupling between the slit 12 and the antenna 62 of the communication module 6 can transmit radio waves in direction D3 and receive radio waves reaching the slit 12 from direction D3. Moreover, since the lighting duct 310 is usually lower than the ceiling surface, the radio waves transmitted and received by the communication module 6 are less likely to be obstructed by metal or other objects above the ceiling. Therefore, in the modified lighting fixture 100 according to Embodiment 1, the communication range of the communication module 6 is further expanded. Also, the slit 12 cannot be seen from below the lighting fixture 100 through the gap between the support member 21 and the lighting duct 310. Therefore, the reduction in the aesthetic appeal of the lighting fixture 100 due to the slit 12 can be reduced.

[0056] The lighting fixture 100 may be a lighting fixture embedded in the ceiling. In this case as well, the metal housing surrounding the communication module 6 is provided with a slit that includes the boundary between the inner surface of the bottom facing the ceiling surface and the inner surface of the side adjacent to the bottom. The side adjacent to the bottom intersects with the direction along the ceiling surface from which the communication module 6 intends to transmit and receive radio waves. As a result, the slit antenna, formed by the electromagnetic coupling between the slit and the antenna 62 of the communication module 6, can transmit and receive radio waves in the direction along the ceiling surface. Therefore, since the lighting fixture 100 can transmit and receive radio waves in the direction along the ceiling surface from a position close to the ceiling surface, it can easily communicate with lighting fixtures installed on the ceiling.

[0057] (Aspect) The lighting fixture (100) according to the first embodiment is a lighting fixture (100) that is mounted on a ceiling. The lighting fixture (100) comprises a light source (201), a communication module (6), and a fixture body (1). The light source (201) emits light. The communication module (6) includes a communication board (60) and performs wireless communication. The fixture body (1) is made of metal and covers the communication module (6). The fixture body (1) has a bottom (10) and a side (11a). The bottom (10) faces the ceiling surface when the lighting fixture (100) is mounted on the ceiling. The side (11a) is adjacent to the bottom (10). The fixture body (1) is provided with a slit (12). The slit (12) functions as a slot antenna. The communication board (60) faces the side (11a). The slit (12) includes the boundary portion (10a) between the first inner surface (101) and the second inner surface (111).

[0058] According to the lighting fixture (100) described above, the communication module (6) can efficiently receive wireless signals from the direction normal to the side (11a) (D3). Furthermore, since the slit (12) is in contact with the boundary portion (10a) between the first inner surface (101) of the bottom (10) of the fixture body (1) and the second inner surface (111) of the side (11a), users of the facility where the lighting fixture (100) is installed are unlikely to notice the presence of the slit (12). Therefore, the reduction in the aesthetic appeal of the lighting fixture (100) due to the slit (12) can be reduced.

[0059] In the lighting fixture (100) according to the second embodiment, it is provided spanning the bottom (10) and side (11a) of the fixture body (1) as in the first embodiment.

[0060] According to the lighting fixture (100) in the above embodiment, the gain of the slot antenna is improved with respect to wireless signals from the normal direction (D3) of the side portion (11a). As a result, wireless control of the lighting fixture (100) can be performed from a remote location.

[0061] In the lighting fixture (100) according to the third embodiment, the slit (12) is provided at the bottom (10) of the fixture body (1). The edge of the slit (12) includes the boundary portion (10a).

[0062] According to the lighting fixture (100) described above, users of the facility where the lighting fixture (100) is installed are even less likely to notice the presence of the slit (12). Therefore, the reduction in the aesthetic appeal of the lighting fixture (100) due to the slit (12) can be further reduced.

[0063] In the lighting fixture (100) according to the fourth embodiment, the slit (12) is provided on the side (11a) of the fixture body (1). The edge of the slit (12) includes the boundary portion (10a).

[0064] According to the lighting fixture (100) described above, the communication module (6) can receive wireless signals from the normal direction (D3) of the side (11a) even more efficiently.

[0065] In the lighting fixture (100) according to the fifth embodiment, the length (W1) of the slit (12) is 54.5 mm or more and 68.8 mm or less, according to the first to fourth embodiments.

[0066] According to the lighting fixture (100) described above, the gain of the slot antenna is improved when the frequency of the radio waves transmitted and received by the communication module (6) is between 2.4 GHz and 2.48 GHz. This allows the lighting fixture (100) to be controlled wirelessly from a remote location.

[0067] In the lighting fixture (100) according to the sixth embodiment, in the first to fifth embodiments, the slit (12) is elongated in the direction along the boundary portion (10a) between the first inner surface (101) and the second inner surface (111).

[0068] According to the lighting fixture (100) described above, the direction in which the first inner surface (101) and the second inner surface (111) are aligned intersects with the long axis direction of the slit (12). Therefore, users of the facility where the lighting fixture (100) is installed are even less likely to notice the presence of the slit (12).

[0069] In the seventh embodiment of the lighting fixture (100), as in the first to sixth embodiments, the lighting fixture (100) has an elongated shape in the first direction (D2). The side portion (11a) is arranged along the first direction (D2).

[0070] According to the lighting fixture (100) described above, since the communication module (6) communicates in the short axis direction (D3) that intersects with the first direction (D2) of the lighting fixture (100), it is possible to reduce the obstruction of communication by the components of the lighting fixture (100).

[0071] The lighting fixture (100) according to the eighth embodiment further comprises a light-emitting substrate (200) as in the first to seventh embodiments. The light source (201) is arranged on the first surface (200a) of the light-emitting substrate (200). The communication module (6) is arranged between the second surface (200b) of the light-emitting substrate (200) and the fixture body (1).

[0072] According to the lighting fixture (100) described above, the communication module (6) can communicate without interfering with the light irradiation of the light source module (20). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 100 lighting fixtures 1. Main body of the device 10 Bottom plate (bottom) 101 First Inner Surface 11a Side panel (side section) 111 Second Inner Self 12 slits 10a Boundary part 200 substrates (light-emitting substrates) 200a Bottom surface (first surface) 200b Top surface (2nd surface) 201 LED (light source) 6. Communication Module 60 Communication board D2 direction (first direction) W1 Slit length

Claims

1. A lighting fixture that is installed on the ceiling, A light source that emits light, A communication module that includes a communication board and performs wireless communication, The device comprises a metal body covering the communication module, The aforementioned device body is With the aforementioned lighting fixture mounted on the ceiling, the bottom part facing the ceiling surface, It has a side portion adjacent to the bottom portion, A slit that functions as a slot antenna is provided between the ceiling surface and the light source. The communication board faces the side portion, The slit includes the boundary portion between the first inner surface, which is the inner surface of the bottom, and the second inner surface, which is the inner surface of the side. Lighting fixtures.

2. The slit is provided spanning the bottom and side of the main body of the device. The lighting fixture according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned slit is provided at the bottom of the main body of the device, The edge of the slit includes the boundary portion. The lighting fixture according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned slit is provided on the side of the main body of the device, The edge of the slit includes the boundary portion. The lighting fixture according to claim 1.

5. The length of the slit is 54.5 mm or more and 68.8 mm or less. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The slit is elongated in the direction along the boundary between the first inner surface and the second inner surface. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The aforementioned lighting fixture has an elongated shape in the first direction, The side portion is arranged along the first direction, A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The light-emitting substrate on which the aforementioned light source is provided further comprises The light source is arranged on the first surface of the light-emitting substrate. The communication module is positioned between the second surface of the light-emitting substrate and the main body of the device. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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