JP2009158453A - Illuminating device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an illumination device having an LED, using a power supply device of which long life characteristics are achieved, as a light source. <P>SOLUTION: The illumination device 1 includes a light source unit 2 comprising a solid light-emitting element 32, and the power supply device 6 for supplying power to the light source unit 2. The power supply device 6 includes of a circuit element having a heat radiation electrode 71 and including a heat generating element 53, and generates power to be supplied to the light source unit 2 based on a pulse signal; a substrate 55 for mounting the circuit element on a mounting surface; and a column shaped cabinet 51 which is constituted of a resin material and has a hollow structure 58 in which the substrate 55 is arranged. One surface of a cabinet 51 constitutes an opening part 59, and the opening part 59 is sealed by a plate 52. The substrate 55 holds the heat generating element 53 on an outer side than a specific end part 56 by a predetermined space 81 so that the heat generating electrode 71 is positioned on an axis perpendicular to a holding surface, and the circuit element is arranged in a state where only the heat generating electrode 71 of the heat radiation element 53 is in close contact with a plate 52. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an illuminating device, and more particularly to an illuminating device using a solid light emitting element as a light source.

  In recent years, environmental awareness has increased, and solid-state light-emitting elements, particularly light-emitting diodes, have attracted attention as new light sources that can replace incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, mercury lamps, and other lamps. This is because a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED) is a light source that has a longer life than the above-mentioned lamps and does not contain harmful substances such as mercury and lead, that is, it is an environmentally friendly light source. It is.

  Among LEDs, a so-called high power LED having an input capacity of 1 W or more has a high emission intensity and is optimal for lighting applications. In addition, the light conversion efficiency of LEDs has been improving year by year, and in the future, illumination using LEDs as light sources is also expected to be energy-saving light sources.

  The LED is a DC drive element, and when driving using a commercial power supply (AC power supply), a power supply device that converts AC to DC is required.

  Here, there are various requirements for the power supply device for driving the LEDs. Among them, a long life is also required.

  With regard to the life of the power supply device, one of the characteristics of the LED is that it has a long life (the bulb does not break like a fluorescent lamp). Therefore, in order to realize a maintenance-free illumination device using LEDs, the power supply device also needs to have a lifespan comparable to that of LEDs. In order to realize a long life, it is necessary to appropriately dissipate heat generated as a loss from circuit elements constituting the power supply device. If heat dissipation is not performed properly, there is a risk of circuit element characteristic deterioration and failure.

  In view of such circumstances, Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle discharge lamp lighting device that is not for driving an LED. In this in-vehicle discharge lamp lighting device, a lighting circuit portion is arranged in an open metal case body. And it is supposed that the opening part of a case body will be obstruct | occluded with the attachment flange made from resin.

With such a configuration, it is said that heat generated from the components constituting the lighting circuit unit can be radiated.
JP 2002-367413 A

  However, it is considered difficult to apply the in-vehicle discharge lamp lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 to a power supply device for a lighting device using LEDs. That is, the lighting circuit portion (corresponding to a circuit constituting the power supply device) in Patent Document 1 is inserted into a metal case body (corresponding to the casing of the power supply device). Certainly, it can be considered that heat generated as a loss from the circuit elements constituting the lighting circuit portion can be radiated by adopting such a configuration, but the case body is made of metal as described above.

  That is, in the in-vehicle discharge lamp lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the mounting flange that closes the case body is made of resin, but most of the surrounding flange is made of metal. In such a state, there is a risk that a part of the lighting circuit portion touches the case body made of metal due to some impact or the like. Since the case body is made of metal, an accident such as an electrical short-circuit may occur.

  This is a problem that, contrary to the long life required for the power supply device of the lighting device using LEDs, leads to unstable life characteristics.

  In addition, in the in-vehicle discharge lamp lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, after the lighting circuit portion is arranged in the case body, a risk that a part of the lighting circuit portion touches the case body made of metal is avoided. For this reason, it is said that it is filled with a filler, and heat is released using this, but the thermal conductivity of the filler is lower than that of metals such as aluminum, and the heat dissipation through the filler is actually There is a question as to whether or not this is done properly.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, Comprising: It aims at providing the illuminating device which uses LED as a light source using the power supply device with which long life property is implement | achieved.

  The above-described problem is a lighting device including a light source unit including a solid-state light emitting element and a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source unit using an AC power source, and the power supply unit includes a heat dissipation electrode, and generates heat. A generating unit configured to generate electric power to be supplied to the light source unit based on an arbitrary signal, and a rectangular shape, and holding the circuit element on a holding surface. And a column-shaped casing means having a hollow structure in which the holding means is arranged, and the casing means has an opening formed on any one of the side surfaces, The opening is sealed by a plate made of metal, and the holding means is on an axis perpendicular to the holding surface and outside the specific end, which is one end constituting the long side. The specific element is held so that the heat radiation electrode is located, and only the heat radiation electrode is disposed in contact with the plate among the circuit elements, and the plate and the heat radiation electrode are closely arranged. Can be solved.

  With this configuration, only the heat radiation electrode of the element having a large calorific value among the circuit elements constituting the power supply unit comes into contact (adherence) with the plate made of metal. That is, the heat from the element having a large calorific value can be radiated by the plate. On the other hand, the elements other than the heat dissipation electrode of the element that generates a large amount of heat and other elements do not contact the plate and are prevented from being electrically short-circuited. Further, since the casing means is made of resin, there is no risk of an electrical short circuit even if the holding means moves in the hollow structure due to an impact.

  Here, the arbitrary signal may be a pulse signal, and the generation unit may determine a power value to be generated based on a duty ratio that is a ratio of on-pulses per cycle of the pulse signal. In addition, the generation means includes conversion means for converting alternating current supplied from an alternating current power source into pulsating flow, selection means for selecting passage or non-passing of the pulsating flow, and time between passage and non-passing of the pulsating flow. Instructing means for instructing the selection means a ratio that is a ratio may be provided, and the instructing means may instruct the selection means based on the duty ratio of the pulse signal.

  With this configuration, the power value generated by the power supply unit can be determined based on the duty ratio of the pulse signal.

  Here, the instruction means further includes a target power value that is a power value corresponding to the duty ratio of the pulse signal, and a current power value that is a power value supplied to the light source unit at an arbitrary time. Comparing means for comparing, when the comparing means determines that the target power value is large in the comparing means, the selecting means indicates the ratio higher than the ratio immediately before the arbitrary time, When the comparison means determines that the target power value is small, the ratio may be instructed to the selection means that is lower than the ratio immediately before the arbitrary time.

  With this configuration, the power value (target power value) determined by the duty ratio of the pulse signal is compared with the current voltage value immediately before an arbitrary time, and the ratio at an arbitrary time can be indicated. There is. That is, the power supply unit realizes control based on the target power value and the current power value.

  Here, the selection unit may further include a switching element, and the specific element may be the switching element.

  With this configuration, there is an effect that heat generated as a loss in the switching element can be appropriately dissipated using the plate.

  Here, the light source unit may further include a casing made of metal, and the casing and the plate may be disposed in close contact with each other.

  With this configuration, there is an effect that heat generated as a loss in the specific element can be dissipated using the housing portion of the light source unit, so that there is an effect that heat dissipation can be further improved.

  Here, the holding means and the plate may be arranged such that the long side directions are parallel to each other and the angle formed by the short side directions is 90 degrees. Further, the specific end portion of the holding means and the plate may be arranged with a predetermined interval. A member made of an insulating material may be inserted between the specific end portion and the plate. Furthermore, the predetermined interval may be 1 mm or more.

  With this configuration, there is an effect that it is possible to increase the insulation (insulation breakdown voltage) between the holding means and the plate.

  Here, the casing means has a quadrangular prism shape, and the length in the width direction of the casing means substantially coincides with the length in the longitudinal direction of the holding means, and the longitudinal direction of the casing means, and The length in the lateral direction may substantially coincide with the length in the short side direction of the holding means.

  With this configuration, there is an effect that the size of the power supply unit can be minimized. Since the power supply unit is small, the degree of freedom in designing the lighting device is increased, and the design can be improved. Furthermore, there is no space for the holding means to move in the hollow structure, and the safety when an impact or the like is applied to the power supply unit can be further improved.

  Here, the power supply unit further includes sending means for receiving arbitrary information distributed from the outside, creating the pulse signal based on the arbitrary information, and sending the pulse signal to the generating means. It's okay. Further, the arbitrary information is instruction information for instructing increase / decrease of the illumination intensity by the light source unit at a first time which is an arbitrary time, and the sending means is configured such that the instruction information is the illumination intensity by the light source unit. The pulse signal having a duty ratio higher than the duty ratio of the pulse signal immediately before the first time is generated, and the instruction information indicates the illumination intensity by the light source unit. In the case of instructing a decrease, the pulse signal having the duty ratio lower than the duty ratio of the pulse signal immediately before the first time may be created.

  With this configuration, there is an effect that the illumination intensity can be changed (so-called dimming can be performed) from the outside of the illumination device. This is advantageous when the solid-state light emitting device is an LED. This is because the light emission intensity can be freely controlled by the power supplied by the LED.

  Here, the generating means further obtains an estimated waveform of the pulsating flow from an average value of the pulsating flow for a predetermined period, and calculates an estimated instantaneous value of the pulsating flow at a second time that is an arbitrary time from the estimated waveform. An estimation means to be obtained; and a correction means for instructing the selection means to correct the ratio based on a comparison result between the estimated instantaneous value and the instantaneous value of the pulsating flow obtained at the second time, When the instantaneous value of the pulsating flow exceeds the estimated instantaneous value, the correcting unit instructs correction to the ratio lower than the ratio immediately before the second time, and the instantaneous value of the pulsating flow is When it falls below the estimated instantaneous value, a correction to a higher ratio than the ratio immediately before the second time may be instructed. Further, the predetermined period may be equal to or longer than a period corresponding to a half cycle of the AC power supply.

  With this configuration, even when the AC power supply fluctuates, the power value generated by the power supply unit can be prevented from fluctuating.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the illuminating device which uses LED as the light source using the power supply device with which long life property is implement | achieved can be provided.

  The illuminating device 1 according to the present invention realizes a long life in the power supply device 6 that supplies power to the light source unit 2 using the solid light emitting element 32. Specifically, the casing 51 is made of resin, and a metal plate 52 is attached to the opening 59. Of the circuit elements (the heating element 53 and the general element 54) constituting the power supply device 6, only the heat radiation electrode 71 of the heat generation element 53 is in contact with the plate 52, and the plate 52 and the heat radiation electrode 71 are disposed in close contact with each other. . As a result, heat generated as a loss in the heating element 53 can be radiated appropriately.

  Furthermore, since the casing 51 is a resin case, an unnecessary portion of the circuit elements (the heating element 53 and the general element 54) constituting the power supply device 6 is made of metal even if there is some impact. To prevent contact. Therefore, an electrical short circuit does not occur, and a stable long life is realized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a lighting device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the structure of the illuminating device 1 of this invention is demonstrated.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the illumination device 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the light source unit 2 viewed from the direction A in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the light source unit 2 on the C1-C2 plane in FIG. 4 is a plan view of the power supply device 6 as viewed from the direction B in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the power supply device 6 on the D1-D2 plane in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the power supply device 6 on the E1-E2 plane in FIG.

  The illumination device 1 according to the present invention includes a light source unit 2, a connection cable 3, a signal cable 4, a power cable 5, and a power supply device 6.

  The light source unit 2 includes a housing portion 31, and includes a plurality of solid state light emitting elements 32, a substrate 33, and a protective translucent plate 34 inside the housing portion 31.

  The light source unit 2 causes a solid light emitting element 32 such as an internal LED to emit light using direct current supplied from the power supply device 6 via the connection cable 3.

The casing 31 has a substantially U-shaped cross section. The casing 31 is made of a metal having high thermal conductivity (preferably, a metal having a thermal conductivity of 200 W · m ⁻¹ · K ⁻¹ or more). For example, the housing part 31 is made of aluminum. The reason why aluminum is used for the casing 31 is that it is inexpensive, easy to mold, has good recyclability, has a thermal conductivity of 200 W · m ⁻¹ · K ⁻¹ or more, and heat dissipation characteristics. Is high.

  The protective translucent plate 34 has translucency and is disposed in the light emitting direction of the solid state light emitting device 32. The protective translucent plate 34 is formed in a flat plate shape. By integrally combining the casing 31 and the protective translucent plate 34, the cross section becomes a substantially square shape.

  The protective translucent plate 34 is formed of transparent glass, acrylic resin, polycarbonate, or the like. Fine irregularities are unevenly formed on the front or back surface of the protective translucent plate 34 by surface treatment. This surface treatment can be easily performed, for example, by applying a sandblast method. The protective translucent plate 34 protects the solid light emitting element 32 and the like disposed inside the lighting device 1. Further, the protective translucent plate 34 plays a role of diffusing light emitted from the solid state light emitting device 32. The light emitted from the solid state light emitting element 32 has a strong directivity and tends to be irradiated locally. By diffusing the light emitted from the solid-state light emitting element 32 with the surface-treated protective translucent plate 34, the directivity of the light can be weakened and the light can be irradiated uniformly over a wide area.

The substrate 33 is disposed inside a hollow structure formed by the casing portion 31 and the protective translucent plate 34. The board | substrate 33 is formed in the surface of the surface facing the protective translucent board 34 inside a hollow structure. The substrate 33 is made of a metal having a high thermal conductivity (preferably a metal having a thermal conductivity of 200 W · m ⁻¹ · K ⁻¹ or more). Preferably, the casing 31 is made of the same material. For example, the substrate 33 is made of aluminum.

  The plurality of solid state light emitting elements 32 are disposed on the substrate 33. The plurality of solid state light emitting elements 32 are, for example, LEDs. The solid state light emitting device 32 is a so-called high power LED with a power consumption per unit of 1 W or more, and is a surface mounted LED. The high power LED has a high luminous intensity and is suitable for lighting device applications. When the illuminating device 1 is used as general illumination, the emission color of the solid-state light emitting element 32 to be used preferably corresponds to daylight color, daylight white, white, warm white, or light bulb color. Specifically, for example, the plurality of solid-state light emitting elements 32 include daylight colors, daylight whites, whites, and warm whites defined in 4.2 “Chromaticity Range” of JISZ9112 “Classification by light source color and color rendering of fluorescent lamps”. Or it emits light corresponding to the color of the bulb.

  Here, it is preferable that the housing portion 31 and the substrate 33 are brought into contact with each other. This is because if air enters between the housing part 31 and the substrate 33, heat conduction between the housing part 31 and the substrate 33 is hindered, which makes it impossible to perform more efficient heat treatment. is there. That is, it is preferable to increase the adhesion between the casing 31 and the substrate 33 by configuring the casing 31 and the substrate 33 with the same material. Furthermore, it is preferable to perform press working to further improve the adhesion.

  When performing the press work, a material having adhesiveness (for example, an adhesive or a double-sided tape without a base material) (not shown) is sandwiched between the casing portion 31 and the substrate 33, and the adhesiveness between the two. Is preferably increased.

  When using a double-sided tape, it is important to select one that does not contain a substrate. This is because the heat conductivity from the substrate 33 to the housing portion 31 is hindered because the base material has a low thermal conductivity.

  It is also preferable to divide the substrate 33 into a plurality of pieces. This is to prevent the adhesion between the casing 31 and the substrate 33 from deteriorating when the temperature of the light source unit 2 rises when the linear expansion coefficients of the casing 31 and the substrate 33 are different. is there. By dividing the substrate 33, the length in the longitudinal direction of each substrate 33 is shortened. Thereby, the expansion amount per one board | substrate 33 becomes small. Therefore, it becomes easy to absorb the difference in expansion between the casing portion 31 and the substrate 33 with an adhesive material, so that the adhesion between the casing portion 31 and the substrate 33 can be easily maintained. This method of dividing the substrate 33 is particularly effective when the length of the light source unit 2 in the longitudinal direction is long.

  The connection cable 3 is a cable that electrically connects the light source unit 2 and the power supply device 6. The power generated in the power supply device 6 is supplied to supply power to the light source unit 2.

  The signal cable 4 is provided for receiving a dimming signal corresponding to any information of the present invention from the outside of the lighting device 1. The dimming signal may be transmitted to the lighting device 1 (power supply device 6) via the signal cable 4, and the lighting device 1 (power supply device 6) via a wireless communication line (infrared communication or the like: not shown). May be sent to.

  The power cable 5 is used for the power supply device 6 to use a commercial AC power supply, and connects the commercial power supply 91 and the power supply device 6, for example.

  The power supply device 6 corresponds to the power supply unit of the present invention. A casing 51 (corresponding to the casing means of the present invention) and a plate 52 are included. Further, in the space formed by the casing 51 and the plate 52, circuit elements (heating elements 53 (corresponding to specific elements of the present invention), general elements 54) and a substrate 55 ( An insulator 57 (corresponding to a member made of the insulating material of the present invention) is disposed.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, the short side direction of the plate 52 is the axis x, the short side direction of the substrate 55 is the axis y, and the long side direction of the plate 52 and the substrate 55 is the axis. z.

  The casing 51 is made of resin, has a column shape (here, a quadrangular column shape, but may be a column shape or the like), and has a hollow structure 58. Inside the hollow structure 58, circuit elements (the heating element 53 and the general element 54), the substrate 55, and the insulator 57 are arranged.

  The casing 51 (hollow structure 58) has an opening 59 on any one of the side surfaces (surface along the axis z), and the opening 59 is sealed by the plate 52.

  The plate 52 is made of metal (the inventors adopted aluminum, but is not limited to this. It is important that the plate 52 be made of a material having excellent thermal conductivity and heat dissipation), and the casing 51 (hollow) The opening 59 of the structure 58) is sealed. In addition, the heat radiation electrode 71 of the heating element 53 is disposed in close contact. This is because the heat generated in the heating element 53 is radiated using the plate 52.

  Here, it is also desirable that the plate 52 be disposed in close contact with the casing 31 (of the light source unit 2). By doing in this way, the heat generated in the heating element 53 can be dissipated using the casing 31 as well, so that the effect can be enhanced.

  Further, the plate 52 needs to be configured so that the portions other than the heat radiation electrode 71 of the heat generating element 53 and the general element 54 do not come into contact (that is, the plate 52 comes into contact with the generating means of the present invention). (Only the heat radiation electrode 71 of the heating element 53). Furthermore, it is necessary for the substrate 55 not to contact the plate 52.

  The reason for this is to realize the long life of the power supply device 6. That is, the heat generating element 53 is surely radiated from the heat radiating electrode 71. On the other hand, contact with the plate 52 that is made of metal, that is, a conductor, directly leads to the occurrence of an electrical short circuit. If an electrical short circuit occurs, it naturally leads to a failure of the power supply device 6 and long life cannot be realized. Therefore, the power supply device 6 has the above configuration.

  The heating element 53 is, for example, a field effect transistor 107 (hereinafter referred to as FET) (corresponding to the switching element of the present invention). Since the FET 107 performs high-power switching, a large amount of heat is generated as a loss. Therefore, it is necessary to dissipate heat appropriately.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the FET 107, which has a heat radiation electrode 71 as shown in this figure. This is disposed so as to be in close contact with the plate 52. In this way, appropriate heat dissipation can be performed. Note that the heat generating element 53 is not limited to the FET 107, and refers to a heat generating element having the heat radiation electrode 71 among circuit elements constituting the generating means of the present invention (in general, an element having a large heat generation is a heat radiation electrode. 71).

  The general element 54 refers to a circuit element that constitutes the generating means of the present invention other than the heat generating element 53 described above. Since the calorific value is small, it is not necessary to be in close contact with the plate 52, and it is arranged so that no contact occurs to prevent the electrical short circuit.

  The heating element 53 and the general element 54 are mounted on the mounting surface of the substrate 55. A general glass epoxy substrate may be used. Of course, a metal substrate, an alumina ceramic substrate, an aluminum nitride substrate, or the like may be used.

  The substrate 55 has a rectangular shape as illustrated. The heat generating element 53 is outside the one end portion (specific end portion 56) of the end portions along the long side direction (axis z) by a predetermined distance 81 and on the mounting surface of the substrate 55. It mounts on the board | substrate 55 so that the thermal radiation electrode 71 may be located on a perpendicular axis | shaft (axis | shaft x).

  FIG. 8 shows a state of the heating element 53 mounted on the substrate 55. In this way, the heating element 53 is mounted on the substrate 55 so that the heat radiation electrode 71 is positioned on the axis (axis x) that is outside the specific end portion 56 by a predetermined interval 81 and perpendicular to the mounting surface of the substrate 55. Is done.

  That is, in the power supply device 6, a predetermined interval 81 is generated between the plate 52 and the specific end portion 56.

  The predetermined interval 81 may be an arbitrary interval. However, if the interval is too small, the withstand voltage between the substrate 55 and the plate 52 may be insufficient (that is, the wiring pattern ( (Not shown) may cause an electrical short circuit to the plate 52). In the experiments by the inventors, it has been confirmed that if there is an interval of 1 mm or more, no electrical short circuit occurs.

  Further, an insulator 57, which is an electrical insulator, is inserted between the plate 52 and the specific end portion 56 (a portion having a predetermined interval 81). Thereby, there is an effect that the withstand voltage between the plate 52 and the substrate 55 can be further increased. This also has the effect of preventing the substrate 55 from moving within the hollow structure 58.

  Further, the plate 52 and the substrate 55 are arranged along the axis Z (see FIG. 6) so that the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to each other, and the angle formed by the short side direction is arranged to be approximately 90 degrees (ie, The angle between the axis x along the short side direction of the plate 52 and the axis y along the short side direction of the substrate 55 is approximately 90 degrees.

Further, as apparent from FIGS. 5 and 6, when the hollow structure 58 (housing 51) has a quadrangular prism shape, the length along the axis z (the length in the width direction) is the axis of the substrate 55. The length (longitudinal length) along the axis x of the casing 51 substantially coincides with the length along z, and is the highest among the circuit elements (the heating element 53 and the general element 54). It almost coincides with the height of the high circuit element. Further, the length along the axis y (the length in the lateral direction) is substantially the same as the length along the axis y of the substrate 55 (the length in the short side direction).
Further, the back surface of the surface of the substrate 55 on which the circuit elements (the heat generating element 53 and the general element 54) are mounted has an inner wall surface (hollow structure 58) with an arbitrary interval (same as the predetermined interval 81). (Inner wall surface along the longitudinal direction).

  By doing so, the size of the casing 51 can be minimized. This contributes to reducing the size of the power supply device 6.

  Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, even if an impact is applied to the power supply device 6, the substrate 55 has little space to move in the hollow structure 58. Further, the hollow structure 58 includes five surfaces except for the surface on the plate 52 side made of an insulator (resin), and also on the surface on the plate 52 side, an insulator is provided between the plate 52 and the specific end portion 56. 57 is inserted.

  Therefore, in the power supply device 6, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of an electrical short circuit occurring therein. Therefore, since there is no failure due to the occurrence of an electrical short circuit, stable long life can be exhibited. Furthermore, although the occurrence of an electrical short circuit has a risk of electric shock to the user, the possibility of this occurrence is also eliminated, and it can be said that this is a safe power supply device.

  Here, in the in-vehicle discharge lamp lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the lighting circuit unit is disposed in the opened metal case body. And it is supposed that the opening part of a case body will be obstruct | occluded with the attachment flange made from resin.

  With such a configuration, it is said that heat generated from the components constituting the lighting circuit unit can be radiated. However, it is considered difficult to apply the in-vehicle discharge lamp lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 to a power supply device for a lighting device using LEDs. That is, the lighting circuit portion (corresponding to a circuit constituting the power supply device) in Patent Document 1 is inserted into a metal case body (corresponding to the casing of the power supply device). Certainly, it can be considered that heat generated as a loss from the circuit elements constituting the lighting circuit portion can be radiated by adopting such a configuration, but the case body is made of metal as described above.

  That is, in the in-vehicle discharge lamp lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the mounting flange that closes the case body is made of resin, but most of the surrounding flange is made of metal. In such a state, there is a risk that a part of the lighting circuit portion touches the case body made of metal due to some impact or the like. Since the case body is made of metal, an accident such as an electrical short-circuit may occur.

  This is a problem that, contrary to the long life required for the power supply device of the lighting device using LEDs, leads to unstable life characteristics.

  In addition, in the in-vehicle discharge lamp lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, after the lighting circuit portion is arranged in the case body, a risk that a part of the lighting circuit portion touches the case body made of metal is avoided. For this reason, it is said that it is filled with a filler, and heat is released using this, but the thermal conductivity of the filler is lower than that of metals such as aluminum, and the heat dissipation through the filler is actually There is a question as to whether or not this is done properly.

  On the other hand, the illuminating device 1 according to the present invention achieves a long life in the power supply device 6 that supplies power to the light source unit 2 using the solid light emitting element 32. Specifically, the casing 51 is made of resin, and a metal plate 52 is attached to the opening 59. Of the circuit elements (the heat generating element 53 and the general element 54) constituting the power supply device 6, only the heat radiation electrode 71 of the heat generation element 53 is in contact with the plate 52, and the plate 52 and the heat radiation electrode 71 are disposed in close contact with each other. As a result, heat generated as a loss in the heating element 53 can be radiated appropriately.

  Furthermore, since the housing 51 is a resin case, unnecessary portions of the heating element 53 and the general element 54 are prevented from coming into contact with the metal plate 52 even if there is any impact. Therefore, an electrical short circuit does not occur, and a stable long life is realized.

  Next, the function of the illuminating device 1 is demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the lighting device 1 of the present invention.

  The illuminating device 1 is an illuminating device that illuminates by causing a plurality of solid state light emitting elements 32 to emit light using an AC power source. The illuminating device 1 includes a light source unit 2, a rectifying unit 92 that constitutes the power supply device 6, a measuring unit 93, A selection unit 94, a detection unit 95, a controller 96, and a pulse generator 97 are provided. The commercial power supply 91 and the rectifier 92 are connected by the power cable 5, and the detector 95 and the light source unit 2 are connected by the connection cable 3.

  The rectification unit 92, the measurement unit 93, the selection unit 94, the detection unit 95, and the controller 96 correspond to the generation unit of the present invention. In particular, the rectification unit 92 corresponds to the conversion unit of the present invention, the measurement unit 93 corresponds to a part of the estimation unit of the present invention, the selection unit 94 corresponds to the selection unit of the present invention, and the controller 96 corresponds to the selection unit of the present invention. It corresponds to a part of instruction means (including comparison means), correction means, and estimation means. The pulse generator 97 corresponds to the sending means of the present invention.

  The illuminating device 1 supplies a direct current to the light source unit 2 composed of one or a plurality of solid state light emitting elements 32 by using an alternating current power source supplied from a commercial power source 91 that is an external power source. 32 is caused to emit light.

  The commercial power source 91 corresponds to an AC power source according to the present invention. Specifically, it is a power source that is supplied from an electric power company to ordinary households, offices, and the like and supplies alternating current to the lighting device 1.

  The rectifier 92 converts the sine wave voltage of the commercial power supply 91 into a pulsating flow. Specifically, the AC voltage supplied from the commercial power supply 91 is full-wave rectified, and the full-wave rectified waveform is output to the measuring unit 93.

  The measuring unit 93 detects the current value (instantaneous value) of the pulsating flow. The detected pulsating current value is sent to the controller 96.

  The selection unit 94 selects an ON time during which the pulsating flow output from the rectifying unit 92 is allowed to pass and an OFF time during which the pulsating flow is not allowed to pass (hereinafter referred to as a ratio). This produces a pulsating voltage with a controlled ratio. Specifically, the full-wave rectified waveform output from the rectification unit 92 and passed through the measurement unit 93 is divided at predetermined time intervals. The divided full-wave rectified waveform is converted into a pulse-shaped waveform voltage within each period of the predetermined time interval. This ratio control is based on an instruction from the controller 96.

  Here, the ratio is directly connected to the power value supplied from the power supply device 6 to the light source unit 2. Since the ratio is the time ratio of passage / non-passage of the pulsating flow in the selection unit 94, if this ratio is high, the power value supplied from the power supply device 6 to the light source unit 2 is large, and conversely, if the ratio is low. The power value supplied from the power supply device 6 to the light source unit 2 is reduced.

  The voltage of the pulsating current whose ratio is controlled is rectified by the rectification function included in the selection unit 94 and then supplied to the light source unit 2 via the detection unit 95.

  The detection unit 95 detects the power value of the light source unit 2 in a state where the power source device 6 is driven by being supplied with direct current. Here, the power value is calculated by a product of forward voltages generated when a current is passed through the solid state light emitting elements 32 constituting the light source unit 2, that is, a product of (current) × (forward voltage). .

  As a first function (instruction means (including comparison means) of the present invention), the controller 96 instructs the selection unit 94 on the ratio.

  First, the power value detected by the detection unit 95 (hereinafter referred to as the current power value) and the ratio of the on-pulse per cycle of the pulse signal sent from the pulse generator 97 (hereinafter referred to as the duty ratio). A target power value obtained by the controller 96 (hereinafter referred to as a target power value) is compared. Based on the comparison result, the ratio is instructed to the selection unit 94.

  Specifically, when it is determined that the target power value is larger than the current power value, the selection unit 94 is instructed to have a higher ratio than the immediately preceding ratio. When it is determined that the target power value is smaller than the current power value, the selection unit 94 is instructed to have a ratio lower than the immediately preceding ratio.

  As a second function (a part of the correction means and estimation means of the present invention), the current value (instantaneous value) of the pulsating flow detected by the measurement unit 93 is read, and the average current within a predetermined period is measured. From the average current within the period, a waveform of current estimated to flow through the measuring unit 93 (hereinafter referred to as an estimated waveform) is obtained.

  The predetermined period for obtaining the average current is preferably longer than a period corresponding to ½ of the period (reciprocal of the frequency) of the commercial power supply 91. This is because the current flowing through the measurement unit 93 is obtained by full-wave rectification of the commercial power supply 91, and the waveform is virtually repeated at a frequency twice that of the commercial power supply 91 (1/2 period). Therefore, in order to obtain a desired average current, a period corresponding to ½ of the cycle of the commercial power supply 91 is required.

  After obtaining the estimated waveform, the current value (instantaneous value) of the pulsating current detected by the measurement unit 93 at the present time is compared with the estimated current value (instantaneous value) of the pulsating current based on the estimated waveform.

  Based on the comparison result, the ratio is designated to the selection unit 94. That is, if the pulsating current value (instantaneous value) detected by the measuring unit 93 is larger than the estimated current value (instantaneous value), the selection unit 94 is instructed to set a lower ratio than the immediately preceding ratio.

  Further, if the current value (instantaneous value) of the pulsating flow detected by the measuring unit 93 is smaller than the estimated current value (instantaneous value), the selection unit 94 is instructed to have a higher ratio than the immediately preceding ratio.

  The pulse generator 97 may be a dimming signal transmitted from the outside of the power supply device 6 (which may be transmitted using wired communication via the signal cable 4 and wirelessly via a wireless communication line (not shown)). A pulse signal with a controlled duty ratio is generated based on the transmission line (which may be transmitted using a communication line) and sent to the controller 96.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic circuit configuration of the lighting device 1.

  The illuminating device 1 shown in FIG. 9 can be realized by taking the configuration of a schematic circuit diagram as shown in FIG. Needless to say, the circuit configuration is not limited to this. Any circuit configuration that can realize the function described with reference to FIG. 9 may be used.

  The rectifying unit 92 includes an inductor 101, an inductor 102, a capacitor 103, and a diode bridge 104.

  The inductor 101, the inductor 102, and the capacitor 103 are protection circuits that protect against external disturbances. The diode bridge 104 is a full-wave rectifier that outputs a full-wave rectified alternating current.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an output waveform of the diode bridge 104 that rectifies alternating current.

  The diode bridge 104 rectifies the AC waveform as shown in FIG. 11A and forms and outputs a full-wave rectified waveform as shown in FIG.

  The measurement unit 93 includes a resistor 105. The current value of the pulsating current output from the diode bridge 104 is detected. The detected current value is notified to the controller unit 113.

  The selection unit 94 includes a driver 106, an FET 107, a diode 108, a diode 109, and a capacitor 110.

  First, in the driver 106 to which the control signal is sent from the controller unit 113, the selection unit 94 generates a drive signal for the FET 107 connected thereto.

  The FET 107 generates a pulse-like pulsating current (pulse-like waveform) at a ratio indicated by the controller unit 113 by selecting whether the pulsating flow (full-wave rectified waveform) is passed or not. This FET 107 corresponds to a switching element of the present invention. The FET 107 is a heat generating element 53 and is disposed in a state where the heat radiation electrode 71 is in close contact with the plate 52.

  The pulse-like waveform is smoothed (noise removed) by circuit elements from the diode 108, the diode 109, and the capacitor 110. The smoothed pulse waveform is supplied to the light source unit 2 via the detection unit 95.

  The detection unit 95 includes a resistor 111 and a resistor 112. A current flowing through the light source unit 2 can be detected by the resistor 111, and a forward voltage of the light source unit 2 can be detected by the resistor 112. Information on the current value and the voltage value detected by the resistor 111 and the resistor 112 is sent to the controller unit 113.

  The controller 96 includes a controller unit 113 and a power supply unit 114.

  The power supply unit 114 includes a transformer 115 and a diode 116. The alternating current supplied from the commercial power supply 91 is converted into direct current using the transformer 115 and the diode 116, and direct current is supplied to the controller unit 113.

  Here, the power supply unit 114 is insulated from the circuit elements of the power supply device 6 that supplies direct current to the light source unit 2.

  The controller unit 113 mainly has the following two functions.

  First, the driver 106 is instructed with a ratio. First, the current power value is obtained based on the current flowing through the light source unit 2 detected by the resistor 111 and the forward voltage of the light source unit 2 detected by the detection resistor 112. Further, the target power value is obtained from the duty ratio of the pulse signal sent from the pulse generation circuit 117. Then, the two are compared, and a control signal is sent to the driver 106 based on the result (that is, the ratio is indicated).

  Specifically, when it is determined that the target power value is larger than the current power value, the driver 106 is instructed to have a higher ratio than the immediately preceding ratio. If it is determined that the target power value is smaller than the current power value, the driver 106 is instructed to use a ratio lower than the immediately preceding ratio.

  Second, the average current (instantaneous value) of the pulsating flow measured by the resistor 105 is read, and the average current within a predetermined period is measured. Based on the average current during that period, an estimated waveform is obtained when it flows through the resistor 105.

  After obtaining the estimated waveform, the current value (instantaneous value) of the pulsating current detected by the resistor 105 at the present time is compared with the estimated current value (instantaneous value) of the current pulsating current based on the estimated waveform.

  Based on the comparison result, a control signal is sent to the driver 106 (that is, the ratio is instructed).

  Specifically, if the current value (instantaneous value) of the pulsating flow detected by the resistor 105 is larger than the estimated current value (instantaneous value), the driver 106 is instructed to set a lower ratio than the immediately preceding ratio.

  Further, if the current value (instantaneous value) of the pulsating flow detected by the resistor 105 is smaller than the estimated current value (instantaneous value), the driver 106 is instructed to have a higher ratio than the immediately preceding ratio.

  The pulse generator 97 includes a pulse generation circuit 117. The pulse generation circuit 117 may be a dimming signal transmitted from the outside of the power supply device 6 (which may be transmitted using wired communication via the signal cable 4 and wirelessly via a wireless communication line (not shown)). A pulse signal whose duty ratio is controlled is generated based on the information (which may be transmitted using a communication line), and is sent to the controller unit 113.

  Note that the pulse generation circuit 117 may be arranged inside the hollow structure 58. In this case, among the circuit elements constituting the pulse generation circuit 117, the heat generating element 53 is arranged with the heat radiation electrode 71 in close contact with the plate 52. Further, it is necessary to dispose other portions of the heating element 53 and the general element 54 so as not to contact the plate 52.

  Next, operation | movement of the illuminating device 1 is demonstrated using figures.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the lighting device 1.

  First, in S121, the commercial power supply 91 is turned on to the power supply device 6 of the lighting device 1, and power feeding is started. Then, the controller unit 113 starts operation. Here, immediately after the commercial power supply 91 is turned on, the operation of the controller unit 113 is started, but power is not supplied to the selection unit 94 and the selection unit 94 is not activated. The reason for adopting this method is to increase the safety of the power supply device 6. This is because, when the controller unit 113 is activated first, if an abnormality occurs in the power supply device 6, the commercial power supply 91, or the light source unit 2, the operation can be stopped immediately.

  Next, in S122 of FIG. 12, the ratio is determined by the controller 96 or the like. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in S123 of FIG. 12, the controller 96 and the like specify (correct) the ratio based on the average current of the pulsating flow measured by the measuring unit 93. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in S124 of FIG. 12, it is confirmed whether a stop signal is input from the controller 96, an external input switch (not shown) or the like, and if the stop signal is input, the operation of the power supply device 6 is stopped (S124). In case of YES). This corresponds to, for example, a user using the lighting device 1 turning off the light source unit 2 of the lighting device 1, that is, stopping power supply to the power supply device 6 of the lighting device 1. At this time, the selection unit 94 stops operation for a predetermined time before the controller unit 113. In other words, the controller unit 113 finishes the instruction to the selection unit 94 within that time. Here, the predetermined time is desirably about 0.2 [s] to 1 [s].

  The reason for taking such a method is to increase the safety of the power supply device 6 in the lighting device 1.

  If no stop signal is input (NO in S124), the process returns to S122 and the above-described operation is repeated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of determining the ratio in the lighting device 1.

  In S131, the pulse generator 97 reads the dimming signal sent from the outside, generates a pulse waveform with a controlled duty ratio, and sends it to the controller 96.

  In the pulse generator 97, first, the duty ratio is controlled in accordance with the illumination intensity required for the illuminating device 1, that is, the power generated by the power supply device 6 and required to supply power to the light source unit 2. The generated pulse signal is generated. Here, the duty ratio is a ratio (time ratio) occupied by on-pulses per cycle of the pulse signal.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a pulse waveform generated by the pulse generator 97. Assuming that the figure (a) is a pulse waveform immediately before the dimming signal is sent, if the dimming signal indicates an increase in the illumination intensity of the lighting device 1, the figure (b) Thus, the duty ratio is increased as compared with FIG.

  On the other hand, if the dimming signal indicates a decrease in the illumination intensity of the lighting device 1, the duty ratio is made lower than that in FIG.

  The pulse generator 97 sends the pulse signal thus generated to the controller 96.

  In S132 of FIG. 13, the controller 96 analyzes the pulse signal sent from the pulse generator 97 and reads the duty ratio. In addition, for example, the target power value may be obtained based on a characteristic 151 as shown in FIG. 15 held in a memory (not shown) in the controller 96.

  In FIG. 15, the horizontal axis represents the duty ratio of the pulse signal sent from the pulse generator 97, and the vertical axis represents the target power value. The controller 96 uses this characteristic 151 to obtain the target power value.

  In S133 of FIG. 13, the controller 96 calculates a ratio for realizing the target power value (the ratio indicates the time ratio of passage / non-passage of the pulsating flow in the selection unit 94). That is, the controller 96 determines a ratio to be realized in the selection unit 94 for realizing the target power value. After that, the controller 96 creates a control signal necessary for realizing the calculated ratio. The created control signal is sent to the driver 106.

  In S134 of FIG. 13, the controller 96 determines whether or not the target power value matches the current power value.

  This measures the current value flowing through the light source unit 2 detected by the resistor 111 and the forward voltage value applied to the light source unit 2 detected by the resistor 112 to obtain the current power value.

  Then, the current power value is compared with the target power value. If it is not out of a predetermined range (for example, a range of ± 5%) from the target power value (YES in S134), the ratio determination is terminated.

  If it is out of a predetermined range (for example, a range of ± 5%) from the target power value (NO in S134), the process proceeds to S135.

  In S135 of FIG. 13, the ratio is corrected so that the current power value falls within a predetermined range (for example, a range of ± 5%) from the target power value. Then, the process returns to S134 and repeats.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the ratio instruction (correction) based on the average value of the pulsating flow.

  In S <b> 161, the controller 96 obtains an average value of the current flowing through the resistor 105 configuring the measuring unit 93 (the current of the full-wave rectified waveform (pulsating current) output from the diode bridge 104).

  The period for obtaining the average current must be longer than the period corresponding to ½ of the period of the commercial power supply 91.

  In S162 of FIG. 16, the controller 96 estimates the waveform of the current estimated to flow through the measuring unit 93 based on the average current value obtained in S141. This estimated waveform (estimated waveform) is stored in an internal memory (not shown) in the controller unit 113.

  In S163 of FIG. 16, the controller 96 compares the estimated waveform estimated in S162 with the current value (instantaneous value) flowing through the measurement unit 93 at the present time.

  That is, the controller 96 reads a current value (instantaneous value) estimated to flow to the measuring unit 93 at the present time from an estimated waveform stored in its internal memory (not shown). The read value is compared with the current value (instantaneous value) flowing through the measurement unit 93 at the present time.

  If the current value (instantaneous value) flowing through measurement unit 93 at this time is higher than the estimated current value (instantaneous value) (YES in S163), the process proceeds to S164.

  On the other hand, if the current value (instantaneous value) flowing through measurement unit 93 at this time is lower than the estimated current value (instantaneous value) (NO in S163), the process proceeds to S165.

  In S164 of FIG. 16, the controller 96 designates (corrects) the ratio. This specifies a lower ratio than the previous ratio. After that, the controller 96 creates a control signal necessary for realizing the calculated ratio. The created control signal is sent to the driver 106.

  The reason for this is to reduce the current flowing through the measurement unit 93. Since it is larger than the estimated current, a lower ratio is specified with respect to the immediately preceding ratio to correct it.

  In S165 of FIG. 16, the controller 96 designates (corrects) the ratio. This specifies a higher ratio than the previous ratio. After that, the controller 96 creates a control signal necessary for realizing the calculated ratio. The created control signal is sent to the driver 106.

  The reason for this is to increase the current flowing through the measurement unit 93. Since it is smaller than the estimated current, a high ratio is specified with respect to the immediately preceding ratio to correct it.

  In S166 of FIG. 14, the controller 96 determines whether or not the total number of times since the start (designation) of the ratio based on the average value of the pulsating flow has reached the reference number. The reference number may be arbitrarily set.

  If the total number has reached the reference number (YES in S166), this designation (correction) is terminated. On the other hand, if the total number has reached the reference number, the process returns to S163 to continue the designation (correction).

  As described above, it is possible to correct the ratio based on the pulsating current value.

  This makes it possible to quickly detect voltage fluctuations of the commercial power supply 91 and to avoid the influence of the lighting device 1 due to this.

  As described above, in the lighting device 1, the current (instantaneous value) flowing through the measurement unit 93 is monitored, and the ratio is controlled based on the current (average value) flowing through the measurement unit 93 measured in advance. Make corrections.

  For this reason, even when the voltage of the commercial power supply 91 is increased, the operating point of the light source unit 2 is increased by increasing the current value (instantaneous value) flowing through the measuring unit 93 of the lighting device 1 ( That is, it can be avoided that the light emission intensity is increased). Of course, it is possible to cope with the case where the voltage of the commercial power supply 91 is lowered.

  This avoids fluctuations in the light emission intensity of the light source unit 2 and provides stable illumination to the user of the lighting apparatus 1 as well as failure of the power supply apparatus 6 and the light source unit 2 due to voltage fluctuations in the commercial power supply 91. It is also effective for avoiding.

  The lighting device 1 uses a solid light emitting element 32. One of the features of the solid state light emitting device 32 is long life, and it is important to prevent the power supply device 6 and the light source unit 2 from failing in order to fully enjoy this performance.

  In addition, the illuminating device 1 of this invention is not limited to the said Example, It can deform | transform and implement freely in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

  For example, in the lighting device 1, the pulse generation circuit 117 is disposed inside the power supply device 6. However, the pulse generation circuit 117 may be configured outside the power supply device 6 and further separately from the lighting device 1.

  In the example of the schematic circuit configuration of the lighting device 1 shown in FIG. 10, the power supply device 6 is a so-called non-insulating type that does not use a transformer (not shown) in the selection unit 94. A so-called insulation type using (not shown) may be used.

  The power supply device 6 is also suitable as a power source that drives not only the LED but also the EL.

  The present invention can be applied to an illuminating device, and in particular, can be applied to an illuminating device using a solid light emitting element such as an LED as a light source using an AC power source.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the illuminating device 1 of this invention. 2 is a plan view showing an appearance of a light source unit 2. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the A1-A2 surface in FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an external appearance of a power supply device 6. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the B1-B2 surface in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the C1-C2 surface in FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a structure of a heating element 53. FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a mounting state of the heating element 53 on the substrate 32. It is a functional block diagram of the illuminating device 1 of this invention. It is an example of the schematic circuit structure of the illuminating device 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the rectification | straightening by the diode bridge 104. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the illuminating device 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the determination method of the ratio of the illuminating device 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining control of the duty ratio in pulse generator 97. It is a figure which shows an example of the characteristic 151 of the target electric power value with respect to a duty ratio. It is a flowchart explaining the correction method of the ratio based on the average value of a pulsating flow.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Illuminating device 2 Light source unit 3 Connection cable 4 Signal cable 5 Power supply cable 6 Power supply device 31 Housing | casing part 32 Solid light emitting element 33,55 Board | substrate 34 Protective translucent board 51 Case 52 Plate 53 Heating element 54 General element 56 Specific end Numeral 57 Insulator 58 Hollow structure 59 Opening 71 Radiation electrode 81 Predetermined spacing 91 Commercial power supply 92 Rectification unit 93 Measurement unit 94 Selection unit 95 Detection unit 96 Controller 97 Pulse generator 101, 102 Inductor 103, 110 Capacitor 104 Diode bridge 105, 111, 112 Resistor 106 Driver 107 FET
108, 109, 116 Diode 113 Controller unit 114 Power supply 115 Transformer 117 Pulse generation circuit 151 Characteristics

Claims (4)

A lighting device comprising: a light source unit including a solid-state light emitting element; and a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source unit using an AC power source,
The power supply unit is
A generating means that includes a heat dissipation electrode and is configured by a circuit element including a specific element that generates a large amount of heat, and that generates power to be supplied to the light source unit based on an arbitrary signal;
A holding means having a rectangular shape and holding the circuit element on a holding surface;
Column-shaped housing means made of a resin material and having a rectangular column-shaped hollow structure opened in one direction in which the holding means is disposed;
A plate made of metal, and only the heat dissipation electrode of the specific element out of the circuit elements is in contact with the plate, and the plate that seals the opened portion of the hollow structure,
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein a back surface of the holding surface of the holding means is opposed to a surface adjacent to the plate of the inner wall surface of the hollow structure with a predetermined interval. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall surface of the hollow structure facing the back surface of the holding surface of the holding unit with a predetermined interval is an inner wall surface along a longitudinal direction of the hollow structure. . The length in the longitudinal direction of the hollow structure substantially coincides with the length in the long side direction of the holding means,
The longitudinal length of the hollow structure substantially coincides with the height of the highest element among the circuit elements,
3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein a length of the hollow structure in a lateral direction substantially coincides with a length in a short side direction of the holding unit. The said plate is an attachment surface of this power supply unit, and is connected to the member comprised from a metal. The illuminating device of any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned.

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