JP2014082153A - Illumination system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an overcurrent in an illuminating device using a current from a first power supply consisting of a solar battery and a current from a second power supply, in an illumination system that can perform natural light following type drive that uses the first power supply consisting of the solar battery and in which an illuminance of the illuminating device is changed with an output of the solar battery, and stabilized illuminance type drive that uses a second power supply and in which illuminance of the illuminating device becomes constant.SOLUTION: An illumination system 1 comprises a solar battery 11 that is a first power supply, and a second power supply including an AC-DC converter 12. When an AC-DC operation detector 15 detects that supply of a power from the AC-DC converter 12 is started, electrical connection between an LED tube 10 and the solar battery 11 is disconnected via a switch part 16, and thereby, a power generated by the solar battery 11 is prevented from being supplied to the LED tube 10.

Description

  The present invention relates to an illumination system that uses a solar cell as a power source of the illumination device, and more particularly to an illumination system that performs natural light tracking type driving in which the illuminance of the illumination device changes in conjunction with output fluctuation of the solar cell.

  With the spread of solar cells, for example, a natural light tracking LED lighting device described in Patent Document 1 is known as an indoor lighting system using solar cells.

  This natural light tracking type LED lighting device uses the electric power generated by the solar cell as it is as the power source, so that the illuminance changes in conjunction with the output that varies depending on the illuminance of natural light outdoors.

  And this natural light tracking type | mold LED illuminating device is connected to not only a solar cell but AC power supply via the AC adapter as it also describes in patent document 1, and it is nighttime without the electric power generation by a solar cell. Can be used as a normal lighting device using an AC power source as a power source.

  By the way, not only at night when there is no power generation by solar cells, but also in the evening or when it is raining outdoors, the amount of power generated by solar cells is reduced. Therefore, for example, when reading a book indoors during the day, there is a problem that the illuminance is insufficient with the power from the solar cell.

  Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, if the lighting system can use not only solar cells but also an AC power source as a power source, when the amount of power generated by the solar cells is small and the illuminance in the room is insufficient, the AC power source side is powered. Since it can prevent lack of illuminance, it is very convenient.

JP 2011-108494 A

  By the way, the natural light tracking type LED lighting apparatus using the solar cell and the AC power source described in Patent Document 1 as a power source always uses the LED lighting unit as a solar power source even when the AC power source side is used as the power source. It is also connected to the battery side.

  Therefore, when the AC power source side is used as a power source in the evening or when the amount of power generated by the solar cell is small, the current generated by the solar cell flows to the LED lighting unit together with the current flowing from the AC power source through the AC adapter. And depending on the case, the electric current more than the maximum electric current value prescribed | regulated by the LED lighting unit will flow, and there exists a possibility that the failure and damage by overcurrent may arise.

  This point will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a conventional lighting system 100 as described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. The illumination system 100 is configured such that the LED tube 10 is connected to a first power source composed of a solar battery 11 and is connected to a second power source constituted by an AC-DC converter 12 and a plug 13 connected to a commercial power source. ing. And the illumination system 100 uses the electric power generated by the solar battery 11 as a power source during the day, so that the illuminance of the LED tube 10 changes in conjunction with the illuminance of natural light. When the illuminance is insufficient, for example, the commercial power source can be used as a power source by connecting the plug 13 to a commercial power outlet.

  However, in such a case, the LED tube 10 is supplied with a stable current IDC from the AC-DC converter 12 via a commercial power supply, and is also supplied with the current IS from the solar cell 11. The diode 14a is a diode for preventing a backflow that prevents the current IS from the solar cell 11 from flowing to the AC-DC converter 12 side, and the diode 14b is a current IDC from the AC-DC converter 12 side that is a solar cell. 11 is a diode for preventing backflow that prevents the flow to the 11 side.

  Then, the current IDC from the commercial power source side and the current IS from the solar battery 11 side flow to the LED tube 10, thereby causing a failure or breakage of the LED tube 10 due to overcurrent.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a natural light tracking type drive in which the illuminance of the lighting device changes in conjunction with the output of the solar cell using the first power source composed of the solar cell, and the illuminance of the lighting device is constant using the second power source. An object of the present invention is to prevent an overcurrent in a lighting device due to a current from a first power source composed of a solar cell and a current from a second power source in a lighting system capable of performing stable illuminance type driving.

In order to solve the above problems, an illumination system according to the present invention includes an illumination device, a first power source including a solar cell, and a direct current second power source connected in parallel with the first power source, A natural light tracking type drive in which the illuminance of the lighting device changes in conjunction with the output of the solar cell using a first power source; and a stable illuminance type drive in which the illuminance of the lighting device is constant using the second power source; ,
The illumination system is capable of performing an operation detection unit that detects power supplied from the second power source when the stable illuminance type driving is performed, and an electrical connection between the lighting device and the first power source. A switch unit for connection, and when the power supplied from the second power source is detected by the operation detection unit, the switch unit prevents the natural light tracking drive from being performed, The electrical connection with the first power source is cut off.

  According to such a lighting system, when the power supplied from the second power source is detected, the switch unit disconnects the electrical connection between the lighting device and the first power source so that the natural light tracking drive is not performed. It is. That is, driving by the first power source and driving by the second power source are performed independently. Therefore, current from the first power source does not flow to the lighting device, and overcurrent in the lighting device can be prevented.

It is a block diagram of the illumination system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic circuit block diagram of the illumination system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the specific example of the natural light tracking type | mold drive in the illumination system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the illumination system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic circuit block diagram of the operation | movement switching part and mode setting part of the illumination system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the operation | movement determination part of the illumination system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic external view of the setting part of the illumination system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the output characteristic in the illumination system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the conventional illumination system.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment shown below exemplifies an illumination system for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and is not intended to specify the present invention, and is within the scope of the claims. It can equally be applied to the other embodiments included.

[First Embodiment]
An illumination system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the illumination system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of the illumination system 1. In addition, the same code | symbol is provided about the component same as the conventional illumination system 100 shown in FIG.

  In the illumination system 1 of the first embodiment, as in the conventional illumination system 100, the LED tube 10 that is an illumination device is connected to the first power source, and the second is connected in parallel to the first power source. It is also configured to be connected to the power source.

  The LED tube 10 is a fluorescent tube type LED lighting device in which a plurality of LEDs are connected in series inside a cylindrical member made of a transparent material such as glass or resin. As the lighting device, in addition to the LED tube 10, a lighting device driven by a DC voltage such as a light bulb type LED lighting device or an organic EL lighting device called an organic light emitting diode can be used.

  The first power source is the solar cell 11. Although the solar cell 11 is generally well known and will not be described in detail, the photovoltaic energy is directly converted into electric power by utilizing the photovoltaic effect. Moreover, although there are various solar cells 11 depending on the material and the like, any solar cell may be used.

  And the illumination system 1 uses the solar cell 11 as a 1st power supply, and uses the direct-current voltage output from this solar cell 11 for light emission of the LED tube 10 not via a pressure | voltage rise apparatus, a constant voltage apparatus, etc. As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707, the natural light tracking drive in which the illuminance of the LED tube 10 changes in conjunction with the output of the fluctuating solar cell 11 can be performed.

  A specific example of the natural light tracking type drive will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the natural light tracking type drive in the illumination system 1. In addition, in FIG. 3, the solar cell 11 is attached to the roof of the house 2 which is a building, and the lighting system 1 to which the LED pipe | tube 10 connected to the solar cell 11 is attached to the ceiling of the indoor of the house 2 is shown. It is shown. Further, the second power source and the like are not shown.

  FIG. 3A conceptually shows the state of illuminance of the LED tube 10 in fine weather with the number of arrows L. When the weather is fine, the output from the solar cell 11 is maximum, and accordingly, the illuminance of the LED tube 10 is also maximum (four arrows L). On the other hand, FIG. 3B shows the state of illuminance of the LED tube 10 when it is cloudy by the number of arrows L. When it is cloudy, the output from the solar cell 11 decreases, and the illuminance of the LED tube 10 decreases accordingly (two arrows L). FIG. 3C shows the state of illuminance of the LED tube 10 when it is raining by the number of arrows L. When it rains, the output from the solar cell 11 further decreases, and accordingly, the illuminance of the LED tube 10 further decreases (one arrow L). Further, FIG. 3D shows the illuminance situation of the LED tube 10 at night. In the case of night, the power generation by the solar cell 11 disappears. Is not emitted, and the illuminance becomes zero (the arrow L is absent).

  Then, by performing the natural light tracking type drive using the illumination system 1, a room with a small amount of sunlight (for example, a house where a high-rise building is present) or a room without a sunlight (for example, a basement) ), It is possible to feel the change in the illuminance of sunlight due to the outdoor weather and the change of time. Further, even if natural light tracking type driving is performed using the illumination system 1, no power is required from the commercial power source, so there is no extra power consumption for illumination. Therefore, even if it is used in a place where no one is present or used at an unspecified time (for example, a corridor of a house or a public facility), an electricity bill is not required.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the second power source is an AC power source that is a commercial power source (not shown), a plug 13 that is plugged into an outlet of the AC power source, and an AC− that is a converter that converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage. This is a DC power source composed of a DC converter 12.

  The illumination system 1 can perform stable illuminance type driving in which the illuminance of the LED tube 10 is constant by using a DC voltage using a commercial power source as the second power source for light emission of the LED tube 10. . By performing stable illuminance type driving using this illumination system 1, for example, when reading or working during the day, when the illuminance of the LED tube 10 by natural light tracking type driving is too dark, the LED tube 10 is used. Bright illuminance can be obtained. Moreover, if it is a case where electric power generation is not performed by the solar cell 11 like midnight, the LED tube 10 can be used as normal room lighting by performing stable illumination type driving.

  As described above, in the lighting system 1 of the first embodiment, the LED tube 10 that is a lighting device is connected to the first power source and in parallel with the first power source, as in the conventional lighting system 100. It is also configured to be connected to a connected second power source. As shown in FIG. 1, the illumination system 1 further includes an AC-DC operation detection unit 15 that is an operation detection unit for detecting whether or not the stable illumination driving is started in the illumination system 1. . In addition, the illumination system 1 includes a switch unit 16 that electrically connects the LED tube 10 and the solar cell 11 between the LED tube 10 and the solar cell 11.

  The AC-DC operation detection unit 15 is for detecting the start of power supply from the AC-DC converter 12 to the LED tube 10, and by the start of power supply from the AC-DC converter 12, It detects that stable illumination type driving has started in the illumination system 1.

  And if the illumination system 1 detects that the electric power supply was started from the AC-DC converter 12, it will cut | disconnect the electrical connection of the LED tube 10 and the solar cell 11 via the switch part 16, and will be in solar cell 11. The generated power cannot be supplied to the LED tube 10.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the AC-DC operation detection unit 15 includes a resistor R1, a Zener diode 15a, a voltage dividing resistor R2, and an NPN type for limiting the current from the AC-DC converter 12. The transistor Q1 is included.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the switch unit 16 includes a PNP transistor Q2 that connects the emitter side to the terminal side of the solar cell 11 and the collector side to the terminal side of the LED tube 10, and a collector. An NPN transistor Q3 connected to the base of Q2, the base side connected to the collector of Q1, a bias resistor R3, a resistor R4 for current limiting, a voltage dividing resistor R5, an output line from the solar cell 11, A resistor R6 connected between the base of the transistor Q3 is included.

  Specific operations of the AC-DC operation detection unit 15 and the switch unit 16 will be described. First, when the natural light tracking type driving is performed in the illumination system 1 (when the stable illumination type driving is stopped and no power is supplied from the AC-DC converter 12), the current flowing through the resistor R6 is the base of the transistor Q3. The transistor Q3 is turned on. When the transistor Q3 is turned on and the collector current flows, a current also flows to the base of the transistor Q2, and the transistor Q2 is turned on. Therefore, at this time, the current IS generated by the solar cell 11 flows through the transistor Q2 and flows to the LED tube 10. This current IS will change according to the amount of power generated by the solar cell 11, and the LED tube 10 that uses the solar cell 11 as its power source will change its illuminance as the current IS changes.

  On the other hand, when stable illumination type driving is started in the lighting system 1, power is supplied from the AC-DC converter 12, voltage VDC is generated, and the LED tube 10 receives current IDC from the AC-DC converter 12. Supplied. At this time, due to the power supply from the AC-DC converter 12, a current flows from the Zener diode 15a having reached a predetermined voltage to the base of the transistor Q1, and the transistor Q1 is turned on. When the transistor Q1 is turned on, the current flowing through the resistor R6 flows to the collector side of the transistor Q1, so that no current flows to the base of the transistor Q3, and the transistor Q3 is turned off. When the transistor Q3 is turned off, the transistor Q2 is also turned off, and the current IS generated by the power generation of the solar cell 11 does not flow to the LED tube 10.

  Therefore, when stable illuminance driving is started, only the current IDC supplied from the AC-DC converter 12 flows through the LED tube 10, and the current IS from the solar cell 11 side does not flow into the LED tube 10. Therefore, a failure or breakage of the LED tube 10 due to an overcurrent in which the current IS from the solar cell 11 flows into the LED tube 10 during stable illumination type driving, which is a problem in the illumination system 100 as in Patent Document 1, is a lighting system. 1 does not occur.

  When stable illumination type driving is stopped in the lighting system 1, the power supply from the AC-DC converter 12 is stopped, and as the voltage VDC decreases, no current flows from the Zener diode 15a to the base of the transistor Q1, and the transistors Q2, Q3 is turned on, power supply from the solar cell 11 to the LED tube 10 is started again, and the current IS flows.

  In addition, as a method of starting the stable illuminance type drive using the second power source in the illumination system 1, for example, the user may start the stable illuminance type drive by inserting the plug 13 into an AC power outlet. Further, even if a switch for electrical connection between the AC-DC converter 12 and the plug 13 is provided between the AC-DC converter 12 and the plug 13, and the stable illuminance type driving is started by turning on the switch. Good. Thus, by providing a switch between the AC-DC converter 12 and the plug 13, useless power consumption due to standby power in the AC-DC converter 12 can be prevented.

  In the lighting system 1 of the first embodiment, as in the lighting system 100, a diode 14a for preventing a backflow that prevents the current IS from the solar cell 11 side from flowing to the AC-DC converter 12 side includes an LED tube. 10 and the AC-DC converter 12. A diode 14 c is connected between the LED tube 10 and the switch unit 16. The diode 14c is for protecting the switch unit 16 from the current IDC from the AC-DC converter 12 side. The current limiting resistor R9 is for limiting the current IS supplied to the LED tube 10 in the natural light tracking type drive.

  Moreover, the illumination system 1 of Embodiment 1 is provided with a follow-up drive notification unit for notifying that the natural light follow-up type drive is being performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the follow-up drive notification unit has one of the light-emitting diodes 17 connected to the output line from the solar cell 11 side through the current limiting resistor R7 and the other connected to the collector of the transistor Q3. It is. While the natural light tracking drive is performed, a current also flows through the light emitting diode 17 and the light emitting diode 17 emits light, so that the user using the illumination system 1 is performing the natural light tracking driving. This can be notified visually. Note that when the stable illuminance type driving is performed, the transistor Q3 is turned off and no current flows through the light emitting diode 17, so the light emitting diode 17 does not emit light.

  Further, the illumination system 1 of the first embodiment is further provided with a stable drive notification unit for notifying that stable illumination type driving is being performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the stable drive notification unit is a light emitting diode in which one is connected to the output line from the AC-DC converter 12 side via a current limiting resistor R8 and the other is connected to the ground line. 18. When the stable illumination driving is started, a current also flows through the light emitting diode 18, and the light emitting diode 18 emits light, so that the user can be visually informed that the stable illumination driving is being performed. . Note that while the stable illuminance type driving is stopped, no current flows through the light emitting diode 18, so the light emitting diode 18 does not emit light.

  As described above, by providing the follow-up drive notification unit and the stable drive notification unit, the user can easily know the driving situation in the illumination system 1. In the present embodiment, a light-emitting diode is used as a follow-up drive notification unit or a stable drive notification unit, and a visual notification method is used. However, other notification methods such as a method of performing auditory notification using sound are used. It doesn't matter.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an illumination system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an illumination system 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Further, the same components as those of the illumination system 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  First, the illumination system 1 according to the first embodiment described above has a mode for performing natural light tracking type driving (hereinafter, tracking type mode) and a mode for performing stable illuminance type driving (hereinafter, stable mode). In general, the illumination system 1 is in the follow-up mode, and the stable mode is started when the user sets the stable mode. Therefore, in the case of the illumination system 1 described above, a user who feels insufficient illuminance during the day needs to change the setting to the stable mode.

  In addition, when the lighting system as described in Patent Document 1 is used and the AC power source side is used as the power source when the illuminance is insufficient in the room, the user himself / herself is set to drive on the AC power source side. This is very troublesome for the user. In particular, when an illumination system such as that of Patent Document 1 is used in a place where there are many people such as a company or a public facility, problems such as who changes the setting also arise.

  Therefore, the illumination system 1A of the second embodiment is an illumination system that does not require the user to bother to change the setting to the stable mode.

  Specifically, the illumination system 1A includes an automatic switching type mode that automatically switches between starting and stopping of the stable illumination type driving in addition to the follow-up mode and the stable mode. The automatic switching mode is based on the operation determination unit 19 that performs start / stop determination of the stable illuminance type drive based on the output of the solar cell 11 shown in FIG. The operation switching unit 20 switches between starting and stopping of the stable illumination type driving. In addition, the lighting system 1A including the follow-up mode, the stable mode, and the automatic switching mode further includes a mode setting unit 21 so that mode setting can be performed according to the user's preference.

  Next, details of the operation determination unit 19, the operation switching unit 20, and the mode setting unit 21 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of the operation switching unit 20 and the mode setting unit 21 of the lighting system 1A. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the operation determination unit 19 of the lighting system 1A.

  First, the operation switching unit 20 is provided with a terminal a1 connected to the voltage line side of the plug 13 and a terminal a3 connected to the neutral line side. In the operation switching unit 20, a voltage line extending from the terminal a1 is branched into a voltage line v1 and v2 in the middle, and one voltage line v1 is connected to the terminal b1 via a relay 24 to be described later. One voltage line v2 is connected to the terminal b2. The voltage line v1 is further connected from the terminal b1 to the terminal c1 of the mode setting unit 21. The voltage line v2 is connected from the terminal b2 to the terminal c2 of the mode setting unit 21.

  The mode setting unit 21 is provided with two changeover switches 22 and 23 for selecting a mode. FIG. 7 is a schematic external view of the mode setting unit 21. Such a mode setting unit 21 is installed in a wall or the like in the room, and the user's favorite mode is set by operating the switches 22 and 23 by the user.

  The switch 22 is a changeover switch of M1 for setting the follow-up mode and M2 for setting the stable mode. The switch 23 is a changeover switch of M2 for setting the stable mode and M3 for setting the automatic changeover mode.

  In the mode setting unit 21, a contact 22a corresponding to M1 of the switch 22, a contact 22b corresponding to M2 of the switch 22, and a contact 23a corresponding to M2 of the switch 23 are provided. A contact 23b corresponding to M3 of the switch 23 is provided. The voltage line v1 is connected to the contact 23b via the terminal c1, and the voltage line v2 is connected to the contact 23a via the terminal c2. The voltage line is connected from the terminal d 1 of the mode setting unit 21 to the AC-DC converter 12.

  The neutral line extending from the terminal a3 is connected from the terminal b3 of the operation switching unit 20 to the terminal c3 of the mode setting unit 21, and from the terminal d3 of the mode setting unit 21 to the AC-DC converter 12.

Next, a specific example of mode setting will be described.
[Follow-up mode]
In the follow-up mode, the switch 22 is set to the M1 side. In this case, the voltage line is disconnected by the switch 22. Therefore, the power from the AC power supply is not supplied to the AC-DC converter 12 via the plug 13, and only the power of the solar battery 11 is used as the power supply. The follow-up mode M1 is set. In the follow-up mode, the state of the switch 23 may be set to either M2 or M3.

[Stable mode]
In the stable mode, the switch 22 is set to the M2 side and the switch 23 is set to the M2 side. In this case, since the AC power supply and the AC-DC converter 12 are connected through the voltage line v <b> 2 side, the power from the AC power supply is always supplied to the AC-DC converter 12.

[Automatic switching mode]
In the automatic switching mode, the switch 22 is set to the M2 side and the switch 23 is set to the M3 side. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the AC power supply and the AC-DC converter 12 are connected through the voltage line v1 side. Therefore, in the operation switching unit 20, the connection between the AC power source and the AC-DC converter 12 (the relay 24 is on) and the non-connection (the relay 24 is off) are switched depending on whether the relay 24 is on or off. .

  When the AC power supply and the AC-DC converter 12 are connected, the lighting system 1A starts stable illumination type driving. When the AC power supply and the AC-DC converter 12 are disconnected, the lighting system 1A Stable illuminance type driving will be stopped. The switching of the relay 24 in the operation switching unit 20 is switched on and off by the determination of the operation determination unit 19.

  Next, details of the operation determination unit 19 will be described. The operation determination unit 19 determines whether to start and stop the stable illumination type drive based on the output of the solar cell 11.

  That is, if the weather is fine and the output of the solar cell 11 is large, the illuminance of the LED tube 10 that uses the solar cell 11 as a power source is sufficiently high, so the LED tube 10 needs to be driven using the second power source. However, when the weather changes from sunny to cloudy or rainy, and the output of the solar cell 11 decreases, the illuminance of the LED tube 10 linked to the fluctuation of the output of the solar cell 11 also decreases, resulting in insufficient illuminance in the room There is a risk. Therefore, when the output of the solar cell 11 is decreased, the operation determination unit 19 determines the start of stable illuminance type driving in order to prevent insufficient illuminance in the room when the output is lower than a predetermined reference.

  On the other hand, when the weather recovers and the output of the solar cell 11 increases, the lack of illuminance in the room is resolved even if the LED tube 10 is turned on by the output of the solar cell 11. Therefore, when the output of the solar cell 11 increases, the operation determination unit 19 determines that the stable illuminance type drive is stopped because there is no need to perform the stable illuminance type drive when the output exceeds a predetermined reference. .

  Specifically, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 6, the operation determination unit 19 in this embodiment includes a light / dark level detection unit 25, a switching determination unit 26, and a power supply unit 27. The power supply unit 27 steps down the output voltage VSP of the solar battery 11 to generate a constant voltage Vcc. The power supply unit 27 supplies the constant voltage Vcc as a power supply voltage for comparators 31a and 31b described later. At this time, since the power supply unit 27 is driven by the output of the solar cell 11 without using a commercial power source or the like, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption from the commercial power source or the like.

  The light / dark level detection unit 25 detects a timing at which the output becomes higher than the light reference value BH, which is a reference for stopping the stable illuminance type driving, in the process in which the output from the solar cell 11 increases. And a dark level detection unit 29 that detects a timing when the output is lower than the dark reference value BL, which is a reference for starting stable illuminance type driving, in the process in which the output from the solar cell 11 decreases. ing.

  More specifically, the light level detection unit 28 includes a light / dark level setting unit 30 that sets the light reference value BH, a comparator 31a, and a waveform shaping unit 32a. The dark level detection unit 29 includes a light / dark level setting unit 30 that sets a dark reference value BL, a comparator 31b, and a waveform shaping unit 32b, as with the light level detection unit 28. The light / dark level setting unit 30 sets a reference voltage to be the light reference value BH and the dark reference value BL, and sets each reference voltage by resistance voltage division from the constant voltage Vcc output from the power supply unit 27. To do. In addition, it is preferable that the reference voltage for the bright reference value BH and the dark reference value BL can be set to an arbitrary value by allowing the user to adjust the reference voltage using, for example, a dip switch.

  In addition, the light / dark level detection unit 25 further includes a determination LED tube 33 that is a determination illumination device in which the illuminance changes in conjunction with the output of the solar cell 11. The determination LED tube 33 is connected in parallel with the LED tube 10 and is driven by using only the solar cell 11 as a power source. Therefore, the LED tube for determination 33 is always driven by a natural light tracking type, and the illuminance also changes in conjunction with the output of the solar cell 11. Instead of the determination LED tube 33, a diode having the same characteristics as the LED tube 10 may be used. In addition, it is possible to use a resistor in place of the determination LED tube 33, but in this case, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the output of the solar cell 11 is sufficient to drive the LED tube 10. very difficult.

  Then, the comparator 31a and the comparator 31b are compared using the current ISP flowing through the determination LED tube 33. Specifically, the comparator 31a compares the voltage of the current detection resistor R7 with the light reference value BH set by the light / dark level setting unit 30, and outputs Hi when the value is larger than the light reference value BH. The comparator 31b also compares the voltage of the current detection resistor R7 with the dark reference value BL set by the light / dark level setting unit 30, and outputs Hi when the value is larger than the dark reference value BL.

  This point will be described with reference to the conceptual diagram of output characteristics in FIG. FIG. 8 conceptually shows the characteristics of the outputs that change with the passage of time in the day in the lighting system 1A. The top row in FIG. 8 shows changes in the weather during the day. Period A is a night time period, period B is a morning time period, period C is a clear time period, and period D is a cloudy time. The band and period E indicate a rainy time period, the period F indicates a cloudy time period, the period G indicates a clear time period, the period H indicates an evening time period, and the period I indicates a night time period.

  The VSP in FIG. 8 shows the output change of the voltage generated by the power generation in the solar cell 11 in the periods A to I. In period B, VSP gradually increases with sunrise. The VSP gradually decreases from the cloudiness in period D when the weather deteriorates toward the rain in period E. Then, VSP increases from the cloudiness in period F when the weather recovers toward the clear weather in period G. In the period H, the VSP gradually decreases in the evening and with the sun setting, and on the night of the period I, the VSP becomes zero.

  A constant voltage output from the power supply unit 27 is shown in Vcc of FIG. When the power generation in the solar cell 11 is started, the power supply unit 27 provided in the operation determination unit 19 outputs a constant voltage Vcc.

  The ISP in FIG. 8 shows changes in the output of the current flowing through the determination LED tube 33 in the periods A to I corresponding to the VSP. ISP has substantially the same output characteristics as VSP. Then, the comparator 31a compares with the bright reference value BH, and if the ISP becomes larger than the bright reference value BH, the comparator 31a outputs Hi. Further, the comparator 31b compares with the dark reference value BL, and if the ISP becomes larger than the dark reference value BL, the comparator 31b outputs Hi.

  Then, the bright level detection unit 28 detects the timing when the output from the solar cell 11 increases in the process of increasing the bright reference value BH (the timing of BH1 and BH2 in FIG. 8), and therefore the output of the comparator 31a. Based on the above, the waveform shaping unit 32a outputs a pulse signal at the timing of BH1 and BH2, and inputs this pulse signal to the set S of the Philip flop 34 constituting the switching determination unit 26. The pulse signal is output by a differentiation circuit constituting the waveform shaping unit 32a, which detects the rising and falling edges of the output of the comparator 31a, outputs only the rising side using a diode, and shapes the waveform. It is done by.

  On the other hand, the dark level detection unit 29 detects the timing when it is lower than the dark reference value BL in the process in which the output from the solar cell 11 decreases (the timing of BL1 and BL2 in FIG. 8), so that the output of the comparator 31b The waveform shaping unit 32b outputs a pulse signal at the timing of BL1 and BL2, and inputs this pulse signal to the reset R of the Philip flop 34 constituting the switching determination unit 26. The output of this pulse signal is a differentiation circuit constituting the waveform shaping unit 32b, detects the rise and fall where the output of the comparator 31b changes, outputs only the fall side using a diode, and shapes the waveform. Is done.

  Then, based on the output from the light / dark level detection unit 25, the switching determination unit 26 determines whether to start and stop the stable illuminance type drive. The switching determination unit includes the flip-flop 34 and the relay driving unit 35 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when a pulse signal is input to the set S, the flip-flop 34 outputs a high level signal at the output Q, and maintains the output until the reset R is input. When a pulse signal is input to the reset R, a low level signal is output at the output Q, and the output is maintained until the next input to the set S.

  As shown by the relay contact NC in FIG. 8, when the output Q of the flip-flop 34 is a high level signal, the relay drive unit 35 drives the relay 24 of the operation switching unit 20 and turns the relay contact NC of the relay 24 off. On the other hand, if the output Q of the flip-flop 34 is a low level signal, the relay contact NC of the relay 24 is connected to the on side.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, in the operation determination unit 19, in the process of increasing the output from the solar cell 11 in the light / dark level detection unit 25, the timing (BH 1 and BH 2) at which the output becomes higher than the bright reference value BH. When detected, the switching determination unit 26 outputs a signal for turning on the relay 24 of the operation switching unit 20. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, when the relay 24 is turned on, the relay contact NC is turned off, the AC power supply and the AC-DC converter 12 are disconnected from each other. In the lighting system 1A, stable illumination type driving is performed. Stopped. Therefore, the natural light tracking type drive is performed in the lighting system 1A.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, in the operation determination unit 19, the light and dark level detection unit 25 sets the timing (BL1 and BL2) at which the output becomes lower than the dark reference value BL in the process in which the output from the solar cell 11 decreases. When detected, the switching determination unit 26 outputs a signal for turning off the relay 24 of the operation switching unit 20. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, when the relay 24 is turned off, the relay contact NC is turned on, the AC power supply and the AC-DC converter 12 are connected, and stable illumination type driving is started in the lighting system 1A. It becomes a state.

  Therefore, in the illumination system 1 </ b> A, stable illuminance driving is started, and electrodes are supplied from the AC-DC converter 12 to the LED tube 10. Similarly to the lighting system 1, the lighting system 1 </ b> A detects that the power supply to the LED tube 10 is started by the AC-DC operation detection unit 15, and the LED tube 10 and the solar cell via the switch unit 16. The electrical connection with the battery 11 is cut off so that the power generated by the solar battery 11 cannot be supplied to the LED tube 10. Therefore, only the current IDC supplied from the AC-DC converter 12 flows through the LED tube 10, and the current IS from the solar cell 11 side does not flow to the LED tube 10. A failure or breakage does not occur in the lighting system 1A.

  The bright reference value BH and the dark reference value BL may be the same value, but it is preferable to use different values as in the present embodiment. If the bright reference value BH and the dark reference value BL are set to the same value, the natural light tracking drive and the stable illumination drive are frequently switched when the output of the solar cell 11 frequently fluctuates across the reference value. This is because the illuminance of the LED tube 10 changes frequently, causing discomfort to the user.

  Moreover, in the illumination system 1A, there is only one LED tube 10, but there may be a plurality of LED tubes 10 that are illumination devices. In this case, since the power supply from the solar cell 11 is limited, when the number of lighting devices increases, the current detected by the operation determination unit 19 decreases accordingly. When the current decreases, the operation determination unit 19 determines the start of stable illuminance type driving. Then, when switching to the stable illuminance type driving, since the power from the solar cell 11 is not consumed by the LED tube 10 this time, the power supply from the solar cell 11 is increased, and the operation determination unit 19 performs the stable illuminance type driving. The stop is determined and the driving is changed to the natural light tracking type driving. In addition, the power consumption in the LED tube 10 increases, the current in the operation determination unit 19 decreases, and the start of stable illuminance type driving is determined. In this way, the more the number of lighting devices increases, the more likely it is that the determination of the start and stop of the stable illuminance type drive is repeated, so the bright reference value BH and the dark reference value BL are different values. It is preferable to control to so-called hysteresis.

  When a plurality of LED tubes 10 are used, it is preferable to provide a mode setting unit 21 for each LED tube 10 so that mode setting can be performed for each LED tube 10.

  Further, as the second power source, a DC power source including an AC power source that is a commercial power source, a plug 13, and an AC-DC converter 12 that converts an AC voltage into a DC voltage is used. As long as stable illuminance type driving can be performed, other configurations may be used, for example, a storage battery may be used.

  As described above, the lighting system 1A includes the lighting device, the first power source including the solar battery, and the second power source connected in parallel with the first power source, and the solar power is generated using the first power source. Illumination capable of performing natural light tracking type driving in which the illuminance of the illuminating device changes in accordance with the output of the battery and stable illuminance type driving in which the illuminance of the illuminating device is constant using the second power supply An operation determination unit that determines whether to start and stop the stable illuminance type drive based on the output of the solar cell, and the start and stop of the stable illuminance type drive based on the determination of the operation determination unit And an operation switching unit for switching between.

  Therefore, the operation determination unit determines whether to start and stop the stable illuminance type drive, and the determination is performed to start and stop the stable illuminance type drive by the operation switching unit. When the illuminance is insufficient, the user does not need to switch to the stable illuminance driving. That is, the illumination system automatically switches between natural light tracking type driving and stable illuminance type driving.

  Furthermore, the illumination system 1A includes a light level detection unit that detects whether the operation determination unit is higher or lower than a light reference value that is a reference for stopping the stable illuminance type driving when the output increases, Based on the output from the dark level detection unit that detects whether it is higher or lower than the dark reference value that is a reference for starting the stable illuminance type driving at the time of decrease, the output from the light level detection unit and the dark level detection unit A switching determination unit for determining start and stop of stable illuminance type driving, wherein the bright reference value and the dark reference value are different values.

  Therefore, since the reference value is different between starting and stopping of the stable illuminance type driving, it is possible to prevent flickering of illuminance due to frequent switching.

  Furthermore, the illumination system 1A includes a determination illumination device in which the illuminance changes in illuminance in conjunction with the output of the solar cell using the first power source, and the current flowing through the determination illumination device Based on the above, the light level detection unit and the dark level detection unit perform detection.

  Accordingly, this determination illumination device can be used as a natural light tracking drive illumination device, for example, for interior illumination.

  Furthermore, the illumination system 1A is configured to start and stop the stable illuminance type drive by the tracking mode that performs the natural light tracking type drive, the stable mode that performs the stable illuminance type drive, and the operation determination unit and the operation switching unit. And a mode setting unit that can be set to any one of the automatic switching type modes for switching between.

  Therefore, the user can set a favorite mode by the setting unit.

  Furthermore, the lighting system 1A includes a switch unit that disconnects the electrical connection between the lighting device and the first power supply so that the natural light tracking drive is not performed when the stable illumination driving is performed. It is characterized by.

  Therefore, since the current from the first power source does not flow into the lighting device when driving using the second power source, an overcurrent in the lighting device can be prevented.

  And if such an illumination system 1A is used as, for example, an office illumination system or an illumination system for public facilities, the room is illuminated by the output of the solar cell 11 during the daytime, so no electricity bill is required and energy saving is achieved. Also become. In addition, if the automatic switching mode is set, when the output of the solar cell 11 decreases due to daytime, cloudiness or rain, it automatically becomes a stable illuminance type drive, so that it is not necessary for someone to switch over. Very convenient.

  In the first and second embodiments, the configuration using the Zener diode 15a or the like is shown as the configuration of the AC-DC operation detection unit 15. However, in addition to such a configuration, for example, a comparator or the like is used to perform AC-DC operation. It may be configured to detect that power supply from the converter 12 is started. By using a comparator, it is possible to detect with less variation than a Zener diode. In the second embodiment, the relay 24 is used as the configuration of the operation switching unit 20. However, other configurations such as a semiconductor switch may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A Lighting system 10 LED tube 11 Solar cell 12 AC-DC converter 15 AC-DC operation detection part 16 Switch part 19 Operation determination part 20 Operation switching part 21 Mode setting part

Claims (5)

A lighting device;
A first power source comprising a solar cell;
A DC second power source connected in parallel with the first power source,
Natural light tracking type drive in which the illuminance of the lighting device changes in conjunction with the output of the solar cell using the first power source;
A stable illuminance type drive in which the illuminance of the illumination device is constant using the second power source;
A lighting system capable of performing
When the stable illuminance type driving is performed, an operation detection unit that detects electric power supplied from the second power source;
A switch unit that electrically connects the lighting device and the first power source,
When the power supplied from the second power source is detected by the operation detection unit, the switch unit disconnects the electrical connection between the lighting device and the first power source so that the natural light tracking drive is not performed. A lighting system characterized by that. The second power source is
The lighting system according to claim 1, comprising: an AC power supply; and a conversion unit that converts an AC voltage into a DC voltage.   2. The illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising: a setting unit configured to set either the natural light tracking type driving or the stable illuminance type driving between the AC power source and the conversion unit.   The illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the natural light tracking type driving and the stable illuminance type driving are switched based on an output of the solar cell. A follow-up drive notification unit that informs that the natural light follow-up type drive is being performed;
The illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising: a stable drive notification unit that notifies that the stable illuminance type drive is being performed.