JP7384069B2 - lighting equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to lighting fixtures.

Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting device including a lighting unit and a communication unit selected from a plurality of communication units that are exchangeably connected to the lighting unit. Each of the plurality of communication units includes a communication section that receives a control signal including information for controlling illumination light from an external device via a wireless or wired method, and a signal that converts the control signal received by the communication section into a lighting control signal. It has a conversion section. The lighting unit includes a lighting circuit section that lights up the light source and a lighting control section that controls the lighting circuit section based on a lighting control signal. Each of the plurality of communication units has a first connection terminal section, and the lighting unit has a second connection terminal section that is electrically connected to the first connection terminal section and is detachable.

Patent No. 6252937

In Patent Document 1, the lighting unit and the control unit are electrically connected through a first connection terminal portion and a second connection terminal portion. At this time, the connection between the lighting unit and the control unit may become complicated. Furthermore, when connecting the lighting unit and the control unit using a communication line, it is conceivable that wiring must be routed within the lighting equipment. For this reason, there is a possibility that the lighting equipment cannot be easily installed.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a lighting fixture to which a control unit can be easily attached.

A lighting fixture according to the present disclosure includes a lighting device including a light source, a lighting circuit that lights the light source, and a control unit that controls the lighting circuit according to a control signal, and a lighting device that connects the lighting device and a first communication terminal. a control unit ; The control unit includes a communication section that receives signals from the outside, and is connected to the communication section via a second communication terminal, and transmits the wireless signal to the first contactless communication section based on the signal received by the communication section. and a second non-contact communication unit having a second antenna for transmitting data .

In the lighting fixture according to the present disclosure, the control unit and the non-contact communication section communicate wirelessly. Therefore, the control unit can be easily attached.

1 is a circuit block diagram of a lighting fixture according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a lighting unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method of attaching the control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the antenna according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for attaching a control unit according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a lighting fixture according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control unit according to Embodiment 2. FIG.

A lighting fixture according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Identical or corresponding components may be given the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions may be omitted.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a lighting fixture 100 according to the first embodiment. The lighting fixture 100 includes a lighting unit 250 and a control unit 700. The lighting unit 250 includes a light source 200, a lighting device 300, and a non-contact communication section 400. The light source 200 includes at least one light emitting element. The light emitting element is, for example, an LED. The lighting device 300 lights up the light source 200.

The control unit 700 transmits a wireless signal 80 in response to a signal from an external device 800 installed outside the lighting fixture 100. External device 800 of this embodiment is a wired lighting control device that is connected to control unit 700 by wire.

The non-contact communication unit 400 performs communication between the lighting device 300 and the control unit 700. The contactless communication section 400 and the control unit 700 communicate without contact. That is, the non-contact communication section 400 and the control unit 700 transmit and receive the wireless signal 80 to perform wireless communication.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of lighting unit 250 according to the first embodiment. The lighting device 300 includes a rectifier circuit 320 that rectifies alternating current power AC and converts it into direct current. A lighting circuit 330 is connected to the output of the rectifier circuit 320. The lighting circuit 330 lights the light source 200. The control unit 360 controls the lighting circuit 330. The control unit 360 is, for example, a microcomputer. For example, the control unit 360 turns on and off a switching element included in the lighting circuit 330, and performs constant current control on the output power of the lighting circuit 330. In this way, the control unit 360 controls the power supplied to the light source 200.

The lighting device 300 includes power supply circuits 340 and 350. The power supply circuit 340 generates operating power for the control unit 360 . Power supply circuit 350 generates operating power for non-contact communication section 400 .

The lighting device 300 includes a communication terminal 310. The communication terminal 310 has a power supply terminal Vdd, a reception terminal Rx, a transmission terminal Tx, and a ground terminal GND. Power supply terminal Vdd is connected to the output of power supply circuit 350. The receiving terminal Rx and the transmitting terminal Tx are connected to the control section 360. Further, each terminal of the communication terminal 310 is connected to a communication terminal 410 of the non-contact communication section 400.

The non-contact communication unit 400 includes an antenna 430 that receives wireless signals from the outside. The wireless signal is, for example, a dimming command signal. The contactless communication unit 400 also includes a signal conversion unit 420 that converts a wireless signal received by the antenna 430 into a signal that can be received by the control unit 360. A communication terminal 410 is connected to the signal converter 420 .

The non-contact communication unit 400 is supplied with power from the lighting device 300 via the communication terminals 410 and 310. Further, the non-contact communication unit 400 communicates with the control unit 360 via communication terminals 410 and 310.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of control unit 700 according to the first embodiment. The control unit 700 includes a contactless communication section 500 and a signal conversion section 600. The signal converter 600 includes a communication terminal 620. The external device 800 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the communication terminal 620. As a result, a signal is input to the communication terminal 620 from the outside. The external signal is, for example, a dimming control signal.

The signal input to the communication terminal 620 is received by the receiving circuit 630. The control unit 650 converts the signal received by the receiving circuit 630 into data that can be transmitted to the lighting device 300. The signal converter 600 includes a power supply circuit 640. Power supply circuit 640 generates operating power for control unit 650, reception circuit 630, and non-contact communication unit 500 from the signal received by reception circuit 630. In this way, the control unit 700 is supplied with power from the external device 800.

The signal converter 600 includes a communication terminal 610. The communication terminal 610 has a power supply terminal Vdd, a reception terminal Rx, a transmission terminal Tx, and a ground terminal GND. Power supply terminal Vdd is connected to the output of power supply circuit 640. The receiving terminal Rx and the transmitting terminal Tx are connected to the control section 650. Each terminal of communication terminal 310 is connected to communication terminal 510 of non-contact communication section 500.

The contactless communication section 500 is supplied with power from the signal conversion section 600 via the communication terminals 510 and 610. The contactless communication section 500 includes a signal conversion section 520. The signal conversion unit 520 receives the signal converted by the control unit 650 via the communication terminals 510 and 610. The signal conversion unit 520 converts the signal converted by the control unit 650 into a signal that can communicate with the non-contact communication unit 400. That is, the signal conversion unit converts the signal converted by the control unit 650 into a signal that can be received by the antenna 430 and converted by the signal conversion unit 420. Antenna 530 transmits the signal converted by signal converter 520 to the outside as a wireless signal.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of attaching control unit 700 according to the first embodiment. The lighting fixture 100 includes a fixture body 101. A lighting device 300 is firmly attached to the upper surface of the appliance body 101. The light source 200 is attached to the back surface of the instrument main body 101, for example. The non-contact communication unit 400 is provided on the upper surface of the instrument main body 101. The lighting device 300 and the non-contact communication unit 400 are electrically connected by a board pattern, a harness, an electric wire, or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the lighting device 300 and the non-contact communication unit 400 are provided adjacent to each other.

Control unit 700 is provided above contactless communication section 400. The control unit 700 is attached to the non-contact communication section 400 from above the non-contact communication section 400, as shown by an arrow 91. In control unit 700, contactless communication section 500 is arranged below signal conversion section 600. The signal conversion section 600 and the contactless communication section 500 may be fixed to each other.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of antennas 430 and 530 according to the first embodiment. Contactless communication unit 400 includes a substrate 402 and an antenna 430. The board 402 and antenna 430 are housed in a resin case 401. A signal converter 420 is formed on the substrate 402. The signal converter 420 is placed on the instrument main body 101 side, and the antenna 430 is placed above the substrate 402. Antenna 430 is placed at the top inside resin case 401.

In FIG. 5, only the non-contact communication section 500 of the control unit 700 is illustrated for convenience. Non-contact communication unit 500 includes a substrate 502 and an antenna 530. The substrate 502 and antenna 530 are housed in a resin case 501. A signal conversion section 520 is formed on the substrate 502. Antenna 530 is placed on the non-contact communication unit 400 side, and substrate 502 is placed above antenna 530. Antenna 530 is placed at the bottom inside resin case 501.

By providing the non-contact communication unit 500 on the non-contact communication unit 400, the antenna 430 and the antenna 530 overlap in plan view. Antenna 430 and antenna 530 face each other with resin cases 401 and 501 interposed therebetween. Thereby, wireless communication can be easily performed between the non-contact communication section 400 and the control unit 700.

By providing the non-contact communication unit 500 on the non-contact communication unit 400, the resin case 401 and the resin case 501 come into contact with each other. At this time, the control unit 700 and the non-contact communication section 400 are fitted together. The non-contact communication unit 400 and the control unit 700 have mounting structures such as unevenness, grooves, claws, etc. that are combined with each other. This allows the control unit 700 to be fixed at a predetermined position. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a convex portion 401a is formed on the upper surface of resin case 401, and a recessed portion 501a is formed on the lower surface of resin case 501. The convex portion 401a and the concave portion 501a fit together. Thereby, the relative positions of the antenna 430 of the non-contact communication section 400 and the antenna 530 of the control unit 700 can be set reliably. Furthermore, the mounting position of the control unit 700 can be made clear, and errors in the mounting position can be suppressed.

The control unit 700 may be fixed from the non-contact communication section 400 with screws or the like. When removing the control unit 700 from the non-contact communication section 400, a tool such as a flat head screwdriver may be required.

The arrangement of antennas 430, 530 is not limited to that shown in FIG. The antennas 430 and 530 may be arranged in any manner as long as wireless communication is possible. For example, the antennas 430 and 530 may face each other in the direction along the top surface of the instrument body 101.

Furthermore, the case that houses the non-contact communication unit 400 and the non-contact communication unit 500 can be made of any material and structure as long as wireless communication is possible through the case. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contactless communication section 500 and the signal conversion section 600 are housed in separate cases. As a modification of this example, the contactless communication section 500 and the signal conversion section 600 may be housed in the same case.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of attaching control unit 700 according to a modification of the first embodiment. The control unit 700 may be attached to the non-contact communication section 400 by sliding it along the top surface of the non-contact communication section 400, as shown by arrow 92. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the lighting device 300 and the non-contact communication unit 400 may be separated. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the lighting device 300 and the non-contact communication unit 400 are electrically connected by an electric wire 251.

Next, the operation of the lighting fixture 100 will be explained. Control unit 700 receives a dimming signal from external device 800. Control unit 700 converts the dimming signal into data that can be transmitted via non-contact communication, and transmits it from antenna 530 as a wireless signal. Contactless communication unit 400 receives wireless signals through antenna 430. The non-contact communication unit 400 converts the wireless signal into a control signal that can be received by the control unit 360 and transmits the control signal to the control unit 360. The control unit 360 controls the lighting circuit 330 according to the received control signal. Thereby, the control unit 360 performs dimming of the light source 200.

In this embodiment, the control unit 700 instructs the lighting unit 250 to adjust the light by non-contact communication. This eliminates the need for a wiring process between the control unit 700 and the lighting unit 250. Therefore, the control unit 700 can be easily attached. Moreover, the cost of wiring members can be reduced.

In particular, the contactless communication section 400 is housed in a case, and the control unit 700 is housed in another case. By forming the non-contact communication section 400 and the control unit 700 as separate casings, the control unit 700 can be attached more easily. Therefore, the control unit 700 can be easily replaced depending on the usage of the lighting fixture 100.

Communication between the contactless communication unit 400 and the contactless communication unit 500 is, for example, NFC (Near Field Communication). Communication between the contactless communication unit 400 and the contactless communication unit 500 may be wireless communication.

In this embodiment, control unit 700 transmits a wireless signal to non-contact communication section 400. Non-contact communication section 400 transmits a control signal to control section 360 in response to the wireless signal. This wireless signal includes information on, for example, the dimming rate of the light source 200, a lighting instruction, and a lighting-off instruction. The wireless signal is not limited to a dimming signal, and may include any data.

Further, the contactless communication unit 400 may convert the signal transmitted by the control unit 360 into data that can be transmitted by contactless communication, and transmit the data as a wireless signal from the antenna 430. In this case, the contactless communication unit 500 receives the wireless signal transmitted by the contactless communication unit 400 through the antenna 530. Furthermore, the non-contact communication unit 500 converts the received wireless signal into a signal that can be received by the control unit 650 and transmits the signal to the control unit 650. In this way, the communication between the contactless communication unit 400 and the contactless communication unit 500 may be bidirectional.

These modifications can be applied as appropriate to the lighting fixtures according to the following embodiments. Note that the lighting equipment according to the following embodiments has many features in common with Embodiment 1, so the explanation will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram of lighting fixture 110 according to the second embodiment. Control unit 710 includes an antenna 670 that receives wireless signals from external device 810. In this embodiment, control unit 710 wirelessly receives a signal from external device 810. External device 810 is a wireless lighting control device.

The control unit 710 includes a power supply section 660 that supplies operating power for the control unit 710 . Power supply unit 660 includes, for example, a rechargeable battery. Power receiving unit 910 is a circuit for contactlessly charging power supply unit 660. The other configuration of control unit 710 is similar to control unit 700 of the first embodiment.

The lighting unit 260 includes a contactless power supply section 900. The contactless power supply unit 900 is supplied with power from the lighting circuit 330 and supplies power to the outside without contact. The other configuration of lighting unit 260 is similar to lighting unit 250 of Embodiment 1.

The power supply unit 660 is supplied with power from the non-contact power supply unit 900 via the power reception unit 910. That is, the control unit 710 is supplied with power from the non-contact power supply section 900. The power receiving unit 910 and the contactless power supply unit 900 are arranged adjacent to each other or facing each other so that contactless power supply is possible.

Charging of the power supply section 660 may be performed from a source other than the control unit 710. The power supply unit 660 may be charged from a solar panel, a USB (Universal Serial Bus), or the like.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit 360 according to the second embodiment. A method of switching charging and discharging of the power supply unit 660 will be described using FIG. 8. The switching between charging and discharging is performed by the lighting device 300.

First, the process starts when power is supplied to the control unit 360. As shown in step S01, the control unit 360 determines whether a light-off signal for the light source 200 has been received. This lights-off signal is input as a control signal from the non-contact communication section 400. Further, the lights-off signal may be a signal from a wall switch (not shown) or the like.

As shown in step S03, upon receiving the lights-off signal, the control unit 360 starts contactless power feeding. That is, power supply from the lighting circuit 330 to the non-contact power supply unit 900 is started. As a result, the power supply unit 660 is charged via the power reception unit 910. In this way, the control unit 360 starts supplying power from the non-contact power supply unit 900 to the control unit 710 when the light source 200 is turned off.

Alternatively, the control unit 710 may transmit the power supply request signal. Control unit 710 wirelessly transmits a power supply request signal to non-contact communication section 400 using antenna 530. The non-contact communication unit 400 transmits a power supply start signal to the control unit 360 in response to the power supply request signal. As shown in step S02, the control unit 360 determines whether or not a power supply start signal has been received. Control unit 360 starts supplying power from contactless power supply unit 900 to control unit 710 in response to the power supply start signal.

The control unit 710 may monitor the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery of the power supply section 660. In this case, control unit 710 may transmit a power supply request signal when the remaining charge level falls below a threshold value. For example, the control unit 650 monitors the remaining charge amount.

After the power supply starts, the control unit 710 wirelessly transmits a power supply stop request signal to the non-contact communication unit 400. The non-contact communication unit 400 transmits a power supply stop signal to the control unit 360 in response to the power supply stop request signal. As shown in step S04, the control unit 360 determines whether or not a power supply stop signal has been received. Control unit 360 stops supplying power from non-contact power supply unit 900 to control unit 710 in response to the power supply stop signal, as shown in step S05. This stops the contactless power supply and ends the process.

Control unit 710 may transmit a power supply stop request signal when the remaining charge exceeds a threshold value. Overcharging can be prevented by the control unit 710 monitoring the remaining charge of the power supply unit 660 and transmitting a power supply stop request signal. Particularly, overcharging can be prevented when the lighting fixture 110 is installed in a place where the light may remain off for a long time, such as a hallway or a staircase. Additionally, unnecessary charging can be suppressed and power consumption can be reduced. Further, the control unit 360 may stop the contactless power supply upon receiving the lighting signal of the light source 200.

Furthermore, in places where the lighting may continue for a long time, such as in an office room, there is a possibility that the battery will run out of charge before the lights-off signal is received. In this embodiment, charging is started when control unit 710 transmits a power supply request signal. Therefore, poor control of the lighting fixture 110 due to running out of charge can be prevented.

In this embodiment, control unit 710 receives a signal from external device 810 wirelessly. Therefore, wiring such as a dimming signal line between the external device 810 and the control unit 710 is not necessary. Therefore, the work process during construction can be further reduced.

Furthermore, even when power is not supplied from the external device 810, the power supply section 660 can ensure the operating power for the control unit 710. Note that if power is not supplied from the external device 810, the power supply circuit 640 shown in FIG. 3 may not be provided.

In this embodiment, control unit 710 controls lighting device 300 by communicating with non-contact communication section 400 in response to a signal from external device 810. As a variation of this, the control unit 710 may include a sensor. In this case, control unit 710 transmits a wireless signal to non-contact communication section 400 according to the detection information of the sensor. In this case, antenna 670 may not be provided.

The sensors included in the control unit 710 acquire information about the external environment. The sensor is, for example, an infrared sensor or an illuminance sensor. Infrared sensors detect people, for example. The illuminance sensor detects, for example, ambient light.

The control unit 710 controls the lighting device 300 according to the information detected by the sensor, so that the degree of freedom in control can be improved. Furthermore, by selecting the control unit 710 according to the location of the lighting fixture 110, etc., the control method can be easily selected and changed.

Note that the technical features described in each embodiment may be used in combination as appropriate.

100 lighting fixture, 101 fixture body, 110 lighting fixture, 200 light source, 250 lighting unit, 251 electric wire, 260 lighting unit, 300 lighting device, 310 communication terminal, 320 rectifier circuit, 330 lighting circuit, 340, 350 power supply circuit, 360 control Part, 400 non-contact communication section, 401 resin case, 401a convex section, 402 substrate, 410 communication terminal, 420 signal conversion section, 430 antenna, 500 non-contact communication section, 501 resin case, 501a concave section, 502 substrate, 510 communication terminal , 520 signal conversion section, 530 antenna, 600 signal conversion section, 610 communication terminal, 620 communication terminal, 630 reception circuit, 640 power supply circuit, 650 control section, 660 power supply section, 670 antenna, 700, 710 control unit, 800, 810 external device, 900 non-contact power supply unit, 910 power receiving unit, AC alternating current power supply

Claims (11)

a light source and
a lighting device including a lighting circuit that lights the light source; and a control unit that controls the lighting circuit according to a control signal ;
a first contactless communication unit that is connected to the lighting device via a first communication terminal, has a first antenna that receives a wireless signal, and transmits the control signal to the control unit in response to the wireless signal;
a control unit;
Equipped with
The control unit includes:
a communication section that receives signals from the outside;
a second contactless communication unit having a second antenna connected to the communication unit via a second communication terminal and transmitting the wireless signal to the first contactless communication unit based on the signal received by the communication unit;
A lighting fixture characterized by having : The control unit is provided on the first contactless communication section,
The lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna overlap in plan view. The first contactless communication unit is housed in a first case,
The lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is housed in a second case. A contactless power supply unit that is supplied with power from the lighting circuit and supplies power to the outside in a contactless manner,
The lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit is supplied with power from the contactless power supply section. The lighting fixture according to claim 4, wherein the control section starts supplying power from the non-contact power supply section to the control unit when the light source is turned off. The control unit wirelessly transmits a power supply request signal to the first non-contact communication unit,
The first contactless communication unit transmits a power supply start signal to the control unit in response to the power supply request signal,
The lighting fixture according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control section starts supplying power from the contactless power supply section to the control unit in response to the power supply start signal. The control unit wirelessly transmits a power supply stop request signal to the first non-contact communication unit,
The first contactless communication unit transmits a power supply stop signal to the control unit in response to the power supply stop request signal,
The lighting fixture according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the control section stops supplying power from the contactless power supply section to the control unit in response to the power supply stop signal. The lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit transmits the wireless signal in response to a signal from an external device. The lighting fixture according to claim 8, wherein the control unit wirelessly receives a signal from the external device. The lighting fixture according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is supplied with power from the external device. The lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit includes a sensor and transmits the wireless signal according to information detected by the sensor.

Images