JP7411905B2 - Lighting systems and lighting equipment - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to lighting systems and lighting fixtures.

The conventional lighting device (lighting fixture) described in Patent Document 1 is an emergency light that is turned on in an emergency such as a power outage, and includes an emergency lighting circuit (lighting system) and a secondary battery that is an emergency power source. The emergency lighting circuit uses a secondary battery as a power source to turn on a light source with a constant current in an emergency such as a power outage of an external power source. In such lighting devices, it is required by law to periodically check whether the light source is lit for a predetermined period of time using a secondary battery.

Therefore, when inspecting a conventional lighting device, a light source is turned on by a secondary battery for a predetermined period of time, and the voltage of the secondary battery at that time is detected. Then, the detected voltage of the secondary battery is compared with a threshold value, and the state of the secondary battery is determined based on the comparison result. Some lighting devices have a function of notifying the outside of an abnormality such as the lifespan of a secondary battery by controlling the lighting of a display monitor based on the result of this determination.

JP2018-139222A

In lighting equipment such as disaster prevention lighting equipment, there is a demand for improved accuracy in determining the degree of battery deterioration.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting system and a lighting fixture that can improve the accuracy of determining the degree of battery deterioration.

A lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a lighting circuit, a voltage detection section, an index derivation section, and a deterioration determination section. The lighting circuit lights the light source using power supplied from a battery. The voltage detection unit detects a battery voltage of the battery and generates data of a detected value of the battery voltage. The deterioration determination unit performs deterioration determination processing to determine the degree of deterioration of the battery. The index deriving unit determines an index used in the deterioration determination process based on the amount of decrease in the detected value before and after the battery voltage falls due to the start of discharge of the battery, and the discharge current of the battery. The deterioration determination section performs the deterioration determination process based on the index. The deterioration determination unit determines the increasing slope of the index, and determines that the battery is at the end of its life if the increasing slope of the index exceeds a threshold value.
A lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a lighting circuit, a voltage detection section, a deterioration determination section, and an index derivation section. The lighting circuit lights the light source using power supplied from a battery. The voltage detection unit detects a battery voltage of the battery and generates data of a detected value of the battery voltage. The deterioration determination unit performs deterioration determination processing to determine the degree of deterioration of the battery. The index deriving unit determines an index used in the deterioration determination process based on the amount of decrease in the detected value before and after the battery voltage falls due to the start of discharge of the battery, and the discharge current of the battery. The deterioration determination section performs the deterioration determination process based on the index. The deterioration determination unit determines the amount of increase in the index every predetermined period, and determines that the battery is at the end of its life if the amount of increase in the index exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is twice the amount of increase in the index during the previous predetermined period.

A lighting device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described lighting system, a light source that is lit by the output of the lighting system, a battery that supplies the lighting system with emergency power for lighting the light source, and a main body. , is provided. The lighting system, the light source, and the battery are attached to the main body.

As described above, the present disclosure has the effect of improving the accuracy of determining the degree of battery deterioration.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a discharge circuit and a voltage detection unit included in the lighting system. FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing voltage fluctuations during discharge of a battery included in the above lighting system. FIG. 4 is an enlarged waveform diagram showing the fall of the voltage fluctuation of the same battery. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the above battery. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a first example of battery deterioration determination as described above. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a second example of battery deterioration determination same as above. FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram showing an impedance change curve of the same battery. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a part of a lighting fixture including the above lighting system. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the lighting system same as above. FIG. 12A is a top view of the lighting fixture. FIG. 12B is a bottom view of the lighting fixture. FIG. 12C is a side view of the lighting fixture.

TECHNICAL FIELD The following embodiments generally relate to lighting systems and lighting fixtures. More specifically, the following embodiments relate to a lighting system and a lighting fixture that turn on a light source in an emergency.

Each of the figures described in the embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual size ratio. Note that the configuration described in the embodiments below is only an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various changes can be made depending on the design etc. as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

(1) First embodiment (1.1) Outline of lighting equipment The lighting equipment according to the embodiment is a disaster prevention lighting equipment, and is a recessed type that is embedded in a recessed hole provided in the indoor ceiling of a building. It's an emergency light. However, lighting equipment is not limited to recessed emergency lights. The lighting equipment may be an exposed emergency light that is directly attached to the ceiling, or it may be a disaster prevention lighting equipment other than emergency lighting such as a guide light.

FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of a lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment. The lighting fixture 1 includes a lighting device 4A as a lighting system 4. The lighting fixture 1 further includes a light source 2 and a battery 3 in addition to the lighting device 4A.

The light source 2 includes a plurality of solid-state light emitting elements. For example, the light source 2 includes an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) corresponding to a plurality of solid-state light emitting elements are connected in series. Note that the light source 2 is not limited to having an LED as a solid-state light emitting element. The light source 2 may include, for example, an organic EL (Organic Electro Luminescence, OEL) or other solid state light emitting device such as a semiconductor laser diode (LD).

The battery 3 is a rechargeable storage battery (secondary battery) and corresponds to an emergency power source. Although the battery 3 is not limited to a particular type of secondary battery, it is preferable that the battery 3 is, for example, a nickel-hydrogen battery or a nickel-cadmium battery. The battery 3 can output emergency power by discharging the stored charge during a power outage. That is, the power supplied from the battery 3 during a power outage is emergency power.

The lighting device 4A includes a charging circuit 40, a lighting circuit 41, and a control circuit 42A. It is preferable that the lighting device 4A further includes a notification circuit 43 (notification section). Further, it is preferable that the lighting device 4A further includes a discharge circuit 44, a DC power supply circuit 45, a power failure detection circuit 46, a reception section 47, a monitor lamp 48, an operation section 49, and a temperature sensor 410.

The DC power supply circuit 45 is configured with a switching power supply circuit such as a flyback converter, for example, and converts the AC voltage supplied from the external power supply (for example, a commercial power system) 9 into a DC voltage lower than the effective value of the AC voltage. It is preferable to convert it into The charging circuit 40 is preferably configured to operate when powered by the external power supply 9 and to flow a charging current from the DC power supply circuit 45 to the battery 3 . It is preferable that the lighting circuit 41 is configured to constant current the DC current supplied from the battery 3 and supply it to the light source 2 . The power outage detection circuit 46 is configured to detect a power outage in the external power supply 9 from the output voltage of the DC power supply circuit 45 and notify the control circuit 42A of the detected power outage. The external power supply 9 is a 100V or 200V commercial power system.

The monitor lamp 48 is composed of, for example, a light emitting diode that emits green light. The operation unit 49 includes at least one push button switch that is operated by an inspector who performs periodic inspections, user inspections, and the like. The operation unit 49 outputs an operation signal to the control circuit 42A when the push button switch is operated. The receiving unit 47 is configured to receive a wireless signal using infrared rays as a communication medium, demodulate a transmission frame from the received wireless signal, and pass it to the control circuit 42A. This wireless signal is transmitted from a wireless transmitter operated by an inspector or the like.

Note that periodic inspections are carried out at intervals stipulated by law, and are performed by forcibly operating the lighting circuit 41 and discharging the battery 3 for a specified period of time to ensure that the illuminance of the floor surface provided by the light source 2 is maintained. The purpose is to confirm whether The purpose of the user inspection is to forcibly operate the discharge circuit 44 and discharge the battery 3 for a short time to check the degree of deterioration of the battery 3.

The discharge circuit 44 has a function of discharging the battery 3 during user inspection, which will be described later. FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the discharge circuit 44. The discharge circuit 44 includes an operational amplifier 44a, resistors 44b to 44h, a capacitor 44i, and a transistor 44j. The transistor 44j is an npn type bipolar transistor.

A series circuit of a transistor 44j and a resistor 44f is connected between both ends of the battery 3. A reference voltage Vr obtained by dividing the DC control voltage Vc1 by a series circuit of resistors 44b to 44d is input to the positive input terminal of the operational amplifier 44a. This reference voltage Vr corresponds to the target value of the discharge current Ib of the battery 3 when the battery 3 is discharged by the discharge circuit 44. The voltage across the resistor 44f is input to the negative input terminal of the operational amplifier 44a via the resistor 44h. The voltage across the resistor R44f is proportional to the discharge current Ib of the battery 3, and corresponds to the detected value of the discharge current Ib. A parallel circuit of a resistor 44g and a capacitor 44i is connected between the negative input terminal and output terminal of the operational amplifier 44a. The output terminal of operational amplifier 44a is connected to the base of transistor 44j via resistor 44e.

The operational amplifier 44a then adjusts the base current of the transistor 44j so that the detected value of the discharge current Ib matches the target value. As a result, the discharge circuit 44 can discharge the battery 3 so that the discharge current Ib matches a certain target value. By using the discharge circuit 44 that is independent of the lighting circuit 41, the light source 2 is not turned on when a user inspection is performed, so that unnecessary lighting of the light source 2 can be prevented.

The notification circuit 43 is a notification section having a notification function, and includes, for example, a monochrome display element 431, a sounding part 432 such as a piezoelectric sounder, and a drive circuit 433 that drives the display element 431 and the sounding part 432. The drive circuit 433 drives the display element 431 to emit light, and drives the sound generating section 432 to generate sound. Note that the notification circuit 43 may use the monitor lamp 48 as a display element.

The control circuit 42A is configured to have the following functions: a voltage detection section 421, an index derivation section 422, a deterioration determination section 423, a storage section 424, a timer 425, a notification control section 426, and an inspection control section 427.

The control circuit 42A operates by being supplied with power from the external power supply 9, the battery 3, or the control power supply. Preferably, the control circuit 42A includes a computer system. A computer system mainly consists of a processor and a memory as hardware. At least part of the function of the control circuit 42A in the present disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided through a telecommunications line, or recorded on a non-transitory storage medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disc, or hard disk drive. may be provided. A processor of a computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI referred to herein have different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device that can reconfigure the connections inside the LSI or reconfigure the circuit sections inside the LSI, may also be used as a processor. Can be done. The plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be provided in a distributed manner over a plurality of chips. A plurality of chips may be integrated into one device, or may be distributed and provided in a plurality of devices. A computer system herein includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

The control circuit 42A is configured to operate the charging circuit 40 when the power outage detection circuit 46 does not detect a power outage. Further, the control circuit 42A is configured to stop the charging circuit 40 and supply emergency power from the battery 3 to the lighting circuit 41 when the power outage detection circuit 46 detects a power outage. The lighting circuit 41 supplied with the emergency power executes emergency lighting to light up the light source 2 with the emergency power. At this time, regardless of the charging state of the battery 3, the charging circuit 40 may be stopped and the lighting circuit 41 may be operated to cause the light source 2 to be constantly lit (for example, fully lit). Alternatively, if the amount of charge in the charging circuit 40 is sufficiently smaller than the amount of discharge to the lighting circuit 41 (for example, trickle charging), the lighting circuit 41 is operated without stopping the charging circuit 40, and the light source 2 is constantly lit (for example, at full capacity). (lit).

Further, when the control circuit 42A receives an operation signal for a periodic inspection from the operation unit 49 or a transmission frame for a periodic inspection signal from the receiving unit 47, the control circuit 42A determines that there has been an instruction for a periodic inspection from an inspector or the like. do. If the battery 3 is fully charged, the control circuit 42A stops the charging circuit 40 and operates the lighting circuit 41 to discharge the battery 3 for a predetermined period of time. configured to perform inspections; If the battery 3 is not fully charged, the control circuit 42A first operates the charging circuit 40 to bring the battery 3 to a fully charged state, and then stops the charging circuit 40 for a predetermined period of time. In addition, the lighting circuit 41 is operated to discharge the battery 3, and periodic inspections are performed. Further, if the battery 3 is not fully charged, the control circuit 42A operates the charging circuit 40 to charge the battery 3 and operates the lighting circuit 41 for a predetermined period of time to charge the battery 3. may be discharged. Furthermore, regardless of the state of charge of the battery 3, the charging circuit 40 may be stopped and the lighting circuit 41 may be operated to cause the light source 2 to be constantly lit (for example, fully lit). Further, if the amount of charge in the charging circuit 40 is sufficiently smaller than the amount of discharge to the lighting circuit 41 (for example, trickle charging), the lighting circuit 41 is operated without stopping the charging circuit 40, and the light source 2 is turned on steadily (for example, at full capacity). (lights up) in some cases. Note that it is not essential to discharge the battery 3 when performing the periodic inspection, and the periodic inspection may be performed without discharging the battery 3.

When the control circuit 42A receives an operation signal for user inspection from the operation unit 49, or when it receives a transmission frame for the user inspection signal from the reception unit 47, it determines that there has been an instruction for user inspection from an inspector or the like. The control circuit 42A is configured to stop the charging circuit 40, operate the discharging circuit 44 to discharge the battery 3, and perform user inspection. Further, the control circuit 42A may periodically perform user inspections without instructions from an inspector or the like.

(1.2) User Inspection User inspection will be explained below using FIGS. 2 to 5.

(1.2.1) Voltage Detection The voltage detection section 421 is electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery 3. FIG. 2 shows a part of the configuration of the voltage detection section 421, which includes a series circuit of resistors 421a to 421c connected between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery 3. Battery voltage Vb, which is the voltage across the battery 3, is divided by resistors 421a to 421c. The voltage divided by the resistors 421a to 421c is proportional to the battery voltage Vb and corresponds to the detected value of the battery voltage Vb. Then, the voltage detection unit 421 performs AD conversion on the detected value of the battery voltage Vb, and converts the detected value of the battery voltage Vb into a digital value. The voltage detection unit 421 delivers data of the detected value of the battery voltage Vb expressed as a digital value to the index derivation unit 422.

When the user inspection is started, the control circuit 42A discharges the battery 3 while controlling the discharge current Ib to a constant value using the discharge circuit 44. Voltage detection section 421 detects battery voltage Vb, and delivers data of the detected value of battery voltage Vb to index derivation section 422.

(1.2.2) Index derivation FIG. 3 shows the waveform X1 of the battery voltage Vb during discharging. Waveform X1 shows a change in battery voltage Vb over time. In FIG. 3, when discharging is started at time t1, battery voltage Vb drops sharply at time t1, and then gradually declines over time until time t2 when discharging stops. Then, the battery voltage Vb rises sharply at time t2. During the discharge period T1 from time t1 to t2, the larger the value of the discharge current Ib (the larger the C rate), the greater the amount of decrease in the battery voltage Vb. Note that the discharge period T1 in FIG. 3 is approximately several milliseconds to several seconds.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the waveform X1 near time t1 in FIG. When discharging is started at time t1, battery voltage Vb sharply falls during a first period T11 from time t1 to time t11. During the second period T12 from time t11 to time t12, battery voltage Vb decreases with a gradually decreasing slope. After time t12, the amount of electricity stored in the battery 3 decreases with the passage of time, and the battery voltage Vb gradually decreases. In FIG. 4, the amount of decrease in battery voltage Vb during the first period T11 is assumed to be ΔVb11. Further, the amount of decrease in battery voltage Vb during the second period T12 is assumed to be ΔVb12.

FIG. 5 shows an equivalent circuit of the battery 3. The equivalent circuit of the battery 3 includes an ideal voltage source 3a with no internal resistance, a first internal resistance 3b equivalent to solution resistance, a second internal resistance 3c equivalent to charge transfer resistance, and a capacitor 3d equivalent to an electric double layer. Consists of. The second internal resistance 3c and the capacitor 3d are connected in parallel to form an RC parallel circuit 3e, and the voltage source 3a, the first internal resistance 3b, and the RC parallel circuit 3e are connected in series. The battery voltage Vb is the voltage across a series circuit of the voltage source 3a, the first internal resistor 3b, and the RC parallel circuit 3e.

Immediately after the discharge starts, the discharge current Ib mainly passes through the first internal resistor 3b and the capacitor 3d during the first period T11 (see FIG. 4), and the battery voltage Vb falls sharply. In the first period T11, the internal resistance (DC resistance) of the battery 3 is mainly composed of the first internal resistance 3b. Thereafter, the discharge current Ib in the second period T12 (see FIG. 4) passes through the first internal resistor 3b and the RC parallel circuit 3e, and the battery voltage Vb decreases with a gradually decreasing slope. At time t12, which is the end timing of the second period T12, the internal resistance of the battery 3 is mainly composed of a series circuit of a first internal resistance 3b and a second internal resistance 3c. That is, the value of the internal resistance during the second period T12 is greater than the value of the internal resistance during the first period T11. Note that at time t1, which is the start timing of the first period T11, electrical continuity is established between both ends of the battery 3 through the discharge circuit 44, and at time t11, which is the start timing of the second period T12, the battery 3 is electrically connected to the discharge circuit. The discharge current Ib begins to flow at 44.

Generally, as the usage time of the battery 3 passes, the battery 3 deteriorates and the capacity of the battery 3 decreases. Then, as the capacity of the battery 3 decreases, the resistance value of the first internal resistor 3b increases. That is, the resistance value of the first internal resistance 3b increases as the battery 3 deteriorates.

Therefore, the index deriving unit 422 calculates the decrease amount ΔVb11 of the battery voltage Vb before and after the battery voltage Vb falls during the first period T11 in which the internal resistance of the battery 3 is mainly composed of the first internal resistor 3b, and the discharge current Ib. Based on this, an index used in a deterioration determination process for determining the degree of deterioration of the battery 3 is determined. The index deriving unit 422 can generate an index that can accurately determine the deterioration of the battery 3 by determining the index based on the amount of decrease ΔVb11 and the discharge current Ib. As a result, the lighting device 4A can improve the accuracy of determining the degree of deterioration of the battery 3.

The index in this embodiment is the impedance of the battery 3. In the first period T11, the internal resistance of the battery 3 is mainly composed of the first internal resistance 3b, so the impedance of the battery 3, which is an index, increases as the battery deteriorates. Specifically, impedance Zb is determined by the following equation 1.
Zb=ΔVb11/Ib……Formula 1
When the battery 3 is discharged by the discharge circuit 44, the discharge current Ib is a constant value determined by the specifications of the discharge circuit 44. Therefore, impedance Zb is proportional to the amount of decrease ΔVb11 in battery voltage Vb.

In this index derivation process, the discharge current Ib may be smaller than the current flowing from the battery 3 when the light source 2 is turned on in an emergency. Furthermore, it has been found through experiments that the impedance Zb can be determined with high accuracy during the discharge period T1 of approximately several milliseconds to several seconds. In this way, by reducing the discharge current Ib and making the discharge period T1 short, deterioration of the battery 3 due to user inspection can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the index deriving unit 422 can generate an index that can accurately determine the deterioration of the battery 3 by determining the index based on the fall of the battery voltage Vb (voltage drop across the first internal resistor 3b).

The length of the first period T11 is approximately equal to a design value determined by the specifications of the battery 3 and the discharge circuit 44. When the control circuit 42A is equipped with an RTC (Real Time Clock), the index deriving unit 422 periodically reads the value of the RTC and integrates the count value, thereby determining the time when the discharge circuit 44 starts discharging. It is preferable to perform a timing operation that measures the time elapsed from t1. Alternatively, the index deriving unit 422 may include a counter that measures the elapsed time from time t1 by incrementing the count value at a constant cycle (for example, the cycle of a clock frequency). The index deriving unit 422 starts a timing operation by setting the timing at which the discharging circuit 44 is instructed to start discharging as time t1.

The control circuit 42A starts the user inspection when there is a user inspection instruction or periodically, and executes the user inspection intermittently. The index deriving unit 422 calculates the impedance Zb of the battery 3, which is an index, every time a user inspection is performed, and stores it in the storage unit 424. That is, the storage unit 424 stores the history of impedance Zb.

Note that the control circuit 42A may cause the discharge circuit 44 to discharge the battery 3 multiple times in one user inspection, and the index deriving unit 422 may obtain the impedance Zb for each of the discharges. In this case, the index deriving unit 422 sets the impedance Zb in the current user inspection to the average value, median value, maximum value, or minimum value of the plurality of impedances Zb. As a result, the index deriving unit 422 can obtain the impedance Zb while suppressing the influence of noise.

(1.2.3) Deterioration determination (first example of deterioration determination)
The storage unit 424 stores a history of impedance Zb, and the history of impedance Zb represents the amount of change in impedance Zb. Therefore, the deterioration determination unit 423 determines the degree of deterioration of the battery 3 based on the amount of change in impedance Zb.

For example, if the battery 3 is a nickel-metal hydride battery, the impedance Zb hardly changes for a while after the battery 3 is used. However, as time passes from the start of use of the battery 3, the impedance Zb decreases. As a result, the full charge capacity of the battery 3 has decreased to about 70% to 80%, assuming the initial state to be 100%. At this timing, impedance Zb increases rapidly. At this time, the slope of increase in impedance Zb is more than twice the initial value (for example, the slope of increase until about three years have elapsed since the start of use of the battery 3).

Therefore, it is preferable that the deterioration determination unit 423 determines the slope of increase in impedance Zb, and determines that the battery 3 is at the end of its life if the slope of increase in impedance Zb becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value.

Specifically, after installing the lighting fixture 1 or replacing the battery 3 with a new one, the control circuit 42A periodically activates the user's power once every period T2 (for example, one month), as shown in FIG. Let's say you're going to do an inspection. The timer 425 resets the time value every time a user inspection is performed, when the battery 3 is replaced, or every time a user inspection is performed, and starts counting time for the period T2. The storage unit 424 stores the history of impedance Zb determined for each period T2. Note that the user inspection may be performed more frequently than the inspection prescribed by law in order to detect initial abnormalities. Furthermore, the user inspection may be performed at a low frequency during the warranty period of the battery 3, and at a high frequency outside the warranty period.

When the control circuit 42A includes an RTC (Real Time Clock), the timer 425 periodically reads the value of the RTC and integrates the count value, thereby performing a timekeeping operation of measuring elapsed time. Alternatively, the timer 425 may be a counter that measures time by incrementing a count value at a constant cycle (for example, a cycle of a clock frequency).

The index deriving unit 422 calculates impedances Zb(1), Zb(2), Zb(3), ......, Zb(m-2), Zb(m-1), Zb(m) for each period T2. (m is a natural number). Therefore, the storage unit 424 stores impedance Zb(1), Zb(2), Zb(3), ......, Zb(m-2), Zb(m-1), Zb(m). , are stored as a history of impedance Zb.

The deterioration determination unit 423 uses Zb(1) to Zb(12) to determine the average value of the increasing slope Δα(m) as the initial slope K1. The increasing slope Δα(m) is determined by (Zb(m)−Zb(m−1))/T2. Specifically, when the second impedance Zb(2) is determined, the deterioration determination unit 423 determines the increasing slope Δα(2) of the second impedance Zb(2) with respect to the first impedance Zb(1). When the third impedance Zb(3) is determined, the increasing slope Δα(3) of the third impedance Zb(3) with respect to the first impedance Zb(1) is determined. Thereafter, increasing slopes Δα(4) to Δα(12) are determined in the same manner. Then, the deterioration determination unit 423 determines the average value of the increasing slopes Δα(2) to Δα(12) as the initial slope K1. The initial slope K1 is the initial value of the increasing slope.

That is, an initial value of the increasing slope is determined for one year (12 months) after the lighting fixture 1 is installed or the battery 3 is replaced with a new one, and this initial value is set as the initial slope K1. Further, the period for calculating the initial slope K1 is not limited to one year, and may be any period during which the impedance Zb of the battery 3 is stable.

The deterioration determination unit 423 sets a value obtained by multiplying the initial slope K1 by a positive coefficient γ as a threshold value K10. It is preferable that the coefficient γ has a value of, for example, 2 or more and 3 or less.

After determining the initial slope K1, the deterioration determining unit 423 determines the increasing slope Δα( Find m). The increasing slope Δα(m) is determined by (Zb(m)−Zb(m−1))/T2. Then, the deterioration determination unit 423 compares the increasing slope Δα(m) with the threshold value K10. If the increasing slope Δα(m) is equal to or greater than the threshold value K10, the deterioration determination unit 423 determines that the battery 3 is in a battery life state where its life is near. If the increasing slope Δα(m) is less than the threshold value K10, the deterioration determining unit 423 determines that the battery 3 is in a normal state where it can be used for a while. In FIG. 6, the increasing slope Δα(m1) when m=m1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value K10.

When the deterioration determination unit 423 determines that the battery 3 is nearing the end of its lifespan, the notification control unit 426 controls the notification circuit 43 to issue a lifespan notification. As soon as the deterioration determination unit 423 determines that the battery 3 is nearing the end of its life, the notification circuit 43 may issue a lifespan notification, or may issue a lifespan notification at a timing when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the determination. good. If the control circuit 42A has a calendar function, it is preferable that the notification circuit 43 performs the life notification after it is determined that the battery is at the end of its life and before the summer when the temperature becomes high.

Further, the deterioration determining unit 423 may intermittently obtain the increasing slope Δα(m) even after determining that the battery is at the end of its life span. In this case, if the threshold value K11 is a value obtained by multiplying the threshold value K10 by a coefficient σ larger than 1 (for example, 1.5 or 2, etc.), the deterioration determination unit 423 determines whether the increase slope Δα(m) exceeds the threshold value K11. Determine whether When the increasing slope Δα(m) exceeds the threshold value K11, the notification control unit 426 controls the notification circuit 43 to issue a replacement notification recommending replacement of the battery 3.

In addition, in the above-mentioned service life notification and replacement notification of the notification circuit 43, the display element 431 lights up or blinks. Further, in the life notification and replacement notification of the notification circuit 43, the sound generation unit 432 may output sound. The sounds output by the sound generating unit 432 include, for example, a message to notify battery 3 of life expectancy: "Battery 3 is nearing the end of its life.", a message to notify battery 3 replacement, "Please replace battery 3.", and a message to notify battery 3 of battery life. These include the buzzer sound of , and the buzzer sound of exchange notification.

The inspector can know that the life of the battery 3 is nearing the end of its life by the life notification, and can be conscious of preparing for replacement of the battery 3 or replacing the battery 3. Furthermore, the inspector can be aware of the necessity of replacing the battery 3 through the replacement notification.

(Second example of deterioration judgment)
A second example of deterioration determination will be described below.

The deterioration determination unit 423 determines the amount of increase in impedance Zb, and determines that the battery 3 is at the end of its life if the amount of increase in impedance Zb exceeds a threshold value.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the control circuit 42A performs user inspection once every period T2 (for example, one month). As a result, each data of impedance Zb(1), Zb(2), Zb(3), ......, Zb(m-2), Zb(m-1), Zb(m) is stored in the storage unit 424. is stored as a history of impedance Zb.

The deterioration determination unit 423 determines the amount of increase Δβ(m) from the m-1th impedance Zb(m-1) every time the user inspection is performed and the m-th impedance Zb(m) is determined. The deterioration determination unit 423 obtains the comparison value K2(m+1) by adding the increase amount Δβ(m) to the impedance Zb(m). Then, the deterioration determination unit 423 calculates a difference value by subtracting the comparison value K2 (m+1) from the m+1-th impedance Zb (m+1), and if the difference value is greater than or equal to the increase amount Δβ (m), the lifespan of the battery 3 is reached. It is determined that the battery is nearing the end of its life. That is, the deterioration determination unit 423 sets twice the amount of increase Δβ(m) as the threshold value K20, and determines that the battery is at the end of its life if the amount of increase Δβ(m+1) is equal to or greater than the threshold value K20. If the increase amount Δβ(m+1) is less than the threshold value K20, the deterioration determination unit 423 determines that the battery 3 is in a normal state where it can be used for a while. In FIG. 7, when m=m2+1, the increase amount Δβ(m2+1) is greater than or equal to the threshold value K20 (twice the increase amount Δβ(m2)).

The life notification and replacement notification of the notification circuit 43 are similar to the first example of the deterioration determination described above.

(1.3) Judgment aid (1.3.1) Judgment aid based on temperature The rate of deterioration of the battery 3 becomes faster as the temperature of the battery 3 increases. That is, the higher the temperature of the battery 3, the more rapidly the battery 3 deteriorates.

FIG. 8 shows change curves Y1 and Y2 of the impedance Zb of the battery 3 with respect to the power supply usage period, which is the usage period of the battery 3. A change curve Y1 shows a change over time in impedance Zb when the temperature of the battery 3 is Q1°C. A change curve Y2 shows a change over time in impedance Zb when the temperature of the battery 3 is Q2°C. The temperature Q2 is higher than the temperature Q1, and the timing t22 when the impedance Zb suddenly increases in the change curve Y2 is earlier than the timing t21 when the impedance Zb suddenly increases in the change curve Y1. Further, the timing t32 when the impedance Zb reaches the upper limit value Zbm in the change curve Y2 is earlier than the timing t31 when the impedance Zb reaches the upper limit value Zbm in the change curve Y1. That is, in the change curve Y2, the increasing slope becomes larger earlier than in the change curve Y1.

Therefore, it is preferable that the lighting device 4A further includes a temperature sensor 410. Temperature sensor 410 measures the temperature of battery 3 directly or indirectly. For example, the temperature sensor 410 is built into the battery 3 or attached to the surface of the battery 3. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 410 is arranged within the housing of the lighting device 4A. Alternatively, the temperature measurement function of the computer system included in the control circuit 42A may be used as the temperature sensor 410.

The notification control unit 426 acquires the detection result (detected temperature data) of the temperature sensor 410. When the detected temperature exceeds a certain temperature, the notification control unit 426 advances the timing of the life notification compared to when the detected temperature is below the certain temperature. For example, if the notification control unit 426 performs the life notification at a timing when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after it is determined that the life of the battery 3 is near, the notification control unit 426 may shorten the length of this period of time. , the timing of life notification can be brought forward.

Further, the deterioration determination unit 423 may acquire the detection result (detected temperature data) of the temperature sensor 410. If the replacement notification is to be performed at the timing when the increasing slope Δα(m) exceeds the threshold value K11, which is the value obtained by multiplying the threshold value K10 by a coefficient σ larger than 1, the deterioration determination unit 423 reduces the coefficient σ. The timing of exchange notification can be accelerated.

(1.3.2) Judgment aid based on discharge history The rate of deterioration of the battery 3 becomes faster as the number of discharges and the amount of discharge of the battery 3 increases. That is, the greater the number of discharges and the amount of discharge of the battery 3, the more rapidly the battery 3 deteriorates.

Therefore, the control circuit 42A stores the discharge history of the battery 3, such as the number of discharges and the amount of discharge, in the storage unit 424. The number of discharges is the number of discharges due to user inspection, periodic inspection, emergency lighting such as power outage, etc. The amount of discharge is the amount of current (integrated value of current) discharged due to user inspection, periodic inspection, emergency lighting, etc.

Based on the discharge history, the control circuit 42A advances the timing of the life notification as the number of discharges and the amount of discharge increases. Furthermore, based on the discharge history, the control circuit 42A advances the replacement notification timing as the number of discharges and the amount of discharge increases.

Note that the discharge history may be a history of at least one of the number of discharges and the amount of discharge.

(1.4) Communication The lighting device 4A may include a communication unit (not shown) and may transmit data such as the determination result of the deterioration determination unit 423, life notification, and replacement notification to the inspection terminal. The inspection terminal is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, and is an information terminal managed by a user such as an inspector. Communication between the lighting device 4A and the inspection terminal may be either wireless communication or wired communication. It is preferable that the wireless communication conforms to a standard such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or ZigBee (registered trademark) (for example, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15.1, or IEEE 802.15.4). Wired communication is based on a wired LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), BACnet (registered trademark), or a standard such as RS-485 (for example, IEEE 802.3 or RS-485). It is preferable.

(1.5) Periodic Inspection The lighting fixture 1 described above is a disaster prevention lighting fixture such as a guide light or an emergency lighting fixture. Guide lights and emergency lighting equipment must undergo periodic inspections based on laws and regulations. The period for periodic inspection of guide lights is stipulated by the Fire Service Act, and the period for periodic inspection of emergency lighting equipment is stipulated by the Building Standards Act.

Furthermore, if the storage battery installed in the guide light has not exceeded the specified number of years since its manufacturing year, it is not necessary to inspect the storage battery during the above-mentioned periodic inspection of the guide light, taking into account the life of the battery. There is. In this case, if a predetermined number of years have passed since the year of manufacture of the storage battery installed in the guide light, it is necessary to carry out the above-mentioned periodic inspection of the guide light, taking into account the lifespan of the storage battery. For example, if the storage battery is a nickel-cadmium battery, periodic inspections must be performed if it has been more than three years since the battery was manufactured. Additionally, if the storage battery is a nickel-metal hydride battery, periodic inspections must be performed if it has been more than five years since the battery was manufactured.

However, the reality is that it is difficult to say that periodic inspections are performed at appropriate times (for example, at times specified by laws and regulations). Therefore, the lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment has the following notification function and automatic inspection function in order to perform periodic inspection at an appropriate time considering the lifespan of the storage battery.

First, as a premise, in the lighting fixture 1 according to the present embodiment, if the power usage period, which is the usage period of the battery 3, does not exceed a predetermined inspection time, it is not necessary to perform periodic inspections on the lighting fixture 1. . Therefore, the control circuit 42A performs the following notification control process and inspection control process after the power usage period reaches the predetermined inspection time.

The timer 425 has a function of timing each of the power supply use period, uninspected period, and appliance use period in addition to the function of timing the above-mentioned period T2.

The power supply usage period is the usage period of the battery 3. The time measured during the power usage period is reset when the battery 3 is replaced with a new battery 3.

The uninspected period is a period after the periodic inspection for discharging the battery 3 is completed. The non-inspection period determines when to perform another periodic inspection on the same battery 3 (this is the second and subsequent periodic inspection on the same battery 3, hereinafter referred to as a re-periodic inspection) after the periodic inspection has been performed. used for The clock time during the non-inspection period is reset to zero when a periodic inspection is performed or when the battery 3 is replaced.

The fixture usage period is the usage period of the lighting fixture 1. In this embodiment, the appliance usage period is the elapsed time from the time when the external power supply 9 starts supplying power to the lighting device 4. However, the starting point of the appliance usage period may be the time when the new battery 3 is fully charged by the charging circuit 40. Then, when the timer 425 starts counting the instrument usage period, the measured time of the instrument usage period increases from zero as time passes. The clock time for the appliance usage period is not reset when periodic inspections are performed.

Then, the notification control unit 426 performs inspection notification control that causes the notification circuit 43 to issue an inspection notification using the measured time during the power usage period. Inspection notification refers to notification that urges people to perform the first periodic inspection.

Furthermore, the notification control unit 426 performs re-inspection notification control that causes the notification circuit 43 to issue a re-inspection notification using the measured time during the non-inspection period. The re-inspection notification refers to a notification that urges a person to perform the second and subsequent periodic inspections (re-periodic inspections) on the battery 3.

Furthermore, the notification control unit 426 performs appliance replacement notification control that causes the notification circuit 43 to issue a appliance replacement notification using the measured time of the appliance usage period. The fixture replacement notification refers to a notification that urges a person to replace the lighting fixture 1.

Furthermore, the notification control unit 426 performs appliance replacement re-notification control that causes the notification circuit 43 to issue a replacement re-notification using the measured time of the appliance usage period. The appliance replacement re-notification is a notification that urges a person to replace the lighting fixture 1 more strongly than the re-inspection notification.

In addition, the inspection control unit 427 controls the charging circuit 40 and the lighting circuit 41 based on the measured times of the power supply usage period, uninspected period, and appliance usage period, thereby performing automatic inspection that automatically performs periodic inspections. Take control.

The inspection control unit 427 executes a periodic inspection of the battery 3 when a first delay time has elapsed since the inspection notification was executed (for example, started). After the inspection notification is executed, an inspector may perform a periodic inspection.

When the periodic inspection is completed, the timer 425 starts counting the period of uninspected time. The notification circuit 43 issues a re-inspection notification when the measured time during the non-inspection period reaches the re-inspection notification time. The inspection control unit 427 executes a re-regular inspection of the battery 3 when the second delay time has elapsed since the re-inspection notification was executed (for example, started). After the re-inspection notification is executed, the inspector may perform another periodic inspection of the battery 3.

Then, the inspection control unit 427 performs the following operations based on the voltage value of the battery 3 and the current value flowing through the light source 2 at the time when a specified time (20 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the periodic inspection. The lighting equipment 1 is periodically inspected, and the results of the periodic inspection are notified from the notification circuit 43. For example, if the inspection control unit 427 determines that the battery 3 has deteriorated and is not normal (abnormal), the inspection control unit 427 causes at least one of the lighting or blinking of the display element 431 and the audio output of the sound generation unit 432. inform. In addition, if the inspection control unit 427 determines that the light source 2 has deteriorated and is not normal (abnormal), the inspection control unit 427 causes at least one of lighting or blinking of the display element 431 and audio output of the sound generation unit 432. inform. It is preferable that the notification form performed when an abnormality is reported for the battery 3 and the notification form performed when an abnormality is reported for the light source 2 are different from each other.

Furthermore, the inspection control unit 427 may determine that the battery 3 is normal if the lighting circuit 41 is operating normally when a specified time has elapsed since the start of the periodic inspection. The inspection control unit 427 may determine that the battery 3 is not normal (abnormal) if the lighting circuit 41 is not operating normally due to a decrease in the output voltage of the battery 3 after the specified time has elapsed. .

(2) Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, each function of the lighting system 4 is integrated into one lighting device 4A. On the other hand, the lighting system 4 of the second embodiment has a configuration in which each function of the lighting device 4A is distributed. Note that the same components as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 shows a lighting system 4B as the lighting system 4.

Each function of the lighting system 4B is distributed among the lighting equipment 1, the server 5, and the inspection terminal 6.

The control circuit 42B of the lighting fixture 1 includes a voltage detection section 421, an index derivation section 422, a timer 425, a notification control section 426, and an inspection control section 427. The server 5 includes a communication section 51, a deterioration determination section 423, and a storage section 424. That is, each function of the lighting device 4A is distributed to the lighting fixture 1 and the server 5.

The lighting fixture 1 and the server 5 are configured to be able to communicate via a network NT1 including the Internet. The lighting fixture 1 has a communication unit 411, the server 5 has a communication unit 51, and the communication unit 411 and the communication unit 51 transmit and receive signals to and from each other via the network NT1.

Specifically, when a user inspection is performed on the lighting fixture 1, the communication unit 411 transmits data on the impedance Zb determined by the index derivation unit 422 to the server 5. In the server 5, the communication unit 51 receives the data on the impedance Zb, and the data on the impedance Zb is stored in the storage unit 424. That is, the storage unit 424 of the server 5 stores the history of the impedance Zb. Then, the deterioration determination section 423 of the server 5 determines the degree of deterioration of the battery 3 based on the amount of change in impedance Zb, and the communication section 51 transmits the determination result of the deterioration determination section 423 to the lighting fixture 1. The notification control unit 426 of the lighting fixture 1 controls the notification circuit 43 to issue a lifespan notification when it is determined that the battery 3 is nearing the end of its life based on the determination result of the deterioration determination unit 423.

Further, the deterioration determining unit 423 may intermittently obtain the increasing slope Δα(m) even after determining that the battery is at the end of its life span. In this case, the deterioration determining unit 423 determines whether the increasing slope Δα(m) exceeds the threshold K11 (the value obtained by multiplying the threshold K10 by a coefficient σ larger than 1). When the increasing slope Δα(m) exceeds the threshold value K11, the communication unit 51 transmits a replacement notification request to the lighting fixture 1 recommending replacement of the battery 3. When the communication unit 411 of the lighting device 4B receives the request for replacement notification, the notification control unit 426 controls the notification circuit 43 to perform replacement notification.

Further, it is preferable that the communication unit 411 transmits each data such as the detected temperature and the discharge history used for the above-mentioned (1.3) determination assistance to the server 5. In this case, in the server 5, the communication unit 51 receives each data such as the detected temperature and the discharge history, and each data such as the detected temperature and the discharge history is stored in the storage unit 424. The deterioration determination unit 423 determines the timing of the life notification and the replacement notification based on the detected temperature and the discharge history, and adjusts the transmission timing of the determination result.

Furthermore, an inspection terminal 6 may be communicably connected to the network NT1. The inspection terminal 6 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, and is an information terminal managed by an inspector or the like. The inspection terminal 6 is configured to be capable of wireless communication or wired communication with the network NT1, and includes a notification circuit 61. It is preferable that the wireless communication conforms to standards such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, or ZigBee. It is preferable that the wired communication conforms to a standard such as a wired LAN such as Ethernet, BACnet, or RS-485.

The determination result of the deterioration determination unit 423 of the server 5 is then transmitted to the inspection terminal 6 via the network NT1. The notification circuit 61 of the inspection terminal 6 performs service life notification and replacement notification. The notification circuit 61 visually reports the end of life and notification of replacement using a display screen. Furthermore, the notification circuit 61 may perform the lifespan notification and the replacement notification audibly using audio emitted from a speaker.

FIG. 10 shows a part of the lighting fixture 1 of the second embodiment. The lighting fixture 1 includes a control board B1 and a communication board B2.

A microcomputer MC1 is mounted on the control board B1. The microcomputer MC1 functions as a voltage detection section 421, an index derivation section 422, a timer 425, a notification control section 426, an inspection control section 427, and a communication interface (communication IF) 4201. A microcomputer MC2 and a communication section 411 are mounted on the communication board B2. The microcomputer MC2 functions as a communication interface (communication IF) 4202 and a storage unit 4203. That is, the microcomputers MC1 and MC2 constitute the control circuit 42B. Communication between the microcomputers MC1 and MC2 is performed via communication IFs 4201 and 4202. The storage unit 4203 temporarily stores data such as discharge history used to assist in determination.

The lighting system 4B includes one server 5 and a plurality of lighting fixtures 1, and one server 5 executes deterioration determination processing of the batteries 3 of the plurality of lighting fixtures 1, and The degree of deterioration of the first battery 3 may be managed. For example, one server 5 collectively manages the degree of deterioration of the batteries 3 of a plurality of lighting fixtures 1 installed in a building such as an office building or a commercial building. Alternatively, one server 5 manages the degree of deterioration of the batteries 3 of the plurality of lighting fixtures 1 installed in the building for each floor of the building.

FIG. 11 shows a specific configuration example of the lighting system 4B. Note that although the lighting system 4B includes one server 5 and a plurality of lighting fixtures 1 in FIG. 11, the lighting system 4B only needs to include at least one lighting fixture 1.

The lighting fixture 1 that functions as an emergency light or a guide light is configured to be able to communicate with the disaster prevention interface 71. Communication between the lighting fixture 1 and the disaster prevention interface 71 is performed by wireless communication or wired communication. The disaster prevention interface 71 is configured to be able to communicate with the multi-manager 72. Communication between the disaster prevention interface 71 and the multi-manager 72 is performed by wireless communication or wired communication. The multi-manager 72 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 5 via the network NT1. The multi-manager 72 is configured to be able to communicate with the inspection terminal 6. Communication between the multi-manager 72 and the inspection terminal 6 is performed by wireless communication or wired communication. Note that the wireless communication is preferably based on standards such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, or ZigBee. It is preferable that the wired communication conforms to a dedicated standard for inter-device communication, a wired LAN such as BACnet or Ethernet, or a standard such as RS-485.

As described above, the lighting fixture 1 and the server 5 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the disaster prevention interface 71, the multi-manager 72, and the network NT1. Further, the server 5 and the inspection terminal 6 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the network NT1 and the multi-manager 72.

The wireless transmitter 73 is a portable terminal carried by the inspector. The wireless transmitter 73 includes an operation section such as a push button that is operated by the inspector, and transmits a wireless signal using infrared rays or radio waves as a communication medium to the lighting fixture 1 by the inspector's operation. The wireless signal includes instructions for user inspection, instructions for periodic inspection, and the like. When the lighting fixture 1 receives the wireless signal, it executes the content instructed by the wireless signal.

(3) Structure of lighting fixture Hereinafter, the structure of the lighting fixture 1 included in the lighting system 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12C. The lighting fixture 1 according to this embodiment is attached to construction materials such as ceiling materials and wall materials, for example, and irradiates illumination light onto evacuation passages and the like in the event of a power outage.

The lighting fixture 1 includes a main body 10, a cover 11, and a pair of supports 12, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the main body 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape with one bottom (lower surface) open. A pair of supports 12 are attached to the side surfaces of the main body 10. An annular flange 100 is formed at the lower end of the main body 10 and projects outward.

The pair of supports 12 is formed into a long leaf spring shape, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C. Each support 12 is fixed to the side surface of the main body 10 at one end in the longitudinal direction, and is configured such that the other end in the longitudinal direction can be bent in a direction (upward) approaching the bottom surface (top surface) of the main body 10. . That is, the main body 10 is installed on the ceiling by sandwiching the ceiling material between a pair of supports 12 inserted into a hole provided in the ceiling and a flange 100 provided on the lower end surface of the main body 10. Supported by wood.

As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the cover 11 is formed into a disk shape that is larger in outer diameter than the flange 100 of the main body 10. As shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 12B, a circular window hole 110 is provided in the center of the cover 11. The lens 21 of the light source unit 2U passes through the window hole 110. A pair of attachment springs are attached to the cover 11. As shown in FIG. 12C, the cover 11 is held on the main body 10 by a pair of attachment springs while closing the bottom surface of the main body 10.

A light source 2, a battery 3, and a lighting device 4A (see FIG. 1) are attached to the main body 10. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12B, the light source unit 2U, battery unit 3U, and lighting unit 4U are housed in the main body 10. However, the battery unit 3U is housed in the main body 10 so that it can be inserted and removed through the opening on the bottom surface of the main body 10.

The light source unit 2U includes an LED module 20 and a lens 21, as shown in FIG. 12B. The LED module 20 has a substrate on which the light source 2 is mounted, and when a voltage is applied in the forward direction, it emits white illumination light such as white, neutral white, or daylight color. The lens 21 is arranged in front of (below) the LED module 20 and collects light emitted from the LED module 20.

The battery unit 3U shown in FIG. 12B includes a battery 3 (see FIG. 1) including a plurality of unit cells and a battery case that houses the battery 3. The battery 3 is, for example, a nickel-hydrogen storage battery or a nickel-cadmium storage battery. The battery case is formed into a box shape made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin, and accommodates a plurality of unit cells therein.

The lighting unit 4U shown in FIG. 12B includes a lighting device 4A (see FIG. 1). Light emitted from the monitor lamp 48 of the lighting device 4A is emitted to the front (downward) of the cover 11 through the first hole 111 provided in the cover 11. The receiving unit 47 receives (receives) a wireless signal through the second hole 112 provided in the cover 11 . Light emitted from the display element 431 of the notification circuit 43 is emitted to the front (downward) of the cover 11 through the third hole 114 provided in the cover 11. Each push button of the operation part 49 is arranged so as to face three operation holes 113 provided in the cover 11 one by one.

(4) Modification If the discharge current Ib at the time of user inspection is a constant value (or approximately a constant value), the index deriving unit 422 may calculate the magnitude of the battery voltage Vb as the index. If the discharge current Ib is a constant value, the magnitude of the battery voltage Vb is proportional to the impedance Zb. Therefore, the deterioration determination unit 423 can determine the deterioration of the battery 3 using the magnitude of the battery voltage Vb as an index instead of the impedance Zb.

Instead of the discharge circuit 44, a discharge circuit including the lighting circuit 41 and the light source 2 may be used. The control circuit 42A or 42B controls the lighting circuit 41, and the lighting circuit 41 uses the discharged power of the battery 3 to supply lighting power to the light source 2, thereby discharging the battery 3. The control circuit 42A or 42B can adjust the discharge current Ib of the battery 3 by controlling the lighting circuit 41.

Further, instead of the discharge circuit 44, the control power supply circuit of the control circuit 42A or 42B may be used as the discharge circuit.

Further, the lighting system 4 may be configured by appropriately combining the configurations of the above-described embodiments and modified examples.

(5) Summary The lighting system (4) of the first aspect according to the above-described embodiment includes a lighting circuit (41), a voltage detection section (421), an index derivation section (422), and a deterioration determination section (423). ) and. The lighting circuit (41) lights the light source (2) using power supplied from the battery (3). The voltage detection unit (421) detects the battery voltage (Vb) of the battery (3) and generates data of the detected value of the battery voltage (Vb). The deterioration determination unit (423) performs deterioration determination processing to determine the degree of deterioration of the battery (3). The index deriving unit (422) calculates, based on the amount of decrease in the detected value (ΔVb11) before and after the battery voltage (Vb) falls due to the start of discharge of the battery (3), and the discharge current (Ib) of the battery (3), Obtain an index used for deterioration determination processing. The deterioration determination unit (423) performs deterioration determination processing based on the index.

The lighting system (4) described above can improve the accuracy of determining the degree of deterioration of the battery (3).

Moreover, in the lighting system (4) of the second aspect according to the embodiment, in the first aspect, the index deriving unit (422) intermittently obtains the index. The deterioration determination unit (423) preferably determines the degree of deterioration of the battery (3) based on the amount of change in the index determined intermittently.

The lighting system (4) described above can improve the accuracy of determining the degree of deterioration of the battery (3).

Further, in the lighting system (4) of the third aspect according to the embodiment, in the first or second aspect, the index deriving unit (422) calculates the impedance (Zb) of the battery (3) as the index. is preferred.

The above-mentioned lighting system (4) aims to improve the accuracy of determining the degree of deterioration of the battery (3) by using the impedance (Zb) of the battery (3), which has a high correlation with the deterioration of the battery (3), as an index. be able to.

Further, in the lighting system (4) of the fourth aspect according to the embodiment, it is preferable that the discharge current (Ib) is controlled to a constant value in any one of the first to third aspects.

The lighting system (4) described above improves the accuracy of deriving the index.

Further, in the lighting system (4) of the fifth aspect according to the embodiment, in the fourth aspect, the discharge current (Ib) is assumed to be a constant value, and the index derivation unit (422) uses the battery as an index. It is preferable to determine the magnitude of the voltage (Vb).

The lighting system (4) described above uses the magnitude of the battery voltage (Vb) instead of the impedance (Zb) as an index to determine the degree of deterioration of the battery (3) if the discharge current (Ib) is a constant value. It is possible to improve the determination accuracy.

Further, in the lighting system (4) of the sixth aspect according to the embodiment, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the deterioration determination unit (423) determines the increase slope (Δα(m)) of the index. It is preferable to determine that the battery (3) is at the end of its life if the increasing slope (Δα(m)) of the index is equal to or greater than the threshold value (K10).

The lighting system (4) described above can easily determine the degree of deterioration of the battery (3).

Moreover, in the lighting system (4) of the seventh aspect according to the embodiment, in the sixth aspect, the threshold value (K10) is preferably a value based on the increasing slope (K1) of the index in a predetermined period.

The above-mentioned lighting system (4) can set a threshold value (K10) so that the degree of deterioration of the battery (3) can be accurately determined.

Furthermore, in the lighting system (4) of the eighth aspect according to the embodiment, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the deterioration determination unit (423) determines the amount of increase in the index (Δβ(m+1)). It is preferable to determine that the battery (3) is at the end of its life if the amount of increase in the index (Δβ(m+1)) is equal to or greater than the threshold value (K20).

The lighting system (4) described above can easily determine the degree of deterioration of the battery (3).

Further, in the lighting system (4) of the ninth aspect according to the embodiment, in the eighth aspect, the threshold value (K20) may be a value based on the amount of increase in the index (Δβ(m)) in the predetermined period. preferable.

The above-mentioned lighting system (4) can set a threshold value so that the degree of deterioration of the battery (3) can be accurately determined.

Further, the lighting system (4) of the tenth aspect according to the embodiment further includes a notification circuit (43, 61) that notifies the result of the deterioration determination process in any one of the first to ninth aspects. It is preferable.

The lighting system (4) described above can notify a user such as an inspector of the determination result.

Further, in the lighting system (4) of the eleventh aspect according to the embodiment, in the tenth aspect, the notification circuit (43, 61) monitors at least the temperature of the battery (3) and the discharge history of the battery (3). It is preferable to notify the result of the deterioration determination process at a timing based on one.

The lighting system (4) described above can notify the determination result in consideration of the progress of deterioration of the battery (3) due to at least one of the temperature of the battery (3) and the discharge history of the battery (3).

Further, the lighting fixture (1) of the twelfth aspect according to the embodiment includes the lighting system (4A) according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, and a light source (2) that is lit by the output of the lighting system (4A). ), a battery (3) that supplies power for lighting the light source (2) to the lighting system (4A), and a main body (10) to which the lighting system (4A), the light source (2), and the battery (3) are attached. ) and.

The lighting fixture (1) described above can improve the accuracy of determining the degree of deterioration of the battery (3).

2 Light source 3 Battery 4, 4B Lighting system 4A Lighting device 41 Lighting circuit 421 Voltage detection section 422 Index derivation section 423 Deterioration determination section 43 Notification circuit 61 Notification circuit 10 Main body Vb Battery voltage ΔVb11 Amount of decrease in detected value Ib Discharge current Zb Battery voltage Impedance Δα (m) Slope of increase in index K10 Threshold K20 Threshold K1 Slope of increase in index Δβ (m) Amount of increase in index

Claims (13)

A lighting circuit that lights a light source using power supplied from a battery;
a voltage detection unit that detects a battery voltage of the battery and generates data of a detected value of the battery voltage;
a deterioration determination unit that performs deterioration determination processing to determine the degree of deterioration of the battery;
an index deriving unit that calculates an index used in the deterioration determination process based on the amount of decrease in the detected value before and after the battery voltage falls due to the start of discharge of the battery, and the discharge current of the battery;
The deterioration determination unit performs the deterioration determination process based on the index,
The deterioration determining unit determines an increasing slope of the index, and determines that the battery is at the end of its life if the increasing slope of the index exceeds a threshold value.
lighting system. The index deriving unit intermittently obtains the index,
The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the deterioration determination unit determines the degree of deterioration of the battery based on the amount of change in the index determined intermittently. The lighting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the index deriving unit calculates impedance of the battery as the index. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the discharge current is controlled to a constant value. The discharge current is controlled to a constant value,
The lighting system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the index derivation unit calculates the magnitude of the battery voltage as the index. The threshold value is a value based on the increasing slope of the index over a predetermined period.
A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A lighting circuit that lights a light source using power supplied from a battery;
a voltage detection unit that detects a battery voltage of the battery and generates data of a detected value of the battery voltage;
a deterioration determination unit that performs deterioration determination processing to determine the degree of deterioration of the battery;
an index deriving unit that calculates an index used in the deterioration determination process based on the amount of decrease in the detected value before and after the battery voltage falls due to the start of discharge of the battery, and the discharge current of the battery,
The deterioration determination unit performs the deterioration determination process based on the index,
The deterioration determining unit determines the amount of increase in the index every predetermined period, and determines that the battery is at the end of its life if the amount of increase in the index exceeds a threshold;
The threshold value is twice the amount of increase in the indicator during the previous predetermined period.
lighting system. The index deriving unit determines the impedance of the battery as the index.
The lighting system according to claim 7. The discharge current is controlled to a constant value.
The lighting system according to claim 7 or 8. The discharge current is controlled to a constant value,
The index deriving unit determines the magnitude of the battery voltage as the index.
The lighting system according to claim 7. The apparatus further includes a notification circuit that notifies the result of the deterioration determination process.
A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The notification circuit notifies the result of the deterioration determination process at a timing based on at least one of the temperature of the battery and the discharge history of the battery.
The lighting system of claim 11. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
a light source that is lit by the output of the lighting system;
a battery that supplies the lighting system with power for lighting the light source;
A main body to which the lighting system, the light source, and the battery are attached.
A lighting fixture characterized by:

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