WO2015087826A1

WO2015087826A1 - Lighting device and control method

Info

Publication number: WO2015087826A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/082392
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正利米山; 伸哉三木; 淳弥若原; 木村　直樹
Original assignee: コニカミノルタ株式会社
Priority date: 2013-12-13
Filing date: 2014-12-08
Publication date: 2015-06-18
Also published as: JPWO2015087826A1; JP5812233B1

Abstract

This invention provides a lighting device that makes it possible to reduce the required power-supply capacity and the form factor thereof even if said lighting device comprises a large number of surface-emitting modules. Said lighting device (100) contains a plurality of surface-emitting modules connected in parallel to a power-supply path connected to a constant current source. This lighting device (100) also has a generation unit (510) that generates a synchronization signal that sequentially selects one surface-emitting module at a time. Each surface-emitting module comprises a plurality of light-emitting units connected in parallel between the constant current source and a reference potential, a switching unit (530) that individually opens or closes the paths between the constant current source and the reference potential in the respective light-emitting units, and a light-emission control unit (520) that drives said switching unit (530) so as to sequentially close the paths between the constant current source and the reference potential one at a time. The light-emission control unit (520) in each module starts driving the corresponding switching unit (530) in response to the selection of that module by the synchronization signal.

Description

Lighting device and control method

The present disclosure relates to a lighting device, and more particularly, to a lighting device including a plurality of surface emitting modules.

Conventionally, techniques for controlling lighting of light emitting elements such as OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) are known. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-64761 (Patent Document 1) generates a control signal for driving each of a plurality of LEDs included in each of a plurality of LED chips, and a logic unit A lighting driving device is disclosed that includes a buffer unit that lights and drives a plurality of LEDs based on a control signal.

JP 2012-64761 A

When applying an OLED or an LED as a lighting device, it is typically necessary to arrange a required number of surface emitting modules including a plurality of light emitting elements. One of the problems in application to such a lighting device is a power source. In other words, if a configuration in which a power source is arranged in each of a large number of surface emitting modules, it becomes difficult to secure a space for those power sources, while a large number of surface emitting modules are driven simultaneously by a single power source. If such a configuration is adopted, a power supply having a very large capacity is required.

The lighting drive device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-64761 is only supposed to light a large number of LEDs as a print head of an image forming apparatus, and basically has a power line. Only a configuration in which only one LED is connected to the ground line is assumed. Therefore, the problem of the power supply in the case of applying OLED or LED to the illuminating device which consists of many surface emitting modules as mentioned above is not solved at all.

This disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect is to provide a required power capacity even when a lighting device including a large number of surface emitting modules is configured. It is possible to achieve a configuration that can reduce the location and the size of the arrangement.

According to one embodiment, the lighting device includes a constant current source and a plurality of surface emitting modules connected in parallel to a power supply path connected to the constant current source. Each of the plurality of surface emitting modules is disposed adjacent to at least one of the other surface emitting modules. The illumination device includes a generation unit that generates a synchronization signal for sequentially selecting one of the plurality of surface emitting modules. Each of the plurality of surface emitting modules has a plurality of light emitting units connected in parallel between the constant current source and the reference potential, and a path between the constant current source and the reference potential of the plurality of light emitting units individually. And a light-emission control unit that drives the switch unit to sequentially conduct one of a plurality of paths between the constant current source and the reference potential. The light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface light emitting modules starts driving the corresponding switch unit in response to the selection of the own module by the synchronization signal.

Preferably, the light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface light emitting modules drives the switch unit so that the times for conducting the respective paths between the constant current source and the reference potential are the same.

Preferably, the plurality of light emitting units included in each of the plurality of surface light emitting modules are arranged in a matrix. The switch unit included in each of the plurality of surface emitting modules includes a first group of switch elements each including a plurality of switch elements associated with each column of the plurality of light emitting units arranged in a matrix, and in a matrix And a second group of switch elements including a plurality of switch elements associated with each row of the plurality of light emitting units arranged. Each of the first group of switch elements is configured such that one end of a plurality of light emitting units arranged in a corresponding row can be connected to a constant current source in a lump. Each of the second group of switch elements is configured such that the other ends of the plurality of light emitting units arranged in the corresponding row can be collectively connected to the reference potential. The light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface emitting modules is a combination that is sequentially selected from among a plurality of combinations including one of the first group of switch elements and one of the second group of switch elements. Two corresponding switch elements are sequentially driven.

Preferably, the switch unit included in each of the plurality of surface light emitting modules has a plurality of switch elements respectively inserted in respective paths between the constant current source and the reference potential of each light emitting unit. The light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface light emitting modules starts sequential driving of one of the corresponding switch elements in response to selection of the own module by the synchronization signal.

Preferably, the generation unit is incorporated in one of the plurality of light emission control units. In addition, the generation unit is configured to transmit a synchronization signal from the first surface light emitting module in which the generation unit is incorporated to the light emission control unit included in the adjacent second surface light emitting module. Furthermore, the generation unit is configured to further transmit a synchronization signal from the second surface light emitting module to the light emission control unit included in the adjacent third surface light emitting module.

Preferably, the generation unit outputs a signal indicating identification information of the light emission control units that are sequentially selected as the synchronization signal. The light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface light emitting modules drives the corresponding switch unit when the identification information for identifying the module stored in advance matches the identification information indicated by the modulation component included in the synchronization signal. To start.

Preferably, each of the plurality of light emitting units includes a plurality of light emitting elements connected in series with each other.

Preferably, the constant current source is disposed outside the plurality of surface emitting modules.
Preferably, the light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface emitting modules is disposed at a position different from the plurality of light emitting units included in each of the plurality of surface emitting modules.

Preferably, each of the plurality of light emitting units is electrically connected to another light emitting unit, and a first connector for exchanging current from a constant current source, which is electrically connectable to another light emitting unit. And a second connector for exchanging current from a constant current source.

Preferably, one of the plurality of light emitting units includes a power connector that can be electrically connected to a constant current source.

According to another embodiment, a control method for controlling the lighting device is provided. The lighting device includes a constant current source and a plurality of surface emitting modules connected in parallel to a power supply path connected to the constant current source. Each of the plurality of surface emitting modules is disposed adjacent to at least one of the other surface emitting modules, and includes a plurality of light emitting units connected in parallel between the constant current source and the reference potential. The light emitting unit includes a switch unit that individually conducts or cuts off each path between the constant current source and the reference potential. The control method generates a synchronization signal for sequentially selecting one of a plurality of surface emitting modules, and drives a corresponding switch unit in response to the selection of the own module by the synchronization signal. Sequentially conducting one of the plurality of paths between the source and the reference potential.

In one aspect, even when a lighting device composed of a large number of surface emitting modules is configured, the required power capacity can be reduced and the arrangement location can be made compact.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention which is to be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the illuminating device according to related technology. It is a top view which shows the surface on the opposite side of the light emission surface in the surface emitting module according to related technology. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the surface emitting module according to the related art along the line III-III in FIG. It is a figure showing a mode that the illuminating device according to 1st Embodiment is light-emitting. It is a circuit diagram which shows the basic composition of the illuminating device according to 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the surface on the opposite side of the light emission surface in the surface emitting module according to 1st Embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the surface emitting module taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6 according to the first embodiment. It is a top view which shows the surface on the opposite side of the light emission surface in the surface emitting module according to the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a circuit diagram of the surface emitting module according to the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for showing the external appearance of the surface emitting module according to the modification of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the timing chart of the surface emitting module according to the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for showing the external appearance of the surface emitting module according to the modification of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure for showing the appearance of the illuminating device according to a 1st embodiment. It is a circuit diagram of the illuminating device according to 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the timing chart of the illuminating device according to 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for showing the external appearance of the illuminating device according to 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for showing the external appearance of the illuminating device according to 3rd Embodiment. It is a circuit diagram of the illuminating device according to 4th Embodiment. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by the lighting device according to the first to fourth embodiments.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Each embodiment described below and / or each modification may be selectively combined.

[Related technologies]
(Lighting device 50)
First, in order to deepen an understanding about embodiment concerning this invention, with reference to FIG. 1, the illuminating device 50 according to the related technique which concerns on this application is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a lighting device 50 according to the related art. FIG. 1 shows the back side of the light emitting surface.

The lighting device 50 includes surface emitting modules 20_1 to 20_4. Each of the surface light emitting modules 20_1 to 20_4 includes four light emitting units 10 and a substrate 120. For convenience of illustration, the light emitting unit 10 is illustrated transparently using dotted lines. On the substrate 120, connectors 131 to 134, 141, 152 and a light emission control circuit 150 are mounted.

Each of the surface emitting modules 20_1 to 20_4 is electrically connected to each other through any of the connectors 131 to 134. Thereby, the current output from the constant current source is applied to each of the surface emitting modules 20_1 to 20_4.

In the example of FIG. 1, the surface emitting module 20_1 and the surface emitting module 20_2 are electrically connected to each other via a cable 320 connected to the connector 132 of the surface emitting module 20_1 and the connector 134 of the surface emitting module 20_2. ing. The surface emitting module 20_2 and the surface emitting module 20_3 are electrically connected to each other via a cable 320 connected to the connector 133 of the surface emitting module 20_2 and the connector 131 of the surface emitting module 20_3. The surface emitting module 20_3 and the surface emitting module 20_4 are electrically connected to each other through a cable 320 connected to the connector 134 of the surface emitting module 20_3 and the connector 132 of the surface emitting module 20_4.

In addition, the connectors 131 to 134 can be electrically connected to a constant current source. The current output from the constant current source flows in the order of the light emission control circuit 150, the connector 152, and the light emitting unit 10. The light emission control circuit 150 is, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit). When a current is applied, the light emission control circuit 150 causes the light emitting units 10 to emit light sequentially. For example, the light emission control circuit 150 causes each light emitting unit 10 to emit light at 100 Hz or more. By driving the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4 at high speed in this way, the entire lighting device 50 appears to emit light to the human eye.

Each of the light emission control circuits 150 according to related technology operates individually without cooperation. For this reason, when the light emitting units 10 are connected in parallel, they may emit light simultaneously. When the light emitting units are connected in parallel, the applied current may be diverted, and a luminance difference (hereinafter also referred to as “luminance unevenness”) occurs between the light emitting units. The embodiment described below can improve such luminance unevenness.

(Surface emitting module 20)
The surface emitting module will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a surface of the surface light emitting module 20 opposite to the light emitting surface. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. The surface emitting module 20 in FIG. 2 is the same as the surface emitting modules 20_1 to 20_4 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the surface light emitting module 20 includes a light emitting unit 10, a holding member 110, a substrate 120, and a wiring member 161.

The light emitting units 10 are arranged in a 2 × 2 matrix (matrix), for example, and are arranged in a plane (on the same plane) along the plane direction. Each of the four light emitting units 10 has a substantially square outer periphery and has the same configuration. Each of the light emitting units 10 is attached to the surface of the holding member 110 using, for example, a double-sided tape. Typically, each of the light emitting units 10 is composed of a planar organic EL or the like.

The connector 152 is connected to a power supply path 191 for the anode and a power supply path 192 for the cathode. The

power supply paths

191 and 192 are connected to the wiring member 161, and are electrically connected to the light emitting unit 10 via the wiring pattern provided on the wiring member 161 and the

electrode members

171 and 172. The current output from the constant current source is applied to the light emitting unit 10 via the light emission control circuit 150, the connector 152, the wiring member 161, and the

electrode members

171 and 172.

With reference to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of the surface emitting module 20 along the line III-III in FIG. 1 will be described. Around the holding member 110, an electrode extraction portion 173 (for anode) and an electrode extraction portion 174 (for cathode) are arranged. The electrode member 171 (anode) includes an electrode extraction portion 173 and a rod-shaped portion 175 that stands up from the electrode extraction portion 173. The electrode member 172 (cathode) has an electrode extraction portion 174 and a rod-shaped portion 176 that stands up from the electrode extraction portion 174.

The wiring members 161 are arranged in a substantially square shape so that the ends of the wiring members 161 are opposed to each other along the outer periphery of the light emitting unit 10 with two L-shapes as one set. Each wiring member 161 has a wiring pattern. The rod-

like portions

175 and 176 of the

electrode members

171 and 172 are connected to the wiring pattern of the wiring member 161.

The light emitting unit 10 emits light by applying a voltage between the electrode member 171 and the electrode member 172. The electrode member 171 (anode) can be electrically connected to another electrode member 171 (anode). The electrode member 172 (cathode) is electrically connected to another electrode member 172 (cathode). With this connection, the light emitting units 10 are connected in parallel.

[First Embodiment]
<Overview>
(Overview of operation)
With reference to FIG. 4, the outline | summary of the illuminating device 100 according to 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state where the lighting device 100 emits light.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lighting device 100 includes surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4. Each of the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 is connected in parallel to a power supply path 601 connected to a constant current source 210 described later. Each of the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 includes light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4 connected in parallel between the constant current source 210 and a reference potential. The reference potential is, for example, a ground potential.

The lighting device 100 generates a synchronization signal for selecting the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4, and transmits the synchronization signal to each of the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4. Each of the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 sequentially conducts one of a plurality of paths from the constant current source 210 to the reference potential in response to the selection of the module by the synchronization signal, so that the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_1 10_4 is made to emit light sequentially.

More specifically, the lighting device 100 first generates a synchronization signal for selecting the surface emitting module 200_1. The surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 receive the synchronization signal. Each of the light emission control circuits of the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 stores identification information for identifying the light emission control unit. When the surface light emitting module 200_1 receives the synchronization signal for selecting its own module, The light emitting unit 10_1 of the light emitting module 200_1 emits light (light emission state (A) in FIG. 4). Thereafter, the surface light emitting module 200_1 turns off the light emitting unit 10_1 after a certain time has elapsed since the light emitting unit 10_1 emits light, and causes the light emitting unit 10_2 of the surface light emitting module 200_1 to emit light (light emitting state (B) in FIG. 4). Similarly, the surface emitting module 200_1 causes the light emitting units 10_3 and 10_4 to emit light sequentially.

Next, the lighting device 100 generates a synchronization signal for selecting the surface emitting module 200_2. The surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 receive the synchronization signal. When the surface emitting module 200_2 receives the synchronization signal, the surface emitting module 200_2 emits the light emitting unit 10_1 of the surface emitting module 200_2 (light emission state (C) in FIG. 4). Thereafter, the surface light emitting module 200_1 turns off the light emitting unit 10_1 after a certain time has elapsed since the light emitting unit 10_1 emits light, and causes the light emitting unit 10_2 of the surface light emitting module 200_2 to emit light (light emitting state (D) in FIG. 4). Similarly, the surface emitting module 200_2 causes the light emitting units 10_3 and 10_4 to emit light sequentially.

Thereafter, the lighting device 100 generates a synchronization signal for selecting the surface emitting module 200_3. When the surface emitting module 200_3 receives the synchronization signal for selecting the own module, the surface emitting module 200_1 sequentially turns on the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4 of the surface emitting module 200_3.

Thereafter, the lighting device 100 generates a synchronization signal for selecting the surface emitting module 200_4. When the surface emitting module 200_4 receives the synchronization signal for selecting the own module, the surface emitting module 200_1 sequentially turns on the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4 of the surface emitting module 200_4 (light emission states (E) and (F) in FIG. 4).

The lighting device 100 sequentially selects the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 again when the selection of the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 is performed in order. For example, the lighting device 100 causes each of the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4 to emit light at 100 Hz or more. By driving the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4 at high speed in this way, the entire lighting device 100 appears to emit light to human eyes.

(Basic configuration)
With reference to FIG. 5, the outline | summary of the illuminating device 100 is further demonstrated. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a basic configuration of lighting apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

The lighting device 100 includes a generation unit 510 and surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4. Each of the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 includes a light emission control unit 520, a switch unit 530, and light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4.

The generation unit 510 generates a synchronization signal for sequentially selecting one of the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4. The generation unit 510 outputs the generated synchronization signal to the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4.

The light emission control unit 520 starts driving the switch unit 530 corresponding to the own module in response to selection of the own module by the synchronization signal, and sequentially applies current to the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4. At this time, the light emission control unit 520 drives the switch unit 530 so that the time for conducting each path from a power supply path 601 to be described later to a ground potential 620 (reference potential) is the same.

The switch unit 530 can individually conduct or block the respective paths from the power supply path 601 to the ground potential 620 (reference potential) of the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4 according to the signal from the light emission control unit 520.

Each of the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 sequentially conducts one of the plurality of paths from the power supply path to the ground potential in response to the synchronization signal, so that the applied current does not shunt. For this reason, a constant current is applied to each of the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4 inserted in the plurality of paths. Thereby, the illuminating device 100 can reduce the brightness | luminance difference of each light emitting unit connected in parallel. In addition, since each light emitting module can be sequentially driven by the synchronization signal, it becomes easy to expand other light emitting modules.

<Surface emitting module 200A>
With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the structure of surface emitting module 200A according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a surface opposite to the light emitting surface in the surface emitting module 200A. A surface emitting module 200A shown in FIG. 6 shows the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 shown in FIG. 4 in more detail. FIG. 6 shows one surface emitting module 200 </ b> A among a plurality of surface emitting modules included in the lighting device 100. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. Note that, among the configurations included in the surface emitting module 200A, the description of the same configuration as the surface emitting module 20 shown in FIG. 2 will not be repeated.

6 and 7, the surface emitting module 200A includes a light emitting unit 10, a holding member 110, a substrate 120, a wiring member 161, and a constant current source 210. The constant current source 210 is disposed outside the holding member 110. Thereby, the thickness L of the surface light emitting module 200A can be made thinner than when the constant current source 210 is disposed on the back surface of the light emitting surface.

The constant current source 210 is electrically connected to the electrode member 171 (anode) and the electrode member 172 (cathode). As described above, the electrode members 171 are electrically connected to each other, and the electrode members 172 are electrically connected to each other. Thereby, each light emitting unit is connected in parallel.

<Surface emitting module 200B>
With reference to FIG. 8, surface emitting module 200B according to a modification of surface emitting module 200A will be described. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a surface opposite to the light emitting surface in the surface emitting module 200B.

The number of light emitting units included in the surface light emitting module is not necessarily four, and more light emitting units can be combined. As an example, an example in which 16 light emitting units are combined as shown in FIG. 8 will be described. The surface light emitting module 200B includes light emitting units 10_1A to 10_4D, a constant current source 210, and a light emission control circuit 310.

Typically, the light emitting units 10_1A to 10_4D are arranged in a matrix. The light emitting units 10_1A to 10_4D are connected in parallel between the power supply path and the ground potential. When the surface emitting module 200B is selected by the synchronization signal generated by the generation unit 510, the light emission control circuit 310 of the surface emitting module 200B sequentially causes the light emitting units 10_1A to 10_4D to emit light.

(Circuit configuration)
With reference to FIG. 9, the surface emitting module 200B will be further described. FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the surface emitting module 200B.

The lighting device 100 includes a voltage source 611, a constant current source 210, and a surface emitting module 200B. The voltage source 611 may be configured integrally with the constant current source 210. The surface emitting module 200B is electrically connected between the constant current source 210 and a reference potential (ground potential 620). Thereby, an electric current flows into the surface emitting module 200B. The ground potential 610 and the ground potential 620 are the same potential.

The surface light emitting module 200B includes switch elements SW_1 to SW_4, switch elements SW_A to SW_D, light emitting units 10_1A to 10_4D, and a light emission control circuit 310.

Point P1 is a contact point between one end (cathode) of the light emitting units 10_1A to 10_1D on the constant current source 210 side and the switch element SW_1. A point P2 is a contact point between one end (cathode) of the light emitting units 10_2A to 10_2D on the constant current source 210 side and the switch element SW_2. A point P3 is a contact point between one end (cathode) of the light emitting units 10_3A to 10_3D on the constant current source 210 side and the switch element SW_3. A point P4 is a contact point between one end (cathode) of the light emitting units 10_4A to 10_4D on the constant current source 210 side and the switch element SW_4.

Point PA is a contact point between one end (anode) of the light emitting units 10_1A to 10_4A on the ground potential 620 side and the switch element SW_A. A point PB is a contact point between one end (anode) of the light emitting units 10_1B to 10_4B on the ground potential 620 side and the switch element SW_B. A point PC is a contact point between one end (anode) of the light emitting units 10_1C to 10_4C on the ground potential 620 side and the switch element SW_C. A point PD is a contact point between one end of the light emitting units 10_1D to 10_4D on the ground potential 620 side and the switch element SW_D.

The switch elements SW_1 to SW_4 are connected in parallel to the power supply path 601 electrically connected to the constant current source 210. Typically, the switch elements SW_1 to SW_4 (first group switch elements) are associated with respective columns of a plurality of light emitting units arranged in a matrix. That is, each of the switch elements of the first group is configured to be able to collectively connect one end (cathode) of a plurality of light emitting units arranged in a corresponding row to the power supply path 601.

The switch elements SW_A to SW_D are connected in parallel to the ground potential 620. Typically, the switch elements SW_A to SW_D (second group switch elements) are associated with respective rows of a plurality of light emitting units arranged in a matrix. In other words, each of the second group of switch elements is configured such that the other ends (anodes) of the plurality of light emitting units arranged in the corresponding row can be connected to the ground potential 620.

More specifically, the switch element SW_1 is interposed between the power supply path 601 and the point P1. The switch element SW_2 is interposed between the power supply path 601 and the point P2. The switch element SW_3 is interposed between the power supply path 601 and the point P3. The switch element SW_4 is interposed between the power supply path 601 and the point P4. The switch element SW_A is interposed between the ground potential 620 and the point PA. The switch element SW_B is interposed between the ground potential 620 and the point PB. The switch element SW_B is interposed between the ground potential 620 and the point PB. The switch element SW_B is interposed between the ground potential 620 and the point PB. Note that the switch elements SW_A to SW_D may be mounted on the light emission control circuit 310 or may be mounted on another circuit.

The light emitting units 10_1A to 10_4D are connected in parallel between the power supply path 601 and the ground potential 620. More specifically, the light emitting unit 10_1A is interposed between the point P1 and the point PA. The light emitting unit 10_1B is interposed between the point P1 and the point PB. The light emitting unit 10_1C is interposed between the point P1 and the point PC. The light emitting unit 10_1D is interposed between the point P1 and the point PD. The light emitting unit 10_2A is interposed between the point P2 and the point PA. The light emitting unit 10_2B is interposed between the point P2 and the point PB. The light emitting unit 10_2C is interposed between the point P2 and the point PC. The light emitting unit 10_2D is interposed between the point P2 and the point PD. The light emitting unit 10_3A is interposed between the point P3 and the point PA. The light emitting unit 10_3B is interposed between the point P3 and the point PB. The light emitting unit 10_3C is interposed between the point P3 and the point PC. The light emitting unit 10_3D is interposed between the point P3 and the point PD. The light emitting unit 10_4A is interposed between the point P4 and the point PA. The light emitting unit 10_4B is interposed between the point P4 and the point PB. The light emitting unit 10_4C is interposed between the point P4 and the point PC. The light emitting unit 10_4D is interposed between the point P4 and the point PD.

<Surface emitting module 200C>
With reference to FIG. 10, the surface emitting module 200C according to the modification of the surface emitting module 200B is demonstrated. FIG. 10 is a diagram for illustrating the external appearance of the surface emitting module 200C.

The constant current source 210 was shown as a discharge-type power source electrically connected to the switch elements SW_1 to SW_4 in the surface emitting module 200B (see FIG. 9). In the surface emitting module 200C according to the present modification, as shown in FIG. 10, the constant current source 210 may be configured as a suction type power source electrically connected to the switch elements SW_A to SW_D. The switch elements SW_A to SW_D are connected between the reference potential created by the voltage source 611 and the constant current source 210.

(Timing chart)
Referring to FIG. 11, the relationship between the time and current value at points P1 to P4 and PA to PD shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a timing chart of the surface emitting module 200B.

The light emission control circuit 310 includes one of the switch elements SW_1 to SW4 (hereinafter also referred to as “first switch element”) and the switch elements SW_A to SW_D (hereinafter also referred to as “second switch element”). The first switch element and the second switch element corresponding to the sequentially selected combination of the plurality of combinations with the first switch element are driven. Typically, each time the light emission control circuit 310 sequentially drives (OFF → ON) one of the first switch element and the second switch element, one of the other switch elements is selected. Are sequentially driven (OFF → ON).

More specifically, at time t1A, the light emission control circuit 310 drives the switch element SW_1 (OFF → ON) to bring the path between the power supply path 601 and the point P1 into a conductive state. The switch element SW_1 is turned on for a predetermined period (from time t1A to time t2A). Further, at time t1A, the light emission control circuit 310 drives the switch element SW_A (OFF → ON) to bring the path between the point PA and the ground potential 620 into a conductive state. The switch element SW_A is turned on for a predetermined period (from time t1A to time t1B). As a result, the current output from the constant current source 210 flows between the point P1 and the point PA, and the light emitting unit 10_1A emits light.

At time t1B, the light emission control circuit 310 drives (switches from ON to OFF) the switch element SW_A. As a result, the light emitting unit 10_1A is turned off. At time t1B, the light emission control circuit 310 drives the switch element SW_B (OFF → ON) to bring the path between the point PB and the ground potential 620 into a conductive state. The switch element SW_B is turned on for a predetermined period (from time t1B to time t1C). Thereby, the current output from the constant current source 210 flows between the points P1 and PB, and the light emitting unit 10_1B emits light.

Hereinafter, the light emission control circuit 310 similarly turns off the switch element SW_B and turns on the switch element SW_C. Thereafter, the light emission control circuit 310 similarly turns off the switch element SW_C and turns on the switch element SW_D.

At time t2A, the light emission control circuit 310 drives (switches from ON to OFF) the switch element SW_1. As a result, the power supply path 601 and the point P1 become non-conductive. Further, at time t2A, the light emission control circuit 310 drives the switch element SW_2 (OFF → ON) to bring the path between the power supply path 601 and the point P2 into a conductive state. The switch element SW_2 is turned on for a predetermined period (from time t2A to time t3A). Further, at time t2A, the light emission control circuit 310 drives the switch element SW_A (OFF → ON) to bring the path between the ground potential 620 and the point PA into a conductive state. Thereby, the current output from the constant current source 210 flows between the point P2 and the point PA, and the light emitting unit 10_2A emits light.

Hereinafter, similarly, the light emission control circuit 310 sequentially drives the switch elements SW_B to SW_D (OFF → ON) to sequentially emit the light emitting units 10_2B to 10_2D.

Thereafter, the light emission control circuit 310 drives the switch element SW_3 (OFF → ON), and further sequentially drives the switch elements SW_A to SW_D (OFF → ON). Accordingly, the light emission control circuit 310 sequentially causes the light emitting units 10_3A to 10_3D to emit light.

Thereafter, the light emission control circuit 310 drives the switch element SW_4 (OFF → ON), and further sequentially drives the switch elements SW_A to SW_D (OFF → ON). Accordingly, the light emission control circuit 310 causes the light emitting units 10_4A to 10_4D to emit light sequentially.

The light emission control circuit 310 thus repeats driving of each switch element at a frequency of several tens of hertz or more. Further, since the current does not shunt, each of the light emitting units 10_1A to 10_4D does not emit light at the same time. For this reason, a constant current is applied to each of the light emitting units 10_1A to 10_4D, and light is always emitted with a constant brightness.

Further, each of the light emitting units 10_1A to 10_4D is driven by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) with a constant current as shown in the figure. Driving by the PWM method can keep the chromaticity of the light emitting unit constant compared to the dimming method that adjusts the current value.

In addition, the order in which each of the light emitting units 10_1A to 1_4D emits light is not particularly limited. For example, the light emission control circuit 310 may drive (OFF → ON) one of the switch elements SW_A to SW_D every time the switch elements SW_1 to SW_4 are driven (OFF → ON) in sequence. Further, the order of sequentially emitting light from one end of the column or row to the other end is not necessary.

Also, none of the light emitting units emits light during the period T shown in FIG. The light emission control circuit 310 can increase the luminance of each light emitting unit by making the time for driving (OFF → ON) each of the switch elements SW_A to SW_D constant within a range not exceeding the period T. On the contrary, the light emission control circuit 310 reduces the brightness of each light emitting unit by reducing the time for driving (OFF → ON) each of the switch elements SW_A to SW_D to be constant (in this case, the period T becomes longer). Can be lowered.

<Surface emitting module 200D>
With reference to FIG. 12, surface emitting module 200D according to a modification of surface emitting module 200A will be described. FIG. 12 is a view for showing the appearance of a surface emitting module 200D according to a modification of the present invention.

As in the surface emitting module 200B shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of light emitting units are not necessarily arranged in a square shape (4 rows × 4 columns). For example, like the surface emitting module 200B shown in FIG. 12, the light emitting units 10 may be arranged in a rectangular shape (for example, 8 rows × 2 columns). Moreover, the light emitting unit 10 may be assembled in other arrangements. Each of the light emitting units 10 may be disposed adjacent to one of the other light emitting units 10.

<Lighting device 100>
An example of lighting apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for illustrating an external appearance of the illumination device 100.

The lighting device 100 includes a constant current source 210, surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 connected in parallel to a power supply path connected to the constant current source, and signal lines 702 to 704. A generation unit 510 (see FIG. 5) for generating a synchronization signal is incorporated in any one of the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 of the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4. Hereinafter, a case where the light emission control circuit 310_1 generates a synchronization signal will be described as an example.

The signal line 702 electrically connects the light emission control circuit 310_1 and the light emission control circuit 310_2. The signal line 703 electrically connects the light emission control circuit 310_1 and the light emission control circuit 310_3. The signal line 704 electrically connects the light emission control circuit 310_2 and the light emission control circuit 310_4.

The light emission control circuit 310_1 transmits a synchronization signal for sequentially selecting one of the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 to the surface light emitting modules 200_2 to 200_4 via the signal lines 702 to 704. Typically, the light emission control circuit 310_1 transmits a synchronization signal to the light emission control circuit 310_2 of the surface light emitting module 200_2 adjacent to the surface light emitting module 200_1 and the light emission control circuit 310_3 of the surface light emitting module 200_3 adjacent to the surface light emitting module 200_1. To do. The light emission control circuit 310_2 transmits the received synchronization signal to the light emission control circuit 310_4 of the surface light emitting module 200_4 adjacent to the surface light emitting module 200_2.

Each of the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 stores identification information for identifying the light emission control unit, and sequentially emits the light emitting units 10 corresponding to the light emission control unit when the synchronization signal matches the identification information. Each of the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 sequentially operates in response to the synchronization signal. Since each operation of light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 is as described above, description thereof will not be repeated.

(Circuit configuration)
The illumination device 100 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of the lighting device 100. Each of the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 is connected in parallel to a power supply path 601 connected to the constant current source 210.

As described above, the signal line 702 electrically connects the light emission control circuit 310_1 and the light emission control circuit 310_2. The signal line 703 electrically connects the light emission control circuit 310_1 and the light emission control circuit 310_3. The signal line 704 electrically connects the light emission control circuit 310_2 and the light emission control circuit 310_4.

Since other circuit configurations of the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 are the same as those of the surface light emitting module 200B shown in FIG. 9, the description thereof will not be repeated.

As described above, the signal lines are wired to the plurality of light emitting modules, and the light emitting modules are synchronized so that each light emitting unit of each light emitting module can illuminate with stable luminance without causing light emission at the same time. It becomes possible. In addition, since a plurality of light emitting units (for example, 8 rows × 8 columns = 64) can be PWM-driven by one constant current source, an increase in the size of the power supply can be suppressed.

(Timing chart)
Referring to FIG. 15, the relationship between the time and current value of each of points P1 to P4 and PA to PD shown in FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a timing chart of the lighting device 100.

As shown in FIG. 15, the generation unit 510 periodically generates a synchronization signal for selecting one of the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4. In the present embodiment, the synchronization signal is periodically transmitted to all the surface emitting modules as in the surface emitting modules 200_1 → 200_2 → 200_3 → 200_4 → 200_1. It is not necessarily required to be periodic. For example, some surface emitting modules may be transmitted continuously (surface emitting modules 200_1 → 200_1 → 200_1...). In the present embodiment, generation unit 510 generates clock signals 801 to 804 having different frequencies at regular intervals. The synchronization signal is transmitted to each of the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4.

Each of the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 stores identification information for identifying the light emission control unit. The light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 store different identification information. The identification information is, for example, ID (Identification) indicating each of the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4. When each of the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 receives the synchronization signal, it determines whether or not the synchronization signal designates its own module.

Hereinafter, a case where IDs 1 to ID: 4 are assigned to the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 will be described as an example. Each of the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 determines whether or not the number of pulses received within a predetermined time after receiving the first pulse of the synchronization signal is equal to the ID of the self light emission control circuit. For example, when each of the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 receives a two-pulse clock signal 802, the light emission control circuit 310_2 with ID: 2 is driven. The light emission control circuit 310_2 is driven to sequentially drive the light emitting units included in the surface light emitting module 200_2 during the period T2 after receiving the synchronization signal. Note that the operation of the light emission control circuit 310_2 is the same as that of the light emission control circuit 310 shown in FIG. 9, and thus description thereof will not be repeated.

Since each of the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 operates in response to a synchronization signal transmitted every predetermined time, the current applied to the light emitting units 10_1A to 10_4D does not shunt. That is, two or more of the light emitting units do not emit light simultaneously. Further, the same intensity of current is applied to all the light emitting units for the same time. For this reason, the brightness | luminance difference (light emission nonuniformity) of each light emission unit can be reduced.

Note that the number of surface emitting modules included in the lighting device 100 is not limited to four as illustrated. The number of surface emitting modules included in the lighting device 100 may be two, three, five, or more.

[Second Embodiment]
<Lighting device 100A>
Illumination device 100A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In lighting apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment, each shape of the surface emitting module is different from that of lighting apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. Other points are the same as those of lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for illustrating an external appearance of lighting apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, each of the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 includes a square light emitting unit included in each of the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 like the lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment. (4 rows × 4 columns). For example, the light emitting units included in each of the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 may be arranged in a rectangular shape (for example, 8 rows × 2 columns) as shown in FIG.

Thereby, the illumination device 100A can arrange each of the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 closer to the illumination device 100 according to the first embodiment. That is, the signal line can be shortened, and the lighting device 100 can be expanded more easily.

In the illumination device 100A, the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 including the light emitting units of 8 rows × 2 columns are arranged in a square shape (8 rows × 8 columns), but the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 are arranged. May be arranged in a rectangular shape. Each of the light emitting modules may be disposed adjacent to one of the other light emitting modules.

[Third Embodiment]
<Lighting device 100B>
With reference to FIG. 17, illumination apparatus 100B according to the third embodiment will be described. Lighting device 100B according to the present embodiment is different from lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment in that the light emission control circuit is arranged outside the surface emitting module. Since other points are similar to those of lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for illustrating an external appearance of lighting apparatus 100C according to the present embodiment. In the lighting device 100C, the light emission control circuits 310_1 to 310_4 are arranged outside the plurality of light emitting units 10. Thus, by arranging the light control circuit outside the plurality of light emitting units 10 instead of on the surface of the surface light emitting module (thickness direction), the lighting device 100C can be further reduced in thickness.

[Fourth Embodiment]
<Lighting device 100C>
Illumination device 100C according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Lighting device 100C according to the present embodiment differs from lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment in that the light emitting unit has a plurality of planar light emitting elements. Other points are the same as those of lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram of lighting apparatus 100C according to the fourth embodiment. Each of the surface emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 includes switch elements SW_1 to SW_4. Each of the switch elements SW_1 to SW_4 is inserted in each path from the power supply path 601 to the ground potential 620.

The surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 have light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4, respectively.

The light emitting unit 10_1 of each surface light emitting module includes light emitting elements 11_1A to 11_1D. The light emitting elements 11_1A to 11_1D are connected in series between the switch element SW_1 and the ground potential 620. The light emitting unit 10_2 includes light emitting elements 11_2A to 11_2D. The light emitting elements 11_2A to 11_2D are connected in series between the switch element SW_2 and the ground potential 620. The light emitting unit 10_3 includes light emitting elements 11_3A to 11_3D. The light emitting elements 11_3A to 11_3D are connected in series between the switch element SW_3 and the ground potential 620. The light emitting unit 10_4 includes light emitting elements 11_4A to 11_4D. The light emitting elements 11_4A to 11_4D are connected in series between the switch element SW_4 and the ground potential 620.

The light emission control circuit 310 sequentially drives one of a plurality of switch elements corresponding to the own module in response to the selection of the own module by the synchronization signal. For example, if the synchronization signal generated by the generation unit 510 selects the surface emitting module 200_2, the light emission control circuit 310 included in the surface emitting module 200_2 sequentially switches the switch elements SW_1 to SW_4 included in the surface emitting module 200_2. Drive (OFF → ON). In this case, since each of the light emitting elements is connected in series, the current output from the constant current source 210 is not shunted. For this reason, the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4 are not lit simultaneously. In addition, currents of the same strength are applied to the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_4. For this reason, the brightness | luminance difference (light emission nonuniformity) of each light emission unit can be reduced.

Also, when the number of light emitting modules and the number of light emitting units are increased, the light emission cycle of each light emitting unit becomes longer. Thereby, the illumination may flicker. Since the lighting device 100C sequentially emits light from the light emitting units connected in series in the light emitting unit, the light emitting units emit light as compared with the case where a plurality of light emitting elements included in the light emitting unit are connected in parallel. The period can be shortened. That is, flickering of illumination can be reduced.

[Control structure of lighting devices 100A to 100D]
Referring to FIG. 19, a control structure of lighting apparatuses 100A to 100D according to the first to fourth embodiments will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by lighting devices 100A to 100D. The processing in FIG. 19 is realized by the light emission control circuit 310 (see FIG. 8) of the illumination devices 100A to 100D executing a program. In other aspects, part of the processing may be executed by other circuit elements or other hardware.

Hereinafter, a control structure in the case where the number of surface emitting modules provided in the lighting devices 100A to 100D is four will be described. When the number of surface emitting modules is three or less or five or more, the determination process of the own module in steps S110, S120, S130, and S140 described later, and steps S112, S122, S132, and S142 described later are performed. A process of sequentially emitting light from the light emitting units in the own module is provided according to the number of surface emitting modules.

In step S102, the light emission control circuit 310 generates a synchronization signal for sequentially selecting one of the surface light emitting modules 200_1 to 200_4 as the generation unit 510 (see FIG. 5).

In step S110, the light emission control circuit 310 determines whether or not the surface emitting module 200_1 has been selected. If the light emission control circuit 310 determines that the surface light emitting module 200_1 has been selected (YES in step S110), the light emission control circuit 310 switches the control to step S112. If not (NO in step S110), light emission control circuit 310 switches control to step S120. In step S112, the light emission control circuit 310 causes the light emitting units in the surface light emitting module 200_1 to emit light sequentially.

In step S120, the light emission control circuit 310 determines whether or not the surface emitting module 200_2 has been selected. If the light emission control circuit 310 determines that the surface light emitting module 200_2 has been selected (YES in step S120), the light emission control circuit 310 switches the control to step S122. If not (NO in step S120), light emission control circuit 310 switches control to step S130. In step S122, the light emission control circuit 310 sequentially causes the light emitting units in the surface light emitting module 200_2 to emit light.

In step S130, the light emission control circuit 310 determines whether or not the surface light emitting module 200_3 has been selected. If the light emission control circuit 310 determines that the surface light emitting module 200_3 has been selected (YES in step S130), the light emission control circuit 310 switches the control to step S132. If not (NO in step S130), light emission control circuit 310 switches control to step S140. In step S132, the light emission control circuit 310 causes the light emitting units in the surface light emitting module 200_3 to emit light sequentially.

In step S140, the light emission control circuit 310 determines whether or not the surface light emitting module 200_4 has been selected. If the light emission control circuit 310 determines that the surface light emitting module 200_4 has been selected (YES in step S140), the light emission control circuit 310 switches the control to step S142. If not (NO in step S140), the light emission control circuit 310 executes the process of step S102 again. In step S142, the light emission control circuit 310 causes the light emitting units in the surface light emitting module 200_4 to emit light sequentially.

In step S150, the light emission control circuit 310 determines whether or not to end the processing according to each of the above-described embodiments. For example, the light emission control circuit 310 ends the processing when the lighting devices 100A to 100D are powered off. If the light emission control circuit 310 determines to end the process (YES in step S150), the light emission control circuit 310 ends the process. If not (NO in step S150), light emission control circuit 310 returns control to step S102 again.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

10, 10_1A to 10_4D light emitting unit, 11_1A to 11_4D light emitting element, 20, 200, 200A to 200D surface light emitting module, 50, 100, 100A to 100C lighting device, 110 holding member, 120 substrate, 131 to 134, 141, 152, Connector, 150, 310 light emission control circuit, 161 wiring member, 171, 172 electrode member, 173, 174 electrode extraction part, 175, 176 rod-shaped part, 191, 192, 601 power supply path, 210 constant current source, 320 cable, 510 generation Part, 520 light emission control part, 530 switch part, 620 ground potential, 702-704 signal line, 801-804 clock signal.

Claims

A constant current source;
A plurality of surface emitting modules connected in parallel to a power supply path connected to the constant current source, and each of the plurality of surface emitting modules is disposed adjacent to at least one of the other surface emitting modules. Has been
A generator for generating a synchronization signal for sequentially selecting one of the plurality of surface emitting modules;
Each of the plurality of surface emitting modules is
A plurality of light emitting units connected in parallel between the constant current source and a reference potential;
A switch unit for individually conducting or blocking each path between the constant current source and the reference potential of the plurality of light emitting units;
A light emission control unit that drives the switch unit to sequentially conduct one of a plurality of paths between the constant current source and the reference potential;
The light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface light emitting modules starts driving the corresponding switch unit in response to selection of the own module by the synchronization signal.
The light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface light emitting modules drives the switch unit so that the times for conducting the respective paths between the constant current source and the reference potential are the same. The lighting device according to claim 1.
The plurality of light emitting units included in each of the plurality of surface emitting modules are arranged in a matrix,
The switch unit included in each of the plurality of surface emitting modules includes:
A first group of switch elements consisting of a plurality of switch elements associated with respective columns of the plurality of light emitting units arranged in a matrix;
A second group of switch elements consisting of a plurality of switch elements associated with each row of the plurality of light emitting units arranged in a matrix,
Each of the first group of switch elements is configured to be able to connect one end of a plurality of light emitting units arranged in a corresponding row to the constant current source in a lump.
Each of the switch elements of the second group is configured to be able to connect the other ends of a plurality of light emitting units arranged in a corresponding row to the reference potential in a lump.
The light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface light emitting modules sequentially selects a plurality of combinations of one of the first group of switch elements and one of the second group of switch elements. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein two switch elements corresponding to the combination to be combined are sequentially driven.
The switch unit included in each of the plurality of surface light emitting modules has a plurality of switch elements respectively inserted in respective paths between the constant current source and the reference potential of each light emitting unit,
The light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface emitting modules starts sequential driving of one of the corresponding switch elements in response to selection of the module by the synchronization signal. 2. The illumination device according to 2.
The generation unit is incorporated in one of the plurality of light emission control units,
The synchronization signal is configured to be transmitted from a first surface light emitting module in which the generation unit is incorporated to a light emission control unit included in an adjacent second surface light emitting module,
5. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization signal is further transmitted from the second surface light emitting module to a light emission control unit included in an adjacent third surface light emitting module. Lighting equipment.
The generation unit outputs a signal indicating identification information of the light emission control units sequentially selected as the synchronization signal,
The light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface light emitting modules, when the identification information for identifying the own module stored in advance matches the identification information included in the synchronization signal, The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein driving is started.
The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of light emitting units includes a plurality of light emitting elements connected in series to each other.
The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the constant current source is disposed outside the plurality of surface emitting modules.
9. The light emission control unit included in each of the plurality of surface emitting modules is disposed outside the plurality of light emitting units included in each of the plurality of surface emitting modules. The lighting device according to item.
Each of the plurality of light emitting units is
A first connector for exchanging current from the constant current source, electrically connectable with another light emitting unit;
The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a second connector for exchanging current from the constant current source, which is electrically connectable to another light emitting unit.
11. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of light emitting units includes a power connector that can be electrically connected to the constant current source.
A control method for controlling a lighting device, comprising:
The lighting device includes:
A constant current source;
A plurality of surface emitting modules connected in parallel to the power supply path connected to the constant current source,
Each of the plurality of surface emitting modules is
Arranged adjacent to at least one of the other surface emitting modules,
A plurality of light emitting units connected in parallel between the constant current source and a reference potential;
A switch unit individually conducting or blocking each path between the constant current source and the reference potential of the plurality of light emitting units;
The control method is:
Generating a synchronization signal for sequentially selecting one of the plurality of surface emitting modules;
In response to selection of the own module by the synchronization signal, driving the corresponding switch unit, and sequentially conducting one of a plurality of paths between the constant current source and the reference potential. , Control method.