JP7484482B2 - Lighting and illuminating devices - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to lighting devices and illumination devices.

Patent Document 1 discloses an emergency lighting device that includes an LED light source unit made of LEDs, an emergency power supply, and an emergency lighting circuit that lights the LEDs with constant current control using power supplied from the emergency power supply when an abnormality occurs in the external power supply. In this emergency lighting device, when the LEDs are turned on by power supply from the emergency power supply, the floor illuminance of the light irradiated from the LED light source unit is set to 1.5 lx or more in a room temperature atmosphere.

Japanese Patent No. 4683286

The internal resistance of a battery can be higher at low temperatures than at high temperatures. Therefore, if the same power is supplied to a light source at low and high temperatures, the battery voltage drop can be greater at low temperatures than at high temperatures. For this reason, when detecting the voltage across the battery to detect the remaining energy in the battery, there is a risk that the battery will be erroneously detected as being abnormal due to the voltage drop, even if the battery is normal at low temperatures.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a lighting device and illumination device that can reduce the risk of the battery being erroneously detected as being in an abnormal state.

The lighting device of the first disclosure comprises a battery, a constant power supply circuit that receives power from an external power source and charges the battery, an emergency power supply circuit that receives power from the battery and turns on a light source when the external power source experiences a power outage or a pseudo-power outage, and a control unit that determines whether the battery is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on the voltage generated in the battery, and when the control unit detects the power outage or the pseudo-power outage, if the temperature of the battery is lower than a predetermined low temperature threshold, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light source from the emergency power supply circuit to be lower than when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold , and when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold, the power supplied to the light source from the emergency power supply circuit is set to be greater than the minimum light amount guaranteed under lighting conditions in a high temperature environment .
A lighting device according to a second disclosure includes a battery, a constant power supply circuit that receives power from an external power source and charges the battery, an emergency power supply circuit that receives power from the battery and lights up a light source when the external power source experiences a power outage or a pseudo-power outage, and a control unit that determines whether the battery is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on a voltage generated in the battery, and when the control unit detects the power outage or the pseudo-power outage, controls the power supply from the emergency power supply circuit to the light source to be higher than when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold. the power supplied to the light source from the emergency power supply circuit is controlled to be low, and when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold, the power supplied to the light source from the emergency power supply circuit is controlled to be a first power for a first period after the start of power supply from the emergency power supply circuit to the light source, and the power supplied to the light source from the emergency power supply circuit is controlled to be a second power greater than the first power for a second period after the first period has elapsed, the elapsed time from the start of power supply from the emergency power supply circuit to the light source is counted, and when the predetermined first period has elapsed, the power supplied to the light source from the emergency power supply circuit is switched from the first power to the second power.

A lighting device according to a third disclosure includes a battery, a constant power supply circuit which receives power from an external power source and charges the battery, an emergency power supply circuit which receives power from the battery and turns on a light source when the external power source experiences a power outage or a pseudo-power outage, and a control unit which determines that the battery is in a normal state when the voltage generated in the battery during the power outage or pseudo-power outage satisfies a predetermined criterion , and when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined low temperature threshold, the control unit compares the voltage generated in the battery with a predetermined threshold to determine whether the battery is in a normal state or an abnormal state, and when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold, the control unit does not determine whether the battery is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on the threshold, thereby relaxing the criterion for determining that the battery is in a normal state when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold compared to when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold.

In the lighting device according to the first disclosure, when the battery temperature is lower than the low temperature threshold, the power supplied from the emergency power circuit to the light source is controlled to be lower than when the battery temperature is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold. This makes it possible to suppress the voltage drop of the battery and to suppress the erroneous detection of the battery being in an abnormal state.

In the lighting device according to the second disclosure, when the battery temperature is lower than the low temperature threshold, the criteria for determining that the battery is in a normal state are relaxed compared to when the battery temperature is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold. This makes it possible to prevent the battery from being erroneously detected as being in an abnormal state.

1 is a circuit block diagram of a lighting device according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control unit according to the first embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a control unit according to a second embodiment. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a control unit according to the second embodiment. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lighting device according to the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control unit according to the third embodiment.

The lighting device and illumination device according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding components will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated description may be omitted.

Embodiment 1.
1 is a circuit block diagram of a lighting device 100 according to a first embodiment. The lighting device 100 is an emergency lighting device such as an emergency light or an emergency exit light. The lighting device 100 is held by a device body and installed. The lighting device 100 includes a light source unit 6 and a lighting device 20. The lighting device 20 includes a unit 10 and a battery 4.

The light source unit 6 has a light source for ensuring brightness in an emergency or during normal use. The light source is, for example, an LED. This allows the energy consumption of the lighting device 100 to be reduced. The unit 10 receives power from an external power source AC and charges the battery 4. The external power source AC is, for example, a commercial power source. The battery 4 has a connection part including at least a positive wiring, a negative wiring, and a battery information wiring. The connection part of the battery 4 is electrically connected to the unit 10.

The unit 10 includes a diode bridge 1, a constant power supply circuit 2, a charging circuit 3, an emergency power supply circuit 5, a power failure detection circuit 8, an ambient temperature detection circuit 9, an inspection unit 50, and a control unit 7. The control unit 7 is, for example, a microcomputer.

The output of diode bridge 1 is connected to the constant power supply circuit 2. The low potential side of the output of diode bridge 1 is connected to the ground terminal.

The continuous power supply circuit 2 converts AC power from the external power supply AC into DC power. The continuous power supply circuit 2 is composed of an isolated flyback circuit. The continuous power supply circuit 2 is supplied with power from the external power supply AC during normal use, and charges the battery 4. The control IC 21 controls the continuous power supply circuit 2. Here, normal use refers to a normal state in which the external power supply AC is not in a power outage state or a pseudo-power outage state. The pseudo-power outage state is a state that simulates a state in which the external power supply AC is shut off for inspection, for example.

In the continuous power supply circuit 2, a capacitor 22 is connected in parallel with the output of the diode bridge 1 to reduce the full wave of the external power supply AC and ripples caused by switching. One end of the primary side of the transformer 23 is connected to the positive electrode of the capacitor 22.

The first terminal of the switching element 24 is connected in series to the other end of the primary side of the transformer 23. The second terminal of the switching element 24 is connected to the negative electrode of the capacitor 22. The control terminal of the switching element 24 is connected to the control IC 21. The control terminal is a terminal for switching between the first and second terminals.

The switching element 24 is, for example, a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor). When the switching element 24 is a MOSFET, the first terminal is a drain terminal, the second terminal is a source terminal, and the control terminal is a gate terminal. In the switching element 24, the first terminal is connected to the transformer 23, the second terminal is a ground terminal, and the control terminal is connected to the control IC 21.

The control IC 21 is, for example, a PFC (Power Factor Correction) driver. The control IC 21 drives the switching element 24. A series circuit of a resistor 25 and a capacitor 26 is connected in parallel with the capacitor 22. The connection point of the resistor 25 and the capacitor 26 is connected to the control IC 21. Power for the control IC 21 is supplied from the capacitor 22 via the resistor 25.

A photocoupler 27 is connected to the control IC 21 via a resistor. The photocoupler 27 is provided to input information from the secondary side of the transformer 23 to the control IC 21.

The continuous power supply circuit 2 includes a pseudo-power outage detection circuit 28. The pseudo-power outage detection circuit 28 detects a pseudo-power outage state and stops the control IC 21 when a pseudo-power outage state occurs.

The anode of a diode 29 is connected to one end of the flyback winding on the secondary side of the transformer 23. The diode 29 is connected in series to the secondary side of the transformer 23 and is provided to transmit a stable voltage to the output side. The cathode of the diode 29 is connected to the positive electrode of an electrolytic capacitor 30. The negative electrode of the electrolytic capacitor 30 is connected to the ground terminal.

In the ground path of the constant power supply circuit 2, the primary and secondary sides of the transformer 23 are insulated by a capacitor 31.

The continuous power supply circuit 2 is equipped with an output voltage detection circuit. The output voltage detection circuit is composed of a photocoupler 27 and a Zener diode 32 connected in series. The output voltage detection circuit is connected in parallel with the electrolytic capacitor 30. The output voltage of the continuous power supply circuit 2 is the sum of the VF of the photocoupler 27 and the Zener voltage of the Zener diode 32. The primary side of the photocoupler 27 is connected to the control IC 21. The control IC 21 controls the current flowing through the photocoupler 27. The control IC 21 controls the on-time of the switching element 24 according to the current flowing through the photocoupler 27. This realizes constant voltage feedback in the continuous power supply circuit 2.

The charging circuit 3 charges the battery 4. The charging circuit 3 is connected between the flyback winding of the transformer 23 and the battery 4. The first terminal of the switching element 35 is connected to the flyback winding of the transformer 23. One end of the resistor 37 is connected to the second terminal of the switching element 35. The other end of the resistor 37 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 4. The resistor 37 is connected in series to the battery 4. The negative electrode of the battery 4 is connected to the ground terminal. In other words, the switching element 35, the resistor 37, and the battery 4 are connected in series to the output terminal of the constant power supply circuit 2.

The switching element 35 is, for example, a transistor. When the switching element 35 is a transistor, the first terminal is the collector, the second terminal is the emitter, and the control terminal is the base. The control terminal is a terminal for switching between the first and second terminals.

The cathode of the Zener diode 36 is connected to the control terminal of the switching element 35. The anode of the Zener diode 36 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 4. This causes the switching element 35 to operate in the active region. In addition, a voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage between the control terminal and the second terminal of the switching element 35 from the Zener voltage of the Zener diode 36 is applied to the resistor 37. This causes the charging current of the battery 4 to be feedback-controlled at a constant current. In other words, the battery 4 is charged at a constant current.

The emergency power supply circuit 5 is composed of a boost switching circuit. In the event of an emergency, such as a power outage or pseudo-power outage of the external power supply AC, the emergency power supply circuit 5 receives power from the battery 4 and boosts the output voltage of the battery 4 to light the light source unit 6. The emergency power supply circuit 5 may also step down the output voltage of the battery 4.

A capacitor 51 is connected in parallel to the input end of the emergency power supply circuit 5. The positive electrode of the capacitor 51 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 4 and one end of the coil 52. The negative electrode of the capacitor 51 is connected to the ground terminal. The other end of the coil 52 is connected to the anode of the diode 53. The cathode of the diode 53 is connected to the positive electrode of the capacitor 54. The negative electrode of the capacitor 54 is connected to the negative electrode of the capacitor 51. In other words, a series circuit is connected in parallel with the capacitor 51, in which the coil 52, the diode 53, and the capacitor 54 are connected in this order. In addition, the anode side of the light source unit 6 is connected to the positive electrode of the capacitor 54.

A switching element 55 is connected between the connection point of the coil 52 and the diode 53 and the ground terminal. A first terminal of the switching element 55 is connected to the anode of the diode 53. A second terminal of the switching element 55 is connected to the negative electrode of the capacitor 54. A control terminal of the switching element is connected to the control unit 7. The switching element 55 is, for example, a MOSFET.

The emergency power supply circuit 5 is equipped with an output voltage detection circuit. The output voltage detection circuit is composed of resistors 56 and 57 connected in series. The output voltage detection circuit is connected in parallel with the capacitor 54. The voltage division value of resistors 56 and 57 is input to the control unit 7. As a result, the control unit 7 detects the output voltage of the emergency power supply circuit 5.

The emergency power supply circuit 5 is equipped with an output current detection circuit. The output current detection circuit is equipped with a resistor 58 connected to the cathode side of the light source unit 6. The voltage generated across the resistor 58 is input to the control unit 7. This allows the control unit 7 to detect the output current of the emergency power supply circuit 5.

The control unit 7 sets a target value for the output current of the emergency power supply circuit 5 based on the voltage detected by the output voltage detection circuit and the current detected by the output current detection circuit. As a result, the control unit 7 performs constant power feedback control of the emergency power supply circuit 5. In other words, the control unit 7 controls the power consumption of the light source unit 6 to be constant.

The control unit 7 is connected to a power outage detection circuit 8 and an ambient temperature detection circuit 9. The power outage detection circuit 8 detects a signal from one end of the flyback winding on the secondary side of the transformer 23, and monitors whether the external power source AC is in a power outage state or a pseudo-power outage state.

The ambient temperature detection circuit 9 detects the temperature of the battery 4 and transmits temperature information of the battery 4 to the control unit 7. The temperature detected by the ambient temperature detection circuit 9 may be the temperature around the battery 4 or the surface temperature of the battery 4. The temperature detected by the ambient temperature detection circuit 9 may be any temperature related to the internal resistance of the battery 4.

The inspection unit 50 detects the voltage across the battery 4. The inspection unit 50 is composed of resistors 59 and 60 connected in series. The inspection unit 50 is connected in parallel with the capacitor 51. The voltage division value of resistors 59 and 60 is input to the control unit 7. This allows the control unit 7 to detect the voltage across the battery 4.

Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 7 according to the first embodiment. The control unit 7 includes a voltage determination unit 7a, a power outage detection unit 7b, a temperature determination unit 7c, a power control unit 7d, a counting unit 7e, a notification unit 7f, and a memory unit 7g. Other functions may be added to the control unit 7, and some of the functions may be deleted.

The voltage discrimination unit 7a discriminates whether the battery 4 is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on the voltage generated in the battery 4. The voltage discrimination unit 7a uses the divided voltage value of resistors 59 and 60 to compare the voltage generated in the battery 4 with a predetermined threshold value and discriminates whether the battery 4 is in an abnormal state. In this embodiment, a first threshold value and a second threshold value are set as the threshold value, as described below. When the voltage discrimination unit 7a discriminates that the battery 4 is in an abnormal state, it stops the emergency power supply circuit 5.

The power outage detection unit 7b detects a power outage or a pseudo-power outage based on a signal from the power outage detection circuit 8. When the power outage detection circuit 8 detects a power outage or a pseudo-power outage, the power outage detection unit 7b activates the emergency power supply circuit 5. The temperature determination unit 7c determines whether the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than a predetermined low temperature threshold based on temperature information from the ambient temperature detection circuit 9.

The power control unit 7d controls the power supplied from the emergency power supply circuit 5 to the light source unit 6 based on the temperature information of the battery 4, the voltage across the battery 4, etc. The power control unit 7d controls the on/off of the switching element 55 to control the power supplied to the light source unit 6. Based on the determination result of the temperature determination unit 7c, when the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold, the power control unit 7d controls the power supplied from the emergency power supply circuit 5 to the light source unit 6 to be lower than when the temperature of the battery 4 is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold. Hereinafter, the power supplied from the emergency power supply circuit 5 to the light source unit 6 may be referred to as light source power.

The counting unit 7e counts the time used in the control performed by the control unit 7. The notification unit 7f notifies the outside of the abnormality of the battery 4 when the voltage determination unit 7a determines that the battery 4 is in an abnormal state. The notification is performed, for example, by a flashing light source or by a sound. The memory unit 7g stores programs, data, etc. used in the control performed by the control unit 7.

Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control unit 7 according to the first embodiment. The control unit 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71 that performs various calculations, a memory 72, and a timer 73. The functions of the voltage determination unit 7a, power outage detection unit 7b, temperature determination unit 7c, power control unit 7d, count unit 7e, notification unit 7f, and memory unit 7g are realized, for example, by the CPU 71, memory 72, and timer 73. For example, the function of the memory unit 7g is realized by the memory 72. Also, the function of the count unit 7e is realized by the timer 73.

The CPU 71 is a control device that executes a program stored in the memory 72. The CPU 71 is also called a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, processor, or DSP. The CPU 71 may include a built-in memory 72 or a timer 73.

The functions of the control unit 7 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 72. The CPU 71 realizes the functions of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 72.

For example, the memory 72 stores a program that, when a power outage or pseudo-power outage is detected and the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold, controls the light source power to be lower than when the temperature of the battery 4 is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold. These programs can also be said to cause the computer to execute the procedures or methods in the voltage determination unit 7a, power outage detection unit 7b, temperature determination unit 7c, power control unit 7d, counting unit 7e, notification unit 7f, and storage unit 7g.

Here, memory 72 may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc., a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD, etc. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. EPROM is an abbreviation for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. EEPROM is an abbreviation for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.

The CPU 71 may also be dedicated hardware. In this case, the CPU 71 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, or a parallel programmed processor. The CPU 71 may also be an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The CPU 71 may also be a combination of these.

In addition, each of the multiple functions of the control unit 7 may be realized by a separate control device. Also, multiple functions may be realized together by a single control device.

Furthermore, some of the functions of the control unit 7 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and some by software or firmware. In this way, the control unit 7 can realize each of the above-mentioned functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

Figure 4 is a diagram explaining the operation of the lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the control unit 7 according to the first embodiment. In step S1, it is assumed that the control unit 7 detects a power outage or a pseudo-power outage. As a result, the control unit 7 starts the operation of the emergency power supply circuit 5.

The control unit 7 also determines whether the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold in step S2. Hereinafter, a state in which the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold may be referred to as a low temperature state. If the battery 4 is not in a low temperature state, the control unit 7 starts turning on the light source at a steady LED output W1 in step S3.

When the battery 4 is in a low temperature state, the control unit 7 starts turning on the light source with a reduced power LED output W2 in step S4. Here, W1>W2. This starts discharging the battery 4 as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the solid line shows the waveform of this embodiment in a low temperature state, and the dashed line shows the waveform of the comparative example in a low temperature state. The comparative example differs from this embodiment in that the LED output is not controlled to be low even in a low temperature state.

In this embodiment, a first threshold and a second threshold are set as thresholds for determining whether the battery voltage is abnormal. The first threshold is a threshold for determining the life of the battery 4. The counting unit 7e counts the time from when the battery voltage starts discharging until it reaches the first threshold. The voltage determining unit 7a determines that the battery 4 is in an abnormal state if the time from when the battery voltage starts discharging until it reaches the first threshold is shorter than a predetermined specified time. The second threshold is a threshold for determining over-discharge. The voltage determining unit 7a determines that the battery 4 is in an abnormal state if the battery voltage is lower than the second threshold. Only one of the first threshold and the second threshold may be set.

In general, the lower the temperature, the higher the internal resistance of the battery 4. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the battery voltage drops significantly immediately after the start of discharging. At this time, as shown in the comparative example, the voltage drop of the battery 4 becomes large at low temperatures, and the battery voltage may become lower than the first threshold value even though the battery 4 is normal. At this time, the life of the battery 4 may be erroneously detected even though the battery 4 is normal. Also, over-discharging of the battery 4 may be erroneously detected.

In response to this, when the control unit 7 of this embodiment detects a power outage or pseudo power outage, if the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold, the control unit 7 controls the light source power to be lower than when the temperature of the battery 4 is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold. This makes it possible to suppress a drop in the battery voltage. In other words, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection during the period until the battery voltage reaches the first threshold. It is also possible to suppress erroneous detection of over-discharge of the battery 4. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection that the battery 4 is in an abnormal state.

When the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold, the power W2 supplied from the emergency power circuit 5 to the light source unit 6 is set so as to satisfy the brightness standard of the light source unit 6 within the operating temperature range of the lighting device 20. Here, the operating temperature range is, for example, a predetermined temperature range within which the lighting device 20, the light source unit 6, or the lighting device 100 is expected to be used.

The temperature characteristic of an LED is generally such that the lower the temperature, the higher the light emission efficiency. In other words, for a constant power consumption, the lower the temperature, the brighter the light source unit 6 lights up. In this embodiment, the power W2 is set so that the light output of the light source unit 6 when power W2 is supplied is equal to or greater than the minimum light output guaranteed by the lighting device 100, even at high temperatures. This ensures brightness in the temperature range from room temperature to high temperatures, which is particularly important for emergency lighting devices. During the first period shown in Figure 4, the brightness of the light source unit 6 is maintained at or above the guaranteed brightness value indicated by the dashed line.

As the discharge period progresses, the battery temperature rises. When the low temperature state of the battery 4 is released, the ambient temperature detection circuit 9 notifies the control unit 7 that the battery 4 is not in a low temperature state. The control unit 7 determines whether the battery 4 is in a low temperature state in step S5. If the battery 4 is not in a low temperature state, the control unit 7 turns on the light source with the steady LED output W1 in step S6. If the battery 4 is in a low temperature state, the control unit 7 continues the reduced power LED output W2 in step S7.

In this way, when the temperature of the battery 4 becomes equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold with the light source power set to power W2, the control unit 7 switches the light source power to power W1. As a result, when the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold, the control unit 7 controls the power supplied from the emergency power supply circuit 5 to the light source unit 6 to power W2 during the first period after the start of power supply from the emergency power supply circuit 5 to the light source unit 6. In addition, the control unit 7 controls the power supplied from the emergency power supply circuit 5 to the light source unit 6 to power W1, which is greater than power W2, during the second period after the first period has elapsed. This makes it possible to prevent the battery 4 from being erroneously detected as being in an abnormal state during the first period when the battery voltage is likely to drop significantly.

When the battery voltage drops to the second threshold after the low temperature state of the battery 4 is released, the control unit 7 detects over-discharge and stops the emergency power circuit 5. This ends the discharge of the battery 4 and turns off the light source unit 6. The light is also turned off, causing the battery temperature to drop. Furthermore, when the battery voltage falls below the second threshold, the notification unit 7f notifies the outside that there is an abnormality in the battery 4.

Emergency lighting devices are generally installed in places where a large number of people gather so that people in the area can safely evacuate in the event of a power outage caused by a fire, earthquake, other disaster, accident, etc. Emergency lighting equipment generally needs to operate in accordance with standards such as the Technical Standards for Emergency Lighting Equipment (JIL5501:2017 Amendment) established by the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association. Emergency lighting equipment needs to continue to light for 30 minutes in an emergency, for example, using a backup power source. Emergency lighting equipment rated for 60 minutes needs to continue to light for 60 minutes in an emergency using a backup power source. Emergency lighting equipment also needs to maintain an illuminance of 1 lx or more on the floor, for example, by direct lighting in the necessary areas.

In this embodiment, in such an emergency lighting device, the necessary brightness can be ensured at normal temperatures and especially at high temperatures, while malfunctions due to the battery 4 being erroneously detected as being in an abnormal state at low temperatures can be suppressed. This improves the reliability of the product. It also prevents the light source unit 6 from becoming brighter than necessary at low temperatures. This allows the power supply to the light source unit 6 to be efficient. It also provides the user with brightness that is appropriate for them.

In this embodiment, the light source unit 6 is equipped with an LED as a light source. However, the light source may be a light-emitting element other than an LED. Although two light sources are shown in the light source unit 6 in FIG. 1, the number of light sources is not limited. The control unit 7 is also configured to control the emergency power supply circuit 5 to a constant power. However, the control unit 7 may control the emergency power supply circuit 5 to a constant current or constant voltage as long as the power supplied to the light source unit 6 can be controlled to be lower when the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold than when the temperature is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold.

These modifications can be applied as appropriate to the lighting devices and illumination devices according to the following embodiments. Note that the lighting devices and illumination devices according to the following embodiments have many things in common with embodiment 1, so the following description will focus on the differences from embodiment 1.

Embodiment 2.
6 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 207 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the function of the control unit 207 is different from that of the control unit 7. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. The voltage determination unit 207a of the control unit 207 determines that the battery 4 is in a normal state when the voltage generated in the battery 4 satisfies a predetermined criterion. The control unit 207 further includes a criterion setting unit 207h. When the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold, the criterion setting unit 207h relaxes the criterion for determining that the battery 4 is in a normal state compared to when the temperature of the battery 4 is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold.

As in the first embodiment, the control unit 207 includes a CPU 71 that performs various calculations, a memory 72, and a timer 73. The functions of the voltage determination unit 207a, power outage detection unit 7b, temperature determination unit 7c, power control unit 7d, counting unit 7e, notification unit 7f, storage unit 7g, and standard setting unit 207h are realized by, for example, the CPU 71, memory 72, and timer 73. At this time, the memory 72 stores a program that, for example, relaxes the standard for determining that the battery 4 is in a normal state when the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold value compared to when the temperature of the battery 4 is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold value.

As in the first embodiment, the CPU 71 may be dedicated hardware. Also, each of the multiple functions of the control unit 207 may be realized by a separate control device. Also, multiple functions may be realized together by a single control device. Also, some of the functions of the control unit 207 may be realized by dedicated hardware and some by software or firmware.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the lighting device 100 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit 207 according to the second embodiment. Steps S1 and S2 are the same as steps S1 and S2 in the first embodiment. If the battery 4 is not in a low temperature state, the control unit 7 enables the abnormality determination at the first threshold in step S203, and starts turning on the light source at the steady LED output W1. In this way, when the temperature of the battery 4 is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold, the control unit 207 compares the voltage generated in the battery 4 with the predetermined first threshold to determine whether the battery 4 is in a normal state or an abnormal state.

When the battery 4 is in a low temperature state, the control unit 7 disables the abnormality determination at the first threshold in step S204 and starts turning on the light source at the steady LED output W1. This starts discharging the battery 4 as shown in FIG. 4. In this way, when the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold, the control unit 207 does not determine whether the battery 4 is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on the first threshold. This makes it possible to suppress erroneous detection during the period until the battery voltage reaches the first threshold.

As a result, even if the internal resistance of the battery 4 rises in a low-temperature environment, it is possible to prevent the life of the battery 4 from being erroneously detected. This also prevents the battery 4 from being erroneously detected as being in an abnormal state. In addition, because the power consumption of the light source unit 6 is constant, a predetermined brightness can be ensured from room temperature to high temperatures in particular.

As the discharge period progresses, the battery temperature rises. When the low temperature state of the battery 4 is released, the ambient temperature detection circuit 9 notifies the control unit 7 that the battery 4 is not in a low temperature state. The control unit 7 determines whether the battery 4 is in a low temperature state in step S5. If the battery 4 is not in a low temperature state, the control unit 207 enables the abnormality determination at the first threshold in step S206. If the battery 4 is in a low temperature state, the control unit 207 maintains the state in which the abnormality determination at the first threshold is disabled in step S207.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the first threshold is disabled has been shown. However, when the control unit 207 detects a power outage or pseudo power outage, the control unit 207 may relax the criteria for determining that the battery 4 is in a normal state when the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold, compared to when the temperature of the battery 4 is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold. This can prevent the battery 4 from being erroneously detected as being in an abnormal state in a low temperature state.

The control unit 207 may disable the first threshold and the second threshold, for example, in a low temperature state. This can suppress erroneous detection of the life and over-discharge of the battery 4. The control unit 207 may also lower the first threshold or the second threshold in a low temperature state compared to when the temperature is not low.

In addition, when the temperature of the battery 4 is lower than the low temperature threshold, the control unit 207 relaxes the criteria for determining that the battery 4 is in a normal state during a first period after the start of power supply from the emergency power supply circuit 5 to the light source unit 6, compared to a second period after the first period has elapsed. This makes it possible to prevent the battery 4 from being erroneously detected as being in an abnormal state during the first period, when the battery voltage is likely to drop significantly.

Embodiment 3.
Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lighting device 100 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit 7 according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the trigger for returning the light source power from power W2 to power W1 is different from that in the first embodiment. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Steps S1 to S4 are the same as in embodiment 1. In a low temperature state, step S4 starts lighting the light source unit 6 with power W2. In step S305, the counting unit 7e shown in FIG. 2 counts the elapsed time from the start of power supply from the emergency power circuit 5 to the light source unit 6. In step S6, the power control unit 7d switches the light source power from power W2 to power W1 when a first period T1 predetermined based on the count value of the counting unit 7e has elapsed. If the first period T1 has not elapsed, in step S7, the power control unit 7d maintains the light source power at power W2.

In this embodiment, too, the light source power is controlled to be low in low temperature conditions, and the drop in battery voltage can be suppressed. In other words, erroneous detection of the life and over-discharge of battery 4 can be suppressed. Therefore, erroneous detection that battery 4 is in an abnormal state can be suppressed.

The battery temperature rises as the battery is discharged. For example, a first period from the start of discharge until the low temperature state of the battery 4 is released is stored in advance in the memory unit 7g of the control unit 7. In this embodiment, when the battery 4 recovers from the low temperature state, power can be supplied at the steady LED output W1. In other words, an optimal power supply can be achieved as an emergency lighting device.

The technical features described in each embodiment may be used in any suitable combination.

1 Diode bridge, 2 Continuous power supply circuit, 3 Charging circuit, 4 Battery, 5 Emergency power supply circuit, 6 Light source unit, 7 Control unit, 7a Voltage discrimination unit, 7b Power outage detection unit, 7c Temperature discrimination unit, 7d Power control unit, 7e Count unit, 7f Notification unit, 7g Memory unit, 8 Power outage detection circuit, 9 Ambient temperature detection circuit, 10 Unit, 20 Lighting device, 21 Control IC, 22 Capacitor, 23 Transformer, 24 Switching element, 25 Resistor, 26 Capacitor, 27 Photocoupler, 28 Pseudo power outage detection circuit, 29 Diode, 30 Electrolytic capacitor, 31 Capacitor, 32 Zener diode, 35 Switching element, 36 Zener diode, 37 Resistor, 50 Inspection unit, 51 Capacitor, 52 Coil, 53 Diode, 54 Capacitor, 55 Switching element, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 Resistor, 72 Memory, 73 Timer, 100 Lighting device, 207 Control unit, 207a Voltage discrimination unit, 207h Reference setting unit, AC External power supply

Claims (14)

A battery;
a constant power supply circuit that receives power from an external power source and charges the battery;
an emergency power supply circuit that receives power from the battery and turns on a light source when the external power supply experiences a power failure or a pseudo-power failure ;
A control unit;
Equipped with
When the control unit detects the power outage or the pseudo power outage, when the temperature of the battery is lower than a predetermined low temperature threshold, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light source from the emergency power supply circuit to be lower than when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold ;
A lighting device characterized in that when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold, the power supplied from the emergency power circuit to the light source is set to be greater than or equal to the minimum light output guaranteed under lighting conditions in a high temperature environment . The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold, the control unit controls the power supplied from the emergency power circuit to the light source to a first power during a first period after the start of power supply from the emergency power circuit to the light source, and controls the power supplied from the emergency power circuit to the light source to a second power higher than the first power during a second period after the first period has elapsed. The lighting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the temperature of the battery becomes equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold while the power supplied from the emergency power circuit to the light source is set to the first power, the control unit switches the power supplied from the emergency power circuit to the light source to the second power. A battery;
a constant power supply circuit that receives power from an external power source and charges the battery;
an emergency power supply circuit that receives power from the battery and turns on a light source when the external power supply experiences a power failure or a pseudo-power failure;
A control unit that determines whether the battery is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on a voltage generated in the battery;
Equipped with
The control unit is
When the power outage or the pseudo power outage is detected, when the temperature of the battery is lower than a predetermined low temperature threshold, the power supplied from the emergency power supply circuit to the light source is controlled to be lower than when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold;
When the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold, during a first period after the start of power supply from the emergency power supply circuit to the light source, the power supplied from the emergency power supply circuit to the light source is controlled to a first power, and during a second period after the first period has elapsed, the power supplied from the emergency power supply circuit to the light source is controlled to a second power greater than the first power;
A lighting device characterized by counting the elapsed time from the start of power supply from the emergency power supply circuit to the light source, and switching the power supplied from the emergency power supply circuit to the light source from the first power to the second power when the predetermined first period has elapsed. The lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that the power supplied from the emergency power circuit to the light source when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold is set so as to satisfy the brightness standard of the light source within the operating temperature range of the lighting device. 6. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the emergency power supply circuit when it determines that the battery is in an abnormal state. 7. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when determining that the battery is in an abnormal state, notifies an outside party of the abnormality of the battery. The control unit is
a voltage determination unit that determines whether the battery is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on a voltage generated in the battery;
A power outage detection unit that detects the power outage or the pseudo power outage;
a temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold;
a power control unit that controls the power supplied from the emergency power supply circuit to the light source to be lower when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold value than when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold value;
The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: A battery;
a constant power supply circuit that receives power from an external power source and charges the battery;
an emergency power supply circuit that receives power from the battery and turns on a light source when the external power supply experiences a power failure or a pseudo-power failure ;
a control unit that determines that the battery is in a normal state when a voltage generated in the battery satisfies a predetermined standard during the power outage or the pseudo power outage ;
Equipped with
The control unit, when the temperature of the battery is above a predetermined low temperature threshold, compares the voltage generated in the battery with a predetermined threshold to determine whether the battery is in the normal state or the abnormal state, and when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold, does not determine whether the battery is in the normal state or the abnormal state based on the threshold, thereby relaxing the criteria for determining that the battery is in the normal state when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold compared to when the temperature of the battery is above the low temperature threshold . The lighting device according to claim 9, characterized in that, when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold, the control unit relaxes the criteria during a first period after the start of power supply from the emergency power circuit to the light source, compared to a second period after the first period has elapsed. 11. The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein the control unit stops the emergency power supply circuit when it determines that the battery is in an abnormal state. The lighting device according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the control unit, when determining that the battery is in an abnormal state, notifies an outside party of the abnormality of the battery. The control unit is
a voltage determination unit that determines that the battery is in the normal state when a voltage generated in the battery satisfies the criterion;
A power outage detection unit that detects the power outage or the pseudo power outage;
a temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold;
a criterion setting unit that, when the temperature of the battery is lower than the low temperature threshold, relaxes the criterion for determining that the battery is in the normal state compared to when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than the low temperature threshold;
The lighting device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising: A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ;
The light source;
A lighting device comprising:

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