JP4569112B2 - lighting equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting fixture that detects, for example, that the remaining life of a discharge lamp is short.

  Conventionally, various lighting fixtures of this type have been proposed and are commercially available. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses the following lighting device. As shown in the block diagram of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 12, the voltage across the filaments 900 and 901 in the discharge lamp 90 (hereinafter referred to as the filament voltage) is detected by the Vf level detection circuits 910 and 911. It is determined whether or not the emitter (electron emitting material) 901 is in a consumed state (hereinafter referred to as “emimiles”). Specifically, the Vf level detection circuits 910 and 911 each rectify and smooth the filament voltage and compare the obtained voltage level with the boundary value Th as shown in FIG. Alternatively, it is determined that the value at the time of Emires is a binary value. In the OR circuit 93 shown in FIG. 12, if at least one of the two Vf level detection circuits 910 and 911 detects Emires, it determines that Emires has occurred. If the output of the inverter circuit 92 that is the lighting circuit of the discharge lamp 90 is reduced or the operation is stopped based on this determination, the temperature rise of the discharge lamp 90 is suppressed, and the stress of the inverter circuit 92 is avoided to avoid the filament 900. , 901 can be prevented from being broken, and thus safety can be ensured.

As another example, Patent Literature 2 discloses the following illumination device. Observation of the lamp voltage and current of the high-pressure discharge lamp is started after a certain time (generally about 10 to 30 minutes) has elapsed after the start of lighting of the high-pressure discharge lamp. When the high-pressure discharge lamp is used for the first time, the observed lamp voltage is stored in the nonvolatile memory as the initial lamp voltage. When the lamp is not used for the first time, it is determined whether or not the lamp voltage is higher than a certain ratio with respect to the initial lamp voltage. Since the lamp voltage at the end of life generally increases with electrode consumption, if the lamp voltage rises by a certain percentage from the initial lamp voltage, it can be determined that the lamp life has expired. Prompt the user to replace the lamp. As described above, by comparing and informing the lamp voltage and the initial lamp voltage, the life of the high-pressure discharge lamp can be automatically detected and easily known.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-83697 (pages 4 to 8, FIG. 1 and FIG. 15) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-302976 (pages 6 to 10 and FIG. 1)

  However, like the above-mentioned conventional lighting device, the output of the inverter circuit may be lowered in order to reduce the stress on the inverter circuit due to the temperature rise of the discharge lamp (discharge lamp) and the filament breakage and to ensure safety. Since the operation is stopped, there has been a problem that the discharge lamp cannot play its original role, for example, the original brightness cannot be obtained or the lamp is not lit.

  Further, in the comparison between the lamp voltage of the discharge lamp (high pressure discharge lamp) and the initial lamp voltage, it is difficult to detect the life early because the difference between the lamp voltage and the initial lamp voltage is small until the end of the life is approached. There was also a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the object of the present invention is to accurately detect in advance that the remaining life of the discharge lamp is short and to reduce the output and operation of the discharge lamp. An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting apparatus that can prevent a stop and ensure a safe operation.

The invention according to claim 1 is a lighting fixture including an inverter circuit that converts a DC power source into a high frequency power source and a discharge lamp that is driven by being supplied with the high frequency power source. A lamp electric quantity detection unit for detecting the quantity at predetermined time intervals, and a comparison between a change amount of the electric quantity and a set value indicating a preset change quantity of the electric quantity within a stable operation range of the discharge lamp. A control unit that performs the inverter circuit, and a notification unit that notifies that the remaining life of the discharge lamp is short when the control unit obtains a comparison result in which the amount of change is greater than the set value. variation is characterized in that the a change amount per predetermined time interval of the discharge lamp stably lights the electrical amount detected at the time.

  In this structure, when the amount of change in the amount of electricity is larger than a set value indicating the amount of change in the amount of electricity set within the stable operation range, it is accurately detected in advance that the remaining life of the discharge lamp is short. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the output of the discharge lamp and stop the operation and to ensure a safe operation.

The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1 , the control unit stops or restricts the output of the high-frequency power when the notification is given by the notification unit. In this structure, since the control unit stops or restricts the high-frequency power output at the end of the life of the discharge lamp, it is possible to ensure a safe operation at the end of the lamp life.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the inverter circuit includes a data table holding a change characteristic of the electric quantity up to a standard remaining life, and the electric quantity. And a data accumulating unit for accumulating the amount of change, a comparison unit for comparing the change characteristic with the electric quantity or the amount of change, and a prediction for calculating a remaining life prediction value of the discharge lamp based on the comparison result A value calculation unit; a cumulative lighting time detection / calculation unit that detects a lighting time of the discharge lamp and calculates the cumulative lighting time; a luminous flux data table that holds a luminous flux decrease determination time; the cumulative lighting time; A light beam decrease determination unit that compares the light beam decrease determination time to determine whether or not a light beam decrease; and a set value arrival determination unit that inputs the remaining life prediction value and the light beam decrease determination result, The remaining life prediction value and at least one of said light flux decrease determination result, characterized in that the notification by the notification section when it is entered in. In this structure, since the notification is made in the case where the remaining life prediction value predicted based on the amount of change in the amount of electricity or the light beam decrease determination result, whichever is earlier, the accuracy of the notification can be improved and the user merit can be increased. .

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the notification unit is the discharge lamp, and blinks for a predetermined time when the discharge lamp is turned on for notification. It is characterized by notifying. In this structure, since the notification is made by the blinking state of the discharge lamp, other parts for notification are unnecessary, and the notification can be made inexpensively.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the notification unit is an LED night light composed of a plurality of LEDs, and the number of lighting of the LED is changed when the notification is made. And informing them. In this structure, when the remaining life of the discharge lamp is shortened, the number of LEDs that are turned on is changed according to the cumulative lighting time.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the notification unit is a bean bulb night light, and when the notification lamp is turned on, the bean bulb night light is turned on when the discharge lamp is turned on. It is characterized by lighting for a predetermined time and informing. In this structure, since the bean bulb nightlight is used for notification, it can be notified at low cost.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the notification unit is a buzzer, and the notification is performed by changing the sound of the buzzer when notifying. And In this structure, since the buzzer is used for notification, the notification can be made at a low cost.

Invention according to claim 8, in the invention of any one of claims 1-7, provided with a remote control transmitter unit and the remote control receiving unit for transmitting and receiving a control signal of the discharge lamp with radio waves, the control unit, When notifying by the notifying unit, each time the control signal is received by the remote control receiving unit operated by the remote control transmitting unit, the notifying unit is driven for a predetermined time and notified. . In this structure, the notification is made every time the remote control transmission unit is operated, so that the user's recognition level can be improved and the notification can be made reliably.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the notification unit includes a sound output unit, and when the notification is performed, the sound output unit is configured to turn on the discharge lamp. The notification is made by voice. In this structure, since it is possible to specifically notify that the remaining life of the discharge lamp is short by voice using voice output means in the notification section, even after a long period of time has elapsed after purchasing the lighting fixture, It is possible to reliably notify.

The invention described in claim 10 is the invention described in claim 9 , wherein an audio speaker is used as the audio output means. In this structure, since it is informed that the remaining life of the discharge lamp is short using an audio speaker, it is possible to reliably notify even in a wide place.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect in advance that the remaining life of the discharge lamp is short, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the output of the discharge lamp and stop the operation, thereby ensuring a safe operation.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the basic configuration of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting apparatus of Embodiment 1 includes an inverter circuit 2 that converts a DC power source 1 into a high-frequency power source, and a discharge lamp 3 that is driven by being supplied with the high-frequency power source. Then, the lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4 that detects the electricity quantity at the time of stable lighting of the discharge lamp 3 at predetermined time intervals, the amount of change of the electricity quantity, and the electricity quantity set in advance within the stable operation range of the discharge lamp 3 The inverter circuit 2 is provided with a control unit 5 that compares the set value indicating the amount of change in the inverter circuit 2, and the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short when the control unit 5 obtains a comparison result in which the change amount is greater than the set value. Is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a remote control transmission / reception unit 7 for operating the discharge lamp (fluorescent lamp 36 in FIG. 3) by radio waves is provided. The above-described components are installed in the instrument 8.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inverter circuit 2 includes a DC power source 1, a lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4, and a control unit 5. The DC power source 1 generates a DC voltage by a combination of an AC commercial power source (not shown) and an AC-DC converter (not shown), for example. Further, the inverter circuit 2 includes two switching elements 20 and 21. When the switching element 20 is open, the switching element 21 is closed, or vice versa, and the switching elements 20 and 21 are alternately opened and closed repeatedly. The DC voltage generated by the power supply 1 is converted into a rectangular voltage. The converted rectangular voltage is converted into a sinusoidal waveform voltage by the capacitors 22 and 23 and the coil 24, which are resonance circuits, and supplied to the discharge lamp 3.

  The discharge lamp 3 includes two filaments 30 and 31, and includes, for example, a fluorescent lamp (FHD) 36 (see FIG. 3) dedicated to a high frequency composed of an annular double tube. The discharge lamp 3 has unstable electric characteristics after starting lighting, and lights up stably after a certain period of time. The filaments 30 and 31 have a function of transferring electrons and a function of a heater, and the discharge lamp 3 is lit by a discharge between the filaments 30 and 31. Further, as a preheating means for the discharge lamp 3, for example, the inverter circuit 2 is provided with a winding preheat 32. In the winding preheating 32, preheating energy is supplied by the primary winding 32a and the capacitor 33, and is supplied from the secondary winding 32b to the filaments 30 and 31 of the discharge lamp 3 via the capacitors 34 and 35.

  The lamp electric quantity detection unit 4 detects, for example, an electric quantity such as a lamp voltage, a DC voltage, a DC voltage component of the lamp, or an emitter quantity at predetermined time intervals when the discharge lamp 3 is stably lit. When detecting the lamp voltage, the lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4 includes a lamp voltage detection unit 40 and a DC voltage detection unit 41 of the capacitor 22. The lamp voltage detection unit 40 includes resistors 400 and 401, and the DC voltage detection unit 41 includes resistors 410 and 411. The lamp voltage is detected from the voltage across the resistor 401 and the DC voltage is detected from the voltage across the resistor 411 and is output to the control unit 5. The lamp voltage and DC voltage are substantially constant when the cumulative lighting time is short, but rapidly increase as the cumulative lighting time becomes longer and the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 becomes shorter.

The control unit 5 is provided as a control microcomputer or a control circuit, for example, and inputs an electric quantity such as a lamp voltage from the lamp voltage detection unit 40 and a DC voltage from the DC voltage detection unit 41, for example. Then, before the protective operation such as the inverter circuit 2 by the lamp life begins, i.e., before the lamp voltage and the DC voltage reaches the Emiresu detection operation detection level, in advance stability and the amount of change in their respective of the lamp voltage and the DC voltage The voltage set within the operating range and the set value indicating the change amount of the DC voltage are compared. FIG. 2A shows standard characteristics of the lamp voltage and the DC voltage with respect to the cumulative lighting time. The Emires detection operation detection level is a voltage value in an Emires state in which the emitters of the filaments 30 and 31 (see FIG. 1) are consumed. The safe operation possible level is a voltage region lower than the Emiless detection operation detection level, and the inverter circuit 2 is in a range in which safe operation is possible without stress, so the discharge lamp 3 is normally lit. Before the protection operation of the inverter circuit 2 or the like due to the lamp life begins, that is, before the lamp voltage and the DC voltage reach the Emilees detection operation detection level, Detect the amount of change. FIG. 2 (b) is an enlarged view of the dotted circle in FIG. 2 (a), and shows the standard characteristics of the lamp voltage and DC voltage at the initial stage of transition from normal lighting to Emires. . The controller 5 will be described below with respect to the lamp voltage, but the DC voltage also exhibits similar characteristics. For example, ramp voltages V1, V2, V3, and V4 at times t1, t2, t3, and t4 are detected, and from these, changes ΔV1, ΔV2, and ΔV3 (ΔVi = [V (i + 1) −V ( i)] / [t (i + 1) -t (i)]). The control unit 5 compares these amounts of change with a set value ΔV set in advance within the stable operation range, and when any of ΔV1, ΔV2, and ΔV3 becomes greater than ΔV, the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short. And the notification unit 6 shown in FIG. 1 is driven and notified.

  The notification unit 6 includes, for example, a light-emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as an LED) nightlight 60 (see FIG. 3) or a buzzer 62 (see FIG. 3) used as a nightlight. As shown in FIG. 1, the notification unit 6 is driven by control based on the comparison result of the control unit 5, and notifies that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short by light or sound.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the remote control transmission / reception unit 7 includes a remote control transmission unit 70 and a remote control reception unit 71. The remote control transmitter 70 is provided with buttons (not shown) for controlling the discharge lamp (fluorescent lamp 36 in FIG. 3) to be turned on and off from a remote location, and a control signal corresponding to each button is transmitted by radio waves. A remote control signal is transmitted to the remote control receiver 71. The remote control receiving unit 71 receives a remote control signal from the remote control transmission unit 70, and the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) controls the discharge lamp (fluorescent lamp 36 in FIG. 3) according to the received signal. When the operation by the remote control transmission / reception unit 7 is normally performed, for example, the buzzer 62 performs sound notification (hereinafter referred to as an answer back operation).

  In addition, the remote control receiving unit 71 resets, for example, when setting a channel for specifying a lighting fixture, by an operation from the remote control transmission unit 70 or manually, and a discharge lamp (Fig. 3). An initial reset of the notification unit (LED nightlight 60, buzzer 62 in FIG. 3) can also be performed at the timing of replacement of the fluorescent lamp 36).

  The appliance 8 includes a discharge lamp (fluorescent lamp 36 in FIG. 3), a notification unit (LED nightlight 60, buzzer 62 in FIG. 3), and a lighting circuit A. The lighting circuit A includes an inverter circuit 2 (see FIG. 1). For example, when a fluorescent lamp 36 dedicated to high frequency consisting of an annular double tube is installed in a circular instrument 8, the instrument 8 holds the fluorescent lamp 36 concentrically, and an LED night light 60, buzzer in the center. 62, a remote control receiver 71 and a lighting circuit A are arranged.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4 that detects an electricity quantity at the time of stable lighting of the discharge lamp 3 at predetermined time intervals, a change amount of a lamp voltage and a DC voltage, and a discharge lamp. The inverter circuit 2 includes a control unit 5 that compares a preset value indicating the amount of change in the lamp voltage and the DC voltage set in advance within the stable operation range 3, and the control unit 5 determines whether the lamp voltage or the DC voltage is It is characterized by comprising a notification unit 6 for notifying that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short when the comparison result is larger than the set value.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. A DC voltage from the DC power source 1 is converted into a high frequency power source by the inverter circuit 2. The discharge lamp 3 is turned on by this high frequency power source. During lighting, the lamp voltage detection unit 40 and the DC voltage detection unit 41 detect the lamp voltage and the DC voltage and output them to the control unit 5. Hereinafter, the lamp voltage will be described, but the DC voltage also exhibits the same characteristics.

  In the control unit 5, a set value ΔV (for example, ΔV1 <ΔV <ΔV2) indicating a change amount of the lamp voltage is set in advance, and the change amounts ΔV1, ΔV2 of the lamp voltage calculated as described above from FIG. Compare with ΔV3. Normally, the lamp voltage does not change so much until Emires approaches, and since the lamp voltage rises abruptly after approaching the end of the lamp life, normal lighting is performed between time t1 and t2, and ΔV1 is small. As the state approaches, ΔV2 and ΔV3 increase in order. Since ΔV1 is smaller than ΔV and is not notified, ΔV2 is larger than ΔV. Therefore, at this stage, it is determined that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 shown in FIG.

  As described above, although the change in the level of the lamp voltage is small, it is accurately detected that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short by calculating the amount of change over time.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the change amount of the lamp voltage or the change amount of the DC voltage detected by the lamp electric quantity detection unit 4 is within the stable operation range before the protection operation of the inverter circuit 2 or the like by the lamp life starts. Is notified when it is larger than a set value indicating the amount of change in lamp voltage or the amount of change in DC voltage, so that it is possible to accurately detect in advance that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short. Can be prepared, and a safe operation can be ensured by preventing a decrease in the output of the discharge lamp 3 and an operation stop.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the inverter circuit 2, the discharge lamp 3, the lamp electric quantity detection unit 4, the control unit 5, and the notification unit 6 shown in FIG. There are some features that are not described below. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 5 changes the amount of change in either the lamp voltage or the DC voltage that is preset within the stable operation range. Is to stop or limit the high-frequency power supply output to the switching elements 20 and 21 of the inverter circuit 2.

  Further, as another characteristic part, the lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4 and the control unit 5 having the above-described function are combined into one circuit configuration (a dotted line range surrounding the lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4 and the control unit 5 in FIG. 4). It is to become.

  The difference of the operation of the second embodiment from the first embodiment will be described. The control unit 5 compares the amount of change in the lamp voltage with a preset value of the amount of change in the lamp voltage that is preset within the stable operation range, and the amount of change in the DC voltage and the direct current that is preset within the stable operation range. Compare with the set value of voltage change. The control unit 5 drives the notifying unit 6 when at least one of a comparison result in which the amount of change in lamp voltage is greater than the above set value and a comparison result in which the amount of change in DC voltage is greater than the above set value is obtained. Thus, it is notified that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short, and the switching operation of the switching elements 20 and 21 is controlled to limit the output of the high frequency power source such as intermittent oscillation. Further, when at least one of the voltages becomes high at the end of the life of the discharge lamp 3 and becomes an Emires state, the output of the high frequency power supply is stopped. If it is not the above comparison result, the discharge lamp 3 is normally lit without limiting or stopping the output of the high frequency power source.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, since the control unit 5 stops or restricts the high-frequency power output at the end of the life of the discharge lamp 3, it is possible to ensure a safe operation at the end of the lamp life. Moreover, since the lamp electric quantity detection unit 4 and the control unit 5 having the above-described function are combined into one, the configuration can be simplified.

(Embodiment 3)
The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the inverter circuit 2, the discharge lamp 3, the lamp electric quantity detection unit 4, the control unit 5, and the notification unit 6 shown in FIG. There are some features that are not described below. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the inverter circuit 2 (see FIG. 1) stores and holds the change characteristics of the lamp voltage and the DC voltage with respect to the time until the standard remaining life, for example, in a memory. A data table 51, a data accumulating unit 52 for accumulating respective variations of the lamp voltage and the DC voltage detected by the lamp electric quantity detection unit 4, a variation characteristic, and respective variations of the lamp voltage and the DC voltage. And a predicted value calculation unit 54 that calculates a predicted remaining life value of the discharge lamp 3 (see FIG. 1) based on the comparison result of the comparison unit 53. Further, a cumulative lighting time detection / calculation unit 55 that detects the lighting time of the discharge lamp 3 (see FIG. 1) and calculates the cumulative lighting time, and a luminous flux decrease determination time set as a level at which the luminous flux decreases below the rated life. Is stored in, for example, a memory or the like, and the light flux reduction determination unit 57 that compares the accumulated lighting time and the light flux reduction determination time to determine whether or not the light flux reduction is performed. A set value arrival determination unit 58 for inputting the remaining life prediction value calculated based on the comparison result and the light flux decrease determination result; Then, when at least one of the remaining life prediction value and the light flux decrease determination result is input in the set value arrival determination unit 58, the set value arrival determination unit 58 drives the notification unit 6 to discharge the discharge lamp 3 (see FIG. 1). ) Notify that remaining life is short.

  The difference of the operation of the third embodiment from the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the comparison unit 53 receives the lamp voltage and the DC voltage from the lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4, the cumulative lighting time from the cumulative lighting time detection / calculation unit 55, and the lamp for each cumulative lighting time. The amount of change in each of the voltage and the DC voltage is output to the data storage unit 52. When at least one of the lamp voltage and the DC voltage starts to change and rise, the comparison unit 53 stores the amount of change in the lamp voltage or DC voltage stored in the data storage unit 52 and the memory and the like until the lamp life is reached. A comparison is made with the data table 51 holding the standard characteristic of the variation. Based on this comparison result, the predicted value calculation unit 54 predicts a remaining life predicted value representing how long the lamp life will be from the start of rising in the form of back calculation from the change characteristics.

  Further, the light beam decrease determination unit 57 compares the accumulated lighting time with the light beam data table 56 stored in the memory or the like and holding the light beam decrease determination time, and determines whether or not the light beam decrease due to the elapse of the lighting time.

  When at least one of the light flux decrease determination result and the remaining life predicted value by the predicted value calculation unit 54 described above is input to the set value arrival determination unit 58, the set value arrival determination unit 58 drives the notification unit 6 to discharge the discharge lamp 3. Notify that the remaining life (see FIG. 1) is short.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short when the remaining life prediction value predicted based on the amount of change of either the lamp voltage or the direct current voltage or the light flux decrease determination result is earlier. Since this is notified in advance, the accuracy of the notification can be improved and the user merit can be increased.

  As a modification of the third embodiment, the lamp voltage and the DC voltage detected by the lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4 are accumulated in the data accumulation unit 52, and the comparison unit 53 starts to increase as the lamp voltage or the DC voltage changes. The remaining life prediction value may be predicted by comparing the lamp voltage or DC voltage stored in the data storage unit 52 with the standard characteristics of the data table 51 up to the lamp life.

  As another modification of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 (see FIG. 1) is short only by the remaining life prediction value predicted by the prediction value calculation unit 54. Then, the notification unit 6 may be driven to notify.

(Embodiment 4)
The fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the inverter circuit 2, the discharge lamp 3, the lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4, and the control unit 5 shown in FIG. There is a characteristic part described in. In the fourth embodiment, the notification unit 6 is the discharge lamp 3 (see FIG. 1), and the control unit 5 sets a lamp voltage in which the change amount of either the lamp voltage or the DC voltage is set in advance within the stable operation range. Alternatively, when a comparison result greater than the set value of the amount of change in either one of the DC voltages is obtained, the discharge lamp 3 blinks for a predetermined time when the discharge lamp 3 is turned on to notify that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short.

  Differences from the first embodiment regarding the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described. The control unit 5 compares the amount of change in the lamp voltage with a preset value of the amount of change in the lamp voltage that is preset within the stable operation range, and the amount of change in the DC voltage and the direct current that is preset within the stable operation range. Compare with the set value of voltage change. When the control unit 5 obtains at least one of a comparison result in which the amount of change in the lamp voltage is greater than the above set value and a comparison result in which the amount of change in the DC voltage is greater than the above set value, the discharge lamp 3 is controlled. Driven by the control of the unit 5, when it is turned on, it first flashes for a predetermined time and then turns on. If it is not the above comparison result, the discharge lamp 3 is lit without blinking.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is informed that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short due to the blinking state of the discharge lamp 3, so that no other parts for notification are required, and the notification can be made inexpensively.

  As a modification of the fourth embodiment, the discharge lamp 3 may blink once when it is turned on. In this operation, notification can be made in a short time.

(Embodiment 5)
The fifth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the inverter circuit 2, the discharge lamp 3, the lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4, and the control unit 5 shown in FIG. There is a characteristic part described in. In Embodiment 5, as shown to Fig.7 (a), the alerting | reporting part is the LED nightlight 60 which consists of several LED60a-60i (for example, nine pieces), Comprising: Control part 5 (FIG. 1) with which the lighting circuit A is equipped. In the case of obtaining a comparison result in which the change amount of either the lamp voltage or the DC voltage is larger than the preset value of the change amount of either the lamp voltage or the DC voltage within the stable operation range, It is notified that the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is shortened by changing the lighting number of the LEDs 60a to 60i according to the cumulative lighting time.

  Differences from the first embodiment regarding the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described. The control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) compares the amount of change in the lamp voltage of the fluorescent lamp 36 with a set value of the amount of change in the lamp voltage set in advance within the stable operation range, and also compares the DC voltage of the fluorescent lamp 36. The amount of change is compared with a set value of the amount of change in DC voltage set in advance within the stable operation range. When the control unit 5 obtains at least one of a comparison result in which the amount of change in the lamp voltage is greater than the above set value and a comparison result in which the amount of change in the DC voltage is greater than the above set value, the LED night light 60 is controlled. Driven by the control of the unit 5 (see FIG. 1), for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, only the LED 60a is lit at first, and the LED 60a is lit when the cumulative lighting time becomes longer, that is, when the remaining life becomes shorter. The LED 60b lights up as it is. As described above, the LED night-light 60 increases the number of LEDs 60a to 60i that are turned on as the cumulative lighting time becomes longer and the remaining life becomes shorter. If it is not the above comparison result, the LED night light 60 shown in FIG. 7A is not turned on, and the fluorescent lamp 36 is turned on.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, when the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is shortened, the number of lighting of the LEDs 60a to 60i is changed according to the cumulative lighting time. It is possible to make a notification to grasp.

  As a modification of the fifth embodiment, the LED night-light 60 may notify by reducing the number of LEDs 60a to 60i that are turned on as the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 becomes shorter.

As another modification of the fifth embodiment, the LED night light 60 includes only one LED, and the control unit 5 has a lamp voltage change amount larger than the set value or a DC voltage change amount described above. When a comparison result larger than the set value is obtained, the controller 5 may be turned on or off to notify that the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is short. With this structure, it is possible to notify at a lower cost (Embodiment 6).
The sixth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that it includes the inverter circuit 2, the discharge lamp 3, the lamp electric quantity detection unit 4, and the control unit 5 shown in FIG. There is a characteristic part described in. In Embodiment 6, as shown to Fig.8 (a), an alerting | reporting part is the existing bean bulb nightlight 61 used for a nightlight, Comprising: A lamp | ramp in the control part 5 (refer FIG. 1) with which the lighting circuit A is equipped. When a comparison result is obtained in which the amount of change in either the voltage or the direct current voltage is greater than the preset value of the amount of change in either the lamp voltage or the direct current voltage within the stable operating range, When the light is turned on, the night light 61 is turned on for a predetermined time to notify that the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is short.

  Differences from the first embodiment regarding the operation of the sixth embodiment will be described. The control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) compares the amount of change in the lamp voltage of the fluorescent lamp 36 with a set value of the amount of change in the lamp voltage set in advance within the stable operation range, and also compares the DC voltage of the fluorescent lamp 36. The amount of change is compared with a set value of the amount of change in DC voltage set in advance within the stable operation range. When the control unit 5 obtains a comparison result in which the change amount of the lamp voltage is smaller than the above set value and the change amount of the DC voltage is smaller than the above set value, the fluorescent lamp 36 is in the normal lighting state, so FIG. As shown in b), the bean bulb night light 61 is not lit but the fluorescent lamp 36 is lit. In contrast, the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) obtains at least one of a comparison result in which the amount of change in lamp voltage is greater than the above set value and a comparison result in which the amount of change in DC voltage is greater than the above set value. In this case, since the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is short, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the fluorescent lamp 36 is turned on, the bean bulb night-light 61 is driven by the control by the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) for a certain period of time. Light. Then, at the same time as the bean bulb night light 61 is turned off, the fluorescent lamp 36 is turned on.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, since the existing bean bulb night light 61 is used for notification that the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is short, it can be notified at low cost.

(Embodiment 7)
The seventh embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the inverter circuit 2, the discharge lamp 3, the lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4, and the control unit 5 shown in FIG. There is a characteristic part described in. In the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the notification unit is an existing buzzer 62 that performs an answer back operation with the LED nightlight 60, and the lamp voltage in the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) provided in the lighting circuit A. Or when a comparison result is obtained in which the amount of change in one of the DC voltages is greater than the preset value of the amount of change in either the lamp voltage or the DC voltage set in advance within the stable operating range The sound is changed to notify that the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is short.

  Differences from the first embodiment regarding the operation of the seventh embodiment will be described. The control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) compares the amount of change in the lamp voltage of the fluorescent lamp 36 with a set value of the amount of change in the lamp voltage set in advance within the stable operation range, and also compares the DC voltage of the fluorescent lamp 36. The amount of change is compared with a set value of the amount of change in DC voltage set in advance within the stable operation range. When the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) obtains at least one of a comparison result in which the amount of change in lamp voltage is greater than the above set value and a comparison result in which the amount of change in DC voltage is greater than the above set value, the LED The night light 60 and the buzzer 62 are driven by the control of the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1), the LED night light 60 is turned on, and the buzzer 62 performs, for example, a scale change, a melody output or a voice output. If it is not the above comparison result, the LED night light 60 and the buzzer 62 are not driven and the fluorescent lamp 36 is turned on.

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, since the existing buzzer 62 is used for notification that the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is short, it can be notified at low cost.

(Embodiment 8)
The eighth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the inverter circuit 2, the discharge lamp 3, the lamp electric quantity detection unit 4, the control unit 5, and the notification unit 6 shown in FIG. There are some features that are not described below. In the eighth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a remote control transmission / reception unit 7 including a remote control transmission unit 70 and a remote control reception unit 71 that transmit and receive a control signal of the fluorescent lamp 36 by radio waves is provided. The control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) provided in the lighting circuit A has a change amount of either the lamp voltage or the DC voltage that is preset within a stable operation range. When a comparison result larger than the set value is obtained, the LED night light 60 or the buzzer 62 is driven for a predetermined time every time the remote control transmission unit 70 is operated.

  The difference of the operation of the eighth embodiment from the first embodiment will be described. The control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) compares the amount of change in the lamp voltage of the fluorescent lamp 36 with a set value of the amount of change in the lamp voltage set in advance within the stable operation range, and also compares the DC voltage of the fluorescent lamp 36. The amount of change is compared with a set value of the amount of change in DC voltage set in advance within the stable operation range. When the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) obtains at least one of a comparison result in which the amount of change in lamp voltage is greater than the above set value and a comparison result in which the amount of change in DC voltage is greater than the above set value, the LED The night light 60 or the buzzer 62 is driven by control by the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1), and not only notifies the set time by sound or light, but also a button for turning on or off the fluorescent lamp 36 provided in the remote control transmission unit 70 Whenever is pressed, notification is performed or notification is performed intermittently for a certain period of time.

  As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, since it is notified that the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is short every time when the remote control transmission unit 7 is operated, the degree of recognition of the user can be improved and the notification can be made reliably.

  As a modification of the eighth embodiment, the remote control transmission unit 70 includes a button (not shown) for informing the LED nightlight 60, and the LED nightlight 60 is controlled by the control unit 5 (FIG. 1) each time the button is pressed. It may be notified by being driven and turned on. In this structure, it is possible to check at any time whether or not the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is short using the remote control transmission / reception unit 7.

  As another modification of the eighth embodiment, the remote control transmission unit 70 includes a button (not shown) for informing the buzzer 62, and each time the button is pressed, the buzzer 62 controls the control unit 5 (FIG. 1). It may be notified by outputting sound by being driven by (see). Even with this structure, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

(Embodiment 9)
The ninth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the inverter circuit 2, the discharge lamp 3, the lamp electricity quantity detection unit 4, and the control unit 5 shown in FIG. There is a characteristic part described in. In the ninth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, an audio speaker 63 is provided as a notification unit.

  The control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) provided in the lighting circuit A compares the amount of change in the lamp voltage of the fluorescent lamp 36 with a set value of the amount of change in the lamp voltage set in advance within the stable operation range, and the fluorescence. The amount of change in the direct current voltage of the lamp 36 is compared with a preset value of the amount of change in the direct current voltage within the stable operation range. When the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) obtains at least one of a comparison result in which the amount of change in lamp voltage is greater than the above set value and a comparison result in which the amount of change in DC voltage is greater than the above set value, The audio speaker 63 is driven when the fluorescent lamp 36 is lit.

  The audio speaker 63 notifies the user as a voice message so that the user can easily understand that the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is short. When the above comparison result is not obtained, the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) does not drive the audio speaker 63, and thus the above audio message is not output before the fluorescent lamp 36 is lit.

  As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, it is possible to specifically notify that the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 is short by voice message using the voice speaker 63. Even after the time has elapsed, the user can be surely notified. Moreover, since the audio speaker 63 is used, it is possible to reliably notify even in a wide place.

  As a modification of the ninth embodiment, a sound other than the sound speaker 63 may be output as a notification unit. Even in such a configuration, since it is specifically informed that the remaining life of the fluorescent lamp 36 has been shortened by a voice message, even after a long period (several years) has passed since the purchase of the lighting fixture, It is possible to reliably notify the user.

( Reference example )
The reference example is the same as that of the first embodiment in that it includes the inverter circuit 2, the discharge lamp 3, the control unit 5, and the notification unit 6 shown in FIG. There is a part. In the reference example , as illustrated in FIG. 11, the inverter circuit 2 includes a cumulative lighting time detection / calculation unit 55 and a cumulative blinking number detection / calculation unit 59 connected to the control unit 5.

  The cumulative lighting time detection / calculation unit 55 detects the lighting time every time it blinks in the steady state of the discharge lamp 3, calculates the cumulative lighting time as the cumulative lighting time, and outputs it to the control unit 5. The cumulative flashing number detection / calculation unit 59 detects every time that the discharge lamp 3 is switched from OFF to ON (ON to OFF) in a steady state, calculates the detected number of times as the cumulative flashing number, and outputs it to the control unit 5. .

  The control unit 5 inputs the cumulative lighting time from the cumulative lighting time detection / calculation unit 55 and inputs the cumulative flashing number from the cumulative flashing number detection / calculation unit 59. The controller 5 compares the cumulative lighting time with a preset set time, and compares the cumulative number of flashes with a preset set number of times. As the preset time, for example, an average value of the times obtained by measuring the time when the decrease in luminous flux occurs less than the rated life for the other plurality of discharge lamps is used. The preset number of times is, for example, an average value of the cumulative number of blinks obtained by measuring the cumulative number of blinks until a decrease in luminous flux occurs below the rated life for a plurality of other discharge lamps. Is used. When the control unit 5 obtains at least one of a comparison result in which the cumulative lighting time is longer than the set time and a comparison result in which the cumulative number of blinks is greater than the set number, the control unit 5 drives the notification unit 6 to perform the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3. Informs that is short. When the control unit 5 does not obtain the comparison result, the control unit 5 does not drive the notification unit 6 and thus is not notified.

As described above, according to the reference example, when at least one of the cumulative lighting time and the cumulative number of flashes exceeds the set value, it is possible to detect in advance with high accuracy that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the output of the discharge lamp 3 and an operation stop and ensure a safe operation. Further, the circuit configuration can be simplified as compared with the case where the amount of electricity of the discharge lamp 3 is detected. As mentioned above, the lighting fixture of a reference example can make a user merit high.

As a modification of the reference example , the inverter circuit 2 includes only the cumulative lighting time detection / calculation unit 55, and the control unit 5 compares the cumulative lighting time with a preset set time, When a comparison result longer than the set time is obtained, the notification unit 6 may be driven to notify that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to accurately detect in advance that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the output of the discharge lamp 3 and stop the operation and to ensure a safe operation. Further, the circuit configuration can be simplified as compared with the case where the amount of electricity of the discharge lamp 3 is detected.

As another modified example of the reference example , the inverter circuit 2 includes only the cumulative flashing number detection / calculation unit 59, and the control unit 5 compares the cumulative flashing number with a preset number of times to perform cumulative flashing. If the comparison result is greater than the set number, the notification unit 6 may be driven to notify that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to accurately detect in advance that the remaining life of the discharge lamp 3 is short, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the output of the discharge lamp 3 and stop the operation and to ensure a safe operation. Further, the circuit configuration can be simplified as compared with the case where the amount of electricity of the discharge lamp 3 is detected.

  As a modification of any of the fourth to ninth embodiments, the control unit 5 detects at least one of the remaining life prediction value calculated from the lamp voltage of the discharge lamp 3 (fluorescent lamp 36) and the light flux decrease determination result. Thus, it may be determined whether the discharge lamp 3 (fluorescent lamp 36) is normally lit or has a short remaining life. In this operation, the accuracy of notification can be further increased.

In addition, as a modification of any of Embodiments 1 to 9 or the reference example , the notification by the notification unit 6 may be set at a certain time and performed in an intermittent operation. This operation improves the user's recognition and can be notified with certainty.

It is a circuit block diagram of the lighting fixture of Embodiment 1 by this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing same as the above, (a) is a figure which shows the lamp voltage and DC voltage with respect to accumulation lighting time, (b) is an enlarged view of the dotted-line circle mark of (a). It is a block diagram same as the above. It is a circuit block diagram of the lighting fixture of Embodiment 2 by this invention. It is a block diagram of the lighting fixture of Embodiment 3 by this invention. It is another block diagram same as the above. It is a figure which shows the lighting fixture of Embodiment 5 by this invention, Comprising: (a) is a block diagram, (b) is lighting operation explanatory drawing of LED nightlight. It is a figure which shows the lighting fixture of Embodiment 6 by this invention, Comprising: (a) is a block diagram, (b) is a lighting operation explanatory drawing of the bean bulb nightlight at the time of normal lighting, (c) is the remaining life shortened. It is lighting operation explanatory drawing of the bean ball nightlight. It is a block diagram of the lighting fixture of Embodiment 7 by this invention. It is a block diagram of the lighting fixture of Embodiment 9 by this invention. It is a circuit block diagram of the lighting fixture of a reference example . It is a circuit block diagram of a prior art example. It is a figure explaining the principle of operation same as the above.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 DC power supply 2 Inverter circuit 3 Discharge lamp 4 Lamp electric quantity detection part 5 Control part 51 Data table 52 Data storage part 53 Comparison part 54 Predicted value calculation part 55 Accumulated lighting time detection and calculation part 56 Light flux data table 57 Light flux fall judgment part 58 Set value arrival determination unit 59 Cumulative blinking number detection / calculation unit 6 Notification unit 60 LED night-light 60a-60i LED
61 Bean bulb night light 62 Buzzer 63 Audio speaker 70 Remote control transmitter 71 Remote control receiver

Claims (10)

An inverter circuit for converting a DC power source into a high frequency power source;
A lighting fixture comprising a discharge lamp that is driven by being supplied with the high-frequency power,
A lamp electricity quantity detector for detecting the electricity quantity at the time of stable lighting of the discharge lamp at predetermined time intervals;
The inverter circuit includes a control unit that compares the amount of change in the amount of electricity and a set value indicating the amount of change in the amount of electricity set in advance within a stable operation range of the discharge lamp,
A notification unit for notifying that the remaining life of the discharge lamp is short when the change amount obtained by the control unit is greater than the set value;
The amount of change, luminaires, wherein a change amount per predetermined time interval of the discharge lamp stably the electric quantity detected at the time of lighting.   The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops or restricts the output of the high-frequency power when the notification unit notifies. The inverter circuit is
A data table holding the change characteristics of the quantity of electricity up to the standard remaining life;
A data storage unit for storing the amount of electricity and the amount of change;
A comparison unit that compares the change characteristic with the amount of electricity or the amount of change;
A predicted value calculation unit for calculating a remaining life predicted value of the discharge lamp based on the comparison result;
A cumulative lighting time detection / calculation unit for detecting the lighting time of the discharge lamp and calculating the cumulative lighting time;
A luminous flux data table holding a luminous flux decrease judgment time;
A light flux reduction determination unit that compares the cumulative lighting time and the light flux reduction determination time to determine whether or not a light flux reduction;
A set value arrival determination unit for inputting the remaining life prediction value and the luminous flux decrease determination result;
3. The lighting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the at least one of the predicted remaining life value and the light flux decrease determination result is input to the set value arrival determination unit, the notification unit notifies the setting value arrival determination unit.   The said notification part is the said discharge lamp, Comprising: When it notifies, it blinks for the predetermined time when the said discharge lamp lights, and it alert | reports, The lighting fixture in any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification unit is an LED night light composed of a plurality of LEDs, and when the notification is made, the number of lighting of the LEDs is changed.   The said notification part is a bean ball nightlight, Comprising: When notifying, when the said discharge lamp lights, the said bean ball nightlight is lighted for a predetermined time, and it alert | reports, The illumination in any one of Claims 1-5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Instruments.   The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a buzzer, and when the notification is performed, the sound of the buzzer is changed and notified. A remote control transmitter and a remote control receiver for transmitting and receiving the control signal of the discharge lamp by radio waves,
When the control unit is notified by the notification unit, the control unit is operated by the remote control transmission unit, and every time the control signal is received by the remote control reception unit, the notification unit is driven and notified for a predetermined time. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7.   The lighting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the notification unit includes a sound output unit, and when the notification is performed, the sound output unit notifies the sound by the sound output unit when the discharge lamp is turned on.   The lighting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein an audio speaker is used as the audio output unit.

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