DESCRIPTION
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
LIGHTING SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to a lighting system in
which an EL device is used as a light source.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
In an electroluminescence (EL) device, a light emitter
having a light emitting layer arranged between a positive
electrode and a negative electrode is formed on a transparent
substrate. When a voltage is applied to between the above
electrodes, the EL device emits light by excitons generated by
recombination of electrons, which are injected into the light
emitting layer as carriers, and holes.
[0003]
EL devices can be broadly classified into organic EL
devices having a light emitting layer of an organic compound
and inorganic EL devices having a light emitting layer of an
inorganic compound. Especially, an organic EL device can emit
light of high intensity at a low voltage, can provide various
emission colors depending on the type of organic compound, and
can be easily manufactured as a flat light emitting panel.
Therefore, the use of it as a light source in a lighting apparatus
has recently attracted attention.
[0004]
There is known a light emitting apparatus using this kind

of EL device wherein a light emitting panel using an EL device
and a circuit board that controls the lighting of the light
emitting panel are mounted in a case for modularization (see, for
example, Patent Document 1).
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
PATENT DOCUMENT
[0005]
Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No.
Hei 10-189239
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0006]
However, the light emitting apparatus disclosed in the
above Patent Document 1 requires wiring for power supply
when it is installed on a wall surface or other mounting surface,
which may affect the appearance of the light emitting apparatus.
On the other hand, if the wiring is covered with a building
material or the like so as not to impair the appearance of the
light emitting apparatus, a residential space may be limited.
Further, in a lighting system using multiple EL units, a power
supply, which supplies power to the EL units, and a controller,
which transmits and receives control information and other
communication signals from the EL units, are individually
provided and connected to the respective EL units in different
paths. In such a case, space for wiring both a power supply
line and an information line is needed inside the wall or ceiling,
and for securing the space, the residential space may be limited.
Further, since the wiring is complicated, special skills and
man-hours are needed for the installation and it is not easy for
an end user to install and maintain the system, which makes it

difficult for this kind of lighting system to be installed in an
average house.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above
described problems. An object of the present invention is to
provide a lighting system that allows wiring space in a
residential space to be reduced and that can be easily installed
and allows the light source to be easily replaced.
MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS
[0008]
In order to solve the above described problems, the
present invention includes: an EL unit having a light emitter; a
holding frame that holds the EL unit; and a control unit that
controls lighting of the EL unit, wherein the holding frame
includes a rail-shaped conductive member, and power and
communication signals are transmitted between the control unit
and the EL unit through the conductive member.
[0009]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the EL unit has
a controller that controls light-emitting state of the light emitter
in response to the communication signals from the control unit.
[0010]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the control unit
has a power supply that transmits power to the conductive
member.
[0011]
Preferably, the above lighting system includes a pair of
protection units that is disposed at both ends of the holding
frame and protects the conductive member, wherein the control
unit is mounted in one of the protection units.

[0012]
Preferably, the above lighting system includes a case unit
that is held by the holding frame, wherein the control unit is
mounted in the case unit.
[0013]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the holding
frame includes a cover member that is disposed over the
conductive member and is movable, and the conductive member
is exposed with respect to the EL unit by moving the cover
member.
[0014]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the holding
frame has an elongated shape and includes a pair of linear
recesses extending to both the ends of the holding frame in its
longitudinal direction, and the EL unit includes a pair of
projections, which is to be engaged with the linear recesses, on a
surface of the EL unit facing the holding frame and is held on
the holding frame by engagement of the projections with the
linear recesses.
[0015]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the holding
frame has an elongated shape and includes a hook formed on
one of edge portions extending along its longitudinal direction
and a recess formed in the other of edge portions; the hook is
slidable while being biased in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction; and the EL unit includes, on a surface
thereof facing the holding frame, a hooked portion that is to be
engaged with the hook and a projection that is to be engaged
with the recess, and the EL unit is held on the holding frame by
engagement of the projection with the recess and by engagement

of the hooked portion with the hook.
[0016]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the holding
frame has an elongated shape and includes a pair of recesses
formed in two edge portions extending along its longitudinal
direction; and the EL unit includes a pair of projections, which is
to be engaged with the recesses, on a surface thereof facing the
holding frame, and one of the pair of projections is slidable while
being biased in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the holding frame, and the EL unit is held on the
holding frame by engagement of the one of the pair of projections
with the recess and by engagement of the other of the pair of
projections with the recess.
[0017]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the EL unit
includes a fixed portion protruding toward the holding frame on
a surface of the EL unit facing the holding frame; the fixed
portion has a pair of claws that is slidable while being biased in
directions perpendicular to the protruding direction; the holding
frame has a receiving portion, which is to be engaged with the
claws, at a position corresponding to the fixed portion; and the
EL unit is held on the holding frame by engagement of the pair
of claws with the receiving portion.
[0018]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the EL unit
includes a fixed portion protruding toward the holding frame on
a surface of the EL unit facing the holding frame; the fixed
portion has a pair of claws that is slidable while being biased in
directions perpendicular to the protruding direction; the holding
frame has an elongated shape and includes a linear receiving

portion that extends to both the ends of the holding frame in its
longitudinal direction and is configured to be engaged with the
claws; and the EL unit is held on the holding frame by
engagement of the pair of claws with the linear receiving
portion.
[0019]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the EL unit and
the holding frame are connected by a wire.
[0020]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the control unit
and the EL unit authenticate each other, and when the EL unit
is authenticated, the control unit supplies power to the EL unit.
[0021]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the control unit
outputs a warning signal when the EL unit is removed from the
holding frame.
[0022]
Preferably, in the above lighting system, the control unit
does not output the warning signal when administrative
information is entered by an administrator.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0023]
According to the present invention, since the connection
between the control unit and the EL unit is made by the
conductive member provided on the holding frame which holds
the EL unit, space for wiring in a residential space can be
reduced. Further, simply by attaching the EL unit and the
control unit to the holding frame mounted on a mounting
surface, they are connected. Therefore, without special skills, a
resident can install the lighting system as appropriate and can

easily replace the EL unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting system according
to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the lighting system;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting
system;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a protection unit (front cap)
used in the lighting system;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an EL unit used in the
lighting system;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view for illustrating the size of the
EL unit;
FIG. 7 is an end view of the lighting system;
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a modified
example of the lighting system;
FIG. 9 shows an operation flow of the lighting system;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation flow
of the lighting system;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation flow of
the lighting system;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation flow
of the lighting system;
FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram showing the wiring path
in a conventional lighting system, and FIG. 13B is a schematic
diagram showing the wiring path in the lighting system
according to the above embodiment;
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a modified
example of the lighting system;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the modified example;
FIG. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of
another modified example of the lighting system;
FIG. 17 is a top view of a holding frame used in the
modified example;
FIGs. 18Aand 18B are side views of the modified example
viewed from its end;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a holding frame used in a
lighting system according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an EL unit used in the
lighting system;
FIGs. 21A and 21B are side views of the lighting system
viewed from its end;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a holding frame used in a
lighting system according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an EL unit used in the
lighting system;
FIGs. 24A and 24B are side views of the lighting system
viewed from its end;
FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a modified
example of the lighting system;
FIG. 26 is a top view of a holding frame used in the
modified example;
FIGs. 27A and 27B are side views of the modified example
viewed from its end;
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an EL unit used in a
lighting system according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a holding frame used in
the lighting system;
FIGs. 30A and 30B are side views of the lighting system
viewed from its end;
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a holding frame used in a
modified example of the lighting system;
FIGS. 32A and 32B are partially enlarged views of the
holding frame;
FIG. 33 is an enlarged end view of a conductive member
and a feeding terminal in the modified example;
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an EL unit used in a
lighting system according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a holding frame used in
the lighting system;
FIG. 36 is an enlarged perspective view of a fixed portion
and a linear receiving portion that are used in the lighting
system;
FIGs. 37A and 37B are side views of the lighting system
viewed from its end;
FIG. 38 is an end view of a lighting system according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 39 shows an operation flow of a lighting system
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation flow
of the lighting system; and
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation flow
in a modified example of the lighting system.
MODES FOR CAERYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0025]

Referring to FIGs. 1 to 13, a lighting system according to
a first embodiment of the present invention is described. As
shown in FIG. 1, the lighting system 1 of this embodiment
includes an EL unit 2 having a light emitter 20 using an organic
EL device, a holding frame 3 that holds the EL unit 2, and a
control unit 4 that controls the lighting of the EL unit 2. The
holding frame 3 includes a rail-shaped conductive member 30.
The conductive member 30 transmits power and communication
signals between the control unit 4 and the EL unit 2. Further,
at both ends of the holding frame 3, a pair of protection units 5
is provided in order to protect the ends of the conductive
member 30. The protection units 5 include a front cap 51 that
is attached to one end of the holding frame 3 and an rear cap 52
that is attached to the other end. In the example shown in the
figure, the single EL unit 2 is provided for the single holding
frame 3, but the lighting system 1 of this embodiment allows
multiple EL units 2, to each of which an address is assigned, to
be provided for a single holding frame 3. Further, the control
unit 4 can control the lighting of the multiple EL units 2
separately. The holding frame 3 shown in the same figure is
twice as long as the EL unit 2, but practically a longer one may
be used and multiple holding frames 3 may be connected and
used.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 4 includes a power
supply 41 that converts commercial power to a predetermined
direct current, a main controller 42 that controls electric power
to be transmitted to the light emitter 20 and communication
information, and a main transmitter-receiver 43 that is
controlled by the main controller 42 and transmits the electric

power and the communication information to the conductive
member 30. In this embodiment, the control unit 4 is mounted
in the front cap 51 (one of the protection units 5). When the
front cap 51 is attached to the one end of the holding frame 3,
the main transmitter-receiver 43 comes in contact with the
conductive member 30 so that they are electrically connected.
The power supply 41 is composed of- an AC/DC converter
including a switching power supply; a transformer; and so on,
and produces a current to be transmitted to the conductive
member 30. The power supply 41 may further include a
secondary battery, which converts an alternating current
supplied from the commercial power supply into a direct current
and stores it. Alternately, without connection to the
commercial power supply, a general-purpose battery, which is
replaced as needed, may be used. Since the power supply 41 is
mounted in the control unit 4, the system configuration is simple,
thereby enabling an end user to install the lighting system 1
easily. The main controller 42 includes a control and storage
devices such as a general-purpose CPU and a memory. This
main controller 42 recognizes the EL unit 2 held on the holding
frame 3 and controls the main transmitter-receiver 43 so that a
predetermined power is supplied to the EL unit 2. At this time,
so-called power line communication, in which communication
signals for data transmission with a high frequency carrier are
superimposed on DC voltage, is performed. Based on the power
line communication, communication information including a
power use state, such as power consumption and opertating time
of the EL unit 2, is transmitted to control the EL unit 2. The
main transmitter-receiver 43 has a voltage control circuit, an
inverter circuit, and so on, and under the control of the main

controller 42, transmits the direct current, on which the
communication information is superimposed, to the conductive
member 30. Further, the control unit 4 includes an interface
(not shown) in which an administrator inputs administrative
information such as address information and dimming
information for the EL unit 2 used in the system.
[0027]
The holding frame 3 has the rail-shaped conductive
member 30 extending to both the ends to which the front cap 51
and the rear cap 52 are attached. For the conductive member
30, a conductive metal sheet such as copper foil sheet is used.
One surface of the conductive member 30 is exposed partially or
entirely toward the EL unit 2, and the exposed portion serves as
a feeding point for the EL unit 2. Although the conductive
member 30 is shown as a piece of sheet-like member in the
example of the figure, a positive electrode wire and a negative
electrode wire are provided side by side to be isolated from each
other.
[0028]
In addition to the light emitter 20, the EL unit 2 includes
a panel controller 21 that controls the light-emitting state of the
light emitter 20 and a panel transmitter-receiver 22 that is
electrically connected to the conductive member 30. The light
emitter 20 includes a light-emitting portion (not shown) in which
a positive electrode made of transparent conductive film, a light
emitting layer having a light emitting function, and a
light-reflective negative electrode are formed, in this order, on a
rectangular light transmissive substrate, and the outer side of
the light emitting portion is covered with a seal. In this
embodiment, an organic EL device using an organic light

emitting material for the light emitting layer is preferably used.
In the light emitter 20, electrode extraction terminals 20a (see
FIG. 5 described later) are provide on a surface opposite to the
light emitting surface through an auxiliary electrode or the like,
corresponding to each of the above positive and negative
electrodes. The panel controller 21 is configured by mounting
various components, such as a general-purpose microprocessor, a
memory, and a transformer circuit, on a circuit board, and
directly controls the light-emitting state of the light emitter 20
in response to the power from the conductive member 30 and the
communication signals from the control unit 4. Further, it
transmits information such as the address and configuration of
the EL unit 2 (light emitter 20) to the main controller 42 in the
control unit 4. The panel transmitter-receiver 22 includes a
connection terminal that comes in contact with the conductive
member 30, and electrically connects the conductive member 30
and the panel controller 21.
[0029]
Next, the structural features of the holding frame 3, the
protection units 5 (the front cap 51 and the rear cap 52), the EL
unit 2, and so on that make up the lighting system 1 are
described. As shown in FIG. 3, the holding frame 3 is an
elongated member and has a pair of linear projections 32 formed
along the longitudinal direction at the center of one side of a
fixed surface 31, which is to be fixed to a mounting surface such
as an indoor wall or a building material. The conductive
member 30 is disposed on the bottom of a linear recess
sandwiched by the pair of linear projections 32. As described
above, a copper foil sheet is used for the conductive member 30,
and preferably, the surface thereof is plated with silver or the

like for prevention of adhesion. The other side of the fixed
surface 31, which is not provided with the conductive member 30,
is formed as a smooth surface. The edges of the fixed surface
31 protrude in the lateral direction of the holding frame 3 to
form a flange-like shape (see FIG. 7 described later). This can
make it easy to distinguish between the front and back surfaces
of the holding frame 3 at the time of installation and can
increase the area of contact between the fixed surface 31 and a
mounting surface, thus improving mounting stability.
[0030]
Two edge portions 33 of the holding frame 3 stand
vertically from the fixed surface 31, and are formed to have a
thickness thicker than that of the linear projections 32 and a
predetermined width. The two edge portions 33 are stepped to
have higher outside edges, and the outside edges come in contact
with the edges of the back surface of the EL unit 2. On the
other hand, at each of the inside edges of the two edge portions
33, a linear recess 33a is formed to extend to both the ends in
the longitudinal direction of the holding frame 3. The pair of
linear recesses 33a is arranged in the two edge portions 33 of the
holding frame 3 so as to be symmetrical with respect to the
conductive member 30. In the respective end faces of the two
edge portions 33, screw holes 34 are formed for insertion of
screws that secure the front cap 51 and the rear cap 52. In the
fixed surface 31 of the holding frame 3 except for the conductive
member 30, the linear projections 32, and the two edge portions
33, holes (not shown) for insertion of screws or the like for
securing the holding frame 3 to a mounting surface are formed
at predetermined intervals. The holding frame 3 is made of, for
example, a plastic material such as ABS resin, acrylic resin, or

polystyrene resin, or a metallic material such as insulated
aluminum.
[0031]
The end faces of the front cap 51 and the rear cap 52 that
come in contact with the holding frame 3 are formed to have
shapes corresponding to the respective ends of the holding frame
3. Their thickness (height from a mounting surface) is
substantially the same as that of the thickest parts of the two
edge portions 33 of the holding frame 3. Further, in the end
faces of the front cap 51 and the rear cap 52, through holes 53
and 54 are formed so as to communicate with the screw holes 34
in the holding frame 3. By tightening screws (not shown)
inserted through the through holes 53, 54 into the screw holes
34, the front cap 51 and the rear cap 52 are connected to the two
ends of the holding frame 3, respectively. The method of
connecting them is not limited to the screw fixation described
above, as long as it is possible to attach and remove the front cap
51 and the rear cap 52 from the holding frame 3 as appropriate.
For example, they may be connected by springs or the like. The
edges of the front cap 51 and the rear cap 52 facing a mounting
surface protrude to form a flange-like shape and to be
continuous with the two edge portions of the holding frame 3.
This can make it easy to distinguish between the two sides of
the front cap 51 and the rear cap 52 at the time of connection to
the holding frame 3.
[0032]
The front cap 51 of this embodiment is a case-shaped
member having a predetermined width in the direction in which
the holding frame 3 is connected and, as shown in FIG. 4, it has
a holder 55 in which the control unit 4 is mounted. The front

cap 51 is provided with a contact 44 for input and output of
signals, extending from the inside of the holder 55 toward one
end that is to be connected to the holding frame 3. The contact
44 is in contact with the main transmitter-receiver 43 (see FIG.
2) of the control unit 4 mounted in the holder 55. Further, the
contact 44 is formed so as to protrude slightly from the end of
the front cap 51 and comes in contact with the conductive
member 30 of the holding frame 3 when the front cap 51 is
connected to the holding frame 3. Thereby, the main
transmitter-receiver 43 of the control unit 4 (see FIG. 2) is
electrically connected through the contact 44 to the conductive
member 30 of the holding frame 3. Like the conductive
member 30, this contact 44 is plated with silver or the like for
prevention of adhesion. At the one end of the front cap 51 that
is connected to the holding frame 3, two locating holes 56 are
formed to interpose the contact 44 therebetween. At the end of
the holding frame 3, locating pins (not shown) are provided so as
to extend from the linear projections 32. With engagement of
the locating pins and the locating holes 56, the holding frame 3
and the front cap 51 are positioned to each other. The through
hole 53 is provided with a countersink 57, which has a larger
diameter, formed at the other end opposite to the one end that is
connected to the holding frame 3, and the head of a screw is held
in the countersink 57. This can prevent exposure of the screw
head, thus improving the appearance.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 5, the EL unit 2 has a case 23 that
holds the light emitter 20. The front surface of the case 23 is
light transmissive and is formed as a surface to guide light from
the light emitter 20. The back surface of the case 23 (surface

facing the holding frame 3) has a recess 24 that holds the panel
controller 21 (see FIG. 2), a guide block 25 in which a feeding
terminal 22a provided on the panel transmitter-receiver 22 is
enclosed, and an opening 26 through which the electrode
extraction terminal 20a of the light emitter 20 is exposed.
Further, in this embodiment, a pair of projections 27 that is to be
engaged with the linear recesses 33a of the holding frame 3 is
formed on the back surface of the case 23. Wiring gutters are
provided between the guide block 25 and the recess 24, and
between the recess 24 and the opening 26, respectively. The
guide block 25 is formed to have a size to be received between
the pair of linear projections 32 of the holding frame 3. The
feeding terminal 22a is arranged so that its tip protrudes
slightly from the guide block 25, and is biased in the direction of
protrusion. Like the contact 44 and the conductive member 30,
the feeding terminal 22a is also plated with silver or the like for
prevention of adhesion. The case 23 is made of, for example, a
plastic material or a metallic material like the holding frame 3.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 6, the EL unit 2 is, for example, a
square of 150 mm X 150 mm. Thus, when four EL units 2 are
arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and 2 columns, the size is a
square of 300 mm X 300 mm, which is the standard panel size
of building materials. In other words, this size allows the
lighting system 1 to blend in with building materials and can
create a visual effect so that a resident feels there is no lighting
apparatus and the wall or ceiling is shining.
[0035]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7
described above, the EL unit 2 is held on the holding frame 3 by

sliding and inserting the EL unit 2 from the end of the holding
frame 3, so that the projections 27 of the EL unit 2 are engaged
with the linear recesses 33a of the holding frame 3. At this
time, the feeding terminal 22a of the EL unit 2 comes in contact
with the conductive member 30 of the holding frame 3, so that
they are electrically connected. Since the projections 27 and
the guide block 25 of the EL unit 2 are guided by the linear
recesses 33a and the linear projections 32 of the holding frame 3,
respectively, the EL unit 2 is held slidably along the longitudinal
direction of the holding frame 3. Then, by attaching the front
cap 51 to one end of the holding frame 3 with the EL unit 2 held
in the predetermined position on the holding frame 3, the control
unit 4 in the front cap 51 and the EL unit 2 are electrically
connected through the conductive member 30. Further, by
attaching the rear cap 52 to the other end of the holding frame 3,
the ends of the conductive member 30 can be protected. In this
manner, the lighting system 1 is installed. With this
configuration, the EL unit 2 can be attached in any position
where the elongated holding frame 3 is installed, and thus a
resident can freely arrange illuminated space to be realized by
the lighting system 1. For replacement of the EL unit 2, the
resident may slide the EL unit 2 along the holding frame 3 after
removing either the front cap 51 or the rear cap 52, and detach it
from the end of the holding frame 3.
[0036]
Some of standard panels of building materials for walls
and ceilings are 12 mm thick. The holding frame 3 and the EL
unit 2 are formed so as to have a thickness of 12 mm or less
when the EL unit 2 is held on the holding frame 3. The
thickness, 12 mm or less, of the holding frame 3 and the EL unit

2 can prevent the EL unit 2 from protruding when they are
incorporated in a building material, and thus can improve the
feeling of spaciousness and create a visual effect so that a
resident feels the building material (wall) itself is shining.
[0037]
On the holding frame 3, the area where the EL unit 2 is
not held may be covered with a case unit 58 formed to have the
substantially same shape as the EL unit 2 as shown in FIG. 8.
This case unit 58 is a so-called dummy case to cover the
conductive member 30 and other components of the holding
frame 3. By providing it, the appearance of the lighting system
1 can be improved. Other components except for the EL unit 2,
e.g. a human sensor, may be mounted in the case unit 58. Like
the EL unit 2, this kind of components may be also connected to
the control unit 4 through the conductive member 30 of the
holding frame 3 and incorporated in the lighting system 1.
[0038]
Referring now to FIGs. 9 to 12 in addition to FIG. 2
described above, the operation pattern of the lighting system 1 of
this embodiment is described. As shown in FIG. 9, the lighting
system 1 repeats (1) a monitoring (detection) phase, (2) an
authentication and configuration phase, and (3) a feeding phase
periodically and steadily between the control unit 4 and the EL
unit 2, whereby communication and power supply are performed.
The monitoring (detection) phase (1) is a phase where the
control unit 4 monitors the connection state of the EL unit 2
connected to the conductive member 30 and detects the
connection. In this phase, the control unit 4 outputs the
detection signals through the conductive member 30. The
detection signals contain information such as frequency

modulation, power capacity, and current change in
communication signals transmitted from the control unit 4.
When the EL unit 2 receives the above detection signals through
the conductive member 30, it outputs acknowledge signals to the
control unit 4. When the control unit 4 receives the
acknowledge signals, the lighting system 1 proceeds to (2)
authentication and configuration phase. Note that, in the
control unit 4, the main controller 42 controls the main
transmitter-receiver 43 to perform the transmission and
reception of these signals and, in the EL unit 2, the panel
controller 21 controls the panel transmitter-receiver 22 to
perform it. However, the transmission and reception is
described here as being performed by the control unit 4 and the
EL unit 2.
[0039]
When EL unit 2 is not held on the holding frame 3 or
when the EL unit 2 is not properly connected to the conductive
member 30, no acknowledge signal is transmitted from the EL
unit 2. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10, when receiving no
acknowledge signal within a predetermined period of time after
the transmission of detection signals, the control unit 4
determines that power cannot be supplied to the conductive
member 30, and proceeds to (2) authentication and configuration
phase when receiving acknowledge signals.
[0040]
The (2) authentication and configuration phase is a phase
where the control unit 4 recognizes the address and
configuration of the EL unit 2 in which the connection state has
been checked in the above (1) monitoring (detection) phase. In
this phase, acknowledge signals are first output from the control

unit 4 through the conductive member 30 to the EL unit 2.
In response to the acknowledge signals, the EL unit 2 outputs, to
the control unit 4, information such as the address assigned to
the EL unit itself and the rated current of the light emitter 20
mounted in the EL unit 2. Such information (packets) are
written to the memory (main controller 42) in the control unit 4.
When receiving such information, the control unit 4 recognizes
that the EL unit 2 is compatible with the lighting system 1.
Then, the lighting system 1 proceeds to (3) feeding phase. On
the other hand, if a medium connected to the conductive member
30 is present, when the medium is not compatible with the
lighting system 1, the above described information is not
transmitted or received. In this case, authentication of the EL
unit 2 is not performed and, as shown in FIG. 11, the control
unit 4 determines that power cannot be supplied to the
conductive member 30.
[0041]
The (3) feeding phase is a mode where a predetermined
direct current is actually supplied from the control unit 2 to turn
on the EL unit 2. In this phase, information such as the
operating (lighting) time of the light emitter 20 mounted in the
EL unit 2 is provided by the EL unit 2. As shown in FIG. 12,
the control unit 4 determines whether or not the operating time
of the light emitter 20 exceeds the rated run time (lifetime), and
if the operating time exceeds the rated run time, the control unit
4 makes a notification that replacement of the EL unit 2 is
recommended. For example, this notification is made by
causing the EL unit 2, which needs to be replaced, to flash at
predetermined intervals. Since the emission lifetime of an
organic EL device generally depends on time degradation of the

organic material used in the light emitting layer and the
luminance gradually decreases, it may be difficult for a resident
(administrator) to notice that. Thus, the lighting system 1
notifies the resident of the time for replacement of the EL unit 2
by causing the EL unit 2 to flash, as if a conventional fluorescent
lamp is burned out, when the lifetime is exceeded. Then, when
the EL unit 2 is detached, the notification is removed. When
the EL unit 2 is not detached, the above notification is
performed again at predetermined intervals. Further, even if
the EL unit 2 is not detached, an administrator can remove the
above notification as appropriate or arbitrarily set the
notification interval by operating the interface provided on the
control unit 4.
[0042]
In a conventional lighting system, a power supply (o),
which supplies power to lighting loads (A) such as EL units, and
a controller (□), which transmits and receives communication
signals such as control information for the lighting loads, are
provided separately and connected to the lighting loads in
different paths as shown in FIG. 13(a). In this case, space for
wiring of both a power supply line and an information line is
needed inside a wall or ceiling, and for securing the space, the
residential space may be limited. Further, since the wiring is
complicated, special skills and man-hours are needed for the
installation. On the other hand, in the lighting system 1 of this
embodiment, the control unit 4 and the EL unit 2 are electrically
connected through the conductive member 30 provided on the
holding frame 3, which holds the EL unit 2, and power and
communication information are transmitted through the
conductive member 30 between the units (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).

More particularly, as shown in FIG. 13(b), a power supply (o),
which supplies power to lighting loads (∆) such as EL units, and
a controller (□), which transmits and receives communication
signals such as control information for the lighting loads, are
integrated. Further, they are connected to the lighting loads in
the same path. Moreover, since the conductive member 30
provided on the holding frame 3, which holds the EL unit 2,
serves as the wiring, the space for wiring as needed in the
conventional system is not required and thus spacious residental
space can be realized. Further, simply by fixing the holding
frame 3 to a mounting surface and attaching the EL unit 2 and
the control unit 4 to the holding frame 3, they are connected.
Therefore, without special skills, a resident can install the
lighting system 1 as appropriate and can easily replace the EL
unit 2.
[0043]
Further, a conventional power supply line only
continuously applies a constant voltage to a lighting load while
an information line only provides simple instructions for on/off of
electricity, dimming, and so on. Therefore, in a lighting system
with advanced functionality where lighting effects can be
achieved using multiple lighting loads, particular settings for
each lighting load needs to be made at the time of installation.
For the settings, certain know-how and skill are required for the
installation, and it is not easy to use this kind of lighting system
in an ordinary house, office, or the like. On the other hand, in
the lighting system 1 of this embodiment, a power supply line
and an information line are integrated into signals from the
single control unit 4, and detailed dimming control of each EL
unit 2 is performed by the panel controller 21 (see FIG. 2)

provided in the EL unit 2 on the terminal side. Accordingly, it
is not necessary to make particular settings for each EL unit 2,
and thus even an end user, who does not have the know-how, can
easily install and replace the EL unit 2.
[0044]
Further, in the lighting system 1 of this embodiment, the
conductive member 30 is formed at the center of the holding
frame 3 along the longitudinal direction. As compared to a
configuration where a conductive member 30 (a positive
electrode wire and a negative electrode wire) is formed at the
two edge portions 33 of a holding frame 3, this configuration
reduces the distance between the electrode wires and thus can
reduce noise generation. Moreover, even in the case where
multiple holding frames 3 are arranged at regular intervals on a
mounting surface, conductive members 30 provided on adjacent
holding frames 3 are avoided from nearing to each other, so that
a certain distance therebetween can be secured. Thus, when
power and communication information are transmitted, they are
less likely to be affected by noise from another conductive
member 30, so that the control unit 4 can stably control the
lighting of the EL unit 2.
[0045]
Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, a lighting system
according to a modified example of this embodiment is described.
As shown in FIG. 14, in the lighting system 1 according to this
modified example, the area on a holding frame 3 where an EL
unit 2 is not held is covered with a case unit 58, like the
configuration shown in FIG. 8 described above, and a control
unit 4 is mounted in the case unit 58. A front cap 51 is
attached to an end of the holding frame 3 to isolate and protect

the end of a conductive member 30, and a member similar to the
above described rear cap 52 is used. Further, as shown in FIG.
15, a power supply 41 is provided outside the control unit 4.
The other configuration is similar to that of the above described
embodiment.
[0046]
Since the control unit 4 is mounted in the case unit 58
held on the holding frame 3, this modified example is preferable
in the case where a mounting surface has no space for arranging
a front cap 51, which has the size shown in the above described
embodiment, in the direction of the end of the holding frame 3.
Further, in this modified example, since the power supply 41 is
located away from the holding frame 3 and the EL unit 2, the
holding frame 3 and the EL unit 2 are less likely to be affected
by heat from the power supply 41.
[0047]
Referring to FIG. 16 to FIG. 18, a lighting system
according to another modified example of this embodiment is
described. As shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, a holding frame 3
in the lighting system 1 according to this modified example
includes a cover member 35a that is disposed over a conductive
member 30 and is movable. In this modified example, one of a
pair of linear projections 32 is provided with a hinge mechanism
36a. Through the hinge mechanism 36a, the cover member
35a is disposed so as to cover the upper surfaces of the pair of
linear projections 32 as well as the conductive member 30. The
hinge mechanism 36a causes the cover member 35a to be
pivotable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the holding frame 3. The hinge mechanism 36a is
biased by a spring member mounted therein (not shown) and

causes the cover member 35a to rest at the position where the
conductive member 30 is covered. When the cover member 35a
is pivoted against the bias direction, the conductive member 30
is exposed with respect to an EL unit 2.
[0048]
In this modified example, when the EL unit 2 is not held
on the holding frame 3, the cover member 35a is positioned to
cover the conductive member 30 as shown in FIG. 18(a). Then,
an installation worker pivots the cover member 35a by a finger
and, in this state, slides and inserts the EL unit 2 from the end
of the holding frame 3. Thereby, the EL unit 2 is held on the
holding frame 3 while the feeding terminal 22a of the EL unit 2
and the conductive member 30 are electrically connected as
shown in FIG. 18(b). In place of the hinge mechanism 36a, a
slide mechanism, which moves the cover member 35a
horizontally, may be provided.
[0049]
With this configuration, since the area on the holding
frame 3 where the EL unit 2 is not held is covered with the cover
member 35a as shown in FIG. 16 described above, the
conductive member 30 can be protected from dust and the like.
Further, the area on the holding frame 3, where the EL unit 2 is
not held, is not necessary to be covered with a dummy case unit
58 as shown in FIG. 8 described above. By using it together
with the cover member 35a in this modified example, the
conductive member 30 can be more reliably protected from dust
and the like.
[0050]
Referring now to FIGs. 19 to 21, a lighting system
according to a second embodiment of the present invention is

described. As shown in FIG. 19, a holding frame 3 in the
lighting system 1 of this embodiment has an elongated shape
and includes a hook 38 formed on an edge portion 33b ( one of
two edge portions 33) along its longitudinal direction and a
recess 33d formed in an edge portion 33c (the other of two edge
portions 33). The hook 38 is partially embedded in the edge
portion 33b and is configured to be slidable while being biased in
a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the
holding frame 3. Further, the hook 38 includes a hook portion
38a exposed toward the inside of the edge portion 33b, a biasing
spring 38b that biases the hook portion 38a toward the edge
portion 33b of the holding frame 3, and a push button 38c
exposed toward the outside of the edge portion 33b. Further, a
conductive member 30 is embedded in a fixed surface 31, and
only part of the member that corresponds to the area where an
EL unit 2 is mounted is exposed. In an area adjacent to the
exposed portion of the conductive member 30, there is no linear
projection 32 of the holding frame 3.
[0051]
Corresponding to the above holding frame 3, the EL unit
2 in the lighting system 1 of this embodiment includes a hooked
portion 27a, which is to be engaged with the hook 38, on the
surface thereof facing the holding frame 3 as shown in FIG. 20.
The other configuration is similar to that of the first
embodiment described above.
[0052]
Next, how to mount the EL unit 2 on the holding frame 3
in this embodiment is described. First, as shown in FIG. 21(a),
the push button 38c at the edge portion 33b of the holding frame
3 is pressed to slide the hook portion 38a toward the conductive

member 30. In this state, the projection 27 of the EL unit 2 is
pushed into the recess 33d of the holding frame 3 for
engagement while the hooked portion 27a is engaged with the
hook portion 38a of the hook 38. Then, when the push button
38c is released, the hook portion 38a is pulled toward the edge
portion 33b by the biasing spring 38b and, as shown in FIG.
21(b), the hooked portion 27a of the EL unit 2 and the hook
portion 38a of the hook 38 are connected. Thereby, the EL unit
2 is held on the holding frame 3. Since the linear projection 32
of the holding frame 3 is not formed in the area adjacent to the
guide block 25 of the EL unit 2 (see FIG. 19), there is no contact
between the guide block 25 and the linear projection 32 when
the EL unit 2 is mounted, so that the projection 27 of the EL
unit 2 can be smoothly pushed into the recess 33d of the holding
frame 3. The recess 33d may be provided with an elastic
member (not shown) for prevention of backlash. In order to
remove the EL unit 2 from the holding frame 3, the hook portion
38a of the hook 38 and the hooked portion 27a are disengaged by
pressing the push button 38c like the mounting process
described above. In this state, by raising the end of the EL unit
2 that is provided with the hooked portion 27a, the EL unit 2 can
be easily removed from the holding frame 3.
[0053]
This configuration allows the EL unit 2 to be easily
attached to and removed from the holding frame 3 without
removing the front cap 51 or the rear cap 52 (see FIG. l) from
the holding frame 3.
[0054]
Referring now to FIGs. 22 to 24, a lighting system
according to a third embodiment of the present invention is

described. As shown in FIG. 22, a holding frame 3 in the
lighting system 1 of this embodiment has an elongated and
icludes a pair of recesses 33e formed in two edge portions 33
along the longitudinal direction. In each of the recesses 33e, a
push tool 33f is embedded. This push tool 33f is formed so that
it can only slide inward from the edge portion 33 of the holding
frame 3.
[0055]
Further, an EL unit 2 includes a pair of projections 27,
which is to be engaged with the recesses 33e of the holding
frame 3, on the surface facing the holding frame, and one of the
pair of projections 27 is configured to be slidable while being
biased in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction
of the holding frame 3. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 23,
the one of the projections 27 is provided with a protrusion 27b
that protrudes toward one of the pair of recesses 33e of the
holding frame 3, and the protrusion 27b can slide while being
biased in the protruding direction. The other configuration is
similar to that of the second embodiment described above.
[0056]
Next, how to mount the EL unit 2 on the holding frame 3
in this embodiment is described. First, as shown in FIG. 24(a),
the protrusion 27b of the EL unit 2 is inserted in the one of
recesses 33e of the holding frame 3 while the EL unit 2 is
slightly inclined. Then, as shown in FIG. 24(b), the other
projection 27 is engaged with the other of recesses 33e of the
holding frame 3 while the protrusion 27b is pushed in the
direction opposite to the biasing direction. When the
installation worker releases the hand from the EL unit 2, a
repulsive force is generated between the protrusion 27b and the

recess 33e by the spring biasing. This repulsive force acts in a
direction so that the projections 27 of the EL unit 2 push the
pair of recesses 33e of the holding frame, which are opposite,
and expand therebetween. Thereby, the EL unit 2 is held on
the holding frame 3. In order to remove the EL unit 2 from the
holding frame 3, the projection 27 (protrusion 27b) of the EL
unit 2 and the recess 33e are disengaged by pressing the push
tool 33f. In this state, by raising the end provided with the
projection 27 (protrusion 27b) that faces the pressed push tool
33f, the EL unit 2 can be easily removed from the holding frame
3.
[0057]
Like the second embodiment described above, this
configuration allows the EL unit 2 to be easily attached to and
removed from the holding frame 3 without removing a front cap
51 or an rear cap 52 (see FIG. l) from the holding frame 3.
[0058]
Referring to FIGs. 25 to 27, a lighting system according to
a modified example of this embodiment is described. As shown
in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, in the lighting system 1 according to this
modified example, a conductive member 30 is covered with a
cover member 35b of which double doors are opened from its
center. In this modified example, a pair of linear support
projections 32a is provided on both sides of the exposed portion
of the conductive member 30, and the distance between the pair
of linear support projections 32a is slightly larger than the
distance between a pair of linear projections 32a. The double
doors of cover members 35b are pivotally supported by hinge
mechanisms 36b provided respectively on the upper surfaces of
the linear support projections 32a. The hinge mechanisms 36b

are configured to bias the cover members 35b into the closed
positions by spring. The other configuration is similar to that
of the third embodiment described above.
[0059]
In this modified example, when no EL unit 2 is attached to the
holding frame 3, the conductive member 30 is covered with the
cover members 35b by the spring biasing of the hinge
mechanisms 36b as shown in FIG. 27(a). When an EL unit 2
is attached to the holding frame 3, a guide block 25 of the EL
unit 2 presses down the cover member 35b, so that the cover
member is parallel to the inner faces of the linear support
projections 32a as shown in FIG. 27(b).
[0060]
Like the modified example shown in FIG. 16 described
above, this configuration allows the conductive member 30 to be
protected from dust and the like because the conductive member
30 at a place on the holding frame 3 where the EL unit 2 is not
held is covered with the cover members 35b.
[0061]
Referring now to FIGs. 28 to 30, a lighting system
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is
described. As shown in FIG. 28, an EL unit 2 in the lighting
system 1 of this embodiment includes a fixed portion 28, which
protrudes toward a holding frame 3, on the surface of the EL
unit 2 facing the holding frame 3. The fixed portion 28 has a
pair of claws 28a that can slide while being biased in directions
perpendicular to the protruding direction. The fixed portion 28
is cylindrical in shape, and the pair of claws 28a is arranged so
as to protrude symmetrically from the outer surface of the tip
end of the fixed portion 28 and is biased in opposite directions.

The claws 28a are formed so as to be tapered in the protruding
directions. On both edges of the EL unit 2, support blocks 27c
are formed. The support block 27c comes in contact with a
fixed surface 31 of the holding frame 3 and maintains a relative
position between the holding frame 3 and the EL unit 2 in the
thickness direction.
[0062]
On the other hand, the holding frame 3 has a receiving
portion 39, in which the claws 28a are to be received, at a
position corresponding to the fixed portion 28 of the EL unit 2 as
shown in FIG. 29. The receiving portion 39 is a cylindrical
member whose inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter
of the fixed portion 28 and is smaller than the distance between
the tips of the pair of claws 28a biased. Further, in the inner
periphery of the receiving portion 39, a recess 39a in which the
claw 28a is caught is formed (see FIG. 30). The recess 39a is
tapered to correspond to the shape of the claw 28a. Further,
the part of the receiving portion 39, which is in contact with the
fixed surface 31, is also provided with a spring 39b (FIG. 30(b)).
In this embodiment, there is no linear recess 33a in two edge
portions 33 of the holding frame 3. The other configuration is
similar to that of the first embodiment described above.
[0063]
Next, how to mount the EL unit 2 on the holding frame 3
in this embodiment is described. First, as shown in FIG. 30(a),
the back surface of the EL unit 2 is positioned to face a front
surface of the holding frame 3 to which the EL unit 2 is to be
attached. Then, the EL unit 2 is pressed down in a direction
perpendicular to the holding frame 3. Since the claw 28a is
formed to have the tapered shape, the claw 28a is pressed into

the fixed portion 28 when it comes in contact with the opening of
the cylindrical receiving portion 39. Then, when the EL unit 2
is further pressed toward the holding frame 3 and the claw 28a
reaches the recess 39a, repulsive force is generated, by the
spring biasing, in a direction so that the pair of claws 28a
pushes the inside of the recess 39a outward. As shown in FIG.
30(b), the claws 28a of the fixed portion 28 are engaged with the
recess 39a of the receiving portion 39 by the repulsive force.
Thereby, the EL unit 2 is held on the holding frame 3.
Preferably, in this embodiment, three fixed portions 28 and three
receiving portions 39 are provided so that the planar EL unit 2
can be stably held. In order to remove the EL unit 2 from the
holding frame 3, the EL unit 2 is further pressed toward the
holding frame 3 once. Thereby, the claw 28a and the recess 39a
are disengaged by the reaction of the spring 39b provided in the
receiving portion 39, so that the fixed portion 28 is removed from
the receiving portion 39.
[0064]
Like the second and third embodiments described above,
this configuration allows the EL unit 2 to be easily attached to
and removed from the holding frame 3 without removing the
front cap 51 or the rear cap 52 (see FIG. l) from the holding
frame 3.
[0065]
Referring to FIGs. 31 to 33, a lighting system according to
a modified example of this embodiment is described. As shown
in FIG. 31, in the lighting system 1 according to this modified
example, conductive members 30 are provided to be embedded in
inner surfaces of a pair of linear projections 32, which face each
other. The conductive member 30 is partially exposed on the

inner surface of the linear projection 32, and a cover member 35c
is disposed at the exposed portion. The structure for holding an
EL unit 2 on the holding frame 3 is similar to that in the fourth
embodiment described above. As shown in FIGS. 32(a) and
32(b), the cover member 35c is parallel to the inner surface of
the linear projection 32 and is configured to be slidable while
being biased in a direction perpendicular to the fixed surface 31.
Further, the upper end of the cover member 35c is bent in a
flange shape.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 33, a feeding terminal 22a of the EL
unit 2 is bent toward the side of a guide block 25 to form an L
shape, and its tip end protrudes from the side surface of the
guide block 25. In this modified example like the fourth
embodiment described above, when the EL unit 2 is pressed
perpendicularly to the holding frame 3, the feeding terminal 22a
comes in contact with the upper end of the cover member 35c
and slides the cover member 35c, whereby the exposed
conductive member 30 and the feeding terminal 22a are
electrically connected.
[0067]
Like the modified examples shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 25
described above, this configuration allows the conductive
member 30 to be protected from dust and the like because the
conductive member 30 at the place on the holding frame 3 where
the EL unit 2 is not held is covered with the cover member 35c.
[0068]
Referring now to FIGs. 34 to 37, a lighting system
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is
described. As shown in FIG. 34, an EL unit 2 in the lighting

system 1 of this embodiment includes a fixed portion 28, which
protrudes toward a holding frame 3, on the surface of the EL
unit 2 facing the holding frame 3. Like the fourth embodiment
described above, the fixed portion 28 has a pair of claws 28a that
can slide while being biased in directions perpendicular to the
protruding direction.
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 35, the holding frame 3 has an
elongated shape and includes a linear receiving portion 39c that
extends to both ends of the holding frame 3 in the longitudinal
direction and is engaged with the claws 28a of the EL unit 2.
On one side of the linear receiving portion 39c, a number of
recesses 39d and protrusions 39e are formed continuously.
Connecting surfaces between the recesses 39d and the
protrusions 39e are inclined and corners connecting between the
surfaces are gently rounded. Further, a pair of the linear
receiving portions 39c, which is arranged so that the recesses
39d and the protrusions 39e face each other, is respectively
formed between a conductive member 30 and two edge portions
33.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 36, the relative position of the linear
receiving portions 39c is designed so that the distance between
the opposite recesses 39d is slightly larger than the distance
between the tips of the pair of claws 28a biased and that the
distance between the opposite protrusions 39e is slightly larger
than the outer shape of the fixed portion 28. Further, in the
protrusion 39e, there is a groove 39f that receives the claw 28a.
[0071]
How to mount the EL unit 2 on the holding frame 3 in

this embodiment is described. First, the EL unit 2 is faced with
the holding frame 3 so that the fixed portion 28 is positioned
between opposite recesses 39d of the pair of linear receiving
portions 39c. In the example shown in FIG. 37(a), assume that
the EL unit 2 is located behind the end of the holding frame 3, so
that the protrusions 39e and the claws 28a are not faced with
each other. Then, the EL unit 2 is moved toward the holding
frame 3 so that the fixed portion 28 is inserted between opposite
recesses 39d. Subsequently, the EL unit 2 is slid along the
longitudinal direction of the holding frame 3. When the claws
28a of the fixed portion 28 climb on the protrusions 39e and the
EL unit 2 is further slid, the claws 28a are inserted into the
grooves 39f formed in the protrusions 39e by the spring biasing,
so that the claws 28a can be engaged with the grooves 39f as
shown in FIG. 37(b). Thereby, the EL unit 2 is held on the
holding frame 3. In order to remove the EL unit 2 from the
holding frame 3, the claws 28a are removed from the grooves 39f
by further sliding the EL unit 2 along the longitudinal direction
of the holding frame 3. Then, the protrusion 39e is moved to
between the recesses 39d again and the EL unit 2 is pulled out
vertically from the holding frame 3, whereby the EL unit 2 can
be removed from the holding frame 3.
[0072]
Like the second to fourth embodiments described above,
this configuration allows the EL unit 2 to be easily attached to
and removed from the holding frame 3 without removing the
front cap 51 or the rear cap 52 (see FIG. l) from the holding
frame 3. Further, like the second to fourth embodiments
described above, this configuration allows the EL unit 2 to be
slid in the longitudinal direction of the holding frame 3 so that

the EL unit 2 can be held in an appropriate position where the
protrusions 39e and the grooves 39f are formed.
[0073]
Referring now to FIG. 38, a lighting system according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention is described. In the
lighting system 1 of this embodiment, an EL unit 2 and a
holding frame 3 are connected by a wire 6. At both edges of the
EL unit 2 and both edges of the holding frame 3, wire holes (not
shown) are formed so as not to interfere with the mounting of
the EL unit 2 on the holding frame 3. The wire 6 is passed
through the wire holes and locked with a key or the like. The
other configuration is similar to those of the first to fifth
embodiments described above. In the figure, the configuration
described in the fifth embodiment is shown only as an example.
This configuration allows the EL unit 2 to be easily removed
from the holding frame 3 and can prevent the EL unit 2 from
being stolen while being simple in structure.
[0074]
Referring now to FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 in addition to FIG.
2 described above, a lighting system according to a seventh
embodiment of the present invention is described. The lighting
system 1 of this embodiment is configured so that a control unit
4 and an EL unit 2 authenticate each other and, when the EL
unit 2 is authenticated, the control unit 4 supplies power to the
EL unit 2. Here, the specific operation of the lighting system 1
is described. Like the first embodiment described above, the
system of this embodiment also repeats (l) a monitoring
(detection) phase, (2) an authentication and configuration phase,
and (3) a feeding phase periodically and steadily between the
control unit 4 and the EL unit 2, whereby communication is

performed and power is supplied, as shown in FIG. 39. In the
first embodiment described above, the control unit 4 determines
whether or not the EL unit 2 is compatible with the lighting
system 1. On the other hand, in the lighting system 1 of this
embodiment, the control unit 4 and the EL unit 2 authenticate
each other and mutually determine that they are specified in
advance by an administrator, and then power is supplied. More
particularly, in the lighting system 1 of this embodiment, the (2)
authentication and configuration phase is different from that
in the first embodiment described above. The (l) monitoring
(detection) phase and the (2) authentication and configuration
phase are similar to those in the first embodiment described
above.
[0075]
In the (2) authentication and configuration phase of this
embodiment, acknowledge signals are firstly output from the
control unit 4 to the EL unit 2. In response to the acknowledge
signals, the EL unit 2 outputs, to the control unit 4, information
such as the address assigned to the unit itself and the rated
current of a light emitter 20 mounted in the EL unit 2. Such
information (packets) is written to the memory (main controller
42) in the control unit 4. When the control unit 4 receives such
information, it recognizes that the EL unit 2 is compatible with
the lighting system 1 (first authentication). On the other hand,
when the above described information is not transmitted or
received, authentication of the EL unit 2 is not performed and,
as shown in FIG. 40, the control unit 4 determines that power
cannot be supplied to a conductive member 30. Subsequently,
the control unit 4 transmits, to the EL unit 2, communication
signals and determines whether or not the EL unit 2 has

address information for the control unit 4. When the EL unit 2
has the address information for a control unit 4, it transmits the
address information to the control unit 4 in response to the
communication signals (second authentication). When the
address information for a control unit 4 is transmitted from the
EL unit 2, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the
transmitted address information matches its own address
information (third authentication). When the address
information is matched, the control unit 4 proceeds to the (3)
feeding phase. On the other hand, when the address
information is not matched, it is determined that power cannot
be supplied to the EL unit 2. Further, when the EL unit 2 does
not have address information for a control unit 4, it writes
address information for the control unit 4 to a memory in the EL
unit itself.
[0076]
The case where an EL unit 2 does not have address
information for a control unit 4 is defined as that the EL unit 2
is new or initialized. Once an EL unit 2 is installed in any
lighting system 1, the EL unit 2 has address information for a
control unit 4. Therefore, for example, even if an EL unit 2
stolen from another lighting system 1 is used in his/her own
lighting system 1, , address information for the original control
unit 4 is recorded in the EL unit 2. Accordingly, it does not
match address information for the control unit 4 in his/her own
lighting system 1 and thus power is not supplied to the EL unit
2.
[0077]
As described above, according to this embodiment, power
is supplied only when a control unit 4 and an EL unit 2 are

mutually authenticated, power is not supplied. When the
mutual authentication is not performed, power is not supplied to
the EL unit 2. In other words, even if someone steals an EL
unit 2 from another person's lighting system 1, he/she cannot
use it in his/her own lighting system 1. This can at least
prevent an EL unit 2 from being stolen by a user of a lighting
system 1. However, although an EL unit 2 does not work by
itself, it may be stolen by a person who has no knowledge of a
lighting system 1. Therefore, in the case where a lighting
system 1 is installed in any place where large groups of people
congregate, e.g. in a commercial facility, it is preferable that
physical anti-theft means such as the wire 6 described in the
above sixth embodiment is provided.
[0078]
Referring to FIG. 41, a lighting system according to a
modified example of this embodiment is described. In the
lighting system 1 according to this modified example, a control
unit 4 outputs a warning signal when an EL unit 2 is removed
from a holding frame 3. For example, an alarm is used as the
warning signal. Further, the control unit 4 is configured so that
the warning signal is not output when administrative
information is entered by an administrator. The administrative
information may include, for example, a password entered
through an interface provided in the control unit 4. The
operation flow in this case is shown in FIG. 41. Only when the
correct password is entered within three attempts, the control
unit 4 does not output the warning signal at the time of removal
of the EL unit 2. This can systematically prevent the EL unit 2
from being stolen.
[0079]

The prevent invention is not limited to the above
embodiments but various modifications may be made. In the
embodiments described above, the holding frame 3 is connected
to only one end of the front cap 51 in which the control unit 4 is
mounted, but, for example, two holding frames 3 may be
connected to the two ends of the front cap 51. In this case, the
two ends of the front cap 51 may be provided with contacts 44,
which are connected to the conductive members 30 of the
holding frames 3, respectively, and EL units 2 connected to the
two conductive members 30 may be controlled by a single control
unit 4.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0080]
1 lighting system
2 EL unit

20 light emitter
21 panel controller

27 projection
27a hooked portion
27b protrusion
28 fixed portion
28a claw
3 holding frame
30 conductive member
33 edge portion
33a linear recess
35a cover member
35b cover member
35c cover member
38 hook

39 receiving portion
39c linear receiving portion
4 control unit
41 power supply
5 protection unit
58 case unit
6 wire

CLAIMS
1. A lighting system comprising:
an EL unit having a light emitter;
a holding frame that holds the EL unit; and
a control unit that controls lighting of the EL unit,
wherein
the holding frame comprises a rail-shaped conductive
member, and power and communication signals are transmitted
between the control unit and the EL unit through the conductive
member.
2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein
the EL unit comprises a controller configured to control
light-emitting state of the light emitter in response to the
communication signals from the control unit.
3. The lighting system according to claim 1 or claim 2,
wherein the control unit comprises a power supply configured to
transmit power to the conductive member.
4. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
further comprising a pair of protection units that is disposed at
both ends of the holding frame and protects the conductive
member,
wherein the control unit is mounted in one of the pair of
protection units.
5. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
further comprising a case unit that is held by the holding frame,

wherein the control unit is mounted in the case unit.
6. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein
the holding frame comprises a cover member that is
disposed over the conductive member and is movable, and
the conductive member is exposed with respect to the EL
unit by moving the cover member.
7. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein
the holding frame has an elongated shape and comprises
a pair of linear recesses extending to both the ends of the
holding frame in its longitudinal direction, and
the EL unit comprises a pair of projections, which is to be
engaged with the pair of linear recess, on a surface thereof
facing the holding frame and is held on the holding frame by
engagement of the pair of projections with the pair of linear
recesses.
8. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein
the holding frame has an elongated shape and comprises
a hook formed on one of edge portions extending along a
longitudinal direction thereof and a recess formed in the other of
edge portions,
the hook is slidable while being biased in a direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and
the EL unit comprises, on a surface thereof facing the
holding frame, a hooked portion that is to be engaged with the

hook and a projection that is to be engaged with the recess, and
the EL unit is held on the holding frame by engagement of the
projection with the recess and by engagement of the hooked
portion with the hook.
9. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein
the holding frame has an elongated shape and comprises
a pair of recesses formed in both edge portions along a
longitudinal direction thereof, and wherein
the EL unit comprises a pair of projections, which is to be
engaged with the recesses, on a surface thereof facing the
holding frame,
one of the pair of projections is slidable while being biased
in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the
holding frame, and
the EL unit is held on the holding frame by engagement
of the one of the pair of projection with the recess and by
engagement of the other of the pair projection with the recess.
10. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein
the EL unit comprises a fixed portion protruding toward
the holding frame on a surface thereof facing the holding frame,
the fixed portion has a pair of claws that is slidable while
being biased in directions perpendicular to the protruding
direction,
the holding frame has a receiving portion, which is
engaged with the pair of claws, at a position corresponding to
the fixed portion, and

the EL unit is held on the holding frame by engagement
of the pair of claws with the receiving portion.
11. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein
the EL unit comprises a fixed portion protruding toward
the holding frame on a surface thereof facing the holding frame,
the fixed portion has a pair of claws that is slidable while
being biased in directions perpendicular to the protruding
direction,
the holding frame has an elongated shape and has a
linear receiving portion that extends to both the ends of the
holding frame in its longitudinal direction and is configured to
be engaged with the claws, and
the EL unit is held on the holding frame by engagement
of the pair of claws with the linear receiving portion.
12. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
wherein the EL unit and the holding frame are connected by a
wire.
13. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
wherein
the control unit and the EL unit authenticate each other,
and
when the EL unit is authenticated, the control unit
supplies power to the EL unit.
14. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
wherein the control unit outputs a warning signal when the EL

unit is removed from the holding frame.
15. The lighting system according to claim 14, wherein the
control unit fails to output the warning signal when
administrative information is entered by an administrator.