JP7478980B2 - LED lighting device and LED lighting fixture - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an LED lighting device and an LED lighting fixture equipped with an LED lighting device.

LED lighting fixtures that use LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are known. Conventionally, LED lighting fixtures that are installed on ceilings include a long LED lighting device called a light bar and a long fixture body that has a recess in which the LED lighting device can be detachably attached (Patent Document 1).

This type of LED lighting device includes a long substrate, multiple LEDs mounted on the substrate, a long diffusion cover that covers the multiple LEDs, a support member that supports the substrate and to which the diffusion cover is attached, and a pair of end caps attached to both ends of the diffusion cover in the longitudinal direction. The pair of end caps are approximately plate-shaped members and are connected to the diffusion cover so as to cover both ends of the diffusion cover.

JP 2010-73670 A

Conventional LED lighting device configurations have the problem that when installing an LED lighting fixture on a ceiling or the like, the LED lighting device cannot be easily attached to the fixture body. Also, when the LED lighting fixture is removably attached to the fixture body, it is not easy to attach and detach the LED lighting device to and from the fixture body. In other words, it is difficult to attach the LED lighting device to the lighting fixture or to remove the LED lighting device from the fixture body.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide an LED lighting device and an LED lighting fixture that can be easily attached and detached from the fixture body.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the LED lighting device according to the present invention comprises a long substrate, a plurality of LEDs arranged on one side of the substrate along the longitudinal direction of the substrate, a support member supporting the substrate, a long translucent cover arranged opposite the one side of the substrate so as to cover the plurality of LEDs, and an end cap provided on one end side of the translucent cover in the longitudinal direction, the end cap being attached to the longitudinal end of a cylinder formed by the translucent cover and the support member, the end cap having a plate-shaped main portion and a connection portion directly or indirectly connected to the translucent cover, the main portion having an outer surface and an inner surface as surfaces in the thickness direction of the main portion, and an inner portion where both the outer surface and the inner surface are located more inward than other portions of the main portion.

An embodiment of the LED lighting fixture according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned LED lighting device and a fixture body that holds the LED lighting device.

The LED lighting device can be easily attached and detached from the fixture body.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an LED lighting device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment when viewed from the longitudinal direction. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an LED lighting device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment as viewed from the diffusion cover side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment as viewed from the back side. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an LED lighting device according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view of an LED lighting device according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side view of an LED lighting device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an LED lighting device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an end portion in the longitudinal direction of an LED lighting device according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of an end cap used in the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an LED lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a ceiling and is turned on. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the LED illumination device is removed from the fixture body in the LED illumination fixture according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of an end cap according to the first modification. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of an end cap according to the second modification. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device according to the second modification. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of an end cap according to the third modification. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device according to the third modification. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device according to the fourth modification. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device according to the fifth modification. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another configuration of an LED lighting device according to the fifth modification.

The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, the steps and the order of the steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that show the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configuration, and duplicated explanations are omitted or simplified. In each figure, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis represent the three axes of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and in this embodiment, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis (parallel to the XY plane) is the horizontal direction. The X-axis and Y-axis are mutually orthogonal, and both are orthogonal to the Z-axis. Note that in this specification, the terms "up" and "down" do not necessarily refer to the upward direction (vertically upward) and downward direction (vertically downward) in absolute spatial recognition.

(Embodiment)
First, the configuration of an LED lighting fixture 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the LED lighting fixture 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the LED lighting fixture 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the LED lighting fixture 1 as viewed from the longitudinal direction. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the LED lighting fixture 1. Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the LED lighting fixture 1 cut along a plane parallel to the short side direction.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the LED lighting fixture 1 according to this embodiment includes a fixture body 2 and an LED lighting device 3 attached to the fixture body 2.

The fixture body 2 holds the LED lighting device 3. The fixture body 2 is installed at a predetermined location in a building. The LED lighting fixture 1 in this embodiment is a ceiling-mounted lighting fixture. Therefore, the fixture body 2 is attached to the ceiling inside the room using bolts or the like.

In this embodiment, the fixture body 2 is made of sheet metal, and is formed into a long and flat box shape in the Y-axis direction by bending the metal plate. As shown in FIG. 2, the fixture body 2 is provided with a recess 2a having a rectangular opening surface. The recess 2a is provided in an elongated shape along the longitudinal direction of the fixture body 2. The recess 2a is a storage section for storing the LED lighting device 3, and is provided over substantially the entire length of the fixture body 2. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, on both sides of the recess 2a in the width direction of the fixture body 2, there are inclined surfaces 2b that extend from the opening edge of the recess 2a and incline upward (towards the ceiling) as they go outward.

The LED lighting device 3 is a light source unit that uses an LED as a light source. The LED lighting device 3 is attached to the recess 2a of the fixture body 2 so that it can be freely attached and detached. For example, the LED lighting device 3 can be attached to the recess 2a of the fixture body 2, and the LED lighting device 3 attached to the recess 2a of the fixture body 2 can be removed from the recess 2a. The LED lighting device 3 and the fixture body 2 can be fixed by engaging a mounting bracket such as a leaf spring provided on the LED lighting device 3 with the fixture body 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the LED lighting device 3 emits light using power supplied from a power supply unit 4 housed in the fixture body 2. The power supply unit 4 supplies power to the LED lighting device 3 and is arranged, for example, on the rear side of the LED lighting device 3. Specifically, the power supply unit 4 is arranged in a recess 2a of the fixture body 2. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 4 is attached to the LED lighting device 3 and is integrated with the LED lighting device 3. Note that the power supply unit 4 may not be integrated with the LED lighting device 3, but may be arranged in the fixture body 2 separately from the LED lighting device 3.

The power supply device 4 is composed of a power supply circuit that generates power for illuminating the LED lighting device 3. For example, the power supply device 4 has a printed circuit board on which multiple electronic components are mounted, and a circuit case that houses the printed circuit board. The power supply device 4 converts AC power from an external power source, such as a commercial power source, into DC power of a predetermined level by rectifying, smoothing, stepping down, etc., and supplies the DC power to the LED lighting device 3.

Next, the detailed structure of the LED lighting device 3 will be described using Figs. 5 to 7 while referring to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device 3 according to the embodiment as seen from the diffusion cover 30 side, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device 3 as seen from the back side. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the LED lighting device 3.

As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, the LED lighting device 3 is a long, linear light source called a light bar. The LED lighting device 3 emits light of a predetermined color, such as white light.

As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the LED lighting device 3 includes a substrate 10, a plurality of LEDs 20 arranged on the substrate 10, a long diffusion cover 30 covering the plurality of LEDs 20, a support member 40 supporting the substrate 10, and an end cap 50.

The substrate 10 is a mounting substrate for mounting the LED 20. In this embodiment, the substrate 10 is formed in a generally rectangular shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the support member 40. The thickness of the substrate 10 is, for example, 1.0 mm. The substrate 10 may have a length generally equal to the overall longitudinal length of the support member 40, or multiple substrates 10 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the support member 40.

The substrate 10 has a first surface 10a, which is one surface, and a second surface 10b, which is the other surface facing away from the first surface 10a. The first surface 10a of the substrate 10 is the front surface on which the LEDs 20 are mounted. On the other hand, the second surface 10b of the substrate 10 is the back surface facing the support member 40. In this embodiment, the second surface 10b of the substrate 10 and the support member 40 are in contact.

The substrate 10 is, for example, a printed wiring board (printed circuit board) on which metal wiring is formed in a predetermined pattern. A resist made of an insulating resin material may be formed on the surface of the substrate 10 so as to cover the wiring in order to protect the wiring and ensure a dielectric strength voltage. The substrate 10 may be a single-sided wiring substrate in which wiring is formed only on the first surface 10a on which the LEDs 20 are mounted, or a double-sided wiring substrate in which wiring is formed on both the first surface 10a and the second surface 10b.

The base material constituting the substrate 10 may be a resin substrate made of an insulating resin material, a ceramic substrate made of a sintered body of a ceramic material such as alumina, or a metal-based substrate obtained by applying an insulating coating to the surface of a metal substrate made of a metal material such as aluminum or copper.

When the substrate 10 is made of a resin substrate, examples of the resin substrate that can be used include glass epoxy substrates (CEM-3, FR-4, etc.) made of glass fiber and epoxy resin, paper phenol substrates (FR-1, FR-2) made of craft paper or the like and phenol resin, paper epoxy substrates (FR-3) made of paper and epoxy resin, and polyimide substrates made of polyimide or the like. The substrate 10 may be a rigid substrate or a film-like flexible substrate.

As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of LEDs 20 are mounted on the first surface 10a of the substrate 10. In this embodiment, the plurality of LEDs 20 are mounted in a linear row along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the substrate 10 at a predetermined interval. Specifically, the plurality of LEDs 20 are mounted over substantially the entire longitudinal length of the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40. Therefore, the first and last LEDs 20 of the plurality of LEDs 20 are located near the end cap 50. The plurality of LEDs 20 may be mounted in multiple rows along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 10, rather than in a single row.

The LED 20 is an example of a light-emitting element. In this embodiment, each of the multiple LEDs 20 is an individually packaged LED element (LED light source) with an SMD structure. In this case, each LED 20 includes a white resin or ceramic container (package), an LED chip (bare chip) placed in the container, and a sealing member that seals the LED chip. In this embodiment, the LED 20 is a white LED element that emits white light. In this case, for example, a blue LED chip that emits blue light when powered is used as the LED chip, and a silicone resin (phosphor-containing resin) containing a yellow phosphor such as YAG is used as the sealing member filled in the container.

The multiple LEDs 20 are covered with a diffusion cover 30. The diffusion cover 30 is an example of a translucent cover that has translucency, and transmits the light emitted from the LEDs 20. In this embodiment, the diffusion cover 30 is not only translucent, but also diffusive. Therefore, the light from the LEDs 20 that enters the diffusion cover 30 is diffused (scattered) by the diffusion cover 30 and passes through the diffusion cover 30.

As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the diffusion cover 30 is disposed opposite the first surface 10a of the substrate 10 so as to cover the multiple LEDs 20. The diffusion cover 30 covers the entire substrate 10. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the diffusion cover 30 covers the entire support member 40 on which the substrate 10 is disposed. Therefore, the diffusion cover 30 is formed in an elongated shape in the Y-axis direction, similar to the substrate 10.

The diffusion cover 30 is attached to the support member 40. The diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40 form a cylindrical body, and the substrate 10 and the multiple LEDs 20 mounted on the substrate 10 are housed within this cylindrical body.

The diffusion cover 30 has a gutter-shaped main body 31 that is elongated in the Y-axis direction, and a pair of extensions 32 provided at both ends of the main body 31 in the short direction (X-axis direction). The main body 31 has, for example, a flattened semi-cylindrical shape. Therefore, the main body 31 has an elongated rectangular opening end surface extending in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the main body 31 when cut along the X-axis direction is a curved shape that is curved in an arc. A recess is formed on the inner surface of each of the pair of extensions 32, and a pair of mounting parts 42 of the support member 40 are attached to this recess, thereby fixing the diffusion cover 30 to the support member 40.

The diffusion cover 30 is made of a translucent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or a translucent material such as a glass material. In this embodiment, the diffusion cover 30 is made of a translucent resin material. In this case, the diffusion cover 30 can be a milky white cover member with a light diffusing material dispersed therein. Such a diffusion cover 30 can be produced by resin molding a translucent resin material mixed with a light diffusing material into a predetermined shape. Light reflective fine particles such as silica particles can be used as the light diffusing material.

The diffusion cover 30 may be constructed by forming a milky light diffusion film containing a light diffusion material on the surface (inner or outer surface) of the transparent cover, rather than dispersing a light diffusion material inside. The diffusion cover 30 may also be constructed to have light diffusion properties by performing a diffusion process, rather than using a light diffusion material. For example, the diffusion cover 30 may be constructed to have light diffusion properties by performing a surface treatment such as embossing to form minute irregularities on the surface of the transparent cover, or by printing a dot pattern on the surface of the transparent cover. Even when the diffusion cover 30 is subjected to a diffusion process, it may further contain a light diffusion material to enhance light diffusion properties.

The support member 40 is an elongated base member that supports the substrate 10. The substrate 10 is placed on the support member 40. By placing the substrate 10 on the support member 40 and fixing the substrate 10 to the support member 40, the substrate 10 is supported by the support member 40. In this embodiment, the support member 40 supports not only the substrate 10 but also the diffusion cover 30. The diffusion cover 30 is fixed to the support member 40.

As an example, the support member 40 is a frame made of sheet metal. The support member 40 is formed into a predetermined shape by performing roll forming, press working, or the like on a sheet metal (metal plate) made of, for example, SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial). In this embodiment, the support member 40 is formed so that the cross-sectional shape when cut along the X-axis direction is approximately M-shaped. The support member 40 is also formed in an elongated shape in the Y-axis direction, similar to the substrate 10 and the device body 2. The thickness of the metal plate constituting the support member 40 is, for example, 0.2 mm to 2 mm, and is 0.5 mm in this embodiment.

As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the support member 40 has a main body portion 41 for placing the substrate 10 and a pair of mounting portions 42 for attaching the support member 40 to the diffusion cover 30. The main body portion 41 and the pair of mounting portions 42 extend in the Y-axis direction.

The body 41 has a pair of step portions 41a formed in the width direction (X-axis direction) along the longitudinal direction. The pair of step portions 41a form a recess 41b in the body 41. The pair of step portions 41a and the recess 41b are formed over the entire longitudinal length of the body 41. The board 10 is placed in the recess 41b. The body 41 has a claw portion formed by cutting and raising a part of the sheet metal support member 40, and the board 10 placed in the recess 41b of the body 41 is fixed to the body 41 by being engaged with the claw portion. The body 41 has a through hole through which an electric wire is inserted to electrically connect the wiring of the board 10 to the power supply device 4.

The pair of mounting parts 42 constitute the side parts of the support member 40. Each of the pair of mounting parts 42 extends in the Z-axis direction from both ends of the main body part 41 in the short direction (X-axis direction). The extension part 32 of the diffusion cover 30 is attached to each of the pair of mounting parts 42. This fixes the diffusion cover 30 to the support member 40. For example, the extension part 32 of the diffusion cover 30 can be snapped into the mounting parts 42 of the support member 40 to fit and fix the diffusion cover 30 to the support member 40.

A long cylindrical body is formed by fixing the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40. End caps 50 are attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body formed by the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40.

Here, the detailed configuration of the end cap 50 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7 and Figs. 8 to 12. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the LED lighting device 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 is a side view of the LED lighting device 1. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the LED lighting device 1. Fig. 10 shows a cross-section of the LED lighting device 1 cut along a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction. Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the longitudinal end of the LED lighting device 1. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the end cap 50 used in the LED lighting device 1. In Fig. 12, (a) is a perspective view of the end cap 50 as viewed from the outer surface 51a side, (b) is a perspective view of the end cap 50 as viewed from the inner surface 51b side, (c) is a side view of the end cap 50 as viewed from the end face on the support member 40 side, and (d) is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end cap 50 cut in half.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, an end cap 50 is provided at each of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the LED lighting device 3. Specifically, the end cap 50 is provided at each of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30. In other words, the end cap 50 is a cover end provided at the end of the diffusion cover 30.

As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the end cap 50 provided at one end of the diffusion cover 30 in the longitudinal direction is the first end cap 50a. Specifically, the first end cap 50a is directly or indirectly connected to one end of the diffusion cover 30 in the longitudinal direction.

The end cap 50 provided on the other end side of the diffusion cover 30 in the longitudinal direction is the second end cap 50b. Specifically, the second end cap 50b is directly or indirectly connected to the other end side of the diffusion cover 30 in the longitudinal direction.

In this embodiment, the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b are the same part. In other words, the shape of the second end cap 50b is the same as the shape of the first end cap 50a. This allows costs to be reduced.

The first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b are arranged in an opposite relationship in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the LED lighting device 3. Specifically, the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b, which are the same parts, are arranged so as to be in a line-symmetrical positional relationship in the longitudinal direction of the LED lighting device 3.

The end cap 50 is a part for preventing dust, insects, etc. from entering the inside of the cylinder composed of the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40. The end cap 50 is provided to close the end of the cylinder composed of the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40. In other words, the end cap 50 is attached to the cylinder so as to cover the opening of the end of the cylinder composed of the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40, and closes the open end of the cylinder. Note that the end cap 50 may not completely close the open end of the cylinder composed of the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40, and there may be a small gap between the end cap 50 and the support member 40.

As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the end cap 50 has a plate-shaped main portion 51 and a connection portion 52 that is directly or indirectly connected to the diffusion cover 30.

The main part 51 constitutes the main body of the end cap 50 and has the main function of covering the open end of the cylinder formed by the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40.

In this embodiment, all or part of the plate-shaped main portion 51 is translucent. In this way, the main portion 51 is translucent, so that light from the LED 20 can be transmitted through it. In other words, the light emitted from the LED 20 passes through the main portion 51 and is emitted to the outside of the end cap 50.

Specifically, the end cap 50 is entirely translucent. Therefore, the entire main portion 51 and the entire connection portion 52 are translucent. Since the entire main portion 51 is translucent in this way, the light emitted by the LED 20 is emitted from the entire main portion 51 to the outside of the main portion 51.

The translucent end cap 50 may be transparent or may have diffusive properties. By using an end cap 50 that is translucent and diffusive, the light of the LED 20 that enters the end cap 50 is diffused (scattered) by the end cap 50 and passes through the end cap 50.

The end cap 50 is made of a translucent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or a translucent material such as a glass material. In this embodiment, the end cap 50 is made of a translucent resin material. In this case, the end cap 50 can be a diffusing member having a light diffusing material dispersed therein. Such an end cap 50 can be produced by resin molding a translucent resin material mixed with a light diffusing material into a predetermined shape. Light reflective fine particles such as silica particles can be used as the light diffusing material.

In addition, the end cap 50 having translucency and diffusibility may be configured by forming a milky light diffusion film containing a light diffusion material on the surface (inner surface or outer surface) of the transparent end cap, rather than dispersing a light diffusion material inside. Also, the end cap 50 may be configured to have light diffusion properties by performing a diffusion process, rather than using a light diffusion material. For example, the end cap 50 may be configured to have light diffusion properties by performing a surface treatment such as embossing to form minute irregularities on the surface of the transparent end cap, or by printing a dot pattern on the surface of the transparent end cap. In addition, even when the end cap 50 is diffusion processed, it may further contain a light diffusion material to enhance light diffusion properties.

The end cap 50 may be made of the same material as the diffusion cover 30, or may be made of a different material than the diffusion cover 30.

The main portion 51 may not be translucent. In this case, the entire end cap 50 may not be translucent. For example, a non-translucent end cap 50 may be one that is light-shielding (light-absorbing) or light-reflective. In this case, the end cap 50 may be made of, for example, a white, black, or colored resin material. The end cap 50 may have a translucent portion and a non-translucent portion.

The shape of the main part 51 in a front view is, for example, a flattened kamaboko shape as a whole. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the outer shape of one side of the main part 51 in the Z-axis direction is curved in an arc shape to follow the shape of the diffusion cover 30.

The thickness of the plate-shaped main portion 51 is constant. As an example, the thickness of the main portion 51 is 1 mm to 10 mm, but is not limited to this. Note that the thickness of the main portion 51 is constant over the entire area of the main portion 51, but is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 10, the main portion 51 has an outer surface 51a and an inner surface 51b as surfaces in the thickness direction of the main portion 51. In the end cap 50, the inner surface 51b is the end surface on the LED 20 side, and the outer surface 51a is the end surface opposite the LED 20 side. The outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are flat surfaces.

As described above, in this embodiment, the entire main part 51 is translucent, so that the light emitted from the LED 20 and entering the main part 51 passes through the entire main part 51. Therefore, the inner surface 51b of the main part 51 serves as a light entrance surface where the light of the LED 20 enters, and the outer surface 51a of the main part 51 serves as a light exit surface where the light of the LED 20 exits to the outside. In other words, the light of the LED 20 passes through the main part 51, so that the outer surface 51a of the main part 51 serves as a pseudo light-emitting surface.

As shown in FIG. 10, the main portion 51 has a portion (inner portion) in which both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are located more inward than other portions of the main portion 51. That is, in the main portion 51, the outer surface 51a of the inner portion is located more inward than the outer surface 51a of the other portion, which is a portion different from the inner portion, and the inner surface 51b of the inner portion is located more inward than the outer surface 51a of the other portion.

In this embodiment, the main portion 51 has an inner portion where both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are located inside (toward the LED 20) from one end of the diffusion cover 30. In other words, the main portion 51 has a portion where both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are recessed toward the LED 20 from one end of the diffusion cover 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner portion of the main portion 51 has both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b located inside the end face of the end cap 50. In FIG. 10, the dashed line indicates one end of the diffusion cover 30 (the end on the side where the first end cap 50a is attached).

Since the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b are arranged in an opposite relationship, both the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b have portions in which the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are located more inward than the end of the diffusion cover 30.

As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 has at least a portion of a curved envelope in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the diffusion cover 30. Similarly, the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 has at least a portion of a curved envelope in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30. In this embodiment, each of the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 is curved in an overall concave shape that is recessed inward. As an example, the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is parabolic in shape.

In addition, in this embodiment, the main portion 51 is generally inclined so that the upper portion is recessed inward from the lower portion in the height direction, which is the Z axis direction, and is generally curved so that the central portion is recessed inward from the peripheral portions in the width direction, which is the X axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 12(d), the main portion 51 is curved along the height direction (Z-axis direction). In addition, the edge of the upper end portion of the main portion 51 in the Z-axis direction is curved along the width direction (X-axis direction). In other words, the outer side surface 51a and the inner side surface 51b of the main portion 51 are curved in both the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction, and the outer side surface 51a and the inner side surface 51b are curved surfaces. The radius of curvature of the outer side surface 51a of the main portion 51 is, for example, 100 mm to 500 mm, but is not limited to this.

As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the upper part of the main part 51 is recessed further inwards than the lower part, but in this embodiment, the edge of the upper center part of the main part 51 is recessed the furthest from the longitudinal end face of the diffusion cover 30. At the edge of the upper center part of the main part 51, the recession amount (depression amount) from the longitudinal end face of the diffusion cover 30 is, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm. In this embodiment, this recession amount is 3 mm.

The connection portion 52 is formed to stand on the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51. The connection portion 52 is formed on the curved portion of the outer periphery of the main portion 51. In other words, the connection portion 52 is formed in a portion that corresponds to the main body portion 31 of the diffusion cover 30.

In this embodiment, the connection part 52 is directly connected to the diffusion cover 30. Specifically, the connection part 52 is fitted into the main body part 31 of the diffusion cover 30 and is in contact with the main body part 31 of the diffusion cover 30. The connection part 52 and the diffusion cover 30 may be indirectly connected. For example, the connection part 52 and the diffusion cover 30 may be indirectly connected by arranging a ring-shaped packing so as to surround the connection part 52. In addition, when a packing is used, it may be inserted between the outer peripheral end part of the inner surface 51b of the main part 51 and the end face of the main body part 31 of the diffusion cover 30.

The connection portion of the end cap 50 may be a part of the plate-shaped main portion 51. In other words, the connection portion may be the connection portion between the diffusion cover 30 and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51. In this case, the end cap 50 may not have an upright connection portion 52 as in this embodiment, or may have one separately.

The end cap 50 configured in this manner is provided so that no gap is formed between it and the diffusion cover 30. Specifically, the end cap 50 is fitted into the open end of the diffusion cover 30 so that the connection portion 52 contacts the inner surface of the diffusion cover 30. This makes the outer peripheral edge of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 and the outer peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 30 a continuous surface. The end cap 50 and the diffusion cover 30 may be fixed to each other with an adhesive.

Next, the effects of the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the LED lighting fixture 1 according to this embodiment is installed on the ceiling 100 and is turned on. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the state when the LED lighting device 3 is removed from the fixture body 2 in the LED lighting fixture 1 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the LED lighting device 1 of this embodiment, the main part 51 of the end cap 50 is translucent, so that the light emitted from the LED 20 passes through the end cap 50. Specifically, the light emitted from the LED 20 and incident on the inner surface 51b of the main part 51 of the end cap 50 passes through the main part 51 and is emitted to the outside of the end cap 50 from the outer surface 51a of the main part 51.

In this case, in the LED lighting device 3 of this embodiment, both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main part 51 of the end cap 50 have portions located inside one end of the diffusion cover 30. This controls the distribution of light emitted from the LED 20 and transmitted through the end cap 50. Therefore, it is possible to create a desired lighting atmosphere around the longitudinal end of the LED lighting device 3 (diffusion cover 30). For example, by directing the light from the LED 20 not only onto the diffusion cover 30 but also onto the end cap 50, it is possible to increase the diffused light onto the ceiling surface, thereby improving the sense of brightness.

In this embodiment, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are curved such that at least a portion of the envelope in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30 is curved. Specifically, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are curved surfaces that are concavely curved as a whole so as to be recessed inward. This allows the distribution of light passing through the end cap 50 to be controlled according to the shape of the curvature of the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b. For example, the distribution of light passing through the end cap 50 can be controlled by changing the radius of curvature of the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51. For example, the sense of brightness can be further improved by controlling the light distribution so as to increase the diffused light toward the ceiling surface.

Furthermore, by transmitting the light emitted from the LED 20 through the end cap 50, when multiple LED lighting fixtures 1 or LED lighting devices 3 are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to eliminate non-light-emitting areas at the connection parts of two adjacent LED lighting devices 3. As a result, when multiple LED lighting fixtures 1 or LED lighting devices 3 are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to reduce the brightness difference (illuminance unevenness) and color unevenness in the multiple LED lighting devices 3 arranged.

In the LED lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment, the LED lighting device 3 is detachable from the fixture body 2. Therefore, when the LED lighting device 3 is held by the fixture body 2 as shown in FIG. 14(a), the LED lighting device 3 can be removed by separating it from the fixture body 2 in the Z-axis direction as shown in FIG. 14(b). In this case, the user holds both longitudinal ends of the LED lighting device 3 (i.e., the end caps 50) with their hands and holds the LED lighting device 3 between their hands to remove it from the fixture body 2.

In this case, in the LED lighting device 3 of this embodiment, the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 has a portion (inner portion) where both the outer side surfaces 51a and the inner side surfaces 51b are located more inward than other portions of the main portion 51. Specifically, the main portion 51 has, as its inner portion, a portion where both the outer side surface 51a and the inner side surface 51b are located more inward than one end of the diffusion cover 30 and the end face of the end cap 50.

With this configuration, a part (inner part) of the main part 51 of the end cap 50 is located more inward than the other parts, so that fingers can easily hook onto the main part 51 of the end cap 50. This improves the holding force of the end cap 50 with the fingers. Therefore, the LED lighting device 3 can be easily removed from the fixture body 2.

In this embodiment, the outer surface 51a of the main part 51 is curved inwardly and concavely curved as a whole. This allows the user to press the end cap 50 with their fingers along the outer surface 51a (curved surface) of the main part 51, so that part of the finger goes inside the longitudinal end surface of the diffusion cover 30. This effectively improves the holding force of the end cap 50 with the fingers, making it easier to remove the LED lighting device 3.

It is also preferable that the entire outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30. This increases the area of the end cap 50 where fingers can catch, making it even easier to remove the LED lighting device 3.

If the edge of the upper center of the main portion 51 is set back from the longitudinal end face of the diffusion cover 30 by at least 1 mm, the holding force of the end cap 50 with the fingers can be improved compared to conventional end caps that are vertical flat plates.

In addition, by using an end cap 50 configured in this manner, not only can the LED lighting device 3 be easily removed from the fixture body 2, but the LED lighting device 3 can also be easily attached to the fixture body 2.

In this way, in the LED lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 both have portions located inside one end of the diffusion cover 30, so not only can the distribution of light emitted to the outside from the end cap 50 be controlled, but the LED lighting device 3 can also be easily attached and detached.

As described above, the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 according to this embodiment include a long substrate 10, a plurality of LEDs 20 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 10, a long diffusion cover 30 covering the plurality of LEDs 20, and an end cap 50 provided on one end side of the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30. The end cap 50 has a plate-shaped main portion 51, and the main portion 51 has a portion (inner portion) in which both the outer surfaces 51a and the inner surfaces 51b are located inside other portions of the main portion 51. In this embodiment, the main portion 51 has a portion as its inner portion in which both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are located inside one end of the diffusion cover 30 or the end face of the end cap 50.

This configuration makes it easy to attach and detach the LED lighting device 3 to the fixture body 2.

Moreover, in the LED lighting device 3 of this embodiment, all or part of the main portion 51 is translucent.

With this configuration, the light from the LED 20 passes through the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 and is emitted to the outside. This allows the desired lighting atmosphere to be created around the longitudinal end of the LED lighting device 3, and also makes it easy to attach and detach the LED lighting device 3 to the fixture body 2.

In particular, in the LED lighting device 3 of this embodiment, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 are curved at least partially along the envelope in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30. Specifically, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are curved surfaces that are concavely curved as a whole so as to be recessed inward.

This allows the sense of brightness to be improved by controlling the light distribution to increase the amount of diffused light toward the ceiling surface, etc. In addition, the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 is a concave curved surface, which also improves the design of the LED lighting device 3.

(Variation 1)
Next, Modification 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end cap 50A according to Modification 1.

In the end cap 50 in the above embodiment, the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is parabolic, and the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is curved in both the height direction (Z-axis direction) and the width direction (X-axis direction).

In contrast, in the end cap 50A of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 15, the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 has a conical cross section, and the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is inclined in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and curved in the width direction (X-axis direction).

In the end cap 50A of this modified example, as in the above embodiment, both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 have portions located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30. Therefore, the same effects as in the above embodiment are achieved.

(Variation 2)
Next, Modification 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end cap 50B according to Modification 2. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device 1B according to Modification 2.

The LED lighting fixture 1B and LED lighting device 3B of this modified example are configured by changing the end cap 50 in the LED lighting fixture 1 and LED lighting device 3 of the above-described embodiment to an end cap 50B having the shape shown in FIG. 16.

The end cap 50B shown in FIG. 16 has a curved main portion 51, similar to the end cap 50 in the above embodiment, and the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is curved inwardly in an overall concave shape.

In addition, in the end cap 50 in the above embodiment, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are flat surfaces, but in the end cap 50B in this modified example, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are stepped surfaces formed in a stepped pattern. In this way, in the end cap 50B in this modified example, the main portion 51 is formed to have multiple steps.

And, in the end cap 50B shown in FIG. 16, as shown in FIG. 17, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 both have portions located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30. Therefore, the LED lighting fixture 1B and the LED lighting device 3B shown in FIG. 17 have the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment.

Furthermore, in the end cap 50B of this modified example, the outer surface 51a of the main part 51 is a stepped surface, which gives a distinctive lighting atmosphere around the longitudinal end of the LED lighting device 3B, and also makes it easier to hook fingers onto the end cap 50B, making it even easier to attach and detach the LED lighting device 3B.

(Variation 3)
Next, Modification 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end cap 50C according to Modification 3. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device 1C according to Modification 3.

The LED lighting fixture 1C and LED lighting device 3C of this modified example are configured by changing the end cap 50 in the LED lighting fixture 1 and LED lighting device 3 of the above-described embodiment to an end cap 50C having the shape shown in FIG. 18.

The end cap 50C shown in FIG. 18 has a curved portion of the main portion 51, similar to the end cap 50 in the above embodiment, but unlike the end cap 50 in the above embodiment, the main portion 51 has a curved portion that is convex outward.

Specifically, in the end cap 50 in the above embodiment, the outer surfaces 51a and 51b of the main portion 51 are curved inwardly and convexly overall, whereas in the end cap 50C in this modified example, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are curved in a convex shape and convexly overall and convexly outwardly. As an example, the main portion 51 of the end cap 50C is parabolic in shape.

Furthermore, the end cap 50C in this modified example has a flange portion 53 around the periphery of the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51, and is shaped so that the portion of the main portion 51 near the connection portion 52 is positioned more inward than the other portions. It is preferable that the entire outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is positioned more inward than the end of the diffusion cover 30. In other words, it is preferable that the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 does not protrude from the end face of the diffusion cover 30. In this modified example, the entire outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is positioned more inward than the tip of the flange portion 53.

And, in the end cap 50C shown in FIG. 18, as shown in FIG. 19, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 both have portions located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30. Therefore, the LED lighting fixture 1C and the LED lighting device 3C shown in FIG. 19 have the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment.

Furthermore, in the end cap 50C of this modified example, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are curved in a convex shape overall so that they are convex outward. As a result, in the LED lighting device 3C of this modified example, the light emitted from the LED 20 and transmitted through the end cap 50C can be distributed in a different manner than in the LED lighting device 3 of the above embodiment.

In addition, the end cap 50C in this modified example has a flange portion 53 around the periphery of the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51, so compared to the first embodiment, it is easier to hook a finger onto the end cap 50C. This makes it even easier to attach and detach the LED lighting device 3C.

(Variation 4)
Next, Modification 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device 1D according to Modification 4.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the LED lighting fixture 1 and LED lighting device 3 in the above embodiment, only a portion of the main part 51 of the end cap 50 is located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30, but as shown in FIG. 20, in the LED lighting fixture 1D and LED lighting device LED3D in this modified example, the entire main part 51 of the end cap 50D is located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30. In this modified example, the entire main part 51 is curved, and the outer surface 51a of the main part 51 is a curved surface.

Other than that, the LED lighting fixture 1D and LED lighting device 3D in this modified example are the same as the LED lighting fixture 1 and LED lighting device 3 in the above embodiment.

Therefore, the LED lighting fixture 1D and LED lighting device 3D of this modified example also have the same effects as the LED lighting fixture 1 and LED lighting device 3 of the above embodiment.

(Variation 5)
Next, Modification 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device 1E according to Modification 5.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the LED lighting fixture 1 and LED lighting device 3 in the above embodiment, the main part 51 of the end cap 50 has a portion where both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30, but in the LED lighting fixture 1D and LED lighting device LED3D in this modified example, the main part 51 of the end cap 50E does not have a portion where both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30.

In the LED lighting fixture 1D and LED lighting device LED3D of this modified example, similar to the LED lighting fixture 1 and LED lighting device 3 of the above embodiment, the main portion 51E of the end cap 50E has a portion in which both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are located inside the end face of the end cap 50E.

In other words, in the LED lighting fixture 1D and the LED lighting device LED3D in this modified example, the outer surfaces 51a and the inner surfaces 51b are both located more inward than other parts of the main part 51, and the outer surfaces 51a and the inner surfaces 51b are both located more inward than the end face of the end cap 50E. In this modified example, the entire main part 51 is curved, and the outer surface 51a of the main part 51 is a curved surface.

Other than that, the LED lighting fixture 1E and LED lighting device 3E in this modified example are the same as the LED lighting fixture 1 and LED lighting device 3 in the above embodiment.

Therefore, the LED lighting fixture 1E and LED lighting device 3E of this modified example also have the same effects as the LED lighting fixture 1 and LED lighting device 3 of the above embodiment.

As in the LED lighting fixture 1F and LED lighting device 3F shown in FIG. 22, the degree of curvature of the main part 51 of the end cap 50F may be gentler than the degree of curvature of the main part 51 of the end cap 50E. In other words, the curvature of the main part 51 of the end cap 50F shown in FIG. 22 may be smaller than the curvature of the main part 51 of the end cap 50E shown in FIG. 21, and the amount of recession of the inner part of the main part 51 of the end cap 50F may be small.

(Other Modifications)
While the LED lighting fixture and LED lighting device according to the present invention have been described above based on the embodiment and modifications, the present invention is not limited to these embodiment and modifications.

For example, in the above embodiment, the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 may have a prism on at least one of the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b that deflects the direction of the light from the LED 20. This makes it easy to control the light emitted from the LED 20 and transmitted through the end cap 50 to have a desired light distribution.

In the above embodiment, the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b are arranged in opposite directions, but this is not limited to the above. In other words, the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b may be arranged in the same direction.

In the above embodiment, the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b have the same shape, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the end caps of the above embodiment and variants 1 to 3 may be appropriately combined to use end caps of different shapes for the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b.

In the above embodiment, the LED 20 is an SMD type LED element in which an LED chip is mounted in a package, and the light emitting module consisting of the substrate 10 and the LED 20 is an SMD type LED module, but this is not limited to this. For example, the light emitting module consisting of the substrate 10 and the LED 20 may be a COB (chip on board) type LED module. In this case, the LED chip (bare chip) itself is used as the LED 20, and multiple LEDs 20 (LED chips) are arranged in a line on the substrate 10, and the multiple LEDs 20 are collectively or individually sealed with a sealing material (e.g., phosphor-containing resin).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the diffusion cover 30 having both diffusive and translucent properties is used, but this is not limited to the above. For example, a translucent cover having only translucent properties of the two properties of diffusive and translucent properties may be used instead of the diffusion cover 30. In this case, a transparent cover with a high transmittance that allows the other side to be seen through may be used as the translucent cover.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments that a person skilled in the art may conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

1, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F LED lighting fixture 2 Fixture body 3, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F LED lighting device 10 Substrate 20 LED
30 Diffusion cover 40 Support member 50, 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E, 50F End cap 50a First end cap 50b Second end cap 51 Main portion 51a Outer surface 51b Inner surface 52 Connection portion

Claims (8)

A long substrate;
A plurality of LEDs are arranged on one surface of the substrate along a longitudinal direction of the substrate;
A support member for supporting the substrate;
a long translucent cover disposed opposite the one surface of the substrate so as to cover the LEDs;
an end cap provided on one end side of the translucent cover in a longitudinal direction;
the end cap is attached to a longitudinal end of a cylinder constituted by the light-transmitting cover and the support member,
The end cap has a plate-shaped main portion and a connection portion that is directly or indirectly connected to the light-transmitting cover,
the main portion has an outer surface and an inner surface as surfaces in a thickness direction of the main portion, and the outer surface and the inner surface each have an inner portion located more inward than other portions of the main portion;
The inner surface is curved inwardly and concavely.
LED lighting device. The main portion has, as the inner portion, a portion in which the outer surface and the inner surface are both located inside one end of the light-transmitting cover or an end surface of the end cap.
2. The LED lighting device according to claim 1. The outer surface is generally concavely curved inwardly.
3. The LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2. The light-transmitting cover is a diffusion cover.
The LED lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . the end cap provided at one end in a longitudinal direction of the light-transmitting cover is a first end cap,
Further, a second end cap is provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the light-transmitting cover,
The shape of the second end cap is the same as the shape of the first end cap.
The LED lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The first end cap and the second end cap are arranged in an opposite direction in the longitudinal direction of the LED lighting device.
6. The LED lighting device according to claim 5 . An LED lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ;
and a fixture body for holding the LED lighting device.
LED lighting fixture. The LED lighting device is detachably attached to the fixture body.
8. The LED lighting fixture according to claim 7 .

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