Lighting connection system and connecting member

Abstract

The problem addressed in this disclosure is to connect lighting fixtures without requiring tools. [Solution] The lighting connection system S1 comprises a first lighting fixture A1, a second lighting fixture A2, and a connecting member 8. The connecting member 8 has a base portion and a fitting portion. The base portion is positioned to be sandwiched along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 at each of the first end 23a and the second end 23b. An opening is formed at at least one of the first end 23a and the second end 23b. The fitting portion protrudes from the base portion along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 so as to be fitted into the openings formed at each end 23 of at least one of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 where the openings are formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a lighting connection system, and more particularly to a lighting connection system and a connecting member for connecting lighting fixtures.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a more aesthetic long LED module and an LED lighting device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 is an LED lighting device including two or more LED lamps arranged in a first direction, two or more lamp cases for housing the LED lamps, and an intermediate member connected to both of two adjacent lamp cases among the two or more lamp cases in the first direction. Each LED lamp includes a plurality of end caps, and ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps among the plurality of LED lamps in the first direction are in contact with each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, since the LED lighting device of Patent Document 1 connects both of two or more lamp cases with an intermediate member and fixes them by screwing, the LED lighting device of Patent Document 1 requires tools when construction is carried out.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a lighting connection system and a connecting member that can connect lighting fixtures without requiring tools.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A lighting connection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first lighting fixture, a second lighting fixture, and a connecting member. The connecting member connects the first lighting fixture and the second lighting fixture. Each of the first and second lighting fixtures has a light source, a support member, and a cover. The support member supports the light source and is elongated. The cover is elongated and is positioned to cover the light source. Each of the first and second lighting fixtures has an opening formed at at least one of the ends of the cover along its longitudinal direction. The connecting member has a base portion and a fitting portion. The base portion is positioned to be sandwiched along the longitudinal direction at each of the first end of the first lighting fixture along its longitudinal direction and the second end of the second lighting fixture along its longitudinal direction. The opening is formed at at least one of the first and second ends. The fitting portion protrudes from the base portion along its longitudinal direction so as to fit into the opening formed at at least one of the ends.

[0008] A connecting member according to one aspect of this disclosure is provided in the lighting connecting system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, lighting fixtures can be connected without the need for tools. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lighting connection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the same lighting connection system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the same lighting connection system, with some parts omitted. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the first or second lighting fixture in the same lighting connection system. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the first or second lighting fixture in the same lighting connection system. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first or second lighting fixture in the same lighting connection system, taken along line XX. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the end member of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the end member of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is another exploded perspective view of the end member of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the connecting member of the lighting connection system described above. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the main components of the same lighting connection system, with some parts omitted. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the connecting member of the lighting connection system according to Modification 5. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a side view of a partially omitted main part of the lighting connection system according to Modification 7. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting connection system according to modified example 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not depart from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0012] Each figure described in the present disclosure is a schematic diagram, and the respective ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. The arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are for example only and are not intended to define the direction when the lighting connection system S1 is used. Also, the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are merely for notation for explanation purposes and do not accompany the actual state. Furthermore, "long and narrow" in the present disclosure means a state where the length dimension in the longitudinal direction is several times to several tens of times the length dimension in the short-side direction.

[0013] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, the lighting connection system S1 and the connecting member 8 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0014] (1) Outline As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the lighting connection system S1 according to the present embodiment includes a first lighting fixture A1, a second lighting fixture A2, and a connecting member 8. The connecting member 8 connects the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Each of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 has a light source (light source module 20), a long and narrow support member 21, and a long and narrow cover 22, as shown in FIG. 5. The support member 21 supports the light source (light source module 20). The cover 22 is arranged to cover the light source (light source module 20). An opening is formed in at least one of both ends of each of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22. As shown in FIG. 10, the connecting member 8 has a base portion 80 and a fitting portion 81. The base portion 80 is arranged to be sandwiched along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 at each of a first end portion 23a along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 of the first lighting fixture A1 and a second end portion 23b along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 of the second lighting fixture A2. An opening is formed in at least one of the first end portion 23a and the second end portion 23b, i.e., in at least one end portion 23. The fitting portion 81 protrudes from the base portion 80 along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 so as to be fitted into the openings formed in the end portions 23 of at least one of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 in which the openings are formed.

[0015] According to this configuration, by fitting the fitting portion 81 of the connecting member 8 to the first end portion 23a and the second end portion 23b, each of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 can be connected without using tools. That is, according to the lighting connection system S1 and the connecting member 8, the lighting fixtures can be connected without the need for tools.

[0016] (2) Configuration As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the lighting connection system S1 according to the embodiment includes a first lighting fixture A1, a second lighting fixture A2, and a connecting member 8. The lighting connection system S1 is, for example, a connection system that is directly attached to the ceiling of a large lecture hall and connects a plurality of lighting fixtures by the connecting member 8. However, the place where the lighting connection system S1 is installed is not limited to the ceiling of the large lecture hall, and it may be on the wall surface or the floor surface of the large lecture hall and other living rooms outside the large lecture hall. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1 are defined as the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions of the lighting connection system S1.

[0017] (2.1) Lighting Fixture In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 have the same shape and configuration. Note that the shapes of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 may be different from each other.

[0018] Each of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 includes a fixture body 1 and a light source unit 2, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0019] In the present embodiment, openings are formed at both ends of each of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the cover 22. The first end portion 23a of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second end portion 23b of the second lighting fixture A2 among the both ends where the openings are formed are arranged to face each other along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the cover 22 for connection, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0020] (2.1.1) Fixture Body As shown in Figure 4, the main body of the device 1 has a long rectangular base plate 10 and a pair of side plates 11 that protrude downward from both ends (front and rear) along the shorter side (front-to-back direction) of the base plate 10. The base plate 10 and the pair of side plates 11 are integrally formed by bending a single metal plate. In other words, the pair of side plates 11 have the function of improving the strength of the base plate 10.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the base plate 10 has two first wire holes 12, two second wire holes 13, two bolt insertion holes 14, and two hook holes 18.

[0022] The two first wire holes 12 are circular holes located at both ends (left and right ends) along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10. Power cables connected to an external power source (e.g., a commercial power grid) or power cables for daisy-chaining to other lighting fixtures are inserted through the two first wire holes 12. A bushing 120 made of an annular synthetic resin molded body is fitted into each first wire hole 12, and the bushing 120 protects the power cable from the edge of the first wire hole 12 in the base plate 10.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the power cable is connected to a power terminal block 15 mounted on the underside of the base plate 10. The power terminal block 15 is mounted near the first wire hole 12 of the base plate 10.

[0024] The two second wire holes 13 are oval-shaped holes located between the longitudinal center of the base plate 10 and each of the first wire holes 12. Signal cables connected to an external signal transmission source or signal cables for daisy-chaining to other lighting fixtures are inserted through the two second wire holes 13. The signal cables inserted through the second wire holes 13 are connected to a signal terminal block 52 provided on the light source unit 2.

[0025] Each of the two bolt insertion holes 14 is an oval-shaped hole located between the power terminal block 15 and the second wire hole 13 of the base plate 10, as shown in Figure 4. One suspension bolt protruding from the ceiling is inserted through each of these two bolt insertion holes 14. The fixture body 1 is then fixed to the ceiling by tightening nuts onto the suspension bolts inserted through the bolt insertion holes 14.

[0026] Each of the two hook holes 18 is a rounded hole located closer to the center than the second wire hole 13 in the base plate 10, as shown in Figure 4. The ends of two strings for temporarily suspending the light source unit 2 are inserted into and hooked into these two hook holes.

[0027] (2.1.2) Mounting spring The fixture body 1 has two mounting springs 30. Each of the two mounting springs 30 is responsible for attaching the light source unit 2 to the fixture body 1. As shown in Figure 4, the mounting springs 30 are provided one at a time between the power terminal block 15 and the adjacent bolt insertion hole 14 on the base plate 10. Each mounting spring 30 is formed into a U-shape by bending a strip of metal plate. These two mounting springs 30 are fixed to the base plate 10 by screws. Each mounting spring 30 is deformable along the short side (front-to-back direction) of the fixture body 1.

[0028] (2.1.3) Light source unit As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the light source unit 2 comprises a light source module 20, a support member 21, a cover 22, a power supply unit 5, and a pair of end members 6.

[0029] (2.1.3.1) Light source module As shown in Figure 5, the light source module 20 includes two substrates 200 and a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs 201) mounted on the surface (bottom surface) of each substrate 200. Each substrate 200 is formed in a long rectangular shape. Conductors for supplying power to the plurality of LEDs 201 are formed on the surface of each substrate 200. The conductors of the two substrates 200 are connected via connectors mounted on the longitudinal ends of each substrate 200.

[0030] The multiple LEDs 201 include, for example, warm white LEDs for illumination and daylight white LEDs for illumination. The multiple LEDs 201 are arranged in alternating rows along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the substrate 200, with LEDs 201 of different emission colors. Note that the multiple LEDs 201 may consist only of white LEDs of the same color for illumination, or they may include three or more white LEDs for illumination. Alternatively, the multiple LEDs 201 may include LEDs that emit light in colors other than white, such as red, green, or blue.

[0031] (2.1.3.2) Power supply unit As shown in Figure 6, the power supply unit 5 comprises a power supply circuit 50 composed of printed circuitry and a power supply case 51 housing the power supply circuit 50. The power supply case 51 is formed in the shape of a long box with one side (bottom) open. The power supply circuit 50 includes a rectifier circuit that rectifies the AC voltage supplied from an external power source, a boost circuit that boosts and smooths the pulsating voltage rectified by the rectifier circuit, a buck circuit that lowers the DC voltage output from the boost circuit, and a control circuit that controls the buck circuit. The control circuit controls the buck circuit to make the current (load current) supplied to the light source module 20 a constant current by matching it to a target value. The control circuit also adjusts the target value of the load current in response to a signal (dimming signal) input from a signal transmission source via a signal cable and signal terminal block 52 to dim and adjust the color of the light source module 20. The signal transmission source is, for example, a lighting controller installed on the wall of a large auditorium.

[0032] (2.1.3.3) Support members As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the support member 21 has a main portion 210 formed in the shape of a long plate, and a pair of side wall portions 211 that rise upward from a pair of side ends (front and rear ends) along the short direction (front-rear direction) of the main portion 210. The pair of side wall portions 211 are formed in the shape of a long rectangle.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the support member 21 includes a positioning piece 212, a locking piece 213, a pair of cover mounting pieces 214, a pair of hooking parts 31, and a pair of projections 215.

[0034] The positioning piece 212 is formed in a prismatic shape that protrudes downward from the rear end on the lower surface of the main part 210. The locking piece 213 is formed in an L-shape that protrudes downward from the front end on the lower surface of the main part 210. The positioning piece 212 and the locking piece 213 are each formed parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the main part 210 and extend along the entire length of the main part 210. As shown in Figure 6, the substrate 200 of the light source module 20 is inserted into the gap between the locking piece 213 and the main part 210 and the substrate 200 is locked in place. The substrate 200 is then positioned in the front-rear direction of the main part 210 by the positioning piece 212. The substrate 200 is screwed to the main part 210 by a plurality of screws.

[0035] Each of the pair of cover mounting pieces 214 is formed in an L-shape, as shown in Figure 6, and protrudes downward from each side end along the shorter direction of the main portion 210. A pair of mounting portions 222 of the cover 22 are hooked onto each cover mounting piece 214, as will be described later.

[0036] Each of the pair of hooking portions 31 protrudes from approximately the center in the vertical direction along the entire length of each side wall portion 211, as shown in Figure 6, on the inner surface of the pair of side wall portions 211, in a direction (hereinafter referred to as inward) where each side wall portion 211 faces the other. However, it hooks onto the tip portions of the spring pieces 300 of the two mounting springs 30 attached to the main body of the device 1.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, each of the pair of projections 215 protrudes inward from the lower end portion of the inward-facing side surface of the pair of side wall portions 211, along the entire length of the longitudinal direction of each side wall portion 211. The main portion 210, the pair of side wall portions 211, the positioning piece 212, the locking piece 213, the pair of cover mounting pieces 214, and the pair of projections 215 may be integrally formed by extrusion molding of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy.

[0038] (2.1.3.4) Cover As shown in Figure 5, the cover 22 has a bottom portion 220, a pair of side walls 221, and a pair of mounting portions 222.

[0039] The bottom portion 220 is formed in a long rectangular shape. The bottom portion 220 faces the light source (light source module 20) in an orthogonal direction (up and down direction) that is perpendicular to both the short direction (front-to-back direction) and the long direction (left-to-right direction) of the cover 22.

[0040] Each of the pair of side walls 221 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape and protrudes upward from both ends (front and rear) along the shorter direction of the bottom 220. Each of the pair of side walls 221 faces each other in the shorter direction (front-to-back direction) of the cover 22.

[0041] Each of the pair of mounting portions 222 is formed in an elongated U-shape and protrudes inward from the upper end of each side wall portion 211 along the entire length of the side wall portion 211 in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] Here, the bottom portion 220, the pair of side walls 221, and the pair of mounting portions 222 may be integrally formed by extrusion molding of a translucent synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin. The cover 22 may be formed in a milky white color by mixing a filler into the synthetic resin material in order to diffuse the light emitted from the light source module 20.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the cover 22 is attached to the support member 21 by hooking one of the pair of mounting parts 222 onto each of the pair of cover mounting pieces 214 of the support member 21. The cover 22 attached to the support member 21 covers the light source module 20 which is mounted on the lower surface of the main part 210.

[0044] (2.1.3.5) End member As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the end member 6 has an end cap portion 61, a mounting bracket 62, and a connecting wall bracket 64.

[0045] The end cap portion 61 comprises a main body 610 having a hole 611 for threading wires, and a cover 63 that is detachably attached to the main body 610 and closes the hole 611 for threading wires when attached to the main body 610. The main body 610 and the cover 63 are each made of a non-transparent synthetic resin material, such as ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylic acid polymer) resin.

[0046] The main body 610 is formed in a U-shaped flat plate form. The surface of the main body 610 opposite to the support member 21 (hereinafter referred to as the front surface) is a flat surface, as shown in Figure 9. The surface of the main body 610 on the support member 21 side (hereinafter referred to as the back surface) is provided with a pair of vertical pieces 612, a horizontal piece 613, a pair of support pieces 614, and a pair of projection pieces 615.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the pair of vertical pieces 612 are formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape and protrude toward the support member 21 side, which is in the thickness direction of the main body 610, from both the front and rear sides of the wiring hole 611 on the back surface of the main body 610. The horizontal piece 613 is formed on a rectangular flat plate and protrudes from the side to side from below the wiring hole 611 on the back surface of the main body 610, so as to connect the lower ends of the pair of vertical pieces 612.

[0048] One connecting groove 616 is provided at each end of the horizontal piece 613 in the front-to-back direction. These connecting grooves 616 are open at the tip of the horizontal piece 613 and form a rectangle with the left-to-right direction as the longitudinal direction. In addition, one projection 617 is provided near the connecting grooves 616 on the upper surface of the horizontal piece 613. These projections 617 are formed in a rectangular prism shape with the left-to-right direction as the axial direction.

[0049] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the pair of support pieces 614 are formed in a square pyramidal shape and protrude from the side surfaces along the front-to-back direction, near the wiring holes 611 of the pair of vertical pieces 612, along the main body 610 in a direction toward the wiring holes 611. Here, a space is formed between the pair of support pieces 614 and the main body 610 into which the flange portion 631 of the cover 63 is slidably inserted from above.

[0050] The pair of projections 615 are formed in a prismatic shape and protrude outward from the wire-passing holes 611 along the front-rear direction on the outer surface of the pair of vertical pieces 612 that is furthest from the wire-passing holes 611, from a position approximately in the vertical center of the vertical piece 612.

[0051] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the lid 63 has a main body 630 formed in the shape of a rectangular box, flange portions 631 protruding from the bottom surface and both front and rear sides of the main body 630, a pair of support portions 632, and claw portions 633.

[0052] The surface of the main body portion 630 is flat. Of the flange portion 631, the parts that protrude from both the front and rear sides of the main body portion 630 are formed so that their thickness decreases towards the bottom.

[0053] Each of the pair of support portions 632 is formed in a trapezoidal shape and protrudes toward the support member 21 from both the front and rear ends on the lower back surface of the main body portion 630. The claw portion 633 is provided in the center in the front-to-back direction on the lower surface of the main body portion 630 and protrudes toward the front surface of the main body portion 630 than the flange portion 631.

[0054] The mounting fixture 62 includes a fixing plate 620, a connecting plate 621, and a support plate 622. The fixing plate 620 is formed on a rectangular flat plate. The support plate 622 is formed on a rectangular flat plate that is smaller than the fixing plate 620. The connecting plate 621 is formed in a Z shape and connects the end of the fixing plate 620 to the end of the support plate 622. The fixing plate 620, the connecting plate 621, and the support plate 622 are formed as a single unit by bending a single metal plate.

[0055] The fixing plate 620 has two circular screw insertion holes 623. As shown in Figure 9, the mounting fixture 62 is fixed to the support member 21 by screwing screws 625 inserted through the two screw insertion holes 623 of the fixing plate 620 to the main part 210 of the support member 21.

[0056] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the fixing plate 620, the connecting plate 621, and the support plate 622 have two fitting grooves 624 formed parallel to each other.

[0057] The connecting wall fixture 64 comprises a main piece 640, a base 641, a pair of connecting parts 642, a pair of retaining pieces 643, and a wall portion 644. However, the main piece 640, the base 641, the pair of connecting parts 642, the pair of retaining pieces 643, and the wall portion 644 are integrally molded from a synthetic resin material. The main piece 640 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The base 641 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate and protrudes from the upper end of the main piece 640 in the left-right direction.

[0058] Each of the pair of connecting parts 642 is formed in an inverted L shape and protrudes upward from both the front and rear ends furthest from the main piece 640 on the upper surface of the base 641. Each of the pair of retaining pieces 643 is formed in a rectangular flat shape and protrudes parallel to the base 641 from both the front and rear ends of the main piece 640.

[0059] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the wall portion 644 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate and is connected to the lower ends of a pair of retaining pieces 643. The wall portion 644 has the function of preventing the user from accidentally touching the light source module 20 from the end portion 23 while leaving an opening at the end portion 23. As shown in Figure 11, the wall portion 644 forms a second space F2, which is an opening for fitting the fitting portion 81, which will be described later.

[0060] (2.2) Connecting members In this embodiment, the connecting member 8 has a base portion 80, two fitting portions 81, and a beam portion 82, as shown in Figure 10. The connecting member 8 is translucent. The connecting member 8 is integrally molded. However, the connecting member 8 does not necessarily have to be integrally molded.

[0061] The base portion 80 is formed in a U-shape. The base portion 80 is made of, for example, rigid silicone. The base portion 80 is positioned between the first end 23a and the second end 23b in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the cover 22, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 10. As shown in Figure 10, the base portion 80 has a first portion 80a and a pair of second portions 80b. The first portion 80a is the portion of the base portion 80 that is aligned with the short direction (front-back direction) of the cover 22. In this embodiment, the lower outer surface of the first portion 80a is flush with the lower outer surface of the bottom 220 of the cover 22. However, the lower outer surface of the first portion 80a does not have to be flush with the lower outer surface of the bottom 220 of the cover 22. The pair of second portions 80b are portions that protrude upward from both ends of the first portion 80a of the base portion 80 in an orthogonal direction (up and down direction) perpendicular to both the short direction (front-to-back direction) and the long direction (left-to-right direction) of the cover 22. That is, the base portion 80 has a first portion 80a along the short direction (front-to-back direction) and a pair of second portions 80b along an orthogonal direction (up and down direction) from both ends of the first portion 80a. The upper ends of the pair of second portions 80b are each provided with a tip portion 83, and the first tip portion 83a, which is the front tip portion 83, and the second tip portion 83b, which is the rear tip portion 83, are connected via a beam portion 82.

[0062] In this embodiment, each of the two fitting portions 81 is formed in a U-shape, as shown in Figure 10. Each of the two fitting portions 81 is made of an elastic material with a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the cover 22. Each of the two fitting portions 81 protrudes from both sides of the base portion 80 in the left-right direction, in opposite left-right directions, as shown in Figure 10. Hereinafter, the fitting portion 81 that protrudes to the left from the base portion 80 may be referred to as the left fitting portion 81, and the fitting portion 81 that protrudes to the right from the base portion 80 may be referred to as the right fitting portion 81.

[0063] In this embodiment, each fitting portion 81 is composed of two first fitting portions 81b and two second fitting portions 81a. That is, the connecting member 8 has four first fitting portions 81b and two second fitting portions 81a.

[0064] The second fitting portion 81a of each fitting portion 81 protrudes from the first portion 80a in a corresponding direction. That is, as shown in Figures 3 and 10, each of the two second fitting portions 81a protrudes from both sides of the first portion 80a in the left-right direction in opposite left-right directions so as to abut against the bottom portion 220.

[0065] The two first fitting portions 81b of each fitting portion 81 are portions that protrude upward from both ends of the corresponding second fitting portion 81a along the front-rear direction. The two first fitting portions 81b of each fitting portion 81 protrude in the corresponding direction from the corresponding second portion 80b. Each fitting portion 81 protrudes from each of the pair of second portions 80b and is fitted into the pair of side walls 221. Specifically, the two first fitting portions 81b of the left fitting portion 81 are fitted into the side wall 221 of the cover 22 of the first lighting fixture A1. The two first fitting portions 81b of the right fitting portion 81 are fitted into the side wall 221 of the cover 22 of the second lighting fixture A2. The two first fitting portions 81b of each fitting portion 81 are configured to protrude upward from both ends of the corresponding second fitting portion 81a along the front-rear direction, that is, to be connected to both ends of the corresponding second fitting portion 81a along the front-rear direction, but the configuration is not limited to this. The two first fitting portions 81b of each fitting portion 81 do not have to be connected to both ends of the corresponding second fitting portion 81a along the front-rear direction.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10, the beam portion 82 connects the first tip portion 83a and the second tip portion 83b, which are the tip portions 83 of the base portion 80. The beam portion 82 is formed of, for example, rigid silicone. As shown in Figure 11, the beam portion 82 is in contact with the end cap portion 61 of the first lighting fixture A1 near the first end portion 23a and the end cap portion 61 of the second lighting fixture A2 near the second end portion 23b. When the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 are connected using the connecting member 8, a first gap D1 is formed between the end member 6 provided on the first lighting fixture A1 and the end member 6 provided on the second lighting fixture A2, as shown in Figure 11. Here, the beam portion 82 is configured to be in contact with the lower end of the main body 610 of the end cap portion 61. Furthermore, the length of the beam portion 82 along the left-right direction is molded to be greater than the first gap D1. As a result, insects and other creatures that have entered the first space F1 formed by the first interval D1 can be prevented from further entering the interiors of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2.

[0067] (3) Assembly and construction (3.1) Assembly process of the light source unit The light source module 20 is attached to the lower surface of the main body 210. As shown in Figures 6 and 11, the light source module 20 is attached to the main body 210 by inserting the substrate 200 into the gap between the locking piece 213 and the main body 210, and then screwing the substrate 200 to the main body 210 while it is positioned by the positioning piece 212.

[0068] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the cover 22 is attached to the main part 210 by inserting the mounting portion 222 of the cover 22 into the gap between the lower surface of the main part 210 and the cover mounting piece 214 from one end of the cover 22 in the longitudinal direction. Since the mounting portion 222 of the cover 22 is only hooked onto the cover mounting piece 214 of the main part 210, the cover 22 is movable along the longitudinal direction of the main part 210 relative to the main part 210.

[0069] Then, as shown in Figure 7, the pair of connecting parts 642 of the connecting wall fitting 64 are inserted one by one into the pair of connecting grooves 616 of the main body 610 of the end cap part 61, thereby connecting the connecting wall fitting 64 and the main body 610 of the end cap part 61.

[0070] Next, the mounting bracket 62 for the end cap portion 61 is attached by fitting one of the pair of protrusions 617 of the main body 610 of the end cap portion 61 into each of the two fitting grooves 624 of the mounting bracket 62.

[0071] Then, the flange portion 631 is inserted into the space between the pair of support pieces 614 of the end cap portion 61 and the main body 610, thereby attaching the cover 63 to the end cap portion 61. As shown in Figure 11, the cover 63 is prevented from coming off the main body 610 by the claw portion 633 provided on the main body portion 630 catching on the recess 619 provided on the back surface of the main body 610 of the end cap portion 61.

[0072] Here, with the lid 63 attached to the end cap portion 61, as shown in Figure 11, the support plate 622 of the mounting fixture 62 is sandwiched between the pair of support portions 632 of the lid 63 and the lateral piece 613 of the main body 610. As a result, the vertical movement of the mounting fixture 62 is restricted by the pair of support portions 632, preventing the engagement between the protrusion 617 and the fitting groove 624 from coming undone.

[0073] Then, the front and rear ends of the fixing plate 620 of the mounting fixture 62 are inserted between the upper surface of the main part 210 and the pair of projections 215. Also, the pair of protrusions 615 of the end cap portion 61 are inserted under the hooking portions 31 of the pair of side wall portions 211. In other words, the pair of protrusions 615 of the end cap portion 61 are hooked onto the hooking portions 31 in the vertical direction. As a result, rattling of the end cap portion 61 relative to the support member 21 is suppressed. Then, as shown in Figure 11, the fixing plate 620 is screwed to the main part 210 of the support member 21 by two screws 625 inserted through the two screw insertion holes 623 of the fixing plate 620. As a result, both ends of the support member 21 in the longitudinal direction are closed by the end cap portion 61. Furthermore, the wall portion 644 of the connecting wall fixture 64 ensures that the first end 23a of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second end 23b of the second lighting fixture A2 secure a second space F2 for fitting the connecting member 8, as shown in Figure 11, preventing the user from touching the light source module 20.

[0074] As described above, the assembly of the light source unit 2 is completed by attaching one end member 6 to each of the longitudinal ends of the support member 21 and the cover 22.

[0075] (3.2) Installation procedure for lighting fixtures Next, we will explain the procedure for installing the first lighting fixture A1 onto the ceiling (building material). This procedure applies to the second lighting fixture A2 as well as the first lighting fixture A1.

[0076] The worker performing the installation inserts the power cable, which has been pulled from the ceiling into the room, into the first wire hole 12 of the fixture body 1. Then, the worker inserts the two suspension bolts protruding from the ceiling into the two bolt insertion holes 14 of the fixture body 1, one bolt at a time, and tightens nuts on each suspension bolt to attach the fixture body 1 to the ceiling. After that, the worker connects the power cable to the primary terminal of the power terminal block 15. Note that when installing multiple lighting fixtures in a row, as will be described later, the cover 63 on the end member 6 of each lighting fixture is removed from the end cap portion 61, and the power cable is routed through the wiring hole 611 of the end cap portion 61.

[0077] Next, the worker temporarily suspends the light source unit 2 from the fixture body 1 by hooking the ends of two strings, each with one end attached to the support member 21, into the two hooking holes 18 of the fixture body 1.

[0078] Then, the worker supports the temporarily suspended light source unit 2 with both hands and brings it closer to the fixture body 1, inserting the mounting spring 30 of the fixture body 1 between the pair of side wall portions 211 of the support member 21. As shown in Figure 6, the tip of the mounting spring 30 inserted between the pair of side wall portions 211 catches on the hook portions 31 on the opposing inner surfaces of each side wall portion 211. As a result, the light source unit 2 is attached to the fixture body 1 by the two mounting springs 30. Note that if the worker pulls the light source unit 2 downwards, the tip of the mounting spring 30 will detach from the hook portion 31, and the light source unit 2 can be removed from the fixture body 1.

[0079] The installation of the lighting fixtures is completed following the steps outlined above.

[0080] (3.3) Installation procedure for lighting connection system This document describes the installation procedure for connecting multiple lighting fixtures (for example, a first lighting fixture A1 and a second lighting fixture A2) on a ceiling, i.e., the installation procedure for a lighting connection system S1. As an example, the procedure for installing and connecting the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 will be described.

[0081] One procedure for connecting the fixtures using the connecting member 8 is to install the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 first, and then insert the connecting member 8 to connect them. Alternatively, the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 may be connected using the connecting member 8 first, and then the entire lighting connection system S1 may be installed.

[0082] This section describes the procedure for connecting the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 by fitting the connecting member 8 after they have been installed.

[0083] First, the worker installs the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 on the ceiling so that they are arranged in a single row along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22. The first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 are installed with the following spacing in mind. The worker places the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 with a first spacing D1 between the end members 6 in the left-right direction, taking into account the thermal expansion of the support member 21 that occurs when the light source is lit, as shown in Figure 11. That is, the worker places the first end 23a and the second end 23b with a second spacing D2 between them in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 11. The second spacing D2 is the length D5 along the left-right direction of the first part 80a plus the third spacing D3 and the fourth spacing D4, as shown in Figure 11. By providing the third spacing D3 and the fourth spacing D4, it is possible to prevent the cover 22 from bending even if the cover 22 expands due to thermal expansion while multiple LEDs 201 are lit. Note that the third interval D3 and the fourth interval D4 do not need to be equal.

[0084] The worker prepares a connecting member 8 in which the fitting portion 81 is made of an elastic material with a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the cover 22. As shown in Figure 11, the worker connects the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 by fitting the fitting portion 81 of the connecting member 8 onto the first end 23a of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second end 23b of the second lighting fixture.

[0085] Following the above steps, the installation of the lighting connection system S1 is completed.

[0086] (4) Advantages As described above, the lighting connection system S1 according to this embodiment comprises a first lighting fixture A1, a second lighting fixture A2, and a connecting member 8, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The connecting member 8 connects the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Each of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 has a light source (light source module 20), a long support member 21, and a long cover 22, as shown in Figure 5. The support member 21 supports the light source. The cover 22 is positioned to cover the light source. Each of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 has an opening formed at least on one of the ends along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22. The connecting member 8 has a base portion 80 and a fitting portion 81, as shown in Figure 10. The base portion 80 is positioned to be sandwiched along the longitudinal direction of the covers 22 at each of the following ends: the first end 23a of the cover 22 of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second end 23b of the cover 22 of the second lighting fixture A2. An opening is formed at at least one of the ends 23 of the first end 23a and the second end 23b. The fitting portion 81 protrudes from the base portion 80 along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 so as to be fitted into the openings formed at each of the ends 23 of at least one of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 where the openings are formed.

[0087] With this configuration, the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 can be connected without tools by fitting the fitting portion 81 of the connecting member 8 to the first end 23a and the second end 23b. In other words, the lighting connection system S1 and the connecting member 8 allow lighting fixtures to be connected without the need for tools.

[0088] (5) Variant (modified version) The following are examples of modifications. These modifications can be applied in appropriate combinations with the above embodiments.

[0089] (5.1) Variation 1 In the above embodiment, each of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 is configured to have openings formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the cover 22, but the configuration is not limited to this. Each of the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 may be configured to have an opening formed at only one of the ends in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the cover 22.

[0090] (5.2) Variation 2 In the above embodiment, both the first end 23a and the second end 23b are configured to have openings, but the configuration is not limited to this. It is sufficient for either the first end 23a or the second end 23b to have an opening.

[0091] The fitting portion 81 of the connecting member 8 protrudes from the base portion 80 along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the cover 22 so as to fit into the opening. That is, the fitting portion 81 does not need to protrude in the direction in which the end 23 of the first end 23a and second end 23b that does not have an opening formed is located.

[0092] (5.3) Modification 3 In the above embodiment, the lighting connection system S1 is configured to connect the first lighting fixture A1 and the second lighting fixture A2 with a connecting member 8, but the number of lighting fixtures to be connected is not limited to two. The lighting connection system S1 may also be configured to connect N lighting fixtures with N-1 connecting members 8, where N is an integer of 3 or more.

[0093] (5.4) Modification 4 In the above embodiment, the fitting portion 81 is composed of two first fitting portions 81b and a second fitting portion 81a, but the number of first fitting portions 81b and second fitting portions 81a is not limited to this number. Parts of the first fitting portions 81b and second fitting portions 81a may be broken off. The number of first fitting portions 81b constituting each of the two fitting portions 81 may be three or four by breaking off parts of the first fitting portions 81b. The number of second fitting portions 81a constituting each of the two fitting portions 81 may be two or three by breaking off parts of the second fitting portions 81a.

[0094] (5.5) Variation 5 In the above embodiment, the connecting member 8 may further have two engaging portions 84 that sandwich the cover 22 between a plurality (in this case, 12) fitting portions 81, as shown in Figure 12.

[0095] Each engaging portion 84 is formed in a U-shape. As shown in Figure 12, each engaging portion 84 protrudes from both sides of the base portion 80 in the left-right direction, in opposite left-right directions. Hereinafter, the engaging portion 84 that protrudes to the left from the base portion 80 will be referred to as the left engaging portion 84, and the engaging portion 84 that protrudes to the right from the base portion 80 will be referred to as the right engaging portion 84. As shown in Figure 12, each engaging portion 84 consists of two first engaging portions 84b and two second engaging portions 84a. That is, the connecting member 8 has four first engaging portions 84b and two second engaging portions 84a. Here, the first engaging portion 84b located in front of the left engaging portion 84 and the first engaging portion 84b located in front of the right engaging portion 84 correspond to the pair of engaging portions of this disclosure. Furthermore, both the first engaging portion 84b located behind the left engaging portion 84 and the first engaging portion 84b located behind the right engaging portion 84 correspond to the pair of engaging portions of this disclosure. That is, the connecting member 8 has a second engaging portion 84a (here, a pair of second engaging portions 84a that protrude in different directions in the left-right direction) separate from each of the pair of first engaging portions 84b that protrude in different directions from each other in the left-right direction.

[0096] Furthermore, in Modification 5, the 12 fitting portions 81 include 8 fitting portions 81d and 4 fitting portions 81c. Here, the fitting portions 81d correspond to the first fitting portions of the present disclosure, and the fitting portions 81c correspond to the second fitting portions of the present disclosure. That is, the connecting member 8 has a second fitting portion 81c (here, a pair of second fitting portions 81c that protrude in different directions in the left-right direction) separate from each of the pair of first fitting portions 81d that protrude in different directions from each other in the left-right direction. Of the 12 fitting portions 81, the 4 fitting portions 81d and 2 fitting portions 81c that protrude to the left from the base portion 80 correspond to the left-side fitting portion 81 in the above embodiment. Also, of the 12 fitting portions 81, the 4 fitting portions 81d and 2 fitting portions 81c that protrude to the right from the base portion 80 correspond to the right-side fitting portion 81 in the above embodiment.

[0097] In Figure 12, two fitting portions 81d are shown to the left of the rear second portion 80b, and two fitting portions 81c are shown to the left of the first portion 80a. However, to the right of the first portion 80a in the figure, two fitting portions 81c of the right fitting portion 81 are provided in a position symmetrical to the two fitting portions 81c of the left fitting portion 81 with respect to the plane along the vertical direction passing through the beam portion 82. Furthermore, to the right of the rear second portion 80b in the figure, two fitting portions 81d of the right fitting portion 81 are provided in a position symmetrical to the two fitting portions 81d of the left fitting portion 81 with respect to the plane along the vertical direction passing through the beam portion 82. In addition, to the right and left of the front second portion 80b in the figure, four fitting portions 81d are provided in a position opposite to the four fitting portions 81d provided to the right and left of the rear second portion 80b in the front-rear direction. The position and number of the fitting portions 81d and 81c are not limited to this configuration. Here, the two fitting portions 81d located in front of the left fitting portion 81 and the fitting portion 81c located in front of the right fitting portion 81 correspond to the pair of fitting portions in this disclosure. Also, the fitting portion 81d located behind the left fitting portion 81 and the fitting portion 81c located behind the right fitting portion 81 also correspond to the pair of fitting portions in this disclosure.

[0098] The two fitting portions 81c of the left fitting portion 81 and the two fitting portions 81c of the right fitting portion 81 protrude from both sides of the first portion 80a in the left-right direction, in different left-right directions, so as to abut against the bottom portion 220.

[0099] The four fitting portions 81d of the left fitting portion 81 are fitted into the side wall 221 of the cover 22 of the first lighting fixture A1. The four fitting portions 81d of the right fitting portion 81 are fitted into the side wall 221 of the cover 22 of the second lighting fixture A2.

[0100] The second engaging portion 84a protrudes from the first portion 80a in a corresponding direction. That is, each of the two second engaging portions 84a protrudes from both sides of the first portion 80a in the left-right direction, in different left-right directions, so as to abut against the bottom portion 220. The second engaging portion 84a of the left engaging portion 84 clamps the bottom portion 220 of the cover 22 of the first lighting fixture A1 between the two fitting portions 81c of the left fitting portion 81. The second engaging portion 84a of the right engaging portion 84 clamps the bottom portion 220 of the cover 22 of the second lighting fixture A2 between the two fitting portions 81c of the right fitting portion 81. That is, the second engaging portion 84a (engaging portion) is provided on the base portion (the first portion 80a), and the bottom portion 220 is clamped between the second engaging portion 84a and the second fitting portion 81c (fitting portion).

[0101] The two first engaging portions 84b of each engaging portion 84 are portions that protrude upward from both ends of the corresponding second engaging portion 84a along the front-rear direction. The two first engaging portions 84b of each engaging portion 84 protrude in the corresponding direction from the corresponding second portion 80b. The two first engaging portions 84b of the left engaging portion 84 sandwich the side wall 221 of the cover 22 of the first lighting fixture A1 between them and the four fitting portions 81d of the left fitting portion 81. The two first engaging portions 84b of the right engaging portion 84 sandwich the side wall 221 of the cover 22 of the second lighting fixture A2 between them and the four fitting portions 81d of the right fitting portion 81. In other words, the connecting member 8 has a pair of engaging portions 84b provided on each of the pair of second portions 80b. More specifically, the connecting member 8 has a pair of engaging portions 84b provided on each of the pair of second portions 80b, which protrude in mutually different directions in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of engaging portions 84b sandwiches the pair of side walls 221 with the corresponding fitting portion 81(81d) of the pair of fitting portions 81(81d).

[0102] (5.6) Variation 6 In the above embodiment, each of the two fitting portions 81 is formed of an elastic material with a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the cover 22, but the configuration is not limited to this. The base portion 80 may be formed of an elastic material with a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the cover 22, or the beam portion 82 may be formed of an elastic material with a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the cover 22. In other words, it is sufficient that at least a part of the connecting member 8 is formed of an elastic material with a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the cover 22.

[0103] (5.7) Variation 7 In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the first end 23a and the second end 23b are configured to be substantially parallel to the vertical direction when viewed from the front-rear direction in a side view, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. The first end 23a and the second end 23b may be formed to be inclined when viewed from the front-rear direction in a side view, as shown in Figure 13. Furthermore, the first end 23a and the second end 23b do not have to be parallel when viewed from the front-rear direction in a side view.

[0104] (5.8) Variation 8 In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the connecting member 8 is configured to be hollow due to the shape of the base portion 80 and the beam portion 82, but the configuration is not limited to this. In the lighting connecting system S1, as shown in Figure 14, the base portion 80 may be formed to cover the entire opening formed at the first end portion 23a and the second end portion 23b, thereby completely closing the hollow portion of the connecting member 8.

[0105] (summary) As described above, the lighting connection system (S1) of the first embodiment comprises a first lighting fixture (A1), a second lighting fixture (A2), and a connecting member (8), as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The connecting member (8) connects the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2), as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Each of the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2) has a light source (light source module 20), a long support member (21), and a long cover (22), as shown in Figure 5. The support member (21) supports the light source. The cover (22) is positioned to cover the light source. Each of the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2) has an opening formed at least on one of the ends along the longitudinal direction of the cover (22). The connecting member (8) has a base portion (80) and a fitting portion (81), as shown in Figure 10. The base portion (80) is positioned to be sandwiched along the longitudinal direction of the covers (22) at the first end (23a) of the cover (22) of the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second end (23b) of the cover (22) of the second lighting fixture (A2). An opening is formed at least one of the first end (23a) and second end (23b) (23). The fitting portion (81) protrudes from the base portion (80) along the longitudinal direction of the cover (22) so as to be fitted into the openings formed at the respective ends (23) of at least one of the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2) where the openings are formed.

[0106] With this configuration, the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2) can be connected without tools by fitting the fitting portion (81) of the connecting member (8) to the first end (23a) and the second end (23b). In other words, the lighting connection system (S1) and the connecting member (8) can connect lighting fixtures without the need for tools.

[0107] In the lighting coupling system (S1) of the second embodiment, the cover (22) has a bottom (220) facing the light source in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to both the short direction and the longitudinal direction of the cover (22). The fitting portion (for example, the second fitting portion 81a) abuts against the bottom (220).

[0108] According to this embodiment, the bottom portion (220) of the cover (22) of each of the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2) can support the connecting member (8).

[0109] In the third embodiment of the lighting coupling system (S1), in the first or second embodiment, the cover (22) has a pair of side walls (221) that face each other in the short direction of the cover (22). The base portion (80) has a first portion (80a) along the short direction of the cover (22) and a pair of second portions (80b) extending from both ends of the first portion (80a) in orthogonal directions perpendicular to both the short direction and the longitudinal direction of the cover (22). A fitting portion (e.g., a first fitting portion 81b) protrudes from each of the pair of second portions (80b) and is fitted into the pair of side walls (221).

[0110] According to this embodiment, the connecting member (8) can be attached to at least one of the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2) by a fitting portion (for example, a first fitting portion 81b) provided on the second portion (80b).

[0111] In the fourth embodiment of the lighting coupling system (S1), in any of the first to third embodiments, the coupling member (8) further has a pair of engaging portions (e.g., a first engaging portion 84b) provided on each of a pair of second portions (80b). Each of the pair of engaging portions (e.g., a first engaging portion 84b) sandwiches a pair of side walls (221) with a corresponding fitting portion (81;81d) of a pair of fitting portions (81;81d).

[0112] According to this embodiment, by providing a pair of engaging portions (for example, a first engaging portion 84b) on the second portion (80b), the connecting member (8) can be firmly attached to at least one of the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2) together with a pair of fitting portions (81; 81d).

[0113] In the fifth embodiment of the lighting coupling system (S1), in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the cover (22) has a bottom (220) facing the light source (light source module 20) in an orthogonal direction. A pair of side walls (221) project orthogonally from both ends of the bottom (220). The coupling member (8) has a second engaging portion (84a) separate from each of a pair of first engaging portions (84b) as a pair of engaging portions (e.g., first engaging portion 84b). Furthermore, the coupling member (8) has a second fitting portion (81;81c) separate from each of a pair of first fitting portions (81;81d) as a pair of fitting portions (81;81d). The second engaging portion (84a) is provided on the first portion (80a). The second engaging portion (84a) sandwiches the bottom portion (220) between the second engaging portion (84a) and the second fitting portion (81; 81c).

[0114] According to this embodiment, the first portion (80a) is further provided with a second engaging portion (84a) and a second fitting portion (81a). The second engaging portion (84a) and the second fitting portions (81; 81c) allow the connecting member (8) to be attached more securely to at least one of the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2).

[0115] In the sixth embodiment of the lighting coupling system (S1), in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the cover (22) has a bottom portion (220) that faces the light source (light source module 20) in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to both the short direction and the longitudinal direction of the cover (22). The coupling member (8) further has an engaging portion. The engaging portion (e.g., a second engaging portion 84a) is provided on the base portion (80) such that the bottom portion (220) is sandwiched between the engaging portion (e.g., a second engaging portion 84a) and the fitting portion (81; 81c).

[0116] According to this embodiment, by providing the engaging portion, the connecting member (8) can be more securely attached to the first lighting fixture (A1) or the second lighting fixture (A2) in combination with the fitting portion (81; 81c).

[0117] In the seventh embodiment of the lighting connection system (S1), in any of the first to sixth embodiments, the base portion (80) is formed in a U-shape. The connecting member (8) includes a beam portion (82) that connects the first tip portion (83a) and the second tip portion (83b), which are the tip portions (83) of the base portion (80).

[0118] According to this embodiment, it is possible to better prevent objects from entering the openings formed at each of the first end (23a) and the second end (23b) from outside the lighting fixture.

[0119] In the lighting connection system (S1) of the eighth embodiment, in any of the first to seventh embodiments, the base portion (80) covers the entire opening.

[0120] According to this embodiment, the connection by the connecting member (8) of the lighting connection system (S1) can be made stronger.

[0121] In the ninth embodiment of the lighting connection system (S1), in any of the first to eighth embodiments, the connecting member (8) further has light-transmitting properties.

[0122] According to this embodiment, the continuity of light can be maintained when the light emitted from each of the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2) passes through the connecting member (8).

[0123] In the lighting coupling system (S1) of the tenth embodiment, in any of the first to ninth embodiments, at least a portion of the coupling member (8) is formed of an elastic material with a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the cover (22).

[0124] According to this embodiment, when connecting the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2), the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2) can be connected after they have been installed, for example, on the ceiling.

[0125] In the 11th embodiment of the lighting connection system (S1), in any of the first to tenth embodiments, the first end (23a) and the second end (23b) are each formed to be inclined in a side view.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the connection between the first lighting fixture (A1) and the second lighting fixture (A2) by the connecting member (8) can be made stronger.

[0127] In the twelfth embodiment of the connecting member (8), the lighting connecting system (S1) is provided in any of the first to eleventh embodiments.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the connecting member (8) can have various shapes and functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0129] 8 Connecting members 21 Support member 22 Cover 23 End 23a First end 23b Second end 80 Base section 80a Part 1 80b 2nd part 81 Fitting part 81a Second fitting section 81b First mating section 81c Fitting section (second fitting section) 81d Mating part (first mating part) 82 Beam section 83 Tip 83a 1st tip 83b 2nd tip 84 Engagement part 84a Second engaging part 84b First engagement part 220 Bottom 221 Side wall A1 First lighting fixture A2 2nd lighting fixture S1 Lighting Connection System

Claims

1. First lighting fixture and, Second lighting fixture and The system comprises a connecting member that connects the first lighting fixture and the second lighting fixture, Each of the first lighting fixture and the second lighting fixture is: Light source and A long support member that supports the light source, It has a long cover that is positioned to cover the light source, An opening is formed at at least one of the ends of the cover along its longitudinal direction. The aforementioned connecting member is A base portion is provided which is positioned to be sandwiched along the longitudinal direction at each of the first end of the first lighting fixture along the longitudinal direction and the second end of the second lighting fixture along the longitudinal direction, It has a fitting portion, The opening is formed at at least one of the first end and the second end. The fitting portion protrudes from the base portion along the longitudinal direction so as to fit into the opening formed in at least one of the ends. Lighting connection system.

2. The cover has a bottom portion that faces the light source in a direction perpendicular to both the short direction and the long direction of the cover, The fitting portion abuts against the bottom, The lighting connection system according to claim 1.

3. The cover has a pair of side walls that face each other in the short direction of the cover, The base portion has a first portion along the short direction and a pair of second portions extending from both ends of the first portion in orthogonal directions perpendicular to both the short direction and the long direction. The fitting portion protrudes from each of the pair of second portions and is fitted into the pair of side walls. The lighting connection system according to claim 1.

4. The connecting member further has a pair of engaging portions provided on each of the pair of second portions, Each of the pair of engaging portions sandwiches the pair of side walls with the corresponding fitting portion of the pair of fitting portions. The lighting connection system according to claim 3.

5. The cover has a bottom facing the light source in the direction perpendicular to the light source, The pair of side walls protrude from both ends of the bottom in the orthogonal direction, The connecting member has a second engaging portion separate from each of the pair of first engaging portions which constitute the pair of engaging portions, and a second fitting portion separate from each of the pair of first fitting portions which constitute the pair of fitting portions, The second engaging portion is provided on the first portion, and the bottom portion is sandwiched between the second engaging portion and the second fitting portion. The lighting connection system according to claim 4.

6. The cover has a bottom portion facing the light source in a direction perpendicular to both the short and long directions of the cover, The connecting member further has an engaging portion, The engagement portion is provided on the base portion, and the bottom portion is sandwiched between the engagement portion and the fitting portion. The lighting connection system according to claim 1.

7. The base portion is formed in a U-shape, The connecting member includes a beam portion that connects the first tip portion and the second tip portion, which are the tip portions of the base portion. The lighting connection system according to claim 1.

8. The base portion covers the entire opening. The lighting connection system according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned connecting member further has light-transmitting properties. A lighting connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. At least a portion of the connecting member is formed of an elastic material with a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the cover. A lighting connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. Each of the first and second ends is formed to be inclined when viewed from the side. A lighting connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. A connecting member comprising the lighting connection system according to claim 1.

Images