Lighting fixture

Abstract

The present invention provides a flexible circuit board in which the degree of decrease in brightness to the end of a product is small when the product is long, and the brightness of a light emitter is not inconsistent even if it is cut, and a lighting appliance using the flexible circuit board. Each unit includes: a first current supply line that enables current to flow between a first forward line and a second return line via a first light emitting element; and a second current supply line that enables current to flow between the first return line and the second return line via a second light emitting element. Power supplied to the first forward line from a front end is supplied to the first light emitting element via the first current supply line and flows back to the second return line in each of the units. Power supplied to the second forward line from the front end flows back to the first return line in the opposite direction via the first current supply line at the end, and then, in each of the units, power supplied to the second forward line from the front end is supplied to the second light emitting element via the second current supply line and flows back to the second return line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to lighting fixtures with arranged light-emitting elements. Background Technology

[0002] Historically, products known as line lights, which arrange LED light emitters on a flexible circuit board, have been developed. These products are used, for example, in building facades, indirect lighting, and cabinet lighting, and are generally designed to be cut to any length, from 50mm to 5m, depending on the size of the installation location (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] like Figure 3 As shown, each flexible circuit board 102 typically has one positive-side wiring 104 and one negative-side wiring 106. (In some inventions, there are lighting fixtures with structures that increase the capacitance by using multiple flexible circuit boards 102 and additionally providing bypass wiring (for example, see Patent Document 2)). These techniques typically involve power supplied from the front end 108 on one side of the lighting fixture along its length, first from the front end 108 on the flexible circuit board 102 to the end 110 via the positive-side wiring 104, and then supplying power to all the light-emitting elements 112 (in this case, the resistive element is included in the light-emitting element 112) arranged in each unit 111 in order of proximity to the power supply side, thus illuminating them.

[0004] The power that illuminates the light-emitting elements 112 of each unit 111 flows back from the end 110 to the front end 108 via the negative terminal wiring 106. According to this structure, when power is introduced into the unit 111 closest to the power supply side, it gradually loses voltage due to the resistance of the positive terminal wiring 104, which serves as the outlet, thus only supplying low-voltage power to the units 111 near the end of the long lighting fixture.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-118169

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-090849 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, such lighting fixtures are usually powered from the front end 108 on one side of the length direction of the fixture. Therefore, for example, when using a product with a length of 5m or more, the end end will be darker than the front end due to the voltage drop of the wiring on the flexible circuit board 102 that powers the light-emitting element 112.

[0011] In this regard, although it is possible to thicken the wiring on the flexible circuit board 102, increase the capacitance by adding a bypass wiring as shown in Patent Document 2, and reduce the resistance by increasing the metal purity of the wiring, the effect on reducing the brightness at the end is limited in the case of products with a length of 5m or more.

[0012] Furthermore, in the structure where the light-emitting element 112 is connected to a resistor, it is technically possible to achieve uniform brightness by connecting a resistor with a large resistance at the front end and a resistor with a small resistance at the rear end. However, in this case, the resistance at the front end must be constant. For example, if a 5m lighting fixture is cut into 5 pieces every 1m, the brightness of each lighting fixture will be inconsistent.

[0013] For these reasons, it is difficult to develop lighting fixtures that have almost no reduction in brightness at the end 110 even when the length is more than 5m, and that have light-emitting elements 112 arranged on each of the cut flexible circuit boards 102 when cut to any length, each of the lighting fixtures has the same brightness.

[0014] Therefore, for example, if linear lighting is to be installed longitudinally on the exterior wall of a 30m high building (equivalent to an 8-story building), it would first be necessary to install 6 lighting fixtures every 5m, and roughly corresponding to each floor, to create power supply holes for each lighting fixture on the exterior wall. This presents not only safety and construction challenges, but also a significant economic burden.

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible circuit board that minimizes the decrease in brightness at the end of a product when it is long, and ensures that the brightness remains consistent even when the light-emitting element is cut off, and to provide a lighting fixture using the flexible circuit board.

[0016] Technical means for solving problems

[0017] The lighting fixture of the present invention comprises a first outgoing line, a second outgoing line, a first return line, and a second return line arranged from the front end to the rear end in the length direction, and a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged thereon. The lighting fixture is characterized in that:

[0018] A first energized portion is formed at the end to electrically connect the second outgoing line and the first returning line.

[0019] Multiple units, grouped together by a specified number of first and second light-emitting elements, are connected.

[0020] Each of the aforementioned units includes: a first energized wiring that allows current to flow between the first outgoing wiring and the second returning wiring via the first light-emitting element; and a second energized wiring that allows current to flow between the first returning wiring and the second returning wiring via the second light-emitting element.

[0021] The power supplied from the front end to the first outgoing line is supplied to the first light-emitting element through the first energized line in each of the units, and then flows back to the second return line.

[0022] The power supplied from the front end to the second outgoing line, once returned in the opposite direction to the first return line via the first energized section at the end, is supplied to the second light-emitting element through the second energized line in each of the units, and then returns to the second return line.

[0023] In this way, by arranging the first outgoing wiring, the first energized wiring, and the second return wiring as the first wiring system, and the second outgoing wiring, the first energized section, the first return wiring, and the second return wiring as the second wiring system, on the same circuit, it is possible to supply power in the positive direction from the front end to the rear end while simultaneously supplying power in the opposite direction from the rear end to the front end. Therefore, it is possible to provide a lighting fixture that minimizes the decrease in brightness towards the rear when the product is long, and whose brightness remains consistent even when the size is changed to any length by truncation between units.

[0024] Furthermore, the lighting fixture of the present invention is characterized by:

[0025] A connection is formed between the units.

[0026] In this way, by setting a contact point, a first energized part can be provided at the new end obtained by severing the wire to short-circuit the second outgoing wiring and the first returning wiring. Thus, the effect of the present invention can be maintained regardless of which unit is severed.

[0027] Furthermore, the lighting fixture of the present invention is characterized by:

[0028] At the front end, a first lead for supplying power to the first outgoing line is connected to the first outgoing line.

[0029] A second energized part is formed on the front end side to electrically connect the first outgoing line and the second outgoing line.

[0030] Therefore, power can be supplied simultaneously to both the first wiring system and the second wiring system from the same lead.

[0031] The effects of the invention

[0032] According to the present invention, a lighting fixture can be provided that minimizes the decrease in brightness at the end when the product is long, and ensures that the brightness remains consistent even when the light-emitting element is cut off. Specifically, it can be configured such that, for flexible lighting fixtures with lengths exceeding 5m, the problem of brightness reduction at the end due to voltage drop can be solved, and the brightness of the light-emitting element remains consistent regardless of which unit is cut off.

[0033] Furthermore, by using insulating softening resins or the like to seal the lighting fixtures of the present invention, products can be manufactured. For example, it is possible to install a single 30m (equivalent to 8 floors) lighting fixture instead of dividing the exterior wall lighting of high-rise buildings into 5m sections. Therefore, economic efficiency, including safety, construction, and maintainability, can be significantly improved.

[0034] Furthermore, since cutting it at any point does not prevent its use as a product, it is also economically efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the implementation of the tape light.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of the printed wiring built into the lamp strip in the embodiment.

[0037] Figure 3 It is a conceptual diagram representing the structure of an existing circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the lighting fixture according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described using a light strip as an example. Figure 1 This is a top view (plan view) of the light strip 2, which is the lighting fixture used in the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a top view showing the circuit 8 with the printed wiring built into the light strip 2.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the light strip 2 is a long strip-shaped product extending in one direction, including a circuit board 4, a chip 6, an LED chip 10 and a resistor 11, with a lead wire 14 on the front end 12 side and an open end 16 side.

[0040] Here, circuit board 4 is a flexible strip-shaped board formed from FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits). Circuit board 4 is constructed by stacking multiple wiring layers that form printed wiring.

[0041] The sheet 6 is, for example, an insulating film formed of synthetic resin, covering the surface of the circuit board 4 except for the parts where the LED chip 10, resistor 11, etc. are mounted.

[0042] LED chips 10 are light-emitting elements arranged in a row along the length direction at predetermined intervals on the surface of the circuit board 4. In this embodiment, six LED chips 10 are grouped together, and the circuit board 4 is formed by connecting the units 17 on which each group of LED chips 10 is mounted. Figure 2 As an example, three units 17 are schematically illustrated.

[0043] The resistor 11 has the function of limiting the input current in order to drive the LED chip 10 normally, and is arranged in a row along the length direction at predetermined intervals on the surface of the circuit board 4, just like the LED chip 10. In addition, in this embodiment, four resistors 11 are installed in each unit 17.

[0044] In addition, at the boundary of each unit 17, in a direction orthogonal to the length direction, there are multiple connecting points 19. The connecting points 19 are the parts that expose the wiring (first route wiring 22, second route wiring 24, first return wiring 26 and second return wiring 28, described later) on the surface of the circuit board 4.

[0045] By setting such a contact 19, when the light strip 2 is cut between units 17, the lead 14 can be connected to the circuit board 4 by solder or the like at the new front end 12, and the outgoing and returning wiring can be short-circuited at the new end 16.

[0046] In addition, multiple through holes (not shown) are formed on circuit board 4. These through holes are used to conduct electricity between the multiple wiring layers stacked in circuit board 4.

[0047] In addition, in this embodiment, a circuit board 4 connecting three units 17 is shown, and the length of the front end 12 to the end end 16 of the circuit board 4 can be at least the length of one unit 17, and at most any length of 5m or more.

[0048] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, in circuit 8 of circuit board 4, the first outgoing line 22, the second outgoing line 24, the first return line 26, and the second return line 28 are arranged in a straight line from the front end 12 to the end end 16 in the length direction.

[0049] Furthermore, each unit 17 is equipped with a first power-on wiring 32 and a second power-on wiring 34. Here, the first power-on wiring 32 powers the first outgoing wiring 22 and the second returning wiring 28 via the odd-numbered LED chip 10 (first light-emitting element) starting from the front end 12 side. Similarly, the second power-on wiring 34 powers the first returning wiring 26 and the second returning wiring 28 via the even-numbered LED chip 10 (second light-emitting element) starting from the front end 12 side.

[0050] Furthermore, at the front end 12, the second energizing part 36, which energizes the first outgoing line 22 and the second outgoing line 24, connects contacts 19a1 and 19b1 and short-circuits them using soldering or the like. At the end end 16, the first energizing part 38, which energizes the second outgoing line 24 and the first return line 26, connects contacts 19b2 and 19c2 and short-circuits them using soldering or the like.

[0051] Next, the flow of power in circuit 8 will be explained. First, when power is supplied from the first lead 14a to the first outgoing line 22, the power is shunted at point A to the first energized line 32. The shunted power is supplied to the odd-numbered LED chip 10 (first light-emitting element) from the front end 12 side to light it up, and then supplied to the second return line 28, flowing back to the second lead 14b.

[0052] The unshunted power flows directly to the first outgoing line 22, and is shunted to the first energized line 32 at point B of the second unit 17 from the front end 12 side. It then flows back to the second lead 14b via the odd-numbered LED chip 10 (first light-emitting element) and the second return line 28. The same process is repeated in the third unit 17 from the front end 12 side.

[0053] On the other hand, when power is supplied to the second outgoing line 24 from the first lead 14a via the second energizing section 36, the power temporarily flows directly to the end 16 through the second outgoing line 24. Then, at the end 16, the power is turned back via the first energizing section 38 and flows back from the end 16 to the front end 12 through the first return line 26.

[0054] Next, power is diverted at point D of unit 17, which is closest to the end 16, to the second power-on wiring 34. The diverted power supplies power to the even-numbered LED chip 10 (second light-emitting element) starting from the front end 12, illuminating it, and then supplies it to the second return wiring 28, returning to the second lead 14b.

[0055] The unshunted power flows directly from end 16 to front end 12 on the first return line 26, and is shunted at point E of the second unit 17 from end 16 to the second power-on line 34, then returns to the second lead 14b via the even-numbered LED chip 10 (second light-emitting element) and the second return line 28. The same process is repeated in the third unit 17 from end 16.

[0056] According to the invention of this embodiment, by providing a first outgoing wiring 22, a first energized wiring 32, and a second return wiring 28 as a first wiring system, and a second outgoing wiring 24, a first energized section 38, a first return wiring 26, and a second return wiring 28 as a second wiring system on the same circuit 8, it is possible to supply power in the positive direction from the front end 12 to the end 16 while simultaneously supplying power in the reverse direction from the end 16 to the front end 12. Therefore, it is possible to provide a lighting fixture where the decrease in brightness to the end 16 is minimal when the product is long, and where the brightness of the LED chips 10 in each of the cut units 17 remains consistent even when the size is changed to any length by truncation between units 17.

[0057] Furthermore, the brightness of the light-emitting element remains consistent regardless of which unit 17 the light strip 2 is cut from, thus allowing the product to be sized to any length, with each segment forming an independent lighting fixture. Moreover, since cutting at any point does not hinder its use as a product, it is also economically efficient.

[0058] Furthermore, by using insulating softening resins to seal the light strip 2, it can be commercialized, for example, allowing for the installation of a single 30m (equivalent to 8 floors) lighting fixture instead of dividing the exterior wall lighting of high-rise buildings into 5m sections. Therefore, it can significantly improve economic efficiency, including safety, ease of installation, and maintainability.

[0059] Furthermore, by setting the contact 19, even if the light strip 2 is cut off between units 17, the lead 14 can be connected to the circuit board 4 at the new front end 12, or by preparing a new unit 17, the contact 19 at the end 16 can be connected to the front end 12 (new unit 17) of the new unit 17 using solder or the like, thereby extending the light strip 2.

[0060] This method is the conventional use of the existing contact 19. In this invention, by further providing a first energized part 38 connecting contacts 19b2 and 19c2 at a new end 16, the second outgoing circuit wiring 24 and the first returning circuit wiring 26 can be short-circuited. Thus, the above-mentioned effect can be maintained regardless of which unit 17 constituting the light strip 2 is cut off.

[0061] Furthermore, by connecting contacts 19a1 and 19b1 at the front end 12 and performing soldering on the second energized part 36, power can be supplied to both the first wiring system and the second wiring system simultaneously from the same lead 14.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, each unit 17 is not necessarily composed of a group of 6 LED chips 10; it may also have 4, 8, or other LED chips 10. Similarly, the resistors 11 are not necessarily grouped in groups of 4; they may also be integrated into the LED chips 10.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a case where the first energized section 38 and the second energized section 36 are soldered is illustrated; however, they can also be short-circuited by energizing materials other than solder. For example, leads, clamping components, or structures that can be connected using terminals can also be used for the first energized section 38 and the second energized section 36. As an example of using leads instead, the first lead 14a, which is split into two strands at its front end, can be connected to contacts 19a1 and 19b1 and used as the second energized section 36.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the circuit board 4 may also be inserted into a hollow tubular soft resin, or covered by soft resin. Additionally, in the above embodiments, the surface of the circuit board 4 is covered by a resin sheet 6, but the circuit board 4 may not be covered by the sheet 6.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the wiring can be formed on only one side of the circuit board or on both sides of the circuit board 4. Also, the wiring layer constituting the circuit 8 is not necessarily multi-layered; it can also be a single layer.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, unit 17 can be a single unit, but it can also be connected in groups of four or more.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a contact 19 with a shape referred to as a solder pad is shown, but the shape of the contact 19 is not limited to the shape shown in this embodiment. That is, the contact 19 is provided not only for the connection of the lead 14 used in normal applications, but also to enable short circuits between wirings that are essential for the establishment of this invention to be performed afterward using solder or the like when changing the size of the light strip 2, so it does not have to be in the shape of a solder pad, and electrodes or the like can also be provided.

[0068] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0069] 2 LED strips

[0070] 4 Circuit Boards

[0071] 6 pieces

[0072] 8 circuits

[0073] 10 chips

[0074] 11 Resistor

[0075] 12 Frontend

[0076] 14 Lead wires

[0077] 14a First lead

[0078] 14b Second lead

[0079] 16 End

[0080] Unit 17

[0081] 19(19a1, 19b1, 19b2, 19c2) Contact

[0082] 22 First route wiring

[0083] 24 Second route wiring

[0084] 26 First return circuit wiring

[0085] 28 Second return circuit wiring

[0086] 32 First power-on wiring

[0087] 34 Second power-on wiring

[0088] 36 Second Electricity Section

[0089] 38 First Electrical Section

[0090] 102 Flexible Circuit Board

[0091] 104 wiring

[0092] 106 wiring

[0093] 108 Front-end

[0094] 110 end

[0095] Unit 111

[0096] 112 Light-emitting element.

Claims

1. A lighting fixture comprising a first outgoing line, a second outgoing line, a first return line, and a second return line arranged from front to back along its length, and wherein a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged thereon, characterized in that: A first energized portion is formed at the end to electrically connect the second outgoing line and the first returning line. Multiple units, grouped together by a specified number of first and second light-emitting elements, are connected. Each of the aforementioned units includes: A first energized wiring that allows current to flow between the first outgoing wiring and the second returning wiring via the first light-emitting element; And a second energized wiring that allows current to flow between the first return wiring and the second return wiring via the second light-emitting element. The power supplied from the front end to the first outgoing line is supplied to the first light-emitting element through the first energized line in each of the units, and then flows back to the second return line. The power supplied from the front end to the second outgoing line, once returned in the opposite direction to the first return line via the first energized section at the end, is supplied to the second light-emitting element through the second energized line in each of the units, and then returns to the second return line.

2. The lighting fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A connection is formed between the units.

3. The lighting fixture as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At the front end, a first lead for supplying power to the first outgoing line is connected to the first outgoing line. A second energized part is formed on the front end side to electrically connect the first outgoing line and the second outgoing line.

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