LED lighting device and LED luminaire

Abstract

To provide an LED lighting device and the like capable of turning the circumference of a longitudinal end portion of the LED lighting device into an atmosphere of desired light and being easily attached to and detached from a luminaire body.SOLUTION: An LED lighting device 3 includes: a long substrate 10; a plurality of LEDs 20 arranged on one face of the substrate 10 along a longitudinal direction of the substrate 10; a diffusion cover 30 as an example of a long translucent cover disposed in opposition to one face of the substrate 10 in a manner of covering the plurality of LEDs 20; and an end cap 50 disposed on one end portion side in the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30. The end cap 50 has a plate-shaped main portion 51, and a connection portion 52 directly or indirectly connected to the diffusion cover 30. The main portion 51 has an outer face 51a and an inner face 51b as faces in a thickness direction of the main portion 51 and has an inner region where both of the outer face 51a and the inner face 51b are positioned inside with respect to the other region of the main portion 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an LED lighting device and an LED lighting fixture equipped with the LED lighting device. [Background technology]

[0002] LED lighting fixtures that use LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are known. Conventionally, LED lighting fixtures that are installed on ceilings include a long LED lighting device called a light bar and a long fixture body that has a recess into which the LED lighting device can be detachably attached (Patent Document 1).

[0003] This type of LED lighting device includes a long substrate, multiple LEDs mounted on the substrate, a long diffusion cover that covers the multiple LEDs, a support member that supports the substrate and to which the diffusion cover is attached, and a pair of end caps attached to both ends of the diffusion cover in the longitudinal direction. The pair of end caps are approximately plate-shaped members that are connected to the diffusion cover so as to cover both ends of the diffusion cover. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-73670 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Conventional LED lighting device configurations have the problem that when installing an LED lighting fixture on a ceiling or other surface, the LED lighting device cannot be easily attached to the fixture body. Also, when the LED lighting fixture is detachably attached to the fixture body, it is not easy to attach or detach the LED lighting device to or from the fixture body. In other words, it is difficult to attach or detach the LED lighting device to or from the lighting fixture.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an LED lighting device and an LED lighting fixture that can be easily attached to and detached from the fixture body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the LED lighting device of the present invention comprises a long substrate, a plurality of LEDs arranged on one surface of the substrate along the longitudinal direction of the substrate, a long translucent cover arranged opposite the one surface of the substrate so as to cover the plurality of LEDs, and an end cap provided on one end side of the translucent cover in the longitudinal direction, wherein the end cap has a plate-shaped main portion and a connection portion directly or indirectly connected to the translucent cover, and the main portion has an outer surface and an inner surface as surfaces in the thickness direction of the main portion, and the outer surface and the inner surface both have an inner portion located more inward than other portions of the main portion.

[0008] An embodiment of an LED lighting fixture according to the present invention includes the above LED lighting device and a fixture body that holds the LED lighting device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The LED lighting device can be easily attached and detached from the fixture body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the LED lighting fixture according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment as viewed from the longitudinal direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an LED lighting fixture according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment as viewed from the diffusion cover side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment as seen from the back side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the LED lighting fixture according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the LED lighting fixture according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an LED lighting fixture according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the LED lighting fixture according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end cap used in the LED lighting fixture according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an LED lighting fixture according to an embodiment is installed on a ceiling and is turned on. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state when the LED lighting device is removed from the fixture body in the LED lighting fixture according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end cap according to the first modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end cap according to the second modification. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting fixture according to the second modification. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end cap according to the third modification. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting fixture according to the third modification. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting fixture according to the fourth modification. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting fixture according to the fifth modification. [Figure 22]FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another configuration of an LED lighting fixture according to the fifth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components.

[0012] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified. Furthermore, in each figure, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis represent the three axes of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and in this embodiment, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis (the direction parallel to the XY plane) is the horizontal direction. The X-axis and Y-axis are axes that are mutually orthogonal and are both orthogonal to the Z-axis. Note that in this specification, the terms "up" and "down" do not necessarily refer to the upward direction (vertically upward) and downward direction (vertically downward) in absolute spatial recognition.

[0013] (Embodiment) First, the configuration of an LED lighting fixture 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the LED lighting fixture 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the LED lighting fixture 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the LED lighting fixture 1 as viewed from the longitudinal direction. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the LED lighting fixture 1. Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the LED lighting fixture 1 cut along a plane parallel to the short-side direction.

[0014] An LED lighting fixture 1 according to this embodiment includes a fixture body 2 and an LED lighting device 3 attached to the fixture body 2, as shown in FIGS.

[0015] The fixture body 2 holds the LED lighting device 3. The fixture body 2 is installed at a predetermined location in a building. The LED lighting fixture 1 in this embodiment is a ceiling-mounted lighting fixture. Therefore, the fixture body 2 is attached to the ceiling inside a room using bolts or the like.

[0016] In this embodiment, the fixture body 2 is made of sheet metal and is formed into a flat box shape that is long in the Y-axis direction by bending the metal plate or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the fixture body 2 is provided with a recess 2a having a rectangular opening. The recess 2a is provided elongated along the longitudinal direction of the fixture body 2. The recess 2a is a storage section for storing the LED lighting device 3 and is provided over approximately the entire length of the fixture body 2. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, on both sides of the recess 2a in the width direction of the fixture body 2, there are provided inclined surfaces 2b that extend from the opening edge of the recess 2a and are inclined upward (towards the ceiling) as they go outward.

[0017] The LED lighting device 3 is a light source unit that uses an LED as a light source. The LED lighting device 3 is detachably attached to the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. For example, the LED lighting device 3 can be attached to the recess 2a of the fixture body 2, or the LED lighting device 3 attached to the recess 2a of the fixture body 2 can be detached from the recess 2a. The LED lighting device 3 and the fixture body 2 can be fixed by engaging a mounting bracket such as a leaf spring provided on the LED lighting device 3 with the fixture body 2.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, the LED lighting device 3 emits light using power supplied from a power supply device 4 housed in the fixture body 2. The power supply device 4 supplies power to the LED lighting device 3 and is arranged, for example, on the rear side of the LED lighting device 3. Specifically, the power supply device 4 is arranged in a recess 2a of the fixture body 2. In this embodiment, the power supply device 4 is attached to the LED lighting device 3 and is integrated with the LED lighting device 3. Note that the power supply device 4 may not be integrated with the LED lighting device 3 and may be arranged in the fixture body 2 separately from the LED lighting device 3.

[0019] The power supply device 4 is configured with a power supply circuit that generates power for emitting light from the LED lighting device 3. For example, the power supply device 4 has a printed circuit board on which multiple electronic components are mounted and a circuit case that houses the printed circuit board. The power supply device 4 converts AC power from an external power source such as a commercial power source into DC power of a predetermined level by rectifying, smoothing, and stepping down the power, and supplies the DC power to the LED lighting device 3.

[0020] Next, the detailed structure of the LED lighting device 3 will be described using Figures 5 to 7 while referring to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device 3 according to the embodiment as seen from the diffusion cover 30 side, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device 3 as seen from the back side. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the LED lighting device 3.

[0021] 2, 5, and 6, the LED lighting device 3 is a long linear light source called a light bar. The LED lighting device 3 emits light of a predetermined color, such as white light.

[0022] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the LED lighting device 3 includes a substrate 10, a plurality of LEDs 20 arranged on the substrate 10, a long diffusion cover 30 that covers the plurality of LEDs 20, a support member 40 that supports the substrate 10, and an end cap 50.

[0023] The substrate 10 is a mounting substrate for mounting the LEDs 20. In this embodiment, the substrate 10 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the support member 40. The thickness of the substrate 10 is, for example, 1.0 mm. The length of the substrate 10 may be substantially the same as the overall length of the support member 40 in the longitudinal direction, or multiple substrates 10 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the support member 40.

[0024] The substrate 10 has a first surface 10a, which is one surface, and a second surface 10b, which is the other surface facing away from the first surface 10a. The first surface 10a of the substrate 10 is the front surface on which the LEDs 20 are mounted. On the other hand, the second surface 10b of the substrate 10 is the back surface facing the support member 40. In this embodiment, the second surface 10b of the substrate 10 and the support member 40 are in contact with each other.

[0025] The substrate 10 is, for example, a printed wiring board (printed circuit board) on which metal wiring is formed in a predetermined pattern. Note that a resist made of an insulating resin material may be formed on the surface of the substrate 10 so as to cover the wiring in order to protect the wiring and ensure a dielectric strength voltage. The substrate 10 may be a single-sided wiring board in which wiring is formed only on the first surface 10a on which the LEDs 20 are mounted, or may be a double-sided wiring board in which wiring is formed on both the first surface 10a and the second surface 10b.

[0026] The base material constituting the substrate 10 may be a resin substrate made of an insulating resin material, a ceramic substrate made of a sintered body of a ceramic material such as alumina, or a metal-based substrate obtained by applying an insulating coating to the surface of a metal substrate made of a metal material such as aluminum or copper.

[0027] When the substrate 10 is made of a resin substrate, examples of the resin substrate that can be used include a glass epoxy substrate (CEM-3, FR-4, etc.) made of glass fiber and epoxy resin, a paper phenol substrate (FR-1, FR-2) made of kraft paper or the like and phenol resin, a paper epoxy substrate (FR-3) made of paper and epoxy resin, or a polyimide substrate made of polyimide, etc. The substrate 10 may be a rigid substrate or a film-like flexible substrate.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 7, a plurality of LEDs 20 are mounted on the first surface 10a of the substrate 10. In this embodiment, the plurality of LEDs 20 are mounted in a linear row along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the substrate 10 at predetermined intervals. Specifically, the plurality of LEDs 20 are mounted over substantially the entire longitudinal length of the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40. Therefore, the first and last LEDs 20 of the plurality of LEDs 20 are located near the end cap 50. The plurality of LEDs 20 may be mounted in multiple rows along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 10 instead of in a single row.

[0029] The LED 20 is an example of a light-emitting element. In this embodiment, each of the multiple LEDs 20 is an individually packaged LED element (LED light source) with an SMD structure. In this case, each LED 20 includes a white container (package) made of resin or ceramic, an LED chip (bare chip) placed in the container, and a sealing member that seals the LED chip. In this embodiment, the LED 20 is a white LED element that emits white light. In this case, for example, a blue LED chip that emits blue light when powered is used as the LED chip, and a silicone resin (phosphor-containing resin) containing a yellow phosphor such as YAG is used as the sealing member filled in the container.

[0030] The LEDs 20 are covered with a diffusion cover 30. The diffusion cover 30 is an example of a light-transmitting cover that transmits light emitted from the LEDs 20. In this embodiment, the diffusion cover 30 not only transmits light but also diffuses light. Therefore, the light from the LEDs 20 that enters the diffusion cover 30 is diffused (scattered) by the diffusion cover 30 and passes through the diffusion cover 30.

[0031] 4 and 7, the diffusion cover 30 is disposed opposite the first surface 10a of the substrate 10 so as to cover the plurality of LEDs 20. The diffusion cover 30 covers the entire substrate 10. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the diffusion cover 30 covers the entire support member 40 on which the substrate 10 is disposed. Therefore, the diffusion cover 30 is formed in an elongated shape in the Y-axis direction, similar to the substrate 10.

[0032] The diffusion cover 30 is attached to a support member 40. The diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40 form a cylindrical body, and the substrate 10 and the plurality of LEDs 20 mounted on the substrate 10 are housed within this cylindrical body.

[0033] The diffusion cover 30 has a gutter-shaped main body 31 that is elongated in the Y-axis direction, and a pair of extension portions 32 provided at each end of the main body 31 in the short direction (X-axis direction). The main body 31 has, for example, a flattened semi-cylindrical shape. Therefore, the main body 31 has an elongated rectangular open end face that extends in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the main body 31 when cut along the X-axis direction is a curved shape that is curved like an arc. A recess is formed on the inner surface of each of the pair of extension portions 32, and a pair of mounting portions 42 of the support member 40 are attached to these recesses, thereby fixing the diffusion cover 30 to the support member 40.

[0034] The diffusion cover 30 is made of a translucent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or a translucent material such as glass. In this embodiment, the diffusion cover 30 is made of a translucent resin material. In this case, the diffusion cover 30 can be a milky white cover member with a light diffusing material dispersed therein. Such a diffusion cover 30 can be produced by resin molding a translucent resin material mixed with a light diffusing material into a predetermined shape. Light-reflecting fine particles such as silica particles can be used as the light diffusing material.

[0035] The diffusion cover 30 may be configured by forming a milky white light-diffusing film containing a light-diffusing material on the surface (inner or outer surface) of a transparent cover, rather than dispersing a light-diffusing material inside. The diffusion cover 30 may also be configured to have light-diffusing properties by applying a diffusion treatment, rather than using a light-diffusing material. For example, the diffusion cover 30 may be configured to have light-diffusing properties by applying a surface treatment such as a graining treatment to form minute irregularities on the surface of the transparent cover, or by printing a dot pattern on the surface of the transparent cover. Even when the diffusion cover 30 is subjected to a diffusion treatment, it may further contain a light-diffusing material to enhance light-diffusing properties.

[0036] The support member 40 is an elongated base member that supports the substrate 10. The substrate 10 is placed on the support member 40. By placing the substrate 10 on the support member 40 and fixing the substrate 10 to the support member 40, the substrate 10 is supported by the support member 40. In this embodiment, the support member 40 supports not only the substrate 10 but also the diffusion cover 30. The diffusion cover 30 is fixed to the support member 40.

[0037] As an example, the support member 40 is a frame made of sheet metal. The support member 40 is formed into a predetermined shape by performing roll forming, press working, or the like on a sheet metal (metal plate) made of, for example, SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial; cold-rolled steel plate). In this embodiment, the support member 40 is formed so that the cross section when cut along the X-axis direction is substantially M-shaped. Similarly to the substrate 10 and the device main body 2, the support member 40 is formed into an elongated shape in the Y-axis direction. The thickness of the metal plate constituting the support member 40 is, for example, 0.2 mm to 2 mm, and is 0.5 mm in this embodiment.

[0038] 4 and 7, the support member 40 has a main body portion 41 on which the substrate 10 is placed, and a pair of mounting portions 42 for mounting the support member 40 to the diffusion cover 30. The main body portion 41 and the pair of mounting portions 42 extend in the Y-axis direction.

[0039] The main body 41 is formed with a pair of stepped portions 41a in the width direction (X-axis direction) along the longitudinal direction. The pair of stepped portions 41a also form a recessed portion 41b in the main body 41. The pair of stepped portions 41a and the recessed portion 41b are formed over the entire length of the main body 41 in the longitudinal direction. The substrate 10 is placed in the recessed portion 41b. Note that the main body 41 is formed with claw portions formed by cutting and raising a part of the sheet metal support member 40, and the substrate 10 placed in the recessed portion 41b of the main body 41 is fixed to the main body 41 by being engaged with the claw portions. Note that the main body 41 is provided with a through-hole through which an electric wire is inserted to electrically connect the wiring of the substrate 10 to the power supply device 4.

[0040] The pair of mounting portions 42 constitute the side surfaces of the support member 40. Each of the pair of mounting portions 42 extends in the Z-axis direction from both ends of the main body portion 41 in the short-side direction (X-axis direction). The extension portion 32 of the diffusion cover 30 is attached to each of the pair of mounting portions 42. This fixes the diffusion cover 30 to the support member 40. For example, the extension portion 32 of the diffusion cover 30 can be snapped into engagement with the mounting portions 42 of the support member 40, thereby fitting and fixing the diffusion cover 30 to the support member 40.

[0041] A long cylindrical body is formed by fixing the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40. End caps 50 are attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body formed by the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40.

[0042] Here, the detailed configuration of the end cap 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 and FIGS. 8 to 12. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the LED lighting fixture 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side view of the LED lighting fixture 1. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the LED lighting fixture 1. FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of the LED lighting fixture 1 cut along a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an end portion of the LED lighting fixture 1 in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end cap 50 used in the LED lighting fixture 1. In FIG. 12, (a) is a perspective view of the end cap 50 as seen from the outer surface 51a, (b) is a perspective view of the end cap 50 as seen from the inner surface 51b, (c) is a side view of the end cap 50 as seen from the end face on the support member 40 side, and (d) is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end cap 50 cut in half.

[0043] 5 and 6, an end cap 50 is provided at each of both longitudinal ends of the LED lighting device 3. Specifically, the end cap 50 is provided at each of both longitudinal ends of the diffusion cover 30. In other words, the end cap 50 is a cover end provided at the end of the diffusion cover 30.

[0044] 8 to 11, the end cap 50 provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30 is a first end cap 50a. Specifically, the first end cap 50a is connected directly or indirectly to one end side in the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30.

[0045] The end cap 50 provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30 is a second end cap 50b. Specifically, the second end cap 50b is connected directly or indirectly to the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b are the same part. That is, the shape of the second end cap 50b is the same as the shape of the first end cap 50a. This allows for cost reduction.

[0047] The first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b are arranged in an opposite direction in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the LED lighting device 3. Specifically, the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b, which are identical components, are arranged in an axisymmetrical positional relationship in the longitudinal direction of the LED lighting device 3.

[0048] The end cap 50 is a component that prevents dust, insects, and the like from entering the interior of the cylindrical body formed by the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40. The end cap 50 is provided to close the end of the cylindrical body formed by the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40. In other words, the end cap 50 is attached to the cylindrical body so as to cover the opening at the end of the cylindrical body formed by the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40, thereby closing the open end of the cylindrical body. Note that the end cap 50 may not completely close the open end of the cylindrical body formed by the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40, and there may be a small gap between the end cap 50 and the support member 40.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the end cap 50 has a plate-shaped main portion 51 and a connecting portion 52 that is connected to the diffusion cover 30 directly or indirectly.

[0050] The main portion 51 constitutes the main body of the end cap 50 and has the main function of covering the open end of the cylindrical body formed by the diffusion cover 30 and the support member 40 .

[0051] In this embodiment, all or a part of the plate-shaped main portion 51 is translucent. Since the main portion 51 is translucent in this manner, light from the LED 20 can be transmitted therethrough. In other words, the light emitted from the LED 20 passes through the main portion 51 and is emitted to the outside of the end cap 50.

[0052] Specifically, the entire end cap 50 is translucent. Therefore, the entire main portion 51 and the entire connecting portion 52 are translucent. Since the entire main portion 51 is translucent in this manner, the light emitted by the LED 20 is emitted from the entire main portion 51 to the outside of the main portion 51.

[0053] The translucent end cap 50 may be transparent or may have diffusive properties. By using the translucent and diffusive end cap 50, the light from the LED 20 incident on the end cap 50 is diffused (scattered) by the end cap 50 and passes through the end cap 50.

[0054] The end cap 50 is made of a translucent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or a translucent material such as glass. In this embodiment, the end cap 50 is made of a translucent resin material. In this case, the end cap 50 can be a diffusing member having a light diffusing material dispersed therein. Such an end cap 50 can be produced by resin molding a translucent resin material mixed with a light diffusing material into a predetermined shape. Light-reflecting fine particles such as silica particles can be used as the light diffusing material.

[0055] The translucent and diffusive end cap 50 may be constructed by forming a milky white light-diffusing film containing a light-diffusing material on the surface (inner or outer surface) of a transparent end cap, rather than dispersing a light-diffusing material inside. The end cap 50 may also be configured to have light-diffusive properties by diffusing the surface rather than using a light-diffusing material. For example, the end cap 50 may be configured to have light-diffusive properties by applying a surface treatment such as a graining process to form minute irregularities on the surface of the transparent end cap, or by printing a dot pattern on the surface of the transparent end cap. Even when the end cap 50 is subjected to a diffusive process, it may further contain a light-diffusive material to enhance light-diffusive properties.

[0056] The end cap 50 may be made of the same material as the diffusion cover 30 or may be made of a different material from the diffusion cover 30 .

[0057] Furthermore, the main portion 51 does not have to be light-transmitting. In this case, the entire end cap 50 does not have to be light-transmitting. For example, a non-light-transmitting end cap 50 may be one that is light-blocking (light-absorbing) or light-reflective. In this case, the end cap 50 is made of, for example, a white, black, or colored resin material. Furthermore, the end cap 50 may have a light-transmitting portion and a light-non-transmitting portion.

[0058] The shape of the main part 51 in a front view is, for example, a flattened kamaboko shape as a whole. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 11, the outer shape of one side of the main part 51 in the Z-axis direction is curved in an arc shape so as to follow the shape of the diffusion cover 30.

[0059] The thickness of the plate-shaped main portion 51 is constant. As an example, the thickness of the main portion 51 is 1 mm to 10 mm, but is not limited to this. Note that the thickness of the main portion 51 is constant over the entire area of ​​the main portion 51, but is not limited to this.

[0060] 10, the main portion 51 has an outer surface 51a and an inner surface 51b as surfaces in the thickness direction of the main portion 51. In the end cap 50, the inner surface 51b is the end surface on the LED 20 side, and the outer surface 51a is the end surface opposite to the LED 20 side. The outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are flat surfaces.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, the entire main portion 51 is translucent, and therefore light emitted from the LEDs 20 and entering the main portion 51 passes through the entire main portion 51. Therefore, the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 serves as a light incident surface through which the light from the LEDs 20 enters, and the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 serves as a light emitting surface through which the light from the LEDs 20 exits to the outside. In other words, the light from the LEDs 20 passes through the main portion 51, and the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 serves as a pseudo-light-emitting surface.

[0062] 10, the main portion 51 has a region (inner region) in which both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are located more inward than other regions of the main portion 51. That is, in the main portion 51, the outer surface 51a of the inner region is located more inward than the outer surfaces 51a of other regions that are different from the inner region, and the inner surface 51b of the inner region is located more inward than the outer surfaces 51a of the other regions.

[0063] In this embodiment, the main portion 51 has an inner portion where both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are located inside (toward the LEDs 20) than one end of the diffusion cover 30. That is, the main portion 51 has a portion where both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are set back toward the LEDs 20 from one end of the diffusion cover 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner portion of the main portion 51 has both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b located inside the end face of the end cap 50. In FIG. 10, the dashed dotted line indicates one end of the diffusion cover 30 (the end on the side where the first end cap 50a is attached).

[0064] Since the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b are arranged in an opposite relationship, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 of both the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b have portions that are located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30.

[0065] 10 to 12, the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 has at least a part of a curved envelope in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the diffusion cover 30. Similarly, the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 has at least a part of a curved envelope in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30. In this embodiment, each of the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 is curved in an overall concave shape that is recessed inward. As an example, the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 has a parabolic shape.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, the main portion 51 is generally inclined so that the upper portion is recessed more inward than the lower portion in the height direction, which is the Z-axis direction, and has an overall curved shape so that the central portion is recessed more inward than the peripheral portions in the width direction, which is the X-axis direction.

[0067] 12(d), the main portion 51 is curved in the height direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the edge of the upper end portion of the main portion 51 in the Z-axis direction is curved in the width direction (X-axis direction). In other words, the outer side surface 51a and the inner side surface 51b of the main portion 51 are curved in both the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction, and the outer side surface 51a and the inner side surface 51b are curved surfaces. The radius of curvature of the outer side surface 51a of the main portion 51 is, for example, 100 mm to 500 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0068] 10 and 12, the main portion 51 has an upper portion recessed further inward than the lower portion, and in this embodiment, the edge of the upper center portion of the main portion 51 is recessed the furthest from the longitudinal end face of the diffusion cover 30. The recess amount (depression amount) of the upper center portion of the main portion 51 from the longitudinal end face of the diffusion cover 30 is, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm. In this embodiment, this recess amount is 3 mm.

[0069] The connecting portion 52 is formed to stand on the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51. The connecting portion 52 is formed on a curved portion of the outer periphery of the main portion 51. In other words, the connecting portion 52 is formed in a portion corresponding to the main body portion 31 of the diffusion cover 30.

[0070] In this embodiment, the connection portion 52 is directly connected to the diffusion cover 30. Specifically, the connection portion 52 is fitted into the main body portion 31 of the diffusion cover 30 and is in contact with the main body portion 31 of the diffusion cover 30. The connection portion 52 and the diffusion cover 30 may be indirectly connected. For example, the connection portion 52 and the diffusion cover 30 may be indirectly connected by arranging a ring-shaped packing so as to surround the connection portion 52. Furthermore, when a packing is used, it may be inserted between the outer peripheral end of the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 and the end face of the main body portion 31 of the diffusion cover 30.

[0071] The connecting portion of the end cap 50 may be a part of the plate-shaped main portion 51. In other words, the connecting portion may be the portion of the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 that is connected to the diffusion cover 30. In this case, the end cap 50 may not have the upright connecting portion 52 as in the present embodiment, or may have it separately.

[0072] The end cap 50 configured in this manner is provided so that no gap is formed between it and the diffusion cover 30. Specifically, the end cap 50 is fitted into the open end of the diffusion cover 30 so that the connecting portion 52 contacts the inner surface of the diffusion cover 30. This makes the outer peripheral edge of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 and the outer peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 30 form a continuous surface. The end cap 50 and the diffusion cover 30 may be fixed together with an adhesive.

[0073] Next, the effects of the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the LED lighting fixture 1 according to this embodiment installed on a ceiling 100 in a lit state. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the state when the LED lighting device 3 is removed from the fixture body 2 in the LED lighting fixture 1 according to this embodiment.

[0074] 13, in the LED lighting device 1 of this embodiment, the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 is translucent, and therefore the light emitted from the LED 20 passes through the end cap 50. Specifically, the light emitted from the LED 20 and incident on the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 passes through the main portion 51 and is emitted to the outside of the end cap 50 from the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51.

[0075] In this case, in the LED lighting device 3 of this embodiment, both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 have portions located inside one end of the diffusion cover 30. This controls the distribution of light emitted from the LEDs 20 and transmitted through the end cap 50. Therefore, it is possible to create a desired lighting atmosphere around the longitudinal end of the LED lighting device 3 (diffusion cover 30). For example, by directing light from the LEDs 20 not only onto the diffusion cover 30 but also onto the end cap 50, it is possible to increase the diffused light toward the ceiling surface, thereby improving the sense of brightness.

[0076] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the envelope of the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30 is curved. Specifically, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are curved surfaces that are concavely curved as a whole so as to recess inward. This allows the distribution of light passing through the end cap 50 to be controlled according to the shape of the curvature of the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b. For example, the distribution of light passing through the end cap 50 can be controlled by changing the radius of curvature of the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51. For example, the perceived brightness can be further improved by controlling the light distribution so as to increase the diffused light toward the ceiling surface.

[0077] Furthermore, because the light emitted from the LEDs 20 passes through the end caps 50, when multiple LED lighting fixtures 1 or LED lighting devices 3 are lined up adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to eliminate non-light-emitting areas at the connection parts between two adjacent LED lighting devices 3. As a result, when multiple LED lighting fixtures 1 or LED lighting devices 3 are lined up adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to reduce brightness and color unevenness in the multiple lined up LED lighting devices 3.

[0078] Furthermore, in the LED lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment, the LED lighting device 3 is detachable from the fixture body 2. Therefore, when the LED lighting device 3 is held by the fixture body 2 as shown in Fig. 14(a), the LED lighting device 3 can be removed by separating it from the fixture body 2 in the Z-axis direction as shown in Fig. 14(b). In this case, the user holds both longitudinal ends of the LED lighting device 3 (i.e., the end caps 50) with their hands and holds the LED lighting device 3 between their hands to remove the LED lighting device 3 from the fixture body 2.

[0079] In this case, in the LED lighting device 3 of this embodiment, the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 has a portion (inner portion) where both the outer side surfaces 51a and the inner side surfaces 51b are located more inward than other portions of the main portion 51. Specifically, the main portion 51 has, as its inner portion, a portion where both the outer side surfaces 51a and the inner side surfaces 51b are located more inward than one end of the diffusion cover 30 and the end face of the end cap 50.

[0080] With this configuration, a part (inner part) of the main part 51 of the end cap 50 is located more inward than the other parts, making it easier for fingers to catch on the main part 51 of the end cap 50. This improves the holding force of the end cap 50 with the fingers. Therefore, the LED lighting device 3 can be easily removed from the fixture body 2.

[0081] In this embodiment, the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is curved inwardly and concavely curved as a whole. As a result, when a user presses the end cap 50 with their fingers along the outer surface 51a (curved surface) of the main portion 51, part of their fingers will be inside the longitudinal end surface of the diffusion cover 30. This effectively improves the holding force of the end cap 50 with the fingers, making it easier to remove the LED lighting device 3.

[0082] It is also preferable that the entire outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30. This increases the area of ​​the end cap 50 where fingers can catch, making it easier to remove the LED lighting device 3.

[0083] Furthermore, if the edge of the upper central part of the main part 51 is set back by at least 1 mm from the longitudinal end face of the diffusion cover 30, the holding force of the end cap 50 with the fingers can be improved compared to conventional end caps which are vertical flat plates.

[0084] Furthermore, by using the end cap 50 having such a configuration, not only can the LED lighting device 3 be easily removed from the fixture body 2, but the LED lighting device 3 can also be easily attached to the fixture body 2.

[0085] In this way, in the LED lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment, both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main part 51 of the end cap 50 have portions that are located inside one end of the diffusion cover 30, so not only can the distribution of light emitted to the outside from the end cap 50 be controlled, but the LED lighting device 3 can also be easily attached and detached.

[0086] As described above, the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 according to this embodiment include an elongated substrate 10, a plurality of LEDs 20 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 10, an elongated diffusion cover 30 covering the plurality of LEDs 20, and an end cap 50 provided on one longitudinal end side of the diffusion cover 30, and the end cap 50 has a plate-shaped main portion 51, and the main portion 51 has a portion (inner portion) where both outer surfaces 51a and both inner surfaces 51b are located more inward than other portions of the main portion 51. In this embodiment, the main portion 51 has, as its inner portion, a portion where both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are located more inward than one end of the diffusion cover 30 or the end face of the end cap 50.

[0087] This configuration makes it possible to easily attach and detach the LED lighting device 3 to and from the fixture body 2.

[0088] Moreover, in the LED lighting device 3 of this embodiment, the main portion 51 is entirely or partially translucent.

[0089] With this configuration, the light from the LED 20 passes through the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 and is emitted to the outside. This allows the desired lighting atmosphere to be created around the longitudinal end of the LED lighting device 3, and also makes it easy to attach and detach the LED lighting device 3 to and from the fixture body 2.

[0090] In particular, in the LED lighting device 3 of this embodiment, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 are curved such that at least a part of the envelope in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the diffusion cover 30 is curved. Specifically, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are curved surfaces that are concavely curved as a whole so as to be recessed inward.

[0091] This allows for controlling the light distribution to increase the amount of diffused light toward the ceiling surface, etc., thereby improving the sense of brightness. In addition, the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 is a concave curved surface, which also improves the design of the LED lighting device 3.

[0092] (Variation 1) Next, Modification 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end cap 50A according to Modification 1.

[0093] In the end cap 50 in the above embodiment, the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is parabolic, and the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is curved in both the height direction (Z-axis direction) and the width direction (X-axis direction).

[0094] In contrast, in the end cap 50A of this modified example, as shown in Figure 15, the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 has a conical cross-section, and the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is inclined in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and curved in the width direction (X-axis direction).

[0095] In the end cap 50A of this modification, similarly to the above embodiment, both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 have portions located more inward than the end of the diffusion cover 30. Therefore, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved.

[0096] (Variation 2) Next, Modification 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end cap 50B according to Modification 2. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device 1B according to Modification 2.

[0097] The LED lighting fixture 1B and the LED lighting device 3B according to this modification have a configuration in which the end cap 50 in the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 according to the above-described embodiment is changed to an end cap 50B having a shape shown in FIG. 16.

[0098] The end cap 50B shown in Figure 16 has a main portion 51 that is curved overall, and the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is curved inward in a concave shape overall, similar to the end cap 50 in the above embodiment.

[0099] Furthermore, in the end cap 50 of the above embodiment, the outer side surface 51a and the inner side surface 51b of the main portion 51 are flat surfaces, but in the end cap 50B of this modification, the outer side surface 51a and the inner side surface 51b of the main portion 51 are stepped surfaces formed in a stepped pattern. In this way, in the end cap 50B of this modification, the main portion 51 is formed to have a plurality of steps.

[0100] 17, the end cap 50B shown in Fig. 16 also has portions where both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are located more inward than the end of the diffusion cover 30. Therefore, the LED lighting fixture 1B and the LED lighting device 3B shown in Fig. 17 have the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0101] Furthermore, in the end cap 50B of this modified example, the outer surface 51a of the main part 51 is a stepped surface, which gives a distinctive lighting atmosphere around the longitudinal ends of the LED lighting device 3B and makes it easier for fingers to get caught in the end cap 50B, making it even easier to attach and detach the LED lighting device 3B.

[0102] (Variation 3) Next, Modification 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end cap 50C according to Modification 3. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device 1C according to Modification 3.

[0103] The LED lighting fixture 1C and the LED lighting device 3C according to this modified example have a configuration in which the end cap 50 in the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 according to the above-described embodiment is changed to an end cap 50C having a shape shown in FIG. 18.

[0104] The end cap 50C shown in FIG. 18 has a curved portion of the main portion 51, similar to the end cap 50 in the above embodiment, but unlike the end cap 50 in the above embodiment, the main portion 51 has a curved portion that is convex outward.

[0105] Specifically, in the end cap 50 of the above embodiment, the outer surfaces 51a and 51b of the main portion 51 are curved convexly inward, whereas in the end cap 50C of this modification, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are curved convexly outward. As an example, the main portion 51 of the end cap 50C has a parabolic shape.

[0106] Furthermore, the end cap 50C in this modification has a flange portion 53 around the periphery of the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51, and is shaped so that the portion of the main portion 51 near the connection portion 52 is positioned more inward than other portions. It is preferable that the entire outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is positioned more inward than the end of the diffusion cover 30. In other words, it is preferable that the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 does not protrude from the end face of the diffusion cover 30. In this modification, the entire outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is positioned more inward than the tip of the flange portion 53.

[0107] 19, the end cap 50C shown in Fig. 18 also has portions where both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are located more inward than the end of the diffusion cover 30. Therefore, the LED lighting fixture 1C and the LED lighting device 3C shown in Fig. 19 have the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0108] Furthermore, in the end cap 50C of this modification, the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b of the main portion 51 are curved convexly outward as a whole. As a result, in the LED lighting device 3C of this modification, the light emitted from the LED 20 and transmitted through the end cap 50C can have a different light distribution than that of the LED lighting device 3 of the above embodiment.

[0109] Moreover, the end cap 50C in this modification has flanges 53 around the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51, which makes it easier for fingers to catch on the end cap 50C compared to the first embodiment. This makes it even easier to attach and detach the LED lighting device 3C.

[0110] (Variation 4) Next, Modification 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device 1D according to Modification 4.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 10, in the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 according to the above embodiment, only a part of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 is located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30, but as shown in Fig. 20, in the LED lighting fixture 1D and the LED lighting device LED3D according to this modification, the entire main portion 51 of the end cap 50D is located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30. In this modification as well, the entire main portion 51 is curved, and the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is curved.

[0112] In other respects, the LED lighting fixture 1D and the LED lighting device 3D in this modified example are the same as the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 in the above-described embodiment.

[0113] Therefore, the LED lighting fixture 1D and the LED lighting device 3D according to this modification also have the same effects as the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 according to the above embodiment.

[0114] (Variation 5) Next, Modification 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of an LED lighting device 1E according to Modification 5.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 10 , in the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 of the above-described embodiment, the main part 51 of the end cap 50 has a portion where both the outer surface 51 a and the inner surface 51 b are located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30, but in the LED lighting fixture 1D and the LED lighting device LED3D of this modified example, the main part 51 of the end cap 50E does not have a portion where both the outer surface 51 a and the inner surface 51 b are located inside the end of the diffusion cover 30.

[0116] In the LED lighting fixture 1D and the LED lighting device LED3D of this modified example, similar to the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 of the above-described embodiment, the main portion 51E of the end cap 50E has a portion where both the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b are located inside the end face of the end cap 50E.

[0117] That is, the LED lighting fixture 1D and the LED lighting device LED3D in this modification have inner regions where the outer surfaces 51a and the inner surfaces 51b are both located more inward than other regions of the main portion 51, and thus have regions where the outer surfaces 51a and the inner surfaces 51b are both located more inward than the end face of the end cap 50E. In this modification as well, the entire main portion 51 is curved, and the outer surface 51a of the main portion 51 is a curved surface.

[0118] In other respects, the LED lighting fixture 1E and the LED lighting device 3E in this modified example are the same as the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 in the above-described embodiment.

[0119] Therefore, the LED lighting fixture 1E and the LED lighting device 3E according to this modification also have the same effects as the LED lighting fixture 1 and the LED lighting device 3 according to the above embodiment.

[0120] Note that, as in an LED lighting fixture 1F and an LED lighting device 3F shown in Fig. 22, the degree of curvature of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50F may be gentler than the degree of curvature of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50E. In other words, the curvature of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50F shown in Fig. 22 may be smaller than the curvature of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50E shown in Fig. 21, and the amount of setback of the inner portion of the main portion 51 of the end cap 50F may be slight.

[0121] (Other variations) The LED lighting fixture and LED lighting device according to the present invention have been described above based on the embodiments and modifications, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications.

[0122] For example, in the above embodiment, the main portion 51 of the end cap 50 may have a prism on at least one of the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b that deflects the direction of light from the LED 20. This makes it possible to easily control the light emitted from the LED 20 and transmitted through the end cap 50 so that it has a desired light distribution.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b are arranged in opposite directions, but this is not limiting. In other words, the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b may be arranged in the same direction.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b have the same shape, but this is not limiting. For example, the end caps of the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 3 may be appropriately combined to use end caps with different shapes for the first end cap 50a and the second end cap 50b.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the LEDs 20 are SMD-type LED elements in which LED chips are mounted in a package, and the light-emitting module consisting of the substrate 10 and the LEDs 20 is an SMD-type LED module, but this is not limiting. For example, the light-emitting module consisting of the substrate 10 and the LEDs 20 may be a COB (Chip On Board) type LED module. In this case, LED chips (bare chips) themselves may be used as the LEDs 20, and multiple LEDs 20 (LED chips) may be linearly arranged on the substrate 10, and the multiple LEDs 20 may be collectively or individually sealed with a sealing member (for example, a phosphor-containing resin).

[0126] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the diffusion cover 30 having both diffusive and translucent properties is used, but this is not limiting. For example, a translucent cover having only translucent properties may be used instead of the diffusion cover 30. In this case, a transparent cover with high transmittance that allows the viewer to see through it may be used as the translucent cover.

[0127] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments that a person skilled in the art may conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F LED lighting fixtures 2. Device body 3, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F LED lighting equipment 10 Substrate 20 LED 30 Diffusion Cover 40 Support member 50, 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E, 50F End Caps 50a 1st end cap 50b 2nd end cap 51 Main Section 51a External surface 51b Inside surface 52 Connection

Claims

1. A long substrate; a plurality of LEDs arranged on one surface of the substrate along the longitudinal direction of the substrate; a long, translucent cover disposed opposite the one surface of the substrate so as to cover the plurality of LEDs; an end cap provided on one end side of the translucent cover in the longitudinal direction, the end cap has a plate-shaped main portion and a connecting portion that is directly or indirectly connected to the light-transmitting cover, the main portion has an outer surface and an inner surface as surfaces in a thickness direction of the main portion, and both the outer surface and the inner surface have inner portions located more inward than other portions of the main portion; LED lighting equipment.

2. The main portion has, as the inner portion, a portion in which the outer surface and the inner surface are both located more inward than one end of the light-transmitting cover or an end surface of the end cap. The LED lighting device according to claim 1 .

3. At least a part of an envelope of the outer surface in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the light-transmitting cover is curved. The LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The outer surface is generally concavely curved inward. The LED lighting device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The outer surface is generally convexly curved so as to be convex outward. The LED lighting device according to claim 3 .

6. The entire outer surface is located inside one end of the light-transmitting cover. The LED lighting device according to claim 5.

7. At least a part of an envelope of the inner surface in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the light-transmitting cover is curved. The LED lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The inner surface is curved inwardly and concavely as a whole. The LED lighting device according to claim 7.

9. The inner surface is generally convexly curved so as to be convex outward. The LED lighting device according to claim 7.

10. The main portion has a shape in which a portion near the connection portion is located more inward than other portions. The LED lighting device according to claim 1 , 5 , 6 , or 9 .

11. All or a part of the main portion is translucent. The LED lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The light-transmitting cover is a diffusion cover. The LED lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The main portion has a prism on at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface that deflects the direction of light from the LED. The LED lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. the end cap provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the light-transmitting cover is a first end cap, Further, a second end cap is provided at the other end of the translucent cover in the longitudinal direction, The shape of the second end cap is the same as the shape of the first end cap. The LED lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The first end cap and the second end cap are arranged in an opposite direction in the longitudinal direction of the LED lighting device.

15. The LED lighting device according to claim 14.

16. Further, an elongated support member is provided to support the substrate and the light-transmitting cover. The LED lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The LED lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and a fixture body that holds the LED lighting device. LED lighting fixture.

18. The LED lighting device is detachably attached to the fixture body.

18. The LED lighting fixture of claim 17.

Images