Luminaire and illuminating system

Abstract

To improve appearance while restraining the occurrence of a problem caused by thermal expansion of a cover.SOLUTION: A luminaire A1 comprises a light source module 20, a long supporting member 21, a long cover 22, and a cover end part 60. The supporting member 21 supports the light source module 20. The cover 22 has translucency, and is arranged in front of the light source module 20. The cover end part 60 has translucency, and is fitted to an end part in the longitudinal direction of the cover 22. The cover end part 60 comprises a convex part 607 protruding outward from an end in the longitudinal direction of the supporting member 21 in the longitudinal direction of the cover 22. The convex part 607 is formed of a material softer than the cover 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture and a lighting system, and more particularly to a lighting fixture in which a light source is covered with a light-transmitting cover, and a lighting system including a plurality of such lighting fixtures. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional example, the lighting fixture described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The lighting fixture described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the conventional example) has a light source unit and a fixture body that supports the light source unit. The light source unit includes an LED module that corresponds to the light source, a lighting device that lights the LED module, a housing that houses the LED module and the lighting device, a cover that is attached to the housing so as to cover the LED module, and an end member.

[0003] The housing is formed in a rectangular trough shape having a long bottom wall and a pair of side walls that protrude forward from the upper and lower ends along the length of the bottom wall.

[0004] The cover has a cover body that is rectangular when viewed from the front, and a pair of legs that protrude rearward from each of a pair of long sides of the cover body. The cover body and the pair of legs are integrally formed by extrusion molding of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin.

[0005] The end member has a first end portion that closes the end of the cover, and a sealing portion that seals the gap between the first end portion and the end of the cover. The sealing portion prevents foreign objects such as insects from entering through the gap between the first end portion and the end of the cover. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-46605 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In order to improve the appearance of multiple lighting fixtures (conventional lighting fixtures) in an illumination space, multiple lighting fixtures are sometimes installed in a straight line. In this case, if the distance between the ends of two adjacent lighting fixtures is narrow, the ends may collide when the cover thermally expands when the light source unit is turned on, which could cause the cover to warp or sag. On the other hand, if the distance between the ends of two adjacent lighting fixtures is too wide, dark areas will appear between the multiple lighting fixtures, making it difficult to improve the appearance.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting fixture and a lighting system that can improve appearance while suppressing defects caused by thermal expansion of the cover. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A lighting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source, an elongated support member that supports the light source, a translucent elongated cover that is disposed in front of the light source, and a translucent cover end portion that is attached to a longitudinal end of the cover. The cover end portion has a convex portion that protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction of the cover beyond the longitudinal end of the support member. The convex portion is made of a material that is softer than the cover.

[0010] A lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of the lighting fixtures. The lighting system includes the lighting fixtures arranged in one or more rows along the longitudinal direction of the cover. The spacing between adjacent lighting fixtures is such that the protrusions of the cover end portions can come into contact with each other in the longitudinal direction of the cover. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The lighting fixture and lighting system of the present disclosure have the advantage of being able to improve appearance while suppressing the occurrence of problems caused by thermal expansion of the cover. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the lighting fixture. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the lighting fixture. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway exploded perspective view of the lighting fixture. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting fixture. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture of the same, with a portion thereof omitted. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an end portion of the lighting fixture. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an end portion of the lighting fixture. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an end portion of the lighting fixture. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially omitted front view of two lighting fixtures in a lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a part of the fixture body and a connecting aid in the lighting system. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lighting system in an installed state. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a main part including one cover end portion of the first modification of the lighting fixture. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a main part including the other cover end portion of the first modification of the lighting fixture. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of two lighting fixtures in the first modification of the lighting system of the same embodiment, with some parts omitted. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a main part including a second cover end portion of the second modification of the lighting fixture. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a front view of two lighting fixtures in the second modification of the lighting system of the same embodiment, with some parts omitted. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the lighting fixture according to the third modification attached to a wiring duct. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each diagram described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Note that the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0014] (1) Overview The lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment includes a light source (light source module 20), a long support member 21 that supports the light source module 20, a long cover 22, and a cover end portion 60 (see FIGS. 1 to 5). Note that "long" in this disclosure means that the length dimension in the longitudinal direction is several times to several tens of times the length dimension in the lateral direction.

[0015] The cover 22 is translucent and is disposed in front of the light source module 20. The cover end portion 60 is translucent and is attached to an end portion of the cover 22 in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 6).

[0016] The cover end portion 60 has a protrusion 607 that protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 beyond the longitudinal end of the support member 21 (see FIG. 6). The protrusion 607 is made of a material that is softer than the cover 22.

[0017] Thus, since the lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment has the protrusion 607 formed of a material softer than the cover 22, when the lighting fixture A1 is arranged in a line with another lighting fixture A1, the protrusion 607 can be placed in contact with the protrusion 607 of the other lighting fixture A1. In other words, the lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment can improve its appearance by narrowing the distance between the lighting fixture A1 and the adjacent lighting fixture A1. Furthermore, even if the cover 22 thermally expands due to a temperature rise while the lighting fixture A1 is turned on, the protrusion 607, which is made of a material softer than the cover 22, deforms, thereby reducing the stress applied to the cover 22. As a result, the lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment can improve its appearance while suppressing the occurrence of defects due to the thermal expansion of the cover 22.

[0018] Furthermore, the lighting system S1 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of lighting fixtures A1 according to the embodiment. In the lighting system S1 according to the embodiment, the plurality of lighting fixtures A1 according to the embodiment are arranged in one or more rows along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 (see FIG. 13). The distance between adjacent lighting fixtures A1 according to the embodiment is such that the protrusions 607 of the cover end portions 60 can come into contact with each other in the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 (see FIG. 11).

[0019] Therefore, as described above, the lighting system S1 according to the embodiment can improve the appearance while suppressing the occurrence of problems due to thermal expansion of the cover 22.

[0020] (2)Details As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as lighting fixture A1) includes a light source unit 2 and a fixture body 1. The lighting fixture A1 is directly attached to, for example, the ceiling of an office in an office building (see FIG. 13). However, the location where the lighting fixture A1 is installed is not limited to the ceiling of the office, and it may also be on the wall or floor of an office or a room other than an office. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions indicated by arrows in FIG. 1 are defined as the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions of the lighting fixture A1.

[0021] (2-1) Device body The appliance body 1 has a bottom plate 10 formed in a long rectangular shape and a pair of side plates 11 protruding downward from both ends (front and rear ends) of the bottom plate 10 in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction) (see FIG. 4). The bottom 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 bottom plate 10.

[0022] The bottom plate 10 has two first wire holes 12, two second wire holes 13, two bolt insertion holes 14, and two hook holes 18 (see FIG. 4).

[0023] The two first wire holes 12 are circular holes provided at both longitudinal ends (left and right ends) of the bottom plate 10. A power cable connected to an external power source (e.g., a commercial power system) or a power cable for routing to another lighting fixture A1 is inserted into 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 bottom plate 10.

[0024] The power cable is connected to a power terminal block 15 attached to the underside of the bottom plate 10 (see FIG. 4). The power terminal block 15 is attached near the first wire hole 12 of the bottom plate 10.

[0025] The two second wire holes 13 are oval holes provided between the longitudinal center of the bottom plate 10 and each of the first wire holes 12. A signal cable connected to an external signal transmission source or a signal cable for routing to another lighting fixture A1 is inserted into the two second wire holes 13. The signal cable inserted into the second wire holes 13 is connected to a signal terminal block 52 provided in the light source unit 2.

[0026] The two bolt insertion holes 14 are oval holes provided one each between the power terminal block 15 and the second electric wire hole 13 on the bottom plate 10 (see FIG. 4). A suspension bolt protruding from the ceiling is inserted into each of the two bolt insertion holes 14. Then, nuts are tightened onto the suspension bolts inserted into the bolt insertion holes 14, thereby fixing the fixture body 1 to the ceiling.

[0027] The two hanging holes 18 are round holes provided closer to the center of the bottom plate 10 than the second wire hole 13 (see FIG. 4). The ends of two strings for temporarily hanging the light source unit 2 are inserted into and hooked onto these two hanging holes 18.

[0028] (2-2) Mounting spring The fixture body 1 has two mounting springs 30. Each of the two mounting springs 30 serves to mount the light source unit 2 to the fixture body 1. One mounting spring 30 is provided on the bottom plate 10 between the power terminal block 15 and the adjacent bolt insertion hole 14 (see FIG. 4). Each mounting spring 30 is formed into a U-shape by bending a strip-shaped metal plate. These two mounting springs 30 are fixed to the bottom plate 10 by screws. Each mounting spring 30 is deformable (flexible) along the short side direction (front-to-back direction) of the fixture body 1.

[0029] (2-3) Light source unit The light source unit 2 includes a light source module 20, a support member 21, a cover 22, a power supply unit 5, and a pair of end members 6 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0030] (2-3-1) Light source module The light source module 20 has two substrates 200 and a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs 201) mounted on the surface (lower surface) of each substrate 200 (see FIG. 5). 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.

[0031] The plurality of LEDs 201 includes, for example, white LEDs for illumination with an incandescent color and white LEDs for illumination with a daylight color. The plurality of LEDs 201 are arranged such that the LEDs 201 emitting different colors are alternately aligned in a row along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 200. The plurality of LEDs 201 may be composed of only white LEDs for illumination of the same color, or may include white LEDs for illumination of three or more colors. Alternatively, the plurality of LEDs 201 may include LEDs emitting light of a color other than white, such as red, green, or blue.

[0032] (2-3-2) Power supply unit The power supply unit 5 includes a power supply circuit 50 configured as a printed circuit and a power supply case 51 that houses the power supply circuit 50 (see FIG. 7 ). The power supply case 51 is formed in a long, box-like shape with one surface (bottom) open. The power supply circuit 50 includes a rectifier circuit that rectifies AC voltage supplied from an external power source, a boost circuit that boosts and smooths the pulsating voltage rectified by the rectifier circuit, a step-down circuit that steps down the DC voltage output from the step-up circuit, and a control circuit that controls the step-down circuit. The control circuit controls the step-down circuit to make the current (load current) supplied to the light source module 20 constant 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 a signal terminal block 52, thereby dimming and adjusting the color of the light source module 20. The signal transmission source is, for example, a lighting controller installed on the wall of an office.

[0033] (2-3-3) Support member 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 standing upward from a pair of side ends (front end and rear end) along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the main portion 210 (see FIGS. 5 and 7). The pair of side wall portions 211 are formed in the shape of a long rectangle.

[0034] The support member 21 also has a positioning piece 212, a locking piece 213, a pair of cover attachment pieces 214, a pair of hooks 31, and a pair of protrusions 215 (see FIG. 7).

[0035] The positioning piece 212 is formed in a rectangular column shape protruding downward from the rear end of the underside of the main portion 210. The locking piece 213 is formed in an L shape protruding downward from the front end of the underside of the main portion 210. The positioning piece 212 and the locking piece 213 are each formed parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the main portion 210, over the entire length of the main portion 210 in the longitudinal direction. The board 200 of the light source module 20 is inserted into the gap between the locking piece 213 and the main portion 210, and the board 200 is locked by the locking piece 213 (see FIG. 7 ). The positioning piece 212 positions the board 200 in the front-rear direction of the main portion 210. The board 200 is fastened to the main portion 210 with a plurality of screws.

[0036] The pair of cover attachment pieces 214 are each formed in an L-shape and protrude downward from each side end along the longitudinal direction of the main portion 210 (see FIG. 7). A pair of attachment portions 222 of the cover 22 is hooked onto each cover attachment piece 214, as will be described later.

[0037] The pair of hooking portions 31 each protrude inward from approximately the center in the vertical direction on the inner surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 211 over the entire longitudinal length of each side wall portion 211 (see FIG. 7). However, the tip portion of each hooking portion 31 is bent downward. The pair of hooking portions 31 hook onto the tip portions of the respective spring pieces 300 of the two mounting springs 30 attached to the appliance body 1.

[0038] The pair of protrusions 215 protrude inward from the lower end portions of the inner surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 211 over the entire longitudinal length of each side wall portion 211 (see FIG. 7). Note that 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, the pair of hook portions 31, and the pair of protrusions 215 are preferably formed integrally by extrusion molding a metal material such as an aluminum alloy.

[0039] (2-3-4) Cover The cover 22 has a front wall 220, a pair of side walls 221, and a pair of mounting portions 222 (see FIG. 5). The front wall 220 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape. Each of the pair of side walls 221 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape and protrudes upward from both longitudinal ends (front end and rear end) of the front wall 220. 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 over the entire longitudinal length of the side wall portion 211. Here, the front wall 220, the pair of side wall portions 211, and the pair of mounting portions 222 are preferably formed integrally by extrusion molding of a translucent synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin. Note that the cover 22 is preferably formed in a milky white color by mixing a filler into the synthetic resin material in order to diffuse light emitted from the light source module 20.

[0040] The cover 22 is attached to the support member 21 by hooking the pair of attachment portions 222 one by one onto the pair of cover attachment pieces 214 of the support member 21 (see FIG. 7). The cover 22 attached to the support member 21 covers the light source module 20 attached to the lower surface of the main portion 210.

[0041] (2-3-5) End member The end member 6 has a cover end portion 60, an end cap portion 61, a mounting fixture 62, and a connecting fixture 64 (see FIGS. 8 to 10). The cover end portion 60 has a cylindrical portion 600, a wall portion 601, and a protrusion 607 (see FIGS. 8 to 10).

[0042] The cylindrical portion 600 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape, except that the front and rear surfaces of the cylindrical portion 600 are formed in a substantially semicircular plate shape.

[0043] The wall portion 601 is formed in a quadrangular shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the cover 22, and is connected to one axial end (left-right direction) of the tubular portion 600 to close one axial end of the tubular portion 600. However, the portion of the wall portion 601 excluding the upper and lower ends is curved in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape so as to fit along the front and rear surfaces of the tubular portion 600. In other words, the portion of the wall portion 601 excluding the upper and lower ends forms a protrusion 607 that protrudes outward from the longitudinal end of the support member 21 in the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 (see FIG. 6).

[0044] Here, the convex portion 607 is formed of a material softer than the portions other than the convex portion 607 (hereinafter referred to as the other portions), i.e., the tubular portion 600. For example, the other portions are formed of a translucent synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin, similar to the cover 22. The convex portion 607 is formed of, for example, a silicone resin (silicone rubber). Note that the hardness of the material forming the convex portion 607 is preferably in the range of 5 or more and 90 or less in durometer hardness (symbol: HDA) measured with a type A durometer. On the other hand, the durometer hardness of the material forming the other portions (such as polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin) is generally greater than 90. Note that the type A durometer hardness is sometimes called Shore hardness (A).

[0045] Here, a common method for forming the protrusion 607 integrally with other parts is, for example, two-color molding of synthetic resin. In this disclosure, "integrally formed" means forming a single part using a machine such as a molding machine without human intervention, as in two-color molding, rather than manually joining separately formed parts (components). However, in order to diffuse the light emitted from the light source module 20, similar to the cover 22, the cover end portion 60 is preferably formed in a milky white color by mixing a filler into the synthetic resin material.

[0046] The connector 64 has a main piece 640, a base 641, a pair of connecting portions 642, and a pair of pressing pieces 643. However, the main piece 640, the base 641, the pair of connecting portions 642, and the pair of pressing pieces 643 are integrally formed 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 in the left and right directions from the upper end of the main piece 640.

[0047] The pair of connecting portions 642 are each formed in an inverted L shape, and protrude upward from both front and rear ends of the upper surface of base 641 that are farther from main piece 640. The pair of pressing pieces 643 are each formed in a rectangular flat plate shape, and protrude parallel to base 641 from both front and rear ends of main piece 640.

[0048] The end cap portion 61 has a main body 610 having a hole 611 for passing wires through, and a lid 63 that is detachably attached to the main body 610 and closes the hole 611 when attached to the main body 610. The main body 610 and the lid 63 are each made of a non-transparent synthetic resin material, for example, ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic acid ester polymer) resin.

[0049] The main body 610 is formed in the shape of a U-shaped flat plate. The front surface of the main body 610 is flat, and the back surface of the main body 610 is provided with a pair of vertical pieces 612, a horizontal piece 613, a pair of support pieces 614, and a pair of protruding pieces 615.

[0050] The pair of vertical pieces 612 are formed in a roughly trapezoidal shape, and protrude from both the front and rear of the hole 611 on the back surface of the main body 610 in the thickness direction of the main body 610. The horizontal piece 613 is formed in a rectangular flat plate, and protrudes from the bottom of the hole 611 on the back surface of the main body 610 in the thickness direction of the main body 610 so as to connect the lower ends of the pair of vertical pieces 612.

[0051] A coupling groove 616 is provided at each end of the horizontal piece 613 in the front-rear direction. These coupling grooves 616 are open at the tip end of the horizontal piece 613 and are formed in a rectangular shape with the thickness direction of the main body 610 as the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, a protrusion 617 is provided on each of the upper surfaces of the horizontal pieces 613 near the coupling groove 616. These protrusions 617 are formed in the shape of a rectangular pillar with the thickness direction of the main body 610 as the axial direction.

[0052] The pair of support pieces 614 are formed in a square pyramid shape and protrude from the side surfaces of the pair of vertical pieces 612 along the main body 610 in a direction approaching the hole 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 lid body 63 is slidably inserted.

[0053] The pair of protrusions 615 are formed in a rectangular column shape and protrude outward from the outer surfaces of the pair of vertical pieces 612, approximately at the center of the vertical pieces 612 in the vertical direction, along the thickness direction (front-to-back direction) of the vertical pieces 612.

[0054] The lid body 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 side surfaces of the main body 630, a pair of support portions 632, and claw portions 633 (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0055] The surface of the main body 630 is flat. The portions of the flange 631 that protrude from the front and rear side surfaces of the main body 630 are formed so as to taper in thickness downward.

[0056] The pair of support portions 632 are each formed in a trapezoidal shape, and protrude in the left-right direction from both front and rear ends below the back surface of the main body portion 630. The claw portion 633 is provided in the center of the underside of the main body portion 630 in the front-rear direction, and protrudes toward the front surface of the main body portion 630 beyond the flange portion 631.

[0057] The mounting fixture 62 has a fixing plate 620, a connecting plate 621, and a support plate 622. The fixing plate 620 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The support plate 622 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate that is smaller than the fixing plate 620. The connecting plate 621 is formed in a Z shape, and connects an end of the fixing plate 620 to an end of the support plate 622. The fixing plate 620, connecting plate 621, and support plate 622 are integrally formed by bending a single metal plate.

[0058] The fixing plate 620 has two circular screw insertion holes 623. The mounting fixture 62 is fixed to the support member 21 by fastening screws 625, which are inserted into the two screw insertion holes 623 of the fixing plate 620, to the main portion 210 of the support member 21 (see FIG. 6).

[0059] Two engaging grooves 624 are formed in parallel to each other in the fixed plate 620, the connecting plate 621 and the support plate 622 (see FIGS. 8 to 10).

[0060] (2-4) Light source unit assembly process Next, the assembly process of the light source unit 2 will be described.

[0061] The light source module 20 is attached to the underside of the main part 210. The light source module 20 is attached to the main part 210 by inserting the board 200 into the gap between the locking piece 213 and the main part 210 and screwing the board 200 to the main part 210 while it is positioned by the positioning piece 212 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0062] Next, the cover 22 is attached to the main part 210 by inserting the attachment part 222 of the cover 22 from one end in the longitudinal direction into the gap between the underside of the main part 210 and the cover attachment piece 214 (see FIG. 7). Note that the cover 22 is movable relative to the main part 210 along the longitudinal direction of the main part 210, since the attachment part 222 is simply hooked onto the cover attachment piece 214 of the main part 210.

[0063] Then, the pair of coupling portions 642 of the connector 64 are inserted into the pair of coupling grooves 616 of the body 610 of the end cap portion 61, respectively, to couple the connector 64 and the body 610 of the end cap portion 61 (see FIG. 8).

[0064] Next, the pair of protrusions 617 on the main body 610 of the end cap portion 61 are fitted one by one into each of the two fitting grooves 624 of the fitting 62 , thereby attaching the fitting 62 to the end cap portion 61 .

[0065] 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 lid body 63 to the end cap portion 61. Note that the lid body 63 is prevented from coming off the main body 610 by the claw portions 633 provided on the main body portion 630 being caught in the recesses 619 provided on the back surface of the main body 610 of the end cap portion 61 (see FIG. 6).

[0066] Here, with the lid body 63 attached to the end cap portion 61, the support plate 622 of the mounting fixture 62 is sandwiched between the pair of support portions 632 of the lid body 63 and the horizontal pieces 613 of the main body 610 (see FIG. 6). As a result, the pair of support portions 632 restrict the movement of the mounting fixture 62 in the up and down direction, so that the projection 617 and the engaging groove 624 will not come out of engagement.

[0067] Then, the front and rear end portions of the fixing plate 620 of the mounting fixture 62 are inserted between the upper surface of the main portion 210 and the pair of protrusions 215. Also, the pair of protrusions 615 of the end cap portion 61 are inserted below the hook portions 31 of the pair of side wall portions 211. That is, the pair of protrusions 615 of the end cap portion 61 are hooked onto the hook portions 31 in the vertical direction. As a result, rattle of the end cap portion 61 relative to the support member 21 is suppressed. Then, the fixing plate 620 is screwed to the main portion 210 of the support member 21 by two screws 625 inserted into the two screw insertion holes 623 of the fixing plate 620 (see FIG. 6 ). As a result, both longitudinal end portions of the support member 21 are closed by the end cap portions 61.

[0068] Furthermore, the cover end portion 60 is fixed to the cover 22 by inserting a portion of the tubular portion 600 into the cover 22, and bonding the portion of the tubular portion 600 inserted into the cover 22 to the front wall 220 and the side wall 221 of the cover 22 with an adhesive. As a result, both longitudinal ends of the cover 22 are closed by the cover end portion 60 (see FIG. 6).

[0069] As described above, the end members 6 are attached to both ends of the support member 21 and the cover 22 in the longitudinal direction, respectively, and thus the assembly of the light source unit 2 is completed.

[0070] (2-5) Installation procedure for lighting fixtures Next, the procedure for installing the lighting fixture A1 on the ceiling (construction material) will be described.

[0071] The worker performing the installation work inserts the power cable drawn from the ceiling into the room into the first wire hole 12 of the fixture body 1. The worker then inserts each of the two suspension bolts protruding from the ceiling into the two bolt insertion holes 14 of the fixture body 1, and attaches the fixture body 1 to the ceiling by tightening nuts on each suspension bolt. The worker then connects the power cable to the primary terminal of the power terminal block 15. Note that, when installing multiple lighting fixtures A1 in a row as described below, the cover 63 of the end member 6 of each lighting fixture A1 is removed from the end cap portion 61, and the power cable is routed and wired through the hole 611 of the end cap portion 61.

[0072] Next, the worker temporarily hangs the light source unit 2 on the fixture body 1 with the two strings by hooking the ends of the two strings, one end of each of which is hooked on the support member 21, into the two hook holes 18 on the fixture body 1.

[0073] Then, the worker brings the light source unit 2 in the temporarily hung state close to the fixture body 1 while supporting it with both hands, and inserts the mounting spring 30 of the fixture body 1 between the pair of side wall portions 211 of the support member 21. Then, the tip portion of the mounting spring 30 inserted between the pair of side wall portions 211 is caught by the hook portions 31 on the inner surfaces of each side wall portion 211 (see FIG. 7 ). As a result, the light source unit 2 is mounted to the fixture body 1 by the two mounting springs 30. If the worker pulls the light source unit 2 downward, the tip portion of the mounting spring 30 will be released from the hook portions 31, and the light source unit 2 can be removed from the fixture body 1.

[0074] The above steps complete the installation of lighting fixture A1.

[0075] (2-6) Lighting system installation procedure Next, the procedure for installing a plurality of lighting fixtures A1 on a ceiling, that is, the procedure for installing the lighting system S1, will be described.

[0076] First, the worker attaches the fixture bodies 1 of the multiple lighting fixtures A1 to the ceiling so that they are aligned in a row along the longitudinal direction of the fixture bodies 1. Then, the worker connects two adjacent fixture bodies 1 together using the connecting aid 9.

[0077] The connection aid 9 has a rectangular main piece 900 and four insertion pieces 901 that protrude from the four corners of the main piece 900 in the thickness direction of the main piece 900 (see FIG. 12). The main piece 900 and the four insertion pieces 901 are integrally formed by, for example, punching and bending a metal plate. However, the main piece 900 and the four insertion pieces 901 may also be integrally formed as a synthetic resin molded body.

[0078] On the other hand, the appliance body 1 has a hooking groove 102 at each of both longitudinal and lateral ends of the bottom plate 10 (see FIG. 12). Each hooking groove 102 is formed in a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction aligned with the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 10.

[0079] The worker connects the two fixture bodies 1 by inserting two of the four insertion pieces 901 of the connection aid 9 into two hook grooves 102 at one end of the two fixture bodies 1 (bottom plates 10).The worker then attaches each of the connected fixture bodies 1 to the ceiling.

[0080] Finally, the worker attaches the light source unit 2 to each of the fixture bodies 1 that are attached to the ceiling while connected by the connection aids 9. The distance D1 between adjacent lighting fixtures A1 is set to a fixed dimension by the connection aids 9 (see FIG. 11). Note that the distance D1 is the distance between the end cap portions 61 of adjacent lighting fixtures A1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0081] The above steps complete the installation of the lighting system S1.

[0082] (3) Advantages of the embodiment As explained in the prior art section, if the distance D1 between two adjacent lighting fixtures A1 is narrowed, the protrusions 607 of the cover end portions 60 may come into contact and press against each other when the cover 22 thermally expands while the light source unit 2 is turned on. However, because the protrusions 607 are made of a softer material than the other portions, when the two protrusions 607 press against each other, they elastically deform inward (away from each other). As a result, the lighting fixture A1 can reduce stress on the cover 22 by elastically deforming the protrusions 607 of its own cover end portions 60. As a result, the lighting fixture A1 can improve its appearance by shortening the distance D1 between adjacent lighting fixtures A1 while suppressing defects caused by thermal expansion of the cover 22.

[0083] Here, the hardness of the convex portion 607 and the other portions is preferably compared in terms of durometer hardness. In other words, it is preferable to use a material for forming the convex portion 607 that has a lower durometer hardness than the material for forming the other portions. Therefore, appropriate materials can be selected for the convex portion 607 and the other portions based on their durometer hardness. For example, if the material for forming the other portions is polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin, it is preferable to use a silicone resin (silicone rubber) for the material for forming the convex portion 607. However, the material for forming the convex portion 607 is not limited to silicone resin, and any material may be used as long as it is softer (has a lower durometer hardness) than the material for forming the other portions.

[0084] Furthermore, if the material forming the convex portion 607 of the lighting device A1 has a durometer hardness of 5 or more and 90 or less, then it is possible to use, for example, silicone resin, which is a translucent synthetic resin material, and this makes it possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs.

[0085] Furthermore, the lighting system S1 has multiple lighting fixtures A1 arranged in one or more rows along the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 13). The distance D1 between adjacent lighting fixtures A1 is such that the protrusions 607 of the cover end portions 60 can come into contact with each other along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 (see FIG. 11).

[0086] Thus, the lighting system S1 can prevent problems caused by thermal expansion of the covers 22 of individual lighting fixtures A1. Moreover, the lighting system S1 can shorten the distance D1 between adjacent lighting fixtures A1, making it less likely that dark areas will occur between multiple lighting fixtures A1 lined up in a row. As a result, the lighting system S1 can improve its appearance while preventing problems caused by thermal expansion of the covers 22.

[0087] Furthermore, the lighting device A1 has the cover end portion 60 formed of a translucent material, and the translucency of the cover end portion 60 allows a portion of the light emitted from the light source module 20 to be extracted to the outside through the cover end portion 60. As a result, the lighting device A1 can improve the light extraction efficiency at the longitudinal ends.

[0088] Incidentally, the tip of the convex portion 607 in this embodiment is formed in a linear shape. In this embodiment, "linear" means that the width dimension is sufficiently small relative to the length dimension (for example, one tenth to one tens of times smaller). The tip of the convex portion 607 may be formed in a dot shape. In this embodiment, "dot shape" means that the area of ​​the tip is sufficiently smaller than the area of ​​the rest of the tip (for example, one tens of times smaller to one hundred and several tens of times smaller).

[0089] Thus, in lighting device A1, by forming the tip of protrusion 607 in a linear or dotted shape, it is possible to reduce the reaction force when protrusion 607 is deformed.

[0090] Furthermore, in lighting device A1, the portion of cover end portion 60 adjacent to protrusion 607, i.e., the inner portion of tubular portion 600, is formed hollow (see FIG. 6). Therefore, lighting device A1 can further reduce the occurrence of defects due to thermal expansion of cover 22 by making protrusion 607 more easily deformable.

[0091] Note that lighting fixture A1 has one cover end portion 60 at each end of cover 22 in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 2). That is, when another lighting fixture A1 is placed adjacent to it in the longitudinal direction, lighting fixture A1's own protrusions 607 can come into contact with the protrusions 607 of the adjacent lighting fixture A1. As a result, lighting fixture A1 can be placed adjacent to other lighting fixtures A1 at both ends of cover 22 in the longitudinal direction, and therefore lighting fixture A1 can be placed between other lighting fixtures A1 when arranging them in a row, improving workability.

[0092] Furthermore, the lighting system S1 defines (maintains) the distance D1 between adjacent lighting fixtures A1 at a constant dimension using the connecting aids 9 (see FIG. 11). As a result, when arranging multiple lighting fixtures A1 in a row, the lighting system S1 can maintain a constant distance D1 between each lighting fixture A1, thereby further improving the appearance.

[0093] (4) Variations Next, several modified examples of the lighting device A1 and lighting system S1 according to the embodiment will be described. However, the basic configuration of the lighting device A1 in each of the modified examples described below is the same as the basic configuration of the lighting device A1 according to the embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components that are common to the basic configuration of the lighting device A1 according to the embodiment, and illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "substantially common configuration" means a configuration that is slightly different in shape, size, etc., but has the same function.

[0094] (4-1) Variation 1 The lighting fixture A1 of Modification 1 is characterized by the shape of the convex portion 607. The convex portion 607 in Modification 1 is formed in a substantially triangular prism shape when viewed from the front-to-rear direction (see FIGS. 14 and 15). However, of the two cover end portions 60, the convex portion 607 of the right cover end portion 60 has its lower end portion protruding outward more than its upper end portion (see FIG. 14). Furthermore, the convex portion 607 of the left cover end portion 60 has its upper end portion protruding outward more than its lower end portion (see FIG. 15). In other words, the outer shapes of the two cover end portions 60 are point symmetrical.

[0095] In lighting system S1 of Variation 1, when multiple lighting devices A1 of Variation 1 are arranged in a row, the differently shaped protrusions 607 are arranged facing each other (see FIG. 16 ). Note that two lighting devices A1 of Variation 1 may also be arranged so that their protrusions 607 are in contact with each other.

[0096] Thus, the lighting fixture A1 and lighting system S1 of Modification 1 can reduce the gap (space) between two lighting fixtures A1 when viewed from the top-bottom and front-to-back directions compared to the lighting fixtures A1 and lighting system S1 of the embodiment (see FIGS. 11 and 16). As a result, the lighting fixture A1 and lighting system S1 of Modification 1 can suppress the reduction in the amount of light (luminous flux) between multiple adjacent lighting fixtures A1, further improving the appearance.

[0097] Furthermore, lighting device A1 of modified example 1 is provided with protrusions 607 on support member 21 such that their tips are located near the front surface of cover 22 (below wall portion 601) (see FIG. 14). In other words, lighting device A1 of modified example 1 can make the boundary between the two cover end portions 60 (tips of protrusions 607) less noticeable when viewed from below.

[0098] (4-2) Variation 2 The lighting fixture A1 of Modification 2 has two types of cover end portions 60: a first cover end portion 60A and a second cover end portion 60B. The first cover end portion 60A is attached to a first end portion (e.g., the left end portion) in the longitudinal direction of the cover 22. The second cover end portion 60B is attached to a second end portion (e.g., the right end portion) in the longitudinal direction of the cover 22.

[0099] The first cover end portion 60A has the same configuration as the cover end portion 60 of the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment. That is, the first cover end portion 60A has a substantially semi-cylindrical convex portion 607 (see FIG. 18).

[0100] The second cover end portion 60B is curved into a substantially semi-cylindrical shape except for the upper and lower ends of the wall portion 601. In other words, the portion of the wall portion 601 except for the upper and lower ends forms a recess 608 that is recessed inward in the longitudinal direction of the cover 22 relative to the longitudinal ends of the support member 21 (see FIG. 17).

[0101] In lighting system S1 of Modification 2, when multiple lighting fixtures A1 of Modification 2 are arranged in a row, first cover end portion 60A of one lighting fixture A1 of Modification 2 faces second cover end portion 60B of another adjacent lighting fixture A1 of Modification 2 (see FIG. 18 ). Note that the two lighting fixtures A1 of Modification 2 may be arranged so that convex portion 607 of first cover end portion 60A and concave portion 608 of second cover end portion 60B are in contact with each other.

[0102] Thus, the lighting fixtures A1 and lighting system S1 of Modification 2 can reduce the gap (space) between two lighting fixtures A1 when viewed from the top-bottom and front-to-back directions compared to the lighting fixtures A1 and lighting system S1 of the embodiment (see FIGS. 11 and 18). As a result, the lighting fixtures A1 and lighting system S1 of Modification 2 can suppress the reduction in the amount of light (luminous flux) between multiple adjacent lighting fixtures A1, further improving the appearance.

[0103] (4-3) Variation 3 The lighting fixture A1 of the third modification is characterized in that it is not directly attached to a building material such as a ceiling, but is supported by a wiring duct B1 arranged in the building material, as shown in FIG.

[0104] In lighting fixture A1 of variation 3, the upper surface of support member 21 is covered with a plate-shaped member (top plate), and the top plate has two mounting portions 7. The two mounting portions 7 have the same structure. That is, each mounting portion 7 includes a holding mechanism that is mechanically held to wiring duct B1 and a power supply mechanism that is supplied with power from the conductor of wiring duct B1. However, the structure of wiring duct B1 and the configuration of the holding mechanism and power supply mechanism are well known, so detailed description and illustration will be omitted.

[0105] Therefore, since the lighting fixture A1 of variant example 3 is attached to a wiring duct B1 instead of being directly attached to the construction material, there is no need to fix the fixture body 1 to the construction material, which simplifies the installation work.

[0106] In the embodiment and modified examples 1-3, the convex portion 607 (or the convex portion 607 and the concave portion 608) of the cover end portion 60 may be made of a material having many bubbles therein, such as foamed silicone.

[0107] (5) Summary The lighting fixture (A1) according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source (light source module 20), a long support member (21), a long cover (22), and a cover end portion (60). The support member (21) supports the light source. The cover (22) is translucent and is disposed in front of the light source. The cover end portion (60) is translucent and is attached to the longitudinal end of the cover (22). The cover end portion (60) has a protrusion (607) that protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction of the cover (22) beyond the longitudinal end of the support member (21). The protrusion (607) is made of a material softer than the cover (22).

[0108] In the lighting fixture (A1) according to the first aspect, even if the cover (22) thermally expands due to a temperature rise during lighting, the protrusions (607), which are made of a material softer than the cover (22), deform, thereby reducing stress on the cover (22). As a result, the lighting fixture (A1) according to the first aspect can improve its appearance while suppressing defects caused by thermal expansion of the cover (22).

[0109] A lighting device (A1) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the lighting device (A1) according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the durometer hardness of the material (forming the convex portion (607)) is smaller than the durometer hardness of the material forming the cover (22).

[0110] In the lighting fixture (A1) according to the second aspect, appropriate materials can be selected for the convex portion (607) and other portions based on durometer hardness.

[0111] A lighting device (A1) according to a third aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the lighting device (A1) according to the first or second aspect. In the lighting device (A1) according to the third aspect, the cover end portion (60) is preferably translucent.

[0112] The lighting fixture (A1) according to the third aspect can extract a portion of the light emitted from the light source to the outside through the cover end portion (60), thereby improving the light extraction efficiency at the longitudinal end portion.

[0113] The lighting device (A1) according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of the first to third aspects. In the lighting device (A1) according to the fourth aspect, it is preferable that the tip of the convex portion (607) is formed in a dot-like or linear shape.

[0114] The lighting fixture (A1) according to the fourth aspect can reduce the reaction force when the convex portion (607) is deformed.

[0115] A lighting device (A1) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any of the first to fourth aspects. In the lighting device (A1) according to the fifth aspect, it is preferable that the protrusion (607) has a tip located closer to the front surface of the cover (22) than the support member (21).

[0116] In the lighting fixture (A1) according to the fifth aspect, when viewed from below, the boundary between two adjacent cover end portions (60) (the tips of the convex portions 607) can be made less noticeable.

[0117] A lighting device (A1) according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any of the first to fifth aspects. In the lighting device (A1) according to the sixth aspect, it is preferable that a portion of the cover end portion (60) adjacent to the protrusion (607) is formed hollow.

[0118] In the lighting fixture (A1) according to the sixth aspect, the protrusion (607) is made more easily deformable, thereby further reducing the occurrence of problems due to thermal expansion of the cover (22).

[0119] A lighting fixture (A1) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of the first to sixth aspects. In the lighting fixture (A1) according to the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the cover end portions (60) are provided one on each end in the longitudinal direction of the cover (22).

[0120] The lighting fixture (A1) according to the seventh aspect can be arranged with other lighting fixtures (A1) at both longitudinal ends of the cover (22), and therefore can be arranged between other lighting fixtures (A1) when arranging them in a row, thereby improving workability.

[0121] An illumination device (A1) according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any of the first to sixth aspects. In the illumination device (A1) according to the eighth aspect, the cover end portion (60) preferably has a first cover end portion (60A) attached to a first longitudinal end of the cover (22) and a second cover end portion (60B) attached to a second longitudinal end of the cover (22). The first cover end portion (60A) preferably has a protrusion (607). The second cover end portion (60B) preferably has a recess (608) recessed inward in the longitudinal direction of the cover (22) relative to the longitudinal end of the support member (21).

[0122] When the lighting fixture (A1) according to the eighth aspect is arranged in a line with another lighting fixture (A1) in the longitudinal direction, the gap (space) between the lighting fixture (A1) and the other lighting fixture (A1) can be reduced. As a result, the lighting fixture (A1) according to the eighth aspect can suppress a decrease in the amount of light at both ends in the longitudinal direction, further improving its appearance.

[0123] A lighting system (S1) according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of lighting fixtures (A1) according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. The lighting system (S1) according to the ninth aspect arranges the lighting fixtures (A1) in one or more rows along the longitudinal direction of the cover (22). The distance (D1) between adjacent lighting fixtures (A1) is a dimension that allows the cover end portions (60) to come into contact with each other along the longitudinal direction of the cover (22).

[0124] The lighting system (S1) according to the ninth aspect can improve the appearance while suppressing the occurrence of problems due to thermal expansion of the cover (22).

[0125] A lighting system (S1) according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the ninth aspect. The lighting system (S1) according to the tenth aspect preferably further comprises a connecting aid (9) that is arranged between adjacent lighting fixtures (A1) and maintains the distance (D1) at the aforementioned dimension.

[0126] The lighting system (S1) according to the tenth aspect can further improve the appearance by maintaining a constant spacing D1 between each lighting fixture (A1) when arranging multiple lighting fixtures (A1) in a row. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] A1 Lighting fixture S1 Lighting System D1 interval 9 Connection aids 20 Light source module (light source) 21 Support member 22 Cover 60 Cover end 60A First cover end 60B Second cover end 607 Convex 608 Recess

Claims

1. A light source and a long support member that supports the light source; a long, translucent cover disposed in front of the light source; a cover end portion attached to an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the cover; Equipped with the cover end portion has a protrusion that protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction of the cover beyond the end of the support member in the longitudinal direction, The protrusion is formed of a material softer than the cover. Lighting fixtures.

2. the durometer hardness of the material is less than the durometer hardness of the material forming the cover; 2. The lighting fixture of claim 1.

3. The cover end portion is translucent.

3. The lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The tip of the protrusion is formed in a dot-like or linear shape.

3. The lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the protrusion has the tip at a position close to the front surface of the cover relative to the support member; 5. The lighting fixture of claim 4.

6. In the cover end portion, a portion adjacent to the protrusion is formed hollow.

3. The lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The cover end portion is provided at each end of the cover in the longitudinal direction.

3. The lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The cover end portion is a first cover end portion attached to a first end portion in a longitudinal direction of the cover; a second cover end portion attached to a second end portion of the cover in the longitudinal direction; and the first cover end portion has the protrusion, The second cover end portion has a recess that is recessed inward in the longitudinal direction of the cover relative to the end of the support member in the longitudinal direction.

3. The lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting fixtures according to claim 1 or 2, A plurality of the lighting fixtures are arranged in one or more rows along the longitudinal direction of the cover, The distance between adjacent lighting fixtures is such that the cover end portions can come into contact with each other in the longitudinal direction of the cover. Lighting system.

10. The lighting fixture further includes a connecting aid disposed between adjacent lighting fixtures to maintain the spacing at the dimension.

10. The lighting system of claim 9.

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