LED lamp

Abstract

To provide a long LED lamp which has better appearance.SOLUTION: An LED lamp includes: an LED module; a cylindrical body; a first end cap; and a second end cap. In the first end cap, a male part is formed on one side in the third direction, and a female part is formed on the other side in the third direction. In the second end cap, a female part is formed on one side in the third direction, and a male part is formed on the other side in the third direction. The male part includes a first inclined surface which is inclined with respect to the second direction toward the outside in the first direction, and which further bulges to the outside in the first direction as it goes closer to the one side in the second direction. The female part includes a second inclined surface which is inclined with respect to the second direction toward the outside in the first direction, and which further dents inward in the first direction as it goes closer to the one side in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an LED lamp that houses a plurality of LED chips and is used in an LED lighting device that is used, for example, for indoor floor lighting or wall lighting. [Background technology]

[0002] Figure 39 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a conventional LED lamp. The LED lamp 900 shown in the figure includes a rectangular substrate 91, a plurality of LED chips 92 arranged in a row on the substrate 91, a tube 93 that houses the substrate 91, terminals 94, and a circuit 95 for lighting the LED chips 92. Wiring (not shown) that is connected to the plurality of LED chips 92 and terminals 94 is formed on the substrate 91.

[0003] This LED lamp 900 is configured so that multiple LED chips 92 can emit light by fitting terminals 94 into the receptacle of a socket for, for example, a fluorescent light installed on a ceiling, etc. Because LED chips 92 have low power consumption and a long life, using LED lamp 900 as a replacement for existing fluorescent lights can be expected to result in improvements in terms of cost and the environment.

[0004] However, because the LED lamp 900 has terminals 94 disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction, when multiple LED lamps 900 are connected in a row along the longitudinal direction, it is impossible to emit light at the joints between the LED lamps 900. For this reason, when connecting LED lamps 900 to form a long lighting device, dark areas that do not emit light are lined up intermittently along the longitudinal direction, which can give the viewer an impression of clutter.

[0005] Furthermore, when multiple LED chips 92 are arranged in a row, a sharp brightness distribution occurs around the row, making the light appear dazzling. This becomes more pronounced as the number of LED chips 92 increases. This makes it difficult to achieve both an increase in the overall light intensity and uniform brightness. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-54103 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a more attractive, long-length LED lighting device, an LED lamp capable of realizing such an LED lighting device, and a lamp case suitable for accommodating the LED lamp. Another aim of the present invention is to provide an LED module and an LED lighting device that can increase the overall light intensity and achieve uniform brightness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The LED lamp provided by a first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of LED modules arranged along a first direction, a cylindrical body that houses the plurality of LED modules and has an open end in the first direction, and a plurality of end caps that seal both ends of the cylindrical body in the first direction, each end cap being formed to transmit and diffuse light from the plurality of LED modules, and having an exit surface that emits light in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0009] An LED lamp provided by a second aspect of the present invention is an LED lamp provided by the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the cylinder comprises a support member having a mounting surface for mounting the plurality of LED modules on one side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a diffusion cover covering one side of the support member in the second direction and diffusing light from the plurality of LED modules while transmitting it, and the emission surface is formed on one side in the second direction.

[0010] The LED lamp provided by a third aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein each of the end caps is formed from a transparent resin to which a diffusing material that diffuses light from the LED module has been added.

[0011] The LED lamp provided by a fourth aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by the second or third aspect of the present invention, wherein the exit surface is formed to be continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the diffusion cover.

[0012] An LED lamp provided by a fifth aspect of the present invention is an LED lamp provided by any of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the plurality of LED modules are arranged at regular intervals, and the distance between the end cap and the LED module closest to the end cap in the first direction is shorter than the regular interval.

[0013] The sixth aspect of the present invention provides an LED lamp according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the distance between the outer end face of the end cap in the first direction and the LED module closest to the end cap in the first direction is half the fixed interval.

[0014] An LED lamp provided by a seventh aspect of the present invention is an LED lamp provided by any of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein each end cap has a connecting plate that protrudes inward of the cylinder along the first direction, and the connecting plate has a screw through-hole that extends long in the first direction, and the end cap is attached to the cylinder via a screw inserted through the screw through-hole, and the exit surface can be contained within the cylinder.

[0015] An LED lamp provided by an eighth aspect of the present invention is an LED lamp provided by any of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the plurality of end caps include a first end cap having an inclined surface that slopes away from the light-emitting surface as it extends outward in the first direction, and a second end cap having an inclined surface that slopes toward the light-emitting surface as it extends outward in the first direction.

[0016] An LED lamp provided by a ninth aspect of the present invention is an LED lamp provided by any of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein each end cap comprises a male portion having an inclined surface that slopes toward the emission surface as it extends outward in the first direction, and a female portion having an inclined surface that slopes away from the emission surface as it extends outward in the first direction.

[0017] The LED lighting device provided by the tenth aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two or more LED lamps provided by the first to sixth aspects of the present invention along the first direction, and is characterized in that the ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps among the plurality of LED lamps in the first direction face each other directly.

[0018] An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides an LED lighting device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the ends of the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps in the first direction abut against each other.

[0019] The LED lighting device provided by a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the eleventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the light-emitting surfaces of the two adjacent LED lamps are continuous with each other.

[0020] The LED lighting device provided by a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein a plate material is provided between the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps and in contact with each of the end caps, and the plate material is formed to transmit and diffuse light from the plurality of LED modules.

[0021] The LED lighting device provided by a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the plate member has a surface that is continuous with the light-emitting surface of each of the end caps.

[0022] The LED lighting device provided by the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two or more LED lamps provided by the seventh aspect of the present invention along the first direction, and is characterized in that the ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps among the plurality of LED lamps in the first direction abut against each other.

[0023] An LED lighting device provided by a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two or more LED lamps provided by the eighth aspect of the present invention along the first direction, and two adjacent LED lamps among the plurality of LED lamps each have the first end cap on one side in the first direction and the second end cap on the other side, and the inclined surface of the first end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps faces each other.

[0024] The LED lighting device provided by the seventeenth aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two or more LED lamps provided by the ninth aspect of the present invention along the first direction, and is characterized in that the female portion of the end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps is interlocked with the male portion of the end cap of the other LED lamp.

[0025] The lamp case provided by the 18th aspect of the present invention houses an LED lamp having a plurality of LED modules arranged along a first direction and a cylindrical body that houses the plurality of LED modules, and is characterized in that it comprises a main body member having a pair of connecting portions at both ends in the first direction, and an end member that is connected to one of the pair of connecting portions, and the end member is detachable from the pair of connecting portions and has a wall surface that is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0026] A lamp case provided by a 19th aspect of the present invention is the lamp case provided by the 18th aspect of the present invention, wherein the connecting portion has a long hole extending long in the first direction, and the terminal member is connected to the connecting portion via a bolt member inserted through the long hole.

[0027] The LED lighting device provided by the twentieth aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising two or more lamp cases provided by the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect of the present invention, two or more LED lamps housed in the lamp cases and arranged along the first direction, and an intermediate member connected to both of two of the two or more lamp cases that are adjacent in the first direction.

[0028] The LED lighting device provided by the 21st aspect of the present invention comprises two or more LED lamps provided by any of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention arranged along the first direction, two or more lamp cases provided by the 18th or 19th aspect of the present invention that house the plurality of LED lamps, and an intermediate member connected to both of two of the two or more lamp cases that are adjacent in the first direction, and is characterized in that the ends of the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps of the two or more LED lamps in the first direction face each other directly.

[0029] The LED lighting device provided by the 22nd aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 21st aspect of the present invention, wherein the ends of the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps in the first direction abut against each other.

[0030] The LED lighting device provided by a 23rd aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 22nd aspect of the present invention, wherein the light-emitting surfaces of the two adjacent LED lamps are continuous with each other.

[0031] The LED lighting device provided by a 24th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 21st aspect of the present invention, wherein a plate material is provided between the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps and in contact with each end cap, and the plate material is formed to transmit and diffuse light from the multiple LED modules.

[0032] The LED lighting device provided by a 25th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 24th aspect of the present invention, wherein the plate member has a surface that is continuous with the light-emitting surface of each of the end caps.

[0033] The LED lighting device provided by the 26th aspect of the present invention comprises two or more LED lamps according to claim 7 arranged along the first direction, two or more lamp cases provided by the 18th or 19th aspect of the present invention that house the two or more LED lamps, and an intermediate member connected to both of two of the two or more lamp cases that are adjacent in the first direction, and is characterized in that the ends in the first direction of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps among the plurality of LED lamps abut against each other.

[0034] An LED lighting device provided by a 27th aspect of the present invention comprises two or more LED lamps provided by the 8th aspect of the present invention arranged along the first direction, two or more lamp cases provided by the 18th or 19th aspect of the present invention that house the two or more LED lamps, and an intermediate member connected to both of two of the two or more lamp cases that are adjacent in the first direction, wherein two adjacent LED lamps of the two or more LED lamps each have the first end cap on one side in the first direction and the second end cap on the other side, and the inclined surface of the first end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps faces each other.

[0035] An LED lighting device provided by a 28th aspect of the present invention comprises two or more LED lamps provided by the 9th aspect of the present invention arranged along the first direction, two or more lamp cases as described in claim 18 or 19 that house the two or more LED lamps, and an intermediate member connected to both of two of the two or more lamp cases that are adjacent in the first direction, and is characterized in that the female portion of the end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps is engaged with the male portion of the end cap of the other LED lamp.

[0036] With this configuration, the joints between the LED lamps allow light from the LED modules to pass through, making it difficult for dark areas to form along the length of the LED lighting device. Therefore, by joining the LED lamps provided by the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a long LED lighting device with a better appearance.

[0037] The LED module provided by the 29th aspect of the present invention comprises a strip-shaped substrate and a plurality of LED chips arranged on the substrate, wherein the plurality of LED chips are arranged in a plurality of rows that are spaced apart in the short direction of the substrate, and adjacent rows among the plurality of rows are arranged in a staggered pattern with the plurality of LED chips included in these rows offset in the long direction of the substrate.

[0038] The LED module provided by the 30th aspect of the present invention is the LED module provided by the 29th aspect of the present invention, wherein the plurality of LED chips are included in a plurality of light-emitting sections each having a rectangular light-emitting surface when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate, and the plurality of light-emitting sections are arranged so that the long sides of the light-emitting surfaces are aligned with the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

[0039] The LED module provided by the 31st aspect of the present invention is the LED module provided by the 30th aspect of the present invention, wherein in each row, the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged at equal intervals at intervals shorter than the long side of the light-emitting surface.

[0040] An LED module provided by a 32nd aspect of the present invention is an LED module provided by a 29th aspect of the present invention, wherein the plurality of LED chips are included in a plurality of light-emitting sections each having a rectangular light-emitting surface when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate, and the plurality of light-emitting sections are arranged so that the short sides of the light-emitting surfaces are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

[0041] A thirty-third aspect of the present invention provides an LED module according to any one of the twenty-ninth to thirty-first aspects of the present invention, wherein the plurality of rows is two rows.

[0042] An LED lighting device provided by a 34th aspect of the present invention comprises an LED module provided by any of the 29th to 33rd aspects of the present invention, an elongated support member that supports the substrate and extends along the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and a diffusion cover that is connected to the support member, covers the multiple LED chips, and diffuses light from the multiple LED chips and emits it to the outside, wherein the diffusion cover includes a part that is the shortest distance from the LED chips when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and has a strong diffusion portion that diffuses light from the multiple LED chips to a greater extent than the average of the entire diffusion cover.

[0043] The LED lighting device provided by the 35th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 34th aspect of the present invention, wherein the diffusion cover is formed to be thicker at portions closer to the LED chip when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

[0044] The LED lighting device provided by a 36th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 34th aspect of the present invention, wherein the strong diffusion portion is formed of a material that diffuses light from the LED chip more strongly than the material of the portion of the diffusion cover other than the strong diffusion portion.

[0045] The LED lighting device provided by the 37th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 34th aspect of the present invention, wherein the strong diffusion part is composed of the main body of the diffusion cover and a diffusion member stacked on the main body to diffuse light from the plurality of LED chips.

[0046] The LED lighting device provided by the 38th aspect of the present invention is an LED lighting device provided by any of the 34th to 37th aspects of the present invention, wherein the LED chip is installed so that the thickness direction of the substrate is the main emission direction, and the diffusion cover has an outer peripheral shape, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, that is an ellipse with the LED chip at its center and the thickness direction of the substrate as its minor axis.

[0047] In this configuration, the portion of the diffusion cover closer to the LED chip diffuses the light from the LED chip more strongly than the portion farther from the LED chip, allowing less light to pass through. Therefore, there is less difference in the intensity of the light after passing through the diffusion cover between the portion farther from the LED chip and the portion near the LED chip. Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the diffusion cover further uniforms the brightness, improving the appearance when the light is emitted.

[0048] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of an LED lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a plan view showing an LED lighting device in which the LED lamps shown in FIG. 1 are combined. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing a connection portion of the LED lighting device shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 6 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the LED lighting device shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an LED lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the end cap shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an LED lighting device in which the LED lamps shown in FIG. 8 are combined. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a connecting portion of an LED lighting device in which LED lamps are combined according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a connecting portion of an LED lighting device in which LED lamps are combined according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a side view showing an example of a lamp case according to the present invention. [Figure 16] 16 is a diagram showing a state in which an LED lamp is incorporated into the lamp case shown in FIG. 15 and attached to a ceiling. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of LED lamps are installed in the lamp case shown in FIG. 15 and are lined up and attached to the ceiling. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 16 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the lamp case shown in FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 22] 16 is an enlarged bottom view of a portion of the lamp case shown in FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 23] 16 is an enlarged view of one end of the main body member shown in FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 24] 16 is an enlarged view of the other end of the main body member shown in FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 25] 18 is a diagram showing a connection portion of a plurality of lamp cases in FIG. 17. FIG. [Figure 26] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the effect of the lamp case of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the lamp case. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the lamp case. [Figure 29] 1 is a plan view of an LED module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30]30 is a cross-sectional view showing a light-emitting portion of the LED module shown in FIG. 29. [Figure 31] 30 is a cross-sectional view of an LED lighting device equipped with the LED module of FIG. 29. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the LED lighting device shown in FIG. 31. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an LED module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an LED module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an LED lighting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an LED lighting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an LED lighting device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an LED lighting device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional LED lamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0051] 1 to 4 show an LED lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 501 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical body 1 formed to extend elongately in the x direction, a plurality of LED modules 2 housed in the cylindrical body 1, an end cap 3 attached to the end of the cylindrical body 1, two mounts 4, and a power conversion unit 5. The LED lamp 501 is configured to mainly illuminate one side in the z direction with light from the plurality of LED modules 2 housed inside, and is used, for example, when attached to a ceiling or the like to illuminate the floor surface.

[0052] The cylindrical body 1 includes a support member 11 and a diffusion cover 12. As shown in Fig. 3, the support member 11 is for supporting the plurality of LED modules 2 and supplying power thereto, and is made up of a substrate 111 and a bracket 112.

[0053] The substrate 111 is strip-shaped with its length in the x direction and its width in the y direction, and is made of, for example, glass epoxy resin. The substrate 111 has a constant thickness in the z direction and is provided with a mounting surface 111a on one side in the z direction. For example, 288 LED modules 2 are mounted on the mounting surface 111a, and a wiring pattern (not shown) for lighting these LED modules 2 is formed on the mounting surface 111a.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the bracket 112 is made of a base portion 113 and a pair of outer portions 114. The base portion 113 and the outer portions 114 are made of, for example, aluminum. The base portion 113 has a U-shaped cross section, and the substrate 111 is attached to the outside of its bottom surface. The outer portion 114 is shaped to cover approximately one side portion of the base portion 113 and the edge of the substrate 111 in the y direction. The base portion 113 and the outer portions 114 are fastened together with a plurality of screws 13.

[0055] Each outer portion 114 is formed with a locking groove 114a recessed toward the other side in the z direction. The locking groove 114a is formed over substantially the entire length of each outer portion 114 in the x direction. Furthermore, each outer portion 114 is provided with a bulge 114b protruding in the y direction from near one end in the y direction, a locking groove 114c formed in each bulge 114b and recessed toward the other side in the z direction, and a locking surface 114d facing the bottom surface of the locking groove 114c. The bulge 114b, the locking groove 114c, and the locking surface 114d are each formed over substantially the entire length of each outer portion 114 in the x direction.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1 , the diffusion cover 12 has a strip-like shape with an arcuate cross section extending in the x direction. It is made of, for example, a transparent polycarbonate resin doped with a diffusing material such as mercury chloride. The diffusion cover 12 diffuses and transmits light from the LED module 2. As shown in FIG. 3 , the diffusion cover 12 has a locking piece 12a on one edge in the y direction and a locking piece 12b on the other edge. The locking pieces 12a and 12b protrude inward in the y direction and each have a surface that abuts against the locking surface 114d. The locking piece 12b also has a portion that protrudes toward the other side in the z direction and is shaped to fit into the locking groove 114c. The diffusion cover 12 is fixed to the support member 11 by fitting the locking piece 12b into the locking groove 114c on one side in the y direction and then pushing the locking piece 12a into the locking groove 114c on the other side in the y direction.

[0057] Each LED module 2 has an LED chip built in, is electrically connected to a wiring pattern (not shown) formed on the mounting surface 111a, and is configured to emit light mainly toward one side in the z direction.

[0058] The multiple LED modules 2 are mounted on the mounting surface 111a so as to be aligned at equal intervals along the x direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the distance between the ends of two adjacent LED modules 2 that are closer in the x direction is defined as an interval 81 between the LED modules 2. The LED module 2 located at the end of one side of the multiple LED modules 2 in the x direction is arranged so that its end is a distance 82 that is shorter than the interval 81 from one end of the support member 11 in the x direction. The LED module 2 located at the end of the other side of the multiple LED modules 2 in the x direction is arranged so that its end is a distance 82 from the other end of the support member 11 in the x direction.

[0059] The end cap 3 is a component for preventing dust and other contaminants from entering the cylindrical body 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the end cap 3 is formed to close the end of the cylindrical body 1 in the x direction. One side of the end cap 3 in the z direction has an arc-shaped outer periphery that conforms to the shape of the diffusion cover 12. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the end cap 3, with the outer periphery of the diffusion cover 12 indicated by a two-dot chain line. The end cap 3 is installed so that there is no gap between it and the diffusion cover 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the end cap 3 includes an emission surface 31 that is continuous with the outer periphery of the diffusion cover 12, and a pair of connecting plates 32 that protrude in the x direction. The pair of connecting plates 32 are formed to be parallel to each other and spaced apart in the y direction, and as shown in FIG. 3, are in contact with the inner surface of the base portion 113 of the bracket 112. Furthermore, the pair of connecting plates 32 are formed with screw through-holes 32a that penetrate in the y direction. The pair of connecting plates 32 are fixed to the support member 11 by passing screws 13 through the screw through-holes 32a. 4, the end cap 3 has a constant thickness 83 in the x direction. This thickness 83 is, for example, about 1.5 mm.

[0060] Like the diffusion cover 12, the end cap 3 is made of a transparent polycarbonate resin to which a diffusion material such as mercury chloride has been added. Such an end cap 3 transmits and diffuses the light from the LED module 2. The proportion of the diffusion material in the end cap 3 is approximately the same as the proportion of the diffusion material in the diffusion cover 12.

[0061] In this embodiment, the end of the end cap 3 attached to one side of the cylindrical body 1 in the x direction on the other side in the x direction is in close contact with the end of the support member 11 on one side in the x direction. Also, the end of the end cap 3 attached to the other side of the cylindrical body 1 in the x direction on one side in the x direction is in close contact with the end of the support member 11 on the other side in the x direction. Furthermore, the distance 82 is set so that the sum of the distance 82 and the thickness 83 shown in FIG. 4 is a length 84, which is half the interval 81 between the LED modules 2.

[0062] Each mount 4 is a component used to secure the LED lamp 501 to a ceiling, wall, or the like, and is composed of a base metal fitting 41 and a holder 42. The base metal fitting 41 is formed, for example, by drilling and bending a metal plate, and has holes 41a for inserting screws. As shown in FIG. 1, the holes 41a are formed in a T-shape by combining an elongated hole extending in the y direction with an elongated hole extending in the x direction. Therefore, the position of the base metal fitting 41 can be adjusted by the size of the holes 41a even after it has been attached to the ceiling or wall with screws.

[0063] The holder 42 is formed, for example, by bending a metal plate, and has a pair of locking pieces 42a, a pair of flexible portions 42b, and a connecting portion 42c connecting the pair of flexible portions 42b, as shown in Fig. 3. The flexible portions 42b are configured to support the locking pieces 42a. When an external force is applied, the pair of flexible portions 42b are elastically deformable in a direction that moves the pair of locking pieces 42a toward or away from each other. The pair of locking pieces 42a are portions that engage with the locking grooves 114a of the support member 11, and are inclined in Fig. 3 so that the distance between them decreases as they move upward.

[0064] The power conversion unit 5, which functions to convert, for example, commercial AC 100V power to DC 36V, is housed in the support member 11. The power conversion unit 5 comprises a case 51, a power supply board 52, and multiple electronic components 53. The case 51 has a U-shaped cross section and is made of, for example, metal. The power supply board 52 is fixed to the case 51, and multiple electronic components 53 are mounted on the power supply board 52. The multiple electronic components 53 are, for example, a transformer, a rectifier, and a transistor for constant current control. A connector 54 extends from the power conversion unit 5. This connector 54 is connected to, for example, a connector provided on the ceiling or wall on which the LED lamp 501 is installed.

[0065] In this embodiment, two power conversion units 5 are provided, and power is supplied from one power conversion unit 5 to 144 LED modules 2. These 144 LED modules 2 are divided into 12 groups, each consisting of 12 LED modules connected in series. These groups are connected in parallel. As a result, each LED chip in each LED module 2 is supplied with DC power at a voltage of approximately 3 V and a current of approximately 20 mA.

[0066] Next, the operation of the LED lamp 501 will be described.

[0067] In such an LED lamp 501, as shown in Fig. 4, light mainly enters the end cap 3 from the LED module 2 installed at the end in the x direction. Because the end cap 3 is made of resin with a diffusing material added as described above, the light that enters the end cap 3 is diffused, and some of it is emitted in the z direction from the emission surface 31. For this reason, if the LED lamp 501 is installed on a ceiling and turned on, for example, the end of the LED lamp 501 in the x direction will appear to be shining in the same way as the other parts to a person looking up from below.

[0068] Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a portion of an LED lighting device 601 configured by combining a plurality of the above-described LED lamps 501. As shown in Fig. 5, in the LED lighting device 601, the plurality of LED lamps 501 are attached to the ceiling or wall so as to be aligned in a line along the x direction. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view showing the joints between adjacent LED lamps 501, with the diffusion cover 12 omitted to show the interior of the LED lamp 501.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 6, in the LED lighting device 601, the end caps 3 of adjacent LED lamps 501 are in contact with each other, and the distance between the LED modules 2 installed across the two end caps 3 is exactly equal to distance 81. Because the end caps 3 of adjacent LED lamps 501 are in contact with each other, light passing through one end cap 3 is diffused by the other end cap 3. Therefore, in the LED lighting device 601, part of the light emitted from the LED lamp 501 in the x direction is emitted in the z direction from the emission surface 31 of the end cap 3 of the adjacent LED lamp 501. Therefore, the LED lighting device 601 can effectively utilize the light from the LED modules 2.

[0070] As described above, the end cap 3 transmits and scatters the light from the LED module 2, so that the light exit surface 31 appears to be shining. Therefore, in the LED lighting device 601, the joints between adjacent LED lamps 501 do not become dark. Therefore, by combining LED lamps 501, it is possible to realize a long LED lighting device 601 that extends long in the x direction and looks better.

[0071] In this embodiment, even at the joints between adjacent LED lamps 501, the spacing between the LED modules 2 is the same as the spacing 81 in other parts, so the joints do not become darker than the other parts, making for a more attractive appearance.

[0072] 7 to 26 show other embodiments of the present invention. In these figures, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment.

[0073] Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a portion of an LED lighting device 602 configured by combining a plurality of the above-mentioned LED lamps 501. The LED lighting device 602 shown in Fig. 7 has a plate member 6 provided between the end caps 3 of adjacent LED lamps 501, but other configurations are the same as those of the LED lighting device 601 shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7 , the plate 6 is sandwiched between the right end face of the end cap 3 on the left side of the figure and the left end face of the end cap 3 on the right side of the figure in the x direction. The plate 6 is formed so that its shape when viewed in the x direction matches the shape of the end cap 3 when viewed in the x direction, and has an exit surface 61 that is continuous with the exit surfaces 31 of the left and right end caps 3 in FIG. 7 . The plate 6 is formed, for example, from a transparent polycarbonate resin to which a diffusing material such as mercury chloride has been added. The proportion of the diffusing material in the plate 6 is approximately the same as the proportion of the diffusing material in the diffusion cover 12. Such a plate 6 diffuses and transmits light from the LED module 2 that has passed through the end caps 3. A portion of the light diffused inside the plate 6 is emitted from the exit surface 61 in the z direction.

[0075] In this LED lighting device 602, the plate material 6 appears to emit light in the same way as the end cap 3, so the joints between adjacent LED lamps 501 do not become dark. Therefore, the LED lighting device 602 has a better appearance.

[0076] To preferably realize the configuration shown in Figure 7, it is preferable to prepare in advance multiple types of plate material 6 with different thicknesses in the x direction, and when a gap occurs between the left and right end caps 3 in Figure 7, select a plate material 6 with a thickness that corresponds to the gap and fit it into the gap.

[0077] In the LED lighting device 601, when many LED lamps 501 are arranged in a row, gaps may occur between the ends of adjacent LED lamps 501. In such a case, by using the plate material 6 in the LED lighting device 602 in combination, it is possible to prevent the joints of the LED lamps 501 from becoming dark.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the end cap 3 is installed outside the diffusion cover 12 so that the exit surface 31 is continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 12, but the end cap 3 may be installed inside the diffusion cover 12 so that the exit surface 31 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 12. In this case, the length of the diffusion cover 12 in the x direction is longer than the length of the support member 11 in the x direction by twice the thickness of the end cap 3 in the x direction.

[0079] FIG. 8 shows the vicinity of an end of an LED lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 502 shown in FIG. 8 differs from the LED lamp 501 in the shape of the end cap 3 and the length of the diffusion cover 12 in the x direction, but the other components are the same. FIG. 9 shows the end cap 3 of the LED lamp 502 as viewed from the inside of the LED lamp 502. FIG. 10 shows the connecting portion of an LED lighting device 603 composed of a combination of multiple LED lamps 502. In the LED lighting device 603, the multiple LED lamps 502 are attached to the ceiling or wall so that they are aligned in a row along the x direction. Note that in FIG. 10, the spacing between the LED lamps 502 is intentionally exaggerated for ease of explanation.

[0080] In this embodiment, the diffusion cover 12 is formed so as to be longer in the x direction than the support member 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end cap 3 is disposed inside the diffusion cover 12. The end cap 3 in this embodiment has an umbrella portion 33 near the lower end in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 8, the umbrella portion 33 is formed so as to extend from the outer peripheral edge of the end cap 3 inward of the cylinder 1 along the x direction. The outer peripheral surface of the umbrella portion 33 is integral with the exit surface 31. In this embodiment, the exit surface 31 of the end cap 3 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 12.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the screw through-hole 32a formed in the connecting plate 32 is an elongated hole extending long in the x direction. Therefore, the end cap 3 is movable in the x direction by the length of the screw through-hole 32a. When the end cap 3 is pulled outward from the cylindrical body 1 in the x direction, the outer peripheral surface of the umbrella portion 33 is exposed to the outside of the diffusion cover 12.

[0082] In an LED lighting device 603 in which such LED lamps 502 are connected together, if a gap occurs between the LED lamps 502 as shown in Fig. 10, the end cap 3 can be pulled out from the cylindrical body 1 to close the gap with the umbrella portion 33. Because the umbrella portion 33 is part of the end cap 3, it diffuses and transmits light from the LED module 2. Therefore, when the LED lighting device 603 is viewed from below in the z direction, the umbrella portion 33 appears to be emitting light. Therefore, the LED lighting device 603 is configured to reduce the occurrence of dark areas along the x direction.

[0083] 11 and 12 show the appearance of a joint portion of an LED lighting device using an LED lamp according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 503 shown in Fig. 11 and 12 has an end cap 3A at one end in the x direction and an end cap 3B at the other end, and is otherwise configured the same as the LED lamp 501.

[0084] End cap 3A is formed so as to become thicker in the x direction downward in the z direction in Fig. 12, and has inclined surface 31a. Inclined surface 31a is inclined so as to become farther away from emission surface 31 in the z direction as it moves outward in the x direction. End cap 3B is formed so as to become thinner in the x direction downward in Fig. 12, and has inclined surface 31b. Inclined surface 31b is inclined so as to become closer to emission surface 31 in the z direction as it moves outward in the x direction.

[0085] In an LED lighting device 604 in which such LED lamps 503 are joined together, end cap 3A and end cap 3B face each other at the joints, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. It is desirable to arrange the LED lamps 503 so that inclined surface 31a and inclined surface 31b are in contact with each other, but it is difficult to arrange a large number of LED lamps 503 without any gaps. In this embodiment, even if a gap occurs between end cap 3A and end cap 3B, inclined surface 31b appears to be shining when the LED lighting device 604 is viewed from below in the z direction in Figure 12. Therefore, the LED lighting device 604 is configured to reduce the occurrence of dark areas along the x direction.

[0086] 13 and 14 show the state of the joint portion of an LED lighting device using an LED lamp according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 504 shown in Fig. 13 and 14 has an end cap 3C instead of the end cap 3, and other configurations are the same as those of the LED lamp 501.

[0087] The end cap 3C has a male part 34 formed on one side in the y direction and a female part 35 formed on the other side in the y direction. The male part 34 has an inclined surface 34a that slopes toward the exit surface 31 in the z direction as it moves outward in the x direction. The male part 34 is formed to bulge outward in the x direction as it moves toward the exit surface 31 in the z direction, and bulges outward in the x direction toward the center in the y direction. The female part 35 has an inclined surface 35a that slopes away from the exit surface 31 in the z direction as it moves outward in the x direction. The female part 35 is formed to be recessed inward in the x direction as it moves toward the exit surface 31 in the z direction so as to fit with the male part 34, and is recessed inward in the x direction toward the center in the y direction.

[0088] In an LED lighting device 605 formed by arranging LED lamps 504 in the x direction, the male and female portions 34 and 35 of the end caps 3C attached to the ends of the connected LED lamps 504 are interlocked with each other, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 . It is desirable to install multiple LED lamps 504 so that the end caps 3C are in contact with each other; however, when many LED lamps 504 are arranged, gaps may occur between the end caps 3C. Even in such cases, the inclined surfaces 35a are visible through the gaps between the end caps 3C of this embodiment, and appear to glow in the same way as the light exit surface 31. Furthermore, the end caps 3C of this embodiment are economical because they can be attached to both ends of the cylindrical body 1.

[0089] 15 to 26 show an example of a lamp case according to the present invention. The lamp case 650 shown in FIG. 15 is a member used to fix the LED lamps 501 to 504 to a ceiling in place of the mount 4 in the above-described embodiment. For reference, FIG. 15 shows an LED lamp 501. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the LED lamp 501 is housed in the lamp case 650 and attached to a ceiling 750. Furthermore, FIG. 17 shows an LED lighting device 606 configured by arranging a plurality of lamp cases 650, each housing an LED lamp 501, in the x direction. The LED lighting device 606 corresponds to the LED lighting device 601 in which the mount 4 is replaced with the lamp case 650.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 15, the lamp case 650 includes a main body member 71, a connector accommodating portion 72, an end member 73, and an intermediate member 74. The end member 73 and the intermediate member 74 are attached to the main body member 71 via bolt members 75 as shown in Fig. 17. The bolt members 75 are, for example, male screws. The end member 73 and the intermediate member 74 are painted in the same color as the main body member 71.

[0091] The main body member 71 has a U-shaped cross section that opens to one side in the z direction and is formed to extend elongately in the x direction. It has a connecting portion 711 at one end in the x direction and a connecting portion 712 at the other end. As shown in FIG. 23 , the connecting portion 711 has a pair of elongated holes 711a that extend elongately in the x direction. As shown in FIG. 24 , the connecting portion 712 has a pair of elongated holes 712a that extend elongately in the x direction. The elongated holes 711a, 712a have the same shape, and both allow the bolt members 75 to be passed through. The main body member 71 also has protrusions 713 that protrude in the y direction from both side edges in the y direction. The protrusions 713 have a groove that extends elongately in the x direction. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 , when the lamp case 650 is attached to a ceiling 750, the protrusions 713 are exposed to the outside without entering the ceiling 750. The main body member 71 is fixed so as to fit along the ceiling 750 by the protrusion 713 abutting against the ceiling 750. Therefore, the lamp case 650 is attached to the ceiling 750 without being inclined relative to the ceiling 750, and the LED lamp 501 can be housed therein in a suitable manner.

[0092] 19, a through-hole 71a is provided between the main body member 71 and the connector housing portion 72. This through-hole 71a is used to pass a cable connecting the connector 54 and the power conversion unit 5. The connector housing portion 72 houses the connector 54. The connector 54 is connected to a power supply device provided inside the ceiling 750.

[0093] End member 73 is formed by bending a metal plate, and is a member that is detachable from connecting portion 711 and connecting portion 712. As shown in Figures 18 and 20, end member 73 includes plate portions 731 and 732 that are perpendicular to each other, a pair of inner wall portions 733, an outer plate portion 734, and upright walls 735 and 736.

[0094] The plate portion 731 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the z direction, and is fixed to the connecting portions 711, 712 of the main body member 71 via the bolt members 75. The plate portion 731 is formed with a pair of bulging portions 731a that are thicker in the z direction than the surrounding area. A pair of screw receiving holes that fit with the bolt members 75 are provided in the pair of bulging portions 731a. The pair of screw receiving holes are formed with female threads that correspond to the male threads formed in the bolt members 75.

[0095] The plate portion 732 extends from the end of the plate portion 731 in the x direction and is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the x direction. As shown in Fig. 20, the plate portion 732 is a portion that closes the end of the main body member 71 in the x direction and has wall surfaces 732a that are perpendicular to the x direction. The pair of inner wall portions 733 are formed to protrude in the x direction from both side edges of the plate portion 732 in the y direction. The length in the x direction of the pair of inner wall portions 733 is longer than the length in the x direction of the elongated holes 711a, 712a.

[0096] The outer plate portion 734 extends from the lower ends of the plate portion 732 and the pair of inner wall portions 733 in FIG. 20 and, as shown in FIG. 22, is formed so as to appear as a frame extending from the protruding portion 713 when viewed in the z direction. The upright walls 735 rise from both end edges of the outer plate portion 734 in the y direction and are formed to follow both end edges of the protruding portion 713 in the y direction. As shown in FIG. 18, the position of the upper end of the upright wall 735 in the z direction in the figure coincides with the position of the upper end of the protruding portion 713 in the z direction in the figure. The upright wall 736 rises from the end of the outer plate portion 734 in the x direction so as to face the plate portion 732. The upright wall 736 is connected to the upright wall 735 at both ends in the y direction. The upright walls 735, 736 have an appearance that resembles an extension of the protruding portion 713.

[0097] The intermediate member 74 is formed by bending a metal plate, and is a member that is detachable from the connecting portion 711 and the connecting portion 712. The intermediate member 74 is formed with a U-shaped cross section so as to overlap the outer periphery of the main body member 71. This intermediate member 74 is a member that is used when joining multiple lamp cases 650 together, as shown in FIG. 25. The intermediate member 74 has an edge portion 741 that fits into a groove provided in the protruding portion 713.

[0098] The intermediate member 74 has two pairs of bulging portions 74a that are thicker in the z direction than the surrounding area. Each of the two pairs of bulging portions 74a has a screw receiving hole that fits into the bolt member 75. These screw receiving holes also have female threads that correspond to the male threads provided on the bolt member 75. As shown in Fig. 25, the two pairs of bulging portions 74a are provided at positions that overlap with the elongated holes 711a, 712a when the connecting portions 711, 712 are connected together.

[0099] Next, the operation of the lamp case 650 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0100] When a plurality of lamp cases 650 are arranged in the x direction and attached to the ceiling 750, if the ends of adjacent lamp cases 650 are closely spaced, a gap may occur between the ends of other adjacent lamp cases 650. Figure 26 shows the state when a gap occurs between the body members 71 of adjacent lamp cases 650, as viewed from the floor. Note that the LED lamps 501 are omitted from Figure 26.

[0101] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 26, even if there is a gap between the connecting portions 711, 712 of adjacent main body members 71, it is possible to attach the intermediate member 74 to the connecting portions 711, 712 by shifting the positions of the bolt members 75 within the elongated holes 711a, 712a. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 26, the intermediate member 74, rather than the ceiling surface, is visible through the gap between the main body members 71, which prevents deterioration of the appearance.

[0102] Furthermore, the end members 73 can also be shifted in the x direction by shifting the positions of the bolt members 75 in the elongated holes 711a, 712a. Therefore, even when the adjustment using the intermediate members 74 described above is not sufficient, it is possible to address the problem by shifting the end members 73 of the lamp cases 650 on both ends in the x direction.

[0103] FIG. 27 shows a first modified example of a lamp case 650. In this modified example, a circular screw hole 711b is provided instead of the elongated hole 711a. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the lamp case 650 shown in FIGS. 15 to 26. FIG. 27, like FIG. 26, shows a state in which such lamp cases 650 are arranged side by side. As shown in FIG. 27, even if there is a gap between the connecting portions 711, 712 of adjacent main body members 71, it is possible to attach the intermediate member 74 to the connecting portions 711, 712 by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 within the elongated hole 712a. Furthermore, since the intermediate member 74, rather than the ceiling surface, is visible through the gap between the main body members 71, deterioration of the appearance can be suppressed.

[0104] FIG. 28 shows a second modified example of the lamp case 650. In this modified example, a circular screw hole 712b is provided instead of the elongated hole 712a. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the lamp case 650 shown in FIGS. 15 to 26. Similar to FIG. 26, FIG. 28 shows a state in which such lamp cases 650 are arranged side by side. As shown in FIG. 28, even if there is a gap between the connecting portions 711 and 712 of adjacent main body members 71, the intermediate member 74 can be attached to the connecting portions 711 and 712 by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 within the elongated hole 711a. Furthermore, since the intermediate member 74, rather than the ceiling surface, is visible through the gap between the main body members 71, deterioration of the appearance can be suppressed. Furthermore, adjustment can also be made by shifting the end member 73 in the x direction.

[0105] The LED lamp, lamp case, and LED lighting device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configurations of the components of the LED lamp and LED lighting device according to the present invention can be freely modified in various ways.

[0106] For example, the number of LED modules 2 and the intervals at which they are installed can be set as appropriate. In the above-described embodiment, the LED modules 2 are arranged at regular intervals. However, even if the LED modules 2 are arranged irregularly, the effects of the present invention can be achieved as long as the end caps 3 are configured to transmit and diffuse light. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the LED modules 2 located at the extreme ends in the x-direction and the end of the support member 11 in the x-direction is not limited to the above-described conditions. It is sufficient that the LED modules 2 located at the extreme ends in the x-direction are mounted closer to the end of the support member 11 in the x-direction so that the gap between the LED modules 2 at the joints between adjacent LED lamps 501 in the LED lighting device 601 is not too large.

[0107] Furthermore, in the LED lighting devices 602 to 605, a lamp case 650 may be used instead of the mount 4. In the LED lighting devices 602 to 605, it is assumed that gaps may occur between adjacent LED lamps 501 to 504. In such a case, gaps may also occur between adjacent lamp cases 650, but the intermediate member 74, which has the same color as the main body member 71, is designed to be visible through the gaps between the lamp cases 650. This prevents deterioration of the appearance.

[0108] 29 and 30 show an LED module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The LED module 511 of this embodiment includes a substrate 201 and a plurality of light emitting portions 202.

[0109] 29, the substrate 201 is made of, for example, glass epoxy and is formed in a strip shape. The substrate 201 has, for example, a longitudinal dimension of approximately 200 mm and a lateral dimension of approximately 20 mm. Although not particularly shown, a wiring pattern for mounting a plurality of light-emitting units 202 is formed on one surface of the substrate 201.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 29 , a plurality of light-emitting units 202 are mounted on one surface of a substrate 201 and arranged in two rows 202A and 202B along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. When one surface of the substrate 201 is viewed in the thickness direction, the light-emitting units 202 have rectangular light-emitting surfaces 220. All of the light-emitting units 202 are arranged so that the long sides 220a of the light-emitting surfaces 220 are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. The light-emitting units 202 in each of the rows 202A and 202B are equally spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201, with a gap 85 therebetween. This gap 85 is approximately the same dimension as the long sides 220a of the light-emitting surfaces 220. The rows 202A and 202B are offset by half a pitch in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. This results in a staggered arrangement of the plurality of light-emitting units 202. In this embodiment, the interval 85 is approximately the same as the long side 220a of the light exit surface 220, but it goes without saying that the interval 85 may be longer than the long side 220a.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 30, the light emitting section 202 includes an LED chip 221, metal leads 222 and 223 spaced apart from each other, a wire 224, and a resin package 225.

[0112] The LED chip 221 has a laminated structure of, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, and an active layer sandwiched between them. If the LED chip 221 is made of, for example, a GaN-based semiconductor, it emits blue light. The LED chip 221 is mounted on leads 222. The top surface of the LED chip 221 is connected to leads 223 via wires 224. The leads 222 and 223 are bonded to the wiring pattern on the substrate 201. The resin package 225 protects the LED chip 221 and the wires 224. The resin package 225 is formed of, for example, epoxy resin, which is translucent to the light from the LED chip 221. The resin package 225 contains a fluorescent material that emits yellow light when excited by, for example, blue light. This allows the light-emitting unit 202 to emit white light. The surface of the resin package 225 opposite the surface facing the substrate 201 serves as a light-emitting surface 220.

[0113] 31 and 32 show an example of an LED lighting device equipped with an LED module 511. The LED lighting device 611 of this embodiment is composed of multiple LED modules 511, a mount 203, a support member 204, a diffusion cover 205, and a power conversion unit 206. The LED lighting device 611 is used to illuminate the floor surface when attached to, for example, an indoor ceiling surface, and is elongated in the direction penetrating the paper surface of the figure.

[0114] As shown in Fig. 31, the mount 203 includes a main body 230 and a plurality of holders 231. The main body 230 is elongated and extends in a direction penetrating the plane of the drawing, and is made of, for example, aluminum. The main body 230 is provided with a recess 230a. The recess 230a is for accommodating the LED module 511. The main body 230 has curved surfaces with a curvature that is continuous across the recess 230a.

[0115] The main body 230 is composed of a base plate 310 and wings 320. The base plate 310 is formed in the shape of an elongated plate with the longitudinal direction extending through the paper surface of FIG. 31 and the width direction extending in the y direction, and is provided with multiple bulging portions 311. Both end edges of the base plate 310 in the y direction are bent downward in the z direction to ensure rigidity. The multiple bulging portions 311 are formed to protrude downward in the z direction, and are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other along the direction extending through the paper surface of FIG. 31. Each bulging portion 311 abuts against a wing portion 320.

[0116] The wing portion 320 is formed in an umbrella shape overall when viewed in a direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 31 and has a bottom plate portion 321, two wall portions 322, and a restricting portion 323 on the inside. The bottom plate portion 321 is parallel to the base plate 310. The two wall portions 322 stand in the z direction from both ends of the bottom plate portion 321 in the y direction. The bottom plate portion 321 and the two wall portions 322 form a recess 230a for accommodating the LED unit 2. A holder 231, which is an elastic member, is disposed on one wall portion 322, and a restricting member 323 is formed on the other wall portion 322. The restricting member 323 is plate-shaped and protrudes from the wall portion 322 in the y direction and is perpendicular to the wall portion 322. The restricting member 323 is installed, for example, over substantially the entire length of the wing portion 320 in a direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 31.

[0117] The holder 231 is formed, for example, by bending a metal plate, and has a locking piece 231a, a flexible portion 231b, and a fixed portion 231c. As shown in FIG. 31 , the locking piece 231a is inclined so that the farther it is from the bottom plate portion 321 in the z direction, the farther it is from the LED module 511 in the y direction. The flexible portion 231b is inclined so that the farther it is from the bottom plate portion 321 in the z direction, the closer it is to the LED module 511 in the y direction. One end of the flexible portion 231b supports the locking piece 231a, and the other end is connected to the fixed portion 231c, and the flexible portion 231b is formed to be elastically bendable. The fixed portion 231c is a plate-shaped member provided to overlap the bottom plate portion 321 and is fixed to the wing portion 320 via screws 331. A plurality of holders 231 are arranged in a line along the direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG.

[0118] 31, the support member 204 is for supporting and supplying power to a plurality of LED modules 511. The plurality of LED modules 511 are supported by the support member 204 in a state where they are lined up along the longitudinal direction.

[0119] The support member 204 is made of a base portion 241 and a pair of outer portions 242. The base portion 241 and the outer portion 242 are made of, for example, aluminum. The base portion 241 has a U-shaped cross section, and a recess 410 for attaching the substrate 201 of the LED module 511 is formed on the outer side of the bottom surface. The recess 410 is recessed upward in the z direction, and the substrate 201 is fitted into the recess 410. The outer portion 242 is shaped to cover approximately one side portion of the base portion 241 and the edge of the substrate 201 in the y direction.

[0120] A locking groove 420 is formed in each outer portion 242. The locking groove 420 extends in a direction penetrating the plane of the paper in FIG. 31 and is recessed in the z direction opposite the emission direction of the LED module 511. The locking groove 420 on one side is a portion that engages with the locking piece 231a of the holder 231. The locking groove 420 on the other side is a portion that engages with the restricting portion 323.

[0121] Furthermore, a locking groove 421 is formed in one of the outer parts 242. The locking groove 421 extends in a direction penetrating the paper surface of Fig. 31 and is recessed in the z direction opposite the emission direction of the LED module 511. A locking groove 422 is also formed in the other outer part 242. This locking groove 422 also extends in a direction penetrating the paper surface of Fig. 31 and is recessed in the z direction opposite the emission direction of the LED module 511.

[0122] 31 and 32, diffusion cover 205 has an arc-shaped cross section extending in a direction penetrating the paper of the figures, and is made of, for example, a milky white resin that transmits while diffusing light from LED module 511. As shown in FIG. 31, engagement pieces 251 and 252 are formed on both end edges of diffusion cover 205. One engagement piece 251 engages with engagement groove 421. The other engagement piece 252 engages with engagement groove 422.

[0123] 32, the central portion 205a of the diffusion cover 205 is a region having a certain width in the y direction and centered directly below the LED module 511 in the z direction. The width of the central portion 205a in the y direction is formed to be longer than the width of the light-emitting portions 202 arranged in a staggered arrangement in the y direction. The central portion 205a corresponds to an example of a strong diffusion portion, which is a key feature of the present invention.

[0124] The power conversion unit 206, which functions to convert, for example, commercial AC 100V power to DC 36V, is housed in the support member 204. The power conversion unit 206 is composed of a case 261, a power supply board 262, and multiple electronic components 263. The case 261 has a U-shaped cross section and is made of, for example, metal. The case 261 is used to fix the power conversion unit 206 to the base unit 241. The power supply board 262 is fixed to the case 261, and multiple electronic components 263 are mounted on it. The multiple electronic components 263 are, for example, a transformer, a rectifier, and / or a transistor for constant current control. A connector (not shown) extends from the power conversion unit 206. This connector is connected to a connector attached to the mount 203.

[0125] In this embodiment, multiple power conversion units 206 are provided, and power is supplied from one power conversion unit 206 to the light emitting units 202 of multiple LED modules 511. For example, each LED chip 221 is supplied with DC power with a voltage of about 3 V and a current of about 20 mA.

[0126] Next, the operation of the LED module 511 and the LED lighting device 611 will be described.

[0127] In the LED module 511 of this embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting portions 202 arranged in a staggered pattern form a light-emitting region that spreads to some extent in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the substrate 201. Light from this light-emitting region is emitted while spreading to some extent not only in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201 but also in the lateral direction.

[0128] Moreover, in the light-emitting region, the light-emitting units 202 constituting one row 202A are located between the light-emitting units 202 constituting the other row 202B, and therefore are less likely to overlap with the light from the other row 202B. As a result, the light-emitting region including the two rows 202A and 202B is less likely to produce a luminance distribution with a steep trend, and forms a luminance distribution that spreads somewhat gently in the short direction of the substrate 201.

[0129] That is, the light-emitting region does not appear to emit light in a concentrated line, but appears to emit light in a band-like pattern to some extent. Therefore, the plurality of light-emitting units 202 do not appear to be too dazzling. Therefore, with the LED module 511, by arranging the plurality of light-emitting units 202 in a staggered arrangement, it is possible to increase the overall light intensity and achieve uniform brightness.

[0130] In the LED lighting device 611 of this embodiment, the thicker the diffusion cover 205, the more light is diffused, resulting in a lower light transmittance. Therefore, the central portion 205a of the diffusion cover 205 has a lower light transmittance than the other regions. For example, the light transmittance in the central portion 205a is about 75%, while the light transmittance in the other regions is about 85%.

[0131] The diffusion cover 205 is formed so that the distance between the diffusion cover 205 and the LED module 511 is smallest at the central portion 205a, and the distance between the diffusion cover 205 and the LED module 511 increases as the diffusion cover 205 moves away from the central portion 205a in the y direction. Therefore, the intensity of light from the LED module 511 that reaches the central portion 205a is greater than the intensity of light from the LED module 511 that reaches other areas.

[0132] According to the LED lighting device 611, by reducing the light transmittance in the central portion 205a, which receives relatively strong light, the light emitted from the central portion 205a and the light emitted from other regions have approximately the same intensity. Therefore, in the LED lighting device 611, unevenness in the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205 when the device is turned on is suppressed, and it is possible to prevent the individual light-emitting elements 202 from being visually recognized as being dotted or arranged in rows 202A and 202B. Therefore, according to the LED lighting device 611, the diffusion cover 205 further uniforms the brightness, improving the appearance when the device is turned on.

[0133] Figures 33 and 34 show LED modules according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention, and Figures 35 to 10 show LED lighting devices according to the fourth to seventh embodiments of the present invention. In Figures 33 to 10, components that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0134] In the LED module 512 based on the second embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the light-emitting units 202 in each of the rows 202A and 202B are aligned at equal intervals 86 in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. This interval 86 is shorter than the long side 220a of the light-emitting surface 220. The rows 202A and 202B are offset by half a pitch in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. As a result, the multiple light-emitting units 202 are aligned in a staggered pattern with narrower intervals than in the first embodiment, resulting in a greater number of light-emitting units. This configuration can further increase the overall light intensity while achieving uniform brightness.

[0135] In the LED module 513 based on the third embodiment shown in FIG. 34 , all of the light-emitting units 202 are arranged such that the short sides 220b of the light-emitting surfaces 220 are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. The light-emitting units 202 in each row 202A, 202B are equally spaced apart at intervals 87 along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. The rows 202A, 202B are offset by a half pitch along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201, and the light-emitting units 202 are arranged in a staggered pattern. This configuration allows the intervals 87 between the light-emitting units 202 in each row 202A, 202B to be appropriately set according to the directivity of the LED chips, thereby achieving uniform brightness. Note that in this embodiment, the intervals 87 are considerably larger than the short sides 220b of the light-emitting surfaces 220, but the intervals 87 may of course be shorter than the short sides 220b. In this case, the number of light-emitting units 202 can be increased, thereby further increasing the overall light output.

[0136] 35, the LED lighting device according to the fourth embodiment has a central portion 205a formed in a flat plate shape of the diffusion cover 205. Even when such a diffusion cover 205 is used, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205.

[0137] In the LED lighting device according to the fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 36, the diffusion cover 205 is formed so that its thickness gradually increases from the end toward the center in the y direction. The diffusion cover 205 is thicker in the portions closer to the LED module 511. This makes it possible to further reduce unevenness in the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205 when the LED lighting device is turned on. This makes it possible to improve the appearance of the LED lighting device when turned on.

[0138] In the LED lighting device according to the sixth embodiment shown in Fig. 37, the diffusion cover 205 has a uniform thickness, and its central portion 205a is formed of a milky white resin with lower light transmittance than the other regions. The light transmittance of the diffusion cover 205 in the regions other than the central portion 205a is about 85%, while the light transmittance of the central portion 205a is about 75%. Even with this type of diffusion cover 205, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205, as in the previously described embodiments.

[0139] In the LED lighting device according to the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 38 , the diffusion cover 205 has a uniform thickness, and a diffusion member 250 is provided so as to overlap the central portion 205a. The light transmittance of the diffusion cover 205 in the portion where the diffusion member 250 is not provided is approximately 85%. The diffusion member 250 is made of, for example, the same milky white resin as the diffusion cover 205, and is formed so that the light transmittance of the central portion 205a where the diffusion member 250 is overlapped is approximately 75%. Even when the diffusion cover 205 provided with such a diffusion member 250 is used, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205. Furthermore, when the diffusion member 250 is prepared separately from the diffusion cover 205, there is an advantage that the diffusion cover 205 itself can be manufactured more easily.

[0140] The LED module and LED lighting device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the specific configurations of the components of the LED module and LED lighting device according to the present invention can be freely modified in various ways.

[0141] For example, the LED module is not limited to a configuration in which light-emitting units are mounted on a substrate, but may be a configuration in which LED chips are directly mounted on a substrate. The substrate is not limited to a long, thin strip shape, but may be rectangular or circular. The multiple light-emitting units may be arranged in a staggered pattern of three or more rows.

[0142] The LED chips may emit RGB light and may be arranged in multiple rows along the length of the substrate. When RGB LED chips are used, the LED lighting device can be used as an electronic bulletin board or an image display device, for example.

[0143] The LED lighting device is not limited to the LED module of the first embodiment, and the LED module of the second or third embodiment can also be applied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 501, 502, 503, 504 LED lamps 601,602,603,604,605,606 LED lighting equipment 650 Lamp Case x direction y direction z direction 1 cylinder 2 LED modules 3A, 3B, 3C End caps 4 Mount 5 Power conversion section 6 Board material 11 Support member 12 Diffusion Cover 12a,12b Locking piece 13 screws 31 Exit surface 31a,31b Slope 32 Connecting plate 32a screw hole 33 Umbrella section 34 Male 34a Slope 35 Female part 35a Slope 41 Base metal fittings 41a Hole 42 Holder 42a Locking piece 42b Flexible part 42c connection part 51 cases 52 Power supply board 53 Electronic Components 54 Connector 61 Exit surface 71 Main body parts 71a Through hole 72 Connector housing 73 End member 74 Intermediate parts 74a Bulge 75 Bolt material 111 Substrate 111a Mounting surface 112 Bracket 113 Base 114 Outer part 114a Locking groove 114b Bulge 114c Locking groove 114d Locking surface 711,712 Connecting part 711a,712a long hole 712b,712b screw hole 713 Protrusion 731,732 plate part 731a Bulge 732a Wall 733 Inner wall 734 Outer panel part 735,736 standing wall 741 Edge 750 ceiling 511~513 LED modules 611 LED lighting equipment 201 Substrate 202 Light-emitting part Column 202A,202B 220 Light exit surface 220a long side 220b short side 221 LED chips 204 Support member 205 Diffusion Cover 205a Central part 250 Diffusion material

Claims

[Claim 1] a plurality of LED modules arranged along a first direction; a cylinder that houses the plurality of LED modules and has an open end in the first direction; a first end cap that closes one end of the cylindrical body in the first direction; a second end cap that closes the other end of the cylindrical body in the first direction, the first end cap has a male portion formed on one side in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and a female portion formed on the other side in the third direction; the second end cap has a female portion formed on one side in the third direction and a male portion formed on the other side in the third direction, the male part has a first inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction as it moves outward in the first direction, and that bulges outward in the first direction as it approaches one side of the second direction, the female portion has a second inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the second direction as it goes outward in the first direction and is recessed inward in the first direction as it approaches one side of the second direction; LED lamp.

Images