Light source unit and lighting fixture

The light source unit addresses brightness and reliability issues by using a pressure mechanism to maintain tight adhesion of end caps, preventing darker areas and ensuring easy maintenance and long-term reliability.

JP2025157706AActive Publication Date: 2025-10-16ENDO LIGHTING CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024059862
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-03
Publication Date
2025-10-16
Estimated Expiration
2044-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The lighting device in Patent Document 1 experiences reduced brightness and maintainability due to darker areas where the cover end and side cover indentation overlap, and omitting the indentation leads to reduced long-term reliability.

Method used

A light source unit with a light source substrate, support body, cover body, and removably attached end caps, utilizing a pressure mechanism to maintain tight adhesion of end caps despite thermal displacement, ensuring ease of maintenance and long-term reliability.

Benefits of technology

Prevents darker ends of the cover while ensuring maintainability and long-term reliability by using a pressure mechanism to keep end caps tightly adhered, even with thermal changes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a light source unit capable of suppressing an end of a cover from becoming darker than any other part.SOLUTION: A light source unit comprises: a light source substrate 52 where a plurality of light sources 53 are arranged; a support 51 to which the light source substrate 52 is fitted; a cover 54 which comprises a long-sized cover body 542 and an end cap 70 fitted detachably to a lengthwise end of the cover body 542, and is fitted to the support 51 to cover the light source substrate 52; and a spring 82 which presses the end cap 70 into contact with the end, wherein the end cap 70 is pressed to stay in contact with the end even if the cover body 542 is thermally displaced to vary in length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light source unit and a lighting fixture that include an end cap. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting device in which the cover inner contact portion of the side cover is inserted from the end of the cover, which is the open end. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Re-tabled publication No. 2016 / 052481 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The lighting device of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the brightness of the area where the cover end and the cover indentation of the side cover overlap is darker than the other areas of the cover. Also, if the cover indentation is omitted and the side cover is bonded to the cover with an adhesive to avoid the brightness being darker than the other areas of the cover, problems of reduced maintainability and reduced long-term reliability may arise.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a light source unit that can prevent the ends of the cover from becoming darker than other parts of the cover while ensuring maintainability and long-term reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the light source unit of the present invention comprises a light source substrate on which a plurality of light sources are arranged, a support body on which the light source substrate is attached, a long cover body, and end caps that are removably attached to the longitudinal ends of the cover body, a cover that is attached to the support body so as to cover the light source substrate, and a pressure mechanism that pressurizes the end caps to tightly adhere to the ends, and the end caps maintain their tight adhesion to the ends due to the pressure applied even when the length of the cover body changes due to thermal displacement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] With the above-described configuration, the light source unit according to the present invention can prevent the end of the cover from becoming darker than the other parts of the cover, while ensuring ease of maintenance and long-term reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the lighting fixture 1 [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the light source unit 5 is removed from the fixture body 3 of the lighting fixture 1. [Figure 3] A perspective view of an end portion of the light source unit 5. [Figure 4] Top view of the end of the light source unit 5 [Figure 5] Cross section along line CC' in Figure 4 [Figure 6] Cross section along line BB' in Figure 4 [Figure 7] A perspective view of the end cap 70 [Figure 8] Top view of end cap 70 [Figure 9] 1 is an enlarged view of the end of the light source unit 5, near the end cap 70. [Figure 10] A diagram showing a gap between the support 51 and the end cap 70. [Figure 11] A perspective view of the spacer 81 [Figure 12]10 is a diagram showing the case where the cover body end 543 and the support end 511 contact the end cap 70. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram showing the case where the temperature of the cover body 542 is higher than the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram showing the case where the temperature of the cover body 542 falls below the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range. [Figure 15] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an end portion of a light source unit 5A equipped with a leaf spring 85. [Figure 16] Top view of end cap 70 and leaf spring 85 [Figure 17] 10 is a cross-sectional view of an end portion of a light source unit 5B equipped with a leaf spring 85A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <1. Embodiment> <1.1. Lighting equipment 1> Hereinafter, a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts included in common in the referenced drawings will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions of the identical parts will be omitted as a general rule.

[0010] 1 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture 1. The lighting fixture 1 is a fixture that is attached to an installation target such as a ceiling. When the lighting fixture 1 is attached to a ceiling, the lighting fixture 1 illuminates the floor surface side from the ceiling.

[0011] In the following explanation, when lighting fixture 1 is attached to a ceiling parallel to a horizontal plane, the direction toward the floor when viewed from the ceiling side is referred to as "down" and the direction toward the ceiling when viewed from the floor side is referred to as "up."

[0012] The lighting fixture 1 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape with a short side that is much shorter than the long side. The long side is, for example, 1500 mm. The short side is, for example, 32 mm. For convenience of illustration, the lighting fixture 1 in the drawings has wide proportions with a long short side and a short long side.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting fixture 1 includes a fixture body 3 and a light source unit 5.

[0014] The fixture body 3 is a box-shaped component to which the light source unit 5 is attached and which houses a part of the light source unit 5. When the lighting fixture 1 is attached to a ceiling parallel to a horizontal plane, the fixture body 3 is attached to the ceiling. The light source unit 5 emits light.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the light source unit 5 is removed from the fixture body 3 provided in the lighting fixture 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an end portion of the light source unit 5. Fig. 4 is a top view of the end portion of the light source unit 5. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in Fig. 4.

[0016] 2, the fixture body 3 and the light source unit 5 are separable. The fixture body 3 has an accommodating recess RE. The accommodating recess RE is an open surface of the fixture body 3, and accommodates at least a portion of the light source unit 5.

[0017] The light source unit 5 is attached to the accommodation recess RE of the fixture body 3 in a direction that irradiates light toward the outside of the lighting fixture 1. When the lighting fixture 1 is attached to the ceiling, the light source unit 5 irradiates light downward.

[0018] <1.2. Instrument body 3> As shown in FIG. 2, the device body 3 includes a housing 30, a first spring bearing 41, and a second spring bearing .

[0019] The housing 30 is a box-shaped member with one open side. The housing 30 forms the exterior of the device main body 3 and has an accommodating recess RE. A first spring bearing 41 and a second spring bearing 42 are arranged on a bottom surface 31a of the bottom plate portion 31 of the housing 30, which faces downward.

[0020] The first spring bearing 41 and the second spring bearing 42 are spring brackets that are engaged with mounting springs of the light source unit, which will be described later.

[0021] <1.3. Light source unit 5> As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the light source unit 5 includes a support body 51, a light source substrate 52, a light source 53, a cover 54, a power supply unit 56, a second mounting spring 59, a first mounting spring 60, a spacer 81, a screw 80, and a spring 82.

[0022] The second mounting spring 59 and the first mounting spring 60 are springs for accommodating and mounting the light source unit 5 in the fixture body 3. The second mounting spring 59 and the first mounting spring 60 are, for example, double torsion springs, and engage with the second spring bearing 42 and the first spring bearing 41, respectively, of the fixture body 3. The second mounting spring 59 and the first mounting spring 60 are arranged on the upper surface of the support body 51.

[0023] When storing and attaching the light source unit 5 in the fixture body 3, the user hooks the second mounting spring 59 onto the second spring holder 42 and the first mounting spring 60 onto the first spring holder 41. Then, the elastic forces of the second mounting spring 59 and the first mounting spring 60 pull the light source unit 5 toward the fixture body 3, and the upper part of the light source unit 5 is stored in the storage recess RE.

[0024] 3, 4, and 5, the support body 51 is a long, plate-shaped member to which the light source substrate 52, the cover 54, etc. are attached and which supports the light source substrate 52, the cover 54, etc. The support body 51 is a member that can dissipate heat generated by the light source substrate 52 arranged on the support body 51. The material of the support body 51 is, for example, metal (for example, aluminum alloy). The light source substrate 52 and the cover 54 are arranged on the lower surface side of the support body 51, and the power supply unit 56, the second mounting spring 59, and the first mounting spring 60 are arranged on the upper surface side.

[0025] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 4. Support body 51 has an engagement portion 512 that engages with cover 54. Engagement portion 512 has a protrusion facing upward. The height of the protrusion of engagement portion 512 is, for example, approximately 2 mm. The protrusion of engagement portion 512 functions as a rail for sliding and moving cover 54 in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] The light source substrate 52 is a long, plate-like member, and is a substrate on which a plurality of light sources 53 are arranged. The plurality of light sources 53 are, for example, a plurality of SMD (Surface Mount Device) type LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0027] The power supply unit 56 converts power supplied from outside the lighting fixture 1 into a voltage and current suitable for driving the light source 53 and supplies the voltage and current to the light source 53 .

[0028] The power supply connector 63 is a connector into which power is input for operating the light source unit 5. The power supply connector 63 is connected to an external connector 200 for supplying power to the lighting fixture 1. The connector 200 is provided from a hole 201 in the ceiling toward the lighting fixture 1.

[0029] <1.4. Cover 54> The cover 54 is a member attached to the support body 51 so as to cover the light source board 52, as shown in FIGS.

[0030] The cover 54 includes a cover body 542 and an end cap 70 .

[0031] <1.4.1. Cover body 542> The cover main body 542 is a long member that transmits light and controls the light distribution by diffusing the light emitted from the light source 53. The material of the cover main body 542 is, for example, a light-transmitting resin to which a light diffusing material is added. The cover main body 542 is a trough-shaped member, and the cross section of the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is, for example, U-shaped.

[0032] The longitudinal ends of the cover body 542 are open ends. The cover body 542 is subject to thermal displacement. Specifically, the cover body 542 expands when the temperature of the cover body 542 rises, and contracts when the temperature of the cover body 542 drops.

[0033] 6, the cover main body 542 has an engagement recess 544. The engagement recess 544 slidably engages with the engagement portion 512 of the support body 51. Therefore, the cover main body 542 can expand or contract without being hindered by the support body 51 even if thermal displacement occurs.

[0034] The length of cover body 542 in the longitudinal direction is approximately the same as the length of support body 51 in the longitudinal direction at the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range of lighting fixture 1 (5° C. or higher and 35° C. or lower).

[0035] The length of cover body 542 in the longitudinal direction is, for example, 1500 mm at the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range of lighting fixture 1. In this case, cover body 542 expands in the longitudinal direction by, for example, approximately 3 mm when the temperature rises to the upper limit of the recommended operating temperature range.

[0036] <1.4.2. End Cap 70> Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the end cap 70. Fig. 8 is a top view of the end cap 70. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the end of the light source unit 5, near the end cap 70. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a gap formed between the support 51 and the end cap 70.

[0037] 2, the end caps 70 are positioned at both longitudinal ends of the light source unit 5, and are members that close the longitudinal open ends of the cover main body 542, as shown in Fig. 5. The end caps 70 are formed of a light-transmitting material, for example, but light-transmitting property is not essential.

[0038] The end cap 70 is removably attached to the open end in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 542. The end cap 70 is pressurized by a pressure mechanism so as to adhere closely to the cover body end 543, and this adhesion to the cover body end 543 is maintained even if the length of the cover body 542 changes due to thermal displacement.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the end cap 70 includes a flat plate portion 71, a claw portion 72, a protrusion portion 74, and a connection portion 75.

[0040] The flat plate portion 71 is a flat plate-shaped portion that closes the open end of the cover main body 542 in the longitudinal direction.

[0041] The claw portion 72 is a portion for attaching the end cap 70 to the support body 51. As shown in Fig. 8, the claw portion 72 is provided with a slit 73. The height of the claw portion 72 in the vertical direction is a claw portion height H1.

[0042] 5, a screw 80 is inserted into the slit 73. The screw 80 passes through the inside of the slit 73 and is fitted into a screw hole (not shown) provided in the support body 51 with enough strength not to press down on the claw portion 72. Therefore, the screw 80 is movable within the slit 73, and the end cap 70 is slidable relative to the support body 51.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, the protrusion portion 74 is a wall-like portion that stands up from the four sides of the flat plate portion 71, and when the end cap 70 is fitted into the cover main body 542, it is inserted so that it is inside the cover main body 542 and overlaps with the end of the cover main body 542.

[0044] The protrusion 74 serves to position the end cap 70 when it is attached to the open end of the cover body 542, and also to prevent the end cap 70 from shifting from the open end of the cover body 542 when the cover body 542 expands. The length L1 of the protrusion 74 is, for example, 1 mm.

[0045] When the light source 53 in the light source unit 5 is turned on, the portion of the cover main body 542 where the cover main body 542 and the protrusion 74 overlap appears darker than other portions. For this reason, it is preferable that the length L1 of the protrusion 74 be short.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the connection portion 75 is a portion that connects the claw portion 72 and the flat plate portion 71.

[0047] Here, as shown in Figure 10, when the cover body 542 expands, the position of the cover body end 543 changes to the right, and a first gap 514 is created between the flat plate portion 71 and the support end 511. However, since the connection portion 75 covers the first gap 514, dust and the like can be prevented from entering the cover body 542 through the first gap 514.

[0048] The length L2 of the connecting portion 75 needs only to be greater than the maximum value of the first gap 514 that occurs when the cover main body 542 expands and becomes longer than the support body 51. The length L2 is, for example, 2 mm.

[0049] <1.5. Spacer 81> FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the spacer 81. As shown in FIG.

[0050] The spacer 81 is a member that restricts the height from the upper surface of the support 51 to the lower end of the head of the screw 80 so that it does not become equal to or lower than the height of the claw portion 72. The spacer 81 is fixed to the support 51 by the screw 80 inserted into the internal space 83.

[0051] The vertical height of the spacer 81 is spacer height H2, which is greater than the claw height H1. Therefore, the screw 80 does not press down on the end cap 70, and functions as a fixing member that slidably fixes the end cap 70 to the support body 51.

[0052] Furthermore, the presence of the spacer 81 prevents the spring 82 from coming into contact with the screw 80. Therefore, damage to the spring 82 due to rotation of the screw 80 when attaching the end cap 70 to the support body 51 can be prevented.

[0053] <1.6. Spring 82> The spring 82 is an example of a mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a "pressure mechanism") that applies pressure to the end cap 70 so that it tightly contacts the open end of the cover body 542. The spring 82 is an elastic body, and is, for example, a cylindrical compression coil spring.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the spring 82 is disposed between the inner wall 731 of the slit 73 and the spacer 81 so as to be in contact with both.

[0055] 5, when cover body 542 expands due to thermal displacement, cover body end 543 pushes end cap 70 to the right in the drawing, relative to support body 51, by a distance L1, for example. This causes the distance between inner wall 731 of slit 73 and spacer 81 to shrink by the distance L1. This causes an elastic force to be generated in spring 82 as it shrinks by the distance L1, pushing end cap 70 to the left in the drawing, relative to screw 80 (support body 51). This balances the forces and maintains a state in which end cap 70 and the open end of cover body 542 are in close contact with each other.

[0056] <2. Operation> 2.1. Movement of the end cap 70 when the temperature of the cover body 542 fluctuates 12 is a diagram showing a state in which both cover body end 543 and support end 511 are in close contact with end cap 70. In this embodiment, at the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range of lighting fixture 1 (5°C or higher and 35°C or lower), both cover body end 543 and support end 511 are in close contact with end cap 70 such that the longitudinal lengths of support 51 and cover body 542 are approximately the same.

[0057] The end cap 70 is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 542 at least within the recommended operating temperature range of the lighting fixture 1. When the cover body 542 expands due to heat, the end cap 70 slides in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 542 as the position of the cover body end 543 changes due to the expansion of the cover body 542. When the cover body 542 expands in the longitudinal direction, the end cap 70 continues to adhere to the cover body end 543 due to the pressure of the spring 82, regardless of the length of the protrusion 74. This allows the length of the protrusion 74 inserted from the cover body end 543 into the cover body 542 to be shortened. This reduces the overlap between the cover body 542 and the protrusion 74.

[0058] When cover body 542 shrinks to a degree that makes end cap 70 unable to slide, protrusion 74 prevents a gap from forming between end cap 70 and cover body end 543. In this case, as cover body 542 shrinks, the overlapping portion between cover body 542 and protrusion 74 decreases.

[0059] The portion of the cover body 542 that overlaps with the protrusion 74 becomes darker than the other portions of the cover body 542. As described above, within the range in which the end cap 70 can slide, the end cap 70 remains in close contact with the cover body end 543 regardless of the length of the protrusion 74, so the length of the overlapping portion between the cover body 542 and the protrusion 74 can be shortened. Furthermore, within the range in which the end cap 70 cannot slide, the overlapping portion between the cover body 542 and the protrusion 74 decreases as the cover body 542 contracts. Therefore, the length of the overlapping portion between the cover body 542 and the protrusion 74 can be shortened, and it is possible to prevent the end of the cover body 542 from becoming darker than the other portions of the cover body 542.

[0060] Position P20 shown in FIG. 12 is the position of cover body end 543 when both cover body end 543 and support end 511 contact end cap 70 at the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range of lighting fixture 1. When both cover body end 543 and support end 511 contact end cap 70, the position of end cap 70 in the longitudinal direction of cover body 542 is at the leftmost side (the position closest to the longitudinal center of cover body 542). When end cap 70 is at the leftmost side in the longitudinal direction of cover body 542, the distance between inner wall 731 of slit 73 and spacer 81 is the longest. Therefore, the length of spring 82 is the longest when the temperature of lighting fixture 1 is at the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range.

[0061] <2.2. When the temperature of the cover body 542 exceeds the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range> FIG. 13 illustrates a case where the temperature of cover body 542 is higher than the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range. Cover body 542 expands when its temperature rises due to, for example, the lighting of light source 53. As shown in FIG. 13, when cover body 542 expands and the position of cover body end 543 shifts to the right of position P20, end cap 70 is pushed to the right as the position of cover body end 543 shifts to the right (in a direction away from the longitudinal center of cover body 542), and slides to the right. In addition, a first gap 514 is formed between support end 511 and end cap 70.

[0062] The end cap 70 is pressurized to a degree that does not hinder the expansion of the cover body 542, even when the end cap 70 slides to the right as the cover body 542 expands. Therefore, the cover body end 543 and the flat plate portion 71 of the end cap 70 are in close contact with each other, leaving no gap. Furthermore, when the end cap 70 slides to the right as the cover body 542 expands, a first gap 514 is formed between the support end 511 and the flat plate portion 71 of the end cap 70. However, this first gap 514 is covered from above by the connecting portion 75. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the interior of the cover body 542 and light from leaking from the light source 53, which would otherwise occur due to gaps between the cover body end 543 and the flat plate portion 71 of the end cap 70 and gaps between the support end 511 and the flat plate portion 71 of the end cap 70.

[0063] Furthermore, when the end cap 70 slides as the cover body 542 expands, the end cap 70 continues to adhere to the cover body end 543 regardless of the length L1 of the protrusion 74. This allows the length L1 of the protrusion 74 on the end cap 70 to be shortened, thereby shortening the length of the portion of the cover body 542 where the protrusion 74 overlaps. This prevents the end of the cover from becoming darker than the other portions of the cover.

[0064] The end cap 70 is attached to the support body 51 with screws 80. If the end cap 70 were attached to the cover body 542 with an adhesive, it would be necessary to destroy the end cap 70 during maintenance of the light source board 52, etc. Furthermore, if the end cap 70 were attached to the cover body 542 with an adhesive, deterioration of the adhesive over time could cause the end cap 70 to come off the cover body 542 and fall. On the other hand, in the lighting fixture 1, the end cap 70 is attached to the support body 51 with screws 80, so the end cap 70 can be removed from the support body 51 by removing the screws 80. Furthermore, the cover body 542 can be removed from the support body 51 by sliding it left and right with the end cap 70 removed. Therefore, in the lighting fixture 1, maintenance of the light source board 52, etc. is easy, ensuring maintainability.

[0065] Furthermore, in lighting fixture 1, end cap 70 is attached to support body 51 with screws 80, not with adhesive. This prevents end cap 70 from coming off cover body 542 and falling off due to deterioration of the adhesive over time. This ensures the long-term reliability of lighting fixture 1.

[0066] Therefore, the lighting fixture 1 can prevent the end of the cover from becoming darker than the other parts of the cover. Furthermore, since the lighting fixture 1 does not use adhesive to attach the end cap 70, long-term reliability and maintainability can be ensured.

[0067] Furthermore, end cap 70 is attached to support body 51 from above support body 51. After lighting fixture 1 is attached to the ceiling, the portion where end cap 70 is attached to the support body is stored inside fixture body 3. This prevents a user or the like from accidentally touching the portion where end cap 70 is attached to the support body from below (floor side) and damaging the portion where end cap 70 is attached to the support body. Therefore, even if a user accidentally touches end cap 70 from below, it is possible to prevent end cap 70 from coming off and falling.

[0068] <2.3. When the temperature of the cover body 542 drops below the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range> FIG. 14 shows a case where the temperature of cover body 542 falls below the lower limit (5°C) of the recommended operating temperature range. Due to seasonal changes, the temperature of lighting fixture 1 may fall below the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range for lighting fixture 1. In such a case, cover body 542 contracts, and the position of cover body end 543 shifts to the left of position P20. However, the sliding of end cap 70 to the left is restricted by support end 511. Therefore, although end cap 70 is pressed to the left, it does not slide to the left of support end 511 because the sliding to the left is restricted by support end 511.

[0069] This change in the position of the cover body end 543 creates a second gap 545 between the cover body end 543 and the flat plate portion 71. Although not shown in FIG. 14 , the cross section of the cover body 542 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is U-shaped, and therefore the second gap 545 is also U-shaped. The protrusions 74 are wall-like portions extending from the four sides of the flat plate portion 71, and therefore can block the U-shaped second gap 545 from the inside. This makes it possible to prevent a gap from being created between the cover body 542 and the end cap 70. This makes it possible to prevent dust from entering the interior of the cover body 542 from between the cover body 542 and the end cap 70.

[0070] Furthermore, when the temperature of cover body 542 drops below the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range, the overlapping length between cover body 542 and protrusion 74 decreases, as shown in Fig. 14. This prevents the end of the cover from becoming darker than the other parts of the cover.

[0071] As described above, the lighting fixture 1 according to this embodiment can prevent the end of the cover from becoming darker than the other parts of the cover. Furthermore, since the lighting fixture 1 does not use adhesive to attach the end cap 70, long-term reliability and maintainability can be ensured.

[0072] <3. Modifications> (1) An end cap 70 provided only at one end of the light source unit 5 in the longitudinal direction In the above embodiment, the end caps 70 are provided on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the light source unit 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0073] The end cap 70 may be provided at only one longitudinal end of the light source unit 5. In this case, it is preferable that the length L2 of the connection portion 75 of the end cap 70 is longer than when the end caps 70 are provided at both longitudinal ends of the light source unit 5. In this case, the cover main body 542 provided on the light source unit 5 may have only one longitudinal end open.

[0074] (2) Omission of protrusion 74 In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the end cap 70 includes the protrusion 74. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0075] The protrusions 74 may be omitted. The portions of the cover body 542 that the protrusions 74 overlap are darker than the other portions of the cover body 542, but by omitting the protrusions 74, it is possible to eliminate the portions of the cover body 542 that the protrusions 74 overlap. This makes it possible to prevent the ends of the cover from being darker than the other portions of the cover.

[0076] If the protrusion 74 is omitted, as shown in FIG. 14 , when the position of the cover body end 543 is to the left of position P20, a second gap 545 will be formed between the cover body end 543 and the end cap 70. For this reason, it is preferable that the temperature of the lighting fixture 1 at which both the cover body end 543 and the support end 511 are in contact with the end cap 70 (the temperature of the lighting fixture 1 in the state shown in FIG. 12 ) be set to the lowest temperature among the temperatures at which the lighting fixture 1 can be attached. This prevents the position of the cover body end 543 from shifting to the left of position P20 due to contraction of the cover body 542, as shown in FIG. 14 . Furthermore, since the position of the cover body end 543 can be prevented from shifting to the left of position P20, omitting the protrusion 74 will not cause a second gap 545 to be formed between the cover body end 543 and the end cap 70. This prevents dust from entering the interior of the cover body 542 through the gap between the cover body 542 and the end cap 70.

[0077] When the protrusion 74 is omitted in this way, the length over which the cover body 542 can expand in the longitudinal direction is longer, so it is preferable to make the length L2 of the connection portion 75 longer than in the above-described embodiment. When the protrusion 74 is omitted, it is preferable to provide the claw portion 72, the support body 51, or the like with a structure for positioning when the end cap 70 is attached.

[0078] (3) Leaf spring 85 provided in slit 73 In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the spring 82, which functions as an elastic body provided in the pressure mechanism, is disposed between the inner wall 731 of the slit 73 of the end cap 70 and the spacer 81. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0079] The elastic body provided in the pressure mechanism may be a leaf spring 85 connected to the inner wall 731 of the slit 73. The leaf spring 85 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0080] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an end portion of a light source unit 5A including a leaf spring 85. Fig. 16 is a top view of an end cap 70 and a leaf spring 85. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an end portion of a light source unit 5B including a leaf spring 85A provided on a spacer 81.

[0081] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, one end of the leaf spring 85 is connected to the inner wall 731 of the slit 73. The other end of the leaf spring 85 is in contact with the spacer 81. The material of the leaf spring 85 is arbitrary as long as it can function as an elastic body. The material of the leaf spring 85 may be the same as that of the claw portion 72. Furthermore, the leaf spring 85 and the claw portion 72 may be physically integrated.

[0082] 17, spacer 81 may include leaf spring 85A instead of leaf spring 85 connected to inner wall 731 of slit 73. In light source unit 5B shown in FIG. 17, spacer 81 and leaf spring 85A may be physically integrated.

[0083] (4) Direction in which lighting fixture 1 emits light In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the lighting fixture 1 is attached to a ceiling and irradiates light from the ceiling to the floor surface, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0084] Lighting fixture 1 may be attached to a location other than the ceiling. Furthermore, lighting fixture 1 may radiate light in a direction other than from the ceiling toward the floor. For example, lighting fixture 1 may be attached to a wall of a room and radiate light toward the ceiling. (5) Light-emitting element included in the light source 53 In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the light source 53 is an SMD type LED, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0085] The light source 53 may be any member or element that emits light, and is not limited to an SMD-type LED, but may also be a COB (Chip On Board) type LED or a surface-emitting element such as an organic EL (electro luminescence). When a surface-emitting element such as an organic EL is used as the light source 53, the number of light sources 53 provided in the lighting device 1 may be one. The light source 53 may also be a combination of multiple types of light-emitting elements, such as an element in which a CSP (Chip Scale Package) type LED is arranged on the light-emitting area of ​​a COB-type LED.

[0086] The light source 53 may emit any number of types and colors of light. For example, the light source 53 may emit light of one color, or light of four or more colors.

[0087] (6) A different type of elastic member from the spring 82 In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the spring 82 functioning as an elastic body applies an elastic force to the end cap 70 toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the cover main body 542. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0088] The end cap 70 may apply elastic force using a member other than the spring 82, such as rubber or resin, that has elasticity.

[0089] (7) End Cap 70 Towing In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the spring 82, functioning as an elastic body, applies an elastic force in a direction that pushes the end cap 70 toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the cover main body 542. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0090] Instead of the spring 82, which is an elastic body that applies elastic force in a pushing direction, the light source unit 5 may include a tension member that pulls the end cap 70 toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the cover main body 542. One example of the material for the tension member is rubber.

[0091] <4. Extraction of inventions> The following inventions can be cited as examples of inventions extracted from the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0092] (1) A light source unit according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a light source substrate on which a plurality of light sources are arranged, a support body on which the light source substrate is attached, a long cover body, and end caps removably attached to the longitudinal ends of the cover body, a cover attached to the support body so as to cover the light source substrate, and a pressure mechanism that applies pressure to the end caps so as to adhere closely to the ends, and the end caps maintain their adherence to the ends by applying pressure even when the length of the cover body changes due to thermal displacement.

[0093] With this configuration, the light source unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the end of the cover from becoming darker than the other parts of the cover. Furthermore, since the light source unit does not use adhesive to attach the end cap, long-term reliability and maintainability can be ensured. Therefore, the light source unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the end of the cover from becoming darker than the other parts of the cover while ensuring maintainability and long-term reliability.

[0094] (2) In the light source unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, the end cap may include a flat plate portion and a protrusion portion that protrudes from the flat plate portion so as to overlap the inside of the cover body.

[0095] According to this configuration, the light source unit according to the embodiment of the present invention has a protrusion, which prevents a gap from forming between the cover body and the end cap even when the temperature of the light source unit drops. This prevents dust and other particles from entering the cover body. Furthermore, when the temperature of the light source unit drops, the cover body contracts, shortening the length of the portion of the cover body where the protrusion overlaps. This prevents the end of the cover from becoming darker than the rest of the cover.

[0096] (3) In the light source unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure mechanism may include an elastic body, and the pressure may be applied by the elastic force of the elastic body.

[0097] This configuration uses a simple elastic body for pressure application, which reduces costs. Furthermore, the elastic force of the elastic body is used to tightly seal the cover body and the end cap, preventing dust and other particles from entering the cover body even when the light source unit is not powered.

[0098] (4) Furthermore, in a light source unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, the end cap has a slit for storing the elastic body in an expandable and contractible manner, the light source unit includes a fixing member that passes through the inside of the slit and is fixed to the support body to slidably fix the end cap to the support body, and the pressure mechanism may apply pressure by the elastic body being sandwiched between one inner wall of the slit and the fixing member and shrinking.

[0099] With this configuration, the end cap is pressurized using an elastic body stored in the slit and sandwiched between the inner wall of the slit and the fixing member, which helps prevent increases in costs. Also, the elastic force of the elastic body is used to tightly attach the cover body and the end cap, which helps prevent dust and other particles from entering the cover body even when the light source unit is not powered.

[0100] (5) In the light source unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure mechanism may include a tension member that pulls the end cap toward the inside of the cover along the longitudinal direction.

[0101] With this configuration, even when it is difficult to apply pressure to the end cap using the elastic force of the elastic body, the cover body and the end cap can be tightly attached, thereby preventing dust and other particles from entering the inside of the cover body.

[0102] (6) A lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the light source unit and a fixture body to which the light source unit is attached.

[0103] With this configuration, the lighting fixture according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the end of the cover from becoming darker than the other parts of the cover. Furthermore, since the lighting fixture does not use adhesive to attach the end cap, long-term reliability and maintainability can be ensured. Therefore, the lighting fixture according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the end of the cover from becoming darker than the other parts of the cover while ensuring maintainability and long-term reliability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Lighting equipment 3. Instrument body 5 Light source unit 5A light source unit 5B Light Source Unit 30 Case 31 Bottom plate part 31a Bottom 41 First spring holder 42 Second spring holder 51 Support 52 Light source board 53 Light source 54 Cover 56 Power supply section 59 Second mounting spring 60 First mounting spring 63 Power supply connector 70 End Cap 71 Flat plate part 72 Claw 73 Slit 74 Protrusion 75 Connection 80 screws 81 Spacer 82 Spring 83 Interior Space 85 Leaf spring 85A leaf spring 200 Connectors 201 holes 511 Support end 512 Engagement part 514 First Gap 542 Cover body 543 Cover body end 544 Engagement recess 545 Second Gap 731 Interior wall H1 Claw height H2 spacer height P20 position RE Recess

Claims

1. a light source substrate on which a plurality of light sources are arranged; a support to which the light source substrate is attached; a cover including an elongated cover body and an end cap removably attached to an end portion of the cover body in a longitudinal direction, the cover being attached to the support body so as to cover the light source board; a pressure mechanism that presses the end cap so that it is in close contact with the end portion, The end caps maintain a state of being tightly attached to the end portions by the pressure even when the length of the cover body changes due to thermal displacement. Light source unit.

2. The end cap includes a flat plate portion and a protrusion portion that protrudes from the flat plate portion so as to overlap the inside of the cover body. The light source unit according to claim 1 .

3. The pressure mechanism includes an elastic body, and applies pressure by the elastic force of the elastic body. The light source unit according to claim 1 .

4. The end cap has a slit for storing the elastic body in an expandable manner, the light source unit includes a fixing member that passes through the inside of the slit and is fixed to the support body to slidably fix the end cap to the support body; The pressure mechanism applies pressure by compressing the elastic body while sandwiched between one inner wall of the slit and the fixing member. The light source unit according to claim 3.

5. The pressure mechanism includes a tension member that pulls the end cap toward the inside of the cover along the longitudinal direction. The light source unit according to claim 1 .

6. The light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and a fixture body to which the light source unit is attached. Lighting fixtures.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Extrusion line lamp capable of preventing light leakage at end part

    CN219571713U

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