Lighting device

Abstract

To provide a lighting device equipped with a positioning structure. [Solution] In a lighting device that irradiates light to the front side, the device comprises an LED tube lamp 3 having a base portion 4 from which a pair of pins 41 protrude, and a socket 5 for mounting the base portion 4. The socket 5 has a groove portion 512 into which the pair of pins 41 can be inserted when a virtual line connecting the pair of pins 41 extends along the front-back direction, and a protrusion 511 that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the LED tube lamp 3 intersecting the front-back direction. The base portion 4 has a recess in a part of the longitudinal end face 45 that is recessed from the end face 45 and into which the protrusion 511 fits. When viewed from the longitudinal direction, the circumferential end of the recess is configured to contact the protrusion 511 when the LED tube lamp 3 is rotated to one side in the circumferential direction around the central axis such that the LEDs 34 of the LED tube lamp 3 face the front side with the pair of pins 41 inserted into the groove portion 512, and the LEDs 34 face the front side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device in which an LED straight tube lamp is detachably attached to a socket.

Background Art

[0002] An LED straight tube lamp fixture for preventing incorrect attachment to a lamp socket has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). The LED lamp fixture described in Patent Document 1 includes a socket adapter attached so as to cover the lamp socket, and fixing means provided on the socket adapter for fixing the state of attachment of the socket adapter to the lamp socket so that the user cannot release it.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the LED lamp fixture described in Patent Document 1, there is no positioning structure for stopping rotation at a position where the LED element of the LED lamp faces the front side (for example, the floor side) when the LED lamp is rotated and attached to the lamp socket. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a lighting device having a positioning structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, a lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting device that irradiates light to the front side, comprising an LED tube lamp having a base portion from which a pair of pins protrude, and a socket for mounting the base portion, wherein the socket has a groove portion into which the pair of pins can be inserted when a virtual line connecting the pair of pins extends along the front-back direction, and a protrusion portion that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the LED tube lamp intersects the front-back direction, and the base portion has a recess in a part of the end face in the longitudinal direction that is recessed from the end face and into which the protrusion portion fits, and the circumferential end of the recess, when viewed from the longitudinal direction, is in contact with the protrusion portion when the LED tube lamp is rotated to one side in the circumferential direction around the central axis such that the LEDs of the LED tube lamp face the front side when the pair of pins are inserted into the groove portion and the LEDs face the front side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, a lighting device equipped with a positioning structure can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment, where (a) is an external perspective view of the fixture, (b) is a partial enlarged view of an LED tube lamp attached to the fixture, and (c) is an enlarged view of part A of the fixture. [Figure 2] (a) is a view of the nozzle from the longitudinal direction, (b) is a perspective view of the nozzle from the back, and (c) is a perspective view of the nozzle from the front. [Figure 3] (a) is a perspective view of the socket seen from the inside along the longitudinal direction of the fixture, (b) is a perspective view of the socket seen from the outside along the longitudinal direction of the fixture, and (c) is a view of the socket seen from the inside along the longitudinal direction of the fixture. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of the disassembled socket, seen from the inside along the longitudinal direction of the fixture. [Figure 4B] This is a perspective view of the disassembled socket, seen from the outside along the longitudinal direction of the fixture. [Figure 5]This is a cross-sectional view of the socket and base of an LED tube lamp when the LED tube lamp is inserted into the socket and the tip of the base is cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the socket and base of an LED tube lamp when the base is cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction while the LED tube lamp is installed in the socket, and is viewed from the center in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the socket and base of the LED tube lamp when the rotating support part is cut by a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, with the LED tube lamp inserted into the socket. The view is from the outside in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the socket and base of an LED tube lamp when the LED tube lamp is installed in the socket, and the rotating support part is cut by a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, as seen from the outside in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the protruding part of the socket and the recessed part at the tip of the socket. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <Overview> A lighting device according to one embodiment is a lighting device that irradiates light to the front side, comprising an LED tube lamp having a base portion from which a pair of pins protrude, and a socket for mounting the base portion, wherein the socket has a groove portion into which the pair of pins can be inserted when a virtual line connecting the pair of pins extends along the front-back direction, and a protrusion portion that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the LED tube lamp intersects the front-back direction, and the base portion has a recess in a part of the end face in the longitudinal direction that is recessed from the end face and into which the protrusion portion fits, and the circumferential end of the recess, when viewed from the longitudinal direction, is in contact with the protrusion portion when the LED tube lamp is rotated to one side in the circumferential direction about the central axis such that the LEDs of the LED tube lamp face the front side when the pair of pins are inserted into the groove portion and the LEDs face the front side.

[0009] This allows the LED tube lamp to be stopped when it is mounted in a socket, with the LED elements facing outwards (e.g., towards the floor), by having the recessed portion of the LED tube lamp contact the protruding portion of the socket. In other words, it is possible to provide a lighting device with a positioning structure that allows the LED tube lamp to be stopped in a rotational position where the LED elements face outwards (e.g., towards the floor).

[0010] In a lighting device according to another embodiment, the protrusion is composed of a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and the recess is composed of a first recess and a second recess. When the LED is facing the front side, when viewed from the longitudinal direction, the surface of the other end of the first recess in the circumferential direction abuts against or is close to the other end of the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, and the surface of the other end of the second recess in the circumferential direction abuts against or is close to the other end of the second protrusion in the circumferential direction. As a result, when the LED tube lamp is mounted in the socket with the LED facing the front side, the first recess and the first protrusion, and the second recess and the second protrusion function as stoppers to prevent further rotation of the LED tube lamp. In other words, the state in which the LED tube lamp is mounted in the socket can be stabilized. Here, "the surface of the other end of the first recess in the circumferential direction abuts against or is close to the other end of the first convex in the circumferential direction, and the surface of the other end of the second recess in the circumferential direction abuts against or is close to the other end of the second convex in the circumferential direction" means that "the surface of the other end of the first recess in the circumferential direction is close to the other end of the first convex in the circumferential direction, and the surface of the other end of the second recess in the circumferential direction abuts against the other end of the second convex in the circumferential direction" means that "the surface of the other end of the first recess in the circumferential direction abuts against the other end of the first convex in the circumferential direction" This includes the cases where "the two surfaces are in contact, and the other end of the second recess in the circumferential direction is close to the other end of the second protrusion in the circumferential direction," where "the other end of the first recess in the circumferential direction is in contact with the other end of the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, and the other end of the second recess in the circumferential direction is in contact with the other end of the second protrusion in the circumferential direction," and where "the other end of the first recess in the circumferential direction is close to the other end of the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, and the other end of the second recess in the circumferential direction is close to the other end of the second protrusion in the circumferential direction."

[0011] In a lighting device according to another embodiment, the recess is curved along the circumferential direction when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and the curved wall surface of the recess faces the convex portion when the LED of the LED tube lamp is rotated so that the LED faces the front side, and the surface of the convex portion on the central axis side is curved along the circumferential direction to correspond to the wall surface. As a result, when the LED tube lamp is rotated so that the LED faces the front side with the base portion inserted into the groove, the convex portion and the recess are less likely to interfere with each other, making it easier to attach the LED tube lamp to the socket.

[0012] In a lighting device according to another embodiment, the surface of one circumferential end of the second recess contacts one circumferential end of the second protrusion when the pair of pins are inserted into the groove in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the socket functions as a stopper that restricts the movement of the LED tube lamp in the insertion direction when the base portion is inserted into the groove in order to mount the LED tube lamp into the socket, making it easier to mount the LED tube lamp into the socket.

[0013] In the lighting device according to another aspect, further provided is a pin cover that is rotatably accommodated in the socket around the central axis and supports the rotation of the pair of pins when the LED straight tube lamp is rotated. The pin cover and the socket have an engagement structure that engages when the LED faces the front side. Thereby, at the position of the LED straight tube lamp in a state where the LED faces the front side, the pin cover is supported by the socket, so that the pins can be stably brought into contact with the conductive pieces and the state of electrical connection can be stabilized.

[0014] Also, in the lighting device according to another aspect, provided is a pin cover that is accommodated in the socket and supports the rotation of the pair of pins when the LED straight tube lamp is rotated. The pin cover has a flange portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. The socket may have a locking portion that locks the flange portion when the LED faces the front side. Thereby, at the position of the LED straight tube lamp in a state where the LED faces the front side, the pin cover is supported by the socket, so that the pins can be stably brought into contact with the conductive pieces and the state of electrical connection can be stabilized.

[0015] In the lighting device according to another aspect, the socket guides the rotation of the pin cover and has an annular protruding portion that protrudes in the longitudinal direction and a protruding portion that protrudes from the annular protruding portion in the short-side direction of the LED straight tube lamp that intersects the longitudinal direction. The pin cover has a groove that fits with the protruding portion when the LED faces the front side. Thereby, at the position of the LED straight tube lamp in a state where the LED faces the front side, the pin cover is supported by the socket, so that the pins can be stably brought into contact with the conductive pieces and the state of electrical connection can be stabilized.

[0016] Also, in the lighting device according to another aspect, the pin cover has a body portion whose outer peripheral surface is circular, the socket has an annular annular protrusion that fits with the body portion and guides the rotation of the pin cover, one of the body portion and the annular protrusion has a protrusion that protrudes in the short side direction of the LED straight tube lamp that intersects the longitudinal direction, and the other of the body portion and the annular protrusion has a groove that fits with the protrusion when the LED faces the front side. Thereby, at the position of the LED straight tube lamp in a state where the LED faces the front side, the pin cover is supported by the socket, so that the pins can be stably brought into contact with the conductive pieces and the state of electrical connection can be stabilized.

[0017] Also, in the lighting device according to another aspect, the tip of the base has a first end at one of the outer peripheral ends of the end face in the longitudinal direction that is not recessed. Thereby, since the first end protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the front-back direction from the wall surface of the second recess, even if the first end is turned to the back side and attempted to be inserted into the groove portion of the socket, the first end collides with the first protrusion and cannot be inserted.

[0018] Also, in the lighting device according to another aspect, the tip of the base has a surface provided at the other end in the circumferential direction of the second recess when viewed from the longitudinal direction. Thereby, at the position of the LED straight tube lamp in a state where the LED faces the front side, the surface of the second recess can abut against the second protrusion, so that the tip of the base cannot be further rotated.

[0019] In one embodiment of a socket, a socket for mounting the base portion of an LED tube lamp having a pair of pins protruding from it, wherein the base portion is provided with a base tip portion having a recess that is recessed from the end face and into which a convex portion fits, on a part of the end face in the longitudinal direction of the LED tube lamp intersecting the front-back direction, the socket has a groove portion into which the pair of pins can be inserted when a virtual line connecting the pair of pins extends along the front-back direction, and the convex portion that protrudes in the longitudinal direction, and when viewed from the longitudinal direction, the convex portion abuts the circumferential end of the recess when the LED tube lamp is rotated around its central axis so that the LEDs of the LED tube lamp face the front side with the pair of pins inserted into the groove portion and the LEDs face the front side.

[0020] In one embodiment of an LED tube lamp, the LED tube lamp is provided with a base portion into which a pair of pins protrude, and the socket for mounting the base portion has a groove portion into which the pair of pins can be inserted when a virtual line connecting the pair of pins extends along the front-back direction, and a protrusion portion that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the LED tube lamp intersects the front-back direction, and the base portion is provided with a base tip portion on a part of the end face in the longitudinal direction which is recessed from the end face and into which the protrusion portion fits, and the circumferential end of the recess portion is configured to come into contact with the protrusion portion when the LED tube lamp is rotated around its central axis so that the LEDs of the LED tube lamp face the front side when the pair of pins are inserted into the groove portion and the LEDs face the front side.

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the lighting device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the description of the embodiments below is essentially illustrative. In other words, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to each claim. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the scale, dimensions, etc. of each component may be shown in an exaggerated or reduced manner, and some components may be omitted.

[0022] Furthermore, the following diagrams may be schematic, and some components may be omitted for the sake of explanation. Also, common parts in the diagrams may be denoted by the same reference numeral, and their explanations may be omitted.

[0023] <Embodiment> 1. Overall configuration of the lighting system The lighting device 1 is a long, rectangular lighting device that is mounted on a surface such as a ceiling. As shown in Figure 1, the lighting device 1 comprises a long, rectangular fixture 2 mounted on the surface and an LED tube lamp 3 that is detachably attached to the fixture 2.

[0024] Note that the side of the lighting device 1 that emits light is considered the front side (Z direction in Figure 1) and may simply be referred to as the "front side." The side of the lighting device 1 where the mounting surface exists is considered the back side (-Z direction in Figure 1) and may simply be referred to as the "back side." The longitudinal direction (Y direction in Figure 1) of the elongated lighting device 1, fixture 2, and LED tube lamp 3 coincides and may simply be referred to as the "longitudinal direction." Similarly, the short direction (X direction in Figure 1) of the lighting device 1, fixture 2, and LED tube lamp 3 coincides and may simply be referred to as the "short direction." The direction away from the center in the short direction of the lighting device 1, fixture 2, and LED tube lamp 3 is considered the outward side in the short direction, and the direction towards the center in the short direction of the lighting device 1, fixture 2, and LED tube lamp 3 is considered the inward side.

[0025] 2. Equipment 2 This explanation will primarily use Figure 1. Fixture 2 is fixed to the installation surface by means of, for example, suspension bolts (not shown), and can accommodate two LED tube lamps 3 via sockets 5 attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction. Fixture 2 houses, for example, a lighting device that serves as a power supply source for lighting the LED tube lamps 3.

[0026] The device 2 comprises a device body formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate. As shown in Figure 1(a), the device body has a low isosceles triangular shape in cross-section, with the base located on the installation surface side, a so-called inverted Fuji type. The cross-sectional shape is the shape when cut by a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(c), the fixture 2 has sockets 5 attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of each of the two isosceles of the fixture body, which are inclined plate sections.

[0028] 3. LED straight tube lamp 3 As shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), the LED tube lamp 3 comprises a cylindrical case 31, a base 32 provided at one end in the longitudinal direction with a pair of pins 41 protruding from it, and a base portion 4 provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction with a pair of pins 41 protruding from it. Here, the pair of pins 41 is assumed to consist of pin 41a and pin 41b. The pins 41a and 41b of the base portion 4 are power supply pins, while the pins 41a and 41b of the base 32 are non-power supply pins. Pins 41a and 41b can be made of metal, resin rods with metal foil or a metal coating, etc. Furthermore, the shape of pins 41a and 41b is not limited to a rod shape, but is also not limited to an L-shape, for example.

[0029] The LED tube lamp 3 houses a long LED substrate 33 and multiple LEDs 34 mounted on the LED substrate 33 inside a cylindrical case 31. The LED substrate 33 is positioned inside the cylindrical case 31 at an outer periphery relative to the center of the case's cross-section. The LEDs 34 may be composed of individual LED elements, or multiple LEDs 34 may form a single elongated LED module. The cylindrical case 31 can be made of a translucent resin material such as polycarbonate.

[0030] Furthermore, the LED tube lamp 3 may have a base 32 at the other end in the longitudinal direction, and the base portion 4 may be attached to and fixed to the base 32 so as to cover the base 32.

[0031] 4. Mouthpiece part 4 The base portion 4 has the function of receiving power from the fixture 2 and supplying power to the LED board 33. As shown in Figure 2, the tip of the base 43 has an outer diameter that is set back inward from the outer circumference of the base 4 when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and is provided to extend cylindrically in the direction from which the pair of pins 41 protrude. The tip of the base 43 is separate from the base body of the base 4. The tip of the base 43 can be made of resin, aluminum, iron, stainless steel, etc. By forming the tip of the base 43 separately from the base body of the base 4, the cost of manufacturing the LED straight tube lamp 3 can be reduced. In addition, for G-type bases, it can be applied to other types with different distances between the pins 41 simply by replacing the tip of the base 43.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2(a), the nozzle tip 43 is fastened to the nozzle body of the nozzle part 4 by a screw 44. The nozzle tip 43 also includes a first recess 431, a first end 432, a second recess 433, and a second end 434, as shown in Figure 2. In this description, the nozzle tip 43 includes a pair of recesses, the first recess 431 and the second recess 433, but it may also include only one of the first recess 431 or the second recess 433.

[0033] (4-1) First recess 431 The first recess 431 is a recess that is recessed into a part of the longitudinal end face 45 of the tip of the base 43 from the end face 45, and into which the protrusion 511, described later, fits. The first recess 431 is curved along the circumferential direction when viewed from the longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in Figure 2(a), the first recess 431 is an arch-shaped recess provided on a part of the outer peripheral end of the end face 45 when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and constitutes a surface 4311 and a wall surface 4312. When the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 is perpendicular to the front-back direction, that is, when the LED 34 is facing the front side, the first recess 431 is provided on the back side of the second recess 433 when viewed from the longitudinal direction.

[0034] (4-1-1) Surface 4311 Surface 4311 is provided at the other circumferential end of the first recess 431 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in Figure 2(a), surface 4311 is provided at the front end of the first recess 431 in the circumferential direction, with the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 being perpendicular to the front-back direction. One circumferential end is the side that is rotated when mounting the LED tube lamp 3 (the "mounted" side in Figures 5 to 8), and the other circumferential end is the side that is rotated when removing the mounted LED tube lamp 3 (the "removed" side in Figures 5 to 8).

[0035] (4-1-2) Wall surface 4312 The wall surface 4312 is a side surface that curves along the circumferential direction of the first recess 431 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. The wall surface 4312 is located on the central side of the base portion 4 in the first recess 431 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in Figure 2(a), the wall surface 4312 is located on the inner side surface of the first recess 431. The wall surface 4312 has an arc portion that curves along the circumferential direction of the first recess 431 and a straight portion that extends parallel to the direction connecting the pair of pins 41 from one end of the arc portion in the circumferential direction. The arc portion is an arc or a shape similar to an arc, which is part of a circle centered on the central axis of rotation when the LED tube lamp 3 is installed. Furthermore, the surface 4311 of the first recess 431 is formed to extend radially outward from the other end of the wall surface 4312 (straight portion) of the first recess 431, and is perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

[0036] The nozzle tip 43 is provided with a first recess 431 having such a surface 4311 and a wall surface 4312, so that in the insertion state described later, the nozzle tip 43 can be moved in the front-back direction without being locked (interfered with) by the first protrusion 511a. Furthermore, the nozzle tip 43 is provided with such a first recess 431 so that in the mounting state described later, the surface 4311 of the first recess 431 can come into contact with the first protrusion 511a, so that in the mounting state, further rotation of the nozzle tip 43 around its central axis can be prevented.

[0037] (4-2) First end 432 The first end portion 432 is one of the non-recessed outer peripheral ends of the longitudinal end face 45 of the nozzle tip portion 43. For example, as shown in Figure 2(a), the first end portion 432 is the outer peripheral end of the end face 45 separated by the surface 4311 and the surface 4331 of the second recess 433. The first end portion 432 is the outer peripheral end on the front side of the two non-recessed outer peripheral ends, when the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 is perpendicular to the front-back direction.

[0038] The nozzle tip 43 has a first end portion 432, which allows the first end portion 432 to collide (come into contact with) the first protrusion 511a in the insertion state described later, thereby restricting the nozzle tip 43 from moving further in the front-to-back direction in the insertion state.

[0039] (4-3) Second recess 433 The second recess 433 is a recess that is recessed into a part of the longitudinal end face 45 of the tip portion 43 of the mouthpiece, and into which the protrusion 511, described later, fits. The second recess 433 is curved along the circumferential direction when viewed from the longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in Figure 2(a), the second recess 433 is an arch-shaped recess provided on a part of the outer peripheral end of the end face 45 when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and constitutes a surface 4331, a surface 4332, and a wall surface 4333. With the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 perpendicular to the front-back direction, the second recess 433 is provided on the front side of the first recess 431 when viewed from the longitudinal direction.

[0040] (4-3-1) Surface 4332 Surface 4332 is provided at the other circumferential end of the second recess 433 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in Figure 2(a), surface 4332 is provided at the circumferential back end of the second recess 433, such that the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 is perpendicular to the front-back direction.

[0041] (4-3-2) Surface 4331 Surface 4331 is provided at one end of the second recess 433 in the circumferential direction when viewed from the longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in Figure 2(a), surface 4331 is provided at the front end of the second recess 433 in the circumferential direction, such that the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 is perpendicular to the front-back direction.

[0042] (4-3-3) Wall surface 4333 The wall surface 4333 is a side surface that curves along the circumferential direction of the second recess 433 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. The wall surface 4333 is located on the central side of the base portion 4 in the second recess 433. For example, as shown in Figure 2(a), the wall surface 4333 is located on the inner side surface of the second recess 433. The wall surface 4333 has an arc portion that curves along the circumferential direction of the second recess 433 and a straight portion that extends parallel to the direction connecting the pair of pins 41 from one end of the arc portion in the circumferential direction. The arc portion is an arc or a shape similar to an arc, which is part of a circle centered on the central axis of rotation when the LED tube lamp 3 is installed. The surface 4331 of the second recess 433 is formed to extend radially outward from one end of the wall surface 4333 (straight portion) of the second recess 433 and is perpendicular to the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the straight portion of the wall surface 4333 of the second recess 433 and the straight portion of the wall surface 4312 of the first recess 431 are formed parallel or approximately parallel, and the distance between them is less than or equal to the sum of the distance La and distance Lb shown in Figure 9. As a result, the mouthpiece portion 4 is guided in the front-to-back direction, which is the insertion direction.

[0043] The nozzle tip 43 is provided with a second recess 433 having such a surface 4331, surface 4332, and wall surface 4333, so that in the insertion state described later, the nozzle tip 43 can be moved in the front-back direction without being locked (interfered with) by the second protrusion 511b. Furthermore, the nozzle tip 43 is provided with such a second recess 433 so that in the mounting state described later, the surface 4332 of the second recess 433 can come into contact with the second protrusion 511b, so that in the mounting state, further rotation of the nozzle tip 43 around its central axis can be prevented.

[0044] (4-4) Second end 434 The second end portion 434 is the other non-recessed outer peripheral end of the longitudinal end face 45 of the nozzle tip portion 43. For example, as shown in Figure 2(a), the second end portion 434 is the outer peripheral end of the end face 45 separated by the surface 4332 and the wall surface 4312 of the first recess 431. The second end portion 434 is the outer peripheral end on the back side of the two non-recessed outer peripheral ends, when the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 is perpendicular to the front-back direction. The first end 432 and the second end 434 are located in the circumferential direction between the first recess 431 and the second recess 433, and the second end 434 is located on the side (back side) into which the LED tube lamp 3 is inserted when it is mounted in the socket 5.

[0045] 5. Socket 5 Socket 5, for example, has a base portion 4 that can be detachably attached. Socket 5 has the function of receiving power from the fixture 2 and supplying power to the base portion 4. When the base portion 4 is inserted into the socket 5, with a virtual wire connecting a pair of pins 41 extending in the front-back direction, the LED tube lamp 3 is rotated so that the LED 34 faces the front side, and the base portion 4 is attached when the LED 34 is facing the front side.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, for example, the socket 5 comprises a socket body 51, a socket cover 52, a pin cover 53, and a conductive piece 54.

[0047] (5-1) Socket body 51 The socket body 51 has a U-shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the socket body 51 has a shape that combines an arc shape and a box shape. The socket body 51 includes, for example, a first protrusion 511a, a second protrusion 511b, a groove 512, an opening 513, and a fixture mounting portion 517, as shown in Figure 4A. The socket body 51 also includes, for example, a fitting portion 514, a support groove 515, a locking member 516, and a support groove 518, as shown in Figure 4B. The first protrusion 511a and the second protrusion 511b may each be referred to as protrusions 511, and the first protrusion 511a and the second protrusion 511b together may be referred to as a pair of protrusions 511. The socket body 51 is formed of a resin such as polycarbonate, but is not limited to this. The socket body 51 may be made of a metal such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel.

[0048] (5-1-1) First protrusion 511a The first protrusion 511a is a portion that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the LED straight tube lamp, intersecting the front-back direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(c), for example, the first protrusion 511a is curved when viewed from the longitudinal direction and has a surface 5113a. The first protrusion 511a is provided at the outer peripheral end of the arc-shaped portion of the socket body 51, at a position close to the back side, when viewed from the longitudinal direction.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, when the base portion 4 is mounted on the socket body 51 (mounted state), the first protrusion 511a abuts against the circumferential end surface 4311 of the first recess 431 when viewed from the longitudinal center side. Furthermore, when the LED tube lamp 3 is rotated so that the LED 34 faces outwards while the base portion 4 is inserted into the socket body 51 (inserted state), the first protrusion 511a can guide the wall surface 4312 of the first recess 431. Note that the first protrusion 511a and the wall surface 4312 of the first recess 431 do not necessarily have to be in contact.

[0050] The first protrusion 511a is integrally molded with the socket body 51, for example, from resin. Alternatively, the first protrusion 511a may be insert-molded from metal into the socket body 51 to increase its strength when contacting the surface 4311 of the first recess 431. Alternatively, a hole may be provided in either the socket body 51 or the first protrusion 511a, and a claw may be provided in the other, allowing for attachment and detachment by claw engagement. In this case, the first protrusion 511a may be made of resin or metal.

[0051] The socket body 51, by having such a first protrusion 511a, can bring the surface 4311 of the first recess 431 and the first protrusion 511a into contact in the mounted state described later, thereby preventing further rotation of the tip portion 43 of the socket 43 around its central axis in the mounted state.

[0052] (5-1-1-1) Surface 5113a Surface 5113a is a curved surface provided on the central side of the socket body 51, that is, on the inner side of the first protrusion 511a, as shown in Figure 3(a), for example. As shown in Figure 5, when the LED tube lamp 3 is rotated so that the LED 34 faces outwards while the base portion 4 is inserted into the socket body 51 (inserted state), surface 5113a faces the wall surface 4312 of the first recess 431. When viewed from the longitudinal direction of the LED tube lamp, surface 5113a has an arc shape with a radius equal to (0.9 to 1.1 times) the radius of the arc portion of the wall surface 4312. As a result, when the tip portion 43 of the base rotates around the central axis, the first protrusion 511a is less likely to interfere with the first recess 431, making it easier for the tip portion 43 of the base to rotate.

[0053] (5-1-2) Second protrusion 511b The second protrusion 511b is a portion that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the LED tube lamp, intersecting the front-back direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(c), for example, the second protrusion 511b is curved when viewed from the longitudinal direction and has a surface 5113b. The second protrusion 511b is provided at the outer peripheral end of the arc-shaped portion of the socket body 51, at a position close to the back side, when viewed from the longitudinal direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, when the base portion 4 is mounted on the socket body 51 (mounted state), the second protrusion 511b abuts against the circumferential end surface 4332 of the second recess 433 when viewed from the longitudinal center side. Furthermore, when the LED tube lamp 3 is rotated so that the LED 34 faces outwards while the base portion 4 is inserted into the socket body 51 (inserted state), the second protrusion 511b can guide the wall surface 4333 of the second recess 433. Note that the second protrusion 511b and the wall surface 4333 of the second recess 433 do not necessarily have to be in contact.

[0055] The second protrusion 511b is integrally molded with the socket body 51, for example, from resin, similar to the first protrusion 511a. Alternatively, the second protrusion 511b may be insert-molded from metal into the socket body 51 to increase its strength when contacting the surface 4332 of the second recess 433. Alternatively, a hole may be provided in either the socket body 51 or the second protrusion 511b, and a claw may be provided in the other, allowing for attachment and detachment by claw engagement. In this case, the second protrusion 511b may be made of resin or metal.

[0056] The socket body 51, by having such a second protrusion 511b, can bring the surface 4332 of the second recess 433 and the second protrusion 511b into contact in the mounted state described later, thereby preventing further rotation of the tip portion 43 of the socket around its central axis in the mounted state.

[0057] (5-1-2-1) Surface 5113b Surface 5113b is a curved surface provided on the central side of the socket body 51, that is, on the inner side of the second protrusion 511b, as shown in Figure 3(a), for example. As shown in Figure 5, when the LED tube lamp 3 is rotated so that the LED 34 faces outwards with the base portion 4 inserted into the socket body 51, surface 5113b faces the wall surface 4333 of the second recess 433. When viewed from the longitudinal direction of the LED tube lamp, surface 5113b has an arc shape with a radius equal to (0.9 to 1.1 times) the radius of the arc portion of the wall surface 4333. As a result, when the tip portion 43 of the base rotates around the central axis, the second protrusion 511b is less likely to interfere with the second recess 433, making it easier to rotate the tip portion 43 of the base.

[0058] (5-1-3) Groove 512 The groove 512 is a groove into which the pins 41 of the socket 4 can be inserted when the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 extends in the front-to-back direction. The groove 512 is provided so as to be recessed in the front-to-back direction from the front surface of the socket body 51 and to extend in the longitudinal direction, and is in communication with the opening 513.

[0059] (5-1-4) Opening 513 The opening 513 is in communication with the groove 512. The head 534 of the pin cover 53 is positioned in the opening 513, supporting the rotation of the pin cover 53. The opening 513 is circular when viewed from the longitudinal direction. This allows the pin cover 53 to rotate smoothly.

[0060] (5-1-5) Fitting part 514 The mating portion 514 is provided inside the socket body 51. The mating portion 514 fixes the connecting terminal portion 541 of the pair of conductive pieces 54, which will be described later, by mating with it.

[0061] (5-1-6) Support groove 515 The support groove 515 is, for example, a groove into which the connecting terminal portion 541 of the conductive piece 54 is fitted into the fitting portion 514, thereby supporting the tip portion 542 of the conductive piece 54. The support groove 515 is a groove that can move inward or outward in the short-side direction of the LED straight tube lamp, i.e., towards the center or outward, while supporting the tip portion 542.

[0062] (5-1-7) Locking member 516 The locking member 516 is provided in an annular shape, spaced apart, as shown in Figure 4B, for example. The locking member 516 has locking portions 5161 and 5162 (see Figures 7 and 8). The locking portions 5161 and 5162 can lock onto the flange portion 532 of the pin cover 53, which will be described later.

[0063] (5-1-7-1) Locking part 5161 The locking portion 5161 locks the flange portion 532 of the pin cover 53 (described later) from both sides in the circumferential direction when the base portion 4 (pin 41) is inserted into the socket 5 and the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 extends in the front-back direction, that is, when the LED 34 is facing in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction (when inserted) (see Figure 7). In the example shown in Figure 7, the pair of locking portions 5161 are provided in two places, and the flange portion 532 can be locked when the flange portion 532 is located between the pair of locking portions 5161.

[0064] (5-1-7-2) Locking part 5162 When the LED 34 is facing outwards (when mounted), the locking portion 5162 locks the flange portion 532 of the pin cover 53 (described later) from both sides in the circumferential direction (see Figure 8). In the example shown in Figure 8, a pair of locking portions 5162 are provided in two locations, and the flange portion 532 can be locked when it is positioned between the pair of locking portions 5162.

[0065] (5-1-8) Fixture mounting section 517 The fixture mounting section 517 is the part for attaching the socket 5 to the fixture 2.

[0066] (5-1-9) Support groove 518 The support groove 518 is provided inside the socket body 51. The support groove 518 is a portion provided to hold the intermediate portion 543 of the pair of conductive pieces 54, which will be described later.

[0067] (5-2) Socket cover 52 The socket cover 52 has a U-shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the socket cover 52 has a shape that combines an arc shape and a rectangular shape, similar to the socket body 51. The socket cover 52 is formed of a resin such as polycarbonate, similar to the socket body 51, but is not limited to this. The socket cover 52 may be formed of a metal such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel.

[0068] The socket cover 52 has an annular projection 521, a projection 522, and an annular projection 523 on its inner surface, as shown in Figure 4A, for example.

[0069] (5-2-1) Annular projection 521 The annular projection 521 is an annular portion that protrudes in the longitudinal direction. The annular projection 521 supports the body 533 of the pin cover 53 and guides the rotation of the pin cover 53 as it rotates around the longitudinal axis of the LED straight tube lamp 3 (see Figure 7).

[0070] (5-2-2) Projection 522 The projection 522 is a portion that protrudes inward from the annular projection 521. The projection 522 is integrally molded with the socket cover 52, for example, from resin. As shown in Figure 8, the projection 522 engages with the groove 5331 of the pin cover 53 when the LED 34 is facing outwards (when installed). As shown in Figure 7, the projection 522 engages with the groove 5332 when the pin insertion opening 531 is extended in the front-back direction, that is, when the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 is extended in the front-back direction (inserted state).

[0071] The projections 522 are provided in pairs, for example, as shown in Figure 4B, but they may also be provided individually or in groups of three or more.

[0072] (5-2-3) Annular projection 523 The annular projection 523 is an annular portion that protrudes in the longitudinal direction and has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the annular projection 523. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the annular projection 523, together with the annular projection 521, supports the body 533 of the pin cover 53 and guides the rotation of the pin cover 53 as it rotates around the longitudinal axis of the LED straight tube lamp 3. In other words, the body 533 of the pin cover 53 is cylindrical and fits between the annular projection 523 and the annular projection 521.

[0073] (5-3) Pin cover 53 The pin cover 53 is housed in the socket 5 and supports the rotation of the pair of pins 41 when the LED tube lamp 3 is rotated. The pin cover 53 has a cylindrical shape, for example, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. The pin cover 53 is made of a resin such as polycarbonate, but is not limited to this. The pin cover 53 may also be made of a metal such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel.

[0074] The pin cover 53 has a pin insertion opening 531, a flange portion 532, a body portion 533, and a head portion 534.

[0075] (5-3-1) Pin insertion slot 531 The pin insertion opening 531 is an opening provided to separate a part of the body 533 from the head 534. A pair of pins 41 are inserted into the pin insertion opening 531. When viewed from the longitudinal direction, the pin insertion opening 531 is provided in a straight line passing through the center (axis) of the pin cover 53. This allows the pins 41 to move smoothly to the back side. Furthermore, when the first end portion 432 of the mouth portion 4 is in contact with the second protrusion 511b of the socket 5, as shown in Figure 7, the pin 41 is located in the pin insertion opening 531 of the body portion 533, and a part of the pin 41 protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the body portion 533 of the pin cover 53.

[0076] (5-3-2) Guard portion 532 The flange portion 532 is provided on the head portion 534 so as to protrude in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (outward). When the pin insertion opening 531 extends in the front-back direction, that is, when the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 extends in the front-back direction (insertion state), the flange portion 532 is locked by the locking portion 5161 of the socket body 51 (see Figure 7). When the pin insertion opening 531 is perpendicular to the front-back direction, that is, when the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 is perpendicular to the front-back direction (mounted state), the flange portion 532 is locked by the locking portion 5162 of the socket body 51 (see Figure 8). The flange portion 532 is provided in a pair, for example, as shown in Figure 4A, but it may also be provided as a single piece instead of a pair. The flange portion 532 protrudes in an arc shape. This allows for smooth engagement with the locking portions 5161 and 5162.

[0077] (5-3-3) Body part 533 As shown in Figures 4B and 4B, for example, the body 533 has a cylindrical shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction and is a hollow structure with a cutout on the side communicating with the pin insertion opening 531. The cross-sectional shape of the body 533 is approximately circular, smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the head 534. As a result, the body 533 can be fitted between the annular projection 523 and the annular projection 521, and can support the rotation of the pin cover 53.

[0078] The body portion 533 has grooves 5331 and grooves 5332. The grooves 5331 and grooves 5332 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0079] (5-3-3-1) Groove 5331 The groove 5331 engages with the projection 522 of the socket cover 52 when the LED 34 is facing the front side (when installed). More specifically, the groove 5331 engages with the projection 522 of the socket cover 52 when the pin insertion opening 531 is perpendicular to the front-back direction, that is, when the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 is perpendicular to the front-back direction (installed state). The groove 5331 is provided in pairs, for example, as shown in Figure 4B, but it may also be provided as a single unit instead of a pair. The groove 5331 extends inward in the longitudinal direction from the outer end face in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 533.

[0080] (5-3-3-2) Groove 5332 The groove 5332 engages with the projection 522 of the socket cover 52 when the pin insertion opening 531 extends in the front-to-back direction, that is, when the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 extends in the front-to-back direction (insertion state). The groove 5332 is provided in pairs, for example, as shown in Figure 4B, but it may also be provided as a single unit instead of a pair. The groove 5332 extends inward in the longitudinal direction from the outer end face in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 533.

[0081] (5-3-4) Head 534 The head 534 is circular when viewed from the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the head 534 has a shape formed by joining two cylinders with different outer diameters, as shown in Figure 4A, for example. The head 534 is positioned in the opening 513 of the socket body 51. Of the two cylindrical parts, the part on the socket body 51 side (the smaller diameter side) fits into the circular opening 513 of the socket body 51. This allows the head 534 to support the rotation of the pin cover 53.

[0082] (5-5) Conductive piece 54 The conductive pieces 54 are housed in pairs in the socket 5, as shown in Figure 4B, for example. The pair of conductive pieces 54 are held parallel or approximately parallel to the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 when inserted. Specifically, the pair of conductive pieces 54 are held by the fitting portion 514, the support groove portion 515, and the support groove portion 518 provided inside the socket body 51. The pair of conductive pieces 54 are leaf springs that exert a force to maintain their spacing when a force is applied to widen the gap between them. When the imaginary line of the pair of pins 41 inserted into the pin cover 53 is perpendicular to the front-back direction (mounted state), the pair of conductive pieces 54 are held in an elastically deformable manner so as to contact the pair of pins 41 (outer side) and widen the gap between them, as shown in Figure 8. In other words, when the LED tube lamp 3 is rotated and mounted, the pins 41 and the conductive pieces 54 come into contact and make an electrical connection (becoming power supply capable). Furthermore, the biasing force that attempts to maintain the gap causes the conductive piece 54 to be constantly pressed towards the pin 41, enabling a highly reliable electrical connection.

[0083] Each of the pair of conductive pieces 54 includes a connecting terminal portion 541, a tip portion 542, an intermediate portion 543, and a contact portion 544.

[0084] (5-5-1) Connection terminal section 541 The connecting terminal portion 541 is fitted into and fixed to the mating portion 514. The connecting terminal portion 541 is formed by bending one edge of the conductive piece 54 outwards. The connecting terminal portion 541 is connected to the wiring (not shown) on the device body side.

[0085] (5-5-2) Tip 542 The tip portion 542 is supported by the support groove portion 515. When a force is applied to widen the distance between the pair of conductive pieces 54, the tip portion 542 moves outward while being supported by the support groove portion 515, and when the force widening the distance between the pair of conductive pieces 54 is reduced, it moves inward.

[0086] (5-5-3) Intermediate section 543 The intermediate portion 543 of the conductive piece 54 is supported in the support groove 518 so as to be movable outward.

[0087] (5-5-4) Contact portion 544 The contact portion 544 bulges outward, and when the imaginary lines of the pair of pins 41 inserted into the pin cover 53 are perpendicular to the front-back direction (mounted state), the pins 41 fit into contact with each other.

[0088] 6. Characteristic positional relationships of the configuration when installing the LED tube lamp 3 into fixture 2. When installing the LED tube lamp 3 into the fixture 2, first insert the base part 4 into the socket 5 (inserted state), rotate the LED tube lamp 3 so that the LED 34 faces outwards, and when the LED 34 faces outwards, change the state to the installed state where the base part 4 is attached to the socket 5.

[0089] (6-1) Positional relationship between the pair of recesses on the tip of the nozzle 43 and the pair of protrusions 511 on the socket 5 The following describes the positional relationships of characteristic components in the inserted and mounted states using Figures 5 and 6. These characteristic components include, for example, a pair of recesses on the tip of the nozzle 43 and a pair of protrusions 511 on the socket 5. Note that in Figures 5 and 6, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in Figures 1-4A and 4B, and their explanations are omitted.

[0090] For example, as shown in Figure 5, when the tip portion 43 of the socket 5 (socket body 51) is inserted into the groove portion 512 of the socket 5 (socket body 51) with the second end portion 434 facing backward, the surface 4331 of the second recess 433 of the tip portion 43 comes into contact with one end portion 5114 in the circumferential direction of the second protrusion 511b. This restricts the tip portion 43 from moving further in the front-to-back direction when inserted.

[0091] In this case, since the first end portion 432 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction compared to the wall surface 4333 of the second recess 433, even if one attempts to insert the first end portion 432 into the groove portion 512 of the socket 5 with the back side facing up, the first end portion 432 collides with the first protrusion 511a and cannot be inserted. Furthermore, since the straight portion of the wall surface 4312 of the first recess 431 and the first protrusion 511a, and the straight portion of the wall surface 4333 of the second recess 433 and the second protrusion 511b, respectively, face each other in directions perpendicular to the front-to-back direction (insertion direction), the tip of the nozzle 43 is guided in the front-to-back direction until the surface 4331 of the second recess 433 and the second protrusion 511b come into contact.

[0092] Next, the LED tube lamp 3 is rotated so that the LED 34 faces outwards, that is, the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 is rotated to the first direction (one side in the circumferential direction). At this time, the first recess 431 (wall surface 4312) moves along the first protrusion 511a, and the second recess 433 (wall surface 4333) moves along the second protrusion 511b, thereby rotating the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41.

[0093] In this case, even if one attempts to rotate the LED tube lamp 3 to the second direction (the other (detached) side in the circumferential direction) by mistake, it cannot be rotated to the second direction because the surface 4331 of the second recess 433 is in contact with the second protrusion 511b.

[0094] Next, as shown in Figure 6, when the LED 34 is facing the front side, that is, when the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 is perpendicular to the front-to-back direction (mounted state), the surface 4311 of the first recess 431 of the base tip 43 comes into contact with the other circumferential end 5112 of the first protrusion 511a. Also, the surface 4332 of the second recess 433 of the base tip 43 comes into contact with the other circumferential end 5111 of the second protrusion 511b. In this way, the pair of recesses (the first recess 431 and the second recess 433) and the pair of protrusions 511 function as a positioning structure that can stop the rotation of the base tip 43 when the LED 34 is facing the front side.

[0095] (6-2) Positional relationship of the pin cover 53 inside socket 5 The following describes the positional relationships of characteristic components in the insertion and mounting states using Figures 7 and 8. These characteristic components include, for example, the pair of flanges 532, grooves 5331 and 5332 of the pin cover 53, the locking parts 5161 and 5162 of the socket body 51, and the pair of projections 522 of the socket cover 52. Note that in Figures 7 and 8, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in Figures 1 to 4A and 4B, and their explanations are omitted.

[0096] For example, as shown in Figure 7, when the tip of the pin cover 53 is inserted into the groove 512 of the socket 5 (socket body 51) with a virtual line connecting the pair of pins 41 extending in the front-to-back direction (inserted state) and before insertion (uninserted state), the pair of flanges 532 and the pair of grooves 5332 of the pin cover 53 are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. In the inserted state, the pair of flanges 532 are locked to the locking portion 5161, and the pair of grooves 5332 are engaged with the projection 522. This prevents the tip of the pin cover 43 from rotating unnecessarily. Furthermore, the pin cover 53 does not rotate when inserted, and the groove 512 is in the correct position when the pair of pins 41 are inserted the next time, allowing for smooth insertion of the pair of pins 41. Furthermore, when the pin cover 53 is inserted, the pair of grooves 5331 are aligned in a direction that extends in the front-back direction.

[0097] Next, as shown in Figure 8, for example, by rotating the LED tube lamp 3 so that the LED 34 faces the front, that is, by rotating the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41, the LED 34 is in a state where it faces the front, that is, the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 is perpendicular to the front-back direction (mounted state). In this mounted state, the pair of flanges 532 and the pair of grooves 5332 of the pin cover 53 are aligned in a direction extending in the front-back direction. In the mounted state, the pair of grooves 5331 are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction, and the pair of flanges 532 in the mounted state are locked to the locking portion 5162. In the mounted state, the pair of grooves 5331 are fitted with the projection 522. This restricts the base tip 43 from rotating unnecessarily, and stabilizes the mounted state and electrical connection state of the LED tube lamp 3.

[0098] 7. Relationship between the pair of recesses and the pair of protrusions 511 Next, using Figure 9, the relationship between the pair of recesses (the first recess 431 and the second recess 433) and the pair of protrusions 511 (the first protrusion 511a and the second protrusion 511b) will be explained.

[0099] In Figure 9, the diagram of the socket 5 is a view from the longitudinal side of the LED tube lamp 3 (base part 4 side), and the diagram of the base tip 43 is a view from the longitudinal side of the socket 5. In Figure 9, the center c1 of the socket 5, the center c2 of the base tip 43, the center line l1, and lines l2 to l 10 This has been shown.

[0100] The center line l1 is a line passing through centers c1 and c2. Line l2 is parallel to the center line l1 and tangent to the inner side of the first protrusion 511a, and line l3 is parallel to the center line l1 and tangent to the inner side of the second protrusion 511b. Line l4 is a line passing through center c1 and tangent to the other end 5112 of the first protrusion 511a, and line l5 is a line passing through center c1 and tangent to the other end 5111 of the second protrusion 511b. Line l6 is parallel to the center line l1 and tangent to the wall surface 4333 of the second recess 433, and line l7 is parallel to the center line l1 and tangent to the wall surface 4312 of the first recess 431. Line l8 is a line passing through center c2 and perpendicular to the center line l1. Line l9 is a line that passes through the center c2 and is tangent to the surface 4311 of the first recess 431, and line l 10 This line passes through the center c2 and is tangent to the surface 4332 of the second recess 433.

[0101] As shown in Figure 9, the distance Ld between the line connecting the pair of pins 41 (pins 41a and 41b) (centerline l1) and the wall surface 4312 of the first recess 431 (line l7) is equal to or smaller than the distance La between the centerline l1 of the socket 5 and the inner side of the first protrusion 511a (line l2).

[0102] Furthermore, the angle β between the center line l1 of the socket 5 and the other end 5112 (line l4) of the first protrusion 511a is equal to the angle β between the line perpendicular to the line connecting the pair of pins 41 (pins 41a and 41b) (line l8) and the surface 4311 (line l9) of the first recess 431. Therefore, when attempting to stop the rotation of the base tip 43 of the base portion 4 with respect to the socket 5 at a rotational position where the LED 34 is facing outwards (when the base portion 4 moves circumferentially with the first protrusion 511a located within the first recess 431, and the surface 4311 of the first end portion abuts against or is close to the end of the first protrusion 511a), the position between the socket 5 and the base portion 4 can be defined.

[0103] Similarly, the distance Lc from the line connecting the pair of pins 41 (pins 41a and 41b) (centerline l1) to the wall surface 4333 of the second recess 433 (line l6) is equal to or smaller than the distance Lb from the centerline l1 of the socket 5 to the inner side of the second protrusion 511b (line l3).

[0104] The angle α between the center line l1 of the socket 5 and the other end 5111 (line l5) of the second protrusion 511b, the line perpendicular to the line connecting the pair of pins 41 (pins 41a and 41b) (line l8), and the surface 4332 (line l) of the second recess 433. 10 The angles α of ) are equal. Therefore, when attempting to stop the rotation of the base tip 43 of the base portion 4 with respect to the socket 5 at a rotational position where the LED 34 is facing outwards (when the base portion 4 moves circumferentially with the second protrusion 511b located within the second recess 433, and the surface 4332 of the second end comes into contact with or is close to the end of the second protrusion 511b), the position between the socket 5 and the base portion 4 can be defined.

[0105] Furthermore, as explained in Figure 6, for example, when the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins 41 (pins 41a and 41b) is perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, that is, when the nozzle tip 43 is attached, the surface 4311 of the first recess 431 of the nozzle tip 43 abuts against the other circumferential end 5112 of the first protrusion 511a. Also, the surface 4332 of the second recess 433 of the nozzle tip 43 abuts against the other circumferential end 5111 of the second protrusion 511b. Alternatively, the first recess 431, the second protrusion 511b, the first recess 431, and the second recess 433 may be formed such that angles α and β are equal.

[0106] 8. Other Embodiments The lighting device according to the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, but the configuration described above is merely illustrative, and the specific configuration can be adjusted as appropriate. In other words, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and may be modified in the following ways, for example. Furthermore, embodiments and modifications, or modifications combined with each other, may also be used. In addition, as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention, not only examples and design changes not described in the embodiments or modifications, but also various modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive of can be applied to this embodiment, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0107] <Variation> 1. A pair of protrusions 511 and a pair of recesses In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(c), curved surfaces were provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of protrusions 511, such as the surface 5113a of the first protrusion 511a and the surface 5113b of the second protrusion 511b. Also, as shown in Figure 2(c), curved surfaces were provided on the inner side surfaces of the pair of recesses, such as the wall surface 4312 of the first recess 431 and the wall surface 4333 of the second recess 433. However, the configuration is not limited to these cases. For example, curved surfaces may be provided on the outer surfaces of the pair of protrusions 511 and on the outer side surfaces of the pair of recesses. In such a case, when attempting to stop the rotation of the base tip 43 of the base 4 at a rotational position where the LED 34 faces outward, an example configuration can be given in which the pair of protrusions move within the pair of recesses such that the curved inner surfaces of the pair of recesses and the curved outer surfaces of the pair of protrusions 511 face each other or slide against each other. Even in this case, since the curved surfaces of the protrusions move along the curved surfaces within the recesses, the movement when fixing the base 4 to the socket 5 can be made easier.

[0108] 2. A pair of flanges In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, for example, the flange portion 532 was provided so as to protrude outward from the head portion 534 of the pin cover 53, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the flange portion 532 may be provided on the socket body 51 instead of the pin cover 53. In such a case, the pin cover 53 may be provided with a locking portion that locks the flange portion 532 in the mounted state. Furthermore, the flange portion 532 provided on the socket body 51 may be provided as a single unit, not just a pair, or as three or more units. Furthermore, in the embodiment, the engagement structure of the pin cover 53 and the socket 5 was such that the pin cover 53 had a flange portion 532 that protruded outward and the socket body 51 had a locking member 516 (recess). However, for example, the socket body 51 may have a flange portion that protrudes inward and the pin cover 53 may have an engagement portion that is recessed inward.

[0109] 3. A pair of protrusions and a pair of grooves In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4A, for example, the pair of protrusions 522 were provided so as to protrude inward from the annular projection 521 of the socket cover 52, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the protrusions 522 may be provided on the pin cover 53 instead of the socket cover 52. In this case, the socket cover 52 can be provided with a groove 5331 that engages with the protrusions 522 when mounted, and a groove 5332 that engages with the protrusions 522 when inserted. Thus, the socket cover 52 can be provided with protrusions 522 on one side and grooves 5331 and 5332 on the other side. Furthermore, grooves 5331 and 5332 may be composed of simple indentations rather than grooves.

[0110] 4. Flange and projection In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the flange portion 532 is locked to the locking portion 5161 and 5162, and the projection portion 522 is fitted into the grooves 5331 and 5332. This restricts rotation in the circumferential direction, but rotation may also be restricted by at least one of the flange portion and the projection portion. For example, the flange portion may be fitted only when mounted, and the projection portion may be fitted only when inserted, or vice versa.

[0111] 5. Others In the above embodiment, two LED tube lamps 3 were installed in one fixture 2, but one LED tube lamp 3 may be installed in one fixture 2. The insertion direction in which the base portion 4 (pin 41) is inserted into the socket 5 may be parallel to the vertical direction, or it may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In other words, since the insertion direction is the front-back direction, when the lighting device is installed on the ceiling, the front-back direction and the vertical direction may or may not coincide. Furthermore, the mounting surface for the fixture is not limited to the ceiling; it may also be a wall. Furthermore, although the nozzle tip 43 is shown as a separate component from the nozzle part 4, the nozzle tip 43, which has recesses (431, 433), may be integrally formed (molded) with the nozzle part 4. In this case, the recesses (431, 433) are provided in the nozzle part 4. Furthermore, the recesses (431, 433) are provided in a part of the longitudinal end face 45 of the tip of the nozzle 43 so as to be recessed from the end face 45, but are not limited to this. That is, the recesses (431, 433) are provided by cutting out a part of the longitudinal end face 45 of the tip of the nozzle 43 from the outer circumference so as to be recessed from the end face 45 (so that the corners are rounded), as shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), but are not limited to this. For example, the recesses (431, 433) may be provided in a part of the longitudinal end face 45 of the tip of the nozzle 43 so as to be grooves (groove-shaped recesses) that are recessed from the end face 45. Even in such a case, the convex portion 511 fits into the recesses (431, 433), and the convex portion 511 can guide the recesses (431, 433). [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1. Lighting device 3 LED straight tube lamps 4. Mouthpiece 5 sockets 34 LED 41 pairs of pins 431 First recess 511 Convex part 512 Groove

Claims

1. In a lighting device that irradiates light onto the front side, An LED tube lamp having a base portion from which a pair of pins protrude, It comprises a socket for attaching the aforementioned nozzle portion, The aforementioned socket is When the imaginary line connecting the pair of pins extends along the front-back direction, the groove into which the pair of pins can be inserted, A protrusion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the LED straight tube lamp, intersecting the aforementioned front-back direction, It has, The mouthpiece portion has a recess in a part of the longitudinal end face that is recessed from the end face and into which the convex portion fits, Viewed from the longitudinal direction, the circumferential end of the recess is configured to contact the protrusion when the LED tube lamp is rotated to one side in the circumferential direction around its central axis with the pair of pins inserted into the groove so that the LEDs of the LED tube lamp face outwards, and the LEDs face outwards. Lighting device.

2. The aforementioned protrusion is composed of a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The recess is composed of a first recess and a second recess, When the LED is facing the front side, when viewed from the longitudinal direction, The surface of the other end of the first recess in the circumferential direction is in contact with or close to the other end of the first protrusion in the circumferential direction. The surface of the other end of the second recess in the circumferential direction is in contact with or close to the other end of the second protrusion in the circumferential direction. The lighting device according to claim 1.

3. The recess is curved along the circumferential direction when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and the wall surface of the recess that is curved along the circumferential direction faces the protrusion when the LED of the LED tube lamp is rotated so that it faces the front side. The central axis side of the convex portion is curved along the circumferential direction to correspond to the wall surface. The lighting device according to claim 1.

4. The surface of one circumferential end of the second recess contacts the circumferential end of the second protrusion when the pair of pins are inserted into the groove in the front-back direction. The lighting device according to claim 2.

Images