Lighting fixtures

Abstract

The objective of this disclosure is to streamline the process. [Solution] The lighting fixture A1 includes a power terminal block 15 for connecting a power cable connected to an external power source to a power unit 5, and a signal terminal block 52 for connecting a signal cable connected to an external signal transmission source to the power unit 5. The power terminal block 15 is provided on the fixture body 1. The signal terminal block 52 is provided on the light source unit 2. The fixture body 1 has a long, plate-shaped base plate 10, a first wire hole 12 provided in the base plate 10 for pulling in the power cable, and a second wire hole 13 provided in the base plate 10 for pulling in the signal cable. One first wire hole 12 is provided at each end of the base plate 10 in the longitudinal direction. The two power terminal blocks 15, the two signal terminal blocks 52, the power unit 5, and the second wire hole 13 are arranged sequentially between the two first wire holes 12 along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture, and more particularly to a lighting fixture including a fixture body and a light source unit.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional example, a lighting device (lighting fixture) described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The lighting device described in Patent Document 1 includes a long lighting fixture and a light source unit attached to the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture includes a fixture body having a recess with a bottom, and a power terminal block and a signal terminal block attached to the bottom. The light source unit includes a light source and a power supply device for lighting the light source, and is detachably attached to the fixture body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the lighting device (lighting fixture) described in Patent Document 1, since both the power terminal block and the signal terminal block are attached to the bottom of the fixture body, it is necessary to secure a space for wiring the power line and the signal line in the recess of the fixture body. Therefore, with the configuration of the conventional example described in Patent Document 1, it has been difficult to make the lighting fixture thinner.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting fixture that can be made thinner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lighting fixture according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a long fixture body, a long light source unit detachably attached to the fixture body, a power supply unit for supplying power to the light source unit, a power terminal block for connecting the power supply unit to wires connected to an external power source, and a signal terminal block for connecting the power supply unit to signal lines connected to an external signal transmission source. The power terminal block is provided on the fixture body. The signal terminal block is provided on the light source unit. The fixture body has a long, plate-shaped base plate, a first wire hole provided in the base plate for drawing in the wires, and a second wire hole provided in the base plate for drawing in the signal lines. One power terminal block and one first wire hole are provided at each end of the base plate in the longitudinal direction. One signal terminal block is arranged on each side of the power supply unit in the longitudinal direction of the light source unit. The two power terminal blocks, the two signal terminal blocks, the power supply unit, and the second wire hole are arranged sequentially between the two first wire holes along the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The lighting fixtures disclosed herein have the advantage of being slimmer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the same lighting fixture, partially broken. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view of the fixture body of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the fixture body of the above-described lighting fixture with a part thereof omitted. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the fixture body of the above-described lighting fixture with a part thereof omitted. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the light source unit of the above-described lighting fixture. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the above-described lighting fixture. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the end member of the above-described lighting fixture. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the end member of the above-described lighting fixture. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the end member of the above-described lighting fixture. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of the above-described lighting fixture with the end member omitted. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the above-described lighting fixture with a part thereof omitted. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a front view of the above-described lighting fixture with a part thereof omitted. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the fixture body of the above-described lighting fixture in a modified example with a part thereof omitted. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front view of the fixture body of the above-described lighting fixture in a modified example with a part thereof omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each of the drawings described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the respective ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the respective components do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Note that the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made according to the design and the like as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0010] (1) Outline of the Embodiment of the Present Disclosure The lighting fixture A1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a long fixture body 1, a long light source unit 2 detachably attached to the fixture body 1, and a power supply unit 5 that supplies power to the light source unit 2. The lighting fixture A1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power cable 80 connected to an external power supply and a power terminal block 15 for connecting the power supply unit 5, and a signal line connected to an external signal transmission source and a signal terminal block 52 for connecting the power supply unit 5. One of the power terminal block 15 and the signal terminal block 52 is provided on the fixture body 1, and the other terminal block excluding one of the power terminal block 15 and the signal terminal block 52 is provided on the light source unit 2.

[0011] Thus, the lighting fixture A1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is easier to secure a space for wiring the power line and the signal line than in the case where the power terminal block 15 and the signal terminal block 52 are provided together on either the fixture body 1 or the light source unit 2. As a result, the lighting fixture A1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce an extra space for the power line and the signal line and achieve slimming.

[0012] (2) Detailed description of the embodiment (2-1) Lighting fixture The lighting fixture A1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter abbreviated as the lighting fixture A1) includes, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, a long fixture body 1, a long light source unit 2, and a mounting member 3 for detachably attaching the light source unit 2 to the fixture body 1. The lighting fixture A1 is directly attached, for example, to the ceiling of an office in an office building. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions indicated by arrows in FIG. 1 are defined as the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions of the lighting fixture A1 and the light source unit 2, respectively.

[0013] (2-2) Fixture body The main body of the device 1 has a long, rectangular base plate 10 and a pair of side plates 11 that rise upward from both ends (front and rear) along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the base plate 10 (see Figure 4). The base plate 10 and the pair of side plates 11 are integrally formed by bending a single metal plate. In other words, the pair of side plates 11 have the function of improving the strength of the base plate 10.

[0014] The base plate 10 has two first wire holes 12, two second wire holes 13, two bolt insertion holes 14, and two hook holes 18 (see Figures 4 and 6).

[0015] The two first wire holes 12 are circular holes provided at both ends (left and right ends) in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10. A power cable 80 connected to an external power source (e.g., a commercial power grid) is inserted through one of the two first wire holes 12 (see Figure 7). A bushing 120 made of an annular synthetic resin molded body is fitted into each first wire hole 12, and the bushing 120 protects the power cable 80 from the edge of the first wire hole 12 in the base plate 10.

[0016] The power cable 80 is connected to a power terminal block 15 mounted on the underside of the base plate 10 (see Figure 7). The power terminal block 15 is mounted near the first wire hole 12 of the base plate 10. The power cable 80 is electrically connected to two wires 17 via the power terminal block 15.

[0017] Two wires 17 connected to one power terminal block 15, two wires 17 connected to the other power terminal block 15, and two wires 17 connected to the plug connector 16 are each connected one by one by a closed-end connector 82 (see Figure 7). One of the three wires included in the power cable 80 (the grounding wire) is electrically connected to the bottom plate 10 of the device body 1 by a crimp terminal.

[0018] The two second wire holes 13 are oval-shaped holes located between the center of the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10 and each of the first wire holes 12 (see Figure 7). A signal cable connected to an external signal transmission source is inserted through one of the two second wire holes 13. The signal cable inserted through the second wire hole 13 is connected to a signal terminal block 52 (described later) provided on the light source unit 2. However, a bushing portion 43 of the functional block 4 (described later) is fitted into each second wire hole 13, and the bushing portion 43 protects the signal cable from the edge of the second wire hole 13 in the base plate 10 (see Figure 7).

[0019] The two bolt insertion holes 14 are oval-shaped holes, one each, located between the power terminal block 15 and the second wire hole 13 of the base plate 10 (see Figure 7). One suspension bolt protruding from the ceiling is inserted through each of these two bolt insertion holes 14. The fixture body 1 is then fixed to the ceiling by tightening nuts onto the suspension bolts inserted through the bolt insertion holes 14.

[0020] The two hooking holes 18 are round holes located closer to the center than the second wire hole 13 in the base plate 10 (see Figure 7). The ends of two strings used to temporarily suspend the light source unit 2 are inserted into and hooked into these two hooking holes 18.

[0021] (2-3) Mounting components The main body of the device 1 is provided with two mounting members 3. Each mounting member 3 has one mounting spring 30 (see Figures 4 and 5). The mounting spring 30 has a pair of spring pieces 300 and a connecting piece 301 that connects the pair of spring pieces 300 (see Figure 8). The pair of spring pieces 300 and the connecting piece 301 are formed into a U-shape by bending a strip of metal. The tip portion (lower end portion) of each spring piece 300 is bent into a V-shape, causing it to incline inward towards the tip (lower end).

[0022] These two mounting springs 30 are fixed to the base plate 10 of the fixture body 1 by screws. That is, the connecting piece 301 of each mounting spring 30 is screwed between the power terminal block 15 and the bolt insertion hole 14 on the base plate 10. The pair of spring pieces 300 are each deformable (bendable) along the short side (front-to-back direction) of the fixture body 1.

[0023] (2-4) Functional Blocks The main body of the device 1 has two functional blocks 4 (see Figure 4). Each functional block 4 has a guide member 40, a limiting member 41, a holding member 42, and a bushing portion 43 (see Figure 8). The functional block 4 is made of a synthetic resin molded body in which the guide member 40, limiting member 41, holding member 42, and bushing portion 43 are integrally formed. However, the guide member 40, limiting member 41, holding member 42, and bushing portion 43 may each be formed separately, or at least two of the members may be integrally formed.

[0024] The limiting member 41 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate (see Figure 8). One limiting member 41 is placed inside each pair of spring pieces 300 of the mounting spring 30. When each spring piece 300 deforms inward (bends), it comes into contact with the limiting member 41, thereby limiting the amount of deformation (bend) of each spring piece 300. In other words, the limiting member 41 can prevent the spring pieces 300 of the mounting spring 30 from undergoing plastic deformation.

[0025] The guide member 40 has four guide pieces 400 (see Figure 8). The four guide pieces 400 are arranged one at each end of a pair of limiting members 41. That is, the limiting members 41 are positioned between two guide pieces 400 that are aligned in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the device body 1.

[0026] Each guide piece 400 is formed in a prism shape with a triangular tip (lower end). Each guide piece 400 is formed to a length such that, when the functional block 4 is attached to the fixture body 1, the tip of each guide piece 400 is positioned further forward (below) than the tip of the spring piece 300 of the mounting spring 30. However, the guide pieces may be formed in a U-shape by connecting the tips (lower ends) of two of the four guide pieces 400 that are aligned along the shorter side (front-to-back direction) of the fixture body 1.

[0027] The retaining member 42 has a pair of first retaining pieces 421, a second retaining piece 422, and a third retaining piece 423 (see Figures 7-9). The pair of first retaining pieces 421 are formed in the shape of long plates with one end curved in the longitudinal direction. The pair of first retaining pieces 421 are configured to surround the bolt insertion hole 14 when viewed from above or below when the functional block 4 is attached to the fixture body 1. The pair of first retaining pieces 421 are configured to form a space for wiring between themselves and the side plate 11 of the fixture body 1, and to hold the electric wire 17 placed in this space. Thus, by holding the electric wire 17 with the pair of first retaining pieces 421, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as the insulation of the electric wire 17 being damaged by the suspension bolt inserted through the bolt insertion hole 14 (see Figures 7 and 9).

[0028] The second retaining piece 422 is formed in a thin plate shape so as to straddle the tips (lower ends) of the pair of limiting members 41 (see Figures 7-9). The second retaining piece 422 is configured to form a wiring space between itself and the bottom plate 10 of the device body 1, and to hold the electric wires 17 placed in that space (see Figures 7 and 9).

[0029] The third retaining piece 423 is formed in a generally L-shape (see Figure 8). The third retaining piece 423 is positioned on the opposite side of the limiting member 41 from the first retaining piece 421 (the side adjacent to the power terminal block 15) (see Figure 7). The third retaining piece 423 is positioned below the electric wire 17 connected to the power terminal block 15 and is configured to hold the electric wire 17 (see Figures 7 and 9).

[0030] The bushing portion 43 has a main body portion 430 formed in the shape of an oval cylinder, a flange portion 431 that protrudes to the outside of the main body portion 430 from the lower end of the main body portion 430, and a tongue piece 432 that protrudes from the tip of the flange portion 431 (see Figure 8). A circular screw insertion hole 433 passes through the tongue piece 432. The main body portion 430 is inserted into the second wire hole 13 when the functional block 4 is attached to the device body 1 (see Figure 7). That is, the bushing portion 43, with its main body portion 430 inserted into the second wire hole 13, can protect the insulation of the signal cable from the edge of the second wire hole 13 in the bottom plate 10.

[0031] The functional block 4 has multiple claws 44 (see Figure 8). One claw 44 is provided at the tip of the flange portion 431. The remaining two claws 44 are provided at the ends of the guide member 40. A screw hole 100 is provided in the bottom plate 10 of the device body 1 near the second wire hole 13. Also, a C-shaped hook groove 101 is provided in the bottom plate 10 between the mounting spring 30 and the power terminal block 15.

[0032] The functional block 4 is attached to the device body 1 by hooking the claws 44 provided at the tip of the flange portion 431 onto the edge of the second wire hole 13, hooking the two claws 44 provided at the end of the guide member 40 onto the edges at both ends of the hook groove 101, and screwing the screw inserted through the screw insertion hole 433 of the tongue piece 432 into the screw hole 100.

[0033] (2-5) Light source unit The light source unit 2 comprises a light source module 20, a support member 21, a cover 22, a power supply unit 5, and a pair of end members 6 (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0034] (2-5-1) Light source module The light source module 20 has two substrates 200 and a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs 201) mounted on the surface (bottom surface) of each substrate 200 (see Figure 5). Each substrate 200 is formed in a long rectangular shape. Conductors for connecting the plurality of LEDs 201 are formed on the surface of each substrate 200. The conductors of the two substrates 200 are connected via connectors mounted on the longitudinal ends of each substrate 200.

[0035] Each of the multiple LEDs 201 is a package-type white LED for illumination. However, the light-emitting element of the light source module 20 may be a light-emitting element other than an LED, such as an organic electroluminescent element or a semiconductor laser element.

[0036] (2-5-2) Power supply unit The power supply unit 5 comprises a power supply circuit 50 composed of printed circuitry and a power supply case 51 housing the power supply circuit 50 (see Figures 4 and 11). The power supply case 51 is formed in the shape of a long box with one side (bottom) open. The power supply circuit 50 includes a rectifier circuit that rectifies the AC voltage supplied from an external power source via an electric wire 54, a boost circuit that boosts and smooths the pulsating voltage rectified by the rectifier circuit, a buck circuit that lowers the DC voltage output from the boost circuit, and a control circuit that controls the buck circuit. The control circuit controls the buck circuit to make the current (load current) supplied to the light source module 20 a constant current by matching it to a target value. The control circuit also adjusts the target value of the load current to dim the light source module 20 in accordance with a signal (dimming signal) input from a signal transmission source via a signal cable and signal terminal block 52. The signal transmission source is, for example, a lighting controller installed on the wall of an office. Furthermore, a receptacle connector 55, which can be connected to the plug connector 16 of the main unit 1, is attached to the end of the electric wire 54 that is drawn out from the power supply case 51 (see Figure 10).

[0037] (2-5-3) Support Member The support member 21 has a main portion 210 formed in the shape of a long plate, and a pair of side wall portions 211 that rise upward from a pair of side ends (front and rear ends) along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the main portion 210 (see Figure 5). The pair of side wall portions 211 are formed in the shape of a long rectangle.

[0038] Furthermore, the support member 21 has a positioning piece 212, a locking piece 213, a pair of cover mounting pieces 214, a pair of hooking parts 31, and a pair of projections 215 (see Figure 11).

[0039] The positioning piece 212 is formed in a prismatic shape that protrudes downward from the rear end on the lower surface of the main part 210 (see Figure 11). The locking piece 213 is formed in an L-shape that protrudes downward from the front end on the lower surface of the main part 210. The positioning piece 212 and the locking piece 213 are each formed along the entire length of the main part 210 in the longitudinal direction, parallel to each other. The substrate 200 of the light source module 20 is inserted into the gap between the locking piece 213 and the main part 210, and the substrate 200 is locked to the locking piece 213 (see Figure 11). The positioning piece 212 then positions the substrate 200 in the front-rear direction of the main part 210. The substrate 200 is screwed to the main part 210 by a plurality of screws.

[0040] Each of the pair of cover mounting pieces 214 is formed in an L-shape and protrudes downward from each side end along the longitudinal direction of the main part 210 (see Figure 11). A pair of mounting parts 222 of the cover 22 are hooked onto each cover mounting piece 214, as will be described later.

[0041] Each pair of hooking portions 31 protrudes inward from approximately the center in the vertical direction along the entire length of each side wall portion 211 on the inner surface of the pair of side wall portions 211 (see Figure 11). However, the tip of each hooking portion 31 is bent downward. These pair of hooking portions 31 hook onto the tip of each spring piece 300 of the two mounting springs 30 attached to the fixture body 1. In other words, the pair of hooking portions 31 together with the mounting springs 30 constitute the mounting member 3.

[0042] Each of the pair of projections 215 protrudes inward from the lower end portion of the inner surface of the pair of side wall portions 211, along the entire length of the longitudinal direction of each side wall portion 211 (see Figure 11). Preferably, the main portion 210, the pair of side wall portions 211, the positioning piece 212, the locking piece 213, the pair of cover mounting pieces 214, the pair of hooking portions 31, and the pair of projections 215 are integrally formed by extrusion molding of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy.

[0043] (2-5-4) Cover The cover 22 has a front wall 220, a pair of side walls 221, and a pair of mounting portions 222 (see Figure 5). The front wall 220 is formed in a long rectangular shape. The pair of side walls 221 are each formed in a long rectangular shape and protrude upward from both ends (front and rear ends) along the longitudinal direction of the front wall 220. The pair of mounting portions 222 are each formed in a long U-shape and protrude inward from the upper end of each side wall portion 211 along the entire length of the side wall portion 211 in the longitudinal direction. Here, it is preferable that the front wall 220, the pair of side wall portions 211, and the pair of mounting portions 222 are integrally formed by extrusion molding of a translucent synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin. Furthermore, it is preferable that the cover 22 is formed in a milky white color by mixing a filler into the synthetic resin material in order to diffuse the light emitted from the light source module 20.

[0044] The cover 22 is attached to the support member 21 by hooking one of the pair of mounting parts 222 onto each of the pair of cover mounting pieces 214 of the support member 21 (see Figure 11). The cover 22 attached to the support member 21 covers the light source module 20 which is mounted on the lower surface of the main part 210.

[0045] (2-5-5) End members The end member 6 has a cover end portion 60, an end cap portion 61, and a mounting fixture 62 (see Figures 12-14). The cover end portion 60 has a cylindrical portion 600, a wall portion 601, a protruding wall 602, a base 603, a pair of connecting portions 604, and a pair of retaining pieces 605.

[0046] The cylindrical portion 600 is formed in the shape of a rectangular tube. The wall portion 601 is formed in the shape of a square flat plate and is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 600 in the axial direction, closing the other end of the cylindrical portion 600 in the axial direction. A triangular prism-shaped interlocking projection 606 is provided on the upper surface of the wall portion 601, with the axial direction being the front-to-back direction (see Figure 13).

[0047] The protruding wall 602 is formed in a rectangular, flat shape and protrudes upward from a position near the wall portion 601 on the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 600. The base 603 is formed in a rectangular, flat shape and is positioned parallel to the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 600 from the upper end of the protruding wall 602.

[0048] Each of the pair of connecting portions 604 is formed in an inverted L shape and protrudes upward from both the front and rear ends on the upper surface of the base 603 that are furthest from the wall portion 601. Each of the pair of retaining pieces 605 is formed in a rectangular flat shape and protrudes along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 600 from both the front and rear ends of the upper part of the open end of the cylindrical portion 600 (the end opposite to the wall portion 601). The cylindrical portion 600, wall portion 601, protruding wall 602, base 603, the pair of connecting portions 604, and the pair of retaining pieces 605 are integrally formed as a translucent synthetic resin molded body such as acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin. However, the cover end portion 60 is preferably formed in a milky white color by mixing a filler into the synthetic resin material in order to diffuse the light emitted from the light source module 20, similar to the cover 22.

[0049] The end cap portion 61 comprises a main body 610 having a hole 611 for wire passage, and a cover 63 that is detachably attached to the main body 610 and closes the hole 611 when attached to the main body 610. The main body 610 and the cover 63 are each made of a non-translucent synthetic resin molded body.

[0050] The main body 610 is formed in a U-shaped flat plate form. A triangular prism-shaped recess (fitting recess 618) is formed on the lower surface of the main body 610 (see Figure 14). The surface of the main body 610 is flat, and the back surface of the main body 610 is provided with a pair of vertical pieces 612, a horizontal piece 613, a pair of support pieces 614, and a pair of projections 615.

[0051] The pair of vertical pieces 612 are formed in an approximately trapezoidal shape and protrude along the thickness direction of the main body 610 from both the front and rear adjacent to the hole 611 on the back surface of the main body 610. The horizontal piece 613 is formed in a rectangular flat shape and protrudes along the thickness direction of the main body 610 from the adjacent to the hole 611 on the back surface of the main body 610 so as to connect the lower ends of the pair of vertical pieces 612.

[0052] One coupling groove 616 is provided at each end of the horizontal piece 613 in the front-to-back direction. These coupling grooves 616 are open at the tip of the horizontal piece 613 and form a rectangular shape with the thickness direction of the main body 610 as the longitudinal direction. In addition, one projection 617 is provided near the coupling groove 616 on the upper surface of the horizontal piece 613. These projections 617 are formed in a rectangular prism shape with the thickness direction of the main body 610 as the axial direction.

[0053] The pair of support pieces 614 are formed in a square pyramidal shape and protrude from the sides of the pair of vertical pieces 612 along the main body 610 toward the hole 611. A space is formed between the pair of support pieces 614 and the main body 610 into which the flange portion 631 of the lid 63 is slidably inserted.

[0054] The pair of projections 615 are formed in a prismatic shape and protrude outward from the outer surface of the pair of vertical pieces 612, from a position approximately in the center of the vertical piece 612, along the thickness direction (front-to-back direction) of the vertical piece 612.

[0055] The lid 63 has a main body 630 formed in the shape of a rectangular box, flange portions 631 protruding from the bottom surface and both front and rear sides of the main body 630, a pair of support portions 632, and claw portions 633 (see Figures 13 and 14).

[0056] The surface of the main body portion 630 is flat. The flange portion 631 that protrudes from both the front and rear sides of the main body portion 630 is formed so that its thickness decreases towards the bottom.

[0057] Each of the pair of support portions 632 is formed in a trapezoidal shape and protrudes from both the front and rear ends on the lower back surface of the main body portion 630 in the left-right direction. The claw portion 633 is provided in the center in the front-rear direction on the lower surface of the main body portion 630 and protrudes from the front surface side of the main body portion 630 more than the flange portion 631.

[0058] The mounting fixture 62 includes a fixing plate 620, a connecting plate 621, and a support plate 622. The fixing plate 620 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The support plate 622 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, smaller than the fixing plate 620. The connecting plate 621 is formed in the shape of a Z and connects the end of the fixing plate 620 to the end of the support plate 622. The fixing plate 620, the connecting plate 621, and the support plate 622 are integrally formed by bending a single metal plate.

[0059] The fixing plate 620 has two circular screw insertion holes 623. The mounting fixture 62 is fixed to the support member 21 by screwing screws inserted through the two screw insertion holes 623 of the fixing plate 620 to the main part 210 of the support member 21.

[0060] The fixing plate 620, connecting plate 621, and support plate 622 have two interlocking grooves 624 formed parallel to each other (see Figures 12-14).

[0061] (2-5-6) Sealing Member The light source unit 2 is equipped with a sealing member 7. The sealing member 7 has the function of preventing foreign matter (such as dust and insects) from entering through the gap that is created between the cover end portion 60 of the end member 6 and the cover 22.

[0062] The sealing member 7 has a main body 70, a sealing piece 71, and a pair of ribs 72 (see Figures 13 and 14). The sealing member 7 is made of, for example, silicone resin. The main body 70 is formed in an approximately rectangular tubular shape. However, the upper wall of the main body 70 is formed to be narrower than the lower wall and the front and rear walls. The sealing piece 71 is formed in a U-shape and protrudes outward from near the ends of the lower wall and the front and rear walls of the main body 70. The pair of ribs 72 are each formed in a rectangular flat shape and protrude upward from both the front and rear ends of the upper wall of the main body 70 (see Figure 13).

[0063] (2-6) Assembly process of the light source unit Next, we will explain the assembly process for the light source unit 2.

[0064] (2-6-1) Installation process of the power supply unit and signal terminal block to the support member First, the power supply unit 5 is attached to the support member 21 by screwing the power supply case 51 to the main part 210 at approximately the center of the upper surface of the main part 210 of the support member 21 (see Figure 10). At this time, the open surface of the power supply case 51 is closed off by the main part 210 (see Figure 11). In addition, a hooking piece 510 that protrudes outward is formed on the power supply case 51 by cutting and bending it (see Figure 11). The hooking piece 510 then catches on the hooking part 31 of the side wall 211, preventing the power supply case 51 from lifting up from the main part 210 of the support member 21.

[0065] Furthermore, the two signal terminal blocks 52 are attached to the upper surface of the main portion 210 of the support member 21 by two mounting bases 23 (see Figures 10 and 15). Each mounting base 23 has a fixing portion 230 to which the signal terminal block 52 is fixed, and a screw fastening piece 231 that is screwed to the main portion 210. A step is formed between the fixing portion 230 and the screw fastening piece 231, and when the screw fastening piece 231 is screwed to the main portion 210, a space is formed between the fixing portion 230 and the main portion 210 (see Figure 15). A V-shaped projection 233 is provided at the end of the fixing portion 230, and the fixing portion 230 is supported by the side wall portion 211 by the projection 233 hooking onto a projection 215 provided on the side wall portion 211 of the support member 21 (see Figure 15). The two signal terminal blocks 52 and the power supply unit 5 are each connected by two signal lines 53 (see Figure 10).

[0066] Each fixing section 230 is provided with a string attachment section 232 to which a temporary suspension string is attached. The lower end of the temporary suspension string is attached to the string attachment section 232. The temporary suspension string is used when attaching the light source unit 2 to the fixture body 1.

[0067] (2-6-2) Steps for attaching the light source module to the support member Next, the light source module 20 is attached to the lower surface of the main unit 210. The light source module 20 is attached to the main unit 210 by inserting the substrate 200 into the gap between the locking piece 213 and the main unit 210, and then screwing the substrate 200 to the main unit 210 while it is positioned by the positioning piece 212 (see Figures 11 and 16). At this time, the light source module 20 and the power supply unit 5 are electrically connected through the through hole provided in the main unit 210.

[0068] (2-6-3) Steps for attaching the cover to the support member Next, the cover 22 is attached to the main part 210 by inserting the mounting portion 222 of the cover 22 into the gap between the lower surface of the main part 210 and the cover mounting piece 214 from one end of the cover 22 in the longitudinal direction (see Figure 11). Since the mounting portion 222 of the cover 22 is only hooked onto the cover mounting piece 214 of the main part 210, the cover 22 is movable along the longitudinal direction of the main part 210 relative to the main part 210.

[0069] (2-6-4) End member installation process First, the main body 70 of the sealing member 7 is attached to the cylindrical portion 600 of the cover end portion 60 by being placed over the cylindrical portion 600. Then, the pair of connecting portions 604 of the cover end portion 60 are inserted one by one into the pair of connecting grooves 616 of the main body 610 of the end cap portion 61, thereby connecting the cover end portion 60 and the main body 610 of the end cap portion 61 (see Figure 12). At this time, the mating projection 606 of the cover end portion 60 and the mating recess 618 of the end cap portion 61 engage, thereby positioning the cover end portion 60 and the end cap portion 61.

[0070] Next, the pair of protrusions 617 on the main body 610 of the end cap portion 61 are fitted into each of the two fitting grooves 624 of the mounting fixture 62, thereby attaching the mounting fixture 62 to the end cap portion 61.

[0071] The lid 63 is then attached to the end cap portion 61 by inserting the flange portion 631 into the space between the pair of support pieces 614 of the end cap portion 61 and the main body 610. The lid 63 is prevented from coming off the main body 610 by the claw portion 633 provided on the main body portion 630 catching on the recess 619 provided on the back surface of the main body 610 of the end cap portion 61 (see Figure 16).

[0072] Here, with the lid 63 attached to the end cap portion 61, the support plate 622 of the mounting fixture 62 is sandwiched between the pair of support portions 632 of the lid 63 and the lateral piece 613 of the main body 610 (see Figure 16). As a result, the vertical movement of the mounting fixture 62 is restricted by the pair of support portions 632, preventing the engagement between the protrusion 617 and the engagement groove 624 from coming undone.

[0073] As described above, the assembled end members 6 are attached one to each of the longitudinal ends of the support member 21 and the cover 22. Specifically, the front and rear ends of the fixing plate 620 of the mounting fixture 62 are inserted between the upper surface of the main part 210 and the pair of projections 215. In addition, the pair of projections 615 of the end cap part 61 are inserted below the hooking parts 31 of the pair of side wall parts 211. In other words, the pair of projections 615 of the end cap part 61 are hooked onto the hooking parts 31 in the vertical direction. As a result, rattling of the end cap part 61 relative to the support member 21 is suppressed. The fixing plate 620 is then screwed to the main part 210 of the support member 21 by two screws inserted through the two screw insertion holes 623 of the fixing plate 620.

[0074] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 600 and the sealing member 7 of the cover end portion 60 are inserted into the cover 22, and the main body 610 of the end cap portion 61 closes both longitudinal ends of the support member 21. The sealing piece 71 of the sealing member 7 inserted into the cover 22 adheres tightly to the inner surfaces of the front wall 220 and the side wall portion 211 of the cover 22, thereby closing the gap between the cover end portion 60 and the cover 22 (see Figure 16).

[0075] In this case, if the main body 70 of the sealing member 7 is in close contact with the inner surfaces of the front wall 220 and side wall portion 211 of the cover 22, the frictional force between the sealing member 7 and the cover 22 may become too large when the cover 22 expands and contracts due to the effects of heat, potentially causing excessive stress on the cover 22.

[0076] However, as described above, by making the sealing piece 71 of the sealing member 7 tightly adhere to the inner surfaces of the front wall 220 and the side wall portion 211 of the cover 22, the frictional force between the sealing member 7 and the cover 22 does not become excessively large, and stress generated in the cover 22 can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, when the end member 6 is attached to the longitudinal ends of the support member 21 and the cover 22, the pair of retaining pieces 605 of the cover end portion 60 are positioned to overlap with the ends of the substrate 200 of the light source module 20 in the vertical direction (see Figure 16). Therefore, when an external force is applied to the cover end portion 60, the retaining pieces 605 press against the substrate 200, preventing the cover end portion 60 from collapsing into the cover 22.

[0078] As described above, the assembly of the light source unit 2 is completed by attaching one end member 6 to each of the longitudinal ends of the support member 21 and the cover 22.

[0079] (2-7) Installation procedure for lighting fixtures Next, the procedure for installing lighting fixture A1 on the ceiling will be explained. The worker performing the installation inserts the power cable 80, which has been pulled out into the room through a hole in the ceiling, into the first wire hole 12 of the fixture body 1. The worker also inserts the signal cable, which has been pulled out into the room through a hole in the ceiling, into the second wire hole 13. Then, the worker inserts the two suspension bolts that protrude downward from the ceiling into the two bolt insertion holes 14 of the fixture body 1, one bolt at a time, and tightens nuts on each suspension bolt to attach the fixture body 1 to the ceiling. The worker also connects the power cable 80 to the power terminal block 15.

[0080] Next, the worker temporarily suspends the light source unit 2 from the fixture body 1 by hooking the ends of the two strings attached to the string attachment parts 232 of the two mounting bases 23 into the two hooking holes 18 of the fixture body 1, one string at a time. In this state, the worker connects the receptacle connector 55 of the power supply unit 5 to the plug connector 16 of the fixture body 1. Furthermore, the worker connects the signal wires of the signal cable inserted through the second wire hole 13 of the fixture body 1 to the signal terminal block 52.

[0081] Then, the worker supports the temporarily suspended light source unit 2 with both hands and brings it closer to the fixture body 1, inserting the mounting spring 30 of the fixture body 1 between the pair of side wall portions 211 of the support member 21. At this time, the tip of the side wall portion 211 comes into contact with the guide piece 400 of the guide member 40, ensuring that the mounting spring 30 is securely inserted between the pair of side wall portions 211. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the spring piece 300 of the mounting spring 30 from coming out of the side wall portion 211, thus preventing the occurrence of problems such as excessive force being applied to the spring piece 300 and causing plastic deformation.

[0082] Furthermore, the tips of the pair of spring pieces 300 of the mounting spring 30 are inclined inward (away from the hook portion 31). Therefore, the worker can smoothly bend the tips of the spring pieces 300 without them getting caught on the hook portion 31, and ultimately securely hook the spring pieces 300 onto the hook portion 31.

[0083] Furthermore, since the limiting member 41 limits the amount of deformation (deflection) of the spring piece 300, it is possible to prevent problems such as plastic deformation caused by excessive force being applied to the spring piece 300.

[0084] The mounting spring 30, inserted between a pair of side wall portions 211, has each of its spring pieces 300 tips hook onto the hook portions 31 on the inner surface of each side wall portion 211 (see Figures 11 and 15). In other words, the light source unit 2 is attached to the fixture body 1 by the mounting member 3 consisting of two mounting springs 30 and hook portions 31. If an operator pulls the light source unit 2 downwards, the tips of the mounting springs 30 will detach from the hook portions 31, allowing the light source unit 2 to be removed from the fixture body 1.

[0085] Here, as shown in Figure 17, the light source unit 2 creates a small gap between the longitudinal end of the cover 22 and the wall portion 601 of the cover end portion 60 of the end member 6. In other words, while the power supply unit 5 is operating and the light source module 20 is lit, the temperature of the cover 22 rises, and the cover 22, which is made of a synthetic resin molded body, expands due to thermal expansion. If there were no gap between the end of the cover 22 and the wall portion 601 of the cover end portion 60, the end of the cover 22 that has expanded due to thermal expansion would come into contact with the wall portion 601, preventing the expansion of the cover 22 and potentially causing problems such as warping or deformation of the cover 22. However, by providing a gap between the end of the cover 22 and the wall portion 601 of the cover end portion 60 as described above, the light source unit 2 makes it less likely for the end of the cover 22 that has expanded due to thermal expansion to come into contact with the wall portion 601. As a result, the light source unit 2 and the lighting fixture A1 can suppress the occurrence of problems such as damage to the cover 22 due to the expansion of the cover 22 due to thermal expansion.

[0086] Furthermore, even if a small gap is created between the longitudinal end of the cover 22 and the wall portion 601 of the cover end portion 60 of the end member 6, the boundary portion between the cover 22 and the support member 21 is sealed by the pair of ribs 72 of the sealing member 7 (see Figure 17). Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the cover 22 through the gap at the boundary portion between the cover 22 and the support member 21.

[0087] Incidentally, there are cases where multiple lighting fixtures A1 are installed on the ceiling in a line without any gaps between them. In this case, the cover 63 is removed from the main body 610 of the end cap portion 61, and the power cable 80 and signal cable are routed through the hole 611 of the end cap portion 61. However, since the worker only needs to pull off the cover 63 from the end cap portion 61 of the light source unit 2 before attaching it to the fixture body 1, the efficiency of the wiring work can be improved.

[0088] (3) Features of the Embodiment One feature of the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment is that a power terminal block 15 to which a power cable 80 is connected is provided on the fixture body 1, and a signal terminal block 52 to which a signal cable is connected is provided on the light source unit 2. However, the power terminal 15 may be provided on the light source unit 2, and the signal terminal block 52 may also be provided on the light source unit 2.

[0089] According to the above features, compared to the case where both the power terminal block 15 and the signal terminal block 52 are provided together on either the fixture body 1 or the light source unit 2, it becomes easier to secure extra space for wiring the power cable 80 and the signal cable. In other words, when both the power terminal block 15 and the signal terminal block 52 are attached to the fixture body 1, the width dimension (length dimension in the front-to-back direction) of the fixture body 1 needs to be increased in order to secure space for wiring the power table 80 and the signal cable in the width direction of the fixture body 1.

[0090] In contrast, in the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment, the power terminal block 15 and the signal terminal block 52 are provided separately on the fixture body 1 and the light source unit 2, so that space can be secured for wiring the power cable 80 and the signal cable in the height direction (up and down direction) of the fixture body 1.

[0091] As a result, the lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment can be made slimmer by making it easier to secure space for wiring the power cable 80 and the signal cable, and by reducing the extra space required for the power cable 80 and the signal cable.

[0092] Here, the electrical cable used for the power cable 80 (for example, a VVF cable) is stiffer and less flexible than the electrical cable used for signal cables (for example, a CPEV cable for signal transmission). Therefore, it is easier to determine the amount (length) of the power cable 80 to be pulled in from the first wire hole 12 if the power terminal block 15 is provided on the fixture body 1 which is fixed to the building material (ceiling finishing material). In other words, if the power terminal block 15 is provided on the light source unit 2, when attaching the light source unit 2 to the fixture body 1, it is necessary to return the power cable 80 pulled in from the first wire hole 12 to the ceiling space through the first wire hole 12, which reduces work efficiency. Thus, the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment can improve the work efficiency of wiring work compared to the case where the power terminal block 15 is provided on the light source unit 2.

[0093] Furthermore, in the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment, the first wire hole 12, the power terminal block 15, the second wire hole 13, the signal terminal block 52, and the power unit 5 are arranged in order from the longitudinal end along the longitudinal direction of the fixture body 1 (see Figure 4). In other words, since the power terminal 15 is located right next to the first wire hole 12, the amount (length) of the power cable 80 pulled in from the first wire hole 12 can be kept to a minimum. In addition, since the signal terminal block 52 is located right next to the second wire hole 13, the amount (length) of the signal cable pulled in from the second wire hole 13 can also be kept to a minimum.

[0094] However, in the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment, the amount (length) of the power cable 80 introduced from the first wire hole 12 and the signal cable introduced from the second wire hole 13 can be reduced. As a result, the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment can be made even slimmer by reducing the extra space required for the power cable 80 and the signal cable.

[0095] Furthermore, in the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment, the first wire hole 12, power terminal block 15, second wire hole 13, signal terminal block 52, and power unit 5 are arranged so as not to overlap with each other in the mounting direction (up and down direction) of the light source unit 2 to the fixture body 1 (see Figure 4). As a result, the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment can reduce the height dimension (vertical length dimension) compared to the case where the first wire hole 12, power terminal block 15, second wire hole 13, signal terminal block 52, and power unit 5 are arranged to overlap in the vertical direction.

[0096] Furthermore, in the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment, the bolt insertion hole 14 is located between the power terminal block 15 and the signal terminal block 52 in the longitudinal direction of the fixture body 1 (see Figure 4). With this configuration, the possibility of the suspension bolt inserted through the bolt insertion hole 14 coming into contact with the power terminal block 15 and the signal terminal block 52 is reduced, thereby improving the workability of the installation work.

[0097] (4) Variations Modified examples of the lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. However, the modified lighting fixture A2 has a configuration common to lighting fixture A1, except for the structure of the functional block 4. Therefore, in the modified lighting fixture A2, components common to lighting fixture A1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their illustration and description are omitted as appropriate.

[0098] In the modified functional block 4 of lighting fixture A2, the third retaining piece 423 of the retaining member 42 is formed in an L-shape. In addition, a pair of claws 44 are provided at the tip of the flange portion 431 of the bushing portion 43 and at the upper end of the guide piece 400 of the guide member 40 (see Figure 18). The functional block 4 is attached to the fixture body 1 by hooking these claws 44 onto the edge of the second wire hole 13 and the edge of the hooking hole 102 of the base plate 10.

[0099] In the modified lighting fixture A2, as with lighting fixture A1, the holding member 42 can hold the electric wire 17, preventing damage to the insulation of the electric wire 17.

[0100] (5) Summary A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to a first aspect of this disclosure comprises a long fixture body (1), a long light source unit (2) detachably attached to the fixture body (1), and a power supply unit (5) that supplies power to the light source unit (2). The lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the first aspect comprises a power terminal block (15) for connecting a wire (power cable 80) connected to an external power source to the power supply unit (5), and a signal terminal block (52) for connecting a signal line connected to an external signal transmission source to the power supply unit (5). One of the terminal blocks, the power terminal block (15) and the signal terminal block (52), is provided on the fixture body (1), and the other terminal block, excluding the one of the power terminal block (15) and the signal terminal block (52), is provided on the light source unit (2).

[0101] The lighting fixtures (A1; A2) according to the first embodiment make it easier to secure space for wiring electric wires and signal wires, and can be made slimmer by reducing the extra space required for electric wires and signal wires.

[0102] Lighting fixtures (A1; A2) according to a second aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combining with the first aspect. In the lighting fixtures (A1; A2) according to the second aspect, it is preferable that a power terminal block (15) is provided on the fixture body (1) and a signal terminal block (52) is provided on the light source unit (2).

[0103] The lighting fixtures (A1; A2) according to the second embodiment can improve the workability of wiring work compared to the case in which the power terminal block (15) is provided on the light source unit (2).

[0104] A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to a third aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with the second aspect. In the lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the third aspect, the light source unit (2) preferably has a long light source module (20) and a support member (21) that supports the light source module (20) and the power supply unit (5).

[0105] In the third embodiment of the lighting fixture (A1; A2), the power supply unit (5) is supported by the support member (21) of the light source unit (2), so the length of the wiring for connecting the power supply unit (5) and the light source module (20) can be shortened.

[0106] A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to third aspects. In the lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the fourth aspect, the fixture body (1) is preferably formed in the shape of a long plate and is provided with a first wire hole (12) for drawing in electric wires and a second wire hole (13) for drawing in signal wires. The first wire hole (12), power terminal block (15), second wire hole (13), and signal terminal block (52) are preferably arranged in order along the longitudinal direction of the fixture body (1).

[0107] The lighting fixtures (A1;A2) according to the fourth embodiment can reduce the amount (length) of the electric wires introduced from the first wire hole (12) and the signal wires introduced from the second wire hole (13). As a result, the lighting fixtures (A1;A2) according to the fourth embodiment can be made even slimmer by reducing the extra space required for the electric wires and signal wires.

[0108] A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with a fourth aspect. In the lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the fifth aspect, it is preferable that the first wire hole (12), power terminal block (15), second wire hole (13), signal terminal block (52), and power unit (5) are arranged so as not to overlap each other in the mounting direction of the light source unit (2) to the fixture body (1).

[0109] The lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the fifth embodiment can reduce the height dimension compared to the case in which the first wire hole (12), power terminal block (15), second wire hole (13), signal terminal block (52), and power unit (5) are arranged to overlap in the vertical direction.

[0110] A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to a sixth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with a fourth or fifth aspect. In a lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to a sixth aspect, the fixture body (1) preferably has bolt holes (14) through which bolts for attachment to a building material are inserted. The bolt holes (14) preferably are located in the longitudinal direction of the fixture body (1) between a power terminal block (15) and a signal terminal block (52).

[0111] In the lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the sixth embodiment, the possibility of the suspension bolts inserted through the bolt insertion holes (14) coming into contact with the power terminal block (15) and the signal terminal block (52) is reduced, thereby improving the workability of the installation work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] A1;A2 Lighting equipment 1. Main body of the device 2 Light source units 5 Power supply unit 10 Bottom plate 12 1st wire hole 13 2nd wire hole 14 Bolt insertion holes 15 Power terminal block 20 Light Source Modules 21 Support member 52 Signal terminal block 80 Power cable (electrical wire)

Claims

1. The device comprises a long fixture body, a long light source unit detachably attached to the fixture body, a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source unit, a power terminal block for connecting the power supply unit to wires connected to an external power source, and a signal terminal block for connecting the power supply unit to signal wires connected to an external signal transmission source. The power terminal block is provided on the main body of the device, and the signal terminal block is provided on the light source unit. The device body has a long, plate-shaped base plate, a first wire hole provided in the base plate for drawing in the electric wire, and a second wire hole provided in the base plate for drawing in the signal wire. The power terminal block and the first wire hole are provided one at each end of the bottom plate in the longitudinal direction. The aforementioned signal terminal blocks are arranged one on each side of the power supply unit in the longitudinal direction of the light source unit. The two power terminal blocks, the two signal terminal blocks, the power supply unit, and the second wire hole are arranged sequentially between the two first wire holes along the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate. Lighting fixtures.

2. The light source unit comprises a long light source module and a support member that supports the light source module and the power supply unit. The lighting fixture according to claim 1.

3. The first wire hole, the power terminal block, the second wire hole, the signal terminal block, and the power unit are arranged so as not to overlap with each other in the mounting direction of the light source unit to the fixture body. The lighting fixture according to claim 1.

4. The bottom plate has bolt holes through which bolts for attaching it to the building material are inserted. The bolt insertion holes are located in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate, between the power terminal block and the signal terminal block. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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