Lighting fixtures and light source units

JP2026137717APending Publication Date: 2026-08-27PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2026099179
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-06-15
Publication Date
2026-08-27

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

【0011】 本開示の照明器具及び光源ユニットは、受光感度の向上を図ることができるという効果がある。

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Abstract

The objective of this disclosure is to improve light reception sensitivity. [Solution] The lighting fixture comprises a support member 3, a light source module 1, a light receiving unit 40, and a cover. The support member 3 has a through hole 32 that penetrates from a first surface 30A to a second surface 30B in the region sandwiched between the extensions, and an insulating member that closes the through hole 32 on the second surface 30B. The light receiving unit 40 faces the through hole 32. The insulating member has electrical insulating properties and is permeable to electromagnetic waves received by the light receiving unit 40. The insulating member includes a second insulating member (case cover 43B) having a hole (opening 44) connected to the through hole 32, and a first insulating member (partition wall 441) that covers the hole in the second insulating member.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture and a light source unit, and more particularly, to a remotely controllable lighting fixture and a light source unit included in the lighting fixture.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional example, the light source unit and the lighting fixture described in Patent Document 1 are exemplified. The lighting fixture described in Patent Document 1 includes a light source unit and an appliance body that removably holds the light source unit. The light source unit includes a light source module, a lighting device that controls the power supplied to the light source module, a light receiving element unit that receives a remote control signal (infrared signal) and controls the lighting device, a support plate that supports the light source module, and a cover that is attached to the support plate so as to cover the light source module.

[0003] The light receiving element unit includes a light receiving element having a light receiving portion for receiving infrared rays, a circuit board on which the light receiving element is mounted, and a case that houses the circuit board. The case has a first opening that exposes the light receiving portion of the light receiving element from the case.

[0004] The support plate is made of a metal plate, the light source module is provided on the first surface side, and the light receiving element unit is provided on the second surface side opposite to the first surface. The support plate has a second opening formed in a portion where the light source module is not provided. The second opening is circular or elliptical such that at least a part thereof overlaps with the first opening when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface. That is, the light receiving element receives the infrared signal through the first opening and the second opening.

[0005] The cover has a support portion that extends along the first surface of the support plate. The cover is fixed to the support plate so as to cover the light source module. The second opening of the support plate is blocked by the support portion of the cover. Thereby, entry of foreign matter into the space on the second surface side of the support plate from the second opening is prevented.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-82520 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, in the conventional example described in Patent Document 1, the infrared signal received by the light-receiving unit must pass through two components: the cover and the support. Therefore, it was difficult to improve the light-receiving sensitivity of the infrared signal in the light-receiving element.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a lighting fixture and light source unit that can improve light reception sensitivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A lighting fixture according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a support member, a light source, a light receiving unit, and a cover. The support member has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The light source is supported by the support member on the side of the first surface. The light receiving unit is positioned on the side of the support member to the second surface. The cover covers the light source from a direction opposite to the first surface. The cover has extensions that project from the periphery of the cover in a direction toward the light source along the first surface. The support member has a through hole that penetrates from the first surface to the second surface in a region sandwiched by the extensions, and an insulating member that closes the through hole on the second surface. The light receiving unit faces the through hole. The insulating member is electrically insulating and can transmit electromagnetic waves received by the light receiving unit. The insulating member includes a second insulating member having a hole connected to the through hole, and a first insulating member that covers the hole in the second insulating member.

[0010] A light source unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in a lighting fixture. The light source unit comprises the support member, the light source, the light receiving unit, and the cover. The light source unit is detachably attached to a fixture body which is attached to a building material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The lighting fixture and light source unit of this disclosure have the effect of improving light reception sensitivity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a circuit block diagram of the light source unit in the same lighting fixture. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a partially broken perspective view of the infrared module in the same lighting fixture. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the light source unit shown above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view of the same lighting fixture, with some parts of the light source module, support member, and cover omitted. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partially broken perspective view of the infrared module in the same lighting fixture. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the installation status of the lighting fixtures mentioned above. [Figure 10] Figure 10A is a partially omitted side view of the light source module, support member, and cover in Modification 1 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 10B is a partially omitted side view of another configuration of the light source module, support member, and cover in Modification 1 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 10C is a partially omitted side view of yet another configuration of the light source module, support member, and cover in Modification 1 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 10D is a partially omitted side view of yet another configuration of the light source module, support member, and cover in Modification 1 of the above lighting fixture. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a side view of another configuration of a light source module, a support member, and a cover in the first modification of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of a light source module, a support member, and a cover in the second modification of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view with a partial omission of a light source module, a support member, and a cover in the third modification of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view with a partial omission of another configuration of a light source module, a support member, and a cover in the third modification of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view with a partial omission of yet another configuration of a light source module, a support member, and a cover in the third modification of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 16] FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another configuration of the support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view of a main part of yet another configuration of the support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 17] FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another configuration of the support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view of a main part of yet another configuration of the support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 17D is a cross-sectional view of a main part of yet another different configuration of the support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 18] FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another configuration of the support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional view of a main part of yet another configuration of the support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 19] FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another configuration of the support member in the fourth modification of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 20]FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a support member in Modification Example 4 of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another configuration of the support member in Modification Example 4 of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view of a main part of yet another configuration of the support member in Modification Example 4 of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 21] FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a support member in Modification Example 4 of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another configuration of the support member in Modification Example 4 of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 21C is a cross-sectional view of a main part of yet another configuration of the support member in Modification Example 4 of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 21D is a cross-sectional view of a main part of yet another configuration of the support member in Modification Example 4 of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 22] FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a light source module and a support member in Modification Example 4 of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another configuration of the light source module and the support member in Modification Example 4 of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a front view of Modification Example 5 of the lighting fixture described above. [[ID=,10]] [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a light source module, a support member, and a cover in Modification Example 5 of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a light source unit in Modification Example 6 of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another configuration of the light source unit in Modification Example 6 of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 27] FIG. 27A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of yet another configuration of the light source unit in Modification Example 6 of the lighting fixture described above. FIG. 27B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of yet another configuration of the light source unit in Modification Example 6 of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another configuration of the light source unit in Modification Example 6 of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 29]Figure 29A is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the substrate and support member in Modification 6 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 29B is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of another configuration of the substrate and support member in Modification 6 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 29C is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of yet another configuration of the substrate and support member in Modification 6 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 29D is a cross-sectional view of yet another configuration of the substrate and support member in Modification 6 of the above lighting fixture. [Figure 30] Figure 30A is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the substrate and support member in Modification 6 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 30B is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of another configuration of the substrate and support member in Modification 6 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 30C is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the support member and case in Modification 6 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 30D is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of another configuration of the support member and case in Modification 6 of the above lighting fixture. [Figure 31] Figure 31A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the main parts of the support member and components in the modified example 7 of the same lighting fixture. Figure 31B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the main parts of another configuration of the support member and components in the modified example 7 of the same lighting fixture. Figure 31C is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of yet another configuration of the support member and components in the modified example 7 of the same lighting fixture. Figure 31D is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of yet yet another configuration of the support member and components in the modified example 7 of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the substrate in modified example 8 of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 33] Figure 33A is a plan view of the main parts of the support member and light receiving section in Modification 9 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 33B is a plan view of the main parts of another configuration of the support member and light receiving section in Modification 9 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 33C is a plan view of the main parts of yet another configuration of the support member and light receiving section in Modification 9 of the above lighting fixture. Figure 33D is a plan view of the main parts of yet yet another configuration of the support member and light receiving section in Modification 9 of the above lighting fixture. [Figure 34] Figure 34A is a plan view of the main parts of the support member and light receiving section in the modified example 9 of the same lighting fixture. Figure 34B is a plan view of another configuration of the main parts of the support member and light receiving section in the modified example 9 of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 35]Figure 35A is a plan view of the main components of the substrate, support member, and light-receiving part in modified example 10 of the same lighting fixture. Figure 35B is a plan view of the main components of another configuration of the substrate, support member, and light-receiving part in modified example 10 of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 36] Figure 36A is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the light source module, support member, and infrared module in the modified example 11 of the lighting fixture described above. Figure 36B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main parts of the light source module, support member, and infrared module in the modified example 11 of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main parts of the support member, power supply unit, and insulating member in modified example 11 of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 38] Figure 38A is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the support member, power supply unit, and insulating member in the modified example 12 of the lighting fixture described above. Figure 38B is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of another configuration of the support member, power supply unit, and insulating member in the modified example 12 of the lighting fixture described above. Figure 38C is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of yet another configuration of the support member, power supply unit, and insulating member in the modified example 12 of the lighting fixture described above. Figure 38D is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of yet yet another configuration of the support member, power supply unit, and insulating member in the modified example 12 of the lighting fixture described above. [Figure 39] Figure 39A is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the light source module, support member, and infrared module in the modified example 13 of the same lighting fixture. Figure 39B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main parts of the light source module, support member, power supply unit, and infrared module in the modified example 13 of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 40] Figure 40A is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the light source module, support member, and infrared module in modified example 13 of the same lighting fixture. Figure 40B is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of another configuration of the light source module, support member, and infrared module in modified example 13 of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 41]Figure 41A is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the light source module, support member, and infrared module in modified example 13 of the same lighting fixture. Figure 41B is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of another configuration of the light source module, support member, and infrared module in modified example 13 of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the light source module, support member, and infrared module in modified example 13 of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a reference example lighting fixture. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view of a key part of another configuration in the lighting fixture of the above reference example. [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of a key part of yet another configuration in the lighting fixture of the above reference example. [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a cross-sectional view of yet another key component of the lighting fixture in the above reference example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, lighting fixtures and light source units according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.

[0014] (1) Overview As shown in Figure 1, the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment comprises a support member 3, a light source (light source module 1), a light receiving unit 40, and a cover 5.

[0015] The support member 3 has a first surface 30A and a second surface 30B opposite to the first surface 30A. The light source module 1 is supported by the support member 3 on the side of the first surface 30A. The light receiving unit 40 is located on the side of the second surface 30B of the support member 3. The light source module 1 includes, for example, a substrate 11 and one or more light-emitting elements (LEDs 10) mounted on the substrate 11.

[0016] The cover 5 covers the light source module 1 from a direction opposite to the first surface 30A of the support member 3. The cover 5 also has extensions 53 that project from its periphery (both left and right ends in Figure 1) along the first surface 30A toward the light source module 1.

[0017] The support member 3 has a through hole 32 in the region S1 sandwiched between the extensions 53, which penetrates from the first surface 30A to the second surface 30B. The light receiving section 40 faces the through hole 32.

[0018] The lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment allows the light receiving unit 40 to receive an optical signal through the through hole 32 in the support member 3. Therefore, the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment can improve the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving unit 40 by suppressing the attenuation of the optical signal until it passes through the through hole 32 in the support member 3.

[0019] (2) Details As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lighting fixture A1 (hereinafter referred to as lighting fixture A1) according to the embodiment of this disclosure comprises a light source unit B1 (hereinafter referred to as light source unit B1) according to the embodiment of this disclosure and a fixture body 6. The light source unit B1 is detachably attached to the fixture body 6 which is directly attached to the ceiling (building material). However, the fixture body 6 may be embedded in the ceiling, or it may be directly attached to the wall, or it may be embedded in the wall.

[0020] The fixture body 6 comprises a rectangular box-shaped housing 60 with an open bottom, a pair of reflectors 61 projecting diagonally upward from the open edges on both sides along the longitudinal direction of the housing 60, and a pair of end plates 62 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the housing 60 and the pair of reflectors 61 (see Figure 3). The fixture body 6 is installed on the ceiling by inserting suspension bolts (not shown) through at least two of the multiple mounting holes 63 provided on the bottom surface of the housing 60, and tightening nuts (not shown) onto these suspension bolts. In addition, a power wire is inserted through one of the multiple power holes 64 provided on the bottom surface of the housing 60. The power wire inserted through the power hole 64 is electrically connected to a terminal block 65 attached to the inner bottom surface of the housing 60. Three wires 66 are drawn out from the terminal block 65. The ends of these three wires 66 are electrically connected to a single male power connector 67.

[0021] (2-1) Light source unit As shown in Figure 3, the light source unit B1 comprises a light source module 1, a power supply unit 2, a support member 3, an infrared module 4, and a cover 5.

[0022] (2-1-1) Light source module The light source module 1 has two substrates 11 and a number of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 10 mounted on the surface (bottom surface) of each substrate 11. The light-emitting elements, LEDs 10, are, for example, packaged white LEDs for illumination. However, the light-emitting elements are not limited to LEDs and may also be organic electroluminescent elements or semiconductor laser elements, etc.

[0023] Each circuit board 11 is formed in a long rectangular shape. However, the circuit board 11 may be composed of multiple circuit boards connected in the longitudinal direction. Numerous LEDs 10 are mounted in a single row at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of each circuit board 11, in the center of the short side of the surface (bottom surface) of each circuit board 11 (see Figure 3). The numerous LEDs 10 are electrically connected in series or series-parallel by printed wiring formed on the surface of each circuit board 11. In addition, two sets of connectors 12 are mounted on one end of the longitudinal side of the surface of each circuit board 11. The printed wiring formed on the surface of each circuit board 11 is electrically connected via the two sets of connectors 12.

[0024] (2-1-2) Support Member The support member 3 is formed from a metal plate into a long, rectangular trough shape. The support member 3 has a long, rectangular base plate 30 and a pair of side plates 31 that rise upward from both ends along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 30. The light source module 1 is attached to the first surface 30A (bottom surface) of the base plate 30 by a plurality of claws 301 cut out from the base plate 30. Note that the width of the base plate 30 in the short direction is greater than the width of the substrate 11 in the short direction (see Figure 3). However, the light source module 1 may also be attached to the base plate 30 by sliding the substrate 11 along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 30 and hooking it onto the plurality of claws 301, and then restricting the movement of the substrate 11 with retaining pieces provided on the base plate 30. Alternatively, an attachment method in which protrusions other than the claws 301 are hooked onto the ends of the substrate 11, or an attachment method in which the substrate 11 is bonded to the base plate 30 with adhesive may be used.

[0025] Furthermore, the base plate 30 has protrusions 34 at both ends in its short direction (see Figure 6). Each protrusion 34 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the base plate 30 and protrudes downward from the first surface 30A of the base plate 30. The pair of side plates 31 protrude upward from the outer ends of the protrusions 34.

[0026] Furthermore, the base plate 30 is provided with a through hole 32 that penetrates from the first surface 30A to the second surface 30B (top surface) of the base plate 30 (see Figure 6). This through hole 32 is located outside the light source module 1 and inside the protrusion 34 in the short-side direction of the base plate 30. In other words, the through hole 32 is located in a position that does not overlap with the light source module 1 when viewed from the thickness direction (up and down direction) of the base plate 30 (see Figure 6). Note that although the shape of the through hole 32 when viewed from the thickness direction of the base plate 30 is circular, it may also be an ellipse, quadrilateral, or other shape.

[0027] (2-1-3) Power supply unit As shown in Figure 3, the power supply unit 2 includes a power supply device 20 and a power supply case 21 that houses the power supply device 20. The power supply device 20 is composed of a printed circuit board 22 with various electronic components, including integrated circuits, and a female power connector 23 mounted on it. The power connector 23 is electrically and mechanically connected to a power connector 67.

[0028] The power supply case 21 is formed from a metal plate into a long, rectangular box shape with one side (the bottom) open. The power supply case 21 houses the power supply unit 20 and is fixed to the support member 3 with its opening facing the second surface 30B (top surface) of the bottom plate 30.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the power supply unit 20 is supplied with AC power from the commercial power grid 9 through the power connector 23. The power supply unit 20 includes a power conversion circuit 200, a constant current circuit 201, a control circuit 202, a control power supply circuit 203, a pair of output terminals 204 and 205, a signal terminal 206, a control power supply terminal 207, and a ground terminal 208. One output terminal 204 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the light source module 1, and the other output terminal 205 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the light source module 1.

[0030] The power conversion circuit 200 is configured to convert AC power supplied from the power system 9 into DC power. The power conversion circuit 200 includes, for example, a full-wave rectifier circuit, a power factor correction circuit (boost chopper circuit), and a buck converter (step-down chopper circuit). Alternatively, the power conversion circuit 200 may consist of a full-wave rectifier circuit and a converter circuit. The converter circuit has a single-stage converter (also called a one-converter) capable of performing voltage conversion and power factor correction in parallel. Specifically, the converter circuit has a SEPIC (Single Ended Primary Inductance Converter) type DC / DC converter circuit.

[0031] The constant current circuit 201 is configured to match the DC current supplied from the power conversion circuit 200 to the light source module 1 via a pair of output terminals 204 and 205 to a target value.

[0032] The control circuit 202 primarily comprises a microcontroller. The control circuit 202 is configured to switch the operation and shutdown of the power conversion circuit 200 and the constant current circuit 201, and to change the target value of the DC current (load current) in the constant current circuit 201, in accordance with the control information received from the infrared module 4.

[0033] The control circuit 202 receives a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal from the infrared module 4 through the signal terminal 206 and the ground terminal 208. The PWM signal transmits control information by changing the duty cycle of a fixed-period square wave signal. For example, when the duty cycle is between 95% and 100%, control information is transmitted that sets the target load current to zero. Also, when the duty cycle is 5% or less, control information is transmitted that sets the target load current to the current rating of the light source module 1. Furthermore, when the duty cycle is any value within the range of 95% to 5%, control information is transmitted that sets the target load current to a corresponding value within the range of 5% to 100% of the rated current value of the light source module 1.

[0034] The control power supply circuit 203 is configured to generate a control power supply voltage from the DC output of the power conversion circuit 200. The control power supply circuit 203 is configured to create a control power supply voltage (for example, a DC voltage of about 5V to 3.3V) from the output voltage of the power conversion circuit 200. The control power supply circuit 203 applies the created control power supply voltage to the control power supply terminal 207 and the ground terminal 208 and supplies it to the infrared module 4 via two wires 46.

[0035] (2-1-4) Infrared module (2-1-4-1) Circuit configuration of the infrared module The infrared module 4 has a light receiving unit 40 and a signal circuit unit 41, and receives (receives light from) an optical signal (infrared signal) transmitted from the remote controller 7 (see Figure 4) to acquire control information. The infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 7 conforms to a standard defined by, for example, the Japan Home Appliance Manufacturers' Association, the so-called JFA format. In the JFA format, the carrier wave consists of an infrared signal with a peak wavelength of 900-950 nm, a duty cycle of 50%, and a frequency of 33 kHz or higher and 40 kHz or lower, which is pulse-position modulated. However, the optical signal may be an infrared signal conforming to a protocol other than the JFA format. Alternatively, the optical signal may use light other than infrared (for example, visible light).

[0036] The light-receiving unit 40 has a light-receiving element (for example, a photodiode or phototransistor) for receiving infrared light (infrared light). The light-receiving unit 40 shapes the output signal of the light-receiving element and amplifies it before outputting it. In other words, the light-receiving unit 40 converts the optical signal (infrared signal) into an electrical signal and outputs it. In the following description, the electrical signal output from the light-receiving unit 40 will be referred to as the received signal.

[0037] The signal circuit unit 41 demodulates the received signal output by the light receiving unit 40 to acquire control information. The control information includes commands such as a lighting command to turn on the light source unit B1, a turning-off command to turn off the light source unit B1, and a dimming command to specify the dimming ratio of the light source unit B1.

[0038] Furthermore, the signal circuit unit 41 converts the acquired control information (on command, off command, and dimming command) into a PWM signal. For example, if the signal circuit unit 41 acquires an on command, it converts it into a PWM signal with a duty cycle of 3%, and if it acquires an off command, it converts it into a PWM signal with a duty cycle of 100%. Also, if the signal circuit unit 41 acquires a dimming command, it converts it into a PWM signal with a duty cycle corresponding to the dimming ratio indicated in the dimming command. The signal circuit unit 41 outputs the converted PWM signal to the signal terminal 206 and ground terminal 208 of the power supply unit 20. The light receiving unit 40 and the signal circuit unit 41 operate on the control power supply voltage supplied from the control power supply circuit 203 of the power supply unit 20.

[0039] (2-1-4-2) Structure of an infrared module As shown in Figure 5, the infrared module 4 has a circuit board 42 and a case 43. The circuit board 42 is formed in a rectangular shape. A light receiving unit 40, a signal circuit unit 41, a signal connector, etc. are mounted on the surface (bottom surface) of the circuit board 42. However, the signal connector is not shown in Figure 5.

[0040] The light-receiving unit 40 has a light-receiving lens 401 provided on one side of a rectangular parallelepiped package 400 (see Figures 5 and 6). The light-receiving lens 401 is configured to focus infrared signals (infrared light) onto a light-receiving element such as a photodiode or phototransistor housed in the package 400.

[0041] (2-1-4-3) Case In Figure 5, the up / down, left / right, and front / back directions indicated by the arrows are defined as the up / down, left / right, and front / back directions of the infrared module 4, respectively.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, case 43 has a bottom wall 430, a front wall 431, a rear wall 432, a side wall 433, and a top wall 434, and is formed in a box shape with the left side open. Case 43 also has support parts 435 on the front wall 431 and the rear wall 432, respectively, to support both ends of the circuit board 42 along the longitudinal direction. Case 43 is constructed as a synthetic resin molded body made of a synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate resin. However, case 43 may be formed from a material other than synthetic resin, including metal, or from a hybrid material of metal and synthetic resin.

[0043] A circular opening 44 is formed at the rear end of the rightmost part of the lower wall 430. The opening 44 penetrates the lower wall 430 in the vertical direction and faces the light-receiving lens 401 of the light-receiving unit 40 mounted on the circuit board 42 in the vertical direction (see Figures 5 and 6). In other words, the light-receiving lens 401 of the light-receiving unit 40 faces outwards from the case 43 through the opening 44 in the lower wall 430. Therefore, the light-receiving unit 40 can receive infrared signals arriving from outside the case 43 through the opening 44 with the light-receiving lens 401.

[0044] Here, the opening 44 of the case 43 faces the through hole 32 provided in the bottom plate 30 of the support member 3 in the vertical direction (see Figures 5 and 6). Therefore, by designing the size of the opening 44 and the through hole 32 to be optimal, it is possible to secure the necessary receiving distance for the infrared module 4 while reducing the possibility of receiving optical signals (infrared signals) transmitted to other light source units.

[0045] The front wall 431 and rear wall 432 of case 43 each have one coupling male part 436. Each coupling male part 436 is formed in an E shape. Each coupling male part 436 is mechanically coupled to a pair of coupling female parts provided on the power supply case 21 (see Figure 3). The pair of coupling female parts are provided on one longitudinal side of the power supply case 21.

[0046] The case 43 is attached to one end of the power supply case 21 in the longitudinal direction by connecting a pair of male coupling parts 436 to a pair of female coupling parts (see Figure 3). Therefore, the lighting fixture A1 does not require a structure for attaching the case 43 to the support member 3, thus reducing the number of parts and the assembly process. However, the case 43 may also be attached to the support member 3 (for example, the side plate 31 of the support member 3). By attaching the case 43 to the support member 3, the lighting fixture A1 can increase the flexibility of the installation location of the infrared module 4. The three wires 46 of the infrared module 4 are electrically connected to the signal terminal 206, control power terminal 207, and ground terminal 208 of the power supply unit 20 by connecting plug connectors to receptacle connectors mounted on the printed circuit board 22 of the power supply unit 20 (see Figure 4).

[0047] (2-1-5) Cover The cover 5 has a cover body 50, a pair of protruding walls 51, and a pair of extensions 53 (see Figures 3 and 6). The cover body 50 is formed in a long semi-cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the cover body 50 is not limited to a long semi-cylindrical shape, and may be any shape such as a rectangular tube. The pair of extensions 53 protrude inward from both ends in the short direction of the cover body 50 along the longitudinal direction of the cover body 50. The pair of protruding walls 51 protrude upward along the longitudinal direction of the cover body 50 from connecting pieces 531 (described later) of the pair of extensions 53 (see Figure 6). A hook-shaped hook portion 52 is integrally provided at the upper end of each protruding wall 51 along the longitudinal direction of each protruding wall 51. The cover body 50, the pair of protruding walls 51, and the pair of hook portions 52 are integrally formed from a translucent synthetic resin such as acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin. However, the cover body 50, the pair of protruding walls 51, and the pair of extensions 53 may be made of a translucent material other than synthetic resin, such as inorganic glass such as quartz glass. The cover 5 houses the support member 3 between the pair of protruding walls 51, and is attached to the support member 3 by hooking the hooks 52 provided on the upper ends of the pair of protruding walls 51 onto the tips (upper ends) of the pair of side plates 31 of the support member 3 (see Figure 6).

[0048] The pair of extensions 53 are configured to cover at least a portion of the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30 of the support member 3 that is exposed to the outside of the light source module 1 (see Figure 6). The through hole 32 of the support member 3 is provided in the region S2 sandwiched between the light source module 1 and one of the extensions 53 (see Figure 6).

[0049] Each extension 53 has a main piece 530, a connecting piece 531, and a side piece 532 (see Figure 6). The connecting piece 531 is formed in a rectangular flat shape and protrudes inward from both ends in the short direction of the cover body 50 along the longitudinal direction of the cover body 50. The main piece 530 is formed in a V shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction and protrudes inward from the tip of the connecting piece 531 along the longitudinal direction of the cover body 50. The side piece 532 is formed in a rectangular flat shape and protrudes upward from the tip of the main piece 530 along the longitudinal direction of the cover body 50. The upper end of the side piece 532 contacts the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30 of the support member 3 when the cover 5 is attached to the support member 3 (see Figure 6). Furthermore, a portion of the main piece 530 (the portion outside the lowest end of the main piece 530) faces the projection 34 of the support member 3 with a small gap between them when the cover 5 is attached to the support member 3 (see Figure 6). This allows the projection 34 to contact the main piece 530 when an external force is applied to the cover 5, thereby suppressing excessive deformation of the extension 53.

[0050] Here, the cover body 50 is configured to diffuse the light (illumination light) emitted from the light source module 1. Specifically, the cover body 50 (or the entire cover 5) is made of synthetic resin, and a light-diffusing filler is filled into it, thereby imparting light diffusion properties to the cover body 50. Most of the light emitted from the light source module 1 (LED 10) enters the cover body 50 from its inner surface (top surface), is diffused by the filler, and exits the cover 5 from at least a portion of its outer surface (bottom surface). However, some of the light emitted from the light source module 1 is reflected from the inner surface of the cover body 50 and returns to the support member 3. Some of the light reflected from the inner surface of the cover body 50 is then reflected from the surface (bottom surface) of each extension 53 of the cover 5 and then passes through the cover body 50. However, some of the light emitted from the light source module 1 may also be directly reflected from the surface (bottom surface) of each extension 53.

[0051] Furthermore, the through-hole 32 that penetrates the bottom plate 30 of the support member 3 is located in the region S2 sandwiched between the light source module 1 (substrate 11) and the extension 53 (side piece 532). Therefore, the infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 7 passes through the cover body 50 and then passes through the through-hole 32 without passing through the extension 53 to be received by the light receiving unit 40 (see dashed line X1 in Figure 6). In other words, the only element that attenuates the infrared signal received by the light receiving unit 40 is the cover body 50, so by suppressing the attenuation of the infrared signal until it passes through the through-hole 32 of the support member 3, the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving unit 40 can be improved.

[0052] Here, it is preferable that the extension portion 53 is formed such that the reflectance of its surface (bottom surface) to visible light is higher than the reflectance of the inner surface of the cover body 50 to visible light. For example, when the extension portion 53 and the cover body 50 are integrally formed by two-color molding, it is preferable that the type or amount of filler filled in the synthetic resin forming the extension portion 53 is different from the type or amount of filler filled in the synthetic resin forming the cover body 50. Alternatively, the surface (bottom surface) of the extension portion 53 may be formed by two-layer two-color molding such that its reflectance to visible light is higher than that of the back surface (top surface) of the extension portion 53. In other words, the first layer 53A, including the back surface of the extension portion 53, may be formed of synthetic resin filled with the same type and amount of filler as the cover body 50, and the second layer 53B, including the surface of the extension portion 53, may be formed of synthetic resin filled with a different type of filler than that of the cover body 50, or with the same type but a different amount of filler (see Figure 7). Alternatively, the reflectivity to visible light may be increased by applying paint to the surface of the extension portion 53, which is made of the same synthetic resin as the cover body 50.

[0053] (2-2) Advantages of the lighting fixture according to the embodiment As described above, the lighting fixture A1 can receive optical signals (infrared signals) in the light receiving unit 40 through the through-hole 32 in the support member 3. Therefore, the lighting fixture A1 can improve the light receiving sensitivity in the light receiving unit 40 by suppressing the attenuation of the optical signal until it passes through the through-hole 32 in the support member 3. Moreover, since the lighting fixture A1 has an extension portion 53 on the cover 5 that protrudes along the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30 toward the light source module 1, the light distribution of the light emitted from the light source module 1 can be adjusted by the extension portion 53. For example, by making the surface (bottom surface) of the extension portion 53 a reflective surface, the lighting fixture A1 can improve the light extraction efficiency.

[0054] Furthermore, the lighting fixture A1 can protect the light source module 1 and control the light distribution (e.g., diffusion) of the light emitted from the light source module 1 by the cover 5 that covers the light source module 1 from the direction opposite to the first surface 30A of the base plate 30 (downward). However, the cover 5 may have one or more lenses and be configured to control the light distribution by the lenses.

[0055] Furthermore, the cover 5 covers the through-hole 32 from the direction opposite to the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30 (downward) (see Figure 6). In other words, the infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 7 passes through the cover body 50 of the cover 5 and is then received by the light receiving unit 40 through the through-hole 32. However, unlike the conventional example described in Patent Document 1, the lighting fixture A1 has only the cover 5 (cover body 50) as an element that attenuates the infrared signal. Therefore, the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving unit 40 can be improved while protecting the light source module 1 with the cover 5.

[0056] Furthermore, since the lighting fixture A1 adjusts the power supply from the power supply unit 20 to the light source module 1 in accordance with the infrared signal received by the light receiving unit 40, the power supply unit 20 can be remotely controlled. In addition, since the lighting fixture A1 uses infrared light as the medium for its optical signals, it is less susceptible to interference from light (visible light) emitted from other lighting fixtures, for example, compared to cases where visible light is used as the medium, and the accuracy of optical signal reception in the light receiving unit 40 can be improved.

[0057] Furthermore, since the lighting fixture A1 reflects the light emitted from the light source module 1 with the extension portion 53 of the cover 5, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and assembly processes by reducing the number of parts compared to the case where a separate reflective member is provided from the cover 5. Moreover, since the lighting fixture A1 has the extension portion 53 protruding from the end of the cover 5 (cover body 50) along the first surface 30A toward the light source module 1, the light extraction efficiency of the light emitted from the light source module 1 can be improved by covering a part of the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30 with the extension portion 53. In addition, the lighting fixture A1 can further improve the light extraction efficiency by tilting the lower surface of the extension portion 53 toward the light source module 1 as it moves away from the first surface 30A.

[0058] Furthermore, since the lighting fixture A1 has a protrusion 34 on the support member 3, the mechanical strength of the support member 3 can be improved compared to a case where the protrusion 34 is not provided. Moreover, by having the protrusion 34 protrude from the first surface 30A of the base plate 30, the lighting fixture A1 can reduce the possibility of the light receiving unit 40 mistakenly receiving infrared signals arriving from the side in the short direction of the fixture body 6.

[0059] Here, since the lighting fixture A1 covers at least a portion of the protrusion 34 with the extension 53, it becomes unnecessary to perform treatments such as painting the surface of the protrusion 34 in order to improve the light extraction efficiency of the light source module 1. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the lighting fixture A1 can be reduced.

[0060] Furthermore, since the lighting fixture A1 has a portion of its extension 53 (the tip of the side piece 532) in contact with the first surface 30A of the base plate 30 (see Figure 6), excessive deformation of the extension 53 can be suppressed when some external force is applied to the cover 5.

[0061] Here, because the main piece 530 of the extension 53 is formed in a V-shape, a gap 533 is created between the main piece 530 and the base plate 30 (see Figure 6). Therefore, the lighting fixture A1 can effectively utilize the gap 533, which would otherwise be dead space, by housing various parts, for example, screws 300 for fixing mounting members that attach the support member 3 to the fixture body 6 to the base plate 30, in the gap 533. Note that the parts that can be housed in the gap 533 are not limited to screws.

[0062] Furthermore, by positioning the infrared module 4 adjacent to the power supply unit 2, the lighting fixture A1 has the following advantages.

[0063] The smaller the difference between the frequency of common-mode noise flowing from the power supply unit 20 through the power supply case 21 to the support member 3 and the frequency of the infrared signal carrier (33kHz to 40kHz), the higher the likelihood that the common-mode noise will interfere with the received signal. If the common-mode noise interferes with the received signal, the likelihood of the power supply unit 2 malfunctioning or becoming inoperable increases.

[0064] However, in lighting fixture A1, since the infrared module 4 is located adjacent to the power supply unit 2, the wire 46 (see Figure 4) electrically connecting the infrared module 4 and the power supply unit 2 can be shortened. In other words, by shortening the wire 46 electrically connecting the infrared module 4 and the power supply unit 2, lighting fixture A1 can reduce the possibility of the received signal interfering with common-mode noise. As a result, lighting fixture A1 can improve the noise immunity (S / N ratio) of the infrared signal.

[0065] Furthermore, since the case 43 of the infrared module 4 is attached to the power supply case 21 of the power supply unit 2, the lighting fixture A1 can further shorten the wire 46 that electrically connects the infrared module 4 and the power supply unit 2. As a result, the lighting fixture A1 can further improve the noise immunity of the infrared signal.

[0066] However, if the light-receiving lens 401 of the light-receiving unit 40 is placed outside the case 43, the infrared signal reception range becomes too wide, which could lead to the reception of infrared signals transmitted towards other lighting fixtures.

[0067] In contrast, lighting fixture A1 allows the light-receiving unit 40 to receive infrared signals through the opening 44 of the case 43, thus narrowing the range in which the light-receiving unit 40 can receive infrared signals. As a result, lighting fixture A1 can reduce the possibility of mistakenly receiving infrared signals that are being sent to other lighting fixtures.

[0068] Furthermore, the opening 44 of the case 43 coincides with the through-hole 32 of the support member 3 along the thickness direction of the bottom plate 30. Therefore, the infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 7 is received by the light receiving unit 40 through the through-hole 32 of the support member 3 and the opening 44 of the case 43. For example, if the light receiving lens 401 of the light receiving unit 40 were placed on the surface (bottom surface) of the support member 3 (bottom plate 30), the infrared signal reception range would become too wide, potentially leading to the reception of infrared signals transmitted towards other lighting fixtures.

[0069] In contrast, lighting fixture A1 allows the light-receiving unit 40 to receive infrared signals through the opening 44 of the case 43 via the through-hole 32 of the support member 3, thereby narrowing the range in which the light-receiving unit 40 can receive infrared signals. As a result, lighting fixture A1 can reduce the possibility of mistakenly receiving infrared signals transmitted to other lighting fixtures. However, the light-receiving lens 401 of the light-receiving unit 40 may be inserted into the through-hole 32 to improve light-receiving sensitivity. In this case, the tip (lower end) of the light-receiving lens 401 may or may not protrude below the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30.

[0070] Incidentally, the through-hole 32 is positioned so as not to overlap with the light source module 1 when viewed from the thickness direction of the bottom plate 30 (see Figure 6). For example, if the through-hole were positioned to overlap with the light source module 1, a hole would be provided in the substrate 11 at the same position as the through-hole, causing the pitch of the LEDs 10 to be partially increased near the hole. As a result, the uniformity of the light distribution characteristics of the light source module may decrease.

[0071] In contrast, lighting fixture A1 can reduce the possibility of mistakenly receiving infrared signals transmitted to other lighting fixtures while simultaneously achieving uniformity in the light distribution characteristics of the light source module 1.

[0072] Furthermore, in the lighting fixture A1, a cylindrical peripheral wall 45 may be provided around the opening 44 of the case 43 (see Figure 8). The peripheral wall 45 protrudes from the case 43 so as to surround the opening 44 on the surface (bottom surface) of the case 43. Preferably, the tip (lower end) of the peripheral wall 45 is in contact with the second surface 30B (top surface) of the bottom plate 30, or is close enough not to be in contact. When the tip of the peripheral wall 45 is in contact with the second surface 30B of the bottom plate 30, it is possible to prevent foreign objects such as insects from entering the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30 through the opening 44. Alternatively, if the tip of the peripheral wall 45 is not in contact with the second surface 30B of the bottom plate 30, a tape made of a material that can transmit infrared rays may be attached to the tip of the peripheral wall 45 to prevent the entry of foreign objects.

[0073] The infrared signal passing through the through-hole 32 in the bottom plate 30 is reflected by the inner surface of the peripheral wall 45 provided in the case 43, reaches the opening 44 in the case 43, and is received by the light receiving unit 40. Therefore, the lighting fixture A1 can achieve further improvement in the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving unit 40 compared to a case where the peripheral wall 45 is not provided.

[0074] Furthermore, the inner surface of the peripheral wall 45 may be formed in a truncated cone shape, with the inner diameter decreasing from the tip (lower end) of the peripheral wall 45 towards the opening 44. If the inner surface of the peripheral wall 45 is formed in a truncated cone shape, most of the infrared signals that enter the interior of the peripheral wall 45 through the through hole 32 can reach the opening 44 and be received by the light receiving unit 40. In other words, the lighting fixture A1 can prevent the erroneous reception of unnecessary infrared signals (wireless signals transmitted to other lighting fixtures) while increasing the reception sensitivity of necessary infrared signals (infrared signals transmitted to lighting fixture A1).

[0075] By the way, there is a possibility that foreign objects such as insects may enter the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30 from the second surface 30B through the through-hole 32 provided in the bottom plate 30. Therefore, a sheet-like member made of a material that can transmit infrared rays, for example, a tape (insulating tape) made of a synthetic resin material such as polyethylene terephthalate, may be attached to the second surface 30B of the bottom plate 30 to seal the through-hole 32 with tape. By sealing the through-hole 32 with tape, the effect of improving the light receiving sensitivity of the infrared signal in the light receiving unit 40 will be slightly reduced, but the entry of foreign objects can be prevented. In addition, there are holes in the bottom plate 30 from when the multiple claws 301 were cut and bent. And there is a possibility that foreign objects may enter the second surface 30B of the bottom plate 30 from the first surface 30A through these holes. For this reason, in the light source unit B1, tape is attached to the second surface 30B of the bottom plate 30 to seal the holes caused by cutting and bending. Therefore, the through-holes 32 in the bottom plate 30 can be sealed with tape used to close holes created by cutting and bending. This would reduce the amount of tape used and simplify the tape application process.

[0076] Here, we assume a lighting space E1 in which numerous lighting fixtures A1 are installed on the ceiling at equal intervals (see Figure 9). This lighting space E1 is, for example, one floor of an office building, where multiple lighting fixtures A1 are installed so as to be arranged vertically and horizontally at equal intervals. The vertical spacing (the long side of the light source unit B1) of the multiple lighting fixtures A1 is denoted as P1, and the horizontal spacing (the short side of the light source unit B1) is denoted as P2.

[0077] For example, when operator H1 operates the remote controller 7 to turn on only one lighting fixture A1 directly above, it is desirable to minimize the possibility of the infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 7 being received by the adjacent lighting fixture A1. In other words, it is preferable that the range in which the light receiving unit 40 of each lighting fixture A1 can receive the infrared signal is narrower than the sum of the length of the lighting fixture A1 in the longitudinal direction and twice the vertical spacing P1, and also narrower than the sum of the length of the lighting fixture A1 in the short direction and twice the horizontal spacing P2. However, the range in which the infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 7 can reach is, for example, within a 20-degree angle from the tip of the remote controller 7 and at a distance of 5m to 6m from the tip of the remote controller 7.

[0078] However, by setting the size of the opening 44, the size of the through-hole 32, and the size of the surrounding wall 45 (axial length and inner diameter) of the lighting fixture A1 to appropriate values, it is possible to prevent the reception of unwanted infrared signals while increasing the sensitivity to receiving necessary infrared signals.

[0079] Incidentally, in lighting fixture A1, abnormal noises may occur due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the metal support member 3 and the synthetic resin cover 5. In other words, at the contact surface between the support member 3 and the cover 5, when the expansion and contraction force of the synthetic resin cover 5, which has a relatively large thermal expansion coefficient, exceeds the maximum static friction force, the strain that had been generated in the cover 5 is suddenly released. As the strain in the cover 5 is suddenly released, a frictional noise accompanied by vibration is generated at the contact surface between the cover 5 and the support member 3. This phenomenon is generally known as the stick-slip phenomenon. Furthermore, it is thought that abnormal noises due to the stick-slip phenomenon are more likely to occur the larger the contact area between the two members (support member 3 and cover 5).

[0080] Therefore, in lighting fixture A1, a plurality of ribs 510 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the cover body 50 on the surfaces of the pair of protruding walls 51 of the cover 5 that face the side plates 31 (see Figure 7). These plurality of ribs 510 are formed at a height that allows them to contact the side plates 31. In other words, the pair of protruding walls 51 of the cover 5 can contact the pair of side plates 31 of the support member 3 at the tips of the ribs 510, so the contact area between the cover 5 and the support member 3 is reduced compared to the case where the ribs 510 are not provided. As a result, lighting fixture A1 can suppress the generation of abnormal noise associated with the stick-slip phenomenon. However, the location where the ribs 510 are provided is not limited to the protruding walls 51, but may also be provided on the side plates 31 of the support member 3.

[0081] Incidentally, the lighting fixture A1 according to this embodiment comprises a fixture body 6 fixed to a building material such as a ceiling, and a light source unit B1 detachably attached to the fixture body 6. However, the support member, which is a component of the light source unit B1, may be integrally formed with the fixture body. It is obvious that the lighting fixture according to this embodiment has the advantages described above even when the support member and the fixture body are integrally formed.

[0082] (3) Modified example of a lighting fixture according to the embodiment Next, several modifications of the lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment will be described. However, the basic configuration of each modification of lighting fixture A1 described below is the same as the basic configuration of lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment. Therefore, components that are common to or substantially common with the basic configuration of lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their illustration and description will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "substantially common components" means components that differ slightly in shape, size, etc., but have the same function.

[0083] (3-1) Variation 1 The lighting fixture A1 of Modified Example 1 is characterized by the extension portion 53 of the cover 5. In Modified Example 1, as shown in Figure 10A, for example, the tip (upper end) of the side piece 532 of the extension portion 53 is separated from and does not come into contact with the first surface 30A of the support member 3 (the bottom plate 30). In other words, by preventing the tip of the side piece 532 from coming into contact with the support member 3, the generation of abnormal noise associated with the stick-slip phenomenon described above can be suppressed.

[0084] Furthermore, the extension portion 53 in the modified example 1 does not necessarily have to have a side piece 532 (see Figure 10B). In this case, the tip of the main piece 530 of the extension portion 53 may or may not be in contact with the first surface 30A of the base plate 30.

[0085] Alternatively, in the modified example 1, the portion of the main piece 530 of the extension 53 that is inside the projection 34 of the support member 3 may be formed to be substantially parallel to the first surface 30A of the base plate 30 (see Figure 10C). In this case, it is preferable that the main piece 530 and the through hole 32 of the base plate 30 do not overlap when viewed from the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the base plate 30. However, it is acceptable for a part of the main piece 530 to overlap with the through hole 32. When a part of the main piece 530 overlaps with the through hole 32, it is possible to suppress the passage of light other than infrared signals (for example, visible light emitted from the light source module 1) through the through hole 32, thereby improving the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving unit (40).

[0086] Here, at least a portion of the extension 53 may be formed from a different material (synthetic resin material) than the cover body 50 (two-color molding) (see Figure 10D). For example, the entire extension 53 may be filled with filler to form a white color, while the cover body 50 may be filled with a smaller amount of filler than the extension 53, or a different filler may be filled to form a milky white color. The tip of the extension 53 may or may not contact the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30 of the support member 3. When the tip of the extension 53 is in contact with the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30, there is an advantage in that the intrusion of foreign matter can be suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, the entire main piece 530, rather than just a part of it, may be formed to be substantially parallel to the first surface 30A of the base plate 30 (see Figure 11). In this case, it is preferable that the support member 3 does not have a pair of protrusions 34, and that both ends of the base plate 30 in the short direction are formed flat. Note that the base plate 30 is formed such that the central part that supports the light source module 1 protrudes above the ends, but the central part may be formed to protrude below the ends. Alternatively, the entire base plate 30 may be formed flat.

[0088] Furthermore, a portion of the extension 53 (the portion other than the portion adjacent to the through hole 32) may be in contact with the lower surface of the substrate 11. In this case, the substrate 11 can be supported by a portion of the extension 53, eliminating the need for multiple claws 301 provided on the bottom plate 30, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0089] (3-2) Modification 2 The lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 2 is characterized by the provision of a reflective member on the substrate 11 of the light source module 1. Specifically, the substrate 11 in the modified example 2 is made of a flexible printed circuit board using a flexible synthetic resin film as an insulating substrate. The substrate 11 has a long rectangular mounting section 110 and a pair of reflective sections 111 provided at both ends of the mounting section 110 in the short direction (see Figure 12). The mounting section 110 and the pair of reflective sections 111 are integrally formed by an insulating film made of a flexible and electrically insulating material such as polyimide.

[0090] The mounting section 110 has a large number of LEDs 10 mounted in the center in the short direction. The pair of reflective sections 111 are formed in a rectangular shape and are bent diagonally downward from both ends in the short direction of the mounting section 110. That is, each surface (bottom surface) of the pair of reflective sections 111 corresponds to a reflective surface.

[0091] Here, a through-hole 112 is provided in the mounting section 110 at a position opposite to the through-hole 32 in the bottom plate 30 (see Figure 12). In other words, the infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 7 is received by the light receiving section 40 through the through-hole 112 in the mounting section 110 and the through-hole 32 in the bottom plate 30.

[0092] In the modified example 2, the lighting fixture A1 has a reflective member on the substrate 11 of the light source module 1, which allows for a reduction in manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts.

[0093] (3-3) Modified example 3 The lighting fixture A1 of Modification 3 is characterized by the shape of its cover 5. Specifically, the cover 5 in Modification 3 is formed in the shape of a long, rectangular trough with an open top (see Figure 13). In addition, in the lighting fixture A1 of Modification 3, the fixture body 6 and the support member 3 are integrally formed from a metal material (for example, aluminum or aluminum alloy).

[0094] The cover 5 has a bottom plate portion 500 that faces the substrate 11 of the light source module 1 in the vertical direction, and a pair of side plate portions 501 that rise upward from both ends of the bottom plate portion 500 in the short direction (left-right direction in Figure 13). The bottom plate portion 500 and the pair of side plate portions 501 are integrally formed from a translucent synthetic resin such as acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin.

[0095] The base plate portion 500 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The base plate portion 500 is transparent or diffusive.

[0096] The pair of side plates 501 are formed in a rectangular, flat shape. The inner surfaces of the pair of side plates 501 have a higher reflectivity for visible light compared to the inner surface (top surface) of the bottom plate 500. In other words, in the lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 3, the pair of side plates 501 of the cover 5 correspond to reflective members, and the inner surfaces of the pair of side plates 501 correspond to reflective surfaces. The pair of side plates 501 may have a lower transmittance for visible light than the bottom plate 500, and may also have diffusivity. However, the pair of side plates 501 may be formed from the same material as the bottom plate 500 and have the same transmittance and reflectivity as the bottom plate 500. Even if the pair of side plates 501 are formed from a light-transmitting material, a portion of the light from the light source module 1 that reaches the inner surface of the side plates 501 is reflected, so the light-transmitting side plates 501 also correspond to reflective members. The cover 5 is attached to the support member 3 (appliance body 6) by the extensions 53 provided at the upper ends of each side plate portion 501 being hooked onto a pair of side plates 31 of the support member 3.

[0097] A through-hole 32 is provided in the bottom plate 30 of the support member 3 between the light source module 1 and the extension 53. Therefore, the infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 7 passes through the cover 5 and is received by the light receiving unit 40 through the through-hole 32 in the support member 3. In addition, a portion of the light emitted from the light source module 1 is reflected by the reflective surface (the inner surface of the side plate portion 501) and then passes through the bottom plate portion 500 to irradiate the outside.

[0098] The pair of side plates 501 may be formed in a V-shape as shown in Figure 14. Alternatively, the pair of side plates 501 may be inclined outward from the upper end to the lower end as shown in Figure 15.

[0099] However, in the lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 3, the reflective member is integrated with the cover 5, thus reducing manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts. In addition, in the lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 3, the reflective surface (the inner surface of the side plate portion 501) is perpendicular to the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30, so the illuminance directly below the fixture body 6 can be increased.

[0100] (3-4) Modification 4 The lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 4 is characterized by the structure of the short-side ends of the support member 3, which include a pair of side plates 31.

[0101] In Modification 4, both ends of the support member 3 in the short direction (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "ends of the support member 3") have an L-shaped projection 34 and a side plate 31 that protrudes upward from the tip of the projection 34 (see Figure 16A). The tip (upper end) of the side plate 31 is located at approximately the same height as the second surface 30B of the side plate 31 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the bottom plate 30. Alternatively, the tip of the projection 34 may be hemmed (see Figure 19B) or curled. When the tip of the projection 34 is hemmed or curled, it may be bent towards the upper surface of the projection 34 (see Figure 19B) or towards the lower surface of the projection 34. Furthermore, the bottom plate of the projection 34 may be formed to incline upward outward (see Figure 16C). Alternatively, the bottom 340 of the projection 34 may be formed to slope downward outward (see Figure 17A).

[0102] Furthermore, the projection 34 may be formed in a V-shape (see Figures 17B and 17C). In addition, the projection 34 may be formed in a semi-cylindrical shape (see Figure 17D). Alternatively, at least one of the inner side portion 341 and the outer side portion 342 of the projection 34 may be formed to be inclined with respect to the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the base plate 30 (see Figures 18A-18C).

[0103] Furthermore, the inner side portion 341 of the projection 34 may be formed in a stepped shape (see Figures 19A and 19B). In this case, the upper end of the outer side portion 342 may be at a higher position than the second surface 30B of the base plate 30 (see Figure 19A), or at approximately the same height as the second surface 30B (see Figure 19B).

[0104] Furthermore, the inner side portion 341 of the projection 34 may be formed in a stepped shape, and the outer side portion 342 may be hemmed (see Figure 20A). Alternatively, the projection 34 may be formed in a trough shape, and the upper end of the outer side portion 342 may be formed to protrude outward (see Figure 20B). The outer side portion 342 may also be formed in a stepped shape (see Figure 20C).

[0105] Furthermore, the projection 34 may be formed such that at least one of the bottom portion 340, the inner side portion 341, and the outer side portion 342 is inclined (see Figures 21A-21D).

[0106] Alternatively, beads 302 may be provided on the inside of the protrusions 34 on the bottom plate 30 of the support member 3 (see Figures 22A and 22B). The through hole 32 may be provided on the bottom surface of the bead 302. By providing beads 302 on the bottom plate 30 in this way, the strength of the support member 3 can be improved.

[0107] (3-5) Modification 5 The lighting fixture A2 of the modified example 5 is characterized in that the fixture body 6 is formed in a square shape when viewed from above, and multiple (three in the illustrated example) light source units B2 are attached to the lower surface of the fixture body 6 (see Figure 23).

[0108] In modified example 5, the fixture body 6 is installed so as to be directly attached to or embedded in the ceiling or wall.

[0109] The basic configuration of the three light source units B2 is the same. That is, the three light source units B2 all share a light source module 1, a support member 3, and a cover 5. In addition, one of the light source units B2 further includes an infrared module 4 (see Figure 24). However, two or three of the light source units B2 may each have an infrared module 4.

[0110] The support member 3 is configured such that a pair of side plates 31 protrude from both ends of the short side of a flat base plate 30. A through hole 32 is provided in the base plate 30 in the region between the light source module 1 and the extension 53 on one side (the right side in Figure 24). The light receiving part 40 of the infrared module 4 is positioned above the through hole 32.

[0111] The cover 5 in the lighting fixture A2 of Modified Example 5 comprises a flat cover body 50, a pair of protruding walls 51 that project upward and outward from both ends of the cover body 50 in the short direction, and a pair of extensions 53 that project inward from the upper ends of the pair of protruding walls 51. The pair of protruding walls 51 may have a lower transmittance to visible light than the cover body 50, and may also have diffusive properties.

[0112] In the lighting fixture A2 of the modified example 5, the infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 7 passes through the cover 5 and is received by the light receiving unit 40 through the through hole 32 of the support member 3. In addition, a portion of the light emitted from the light source module 1 is reflected off the reflective surface (the inner surface of the pair of protruding walls 51 of the cover 5) before being irradiated to the outside.

[0113] (3-6) Modification 6 The lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 6 is characterized in that a void provided in the substrate 11 of the light source module 1 is positioned opposite the through hole 32 of the bottom plate 30 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the bottom plate 30.

[0114] The void provided in the substrate 11 is, for example, a notch 113 provided in the substrate 11. The notch 113 is preferably provided in a location on the surface (bottom surface) of the substrate 11 that avoids printed wiring, for example, at one end edge in the short direction of the substrate 11 (see Figure 25). However, the void may also be used in conjunction with a notch provided for other purposes, for example, a notch 113 provided at the short end of the substrate 11 to avoid a claw 301 cut out from the bottom plate 30 (see Figure 26).

[0115] Furthermore, the void is not limited to the notch 113. For example, the void may be a hole 114 that penetrates the substrate 11 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) (see Figure 27A). The location of the void (notch 113 and hole 114) on the substrate 11 is as long as it is at a sufficient distance from the LEDs 10 mounted on the surface of the substrate 11 and the printed wiring on the surface of the substrate 11. For example, the location of the void may be in the center of the substrate 11 in the short direction and between the LEDs 10 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 11. Also, the depth of the notch 113 (length along the short direction of the substrate 11) may be longer than the diameter of the through hole 32 (see Figure 25), or it may be shorter than the diameter of the through hole 32, with a part of the through hole 32 protruding outside the notch 113 (see Figure 26).

[0116] Furthermore, the tip of the extension portion 53 may be in contact with the surface (bottom surface) of the substrate 11 (see Figure 27B). In this case, at least a portion of the extension portion 53 may be formed from a different material (synthetic resin material) than the cover body 50 (two-color molding). For example, the entire extension portion 53 may be filled with filler to form a white color, while the cover body 50 may be filled with a smaller amount of filler than the extension portion 53, or a different filler may be filled to form a milky white color.

[0117] Furthermore, the tip of the main piece 530 of the extension 53 may be in contact with the surface (bottom surface) of the substrate 11, and a side piece 532 may be provided that protrudes from the main piece 530 toward the bottom plate 30 (see Figure 28). In this case, the tip of the side piece 532 may or may not be in contact with the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30. When the tip of the side piece 532 is in contact with the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30, there is the advantage that the intrusion of foreign matter can be suppressed.

[0118] In the modified example 6, the lighting fixture A1 has a cavity (notch 113) in the substrate 11 positioned opposite the through hole 32 in the bottom plate 30 in the vertical direction, thus reducing the distance between the extension 53 and the substrate 11. Therefore, in the lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 6, for example, the tip of the extension 53 can be brought into contact with the surface (bottom surface) of the substrate 11, and the substrate 11 can be supported by the extension 53. Furthermore, in the lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 6, by supporting the substrate 11 with the extension 53, it becomes unnecessary to provide multiple claws 301 on the support member 3, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0119] Here, a cylindrical portion 33 may be provided around the through hole 32 on the first surface 30A of the base plate 30. The cylindrical portion 33 may, for example, be formed in a cylindrical shape and inserted into the hole 114 of the substrate 11 (see Figure 29A). Alternatively, the cylindrical portion 33 may be formed in a frustoconical shape (see Figure 29B). Furthermore, a circular hole 330 may be provided on the bottom surface of the cylindrical cylindrical portion 33 (see Figure 29C). The cylindrical portion 33 may also be provided around the through hole 32 on the second surface 30B of the base plate 30 (see Figure 29D). These various types of cylindrical portions 33 can be formed by burring, drawing, or die forming on a support member 3 made of a metal plate. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 33 may be provided in a position that does not overlap with the substrate 11 when viewed from the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the base plate 30.

[0120] However, by providing a cylindrical portion 33 around the through hole 32 on the first surface 30A or the second surface 30B of the base plate 30, ambient light such as light emitted from the light source module 1 is less likely to pass through the through hole 32. Therefore, the lighting fixture A1 of Modified Example 6 can improve light reception sensitivity by suppressing the reception of ambient light by the light receiving unit 40. Moreover, the lighting fixture A1 of Modified Example 9 can further improve the light reception sensitivity of the light receiving unit 40 by reflecting infrared signals with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 33.

[0121] Incidentally, the size (diameter) of the hole 114 in the substrate 11 may be the same as the size (diameter) of the through hole 32 in the base plate 30, but it may also be different. For example, if the size of the hole 114 in the substrate 11 is larger than the size of the through hole 32 in the base plate 30 (see Figure 30A), the angle of the infrared signal L1 that can pass through the through hole 32 in the base plate 30 (the angle of inclination of the base plate 30 with respect to the thickness direction) can be made relatively narrower. Therefore, in this case, there is an advantage that remote control by the remote controller 7 becomes easier in places where the height from the floor to the lighting fixture A1 is considerably high, such as factories and logistics warehouses.

[0122] On the other hand, when the size of the holes 114 in the circuit board 11 is smaller than the size of the through-holes 32 in the base plate 30 (see Figure 30B), there is the advantage that it is easier to secure the insulation distance between the holes 114 in the circuit board 11 and the printed circuit board 11. Moreover, since the circuit board 11 can transmit infrared signals to some extent compared to the metal base plate 30, the angle of the infrared signal L1 that can pass through the through-holes 32 in the base plate 30 can be increased compared to when the size of the holes 114 in the circuit board 11 is larger than the size of the through-holes 32 in the base plate 30. Therefore, in this case, the remote controller 7 can be operated from diagonally below the lighting fixture A1 to remotely control the lighting fixture A1 in a place where the height from the floor to the lighting fixture A1 is not high, such as in a typical office, and is suitable for situations where multiple lighting fixtures A1 are installed on the ceiling.

[0123] Furthermore, the size of the through-hole 32 in the base plate 30 may be the same as, or different from, the size (diameter) of the opening 44 of the case 43 that houses the light-receiving unit 40. For example, if the size of the through-hole 32 in the base plate 30 is smaller than the size of the opening 44 of the case 43 (see Figure 30C), the angle of the infrared signal L1 that can pass through the through-hole 32 in the base plate 30 can be made relatively narrower. Therefore, in this case, there is an advantage that remote control by the remote controller 7 becomes easier in places where the height from the floor to the lighting fixture A1 is considerably high, such as factories and logistics warehouses.

[0124] On the other hand, if the size of the through-hole 32 in the base plate 30 is larger than the size of the opening 44 in the case 43 (see Figure 30D), the synthetic resin case 43 can transmit infrared signals to some extent compared to the metal base plate 30. Therefore, the angle of the infrared signal L1 that can pass through the opening 44 of the case 43 can be increased compared to the case where the size of the opening 44 in the case 43 is larger than the size of the through-hole 32 in the base plate 30. Thus, in this case, the lighting fixture A1 can be remotely controlled by operating the remote controller 7 from diagonally below the lighting fixture A1, in a place where the height from the floor to the lighting fixture A1 is not high, such as in a typical office, and is suitable for situations where multiple lighting fixtures A1 are installed on the ceiling.

[0125] (3-7) Modification 7 The lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 7 has a component 35 that is fitted into a through hole 32 in the base plate 30 (see Figures 31A-31D).

[0126] Component 35 is formed of, for example, synthetic resin. Component 35 has a cylindrical body 350 inserted through the through hole 32, a flange portion 351 provided at one axial end (upper end) of the body 350, and a hook portion 352 provided at the other axial end (lower end) of the body 350 (see Figure 31A).

[0127] Component 35 is attached to the base plate 30 by inserting the main body 350 through the through hole 32 and hooking the hook portion 352 around the through hole 32 on the first surface 30A of the base plate 30. Since the outer diameter of the flange portion 351 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 32, component 35 will not slip out onto the first surface 30A of the base plate 30.

[0128] However, in the modified example 7, the lighting fixture A1 can adjust the range over which the infrared signal passes from the first surface 30A to the second surface 30B of the base plate 30 by using a component 35 that is fitted into the through hole 32. In other words, since the hole diameter of the main body 350 of the component 35 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 32, the angle of the infrared signal that can pass through the hole in the main body 350 (the angle of inclination with respect to the thickness direction of the base plate 30) becomes relatively narrower. Therefore, in this case, there is an advantage that remote control by a remote controller becomes easier in places where the height from the floor to the lighting fixture A1 is considerably high, such as factories and logistics warehouses.

[0129] Furthermore, part 35 may have a membrane portion 353 that closes the opening at the lower end of the main body 350 (see Figure 31B). The membrane portion 353 is formed integrally with the main body 350 from the same synthetic resin as the main body 350. However, the membrane portion 353 is formed to a thickness that allows infrared signals to pass through. The lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 7 can prevent the entry of foreign objects such as insects by closing the opening at the lower end of the main body 350 with a membrane portion 353 that allows infrared signals to pass through.

[0130] Note that part 35 does not necessarily have to have a hook portion 352 (see Figure 31C). In this case, it is preferable that part 35 be fixed to the bottom plate 30 by an appropriate method such as adhesive.

[0131] Furthermore, the main body 350 of part 35 may protrude above the flange portion 351 (see Figure 31D). In the modified example 7, the lighting fixture A1 can improve the reception sensitivity of infrared signals in the light receiving unit 40 by having the main body 350 protrude above the flange portion 351.

[0132] Here, part 35 may be formed in white by filling it with a filler that reflects visible light. Alternatively, part 35 may be formed in black by filling it with a filler that absorbs visible light.

[0133] When component 35 is formed in white, the lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 7 can improve the reception sensitivity of infrared signals in the light receiving section 40 by reflecting infrared signals from the inner surface of the main body 350.

[0134] On the other hand, when the component 35 is formed in black, the lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 7 can relatively narrow the angle at which infrared signals can pass through the main body 350 by absorbing infrared signals with the inner surface of the main body 350. Therefore, in this case, there is an advantage that remote control by the remote controller 7 becomes easier in places where the height from the floor to the lighting fixture A1 is considerably high, such as factories and logistics warehouses.

[0135] (3-8) Variation 8 The lighting fixture A1 of Modification 8 is characterized in that the holes 114 in the substrate 11 of the lighting fixture A1 of Modification 6 are formed as plated through-holes.

[0136] In modified example 8, the hole 114 is formed as a plated through-hole plated with a conductor (copper foil 1140) for printed circuit boards (see Figure 32). The hole 114 may be a plated through-hole with a land, as shown in the illustrated example, but it may also be a plated through-hole without a land. Furthermore, the plated through-hole used as the hole 141 for passing infrared signals may also be used as a plated through-hole for printed circuit boards formed on the substrate 11.

[0137] However, in the modified example 8, the lighting fixture A1 has holes 114 in the substrate 11 formed by plated through-holes, which allows the angle at which infrared signals can pass through the holes 114 to be relatively narrowed. Therefore, in this case, there is an advantage in that remote control by the remote controller 7 is easier to perform in places where the height from the floor to the lighting fixture A1 is considerably high, such as factories and logistics warehouses.

[0138] (3-9) Modification 9 The lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 9 is characterized by the shape, size, number, and arrangement of the through holes 32 provided in the base plate 30.

[0139] For example, the through-hole 32 may be formed in a rectangular shape (see Figures 33A-33C). It is preferable that the rectangular through-hole 32 be formed to be larger than the light-receiving section 40 (see Figures 33A and 33B). Alternatively, the rectangular through-hole 32 may be formed such that its width in the shorter direction is narrower than the width of the light-receiving section 40 (see Figure 33C).

[0140] Furthermore, multiple circular through-holes 32 may be provided (see Figure 33D). For example, three through-holes 32 may be arranged in a row, and the light-receiving unit 40 may be positioned to face the central through-hole 32 (see Figure 33D). However, the through-hole 32 facing the light-receiving unit 40 is not limited to the central through-hole 32, but may be any of the through-holes 32 at either end. Also, the light-receiving unit 40 may be positioned so as to overlap with a portion of the through-holes 32 when viewed from the thickness direction of the base plate 30.

[0141] The through-hole 32 in the base plate 30 may be positioned so as not to overlap with the light-receiving unit 40 when viewed from the thickness direction of the base plate 30 (see Figures 34A and 34B). The through-hole 32 may be formed in a rectangular shape (see Figure 34A) or a circular shape (see Figure 34B). Also, there may be one through-hole 32 (see Figure 34A) or multiple through-holes (see Figure 34B). In this case, infrared signals transmitted from directly below the lighting fixture A1 will be less likely to be received by the light-receiving unit 40, but infrared signals transmitted from diagonally below the lighting fixture A1 will be more likely to be received by the light-receiving unit 40.

[0142] (3-10) Variation 10 The lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 10 is characterized by a through hole 32 provided in the base plate 30.

[0143] The bottom plate 30 of the support member 3 has holes (cut-out holes 303) for cutting out multiple claws 301. In the modified example 10 lighting fixture A1, a portion of one of the cut-out holes 303 in the bottom plate 30 is used as a through hole 32 (see Figure 35A). In modified example 10, the through hole 32 corresponds to the portion of the cut-out hole 303 that overlaps with the notch 114 of the substrate 11. Alternatively, instead of using a portion of the cut-out hole 303 as a through hole 32, the through hole 32 may be formed to connect with the cut-out hole 303 (see Figure 35B).

[0144] However, in the modified example 10 lighting fixture A1, the claws 301 and the through hole 32 can be provided together by using a part of the cut-out hole 303 provided in the base plate 30 as a through hole 32, or by forming the through hole 32 so as to connect with the cut-out hole 303. As a result, the lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 10 can reduce the number of manufacturing steps.

[0145] (3-11) Variation 11 The lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 11 is characterized in that the through-hole 32 in the bottom plate 30 is sealed with a sheet-like insulating material that is transparent to infrared rays and has electrical insulating properties.

[0146] In the modified example 11, the case 43 has an opening on the side (bottom surface) facing the bottom plate 30 (see Figures 36A and 36B). The case 43 houses a circuit board 42 on which the light receiving unit 40 and the signal circuit unit are mounted. The light receiving lens 401 of the light receiving unit 40 faces the through hole 32 in the bottom plate 30 in the vertical direction.

[0147] An insulating member 36 is placed on the second surface 30B of the bottom plate 30. The insulating member 36 is a sheet-like member made of a material that can transmit infrared rays, for example, a tape (insulating tape) made of a synthetic resin material such as polyethylene terephthalate. However, the insulating member 36 is not limited to insulating tape, and may be made of any material that can transmit infrared rays and has electrical insulating properties.

[0148] However, in the modified example 11, the lighting fixture A1 can prevent foreign matter from entering the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30 through the through hole 32 without obstructing the reception of infrared signals by the light receiving unit 40, by blocking the through hole 32 with an insulating member 36 that can transmit infrared rays.

[0149] (3-12) Variation 12 The lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 12 is characterized in that the infrared module 4 is housed together with the power supply unit 20 in the power supply case 21, and the through hole 32 in the bottom plate 30 is sealed with an insulating member 36.

[0150] In modified example 12, the light-receiving unit 40 and signal circuit unit 41 of the infrared module 4 are mounted on the printed circuit board 22 of the power supply unit 20 (see Figure 37). The light-receiving unit 40 is mounted on the lower surface of the printed circuit board 22, with the light-receiving lens 401 facing the second surface 30B of the bottom plate 30. However, the infrared module 4 may be mounted on a separate circuit board (for example, circuit board 42 in the embodiment) from the printed circuit board 22 of the power supply unit 20, and connected to the printed circuit board 22 via a connector mounted on the circuit board and housed in the power supply case 21. In this case, the infrared module 4 (or its circuit board) may be housed in the power supply case 21 horizontally alongside the power supply unit 20 (or its printed circuit board 22), or it may be housed vertically with the infrared module 4 facing downwards.

[0151] In modified example 12, the insulating member 36 has a bottom plate 360 ​​and a pair of side plates 361 bent upward from both ends along the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 360. The longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 360 ​​and the pair of side plates 361 are integrally formed by folding a sheet (insulating sheet) made of a synthetic resin material such as polyethylene terephthalate into a trough shape (see Figures 37 and 38A).

[0152] The insulating member 36 is housed inside the power supply case 21 (see Figures 37 and 38A). The insulating member 36 housed inside the power supply case 21 closes the opening on the bottom surface of the power supply case 21 with a bottom plate 360, and a pair of side plates 361 are positioned along the inner surface of the power supply case 21. The insulating member 36 plays a role in ensuring an insulating distance between the circuit components and printed wiring of the printed circuit board 22 and the metal power supply case 21 and support member 3 (bottom plate 30).

[0153] However, in the lighting fixture A1 of Modification 12, similar to Modification 11, by sealing the through-hole 32 with an insulating member 36 that can transmit infrared rays, foreign matter can be prevented from entering the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30 through the through-hole 32 without obstructing the reception of infrared signals by the light receiving unit 40. Moreover, since the lighting fixture A1 of Modification 12 also uses the insulating member 36 to ensure the insulation distance of the power supply unit 20, manufacturing costs can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. Furthermore, since the lighting fixture A1 of Modification 12 shares the case of the infrared module 4 with the power supply case 21, manufacturing costs can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. In addition, since the lighting fixture A1 of Modification 12 has the infrared module 4 (light receiving unit 40, signal circuit unit 41, etc.) mounted on the printed circuit board 22 of the power supply unit 20, the wires connecting the infrared module 4 and the power supply unit 20 can be replaced with printed wiring. Therefore, the lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 12 does not require a wire to connect the infrared module 4 and the power supply unit 20, thus reducing manufacturing costs by decreasing the number of parts and manufacturing processes.

[0154] Here, the insulating member 36 may also include a top plate 362 that protrudes from the tip (upper end) of one of the side plates 361 (see Figure 38B). In other words, by placing the top plate 362 between the printed circuit board 22 and the bottom of the power supply case 21, the insulating distance between the printed circuit board 22 and the power supply case 21 can be further increased.

[0155] Furthermore, the insulating member 36 may be formed in a shape in which the bottom plate 360 ​​is curved downward in an arc (see dashed line in Figure 38C). Alternatively, the tip (upper end) of one side plate 361 of the insulating member 36 may be in contact with the printed circuit board 22 (see Figure 38D). The tip of the side plate 361 may be a part other than the printed circuit board 22, for example, the inner bottom surface (top surface) of the power supply case 21, or a bridge formed on the side of the power supply case 21 to support the printed circuit board 22. In any case, when the power supply case 21 is attached to the support member 3, the insulating member 36 deforms when pressed by the bottom plate 30, and the gap between the insulating member 36 and the bottom plate 30 and power supply case 21 can be narrowed (see Figures 38C and 38D).

[0156] (3-13) Variation 13 The lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 13 is characterized by the structure of the case 43 of the infrared module 4.

[0157] The case 43 in modified example 13 has a case body 43A and a case cover 43B made of synthetic resin (see Figures 39A and 39B). The case body 43A is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box with an open bottom. The case cover 43B is shallower than the case body 43A (shorter in height in the vertical direction) and is also formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box with an open top. The case cover 43B is connected to the case body 43A so as to close the opening on the bottom of the case body 43A.

[0158] An opening 44 is provided on the bottom surface of the case cover 43B. The opening 44 is a circular hole. A cylindrical peripheral wall portion 440 is provided around the opening 44 on the inner bottom surface of the case cover 43B. The upper end of the peripheral wall portion 440 is open and faces the light-receiving lens 401 of the light-receiving unit 40. The lower end of the peripheral wall portion 440 is closed by a thin partition wall 441. The thickness of the partition wall 441 does not need to be such that infrared signals can pass through it. Furthermore, an annular rib 442 is provided around the opening 44 on the outer bottom surface of the case cover 43B.

[0159] The case 43 is attached to the power supply case 21 or the support member 3. When the case 43 is attached to the power supply case 21 or the support member 3, the lower end of the rib 442 is in contact with the area around the through hole 32 on the second surface 30B of the bottom plate 30 (see Figures 39A and 39B).

[0160] However, in the modified example 13, the lighting fixture A1 can receive infrared signals transmitted from the remote controller 7 by passing them through the through-hole 32 of the support member 3 (bottom plate 30) and through the partition wall 441 of the case 43 (case cover 43B) to the light receiving unit 40. Moreover, since the opening 44 of the case 43 is closed by the partition wall 441, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the case 43 through the opening 44. Furthermore, since the ribs 442 of the case cover 43B are in contact with the second surface 30B of the bottom plate 30, it is also possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the first surface 30A of the bottom plate 30 through the through-hole 32 of the bottom plate 30. Moreover, since the infrared signals that have passed through the opening 44 of the case cover 43B are reflected from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 440 and received by the light receiving unit 40, the range in which infrared signals can be received can be expanded.

[0161] The entire case cover 43B may be formed of a material and thickness that allows infrared signals to pass through. Alternatively, the peripheral wall portion 440 and the partition wall 441 of the case cover 43B may be formed of a material that allows infrared signals to pass through, while the portion excluding the peripheral wall portion 440 and the partition wall 441 is formed of a material that does not allow infrared signals to pass through (see Figure 40A).

[0162] However, the case cover 43B only needs to be able to transmit infrared signals through the partition wall 441, and the entire case cover 43B, including the partition wall 441, may be made of a material that does not transmit infrared signals well. In this case, unwanted infrared signals are less likely to pass through the case cover 43B and be received by the light receiving unit 40, thus suppressing malfunctions of the power supply unit 20 due to stray light, etc. Note that the rib 442 does not need to be provided on the lower surface of the case cover 43B (see Figure 40B). Alternatively, the area around the opening 44 may be surrounded by a sealing member such as an O-ring instead of the rib 442.

[0163] Furthermore, the peripheral wall portion 440 of the case cover 43B may be formed so as to surround the light-receiving lens 401 of the light-receiving unit 40 at its upper end (see Figure 41A). In this case, unwanted infrared signals are less likely to be received by the light-receiving unit 40, thus further suppressing malfunctions of the power supply unit 20 due to stray light, etc. However, the case cover 43B does not have to have the peripheral wall portion 440 (see Figure 41B).

[0164] Alternatively, the tip portion (upper end portion) of the peripheral wall portion 440 may be tapered (tumulus-shaped) (see Figure 42). The aperture diameter of the tip portion of the peripheral wall portion 440 may be larger than or smaller than the lens diameter of the light-receiving lens 401 of the light-receiving unit 40. In this case, the infrared signal is concentrated by the tip portion of the peripheral wall portion 440, thereby increasing the intensity of the infrared signal received by the light-receiving lens 401 and improving the reception sensitivity.

[0165] In addition, in the lighting fixture A1 of the modified example 13, the circuit board 42 of the infrared module 4 may be housed in the power supply case 21 together with the power supply unit 20. Furthermore, the circuit board 42 may be housed in the case 43 in an upright position.

[0166] Furthermore, in the embodiments and modifications described above, a receiving unit for receiving wireless signals using radio waves as a medium may be provided instead of a light receiving unit.

[0167] (4) Reference example Finally, although not an embodiment of this disclosure, a reference example having a basic configuration common to lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings (Figures 43-46). However, the basic configuration of lighting fixture A3 of the reference example described below is common to the basic configuration of lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment. Therefore, components common to or substantially common to the basic configuration of lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their illustration and description will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "substantially common components" means components whose function is common even if their shape, size, etc., differ slightly.

[0168] The reference example lighting fixture A3 comprises a support member 3, a light source (light source module 1), a light receiving unit 40, and a cover 5 (see Figures 43-46). The support member 3 has a first surface 30A and a second surface 30B opposite to the first surface 30A. The light source module 1 is supported by the support member 3 on the side of the first surface 30A. The light receiving unit 40 is positioned on the side of the second surface 30B of the support member 3. The cover 5 covers the light source module 1 from the direction opposite to the first surface 30A (up and down direction). The cover 5 has an extension 53 that protrudes from the periphery of the cover 5 in a direction toward the light source module 1 along the first surface 30A. The support member 3 has a through hole 32 that penetrates from the first surface 30A to the second surface 30B. The through hole 32 is provided in the region that overlaps with the extension 53 when viewed from the direction opposite to the first surface 30A and the cover 5 (up and down direction). Furthermore, the extension portion 53 has a hole 534 that overlaps with at least a portion of the through hole 32 in the vertical direction.

[0169] However, the lighting fixture A3 of the reference example allows the light receiving unit 40 to receive an optical signal through the hole 534 in the extension 53 and the through hole 32 in the support member 3. Therefore, compared to the conventional example described in Patent Document 1, the lighting fixture A3 of the reference example can improve the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving unit 40 by suppressing the attenuation of the optical signal until it passes through the through hole 32 in the support member 3.

[0170] Incidentally, foreign objects such as insects may enter the bottom plate 30 from the second surface 30B to the first surface 30A through the through holes 32 provided in the bottom plate 30, and further enter the space surrounded by the cover 5 and the support member 3 through the holes 534 in the extension portion 53. Therefore, it is desirable to block at least one of the through holes 32 and holes 534, which are entry points for foreign objects, with a sheet-like member made of a material that can transmit infrared rays, for example, a tape 56 made of a synthetic resin material such as polyethylene terephthalate.

[0171] When closing the hole 534 of the extension 53, it is preferable that the tape 56 be attached to the upper surface of the extension 53 (the surface facing the bottom plate 30) (see Figure 44). However, if the visible light reflectance on the surface of the tape 56 is high, the tape 56 may be attached to the lower surface of the extension 53 (the surface facing the cover body 50).

[0172] Furthermore, if there is a gap between the tip of the extension 53 and the base plate 30, it is desirable to cover the through hole 32 in the base plate 30 with tape 56 (see Figure 45).

[0173] The through hole 32 may also be provided in the projection 34 of the support member 3 (see Figure 46). In this case, the hole 534 of the extension 53 is provided in a position opposite to the projection 34. It is desirable that the tape 56 be attached to the upper surface of the projection 34 to cover the hole 534. However, the tape 56 may be attached to the lower surface of the projection 34, the upper surface of the extension 53, or the lower surface.

[0174] (5) Summary A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a support member (3), a light source (light source module 1), a light receiving unit (40), and a cover (5). The support member (3) has a first surface (30A) and a second surface (30B) opposite to the first surface (30A). The light source is supported by the support member (3) on the side of the first surface (30A). The light receiving unit (40) is positioned on the side of the second surface (30B) of the support member (3). The cover (5) covers the light source from the direction opposite to the first surface (30A). The cover (5) has an extension (53) that protrudes from the periphery of the cover (5) in a direction toward the light source along the first surface (30A). The support member (3) has a through hole (32) in the region sandwiched between the extensions (53) that penetrates from the first surface (30A) to the second surface (30B). The light receiving section (40) faces the through hole (32).

[0175] The lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the first embodiment allows the light receiving unit (40) to receive an optical signal through the through hole (32) of the support member (3). Therefore, the lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the first embodiment can improve the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving unit (40) by suppressing the attenuation of the optical signal until it passes through the through hole (32) of the support member (3).

[0176] A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the second aspect, the support member (3) preferably has a support portion (bottom plate 30) that supports the light source and a projection (34) provided around the support portion and protruding from a first surface (30A) or a second surface (30B).

[0177] The lighting fixtures (A1; A2) according to the second embodiment can improve the mechanical strength of the support member (3) compared to the case in which the support member (3) does not have a protrusion (34).

[0178] A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to a third aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combining it with the second aspect. In the lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the third aspect, the projection (34) preferably protrudes from the first surface (30A). The extension (53) preferably covers at least a portion of the projection (34).

[0179] In the third embodiment of the lighting fixture (A1; A2), the extension portion (53) covers at least a part of the protrusion (34), eliminating the need for treatments such as painting the surface of the protrusion (34), thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0180] 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 extension (53) is preferably inclined toward the first surface (30A) toward the light source from the periphery of the cover (5).

[0181] In the fourth embodiment of the lighting fixture (A1; A2), the extension portion (53) is tilted so that it approaches the first surface (30A) from the periphery of the cover (5) toward the light source. This allows for improved light extraction efficiency by reflecting the light emitted from the light source off the surface of the extension portion (53).

[0182] A lighting fixture (A1;A2) according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to fourth aspects. In the lighting fixture (A1;A2) according to the fifth aspect, it is preferable that at least a portion of the extension (53) is in contact with the first surface (30A).

[0183] In the fifth embodiment of the lighting fixture (A1; A2), at least a portion of the extension (53) (side piece 532) is in contact with the first surface (30A), so when some external force is applied to the cover (5), excessive deformation of the extension (53) can be suppressed.

[0184] A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to fifth aspects. The lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the sixth aspect preferably further comprises a case (43) housing a light-receiving unit (40). The case (43) preferably has an opening (44) opposite to the through hole (32).

[0185] The luminaire (A1; A2) according to the sixth embodiment can reduce the possibility of the light receiving unit (40) mistakenly receiving an optical signal that is transmitted to another luminaire.

[0186] A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with the sixth aspect. The lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the seventh aspect preferably further comprises a power supply device (20) that supplies power to a light source to light it up, and a power supply case (21) that houses the power supply device (20). The case (43) is preferably attached to the power supply case (21).

[0187] The lighting fixtures (A1; A2) according to the seventh embodiment do not require a structure for attaching the case (43) to the support member (3), thus reducing the number of parts and the assembly process.

[0188] The lighting fixtures (A1;A2) according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with the sixth aspect. In the lighting fixtures (A1;A2) according to the eighth aspect, the case (43) is preferably attached to the support member (3).

[0189] In the lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the eighth embodiment, the degree of freedom in the installation location of the light receiving unit (40) can be increased by attaching the case (43) to the support member (3).

[0190] A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to eighth aspects. Preferably, the lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the ninth aspect further comprises a power supply device (20) that supplies power to a light source to light it up, and a power supply case (21) that houses the power supply device (20). Preferably, the light receiving unit (40) is housed in the power supply case (21).

[0191] The lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the ninth embodiment can reduce the number of parts and the assembly process by housing the light receiving unit (40) in the power supply case (21).

[0192] A lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the tenth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to ninth aspects. The lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the tenth aspect preferably further comprises a power supply device (20) that supplies power to a light source to light it up. The power supply device (20) preferably adjusts the power supply to the light source in accordance with the light signal received by the light receiving unit (40).

[0193] The lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to the tenth embodiment allows for remote control of the power supply unit (20) by an optical signal received by the light receiving unit (40).

[0194] The illuminating fixtures (A1;A2) according to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with the tenth aspect. In the illuminating fixtures (A1;A2) according to the eleventh aspect, the optical signal preferably uses infrared light as the medium.

[0195] In the 11th embodiment of the lighting fixture (A1; A2), the light receiving unit (40) receives an optical signal using infrared light (infrared light) as the medium, so compared to the case where visible light is used as the medium, the accuracy of receiving the optical signal in the light receiving unit (40) can be improved.

[0196] A light source unit (B1; B2) according to a twelfth aspect of this disclosure is used in a lighting fixture (A1; A2) according to any of the first to eleventh aspects. The light source unit (B1; B2) according to the twelfth aspect comprises a support member (3), a light source (light source module 1), a light receiving unit (40), and a cover (5). The light source unit (B1; B2) according to the twelfth aspect is detachably attached to a fixture body (6) which is attached to a building material.

[0197] The light source unit (B1; B2) according to the twelfth embodiment can improve the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving unit (40) by suppressing the attenuation of the light signal until it passes through the through hole (32) of the support member (3). [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] A1;A2 Lighting equipment B1; B2 Light Source Unit 1. Light source module (light source) 3. Support member 5 Cover 6. Main body of the device 20 Power supply 21 Power Supply Cases 30A 1st side 30B 2nd side 32 through holes 34. Protrusion 40 Light receiving part 43 cases 44 openings 53 Extension 532 Side piece

Claims

1. A support member having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, A light source supported by the support member on the first surface side, A light-receiving portion is positioned on the second surface side of the support member, A cover that covers the light source from a direction opposite to the first surface, Equipped with, The cover has an extension that protrudes from the periphery of the cover in a direction toward the light source along the first surface, The support member has a through hole that penetrates from the first surface to the second surface in the region sandwiched between the extensions, and an insulating member that closes the through hole on the second surface. The light-receiving part faces the through-hole, The insulating member has electrical insulating properties and is capable of transmitting electromagnetic waves received by the light receiving unit. The insulating member includes a second insulating member having a hole connected to the through hole, and a first insulating member covering the hole in the second insulating member. Lighting fixtures.

2. The aforementioned support member is A support portion for supporting the light source, A projection provided around the support portion and protruding from the first surface or the second surface, Having The lighting fixture according to claim 1.

3. The projection protrudes from the first surface, The extension covers at least a portion of the projection. The lighting fixture according to claim 2.

4. The extension portion is inclined in a direction that moves toward the first surface from the periphery of the cover toward the light source. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. At least a portion of the extension is in contact with the first surface, A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The case further comprises the light-receiving unit, The case has an opening at a position opposite to the through hole, A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A power supply device that supplies power to the aforementioned light source to light it up, A power supply case for housing the aforementioned power supply unit, Furthermore, The aforementioned case is attached to the power supply case. The lighting fixture according to claim 6.

8. The case is attached to the support member, The lighting fixture according to claim 6.

9. A power supply device that supplies power to the aforementioned light source to light it up, A power supply case for housing the aforementioned power supply unit, Furthermore, The light receiving unit is housed in the power supply case. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The system further includes a power supply device that supplies power to the aforementioned light source to light it up. The power supply device adjusts the supply of power to the light source in accordance with the optical signal received by the light receiving unit. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The aforementioned optical signal uses infrared light as its medium. The lighting fixture according to claim 10.

12. A light source unit used in any of the lighting fixtures according to claims 1 to 3, The system comprises the support member, the light source, the light receiving unit, and the cover. It is detachably attached to the main body of the fixture which is attached to the building material. Light source unit.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Light source unit and lighting device

    JP2021082520A