Light source unit and lighting fixture

Abstract

The aim is to equalize the amount of light passing through the cover. [Solution] The light source unit 2 comprises a light source module 20, a support member 21 that supports the light source module 20, and a light-transmitting cover 22 that covers the light source module 20. The support member 21 has a main part 210 and a cover mounting piece 214. The cover 22 has a long front wall 220 that faces a plurality of LEDs 201 along the thickness direction of the substrate 200, and one or more side walls 221 that protrude from the periphery of the front wall 220 toward the substrate 200. The thickness of the front wall 220 and the thickness of the side walls 221 are different. The tip of the side wall 221 is located closer to the front wall 220 than the tips of the plurality of LEDs 201.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light source unit and a lighting fixture, and more particularly to a light source unit including a translucent cover covering a light source module, and a lighting fixture including the light source unit.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional example, the lighting device (the light source unit and the lighting fixture) described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The lighting device described in Patent Document 1 includes an elongated light source unit having a light-emitting element serving as a light source, and an elongated lighting fixture having a fixture main body to which the light source unit is attached.

[0003] The light source unit includes a light-emitting module, a frame supporting the light-emitting module, a cover attached to the frame to cover the light-emitting module, and a pair of end caps closing openings at both longitudinal ends of the cover. The cover has a main cover part facing the light-emitting module, and a pair of cover side parts protruding from both ends of the main cover part in the width direction. In the light source unit, light radiated from the light-emitting module is diffused when passing through the cover and then irradiated into the lighting space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the structure of the lighting device (the light source unit and the lighting fixture) described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to achieve uniformization of light transmitted through the cover (light transmitted through the main cover part and light transmitted through the pair of cover side parts).

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a light source unit and lighting fixture that can equalize the light transmitted through the cover. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A light source unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a light source module, a support member for supporting the light source module, and a light-transmitting cover that covers the light source module. The light source module has a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged on the surface of the substrate. The support member has a main portion formed in the shape of a long plate and facing the back surface of the substrate, and one or more cover mounting pieces that protrude from the opposing surface of the main portion facing the back surface of the substrate and form a space between the main portion and the opposing surface that allows a part of the cover to be inserted. The cover has a long front wall that faces the plurality of light-emitting elements along the thickness direction of the substrate, and one or more long side walls that protrude from the periphery of the front wall toward the substrate. The thickness of the front wall and the thickness of the side walls are different. The tip of the side wall is located closer to the front wall than the tip of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0008] A lighting fixture according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a light source unit and a fixture body to which the light source unit is detachably attached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The light source unit and lighting fixture of this disclosure have the effect of equalizing the light transmitted through the cover. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the same lighting fixture, partially broken. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view of the fixture body of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view of the light source unit in the same lighting fixture. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the same lighting fixture. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side view of the same lighting fixture with the end members omitted. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a partially omitted side view of the same light source unit. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side view of the main part of the cover in the same light source unit. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a side view of the main parts of the cover and support member in the same light source unit. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a partially omitted side view of a modified example of the light source unit according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the embodiments below 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.

[0012] (1) Overview of the embodiments of the present disclosure The light source unit 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light source module 20, a support member 21 that supports the light source module 20, and a cover 22 that has light-transmitting properties and covers the light source module 20. The light source module 20 includes a substrate 200 and a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs 201) disposed on a surface of the substrate 200. The cover 22 includes a front wall 220 facing the plurality of LEDs 201 along the thickness direction of the substrate 200, and one or more side walls 221 protruding from a peripheral edge of the front wall 220 in a direction approaching the substrate 200. In the light source unit 2 according to the embodiment, the thickness of the front wall 220 is different from the thickness of the side wall 221.

[0013] The intensity of light emitted from the plurality of LEDs 201 of the light source module 20 (illuminance on an irradiation surface) is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the LEDs 201 to the irradiation surface. Further, light emitted from the plurality of LEDs 201 passes through the front wall 220 and the side wall 221 of the light-transmissive cover 22 and irradiates an illumination space, and the light intensity is reduced by reflection, absorption, diffusion and the like when passing through the front wall 220 and the side wall 221. Furthermore, the amount of attenuation when light emitted from the LEDs 201 passes through the front wall 220 and the side wall 221 is proportional to the respective thicknesses of the front wall 220 and the side wall 221.

[0014] Accordingly, in the light source unit 2 according to the embodiment, for example, when the distance from the LEDs 201 to the front wall 220 is larger than the distance from the LEDs 201 to the side wall 221, the thickness of the front wall 220 is made smaller (thinner) than the thickness of the side wall 221. As a result, the light source unit 2 according to the embodiment reduces the difference between the intensity (luminous flux) of light passing through the front wall 220 and the intensity (luminous flux) of light passing through the side wall 221, thereby achieving uniformity of light that passes through the cover 22 and irradiates the illumination space.

[0015] (2) Detailed Description of Embodiments (2-1) Lighting Fixture As shown in Figures 1-6, the lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure comprises a long fixture body 1, a light source unit 2 according to the embodiment of this disclosure (hereinafter abbreviated as light source unit 2), and a mounting member 3 for detachably attaching the light source unit 2 to the fixture body 1. The lighting fixture A1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure (hereinafter abbreviated as lighting fixture A1) is directly attached, for example, to the ceiling of an office in an office building. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the up and down, front and back, and left and right directions indicated by arrows in Figure 1 are defined as the up and down, front and back, and left and right directions of the lighting fixture A1 and the light source unit 2, respectively.

[0016] (2-2) Main body of the device The main body of the device 1 has a long, rectangular base plate 10 and a pair of side plates 11 that rise upward from both ends (front and rear) along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the base plate 10 (see Figure 4). The base plate 10 and the pair of side plates 11 are integrally formed by bending a single metal plate. In other words, the pair of side plates 11 have the function of improving the strength of the base plate 10.

[0017] The base plate 10 has two first wire holes 12, two second wire holes 13, two bolt insertion holes 14, and two hook holes 18 (see Figures 4 and 6).

[0018] The two first wire holes 12 are circular holes provided at both ends (left and right ends) in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10. A power cable 80 connected to an external power source (e.g., a commercial power grid) is inserted through one of the two first wire holes 12 (see Figure 7). A bushing 120 made of an annular synthetic resin molded body is fitted into each first wire hole 12, and the bushing 120 protects the power cable 80 from the edge of the first wire hole 12 in the base plate 10.

[0019] The power cable 80 is connected to a power terminal block 15 mounted on the underside of the base plate 10 (see Figure 7). The power terminal block 15 is mounted near the first wire hole 12 of the base plate 10. The power cable 80 is electrically connected to two wires 17 via the power terminal block 15.

[0020] Two wires 17 connected to one power terminal block 15, two wires 17 connected to the other power terminal block 15, and two wires 17 connected to the plug connector 16 are each connected one by one by a closed-end connector 82 (see Figure 7). One of the three wires included in the power cable 80 (the grounding wire) is electrically connected to the bottom plate 10 of the device body 1 by a crimp terminal.

[0021] The two second wire holes 13 are oval-shaped holes located between the center of the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10 and each of the first wire holes 12 (see Figure 7). A signal cable connected to an external signal transmission source is inserted through one of the two second wire holes 13. The signal cable inserted through the second wire hole 13 is connected to a signal terminal block 52 (described later) provided on the light source unit 2. However, a bushing portion 43 of the functional block 4 (described later) is fitted into each second wire hole 13, and the bushing portion 43 protects the signal cable from the edge of the second wire hole 13 in the base plate 10 (see Figure 7).

[0022] The two hooking holes 18 are round holes located closer to the center than the second wire hole 13 in the base plate 10 (see Figure 7). The ends of two suspension members for suspending and temporarily fixing the light source unit 2 are inserted into and hooked into these two hooking holes 18.

[0023] (2-3) Mounting components The main body of the device 1 is provided with two mounting members 3. Each mounting member 3 has one mounting spring 30 (see Figures 4 and 5). The mounting spring 30 has a pair of spring pieces 300 and a connecting piece that connects the pair of spring pieces 300 (see Figures 5 and 7). The pair of spring pieces 300 and the connecting piece are formed into a U-shape by bending a strip of metal. The tip portion (lower end portion) of each spring piece 300 is bent into a V-shape, causing it to incline inward towards the tip (lower end).

[0024] These two mounting springs 30 are fixed to the base plate 10 of the fixture body 1 by screws. That is, the connecting piece of each mounting spring 30 is screwed between the power terminal block 15 and the bolt insertion hole 14 on the base plate 10. The pair of spring pieces 300 are each deformable (bendable) along the short side (front-to-back direction) of the fixture body 1.

[0025] (2-4) Functional Blocks The main body of the device 1 has two functional blocks 4 (see Figures 4 and 5). Each functional block 4 has a guide member 40, a limiting member 41, a holding member 42, and a bushing portion 43 (see Figure 5). The functional block 4 is made of a synthetic resin molded body in which the guide member 40, limiting member 41, holding member 42, and bushing portion 43 are integrally formed. However, the guide member 40, limiting member 41, holding member 42, and bushing portion 43 may each be formed separately, or at least two of the members may be integrally formed.

[0026] The limiting member 41 can limit the amount of deformation (deflection) of each spring piece 300 by contacting each spring piece 300 when the pair of spring pieces 300 of the mounting spring 30 are deformed inward (deflected). In other words, the limiting member 41 can prevent the spring pieces 300 of the mounting spring 30 from undergoing plastic deformation.

[0027] As will be described later, the guide member 40 is configured to guide the tip of the side plate portion 211 of the support member 21 to the outside of each spring piece 300 of the mounting spring 30 when the functional block 4 is attached to the main body 1 of the device.

[0028] The retaining member 42 is configured to form a wiring space between the bottom plate 10 and the side plate 11 of the fixture body 1, and to hold the electric wire 17 placed in that space. By holding the electric wire 17 with the retaining member 42, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as the insulation of the electric wire 17 being damaged by the suspension bolt inserted through the bolt insertion hole 14 (see Figure 7).

[0029] The bushing portion 43 is inserted through the second wire hole 13, thereby protecting the insulation of the signal cable from the edge of the second wire hole 13 in the bottom plate 10.

[0030] (2-5) Light source unit The light source unit 2 comprises a light source module 20, a support member 21, a cover 22, a power supply unit 5, and a pair of end members 6 (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0031] (2-5-1) Light source module The light source module 20 has two substrates 200 and a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs 201) mounted on the surface (bottom surface) of each substrate 200 (see Figure 5). Each substrate 200 is formed in a long rectangular shape. Conductors for connecting the plurality of LEDs 201 are formed on the surface of each substrate 200. The conductors of the two substrates 200 are connected via connectors mounted on the longitudinal ends of each substrate 200.

[0032] Each of the multiple LEDs 201 is a package-type white LED for illumination. However, the light-emitting element of the light source module 20 may be a light-emitting element other than an LED, such as an organic electroluminescent element or a semiconductor laser element.

[0033] (2-5-2) Power supply unit The power supply unit 5 comprises a power supply circuit 50 composed of printed circuitry and a power supply case 51 housing the power supply circuit 50 (see Figures 4 and 9). The power supply case 51 is formed in the shape of a long box with one side (bottom) open. The power supply circuit 50 includes a rectifier circuit that rectifies the AC voltage supplied from an external power source via an electric wire 54, a boost circuit that boosts and smooths the pulsating voltage rectified by the rectifier circuit, a buck circuit that lowers the DC voltage output from the boost circuit, and a control circuit that controls the buck circuit. The control circuit controls the buck circuit to make the current (load current) supplied to the light source module 20 a constant current by matching it to a target value. The control circuit also adjusts the target value of the load current in response to a signal (dimming signal) input from a signal transmission source via a signal cable and signal terminal block 52 to dim the light source module 20. The signal transmission source is, for example, a lighting controller installed on the wall of an office. Furthermore, a receptacle connector 55, which can be connected to the plug connector 16 of the main unit 1, is attached to the end of the electric wire 54 that is drawn out from the power supply case 51 (see Figure 8).

[0034] (2-5-3) Support Member The support member 21 has a main portion 210 formed in the shape of a long plate, and a pair of side plate portions 211 that rise upward from a pair of side ends (front and rear ends) along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the main portion 210 (see Figure 5). The pair of side plate portions 211 are formed in the shape of a long rectangle.

[0035] Furthermore, the support member 21 has a positioning piece 212, a locking piece 213, a pair of cover mounting pieces 214, a pair of hooking parts 31, and a pair of projections 215 (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0036] The positioning piece 212 is formed in a prismatic shape that protrudes downward from the rear end on the lower surface of the main part 210 (see Figure 9). The locking piece 213 is formed in an L-shape that protrudes downward from the front end on the lower surface of the main part 210. The positioning piece 212 and the locking piece 213 are each formed along the entire length of the main part 210 in the longitudinal direction, parallel to each other. The substrate 200 of the light source module 20 is inserted into the space between the locking piece 213 and the main part 210, and the end of the substrate 200 is locked to the locking piece 213 (see Figure 9). The substrate 200 is then positioned in the front-rear direction of the main part 210 by the positioning piece 212. The substrate 200 is screwed to the main part 210 by a plurality of screws.

[0037] Each of the pair of cover mounting pieces 214 is formed in an L-shape and protrudes downward from each side end along the longitudinal direction of the main part 210 (see Figures 9 and 11). A pair of mounting parts 222 of the cover 22 are hooked onto each cover mounting piece 214, as will be described later.

[0038] Each pair of hooking portions 31 protrudes inward from approximately the center in the vertical direction along the entire length of each side plate portion 211 on the inner surface of the pair of side plate portions 211 (see Figure 9). However, the tip of each hooking portion 31 is bent downward. These pair of hooking portions 31 hook onto the tip of each spring piece 300 of the two mounting springs 30 attached to the fixture body 1. In other words, the pair of hooking portions 31 together with the mounting springs 30 constitute the mounting member 3.

[0039] Each of the pair of projections 215 protrudes inward from the lower end portion of the inner surface of the pair of side plate portions 211, along the entire length of each side plate portion 211 in the longitudinal direction (see Figure 9). Preferably, the main portion 210, the pair of side plate portions 211, the positioning piece 212, the locking piece 213, the pair of cover mounting pieces 214, the pair of hooking portions 31, and the pair of projections 215 are integrally formed by extrusion molding of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy.

[0040] (2-5-4) Cover The cover 22 has a front wall 220, a pair of side walls 221, and a pair of mounting parts 222 (see Figure 5). The front wall 220 is formed in a long rectangular shape. The pair of side walls 221 are each formed in a long rectangular shape and protrude upward from both ends (front and rear ends) along the longitudinal direction of the front wall 220. The pair of mounting parts 222 are each formed in a long U-shape and protrude inward from the upper end of each side wall 221 along the entire length of the side wall 221 in the longitudinal direction (see Figure 10). Here, it is preferable that the front wall 220, the pair of side walls 221, and the pair of mounting parts 222 are integrally formed by extrusion molding of a translucent synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin. Furthermore, it is preferable that the cover 22 is formed in a milky white color by mixing a filler into the synthetic resin material in order to diffuse the light emitted from the light source module 20.

[0041] The cover 22 is attached to the support member 21 by hooking one of the pair of mounting parts 222 onto each of the pair of cover mounting pieces 214 of the support member 21 (see Figure 10). The cover 22 attached to the support member 21 covers the light source module 20 which is mounted on the lower surface of the main part 210.

[0042] (2-5-5) End members The end member 6 has a cover end portion 60, an end cap portion 61, and a fastener 62 (see Figure 5). The cover end portion 60 is configured to close each end (left and right) of the cover 22 in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction) (see Figure 1). The end cap portion 61 is configured to close each end (left and right) of the support member 21 in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction) (see Figure 1). The fastener 62 is configured to support the cover end portion 60 and the end cap portion 61 and to be fixed to the main portion 210 of the support member 21 (see Figure 8).

[0043] (2-5-6) Sealing Member The light source unit 2 includes, for example, a sealing member 7 made of silicone resin (see Figures 5, 9, and 10). The sealing member 7 has the function of sealing the gap between the cover end portion 60 of the end member 6 and the cover 22, thereby preventing foreign matter (such as dust, dirt, and insects) from entering.

[0044] (2-6) Assembly process of the light source unit Next, we will explain the assembly process for the light source unit 2.

[0045] (2-6-1) Installation process of the power supply unit and signal terminal block to the support member First, the power supply unit 5 is attached to the support member 21 by screwing both ends of the power supply case 51 to the main part 210 with fixing screws at approximately the center of the upper surface of the main part 210 of the support member 21 (see Figures 8 and 9). At this time, the open surface of the power supply case 51 is closed off by the main part 210 (see Figure 9). In addition, the power supply case 51 has a hook piece 510 that protrudes outward, formed by cutting and bending (see Figure 9). The hook piece 510 then hooks onto the hook piece 31 of the side plate 211, preventing the power supply case 51 from lifting away from the main part 210 of the support member 21.

[0046] Furthermore, the two signal terminal blocks 52 are attached to the upper surface of the main portion 210 of the support member 21 by two mounting fixtures 23 (see Figures 8 and 10). Each mounting fixture 23 has a fixing portion 230 to which the signal terminal block 52 is fixed, and a screw-fastening piece 231 that is screwed to the main portion 210. A step is formed between the fixing portion 230 and the screw-fastening piece 231, and when the screw-fastening piece 231 is screwed to the main portion 210, a space is formed between the fixing portion 230 and the main portion 210 (see Figure 10). A V-shaped projection 233 is provided at the end of the fixing portion 230, and the fixing portion 230 is supported by the side plate portion 211 by the projection 233 hooking onto a projection 215 provided on the side plate portion 211 of the support member 21 (see Figure 10). The two signal terminal blocks 52 and the power supply unit 5 are each connected by two signal lines 53 (see Figure 8).

[0047] Each of the fixing parts 230 is provided with an attachment part 232 to which a suspension member is attached. The lower end of the suspension member is attached to the attachment part 232. The suspension member is made of a string (cord) made of, for example, a synthetic fiber, and is used when attaching the light source unit 2 to the fixture body 1.

[0048] (2-6-2) Installation process of the light source module to the support member Next, the light source module 20 is attached to the lower surface of the main body 210. The light source module 20 is attached to the main body 210 by inserting the substrate 200 into the space between the locking piece 213 and the main body 210, and then screwing the substrate 200 to the main body 210 while it is positioned by the positioning piece 212 (see Figures 5 and 9). At this time, the light source module 20 and the power supply unit 5 are electrically connected through the through hole provided in the main body 210.

[0049] (2-6-3) Steps for attaching the cover to the support member Next, the cover 22 is attached to the main part 210 by inserting the mounting portion 222 of the cover 22 into the space between the lower surface of the main part 210 and the cover mounting piece 214 from one end of the cover 22 in the longitudinal direction (see Figures 10 and 11). Since the mounting portion 222 of the cover 22 is only hooked onto the cover mounting piece 214 of the main part 210, the cover 22 is movable along the longitudinal direction of the main part 210 relative to the main part 210.

[0050] (2-6-4) End member installation process First, the sealing member 7 is attached to the cover end portion 60. Then, the cover end portion 60 and the end cap portion 61 are joined together. Next, the fastener 62 is attached to the end cap portion 61.

[0051] The end members 6 assembled as described above are attached one to each of the longitudinal ends of the support member 21 and the cover 22. Specifically, a part of the fastener 62 is inserted between the upper surface of the main part 210 and the pair of projections 215. Then, the fixing plate is screwed to the main part 210 of the support member 21.

[0052] Furthermore, the cover end portion 60 and the sealing member 7 are inserted into the cover 22, and the end cap portion 61 closes both longitudinal ends of the support member 21. The sealing member 7 inserted into the cover 22 closes the gap between the cover end portion 60 and the cover 22 by being in close contact with the inner surfaces of the front wall 220 and the side wall 221 of the cover 22.

[0053] As described above, the assembly of the light source unit 2 is completed by attaching one end member 6 to each of the longitudinal ends of the support member 21 and the cover 22.

[0054] (2-7) Installation procedure for lighting fixtures Next, the procedure for installing lighting fixture A1 on the ceiling will be explained. The worker performing the installation inserts the power cable 80, which has been pulled out into the room through a hole in the ceiling, into the first wire hole 12 of the fixture body 1. The worker also inserts the signal cable, which has been pulled out into the room through a hole in the ceiling, into the second wire hole 13. Then, the worker inserts the two suspension bolts that protrude downward from the ceiling into the two bolt insertion holes 14 of the fixture body 1, one bolt at a time, and tightens nuts on each suspension bolt to attach the fixture body 1 to the ceiling. The worker also connects the power cable 80 to the power terminal block 15.

[0055] Next, the worker temporarily suspends and secures the light source unit 2 to the fixture body 1 by hooking the ends of the two suspension members attached to the mounting parts 232 of the two mounting fixtures 23 one by one into the two hooking holes 18 of the fixture body 1. In this temporarily secured state, the worker connects the receptacle connector 55 of the power supply unit 5 to the plug connector 16 of the fixture body 1. Furthermore, the worker connects the signal wire of the signal cable inserted through the second wire hole 13 of the fixture body 1 to the signal terminal block 52.

[0056] Then, while supporting the temporarily fixed light source unit 2 with both hands, the operator brings the light source unit 2 close to the fixture main body 1, and inserts the mounting spring 30 of the fixture main body 1 between the pair of side plate portions 211 of the support member 21. At this time, the tip end of the side plate portion 211 abuts against the guide piece 400 of the guide member 40, whereby the mounting spring 30 is reliably inserted between the pair of side plate portions 211. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that the spring piece 300 of the mounting spring 30 protrudes to the outside of the side plate portion 211, and an excessive force is applied to the spring piece 300 to cause plastic deformation.

[0057] Further, since the amount of deformation (deflection amount) of the spring piece 300 is limited by the limiting member 41, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that an excessive force is applied to the spring piece 300 to cause plastic deformation.

[0058] For the mounting spring 30 inserted between the pair of side plate portions 211, the respective tip portions of the pair of spring pieces 300 are hooked on the hooking portions 31 on the inner side surface of each side plate portion 211 (see FIG. 9). That is, the light source unit 2 is mounted to the fixture main body 1 by the mounting member 3 composed of two mounting springs 30 and the hooking portions 31 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). Note that when the operator pulls the light source unit 2 downward, the tip portion of the mounting spring 30 is disengaged from the hooking portion 31, so that the light source unit 2 can be removed from the fixture main body 1.

[0059] (3) Features of the embodiment One feature of the light source unit 2 is that the thickness TA of the front wall 220 of the cover 22 is smaller than the thickness TB of the side wall 221 of the cover 22 (TA<TB) (see FIG. 11). For example, the thickness TA of the front wall 220 is approximately 1.0 mm, and the thickness TB of the side wall 221 is approximately 1.2 mm. However, in a state where the cover 22 is mounted to the support member 21, the first distance DA from the LED 201 of the light source module 20 to the front wall 220 is longer than the second distance DB from the LED 201 to the side wall 221 (DB<DA). For example, the first distance DA from the LED 201 to the front wall 220 is approximately 26.8 mm, and the second distance DB from the LED 201 to the side wall 221 is approximately 19.1 mm. However, these numerical values are merely examples, and are not intended to be limited to the illustrated numerical values.

[0060] However, since the front wall 220 and side walls 221 of the cover 22 of the light source unit 2 are configured as described above, the difference between the intensity of light transmitted through the front wall 220 and the intensity of light transmitted through the side walls 221 can be reduced. As a result, the light source unit 2 can equalize the amount of light transmitted through the cover 22 and irradiated into the illuminated space.

[0061] Incidentally, it is preferable that the cover 22 is configured such that the thickness TA of the front wall 220 becomes smaller than the thickness TB of the side wall 221 as the first distance DA becomes longer than the second distance DB. For example, if the cover 22 is formed such that the relationship TA / TB = DB / DA is satisfied, it is possible to reduce the height of the cover 22 and increase its lateral width while simultaneously equalizing the amount of light that passes through the cover 22 and illuminates the lighting space.

[0062] Here, the corner portion of the cover 22, specifically including the front and rear ends of the front wall 220, and the portion connecting the side wall 221 and the front wall 220 (hereinafter referred to as the boundary portion 223), has a moderate curvature (see Figures 11 and 12). If the boundary portion 223 does not have curvature, the raw resin material will not flow easily to the part of the mold corresponding to the boundary portion 223, resulting in defects such as shrinkage, and stress will tend to concentrate at the boundary portion 223.

[0063] Generally, as the radius of curvature of the curve increases, the stress concentration factor at the corner (corresponding to the boundary section 223; the same applies hereinafter) decreases, and the adverse effects on strength also decrease. However, when the radius of curvature of the curve exceeds 75% of the wall thickness, the stress concentration factor does not change much, so there is no need to increase the radius of curvature of the curve any further. On the other hand, when the radius of curvature of the curve falls below 25% of the wall thickness, the stress concentration factor increases dramatically, and there is a risk of stress concentration at the corner. Note that the radius of curvature of the outer curve of the corner is usually made larger than the radius of curvature of the inner curve of the corner.

[0064] On the other hand, in the cover 22 of the light source unit 2, the radius of curvature RB of the outer rounded portion of each boundary 223 is smaller than the sum of the radius of curvature RA of the inner rounded portion and the thickness TA of the front wall 220 or the thickness TB of the side wall 221 (RB<RA+TA or RB<RA+TB). Specifically, both the radius of curvature RA of the inner rounded portion and the radius of curvature RB of the outer rounded portion of each boundary 223 are approximately 0.5 mm (see FIG. 12). However, neither of the inner and outer radii of curvature RA and RB is limited to 0.5 mm.

[0065] Accordingly, the cover 22 is formed such that the radius of curvature RB of the outer rounded portion of the boundary 223, the radius of curvature RA of the inner rounded portion of the boundary 223, and the thickness TA of the front wall 220 or the thickness TB of the side wall 221 satisfy the above relationship (inequality). Therefore, in the light source unit 2, the boundary 223 of the cover 22 can be made to look sharp compared to the case where the radius of curvature of the outer rounded portion of the boundary is larger than the radius of curvature of the inner rounded portion of the boundary.

[0066] Further, in the cover 22 of the light source unit 2, the mounting portion 222 includes an insertion piece 2221, a facing piece 2222, a connecting piece 2223 and a protruding piece 2224 (see FIG. 13). The facing piece 2222 is provided over the entire length of each side wall 221 in the longitudinal direction so as to protrude obliquely upward from the inner surface of the upper end portion of each side wall 221. The connecting piece 2223 is provided over the entire length of each side wall 221 in the longitudinal direction so as to protrude upward from the upper end of the facing piece 2222. The insertion piece 2221 is provided over the entire length of each side wall 221 in the longitudinal direction so as to protrude obliquely downward from the upper end of the facing piece 2222 to face the facing piece 2222. The protruding piece 2224 is provided over the entire length of each side wall 221 in the longitudinal direction so as to protrude upward from the upper end of each side wall 221. Note that the protruding piece 2224 is formed into a curved shape that is convex upward (for example, a cylindrical surface shape).

[0067] The mounting portion 222 is attached to the cover mounting piece 214 by inserting an insertion piece 2221 into the space between the cover mounting piece 214 of the support member 21 and the main portion 210, and sandwiching the cover mounting piece 214 between the insertion piece 2221 and the opposing piece 2222. Here, the mounting portion 222 sandwiches the cover mounting piece 214 from above and below, but does not restrict the longitudinal (left-right) movement of the cover 22. In other words, if the cover 22 expands due to the heat generated by the light source module 20 and the power supply unit 5, the cover 22 will be less susceptible to external forces from the support member 21. As a result, the light source unit 2 can suppress the occurrence of defects such as deformation, distortion, and cracking of the cover 22.

[0068] In this case, when the cover 22 expands and contracts, the mounting portion 222 may rub against the cover mounting piece 214, potentially generating abnormal noise. In contrast, the light source unit 2 is provided with a projection 2224 at the part where the mounting portion 222 contacts the cover mounting piece 214, thereby reducing the contact area between the mounting portion 222 and the cover mounting piece 214 and suppressing the generation of abnormal noise. Furthermore, since the tip (upper end) of the projection 2224 in the light source unit 2 is formed in a curved shape, the contact area between the mounting portion 222 and the cover mounting piece 214 can be further reduced, thereby further suppressing the generation of abnormal noise.

[0069] Furthermore, since the projection 2224 is provided along the entire length of the side wall 221, the gap between the side wall 221 of the cover 22 and the side plate portion 211 of the support member 21 can be narrowed by the projection 2224. Here, a portion of the light emitted from the light source module 20 is guided inside the cover 22. Then, a portion of the light guided inside the cover 22 is emitted out of the cover 22 from the projection 2224. As a result, the light source unit 2 can illuminate up to the boundary portion of the side wall 221 of the cover 22 with the side plate portion 211 of the support member 21, making the gap between the side wall 221 and the side plate portion 211 even less noticeable. In addition, by emitting light from the projection 2224, the light source unit 2 can increase the amount of light directed upwards over the cover 22.

[0070] (4) Modified examples of embodiments A modification of the light source unit 2 according to the embodiment will be described. The light source unit 2 of the modification is characterized in that the thickness TA of a front wall 220 of a cover 22 is larger than the thickness TB of a side wall 221 of the cover 22 (TB < TA) (see FIG. 14). Further, in the light source unit 2 of the modification, in a state where the cover 22 is attached to a support member 21, a first distance DA from an LED 201 of a light source module 20 to the front wall 220 is shorter than a second distance DB from the LED 201 to the side wall 221 (DA < DB).

[0071] Accordingly, in the light source unit 2 of the modification, the front wall 220 and the side wall 221 of the cover 22 are configured as described above, so that the difference between the intensity of light transmitted through the front wall 220 and the intensity of light transmitted through the side wall 221 can be reduced. As a result, similarly to the light source unit 2 according to the embodiment, the light source unit 2 of the modification can homogenize the light transmitted through the cover 22 and irradiated into an illumination space.

[0072] (5) Summary A light source unit (2) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source module (20), a support member (21) that supports the light source module (20), and a light-transmissive cover (22) that covers the light source module (20). The light source module (20) includes a substrate (200) and a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs 201) arranged on a surface of the substrate (200). The cover (22) includes a front wall (220) facing the plurality of light-emitting elements along the thickness direction of the substrate (200), and one or more side walls (221) protruding from a peripheral edge of the front wall (220) toward the substrate (200). The thickness (TA) of the front wall (220) and the thickness (TB) of the side wall (221) are different.

[0073] In the light source unit (2) according to the first aspect, by making the thickness (TA) of the front wall (220) different from the thickness (TB) of the side wall (221), the difference between the intensity (luminous flux) of light transmitted through the front wall (220) and the intensity (luminous flux) of light transmitted through the side wall (221) can be reduced. As a result, the light source unit (2) according to the first aspect can homogenize the light transmitted through the cover (22) and irradiated into an illumination space.

[0074] A light source unit (2) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the light source unit (2) according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the cover (22) is configured such that the thickness (TA) of the front wall (220) is smaller than the thickness (TB) of the side wall (221).

[0075] The light source unit (2) according to the second embodiment can increase the intensity of light transmitted through the front wall (220).

[0076] A light source unit (2) according to a third aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the second aspect. In the light source unit (2) according to the third aspect, the cover (22) is preferably configured such that the first distance (DA) from the surface of the substrate (200) to the front wall (220) is longer than the second distance (DB) from the surface of the substrate (200) to the side wall (221).

[0077] The light source unit (2) according to the third embodiment can equalize the amount of light that passes through the cover (22) and illuminates the lighting space by reducing the difference between the intensity (luminous flux) of light that passes through the front wall (220) and the intensity (luminous flux) of light that passes through the side wall (221).

[0078] A light source unit (2) according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with a third aspect. In the light source unit (2) according to the fourth aspect, the cover (22) is preferably configured such that the thickness of the front wall (220) (TA) becomes smaller than the thickness of the side wall (221) (TB) as the first distance (DA) becomes longer than the second distance (DB).

[0079] The light source unit (2) according to the fourth embodiment can reduce the height of the cover (22) and increase the width of the cover (22) while also equalizing the amount of light that passes through the cover (22) and illuminates the lighting space.

[0080] A light source unit (2) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combination with any of the first to fourth aspects. In the light source unit (2) according to the fifth aspect, the cover (22) preferably has a front wall (220), one or more side walls (221), and one or more boundary portions (223). The front wall (220) is preferably formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The side walls (221) preferably protrude from the end of the front wall (220). The boundary portion (223) preferably includes the end of the front wall (220) and connects the side wall (221) and the front wall (220). The radius of curvature (RB) of the outer curvature of the boundary portion (223) is smaller than the sum of the radius of curvature (RA) of the inner curvature of the boundary portion (223) and the thickness (TA or TB) of the front wall (220) or the thickness (TB) of the side wall (221).

[0081] The light source unit (2) according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure can make the boundary portion (223) of the cover (22) appear sharper compared to the case where the radius of curvature (RB) of the outer curvature of the boundary portion (223) is larger than the radius of curvature (RA) of the inner curvature of the boundary portion (223).

[0082] A light source unit (2) according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combination with any of the first to fifth aspects. In the light source unit (2) according to the sixth aspect, the support member (21) preferably has a main part (210) and one or more cover mounting pieces (214). The main part (210) is preferably formed in the shape of a long plate and faces the back surface of the substrate (200). The cover mounting piece (214) preferably protrudes from the surface of the main part (210) that faces the back surface of the substrate (200) and forms a space between it and the surface of the main part (210) into which a part of the cover (22) can be inserted. The cover (22) preferably has a mounting portion (222) into which a part of the cover mounting piece (214) is inserted.

[0083] In the sixth embodiment, the light source unit (2) is designed such that when the cover (22) undergoes thermal expansion, less force is applied from the cover mounting piece (214) to the mounting part (222), thereby suppressing the occurrence of defects such as deformation, distortion, and cracking of the cover (22).

[0084] A light source unit (2) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with a sixth aspect. In the light source unit (2) according to the seventh aspect, the mounting portion (222) preferably has an insertion piece (2221) that is inserted into the space and an opposing piece (2222) that faces the insertion piece (2221) with the cover mounting piece (214) in between. The mounting portion (222) preferably has a projection (2224) that protrudes from the opposing piece (2222) toward the cover mounting piece (214).

[0085] In the seventh embodiment, the light source unit (2) is provided with a projection (2224) at the part where the mounting portion (222) contacts the cover mounting piece (214), thereby reducing the contact area between the mounting portion (222) and the cover mounting piece (214) and suppressing the generation of abnormal noise.

[0086] A lighting fixture (A1) according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure comprises a light source unit (2) according to any of the first to seventh aspects, and a fixture body (1) to which the light source unit (2) is detachably attached.

[0087] The lighting fixture (A1) according to the eighth embodiment can equalize the light emitted from the light source unit (2) into the illuminated space. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] A1 Lighting fixtures 1. Main body of the device 2 Light source units 20 Light Source Modules 21 Support member 22 Cover 200 circuit boards 201 LED (Light-emitting element) 210 Main section 211 Side plate part 214 Cover mounting piece 220 Front wall 221 Side wall 222 Mounting part 223 Boundary 2221 Insertion piece 2222 Opposing piece 2224 Projection piece TA front wall thickness TB side wall thickness DA 1st distance DB 2nd distance Radius of curvature of the inner curvature of the RA boundary Radius of curvature of the outer curvature of the RB boundary

Claims

1. Light source module, A support member that supports the light source module, A light-transmitting cover that covers the light source module, Equipped with, The aforementioned light source module is circuit board and A plurality of light-emitting elements arranged on the surface of the substrate, It has, The aforementioned support member is A main part formed in the shape of a long plate and facing the back surface of the substrate, One or more cover mounting pieces protrude from the opposing surface of the main portion that faces the back surface of the substrate, and form a space between them and the opposing surface of the main portion into which a part of the cover can be inserted, It has, The aforementioned cover is A long front wall facing the plurality of light-emitting elements along the thickness direction of the substrate, One or more elongated side walls protruding from the periphery of the front wall toward the substrate, It has, The thickness of the front wall and the thickness of the side wall are different. The tip of the side wall is located closer to the front wall than the tips of the plurality of light-emitting elements. Light source unit.

2. The cover is configured such that the thickness of the front wall is smaller than the thickness of the side wall. The light source unit according to claim 1.

3. The cover is configured such that the first distance from the surface of the substrate to the front wall is longer than the second distance from the surface of the substrate to the side wall. The light source unit according to claim 2.

4. The cover is configured such that the thickness of the front wall becomes smaller relative to the thickness of the side wall as the first distance becomes longer than the second distance. The light source unit according to claim 3.

5. The front wall and the side wall are formed in a flat plate shape. A light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A light source unit according to any of claims 1 to 5, The fixture body to which the light source unit is detachably attached, Equipped with, Lighting fixtures.

Images