LED lamp

Abstract

To provide a long-length LED lamp that has a better external appearance.SOLUTION: An LED lamp 503 comprises: a plurality of LED modules 2 which are aligned along a first direction; a cylinder body 1 accommodating the plurality of LED modules 2 and being open at its end part in the first direction x; a first end cap 3A for sealing one end part of the cylinder body 1 in the first direction x; and a second end cap for sealing the other end part of the cylinder body 1 in the first direction x. The first end cap 3A has a first inclined surface 31a which is inclined so that a thickness in the first direction x is thicker as it is closer to one side in a second direction z, in which the light of the LED modules 2 is emitted. The second end cap 3B has a second inclined surface 31b which is inclined so that the thickness in the first direction x is thinner as it is closer to one side in the second direction z.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an LED lamp that houses a plurality of LED chips and is used in, for example, an LED lighting device used for indoor floor lighting or wall lighting.

Background Art

[0002] FIG. 39 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a conventional LED lamp. The LED lamp 900 shown in the figure includes a rectangular substrate 91, a plurality of LED chips 92 arranged in a row on the substrate 91, a tube 93 that houses the substrate 91, terminals 94, and a circuit 95 for lighting the LED chips 92. On the substrate 91, wiring (not shown) connected to the plurality of LED chips 92 and the terminals 94 is formed.

[0003] This LED lamp 900 is configured such that by fitting the terminals 94 into, for example, the insertion opening of a socket for a fluorescent lamp installed on a ceiling or the like, the plurality of LED chips 92 can emit light. Since the LED chips 92 have low power consumption and a long lifespan, if the LED lamp 900 is used as a replacement for an existing fluorescent lamp, improvements can be expected in terms of cost and the environment.

[0004] However, since the terminals 94 are arranged at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the LED lamp 900, when a plurality of LED lamps 900 are joined together along the longitudinal direction, it is impossible to make the joint portions between the LED lamps 900 emit light. For this reason, when the LED lamps 900 are joined together to form a long lighting device, dark portions that do not emit light along the longitudinal direction are intermittently arranged, which may give a complicated impression to the viewer.

[0005] In addition, in a plurality of LED chips 92 arranged in a row, a steep luminance distribution occurs around that row, and it is likely to feel dazzling. This becomes more prominent as the number of LED chips 92 increases. As a result, it is difficult to achieve both an increase in the total light amount and uniformization of the luminance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present invention has been conceived under the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a longer LED lighting device with a better appearance, an LED lamp capable of realizing such an LED lighting device, and a lamp case suitable for accommodating such an LED lamp. Another object thereof is to provide an LED module and an LED lighting device capable of increasing the total amount of light and achieving uniform brightness.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The LED lamp provided by the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of LED modules arranged along a first direction, a cylindrical body that houses the plurality of LED modules and has an opening at an end in the first direction, and a plurality of end caps that seal both ends of the cylindrical body in the first direction. Each end cap is formed to diffuse light while transmitting light from the plurality of LED modules, and has an emission surface that emits light in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0009] The LED lamp provided by the second aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the cylindrical body includes a support member having a mounting surface for mounting the plurality of LED modules on one side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a diffusion cover that covers one side of the support member in the second direction and diffuses light while transmitting light from the plurality of LED modules. The emission surface is formed on one side in the second direction.

[0010] The LED lamp provided by the third aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein each of the end caps is formed of a transparent resin added with a diffusing material for diffusing the light from the LED module.

[0011] The LED lamp provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by the second or third aspect of the present invention, wherein the light emitting surface is formed to be a surface continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the diffusing cover.

[0012] The LED lamp provided by the fifth aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the plurality of LED modules are arranged at regular intervals, and the distance between the LED module closest to the end cap in the first direction among the plurality of LED modules and the end cap is shorter than the regular interval.

[0013] The LED lamp provided by the sixth aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the distance between the outer end face of the end cap in the first direction and the LED module closest to the end cap in the first direction is half of the regular interval.

[0014] The LED lamp provided by the seventh aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein each of the end caps is provided with a connecting plate protruding inward of the cylindrical body along the first direction, and a threaded hole extending long in the first direction is formed in the connecting plate, and the end cap is attached to the cylindrical body via a screw inserted through the threaded hole, and the light emitting surface can be accommodated in the cylindrical body.

[0015] The LED lamp provided by the eighth aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the plurality of end caps include a first end cap having an inclined surface that inclines so as to be farther away from the emission surface toward the outside in the first direction, and a second end cap having an inclined surface that inclines so as to approach the emission surface toward the outside in the first direction.

[0016] The LED lamp provided by the ninth aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein each end cap includes a male portion having an inclined surface that inclines so as to approach the emission surface toward the outside in the first direction, and a female portion having an inclined surface that inclines so as to be farther away from the emission surface toward the outside in the first direction.

[0017] The LED lighting device provided by the tenth aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two LED lamps provided by any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention along the first direction, and among the plurality of LED lamps, the ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps in the first direction face each other.

[0018] The LED lighting device provided by the eleventh aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps in the first direction are in contact with each other.

[0019] The LED lighting device provided by the twelfth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the eleventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the emission surfaces of two adjacent LED lamps are continuous surfaces.

[0020] The LED lighting device provided by the 13th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 10th aspect of the present invention, in which a plate material in contact with each end cap is provided between the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps, and the plate material is formed to diffuse while transmitting light from the plurality of LED modules.

[0021] The LED lighting device provided by the 14th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 13th aspect of the present invention, in which the plate material has a surface continuous with the emission surface of each end cap.

[0022] The LED lighting device provided by the 15th aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two LED lamps provided by the 7th aspect of the present invention along the first direction, and among the plurality of LED lamps, the ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps in the first direction are in contact with each other.

[0023] The LED lighting device provided by the 16th aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two LED lamps provided by the 8th aspect of the present invention along the first direction. Among the plurality of LED lamps, two adjacent LED lamps each include the first end cap on one side in the first direction and the second end cap on the other side, and the inclined surfaces of the first end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps and the inclined surface of the second end cap of the other LED lamp face each other.

[0024] The LED lighting device provided by the 17th aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two LED lamps provided by the 9th aspect of the present invention along the first direction, and the female part of the end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps and the male part of the end cap of the other LED lamp are engaged with each other.

[0025] The lamp case provided by the 18th aspect of the present invention houses an LED lamp including a plurality of LED modules arranged along a first direction and a cylindrical body that houses the plurality of LED modules, and includes a main body member having a pair of connecting portions at both ends in the first direction, and a terminal member connected to any one of the pair of connecting portions. The terminal member is detachable from the pair of connecting portions and has a wall surface perpendicular to the first direction.

[0026] The lamp case provided by the 19th aspect of the present invention is the lamp case provided by the 18th aspect of the present invention, in which a long hole extending long in the first direction is formed in the connecting portion, and the terminal member is connected to the connecting portion via a bolt member that passes through the long hole.

[0027] The LED lighting device provided by the 20th aspect of the present invention includes two or more lamp cases provided by the 18th or 19th aspect of the present invention, two or more LED lamps housed in the lamp case and arranged along the first direction, and an intermediate member connected to both of two adjacent lamp cases among the two or more lamp cases in the first direction.

[0028] The LED lighting device provided by the 21st aspect of the present invention includes two or more LED lamps provided by any one of the 1st to 6th aspects of the present invention arranged along the first direction, two or more lamp cases provided by the 18th or 19th aspect of the present invention that house the plurality of LED lamps, and an intermediate member connected to both of two adjacent lamp cases among the two or more lamp cases in the first direction. Among the two or more LED lamps, the ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps facing each other in the first direction.

[0029] The LED lighting device provided by the 22nd aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 21st aspect of the present invention, in which the ends of the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps in the first direction are in contact with each other.

[0030] The LED lighting device provided by the 23rd aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 22nd aspect of the present invention, in which the emission surfaces of the two adjacent LED lamps are continuous surfaces.

[0031] The LED lighting device provided by the 24th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 21st aspect of the present invention, in which a plate member in contact with each end cap is provided between the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps, and the plate member is formed to diffuse while transmitting light from the plurality of LED modules.

[0032] The LED lighting device provided by the 25th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 24th aspect of the present invention, in which the plate member has a surface continuous with the emission surface of each end cap.

[0033] The LED lighting device provided by the 26th aspect of the present invention includes two or more LED lamps arranged along the first direction as described in claim 7, two or more lamp cases provided by the 18th or 19th aspect of the present invention for accommodating the two or more LED lamps, and an intermediate member connected to both of the two adjacent lamp cases in the first direction among the two or more lamp cases. Among the plurality of LED lamps, the ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps in the first direction are in contact with each other.

[0034] The LED lighting device provided by the 27th aspect of the present invention includes two or more LED lamps provided by the 8th aspect of the present invention arranged along the first direction, two or more lamp cases provided by the 18th or 19th aspect of the present invention that house the two or more LED lamps, and an intermediate member that is connected to both of two adjacent lamp cases among the two or more lamp cases in the first direction. Among the two or more LED lamps, two adjacent LED lamps each include the first end cap on one side in the first direction and the second end cap on the other side. The inclined surface of the first end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps faces the inclined surface of the second end cap of the other LED lamp.

[0035] The LED lighting device provided by the 28th aspect of the present invention includes two or more LED lamps provided by the 9th aspect of the present invention arranged along the first direction, two or more lamp cases according to claim 18 or 19 that house the two or more LED lamps, and an intermediate member that is connected to both of two adjacent lamp cases among the two or more lamp cases in the first direction. The female part of the end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps meshes with the male part of the end cap of the other LED lamp.

[0036] According to such a configuration, since the joints between the LED lamps allow light from the LED module to pass through, the LED lighting device is less likely to have dark portions along the longitudinal direction. Therefore, by connecting the LED lamps provided by the 1st aspect of the present invention, a longer LED lighting device with a better appearance can be realized.

[0037] The LED module provided by the 29th aspect of the present invention includes a strip-shaped substrate and a plurality of LED chips arranged on the substrate. The plurality of LED chips are each arranged in the longitudinal direction of the substrate and form a plurality of rows spaced apart in the short-side direction of the substrate. Among the plurality of rows, adjacent rows are characterized in that the plurality of LED chips included in these rows are arranged in a staggered pattern shifted in the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

[0038] The LED module provided by the 30th aspect of the present invention is the LED module provided by the 29th aspect of the present invention. The plurality of LED chips are included in a plurality of light-emitting portions having a long rectangular light-emitting surface in the thickness direction view of the substrate, and the plurality of light-emitting portions are arranged such that the long side of the light-emitting surface is along the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

[0039] The LED module provided by the 31st aspect of the present invention is the LED module provided by the 30th aspect of the present invention. In each of the above rows, the plurality of light-emitting portions are arranged at equal intervals with an interval shorter than the long side of the light-emitting surface.

[0040] The LED module provided by the 32nd aspect of the present invention is the LED module provided by the 29th aspect of the present invention. The plurality of LED chips are included in a plurality of light-emitting portions having a long rectangular light-emitting surface in the thickness direction view of the substrate, and the plurality of light-emitting portions are arranged such that the short side of the light-emitting surface is along the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

[0041] The LED module provided by the 33rd aspect of the present invention is the LED module provided by any one of the 29th to 31st aspects of the present invention. The plurality of rows are two rows.

[0042] The LED lighting device provided by the 34th aspect of the present invention includes an LED module provided by any one of the 29th to 33rd aspects of the present invention, an elongated support member that extends along the longitudinal direction of the substrate while supporting the substrate, and a diffusion cover that is connected to the support member, covers the plurality of LED chips, and diffuses the light from the plurality of LED chips and emits it to the outside. The diffusion cover includes a portion where the distance from the LED chip is the smallest in the longitudinal direction view of the substrate, and has a strong diffusion portion where the degree of diffusing the light from the plurality of LED chips is stronger than the average of the entire diffusion cover.

[0043] The LED lighting device provided by the 35th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 34th aspect of the present invention, wherein the diffusion cover is formed thicker in a portion closer to the LED chip in the longitudinal direction view of the substrate.

[0044] The LED lighting device provided by the 36th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 34th aspect of the present invention, wherein the strong diffusion portion is formed of a material that diffuses the light from the LED chip more strongly than the material of the portion other than the strong diffusion portion of the diffusion cover.

[0045] The LED lighting device provided by the 37th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the 34th aspect of the present invention, wherein the strong diffusion portion is composed of a main body of the diffusion cover and a diffusion member that is laminated on the main body and diffuses the light from the plurality of LED chips.

[0046] The LED lighting device provided by the 38th aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by any one of the 34th to 37th aspects of the present invention, wherein the LED chip is installed such that the thickness direction of the substrate is the main emission direction, and in the longitudinal direction view of the substrate, the outer peripheral shape of the diffusion cover is an elliptical shape centered on the LED chip and having the thickness direction of the substrate as the minor axis direction.

[0047] In such a configuration, in the diffusion cover, the portion closer to the LED chip diffuses the light from the LED chip more strongly than the portion farther away, and transmits less light. Therefore, a difference in the intensity of the light after passing through the diffusion cover is less likely to occur between the portion far from the LED chip and the portion close to the LED chip. Thus, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the diffusion cover further achieves uniformization of luminance, and can improve the appearance during light emission.

[0048] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0049]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

Figure 29

Figure 30

Figure 31

Figure 32

Figure 33

Figure 34

Figure 35

Figure 36

Figure 37

Figure 38

Figure 39

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0051] FIGS. 1 to 4 show an LED lamp based on the first embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 501 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical body 1 formed to extend long in the x direction, a plurality of LED modules 2 housed in the cylindrical body 1, an end cap 3 attached to an end of the cylindrical body 1, two mounts 4, and a power conversion unit 5. The LED lamp 501 is configured to mainly illuminate one side in the z direction with light from a plurality of LED modules 2 housed inside, and is used, for example, to be attached to a ceiling or the like to illuminate the floor surface.

[0052] The cylinder body 1 is provided with a support member 11 and a diffusion cover 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 11 is for supporting a plurality of LED modules 2 and supplying power thereto, and is composed of a substrate 111 and a bracket 112.

[0053] The substrate 111 is strip-shaped with the x direction as the longitudinal direction and the y direction as the width direction, and is made of, for example, glass epoxy resin. The substrate 111 has a constant thickness in the z direction and is provided with a mounting surface 111a on one side in the z direction. For example, 288 LED modules 2 are mounted on the mounting surface 111a, and a wiring pattern (not shown) for lighting these LED modules 2 is formed.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the bracket 112 is composed of a base portion 113 and a pair of outer portions 114. The base portion 113 and the outer portions 114 are made of, for example, aluminum. The base portion 113 has a U-shaped cross section, and the substrate 111 is attached to the outside of its bottom surface. The outer portion 114 is shaped to cover a substantially one-sided portion of the base portion 113 and the y-direction edge of the substrate 111. The base portion 113 and the outer portion 114 are fastened by a plurality of screws 13.

[0055] A locking groove 114a that is recessed toward the other side in the z direction is formed in each outer portion 114. The locking groove 114a is formed over substantially the entire length of each outer portion 114 in the x direction. Further, each outer portion 114 is provided with a bulging portion 114b that protrudes in the y direction from near one end in the y direction, a locking groove 114c that is recessed toward the other side in the z direction and is formed in each bulging portion 114b, and a locking surface 114d that faces the bottom surface of the locking groove 114c. The bulging portion 114b, the locking groove 114c, and the locking surface 114d are each formed over substantially the entire length of each outer portion 114 in the x direction.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 1, the diffusion cover 12 is in the form of a strip with a cross-sectional arc shape extending in the x direction, and is formed of, for example, a transparent polycarbonate resin added with a diffusion material such as mercury chloride. Such a diffusion cover 12 diffuses and transmits the light from the LED module 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the diffusion cover 12 is provided with a locking piece 12a at one edge in the y direction and a locking piece 12b at the other edge. The locking piece 12a and the locking piece 12b are formed so as to protrude inward in the y direction, and each has a surface that abuts against the locking surface 114d. The locking piece 12b further includes a portion protruding toward the other side in the z direction, and has a shape that fits into the locking groove 114c. The diffusion cover 12 is fixed to the support member 11 by fitting the locking piece 12b into the locking groove 114c on one side in the y direction and then pushing the locking piece 12a into the locking groove 114c on the other side in the y direction.

[0057] Each LED module 2 incorporates an LED chip, is electrically connected to a wiring pattern (not shown) formed on the mounting surface 111a, and is configured to emit light mainly toward one side in the z direction.

[0058] A plurality of LED modules 2 are mounted on the mounting surface 111a so as to be arranged at equal intervals along the x direction. In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the distance between the closer ends of two adjacent LED modules 2 in the x direction is defined as the interval 81 between the LED modules 2. Among the plurality of LED modules 2, the LED module 2 located at the outermost end on one side in the x direction is arranged such that its one end is at a position separated from one end of the support member 11 in the x direction by a distance 82 shorter than the interval 81. Among the plurality of LED modules 2, the LED module 2 located at the outermost end on the other side in the x direction is arranged such that its other end is at a position separated from the other end of the support member 11 in the x direction by the distance 82.

[0059] The end cap 3 is a component for preventing dust and the like from entering the inside of the cylindrical body 1, and as shown in FIG. 1, it is formed so as to seal the end portion of the cylindrical body 1 in the x direction. One side of the end cap 3 in the z direction has an arc-shaped outer periphery so as to follow the shape of the diffusion cover 12. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the end cap 3 and also shows the outer periphery of the diffusion cover 12 with a two-dot chain line. The end cap 3 is installed so that no gap is generated between it and the diffusion cover 12. As shown in FIG. 2, it includes an emission surface 31 that is a continuous surface with the outer peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 12, and a pair of connecting plates 32 that protrude in the x direction. The pair of connecting plates 32 are formed so as to be parallel to each other while being separated in the y direction, and as shown in FIG. 3, they are in contact with the inner surface of the base portion 113 of the bracket 112. Further, screw holes 32a penetrating in the y direction are formed in the pair of connecting plates 32, and by passing screws 13 through the screw holes 32a, the pair of connecting plates 32 are fixed to the support member 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the end cap 3 has a constant thickness 83 in the x direction. This thickness 83 is, for example, about 1.5 mm.

[0060] Similar to the diffusion cover 12, the end cap 3 is formed of, for example, a transparent polycarbonate resin added with a diffusion material such as mercury chloride. Such an end cap 3 diffuses and transmits the light from the LED module 2. The ratio of the diffusion material in the end cap 3 is about the same as the ratio of the diffusion material in the diffusion cover 12.

[0061] In this embodiment, the end portion on the other side in the x direction of the end cap 3 attached to one side of the cylindrical body 1 in the x direction is in close contact with the end portion on the one side in the x direction of the support member 11. Also, the end portion on the one side in the x direction of the end cap 3 attached to the other side of the cylindrical body 1 in the x direction is in close contact with the end portion on the other side in the x direction of the support member 11. Further, the distance 82 is set so that the length 84 obtained by adding the distance 82 shown in FIG. 4 and the thickness 83 is half of the interval 81 between the LED modules 2.

[0062] Each mount 4 is a component used when fixing the LED lamp 501 to the ceiling, wall, etc., and consists of a base metal fitting 41 and a holder 42. The base metal fitting 41 is formed, for example, by performing drilling and bending processes on a metal plate, and is provided with a hole portion 41a for passing a screw. As shown in FIG. 1, the hole portion 41a is formed in a T shape combining a long hole extending in the y direction and a long hole extending in the x direction. Therefore, even after the base metal fitting 41 is attached to the ceiling or wall using screws, the position can be adjusted by the size of the hole portion 41a.

[0063] The holder 42 is formed, for example, by performing a bending process on a metal plate, and has a pair of locking pieces 42a, a pair of flexible portions 42b, and a connecting portion 42c connecting the pair of flexible portions 42b as shown in FIG. 3. The flexible portion 42b is in a position to support the locking piece 42a. When an external force is applied to the pair of flexible portions 42b, they can be elastically deformed in a direction to move the pair of locking pieces 42a closer to and away from each other. The pair of locking pieces 42a is a portion that engages with the locking groove 114a of the support member 11, and is inclined so that the distance between them becomes smaller as it goes upward in the drawing in FIG. 3.

[0064] The power conversion unit 5, for example, functions to convert commercial AC 100V power into DC 36V power, and is housed in the support member 11. The power conversion unit 5 consists of a case 51, a power supply board 52, and a plurality of electronic components 53. The case 51 has a U-shaped cross section and is made of, for example, metal. The power supply board 52 is fixed to the case 51, and a plurality of electronic components 53 are mounted on it. The plurality of electronic components 53 are, for example, a transformer, a rectifier, and further a transistor for constant current control. A connector 54 extends from the power conversion unit 5. This connector 54 is connected to, for example, a connector provided on the ceiling or wall where the LED lamp 501 is installed.

[0065] In this embodiment, two power conversion units 5 are provided, and power is supplied from one power conversion unit 5 to 144 LED modules 2. These 144 LED modules 2 are divided into 12 groups, with 12 modules connected in series with each other in each group. These groups are connected in parallel. As a result, DC power with a voltage of about 3V and a current of about 20mA is supplied to each LED chip in each LED module 2.

[0066] Next, the operation of the LED lamp 501 will be described.

[0067] In such an LED lamp 501, as shown in FIG. 4, light from the LED modules 2 installed mainly at the end in the x direction enters the end cap 3. Since the end cap 3 is made of a resin to which a diffusing material is added as described above, the light incident on the end cap 3 is diffused, and a part of it is emitted from the emission surface 31 in the z direction. Therefore, when the LED lamp 501 is installed on the ceiling and lit, for example, to a person looking up from below, the end of the LED lamp 501 in the x direction appears to be glowing like the other parts.

[0068] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a part of an LED lighting device 601 configured by combining a plurality of the above-described LED lamps 501. As shown in FIG. 5, in the LED lighting device 601, a plurality of LED lamps 501 are attached to the ceiling or wall so as to be arranged in a row along the x direction. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing the joint portion between adjacent LED lamps 501, and the diffusion cover 12 is omitted to show the inside of the LED lamp 501.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6, in the LED lighting device 601, the end caps 3 of adjacent LED lamps 501 are in contact with each other, and the distance between the LED modules 2 installed with the two end caps 3 interposed therebetween is exactly the interval 81. Since the end caps 3 of adjacent LED lamps 501 are in contact with each other, the light passing through one end cap 3 is diffused by the other end cap 3. Therefore, in the LED lighting device 601, a part of the light emitted from the LED lamp 501 in the x direction is emitted in the z direction from the emission surface 31 of the end cap 3 of the adjacent LED lamp 501. Accordingly, the LED lighting device 601 can effectively utilize the light from the LED module 2.

[0070] As described above, since the end cap 3 scatters while transmitting the light from the LED module 2, the emission surface 31 appears to be shining. For this reason, in the LED lighting device 601, the joint portion of the adjacent LED lamps 501 does not become dark. Therefore, it is possible to realize a more aesthetically pleasing long LED lighting device 601 that extends long in the x direction by combining the LED lamps 501.

[0071] In the present embodiment, also in the joint portion between adjacent LED lamps 501, since the distance between the LED modules 2 is the same interval 81 as the other portions, the joint portion does not become darker than the other portions, and the appearance can be further improved.

[0072] FIGS. 7 to 26 show other embodiments of the present invention. In these figures, the same or similar elements as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment.

[0073] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a part of an LED lighting device 602 configured by combining a plurality of the above-described LED lamps 501. In the LED lighting device 602 shown in FIG. 7, a plate material 6 is provided between the end caps 3 of adjacent LED lamps 501, and the other configuration is the same as that of the LED lighting device 601 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, the plate member 6 is sandwiched between the right end face of the end cap 3 on the left side in the figure in the x direction and the left end face of the end cap 3 on the right side in the figure. The plate member 6 is formed such that its shape in the x - direction view coincides with the shape of the end cap 3 in the x - direction view, and has an emission surface 61 that is continuous with the emission surfaces 31 of the left and right end caps 3 in FIG. 7. The plate member 6 is formed of, for example, a transparent polycarbonate resin added with a diffusing material such as mercury chloride. The ratio of the diffusing material in the plate member 6 is approximately the same as the ratio of the diffusing material in the diffusion cover 12. Such a plate member 6 diffuses and transmits the light that has passed through the end cap 3 among the light from the LED module 2. A part of the light diffused inside the plate member 6 is emitted from the emission surface 61 in the z - direction.

[0075] Also in such an LED lighting device 602, since the plate member 6 appears to emit light in the same way as the end cap 3, the joint portion of the adjacent LED lamps 501 does not become dark. Therefore, the LED lighting device 602 looks better.

[0076] To preferably realize the configuration shown in FIG. 7, it is advisable to prepare in advance a plurality of types of plate members 6 having different thicknesses in the x - direction. When a gap occurs between the left and right end caps 3 in FIG. 7, select a plate member 6 with a thickness corresponding to the gap and fit it into the gap.

[0077] Note that in the LED lighting device 601 as well, when arranging a large number of LED lamps 501 in a row, a gap may occur between the ends of adjacent LED lamps 501. By using the plate member 6 in the LED lighting device 602 in such a case, it is possible to prevent the joint portion of the LED lamps 501 from becoming dark.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the end cap 3 is installed outside the diffusion cover 12 such that the emission surface 31 is a surface continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 12. However, the end cap 3 may be installed inside the diffusion cover 12 such that the emission surface 31 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 12. In this case, the length of the diffusion cover 12 in the x direction is longer by twice the thickness of the end cap 3 in the x direction than the length of the support member 11 in the x direction.

[0079] FIG. 8 shows a state near the end of the LED lamp according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 502 shown in FIG. 8 differs from the LED lamp 501 in the shape of the end cap 3 and the length of the diffusion cover 12 in the x direction, and the other configurations are the same. FIG. 9 shows a view of the end cap 3 in the LED lamp 502 as seen from the inside of the LED lamp 502. FIG. 10 shows a connecting portion of the LED lighting device 603 configured by combining a plurality of LED lamps 502. In the LED lighting device 603, the plurality of LED lamps 502 are attached to the ceiling or the wall so as to be arranged in a line along the x direction. In FIG. 10, the distance between the LED lamps 502 is intentionally shown large for the purpose of explanation.

[0080] The diffusion cover 12 in the present embodiment is formed to be longer in the x direction than the support member 11. Further, in the present embodiment, the end cap 3 is disposed inside the diffusion cover 12. The end cap 3 of the present embodiment includes an umbrella portion 33 near the lower end in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 8, the umbrella portion 33 is formed to extend inward of the cylindrical body 1 along the x direction from the outer peripheral edge of the end cap 3. The outer peripheral surface of the umbrella portion 33 is integral with the emission surface 31. In the present embodiment, the emission surface 31 of the end cap 3 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 12.

[0081] Furthermore, the screw-through hole 32a formed in the connecting plate 32 of the present embodiment is an elongated hole extending long in the x direction. For this reason, the end cap 3 is movable in the x direction by the length of the screw-through hole 32a. When the end cap 3 is pulled outwards from the cylindrical body 1 along the x direction, the outer peripheral surface of the umbrella portion 33 is exposed outside the diffusion cover 12.

[0082] In such an LED lighting device 603 in which the LED lamps 502 are joined together, when a gap is generated between the LED lamps 502 as shown in FIG. 10, the end cap 3 is pulled out from the cylindrical body 1, whereby the gap can be closed by the umbrella portion 33. Since the umbrella portion 33 is a part of the end cap 3, it diffuses and transmits the light from the LED module 2. For this reason, when the LED lighting device 603 is viewed from below in the z direction, the umbrella portion 33 appears to be emitting light. Therefore, the LED lighting device 603 is configured such that dark spots are less likely to occur along the x direction.

[0083] FIGS. 11 and 12 show the state of the joint portion of the LED lighting device using the LED lamp according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 503 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 includes an end cap 3A at one end in the x direction and an end cap 3B at the other end, and the other configurations are the same as those of the LED lamp 501.

[0084] The end cap 3A is formed so as to be thicker in the x direction as it goes downward in the z direction in FIG. 12 and includes an inclined surface 31a. The inclined surface 31a is inclined so as to be farther away from the emission surface 31 in the z direction as it goes outward in the x direction. The end cap 3B is formed so as to be thinner in the x direction as it goes downward in the z direction in FIG. 12 and includes an inclined surface 31b. The inclined surface 31b is inclined so as to approach the emission surface 31 in the z direction as it goes outward in the x direction.

[0085] In the LED lighting device 604 formed by connecting such LED lamps 503, at the joint portion, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the end cap 3A and the end cap 3B face each other. Although it is desirable to arrange a plurality of LED lamps 503 such that the inclined surface 31a and the inclined surface 31b are in contact with each other, it is difficult to arrange a large number of LED lamps 503 without any gaps. In the present embodiment, even when a gap is formed between the end cap 3A and the end cap 3B, when the LED lighting device 604 is viewed from below in the z direction in FIG. 12, the inclined surface 31b appears to shine. For this reason, the LED lighting device 604 is configured such that a dark portion is less likely to occur along the x direction.

[0086] FIGS. 13 and 14 show the state of the joint portion of the LED lighting device using the LED lamp according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 504 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 includes an end cap 3C instead of the end cap 3, and the other configurations are the same as those of the LED lamp 501.

[0087] The end cap 3C includes a male portion 34 formed on one side in the y direction and a female portion 35 formed on the other side in the y direction. The male portion 34 has an inclined surface 34a that inclines so as to approach the emission surface 31 in the z direction as it goes outward in the x direction. It is formed so as to bulge outward in the x direction as it approaches the emission surface 31 in the z direction, and bulges outward in the x direction toward the center in the y direction. The female portion 35 has an inclined surface 35a that inclines so as to move away from the emission surface 31 in the z direction as it goes outward in the x direction. The female portion 35 is formed so as to be recessed inward in the x direction as it approaches the emission surface 31 in the z direction so as to fit with the male portion 34, and is recessed inward in the x direction toward the center in the y direction.

[0088] In the LED lighting device 605 formed by arranging the LED lamps 504 in the x-direction, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the male part 34 and the female part 35 of the end cap 3C attached to the ends of the connected LED lamps 504 are engaged with each other. Although it is desirable to install a plurality of LED lamps 504 so that the end caps 3C are in contact with each other, when a large number of LED lamps 504 are arranged, a gap may occur between the end caps 3C. Even in such a case, the inclined surface 35a is visible from the gap between the end caps 3C of the present embodiment, and it appears to shine like the emission surface 31. Further, since the end cap 3C of the present embodiment can be attached to both ends of the cylindrical body 1, it is economical.

[0089] FIGS. 15 to 26 show an example of a lamp case in the present invention. The lamp case 650 shown in FIG. 15 is a member used to fix the LED lamps 501 to 504 to the ceiling instead of the mount 4 in the above-described embodiment. Note that the LED lamp 501 is shown in FIG. 15 for reference. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the LED lamp 501 is housed in the lamp case 650 and attached to the ceiling 750. Further, as shown in FIG. 17, an LED lighting device 606 configured by arranging a plurality of lamp cases 650 each housing the LED lamp 501 in the x-direction is shown. Note that the LED lighting device 606 corresponds to a device in which the mount 4 in the LED lighting device 601 is replaced with the lamp case 650.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 15, the lamp case 650 includes a main body member 71, a connector housing portion 72, a terminal member 73, and an intermediate member 74. The terminal member 73 and the intermediate member 74 are attached to the main body member 71 via a bolt member 75 as shown in FIG. 17. The bolt member 75 is, for example, a male screw. The terminal member 73 and the intermediate member 74 are assumed to be painted the same color as the main body member 71.

[0091] The main body member 71 has a U-shaped cross section that opens in one direction in the z-axis direction and is formed to extend long in the x-axis direction. It is provided with a connecting portion 711 at one end in the x-axis direction and a connecting portion 712 at the other end. As shown in FIG. 23, a pair of elongated holes 711a that extend long in the x-axis direction are formed in the connecting portion 711. As shown in FIG. 24, a pair of elongated holes 712a that extend long in the x-axis direction are formed in the connecting portion 712. The shapes of the elongated holes 711a and 712a are the same, and both can pass through the bolt member 75. Further, the main body member 71 is provided with protruding portions 713 that protrude in the y-axis direction from both side edges in the y-axis direction. The protruding portion 713 has a shape with a groove that extends long in the x-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, when the lamp case 650 is attached to the ceiling 750, the protruding portion 713 is exposed outside without entering the inside of the ceiling 750. The main body member 71 is fixed along the ceiling 750 when the protruding portion 713 abuts against the ceiling 750. For this reason, the lamp case 650 can be attached to the ceiling 750 without tilting with respect to the ceiling 750, and the LED lamp 501 can be preferably accommodated.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 19, a through hole 71a is provided between the main body member 71 and the connector housing portion 72. This through hole 71a is used to pass a cable that connects the connector 54 and the power conversion unit 5. The connector 54 is housed in the connector housing portion 72. The connector 54 is connected to a power supply device provided in the ceiling 750.

[0093] The end member 73 is formed by bending a metal plate and is a member that can be attached to and detached from the connecting portion 711 and the connecting portion 712. The end member 73 includes plate portions 731 and 732 that are orthogonal to each other, a pair of inner wall portions 733, an outer plate portion 734, and standing walls 735 and 736, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20.

[0094] The plate portion 731 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the z-direction, and is a portion fixed to the connecting portions 711 and 712 of the main body member 71 via bolt members 75. A pair of bulging portions 731a, whose thickness in the z-direction is thicker than the periphery, are formed on the plate portion 731. A pair of screw receiving holes that fit the bolt members 75 are provided in the pair of bulging portions 731a. Female screws corresponding to the male screws formed on the bolt members 75 are formed in the pair of screw receiving holes.

[0095] The plate portion 732 extends from the end portion of the plate portion 731 in the x-direction and is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the x-direction. As shown in FIG. 20, this plate portion 732 is a portion that closes the end portion of the main body member 71 in the x-direction and has a wall surface 732a perpendicular to the x-direction. A pair of inner wall portions 733 are formed so as to protrude in the x-direction from both side edges of the plate portion 732 in the y-direction. The length of the pair of inner wall portions 733 in the x-direction is longer than the length of the long holes 711a and 712a in the x-direction.

[0096] The outer plate portion 734 extends from the lower ends of the plate portion 732 and the pair of inner wall portions 733 in FIG. 20, and is formed so as to appear as a frame shape extending the protruding portion 713 when viewed in the z-direction. The standing walls 735 stand up from both end edges of the outer plate portion 734 in the y-direction and are formed along both end edges of the protruding portion 713 in the y-direction. As shown in FIG. 18, the position of the upper end portion of the standing wall 735 in the z-direction in the figure coincides with the position of the upper end portion of the protruding portion 713 in the z-direction in the figure. The standing wall 736 stands up from the end portion of the outer plate portion 734 in the x-direction so as to face the plate portion 732. The standing wall 736 is connected to the standing wall 735 at both ends in the y-direction. The standing walls 735 and 736 have an appearance as if the protruding portion 713 is extended.

[0097] The intermediate member 74 is formed by bending a metal plate and is a member that can be attached to and detached from the connecting portions 711 and 712. The intermediate member 74 is formed in a U-shaped cross section so as to overlap the outer periphery of the main body member 71. This intermediate member 74 is a member used when joining a plurality of lamp cases 650 as shown in Fig. 25. The intermediate member 74 has an edge portion 741 that fits into a groove provided in the protruding portion 713.

[0098] The intermediate member 74 is provided with two pairs of bulging portions 74a whose thickness in the z direction is thicker than the periphery. Each of the two pairs of bulging portions 74a is provided with a screw receiving hole that fits into the bolt member 75. Female screws corresponding to the male screws provided on the bolt member 75 are also provided in these screw receiving holes. As shown in Fig. 25, the two pairs of bulging portions 74a are provided at positions that overlap the long holes 711a and 712a when the connecting portions 711 and 712 are joined together.

[0099] Next, the operation of the lamp case 650 will be described with reference to Fig. 26 as well.

[0100] When a plurality of lamp cases 650 are arranged in the x direction and attached to the ceiling 750, if the ends of adjacent lamp cases 650 are brought into close contact with each other, a situation may occur where a gap is generated between the ends of other adjacent lamp cases 650. Fig. 26 shows a state where the joint portion is looked up from the floor when a gap is generated between the main body members 71 of adjacent lamp cases 650. Note that the LED lamp 501 is omitted in Fig. 26.

[0101] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 26, even when there is a gap between the connecting portions 711 and 712 of adjacent main body members 71, the intermediate member 74 can be attached to the connecting portions 711 and 712 by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 in the long holes 711a and 712a. Further, as shown in Fig. 26, since the intermediate member 74 can be seen instead of the ceiling surface from the gap between the main body members 71, deterioration of the appearance can be suppressed.

[0102] Furthermore, by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 within the elongated holes 711a and 712a, the end member 73 can also be shifted in the x direction. Therefore, even when the adjustment by the intermediate member 74 described above cannot be applied, it is possible to make corresponding adjustments by shifting the end members 73 of the lamp cases 650 at both ends in the x direction.

[0103] FIG. 27 shows a first modified example of the lamp case 650. In this modified example, a circular threaded hole 711b is provided instead of the elongated hole 711a. Other configurations are the same as those of the lamp case 650 shown in FIGS. 15 to 26. In FIG. 27, as in FIG. 26, the state when such lamp cases 650 are arranged is shown. As shown in FIG. 27, even when there is a gap between the connecting portions 711 and 712 of the adjacent main body members 71, it is possible to attach the intermediate member 74 to the connecting portions 711 and 712 by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 within the elongated hole 712a. Furthermore, since the intermediate member 74 is visible instead of the ceiling surface through the gap between the main body members 71, deterioration of the appearance can be suppressed.

[0104] FIG. 28 shows a second modified example of the lamp case 650. In this modified example, a circular threaded hole 712b is provided instead of the elongated hole 712a. Other configurations are the same as those of the lamp case 650 shown in FIGS. 15 to 26. In FIG. 28, as in FIG. 26, the state when such lamp cases 650 are arranged is shown. As shown in FIG. 28, even when there is a gap between the connecting portions 711 and 712 of the adjacent main body members 71, it is possible to attach the intermediate member 74 to the connecting portions 711 and 712 by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 within the elongated hole 711a. Furthermore, since the intermediate member 74 is visible instead of the ceiling surface through the gap between the main body members 71, deterioration of the appearance can be suppressed. Moreover, it is also possible to make adjustments by shifting the end member 73 in the x direction.

[0105] The LED lamp, lamp case, and LED lighting device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configurations of the respective parts of the LED lamp and LED lighting device according to the present invention can be freely designed in various ways.

[0106] For example, the number and installation intervals of the LED modules 2 can be set as appropriate. In the above-described embodiment, the LED modules 2 are arranged at regular intervals. However, even when the LED modules 2 are arranged irregularly, the present invention can achieve its effects as long as the end cap 3 is configured to diffuse light while transmitting it. Also, the positional relationship between the LED module 2 located at the outermost end in the x direction and the end of the support member 11 in the x direction is not limited to the above-described conditions. As long as the LED module 2 located at the end in the x direction is mounted closer to the end of the support member 11 in the x direction so that the intervals between the LED modules 2 do not open extremely wide at the joint portion of the adjacent LED lamps 501 in the LED lighting device 601.

[0107] Also, in the LED lighting devices 602 to 605, a lamp case 650 may be employed instead of the mount 4. In the LED lighting devices 602 to 605, it is assumed that a gap may occur between adjacent LED lamps 501 to 504. In such a case, although a gap may also occur between adjacent lamp cases 650, an intermediate member 74 having the same color as the main body member 71 can be seen from the gap between the lamp cases 650. Therefore, deterioration of the appearance can be prevented.

[0108] FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 show an LED module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The LED module 511 of the present embodiment includes a substrate 201 and a plurality of light-emitting portions 202.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 29, the substrate 201 is made of, for example, glass epoxy and is formed in a strip shape. The substrate 201 has, for example, a longitudinal dimension of approximately 200 mm and a lateral dimension of approximately 20 mm. Although not particularly shown, a wiring pattern for mounting a plurality of light-emitting portions 202 is formed on one surface of the substrate 201.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 29, a plurality of light-emitting portions 202 are mounted on one surface of the substrate 201 and are arranged so as to form two rows 202A and 202B along the longitudinal direction thereof. In a state where one surface of the substrate 201 is viewed in the thickness direction, the light-emitting portion 202 has a long rectangular light-emitting surface 220. All the light-emitting portions 202 are arranged such that the long side 220a of the light-emitting surface 220 is along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. The light-emitting portions 202 in each row 202A and 202B are arranged at equal intervals with an interval 85 therebetween in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. This interval 85 is a dimension approximately the same as the long side 220a of the light-emitting surface 220. The rows 202A and 202B are shifted by a half pitch in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. Thereby, the plurality of light-emitting portions 202 are in a staggered arrangement. In the present embodiment, the interval 85 is approximately the same as the long side 220a of the light-emitting surface 220, but of course, this interval 85 may be longer than the long side 220a.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 30, the light-emitting portion 202 includes an LED chip 221, metal leads 222 and 223 spaced apart from each other, a wire 224, and a resin package 225.

[0112] The LED chip 221 has a structure in which, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, and an active layer sandwiched therebetween are laminated. When the LED chip 221 is made of, for example, a GaN-based semiconductor, it emits blue light. The LED chip 221 is mounted on the lead 222. The upper surface of the LED chip 221 is connected to the lead 223 via the wire 224. The leads 222 and 223 are joined to the wiring patterns on the substrate 201. The resin package 225 is for protecting the LED chip 221 and the wire 224. The resin package 225 is formed of, for example, an epoxy resin having translucency with respect to the light from the LED chip 221. The resin package 225 is mixed with, for example, a fluorescent material that is excited by blue light and emits yellow light. Thereby, the light emitting part 202 emits white light. In the resin package 225, one surface on the side opposite to the surface facing the substrate 201 is the light emitting surface 220.

[0113] FIGS. 31 and 32 show an example of an LED lighting device including the LED module 511. The LED lighting device 611 of the present embodiment is composed of a plurality of LED modules 511, a mount 203, a support member 204, a diffusion cover 205, and a power conversion unit 206. The LED lighting device 611 is used, for example, for illuminating a floor surface when mounted on an indoor ceiling surface, and is long in a direction penetrating the paper surface of the figure.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 31, the mount 203 includes a main body 230 and a plurality of holders 231. The main body 230 is elongated and extends in a direction penetrating the paper surface of the figure, and is made of, for example, aluminum. A recess 230a is provided in the main body 230. The recess 230a is for accommodating the LED module 511. The main body 230 has a curved surface with a continuous curvature sandwiching the recess 230a.

[0115] The main body 230 is composed of a base plate 310 and wings 320. The base plate 310 is formed in an elongated plate shape with the direction penetrating the plane of FIG. 31 as the longitudinal direction and the y direction as the width direction, and is provided with a plurality of bulging portions 311. Both end edges of the base plate 310 in the y direction are bent downward in the z direction to ensure rigidity. The plurality of bulging portions 311 are portions formed to protrude downward in the z direction and are arranged at intervals along the direction penetrating the plane of FIG. 31. Each bulging portion 311 is in contact with the wing portion 320.

[0116] The wing portion 320 is formed in an overall umbrella shape when viewed in the direction penetrating the plane of FIG. 31, and has a bottom plate portion 321, two wall portions 322, and a regulating member 323 on the inside. The bottom plate portion 321 is parallel to the base plate 310. The two wall portions 322 stand up in the z direction from both ends in the y direction of the bottom plate portion 321. The bottom plate portion 321 and the two wall portions 322 constitute a recess 230a for accommodating the LED unit 2. A holder 231, which is an elastic member, is arranged on one of the wall portions 322, and a regulating member 323 is formed on the other wall portion 322. The regulating member 323 is plate-shaped and protrudes in the y direction from the wall portion 322 and is perpendicular to the wall portion 322. This regulating member 323 is installed, for example, over substantially the entire length of the wing portion 320 in the direction penetrating the plane of FIG. 31.

[0117] The holder 231 is formed, for example, by bending a metal plate, and has a locking piece 231a, a flexible portion 231b, and a fixing portion 231c. As shown in FIG. 31, the locking piece 231a is inclined so as to move away from the LED module 511 in the y direction as it moves away from the bottom plate portion 321 in the z direction. The flexible portion 231b is inclined so as to approach the LED module 511 in the y direction as it moves away from the bottom plate portion 321 in the z direction. The flexible portion 231b supports the locking piece 231a at one end and is connected to the fixing portion 231c at the other end, and is formed to be elastically bendable. The fixing portion 231c is a plate-like member provided so as to overlap the bottom plate portion 321, and is fixed to the wing portion 320 via a screw 331. Note that a plurality of the holders 231 are installed so as to be arranged along the direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 31.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 31, the support member 204 is for supporting a plurality of LED modules 511 and supplying power thereto. The plurality of LED modules 511 are supported by the support member 204 while being arranged along their longitudinal directions.

[0119] The support member 204 includes a base portion 241 and a pair of outer portions 242. The base portion 241 and the outer portions 242 are made of, for example, aluminum. The base portion 241 has a U-shaped cross section, and a recess 410 for attaching the substrate 201 of the LED module 511 is formed on the outside of the bottom surface thereof. The recess 410 is recessed upward in the z direction, and the substrate 201 is fitted therein. The outer portion 242 is shaped to cover a substantially one-sided portion of the base portion 241 and the y-direction edge of the substrate 201.

[0120] A locking groove 420 is formed in each outer portion 242. The locking groove 420 extends in the direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 31 and is recessed on the side opposite to the emission direction of the LED module 511 in the z direction. One locking groove 420 is a portion that engages with the locking piece 231a of the holder 231. The other locking groove 420 is a portion that engages with the restricting portion 323.

[0121] Further, a locking groove 421 is formed in one outer portion 242. The locking groove 421 extends in a direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 31 and is recessed on the side opposite to the emission direction of the LED module 511 in the z direction. A locking groove 422 is also formed in the other outer portion 242. This locking groove 422 also extends in a direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 31 and is recessed on the side opposite to the emission direction of the LED module 511 in the z direction.

[0122] As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the diffusion cover 205 has a cross-sectional arc shape extending in a direction penetrating the paper surface of the figure, and is made of, for example, a milky white resin that diffuses and transmits light from the LED module 511. As shown in FIG. 31, locking pieces 251 and 252 are formed at both end edges of the diffusion cover 205. One locking piece 251 engages with the locking groove 421. The other locking piece 252 engages with the locking groove 422.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 32, the central portion 205a of the diffusion cover 205 is a region centered directly below the LED module 511 in the z direction and having a constant width in the y direction. The width of the central portion 205a in the y direction is formed to be longer than the width in the y direction in which the light emitting portions 202 are arranged in a staggered pattern. The central portion 205a corresponds to an example of a strong diffusion portion that is a main part of the present invention.

[0124] The power conversion unit 206, for example, functions to convert commercial AC 100V power into DC 36V power and is housed in the support member 204. The power conversion unit 206 includes a case 261, a power supply board 262, and a plurality of electronic components 263. The case 261 has a U-shaped cross-section and is made of, for example, metal. The case 261 is used to fix the power conversion unit 206 to the base portion 241. The power supply board 262 is fixed to the case 261, and a plurality of electronic components 263 are mounted thereon. The plurality of electronic components 263 are, for example, a transformer, a rectifier, and further a transistor for constant current control. A connector (not shown) extends from the power conversion unit 206. This connector is connected to a connector attached to the mount 203.

[0125] In this embodiment, a plurality of power conversion units 206 are provided, and power is supplied from one power conversion unit 206 to the light emitting units 202 of the plurality of LED modules 511. For example, each LED chip 221 is supplied with DC power having a voltage of about 3V and a current of about 20mA.

[0126] Next, the operations of the LED module 511 and the LED lighting device 611 will be described.

[0127] In the LED module 511 of this embodiment, a plurality of light emitting units 202 arranged in a staggered pattern form a light emitting region that spreads to some extent in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the substrate 201. The light from this light emitting region is irradiated while spreading not only in the longitudinal direction but also in the transverse direction of the substrate 201 to some extent.

[0128] Moreover, in the above light emitting region, since the light emitting units 202 constituting one row 202A are located between the light emitting units 202 constituting the other row 202B, it is difficult for the light from the other row 202B to overlap. As a result, the light emitting region including the two rows 202A and 202B is less likely to produce a luminance distribution with a steep tendency, and forms a luminance distribution that spreads gently to some extent in the transverse direction of the substrate 201.

[0129] That is, the above light emitting region does not appear to emit light concentrated linearly, but appears to emit light spreading in a band-like manner to some extent. Therefore, the plurality of light emitting units 202 are not felt to be so dazzling. Therefore, according to the LED module 511, by arranging the plurality of light emitting units 202 in a staggered pattern, it is possible to increase the total amount of light and to equalize the luminance.

[0130] In the LED lighting device 611 of this embodiment, the thicker the portion of the diffusion cover 205 is formed, the more the light is diffused and the light transmittance decreases. For this reason, the central portion 205a of the diffusion cover 205 has a smaller light transmittance value than the other regions. For example, the light transmittance in the central portion 205a is about 75%, and the light transmittance in the other regions is about 85%.

[0131] The diffusion cover 205 is formed such that the distance from the LED module 511 is the smallest at the central portion 205a, and the distance from the LED module 511 increases as it moves away from the central portion 205a in the y direction. For this reason, the intensity of the light from the LED module 511 reaching the central portion 205a is greater than the intensity of the light from the LED module 511 reaching other regions.

[0132] According to the LED lighting device 611, by reducing the light transmittance at the central portion 205a where relatively strong light reaches, the light emitted from the central portion 205a and the light emitted from other regions have the same intensity. For this reason, in the LED lighting device 611, unevenness of the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205 during lighting is suppressed, and it is possible to prevent the state where the individual light emitting portions 202 are arranged in a dotted pattern or the state forming the rows 202A and 202B from being visually recognized. Therefore, according to the LED lighting device 611, the diffusion cover 205 further enhances the luminance uniformity, and the appearance during lighting can be made better.

[0133] FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 show LED modules according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention, and FIGS. 35 to 10 show LED lighting devices according to the fourth to seventh embodiments of the present invention. In FIGS. 33 to 10, the same or similar components as those according to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0134] In the LED module 512 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the light emitting portions 202 in each of the rows 202A and 202B are arranged at equal intervals with a gap 86 in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. This gap 86 is a dimension shorter than the long side 220a of the light emitting surface 220. The rows 202A and 202B are shifted by a half pitch in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. As a result, the plurality of light emitting portions 202 are arranged in a staggered pattern at a narrower interval than that according to the first embodiment, and the number thereof is increased. According to such a configuration, it is possible to increase the total light amount while achieving luminance uniformity.

[0135] In the LED module 513 based on the third embodiment shown in FIG. 34, all the light emitting portions 202 are arranged such that the short side 220b of the light emitting surface 220 is along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. The light emitting portions 202 in each column 202A, 202B are arranged at equal intervals with an interval 87 in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. The columns 202A, 202B are shifted by a half pitch in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201, and the plurality of light emitting portions 202 are arranged in a staggered pattern. According to such a configuration, the interval 87 between the light emitting portions 202 in each column 202A, 202B can be appropriately set according to the directivity of the LED chip, and the luminance can be made uniform. In this embodiment, the interval 87 is considerably larger than the short side 220b of the light emitting surface 220, but of course, the interval 87 may be shorter than the short side 220b. In such a case, the number of the light emitting portions 202 can be increased more, and the total light amount can be increased more.

[0136] In the LED lighting device based on the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 35, the central portion 205a of the diffusion cover 205 is formed in a flat plate shape. Even when using such a diffusion cover 205, it is possible to suppress unevenness of the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205.

[0137] In the LED lighting device based on the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 36, the diffusion cover 205 is formed such that the thickness gradually increases from the end portion toward the center in the y direction. Such a diffusion cover 205 is thicker in the portion closer to the LED module 511. Thereby, when the LED lighting device is lit, it is possible to further suppress unevenness of the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205. Therefore, the appearance when the LED lighting device is lit can be made better.

[0138] In the LED lighting device based on the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 37, the diffusion cover 205 has a constant thickness, and its central portion 205a is formed of a milky white resin with a lower light transmittance than other regions. The light transmittance in the regions other than the central portion 205a of the diffusion cover 205 is about 85%, and the light transmittance in the central portion 205a is about 75%. Even when such a diffusion cover 205 is used, it is possible to suppress unevenness of the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205, similar to the case according to the above-described embodiment.

[0139] In the LED lighting device based on the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 38, the diffusion cover 205 has a constant thickness, and a diffusion member 250 is provided so as to overlap the central portion 205a. The light transmittance in the portion of the diffusion cover 205 where the diffusion member 250 is not provided is about 85%. The diffusion member 250 is made of, for example, the same milky white resin as the diffusion cover 205, and is formed such that the light transmittance in the central portion 205a where the diffusion member 250 is overlapped is about 75%. Even when the diffusion cover 205 provided with such a diffusion member 250 is used, it is possible to suppress unevenness of the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205. Further, when the diffusion member 250 is prepared separately from the diffusion cover 205, there is an advantage that the manufacture of the diffusion cover 205 itself becomes easy.

[0140] Note that the LED module and the LED lighting device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configuration of each part of the LED module and the LED lighting device according to the present invention can be freely designed in various ways.

[0141] For example, the LED module is not limited to a configuration in which a light emitting portion is mounted on a substrate, and may be a configuration in which an LED chip is directly mounted on the substrate. The substrate is not limited to an elongated strip shape, and may be rectangular or circular. The plurality of light emitting portions may be arranged in a staggered arrangement of three or more rows.

[0142] Regarding a plurality of LED chips, they may emit RGB-colored light and may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the longitudinal direction of the substrate. When using RGB-colored LED chips, the LED lighting device can also be applied, for example, to an electronic display board or an image display device.

[0143] The LED lighting device is not limited to the LED module of the first embodiment, and the LED modules of the second or third embodiment can also be applied.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0144] 501, 502, 503, 504 LED lamp 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606 LED lighting device 650 Lamp case x direction y direction z direction 1 Cylindrical body 2 LED module 3A, 3B, 3C End cap 4 Mount 5 Power conversion unit 6 Plate material 11 Support member 12 Diffusion cover 12a, 12b Locking piece 13 Screw 31 Emission surface 31a, 31b Inclined surface 32 Connection plate 32a Screw through hole 33 Umbrella part 34 Male part 34a Inclined surface 35 Female part 35a Inclined surface 41 Base fitting 41a Hole part 42 Holder 42a Locking piece 42b Flexible part 42c Connection part 51 Case 52 Power supply board 53 Electronic component 54 Connector 61 Exit surface 71 Body member 71a Through-hole 72 Connector housing part 73 Terminal member 74 Intermediate member 74a Bulging part 75 Bolt member 111 Substrate 111a Mounting surface 112 Bracket 113 Base part 114 Outer part 114a Locking groove 114b Bulging part 114c Locking groove 114d Locking surface 711,712 Connecting part 711a,712a Elongated hole 712b,712b Threaded hole 713 Protruding part 731,732 Plate part 731a Bulging part 732a Wall surface 733 Inner wall part 734 Outer plate part 735,736 Upright wall 741 Edge part 750 Ceiling 511~513 LED module 611 LED lighting device 201 Substrate 202 Light-emitting part 202A,202B Row 220 Light exit surface 220a Long side 220b Short side 221 LED chip 204 Support member 205 Diffusion cover 205a Central part 250 Diffusion member

Claims

【Claim 1】 a plurality of LED modules arranged along a first direction; a cylindrical body that houses the plurality of LED modules and has an end opening in the first direction; a first end cap that seals one end of the cylindrical body in the first direction; a second end cap that seals the other end of the cylindrical body in the first direction, the LED lamp comprising: the first end cap is formed such that the thickness in the first direction increases toward one side in a second direction in which light from the LED module is irradiated; the second end cap is formed such that the thickness in the first direction decreases toward the one side in the second direction. An LED lamp.

Images