LED lighting devices and LED lighting fixtures

Abstract

To provide an LED lighting device capable of thinning a frame while securing the strength of the frame.SOLUTION: An LED lighting device 3 includes a base plate 11 on which an LED 12 is arranged, a long plate-like frame 20 mounted with the base plate 11, and a cover member 30 mounted to the frame 20, the frame 20 having a recessed part 20a in which the base plate 11 is arranged, a pair of horizontal plate parts 23 located on both sides of the recessed part 20a in the transverse direction of the frame 20, and a pair of side plate parts 24 (extension parts) extending from the pair of horizontal plate parts 23 to the second-direction side, the LED 12 having an end on the first-direction side (in the direction of the light emission side), located closer to the second-direction side than the opening face of the recessed part 20a (on the opposite side of the light emission side), and the pair of side plate parts 24 having a front end located closer to the second-direction side than the recessed part 20a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an LED lighting device and an LED lighting fixture equipped with the LED lighting device. [Background technology]

[0002] LED lighting fixtures that use LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are known. For example, as an LED lighting fixture installed on a ceiling, there is known an LED lighting fixture that includes a long LED lighting device called a light bar and a long fixture body that has a recess into which the LED lighting device can be detachably attached (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The LED lighting device (LED unit) in the LED lighting fixture disclosed in Patent Document 1 comprises a long substrate, a plurality of LEDs mounted on the substrate, a long, translucent cover member that covers the plurality of LEDs, and a long frame that supports the substrate and to which the cover member is attached.

[0004] In the LED lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the cross section of the frame is U-shaped. The U-shaped cross section frame has, for example, a main plate portion to which a board on which LEDs are mounted is attached, and a pair of side plates portion extending from both ends of the main plate portion in the short side direction (width direction) toward the ceiling side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-103248 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when the cross-sectional shape of the frame is U-shaped, as in the LED lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the spatial area surrounded by the recess of the fixture body and the frame becomes narrow, making it difficult to arrange various components such as functional parts or electrical wires in this spatial area.

[0007] On the other hand, if the length of the pair of side plates of the U-shaped cross section frame (the amount of protrusion from the main plate) is simply shortened to thin the frame in an attempt to widen the spatial area enclosed by the recess of the fixture body and the frame, the strength of the frame may be reduced. In particular, if the frame is made of sheet metal and has a plate shape, shortening the length of the pair of side plates of the U-shaped cross section frame will significantly reduce the strength of the frame.

[0008] If the frame strength is weakened, the LED lighting device may deform during installation when attaching it to the fixture body, or may bend after installation due to the weight of the LED lighting device or pressure from electrical wires. This can lead to gaps between the LED lighting device and the opening edge of the recess in the fixture body. This can result in electrical wires protruding from the gap or getting caught in the gap. Furthermore, gaps between the LED lighting device and the fixture body reduce the design appeal of the lighting fixture.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide an LED lighting device that can make the frame thinner while ensuring the strength of the frame, even if it is a plate-shaped frame, and an LED lighting fixture equipped with such an LED lighting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the LED lighting device according to the present invention comprises a substrate on which LEDs are arranged, a long, plate-like frame to which the substrate is attached, and a cover member attached to the frame so as to cover the LEDs, wherein when a direction of the light emission side of the LEDs with respect to the frame is defined as a first direction and a direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the frame has a main plate portion on which the substrate is arranged, a pair of standing plate portions standing on the main plate portion, a pair of horizontal plate portions located on both sides of the main plate portion in the short direction of the frame and extending along the longitudinal direction of the frame, and a pair of extending portions extending from the pair of horizontal plate portions towards the second direction, one end of one of the pair of standing plate portions is connected to one end of the main plate portion, and the other end of the one of the pair of standing plate portions is connected to one end of the main plate portion one end of the pair of extending portions is connected to one end of one of the pair of horizontal plate portions, one end of the other of the pair of upright plate portions is connected to the other end of the main plate portion, the other end of the other of the pair of upright plate portions is connected to one end of the other of the pair of horizontal plate portions, one of the pair of extending portions is connected to the other end of one of the pair of horizontal plate portions, and the other of the pair of extending portions is connected to the other end of the other of the pair of horizontal plate portions, a recess is formed by the main plate portion and the pair of upright plate portions, the main plate portion is the bottom of the recess, the end of the LED on the first direction side is located on the second direction side of the opening surface of the recess, and the tips of the pair of extending portions are located on the second direction side of the recess.

[0011] An embodiment of an LED lighting fixture according to the present invention includes the above LED lighting device and a fixture body having a recess for accommodating the LED lighting device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The frame can be made thinner while still maintaining its strength. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the LED lighting fixture according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the LED lighting fixture according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an LED lighting fixture according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment as viewed from the cover member side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment as seen from the back side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for attaching an LED lighting device to a fixture body in an LED lighting fixture according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shape of the protruding portion of the frame and the strength of the frame in an LED lighting device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of the arrangement of construction wires in the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second example of the arrangement of construction wires in the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of the arrangement of construction wires in the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the LED lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the frame. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the frame. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a third modified example of the frame. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth modified example of the frame. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth modified example of the frame. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a sixth modified example of the frame. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a seventh modified example of the frame. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing an eighth modified example of the frame. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a ninth modified example of the frame. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing a tenth modified example of the frame. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing an eleventh modified example of the frame. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a twelfth modified example of the frame. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing a thirteenth modified example of the frame. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourteenth modified example of the frame. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing a fifteenth modified example of the frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components.

[0015] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified. Furthermore, in each figure, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis represent the three axes of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and in this embodiment, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis (the direction parallel to the XY plane) is the horizontal direction. The X-axis and Y-axis are axes that are mutually orthogonal and are both orthogonal to the Z-axis. Note that in this specification, the terms "up" and "down" do not necessarily refer to the upward direction (vertically upward) and downward direction (vertically downward) in absolute spatial recognition.

[0016] (Embodiment) First, the configuration of an LED lighting fixture 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the LED lighting fixture 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the LED lighting fixture 1. Figs. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the LED lighting fixture 1. Figs. 3 and 4 show cross sections taken along a plane parallel to the short-side direction of the LED lighting fixture 1. Note that Figs. 3 and 4 show different cross sections.

[0017] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the LED lighting fixture 1 according to this embodiment includes a fixture body 2 and an LED lighting device 3 attached to the fixture body 2. The LED lighting fixture 1 is long. The total length of the LED lighting fixture 1 is, for example, 2 feet, 4 feet, or 8 feet.

[0018] The fixture body 2 holds the LED lighting device 3. The fixture body 2 is installed at a predetermined location in a building. The LED lighting fixture 1 in this embodiment is a ceiling-mounted lighting fixture. Therefore, the fixture body 2 is attached to the ceiling inside a room using bolts or the like.

[0019] In this embodiment, the fixture body 2 is made of sheet metal and is formed into a long, flat box shape in the Y-axis direction by bending the metal plate. As shown in FIG. 2, the fixture body 2 is provided with a recess 2a having a rectangular opening. The recess 2a is elongated along the longitudinal direction of the fixture body 2. The recess 2a is a storage section for storing the LED lighting device 3 and is provided over substantially the entire length of the fixture body 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, on both sides of the recess 2a in the width direction of the fixture body 2, inclined surfaces 2b extend from the opening edge 2a1 of the recess 2a and are inclined upward (toward the ceiling) as they extend outward. As shown in FIG. 2, two slits 2c are provided in one of a pair of side surfaces of the recess 2a.

[0020] The LED lighting device 3 is an example of a lighting device that emits illumination light. In this embodiment, the LED lighting device 3 is an LED unit that uses an LED as a light source. The LED lighting device 3 is detachably attached to the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. For example, the LED lighting device 3 can be attached to the recess 2a of the fixture body 2, or the LED lighting device 3 attached to the recess 2a of the fixture body 2 can be removed from the recess 2a. As will be described in detail later, the LED lighting device 3 and the fixture body 2 can be fixed by hooking and engaging a hook metal fitting 5 and an elastic holding member 6 (a kick spring in this embodiment) provided on the LED lighting device 3 with the fixture body 2. The hook metal fitting 5 is a fitting for attaching the LED lighting device 3 to the fixture body 2. In this embodiment, the hook metal fitting 5 is a slide metal fitting.

[0021] 3, the LED lighting device 3 emits light using power supplied from a power supply device 4 housed in the fixture body 2. The power supply device 4 is a device for supplying power to the light source unit 10 of the LED lighting device 3.

[0022] The power supply device 4 is disposed on the rear side of the LED lighting device 3. Specifically, the power supply device 4 is disposed in the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. That is, the power supply device 4 is housed in the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. In this embodiment, the power supply device 4 is attached to the LED lighting device 3 as a part of the LED lighting device 3 and is integrated with the LED lighting device 3. Note that the power supply device 4 may not be integrated with the LED lighting device 3, but may be disposed in the fixture body 2 separately from the LED lighting device 3. For example, the power supply device 4 may be fixed to the fixture body 2.

[0023] The power supply device 4 is configured with a power supply circuit that generates power for illuminating the LED lighting device 3. Specifically, the power supply device 4 has a circuit board 4a such as a printed wiring board, and a plurality of electronic components 4b mounted on the circuit board 4a. In this embodiment, the power supply device 4 further has a circuit case 4c that houses the circuit board 4a on which the plurality of electronic components 4b are mounted. The circuit case 4c is a cover that covers the circuit board 4a on which the electronic components 4b are mounted. The circuit case 4c is, for example, a metal housing made of a metal plate. The power supply circuit that constitutes the power supply device 4 converts AC power from an external power source such as a commercial power source into DC power of a predetermined level by rectifying, smoothing, and stepping down the power, and supplies the DC power to the LEDs of the LED lighting device 3.

[0024] AC power is supplied to the power supply device 4 via a power terminal block 8 (see FIG. 2) connected to a power line (such as a VVF cable) that is inserted from above the ceiling into a through-hole in the fixture body 2 and drawn into the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. Power lines such as VVF cables are electrical wires used for construction work and are an example of electrical wires. The power terminal block 8 is installed in the recess 2a of the fixture body 2.

[0025] Next, the detailed structure of the LED lighting device 3 will be described using Figs. 5 to 8 while referring to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device 3 according to the embodiment as seen from the cover member 30 side, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the LED lighting device 3 as seen from the back side. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the LED lighting device 3. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the LED lighting device 3.

[0026] 2, 5, and 6, the LED lighting device 3 is a long linear light source called a light bar. The LED lighting device 3 emits light of a predetermined color, such as white light.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, the LED lighting device 3 includes a light source unit 10, a frame 20 in which the light source unit 10 is disposed, a cover member 30 that covers the light source unit 10, and an end cap 40. In this embodiment, the LED lighting device 3 also includes a power supply unit 4. That is, the power supply unit 4 is provided in the LED lighting device 3. Specifically, the power supply unit 4 is attached to the ceiling surface of the frame 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the power supply unit 4 is fixed to the frame 20 by screwing a part of the circuit case 4c to the main plate 21 of the frame 20 with screws 50. Specifically, the circuit case 4c is a housing having an opening and is composed of a bottom plate and side plates that stand upright on the bottom plate. The circuit case 4c is positioned so that the opening of the circuit case 4c faces the frame 20. That is, the part of the circuit case 4c facing the frame 20 is open.

[0028] The light source unit 10 is a light-emitting unit that emits illumination light. In this embodiment, the light source unit 10 is elongated. In this case, the elongated light source unit 10 may be a single light source unit having a length substantially equal to the overall length of the frame 20 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction), or a plurality of light source units 10 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the frame 20. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, two light source units 10 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the frame 20.

[0029] The light source unit 10 is an LED module using an LED, and includes a substrate 11 and an LED 12 arranged on the substrate 11, as shown in FIGS.

[0030] The substrate 11 is a mounting substrate for mounting the LEDs 12. In this embodiment, the substrate 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the frame 20. The thickness of the substrate 11 is, for example, 1.0 mm. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, two substrates 11 are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the frame 20.

[0031] Substrate 11 is, for example, a printed wiring board (printed circuit board) on which metal wiring is formed in a predetermined pattern. Note that a resist made of an insulating resin material may be formed on the surface of substrate 11 so as to cover the wiring in order to protect the wiring and ensure a dielectric strength voltage. Substrate 11 may be a single-sided wiring board in which wiring is formed only on the main surface on which LEDs 12 are mounted, or a double-sided wiring board in which wiring is formed on both sides.

[0032] The base material constituting the substrate 11 may be a resin substrate made of an insulating resin material, a ceramic substrate made of a sintered body of a ceramic material such as alumina, or a metal-based substrate obtained by applying an insulating coating to the surface of a metal substrate made of a metal material such as aluminum or copper.

[0033] When the substrate 11 is made of a resin substrate, examples of the resin substrate that can be used include a glass epoxy substrate (CEM-3, FR-4, etc.) made of glass fiber and epoxy resin, a paper phenol substrate (FR-1, FR-2) made of kraft paper or the like and phenol resin, a paper epoxy substrate (FR-3) made of paper and epoxy resin, or a polyimide substrate made of polyimide, etc. The substrate 11 may be a rigid substrate or a film-like flexible substrate.

[0034] The metal wiring formed on the substrate 11 is electrically connected to the power supply device 4. In this case, the electrodes or connector terminals formed on the substrate 11 and the power supply device 4 are connected by electric wires such as lead wires. The electric wires connecting the substrate 11 and the power supply device 4 are inserted, for example, into through holes provided in the frame 20.

[0035] The substrate 11 is disposed on the frame 20. The substrate 11 has a first surface on which the LEDs 12 are mounted, and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The first surface of the substrate 11 is the surface facing the cover member 30, and the second surface of the substrate 11 is the surface facing the frame 20. In this embodiment, the second surface of the substrate 11 is in contact with the frame 20.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , LEDs 12 are arranged on the substrate 11. Specifically, a plurality of LEDs 12 are arranged on a first surface of the substrate 11. In this embodiment, the plurality of LEDs 12 are mounted in a linear row along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the substrate 11 at predetermined intervals. Specifically, the plurality of LEDs 12 are mounted over substantially the entire length of the substrate 11 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the plurality of LEDs 12 are mounted along the longitudinal direction of the frame 20 and the cover member 30. Note that the plurality of LEDs 12 may be mounted in multiple rows along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 11, rather than in a single row. The plurality of LEDs 12 emit light when a direct current is supplied from the power supply 4 via an electric wire connecting the power supply 4 and the substrate 11.

[0037] The LED 12 is an example of a light-emitting element. In this embodiment, each of the LEDs 12 is an individually packaged LED element (LED light source) with an SMD structure. Therefore, the light source unit 10 is an SMD-type LED module.

[0038] The SMD-type LED 12 includes a white resin or ceramic container (package), an LED chip (bare chip) placed in the container, and a sealing material that seals the LED chip. In this embodiment, the LED 12 is a white LED element that emits white light. In this case, for example, a blue LED chip that emits blue light when powered is used as the LED chip, and a silicone resin (phosphor-containing resin) containing a yellow phosphor such as YAG is used as the sealing material filled into the container.

[0039] The light source section 10 configured in this manner is disposed on a frame 20. Specifically, the substrate 11 of the light source section 10 is disposed on the frame 20.

[0040] The frame 20 is an elongated mounting member (base member) to which the light source section 10 is attached. Specifically, the substrate 11 of the light source section 10 is attached to the frame 20.

[0041] The frame 20 is formed in an elongated shape in the Y-axis direction, similar to the light source unit 10 and the fixture body 2. The light source unit 10 is supported by the frame 20. In the present embodiment, the frame 20 not only supports the light source unit 10 but also supports the cover member 30. Specifically, the board 11 on which the LEDs 12 are arranged is placed on the frame 20 and fixed to the frame 20, whereby the board 11 on which the LEDs 12 are arranged is supported by the frame 20.

[0042] The frame 20 is plate-shaped. In this embodiment, the frame 20 is made of sheet metal and is configured of a metal plate. The frame 20 is formed into a predetermined shape by, for example, performing roll forming and / or press working on a single sheet metal (metal plate) made of SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial; cold-rolled steel plate). The thickness of the metal plate configuring the frame 20 is, for example, 0.2 mm to 2 mm. In this embodiment, the frame 20 is formed by sheet metal working, so the thickness of the metal plate configuring the frame 20 is preferably 1 mm or less. Specifically, the thickness of the metal plate configuring the frame 20 is set to 0.5 mm. Note that the method for manufacturing the frame 20 is not limited to roll forming and press working, and aluminum extrusion molding may also be used.

[0043] 3 and 4, the plate-shaped frame 20 has a main plate portion 21, a pair of upright plate portions 22, a pair of horizontal plate portions 23, and a pair of side plate portions 24. As shown in FIG. 8, the main plate portion 21, the pair of upright plate portions 22, the pair of horizontal plate portions 23, and the pair of side plate portions 24 all extend along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the frame 20. Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the frame 20 is formed symmetrically in the XZ cross section with respect to the center of the frame 20 in the short-side direction, but this is not limited to this.

[0044] The main board 21 is the main body of the frame 20. The main board 21 is a plate-like body that is generally flat and has a constant thickness. As shown in FIG. 3 , the light source 10 is arranged on the main board 21. Specifically, a board 11 on which LEDs 12 are arranged is placed on the main board 21. In other words, the main board 21 supports the board 11. The light source 10 arranged on the main board 21 is attached to the main board 21. Specifically, the board 11 of the light source 10 is attached to the main board 21. In this embodiment, the board 11 and the main board 21 are in contact with each other. Note that the LEDs 12 of the light source 10 are arranged in the center of the main board 21 in the width direction, but this is not limited to this.

[0045] The main board 21 has a first surface which faces the substrate 11, and a second surface which faces away from the first surface. When the LED lighting device 1 is installed on a ceiling, the frame 20 is arranged so that the first and second surfaces of the main board 21 are approximately parallel to the ceiling surface. In this case, the first surface of the main board 21 faces the floor, and the second surface of the main board 21 faces the ceiling.

[0046] 3, the main plate 21 is located closer to the ceiling than the opening of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2 (i.e., closer to the bottom of the recess 2a). In this embodiment, the LEDs 12 are also located closer to the bottom of the recess 2a than the opening of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. Specifically, the main plate 21 and the LEDs 12 are located closer to the ceiling than the opening edge 2a1 of the recess 2a. This increases the distance between the cover member 30 and the LEDs 12, thereby reducing uneven brightness (graininess) of the linearly arranged LEDs 12.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 8 , the main plate 21 has claws 21a formed by cutting and raising portions of the frame 20 made of a metal plate. The substrate 11 placed on the main plate 21 is fixed to the main plate 21 by engaging with the claws 21a. In this case, for example, the substrate 11 may be slid to engage with the claws 21a, or the substrate 11 may be crimped to engage with the claws 21a. Note that the method of fixing the main plate 21 and the substrate 11 is not limited to the locking structure using the claws 21a. The main plate 21 and the substrate 11 may also be bonded and fixed with adhesive, adhesive tape, or the like. Furthermore, although the main plate 21 and the substrate 11 are in contact with each other, this is not limiting. For example, a separate member such as a thermally conductive sheet may be inserted between the main plate 21 and the substrate 11. Furthermore, the main plate portion 21 is provided with a through hole through which an electric wire for electrically connecting the wiring of the substrate 11 and the power supply device 4 is inserted.

[0048] The pair of standing plate portions 22 are standing plate portions that stand upright on the main plate portion 21. Specifically, the pair of standing plate portions 22 stand upright from one end of the main plate portion 21, and the other of the pair of standing plate portions 22 stands upright from the other end of the main plate portion 21. The standing plate portions 22 and the horizontal plate portions 23 are provided between the main plate portion 21 and the side plate portions 24. Each of the pair of standing plate portions 22 is flat.

[0049] 3, in this embodiment, the main surface of each of the pair of standing plate portions 22 is perpendicular to the main surface of the main plate portion 21, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the short side direction of the frame 20. Specifically, each of the pair of standing plate portions 22 extends along the Z-axis direction. Note that the standing plate portion 22 may be formed so as to be inclined with respect to the main plate portion 21.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the recess 20a is formed by a main plate portion 21 and a pair of standing plate portions 22. The bottom of the recess 20a is the main plate portion 21. Therefore, the board 11 on which the LEDs 12 are mounted is placed on the bottom (main plate portion 21) of the recess 20a. In this manner, the frame 20 has the recess 20a on which the board 11 is placed. In addition, the side portions of the recess 20a are the standing plate portions 22. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 20a is U-shaped. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the spatial region of the recess 20a (the region surrounded by the main plate portion 21 and the pair of standing plate portions 22) is rectangular.

[0051] The cross-sectional shape of the recess 20a does not have to be U-shaped. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the spatial region of the recess 20a does not have to be rectangular. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the spatial region of the recess 20a may be trapezoidal. In this case, the main plate portion 21 corresponds to the lower or upper base of the trapezoidal recess 20a, and the standing plate portion 22 corresponds to the side of the trapezoidal recess 20a that is inclined relative to the main plate portion 21.

[0052] The light source unit 10, which is disposed at the bottom of the recess 20a, is accommodated in the recess 20a. In this embodiment, the depth of the recess 20a is greater than the height (thickness) of the light source unit 10, and the light source unit 10 is accommodated so as not to protrude from the recess 20a. That is, the LED 12 is accommodated in the recess 20a. Therefore, the floor-side end (light-emitting surface) of the LED 12 of the light source unit 10 is located closer to the ceiling than the opening of the recess 20a. In this case, the floor-side end of the LED 12 may be located at a position set back from the opening of the recess 20a or may be flush with the opening of the recess 20a. By accommodating the LED 12 in the recess 20a in this way, the distance between the LED 12 and the main portion 31 of the cover member 30 can be increased, thereby suppressing uneven brightness (graininess) of the multiple LEDs 12 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the frame 20.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the LEDs 12 of the light source unit 10 are housed in the recess 20a so as not to protrude from the recess 20a, but this is not limiting. For example, some or all of the LEDs 12 may protrude from the recess 20a. Even in this case, the substrate 11 of the light source unit 10 should be disposed so as not to protrude from the recess 20a, and the depth of the recess 20a should be greater than the thickness of the substrate 11 of the light source unit 10.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the depth of the recess 20a of the frame 20 is a and the width of the recess 20a is w1, it is preferable that the relationship w1 ≥ 10 × a be satisfied. In other words, the ratio of the depth a of the recess 20a to the width w1 of the recess 20a is 1:10 or greater. This prevents the light emitted from the LED 12 from being blocked by the corners of the opening of the recess 20a (the connection between the vertical plate portion 22 and the horizontal plate portion 23) even when the light source unit 10 is housed in the recess 20a. In other words, by satisfying w1 ≥ 10 × a, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from the LED 12 from being blocked. In this case, when the width of the recess 20a is w1 and the width of the horizontal plate portion 23 is w2, it is preferable that the relationship w1 > 2 × w2 be satisfied.

[0055] In this way, by forming the recess 20a in the frame 20, a pair of protrusions 20b is formed in the frame 20. In this embodiment, the recess 20a is formed so as to be recessed toward the ceiling, and therefore the pair of protrusions 20b are formed so as to protrude toward the floor. Each of the pair of protrusions 20b is composed of a horizontal plate portion 23 and a standing plate portion 22. The recess 20a and the pair of protrusions 20b can be formed by deforming the metal plate that constitutes the frame 20 by press working or the like. Therefore, the plate thicknesses of the main plate portion 21, the standing plate portion 22, the horizontal plate portion 23, and the side plate portions 24 are the same.

[0056] The horizontal plate portions 23 are located to the sides of the recessed portion 20a. In this embodiment, the horizontal plate portions 23 are located on both sides of the recessed portion 20a in the short-side direction of the frame 20. That is, a pair of horizontal plate portions 23 are formed to sandwich the recessed portion 20a. Specifically, one of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 is located on one side of the recessed portion 20a in the short-side direction of the frame 20, and the other of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 is located on the other side of the recessed portion 20a in the short-side direction of the frame 20. That is, one of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 is located on one side of the main plate portion 21 in the short-side direction of the frame 20, and the other of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 is located on the other side of the main plate portion 21 in the short-side direction of the frame 20. Each of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 is connected to the floor-side end of the upright plate portion 22 and extends outward from the floor-side end of the upright plate portion 22.

[0057] Furthermore, when a first direction, which is the direction of the light emission side of the LEDs 12 with respect to the main plate portion 21, is defined as the floor-side direction, and a second direction, which is the direction opposite to the floor-side direction (first direction) with respect to the main plate portion 21, is defined as the ceiling-side direction, at least a portion of each of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 is located closer to the floor (first direction) than the main plate portion 21. In this embodiment, the entire horizontal plate portion 23 is located closer to the floor than the main plate portion 21. Therefore, a pair of protruding portions 20b, each composed of an upright plate portion 22 and a horizontal plate portion 23, is located closer to the floor than the main plate portion 21.

[0058] As a result, a spatial region S1 is formed on the ceiling side of each protruding portion 20b. Spatial region S1 is a region surrounded by protruding portions 20b on the ceiling side of frame 20. In other words, spatial region S1 is a region surrounded by standing plate portions 22 and horizontal plate portions 23 on the ceiling side of frame 20. In this embodiment, side plate portions 24 are provided on the horizontal plate portions 23 on the opposite side of standing plate portion 22, so spatial region S1 is a region surrounded by standing plate portions 22, horizontal plate portions 23, and side plate portions 24, and is a concave recessed portion recessed toward the floor side.

[0059] This spatial region S1 may house functional components or may house internal electric wires that are routed in a factory when the LED lighting device 3 is manufactured. Because the spatial region S1 is a concave recess, the functional components and internal electric wires can be easily housed in the spatial region S1. In particular, because the side plate portion 24 exists as an outer wall of the spatial region S1, the internal electric wires housed in the spatial region S1 are less likely to protrude from the spatial region S1. This prevents the internal electric wires from protruding and becoming trapped.

[0060] The functional components housed in the spatial region S1 are, for example, function expansion modules. Examples of the function expansion module include a sensor unit equipped with various sensors, such as a motion sensor and a brightness sensor; a wireless module having an antenna and a control circuit for receiving wireless signals; an infrared module having a light-receiving element and a control circuit for receiving infrared signals; a pull switch; or a second light source separate from the LED 12 (first light source) mounted on the substrate 11. The wireless signal or infrared signal may be, for example, a remote control signal for turning the LED 12 on and off or adjusting the brightness and color of the LED 12, or a setting signal for configuring various settings of the LED lighting device 3. The second light source may be a light source for monitor display (monitor lamp), a light source for controlling the light distribution of the illumination light emitted from the cover member 30 (e.g., a light source for achieving a wide light distribution), a color light source for creating effects (e.g., red, blue, and green LED light sources), or an emergency light source that turns on in an emergency. When an emergency light source is used as the second light source, the cover and / or cover member 30 covering the second light source may be made of a flame-retardant material, such as glass.

[0061] The internal electric wires stored in the spatial region S1 are, for example, electric wires connected to the power supply device 4 or electric wires connecting the plurality of light source units 10 together. Of these, the electric wires connected to the power supply device 4 include a power supply line connecting the power supply device 4 and the light source units 10, a power line connecting the power supply device 4 and the power terminal block 8, a dimming control line connecting the power supply device 4 and the dimming terminal block (not shown), and a control line connected to a function expansion module (sensor, etc.) described later.

[0062] Furthermore, the spatial region S1 may accommodate not only one internal wire but also multiple internal wires. The one or more internal wires accommodated in the spatial region S1 are fixed to the frame 20 with a fixing member such as tape or metal fittings. In this case, it is preferable to use the spatial region S1 to attach tape or to attach metal fittings. For example, when fixing the internal wires using metal fittings, the metal fittings are fixed to the spatial region S1 so as to cover the spatial region S1 in which the internal wires are accommodated. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the metal fittings between the upright plate portion 22 and the side plate portion 24 so as to be stretched.

[0063] The internal wires do not have to be stored in the spatial region S1. In this case, the internal wires may be arranged on the ceiling-facing surface of the main plate portion 21 of the frame 20 and adhesively fixed with tape. However, if the tape is attached only to the main plate portion 21, the tape is likely to peel off. Therefore, in this case, it is advisable to attach the tape by utilizing the spatial region S1. For example, it is advisable to arrange the internal wires on the ceiling-facing surface of the main plate portion 21 and attach the tape so that it spans the main plate portion 21 and the standing plate portion 22. In this way, the tape is attached to two surfaces facing in different directions, which makes it possible to prevent the tape from peeling off.

[0064] Furthermore, the components housed in the spatial region S1 are not limited to functional components and internal electric wires. For example, the spatial region S1 may house fixing members such as parts of screws (screw heads and screw feet) and crimped parts, or may house some or all of the electronic components 4b of the power supply device 4. The electronic components 4b of the power supply device 4 housed in the spatial region S1 may be tall components such as electrolytic capacitors and infrared receivers.

[0065] 3, each of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 is made up of a plurality of plate portions. In the present embodiment, the horizontal plate portion 23 is made up of two plate portions, and the plurality of plate portions include parallel plate portions 23a (first plate portion) parallel to the main plate portion 21 and inclined plate portions 23b (second plate portion) inclined with respect to the main plate portion 21. Both the parallel plate portions 23a and the inclined plate portions 23b are flat plate-shaped.

[0066] In the horizontal plate portion 23, the parallel plate portion 23a extends in the short-side direction (width direction) of the frame 20, and the inclined plate portion 23b extends in a direction inclined with respect to the short-side direction of the frame 20. In this embodiment, the inclined plate portion 23b is inclined so as to widen toward the ceiling. Therefore, the protruding portion 20b formed by the standing plate portion 22 and the horizontal plate portion 23 is configured to be inclined outward as a whole. The inclined plate portion 23b is located outside the parallel plate portion 23a and is connected to the end of the side plate portion 24. In this embodiment, the length of the parallel plate portion 23a is longer than the length of the inclined plate portion 23b.

[0067] 3 and 4, at least a portion of the pair of protrusions 20b formed on the frame 20 is located closer to the floor than the opening surface of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. In other words, at least a portion of the pair of protrusions 20b is located closer to the floor than the opening edge 2a1 of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. In this embodiment, the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 are located closer to the floor than the opening surface of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. Specifically, both the parallel plate portion 23a and the inclined plate portion 23b of the horizontal plate portion 23 are located closer to the floor than the opening surface of the recess 2a.

[0068] The protruding portion 20b, which is composed of the horizontal plate portion 23 and the standing plate portion 22, may be configured to be inclined inward. In this case, the inclined plate portion 23b of the horizontal plate portion 23 is located inside the parallel plate portion 23a and is connected to the end of the main plate portion 21, and the standing plate portion 22 is located outside the parallel plate portion 23a of the horizontal plate portion 23 and is connected to the end of the side plate portion 24.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the pair of side plates 24 are plate-shaped side surfaces and are formed as a pair of legs (feet) of the frame 20. Each of the pair of side plates 24 is an extending portion extending from an end of the horizontal plate portion 23 toward the ceiling side (second direction side). Specifically, one of the pair of side plates 24 extends from an outer end of one of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 toward the ceiling side, and the other of the pair of side plates 24 extends from an outer end of the other of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 toward the ceiling side. In other words, the pair of side plates 24 extend toward the ceiling side from outer ends of the protrusions 20b in the short-side direction of the frame 20. Specifically, each of the pair of side plates 24 extends in the Z-axis direction.

[0070] Each of the pair of side plate portions 24 extends from the outer end of the corresponding horizontal plate portion 23 toward the ceiling side beyond the position of the main plate portion 21. Therefore, the tip of each side plate portion 24 (extending portion) is located closer to the ceiling (second direction side) than the main plate portion 21. In other words, the tip of the side plate portion 24 is located closer to the ceiling than the recessed portion 20a. In this embodiment, the side plate portion 24 is connected to the inclined plate portion 23b of the horizontal plate portion 23.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the connection portion between the side plate portion 24 and the horizontal plate portion 23 is located closer to the floor (first direction side) than the main plate portion 21, which is the bottom of the recess portion 20a. This makes it easier for the light emitted from the LED 12 to reach the spatial region formed near the outer end portion 31a of the cover member 30.

[0072] Furthermore, the length (extension amount) of the side plate portions 24 is longer than the depth of the recessed portion 20a. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, if the depth of the recessed portion 20a is a and the length of the side plate portions 24 is b (see also FIG. 3), the relationship b≧a should be satisfied. In this case, although there is no particular upper limit to the length b of the side plate portions 24, the depth a of the recessed portion 20a and the length b of the side plate portions 24 should preferably satisfy the relationship b≦2×a. That is, the ratio of the depth of the recessed portion 20a to the length of the side plate portions 24 should preferably be 1:2 or less. This allows the thickness of the entire frame 20 in the Z-axis direction to be reduced, thereby enabling the frame 20 to be made thinner.

[0073] The connecting portion between the side plate portion 24 and the horizontal plate portion 23 may be located closer to the ceiling than the main plate portion 21. In this case, the length b of the side plate portion 24 is preferably longer than the depth a of the recess 20a (i.e., b > a), but the length b of the side plate portion 24 may be shorter than the depth a of the recess 20a. In this case, there is no particular lower limit to the length b of the side plate portion 24. The depth a of the recess 20a is preferably 3 mm or more.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the tip portions of the pair of side plate portions 24 are provided with bent portions 24a that are formed to be bent. In this embodiment, the bent portions 24a are folded back by folding back the tip portions of the side plate portions 24 in the thickness direction. Therefore, the bent portions 24a are composed of a folded back portion and a portion (a non-folded portion) that faces the folded back portion. The folded back portion of the bent portion 24a can be formed, for example, by curling and rolling up the tip portions of the side plate portions 24. The bent portions 24a are not limited to those formed by curling, but may also be formed by hemming or other processes. The bent portions 24a formed by curling or hemming are formed by bending inward in the width direction, but are not limited thereto, and may also be formed by bending outward in the width direction. Furthermore, the bent portions 24a may not be formed at all.

[0075] The mounting portions 33 of the cover member 30 are attached to each of the pair of side plate portions 24. Specifically, the cover member 30 can be fixed to the frame 20 by snapping in and fitting the bent portions 24a of the side plate portions 24 into the recesses 33a provided in the mounting portions 33 of the cover member 30.

[0076] The light source unit 10 supported by the frame 20 is covered with a cover member 30. Specifically, the cover member 30 covers all of the LEDs 12 in the light source unit 10. As shown in FIG. 3 , the cover member 30 also covers the substrate 11 of the light source unit 10, and is disposed opposite the substrate 11 so as to cover the multiple LEDs 12. In this way, the cover member 30 is attached to the frame 20 so as to cover the LEDs 12.

[0077] The cover member 30 is an example of a light-transmitting cover that transmits light emitted from the LEDs 12. In this embodiment, the cover member 30 is a diffusion cover that not only transmits light but also diffuses light. Therefore, the light from the LEDs 12 that enters the cover member 30 is diffused (scattered) by the cover member 30 and passes through the cover member 30.

[0078] 6 and 7, the cover member 30 further covers the frame 20 in which the light source unit 10 is arranged. In the present embodiment, the cover member 30 covers the entire frame 20 in which the light source unit 10 is arranged. Note that the cover member 30 is formed in an elongated shape in the Y-axis direction, similar to the light source unit 10 and the frame 20.

[0079] The cover member 30 is attached to the frame 20. The cover member 30 and the frame 20 form a cylindrical body, and the light source unit 10 is housed inside this cylindrical body.

[0080] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the cover member 30 has a main portion 31 having a surface facing the LED 12, a pair of extension portions 32 connected to the main portion 31, and a pair of mounting portions 33 connected to each of the pair of extension portions 32.

[0081] 3, there is a gap G between the cover member 30 and the inner surface of the recess 2a of the device body 2. In this embodiment, this gap G is the gap between the attachment portion 33 and the inner surface of the recess 2a.

[0082] The main portion 31 is a main body of the cover member 30, and transmits light from the LEDs 12 to irradiate it to the outside. The main portion 31 constitutes the exterior of the cover member 30. As shown in FIG. 8, the main portion 31 is elongated in the Y-axis direction and formed like a trough. The main portion 31 has, for example, a flat, approximately semi-cylindrical shape. Therefore, the main portion 31 has an elongated rectangular opening end face extending in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the main portion 31 when cut along the X-axis direction has a curved shape that is curved in an approximately arc shape. Note that the shape of the main portion 31 is not limited to a barrel-like R-shape, but may be an angular shape such as a U-shape, or a angular shape with a partially constricted side.

[0083] The main portion 31 has an outer end portion 31a located further outward in the short direction of the frame 20 than the protruding portion 20b of the frame 20. Specifically, the outer end portion 31a is a portion of the main portion 31 located further outward than the mounting portion 33. The outer end portion 31a of the main portion 31 faces an opening edge 2a1 of the recess 2a of the appliance body 2. The opening edge 2a1 of the recess 2a is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0084] The pair of extension portions 32 are plate-shaped pieces with a constant thickness. In the present embodiment, the pair of extension portions 32 are formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the short side direction of the cover member 30 in the XZ cross section, but this is not limiting.

[0085] Each extension portion 32 has an outer extension portion 32a located outside the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20 in the short direction of the frame 20, and an inner extension portion 32b extending from the outer extension portion 32a toward the LED 12 side so as to cover at least a portion of the horizontal plate portion 23.

[0086] In this embodiment, the outer extending portion 32a is a portion located outside the mounting portion 33, and the inner extending portion 32b is a portion located inside the mounting portion 33. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 , the outer extending portion 32a is a portion formed in a flat plate shape, and the inner extending portion 32b is a portion formed so as to bend at the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20. The inner extending portion 32b is bent so as to cover the protruding portion 20b of the frame 20.

[0087] The extension portion 32 extends from the inner surface of the main portion 31 toward the inside of the cover member 30. That is, the extension portion 32 extends from the inner surface of the main portion 31 toward the LED 12. The extension portion 32 extends toward the LED 12 from a position on the inner surface of the main portion 31 that is closer to the ceiling (second direction) than the portion of the protruding portion 20b of the frame 20 that is closest to the floor (first direction). In this embodiment, the portion of the protruding portion 20b of the frame 20 that is closest to the floor is the parallel plate portion 23a of the horizontal plate portion 23. That is, the extension portion 32 extends toward the LED 12 from a position closer to the ceiling than the parallel plate portion 23a. Specifically, the extension portion 32 is connected to the tip of the outer end portion 31a of the main portion 31. Therefore, in the extension portion 32, the outer extension portion 32a is connected to the tip of the outer end portion 31a of the main portion 31, and the outer extension portion 32a extends from the outer end portion 31a of the main portion 31 toward the LED 12 side.

[0088] In this way, the extension portion 32 extends toward the LED 12 from a position closer to the ceiling than the portion of the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20 closest to the floor, covering a portion of the horizontal plate portion 23. This allows a spatial region that extends toward the ceiling outside the protrusion 20b of the frame 20 to be formed near the outer end 31a of the cover member 30. As a result, even if the frame 20 is provided with the protrusion 20b that protrudes toward the floor, light emitted from the LED 12 that does not pass through the main portion 31 of the cover member 30 and is reflected by the inner surface of the main portion 31 can be guided around to the spatial region formed near the outer end 31a of the cover member 30. This allows the light emitted from the LED 12 to sufficiently reach the outer end 31a of the main portion 31 of the cover member 30, thereby allowing the light to be sufficiently illuminated up to the vicinity of the outer end 31a of the main portion 31 of the cover member 30. Therefore, the cover member 30 can be illuminated over the entire width direction (X-axis direction), and it is possible to prevent the width direction ends of the cover member 30 from becoming dark. In other words, it is possible to reduce the darkness of the width direction ends of the cover member 30 caused by the protrusions 20b of the frame 20.

[0089] Furthermore, by providing the extension portion 32 on the cover member 30, it is possible to reduce the luminous flux of the illumination light emitted from the LED lighting device 3 toward the ceiling (upward luminous flux). As a result, it is possible to increase the luminous flux of the illumination light emitted from the LED lighting device 3 toward the floor, thereby improving the illuminance directly below the LED lighting fixture 1. As a result, when multiple LED lighting fixtures 1 are installed, the number of installed LED lighting fixtures 1 can be reduced.

[0090] The outer extension portion 32a of the extension portion 32 has a portion that overlaps the gap G between the inner surface of the recess 2a and the mounting portion 33 in the direction toward the floor or the ceiling (i.e., in the Z direction). The outer extension portion 32a also faces the opening edge 2a1 of the recess 2a. Therefore, the outer extension portion 32a is formed to span the gap G. This configuration allows the light to be sufficiently lit up to the vicinity of the outer end 31a of the main portion 31 of the cover member 30, so that the main portion 31 of the cover member 30 can be lit throughout the entire width direction (X-axis direction). This prevents the ends of the cover member 30 in the width direction from becoming dark.

[0091] The portion of the outer extension 32a facing the opening edge 2a1 and the outer end 31a of the main portion 31 form a protrusion that protrudes outward from the mounting portion 33. Specifically, this protrusion is formed into a V-shaped cross section in the XZ cross section. The outer extension 32a does not protrude outward beyond the widthwise outer end of the opening surface of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. Specifically, the outer extension 32a does not protrude outward in the Y-axis direction beyond the opening edge 2a1 of the recess 2a. Specifically, the connection portion (the apex of the V) between the outer extension 32a and the outer end 31a of the main portion 31 is substantially flush with the inclined surface 2b of the fixture body 2. This allows the inclined surface 2b of the fixture body 2 and the surface of the main portion 31 of the cover member 30 to form a continuous surface, improving the design of the LED lighting device 3.

[0092] The outer extension portion 32a is a contact portion that can come into contact with the opening edge 2a1 of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. When the LED lighting device 3 is stored in the recess 2a of the fixture body 2, the outer extension portion 32a may or may not come into contact with the opening edge 2a1. In other words, there may be a gap between the outer extension portion 32a and the opening edge 2a1, or the outer extension portion 32a and the opening edge 2a1 may be in close contact with each other.

[0093] At least a part of the extension portion 32 has a shape that follows a part of the frame 20. In the present embodiment, at least a part of the extension portion 32 has a shape that follows the protruding portion 20b of the frame 20. Specifically, as described above, the inner extension portion 32b of the extension portion 32 has a shape that follows the protruding portion 20b of the frame 20.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 3, the inner extension portion 32b is bent so as to protrude toward the floor. That is, the inner extension portion 32b is formed to have a protruding portion that protrudes toward the floor, similar to the protruding portion 20b of the frame 20. The protruding portion 20b of the frame 20 protrudes toward the bent portion (protruding portion) of this inner extension portion 32b. Therefore, the protruding portion 20b of the frame 20 is formed to fit into the protruding portion of the inner extension portion 32b.

[0095] Furthermore, at least a portion of the inner extending portion 32b can abut against the frame 20. Specifically, at least a portion of the inner extending portion 32b can abut against a portion of the protruding portion 20b of the frame 20. More specifically, the inner extending portion 32b can abut against the parallel plate portion 23a and the inclined plate portion 23b of the horizontal plate portion 23.

[0096] In this embodiment, the inner extension portion 32b has a first surface portion 32b1 facing the parallel plate portion 23a of the horizontal plate portion 23, a second surface portion 32b2 facing the inclined plate portion 23b of the horizontal plate portion 23, and a third surface portion 32b3 inclined from the inner end of the first surface portion 31b1 toward the LED 12 side.

[0097] In this manner, when the LED lighting device 3 is stored in the recess 2a of the fixture body 2, at least a portion of each extension portion 32 may or may not be in contact with the horizontal plate portion 23. For example, the first surface portion 32b1 and the second surface portion 32b2 of the inner extension portion 32b of the extension portion 32 may or may not be in contact with the parallel plate portion 23a and the inclined plate portion 23b of the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20.

[0098] In each of the pair of extension portions 32, the first surface portion 32b1 and the second surface portion 32b2 of the inner extension portion 32b are flat, similar to the parallel plate portion 23a and the inclined plate portion 23b of the horizontal plate portion 23.

[0099] Furthermore, in the inner extension portion 32b, the first surface portion 32b1 is a parallel plate portion parallel to the main plate portion 21 of the frame 20, similar to the parallel plate portion 23a of the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20. The second surface portion 32b2 is an inclined plate portion inclined relative to the main plate portion 21 of the frame 20, similar to the inclined plate portion 23b of the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20. The first surface portion 32b1 of the inner extension portion 32b and the parallel plate portion 23a of the horizontal plate portion 23 are parallel and face each other. Similarly, the second surface portion 32b2 of the inner extension portion 32b and the inclined plate portion 23b of the horizontal plate portion 23 are parallel and face each other.

[0100] In this embodiment, each extension portion 32 is not in contact with the horizontal plate portion 23. This makes it possible to prevent noise from being generated due to contact between the extension portion 32 and the horizontal plate portion 23. At least a portion of the extension portion 32 may be in contact with the horizontal plate portion 23. For example, the first surface portion 32b1 of the inner extension portion 32b of the extension portion 32 may be in contact with the parallel plate portion 23a of the horizontal plate portion 23, or the second surface portion 32b2 of the inner extension portion 32b of the extension portion 32 may be in contact with the inclined plate portion 23b of the horizontal plate portion 23.

[0101] The tip of each extension portion 32 is located closer to the center of the frame 20 than the protrusion 20b of the frame 20. Specifically, the tip of the third surface portion 32b3 of the inner extension portion 32b of each extension portion 32 is located closer to the center of the frame 20 than the inner end of the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20.

[0102] The third surface portion 32b3 of the inner extending portion 32b is formed so that its tip extends toward the substrate 11. In this embodiment, the third surface portion 32b3 is formed so as to incline toward the substrate 11. Note that the third surface portion 32b3 may not be inclined and may extend parallel to the substrate 11, similar to the first surface portion 32b1.

[0103] In the Z-axis direction, the tip of the extension portion 32 overlaps with the substrate 11. Specifically, the tip of the third surface portion 32b3 of the inner extension portion 32b overlaps with the substrate 11. In this embodiment, the tip of the third surface portion 32b3 contacts the substrate 11. This prevents insects from invading the space between the main portion 31 of the cover member 30 and the main plate portion 21 of the frame 20, even if they enter through a gap between the mounting portion 33 of the cover member 30 and the side plate portion 24 of the frame 20. Furthermore, by pressing down the substrate 11 with the extension portion 32, it is possible to prevent the frame 20, to which the substrate 11 is attached, from shifting toward the floor. Furthermore, even if the substrate 11 is adhesively fixed to the frame 20 with adhesive or the like and the adhesive peels off, the substrate 11, which separates from the frame 20, is supported by the extension portion 32. This prevents the substrate 11 from falling. Note that the tip of the third surface portion 32b3 does not necessarily need to contact the substrate 11.

[0104] Each extension portion 32 is preferably disposed outside the directional characteristics (light distribution angle) of the LED 12. For example, since the light distribution angle (half beam angle) of the LED 12 is 120°, the opening angle (tilt angle of the third surface portion 32b3) of the pair of extension portions 32 is preferably 120° or more. This reduces the loss of light emitted from the LED 12 in the cover member 30, allowing most of the light emitted from the LED 12 to pass through the cover member 30 and be emitted to the outside. In other words, the light extraction efficiency of the cover member 30 can be improved. The opening angle of the pair of third surface portions 32b3 is preferably 160° or more. The upper limit of the opening angle of the pair of third surface portions 32b3 is, for example, 170°.

[0105] A space exists between each extension portion 32 and the frame 20. Specifically, a space exists between each extension portion 32 and the main plate portion 21 of the frame 20. This space can accommodate the screw base or screw head when various components are screwed together, or the crimped portion when the frame 20 is crimped to another metal component. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, this space accommodates the screw base of a screw 50 used to fasten the power supply unit 4 to the frame 20.

[0106] In addition, the space between each extension portion 32 and the frame 20 may house functional components or internal electrical wires of the appliance, similar to the spatial region S1 formed by the protrusion 20b of the frame 20.

[0107] The pair of mounting portions 33 are portions that are attached to the frame 20, and are formed as a pair of legs on the cover member 30. Specifically, the pair of mounting portions 33 are attached to the pair of side plate portions 24 of the frame 20.

[0108] Each of the pair of mounting portions 33 extends from a part of the extension portion 32 toward the ceiling side. The pair of mounting portions 33 have the same length in the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 7, each of the pair of mounting portions 33 is formed in an elongated shape along the Y-axis direction. The pair of mounting portions 33 also have the same length in the Y-axis direction.

[0109] 6 and 7, a recess 33a is formed on the inside in the width direction (X-axis direction) at the tip of each of the pair of mounting portions 33. Bent portions 24a provided at the tip of the side plate portion 24 of the frame 20 are fitted into this recess 33a, whereby the pair of mounting portions 33 of the cover member 30 and the pair of side plate portions 24 of the frame 20 are engaged and fixed to each other. In this way, the pair of mounting portions 33 of the cover member 30 are fixed to the frame 20 in a manner that embraces the frame 20.

[0110] The side plate portion 24 of the frame 20 and the mounting portion 33 of the cover member 30 may be fixed together with a screw. The screw is screwed into the portion where the side plate portion 24 and the mounting portion 33 overlap from the outside of the mounting portion 33. The frame 20 and the cover member 30 may also be fixed together with a crimping structure. For example, the frame 20 and the cover member 30 may be fixed together by crimping a portion of the side plate portion 24 of the frame 20 to the mounting portion 33 of the cover member 30.

[0111] In this embodiment, the recess 33a is formed so that the tip is folded back, and the cross-sectional shape of the recess 33a is approximately U-shaped or U-shaped. However, the shape of the recess 33a is not limited to this. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 33a may be L-shaped so that the tip is not folded back, or the cross-sectional shape may be V-shaped or arc-shaped. However, it is preferable that the recess 33a has a shape that allows the bent portion 24a to be fitted into it.

[0112] The cover member 30 is made of a translucent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or a translucent material such as glass. In this embodiment, the cover member 30 is made of a translucent resin material. In this case, the cover member 30 may be a milky white cover member with a light diffusing material dispersed therein. Such a cover member 30 may be produced by resin molding a translucent resin material mixed with a light diffusing material into a predetermined shape. Light-reflective fine particles such as silica particles may be used as the light diffusing material.

[0113] The cover member 30 may be configured by forming a milky white light-diffusing film containing a light-diffusing material on the surface (inner or outer surface) of the transparent cover, rather than dispersing a light-diffusing material inside. The cover member 30 may also be configured to have light-diffusing properties by applying a diffusing treatment, rather than using a light-diffusing material. For example, the cover member 30 may be configured to have light-diffusing properties by applying a surface treatment such as a texturing treatment to form minute irregularities on the surface of the transparent cover, or by printing a dot pattern on the surface of the transparent cover. Even when the cover member 30 is subjected to a diffusing treatment, it may further contain a light-diffusing material to enhance light-diffusing properties.

[0114] In this embodiment, the main portion 31, the extension portion 32, and the attachment portion 33 that constitute the cover member 30 are integrally formed. Therefore, the main portion 31, the extension portion 32, and the attachment portion 33 are made of the same material. Furthermore, the main portion 31, the extension portion 32, and the attachment portion 33 all have the same thickness, but this is not limited to this.

[0115] A long cylindrical body is formed by fixing the cover member 30 and the frame 20. End caps 40 are attached to both ends of the cylindrical body formed by the cover member 30 and the frame 20 in the longitudinal direction.

[0116] In this embodiment, the end cap 40 is provided to close the open end of the cylindrical body formed by the frame 20 and the cover member 30. In other words, the end cap 40 is attached to the cylindrical body so as to cover the open end of the cylindrical body formed by the frame 20 and the cover member 30, closing the open end of the cylindrical body. This makes it possible to prevent dust, insects, etc. from entering the inside of the cylindrical body formed by the frame 20 and the cover member 30. Note that the end cap 40 may not completely close the open end of the cylindrical body formed by the frame 20 and the cover member 30, and there may be a small gap between the end cap 40 and the frame 20.

[0117] The end caps 40 are provided at both longitudinal ends of the cover member 30. In other words, the end caps 40 are cover ends provided at the ends of the cover member 30. The end caps 40 are connected directly or indirectly to the longitudinal ends of the cover member 30. The end caps 40 and the cover member 30 may be fixed with an adhesive or by ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, the end caps 40 and the cover member 30 may be joined by providing an engaging structure such as a claw or a recess on the end caps 40 and the cover member 30.

[0118] The end cap 40 is made of a resin material. The end cap 40 may or may not be translucent. The translucent end cap 40 is made of a translucent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or a translucent material such as glass. The end cap 40 may also be translucent and diffusive. In this case, the end cap 40 may be made of the same material as the cover member 30, or may be made of a different material from the cover member 30.

[0119] 3 and 4, a spatial region S2 is formed on the ceiling side of the frame 20. That is, the spatial region S2 exists between the fixture body 2 and the frame 20. The spatial region S2 also occupies part or all of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2.

[0120] The power supply device 4 is disposed in this spatial region S2. That is, the power supply device 4 is disposed on the ceiling side of the frame 20. In this embodiment, the center position of the power supply device 4 is shifted from the center position in the short-side direction of the LED lighting device 3, and the power supply device 4 is disposed in the spatial region S2 so as to be biased in the short-side direction of the LED lighting device 3 (the short-side direction of the frame 20). Specifically, the power supply device 4 is biased toward the metal fitting 5 (the left side in FIG. 4). In addition, the side plate portion 24 of the frame 20 is shortened, and the circuit board 4a of the power supply device 4 is located closer to the ceiling side than the tip of the side plate portion 24 of the frame 20 within the circuit case 4c.

[0121] Since the portion of the circuit case 4c of the power supply device 4 facing the frame 20 is open, the second direction side of the horizontal plate portion 23 is open toward the circuit case 4c of the power supply device 4. Therefore, the spatial region S1 defined by the protruding portion 20b of the frame 20 communicates with the spatial region inside the circuit case 4c. This allows the spatial region S1 defined by the protruding portion 20b of the frame 20 to be effectively utilized.

[0122] Electrical wires used in the LED lighting device 3 may be arranged in the spatial region S2 between the fixture body 2 and the frame 20. The electrical wires used in the LED lighting device 3 include construction electrical wires (construction wiring) that are wired when the LED lighting fixture 1 is installed on a ceiling or the like, and internal electrical wires (internal wiring) that are wired in a factory when the LED lighting device 3 is manufactured.

[0123] The construction wires include power lines such as VVF cables and signal lines such as dimming signal lines. The construction wires such as power lines and signal lines are drawn from the ceiling, for example, and connected to predetermined locations on the LED lighting fixture 1 when the LED lighting fixture 1 is installed. For example, the power line such as the VVF cable is connected to the power terminal block 8, and the dimming signal line is connected to the dimming terminal block.

[0124] As an example, FIG. 4 shows an example in which a VVF cable 61 and a signal line 62 are arranged in the spatial region S2 as construction wiring. In this embodiment, the power supply device 4 is arranged unevenly in the spatial region S2, so that the ceiling side of one of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 of the frame 20 (the right horizontal plate portion 23 in FIG. 4) is open. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, in the region in the spatial region S2 where the power supply device 4 is located, the region on one side in the short direction of the LED lighting device 3 is larger than the region on the other side. In other words, one of the two sides of the power supply device 4 in the spatial region S2 is a wide region, while the other of the two sides of the power supply device 4 in the spatial region S2 is a narrow region. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the construction wiring in the wider of the two regions on either side of the power supply device 4. In particular, in this embodiment, the length (height) of the side plate portions 24 of the frame 20 is short, so that the vertical space around the side plate portions 24 in the spatial region S2 can be further expanded. Therefore, the construction wiring can be arranged by effectively utilizing this expanded spatial region S2. For example, the construction wiring can be arranged close to the ceiling end of the spatial region S2 on the fixture body 2 side. In this way, since the construction wiring can be arranged by effectively utilizing the expanded spatial region S2, it is possible to prevent the construction wiring from interfering with the LED lighting device 3, causing the LED lighting device 3 to float, and creating a gap between the fixture body 2 and the LED lighting device 3.

[0125] The construction wiring may be divided into a wide area and a narrow area in the spatial area S2. In this case, the VVF cable 61, which is a relatively thick wire, may be arranged in the wide area of ​​the two areas on either side of the power supply device 4, and the signal line 62, which is a relatively thin wire, may be arranged in the narrow area of ​​the two areas on either side of the power supply device 4.

[0126] The internal wires arranged in the space region S2 include the internal wires stored in the space region S1.

[0127] The LED lighting device 3 configured as described above is housed in the recess 2a of the fixture body 2 and attached to the fixture body 2. Specifically, the LED lighting device 3 is attached to the fixture body 2 using a hook 5 and an elastic holding member 6 shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6. The hook 5 and the elastic holding member 6 are fixed to the frame 20.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 3, the hook fitting 5 is arranged on the ceiling side of the frame 20. The hook fitting 5 is a plate member made of sheet metal. The hook fitting 5 is fixed to the end of the frame 20. As an example, the hook fitting 5 is fixed to the frame 20 with a fixing member such as a screw, and extends so as to protrude outward from the frame 20. The hook fitting 5 is hooked onto the fixture main body 2. In this embodiment, a slit 2c (see FIG. 2) is provided on the inner wall surface of the recess 2a of the fixture main body 2, and the hook fitting 5 is hooked onto this slit 2c.

[0129] The elastic holding member 6 is disposed on the ceiling side of the frame 20. The elastic holding member 6 is, for example, a spring such as a kick spring. The elastic holding member 6 is fixed to the widthwise end of the frame 20 on the ceiling side of the frame 20. The elastic holding member 6 is fixed to the opposite side of the frame 20 from the hooking metal fitting 5 in the width direction. The elastic holding member 6 is fixed to the frame 20 with a fixing member such as a screw. Specifically, the elastic holding member 6 is fixed to a holding metal fitting 6c (see FIG. 6 ) fixed to the frame 20 with an attachment screw. The elastic holding member 6 is detachably attached to the appliance main body 2. In this embodiment, the elastic holding member 6 is detachably engaged with a receiving metal fitting 7 fixed to the appliance main body 2.

[0130] 2, two hooks 5 and two elastic holding members 6 are provided at each end of the frame 20 in the longitudinal direction, but this is not limited to this. Also, the hooks 5 and the elastic holding members 6 are provided at positions facing each other in the lateral direction of the frame 20, but this is not limited to this.

[0131] Here, a method for attaching the LED lighting device 3 to the fixture body 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for attaching the LED lighting device 3 to the fixture body 2 in the LED lighting fixture 1 according to the embodiment.

[0132] When attaching the LED lighting device 3 to the fixture body 2 installed on the ceiling 100, first, as shown in (a) of Figure 9, the hooking bracket 5 is hooked into the slit 2c (see Figure 2) provided in the fixture body 2 to hang the LED lighting device 3 in a cantilevered state, and one end of the elastic holding member 6, which is a kick spring, is engaged with the receiving bracket 7 fixed to the fixture body 2.

[0133] Next, as shown in (b) of Figure 9, the hook fitting 5 is pushed deep into the slit 2c while the LED lighting device 3 is rotated around the hook fitting 5 as a fulcrum, thereby pushing the LED lighting device 3 up into the recess 2a of the fixture body 2.

[0134] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 4 is disposed biased to one side in the width direction of the frame 20. Specifically, the power supply unit 4 is disposed closer to the rotation axis. By disposing the heavy power supply unit 4 closer to the rotation axis in this way, the LED lighting device 3 can be rotated with a small force.

[0135] Then, by rotating the LED lighting device 3 and pushing it into the recess 2a of the fixture body 2, the LED lighting device 3 can be fitted into the recess 2a of the fixture body 2, as shown in (c) of Figure 9. At this time, the opening edge 2a1 of the recess 2a comes into contact with the outer end 31a of the cover member 30. This allows the LED lighting device 3 to be attached to the fixture body 2.

[0136] When removing the LED lighting device 3 from the fixture body 2, the LED lighting device 3 can be removed from the fixture body 2 by performing the above-described operations in reverse. For example, the LED lighting device 3 can be removed from the fixture body 2 by rotating it while pulling it down.

[0137] Here, we investigated the relationship between the shape of the protrusion 20b of the frame 20 and the strength of the frame 20, and the results of this investigation will be described using FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shape of the protrusion 20b of the frame 20 and the strength of the frame 20. As shown in FIG. 10, the strength (rigidity) of the frame 20 was evaluated using the moment of area. The values ​​of the moment of area shown in FIG. 10 represent the calculation results for a half cross-section of each frame 20, and the values ​​for the full cross-section are doubled. The dimensions of each frame 20 were: width of the half cross-section 30 mm, depth of the recess 20a 3 mm, and plate thickness 0.5 mm. Note that for each frame 20, the ratio of the depth a of the recess 20a to the width w1 of the recess 20a to the full width w3 of the frame 20 was standardized to a:w1:w3 = 1:10:20.

[0138] In Figure 10, pattern 1 is a form in which there is no side plate portion 24 (foot), pattern 2 is a form in which the length of the side plate portion 24 extends to the bottom of the recess 20a, pattern 3 is a form in which the ratio of the depth of the recess 2a to the length of the side plate portion 24 is 1:1, pattern 4 is a form in which the ratio of the depth of the recess 2a to the length of the side plate portion 24 is 1:1.5, and pattern 5 is a form in which the ratio of the depth of the recess 2a to the length of the side plate portion 24 is 1:2.

[0139] Furthermore, Structure 1 is a configuration in which the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20 is composed only of the inclined plate portion 23b in Patterns 1 to 5. Structure 2 is a configuration in which the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20 is composed only of the parallel plate portion 23a in Patterns 1 to 5. Structure 3 is a configuration in which the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20 is composed of the parallel plate portion 23a and the inclined plate portion 23b in Patterns 1 to 5. Note that the shape of the frame 20 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is Patterns 3 to 5 of Structure 3, but the frame of this embodiment also includes frames of the configurations shown in Patterns 3 to 5 of Structure 1 and Patterns 4 and 5 of Structure 2.

[0140] 10, as can be seen by comparing patterns 1 and 2 with patterns 3 to 5, the value of the moment of inertia increases significantly when the tips of side plate portions 24 of frame 20 extend beyond recessed portions 20a. In other words, the strength of frame 20 is significantly improved when the tips of side plate portions 24 of frame 20 extend beyond recessed portions 20a.

[0141] Furthermore, as can be seen from a comparison between Structure 1 and Structure 2, the value of the second moment of area is significantly larger when the horizontal plate portion 23 is made up of only the parallel plate portion 23a than when it is made up of only the inclined plate portion 23b. Furthermore, as can be seen from a comparison between Structure 2 and Structure 3, the value of the second moment of area is larger when the horizontal plate portion 23 is made up of the parallel plate portion 23a and the inclined plate portion 23b than when it is made up of only the parallel plate portion 23a.

[0142] In this way, by adopting the shape of frame 20 of this embodiment (i.e., patterns 3 to 5 of structure 1, patterns 4 to 5 of structure 2, and patterns 3 to 5 of structure 3), the value of the second moment of area becomes 20 or more, and the strength of frame 20 can be significantly improved.

[0143] As explained above, the LED lighting device 3 and the LED lighting fixture 1 according to this embodiment include the substrate 11 on which the LEDs 12 are arranged, the long, plate-like frame 20 to which the substrate 11 is attached, and the cover member 30 attached to the frame 20 so as to cover the LEDs 12. The frame 20 has a recess 20a in which the substrate 11 is arranged, a pair of horizontal plate portions 23 located on both sides of the recess 20a in the short direction of the frame 20 and extending along the longitudinal direction of the frame 20, and side plate portions 24 which are extensions extending from the pair of horizontal plate portions 23 toward the ceiling, with the tips of the side plate portions 24 located closer to the ceiling than the recess 20a of the frame 20.

[0144] As described above, the recess 20a is formed in the frame 20 of this embodiment, and the protrusions 20b, which are made up of the horizontal plate portions 23, are formed on the sides of the recess 20a. This increases the strength of the frame 20. Moreover, in this embodiment, the tips of the side plate portions 24 that extend from the horizontal plate portions 23 toward the ceiling extend so as to be positioned closer to the ceiling than the recess 20a. This further increases the strength of the frame 20.

[0145] As a result, even if the length of the side plate portions 24 of the frame is shortened to thin the frame 20, the required strength of the frame 20 can be easily ensured. In other words, the strength of the frame 20 reduced by shortening the length of the side plate portions 24 of the frame 20 can be compensated for by forming the protruding portions 20b that protrude toward the floor. Therefore, even with a plate-shaped frame 20, the frame 20 can be thinned while ensuring its strength. In other words, it is possible to achieve both ensuring the strength of the frame 20 and thinning the frame 20.

[0146] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, when the depth of recess 20a of frame 20 is a and the length of side plate 24 of frame 20 is b, the required strength of frame 20 can be easily ensured even if side plate 24 is shortened to make frame 20 thinner so that the relationship b≦2×a is satisfied. In this case, as shown in Fig. 4, when the depth of recess 20a is a and the width (total width) of frame 20 is w3, the relationship w3≦20×a should be satisfied. In other words, the ratio of the depth of recess 20a to the total width of frame 20 should be 1:20 or less. This makes it possible to realize a flat, thin frame 20 with a high aspect ratio.

[0147] Moreover, by shortening the length of the side plate portions 24 of the frame 20, it is possible to reduce the weight and cost of the frame 20. Furthermore, by shortening the length of the side plate portions 24 of the frame 20, it is possible to improve the ease of installation when attaching and detaching the LED lighting device 3 to and from the fixture body 2. Specifically, by shortening the length of the side plate portions 24 of the frame 20 and reducing the overall height of the frame 20, it becomes easier to rotate the LED lighting device 3, making it easier to insert the LED lighting device 3 into the recess 2a of the fixture body 2, it becomes easier to insert fingers into the recess 2a, making it easier to attach and detach construction wires to and from connectors, it becomes easier to look inside the LED lighting device 3 when attaching it to the fixture body 2, making it less likely that the wires will get caught, and it becomes easier to grip the elastic holding member 6 (kick spring) when installing the LED lighting device 3 to the fixture body 2.

[0148] Furthermore, the LED lighting device 3 according to this embodiment is configured so that the inner extension portion 32b of the extension portion 32 of the cover member 30 can come into contact with the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20. Specifically, the parallel plate portion 23a and the inclined plate portion 23b of the horizontal plate portion 23 of the frame 20 can come into contact with the first surface portion 32b1 and the second surface portion 32b2 of the extension portion 32 of the cover member 30 via surfaces rather than at points.

[0149] With this configuration, the frame 20 and the cover member 30 are firmly fixed together, so that even if the length of the side plate portion 24 of the frame 20 is shortened to make the frame 20 thinner, an LED lighting device 3 having high strength can be obtained.

[0150] As described above, in the LED lighting device 3 according to this embodiment, the strength of the frame 20 is ensured, which prevents deformation of the LED lighting device 3 during installation when the LED lighting device 3 is attached to or removed from the fixture body 2, and prevents bending of the LED lighting device 3 due to its own weight or pressure from electric wires, etc., after installation. As a result, it is possible to prevent a gap from forming between the LED lighting device 3 and the opening edge 2a1 of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2. This prevents construction wires or internal electric wires from protruding from between the LED lighting device 3 and the opening edge 2a1 of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2, and also prevents construction wires or internal electric wires from being pinched between the LED lighting device 3 and the fixture body 2. It is also possible to prevent a gap from forming between the LED lighting device 3 and the fixture body 2, which would otherwise impair the design of the LED lighting fixture 3.

[0151] Furthermore, as in the LED lighting fixture 1 and LED lighting device 3 according to this embodiment, by shortening the length of the side panel portion 24 of the frame 20 and thinning the frame 20, the spatial area S2 surrounded by the frame 20 and the recess 2a of the fixture body 2 can be widened.

[0152] This allows for effective use of the spatial region S2. Specifically, various components, such as functional components, electrical wires (such as construction wires and internal electrical wires), metal fittings, and the power supply unit 4, can be easily arranged in the spatial region S2. Furthermore, by widening the spatial region S2, the installation of these components in the spatial region S2 can be easily performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a VVF cable 61 and a signal line 62 are arranged in the spatial region S2 as construction wires. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, if the length between the tip of the mounting portion 33 of the cover member 30 and the bottom surface of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2 is H1 and the depth of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2 is H2, it is preferable that H1 / H2≧1 / 2. This allows for easy arrangement of construction wires in the spatial region S2. In particular, by satisfying H1 / H2≧1 / 2, the VVF cable 61 can be contained within the spatial region S2 without protruding from the spatial region S2 even if it bends.

[0153] In FIG. 4, the VVF cable 61 arranged in the spatial region S2 is arranged near the bottom surface of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2, but this is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the VVF cable 61 arranged in the spatial region S2 may be arranged so as to contact the frame 20. Furthermore, since the spatial region S2 in this embodiment is a large space, two overlapping VVF cables 61 can be arranged in the spatial region S2 as shown in FIG. 12. Furthermore, instead of arranging the two overlapping VVF cables 61 horizontally, the two overlapping VVF cables 61 can also be arranged vertically as shown in FIG. 13. In addition, in FIGS. 12 and 13, one of the two VVF cables 61 can be used as a power transmission line for supplying AC power to an adjacent LED lighting fixture 1 when multiple LED lighting fixtures 1 are installed.

[0154] 3 and 4, in the LED lighting device 3 according to this embodiment, a spatial region S1 is formed on the ceiling side of the protrusion 20b by the protrusion 20b formed on the frame 20. In other words, by forming the protrusion 20b on the frame 20, not only is the strength of the frame 20 increased, but also a spatial region S1 is formed on the ceiling side of the protrusion 20b.

[0155] As described above, this spatial region S1 can accommodate components such as functional components or internal electrical wires, allowing for effective use of the spatial region S1. Note that the utilization of the spatial region S1 is not limited to accommodating components such as functional components or internal electrical wires, and the spatial region S1 can also be used for centering metal fittings, positioning metal fittings, guiding metal fittings, or earth continuity. Earth continuity involves connecting the circuit case 4c and / or frame 20 of the power supply device 4 to earth via metal fittings. Examples of metal fittings include mounting fittings, power supplies, dimming terminal fittings, springs, etc.

[0156] 14, by disposing a portion of the metal fitting 70 in the spatial region S1, it is possible to achieve centering, positioning, guiding, or earthing conductivity of the metal fitting 70. In this case, by engaging the bent portion obtained by bending a portion of the metal fitting 70 with the upright portion 22 of the frame 20, it is possible to perform centering, etc. of the metal fitting 70.

[0157] 15, a protrusion 71 (half-moon dowel) may be formed on a portion of a metal fitting 70A, and this protrusion 71 may be inserted into a through-hole 20c provided in the upright portion 22 of the frame 20A, thereby allowing for centering of the fitting 70A. With this structure, the protrusion 71 fits into the through-hole 20c and is less likely to come out, making it possible to easily and firmly fix the fitting 70A to the frame 20.

[0158] 16, a portion of a metal fitting 70B may be cut and raised to form a raised piece 72, which may then be engaged with the connecting portion (corner) between the main plate portion 21 and the standing plate portion 22 of the frame 20, thereby enabling centering of the fitting 70B. In this case, the raised piece 72 is positioned in the spatial region S1. With this structure, the raised piece 72 functions as a guide, making it easy to align the position of the fitting 70B.

[0159] 17, a protrusion 73 (half-moon dowel) may be formed on a portion of a metal fitting 70C, and this protrusion 73 may be engaged with the upright portion 22 of the frame 20, thereby enabling centering of the fitting 70C. In this case, the protrusion 73 is disposed in the spatial region S1. With this structure, the protrusion 73 functions as a guide, making it easy to align the position of the fitting 70C.

[0160] 18, the spatial region S1 may house a portion of a metal fitting 70D that holds a kick spring, which is the elastic holding member 6. In Fig. 18, (a) is a cross-sectional view, and (b) is a side view. The metal fitting 70D may be the holding metal fitting 6c (see Fig. 6).

[0161] Although not shown, a part or all of the coil portion of the kick spring, which is the elastic holding member 6, may be housed in the spatial region S1 without using the metal fitting 70D. This prevents the kick spring from tipping in the width direction. In this case, extending the side plate portions 24 of the frame 20 until they are positioned to the sides of the coil portion of the kick spring further prevents the kick spring from tipping. In addition, the spatial region S1 may house both ends of the kick spring, which is the root and tip. This prevents both ends (edges) of the kick spring from being exposed and also prevents both ends of the kick spring from protruding.

[0162] 3 and 4, in the LED lighting device 3 according to this embodiment, the circuit board 4a of the power supply device 4 is located closer to the ceiling than the tips of the side plate portions 24 of the frame 20. As a result, the multiple electronic components 4b mounted on the circuit board 4a are not sandwiched between the pair of side plate portions 24 of the frame 20, and are exposed from the frame 20 when viewed from the side.

[0163] If the power supply device 4 were completely covered by a frame with a U-shaped cross section, the side surfaces of the circuit case 4c of the power supply device 4 would not necessarily contact the side plates of the frame, and heat generated from heat-generating components among the multiple electronic components 4b in the power supply device 4 would be trapped in the inner region of the frame (the region surrounded by the U-shape). In contrast, by positioning the circuit board 4a closer to the ceiling than the tips of the side plates 24 of the frame 20, the heat-generating components mounted on the circuit board 4a are exposed and not covered by the side plates 24 of the frame 20, and heat generated from the heat-generating components of the power supply device 4 is less likely to be trapped in the region (space region S2) on the ceiling side of the frame 20. Furthermore, by positioning the circuit board 4a closer to the ceiling than the tips of the side plates 24 of the frame 20, the power supply device 4 can be less susceptible to radiant heat from the LEDs 12. 4, if the length between the tip of the mounting portion 33 of the cover member 30 and the bottom surface of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2 is H1 and the depth of the recess 2a of the fixture body 2 is H2, then it is preferable that H1 / H2≧1 / 2. This makes it even more difficult for heat generated by the heat-generating components of the power supply device 4 to be trapped.

[0164] 4, in the LED lighting device 3 of this embodiment, through holes 4d are provided in the side plate of the circuit case 4c of the power supply device 4. This allows the heat generated by the heat-generating components of the power supply device 4 to be effectively dissipated by natural convection through the through holes 4d. This further prevents heat from being trapped in the spatial region S2.

[0165] 4, in the LED lighting device 1 of this embodiment, through-holes 2d are provided on the inner wall surface of the recess 2a of the device body 2. This allows the heat generated by the heat-generating components of the power supply device 4 to be dissipated more effectively not only through the through-holes 4d but also through the through-holes 2d. This further prevents heat from being trapped in the spatial region S2.

[0166] (Variation) The LED lighting fixture and LED lighting device according to the present invention have been described above based on the embodiments and modifications, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications.

[0167] For example, in the above embodiment, various shapes of frames are exemplified as frames used in the LED lighting device 3, but frames of the shapes described below may also be used. Note that the frames described below include frames having the shapes already described above. For convenience, the frames described below will use the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment, even though they have different shapes. Furthermore, the characteristics of the frames described below may be applied to each other, or may be applied to the above embodiment and its modified examples.

[0168] First, in the above embodiment, the horizontal plate portion 23 is composed of the parallel plate portion 23a and the inclined plate portion 23b, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the horizontal plate portion 23 may be composed only of parallel plate portions, as in the frame 201 shown in Fig. 19, or the horizontal plate portion 23 may be composed only of inclined plate portions, as in the frame 202 shown in Fig. 20. In this case, the horizontal plate portion 23 may be composed only of inclined plate portions inclined outward, as in the frame 202 shown in Fig. 20, or the horizontal plate portion 23 may be composed only of inclined plate portions inclined inward, as in the frame 203 shown in Fig. 21.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the upright plate portion 22 of the frame 20 is disposed perpendicular to the main plate portion 21, but this is not limited thereto. For example, as in the frame 204 shown in FIG. 22 , the upright plate portion 22 may be an inclined plate portion that is inclined relative to the main plate portion 21. In this case, in the frame 204 shown in FIG. 22 , the horizontal plate portion 23 is formed only by an inclined plate portion that is inclined outward. Also, in FIG. 22 , the position of the connection between the horizontal plate portion 23 and the side plate portion 24 is the same as the position of the main plate portion 21 (the bottom of the recessed portion 20 a), but this is not limited thereto. Specifically, as in the frame 205 shown in FIG. 23 , the position of the connection between the horizontal plate portion 23 and the side plate portion 24 may be located closer to the floor than the main plate portion 21 (the bottom of the recessed portion 20 a). Furthermore, although not shown, the position of the connection between the horizontal plate portion 23 and the side plate portion 24 may be located closer to the ceiling than the main plate portion 21 (the bottom of the recessed portion 20 a).

[0170] Furthermore, the horizontal plate portion 23 may be formed of a curved plate portion, as in a frame 206 shown in Fig. 24. Furthermore, as in a frame 207 shown in Fig. 25, the standing plate portion 22 may be formed of only an inclined plate portion, and the horizontal plate portion 23 may be formed of only a parallel plate portion, or as in a frame 208 shown in Fig. 26, the standing plate portion 22 may be formed of only an inclined plate portion, and the horizontal plate portion 23 may be formed of a parallel plate portion and an inclined plate portion.

[0171] 27, the horizontal plate portion 23 may be formed in a stepped shape. That is, the horizontal plate portion 23 may have a step. In this case, in the frame 209 shown in FIG. 27, the stepped horizontal plate portion 23 is composed of two parallel plate portions at different heights from the main plate portion 21, but this is not limited to this. For example, as in the frame 210 shown in FIG. 28, the stepped horizontal plate portion 23 may have parallel plate portions and an inclined plate portion located inside the parallel plate portions. As in the frame 211 shown in FIG. 29, the stepped horizontal plate portion 23 may have parallel plate portions and an inclined plate portion located outside the parallel plate portions and inclined inward. As in the frame 212 shown in FIG. 30, the stepped horizontal plate portion 23 may have an inclined plate portion inclined outward and an inclined plate portion inclined inward. Also, as in frame 213 shown in Figure 31, the horizontal plate portion 23 may be stepped having an inclined plate portion and a parallel plate portion, and the standing plate portion 22 may be an inclined plate portion, or as in frame 214 shown in Figure 32, the horizontal plate portion 23 may be stepped having two parallel plate portions, and the standing plate portion 22 may be an inclined plate portion.

[0172] 33, reinforcing ribs 21b may be formed at the boundary between the main plate portion 21 and the standing plate portion 22. This ensures the strength of the frame even when the side plate portions 24 are short. The reinforcing ribs 21b can be formed by, for example, press working.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the side plate portions 24 of the frame 20 extend from each of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23, but this is not limited to this. For example, the side plate portions 24 of the frame 20 may extend from only one of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23. In other words, it is sufficient that the side plate portions 24 extend from at least one of the pair of horizontal plate portions 23.

[0174] In the above embodiment, the outer extension portion 32a of the cover member 30 may be part of the main portion 31. In this case, the extension portion 32 of the cover member 30 will consist of, for example, only the inner extension portion 32b, which extends from the outer extension portion 32a, which is part of the main portion 31, toward the inside of the cover member 30.

[0175] In the above embodiment, the cover member 30 is made of one type of resin material, but this is not limiting. Specifically, the cover member 30 may be made of two or more types of materials. In this case, at least a portion of the extension portion 32 of the cover member and the main portion 31 may be made of different materials. For example, the main portion 31, the mounting portion 33, and the extension portion 32 may be made of different resin materials. Specifically, the main portion 31, the mounting portion 33, the outer extension portion 32a of the extension portion 32, and the second surface portion 32b2 of the inner extension portion 32b of the extension portion 32 may be made of a translucent resin material, and the first surface portion 32b1 and the third surface portion 32b3 of the inner extension portion 32b of the extension portion 32 may be made of a white or milky white resin material. Such a cover member 30 may be formed by two-color molding. In this way, by forming at least a portion of the inner extension portion 32b of the extension portion 32 from a white or milky white resin material, it is possible to provide the inner extension portion 32b with a reflective function. As a result, light emitted from the LED 12 that reaches the inner extension portion 32b of the extension portion 32 can be reflected by the inner extension portion 32b and made incident on the main portion 31. As a result, the illuminance directly below the LED lighting device 1 can be improved, and therefore, when multiple LED lighting devices 1 are installed, the number of installed LED lighting devices 1 can be reduced.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the LED lighting device 3 is attached to the fixture body 2 by rotating the LED lighting device 3, but this is not limited to this. That is, the LED lighting device 3 may be attached to the fixture body 2 without rotating it. Specifically, the LED lighting device 3 may be attached to the fixture body 2 by hooking a leaf spring or the like provided on the LED lighting device 3 onto the fixture body 2 installed on the ceiling and moving the LED lighting device 3 in the vertical direction so as to translate the LED lighting device 3 toward the fixture body 2. In this case, the LED lighting device 3 can be attached to the fixture body 2 by vertically pushing and fitting the LED lighting device 3 into the recess 2a of the fixture body 2.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the LEDs 12 are SMD-type LED elements in which LED chips are mounted in a package, and the light-emitting module consisting of the substrate 11 and the LEDs 12 is an SMD-type LED module, but this is not limiting. For example, the light-emitting module consisting of the substrate 11 and the LEDs 12 may be a COB (Chip On Board) type LED module. In this case, LED chips (bare chips) themselves may be used as the LEDs 12, and multiple LEDs 12 (LED chips) may be linearly arranged on the substrate 11, and the multiple LEDs 12 may be collectively or individually sealed with a sealing member (for example, a phosphor-containing resin).

[0178] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cover member 30 has both diffusive and translucent properties, but this is not limiting. For example, a translucent cover that has only translucent properties out of the diffusive and translucent properties may be used instead of the cover member 30. In this case, a transparent cover with high transmittance that allows the viewer to see through may be used as the translucent cover.

[0179] In addition, the present disclosure also includes embodiments obtained by various modifications of the above-described embodiments that would occur to a person skilled in the art, and embodiments realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention also includes any combination of two or more claims from the claims set forth in the claims at the time of filing, provided that there is no technical contradiction. For example, when a dependent claim set forth in the claims at the time of filing is made into a multiple claim or multiple multiple claims that cite all of the superordinate claims within the scope of the technical contradiction, the present invention also includes all combinations of claims included in that multiple claim or multiple multiple multiple claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 1 LED lighting fixture 2. Device body 2a Recess 3 LED lighting device 4 Power supply 4a Circuit board 4b Electronic Components 4c Circuit Case 11 Circuit Board 12 LED 20, 20A, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 Frames 20a Recess 22 Standing board 23 Horizontal plate part (plate part) 24 Side plate part (extending part) 30 Cover member

Claims

1. a substrate on which an LED is arranged; a long, plate-like frame to which the substrate is attached; a cover member attached to the frame so as to cover the LED, When the direction of the light emitting side of the LED with respect to the frame is defined as a first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the frame has a main plate portion on which the substrate is placed, a pair of upright plate portions standing on the main plate portion, a pair of horizontal plate portions located on both sides of the main plate portion in the short direction of the frame and extending along the longitudinal direction of the frame, and a pair of extending portions extending from the pair of horizontal plate portions toward the second direction, One end of one of the pair of standing plate portions is connected to one end of the main plate portion, the other end of one of the pair of upright plate portions is connected to one end of one of the pair of horizontal plate portions, One end of the other of the pair of standing plate portions is connected to the other end of the main plate portion, the other end of the other of the pair of vertical plate portions is connected to one end of the other of the pair of horizontal plate portions, One of the pair of extension portions is connected to the other end of one of the pair of horizontal plate portions, the other of the pair of extension portions is connected to the other end of the other of the pair of horizontal plate portions, a recess is formed by the main plate portion and the pair of upright plate portions, the main plate portion is a bottom portion of the recessed portion, an end of the LED on the first direction side is located on the second direction side of an opening surface of the recess, Tips of the pair of extension portions are located on the second direction side of the recessed portion, When the depth of the recess is a and the width of the recess is w1, the relational expression w1≧10×a is satisfied. LED lighting equipment.

2. A substrate on which an LED is arranged, a long, plate-like frame to which the substrate is attached; a cover member attached to the frame so as to cover the LED, When the direction of the light emitting side of the LED with respect to the frame is defined as a first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the frame has a main plate portion on which the substrate is placed, a pair of upright plate portions standing on the main plate portion, a pair of horizontal plate portions located on both sides of the main plate portion in the short direction of the frame and extending along the longitudinal direction of the frame, and a pair of extending portions extending from the pair of horizontal plate portions toward the second direction, One end of one of the pair of standing plate portions is connected to one end of the main plate portion, the other end of one of the pair of upright plate portions is connected to one end of one of the pair of horizontal plate portions, One end of the other of the pair of standing plate portions is connected to the other end of the main plate portion, the other end of the other of the pair of vertical plate portions is connected to one end of the other of the pair of horizontal plate portions, One of the pair of extension portions is connected to the other end of one of the pair of horizontal plate portions, the other of the pair of extension portions is connected to the other end of the other of the pair of horizontal plate portions, a recess is formed by the main plate portion and the pair of upright plate portions, the main plate portion is a bottom portion of the recessed portion, an end of the LED on the first direction side is located on the second direction side of an opening surface of the recess, Tips of the pair of extension portions are located on the second direction side of the recessed portion, When the depth of the recess is a and the width of the frame is w3, the relational expression w3≦20×a is satisfied. LED lighting equipment.

3. Each of the pair of side plate portions has a parallel plate portion parallel to the main plate portion. The LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the width of the recess is w1 and the width of one of the pair of horizontal plate portions is w2, the relational expression w1>2×w2 is satisfied. The LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the width of the frame is w3, the relational expression w3≦20×a is satisfied. The LED lighting device according to claim 1 .

6. a power supply for supplying power to the LED; The power supply device is disposed on the second direction side of the frame. The LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The power supply device includes a circuit board on which circuit components are mounted, a case for accommodating the circuit board, and and The power supply device is disposed offset in the short-side direction of the frame. The LED lighting device according to claim 6.

8. a power supply for supplying power to the LED; the power supply device has a circuit board on which circuit components are mounted, The circuit board is located on the second direction side of the tip of the extension portion. The LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2; and a fixture body having a recess in which the LED lighting device is housed. LED lighting fixture.

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