LED lamp

Abstract

To provide a long LED lamp which has better appearance.SOLUTION: An LED lamp includes: an LED module; a cylindrical body; a first end cap; and a second end cap. In the first end cap, a male part is formed on one side in the third direction, and a female part is formed on the other side in the third direction. In the second end cap, a female part is formed on one side in the third direction, and a male part is formed on the other side in the third direction. The male part includes a first inclined surface which is inclined with respect to the second direction toward the outside in the first direction, and which further bulges to the outside in the first direction as it goes closer to the one side in the second direction. The female part includes a second inclined surface which is inclined with respect to the second direction toward the outside in the first direction, and which further dents inward in the first direction as it goes closer to the one side in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

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

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

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

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-54103 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This invention was conceived under the circumstances described above, and aims to provide a more aesthetically pleasing, longer LED lighting device, an LED lamp capable of realizing such an LED lighting device, and a lamp case suitable for housing the LED lamp. It also aims to provide an LED module and an LED lighting device that can increase the overall light output while also achieving uniform brightness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An LED lamp provided by a first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of LED modules arranged along a first direction, a cylindrical body housing the plurality of LED modules and having an open end in the first direction, and a plurality of end caps sealing both ends of the cylindrical body in the first direction, wherein each end cap is formed to transmit and diffuse light from the plurality of LED modules and has an emitting surface that emits light in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0009] An LED lamp provided by a second aspect of the present invention is an LED lamp provided by a first aspect of the present invention, wherein the cylindrical body comprises a support member having a mounting surface on one side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction for mounting the plurality of LED modules, and a diffusion cover covering one side of the support member in the second direction for transmitting and diffusing light from the plurality of LED modules, wherein the emission surface is formed on one side in the second direction.

[0010] An LED lamp provided by a third aspect of the present invention is an LED lamp provided by a first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein each end cap is formed of a transparent resin to which a diffusing material is added to diffuse the light from the LED module.

[0011] An LED lamp provided by a fourth aspect of the present invention is an LED lamp provided by a second or third aspect of the present invention, wherein the emission surface is formed to be a surface continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the diffusion cover.

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

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

[0014] An LED lamp provided by a seventh aspect of the present invention is an LED lamp provided by any of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein each end cap is provided with a connecting plate that protrudes inward from the cylindrical body along the first direction, the connecting plate has a screw hole that extends elongated in the first direction, the end cap is attached to the cylindrical body via a screw inserted through the screw hole, and the emission surface can be housed inside the cylindrical body.

[0015] An LED lamp provided by the eighth aspect of the present invention is an LED lamp provided by any of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the plurality of end caps include a first end cap having an inclined surface that is inclined so as it moves outward in the first direction, it moves further away from the output surface, and a second end cap having an inclined surface that is inclined so as it moves outward in the first direction, it moves closer to the output surface.

[0016] An LED lamp provided by the ninth aspect of the present invention is an LED lamp provided by any of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein each end cap comprises a male portion having an inclined surface that is inclined so as it moves outward in the first direction toward the emission surface, and a female portion having an inclined surface that is inclined so as it moves outward in the first direction toward the emission surface.

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

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

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

[0020] An LED lighting device provided by the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is an LED lighting device provided by the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein a plate material is provided between the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps, and the plate material is formed to transmit and diffuse light from the plurality of LED modules.

[0021] An LED lighting device provided by a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in an LED lighting device provided by a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the plate material has a surface that is continuous with the emission surface of each of the end caps.

[0022] An LED lighting device provided by the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two or more LED lamps provided by the seventh aspect of the present invention along the first direction, characterized in that the ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps are in contact with each other in the first direction.

[0023] An LED lighting device provided by the sixteenth aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two or more LED lamps provided by the eighth aspect of the present invention along the first direction, wherein two adjacent LED lamps have a first end cap on one side in the first direction and a second end cap on the other side, and the inclined surface of the first end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps faces the inclined surface of the second end cap of the other LED lamp.

[0024] An LED lighting device provided by the 17th aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two or more LED lamps provided by the 9th aspect of the present invention along the first direction, characterized in that the female end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps is engaged with the male end cap of the other LED lamp.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] An LED lighting device provided by the 24th aspect of the present invention is an LED lighting device provided by the 21st aspect of the present invention, wherein a plate material is provided between the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps, and the plate material is formed to transmit and diffuse light from the plurality of LED modules.

[0032] An LED lighting device provided by the 25th aspect of the present invention, in an LED lighting device provided by the 24th aspect of the present invention, wherein the plate material has a surface that is continuous with the emission surface of each of the end caps.

[0033] An LED lighting device provided by the 26th aspect of the present invention comprises two or more LED lamps according to claim 7 arranged along the first direction, two or more lamp cases provided by the 18th or 19th aspect of the present invention for housing the two or more LED lamps, and an intermediate member connected to both of two adjacent lamp cases in the first direction, wherein the ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps in the first direction are in contact with each other.

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

[0035] An LED lighting device provided by the 28th aspect of the present invention comprises two or more LED lamps provided by the 9th aspect of the present invention arranged along the first direction, two or more lamp cases according to claim 18 or 19 for housing the two or more LED lamps, and an intermediate member connected to both of two adjacent lamp cases in the first direction, wherein the female end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps interlocks with the male end cap of the other LED lamp.

[0036] With this configuration, the joints between the LED lamps allow light from the LED modules to pass through, so the LED lighting device is less likely to produce dark areas along its length. Therefore, by connecting the LED lamps provided by the first aspect of the present invention, a more aesthetically pleasing, longer LED lighting device can be realized.

[0037] An LED module provided by the 29th aspect of the present invention comprises a strip-shaped substrate and a plurality of LED chips arranged on the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of LED chips is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the substrate and forms a plurality of rows spaced apart in the short direction of the substrate, and among the plurality of rows, adjacent rows are arranged in a staggered pattern with the plurality of LED chips contained in those rows offset in the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

[0038] An LED module provided by the 30th aspect of the present invention is an LED module provided by the 29th aspect of the present invention, wherein the plurality of LED chips are contained in a plurality of light-emitting units having an elongated rectangular light-emitting surface when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate, and these plurality of light-emitting units are arranged such that the long side of the light-emitting surface is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

[0039] An LED module provided by the 31st aspect of the present invention is an LED module provided by the 30th aspect of the present invention, wherein in each of the rows, the plurality of light-emitting parts are arranged at equal intervals with a gap shorter than the long side of the light-emitting surface.

[0040] An LED module provided by the 32nd aspect of the present invention is an LED module provided by the 29th aspect of the present invention, wherein the plurality of LED chips are contained in a plurality of light-emitting units having an elongated rectangular light-emitting surface when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate, and these plurality of light-emitting units are arranged such that the short side of the light-emitting surface is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

[0041] An LED module provided by the 33rd aspect of the present invention is an LED module provided by any of the 29th to 31st aspects of the present invention, wherein the plurality of rows is two rows.

[0042] An LED lighting device provided by the 34th aspect of the present invention comprises an LED module provided by any of the 29th to 33rd aspects of the present invention, an elongated support member extending along the longitudinal direction of a substrate while supporting the substrate, and a diffusion cover connected to the support member, covering the plurality of LED chips and diffusing the light from the plurality of LED chips to the outside, wherein the diffusion cover includes a portion that is at the smallest distance from the LED chips when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and has a strongly diffusing portion that diffuses the light from the plurality of LED chips to a degree stronger than the average of the entire diffusion cover.

[0043] An LED lighting device provided by the 35th aspect of the present invention, in an LED lighting device provided by the 34th aspect of the present invention, wherein the diffusion cover is formed to be thicker in portions closer to the LED chips when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

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

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

[0046] An LED lighting device provided by the 38th aspect of the present invention is an LED lighting device provided by any of the 34th to 37th aspects of the present invention, wherein the LED chip is installed such that the thickness direction of the substrate is the main emission direction, and the diffusion cover, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, has an elliptical outer shape with the LED chip as the center and the thickness direction of the substrate as the minor axis.

[0047] In this configuration, the part of the diffusion cover closer to the LED chip diffuses the light from the LED chip more strongly and transmits less light than the part further away. Therefore, there is less difference in the intensity of light after it has passed through the diffusion cover between the part far from the LED chip and the part close to it. Accordingly, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the diffusion cover further improves the uniformity of brightness and makes the appearance when light is emitted better.

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

[0049] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a main part of an LED lamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the end cap shown. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a plan view showing an LED lighting device that combines the LED lamps shown. [Figure 6] This figure shows the connection section of the LED lighting device shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the LED lighting device. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing an LED lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a plan view of the end cap shown. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an LED lighting device that combines the LED lamps shown. [Figure 11] This is a plan view showing the connecting portion of an LED lighting device that combines LED lamps according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view along the line XII-XII in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a plan view showing the connecting portion of an LED lighting device that combines LED lamps according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view along the line XIV-XIV in Figure 13. [Figure 15] This is a side view showing an example of a lamp case according to the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows the lamp case shown in Figure 15 with an LED lamp installed and mounted on the ceiling. [Figure 17] This figure shows a lamp case, as shown in Figure 15, with LED lamps incorporated into it, and multiple units arranged in a row and mounted on the ceiling. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view along the line XVIII-XVIII in Figure 15. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view along the line XIX-XIX in Figure 18. [Figure 20] This is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 19. [Figure 21] Figure 15 is a magnified plan view of a portion of the lamp case shown. [Figure 22] Figure 15 is a magnified bottom view of a portion of the lamp case shown. [Figure 23] This is a magnified view of one end of the main body component shown in Figure 15. [Figure 24] This is an enlarged view of the other end of the main body member shown in Figure 15. [Figure 25] This figure shows the connection points between multiple lamp cases in Figure 17. [Figure 26] This figure illustrates the effects of the lamp case of the present invention. [Figure 27] This is a diagram illustrating the first modified example of the lamp case. [Figure 28] This is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the lamp case. [Figure 29] This is a plan view of an LED module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30]Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the light-emitting portion of the LED module. [Figure 31] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of an LED lighting device equipped with an LED module. [Figure 32] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the LED lighting device shown. [Figure 33] This is a plan view of an LED module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] This is a plan view of an LED module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of an LED lighting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of an LED lighting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of an LED lighting device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of an LED lighting device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional LED lamp. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

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

[0052] The cylindrical body 1 comprises a support member 11 and a diffusion cover 12. As shown in Figure 3, the support member 11 is for supporting multiple LED modules 2 and supplying power to them, and consists of a substrate 111 and a bracket 112.

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

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

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

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, the diffusion cover 12 is a strip-shaped structure with an arc-shaped cross-section extending in the x-direction, and is made of a transparent polycarbonate resin to which a diffusing material such as mercury chloride has been added. Such a diffusion cover 12 diffuses and transmits light from the LED module 2. As shown in Figure 3, the diffusion cover 12 is provided with a locking piece 12a at one end edge in the y-direction and a locking piece 12b at the other end edge. The locking pieces 12a and 12b are formed to protrude inward in the y-direction and each has a surface that contacts the locking surface 114d. The locking piece 12b further has a portion that protrudes toward the other side in the z-direction and is shaped to fit into the locking groove 114c. The diffusion cover 12 is fixed to the support member 11 by fitting the locking piece 12b into the locking groove 114c on one side in the y-direction and pushing the locking piece 12a into the locking groove 114c on the other side in the y-direction.

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

[0058] Multiple LED modules 2 are mounted on the mounting surface 111a so as to be arranged at equal intervals along the x-direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the distance between the closer ends of two adjacent LED modules 2 in the x-direction is defined as the spacing 81 between the LED modules 2. The LED module 2 located at the outermost end on one side in the x-direction is positioned such that its end is at a distance 82 shorter than the spacing 81 from one end of the support member 11 in the x-direction. The LED module 2 located at the outermost end on the other side in the x-direction is positioned such that its other end is at a distance 82 from the other end of the support member 11 in the x-direction.

[0059] The end cap 3 is a component that prevents dust and other debris from entering the inside of the cylindrical body 1, and as shown in Figure 1, it is formed to seal the end of the cylindrical body 1 in the x-direction. One side of the end cap 3 in the z-direction has an arc-shaped outer circumference that follows the shape of the diffusion cover 12. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the end cap 3, and the outer circumference of the diffusion cover 12 is shown by a dashed line. The end cap 3 is installed so as not to create a gap between it and the diffusion cover 12, and as shown in Figure 2, it has an outlet surface 31 that is a continuous surface with the outer surface of the diffusion cover 12, and a pair of connecting plates 32 that protrude in the x-direction. The pair of connecting plates 32 are formed to be parallel to each other while being spaced apart in the y-direction, and as shown in Figure 3, they are in contact with the inner surface of the base portion 113 of the bracket 112. Furthermore, the pair of connecting plates 32 have screw holes 32a that penetrate in the y-direction, and the pair of connecting plates 32 are fixed to the support member 11 by passing screws 13 through the screw holes 32a. As shown in Figure 4, the end cap 3 has a constant thickness 83 in the x-direction. This thickness 83 is, for example, about 1.5 mm.

[0060] The end cap 3, like the diffusion cover 12, is made of transparent polycarbonate resin to which a diffusing material, such as mercury chloride, has been added. Such an end cap 3 diffuses and transmits light from the LED module 2. The ratio of diffusing material in the end cap 3 is approximately the same as the ratio of diffusing material in the diffusion cover 12.

[0061] In this embodiment, the end of the end cap 3 attached to one side of the cylindrical body 1 in the x-direction on the other side in the x-direction is in close contact with the end of the support member 11 on the other side in the x-direction. Similarly, the end of the end cap 3 attached to the other side of the cylindrical body 1 in the x-direction on the other side in the x-direction is in close contact with the end of the support member 11 on the other side in the x-direction. Furthermore, the distance 82 is set such that the sum of the distance 82 and the thickness 83 shown in Figure 4, which equals a length 84, is half the distance 81 between the LED modules 2.

[0062] Each mount 4 is a component used to fix the LED lamp 501 to a ceiling or wall, and consists of a base fitting 41 and a holder 42. The base fitting 41 is formed, for example, by drilling holes and bending a metal plate, and has holes 41a for passing screws through. As shown in Figure 1, the holes 41a are formed in a T-shape by combining an elongated hole extending in the y-direction and an elongated hole extending in the x-direction. Therefore, even after the base fitting 41 is attached to the ceiling or wall with screws, its position can be adjusted by the size of the holes 41a.

[0063] The holder 42 is formed, for example, by bending a metal plate, and as shown in Figure 3, it has a pair of locking pieces 42a, a pair of flexible parts 42b, and a connecting part 42c that connects the pair of flexible parts 42b. The flexible parts 42b are positioned to support the locking pieces 42a. When an external force is applied, the pair of flexible parts 42b are elastically deformable in a direction that moves the pair of locking pieces 42a closer to and further apart from each other. The pair of locking pieces 42a are the parts that engage with the locking grooves 114a of the support member 11, and in Figure 3, they are inclined such that the distance between them decreases as you move upward in the figure.

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

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

[0066] Next, we will explain the function of the LED lamp 501.

[0067] In such an LED lamp 501, as shown in Figure 4, light from the LED module 2, mainly installed at the x-direction end, enters the end cap 3. As mentioned above, the end cap 3 is made of resin with a diffusing material added, so the light that enters the end cap 3 is diffused, and a portion of it is emitted from the emission surface 31 in the z-direction. Therefore, when the LED lamp 501 is installed on the ceiling, for example, and turned on, a person looking up from below will see the x-direction end of the LED lamp 501 as lit, just like the other parts.

[0068] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a part of the LED lighting device 601, which is composed of multiple LED lamps 501 as described above. As shown in Figure 5, in the LED lighting device 601, multiple LED lamps 501 are mounted on the ceiling or wall so as to be arranged in a line along the x-direction. Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing the joint between adjacent LED lamps 501, and the diffusion cover 12 is omitted to show the inside of the LED lamp 501.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6, in the LED lighting device 601, the end caps 3 of adjacent LED lamps 501 are in contact with each other, and the distance between the LED modules 2 installed with the two end caps 3 in between is exactly 81. Because the end caps 3 of adjacent LED lamps 501 are in contact with each other, the light that passes through one end cap 3 is diffused by the other end cap 3. Therefore, in the LED lighting device 601, a portion of the light emitted from the LED lamp 501 in the x-direction is emitted in the z-direction from the emission surface 31 of the end cap 3 of the adjacent LED lamp 501. Consequently, the LED lighting device 601 can effectively utilize the light from the LED modules 2.

[0070] As described above, the end cap 3 transmits and scatters light from the LED module 2, making the emission surface 31 appear to be lit. Therefore, in the LED lighting device 601, the joints between adjacent LED lamps 501 do not become dark. Consequently, by combining LED lamps 501, it is possible to realize a longer, more aesthetically pleasing LED lighting device 601 that extends further in the x-direction.

[0071] In this embodiment, even at the joints between adjacent LED lamps 501, the spacing between LED modules 2 is the same as the spacing 81 in other parts, so the joints do not become darker than other parts, resulting in a better appearance.

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

[0073] Figure 7 shows a plan view of a part of an LED lighting device 602, which is composed of multiple LED lamps 501 as described above. In the LED lighting device 602 shown in Figure 7, a plate material 6 is provided between the end caps 3 of adjacent LED lamps 501, and the other configurations are the same as those of the LED lighting device 601 shown in Figures 5 and 6.

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

[0075] In this type of LED lighting device 602, the plate material 6 appears to emit light, similar to the end cap 3, so the joint area between adjacent LED lamps 501 does not become dark. Therefore, the LED lighting device 602 has a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0076] To achieve the configuration shown in Figure 7, it is preferable to prepare in advance several types of plate materials 6 with different thicknesses in the x-direction, and when a gap occurs between the left and right end caps 3 in Figure 7, select a plate material 6 with a thickness appropriate to the gap and fit it into the gap.

[0077] Furthermore, in the LED lighting device 601, when a large number of LED lamps 501 are arranged in a line, gaps may occur between the ends of adjacent LED lamps 501. In such cases, by using the plate material 6 of the LED lighting device 602 in conjunction, it is possible to prevent the joints between the LED lamps 501 from becoming dark.

[0078] In the embodiment described above, the end cap 3 is installed on the outside of the diffusion cover 12 so that the discharge surface 31 is a continuous surface with the outer circumferential surface of the diffusion cover 12. However, the end cap 3 may also be installed on the inside of the diffusion cover 12 so that the discharge surface 31 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the diffusion cover 12. In this case, the length of the diffusion cover 12 in the x-direction is twice the thickness of the end cap 3 in the x-direction compared to the length of the support member 11 in the x-direction.

[0079] Figure 8 shows the area near the end of an LED lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 502 shown in Figure 8 differs from the LED lamp 501 in the shape of the end cap 3 and the x-direction length of the diffusion cover 12, but the other configurations are the same. Figure 9 shows a view of the end cap 3 of the LED lamp 502 from the inside of the LED lamp 502. Figure 10 shows the connecting portion of an LED lighting device 603, which is composed of multiple LED lamps 502. In the LED lighting device 603, the multiple LED lamps 502 are mounted on the ceiling or wall so that they are arranged in a line along the x-direction. Note that in Figure 10, the spacing between the LED lamps 502 is intentionally shown to be large for illustrative purposes.

[0080] In this embodiment, the diffusion cover 12 is formed to be longer in the x-direction than the support member 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end cap 3 is positioned inside the diffusion cover 12. The end cap 3 in this embodiment has an umbrella portion 33 near the lower end in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 8, the umbrella portion 33 is formed to extend inward into the cylindrical body 1 along the x-direction from the outer peripheral edge of the end cap 3. The outer peripheral surface of the umbrella portion 33 is integrated with the discharge surface 31. In this embodiment, the discharge surface 31 of the end cap 3 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 12.

[0081] Furthermore, the screw holes 32a formed in the connecting plate 32 of this embodiment are elongated holes that extend long in the x direction. As a result, the end cap 3 can move in the x direction by the length of the screw holes 32a. When the end cap 3 is pulled outward along the x direction toward the outside of the cylindrical body 1, the outer surface of the umbrella portion 33 is exposed to the outside of the diffusion cover 12.

[0082] In an LED lighting device 603 formed by connecting such LED lamps 502, as shown in Figure 10, if a gap occurs between the LED lamps 502, the gap can be sealed with the umbrella portion 33 by pulling out the end cap 3 from the cylindrical body 1. Since the umbrella portion 33 is part of the end cap 3, it diffuses and transmits light from the LED module 2. Therefore, when the LED lighting device 603 is viewed from below in the z direction, the umbrella portion 33 appears to be emitting light. Consequently, the LED lighting device 603 is configured in such a way that dark areas are less likely to occur along the x direction.

[0083] Figures 11 and 12 show the joint portion of an LED lighting device using an LED lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 503 shown in Figures 11 and 12 is equipped with an end cap 3A at one end in the x-direction and an end cap 3B at the other end, and the other configuration is the same as that of the LED lamp 501.

[0084] The end cap 3A is formed such that it becomes thicker in the x-direction as it moves downward in the z-direction in Figure 12, and has an inclined surface 31a. The inclined surface 31a is inclined so that it moves away from the ejection surface 31 in the z-direction as it moves outward in the x-direction. The end cap 3B is formed such that it becomes thinner in the x-direction as it moves downward in the z-direction in Figure 12, and has an inclined surface 31b. The inclined surface 31b is inclined so that it moves closer to the ejection surface 31 in the z-direction as it moves outward in the x-direction.

[0085] In an LED lighting device 604 formed by connecting such LED lamps 503, end caps 3A and 3B face each other at the joint, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. It is desirable to arrange multiple LED lamps 503 so that the inclined surfaces 31a and 31b are in contact, but it is difficult to arrange a large number of LED lamps 503 without any gaps. In this embodiment, even if a gap occurs between end caps 3A and 3B, the inclined surface 31b appears to light up when the LED lighting device 604 is viewed from below in the z direction in Figure 12. For this reason, the LED lighting device 604 is configured in such a way that dark areas are less likely to occur along the x direction.

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

[0087] The end cap 3C comprises a male portion 34 formed on one side in the y-direction and a female portion 35 formed on the other side in the y-direction. The male portion 34 has an inclined surface 34a that slopes so that the outward direction in the x-direction approaches the exit surface 31 in the z-direction. It is formed to bulge outward in the x-direction as it approaches the exit surface 31 in the z-direction, and bulges outward in the x-direction as it is centered in the y-direction. The female portion 35 has an inclined surface 35a that slopes so that the outward direction in the x-direction moves away from the exit surface 31 in the z-direction. The female portion 35 is formed to recess inward in the x-direction as it approaches the exit surface 31 in the z-direction, and recesses inward in the x-direction as it is centered in the y-direction, in order to fit with the male portion 34.

[0088] In the LED lighting device 605 formed by arranging LED lamps 504 in the x-direction, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the male part 34 and female part 35 of the end caps 3C attached to the ends of the connected LED lamps 504 interlock with each other. It is desirable to install multiple LED lamps 504 so that the end caps 3C are in contact with each other, but when many LED lamps 504 are arranged, gaps may occur between the end caps 3C. Even in such cases, the inclined surface 35a is visible through the gaps between the end caps 3C in this embodiment and appears to light up in the same way as the emission surface 31. Furthermore, the end caps 3C in this embodiment are economical because they can be attached to both ends of the cylindrical body 1.

[0089] Figures 15 to 26 show an example of a lamp case in the present invention. The lamp case 650 shown in Figure 15 is a component used to fix LED lamps 501 to 504 to the ceiling in place of the mount 4 in the embodiment described above. Note that in Figure 15, an LED lamp 501 is shown for reference. Figure 16 shows the state in which the LED lamp 501 is housed in the lamp case 650 and attached to the ceiling 750. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, an LED lighting device 606 is shown, which is composed of multiple lamp cases 650, each housing an LED lamp 501, arranged in the x direction. Note that the LED lighting device 606 is equivalent to the LED lighting device 601 in which the mount 4 is replaced with a lamp case 650.

[0090] As shown in Figure 15, the lamp case 650 comprises a main body member 71, a connector housing 72, a terminal member 73, and an intermediate member 74. The terminal member 73 and the intermediate member 74 are attached to the main body member 71 via bolt members 75, as shown in Figure 17. The bolt members 75 are, for example, male threads. The terminal member 73 and the intermediate member 74 are painted in the same color as the main body member 71.

[0091] The main body member 71 has a U-shaped cross-section opening on one side in the z-direction and is formed to extend elongated in the x-direction, with a connecting portion 711 at one end in the x-direction and a connecting portion 712 at the other end. As shown in Figure 23, the connecting portion 711 has a pair of elongated holes 711a that extend elongated in the x-direction. As shown in Figure 24, the connecting portion 712 has a pair of elongated holes 712a that extend elongated in the x-direction. The elongated holes 711a and 712a have the same shape, and both allow a bolt member 75 to pass through. The main body member 71 also has protrusions 713 that protrude in the y-direction from both side edges in the y-direction. The protrusions 713 have a groove that extends elongated in the x-direction. As shown in Figures 16 and 18, when the lamp case 650 is attached to the ceiling 750, these protrusions 713 are exposed to the outside without being recessed into the ceiling 750. The main body member 71 is fixed so as to conform to the ceiling 750 by the protruding portion 713 contacting the ceiling 750. As a result, the lamp case 650 can be mounted on the ceiling 750 without being tilted relative to the ceiling 750, and the LED lamp 501 can be conveniently housed within it.

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

[0093] The terminal member 73 is formed by bending a metal plate and is a member that can be attached to and detached from the connecting portion 711 and the connecting portion 712. As shown in Figures 18 and 20, the terminal member 73 comprises mutually orthogonal plate portions 731 and 732, a pair of inner wall portions 733, an outer plate portion 734, and upright walls 735 and 736.

[0094] The plate portion 731 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the z direction and is fixed to the connecting portions 711 and 712 of the main body member 71 via bolt members 75. The plate portion 731 has a pair of bulging portions 731a formed thereon, which are thicker in the z direction than the surrounding area. The pair of bulging portions 731a are provided with a pair of screw receiving holes that fit into the bolt members 75. The pair of screw receiving holes have female threads that correspond to the male threads formed on the bolt members 75.

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

[0096] The outer plate portion 734 extends from the lower ends of the plate portion 732 and the pair of inner wall portions 733 in Figure 20, and is formed to appear as a frame-like extension of the protruding portion 713 in a view in the z direction, as shown in Figure 22. The upright walls 735 rise from both ends of the outer plate portion 734 in the y direction and are formed to follow both ends of the protruding portion 713 in the y direction. As shown in Figure 18, the position of the upper end of the upright wall 735 in the z direction coincides with the position of the upper end of the protruding portion 713 in the z direction. The upright wall 736 rises from the end of the outer plate portion 734 in the x direction, facing the plate portion 732. The upright wall 736 is connected to the upright wall 735 at both ends in the y direction. The upright walls 735 and 736 have an appearance that resembles an extension of the protruding portion 713.

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

[0098] The intermediate member 74 has two pairs of bulging portions 74a whose thickness in the z direction is greater than that of the surrounding area. Each of the two pairs of bulging portions 74a is provided with a screw receiving hole for fitting into the bolt member 75. These screw receiving holes are also provided with female threads corresponding to the male threads provided on the bolt member 75. As shown in Figure 25, the two pairs of bulging portions 74a are provided in positions that overlap with the elongated holes 711a and 712a when the connecting portions 711 and 712 are joined together.

[0099] Next, we will explain the function of the lamp case 650, referring to Figure 26.

[0100] When multiple lamp cases 650 are arranged in the x-direction and mounted on the ceiling 750, if the ends of adjacent lamp cases 650 are brought into close contact, gaps may occur between the ends of other adjacent lamp cases 650. Figure 26 shows the joint area as viewed from the floor when a gap occurs between the main body members 71 of adjacent lamp cases 650. Note that the LED lamps 501 are omitted in Figure 26.

[0101] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 26, even if there is a gap between the connecting portions 711 and 712 of adjacent main body members 71, the intermediate member 74 can be attached to the connecting portions 711 and 712 by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 within the elongated holes 711a and 712a. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 26, the intermediate member 74 is visible through the gap between the main body members 71, rather than the ceiling surface, thus preventing deterioration of the appearance.

[0102] Furthermore, the end member 73 can also be shifted in the x-direction by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 within the elongated holes 711a and 712a. Therefore, even if the adjustment using the intermediate member 74 described above is insufficient, the issue can be addressed by shifting the end members 73 of the lamp cases 650 at both ends in the x-direction.

[0103] Figure 27 shows a first modified example of the lamp case 650. In this modified example, a circular screw hole 711b is provided instead of the elongated hole 711a. The other configurations are the same as those of the lamp case 650 shown in Figures 15 to 26. Figure 27 shows how such lamp cases 650 are arranged side by side, similar to Figure 26. As shown in Figure 27, even if there is a gap between the connecting parts 711 and 712 of adjacent main body members 71, the intermediate member 74 can be attached to the connecting parts 711 and 712 by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 within the elongated hole 712a. Furthermore, since the intermediate member 74 is visible through the gap between the main body members 71 rather than the ceiling surface, deterioration of the appearance can be suppressed.

[0104] Figure 28 shows a second modified example of the lamp case 650. In this modified example, a circular screw hole 712b is provided instead of the elongated hole 712a. The other configurations are the same as those of the lamp case 650 shown in Figures 15 to 26. Figure 28 shows how such lamp cases 650 are arranged side by side, similar to Figure 26. As shown in Figure 28, even if there is a gap between the connecting parts 711 and 712 of adjacent main body members 71, the intermediate member 74 can be attached to the connecting parts 711 and 712 by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 within the elongated hole 711a. Furthermore, since the intermediate member 74 is visible through the gap between the main body members 71 rather than the ceiling surface, deterioration of the appearance can be suppressed. In addition, adjustment can also be made by shifting the end member 73 in the x direction.

[0105] The LED lamp, lamp case, and LED lighting device according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above. The specific configuration of each part of the LED lamp and LED lighting device according to the present invention can be modified in various ways.

[0106] For example, the number and spacing of the LED modules 2 can be set as appropriate. In the embodiment described above, the LED modules 2 are arranged at regular intervals, but even if the LED modules 2 are arranged irregularly, the effects of the present invention will be achieved as long as the end caps 3 transmit and diffuse light. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the LED module 2 located at the outermost edge in the x-direction and the end of the support member 11 in the x-direction is not limited to the conditions described above. In order to prevent the spacing between LED modules 2 from becoming too wide at the joints between adjacent LED lamps 501 in the LED lighting device 601, it is sufficient that the LED modules 2 located at the outer edge in the x-direction are mounted so as to be closer to the end of the support member 11 in the x-direction.

[0107] Furthermore, in LED lighting devices 602 to 605, a lamp case 650 may be used instead of the mount 4. In LED lighting devices 602 to 605, it is anticipated that gaps may occur between adjacent LED lamps 501 to 504. In such cases, gaps may also occur between adjacent lamp cases 650, but the intermediate member 74, which is the same color as the main body member 71, is visible through the gaps between the lamp cases 650. This prevents deterioration of the appearance.

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

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

[0110] As shown in Figure 29, multiple light-emitting units 202 are mounted on one surface of the substrate 201 and arranged in two rows 202A and 202B along its longitudinal direction. When one surface of the substrate 201 is viewed in the thickness direction, the light-emitting units 202 have a long rectangular light-emitting surface 220. All light-emitting units 202 are arranged so that the long side 220a of the light-emitting surface 220 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. The light-emitting units 202 in each row 202A and 202B are arranged at equal intervals with a gap of 85 in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. This gap 85 is approximately the same dimension as the long side 220a of the light-emitting surface 220. Rows 202A and 202B are offset by half a pitch in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. As a result, the multiple light-emitting units 202 are arranged in a staggered pattern. In this embodiment, the spacing 85 is approximately the same as the long side 220a of the light-emitting surface 220, but of course, the spacing 85 may be longer than the long side 220a.

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

[0112] The LED chip 221 has a structure in which, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer and a p-type semiconductor layer are stacked with an active layer sandwiched between them. If the LED chip 221 is made of, for example, a GaN-based semiconductor, it emits blue light. The LED chip 221 is mounted on a lead 222. The top surface of the LED chip 221 is connected to the lead 223 via a wire 224. The leads 222 and 223 are bonded to a wiring pattern on the substrate 201. The resin package 225 is for protecting the LED chip 221 and the wire 224. The resin package 225 is made of, for example, an epoxy resin that is translucent to light from the LED chip 221. The resin package 225 contains, for example, a fluorescent material that emits yellow light when excited by blue light. As a result, the light-emitting part 202 emits white light. In the resin package 225, one side opposite to the side facing the substrate 201 is the light-emitting surface 220.

[0113] Figures 31 and 32 show an example of an LED lighting device equipped with LED modules 511. The LED lighting device 611 of this embodiment consists of multiple LED modules 511, a mount 203, a support member 204, a diffusion cover 205, and a power conversion unit 206. The LED lighting device 611 is used, for example, to illuminate a floor when mounted on a ceiling indoors, and is elongated in the direction that penetrates the plane of the paper in the figure.

[0114] As shown in Figure 31, the mount 203 comprises a main body 230 and a plurality of holders 231. The main body 230 is elongated and extends in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the figure, and is made of, for example, aluminum. The main body 230 is provided with a recess 230a. The recess 230a is for housing the LED module 511. The main body 230 has a curved surface with a curvature that is continuous on either side of the recess 230a.

[0115] The main body 230 is composed of a base plate 310 and wings 320. The base plate 310 is formed in an elongated plate shape with the longitudinal direction being the direction that penetrates the plane of the paper in Figure 31 and the width direction being the y direction, and has a plurality of bulging portions 311. Both ends of the base plate 310 in the y direction are bent downward in the z direction to ensure rigidity. The plurality of bulging portions 311 are parts formed to protrude downward in the z direction and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the direction that penetrates the plane of the paper in Figure 31. Each bulging portion 311 is in contact with the wing portion 320.

[0116] The wing portion 320 is formed in an overall umbrella shape when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the plane of Figure 31, and has a bottom plate portion 321, two wall portions 322, and a restricting portion 323 on its inside. The bottom plate portion 321 is parallel to the base plate 310. The two wall portions 322 rise in the z direction from both ends of the bottom plate portion 321 in the y direction. The bottom plate portion 321 and the two wall portions 322 constitute a recess 230a for housing the LED unit 2. An elastic member holder 231 is positioned on one wall portion 322, and a restricting member 323 is formed on the other wall portion 322. The restricting member 323 is plate-shaped and protrudes in the y direction from the wall portion 322, and is perpendicular to the wall portion 322. This restricting member 323 is installed, for example, along substantially the entire length of the wing portion 320 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of Figure 31.

[0117] The holder 231 is formed, for example, by bending a metal plate, and has a locking piece 231a, a flexible portion 231b, and a fixed portion 231c. As shown in Figure 31, the locking piece 231a is inclined so that it moves away from the base plate portion 321 in the z direction and away from the LED module 511 in the y direction. The flexible portion 231b is inclined so that it moves away from the base plate portion 321 in the z direction and closer to the LED module 511 in the y direction. The flexible portion 231b supports the locking piece 231a at one end and is connected to the fixed portion 231c at the other end, and is formed to be elastically curved and deformable. The fixed portion 231c is a plate-shaped member that overlaps the base plate portion 321 and is fixed to the wing portion 320 via a screw 331. Furthermore, these holders 231 are installed in a row along the direction that runs through the plane of the paper in Figure 31.

[0118] As shown in Figure 31, the support member 204 supports multiple LED modules 511 and supplies power to them. The multiple LED modules 511 are supported by the support member 204 in an arrangement along their longitudinal direction.

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

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

[0121] Furthermore, a locking groove 421 is formed in one of the outer portions 242. The locking groove 421 extends in the direction that penetrates the plane of the paper in Figure 31 and is recessed in the z direction on the side opposite to the LED module 511's output direction. A locking groove 422 is also formed in the other outer portion 242. This locking groove 422 also extends in the direction that penetrates the plane of the paper in Figure 31 and is recessed in the z direction on the side opposite to the LED module 511's output direction.

[0122] As shown in Figures 31 and 32, the diffusion cover 205 has a circular arc cross-section extending in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the figures, and is made of, for example, a milky white resin that diffuses and transmits light from the LED module 511. As shown in Figure 31, locking pieces 251 and 252 are formed at both ends of the diffusion cover 205. One locking piece 251 engages with the locking groove 421. The other locking piece 252 engages with the locking groove 422.

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

[0124] The power conversion unit 206 performs a function, for example, to convert commercial AC 100V power to DC 36V, and is housed in the support member 204. The power conversion unit 206 consists of a case 261, a power supply board 262, and several electronic components 263. The case 261 has a U-shaped cross-section and is made of metal, for example. The case 261 is used to fix the power conversion unit 206 to the base unit 241. The power supply board 262 is fixed to the case 261 and has several electronic components 263 mounted on it. The several electronic components 263 include, for example, transformers, rectifiers, and transistors for constant current control. A connector (not shown) extends from the power conversion unit 206. This connector is connected to a connector mounted on the mount 203.

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

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

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

[0128] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned light-emitting region, the light-emitting units 202 constituting one row 202A are located between the light-emitting units 202 constituting the other row 202B, so they are less likely to overlap with the light from the other row 202B. As a result, the light-emitting region including the two rows 202A and 202B is less likely to produce a luminance distribution with a steep tendency, and forms a luminance distribution that spreads somewhat smoothly in the shorter direction of the substrate 201.

[0129] In other words, the light-emitting region does not appear to be concentrated in a linear fashion, but rather appears to be spread out in a somewhat band-like fashion. Therefore, the multiple light-emitting units 202 do not appear to be particularly dazzling. Accordingly, with the LED module 511, by arranging the multiple light-emitting units 202 in a staggered pattern, it is possible to increase the overall light output and make the brightness more uniform.

[0130] In the LED lighting device 611 of this embodiment, the thicker the diffusion cover 205, the more light is diffused, and the lower the light transmittance. For this reason, the central part 205a of the diffusion cover 205 has a lower light transmittance than other areas. For example, the light transmittance in the central part 205a is about 75%, while the light transmittance in other areas is about 85%.

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

[0132] According to the LED lighting device 611, by reducing the light transmittance in the central part 205a where relatively strong light reaches, the light emitted from the central part 205a and the light emitted from other areas become of roughly the same intensity. Therefore, with the LED lighting device 611, unevenness of the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205 when lit is suppressed, and the individual light-emitting parts 202 appearing to be scattered or arranged in rows 202A, 202B is prevented from being seen. Thus, with the LED lighting device 611, the diffusion cover 205 further improves the uniformity of brightness, resulting in a better appearance when lit.

[0133] Figures 33 and 34 show LED modules according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention, and Figures 35 to 310 show LED lighting devices according to the fourth to seventh embodiments of the present invention. In Figures 33 to 310, components that are the same or similar as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0134] In the LED module 512 based on the second embodiment shown in Figure 33, the light-emitting units 202 of each row 202A, 202B are arranged at equal intervals with a gap of 86 in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. This gap 86 is shorter than the long side 220a of the light-emitting surface 220. Rows 202A, 202B are offset by half a pitch in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. As a result, the multiple light-emitting units 202 are arranged in a staggered pattern with narrower spacing than in the first embodiment, and the number of units is greater. With this configuration, it is possible to increase the overall light output while achieving uniform brightness.

[0135] In the LED module 513 based on the third embodiment shown in Figure 34, all light-emitting units 202 are arranged such that the short side 220b of the light-emitting surface 220 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. The light-emitting units 202 in each row 202A, 202B are arranged at equal intervals with a gap of 87 in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. Rows 202A, 202B are offset by half a pitch in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201, and the multiple light-emitting units 202 are arranged in a staggered pattern. With this configuration, the gap 87 between the light-emitting units 202 in each row 202A, 202B can be appropriately set according to the directivity of the LED chip, thereby achieving uniform brightness. In this embodiment, the gap 87 is considerably larger than the short side 220b of the light-emitting surface 220, but of course, the gap 87 can be shorter than the short side 220b. In that case, the number of light-emitting units 202 can be increased, and the overall light output can be increased further.

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

[0137] In the LED lighting device according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 36, the diffusion cover 205 is formed such that its thickness gradually increases from the edges towards the center in the y-direction. This diffusion cover 205 is thicker in areas closer to the LED module 511. This makes it possible to further suppress unevenness in the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205 when the LED lighting device is lit. Therefore, the appearance of the LED lighting device when it is lit can be improved.

[0138] In the LED lighting device according to the sixth embodiment shown in Figure 37, the diffuser cover 205 has a uniform thickness, and its central portion 205a is made of a milky white resin with a lower light transmittance than other areas. The light transmittance of the diffuser cover 205 in areas other than the central portion 205a is approximately 85%, while the light transmittance in the central portion 205a is approximately 75%. Even when using such a diffuser cover 205, it is possible to suppress unevenness of the light emitted from the diffuser cover 205, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0139] In the LED lighting device according to the seventh embodiment shown in Figure 38, the diffusion cover 205 has a uniform thickness, and a diffusion member 250 is provided so as to overlap the central portion 205a. The light transmittance of the diffusion cover 205 in the portion where the diffusion member 250 is not provided is approximately 85%. The diffusion member 250 is made of, for example, the same milky white resin as the diffusion cover 205, and is formed so that the light transmittance in the central portion 205a where the diffusion member 250 is superimposed is approximately 75%. Even when using a diffusion cover 205 equipped with such a diffusion member 250, it is possible to suppress unevenness of the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205. Furthermore, if the diffusion member 250 is prepared separately from the diffusion cover 205, there is the advantage that the manufacturing of the diffusion cover 205 itself becomes easier.

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

[0141] For example, an LED module is not limited to a configuration in which light-emitting parts are mounted on a substrate, but may also be a configuration in which LED chips are directly mounted on the substrate. The substrate is not limited to a long, narrow strip shape, but may also be rectangular or circular in shape. Multiple light-emitting parts may be arranged in a staggered pattern of three or more rows.

[0142] Multiple LED chips may emit RGB colored light, and may be arranged in multiple rows along the longitudinal direction of the substrate. When RGB colored LED chips are used, the LED lighting device can be applied, for example, as an electronic display board or an image display device.

[0143] The LED lighting device is not limited to the LED module of the first embodiment; the LED module of the second or third embodiment may also be used. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0144] 501, 502, 503, 504 LED lamps 601,602,603,604,605,606 LED lighting equipment 650 Lamp Case x direction y direction z direction 1 cylinder 2 LED modules 3A, 3B, 3C End Caps 4 Mounts 5 Power Conversion Unit 6 Board material 11 Support member 12 Diffusion cover 12a,12b Locking piece 13 screws 31 Ejection surface 31a,31b Slope 32 Connecting plate 32a Screw hole 33 Umbrella section 34 Male 34a Slope 35 Female part 35a Slope 41 Base fittings 41a Hole 42 holder 42a Locking piece 42b Flexible part 42c connection part 51 cases 52 Power supply board 53 Electronic Components 54 Connectors 61 Ejection surface 71 Main body components 71a Through hole 72 Connector housing 73 End member 74 Intermediate member 74a Bulge 75 Bolt Members 111 circuit board 111a Mounting surface 112 bracket 113 Base section 114 Outer part 114a Locking groove 114b Bulge 114c Locking groove 114d Locking surface 711,712 Connecting part 711a,712a long hole 712b, 712b Screw holes 713 Protrusion 731,732 plate part 731a Bulge 732a Wall 733 Interior wall section 734 Outer panel part 735,736 standing wall 741 Edge 750 ceiling 511-513 LED Modules 611 LED lighting equipment 201 circuit board 202 Light-emitting part Column 202A,202B 220 Light exit surface 220a Long side 220b Short side 221 LED chips 204 Support Member 205 Diffusion Cover 205a Central part 250 Diffusion member

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple LED modules arranged along a first direction, A cylindrical body housing the above-mentioned multiple LED modules, with an open end in the first direction, A first end cap that seals one end of the cylindrical body in the first direction, An LED lamp comprising a second end cap that seals the other end of the cylindrical body in the first direction, The first end cap described above has a male part on one side in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a female part on the other side in the third direction. The second end cap described above has a female portion formed on one side in the third direction and a male portion formed on the other side in the third direction. The male part has a first inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first and third directions as it moves outward in the first direction, and that bulges outward in the first direction as it approaches one side of the second direction. The female portion has a second inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the second direction as it moves outward in the first direction, and is recessed inward in the first direction as it approaches one side of the second direction. LED lamp.

Images