Light source unit and lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a light source unit capable of suppressing an end of a cover from becoming darker than any other part.SOLUTION: A light source unit comprises: a light source substrate 52 where a plurality of light sources 53 are arranged; a support 51 to which the light source substrate 52 is fitted; a cover 54 which comprises a long-sized cover body 542 and an end cap 70 fitted detachably to a lengthwise end of the cover body 542, and is fitted to the support 51 to cover the light source substrate 52; and a spring 82 which presses the end cap 70 into contact with the end, wherein the end cap 70 is pressed to stay in contact with the end even if the cover body 542 is thermally displaced to vary in length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light source unit provided with an end cap and a lighting fixture. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting device in which an in-cover portion of a side cover is inserted from an open end of the cover. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Re-Publication No. WO2016 / 052481 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In the lighting device of Patent Document 1, there is a problem that brightness at a portion where the cover end portion and the in-cover portion of the side cover overlap each other becomes darker as compared with other portions of the cover. In addition, when the in-cover portion is omitted and the side cover is bonded to the cover with an adhesive in order to avoid darkening compared with other portions of the cover, the problems of decreased maintainability and decreased long-term reliability may occur.

[0005] In view of the above problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a light source unit capable of suppressing darkening of an end portion of a cover compared to other portions of the cover while ensuring maintainability and long-term reliability. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the light source unit according to the present invention comprises a light source substrate on which a plurality of light sources are arranged, a support to which the light source substrate is attached, a long cover body, and an end cap that is detachably attached to the longitudinal end of the cover body, and further comprises a cover that is attached to the support so as to cover the light source substrate, and a pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the end cap so as to be tightly attached to the end, wherein the end cap maintains a state of being tightly attached to the end due to the pressurizing, even when the length of the cover body changes due to thermal displacement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] With the above configuration, the light source unit according to the present invention can suppress the darkening of the edges of the cover compared to other parts of the cover, while ensuring maintainability and long-term reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Perspective view of lighting fixture 1 [Figure 2] This diagram shows the light source unit 5 removed from the fixture body 3 of the lighting fixture 1. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the end of light source unit 5 [Figure 4] Top view of the end of the light source unit 5 [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view along line CC' in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view along line BB' in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Perspective view of end cap 70 [Figure 8] Top view of end cap 70 [Figure 9] Enlarged view of the end of the light source unit 5, near the end cap 70. [Figure 10] Diagram showing the gap between the support 51 and the end cap 70. [Figure 11] Perspective view of spacer 81 [Figure 12]Figure when the cover body end 543 and the support end 511 are in contact with the end cap 70 [Figure 13] Figure when the temperature of the cover body 542 is higher than the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range [Figure 14] Figure when the temperature of the cover body 542 is lower than the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view of an end portion of a light source unit 5A provided with a leaf spring 85 [Figure 16] Top view of the end cap 70 and the leaf spring 85 [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view of an end portion of a light source unit 5B provided with a leaf spring 85A MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] <1. Embodiment> <1.1. Lighting fixture 1> Hereinafter, a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical components that are commonly included in each of the referenced drawings are denoted by the same reference symbols, and overlapping descriptions of the identical components will be omitted in principle.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lighting fixture 1. The lighting fixture 1 is a fixture that is attached to an installation target such as a ceiling. When the lighting fixture 1 is attached to a ceiling, the lighting fixture 1 illuminates the floor surface side from the ceiling.

[0011] In the following description, when the lighting fixture 1 is attached to a ceiling parallel to a horizontal plane, the direction toward the floor surface side as viewed from the ceiling side is defined as "down", and the direction toward the ceiling side as viewed from the floor surface side is defined as "up".

[0012] The lighting fixture 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the length in the lateral direction is extremely short compared to the length in the longitudinal direction. As an example, the length in the longitudinal direction is 1500 mm. As an example, the length in the lateral direction is 32 mm. For convenience of expression, the lighting fixture 1 in the drawings is depicted with a wide proportion in which the lateral direction is lengthened and the longitudinal direction is shortened.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the lighting fixture 1 includes a fixture main body 3 and a light source unit 5.

[0014] The fixture main body 3 is a member having a box-shaped appearance, to which the light source unit 5 is attached, and houses a part of the light source unit 5. When the lighting fixture 1 is attached to a ceiling parallel to a horizontal plane, the fixture main body 3 is attached to the ceiling. The light source unit 5 emits light.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a view showing a state where the light source unit 5 is removed from the fixture main body 3 provided in the lighting fixture 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an end portion of the light source unit 5. Fig. 4 is a top view of an end portion of the light source unit 5. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' in Fig. 4.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, the fixture main body 3 and the light source unit 5 are separable. The fixture main body 3 has an accommodation recess RE. The accommodation recess RE is an opened face of the fixture main body 3 and accommodates at least a part of the light source unit 5.

[0017] The light source unit 5 is attached to the accommodation recess RE of the fixture main body 3 in a direction that emits light toward the outside of the lighting fixture 1. When the lighting fixture 1 is attached to the ceiling, the light source unit 5 emits light downward.

[0018] <1.2. Fixture Main Body 3> As shown in Fig. 2, the fixture main body 3 includes a housing 30, a first spring receiver 41, and a second spring receiver 42.

[0019] The housing 30 is a box-shaped member with one face opened. The housing 30 constitutes the appearance of the fixture main body 3 and has the accommodation recess RE. The first spring receiver 41 and the second spring receiver 42 are disposed on a bottom face 31a facing downward in a bottom plate portion 31 of the housing 30.

[0020] The first spring receiver 41 and the second spring receiver 42 are spring brackets that are engaged with attachment springs of the light source unit which will be described later.

[0021] <1.3. Light Source Unit 5> As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the light source unit 5 comprises a support 51, a light source substrate 52, a light source 53, a cover 54, a power supply unit 56, a second mounting spring 59, a first mounting spring 60, a spacer 81, a screw 80, and a spring 82.

[0022] The second mounting spring 59 and the first mounting spring 60 are springs for housing and attaching the light source unit 5 to the fixture body 3. The second mounting spring 59 and the first mounting spring 60 are, for example, double torsion springs, and engage with the second spring receiver 42 and the first spring receiver 41 of the fixture body 3, respectively. The second mounting spring 59 and the first mounting spring 60 are positioned on the upper surface of the support 51.

[0023] When housing and installing the light source unit 5 into the fixture body 3, the user hooks the second mounting spring 59 onto the second spring receiver 42 and the first mounting spring 60 onto the first spring receiver 41. As a result, the elastic force of the second mounting spring 59 and the first mounting spring 60 pulls the light source unit 5 towards the fixture body 3, and the upper part of the light source unit 5 is housed in the housing recess RE.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the support 51 is a long, plate-shaped member to which the light source substrate 52 and cover 54 are attached and which support the light source substrate 52 and cover 54. The support 51 is a member capable of dissipating the heat generated by the light source substrate 52 placed on the support 51. The material of the support 51 is, for example, metal (for example, an aluminum alloy). The light source substrate 52 and cover 54 are placed on the lower side of the support 51, and the power supply unit 56, second mounting spring 59, and first mounting spring 60 are placed on the upper side.

[0025] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line BB' in Figure 4. The support 51 includes an engaging portion 512 that engages with the cover 54. The engaging portion 512 has an upward-facing projection. The height of the projection on the engaging portion 512 is approximately 2 mm, for example. The projection on the engaging portion 512 functions as a rail for sliding the cover 54 in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] The light source substrate 52 is a long, plate-shaped component on which multiple light sources 53 are arranged. The multiple light sources 53 are, for example, multiple SMD (Surface Mount Device) type LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0027] The power supply unit 56 converts the power supplied from outside the lighting fixture 1 into a voltage and current suitable for driving the light source 53 and supplies it to the light source 53.

[0028] The power supply connector 63 is the connector to which power is input for the operation of the light source unit 5. The power supply connector 63 is connected to an external connector 200 for supplying power to the lighting fixture 1. The connector 200 is provided from the hole 201 in the ceiling toward the lighting fixture 1.

[0029] <1.4. Cover 54> As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the cover 54 is a component attached to the support 51 so as to cover the light source substrate 52.

[0030] The cover 54 comprises a cover body 542 and an end cap 70.

[0031] <1.4.1. Cover body 542> The cover body 542 is a long, translucent component that transmits light and controls the light distribution by diffusing the light emitted by the light source 53. The material of the cover body 542 is, for example, a light-transmitting resin with a light-diffusing material added. The cover body 542 is a trough-shaped component, and its cross-section on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is, for example, U-shaped.

[0032] The longitudinal ends of the cover body 542 are open ends. The cover body 542 undergoes thermal displacement. Specifically, the cover body 542 expands when its temperature rises and contracts when its temperature falls.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the cover body 542 is provided with an engaging recess 544. The engaging recess 544 slidably engages with the engaging portion 512 of the support 51. Therefore, even if thermal displacement occurs, the cover body 542 can expand or contract without being hindered by the support 51.

[0034] The longitudinal length of the cover body 542 is approximately the same as the longitudinal length of the support 51 at the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range (5°C to 35°C) of the lighting fixture 1.

[0035] For example, the length of the cover body 542 in the longitudinal direction is 1500 [mm] at the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range of the lighting fixture 1. In this case, when the temperature rises to the upper limit of the recommended operating temperature range, the cover body 542 will expand by approximately 3 [mm] in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] <1.4.2. End cap 70> Figure 7 is a perspective view of the end cap 70. Figure 8 is a top view of the end cap 70. Figure 9 is a magnified view of the end of the light source unit 5 near the end cap 70. Figure 10 shows the gap between the support 51 and the end cap 70.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the end caps 70 are located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the light source unit 5 and, as shown in Figure 5, are members that close the open ends in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 542. The end caps 70 are formed of a translucent material as an example, but translucency is not essential.

[0038] The end cap 70 is removably attached to the longitudinal open end of the cover body 542. The end cap 70 is pressurized by a pressurizing mechanism to ensure tight contact with the cover body end 543, and this tight contact is maintained even when the length of the cover body 542 changes due to thermal displacement.

[0039] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the end cap 70 comprises a flat plate portion 71, a claw portion 72, a projection portion 74, and a connecting portion 75.

[0040] The flat plate portion 71 is a flat plate-shaped part that closes the open end in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 542.

[0041] The claw portion 72 is the part for attaching the end cap 70 to the support 51. As shown in Figure 8, the claw portion 72 is provided with a slit 73. The vertical height of the claw portion 72 is the claw portion height H1.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, a screw 80 is inserted into the slit 73. The screw 80 passes through the inside of the slit 73 and is fitted into a screw hole (not shown) provided in the support 51 with a force that does not press down on the claw portion 72. Therefore, the screw 80 is movable within the slit 73, and the end cap 70 is slidable relative to the support 51.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, the projection 74 is a wall-like portion that rises from the four sides of the flat plate portion 71. When the end cap 70 is fitted into the cover body 542, it is inserted so as to be on the inside of the cover body 542 and overlaps with the end of the cover body 542.

[0044] The projection 74 serves to position the end cap 70 when attaching it to the open end of the cover body 542, and to prevent the end cap 70 from shifting away from the open end of the cover body 542 when the cover body 542 expands. The length L1 of the projection 74 is, for example, 1 mm.

[0045] When the light source 53 in the light source unit 5 is lit, the part of the cover body 542 where the cover body 542 and the protrusion 74 overlap becomes darker than other parts. For this reason, it is preferable that the length L1 of the protrusion 74 be short.

[0046] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the connecting portion 75 is the part that connects the claw portion 72 and the flat plate portion 71.

[0047] Here, as shown in Figure 10, when the cover body 542 expands, the position of the cover body end 543 changes to the right, and a first gap 514 is created between the flat plate portion 71 and the support end portion 511. However, since the connecting portion 75 covers the first gap 514, dust and other debris can be prevented from entering the cover body 542 through the first gap 514.

[0048] The length L2 of the connecting portion 75 only needs to be greater than the maximum value of the first gap 514 that occurs when the cover body 542 expands and becomes longer than the support 51. For example, the length L2 is 2 mm.

[0049] <1.5. Spacer 81> Figure 11 is a perspective view of the spacer 81.

[0050] The spacer 81 is a component that restricts the height from the upper surface of the support 51 to the lower end of the head of the screw 80 so as not to be less than the height of the claw portion 72. The spacer 81 is fixed to the support 51 by the screw 80 inserted into the internal space 83.

[0051] The vertical height of the spacer 81 is the spacer height H2, which is higher than the claw height H1. Therefore, the screw 80 does not press down on the end cap 70, and the screw 80 functions as a fixing member that slidably secures the end cap 70 to the support 51.

[0052] Furthermore, the presence of the spacer 81 prevents the spring 82 from coming into contact with the screw 80. Therefore, damage to the spring 82 due to the rotation of the screw 80 when attaching the end cap 70 to the support 51 can be suppressed.

[0053] <1.6. Spring 82> The spring 82 is an example of a mechanism (hereinafter referred to as the "pressure mechanism") that pressurizes the end cap 70 so that it is in close contact with the open end of the cover body 542. The spring 82 is an elastic material, and one example is a cylindrical compression coil spring.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the spring 82 is positioned so as to be in contact with the inner wall 731 of the slit 73 and the spacer 81, respectively.

[0055] In Figure 5, when the cover body 542 expands due to thermal displacement, for example, the cover body end 543 pushes the end cap 70 to the right of the paper with respect to the support 51 by a length L1. As a result, the distance between the inner wall 731 of the slit 73 and the spacer 81 is reduced by a length L1. Then, in the spring 82, an elastic force is generated as the spring 82 is reduced by a length L1, pushing it to the left of the paper with respect to the screw 80 (support 51), thus balancing the forces and maintaining a state in which the end cap 70 and the open end of the cover body 542 are in close contact.

[0056] <2.Operation> <2.1. Movement of the end cap 70 when the temperature of the cover body 542 fluctuates> Figure 12 shows a state in which both the cover body end 543 and the support end 511 are in close contact with the end cap 70. In this embodiment, at the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range of the lighting fixture 1 (5°C to 35°C), the longitudinal lengths of the support 51 and the cover body 542 are made approximately the same so that both the cover body end 543 and the support end 511 are in close contact with the end cap 70.

[0057] The end cap 70 is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 542, at least within the recommended operating temperature range of the lighting fixture 1. When the cover body 542 expands due to heat, the end cap 70 slides in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 542 in accordance with the change in position of the cover body end 543 due to the expansion of the cover body 542. When the cover body 542 expands in the longitudinal direction, the end cap 70 remains tightly attached to the cover body end 543 due to the pressure from the spring 82, regardless of the length of the projection 74. Therefore, the length of the projection 74 inserted into the interior of the cover body 542 from the cover body end 543 can be shortened. Thus, the overlapping portion between the cover body 542 and the projection 74 can be reduced.

[0058] When the cover body 542 shrinks to a point where the end cap 70 cannot slide, the projection 74 prevents a gap from forming between the end cap 70 and the cover body end 543. In this case, as the cover body 542 shrinks, the overlapping portion between the cover body 542 and the projection 74 decreases.

[0059] The portion of the cover body 542 that overlaps with the projection 74 becomes darker compared to other parts of the cover body 542. As described above, within the range in which the end cap 70 can slide, the end cap 70 remains in close contact with the cover body end 543 regardless of the length of the projection 74, thus shortening the length of the overlapping portion between the cover body 542 and the projection 74. Furthermore, within the range in which the end cap 70 cannot slide, the overlapping portion between the cover body 542 and the projection 74 decreases as the cover body 542 shrinks. Therefore, the length of the overlapping portion between the cover body 542 and the projection 74 can be shortened, and the darkening of the end of the cover body 542 compared to other parts of the cover body 542 can be suppressed.

[0060] Position P20 shown in Figure 12 is the position of the cover body end 543 when both the cover body end 543 and the support end 511 are in contact with the end cap 70 at the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range of the lighting fixture 1. When both the cover body end 543 and the support end 511 are in contact with the end cap 70, the position of the end cap 70 in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 542 is the leftmost position (closest to the center in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 542). When the position of the end cap 70 is the leftmost position in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 542, the distance between the inner wall 731 of the slit 73 and the spacer 81 becomes the longest. Therefore, when the temperature of the lighting fixture 1 is at the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range, the length of the spring 82 becomes the longest.

[0061] <2.2. If the temperature of the cover body 542 exceeds the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range> Figure 13 shows the case when the temperature of the cover body 542 rises above the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range. The cover body 542 expands when its temperature rises due to the lighting of the light source 53, etc. As shown in Figure 13, when the cover body 542 expands and the position of the cover body end 543 changes to the right of position P20, the end cap 70 is pushed to the right and slides to the right as the position of the cover body end 543 changes to the right (away from the center in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 542). In addition, a first gap 514 is created between the support end 511 and the end cap 70.

[0062] The end cap 70 is pressurized to such an extent that it does not hinder the expansion of the cover body 542 even when the end cap 70 slides to the right as the cover body 542 expands. As a result, the end of the cover body 543 and the flat portion 71 of the end cap 70 are in close contact with each other without any gaps. Furthermore, when the end cap 70 slides to the right as the cover body 542 expands, a first gap 514 is created between the end of the support 511 and the flat portion 71 of the end cap 70. However, this first gap 514 is covered from above by the connecting portion 75. As a result, it is possible to suppress dust from entering the interior of the cover body 542 and light from leaking from the light source 53 due to gaps between the end of the cover body 543 and the flat portion 71 of the end cap 70, and gaps between the end of the support 511 and the flat portion 71 of the end cap 70.

[0063] Furthermore, when the end cap 70 slides as the cover body 542 expands, the end cap 70 remains in close contact with the end of the cover body 543, regardless of the length L1 of the projection 74. As a result, the length L1 of the projection 74 on the end cap 70 can be shortened, and the length of the portion of the cover body 542 that overlaps with the projection 74 can be shortened. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the end of the cover from becoming darker than other parts of the cover.

[0064] The end cap 70 is attached to the support body 51 with a screw 80. If the end cap 70 were attached to the cover body 542 with adhesive, it may be necessary to destroy the end cap 70 when performing maintenance on the light source substrate 52, etc. Also, if the end cap 70 is attached to the cover body 542 with adhesive, the end cap 70 may detach from the cover body 542 and fall off due to the deterioration of the adhesive over time. On the other hand, in the lighting fixture 1, since the end cap 70 is attached to the support body 51 with a screw 80, the end cap 70 can be removed from the support body 51 by removing the screw 80. In addition, the cover body 542 can be removed from the support body 51 by sliding it left and right with the end cap 70 removed. For this reason, maintenance of the light source substrate 52, etc. is easy in the lighting fixture 1, and maintainability is ensured.

[0065] Furthermore, in the lighting fixture 1, the end cap 70 is attached to the support 51 with screws 80, not adhesive. Therefore, the end cap 70 will not detach from the cover body 542 and fall off due to the deterioration of the adhesive over time. Thus, the long-term reliability of the lighting fixture 1 can be ensured.

[0066] Therefore, the lighting fixture 1 can prevent the edges of the cover from becoming darker compared to other parts of the cover. In addition, since the lighting fixture 1 does not use adhesive to attach the end cap 70, long-term reliability and maintainability can be ensured.

[0067] Furthermore, the end cap 70 is attached to the support 51 from the upper side. After the lighting fixture 1 is installed on the ceiling, the part of the end cap 70 attached to the support is housed inside the fixture body 3. This prevents accidental contact by users or others from below (from the floor) with the part of the end cap 70 attached to the support, which could damage the part of the end cap 70 attached to the support. Therefore, even if a user accidentally touches the end cap 70 from below, it is possible to prevent the end cap 70 from coming off and falling.

[0068] <2.3. If the temperature of the cover body 542 falls below the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range> Figure 14 shows the case when the temperature of the cover body 542 falls below the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range (5°C). Due to seasonal changes, the temperature of the lighting fixture 1 may fall below the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range for the lighting fixture 1. In such a case, the cover body 542 shrinks, and the position of the cover body end 543 changes to the left of position P20. However, the sliding of the end cap 70 to the left is restricted by the support end 511. Therefore, although the end cap 70 is pressurized to the left, it does not slide to the left of the support end 511 because its sliding to the left is restricted by the support end 511.

[0069] The change in position of the cover body end 543 creates a second gap 545 between the cover body end 543 and the flat plate portion 71. Although not shown in Figure 14, the cover body 542 has a U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, so the second gap 545 is also U-shaped. The projection 74 is a wall-like portion that rises from the four sides of the flat plate portion 71, so it can close this U-shaped second gap 545 from the inside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a gap from forming between the cover body 542 and the end cap 70. Consequently, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the interior of the cover body 542 from between the cover body 542 and the end cap 70.

[0070] Furthermore, if the temperature of the cover body 542 falls below the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range, the overlapping length between the cover body 542 and the projection 74 decreases, as shown in Figure 14. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the darkening of the edges of the cover compared to other parts of the cover.

[0071] As described above, the lighting fixture 1 according to this embodiment can suppress the darkening of the cover edges compared to other parts of the cover. Furthermore, since the lighting fixture 1 does not use adhesive to attach the end cap 70, long-term reliability and maintainability can be ensured.

[0072] <3. Variation> (1) End cap 70 provided only at one end in the longitudinal direction of the light source unit 5 In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that the light source unit 5 is provided with end caps 70 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0073] The end cap 70 may be provided at only one end of the light source unit 5 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, it is preferable that the length L2 of the connection portion 75 of the end cap 70 be longer than when the end caps 70 are provided at both ends of the light source unit 5 in the longitudinal direction. Also in this case, the cover body 542 provided on the light source unit 5 may have an open end at only one end in the longitudinal direction.

[0074] (2) Omission of the projection 74 In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the end cap 70 is provided with a projection 74. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0075] The protrusion 74 may be omitted. The portion of the cover body 542 that overlaps with the protrusion 74 will be darker than the other portion of the cover body 542, but by omitting the protrusion 74, the portion of the cover body 542 that overlaps with the protrusion 74 can be eliminated. This makes it possible to suppress the edge of the cover from becoming darker than the other portion of the cover.

[0076] If the projection 74 is omitted, as shown in Figure 14, if the position of the cover body end 543 is to the left of position P20, a second gap 545 will be created between the cover body end 543 and the end cap 70. For this reason, it is preferable that the temperature of the lighting fixture 1 where both the cover body end 543 and the support end 511 are in contact with the end cap 70 (the temperature of the lighting fixture 1 in the state shown in Figure 12) be the lowest temperature among the temperatures of the location where the lighting fixture 1 can be installed. By doing so, as shown in Figure 14, it is possible to prevent the position of the cover body end 543 from changing to the left of position P20 due to the contraction of the cover body 542. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the position of the cover body end 543 from changing to the left of position P20, a second gap 545 will not be created between the cover body end 543 and the end cap 70 even if the projection 74 is omitted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress dust from entering the interior of the cover body 542 from between the cover body 542 and the end cap 70.

[0077] When the projection 74 is omitted in this manner, the length over which the cover body 542 can expand in the longitudinal direction becomes longer, so it is preferable that the length L2 of the connecting portion 75 be longer than that of the embodiment described above. When the projection 74 is omitted, it is preferable to provide a configuration on the claw portion 72 or the support 51, etc., for positioning when attaching the end cap 70.

[0078] (3) Leaf spring 85 provided in slit 73 In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the spring 82, which functions as an elastic body in the pressurizing mechanism, is positioned between the inner wall 731 of the slit 73 of the end cap 70 and the spacer 81. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0079] The elastic body in the pressurizing mechanism may be a leaf spring 85 connected to the inner wall 731 of the slit 73. The leaf spring 85 will be described with reference to Figures 15, 16, and 17.

[0080] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the end of a light source unit 5A equipped with a leaf spring 85. Figure 16 is a top view of the end cap 70 and the leaf spring 85. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the end of a light source unit 5B equipped with a leaf spring 85A provided on a spacer 81.

[0081] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, one end of the leaf spring 85 is connected to the inner wall 731 of the slit 73. The other end of the leaf spring 85 is in contact with the spacer 81. The material of the leaf spring 85 can be any material that can function as an elastic body. The material of the leaf spring 85 may be the same as that of the claw portion 72. Also, the leaf spring 85 and the claw portion 72 may be physically integrated.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, instead of the leaf spring 85 connected to the inner wall 731 of the slit 73, the spacer 81 may be equipped with a leaf spring 85A. Also, in the light source unit 5B shown in Figure 17, the spacer 81 and the leaf spring 85A may be physically integrated.

[0083] (4) Direction in which the lighting fixture 1 emits light In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the lighting fixture 1 is mounted on the ceiling and the lighting fixture 1 irradiates light from the ceiling towards the floor. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0084] Lighting fixture 1 may be installed in a location other than the ceiling. Furthermore, lighting fixture 1 may emit light in a direction other than from the ceiling towards the floor. For example, lighting fixture 1 may be installed on the wall of a room and emit light towards the ceiling. (5) Light-emitting elements of the light source 53 In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the light source 53 is an SMD type LED. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0085] The light source 53 can be any component or element that emits light, and is not limited to SMD type LEDs. It may also be a COB (Chip On Board) type LED or an element that emits light from its surface, such as an organic EL (electroluminescence). When an element that emits light from its surface, such as an organic EL, is used as the light source 53, the number of light sources 53 provided in the lighting fixture 1 may be as few as one. The light source 53 may also be a combination of multiple types of light-emitting elements, such as an element in which a CSP (Chip Scale Package) type LED is placed on the light-emitting area of ​​a COB type LED.

[0086] The number of types and colors of light emitted by the light source 53 may be any number. For example, the light source 53 may emit light of one color, or it may emit light of four or more colors.

[0087] (6) A different type of elastic member than spring 82 In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which a spring 82, which functions as an elastic body, applies an elastic force to the end cap 70 toward the longitudinal center of the cover body 542. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0088] The end cap 70 may also have elastic force applied to it using an elastic material other than the spring 82, such as rubber or resin.

[0089] (7) Towing of end cap 70 In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the spring 82, which functions as an elastic body, applies an elastic force in a direction that pushes the end cap 70 toward the longitudinal center of the cover body 542. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0090] The light source unit 5 may include a tension member that pulls the end cap 70 toward the longitudinal center of the cover body 542, instead of a spring 82 which is an elastic body that applies elastic force in the pushing direction. The material of the tension member is, for example, rubber.

[0091] <4. Extraction of Inventions> Examples of inventions derived from the above embodiments and modifications include the following:

[0092] (1) An embodiment of the present invention provides a light source unit comprising: a light source substrate on which a plurality of light sources are arranged; a support to which the light source substrate is attached; a long cover body; and an end cap that is detachably attached to the longitudinal end of the cover body, the unit comprising: a cover attached to the support so as to cover the light source substrate; and a pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the end cap so as to be tightly attached to the end, wherein the end cap maintains a state of being tightly attached to the end by the pressurizing mechanism even when the length of the cover body changes due to thermal displacement.

[0093] According to this configuration, the light source unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can suppress the darkening of the cover edges compared to other parts of the cover. Furthermore, since the light source unit does not use adhesive to attach the end cap, long-term reliability and maintainability can be ensured. Therefore, the light source unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can suppress the darkening of the cover edges compared to other parts of the cover while ensuring maintainability and long-term reliability.

[0094] (2) In a light source unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, the end cap may include a flat plate portion and a projection portion that protrudes from the flat plate portion so as to overlap with the inside of the cover body.

[0095] With this configuration, the light source unit according to the embodiment of the present invention has a protrusion, so even when the temperature of the light source unit decreases, it is possible to prevent a gap from forming between the cover body and the end cap. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust and other debris from entering the inside of the cover body. In addition, when the temperature of the light source unit decreases, the cover body shrinks, so the length of the part of the cover body where the protrusion overlaps can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the edge of the cover from becoming darker than the rest of the cover.

[0096] (3) In a light source unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressurizing mechanism may include an elastic body, and the pressurizing may be performed by the elastic force of the elastic body.

[0097] This configuration uses a simple elastic material to apply pressure, thus suppressing cost increases. Furthermore, by utilizing the elastic force of the elastic material to tightly seal the cover body and the end cap, dust and other debris can be prevented from entering the inside of the cover body even when the light source unit is not powered.

[0098] (4) In addition, in a light source unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, the end cap has a slit for expanding and contracting the elastic body, the light source unit includes a fixing member that passes inside the slit and is fixed to the support, and slidably fixes the end cap to the support, and the pressurizing mechanism may be pressurized by the elastic body being compressed by being sandwiched between one inner wall of the slit and the fixing member.

[0099] With this configuration, the end cap is pressurized using an elastic body housed in a slit and sandwiched between the inner wall of the slit and a fixing member, thus suppressing cost increases. Furthermore, by utilizing the elastic force of the elastic body to tightly seal the cover body and the end cap, dust and other debris can be prevented from entering the inside of the cover body even when the light source unit is not powered.

[0100] (5) In addition, in a light source unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressurizing mechanism may include a tensioning member that pulls the end cap toward the inside of the cover along the longitudinal direction.

[0101] With this configuration, even when it is difficult to pressurize the end cap using the elastic force of the elastic material, the cover body and the end cap can be tightly sealed, thereby preventing dust and other debris from entering the inside of the cover body.

[0102] (6) An embodiment of the present invention comprises the light source unit and a fixture body to which the light source unit is attached.

[0103] According to this configuration, the lighting fixture according to the embodiment of the present invention can suppress the dimmer of the cover edges compared to other parts of the cover. Furthermore, since the lighting fixture does not use adhesive to attach the end caps, long-term reliability and maintainability can be ensured. Therefore, the lighting fixture according to the embodiment of the present invention can suppress the dimmer of the cover edges compared to other parts of the cover while ensuring maintainability and long-term reliability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1 Lighting fixtures 3. Main body of the device 5 Light source units 5A Light Source Unit 5B Light Source Unit 30 cabinets 31 Bottom plate part 31a Bottom 41 First spring support 42. Second spring support 51 Support 52 Light source substrate 53 Light source 54 Cover 56 Power supply section 59 Second mounting spring 60 First mounting spring 63 Power supply connector 70 End Caps 71 Flat plate part 72 Nail area 73 slits 74 Protrusion 75 Connection part 80 screws 81 Spacer 82 Springs 83 Interior space 85 Leaf spring 85A Leaf spring 200 connectors 201 holes 511 Support end 512 Engaging part 514 The first gap 542 Cover body 543 Cover body end 544 Engagement recess 545 The second gap 731 Interior wall H1 Claw height H2 Spacer Height P20 position RE housing recess

Claims

1. A light source substrate on which multiple light sources are arranged, A support on which the light source substrate is attached, A cover comprising an elongated cover body and an end cap having a slit that is detachably attached to the longitudinal end of the cover body, and attached to the support so as to cover the light source substrate, A pressurizing mechanism equipped with a spring that pressurizes the end cap to make it tightly adhere to the end, A screw inserted through the slit and fixed to the support, The screw comprises a spacer inserted through the screw, The spring is positioned such that one end of the spring abuts against one inner wall of the slit, and the other end abuts against the spacer, compressing to exert pressure, and its upper end is partially covered by the upper inner wall of the slit. The end cap maintains a tight seal against the end even when the cover body changes length due to thermal displacement, thanks to the pressure applied. Light source unit.

2. The end cap comprises a flat plate portion and a projection portion that protrudes from the flat plate portion so as to overlap with the inside of the cover body. The light source unit according to claim 1.

3. A light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, The fixture comprises a fixture body to which the aforementioned light source unit is attached, Lighting fixtures.

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