EP2899454B1

EP2899454B1 - Tube lamp support and lighting device

Info

Publication number: EP2899454B1
Application number: EP15151263.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Masamichi Yamada; Tetsuya Fujioka; Naoyuki Ishikawa; Akihisa Mikawa; Hideo Kanai; Yasunari Mikutsu; Yukimi Nishi; Satoshi Tsuchiya
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2014-01-23
Filing date: 2015-01-15
Publication date: 2018-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-15
Also published as: EP2899454A1; JP2015138690A; CN104806934A; JP6237260B2; CN104806934B

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a support attached to a light fixture for a tube lamp and to a lighting device.

Description of the Related Art

An example of a conventional lighting device is shown in FIG. 16.
In a conventional lighting device 100, a first socket 102 is provided at one end of a light fixture 101 and a second socket 102', forming a pair with the first socket 102, is provided at another end of the light fixture 101 opposing the first socket 102. By fitting caps 201 provided at ends of a tube lamp 200 into the first socket 102 and the second socket 102', respectively, the tube lamp 200 is held by the light fixture 101 in a detachably attached (i.e., exchangeable) manner.
The light fixture 101 includes a reflecting plate 103 to reflect light from the tube lamp 200 towards a target to be illuminated. A screw hole 105 is provided, in advance, at a center portion of the reflecting plate 103.
Regarding the conventional lighting device 100, as shown in FIG. 17, there are cases in which a center portion along a longitudinal direction (i.e., length) of the tube lamp 200 bends away from the reflecting plate 103 as shown by arrow X in FIG. 17. The center portion here means an apex of a bend in the tube lamp 200 in a downward direction. The longer the tube lamp 200, the more pronounced the bend in the tube lamp 200.
There are cases in which a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as an LED) lamp is employed instead of the tube lamp 200 in the conventional lighting device 100. The LED lamp includes multiple LED light sources, circuit boards, and the like (not shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17) set in an aluminum frame, and a transparent resin cover formed of polycarbonate attached to the aluminum frame to cover the multiple LED light sources. In a case in which the LED lamp is employed instead of the tube lamp 200, the bend in the transparent resin cover, due to degradation over time associated with heat from the multiple LED light sources, is more pronounced than that of a glass tube of a fluorescent lamp (i.e., tube lamp 200).
Generally, a number of the lighting devices 100 are set into the ceiling of a room. Accordingly, when several of the tube lamps 200 bend, the overall appearance is not good.
In a case in which pronounced bending occurs, the length of the tube lamp 200 becomes shorter with respect to a distance between the first socket 102 and the second socket 102'. Accordingly, there is a possibility of the cap 201 at each end of the tube lamp 200 coming loose from the first socket 102 and the second socket 102'.
To suppress the above-described bending, for example, conventional multiple supporting attachments (not shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17) having spring properties may be provided at the light fixture 101. The conventional multiple supporting attachments are provided facing a downward direction and support the tube lamp 200 at intermediate portions of the tube lamp 200 (For example, see JP-2013-026032-A ).
The tube lamp 200 that is detachably attached may be attached to various lighting fixtures. For example, the tube lamp 200 may be attached to ceiling-embedded lighting fixtures, ceiling projecting lighting fixtures, or the like. In recent years, the diameters and cross-sectional shapes of the tube lamp 200 are becoming more varied in an effort to save energy. For example, the diameter of the tube lamp 200 is becoming smaller due to the tube lamp 200 becoming thinner. To save energy, there are cases in which the LED lamp is attached to an existing light fixture for a fluorescent lamp (i.e., tube lamp 200).
Concomitant with the above-described diversification of the tube lamp 200, there is an exclusivity issue in that the above-described conventional multiple supporting attachments (For example, see JP-2013-026032-A ) have a fixing structure of a particular shape with respect to the light fixture 101. Thus, the above-described conventional multiple supporting attachments (For example, see JP-2013-026032-A ) are not very versatile. For example, the above-described conventional multiple supporting attachments enable, within a plane in which the tube lamp 200 is attached parallel to the reflecting plate 103, adjustment of the position of the tube lamp 200 along the longitudinal direction (i.e., length) of the tube lamp 200 and in a radial direction of the tube lamp 200. However, the above-described conventional multiple supporting attachments do not enable adjustment in a vertical direction (i.e., height direction) with respect to the plane.
Thus, regarding the above-described conventional multiple supporting attachments, versatility is low due to the fixing structure with respect to the light fixture 101 being exclusive, and the above-described conventional multiple supporting attachments do not enhance appearance. More specifically, the above-described conventional multiple supporting attachments are provided facing the downward direction and support the tube lamp 200. The above-described conventional multiple supporting attachments do not efficiently suppress bending of the tube lamp 200 due to not being able to make fine adjustments in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction). Accordingly, appearance is not enhanced. Tube lamp supports are disclosed in documents JP 3167942 U and US 3,011,744 A .

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel tube lamp support that is versatile with respect to a light fixture and enhances appearance by enabling fine adjustment in a vertical direction (i.e., height direction) with respect to a tube lamp, and a lighting device. Enabling fine adjustment in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction) with respect to the tube lamp efficiently suppresses bending of the tube lamp.
In view of the foregoing, in an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided the novel tube lamp support including a first fixing member, and a band-shaped second fixing member. The second fixing member engages the first fixing member and supports a tube lamp from below the tube lamp. The second fixing member includes a first end portion having therein multiple first openings having a predetermined size provided along a longitudinal direction of the second fixing member at equally-spaced intervals, and a second end portion having therein multiple second openings provided at equally-spaced intervals. The multiple second openings and the multiple first openings differ at least in one of a size of the opening and spacing of the opening. An arbitrary first opening of the multiple first openings engages the first fixing member from a first side of the tube lamp and an arbitrary second opening of the multiple second openings engages the first fixing member from a second side of the tube lamp to support the tube lamp from below the tube lamp. The first openings in the first end portion have a circle shape and the second openings in the second end portion have an oval shape or an oblong shape.
The tube lamp support is versatile with respect to a light fixture and enhances appearance by enabling fine adjustment in a vertical direction (i.e., height direction) with respect to a tube lamp, and a lighting device. Enabling fine adjustment in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction) with respect to the tube lamp efficiently suppresses bending of the tube lamp.
These and other aspects, features, and advantages will be more fully apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and associated claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed diagonally from the lower right;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the example of the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first fixing member of a tube lamp support according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed diagonally from the lower right;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an example of a second fixing member of the tube lamp support according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a first step of attaching a tube lamp to the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed diagonally from the lower right;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the first fixing member in the first step of attaching the tube lamp to the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a second step of attaching the tube lamp to the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed diagonally from the lower right;
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a third step of attaching the tube lamp to the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed diagonally from the lower right;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the second fixing member of the third step, of attaching the tube lamp to the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed diagonally from the lower left;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the second fixing member of the third step, of attaching the tube lamp to the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed diagonally from the lower right;
FIG. 11 is a plan view of a binding band of comparative non-claimed examples;
FIG. 12 is a comparative example of setting the tube lamp with the binding band at a distance, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), of 22.5 mm;
FIG. 13 is a comparative example of setting the tube lamp with the binding band at a distance, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), of 60.5 mm;
FIG. 14 is an example of setting the tube lamp with the second fixing member of the tube lamp support according to an embodiment of the present invention at a distance, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), of 20 mm;
FIG. 15 is an example of setting the tube lamp with the second fixing member of the tube lamp support according to an embodiment of the present invention at a distance, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), of 90 mm;
FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a conventional lighting device before attaching a tube lamp viewed diagonally from the lower right; and
FIG. 17 is a side view of the example of the conventional lighting device.

The accompanying drawings are intended to depict exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described below, but may be modified and improved within the scope of the present disclosure.
In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this patent specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have the same function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve similar results.
In a later-described comparative example, illustrative embodiment, and alternative example, for the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals will be given to constituent elements such as parts and materials having the same functions, and redundant descriptions thereof omitted.
Described herein are exemplary embodiments of a novel tube lamp support that is versatile with respect to a light fixture and enhances appearance by enabling fine adjustment in a vertical direction (i.e., height direction) with respect to a tube lamp, and a lighting device. Enabling fine adjustment in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction) with respect to the tube lamp efficiently suppresses bending of the tube lamp.
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed diagonally from the lower right. FIG. 2 is a side view of the example of the lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the lighting device 1 includes a light fixture 10, a tube lamp 20, and a tube lamp support 30 attached to the light fixture 10. The light fixture 10 includes a first socket 11 provided at one end of the light fixture 10, a second socket 11', forming a pair with the first socket 11, provided at the other end of the light fixture 10 opposing the first socket 11, and a reflecting plate 12. Caps 21 at each end of the tube lamp 20 are fit into the first socket 11 and the second socket 11'. Accordingly, the tube lamp 20 is held by the light fixture 10. The tube lamp support 30 supports the tube lamp 20 from below the tube lamp 20.
It is to be noted that the light fixture 10 is fixed to a ceiling (not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). Further, it is to be noted that the light fixture 10 is not to be limited to shown exemplary embodiments and includes various types, such as a ceiling-embedded type or a ceiling-projecting type.
The first socket 11 and the second socket 11', provided at ends of the light fixture 10, are electrically connected to the tube lamp 20 by fitting the caps 21 at each end of the tube lamp 20 into the first socket 11 and the second socket 11'. The caps 21 at each end of the tube lamp 20 include an electrode (not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), respectively.
The first socket 11 and the second socket 11' are electrically connected to a power source (not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) via a lighting circuit (not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) fixed to the light fixture 10. The tube lamp 20 is switched on by driving a control circuit (not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) that activates the lighting circuit and supplies power via the first socket 11 and the second socket 11'.
The reflecting plate 12 is an inverted Mt. Fuji shape and is formed by bending a thin plate. The reflecting plate 12 is coated, for example, with a white coating. The reflecting plate 12 reflects light outputted from the tube lamp 20 towards a target to be illuminated when the tube lamp 20 is switched on.
The tube lamp 20 may be a glass tube fluorescent lamp, a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as an LED) lamp, or the like. The LED lamp includes multiple LED light sources, circuit boards, and the like (not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) set in an aluminum frame, and a transparent resin cover formed of polycarbonate attached to the aluminum frame to cover the multiple LED light sources.
The tube lamp support 30 includes a first fixing member 31 and a second fixing member 32. The first fixing member 31 is fixed to the reflecting plate 12 by a screw 33 screwed into a screw hole 13 (See FIG. 5) provided, in advance, at a center portion of the reflecting plate 12. The second fixing member 32 is then attached to the first fixing member 31.
Next, is a detailed description of a configuration of the tube lamp support 30.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the first fixing member 31 of the tube lamp support 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed diagonally from the lower right. As shown in FIG.3, the first fixing member 31 is, for example, an approximate U shape and is formed by bending a plate of a metal material such as iron. Like the reflecting plate 12, the first fixing member 31 is coated, for example, with a white coating.
The first fixing member 31 includes a fixing portion 31a, a first arm 31b, a second arm 31b' provided opposite the first arm 31b and forming a pair with the first arm 31b, a first hook 31c, and a second hook 31c'. The fixing portion 31a is provided parallel to the reflecting plate 12. The first arm 31b and the second arm 31b' extend in a downward diagonal direction from respective ends of the fixing portion 31a. The first hook 31c and the second hook 31c' are formed at ends (i.e., tips) in the extended direction of the first arm 31b and the second arm 31b', respectively.
At a center portion of the fixing portion 31a, a screw insert hole 31d (See FIG. 6) is formed. The screw 33 is passed through the screw insert hole 31d of the fixing portion 31a and screwed to the screw hole 13 of the reflecting plate 12. Accordingly, the first fixing member 31 is fixed to the reflecting plate 12.
The first arm 31b and the second arm 31b' spread out and apart from each other from respective ends of the fixing portion 31a. Both the first arm 31b and the second arm 31b' have spring properties.
The first hook 31c and the second hook 31c' have, for example, a width of 2 mm or less. When the first fixing member 31 is fixed to the reflecting plate 12, the pair of the first arm 31b including the first hook 31c and the second arm 31b' including the second hook 31c' extend, as shown in FIG. 3, in the downward diagonal direction that is a radial direction of the tube lamp 20 and orthogonal to an axis in a longitudinal direction (i.e., length) of the tube lamp 20. The first hook 31c and the second hook 31c' project in an upward direction towards the reflecting plate 12 that is an upper region of FIG. 3.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an example of the second fixing member 32 of the tube lamp support 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.4, the second fixing member 32 includes a band-shaped fixing body 32a formed of, for example, an elastic material having flexibility, such as silicone rubber. The band-shaped fixing body 32a is formed into a belt shape and colored, for example, a milky white.
Towards one end portion of the band-shaped fixing body 32a of the second fixing member 32, for example, fifteen (i.e., multiple) first openings 32b are provided along a longitudinal direction (i.e., length) of the second fixing member 32 at equal intervals of a first interval space L1. Towards the other end portion of the band-shaped fixing body 32a of the second fixing member 32, for example, eight (i.e., multiple) second openings 32c are provided along the longitudinal direction (i.e., length) of the second fixing member 32. A size of one of the second openings 32c is larger than a size of one of the first openings 32b. The eight second openings 32c are provided at equal intervals of a second interval space L2. The second interval space L2 is longer in the longitudinal direction of the second fixing member 32 than the first interval space L1.
In the example of FIG. 4, the first openings 32b have a circle shape with a diameter L3 of 2 mm. The second openings 32c have an oval shape or an oblong shape in which, with respect to one of the second openings 32c, a short diameter L4, in a short direction of the second fixing member 32, is 2 mm and a long diameter L5, in the longitudinal direction of the second fixing member 32, is 7mm. The first interval space L1 is 5 mm and the second interval space L2 is 10 mm, as measured between centers of adjacent openings.
A third interval space L6, along the longitudinal direction of the second fixing member 32, between an outermost of the first openings 32b at one end portion of the second fixing member 32 and an outermost of the second openings 32c at the other end portion of the second fixing member 32 is 192.5 mm. A fourth interval space L7, along the longitudinal direction of the second fixing member 32, between an innermost of the first openings 32b at one end portion of the second fixing member 32 and an innermost of the second openings 32c at the other end portion of the second fixing member 32 is 52.5 mm.
By engaging one of the first openings 32b to the first hook 31c formed at the end of the extended direction of the first arm 31b of the first fixing member 31 and engaging one of the second openings 32c to the second hook 31c' formed at the end of the extended direction of the second arm 31b' of the first fixing member 31, the tube lamp 20 is supported from below.
As described above, the first openings 32b have the circle shape with the diameter L3 of 2 mm. The second openings 32c have the oval shape or the oblong shape in which, with respect to each of the second openings 32c, the short diameter L4 is 2 mm and the long diameter L5 is 7mm. The first hook 31c and the second hook 31c' have the width of 2 mm or less. Thus, the diameter L3 of the first openings 32b and the short diameter L4 of the second openings 32c are the same as or larger than the widths of the first hook 31c and the second hook 31c'. Accordingly, one of the first openings 32b is easily engaged to the first hook 31c and one of the second openings 32c is easily engaged to the second hook 31c'.
Next is a detailed description of attaching the tube lamp 20 and the tube lamp support 30.
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a first step of attaching the tube lamp 20 to the lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed diagonally from the lower right. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the first fixing member 31 in the first step of attaching the tube lamp 20 to the lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in the first step, the screw 33 is passed through the screw insert hole 31d of the first fixing member 31 and screwed to the screw hole 13 of the reflecting plate 12. Accordingly, the first fixing member 31 is fixed to the reflecting plate 12.
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a second step of attaching the tube lamp 20 to the lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed diagonally from the lower right. In the second step shown in FIG. 7, the caps 21 including the electrode at each end of the tube lamp 20 are fitted into the first socket 11 and the second socket 11', respectively.
When the caps 21 at each end of the tube lamp 20 are fitted into the first socket 11 and the second socket 11', the tube lamp 20 is held by the light fixture 10. When the tube lamp 20 is held by the light fixture 10, the first hook 31c and the second hook 31c' of the first fixing member 31 are arranged in respective radial directions of the tube lamp 20. Thus, the first hook 31c and the second hook 31c' are visible from below the lighting device 1.
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a third step of attaching the tube lamp 20 to the lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed diagonally from the lower right. In the third step shown in FIG. 8, the second fixing member 32 is provided below the tube lamp 20 and arranged, in the radial direction of the tube lamp 20, in a holding manner that is an approximate semi-circle. Then, an arbitrary first opening 32b of the first openings 32b at one end portion of the second fixing member 32, arranged in the radial direction of the tube lamp 20, engages the first hook 31c at the same side as the arbitrary first opening 32b. Further, an arbitrary second opening 32c of the second openings 32c at the other end portion of the second fixing member 32, arranged in the radial direction of the tube lamp 20, engages the second hook 31c' at the same side as the arbitrary second opening 32c.
Due to the first hook 31c and the second hook 31c' being visible from below the lighting device 1, the arbitrary first opening 32b is easily engaged to the first hook 31c and the arbitrary second opening 32c is easily engaged to the second hook 31c'.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the second fixing member 32 in a state of attaching the tube lamp 20 to the lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed diagonally from the lower left. As shown in FIG. 9, an eleventh opening of the first openings 32b from the outermost of the first openings 32b at one end portion of the second fixing member 32 is selected and engaged with the first hook 31c of the first arm 31b of the first fixing member 31.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the second fixing member 32 in a state of attaching the tube lamp 20 to the lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed diagonally from the lower right. As shown in FIG. 10, a sixth opening of the second openings 32c from the outermost of the second openings 32c at the other end portion of the second fixing member 32 is selected and engaged with the second hook 31c' of the second arm 31b' of the first fixing member 31.
It is to be noted that, alternatively, a setting as shown in FIG. 15 is also possible. With respect to the tube lamp 20 having a diameter of 30 mm, the outermost of the first openings 32b at one end portion of the second fixing member 32 and the outermost of the second openings 32c at the other end portion of the second fixing member 32 may be engaged to the first hook 31c and the second hook 31c', respectively. More specifically, the outermost of the first openings 32b and the outermost of the second openings 32c of the third interval space L6 that is 192.5 mm may be engaged to the first hook 3 1c and the second hook 31c', respectively.
Accordingly, a distance B2 between a bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 to a center of the tube lamp 20 is 90 mm.
As described above, the first openings 32b have the circle shape with the diameter L3 of 2 mm. The first interval space L1 is 5 mm. The second openings 32c have the oval shape or the oblong shape in which, with respect to each of the second openings 32c, the short diameter L4 is 2 mm and the long diameter L5 is 7 mm. The second interval space L2 is 10 mm. A combination of one of the first openings 32b of the second fixing member 32 engaged to the first hook 31c of the first arm 31b of the first fixing member 31 and one of the second openings 32c of the second fixing member 32 engaged to the second hook 31c' of the second arm 31b' of the first fixing member 31 may be appropriately changed. More specifically, with the above-described configuration, adjustment of the distance B2 in increments of/at a fine pitch of 2.5 mm is possible.
The following is a description of comparative examples employing a binding band 41 in comparison to the second fixing member 32 with different openings (i.e., the first opening 32b, the second opening 32c) at each end.
FIG. 11 is a plan view of the binding band 41 of comparative examples. FIG. 12 is a comparative example of setting the tube lamp 20 with the binding band 41 at a distance A1, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction).
Towards one end portion of a fixing body 42 of the binding band 41, a single benchmark hole 43 having a circular shape and a diameter L8 of 2 mm is provided. Towards the other end portion of the fixing body 42 of the binding band 41, a plurality of engaging holes 44 each having a slot shape is provided. In this case, eight (i.e., multiple) engaging holes 44 are provided at equal intervals of a fifth interval space L9 of 10 mm.
A sixth interval space L10 between the benchmark hole 43 and an outermost of the engaging holes 44 at the other end portion of the binding band 41 is 126 mm. A seventh interval space L11 between the benchmark hole 43 and an innermost of the engaging holes 44 at the other end portion of the binding band 41 is 56 mm. An eighth interval space L12 between the benchmark hole 43 and a center of the innermost of the engaging holes 44 at the other end portion of the binding band 41 is 53.5 mm.
As shown in FIG. 12, the distance A1, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), from the bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 to the center of the tube lamp 20 is shortest when the benchmark hole 43 and the innermost of the engaging holes 44 of the seventh interval space L11 of 56 mm are employed. In FIG. 12, the distance A1, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), from the bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 to the center of the tube lamp 20 is 22.5 mm. After attachment of the binding band 41, the remainder of the side of the binding band 41 with the engaging holes 44 protrudes far beyond the second hook 31c'.
FIG. 13 is a comparative example of setting the tube lamp 20 with the binding band 41 at a distance A2 in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction). As shown in FIG. 13, the distance A2, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), from the bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 to the center of the tube lamp 20 is longest when the benchmark hole 43 and the outermost of the engaging holes 44 of the sixth interval space L10 of 126 mm are employed. In FIG. 13, the distance A2, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), from the bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 to the center of the tube lamp 20 is 60.5 mm.
Thus, with the binding band 41, distances in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction) from the bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 to the center of the tube lamp 20 range from 22.5 mm to 60.5 mm. The plurality of engaging holes 44 are provided at equally-spaced intervals of 10 mm. Thus, positioning of the center of the tube lamp 20 is possible only in increments of/at a pitch of 5 mm in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction).
It is to be noted that the above-described binding band 41 forming a cantilever configuration may be lengthened to expand range. More specifically, to expand range, extending the sixth interval space L10 of the binding band 41 is conceivable. In such a case, when the tube lamp 20 is attached at the distance A1 that is close to the bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 as shown in FIG. 12, the remainder of the side of the binding band 41 with the engaging holes 44 protrudes even further. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12, the protruding remainder of the side of the binding band 41 with the engaging holes 44 draws apart from the reflecting plate 12, detracting from the appearance of the light fixture 10.
By contrast, FIG. 14 is an example of setting the tube lamp 20 with the second fixing member 32 of the tube lamp support 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention at a distance B1, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction). In FIG. 14, the distance B1, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), from the bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 to the center of the tube lamp 20 is at its shortest. This is when the innermost of the first openings 32b and the innermost of the second openings 32c of the fourth interval space L7 of 52.5 mm are employed.
In the example of FIG. 14, the distance B1, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), from the bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 to the center of the tube lamp 20 is 20 mm. As shown in FIG. 14, remainders of the second fixing member 32 at both ends protrude. However, unlike the binding band 41 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 12, it is difficult for the protruding remainders of the second fixing member 32 at both ends to draw apart from the reflecting plate 12. A length of each of the protruding remainders of the second fixing member 32 at both ends is approximately the same. In addition, each of the protruding remainders of the second fixing member 32 contacts side surfaces of the bottom of the reflecting plate 12. Accordingly, appearance is good.
FIG. 15 is an example of setting the tube lamp 20 with the second fixing member 32 of the tube lamp support 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention at the distance B2, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction). In FIG. 15, the distance B2, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), from the bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 to the center of the tube lamp 20 is at its longest. This is when the outermost of the first openings 32b and the outermost of the second openings 32c of the third interval space L6 of 192.5 mm are employed.
In the example of FIG. 15, the distance B2, in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction), from the bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 to the center of the tube lamp 20 is 90 mm.
When the second fixing member 32 is employed, distances in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction) from the bottom surface of the reflecting plate 12 to the center of the tube lamp 20 range from 20 mm to 90 mm. The multiple first openings 32b are provided at equally-spaced intervals of 5mm. Thus, positioning of the center of the tube lamp 20 is possible in increments of/at the fine pitch of 2.5 mm in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction).
In a case of an occurrence of the tube lamp 20 bending in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction) away from the reflecting plate 12, the second fixing member 32 supports the tube lamp 20 from below the tube lamp 20 and bending may be corrected with high precision in increments of/at the pitch of 2.5 mm.
In the present embodiment, the elastic material employed for the second fixing member 32 shown in FIG. 9 is silicone rubber colored with a white-based color. This elastic material and the white-based color are the least influential to illuminating light from the tube lamp 20, and are durable with respect to ultraviolet rays or high temperature. By employing silicone rubber colored with the white-based color, correction of bending of the tube lamp 20 is maintained over a long time period.
One of the first openings 32b of the second fixing member 32 and one of the second openings 32c of the second fixing member 32 that are to be attached to the first fixing member 31 may be selected. Thus, positioning of the tube lamp 20 may be adjusted in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction). Further, with respect to the case of bending of the tube lamp 20, bending may be reliably corrected from below the tube lamp 20. Accordingly, appearance is enhanced.
In view of the foregoing, the tube lamp support 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows. The second fixing member 32 is formed with the above-described elastic material. Thus, the second fixing member 32 is flexible and easily bends. Accordingly, attaching the second fixing member 32 to the first fixing member 31 is easy.
More specifically, to attach the second fixing member 32 to the first fixing member 31, one of the first openings 32b is engaged to the first hook 31c formed at the end of the extended direction of the first arm 31b of the first fixing member 31 and one of the second openings 32c is engaged to the second hook 31c' formed at the end of the extended direction of the second arm 31b' of the first fixing member 31. There are no other parts such as screws when attaching the second fixing member 32 to the first fixing member 31. Thus, attaching is extremely easy.
By appropriately changing the combination of the arbitrary first opening 32b of the second fixing member 32 engaged to the first hook 31c of the first fixing member 31 and the arbitrary second opening 32c of the second fixing member 32 engaged to the second hook 31c' of the first fixing member 31, positioning of the tube lamp 20 may be arbitrarily adjusted in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction). Further, with the tube lamp support 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a large range of adjustment in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction) may be set.
By appropriately changing the combination of the arbitrary first opening 32b of the second fixing member 32 engaged to the first hook 31c of the first fixing member 31 and the arbitrary second opening 32c of the second fixing member 32 engaged to the second hook 31c' of the first fixing member 31, positioning of the tube lamp 20 may be finely corrected with high precision.
As noted above, the elastic material employed for the second fixing member 32 is silicone rubber colored with the white-based color. This elastic material and white-based color are the least influential to illuminating light from the tube lamp 20. Silicone rubbers are durable with respect to ultraviolet rays or high temperature. By employing silicone rubber colored with the white-based color, correction of bending of the tube lamp 20 is maintained over a long time period.
The second fixing member 32 is arranged around the straight-tube lamp 20 in the holding manner. Accordingly, falling of the straight-tube lamp 20 is reliably prevented.
In view of the foregoing, the lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows. The tube lamp 20 is fixed by attaching the second fixing member 32 to the first fixing member 31. The first fixing member 31 is fixed to the reflecting plate 12 by the screw 33 screwed to the screw hole 13 provided, in advance, at the center portion of the reflecting plate 12. Accordingly, the tube lamp support 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be attached to established lighting devices 1. In addition, falling of the tube lamp 20 is prevented.
The second fixing member 32 includes the multiple first openings 32b at one end portion of the second fixing member 32 and the multiple second openings 32c at the other end portion of the second fixing member 32. The multiple first openings 32b are provided at equal intervals of the first interval space L1. The multiple second openings 32c are provided at equal intervals of the second interval space L2. The size of one of the second openings 32c is larger than the size of one of the first openings 32b. The second interval space L2 is longer in the longitudinal direction of the second fixing member 32 than the first interval space L1. One of the first openings 32b of the second fixing member 32 and one of the second openings 32c of the second fixing member 32 are attached to the first hook 31c of the first fixing member 31 and the second hook 31c of the first fixing member 31, respectively.
More specifically, one of the first openings 32b of the second fixing member 32 and one of the second openings 32c of the second fixing member 32 that are to be attached to the first fixing member 31 may be selected. Thus, positioning of the tube lamp 20 may be adjusted in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction). Further, with respect to the case of bending of the tube lamp 20, bending may be reliably corrected. Accordingly, appearance is enhanced.
It is to be noted that with respect to the lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, there may be a plurality of the screw holes 13 at the reflecting plate 12 along the axis of the longitudinal direction (i.e., length) of the tube lamp 20 instead of the single screw hole 13 provided, in advance, at the center portion of the reflecting plate 12. In such a case, a plurality of the tube lamp supports 30 are attached to the plurality of the screw holes 13, respectively. More specifically, a plurality of the first fixing members 31 are attached to the plurality of the screw holes 13, respectively. The second fixing member 32 and the binding band 41 may be attached to the plurality of the first fixing members 31. The second fixing member 32 and the binding band 41 may be colored, for example, transparent or grey instead of the white-based color. The first fixing member 31 may be formed of a hard resin instead of the metal material. Instead of the single tube lamp 20 shown in the drawings, multiple tube lamps 20 may be arranged in series or parallel.
In view of the foregoing, the tube lamp support 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention is versatile with respect to the light fixture 10 of the lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tube lamp support 30 may be attached to established lighting devices 1. Positioning of the tube lamp 20 may be adjusted in the vertical direction (i.e., height direction). With respect to the case of bending of the tube lamp 20, bending may be reliably corrected. Accordingly, appearance is enhanced.
In addition, the tube lamp support 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention prevents falling of the tube lamp 20. The tube lamp support 30 and the lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are also particularly advantageous when employed at places out of normal reach, such as in a gymnasium or an auditorium.

Claims

A tube lamp support (30), comprising:
a first fixing member (31); and

a band-shaped second fixing member (32) that engages the first fixing member (31) and supports a tube lamp (20) from below the tube lamp (20),

the second fixing member (32) comprising:
a first end portion having therein multiple first openings (32b) having a predetermined size provided along a longitudinal direction of the second fixing member (32) at equally-spaced intervals; and

a second end portion, characterized in that the second end portion has therein multiple second openings (32c) provided at equally-spaced intervals,

wherein the multiple second openings (32c) and the multiple first openings (32b) differ at least in one of a size of the opening and spacing of the opening;

wherein an arbitrary first opening (32b) of the multiple first openings (32b) engages the first fixing member (31) from a first side of the tube lamp (20) and an arbitrary second opening (32c) of the multiple second openings (32c) engages the first fixing member (31) from a second side of the tube lamp (20) to support the tube lamp (20) from below the tube lamp (20), wherein the first openings (32b) in the first end portion have a circle shape and the second openings (32c) in the second end portion have an oval shape or an oblong shape.
The tube lamp support (30) of claim 1, wherein the second fixing member (32) is formed of a flexible elastic material.
The tube lamp support (30) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first fixing member (31) further comprises a first hook (31c) and a second hook (31c') at opposite ends of the first fixing member (31),
wherein the first hook (31c) engages the arbitrary first opening (32b) and the second hook (31c') engages the arbitrary second opening (32c) to support the tube lamp (20) from below the tube lamp (20).
The tube lamp support (30) of any of claims 1 through 3, wherein the multiple first openings (32b) each have a circular shape with a diameter of 2 mm, and the multiple second openings (32c) each have an oblong shape in which a short diameter, in a short direction of the second fixing member (32), is 2 mm and a long diameter, in a long direction of the second fixing member (32), is 7mm.
The tube lamp support (30) of any of claims 1 through 4, wherein the equally-spaced intervals of the multiple first openings (32b) are each 5 mm and the equally-spaced intervals of the multiple second openings (32c) are each 10 mm.
The tube lamp support (30) of any of claims 1 through 5, wherein the second fixing member (32) is formed of a silicone rubber having a white-based color.
A lighting device (1), comprising:
a light fixture (10) including a pair of sockets (11, 11');

the tube lamp (20); and

the tube lamp support (30) of any of claims 1 through 6,

wherein the first fixing member (31) of the tube lamp support (30) is fixed between the pair of sockets (11, 11').