Field of application
[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device, and more particularly to an LED
surface lighting device having a plurality of LEDs arranged therein.
Prior art
[0002] A light emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor element for converting electric energy
into light. An electric bulb has a short life span. A longer time for use of the electric
bulb allows the life span to be shorter. For this reason, the electric bulb is required
to check and change cyclically. Therefore, there has been a problem of paying for
the additional cost of changing and managing the electric bulb. As compared with existing
light sources such as a fluorescent lamp and an incandescent electric lamp and so
on, the LED has advantages of low power consumption, a semi-permanent span of life,
a rapid response speed, safety and an environment-friendliness. Therefore, the LED
is used as a light source for lighting devices, for example, various lamps used interiorly
and exteriorly, a liquid crystal display device, an electric sign and a street lamp
and the like, as a result, is now increasingly taking the place of the electric bulb.
Summary of the invention
[0003] One aspect of this invention is a lighting device. The lighting device includes:
a case comprising
a bottom plate;
a side wall substantially vertically extending from both ends of the bottom plate;
and
a louver inclined from both ends of the side wall with respect to a surface of the
side wall;
a light emitter seated on the bottom plate; and
a diffuser plate being spaced apart from and in parallel with the light emitter and
having its both ends arranged at the both ends of the side wall.
Brief description of the drawings
[0004]
Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of a first single lighting module 10A.
Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of a second single lighting module 10B.
Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of a third single lighting module 10C.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a lighting device 1A according to a first embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a lighting device 1A according
to a first embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of a lighting device 1A according to a first embodiment.
Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a lighting device 1A according to a first
embodiment.
Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of two cases 100 of a lighting device 1A according
to a first embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a light emitter 200 and a reflector 400 are coupled
to each other.
Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a light emitter 200 and a reflector 400.
Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view of a lighting device 1B according to a second embodiment.
Fig. 12 shows another example of a lighting device 1B according to a second embodiment.
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a lighting device 1C according to a third embodiment.
Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of a lighting device 1C according to a third embodiment.
Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view of a lighting device 1D according to a fourth embodiment.
Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view of a lighting device 1E according to a fifth embodiment.
Fig. 17 shows another example of a lighting device 1E according to a fifth embodiment.
Fig. 18 shows further another example of a lighting device 1E according to a fifth
embodiment.
Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a lighting device 1F according to a sixth
embodiment.
Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a lighting device 1F according to a sixth embodiment.
Fig. 21 is a cross sectional view of a lighting device 1F according to a sixth embodiment.
Fig. 22 shows another example of a reflector 400.
Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a power supply controller 20.
Fig. 24 is a front view of a power supply controller 20.
Fig. 25 is a view showing an embodiment 300A of a diffuser plate.
Fig. 26 is a view showing another embodiment 300B of a diffuser plate.
Fig. 27 is a view showing further another embodiment 300C of a diffuser plate.
Fig. 28 is a view showing yet another embodiment 300D of a diffuser plate.
Fig. 29 shows an embodiment of a side cover 40.
Fig. 30 shows another embodiment of a side cover 40.
Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing an embodiment 30A of a bracket 30.
Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing another embodiment 30B of a bracket 30.
Fig. 33 is a cross sectional view showing another embodiment of a lighting device
to which a single lighting module is coupled by using the bracket 30A.
Fig. 34 is a cross sectional view showing further another embodiment of a lighting
device to which a single lighting module is coupled by using the bracket 30A.
Fig. 35 is a cross sectional view showing another embodiment of a lighting device
to which a single lighting module is coupled by using the bracket 30B.
Fig. 36 is a cross sectional view showing further another embodiment of a lighting
device to which a single lighting module is coupled by using the bracket 30B.
Fig. 37 shows further another embodiment 30C of a bracket 30.
Fig. 38 shows a structure in which the bracket 30C interconnects the single lighting
modules 10.
Fig. 39 is a cross sectional view of a lighting module including louvers 130 having
different shapes from each other.
Fig. 40 is a cross sectional view of a lighting module including a louver 130 having
another different shape.
Fig. 41 is a view for describing a louver cut-off angle "θ" and a cover angle α of
a cover angle.
Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a support frame 50.
Fig. 43 is a cross sectional view of a support frame 50.
Fig. 44 is a cross sectional view showing a support frame 50 and an M-BAR of a ceiling
are coupled to each other.
Fig. 45 is a cross sectional view showing a support frame 50 and a T-BAR of a ceiling
are coupled to each other.
Detailed Description
[0005] In description of embodiments, if there is no particular criterion for an upper surface
and a lower surface of each component layer, drawings are regarded as the criterion.
Here, on the basis of the drawings, it is generally assumed that a surface on which
a bottom plate of a case is located is a lower surface, and a surface on which a diffuser
plate is located is an upper surface. However, in Figs. 7, 13, 19 and 41, it is assumed
that a surface on which a bottom plate of a case is located is an upper surface, and
a surface on which a diffuser plate is located is a lower surface. The top and bottom
of each component layer will be described on the basis of the drawings. A thickness
or size of each component is magnified, omitted or schematically shown for the purpose
of convenience of description and clearness. The size of each component does not necessarily
mean its actual size. In the case where a reference numeral is not added to a term
of "a lighting device", it means that the lighting device includes lighting devices
according to a first to a sixth embodiment.
[0006] Hereinafter, a first single lighting module, a second single lighting module, a third
single lighting module and a lighting device according to embodiments will be described
with reference to Figs. 1 to 41.
Single lighting module
[0007] Unlike a usual lighting device, a lighting device 1 to be described in the following
embodiments is formed in a particular manner. That is, the lighting device 1 is formed
to include one single lighting module 10 and one power supply controller 20 or is
formed to include a plurality of the single lighting modules 10 and at least one power
supply controller 20. Since the lighting device 1 having various sizes is formed of
one single lighting module 10 or is formed through combination of a plurality of the
single lighting modules 10, a lighting device 1 having a desired size is not limited
to be formed.
[0008] In the single lighting module 10, a first single lighting module 10A, a second single
lighting module 10B and a third single lighting module 10C will be described. There
may be also a single lighting module having another shape.
[0009] Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of a first single lighting module 10A. Fig. 2 is
a cross sectional view of a second single lighting module 10B. Fig. 3 is a cross sectional
view of a third single lighting module 10C. Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 and 8, the single
lighting module 10 may include a case 100, a light emitter 200 seated on the bottom
plate 110 of the case 100, a reflector 400 which is in contact with and disposed on
the top surface of the light emitter 200 and a diffuser plate 300 spaced from and
disposed over the light emitter 200.
[0010] The first single lighting module 10A is used to form a lighting device of a first
embodiment in which the two first single lighting modules 10A are coupled to each
other in a direction perpendicular to the direction "a" in Fig. 7. Otherwise, when
a lighting device of a third embodiment is formed by coupling the three single lighting
modules 10 having respectively one light emitter 200 in a direction perpendicular
to the direction "a" in Fig. 13, the first single lighting modules 10A are arranged
at both sides of the three single lighting modules 10. Otherwise, when a lighting
device of another embodiment (not shown) is formed by coupling four or more single
lighting modules 10 having respectively one light emitter 200 in a direction perpendicular
to the direction "a" in Fig. 13, the first single lighting modules 10A are arranged
at both sides of the single lighting modules 10.
[0011] Referring to Figs. 1, 5, 6 and 8, the case 100 of the first single lighting module
10A includes the bottom plate 110, a side wall 120 vertically extending from the both
ends of the bottom plate 110, a louver 130 extending from the end of the side wall
120 and inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to the surface of the diffuser plate
300. Like a lighting device 1B of a second embodiment shown in Figs. 11 and 12, a
top plate 140 may be included instead of the louver 130.
[0012] A first bracket coupler 151 for interconnecting the single lighting modules 10 is
formed at the end of the louver 130 on one side of the case 100 of the first single
lighting module 10A. A ceiling fixed type frame 160 is formed at the end of the louver
130 on the other side of the case 100. Here, while the first bracket coupler 151 is
avoidably formed at the end of the louver 130 on one side of the case 100 of the first
single lighting module 10A, the ceiling fixed type frame 160 is not necessarily formed
at the end of the louver 130 on the other side of the case 100. Accordingly, the first
single lighting module 10A has the first bracket coupler 151 formed at the end of
the louver 130 on only one side of the case 100. Here, from this point of view, the
first single lighting module 10 is different from the second single lighting module
to be later described.
[0013] The second lighting module 10B is used to form a lighting device of a fourth embodiment.
The lighting device of the fourth embodiment includes only one single lighting module
having one light emitter 200. Otherwise, when a lighting device of the third embodiment
is formed by coupling the three single lighting modules having respectively one light
emitter 200 in a direction perpendicular to the direction "a" in Fig. 13, the second
single lighting modules 10B may be arranged in the middle or at both sides of the
three single lighting modules 10. Otherwise, when a lighting device of another embodiment
(not shown) is formed by coupling four or more single lighting modules having respectively
one light emitter 200 in a direction perpendicular to the direction "a" in Fig. 13,
the second single lighting modules 10B may be arranged in the middle or at both sides
of the single lighting modules 10.
[0014] Referring Figs. 2, 13 and 14, the case 100 of the second single lighting module 10B
includes the bottom plate 110, the side wall 120 vertically extending from the both
ends of the bottom plate 110, the louver 130 extending from the end of the side wall
120 and inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to the surface of the diffuser plate.
The top plate 140 may be included instead of the louver 130. The first bracket couplers
151 for interconnecting the single lighting modules 10 is formed at the ends of both
louvers 130 of the case 100 of the second single lighting module 10B.
[0015] The third single lighting module 10C is used to form a lighting device of a fifth
embodiment shown in Fig. 16. The lighting device of the fifth embodiment includes
only one single lighting module having two light emitters 200. Otherwise, the third
single lighting module 10C is used to form a lighting device of a sixth embodiment
in which the two third single lighting modules 10C having respectively two light emitters
200 are coupled to each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction "a" of
Fig. 19. Otherwise, the third single lighting module 10C is used to form a lighting
device of another embodiment (not shown) in which three or more two third single lighting
modules 10C having respectively two light emitters 200 are coupled to each other in
a direction perpendicular to the direction "a" of Fig. 19.
[0016] The case 100 of the third single lighting module 10C will be described in the following
description of the fifth embodiment.
First embodiment
[0017] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a lighting device 1A according to a first embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a lighting device 1A according
to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of a lighting device 1A
according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a lighting
device 1A according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of two
cases 100 of a lighting device 1A according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a perspective
view showing a light emitter 200 and a reflector 400 are coupled to each other. Fig.
10 is an exploded perspective view of a light emitter 200 and a reflector 400.
[0018] Referring to Figs. 4 to 8, the lighting device 1 may include two first single lighting
modules 10A, a power supply controller 20 located in a space 170 between the two first
single lighting modules 10A, a bracket 30 for interconnecting the two first single
lighting modules 10A, and additionally a side cover 40. In Fig. 1, the first single
lighting module 10A used in the first embodiment may include the case 100, the light
emitter 200 received by the case 100, and the diffuser plate 300 spaced from the light
emitter 200, and additionally the reflector 400.
[0019] Referring to Figs. 4 to 8, while the two first single lighting modules 10A are included
in the first embodiment, the two second single lighting modules 10B may be also used
to construct the first embodiment. The second single lighting module 10B has the first
bracket couplers 151 formed at the ends of both louvers 130. Therefore, in forming
the overall external appearance shown in the first embodiment, the appearance and
function of the lighting device formed by coupling the two second single lighting
modules 10B are little different from those of the lighting device formed by coupling
the two first single lighting modules 10A.
[0020] Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the light emitter 200 may be arranged on the bottom plate
110 of the case 100. The power supply controller 20 may be arranged in a space 170
between the two first single lighting modules 10A. That is, the space is formed by
the louver 130 in which the first bracket coupler 151 are formed and by the side wall
120 connected to the louver 130. In this case, since the power supply controller 20
is stacked under the bottom plate 110 and arranged in a horizontal direction to the
bottom plate 110 instead of in a vertical direction, the lighting device 1 has a thickness
smaller than that of a usual lighting device.
[0021] The ceiling of a building in which a ceiling buried type lighting device is disposed
has generally a concrete structure. A structure called an M-BAR or a T-BAR is provided
in a direction from the ceiling to the bottom surface of the building. Tex and the
like are added to the M-BAR or T-BAR. Generally, in a directly downward type lighting
device provided on the ceiling of the building, the power supply controller 20 is
stacked under the bottom plate 110 and arranged in a vertical direction, so that the
thickness of the lighting device is often greater than 70 mm. However, since electrical
wiring and an air conditioning pipe and the like are arranged between the ceiling
of the concrete structure and the M-BAR or T-BAR, it is often that a space for disposing
a lighting device is very small. Therefore, when a usual directly downward type lighting
device is buried and disposed on the ceiling due to the space constraint, it is required
that the M-BAR be partly truncated or the lighting device be provided at an undesired
position.
[0022] On the other hand, since the lighting device 1A according to the first embodiment
has desirably a thickness of about 45 mm, it is possible to freely arrange the lighting
device on the ceiling regardless of a narrow space and to easily and simply install
the lighting device. The thickness of 45 mm is provided for illustration only in order
to compare with a conventional lighting device. Therefore, the size of the lighting
device 1A according to the first embodiment can be variously changed depending on
numerical values of the thickness of the power supply controller 20 and/or the case
100 and the like.
[0023] While the lighting device 1 may have a rectangular shape extending in the first direction
"a", the lighting device 1 may have various shapes in accordance with its installation
position and its installation environment.
[0024] Both louvers 130 of the light emitter 200 is inclined at an obtuse angle with respect
to the surface of the diffuser plate 300 for the purpose of allowing light emitted
from the light emitter 200 to be emitted and to have a desired light distribution
angle and of alleviating glare from the light. If it is not possible to specify an
angle based on the diffuser plate 300 due to no diffuser plate 300, the louver 130
may be specified to be extended from the end of the side wall 120 and to be inclined
more outward than the side wall 120.
[0025] The inclination of the louver 130 may be diversely changed according to the design
of the lighting device 1. Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, the light emitter 200 may include
LEDs 210, a substrate 220 on which the LEDs 210 are mounted, and a heat radiating
sheet 240 arranged under the substrate 220. The substrate 220 may have a coupling
hole 230 for coupling the case 100 to the substrate 220.
[0026] The lighting device may further include the reflector 400. The reflector 400 reflects
light emitted from the LED 210 to the outside of the lighting device 1 and covers
the inner surface of the side wall 120 of the case 100. It is preferable that the
reflector 400 covers not only the inner surface of the side wall 120 but the surface
of the substrate 220 of the light emitter 200 other than an area on which the LEDs
210 are arranged.
[0027] The power supply controller 20 may include a power supply unit (PSU) (not shown)
and a driving part (not shown). The power supply unit (PSU) supplies electric power
to the lighting device 1. The driving part controls, starts and operates the light
emitter 200.
[0028] Referring to Fig. 5, the diffuser plate 300 is disposed apart from the light emitter
200 in the direction in which light is irradiated from the LED 210. The diffuser plate
300 allows the light emitted from the LEDs 210 each of which functions as a point
light source to actually function as a surface light source such that the light emitted
from the light emitter 200 obtains a uniform luminance with respect to the surface
of the diffuser plate 300.
[0029] The light emitter 200 is arranged on the bottom plate 110 of the case 100 instead
of on the entire surface of the lighting device 1. Accordingly, when a predetermined
number of the LEDs 210 are used, an interval between the LEDs 210 arranged on the
bottom plate 110 of the case 100 is less than an interval between the LEDs 210 arranged
on the entire surface of the lighting device. Moreover, the amount of the substrate
220 used may be also reduced.
[0030] Meanwhile, in order that the light emitted from the LED 210 functioning as a point
light source can actually function as a surface light source by passing through the
diffuser plate 300, it is necessary to form a diffuse plate surface area in which
the light emitted from LED 210 adjacent to the aforesaid LED 210 is superposed on
the light emitted from the aforesaid LED 210. This means that the LED 210 should be
sufficiently spaced from the diffuser plate 300. However, as the spaced distance is
increased, the thickness of the lighting device 1 is increased. Therefore, this is
not preferable. The distance between the LEDs 210 is required to be reduced in order
to reduce the spaced distance. As described above, since the light emitter 200 is
arranged on the bottom plate 110 of the case 100 instead of on the entire surface
of the lighting device 1, the width of the substrate 220 of the light emitter 200
is limited to the width of the bottom plate 110 of the case 100. Eventually, the interval
between the LEDs 210 arranged on the substrate 220 is naturally reduced, so that the
interval between the LED 210 and the diffuser plate 300 is also reduced. The interval
between the LED 210 and the diffuser plate 300 is required to form the surface light
source.
[0031] Accordingly, thanks to the structural benefits as mentioned above, a slim lighting
device 1 can be provided. In a state where there is no diffuser plate 300, if light
is irradiated from each of the LEDs to the irradiated area, a hot spot occurs. When
the shape of a light source itself is directly irradiated to the irradiated area,
an area onto which light is illuminated is more clearly distinct than an area onto
which light is not illuminated. Here, an area onto which light is irradiated such
that the boundary between the surrounding dark area and the area onto which light
is illuminated is clearly formed is referred to as a hot spot. When the hot spot occurs
to a general indoor lighting or an outdoor lighting such as a street lamp and the
like instead of a spot light, the uniformity of the irradiated area is reduced. This
is not preferable. However, when a surface lighting device is used as shown in the
embodiment, the hot spot is reduced more than that of a general point lighting device.
Therefore, there are advantages that it is possible to obtain a uniform illuminance
distribution of the irradiated area and to reduce the fatigue of the eyes.
Second embodiment
[0032] Hereinafter, a lighting device 1B according to a second embodiment will be described
in detailed focusing on its components. In description of the second embodiment, the
first embodiment will be applied with respect to the same parts as those of the first
embodiment. The repetitive description thereof will be omitted.
[0033] Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view of a lighting device 1B according to the second
embodiment. Fig. 12 shows another example of the lighting device 1B according to the
second embodiment.
[0034] The biggest difference between the lighting device according to the second embodiment
and the lighting device according to the first embodiment is that the case 100 includes
the top plate 140 instead of the louver 130.
[0035] Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, while the two first single lighting modules 10A are
included in the second embodiment, it is also possible to construct the lighting device
according to the second embodiment by using the two second single lighting modules
10B. The second single lighting module 10B has the first bracket couplers 151 formed
at the ends of both top plates 140. Therefore, in forming the overall external appearance
shown in the first embodiment, the appearance and function of the lighting device
formed by coupling the two second single lighting modules 10B are little different
from those of the lighting device formed by coupling the two first single lighting
modules 10A.
[0036] Referring to Fig. 12, in a state where a distance between the diffuser plate 300
and the light emitter 200 is maintained to be equal to that of Fig. 11, the side wall
120 extends higher than that of Fig. 11, so that a diffuser plate coupling groove
180 is formed in the middle of the side wall 120. In this case, since the side wall
120 is perpendicular to the bottom plate 110 and/or the diffuser plate 300 and extends
higher than the side wall of the first embodiment, the glare may be prevented more
effectively than that of the first embodiment. However, the extent of the area of
the bottom surface onto which light is irradiated becomes less than that of the first
embodiment. Otherwise, the uniformity of the illuminance distribution of the irradiated
area is reduced more than that of the first embodiment. Accordingly, it is desirable
to install and use the lighting device 1B of the second embodiment in a condition
where glare prevention is required prior to both the extent of the area onto which
light is irradiated and the illuminance distribution of the irradiated area.
Third embodiment
[0037] Hereinafter, a lighting device 1C according to a third embodiment will be described
in detailed focusing on its components. In description of the third embodiment, the
first embodiment will be applied with respect to the same parts as those of the first
embodiment. The repetitive description thereof will be omitted.
[0038] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a lighting device 1 according to the third embodiment.
Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of the lighting device 1 according to the third
embodiment.
[0039] Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, the lighting device 1C may include two first single
lighting modules 10A, the one second single lighting module 10B located between the
two first single lighting modules 10A, the power supply controller 20 located in one
or two spaces 170 formed between the first single lighting module 10A and the second
single lighting module 10B, the bracket 130 for interconnecting the single lighting
modules, and additionally the side cover 40. Here, the single lighting modules may
include the case 100, the light emitter 200 received by the case 100, and the diffuser
plate 300 spaced from the light emitter 200, and additionally the reflector 400. Since
the case 100 of the first single lighting module 10A has been already described in
the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.
[0040] Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, while the two first single lighting modules 10A and
the one second single lighting module 10B are included in the third embodiment, the
three second single lighting modules 10B may be also used to construct the third embodiment.
In forming the lighting device by coupling a plurality of the single lighting modules,
the first single lighting module 10A includes only one first bracket coupler 151,
so that the first single lighting module 10A can be used only on both sides of the
lighting device. On the contrary to this, the second single lighting module 10B includes
the first bracket couplers 151 at the ends of both louvers 130, so that the single
lighting module 10B can be used on both sides or in the middle of the lighting device.
In addition, the appearance and function of the lighting device formed by coupling
the three second single lighting modules 10B are little different from those of the
lighting device formed by coupling the two first single lighting modules 10A to the
one second single lighting module 10B.
[0041] In the third embodiment, at least one power supply controller 20 is required to start
and operate the three light emitters 200. While the drawings show that two power supply
controllers 20 controls the three light emitters 200, one power supply controller
20 is able to control the three light emitters 200. The position of one or more power
supply controllers 20 has been already described above.
[0042] Though not shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the lighting device according to the third embodiment
may include the top plate 140 instead of the louver 130, like the lighting device
according to the second embodiment. Since the embodiment in which the top plate 140
is included instead of the louver 130 has been already described in the second embodiment,
the description thereof will be omitted.
Fourth embodiment
[0043] Hereinafter, a lighting device 1D according to a fourth embodiment will be described
in detailed focusing on its components. In description of the fourth embodiment, the
first embodiment will be applied with respect to the same parts as those of the first
embodiment. The repetitive description thereof will be omitted.
[0044] Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view of a lighting device 1 according to a fourth embodiment.
[0045] Referring to Fig. 15, the lighting device 1 may include one second single lighting
module 10B, the power supply controller 20 located on the outer lateral surface of
one side wall 120 among two side walls 120 of the case 100 of the second single lighting
module 10B, and additionally the side cover 40. Here, the case 100 of the second single
lighting module 10B includes the bottom plate 110, the side wall 120 vertically extending
from the both ends of the bottom plate 110, the louver 130 extending from the end
of the side wall 120 and inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to the surface of
the diffuser plate. The first bracket couplers 151 for interconnecting the single
lighting modules 10 is formed at the ends of both louvers 130 of the case 100 of the
second single lighting module 10B.
[0046] In the fourth embodiment, unlike the first, second and third embodiments, since only
one single lighting module 10 is provided, there is no space 170 formed by the two
louvers 130 and the side wall 120 connected to the louvers 130. Therefore, the power
supply controller 20 is located on the outer lateral surface of one side wall 120
among two side walls 120 of the case 100 of the second single lighting module 10B.
Here, unlike the first, second and third embodiments, the power supply controller
20 may be unstably fixed. For this reason, after holes are formed through the side
wall 120 and holes are also formed through the power supply controller 20, the holes
of the side wall 120 and the holes the power supply controller 20 are aligned with
each other. Subsequently, the case 100 is coupled to the power supply controller 20
by allowing a screw or a pin to pass through the holes formed both in the side wall
120 and in the power supply controller 20. However, a separate bracket (not shown)
for coupling the power supply controller 20 to the side wall 120 is formed without
forming the hole in the side wall 120 of the case 100, so that the case 100 is coupled
to the power supply controller 20.
[0047] Though not shown in Fig. 15, the lighting device according to the fourth embodiment
may include the top plate 140 instead of the louver 130, like the lighting device
according to the second embodiment. Since the embodiment in which the top plate 140
is included instead of the louver 130 has been already described in the second embodiment,
the description thereof will be omitted.
Fifth embodiment
[0048] Hereinafter, a lighting device 1E according to a fifth embodiment will be described
in detailed focusing on its components. In description of the fifth embodiment, the
first embodiment will be applied with respect to the same parts as those of the first
embodiment. The repetitive description thereof will be omitted.
[0049] Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view of a lighting device 1 according to a fifth embodiment.
Fig. 17 shows another example of the lighting device 1 according to the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 18 shows further another example of the lighting device 1 according to the fifth
embodiment.
[0050] The biggest difference between the lighting device according to the fifth embodiment
and the aforesaid lighting devices according to the first, the second and the third
embodiments is that the fifth embodiment uses the third single lighting module 10C
including two light emitters 200 instead of the first and the second single lighting
modules 10A and 10B which include one light emitter.
[0051] Referring to Figs. 16 to 18, the width of the third single lighting module 10C used
in the lighting device according to the fifth embodiment is approximately twice as
large as widths of the first and the second single lighting modules 10A and 10B used
in the lighting device according to the first to the fourth embodiments. The fifth
embodiment includes only one single lighting module and a space for receiving the
power supply controller 20 without interconnecting the single lighting modules.
[0052] Compared with Fig. 17, Fig. 18 shows that the case 100 may further include a cover
part formed therein for covering the space 170 for receiving the power supply controller
20. The power supply controller 20 is surrounded by the case 100, so that the power
supply controller 20 cannot be seen when the case 100 is viewed from the top thereof
and the bottom thereof.
[0053] Referring to Fig. 16, even though the first bracket coupler 151 for interconnecting
the single lighting modules 10 is formed at the ends of both louvers 130 of the case
100 of the third single lighting module 10C, the first bracket coupler 151 may be
formed at the end of only one louver 130 among both the outer louvers 130.
[0054] Referring to Figs. 17 and 18, unlike the case 100 used in Fig. 16, the case 100 includes
a closed space formed therein by the outermost louver 130, the outermost side wall
120 and an additional member spaced apart from the outermost louver 130 and the outermost
side wall 120. With respect to the additional member, heat generated by the operation
and the like of the lighting device is transferred to the additional member, so that
the whole case is able to function as a heat radiation body. As a result, the surface
area of the heat radiation body is increased, thereby improving the heat radiating
effect thereof. It is desirable that the case 100 is formed through an extruding molding
method in order to more enhance the heat radiating effect by using the additional
member.
[0055] Referring to Fig. 16, the lighting device 1E may include one third single lighting
module 10C, the power supply controller 20 located in the space 170 formed by the
two inner side walls 120 and the two louvers 130 of the third single lighting module
10C, and additionally the side cover 40. Here, the third single lighting module 10C
may include the case 100, two light emitters 200 received by the case 100, and two
diffuser plates 300 spaced from the two light emitters 200, and additionally the reflector
400.
[0056] The case 100 of the third single lighting module 10C includes two bottom plates 110,
four side walls 120 vertically extending from the both ends of each of the two bottom
plates 110, the louvers 130 extending from the end of the side wall 120 and inclined
at an obtuse angle with respect to the surface of the diffuser plate 300. The ends
of the two inner louvers 130 are connected to each other. If there is no diffuser
plate 300, the louver 130 may be specified to be extended from the ends of the two
outermost side walls 120 and to be inclined more outward than the side wall 120.
[0057] Though not shown in Figs. 16 to 18, the lighting device according to the fifth embodiment
may include the top plate 140 instead of the louver 130, like the lighting device
according to the second embodiment.
Sixth embodiment
[0058] Hereinafter, a lighting device 1F according to a sixth embodiment will be described
in detailed focusing on its components. In description of the sixth embodiment, the
fifth embodiment will be applied with respect to the same parts as those of the fifth
embodiment. The repetitive description thereof will be omitted.
[0059] Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a lighting device 1F according to a sixth
embodiment. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the lighting device 1F according to a
sixth embodiment. Fig. 21 is a cross sectional view of the lighting device 1F according
to a sixth embodiment.
[0060] Like the lighting device 1E according to the fifth embodiment, the lighting device
1F according to the sixth embodiment uses the third single lighting module 10C including
two light emitters 200. Therefore, the lighting device 1F according to the sixth embodiment
may use the cases 100 of Figs. 17 and 18.
[0061] Referring to Figs. 19 to 21, the lighting device 1F may include two third single
lighting modules 10C, the power supply controller 20 located in the space 170 formed
by the two inner side walls 120 and the two louvers 130 of each of the third single
lighting modules 10C, and additionally the side cover 40. Here, unlike the lighting
device shown in Figs. 19 to 21, the lighting device may include only one power supply
controller 20 instead of two power supply controllers 20. In this case, the one power
supply controller 20 controls the total of four light emitters 200. The power supply
controller 20 may be located either in the space 170 formed by the two louvers 130
and the two inner side walls 120 of the third single lighting module 10C or in a space
formed by coupling the two third single lighting modules through the bracket 30 in
Fig. 21.
[0062] The lighting device 1F according to the sixth embodiment may include the top plate
140 instead of the louver 130, just like the lighting device according to the fifth
embodiment. Since the embodiment in which the top plate 140 is included instead of
the louver 130 has been already described in the fifth embodiment, the description
thereof will be omitted.
[0063] Unlike the cases 100 of the third single lighting module shown in Figs. 3 and 16,
the first bracket coupler 151 may formed at the end of only one louver 130 among both
the outer louvers 130. In this case, only two third single lighting modules 10C can
be coupled to each other. Three or more third single lighting modules 10C cannot be
coupled to each other. Therefore, there is no problem in implementing the sixth embodiment.
However, it is not possible to create a lighting device having a size larger than
that of the sixth embodiment.
[0064] Hereinafter, the components of the lighting device 1 will be described.
Case 100
[0065] Since the structure of the case 100 has been already described in the first to the
sixth embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted.
[0066] Referring to Figs. 6 and 8, when the single lighting modules are coupled adjacently
to each other, the power supply controller 20 is arranged in the space 170 formed
by the louver 130 and the side wall 120. When a second projection 22 formed in the
lower end of the power supply controller 20 is pushed in a sliding way into a power
supply controller coupling groove 152 formed at the boundary between the side wall
120 and the bottom plate 110 of the case 100, the case 100 can be strongly coupled
to the power supply controller 20.
[0067] Meanwhile, the power supply controller coupling groove 152 is not necessarily formed
extending as much as the length of the case 100 in the first direction "a" shown in
Fig. 7. For example, the power supply controller coupling groove 152 may be extended
relatively extremely short and be a thin plate having a shape of alphabet letter "C"
or "O". In addition, without the power supply controller coupling groove 152, after
holes are formed through the side wall 120 of the case 100 and holes are also formed
through the power supply controller 20, the holes of the side wall 120 and the power
supply controller 20 are aligned with each other. Subsequently, the case 100 is coupled
to the power supply controller 20 by allowing a screw or a pin to pass through the
holes formed both in the side wall 120 and in the power supply controller 20. However,
if the power supply controller coupling groove 152 is formed in the case 100, it is
easier to produce the case 100 by using an extruding molding method and it is simple
to couple the case 100 to the power supply controller 20 without an additional screw
or a pin.
[0068] The bracket coupler includes the first bracket coupler 151 and a second bracket coupler
153. The first and the second bracket couplers 151 and 153 may be formed in the case
100. The first and the second bracket couplers 151 and 153 are connected to the bracket
30, so that the single lighting modules are securely interconnected to each other.
A side cover coupling groove 154 may be formed in the case 100. The side cover coupling
groove 154 is used to couple the side cover 40 to the case 100. A method by which
the side cover coupling groove 154 are coupled to the side cover 40 will be described
in another part of this application.
[0069] The case 100 is formed of a metallic material or a resin material and the like which
has a good heat radiating characteristic. An aluminum (Al) oxide film or silver (Ag)
oxide film is formed on the surface of the case 100, so that the abrasion resistance,
corrosion resistance and endurance of the case 100 can be obtained and a good appearance
of the lighting device 1 can be obtained. The louver 130 performs an essential function
of preventing the glare. Additionally, the surface of the louver 130 is surface treated
to be well reflective or includes a reflective member attached thereto, so that the
louver 130 is able to improve a luminous efficiency by functioning as a reflector,
as well as to prevent the glare.
[0070] The case 100 may be produced by integrally assembling separately produced bottom
plate 110, side wall 120 and louver 130 or may be entirely integrally produced. For
example, the case 100 may be formed by using an extruding molding method. It is preferable
that the case 100 is simultaneously integrally formed with the bottom plate 110, the
side wall 120, the louver 130, the diffuser plate coupling groove 180, the first and
the second bracket coupler 151 and 153, the power supply controller coupling groove
152 and the side cover coupling groove 154. The case 100 is generally integrally formed
in the direction of length thereof. If the case 100 is integrally formed by using
the extruding molding method and the like, the cross section formed by cutting the
case 100 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof has a
uniform shape. For example, the shape of the cross section formed by cutting the middle
part of the case 100 is the same as the shape of the cross section formed by cutting
a part close to the end of the case 100. When the case 100 is integrally produced,
it is possible to reduce the efforts to assemble the various members and to simplify
the manufacturing process.
[0071] In producing the case 100, it is not necessary that the described diffuser plate
coupling groove 180, the first and the second bracket coupler 151 and 153, the power
supply controller coupling groove 152 and the side cover coupling groove 154 and the
like are simultaneously produced. It is also possible to allow at least one member
to be integrally produced with the case 100. For example, if necessary, the case 100
may be produced to include only the bottom plate 110, the side wall 120, the louver
130 and the diffuser plate coupling groove 180 formed therein. Otherwise, the case
100 may be produced to include only the bottom plate 110, the side wall 120, the louver
130 and the first and the second bracket coupler 151 and 153 formed therein.
[0072] Referring to Fig. 8, the diffuser plate coupling groove 180 may be formed at the
boundary between the inner surface of the side wall 120 and the upper surface of the
louver 130. Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, when the top plate 140 is provided instead
of the louver 130, the diffuser plate coupling groove 180 may be formed in the middle
of the inner surface of the side wall 120 or at the point, which is close to the top
plate 140, of the inner surface of the side wall 120.
[0073] Referring to Fig. 8, at least one of the first and the second bracket coupler 151
and 153, the power supply controller coupling groove 152 and the side cover coupling
groove 154 may be formed on the outer surface of the side wall 120 of the case 100
or on the bottom surface of the louver 130. Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, when the
top plate 140 is provided instead of the louver 130, at least one of the first and
the second bracket coupler 151 and 153, the power supply controller coupling groove
152 and the side cover coupling groove 154 may be formed on the outer surface of the
side wall 120 of the case 100 or on the bottom surface of the top plate 140.
[0074] The case 100 is integrally formed. Therefore, since heat can be effectively transferred
to the entire case 100 and be radiated, the lighting device can have a good heat radiating
characteristic. Based on an embodiment, the louver 130 may be replaced by the top
plate 140. In more detail, when the case 100 is formed by assembling separately produced
members, the members do not come in complete contact with each other but come in partial
point contact with each other. As a result, heat transferred from the light emitter
200 to the bottom plate 110 is not sufficiently transferred to the side wall 120,
and the heat of the side wall 120 is not sufficiently transferred to the louver 130,
either. Therefore, all members of the case 100 cannot be sufficiently used as a heat
radiating body. However, when the case 100 is integrally formed by using an extruding
molding method, the entire case 100 corresponds to a single member. Therefore, heat
generated by the light emitter 200 or the power supply controller 20 is uniformly
transferred from the bottom plate 110 through the side wall 120 to the louver 130,
so that an excellent heat radiating effect is obtained.
[0075] The heat radiating effect will be additionally described. As described in the fifth
embodiment, an additional member forming the case 100 may be formed in the lower part
of the outermost louver 130. The additional member is intended to improve the heat
radiating effect by increasing the surface area of the case 100. For this reason,
the case 100 may have any shape capable of enhancing the heat radiating effect by
enlarging the surface area thereof. Accordingly, the additional member is able to
form a closed surface with the louver 130 and the side wall 120. The closed surface
may have heat radiating holes formed therein. Also, the louver 130 or the side wall
120 may have an uneven structure formed thereon and function as a heat radiating fin.
[0076] Fig. 39 is a cross sectional view of a lighting module including louvers 130 having
different shapes from each other. Fig. 40 is a cross sectional view of a lighting
module including a louver 130 having another different shape. Referring to Figs. 39
and 40, the louver 130 may have a cross section having various shapes such as a rectilinear
shape, a parabolic shape or a circular arc shape and the like. However, how much louver
cut-off angle "θ" the louver 130 has is more meaningful than what shape itself the
louver 130 has.
[0077] The lighting device including the louver 130 formed therein has its specific louver
cut-off angle "θ". It is the most important objective that the glare is prevented
by allowing the diffuser plate 300 not to directly come into sight at the specific
louver cut-off angle "θ". Therefore, the lighting device is required to have an appropriate
louver cut-off angle "θ".
[0078] Fig. 41 is a view for describing a louver cut-off angle "θ" and a cover angle α of
a cover angle. Referring to Fig. 41, unlike the louver 130 of Fig. 41, when the louver
130 is formed to be almost aligned with the side wall 120 so as to reduce the glare,
the louver cut-off angle "θ" is reduced, and the cover angle α is increased. This
means that the glare does not occur at an angle larger than the louver cut-off angle
"θ". Therefore, the fatigue of the eyes caused by the glare can be reduced by being
away at even a short distance from the lighting device. However, a light diffusion
range is excessively reduced, so that the irradiated area becomes smaller.
[0079] On the contrary, unlike the louver 130 of Fig. 41, when the louver 130 is formed
almost parallel with the side wall 120, the louver cut-off angle "θ" is increased,
and the cover angle α is reduced. This means that the glare does not occur at an angle
larger than the louver cut-off angle "θ". However, since the louver cut-off angle
"θ" has been already excessively enlarged, the fatigue of the eyes caused by the glare
may occur. Meanwhile, a light diffusion range is sufficiently increased, so that the
irradiated area becomes larger.
[0080] Accordingly, a lighting device giving a priority to the increase of the area to which
light is irradiated is required to enlarge the louver cut-off angle "θ". A lighting
device giving a priority to the prevention of the glare is required to reduce the
louver cut-off angle "θ".
[0081] It is desirable that the louver cut-off angle "θ" has a value between 0° and 90°.
When the louver cut-off angle "θ" has a value within the aforementioned range, direct
light from the diffuser plate 300 cannot be seen as the lighting device is viewed
from one side to the other side of the diffuser plate 300.
[0082] Since the light emitter 200 is arranged on the bottom plate 110 of the case 100,
the bottom plate 110 has a width and a length for arranging the light emitter 200.
The diffuser plate coupling groove 180 may be formed at a position where the side
wall 120 and the louver 130 are in contact with each other. The diffuser plate 300
and/or a fixing protrusion 430 of the reflector 400 may be inserted and fixed into
the diffuser plate coupling groove 180. The diffuser plate coupling groove 180 may
have a shape extending in the first direction "a" shown in Figs. 7, 13 and 19.
[0083] The diffuser plate 300 and/or a fixing protrusion 430 of the reflector 400 are pushed
in a sliding way into the diffuser plate coupling groove 180. The side cover 40 is
coupled to at least one end of the case 100. Then, the diffuser plate 300 and/or the
reflector 400 are sufficiently securely fixed. As a result, when the lighting device
is installed and operated or transported, the diffuser plate 300 and/or the reflector
400 are not expected to be separated from the lighting device.
[0084] Though Figs. 1 to 3 show that the side wall 120 of the case 100 extends perpendicular
to the bottom plate 110, the side wall 120 is not necessarily required to extend perpendicularly
and may extend in a direction which is substantially close to perpendicular to the
bottom plate 110. The farther it is from the bottom plate 110, the more outward the
side wall 120 may be inclined. Though not shown, an uneven structure is formed on
the bottom surface of the case 100, so that the surface area of the case 100 is increased
and the heat radiating characteristic of the lighting device can be improved.
A plurality of light emitters 200
[0085] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a light emitter 200 and a reflector 400 are
coupled to each other. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a light emitter
200 and a reflector 400.
[0086] Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, the light emitter 200 may include a plurality of LEDs
210, the substrate 220 on which a plurality of the LEDs 210 are mounted, and the heat
radiating sheet 240 arranged under and in contact with the substrate 220.
[0087] A plurality of the LEDs 210 may include at least one LED emitting red, green, blue,
white and yellow light and the like. For example, a plurality of the LEDs 210 include
a red LED, a green LED and a blue LED. Also, a plurality of the LEDs 210 may be formed
through combination of LEDs emitting various colored lights.
[0088] A plurality of the LEDs 210 may be mounted on the substrate 220. A printed circuit
board (PCB) may be used as the substrate 220. The PCB is fabricated by printing a
circuit pattern on an insulator and includes an aluminum substrate, a ceramic substrate,
a metal core PCB and a usual PCB and the like. The surface of the substrate 220 may
be coated with or painted with white or silver color in order to increase reflection
efficiency.
[0089] The substrate 220 includes a circuit capable of starting and operating a plurality
of the LEDs 210. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, a plurality of the LEDs 210 may be arranged
along the rows and columns on the substrate 220 or arranged in various ways. The number
of the LEDs may be greater or less than that of the LEDs 210 shown in the drawings.
However, if the number of the LEDs is exceedingly small, the lighting device has a
difficulty in functioning as a surface lighting device. Therefore, an appropriate
number of the LEDs 210 is required to be arranged in consideration of the function
of a surface lighting device.
[0090] A coupling hole 230 may be formed on the substrate 220. The substrate 220 may be
coupled to the case 100 by inserting a screw or a pin into the coupling hole 230.
The heat radiating sheet 240 is arranged contacting with the bottom surface of the
substrate 220. The heat radiating sheet 240 receives heat generated from a plurality
of the LEDs 210 through the substrate 220 and radiates the heat or transfers the heat
to the entire case 100. The heat radiating sheet 240 may be made of a material capable
of effectively radiating heat, such as a resin material or a metallic material. Also,
the heat radiating sheet 240 may be made of a viscous material and easily adhered
to the bottom surface of the substrate 220.
Reflector
[0091] Fig. 22 shows another example of a reflector 400. The reflector 400 will be described
with reference to Figs. 9, 10 and 22.
[0092] The reflector 400 may be made of a resin material or a metallic material which has
high reflexibility. The reflector 400 is located on the substrate 220 and covers the
side wall 120 of the case 100. The resin material includes, for example, a pet resin,
a PC resin and a PVC resin and the like. The metallic material includes, for example,
Ag or an alloy including Ag, Al or an alloy including Al, a stainless material and
the like. The reflector 400 includes a bottom reflector 410, a side reflector 420
extending from the both sides of the bottom reflector 410, and a fixing protrusion
430 extending outward from the end of the side reflector 420.
[0093] An LED hole 411 is formed in the bottom reflector 410 of the reflector 400. A plurality
of the LEDs 210 are inserted into the LED holes 411 and shown. Therefore, the LED
holes 411 are formed corresponding to the number and position of the LEDs 210. The
LED hole 411 may be formed by a punching process and also may be formed by various
methods capable of forming a hole, such as an etching process and the like. The side
reflector 420 may be formed perpendicular to the bottom reflector 410. However, as
shown in Figs. 1 to 3, it is preferable that the side reflector 420 is inclined outward.
When the side reflector 420 is inclined, light generated from a plurality of the LEDs
210 is effectively reflected and emitted.
[0094] Since the thickness of the fixing protrusion 430 of the reflector 400 is less than
the width of the diffuser plate coupling groove 180 of the case 100, the fixing protrusion
430 can be pushed in a sliding way into the diffuser plate coupling groove 180. Accordingly,
the reflector 400 can be fixed to the case 100.
[0095] The side reflector 420 may be formed extending from the bottom reflector 410 to the
diffuser plate coupling groove 180 of the case 100. Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 22,
the side reflector 420 may extend to pass through the diffuser plate coupling groove
180 of the case 100 and even the side wall 120 of the case 100.
[0096] Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, a first electrical connection hole 421 may be formed
in the lower part of the side reflector 420 of the reflector 400. The light emitter
200 is electrically connected to the power supply controller 20 through the first
electrical connection hole 421, so that electric power is supplied to the light emitter
200. A second electrical connection hole (not shown) is formed at a location of the
lower part of the side wall 120 of the case 100. The location corresponds to the location
of the first electrical connection hole 421 of the reflector 400. Consequently, the
light emitter 200 can be electrically connected to the power supply controller 20
through the first electrical connection hole 421 and the second electrical connection
hole.
Power supply controller 20
[0097] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a power supply controller 20. Fig. 24 is a front
view of a power supply controller 20.
[0098] Referring to Figs. 23 and 24, the power supply controller 20 includes a body 21 and
a second protrusion 22 formed in the lower end of the body 21. The body 21 may include
a power supply unit (PSU, not shown) and a driving part (not shown) and the like.
The driving part starts, operates and controls the light emitter 200. Since a sliding
way by which the second projection 22 of the power supply controller 20 is coupled
to the power supply controller coupling groove 152 of the case 100 has been already
described, the description thereof will be omitted.
[0099] A third coupling hole 23 may be formed in the second projection 22. After the second
projection 22 is inserted into the power supply controller coupling groove 152, a
coupling screw or a pin and the like is inserted into the third coupling hole 23,
so that the power supply controller 20 can be fixed to the case 100. But for the third
coupling hole 23, the second projection 22 may be coupled to power supply controller
coupling groove 152 by using an interference fit. The power supply controller 20 also
includes a connection line 24. The connection line 24 allows the power supply controller
20 to be electrically connected to the light emitter 200. Therefore, the power supply
controller 20 is able to supply electric power and a driving signal to the light emitter
200. The connection line 24 connects the light emitter 200 with the power supply controller
20 through the first electrical connection hole 421 and the second electrical connection
hole. The power supply controller 20 may be formed of a material having a good heat
radiating characteristic, such as a metallic material or a resin material.
[0100] Since various components such as the PSU and a driving part and the like are included
in the body 21 of the power supply controller 20, it is possible to effectively protect
the components from an external impact, moisture and the like. The power supply controller
20 is easily coupled to or separated from the case 100, thereby easily changing the
power supply controller 20.
Diffuser plate 300
[0101] Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 and 5, the diffuser plate 300 is formed over the light
emitter 200. The diffuser plate 300 allows light emitted from the LED 210 functioning
as a point light source to be emitted through the diffuser plate 300. The surface
of the diffuser plate 300 may actually function as a surface light source such that
the emitted light obtains a uniform luminance.
[0102] Both sides of the diffuser plate 300 is inserted in a sliding way into the diffuser
plate coupling groove 180 of the case 100 in the first direction "a" shown in Fig.
5, so that the diffuser plate 300 is coupled to the case 100. The material of the
diffuser plate 300 may be, for example, a glass material, PMMA and PC and the like.
[0103] Since the diffuser plate 300 is arranged over the light emitter 200 instead of on
the entire surface of the lighting device 1, the amount of the used diffuser plate
300 can be reduced. The width of the diffuser plate 300 is considerably less than
the length thereof. Both sides of the diffuser plate 300 is supported in the longitudinal
direction thereof by the case 100. Therefore, the diffuser plate 300 is insignificantly
bent or drooped, so that there is no problem in commonly using the lighting device
1.
[0104] Fig. 25 is a view showing an embodiment 300A of a diffuser plate. Fig. 26 is a view
showing another embodiment 300B of a diffuser plate. Fig. 27 is a view showing further
another embodiment 300C of a diffuser plate. Fig. 28 is a view showing yet another
embodiment 300D of a diffuser plate.
[0105] Referring to Figs. 25 to 28, it is understood that the diffuser plate 300 may have
various shapes for diversely controlling the light distribution of the emitted light
of the light emitter 200. For example, in Fig. 25, the diffuser plate 300A may have
a flat shape. In Fig. 26, the diffuser plate 300B may have a shape having two paraboloids.
In Fig. 27, the diffuser plate 300C may have a convex paraboloid and also have a concave
paraboloid. In Fig. 28, the light incident surface of the diffuser plate 300D is flat
and the light emitting surface of the diffuser plate 00D is convex.
[0106] While it is preferable that the diffuser plate 300 has a rectangular shape extending
in the first direction "a", this is not necessarily required. It is often that the
diffuser plate 300 usually has a flat shape. However, the diffuser plate 300 may have
various shapes capable of controlling the light distribution of the light emitter
200.
Side cover 40
[0107] Fig. 29 shows an embodiment of a side cover 40. Fig. 30 shows another embodiment
of a side cover 40.
[0108] Referring to Figs. 4, 7, 13 and 19, at least one end of the case 100 may include
the side cover 40. It is desirable that the side cover 40 is formed on both ends of
the case 100. The side cover 40 is able to prevent moisture and filth, etc., from
penetrating into the case 100, to improve the rigidity of the lighting device and
to fix the light emitter 200 and the power supply controller 20 which are received
by the case 100. The side cover 40 may include a plurality of coupling holes 41. The
case 100 may also include a plurality of side cover coupling grooves 154.
[0109] After the side cover coupling groove 154 of the case 100 and the coupling hole 41
of the side cover 40 are aligned with each other, the case 100 is coupled to the side
cover 40 by allowing a screw or a pin to pass through the side cover coupling groove
154 and the coupling hole 41. The side cover 40 is able to prevent dust or filth from
penetrating into the case 100 and to more improve the rigidity of the case 100. After
a plurality of the coupling holes 41 are arranged such that a plurality of the side
cover coupling grooves 154 can be seen, the side cover 40 is coupled to the case 100
by allowing a screw or a pin to pass through a plurality of the coupling holes 41
and a plurality of the side cover coupling grooves 154. The coupling hole 41 of the
side cover 40 is not necessarily formed at a location corresponding to the location
of the side cover coupling groove 154. The coupling hole 41 of the side cover 40 may
be formed at a location corresponding to the first bracket coupler 151, the power
supply controller coupling groove 152 and the second bracket coupler 153, which are
formed in the case 100. In this case, more screws or pins are inserted into the first
bracket coupler 151, the power supply controller coupling groove 152 and the second
bracket coupler 153, so that the side cover 40 and the case 100 are coupled to each
other.
[0110] Since the height and width of the side cover 40 may be formed to be equivalent to
those of the case 100, the shape of the side cover 40 may be varied as shown in Figs.
29 and 30. In addition, since the material of the side cover 40 may be the same as
that of the case 100, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
Bracket 30
[0111] Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing an embodiment 30A of a bracket 30. Fig. 32
is a perspective view showing another embodiment 30B of a bracket 30. Fig. 33 is a
cross sectional view showing another embodiment of a lighting device to which a single
lighting module is coupled by using the bracket 30A. Fig. 34 is a cross sectional
view showing further another embodiment of a lighting device to which a single lighting
module is coupled by using the bracket 30A. Fig. 35 is a cross sectional view showing
another embodiment of a lighting device to which a single lighting module is coupled
by using the bracket 30B. Fig. is a cross sectional view showing further another embodiment
of a lighting device to which a single lighting module is coupled by using the bracket
30B.
[0112] Referring to Figs. 31 and 32, the brackets 30A and 30B include a fixed plate 31,
a lighting module coupling member 32 which extends from one end of the fixed plate
30 and is coupled to the first bracket coupler 151 of the case 100, and a safety ring
38 extending from one end of the fixed plate 30. The lighting module coupling member
32 and/or the safety ring 38 may be formed not only at one end of the fixed plate
30, but at the other end of the fixed plate 30.
[0113] Referring to Figs. 6 and 11, it can be seen that how the case 100 is coupled to the
bracket 30 in the first embodiment and that how the case 100 is coupled to the bracket
30 in the second embodiment. The fixed plate 30 is pushed in a sliding way into the
second bracket coupler 153 of the case 100. As the lighting module coupling member
32 has a through hole, the lighting module coupling member 32 is coupled to the first
bracket coupler 151 of the case 100 by allowing a screw or a pin to pass through the
through hole.
[0114] Referring to Figs. 33 and 34, the first bracket coupler 151 of the case 100 has a
shape different from that of Figs. 6 and 11. However, a method by which the case 100
is coupled to the bracket 30 is the same as that of Figs. 6 and 11. That is, the fixed
plate 30 is pushed in a sliding way into the second bracket coupler 153 of the case
100. As the lighting module coupling member 32 has a through hole, the lighting module
coupling member 32 is coupled to the first bracket coupler 151 of the case 100 by
allowing a screw or a pin to pass through the through hole.
[0115] Referring to Figs. 35 and 36, as compared with the bracket 30A shown in Figs. 33
and 34, the bracket 30B also includes the fixed plate 30 and the safety ring 38. However,
the shape of the lighting module coupling member 32 and a method by which the lighting
module coupling member 32 is coupled to the first bracket coupler 151 of the case
100 are different from those of Figs. 33 and 34. The lighting module coupling member
32 does not include a through hole through which a screw or a pin passes. Instead,
the lighting module coupling member 32 has a shape capable of hanging over and being
fixed to the first bracket coupler 151. The first bracket coupler 151 used in this
case has a shape different from that of the first bracket coupler 151 shown in Figs.
6, 11, 33 and 34. Unlike the bracket 30A shown in Figs. 31, 33 and 34, the bracket
30B shown in Figs. 32, 35 and 36 can be coupled in a sliding way to the first bracket
coupler without a screw or a pin.
[0116] The first bracket coupler 151 is formed at one end of the louver 130 of the case
100. The second bracket coupler 153 is formed in the louver 130 or in the side wall
120. Meanwhile, when the top plate 140 is provided instead of the louver 130, like
the second embodiment shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the first bracket coupler 151 is formed
at one end of the top plate 140 of the case 100, and second bracket coupler 153 is
formed in the side wall 120.
[0117] The safety ring 38 prevents the provided lighting device 1 from being separated from
the provided position or being damaged by falling down to the ground due to earthquake
or other impacts, or prevents a person who is under the lighting device 1 from being
hurt. A rope passing through the safety ring 38 is fixed within the ceiling. In this
case, even though the lighting device 1 is separated from its provided position by
impact, the rope fixed within the ceiling holds the safety ring 38 and prevents the
lighting device 1 from falling down to the bottom surface. Therefore, the bracket
30 having the safety ring 38 includes not only an original function of connecting
the single lighting modules, but an additional function of obtaining safety.
[0118] It is not necessary that only one bracket 30 is coupled to the case 100 in the longitudinal
direction of the case 100. A plurality of the brackets 30 may be coupled to the case
100 so as to improve the coupling rigidity between the single lighting modules or
so as to obtain safety.
[0119] Fig. 37 shows further another embodiment 30C of a bracket 30. Fig. 38 shows a structure
in which the bracket 30C interconnects the single lighting modules 10.
[0120] Referring to Fig. 38, a plurality of the brackets 30C may be arranged on the lighting
device 1, that is, the outer lateral surface of the case 100. The bracket 30C having
such a shape is used to interconnect the cases 100 having no separate first bracket
coupler 151, like the case 100 shown in Figs. 17 and 18 or the case 100 shown in Fig.
38. The bracket 30C includes two planes which are in contact with each other at a
right angle. The two planes include a first plane 33 coupled to the outer lateral
surface of the case 100, and a second plane 35 coupled to an outer support member
such as a ceiling or a wall surface, etc., or to the outer lateral surface of the
case 100. The first plane 33 includes a first coupling hole 34. The second plane 35
includes a second coupling hole 36. The single lighting modules are interconnected
by inserting a coupling screw, etc., into the first and the second coupling holes
34 and 36. Also, the lighting device 1 may be coupled to an outer support member by
inserting a coupling screw, etc., into the first and the second coupling holes 34
and 36. The bracket 30C may be integrally formed with the case 100.
Support frame 50
[0121] Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a support frame 50. Fig. 43 is a cross sectional
view of a support frame 50. Fig. 44 is a cross sectional view showing a support frame
50 and an M-BAR of a ceiling are coupled to each other. Fig. 45 is a cross sectional
view showing a support frame 50 and a T-BAR of a ceiling are coupled to each other.
[0122] Referring to Figs. 42 to 45, a support frame 50 includes a frame body 51 surrounding
the outer lateral surface of the case 100, a case support 53 extending from the inner
lateral surface of the frame body 51 and supporting the weight of the case 100, a
ceiling fixed part 52 extending from the outer lateral surface of the frame body 51
and being fixed to the ceiling. As shown in Fig. 43, the frame body 51 may have an
inner empty space in order to reduce its weight.
[0123] The case support 53 comes in contact with the end of the louver 130 of the case 100
and supports the weight of a member including the case 100 and forming a lighting
device. It is required that a distance between the case supports 53 located at a position
corresponding to the side cover 40 should be somewhat shorter than a distance between
the outermost louvers 130 of the lighting device so as to prevent the members of the
lighting device other than the support frame 50 from dropping through an opening of
the support frame 50. If the distance between the between the case supports 53 is
shorter than necessary, the inclined plane of the louver 130 is hidden. This is not
preferable. Therefore, the distance between the case supports 53 should be formed
in such a manner that the inclined plane of the louver 130 is not hidden.
[0124] The ceiling fixed part 52 fixes the lighting device to the ceiling. Moreover, if
there is a space between the case 100 and the ceiling on which the case 100 is installed,
the ceiling fixed part 52 hides the space and allows the lighting device to have a
beautiful appearance. The ceiling fixed part 52 may have a ceiling coupling groove
54.
[0125] Referring to Figs. 43 and 44, the lighting device may be fixed to the ceiling by
allowing a screw to pass through the ceiling coupling groove 54, TEX and an M-BAR.
[0126] Referring to Figs. 43 and 45, due to the weight of the lighting device itself, the
lower surface of the ceiling fixed part 52 contacts with T-BAR. Under this condition,
the lighting device is fixed to the ceiling. In this case, the ceiling fixed part
52 does not necessarily include the ceiling coupling groove 54. However, considering
that the lighting device is installed in the M-BAR as well as the T-BAR, it is desirable
that the ceiling fixed part 52 includes the ceiling coupling groove 54.
[0127] In particular, the support frame 50 can be flexibly used for various installation
environments. The area of a ceiling on which lighting devices are installed are changed
according to countries or a ceiling structure. In the embodiments described above,
a lighting device having various sizes is created through combination of the single
lighting modules 10. However, if the lighting device fixed to the ceiling has an empty
space formed between the ceiling and the lighting device, the lighting device has
a bad appearance and is unstably fixed. In this case, if several tens of to hundreds
of the standards of the single lighting module 10 are provided to overcome the problems
in order to be securely fixed and to obtain a beautiful appearance, there occur problems,
for example, an increase of a manufacturing cost, and the like. Therefore, as described
in the aforementioned embodiments, when the several single lighting modules 10 having
a predetermined size are used, and when the support frame 50 having various sizes
is applied with respect to the empty space between the lighting device and the ceiling,
the lighting device is able to have a beautiful appearance and be stably fixed. A
member used to form the support frame 50 extends in a longitudinal direction thereof.
The cross section formed by cutting the member in a direction parallel with the longitudinal
direction thereof has a uniform shape. When a rectangular shape is formed by dividing
the member into four pieces and connecting the edges of the pieces, the support frame
50 having a necessary size can be obtained. Accordingly, it is possible to cause the
production process of the support frame 50 to be very simple and to allow the support
frame 50 to be used for various ceilings. Particularly, if the member has a fixed
standard except the length of the ceiling fixed part 52, the support frame 50 can
be almost completely used for various ceilings.
[0128] The features, structures, effects and the like described in the embodiments are included
in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited
to one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects and the like provided
in each embodiment can be combined or modified by those skilled in the art to which
the embodiments belong. Therefore, contents related to the combination and modification
should be construed to be included in the scope of the present invention.
[0129] The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed
as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to
other types of apparatuses. The description of the foregoing embodiments is intended
to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications,
and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-plus-function
clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited
function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.