Light source coupler, illuminant device, patterned conductor, and method for manufacturing light source coupler

• US 20040252501A1
• Filed: 04/20/2004
• Published: 12/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Moriyama Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
• Original Assignee: Moriyama Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
• Inventors: Yanagita, Munehiko, Moriyama, Hideo
• Granted Patent: US 7,380,961 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/238
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/27 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with two fittings for each light source, e.g. for substitution of fluorescent tubes
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/0025 the fastening means engaging the conductors of the light source, i.e. providing simultaneous fastening of the light sources and their electric connections
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/10 comprising a linear array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00 Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/0002 Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/0286 Programmable, customizable or modifiable circuits by programmable non-printed jumper connections H05K3/222
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/202 using self-supporting metal foil pattern
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/326 the printed circuit having integral resilient or deformable parts, e.g. tabs or parts of flexible circuits H05K3/365 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

To provide a light source assembly that does not use a printed circuit board and can be manufactured at a low cost even when produced in small quantities, a light source assembly according to the present invention comprises a plurality of light sources and a connective conductor structure extending in a direction of arrangement of the light sources to join the light sources, wherein the connective conductor structure is formed by cutting off parts of a substantially plate-like patterned conductor as required, the patterned conductor being provided with a prescribed pattern. Thus, by changing the parts to be cut off in the patterned conductor, it is possible to manufacture light source assemblies having various light source connection patterns in a single manufacturing line, allowing efficient and low cost manufacture of the light source assemblies to be achieved even when the light sources are manufactured in small quantities.

Claims

1. A light source assembly comprising:

a plurality of electrically connected light sources; and

a connective conductor structure extending in a direction of arrangement of the light sources to join the light sources, wherein the connective conductor structure is formed by cutting off parts of a substantially plate-like patterned conductor as required, the patterned conductor being provided with a prescribed pattern.

2. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources comprise a chip-type LED, and a socket for receiving the chip-type LED is attached to the connective conductor structure by insert molding.

3. A light source assembly according to claim 2, wherein the socket comprises a bottom wall and a side wall defining a cavity having an upper opening, and the chip-type LED is received in the cavity.

8. A light source assembly according to claim 3, wherein the chip-type LED is of a side-view type having a light emitting portion on its side, and at least part of the side wall of the socket has an opening for allowing light from the light emitting portion of the LED to pass through the side wall.

9. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources comprise a light source having a lead wire, and the connective conductor structure has a hole corresponding to the lead wire of the light source.

11. A light source assembly according to claim 9, wherein the lead wire of the light source is inserted into the hole of the connective conductor structure.

14. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein the patterned conductor is of a longitudinal tape-like shape, and comprises:

a plurality of light source attachment portions arranged in a longitudinal direction for electrical connection with the light sources;

an interconnection path for connecting the light source attachment portions in the longitudinal direction;

at least one trunk path widthwise spaced from the interconnection path and the light source attachment portions and extending in the longitudinal direction; and

a plurality of branch paths widthwise connecting the trunk path to the interconnection path.

15. A light source assembly according to claim 14, wherein the light sources are connected to a power supply via the trunk path.

16. A light source assembly according to claim 14, wherein the parts cut off in the patterned conductor comprise a portion of the branch paths, interconnection path or trunk path.

17. A light source assembly according to claim 14, wherein a resistor is connected between at least one pair of adjoining light sources, and the interconnection path is cut at a position between the pair of adjoining light sources.

18. A light source assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a joint member extending in a widthwise direction of the connective conductor structure to hold the interconnection path and the trunk path in a unit.

19. A light source assembly according to claim 18, wherein the joint member is formed by insert molding.

20. A light source assembly according to claim 19, wherein the trunk path is formed with a widthwise recess of through-hole, and the joint member extends through the widthwise recess or through-hole.

21. A light source assembly according to claim 18, wherein the joint member is formed with a hole at a position aligned with the interconnection path such that the hole exposes the interconnection path, thereby allowing a part of the interconnection path exposed by the hole to be cut off.

22. A light source assembly according to claim 21, wherein the part of the interconnection path exposed by the hole of the joint member has a smaller width than the other part of the interconnection path.

23. A light source assembly according to claim 18, wherein the joint member comprises one or a plurality of insulating sheets.

24. A light source assembly according to claim 14, wherein the branch paths connecting the trunk path to the interconnection path are bent such that a principal surface of the trunk path is substantially perpendicular to a principal surface of the interconnection path.

25. A light source assembly according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of light sources comprise a chip-type LED, and the light source assembly comprises a socket for receiving the chip-type LED, the socket extending in a widthwise direction of the connective conductor structure to hold the interconnection path and the trunk path in a unit.

28. A light source assembly according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the light source attachment portions is not attached with a light source.

29. A light source assembly according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of light sources consists of a light source having a pair of terminals, and the pair of terminals of the light source are arranged in a widthwise direction of the light source assembly.

30. A light source assembly according to claim 29, wherein the light source attachment portion to which the light source having a pair of terminals is attached has a pair of terminal connection parts corresponding to the pair of terminals, and the pair of terminal connection parts are arranged in the widthwise direction of the patterned conductor.

31. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the light sources has a pair of terminals, and the patterned conductor is provided with a pattern that can be commonly used in connecting the light sources in series, parallel or series-parallel connection.

32. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein the patterned conductor is of a longitudinal tape-like shape, and comprises:

a plurality of light source attachment portions arranged in a longitudinal direction for electrical connection with the light sources;

an interconnection path for connecting the light source attachment portions in the longitudinal direction;

a pair of trunk paths disposed on either side of the patterned conductor so as to interpose the interconnection path and the light source attachment portions therebetween and extending in the longitudinal direction; and

a plurality of branch paths widthwise connecting the trunk paths to the interconnection path.

33. A light source assembly according to claim 32, wherein the light sources are connected to a power supply via at least one of the pair of trunk paths

34. A light source assembly according to claim 32, wherein each of the light sources has a pair of terminals, each of the light source attachment portions has a pair of terminal connection parts corresponding to the pair of terminals of the light sources, and the interconnection path comprises a plurality of connection paths each connecting the terminal connection parts contained in adjoining light source attachment portions.

35. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources comprise a three-pole LED lamp having two different color LED chips and three terminals,

wherein the patterned conductor is of a longitudinal tape-like shape, and comprises:

a plurality of light source attachment portions arranged in a longitudinal direction for electrical connection with the light sources;

an interconnection path for connecting the light source attachment portions in the longitudinal direction;

a pair of trunk paths disposed on either side of the patterned conductor so as to interpose the interconnection path and the light source attachment portions therebetween and extending in the longitudinal direction; and

a plurality of branch paths widthwise connecting the trunk paths to the interconnection path,

and wherein each of the light source attachment portions has three widthwise arranged terminal connection parts corresponding to the three terminals of the three-pole LED lamp, and the interconnection path comprises a plurality of connection paths each connecting the widthwise aligned terminal connection parts contained in adjoining light source attachment portions.

36. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources comprise a four-pole LED lamp having first and second LED chips of different colors and four terminals, wherein two of the four terminals are connected to the first LED chip while the remaining two are connected to the second LED chip,

wherein the patterned conductor is of a longitudinal tape-like shape, and comprises:

a plurality of light source attachment portions arranged in a longitudinal direction for electrical connection with the light sources;

an interconnection path for connecting the light source attachment portions in the longitudinal direction;

a pair of trunk paths disposed on either side of the patterned conductor so as to interpose the interconnection path and the light source attachment portions therebetween and extending in the longitudinal direction; and

a plurality of branch paths widthwise connecting the trunk paths to the interconnection path,

wherein each of the light source attachment portions has four terminal connection parts corresponding to the four terminals of the four-pole LED chip, two of the four terminal connection parts corresponding to the terminals connected to the first LED chip being aligned in the longitudinal direction of the patterned conductor while two of the four terminal connection parts corresponding to the terminals connected to the second LED chip being aligned in the longitudinal direction of the patterned conductor and spaced from the other two terminal connection parts in a widthwise direction of the patterned conductor,

wherein the interconnection path comprises a plurality of connection paths each connecting the widthwise aligned connection parts contained in adjoining light source attachment portions, and longitudinally aligned ones of the plurality of connection paths are connected by widthwise extending branch paths,

and wherein the patterned conductor further comprises a third trunk path disposed at a widthwise outer side of one of the first and second trunk paths and extending in the longitudinal direction, and branch paths for widthwise connecting the third trunk path to the one of the first and second trunk paths.

37. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein the patterned conductor is essentially made of aluminum.

38. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the light sources is attached to the connective conductor structure by laser welding.

39. A light source assembly according to claim 38, wherein a resistor for forming a prescribed circuit in combination with the light sources is connected to the connective conductor structure by laser welding.

40. A light source assembly according to claim 39, wherein the light source attached to the connective conductor structure by laser welding consists of a chip-type LED, and the resistor consists of a chip-type resistor.

42. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein the patterned conductor comprises projections for defining attachment positions of the light sources.

52. A patterned conductor according to claim 42, wherein the pair of terminal connection parts in at least one of the light source attachment portions are connected to each other.

72. A light source assembly according to claim 14, wherein parts of the trunk path are cut off so that the connective conductor structure connects the light sources in series, and remaining parts of the trunk path are connected to the light source attachment portions via the branch paths.

73. A light source assembly according to claim 23, wherein the insulating sheet is attached to a light source attachment surface of the connective conductor structure.

85. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of light sources has a pair of lead wires extending substantially in parallel to each other, and the plurality of light sources are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lead wires,

and wherein the connective conductor structure is disposed such that its principal surface extends substantially along the lead wires, and attached to the lead wires to join the light sources.

86. A light source assembly according to claim 85, wherein the patterned conductor is of a longitudinal tape-like shape, and comprises a plurality of connection parts for the lead wires of the light sources, the connection parts being arranged corresponding to an arrangement of the light sources held by a radial taping.

87. A light source assembly according to claim 85, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the connective conductor structure taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is bent so as to prevent undesirable contact between the connective conductor structure and the lead wires.

95. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein the patterned conductor is of a longitudinal tape-like shape.

96. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein the patterned conductor comprises a pair of trunk paths extending substantially in parallel in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of branch paths connecting the pair of trunk paths to each other, the light sources are connected between the pair of trunk paths, and the cut-off parts of the patterned conductor include the branch paths.

97. A light source assembly according to claim 96, wherein a gap between the pair of trunk paths is not straight.

98. A light source assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the light sources consists of an LED having a plate-shaped cathode terminal and anode terminal, and a portion of the patterned conductor to which the cathode terminal of each LED is attached has a larger area than a portion of the same to which the anode of each LED is attached.

99. A light source assembly according to claim 98, wherein the patterned conductor comprises a pair of trunk paths extending substantially in parallel in a longitudinal direction, the LEDs are connected between the pair of trunk paths, and the trunk path to which the cathode terminals of the LEDs are attached has a larger width than the trunk path to which the anode terminals of the LEDs are attached.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

43. A light emitting apparatus comprising a light source assembly having a plurality of electrically connected light sources and a holder for holding the light source assembly,

wherein the light source assembly comprises a connective conductor structure extending in a direction of arrangement of the light sources to join the light sources, the connective conductor structure being formed by cutting off parts of a substantially plate-like patterned conductor as required, the patterned conductor being provided with a prescribed pattern,

wherein the patterned conductor is of a longitudinal tape-like shape, and comprises:

a plurality of light source attachment portions arranged in a longitudinal direction for electrical connection with the light sources;

an interconnection path for connecting the light source attachment portions in the longitudinal direction;

a pair of trunk paths disposed on either side of the patterned conductor so as to interpose the interconnection path and the light source attachment portions therebetween and extending in the longitudinal direction; and

a plurality of branch paths widthwise connecting the trunk path to the interconnection path,

and wherein the branch paths connecting the trunk paths to the interconnection path are bent such that a principal surface of each trunk path is substantially perpendicular to a principal surface of the interconnection path, and the trunk paths are inserted into corresponding holes or recesses provided to the holder to achieve attachment of the light source assembly to the holder.

44. A light emitting apparatus comprising a light source assembly having a plurality of electrically connected light sources each having lead wires and a holder for holding the light source assembly, the light sources being arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lead wires,

wherein the light source assembly comprises a connective conductor structure extending in the direction of arrangement of the light sources to join the light sources,

and wherein one or both of the lead wires and the connective conductor structure protrude toward the holder and are inserted into holes or recesses provided to the holder to achieve attachment of the light source assembly to the holder.

45. A tape-shaped patterned conductor having a prescribed pattern and used for forming a light source assembly by electrically connecting a plurality of light sources, comprising:

a plurality of light source attachment portions arranged in a longitudinal direction for connection with the light sources;

an interconnection path connecting the light source attachment portions in the longitudinal direction;

at least one trunk path widthwise spaced from the interconnection path and the light source attachment portions and extending in the longitudinal direction; and

a plurality of branch paths widthwise connecting the trunk path to the interconnection path.

46. A patterned conductor according to claim 45, wherein the trunk path is formed with a plurality of holes arranged in the longitudinal direction at a predetermined interval for use in transportation or positioning of the patterned conductor in a progressive press machine.

47. A patterned conductor according to claim 45, wherein each of the light sources has a pair of terminals for electrical connection, and each of the light source attachment portions has a pair of terminal connection parts for connection with the pair of terminals of a corresponding light source.

48. A patterned conductor according to claim 47, wherein the interconnection path comprises a plurality of connection paths each connecting the terminal connection parts contained in adjoining light source attachment portions.

49. A patterned conductor according to claim 48, wherein at least one of the connection paths is formed with a hole for inserting a lead wire of a resistor having lead wires.

50. A patterned conductor according to claim 49, wherein the trunk path is formed with a hole for inserting the lead wire of the resistor.

51. A patterned conductor according to claim 47, wherein the pair of terminal connection parts in at least one of the light source attachment portions are spaced from each other.

53. A patterned conductor according to claim 45, wherein a resistor attachment portion is provided between at least one adjoining pair of light source attachment portions.

54. A patterned conductor according to claim 45, wherein at least one of the branch paths is replaced with a resistor.

55. A patterned conductor according to claim 45, wherein the trunk path has a widthwise convexly curved portion.

56. A patterned conductor according to claim 45, wherein a pair of said trunk paths are disposed on either side of the patterned conductor so as to interpose the interconnection path and the light source attachment portions therebetween.

57. A manufacturing method of a light source assembly comprising a plurality of light sources and a connective conductor structure for electrically connecting the plurality of light sources, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a substantially plate-like patterned conductor having a prescribed pattern;

attaching the patterned conductor to the light sources; and

cutting off parts of the patterned conductor as required to form the connective conductor structure.

58. A manufacturing method according to claim 57, wherein the step of forming the patterned conductor comprises a step of press working a conductive plate material.

59. A manufacturing method according to claim 57, wherein the step of cutting off parts of the patterned conductor is carried out by a progressive press machine.

60. A manufacturing method according to claim 57, further comprising a step of attaching a joint member to the patterned conductor so as to hold parts of the connective conductor structure made from the patterned conductor, wherein the step of cutting off parts of the patterned conductor is carried out after the step of attaching the joint member.

61. A manufacturing method according to claim 60, wherein the joint member is formed with at least one hole to expose a part of the patterned conductor to be cut off.

62. A manufacturing method according to claim 57, wherein the light sources comprise a chip-type LED, the method comprises a step of attaching a socket to the patterned conductor for receiving the chip-type LED, and the step of cutting off parts of the patterned conductor is carried out after the step of attaching the socket.

63. A manufacturing method according to claim 57, wherein the light sources comprise a light source having lead wires, and the step of attaching the patterned conductor to the light sources comprises a step of inserting the lead wires of the light source into corresponding holes provided to the connective conductor structure.

88. A manufacturing method according to claim 57, wherein the step of cutting off parts of the patterned conductor is carried out after the step of attaching the patterned conductor to the light sources.

89. A manufacturing method according to claim 57, wherein the step of attaching is carried out by progressive press working.

90. A manufacturing method according to claim 57, wherein each of the light sources has a pair of lead wires for electric connection, and the step of attaching comprises a step of cramping the lead wires with prescribed portions of the patterned conductor.

91. A manufacturing method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of bending the patterned conductor along a bending line extending in the longitudinal direction.

64. A light emitting apparatus comprising:

a light source assembly having a plurality of electrically connected light sources,

a light transmissive tubular member for accommodating the light source assembly therein; and

a pair of cap members attached to either end of the tubular member,

wherein the light source assembly comprises a connective conductor structure for connecting the light sources, and the connective conductor structure is formed by cutting off parts of a substantially plate-like patterned conductor as required, the patterned conductor being provided with a prescribed pattern.

65. A light emitting apparatus according to claim 64, wherein the patterned conductor is of a longitudinal tape-like shape, and comprises:

a plurality of light source attachment portions arranged in a longitudinal direction for electrical connection with the light sources;

an interconnection path for connecting the light source attachment portions in the longitudinal direction;

at least one trunk path widthwise spaced from the interconnection path and the light source attachment portions and extending in the longitudinal direction; and

a plurality of branch paths widthwise connecting the trunk path to the interconnection path.

66. A light emitting apparatus according to claim 64, wherein a conductive pin for connection with an outside circuit is held in at least one of the pair of cap members, and the trunk path is connected to the conductive pin.

67. A light emitting apparatus comprising a light source assembly having a plurality of electrically connected light sources,

wherein the light source assembly comprises a connective conductor structure for connecting the light sources, and the connective conductor structure is formed by cutting off parts of a substantially plate-like patterned conductor as required, the patterned conductor being provided with a prescribed pattern,

and wherein the light emitting apparatus comprises:

a housing for accommodating the light source assembly therein; and

a heat transmission member contacting the connective conductor structure of the light source assembly and an inner surface of the housing to transmit heat therebetween.

68. A light emitting apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the heat transmission member also serves as a support member for supporting the light source assembly in the housing.

69. A light emitting apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the heat transmission member is elastic, and pressed against the inner surface of the housing.

70. A light emitting apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the housing is made of glass.

71. A light emitting apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the patterned conductor is of a longitudinal tape-like shape, and comprises:

a plurality of light source attachment portions arranged in a longitudinal direction for electrical connection with the light sources;

an interconnection path for connecting the light source attachment portions in the longitudinal direction;

at least one trunk path widthwise spaced from the interconnection path and the light source attachment portions and extending in the longitudinal direction; and

a plurality of branch paths widthwise connecting the trunk path to the interconnection path,

and wherein the heat transmission member is connected to the trunk path.

74. A light emitting apparatus comprising a light source assembly having a plurality of electrically connected light sources and a holder for holding the light source assembly,

wherein the light source assembly comprises a connective conductor structure extending in a direction of arrangement of the light sources to join the light sources, the connective conductor structure being formed by cutting off parts of a substantially plate-like patterned conductor as required, the patterned conductor being provided with a prescribed pattern,

wherein the patterned conductor is of a longitudinal tape-like shape, and comprises:

a plurality of light source attachment portions arranged in a longitudinal direction for electrical connection with the light sources;

an interconnection path for connecting the light source attachment portions in the longitudinal direction;

a pair of trunk paths disposed on either side of the patterned conductor so as to interpose the interconnection path and the light source attachment portions therebetween and extending in the longitudinal direction; and

a plurality of branch paths widthwise connecting the trunk path to the interconnection path,

and wherein at least one surface of the holder is formed with a channel having opposing side walls in which longitudinally extending guide grooves are formed corresponding to the pair of trunk paths so that the light source assembly is attached to the holder by sliding the pair of the trunk paths into the guide grooves.

75. A light emitting apparatus according to claim 74, wherein both surfaces of the holder are formed with a channel, and opposing side walls of each channel are formed with longitudinally extending guide grooves corresponding to the pair of trunk paths, whereby each surface of the holder is attached with the corresponding light source assembly with the pair of trunk paths slid into the guide grooves.

76. A tape-shaped patterned conductor having a prescribed pattern and used for forming a light source assembly by electrically connecting a plurality of light sources, comprising:

more than two trunk paths extending in a longitudinal direction and mutually spaced apart in a widthwise direction;

a plurality of light source attachment portions for electrical connection with the light sources, the light source attachment portions being arranged in the longitudinal direction between adjoining trunk paths;

interconnecting paths for connecting the plurality of light source attachment portions in the longitudinal direction; and

a plurality of branch paths for widthwise connecting each of the interconnection paths to the trunk paths interposing the interconnection path therebetween.

77. A light emitting apparatus comprising a plurality of light source assemblies each having a plurality of electrically connected light sources,

wherein each of the light source assemblies comprises a connective conductor structure extending in a direction of arrangement of the light sources to join the light sources, the connective conductor structure being formed by cutting off parts of a substantially plate-like patterned conductor as required, the patterned conductor being provided with a prescribed pattern,

and wherein the plurality of light sources are arranged in the widthwise direction, and adjoining light sources are connected to each other so that the plurality of light source assemblies are connected in series.

78. (canceled)

79. A light source assembly comprising a plurality of electrically connected light sources,

wherein the light source assembly comprises a connective conductor structure extending in a direction of arrangement of the light sources to join the light sources, the connective conductor structure being formed by cutting off parts of a substantially plate-like patterned conductor as required, the patterned conductor being provided with a prescribed pattern,

wherein the patterned conductor is of a longitudinal tape-like shape, and comprises:

a plurality of light source attachment portions arranged in a longitudinal direction for electrical connection with the light sources;

an interconnection path for connecting the light source attachment portions in the longitudinal direction;

a pair of trunk paths disposed on either side of the patterned conductor so as to interpose the interconnection path and the light source attachment portions therebetween and extending in the longitudinal direction; and

a plurality of branch paths widthwise connecting the trunk path to the interconnection path,

and wherein parts of the interconnection path are cut off to form a plurality of light source parallel connections each comprising a plurality of light sources connected in parallel between the pair of trunk paths, and further, parts of the trunk paths are cut such that the light source parallel connections are connected in series.

80. A light source assembly according to claim 79, wherein each of the light sources consists of an LED,

wherein orientations of the LEDs contained in adjoining light source parallel connections are opposite to each other so that cathodes of the LEDs contained in an electrically upstream one of the adjoining light source parallel connections are connected to anodes of the LEDs contained in a downstream one via one of the pair of trunk paths,

and wherein the pair of trunk paths are cut such that anodes of the LEDs contained in the upstream one of the adjoining parallel connections are separated from cathodes of the LEDs contained in the downstream one and that ends of each LED are not short-circuited.

81. A light source assembly according to claim 79, wherein each of the light sources consists of an LED,

wherein portions of the pair of trunk paths are connected to each other via the branch paths and the light source attachment portions such that cathodes of the LEDs contained in an electrically upstream one of the adjoining light source parallel connections are connected to anodes of the LEDs contained in a downstream one,

and wherein the pair of trunk paths are cut such that anodes of the LEDs contained in the upstream one of the adjoining parallel connections are separated from cathodes of the LEDs contained in the downstream one and that ends of each LED are not short-circuited.

82. A light emitting apparatus comprising a plurality of light source assemblies each having a plurality of electrically connected light sources,

wherein the plurality of light source assemblies are each arranged to form a spiral extending toward a central portion from their respective starting points which are circumferentially spaced substantially evenly from each other in a periphery of a light emitting surface of the light emitting apparatus.

83. A light emitting apparatus according to claim 82, wherein the plurality of light source assemblies comprise at least two light source assemblies emitting lights of different colors.

84. A light emitting apparatus, comprising a plurality of LED parallel connections each having a plurality of parallel connected LEDs,

wherein the plurality of LED parallel connections are connected in series, and

wherein each LED is connected to an associated resistor in series.

92. A manufacturing method of a light source assembly having a plurality of light sources each having lead wires, wherein the light sources are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lead wires, comprising the steps of:

supplying the plurality of light sources arranged in the direction perpendicular to the lead wires and held by a carrier tape for radial taping; and

electrically connecting the light sources in a state that the light sources are held by the carrier tape to thereby continuously obtain the light sources.

93. A tape-shaped patterned conductor having a prescribed pattern and used for forming a light source assembly by electrically connecting a plurality of light sources,

wherein parts of the patterned conductor are to be cut off by a progressive press machine as required to form a connective conductor structure for connecting the light sources,

and wherein the patterned conductor is formed with a plurality of holes arranged in a longitudinal direction at a predetermined interval for use in transportation or positioning of the patterned conductor in the progressive press machine.

94. A tape-shaped patterned conductor having a prescribed pattern and used for forming a light source assembly by electrically connecting a plurality of light sources each having lead wires, the light sources being arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lead wires, the patterned conductor comprising:

a plurality of connection parts arranged in a longitudinal direction for connection with the lead wires of the plurality of light sources; and

an interconnection path for connecting the connection parts in the longitudinal direction,

wherein the interconnection path is formed with pilot holes for engagement with pilot pins of a progressive press machine.

100. A patterned conductor having a prescribed pattern and used for forming a light source assembly by electrically connecting a plurality of light sources, wherein the patterned conductor comprises an expandable portion at a prescribed longitudinal position.

101. A patterned conductor according to claim 100, further comprising a deformation prohibiting portion for selectively allowing deformation of the expandable portion.

102. A patterned conductor according to claim 101, wherein the expandable portion and the deformation prohibiting portion are formed by blanking.

103. A patterned conductor according to claim 102, wherein deformation of the expandable portion is enabled by cutting off the deformation prohibiting portion.

104. A patterned conductor according to claim 102, further comprising a pair of trunk paths extending substantially in parallel in the longitudinal direction, wherein the plurality of light sources are connected between the pair of trunk paths, and the expandable portion and the deformation prohibiting portion are formed by blanking a portion of the pair of trunk paths.

105. A patterned conductor according to claim 100, wherein the expandable portion has at least one crease extending in a widthwise direction of the patterned conductor.

106. A light source assembly, comprising:

a pair of plate-like conductors spaced apart from each other;

a light source connected between the pair of conductors; and

a joint member formed by insert molding to mechanically join the pair of conductors,

wherein the light source is attached to a portion of the pair of conductors not covered by the insert molding and thus having both surfaces exposed.

107. A light source assembly, comprising:

a pair of plate-like conductors spaced apart from each other;

a light source connected between the pair of conductors; and

a joint member formed by insert molding to mechanically join the pair of conductors,

wherein the joint member defines a cavity having an opening on its top to expose a portion of the pair of conductors, and the light source is connected to the portion of the conductors exposed within the cavity.

108. A light source assembly, comprising:

a pair of plate-like conductors spaced apart from each other;

a light source connected between the pair of conductors; and

a plurality of joint members formed by insert molding to mechanically join the pair of conductors,

wherein the plurality of joint members are spaced apart from each other such that the conductors are exposed between adjoining ones of the joint members.

109. A manufacturing method of a light source assembly having a plurality of light sources and a connective conductor structure for electrically connecting the plurality of light sources, comprising the steps of:

transporting a patterned conductor, which has been formed to comprise a pair of Iongitudinally extending mutually spaced apart conductors, in a longitudinal direction while mechanically joining the pair of conductors by a plurality of joint members formed by insert molding;

attaching the plurality of light sources between the pair of conductors; and

cutting off parts of the patterned conductor as required to form the connective conductor structure,

wherein the plurality of joint members are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction such that the conductors are exposed between adjoining ones of the joint members.

110. A manufacturing method of a light source assembly having a plurality of light sources and a connective conductor structure for electrically connecting the plurality of light sources, comprising the steps of:

attaching a plurality of joint members formed by insert molding to a patterned conductor, which has been formed to comprise a pair of longitudinally extending mutually spaced apart conductors, so as to mechanically join the pair of conductors;

attaching the plurality of light sources between the pair of conductors;

cutting off parts of the patterned conductor as required to form the connective conductor structure; and

cutting the patterned conductor so as to have a desired length.