JP2002221658A - Bulk type lens, light emitting body, light receiving body, illumination instrument, optical information communication system and method for manufacturing bulk type lens - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an aspherical lens in which desired illuminance is obtained by effectively condensing the stray light component of a light source such as an LED(light emitting diode) at the outer periphery part of a lens medium without using a reflection mirror. SOLUTION: This shell-shaped or egg-shaped bulk type lens 20 is constituted of the bulk type lens medium 4 having an outside top part 3, a base part and the outer periphery part consisting of side surfaces in a direction parallel with an optical axis, and a housing part 6 provided inside the medium 4 from the bottom part to the top part 3. The ceiling part of the recessed part 2 and the wall part of the recessed part 5 of the housing part 6 provided inside the medium 4 function as 1st lens surfaces (2 and 5) and the top part 3 of the medium 4 functions as a 2nd lens surface 3. A light source 1 or a photodetector is housed inside the housing part 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a proposal for an optical lens having a novel structure, and more particularly, to a relatively thick lens using an aspherical surface. Further, the present invention relates to a light-emitting body and a light-receiving body using the lens, and a lighting fixture using the light-emitting body. Further, the present invention relates to an optical information communication system including the light emitter and the light receiver, and a method for manufacturing an optical lens having the novel structure.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, spherical lenses such as a "biconvex lens", a "plano-convex lens", a "meniscus convex lens", a "biconcave lens", a "plano-concave lens" and a "meniscus concave lens" have been known. The design theory of these lenses has been established and is in a technically mature stage, and there is almost no proposal for lenses having a new structure. Current lens design theory is moving toward achieving lenses that are as thin as possible.

Recently, a thin flashlight using a halogen lamp has been marketed, but the battery life of this type of flashlight is about three hours in continuous operation, and the life of the halogen lamp itself is short. There is a disadvantage that.

On the other hand, liquid crystal display devices are frequently used in personal computers, word processors, small portable televisions, in-vehicle televisions, and the like. As described above, a fluorescent discharge tube (fluorescent lamp) is used for illumination (backlight) of the liquid crystal display substrate. The fluorescent lamp for backlight has a problem that the portable television or the portable personal computer is easily damaged or dropped when dropped. Further, when the device is used in a low temperature environment such as a cold region in winter, the mercury vapor pressure in the tube is reduced, the luminous efficiency is reduced, and sufficient luminance cannot be obtained. Furthermore, stability and reliability for long-time operation are insufficient. The most important problem is that the power consumption is large. Taking a portable personal computer as an example, the power consumption of the liquid crystal display unit is overwhelmingly greater than the power consumed by the microprocessor and the memory. Therefore, when a fluorescent lamp is used as a backlight, it is difficult to operate a portable television or a portable personal computer with a battery for a long time. In addition, since the fluorescent lamp emits light in a pulse manner corresponding to the frequency of the power supply, there is an individual difference, but the flickering causes a problem of eye fatigue. That is, in the case of a usage method close to direct illumination such as a backlight, there are problems such as eye fatigue due to direct viewing of light from a fluorescent lamp for a long time, or the effect of eye fatigue on the human body.

A semiconductor light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED) directly converts electric energy into light energy.
Higher efficiency than incandescent bulbs such as halogen lamps and fluorescent lamps,
Moreover, it has a feature that it does not generate heat when emitting light. In an incandescent sphere, electric energy is once converted into heat energy, and the radiation accompanying the heat generation is used. The conversion efficiency is low in principle, and the conversion efficiency to light cannot exceed 1%. Absent. In fluorescent lamps, the electrical energy is
It has been converted to discharge energy, and its conversion efficiency is similarly low. On the other hand, LEDs can have a conversion efficiency of about 20% or more, which is about 10% higher than incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps.
Conversion efficiency of 0 times or more can be easily achieved. Furthermore, LED
Semiconductor light-emitting elements have a long life that can be considered semi-permanent,
In addition, since there is no problem of flickering like the light of a fluorescent lamp, there is no adverse effect on eyes and human body.

Although the LED has such excellent features, the application of the LED is limited to a very limited range such as a display lamp of a control panel of various devices and a display device such as an electric bulletin board. Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 62-92504 discloses a traffic light (light-emitting display device) using a plurality of light-emitting diodes for obtaining uniform brightness over the entire front lens and improving visibility. . Showa 6
The front lens disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-92504 has a structure in which a projection is provided on the rear surface, and a light emitting diode is inserted into a recess surrounded by the projection. However, the peripheral surface of the projection has a tapered shape, and a reflective film is further provided on the tapered peripheral surface. Although this technique attempts to obtain uniform brightness by using a reflective film, sufficient illuminance has not been obtained. Up to now, LEDs are lighting equipment (lighting equipment)
Few examples have been used. Recently, LED for keyhole lighting
Application products are also known in some, but can only illuminate a small area. Except for such special cases, LEDs have not generally been used for lighting. Only recently has the intention of LED lighting applications been clarified at the academic level. For example, in the "Akari plan for the 21st century," the Ministry of International Trade and Industry research and development projects, Taguchi professor of Yamaguchi University has been a report to the effect that with a prospect to the practical use of illumination by LED, but 700 pieces of LED
(See Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, May 26, 2000).

[0007]

The reason why a large number of LEDs are used for illumination is that the light emission area of one LED is one even though the brightness of the LED is extremely high.
Since the area is as small as about ² mm2, a sufficient light flux as a lighting fixture cannot be obtained. With the use of the conventional optical system, the illuminance on the surface to be illuminated does not reach the desired illuminance with the light emission of one LED. That is, the light flux per unit area on the surface illuminated by the light is insufficient.

[0008] Simply, by constructing a lighting fixture in which a large number of LEDs are arranged in a matrix, a certain illuminance will be obtained. However, at present, expensive compound semiconductors are used as the main material of LEDs, and advanced manufacturing techniques such as epitaxial growth and impurity diffusion are required. There are certain limitations. Further, there are circumstances specific to each semiconductor material, such as an expensive sapphire substrate being used as a substrate for epitaxial growth of gallium nitride (GaN), which is a material for a blue LED.

Therefore, it is not realistic to assemble a lighting device (lighting fixture) by arranging a large number of relatively expensive LEDs in order to obtain a desired illuminance, because it is too expensive. . In addition, silicon (S
In i), a wafer having a diameter of 300 mm has begun to be used, but such a large-diameter wafer is not currently available as a substrate for epitaxial growth of a compound semiconductor, which is a material for LEDs. Furthermore, there are also problems in manufacturing technology such as uniformity of epitaxial growth, and it is basically difficult to manufacture an LED having a large-area light emitting region.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a bulk type lens that can use a light source such as an LED and can effectively use a stray light component or the like without using a reflecting mirror to obtain a desired illuminance. That is.

Another object of the present invention is to efficiently extract potential light energy of a light source and easily change the optical path such as divergence and convergence of light without modifying the light source itself. An object of the present invention is to provide a bulk type lens whose focus can be changed.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a luminous body which is inexpensive, has sufficient illuminance, and has long-term stability and reliability.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a light emitting body which consumes less power and has no flicker.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a simple structure,
An object of the present invention is to provide a photoreceptor having high detection sensitivity.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device which has a long battery life and is suitable for carrying.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable and efficient optical information communication system.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a bulk lens capable of manufacturing a bulk lens having a good geometric shape with a high manufacturing yield.

[0018]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above objects, a first feature of the present invention comprises a lens medium having an outer top, a bottom and an outer periphery, and a storage portion provided inside the lens medium. Related to bulk type lenses. The outer peripheral portion of the lens medium has a side surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis. However,
Even if projections and grooves are provided on the side surface in the direction parallel to the optical axis,
It does not matter if the basic plane is parallel to the optical axis. The housing portion is provided inside the lens medium from the bottom to the outer top of the lens medium, and has a well-shaped concave portion having a side wall portion having a surface parallel to the optical axis and a ceiling portion connected to the side wall portion. It is. In the bulk type lens according to the first aspect of the present invention, the ceiling portion and the side wall portion of the storage portion (well-shaped concave portion) are the first type.
And the outer top of the lens medium functions as a second lens surface. A light source or a photodetector is housed inside the housing. In the bulk type lens according to the first aspect of the present invention, the radius of curvature of the second lens surface is R, the total length measured in the optical axis direction of the lens medium is L, and the refractive index of the lens medium is n. .93 <k (R / L) <1.06 (1) However, k in the expression (1) is given by the following expression (2).

K = 1 / (0.35 · n−0.168) (2) Inside of the bulk lens receiving portion (well-shaped concave portion) according to the first feature of the present invention. Houses a light source or a photodetector. That is, when the light source is stored inside the storage unit,
The first lens surface functions as an incident surface, and the second lens surface functions as an outgoing surface. On the other hand, when the photodetector is stored inside the storage section, the second lens surface functions as an incident surface, and the first lens surface functions as an output surface. The term “bulk type” refers to a lump shape such as a shell type, an egg type, a cocoon type, a kamaboko type and the like, and is intended to be distinguished from a conventional thin lens. The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the optical axis direction can be a perfect circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a quadrangle, a polygon, or the like. Therefore, the outer peripheral portion formed of the side surface in the direction parallel to the optical axis of the bulk type lens medium may be a cylinder or a prism. The first lens surface is composed of a main incident surface formed of a first curved surface, and a side wall incident surface having a curvature different from that of the first curved surface. The first curved surface serving as the main incident surface may have a conical shape. The second lens surface is constituted by a second curved surface. Naturally, the second curved surface has a different curvature from the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium connected to the second curved surface.

Since the lens medium of the bulk type lens according to the first feature of the present invention functions as an optical transmission unit connecting the incident surface and the exit surface, it is necessary that the material is transparent to the wavelength of light. Yes. "Transparent material" includes transparent resin (transparent plastic material) such as acrylic resin, quartz glass,
Various glass materials such as soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, and lead glass can be used. Alternatively, zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc sulfide (ZnS), silicon carbide (SiC)
Or other crystalline materials. Further, a material such as a transparent plastic or a transparent rubber having flexibility, flexibility and elasticity may be used. When an incandescent bulb such as a halogen lamp is used as the light source, a heat-resistant optical material should be used in consideration of the heat generated thereby. As the heat-resistant optical material, heat-resistant glass such as quartz glass and sapphire glass is preferable. Alternatively, a heat-resistant optical material such as a heat-resistant resin such as a polysulfone resin, a polyether sulfone resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyetheresteramide resin, a methacrylic resin, an amorphous polyolefin resin, or a polymer material having a perfluoroalkyl group is used. Can be used. Crystalline materials such as SiC also have excellent heat resistance.

However, as the "light source", a light source which does not have a remarkable heat generation effect when emitting light from an LED or a semiconductor laser is preferable. However, since the output light of the semiconductor laser is light having a coherent straightness, the first light of the present invention is used.
No remarkable difference in effect is observed between the bulk type lens according to the above feature and the conventional thin lens. Therefore, an LED in which the output light is not coherent, but is accompanied by dispersion (divergence) and the beam naturally tends to spread is preferable as the light source of the bulk lens according to the first aspect of the present invention. LE
When D or the like is used, when the “light source” is stored inside the concave portion (storage portion) of the bulk-type lens according to the first feature of the present invention, the bulk-type lens has a thermal effect due to its heat generation action. I will not give.

According to the bulk type lens according to the first aspect of the present invention, a desired illuminance can be easily obtained without requiring a large number of light sources. This illuminance is an illuminance that cannot be achieved by a conventionally known optical system such as a lens. That is,
Illuminance that cannot be predicted with conventional common sense can be realized with a simple and small configuration. Although details will be described later, conventional thin lenses such as a “biconvex lens”, a “plano-convex lens”, a “meniscus convex lens”, a “biconcave lens”, a “plano-concave lens”, and a “meniscus concave lens” have a large diameter of infinity. Without a lens, a function equivalent to the bulk lens of the present invention cannot be achieved.

An LED has an internal quantum efficiency and an external quantum efficiency. Generally, the external quantum efficiency is lower than the internal quantum efficiency.
With the bulk type lens according to the first aspect of the present invention, LE
By storing D in the storage section (recess), it is possible to effectively extract the potential LED light energy with an efficiency substantially equal to the internal quantum efficiency.

According to the bulk-type lens according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily change the optical path such as divergence and convergence of light without changing the light source itself such as an LED. The focus can be changed.

The "light source" according to the first aspect of the present invention does not need to be a coherent, but is preferably a light source that emits light in a specific direction at a predetermined divergence angle of about 10 to 20 degrees. . This is because if the divergence angle for emitting light in a specific direction is known, optical design such as condensing and dispersion becomes easy, and the radius of curvature of the first and second curved surfaces can be easily selected. Note that either one of the first and second curved surfaces is
It should be noted that the radius of curvature may include infinity, or may include a flat surface near infinity. This is because if one of the first and second curved surfaces has a predetermined (finite) radius of curvature that is not infinite, convergence and divergence of light can be controlled. Further, the “predetermined divergence angle” may include 0 °, that is, a parallel ray. In the case of a parallel ray, the bulk type lens according to the first feature of the present invention and the conventional thin lens have a remarkable effect. No difference is found. On the other hand, even when the divergence angle is 90 °, the light is effectively condensed via the concave side wall (side wall incident surface) because the housing almost completely covers the main light emitting portion of the light source. It is possible to This is an operation that is impossible with a conventional optical system such as a lens.
That is, the side wall incident surface (concave side wall portion) of the storage unit other than the main incident surface (ceiling portion) composed of the first curved surface also constitutes the first lens surface and can function as an effective light incident surface. .

More specifically, the “light source” according to the first aspect of the present invention is an LED molded with a transparent material having a first refractive index, and the housing section has a first refractive index and a first refractive index. The light source may be accommodated via a fluid or fluid having a different second refractive index. Here, “fluid” means a gas or liquid transparent to the wavelength of light emitted from the light source, and air can be used most simply. "Fluid" refers to a substance that is transparent to the wavelength of sol, colloid, or gel light. Alternatively, the “main light-emitting portion of the light source” according to the first aspect of the present invention is an end portion of an optical fiber having a transmission portion made of a transparent material having a first refractive index, and the storage portion is provided with the first light-emitting portion. The end of the optical fiber may be accommodated via a fluid or a fluid having a second refractive index different from the refractive index. In this case, the light source for inputting predetermined light from the other end of the optical fiber is not necessarily limited to the semiconductor light emitting device. This is because, even with light from an incandescent bulb, the end of the optical fiber accommodated in the concave portion (accommodating portion) of the bulk lens can be maintained at a low temperature.

In the first feature of the present invention, the outer diameter of the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium is 3 times the inner diameter of the storage portion (well-shaped concave portion).
It is preferable that the ratio is not less than twice and not more than 10 times. Increasing the ratio between the outer diameter and the inner diameter is equivalent to increasing the thickness of the side wall of the storage section (well-shaped recess) of the lens medium sufficiently. By increasing the thickness of the side wall sufficiently, the stray light component of the light source can be eliminated without using a structure in which a reflective film is provided on a tapered peripheral surface such as a front lens disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 62-92504. Can be effectively collected. The “stray light component” means a component of the output light that is incident on a part other than the ceiling (main incident surface) of the storage unit due to the divergence characteristic of the output light of the light source.
Since it is not essential to use a reflecting mirror on the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium, it is possible to provide a projection or a groove on the outer peripheral portion and use it for holding a bulk type lens and driving / controlling its position. . That is, even if another shape or structure such as a protrusion or a groove is added to the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium, it does not have a fatal effect on the light collecting characteristics of the lens.

In the bulk type lens according to the first aspect of the present invention, the protrusion amount of the first lens surface at the ceiling of the storage portion (well-shaped concave portion) is Δ, and the side surface in the direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens medium. the outer diameter of the outer peripheral portion as 2r _e made of, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship of _{0.025 <Δ / r e <0.075} ····· (3).

In the bulk-type lens according to the first aspect of the present invention, a housing portion formed of another well-shaped concave portion having a side wall portion having a surface parallel to the side wall portion is further arranged inside the lens medium. You may. In the bulk type lens according to the first aspect of the present invention, if the lens medium has flexibility or flexibility, the curvature of the outer top can be arbitrarily changed. Adjustment of distance becomes possible.

A second feature of the present invention is that the light-emitting body is constituted by the bulk-type lens defined by the first feature and a light source housed in a housing portion of the bulk-type lens. .

In the luminous body according to the second aspect of the present invention, if a semiconductor light emitting element which emits less heat when emitting light, particularly an LED, is used, the concave portion (housing portion) of the bulk lens can be used.
Even when a light source is housed inside the lens, the heat generation effect does not affect the bulk type lens, and reliability and stability can be maintained even during long-term operation, which is preferable. Alternatively, in the light emitter according to the second aspect of the present invention, the main light emitting portion of the light source has a transmission portion optically connected to a predetermined primary light source and made of a transparent material having a first refractive index. You may comprise as a secondary light source which consists of the end part of an optical fiber. The storage unit is provided with a fluid or a fluid having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index.
The next light source (the end of the optical fiber) is housed.

According to the illuminant according to the second feature of the present invention, a desired illuminance can be easily obtained with a small number of light sources. In addition, even if a reflecting mirror is not used on the outer peripheral portion or the bottom portion of the lens medium structurally, the component of the output light from the light source incident on a portion other than the ceiling portion (main incident surface) of the storage portion is almost 100%. Since light can be collected with light efficiency, an extremely bright luminous body can be realized. The illuminance exhibited by the illuminant is an illuminance that cannot be achieved by a conventionally known optical system, and is a sufficient brightness that cannot be predicted by conventional common sense in the art. Furthermore, this illuminant has low power consumption and no flicker.

In the second aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a light source position controlling / driving means for moving and controlling the position of the light source relative to the lens medium along the optical axis direction. Since the tapered reflective film disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 62-92504 is unnecessary, the outer peripheral portion of the bulk lens can have any shape. Therefore, light source position control / drive means having various structures can be configured by utilizing the outer peripheral portion of the bulk type lens. For example, a helical projection may be provided on the outer periphery of the bulk-type lens, and this may be used as a thread of a male screw to constitute a light source position control / drive unit.

A third feature of the present invention is that a photoreceptor is constituted by the bulk type lens defined by the first feature and a photodetector housed in a housing portion of the bulk type lens. And

An infrared detector such as a thermopile may be used as a photodetector to be stored in the storage section of the bulk type lens, and may be applied to temperature detection.

A fourth feature of the present invention is that the lighting device includes the illuminant defined by the second feature and a power supply connected to a light source of the illuminant. In particular, it is suitable for a portable lighting device such as a slender flashlight such as a penlight. A battery is preferable as the power supply unit of the portable lighting device. Furthermore, it is also suitable as a medical light for optometry and the like. As a light source of the lighting fixture, a semiconductor light emitting element which emits light of a predetermined wavelength by molding a semiconductor chip having electrodes connected to an anode and a cathode of the battery with a transparent material, particularly an LED, is preferable.

In the lighting equipment according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since a single semiconductor light emitting element may be used, the structure is simple and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, the potential light energy of the semiconductor light emitting device can be efficiently extracted by the bulk type lens, and sufficient illuminance required for illumination can be obtained. Further, the lighting fixture has excellent stability and reliability over a long period of time and does not flicker. Furthermore, the battery life is long due to low power consumption. In addition, since sufficient brightness as a lighting fixture can be obtained, it can be applied to a display device.

A fifth feature of the present invention is a first bulk type lens defined by the first feature, a light source housed in a storage portion of the first bulk type lens, and a first feature. The gist of the present invention is to provide an optical information communication system including a second bulk type lens to be used and a photoreceptor including a photodetector stored in a storage section of the second bulk type lens. In the optical information communication system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the ceiling portion and the side wall portion of the first concave portion of the first bulk lens have a first incidence surface, and the first outer top portion has a first emission surface. Functions as a surface. The second outer top of the second bulk lens functions as a second incident surface, and the ceiling and side walls of the second recess function as a second exit surface.

In the optical information communication system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an LED having a small heat generating action when emitting light is provided.
Using a semiconductor light emitting element such as described above, even when a light source is housed inside the concave portion (housing portion) of the bulk type lens,
The heat generation effect is preferable because the bulk type lens is not thermally affected, and the reliability and stability can be maintained even in long-term operation. In addition, as described in the second feature, an optical signal can be output with high efficiency. On the other hand, a photoreceptor in which light reaches a photodetector in a process reverse to that of a light emitter can perform extremely sensitive light detection as described in the third feature.

According to the fifth feature of the present invention, if semiconductor light emitting elements having the same structure are used for the light source and the photodetector, extremely high sensitivity detection can be achieved by the resonance effect of the forbidden band width.

A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to the method of manufacturing a bulk lens described in the first aspect. That is, the method for manufacturing a bulk lens according to the fifth aspect of the present invention includes the steps of (a)
(B) a step of pressing a movable mold having a storage section molding surface corresponding to the shape of the storage section against a fixed mold having an outer peripheral molding surface corresponding to the outer top portion and the outer peripheral section to completely adhere the movable mold;
A first injection step of injecting the molten transparent resin into a space formed by the fixed mold and the movable mold, (c) a cooling step, and (d) a melt formed in a gap formed by shrinkage of the resin in the cooling step. The present invention has at least a second injection step of injecting a transparent resin.

Since the transparent resin is again injected into the gap formed by the contraction of the resin in the cooling step in the second injection step,
The vicinity of the ceiling of the well-shaped concave portion is prevented from being decompressed. As a result, near the ceiling of the well-shaped recess,
It is possible to prevent the incorporation of bubbles and the occurrence of nests and abnormal shapes.

[0043]

Next, first to sixth embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and the planar dimension, the ratio of the thickness of each layer, and the like are different from actual ones. Therefore, specific thicknesses and dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following description. In addition, it is needless to say that dimensional relationships and ratios are different between drawings.

(First Embodiment) As shown in FIG.
The luminous body according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes at least a light source 1 that emits light of a predetermined wavelength, and a bulk lens 20 that covers the light source 1 almost completely. The bulk type lens 20 has an outer top portion (emission surface).
3. a bulk-type (bombshell-type) lens medium 4 having an outer peripheral portion consisting of a bottom and a side surface parallel to the optical axis, and an optical axis provided inside the lens medium 4 from the bottom toward the outer top 3 And a storage section 6 formed of a well-shaped recess having a side wall section formed in a plane in a parallel direction. The ceiling (recess ceiling) of the concave portion constituting the storage section 6 provided inside the lens medium 4 is the main incident surface (main incident surface of the first lens surface) 2, and the top (outside top) of the lens medium 4. Function as an exit surface (second lens surface) 3. Then, the light source 1 is completely housed in the housing 6.

The first lens surface (2, 5) comprises a main entrance surface 2 comprising a first curved surface and a side wall entrance surface 5 having a curvature different from that of the first curved surface. The storage section 6 is the first
And a concave side wall (side wall incident surface) 5 formed continuously with the concave ceiling 2 to form a concave. Light incident from the main incidence surface 2 is output from the second lens surface 3, that is, the emission surface 3 formed of a second curved surface. Main entrance surface 2 of lens medium 4
Since the portion connecting the light source and the emission surface 3 functions as an optical transmission unit, it is necessary to be made of a material transparent to the wavelength of light emitted from the light source.

The light source 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an LED chip 13 arranged on a base integrally connected to the first pin 11.
And a sealing resin 14 covering the LED chip 13,
The LED is a resin-molded LED that includes at least a first pin 11 and a pair of a second pin 12. The top of the main light emitting portion of this resin molded LED 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), it has a convex curved surface. Since the vicinity of the top of the sealing resin 14 forms a convex curved surface, light from the LED chip 13 is output to the right in FIG. 1 at a predetermined divergence angle.

Except for the convex curved surface, a resin mold
For example, the LED 1 having a diameter (outer diameter) 2r_LED=
2-3mm^φCylindrical shape. Of the bulk lens 20
The side wall of the housing 6 is the main part of the resin-molded LED 1.
2r diameter (inner diameter) so that the light emitting part can be stored_i= 2.
5-4mm^φCylindrical shape. Omit illustration
To fix the LED 1 and the bulk lens 20.
Between the LED 1 and the housing 6 of the bulk lens 20
, A spacer with a thickness of about 0.25 to 0.5 mm is inserted
Have been. That is, the outer diameter 2r of the LED 1_LEDAnd storage
2r inner diameter of part 6 _iAre almost identical and slightly
Outer diameter of 2r_LEDIs set smaller. Spec
The sensor is located at a position other than the main light emitting portion of the LED 1, that is, in FIG.
Then, if it is arranged to the left from the bottom of the LED chip 13,
good. The bulk lens 20 has a convex second curved surface.
Except for the outer top 3 which has an exit surface consisting of
It is a columnar shape similar to 1. This bulk type lens 20
Diameter (outer diameter) 2r of cylindrical part_eIs 10-30 mm
^φIt is. The diameter (outer diameter) 2r of the bulk lens 20
_eIs the usage of the illuminant according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Can be selected according to the target. Therefore, 10 mm^φBelow
Also, 30mm^φThat's fine. However, more
To increase the light collection efficiency, 10r_i > R_e > 3r_i It is preferable to satisfy the relationship of (4). Bulk lens 20
Diameter (outer diameter) 2r_eIs the inner diameter 2r of the storage section 6._iOf 10
Even at times or more, the bulk lens of the present invention functions,
Larger than necessary and desirable for miniaturization
Not good.

Generally, light emitted from portions other than the convex curved surface of the sealing resin 14 of the LED 1 becomes a so-called stray light component and does not contribute to illumination. However, in the bulk type lens 20 having a geometrical shape satisfying the expression (4), the stray light component composed of light emitted from a portion other than the convex curved surface is effective with a light collection efficiency close to 100%. To contribute to lighting. That is, the side wall portion (recess side wall portion) 5 of the storage section 6 other than the main incident surface (recess ceiling portion) 2 formed of the first curved surface can also function as an effective light incident surface (side wall incident surface). is there. LED1 and bulk lens 2
The component of light reflected at each interface between the storage unit 6 and the storage unit 6 is multiple-reflected and becomes a stray light component. In a conventionally known optical system such as a lens, these stray light components cannot be extracted so as to contribute to illumination. However, in the first embodiment of the present invention, these stray light components are also confined inside the storage section 6 and can enter through the concave side wall (side wall incident surface) 5. It can be a component that can contribute to illumination. By designing the geometrical structure with a sufficiently thick side wall so as to satisfy the expression (4), light input from the concave side wall 5 can be bulked without using a reflector on the outer periphery. It is possible to prevent output (leakage) from the outer peripheral portion of the mold lens 20 as it is. Of course, the light that is perpendicularly incident on the recess side wall 5 will leak from the outer periphery. However, light incident on the recess side wall 5 at a certain incident angle is refracted at a refraction angle determined by Snell's law. Storage section 6
When the thickness of the lens medium 4 located on the side wall of the lens increases,
Components leaking from the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium 4 decrease. When the geometrical shape satisfies the expression (4), it is considered that components leaking from the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium 4 can be almost ignored. In particular, in the resin-sealed LED, among the light emitted from places other than the curved surface of the convex shape, a component that is vertically incident on the recess side wall portion 5 is small.
It is considered that when the geometrical shape satisfies the expression (4), components leaking from the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium 4 can be almost ignored. As a result, the potential light energy of the LED chip 13 can be effectively used at an efficiency close to the internal quantum efficiency without depending on the light extraction efficiency such as the shape of the sealing resin 14 and the reflection component between the optical systems. Can be taken out.

FIG. 2A is a diagram for measuring a light intensity (illuminance) distribution in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction when the bulk lens 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used. It is a schematic diagram which shows a measurement system. The intensity (illuminance) of the output light from the emission surface of the bulk type lens 20 is measured by moving the illuminometer 102 in the y-axis direction with the measurement distance x from the LED 1 being constant. The measurement distance (x) is measured in the optical axis direction. On the other hand, FIG.
FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a configuration in a case where similar measurement is performed using a conventional thin lens (biconvex lens) 101. In the measurements shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the outer diameter of the bulk lens 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention was 30 mmφ, and the conventional thin lens (biconvex lens) used for comparison was used. The outer diameter of 101) was 63 mmφ, which is slightly more than twice this. As will be understood from the following description, even if the outer diameter of the thin lens 101 is slightly more than twice the diameter, it is possible to obtain the same optical characteristics as those of the bulk lens 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Can not. The thin lens 101 has a focal length of 190
mm, and arranged at a position of 150 mm in the x direction from LED1. In addition, the conventional optical system shown in FIG. 2B requires additional equipment such as a lens holder and a driving device in addition to the equipment shown in the figure, and the adjustment is complicated. In the bulk type lens 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the expansion and convergence of the optical path can be realized with a simple configuration.

FIG. 3 shows the intensity (in the y direction) of the output light of each of the bulk type lens 20, the thin lens 101, and the bare LED not using the bulk type lens according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the result when measuring (illuminance) distribution at the measurement distance x = 1m. First of the present invention
It can be seen that the bulk lens 20 according to the embodiment can obtain twice the illuminance as the thin lens 101.

FIG. 4 summarizes data obtained by measuring the intensity (illuminance) distribution along the y direction as in FIG. 3 while changing the measurement distance x. The horizontal axis of FIG. 4, the square of the inverse of the measured distance x, i.e. shows a 1 / x ^2, the vertical axis, the measured distance x
Indicates the maximum intensity (peak intensity). As shown in FIG. 4, for bulk lens 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the inverse square law, i.e. clean measuring points on a line indicating the 1 / x ² are plotted. On the other hand, the thin lens 10
In the case of 1, it is shown that the deviation is from the inverse square law. That is, in the case of the bulk type lens 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the parallelism of the output light beam is good, but in the case of the thin lens 101, since the beams are not parallel, the inverse square It turns out that it is out of the rule. Using a biconvex lens of another focal length, the LED 1 and the thin lens 101
The same is true even if the distance between is changed. Although it may be possible to use a biconvex lens having an infinite diameter, the first embodiment of the present invention can be realized with a compact arrangement as shown in FIG. It is impossible to obtain the same result as the bulk type lens 20 according to the above. From simple geometrical optics to conventional thin lens 10
In No. 1, it is impossible to bring the thin lens 101 closer to the LED 1 unless a convex lens having an extremely small focal length used for a microscope is used. However, when the thin lens 101 is brought closer to the LED 1 in this manner, the light collection efficiency is reduced. If a large short focal length lens is prepared to improve the light collection efficiency, the lens becomes thick and large, so that the distance between the LED 1 and the center of the thin lens 101 cannot be shortened substantially. After all, it can be concluded that an extremely large and complicated optical system is necessary to obtain the same result as the bulk type lens 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In other words, conventional thin lenses such as “biconvex lens”, “plano-convex lens”, “meniscus convex lens”, “biconcave lens”, “plano-concave lens”, and “concave meniscus lens” must use a large lens with an infinite diameter. The first of the present invention
A function equivalent to the bulk lens 20 according to the embodiment cannot be achieved.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the geometric structure of the bulk type lens 20 and the light collection rate according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the “light collection rate” is “the amount of output light at a divergence angle within ± 1 ° from the bulk lens 20”.
Is divided by “the amount of light at a divergence angle within ± 15 ° from the light source (LED)”. From FIG. 5, the second
Assuming that the radius of curvature of the lens surface (second curved surface) 3 is R and the total length of the bulk lens 20 is L, in order to improve the light collection rate, the above-described equations (1) and (2) are used. It turns out that it is preferable to satisfy. Here, n is the refractive index of the bulk lens 20. Note that the radius r _e of the cylindrical portion of the bulk lens 20 and the radius of curvature of the second curved surface are R
Does not necessarily have to be equal (generally, r _e ≦ R).

FIG. 6 shows each bulk type lens 2 shown in FIG.
0, that is, the radius of curvature R of each second curved surface, the overall length L of the bulk lens 20, the first and second
The distance D between the lens surfaces, inside diameter r _i and the first housing section 6
4 is a table showing the height Δ of the convex portion formed by the lens surface of FIG. Here, “the height Δ of the convex portion formed by the first lens surface” refers to FIG.
Is the protrusion amount Δ of the convex portion (first curved surface) formed on a part (concave ceiling portion) 2 of the first lens surface defined by:

The bulk type lens 20 shown in FIG. 1 had a smooth concave first lens surface (2, 5) and a convex second lens surface 3. However, FIG. 1 is an example, and the first lens surface (2, 5) and the second lens surface 3
Various shapes can be adopted according to the purpose. Then, the height Δ of the convex portion formed by the first lens surface can take both a positive value and a negative value. Also, Δ = 0 may be used. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, a case where a part (concave ceiling) 2 of the first lens surface (2, 5) has a convex shape is defined in the positive direction of Δ.

8 (a) to 8 (c), FIGS. 9 (a) to 9
(C) and FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c) are diagrams showing the relationship between the height Δ of the protrusion shown in FIG. 7 and the beam intensity profile. Outer diameter 2r _e cylindrical portion of the bulk-shaped lens 20 used for measurement 15 mm, a bulk-shaped lens 20
Has a total length L of 25 mm, and a distance D between a part of the first lens surface (recessed ceiling) 2 and the second lens surface 3 is 16 m.
m, inner diameter 2r _i of the receiving portion 6 5.2 mm, the refractive index n of the bulk-shaped lens 20 is 1.54. The radius of curvature R of the second lens surface 3 of the bulk lens 20 is 8.25 m.
m. The resin-molded LED used for the measurement
The outer shape of 1 is 5 mm. FIG. 11 shows FIG.
(A) to 8 (c), FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (c), and FIG.
(A) the height Δ of the convex portion obtained from the results of (c) to (c),
It is a figure which shows the relationship with the flatness of illuminance in the irradiation area within the range of +/- 15cm at 1 m of measurement distance. Here, the flatness of the illuminance is defined by ((maximum value) − (minimum value)) / (average value) (5). Outer diameter 2r _e = 15 of bulk type lens 20
In the case of mm, it is understood that 0.2 mm <Δ <0.6 mm (6) is preferable for improving the flatness of the illuminance. More generally, it may be selected and an outer diameter 2r _e height Δ and the outer peripheral portion of the convex portion so as to satisfy the above-described (3).

[0056] Figure 12 is an outer diameter 2r _e bulk lens 20 of the present invention 10 mm [phi, having a diameter of 15 mm, the illuminance distribution in the measured distance x = 0.5 m when changing the 30mmφ shown. According outer diameter 2r _e bulk lens 20 becomes large, and it is shown that the relative illuminance increases.

FIG. 13 shows the measurement of FIG. 12 in further detail. The results are shown in terms of the relative illuminance (arbitrary scale) with the thickness between the inner wall and the outer wall of the bulk lens 20 as the horizontal axis. This is shown on the vertical axis. This shows that the relative illuminance becomes brighter as the thickness between the inner wall portion and the outer wall portion increases.

FIG. 14 shows the outer diameter / inner diameter ratio of the bulk type lens 20 on the horizontal axis and the relative illuminance (arbitrary scale) on the vertical axis. This shows that the relative illuminance increases as the outer diameter / inner diameter ratio increases. In particular, when the outer diameter / inner diameter ratio is 2.5 or more, a remarkable increase effect is recognized. It can be seen that when the outer diameter / inner diameter ratio is 10 or more, the increasing effect tends to be saturated. In consideration of the actual outer diameter of the LED, the bulk lens 20 having an outer diameter / inner diameter ratio of 10 or more inevitably has a large diameter. However, in the bulk-type lens 20 having a large diameter, bubbles easily enter the lens medium 4 or cracks easily enter the lens medium 4, which involves difficulty in manufacturing technology. It is also not desirable from the viewpoint of miniaturization of the device. Therefore, considering FIG. 14, the outer diameter / inner diameter ratio is 3 or more and 1
It is understood that a value of 0 or less is preferable for the bulk lens 20.

FIG. 15 shows a resin-molded LE in the housing 6 of the bulk type lens 20 having an outer diameter of 2r _e = 15 mmφ.
In the case where D1 is stored, the intensity (illuminance) distribution along the y direction of each output light in the case where a rear mirror is attached to the rear portion and the outer wall portion of the bulk type lens 20 and in the case where the rear mirror is not provided. It is a figure to compare. In FIG. 15, the measurement is performed at the measurement distance x = 1 m. L molded with resin
When the ED 1 is stored in the storage section 6 of the bulk lens 20, it can be seen that the illuminance hardly changes with or without the rear mirror. That is, in the bulk type lens 20, the thickness of the bulk type lens 20 between the inner wall portion and the outer wall portion is
By selecting a sufficiently large thickness as shown in the relationship of FIG. 13, due to its structure, the stray light component passes through the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium 4 and becomes There is almost no leak. It can be seen that the light incident from these side wall incident surfaces is finally emitted from the exit surface of the bulk lens 20 as an effective illumination component. That is, the bulk type lens 20
Is a structure in which the stray light component of the LED 1 is almost completely (with a light collection efficiency close to 100%) efficiently output from the second lens surface 3 without using a reflecting mirror on the outer peripheral portion or the bottom portion of the lens medium 4. You can see that. In other words, FIG. 15 shows that, in the bulk type lens 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, if the side wall portion is made sufficiently thick, the rear mirror at the outer peripheral portion and the bottom portion of the lens medium 4 is meaningless. is there. The “light collection efficiency close to 100%” is because light that is perpendicularly incident on the concave portion side wall portion 5 will leak from the outer peripheral portion. But,
Light incident on the concave side wall 5 at each incident angle determined by the structure of the resin-sealed LED 1 is refracted inside the lens medium 4 at a refraction angle determined by Snell's law. Storage section 6
When the thickness of the lens medium 4 located on the side wall of the lens increases,
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the component leaking from the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium 4 decreases, and conversely, the second lens surface 3
, And the components that are output efficiently increase. And
When the geometrical shape satisfies the expression (4), components leaking from the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium 4 can be almost ignored. In particular, in the resin-sealed LED 1, due to its structure, of the light emitted from a place other than the convex curved surface, the component that is perpendicularly incident on the recessed side wall portion 5 is relatively less than other stray light components. Therefore, if the geometrical shape satisfies the expression (4), the component leaking from the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium 4 can be almost ignored, and the light is efficiently emitted from the second lens surface 3 with a light collection efficiency close to 100%. It can be estimated that it will output.
For this reason, as shown in FIG.
In the case of ED1, it is considered that the result that the illuminance hardly changed with or without the rear mirror was obtained.

The LED 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention
Is the first refractive index n₁Transparent material such as epoxy resin with
Mold. Then, the bulk type lens 20
Is the first refractive index n₁A second refractive index n different from₀With
LED1 is housed through the air. Other than air
LED 1 is stored in storage section 6 via fluid or fluid
You may. For the wavelength of light emitted from LED1
Various “fluids” can be used if they are transparent gases or liquids.
Is available. LED 1 and bulk lens 2 in storage section 6
Between 0 and 0, use of a spacer oil or the like is also possible.
In addition, various sols and colloids as "fluids"
Alternatively, a gel-like transparent substance can be used. Also, bulk type ren
20 is the second refractive index n₀A third refractive index n different from
₂May be provided. First refractive index n₁, Second
Refractive index n₀, And a third refractive index n ₂The best for each
By selecting an appropriate value, the light from the LED chip 13
Can be converged or dispersed. or,
Third refractive index n of the light transmission unit of the bulk lens 20
₂To gradually increase or decrease
Then, the optical path may be designed.

As described above, according to the illuminant according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a desired irradiation as a light beam contributing to illumination can be achieved without requiring a large number of resin-molded LEDs 1. The luminous flux of the area can be secured, and the desired illuminance can be easily obtained. This illuminance is an illuminance that cannot be achieved by a conventionally known optical system such as a lens. Surprisingly, the illuminance was as low as that of a thin flashlight using a halogen lamp currently on the market. As described above, according to the illuminant according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize illuminance that cannot be predicted at all with the conventional common sense with a simple structure as shown in FIG.

As the resin-molded LED 1 used for the light-emitting body according to the first embodiment of the present invention, LEDs of various colors (wavelengths) can be used. However, for the purpose of use as a portable lighting device such as a flashlight, a white LED is preferable because it is natural for human eyes. White LEDs having various structures can be used. For example, three (red), green (G), and blue (B) LED chips may be stacked vertically. Without stacking three LED chips of red (R), green (G) and blue (B),
On the same plane level, they may be arranged close enough to be regarded as a point light source. In this case, a total of six pins may be led out from the sealing resin 14 corresponding to the LED chips of each color, and six pins are integrated into two as internal wiring of the sealing resin 14. Two external pins may be provided. If one electrode (ground electrode) is shared, four external pins are sufficient. In any case,
Red (R), green (G) and blue (B) LEDs
If the driving voltages (driving currents) of the chips can be controlled independently of each other, all colors can be mixed (synthesized), and white light can be obtained. Further, any color other than white light can be easily obtained by color synthesis in which the emission intensity of each of the RGB colors is controlled, and it is possible to enjoy a change in color tone.

A white LED is used as the resin-molded LED 1 shown in FIG. Then, a pen-type slender flashlight (penlight) will be completed. A white LED 1 is connected to the anode and the cathode of the battery of this lighting fixture, respectively.
What is necessary is just to make the structure which connects these electrodes. As a result, a flashlight (portable lighting device) with a simple structure and low manufacturing cost can be provided. Alternatively, a lighting fixture such as a medical light using a specific color obtained by color synthesis by controlling the emission intensity of each of the RGB colors can be configured. Arbitrary colors in the visible light spectrum band can be obtained by color synthesis in which the emission intensity of each of the RGB colors is controlled. These lighting fixtures have excellent stability and reliability over a long period of time, and in particular, have an unpredictable excellent property that the battery life is long because of low power consumption.

As the bulk type lens 20 used for the luminous body according to the first embodiment of the present invention, various plastics such as acrylic resin, quartz glass, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, lead glass, etc. Glass materials and the like can be used. Alternatively, ZnO, ZnS, SiC
Or other crystalline materials. Further, a material such as a sol, a gel, a sol-gel mixture, or a transparent rubber having flexibility, flexibility and elasticity may be used. Further, a sol, a gel, a sol-gel mixture, or the like may be used by being stored in a transparent rubber or a flexible transparent plastic material. Of which
A transparent plastic material such as an acrylic resin is a material suitable for mass-producing the bulk lens 20. That is, once a mold is formed and molded using the mold, the bulk lens 20 can be easily mass-produced.

However, according to the simple injection molding, air bubbles are trapped, nests are formed near the ceiling 2 of the well-shaped concave portion 6 shown in FIG. 1, and abnormal shapes such as spikes and icicles are generated. I understood. According to the inventor's detailed study,
It has been found that the occurrence of such an abnormal shape is due to the fact that in injection molding, when the molten transparent resin is cooled, the resin shrinks and the vicinity of the ceiling 2 of the well-shaped concave portion 6 is in a reduced pressure state. . For example, polycarbonate shrinks by about 0.4% per 1 ° C., so that the pressure in the vicinity of the ceiling 2 is reduced. Therefore, in order to manufacture the bulk type lens 20 having a good geometric shape, the following method may be used.

(A) First, a molding die for manufacturing the bulk lens 20 is prepared. The molding die is roughly divided into an upper half fixed die receiver, a lower half movable die receiver, and a release mechanism. A fixed mold is fitted inside the fixed mold receiver. The fixed mold has a fixed mold forming surface for forming the outer top 3 and the outer peripheral portion of the bulk mold lens. A gate is provided at the center of the fixed mold, into which a resin liquid obtained by hot-melting a transparent resin as a material for forming the bulk lens 20 is injected. The gate is connected to a resin liquid supply mechanism, and the hot-melted transparent resin is intermittently supplied. The movable mold receiver has a movable mold fitted therein. This movable mold is provided with a male mold having a cylindrical housing portion forming surface having a curved top surface corresponding to the shape of the housing portion 6 in order to form the housing portion 6 of the bulk lens 20. The release mechanism has a vertically movable protruding plate slidably provided therein. A protruding pin is fixed to an end of the protruding plate, and penetrates the hole to communicate with the movable mold. The lower portion of the projecting plate is connected to a vertical movement mechanism, and pushes the projecting plate upward when the projecting pin is made to project. Then, the movable mold receiver is pressed against the fixed mold receiver, and comes into close contact with the movable mold receiver. Then, it is heated to a predetermined mold temperature.

(B) Next, in the first injection step, the molten transparent resin is injected from the gate into the space formed by the fixed mold and the movable mold. As the transparent resin, resins such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), acryl, ABS, and AB can be used. For example, the pellets fed from the hopper are melted by heating and shearing heat in a cylinder arranged adjacent to the molding die, and the transparent resin is injected into the gate by high pressure using a hydraulic motor or the like. A screw may be provided in the cylinder, and the material may be melted by rotation of the screw. Since the gate is provided at the center of the fixed mold at the time of the resin injection, the molten transparent resin is uniformly filled up to the end of the space of the mold in which the bulk lens 20 is molded.

(C) After the resin injection, a first cooling step is performed.
The resin is left to cool for a certain period of time in a molding die. The first cooling step is a step of cooling the resin to an intermediate temperature at which the resin is not completely cooled to room temperature.

(D) When the resin cools, a gap is formed for the expansion coefficient of the resin. From the first cooling step, the transparent resin melted again in the second injection step is again injected from the gate to the gap caused by cooling the resin to an intermediate temperature.

(E) After the resin is injected in the second injection step, a second cooling step is performed, and the resin is left for a certain period of time to cool the resin to room temperature in the molding die.

(F) When the resin is cooled to room temperature, the bulk lens 20 solidified in the molding die is taken out. For example, the solenoid valve connected to the compressor on the fixed mold receiving side is operated to squeeze compressed air toward the bulk lens 20 from the annular slit of the fixed mold (fixed mold air blow). Then, the movable mold receiver is lowered integrally with the release mechanism. By this compressed air ejection, the bottom portion of the bulk lens 20 where the storage portion 6 is formed is easily released from the fixed mold of the fixed mold receiver, and is closely attached to the movable mold side together with the movable mold receiver. Going down.

(G) In the movable mold receiver separated from the fixed mold receiver, the solenoid valve connected to the compressor on the movable mold receiver side operates, and compressed air is supplied from the annular slit of the movable mold receiver to the bulk mold. Injects in the direction of the lens 20 (movable mold air blow). Thereby, the storage section 6 of the bulk lens 20 is formed.
And an air layer is formed between the movable mold and the housing molding surface of the movable mold,
The bulk mold lens 20 is released from the movable mold receiver without being damaged. Also, at the same time as this movable mold air blow,
The protruding plate moves upward to protrude the protruding pin from the hole of the movable mold toward the bulk lens 20. This assists the bulk-type lens 20 to be easily released from the movable mold 21 and raises the bulk-type lens 20 from the cylindrical male mold of the movable mold. It is easy to remove from the molding die.

According to the above method, the first cooling step cools the resin to an intermediate temperature at which the resin is not completely cooled to room temperature. Is injected, so that the vicinity of the ceiling portion 2 of the well-shaped concave portion 6 is prevented from being decompressed. As a result, the ceiling 2 of the well-shaped recess 6 shown in FIG.
Can be prevented from taking in bubbles or generating an abnormal shape in the vicinity of the lens, and a bulk type lens 20 having a good geometric shape can be formed.

(Second Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 16, a luminous body according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises a light source 1 for emitting light of a predetermined wavelength, And at least a bulk type lens 20 covering the same. The bulk type lens 20 has an outer top portion 3,
A bulk type lens medium 4 having an outer peripheral portion having a bottom and a side surface parallel to the optical axis, and a surface parallel to the optical axis provided inside the lens medium 4 from the bottom toward the outer top 3. And a storage part 6 formed of a well-shaped concave part having a side wall part. The ceiling portion 2 and the side wall portion 5 of the storage unit 6 provided inside the lens medium 4 have a first lens surface (2, 5) as an incident surface, and the outer top 3 of the lens medium has an output surface. It functions as the second lens surface 3.
The light source 1 is completely housed in the housing 6.

The light source 1 has, for example, a maximum portion diameter (outer diameter).
2 to 3 mm ^phi of iodine _{(I 2)} tungsten lamp (halogen lamp), i.e. incandescent beans lamp shape. The bulk type lens 20 has a bullet-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. Inside diameter 2r _i recess side wall 5 of the housing part 6 of the bulk-shaped lens 20 has a light source to allow housing of the main light-emitting portion of the (incandescent bulb) 1, has a cylindrical shape of ^_2r i = _{2.5~4mm φ} . Although not shown, in order to fix the light source 1 and the bulk lens 20, a thickness of 1 to 1 is provided between the socket part of the light source 1 and the storage part 6 of the bulk lens 20.
A spacer of about 2.5 mm is inserted (the “socket portion” means a portion on the electrode lead side (left side) of the light source 1 in FIG. 16). Bullet-type bulk lens 2
The diameter (outer diameter) 2r _e of the columnar portion of 0 is the second diameter of the invention.
Can be selected according to the purpose of use of the luminous body according to the embodiment. Therefore, even in less than 10mm ^φ, does not matter even more than 30mm ^φ. However, the expressions (1) to (3) already described
Of course, it is preferable to select the geometrical structure of the bulk lens 20 so as to satisfy the expression or the expression (6). Also, the bulk-shaped lens 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention has different refractive index n ₁ is the refractive index n ₀ of air.

The light from the incandescent bulb 1 emits light almost isotropically. In FIG. 16, the concave side wall (side wall incident surface) 5 of the storage section 6 other than the main incident surface 2 (ceiling portion) can also function as an effective light incident surface (first lens surface). In the case of the light from the incandescent sphere 1, more components are incident on the lens medium 4 from the side wall incident surface 5 with respect to the main incident surface 2 than the output light of the LED. Then, between the light source 1 and the storage section 6 of the bulk lens 20, the light components reflected at the respective interfaces are multiple-reflected and become stray light components. In a conventionally known optical system such as a lens, these stray light components cannot be extracted so as to contribute to illumination. However, in the second embodiment of the present invention, these stray light components are also confined inside the storage section 6 and enter the lens medium 4 from the side wall incident surface 5, so that they eventually contribute to illumination. It can be a possible component. As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the light incident from the side wall incident surface 5 can be effectively condensed, and isotropically including the stray light component emitted from the light source 1. All of the emitted output light can effectively contribute to illumination.

As described above, according to the illuminant according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a light beam having a desired irradiation area can be used as a light beam contributing to illumination without requiring a large number of light sources 1. And the desired illuminance can be easily obtained. This illuminance is an illuminance that cannot be achieved by a conventionally known optical system such as a lens. As described above, according to the luminous body according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the illuminance that cannot be predicted at all with the common general knowledge of the related art can be obtained with a simple structure as shown in FIG.
Can be realized. As is clear from the comparison between FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, in order to obtain the same light condensing characteristics as in the present invention, when a conventional thin lens (convex lens) is used, the diameter thereof is Even if the diameter is twice as large as the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the bulk type lens 20 of the present invention, even if it is about three times, the parallelism of the beam cannot be obtained. That is, miniaturization exceeding one third has been achieved.

A light source (incandescent bulb) 1 is used as a bulk type lens 20 used for the light emitting body according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Considering the heat generation of the above, a heat-resistant optical material is preferable. As the heat-resistant optical material, heat-resistant glass such as quartz glass and sapphire glass is preferable. Or polysulfone resin,
A heat-resistant optical material such as a heat-resistant resin such as a polyether sulfone resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyetheresteramide resin, a methacrylic resin, an amorphous polyolefin resin, and a polymer material having a perfluoroalkyl group can be used. A crystalline material such as SiC may be used. In the case where a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED is used as the light source 1, a resin having low heat resistance, such as an acrylic resin, can be used because it does not generate heat.

(Third Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 17, a photoreceptor according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a pin photodiode or an avalanche photo detector for detecting light of a predetermined wavelength. It comprises at least a photodiode (photodetector) 50 such as a diode and a bulk lens 20 that almost completely covers the photodiode. The bulk lens 20 has an entrance surface (second lens surface) 3 formed of a second curved surface. From the bottom of the lens medium 4 toward the outer top 3, a storage section 6 for storing the light receiving section of the photodetector (photodiode) 50 is formed. The ceiling (recessed ceiling) 2 of the recess is formed of a first curved surface. Light incident from the entrance surface (second lens surface) 3 exits with the concave ceiling 2 as the main exit surface. To be more precise, the first lens surface serving as an emission surface is constituted by the recess ceiling portion (main emission surface) 2 and the recess side wall portion (sidewall emission surface) 5. Then, the light from the first lens surface (2, 5) is condensed on the light receiving section of the photodetector 50 and enters the photodiode chip 9.

The photodetector 50 shown in FIG.
And at least a photodiode chip 9 disposed on a base and integrally connected to the base, and a second pin 52 paired with the first pin 51.

[0081] internal diameter 2r _i recess side wall 5 of the housing part 6 of the bulk-shaped lens 20, such that it houses the light detector 50, and has a cylindrical shape of _2r i = _{2.5~4mm ^φ.} Although not shown, in order to fix the photodetector 50 and the bulk lens 20, a thickness of 0.25 to 0 is provided between the photodetector 50 and the housing 6 of the bulk lens 20. .
A spacer of about 5 mm is inserted. This spacer is located at a position excluding the main light receiving portion of the photodetector 50, ie, in FIG.
In this case, the photo diode chip 9 may be disposed on the left side of the bottom surface. The bulk type lens 20 has a cylindrical shape except for an outer top portion 3 having a main incident surface (second lens surface) 3 formed of a convex second curved surface. The diameter (outer diameter) 2r _e cylindrical portion of the bulk-type lens 20 is 10
30 mm ^φ . Diameter (outer diameter) of bulk type lens 20
2r _e can selected according to the intended use of the photoreceptor according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, even in less than 10mm ^φ, does not matter even more than 30mm ^φ.

(Fourth Embodiment) Further, an optical information communication system can be constituted by the light emitter shown in FIG. 1 and the light receiver according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Light Emitting Element] As shown in FIG. 18A, a light emitting element according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is provided in a bulk lens 24 and a first storage portion 6t of the bulk lens 24. And a light source 1 that emits light of a predetermined wavelength stored therein. The bulk lens 24 has a first outer top 3t,
A first lens medium 4t having an outer peripheral portion composed of a bottom portion of the first lens medium and a side surface in a direction parallel to the first optical axis, and a first storage portion 6t provided inside the first lens medium 4t. You. The first storage section 6t is formed of a well-shaped recess formed from the first bottom of the first lens medium 4t toward the first outer top 3. This well-shaped concave portion has a side wall portion formed of a surface parallel to the optical axis.

The light source 1 is configured to be relatively movable in the outer top 3 direction or the rear surface direction inside the first housing portion 6t of the bulk lens 24 by the light source position control / drive means. . As a part of the light source position controlling / driving means, a back support 30t disposed on the rear surface of the bulk lens is disposed. The rear support 30t is formed to extend to a part of the side surface of the bulk lens 24. In order to relatively move the light source 1 and the bulk lens 24 including the back support 30t, a projection 40 is formed on the bulk lens. The projection 40 also functions as a part of the light source position control / drive unit.

In FIG. 18A, the back support 30t
Are formed of a main support portion 31t disposed directly on the rear surface of the bulk lens 24 and a small rear mirror 32t disposed in the middle of the LED holder 45. This small back mirror 32
t may be arranged immediately after the light source 1. In addition, the small rear mirror 32t may be arranged double in the middle of the LED holder 45 and immediately after the light source 1, or may be omitted altogether in view of the result shown in FIG. In FIG. 18A, the back support 30t covers a part of the side surface of the bulk lens 24, but may be formed so as to cover almost the entire side surface of the bulk lens 24. In this case, the projection 40 is formed on the rear mirror. The back support 30t may be formed by grinding a metal such as aluminum, brass, stainless steel or the like using a lathe or a milling machine, or by molding using a press machine, and then polishing the surface. Furthermore, if these surfaces are plated with nickel (Ni) or gold (Au), the reflectivity is improved, so that they can function as a reflector.
As a low-cost and simple method, a structure in which a metal thin film having a high reflectance such as an Al thin film is bonded may be used. Alternatively, the thermoplastic resin is formed by extrusion molding or injection molding as shown in FIG.
(A) A structure in which a metal thin film or a dielectric multilayer film having high reflectivity such as an Al foil is deposited on the surface by vacuum evaporation or sputtering, or a highly reflective polyester white film or the like is adhered to the surface. But it doesn't matter. Further, a structure in which a metal thin film or a dielectric multilayer film having a high reflectivity is directly deposited on the rear surface of the bulk lens 14 by vacuum evaporation or sputtering, a structure in which a metal thin film having a high reflectivity is formed by plating, or a composite film thereof is also used. I do not care.

The light source 1 shown in FIG.
The LED chip 13 fitted in the hollow portion of the LED holder 45 connected to the
The resin-molded LED includes at least a sealing resin 14t covering the ED chip 13 and a second pin 12 paired with the first pin 11. Small rear mirror 31
Has a hole through which the first pin 11 and the second pin 12 penetrate, and the first pin 11 and the second pin
Is considered so as not to be electrically short-circuited with the pin 12. The light from the LED chip 13 has a double-sided light emitting structure in which the light is also extracted from the back side of the LED chip 13 (rightward in FIG. 18A). The support ring does not need to be a completely closed ring, but may be a C-shaped, U-shaped, or other non-closed ring. In short, any structure that can fix a part of the end face of the light source 1 may be used.

The protrusion 40 provided on the bulk type lens 24
Are arranged in a ring shape in the circumferential direction on the side surface of the bulk type lens 24, and although not shown, the bulk type lens 2
4 is formed corresponding to the depression of the lens holder covering the side surface. Also, a plurality of the ring-shaped protrusions 40 may be arranged in the optical axis direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 18A). Further, the projection 40 may be formed of a plurality of small projections radially arranged in the circumferential direction instead of a continuous ring shape. Or bulk type lens 2
A plurality of depressions or the like may be formed on the outer surface of the rear support 4 or 4. A simple way is to use the bulk type lens 24
May be formed in the outer surface of the screw thread having a spiral projection to form a male screw. Or form a spiral groove,
An external thread may be formed. Since there is no need to make the outer periphery of the lens medium 4 a reflecting mirror, the outer periphery of the lens medium 4 can be freely deformed into a desired shape. Also, a female screw thread is formed in the storage portion 6t of the bulk lens 24, and the LED is formed.
An external thread may be formed in the holder 45 to constitute light source position control / drive means. As an extreme example, nothing may be formed as long as it is firmly held and focus adjustment is possible.

Except for the hemispherical head, the light source 1 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with a diameter (outer diameter) of 3 to 5 mm. The side wall of the storage section 6t of the bulk lens 24 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter (inner diameter) of 4 to 6 mm so that the light source 1 can be stored. As shown in FIG. 18A, the light source 1 has a head fixed to a cup-shaped LED holder 45, and the light source 1 is held via the LED holder 45. The LED holder 45 may be made of an optically transparent material having high electrical insulation.

The bulk type lens 24 has a cylindrical shape substantially similar to the light source 1. The diameter (outer diameter) of the cylindrical portion of the bulk lens 24 is 10 to 30 mm. The diameter (outer diameter) of the bulk lens 24 can be selected according to the purpose of use of the illuminant according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it may be 10 mm or less, or 30 mm or more.

The cross section of the projection 40 is, for example, 1 to 2 m in width.
m, 1.5 to 3 mm in height. The length in the circumferential direction is not limited, but is preferably 3 mm or more.
As the material, the bulk type lens 24 and the back support 30t are used.
The same material as described above may be used and may be formed simultaneously. Further, a member made of a completely different material may be attached with an adhesive. Any shape, material, arrangement, and formation method may be adopted as long as the force transmitted from the lens holder can be transmitted to the bulk type lens 24.

In a general resin-molded LED, light emitted from portions other than the convex curved surface of the sealing resin 14t becomes a so-called stray light component and does not contribute to illumination. However, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, since the light source 1 is almost completely confined in the storage portion 6t of the bulk lens 24 and can enter from the side wall incidence surface of the storage portion 6t, these stray light components Can be output from the outer top 3 which will eventually be the exit surface. As a result, the potential LED chip 13 does not depend on the light extraction efficiency such as the shape of the sealing resin 14t or the reflection component between the optical systems.
Light energy can be effectively extracted. Furthermore, since the light source 1 is relatively moved via the light source position control / drive unit using the projection 40 and the focus can be adjusted, a parallel light beam having directivity and a light beam having an arbitrary divergence angle are obtained. I can do it. That is, the light emitted from the light source 1 can be used to the utmost.

In FIG. 18A, the bulk type lens 2
The outer top 3 of 4 has an emission surface composed of a hemispherical curved surface. However, FIG. 18A is an example, and various shapes can be adopted for the curved surface depending on the purpose, and a bulk type lens having an emission surface formed of a concave curved surface may be used.

[Photoreceptor] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18B, the photoreceptor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises a bulk lens 25 and a second housing of the bulk lens 25. And a photodetector 50 for detecting light of a predetermined wavelength stored in the section 6r. The bulk lens 25 includes a second lens medium 4r having a second outer top 3r, a second bottom, and an outer periphery including a side surface in a direction parallel to the second optical axis,
A second housing portion formed of a well-shaped recess having a side wall portion formed in a direction parallel to the optical axis and provided inside the second lens medium 4r from the second bottom portion to the second outer top portion 3. 6r. Recessed ceiling part 2 of second storage part 6r
r functions as the main emission surface 2 and the second outer top portion 3r functions as the incidence surface.

The photoreceptor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention further has a photodetector position control / drive means for relatively moving the photodetector 50 in the direction of the outer top 3r or the rear surface. . The photodetector position control / drive means uses, as a part thereof, a back support 30r disposed on the rear surface of the bulk lens 25. The back support 30r is formed to extend to almost the entire side surface of the bulk lens 25. The photodetector position controlling / driving means moves the photodetector 50 and the bulk lens 25 including the rear support 30r relatively to each other.
1 is used as a part thereof. In FIG. 18B, the rear support 30r is formed of a main support 31r directly disposed on the rear surface of the bulk lens 25 and a small rear mirror 32r disposed immediately after the photodetector 50. . This small rear mirror 32r may be arranged in the middle of the light receiving element holder 55. In addition, the small rear mirror 32r may be arranged double in the middle of the light receiving element holder 55 and immediately after the photodetector 50, or may be omitted at all. In FIG. 18B, the back support 30r covers almost the entire side surface of the bulk lens 25, but may be formed so as to cover only a part of the side surface of the bulk lens 25. . In this case, the projection is formed on the bulk lens 25.

The photodetector 50 shown in FIG. 18B is fitted into the hollow portion of the light receiving element holder 55 connected to the first pin 51, and the photodiode chip 9 having its end fixed is disposed. And at least a sealing resin 14r for covering the photodiode chip 9 and a second pin 52 paired with the first pin 51. The diameter (outer diameter) of the hemispherical head and the cylindrical body of the photodetector 50 is, for example, 3 to 5 mm.

Here, regarding the photoreceptor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the light source 1 of the luminous body shown in FIG.
Since the light source 1 and the light detector 50 are substantially the same in shape, they will not be described again.

In conclusion, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the photodetector 50 is almost completely enclosed in the storage portion 6r of the bulk lens 25, and the rear surface of the bulk lens 25 is 30r is provided, and the position of the photodetector 50 can be adjusted via the photodetector position control / drive means using the protrusion 41. Therefore, light incident from the outer top 3 serving as a light receiving surface can be adjusted. Can be used to the utmost.

According to the photoreceptor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the sensitivity which cannot be predicted at all by the conventional common sense is
This can be realized with a simple structure as shown in FIG.

[Optical Information Communication System] In the optical information communication system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, if a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED having a small heat generation effect at the time of light emission is used, the bulk type lens 20 can be used. When the light source 1 is housed inside the concave portion (housing portion) 6t,
The heat generation effect is preferable because the bulk type lens 20 is not thermally affected, and the reliability and stability can be maintained even during long-term operation. Further, as described in the first embodiment of the present invention, an optical signal can be output with high efficiency. On the other hand, the photoreceptor reaches the photodetector in a process reverse to that of the luminous body, and enables extremely sensitive light detection.
The optical information communication system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention uses optical information as encryption or the like in addition to simple optical communication,
It may be used for opening and closing a door, opening and closing a safe, or opening and closing a drawer of a desk, and used in a security system or the like.

(Fifth Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 19A, a luminous body according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible or flexible flexible bulk lens 20f. And the light source 1 housed in the housing 6f of the flexible bulk lens 20f. The flexible bulk type lens 20f includes an outer top 3f serving as an emission surface, a rear surface facing the outer top 3f, an optical transmission unit connecting the outer top 3f and the rear surface, and a part of the rear surface extending along the outer top 3f direction. And at least a storage section 6f formed inside the optical transmission section. A part or the whole of the flexible bulk lens 20f is formed of a material (flexible lens medium) 4f which has flexibility or flexibility and can be easily deformed.

The light source 1 shown in FIG.
And an LED chip 13 having its end fixed and arranged
And a sealing resin 14 covering the LED chip 13,
The LED is a resin-molded LED that includes at least a first pin 11 and a pair of a second pin 12. This light source 1 has a hemispherical head and a cylindrical body, and the diameter (outer diameter) of the body is, for example, 3 to 5 mm. FIG.
The flexible bulk type lens 20f of (a) has a shape substantially similar to the light source 1. The diameter (outer diameter) of the cylindrical portion of the flexible bulk lens 20f is, for example, 1
It is 0 to 30 mm, but may be 10 mm or less or 30 mm or more. In addition, flexible bulk type lens 20f
Is formed into a cylindrical shape having a diameter (inner diameter) of 3.5 to 5.5 mm so that the light source 1 can be stored therein.

The light source 1 is a flexible bulk type lens 2
0f is fixed to a storage portion 6f formed inside 0f by an adhesive or the like. However, the flexible bulk type lens 2
The diameter (inner diameter) of the storage portion 6f formed inside of the light source 1f is set to be slightly smaller than the diameter (outer diameter) of the light source 1, and the storage portion 6f is formed.
It may be fixed by utilizing the elasticity. Further, the fixing may be performed by using both the adhesive and the elasticity of the storage portion 6f.

As the material of the flexible bulk type lens 20f, a substance having high transparency and appropriate elasticity with respect to the emission wavelength of the light source 1, such as a silicone polymer, a fluoropolymer, and a transparent acrylic polymer, can be used.
Recently, a transparent thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that can be molded at an increased temperature has been manufactured, and may be used. Further, natural rubber or the like may be used although transparency is inferior.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the flexible bulk type lens 20f may be constituted by a combination of an inelastic lens medium 4d and a flexible lens medium 4f. When configured in combination with the inelastic lens medium 4d, a material that is transparent to the emission wavelength of the light source 1, such as a transparent glass material or a transparent plastic material, can be used as the inelastic material. Alternatively, a crystalline material such as a semiconductor single crystal, polycrystal, or amorphous may be used as the inelastic material. Further, the flexible lens medium 4f and the inelastic lens medium 4d made of a plurality of transparent elastic materials may be combined. That is, if the flexible lens medium 4f at least partially made of a transparent elastic material is used,
Depending on the purpose, a combination with other plural transparent materials including the inelastic lens medium 4d can be adopted. As shown in FIG. 20, various shapes can be realized by a combination of the inelastic lens medium 4d and the flexible lens medium 4f. This can protect the light source 1 such as an LED, the installed device, or both.

In the luminous body according to the third feature of the present invention, at least a part (hemispherical lens portion) of the bulk lens 25 including the outer top 3f serving as the emission surface is made of a “material that can be easily deformed”. As a result, the focal length can be adjusted within a considerable range. For example, as shown in FIG. 19 (b), when the luminous body is mounted so as to be pressed against a transparent plate 81 such as a flat glass surface, the radius of curvature at the lens tip becomes large, and the light becomes smaller than before the mounting. Diverge.
Further, as shown in FIG.
When the lens is mounted so as to be pressed against the hole 83 or the like smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible bulk lens 20f provided in the lens, the radius of curvature of the distal end portion of the flexible bulk lens 20f becomes smaller, and light converges compared to before the mounting. . Thus, according to the illuminant according to the third feature of the present invention, the commercially available light source 1 can be used as it is, the focus can be adjusted, and the versatility can be selected for any use or purpose. Can be provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21, a shape having the effect of an optical fiber is also possible. By applying the forces F1 and F2, it is possible to bend into a desired shape. Depending on the refractive index of the flexible lens medium 4f itself and the curvature of the flexible lens medium 4f corresponding to the installation state, the flexible lens medium 4f can be used for backlight illumination and indirect illumination, and also as an interior such as a bedroom. If the refractive index along the center line is maximized like a graded index fiber and the refractive index is distributed so that the refractive index decreases in a parabolic manner as it approaches the surface, light leaks when bent. Can be suppressed.

(Sixth Embodiment) As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 22, the distance measuring system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention comprises a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. This distance measurement system is a simple water gauge,
It is suitable for a snow gauge. The light emitting unit includes a light emitting body 61,
A drive section 62 for modulating the output of the light emitter 61 to emit light, a first power supply section 6 for supplying a power supply voltage to the light emitter 61 and the drive section 62
3 at least. The light receiving unit includes a light receiving body 71 and a detection unit 7 that detects and amplifies a signal of the light receiving body 71.
2. An operation unit 73 that calculates the distance from the light receiving position, an output unit 74 that outputs the operation result, and a detection unit 72 and an operation unit 73
And a second power supply section 75 for supplying a power supply voltage to the output section 74.

FIG. 23 shows a simplified distance measuring method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

(A) First, a straight line passing through the light emitting point A and the light receiving point B is set as a reference line X, and the distance L between the straight line and the reference line X is accurately measured. A light emitting body 61 is installed at the light emitting point A, and a light receiving body 71 is installed at the light receiving point B. Further, a reference point P whose distance is to be measured is arranged on the same plane where the light emitting point A and the light receiving point B exist.

(B) Next, the output direction of the luminous body 61 installed at the luminous point A on the reference line X is set to the direction of the reference point P.
That is, the output direction of the luminous body 61 is changed from the reference line X to the irradiation angle α.
In the direction of. The output light from the light emitter 61 is a parallel light beam similar to a laser light even if an LED is used as a light source. Then, this parallel light beam is irradiated on the surface of the object at the reference point P. The parallel ray reaching the surface of the object at the reference point P is
Reflect and scatter on the surface of the object.

(C) The light receiving body 71 installed at the light receiving point B detects light reflected (or scattered) on the surface of the object at the reference point P. Then, the reference point P detected by the light receiving body 71
The detection angle β from the reference line X at which the detection output of reflected light (or scattered light) on the surface of the object is maximized is measured.

(D) Since the angles of one side of the triangle and both ends are determined, the distance H from the reference line X to the reference point P is obtained.

The luminous body 61 in FIG. 22 is a luminous body using the bulk type lens 24 shown in FIG. FIG.
A thread formed of a helical projection is formed on the outer surface of the bulk lens 24 shown in (a) to form a male screw, and a female screw is formed on the outer lens holder to constitute light source position control / drive means. . By rotating the lens holder outside the bulk type lens 24 by the light source position control / drive means, the light source 1 and the bulk type lens 25 move relatively, and the focal length can be changed. In the case of distance measurement, the focal length is generally set to infinity. For example, as one method, the light-emitting body 61 may be turned on toward a substantially vertical surface at a distance of 2 to 3 m, and the light-emitting surface may be adjusted so as to minimize the light projecting surface. Further, a structure that can lock the position is preferable. As the light source 1, a wavelength band in which the spectral intensity of sunlight is weak is selected to avoid the influence of sunlight or the like.
For this reason, it is preferable to use a short-wavelength LED such as blue or purple, an ultraviolet LED, or an infrared LED rather than a general visible light LED. UV LED or infrared LED
Since it is not possible to visually confirm the irradiation of the parallel beam on the surface of the object at the reference point P, it is preferable to superimpose the light of a visible light LED such as blue or purple. If it is desired to increase the output due to the low reflectance of the reference point, etc.
A plurality of LEDs may be arranged in the storage section 6 inside. In addition, it is needless to say that the irradiation angle α is accurately measured from the reference line X.

The drive section 62 in FIG. 22 modulates and emits the light emission time (pulse width) and light emission interval (repetition frequency) of the LED output light in order to avoid the influence of sunlight or the like. To this end, the drive unit 62 includes a modulator that performs pulse width modulation on the power supply voltage supplied from the first power supply unit 63. Drive unit 62
Is equipped with a programmable one-chip microcomputer or equivalent, and its output is used as an input signal to the modulator. If necessary, a parallel input / output LSI or amplifier may be added to supplement the function. As a simple method, it is possible to use a notebook computer or the like and directly control the drive unit 62 via a parallel interface for a printer attached thereto.

First power supply unit 63 and second power supply unit 75 in FIG.
Uses commercially available batteries or rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-C
d) A structure that can use a battery or the like is preferable. Further, a structure may be used in which an AC power is supplied from the outside, and this is transformed and rectified for use.

The photoreceptor 71 shown in FIG. 22 is a pixel using the photoreceptor using the bulk lens 25 shown in FIG.
This is a linear sensor using a plurality of these pixels. That is, a one-dimensional photodiode array in which photoreceptors (pixels) including the bulk type lens 25 shown in FIG. 18B are arranged on a straight line at regular intervals. Each pixel has a variable focal length structure in which the photodetector 50 and the bulk lens 25 are relatively movable by the photodetector position control / drive means. In the case of distance measurement, the focal length is generally set to infinity. In this case, it is preferable to adjust the focal length in advance and lock the position. As a matter of course, each pixel selects a photodetector 50 having a peak wavelength corresponding to the emission wavelength of the light source 1. The photodetector 50 may use the photodiode chip 9 made of a semiconductor material having exactly the same optical intrinsic energy as the LED chip 13 of the light source 1. here,
The “optical intrinsic energy” means energy inherent to each semiconductor material as a semiconductor material that determines a main emission wavelength of the LED chip 13. As is well known, a band gap (energy gap) of a semiconductor material will be the most representative factor for determining a main emission wavelength of the LED chip 13. Therefore, when the emission wavelength of the LED chip 13 is determined by the forbidden bandwidth, the photodetector 50 may use the photodiode chip 9 made of a semiconductor material having the same forbidden bandwidth as the LED chip 13. . That is, the optical intrinsic energy (forbidden band width) of the LED chip 13 and the photodiode chip 9
By making the optical intrinsic energy (forbidden band width) equal, the resonance effect can be used, and light detection with the highest sensitivity is possible. If the impurity level is involved in the emission wavelength, it is necessary to consider the impurity added (doped) to the semiconductor material. In this case, the light detector 50 is an LED
It is possible to use the same LED chip as the chip 13 by reverse biasing it, or to use an avalanche photodiode (APD) made of a semiconductor material having the same optical intrinsic energy (forbidden band width). good. Furthermore,
The light output may be detected while amplifying the light output by using a phototransistor made of a semiconductor material having exactly the same optical intrinsic energy (forbidden band width) as the LED chip 13. In the distance measuring system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the same LED chip 13 as the LED chip 13 is used as the photodetector 50 used for each pixel with a reverse bias. Thus, when forward biased, it functions as an LED and each pixel becomes a light emitter.

It is very difficult and impractical to set the surface of a general object placed at the reference point P so that the reflected light from the general object always reaches the light receiving point B. Very weak scattered light reaches the light receiving point B from a general object disposed at the reference point P. Since scattered light is weaker than sunlight, it is impossible to detect the scattered light as a significant signal during the day. In order to detect the scattered light as a significant signal in the daytime, a reflector having a fixed angle is arranged on the surface of a general object placed at the reference point P so that the reflected light always reaches the light receiving point B Is set in advance. In the case of an object having a good reflectance at a certain angle (horizontal plane) such as a water surface or a snow surface, the reflection mirror can be omitted. It is preferable to set above. So 1
The detection angle β is adjusted so that each pixel of the two-dimensional photodiode array (linear sensor) 71 faces the direction of the reference point P. In a water level meter or the like, if the irradiation angle α and the detection angle β are equal, the setting of the reflecting mirror is easy because the reflecting mirror may be parallel to the horizontal plane.

At this time, the one-dimensional photodiode array 7
The LED chip 13 of the pixel at the center of 1 is forward-biased to function as an LED, irradiates visible light to a reflecting mirror on the surface of the object at the reference point P, and visually adjusts the detection angle β. As described above, the photodetector 50 used for each pixel
This is because the same LED chip as the LED chip 13 is used, so that it functions as both the photodetector 50 and the LED. One-dimensional photodiode array 7
The other pixels constituting 1 may be set to have the same angle as the center pixel. Of course, while the one-dimensional photodiode array 71 is sequentially moved in the direction of the reference line X using a stepping motor or the like, all the pixels may function as LEDs to adjust the detection angle β.
As described above, if the detection angle β is adjusted so that each pixel of the one-dimensional photodiode array 71 faces the direction of the reference point P, if the object moves by the distance ΔH, the reference angle is ΔL proportional to the distance. Since the light receiving point B moves along the line X, the moving distance ΔL is measured by the one-dimensional photodiode array 71. As is easily understood from FIG. 23, ΔL = ΔH (cotα + cotβ) (7) In this state, the measurable distance is determined by the length of the one-dimensional photodiode array 71. Therefore, the irradiation of the light emitter 61 is performed so that the reflected light reaches the range of the length of the one-dimensional photodiode array 71. The angle α is feedback-controlled using a step motor or the like. At the same time, in accordance with the control of the irradiation angle α, the detection angle β is also subjected to feedback control using a step motor or the like.

More specifically, the one-dimensional photodiode array 71 has 16 to 32 pixels,
They are arranged in a straight line on the pixel holder at a pitch of mm. Each pixel rotates in conjunction with the detection angle β
Is configured to be adjusted. Further, the number and pitch of the pixels arranged in the one-dimensional photodiode array 71 may be set in any manner as long as it is physically possible.

The detection unit 72 in FIG. 22 controls the gate in synchronization with the light emission interval (repetition frequency) of the LED that emits the modulated light, and controls the output from all the pixels on the one-dimensional photodiode array 71. To detect synchronization. Further, the output detected in synchronization may be integrated at a fixed time interval. At the same time, the detection unit 72 detects the irradiation angle α and the detection angle β every moment. The detected output of the pixel of the one-dimensional photodiode array 71, the irradiation angle α, and the detection angle β are sequentially transmitted to the arithmetic unit 73. If necessary, a parallel input / output LSI, an amplifier, an A / D converter, an adder, a timer module, and the like can be added to the detection unit 72 to supplement its function.

As the calculation section 73 in FIG. 22, a device having a calculation capability such as a notebook personal computer can be used. It may be used via a peripheral device such as an I / O parallel interface card as needed. In order to obtain a highly accurate calculation result from a limited number of data, for example, it is necessary to interpolate between pixels at 10 mm intervals and obtain an approximate value. Various interpolation formulas and approximations, such as Lagrange's interpolation formula, are known, but what is important is the selection of a generating function on which the interpolation formula is based. The light emitted from the light emitting body 61 is dispersed to some extent by dust and dust floating in the air while being reflected by the reference point and reaching the pixel, so that the intensity of the received light is expected to follow a normal distribution. . Therefore, by checking the average value μ and the variance σ of the luminous body 61 to be used in advance, it is possible to very accurately interpolate any position between pixels and obtain an approximate value thereof. As a simple interpolation method, a three-point interpolation method using a spline function, a Bezier curve, or the like may be adopted. In order to obtain a further accurate distance, the number of pixels on the one-dimensional photodiode array 71 may be increased, or the interpolation interval may be reduced, or both may be employed. In order to maintain the measurement accuracy, it is desirable to periodically perform calibration of these two units.

As the output unit 74 in FIG. 22, a liquid crystal screen of a notebook personal computer or the like or a floppy (registered trademark) disk is preferable because of low power consumption, but a printer or a CRT display can be selected as necessary. When real-time data is sent to a remote location, the data may be output to a communication line via a modem or the like.

As described above, according to the distance measuring system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a distance measuring system which is compact, has high reliability, and has high accuracy and low power consumption.

(Other Embodiments) As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the first to sixth embodiments.
The discussion and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the outer top 3c serving as the exit surface of the bulk lens 28 of the present invention may have a shape that is concave with respect to the exit direction. By employing the structure of the outer top 3c shown in FIG.
The more output light will diffuse at a wide divergence angle. A luminous body according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 24 includes a resin-molded LED as the light source 1 and the light source 1.
And a bulk-type lens 28 that covers almost completely. And this bulk type lens 28
A bulk-type (bombshell-type) lens medium 4 having an outer top portion (outgoing surface) 3c that is concave with respect to the emission direction, a bottom portion, and an outer peripheral portion having a side surface parallel to the optical axis, and a bottom-to-outside top portion 3c. And a housing portion 6 formed of a well-shaped concave portion having a side wall portion formed in a direction parallel to the optical axis and provided inside the lens medium 4. Lens medium 4
The ceiling (recessed ceiling) of the concave portion constituting the storage section 6 provided inside the main body is a main incident surface (main incident surface of the first lens surface) 2, and the top (outer top) of the lens medium 4 is an exit surface. The function as the (second lens surface) 3c is the same as in the first embodiment. The first lens surface (2, 5) is
The main incident surface 2 having the curved surface and the first curved surface are constituted by side wall incident surfaces 5 having different curvatures. Main entrance surface 2
Is output from the second lens surface 3c, that is, the second curved surface 3c that is concave with respect to the emission direction. Except for the convex curved surface portion, the LED 1 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with a diameter (outer diameter) of 2r _LED = 2 to 3 mm ^φ .
Side wall portion of the housing part 6 of the bulk-shaped lens 28, as can be accommodated a primary emission portion of the LED1 that is resin molded, and has a cylindrical shape with a diameter (inner diameter) _2r i = 2.5~4mm ^φ. The bulk type lens 28 is substantially LE except for the outer top portion 3c having the exit surface formed of the concave second curved surface.
It has the same cylindrical shape as D1. This bulk lens 28
The diameter (outer diameter) 2r _e cylindrical part of, 10 to 30 m
m ^φ . The diameter (outer diameter) 2r _{e of the} bulk lens 28
Can be selected according to the purpose of use of the luminous body.

When diffusing outgoing light, LE
In order to further increase the light collection efficiency of the light of D1, it is preferable that the relationship of the expression (4) described in the first embodiment is satisfied. The diameter (outer diameter) 2r _e of the bulk lens 28 is
Even more than 10 times the internal diameter 2r _i of the receiving portion 6, the bulk lens of the present invention, will function, becomes larger than necessary, for the purpose of downsizing is not preferred. In the bulk lens 28 having a geometrical shape that satisfies the expression (4), stray light components emitted from portions other than the convex curved surface of the LED 1 can be effectively illuminated with a light collection efficiency close to 100%. You can contribute. That is, also in the structure of FIG.
The side wall (recess side wall) 5 of the storage unit 6 other than the main incident surface (recess ceiling) 2 composed of the first curved surface can also function as an effective light incident surface (side wall incident surface). By designing the geometrical structure with a sufficiently thick side wall so as to satisfy the expression (4), light input from the concave side wall 5 can be bulked without using a reflector on the outer periphery. Mold lens 2
8 can be prevented from being directly output (leaked) from the outer peripheral portion. Of course, the light vertically incident on the recess side wall 5 leaks from the outer periphery. However, light incident on the recess side wall 5 at a certain incident angle is refracted at a refraction angle determined by Snell's law. When the thickness of the lens medium 4 located on the side wall of the storage unit 6 increases, components leaking from the outer periphery of the lens medium 4 decrease. When the geometrical shape satisfies the expression (4), it is considered that components leaking from the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium 4 can be almost ignored. In particular, in a resin-sealed LED, among components emitted from portions other than the convex curved surface, a component that is perpendicularly incident on the concave portion side wall portion 5 is small, so that the LED has a geometrical shape satisfying the expression (4). Then, the component leaking from the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium 4 can be almost ignored.

The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the bulk lens of the present invention can be a perfect circle, ellipse, triangle, quadrangle, polygon, or the like. Therefore, the outer peripheral portion formed of the side surface in the direction parallel to the optical axis of the bulk type lens medium may be a cylinder or a prism. The first curved surface 2c serving as the main incident surface of the first lens surface may be conical as shown in FIG.
Various values such as 90 ° to 120 ° can be adopted for the apex angle of the conical shape. The other structure of the bulk type lens 27 shown in FIG.
3. a bulk-type (bombshell-type) lens medium 4 having an outer peripheral portion consisting of a bottom and a side surface parallel to the optical axis, and an optical axis provided inside the lens medium 4 from the bottom toward the outer top 3 And a storage portion 6 formed of a well-shaped recess having a side wall portion formed of a surface in a parallel direction. The ceiling (recess ceiling) of the concave portion constituting the storage section 6 provided inside the lens medium 4 has a conical main incident surface (main incident surface of the first lens surface) 2c, and the top portion of the lens medium 4 ( The outer top portion) functions as an emission surface (second lens surface) 3. The first lens surface 2c includes a conical main incident surface 2c as a first curved surface and a side wall incident surface 5 having a different curvature from the conical shape. The accommodating portion 6 includes a conical recessed ceiling 2c and a recessed side wall (sidewall incident surface) 5 formed continuously with the conical recessed ceiling 2c to form a recessed portion. Light incident from the conical main incident surface 2 is output from the second lens surface 3. The structure of FIG. 25 also satisfies the expression (4) described in the first embodiment.
Of course, this is important for effectively extracting the light energy of the chip 13.

Furthermore, the bulk type lenses 20 and 2 of the present invention
The exit surfaces 3 of 2, 24, 25 and 27 may be Fresnel lenses having concentric curved surfaces. Alternatively, a surface having a plurality of curvatures or a structure like a fisheye lens may be used.

In the description of the first embodiment,
A space is provided between the light source 1 and the storage section 6 of the bulk lens 20.
To fix the light source 1 to the bulk lens 20
The case was explained, but the glue, screw and clamp mechanism
Of course, it may be fixed using other means such as
You. Further, the outer diameter 2r of the light source 1_ledAnd inner diameter 2r of the storage section 6
_iMay be made substantially the same and fitted.

Further, the bulk type lenses 20, 22, 24,
The outer shape of 25, 27, and 28 does not necessarily need to be optically flat, and may have fine irregularities such as crystal glass. If fine irregularities are provided, the output light diverges in all directions, which is advantageous in the case of backlight illumination or indirect illumination.

In the first embodiment, the lighting fixture has been described. Since sufficient brightness as a lighting fixture can be obtained, it can be applied as a display device. In particular, it is preferable for a display device that displays a color according to the route guidance of a subway, because sufficient brightness can be obtained for each color. First
As described in the embodiment, if the currents applied to the red LED chip, the yellow LED chip, and the blue LED chip are controlled independently, an arbitrary color can be synthesized and used for various display devices. I can do it. In particular, color synthesis enables fine adjustment of the emission wavelength to a color that is easily seen by a color-blind person. Abnormal color vision is one-color color vision (all color blindness), two-color color vision (color blindness), abnormal three-color color vision (color weakness)
Are classified into three types. The two-color type color vision is the first color blindness, the second color blindness
It is classified into color blindness and third color blindness. Combining colors that are satisfactory to all color blinders is difficult in practice.
However, even in this case, an experiment including various environments in the field was conducted, and the best colors that satisfied as many color-blind people as possible were selected. I can do it. In addition, various road signs, traffic signs,
The present invention can be adopted as a display device used for a destination guidance sign or the like.

As described above, the present invention naturally includes various embodiments not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is defined only by the matters specifying the invention according to the claims that are appropriate from the above description.

[0133]

According to the present invention, stray light components can be effectively condensed without using a reflector on a part of the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium, and the potential light energy of the light source can be efficiently used. It is possible to provide a bulk type lens that can be pulled out.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bulk type lens that can easily change the optical path such as divergence and convergence of light and change the focus without changing the light source itself.

According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively use a stray light component or the like of a light source without using a reflecting mirror on a part of the outer peripheral portion of the lens medium, to adjust a focus, and to obtain a light beam parallel to the light source. Can be provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a luminous body which is inexpensive in manufacturing cost, has sufficient illuminance, and has long-term stability and reliability.

According to the present invention, a photoreceptor having a simple structure and high detection sensitivity can be provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly reliable luminaire having a low manufacturing cost, sufficient illuminance, and a long battery life.

According to the present invention, a highly reliable and highly efficient optical information communication system can be provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily manufacture a bulk type lens having a good geometrical shape in which air bubbles are not trapped or an abnormal shape is prevented from being generated near the ceiling of the well-shaped concave portion.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a luminous body according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a diagram for measuring a light intensity (illuminance) distribution in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis direction when a bulk type lens according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used. It is a schematic diagram which shows a measurement system. FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing a measurement system in the case of using a conventional biconvex lens for comparison with FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 measures the intensity (illuminance) distribution along the y direction of each output light of the bulk lens, the thin lens (biconvex lens), and the naked light source 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing a result at the time of measuring at distance x = 1m.

FIG. 4 is a table summarizing data obtained by measuring the intensity (illuminance) distribution along the y direction as in FIG. 3 while changing the measurement distance x.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the geometric structure of the bulk lens and the light collection rate according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a list showing respective geometric structures (parameters) of each bulk type lens shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a light-emitting body according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams showing a relationship between a height Δ of a convex portion formed by a first lens surface and a beam intensity profile.

FIGS. 9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a height Δ of a convex portion formed by a first lens surface and a beam intensity profile.

FIGS. 10A to 10C are diagrams showing a relationship between a height Δ of a convex portion formed by a first lens surface and a beam intensity profile.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a height Δ of a convex portion formed by a first lens surface and flatness of illuminance.

[12] The outer diameter _{r e} of the bulk-type lens according to the first embodiment of the present invention 10 mm [phi, having a diameter of 15 mm, 30 mm?
It is a figure which shows the illuminance distribution at the measurement distance x = 0.5m at the time of changing.

FIG. 13 shows the measurement of FIG. 12 in more detail, and the results are shown on the abscissa indicating the thickness between the inner wall and the outer wall of the bulk lens and the ordinate indicating the relative illuminance (arbitrary scale). FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the outer diameter / inner diameter ratio of the bulk type lens on the horizontal axis and the relative illuminance (arbitrary scale) on the vertical axis.

FIG. 15 is a diagram comparing the intensity (illuminance) distribution along the y-direction of each output light when a rear mirror is attached to the rear and outer walls of the bulk lens and when no rear mirror is provided. .

FIG. 16 is a schematic sectional view showing a luminous body according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a photodetector 5 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
It is a typical sectional view showing 0.

FIG. 18 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light-emitting body according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a photoreceptor according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is.

FIG. 19A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a luminous body according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 19C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second installation example.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light emitting body 61 according to a modification (Modification 1) of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light emitting body 61 according to a modification (modification 2) of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a distance measurement system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a triangulation method used in a distance measurement system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a schematic sectional view showing a luminous body according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a schematic sectional view showing a luminous body according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light source 2, 2c, 2t, 2r, 2f Concave ceiling part 3, 3c, 3t, 3r, 3f Outer top part 4, 4t, 4r, Lens medium 4d Inelastic lens medium 4f Flexible lens medium 5 Concave side wall part 6, 6t, 6r, 6f Storage portion 9 Photodiode chip 11, 51 First pin 12, 52 Second pin 13 LED chip 14, 14t, 14r Sealing resin 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28 Bulk lens 20f Flexible bulk type lens 30t, 30r Back support 31t, 31r Main support 32t, 32r Small back mirror 40, 41 Projection 45 LED holder 50 Photodetector 55 Light receiving element holder 61 Light emitter 62 Drive unit 63 First power supply unit 71 Light reception Body (linear sensor) 72 Detecting unit 73 Computing unit 74 Output unit 75 Second power supply unit 81 Transparent plate 8 Shielding plate 83 narrow hole

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A lens medium having an outer top portion, a bottom portion, and an outer peripheral portion having a side surface in a direction parallel to an optical axis; and a lens medium provided from the bottom portion to the outer top portion inside the lens medium and parallel to the optical axis. And a storage part having a ceiling part connected to the side wall part, and the ceiling part and the side wall part of the storage part have a first lens surface, an outer top part of the lens medium. Functions as a second lens surface, where R is the radius of curvature of the second lens surface, L is the total length of the lens medium measured in the optical axis direction, and n is the refractive index of the lens medium. A bulk lens characterized by satisfying a relationship of k (R / L) <1.06 k = 1 / (0.35 · n−0.168). 2. The bulk type lens according to claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of an outer peripheral portion of the lens medium is not less than 3 times and not more than 10 times an inner diameter of the storage portion. 3. An amount of protrusion of the first lens surface at a ceiling portion of the storage portion is Δ, and an outer diameter of the outer peripheral portion is 2r _{e.
As, 0.025 <Δ / r e <} 0.075 according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the bulk lens and satisfies the relation. 4. The bulk-type lens according to claim 1, wherein another storage portion having a side wall portion having a surface parallel to the side wall portion is further arranged inside the lens medium. 5. The bulk type lens according to claim 1, wherein the lens medium has flexibility or flexibility. 6. A lens medium having an outer top portion, a bottom portion, and an outer peripheral portion formed of a side surface in a direction parallel to an optical axis, and a lens medium provided inside the lens medium from the bottom portion to the outer top portion. A storage part having a side wall part having a surface in a direction, a ceiling part connected to the side wall part, and a light source stored in the storage part. The side wall portion of the portion functions as a side wall incident surface, the outer top of the lens medium functions as an output surface,
Assuming that the radius of curvature of the exit surface is R, the total length measured in the optical axis direction of the lens medium is L, and the refractive index of the lens medium is n, 0.93 <k (R / L) <1.06 k = 1 /(0.35·n-0.168). 7. The luminous body according to claim 6, further comprising a light source position controlling / driving means for moving and controlling a position of said light source relative to said lens medium along said optical axis direction. 8. A lens medium having an outer top portion, a bottom portion, and an outer peripheral portion including a side surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and a lens medium provided inside the lens medium from the bottom portion to the outer top portion. A storage part having a side wall part composed of a surface in the direction, a ceiling part connected to the side wall part, and a photodetector stored in the storage part, and an outer top part of the lens medium has an incident surface, The ceiling part of the storage part functions as a main emission surface, the side wall part of the storage part functions as a side emission surface, the radius of curvature of the incident surface is R, the total length measured in the optical axis direction of the lens medium is L, the lens medium A photoreceptor that satisfies the relationship of 0.93 <k (R / L) <1.06k = 1 / (0.35 · n−0.168), where n is the refractive index of the photoreceptor. 9. A lens medium having an outer top portion, a bottom portion, and an outer peripheral portion having a side surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and a lens medium provided inside the lens medium from the bottom portion to the outer top portion. A storage part having a side wall part composed of a surface in a direction, a ceiling part connected to the side wall part, a light source stored in the storage part, and a power source connected to the light source. The ceiling is the main entrance surface, the side wall of the storage unit is the side entrance surface,
The outer apex of the lens medium functions as an exit surface, where R is the radius of curvature of the exit surface, L is the total length of the lens medium measured in the optical axis direction, and n is the refractive index of the lens medium, 0.93 < A lighting fixture characterized by satisfying a relationship of k (R / L) <1.06 k = 1 / (0.35 · n−0.168). 10. A first outer top, a first bottom, and a first outer top.
A first lens medium of a bulk type having an outer peripheral portion having a side surface in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the first lens medium;
A first storage portion having a side wall portion provided in the first lens medium toward the outer top of the first lens medium and having a surface parallel to the optical axis, and a ceiling portion connected to the side wall portion; A bulk-type light-emitting body including a light source housed in the first housing portion, and an outer peripheral portion having a second outer top, a second bottom, and a side surface parallel to the second optical axis. A second lens medium, a side wall portion provided in the second lens medium from the second bottom portion to the second outer top portion, the side surface portion being parallel to the optical axis, and the side wall portion; A second storage portion having a ceiling portion connected to the first storage portion, and a photoreceptor configured by a photodetector that detects light from the light source stored in the second storage portion, The ceiling part and the side wall part of the first storage unit are the first entrance surface, and the first outer top part is the first entrance surface.
An optical information communication system characterized in that the second outer top portion functions as a second incidence surface, and the ceiling and side walls of the second storage section function as second emission surfaces. . 11. The optical information communication system according to claim 10, wherein said light source and said photodetector use semiconductor light emitting elements having the same forbidden band width and the same structure. 12. A lens medium having a bottom portion, an outer top portion, and an outer peripheral portion having at least the following steps, and a storage portion provided inside the lens medium from the bottom portion to the outer top portion. Manufacturing method of bulk type lens. (A) A step of pressing a movable mold having a storage section molding surface corresponding to the shape of the storage section against a fixed mold having an outer peripheral molding surface corresponding to the outer top section and the outer peripheral section to completely adhere the movable mold. B) a first injection step of injecting the molten transparent resin into a space formed by the fixed mold and the movable mold; (c) a cooling step; (d) a gap formed by shrinkage of the resin in the cooling step;
A second injection step of injecting the molten transparent resin