JP2003185846A - Linear light emitter and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a high performance linear light emitter having an optimized angular distribution of outgoing light in a peripheral direction and capable of radiating light from a side peripheral surface with a high directivity without a loss. <P>SOLUTION: This linear light emitter has at least a translucent bar-like body having a light incident part at at least one end thereof, wherein a light reflective groove provided with a light reflective surface that faces the light incident part is formed on a peripheral side surface along an axial direction. In the linear light emitter, a light reflective layer is formed on the light reflective groove of the translucent bar-like body and a land other than the light reflective groove. An efficient method for manufacturing the linear light emitter is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a linear luminous body capable of radiating light from a side peripheral surface thereof with high directivity without loss and a method for manufacturing the linear luminous body, and is particularly suitable as a vehicle lamp such as an interior lamp and a tail lamp of a vehicle. Linear light emitter and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, neon tubes, fluorescent tubes, and the like have been known as light emitting bodies capable of obtaining linear light emission. Since these neon tubes and fluorescent tubes require high voltage and there is a risk of electric shock or electric leakage, they cannot be used, for example, in water, rain, or snow. Since the fluorescent tube is formed of a glass tube, it cannot be used in a place where a person, a car, or the like may be physically collided and damaged. Further, when it is used in a curved shape, it is necessary to perform glass work according to the curvature, which requires skill, resulting in an increase in cost. Further, since the power consumption of neon tubes and fluorescent tubes is as large as several tens of watts per 1 m, there is a problem in that when they are used for a long time, they can be used only in a place where a commercial power source can be used.

In recent years, as a solution to these problems, there has been proposed a flexible tube filled with a transparent core liquid or a flexible transparent polymer, and an optical transmission tube twisted with a plastic optical fiber.

That is, the above-mentioned proposal makes the light emitted from the light source enter the light transmission tube or the like and emits the light from the side surface of the tube for a long length of several tens of meters, and separates the light source and the light emitting section. Since it can be used in water, outdoors, or in an environment where there is a risk of explosion, there is no risk of damage, and complicated and troublesome processing such as glasswork is unnecessary, and the workability is good.

However, such a light transmission tube or the like emits light over a length of several tens of meters, and the side surface has low luminous efficiency, and 50 to 250 W is required to increase the brightness.
A moderately high power light source is required. In addition, for use in water, outdoors, or in an environment where there is a risk of explosion for the purpose of side emission, it is necessary to take measures to protect the light source, and as a result, the light source device itself becomes larger and the storage space is greatly limited. There is.

On the other hand, as a linear light-emitting body that emits light from the side peripheral surface, a tubular clad and a core made of a material having a refractive index higher than that of the tubular clad are provided. A strip-shaped reflective layer is formed between the clad and the core along the length direction of the tubular clad, and light passing through the core is reflected and scattered by the reflective layer to form a tubular layer on the side opposite to the reflective layer forming side. In recent years, attention has been paid to an optical transmission tube that emits light from the clad side peripheral surface (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-3.
9519 publication).

In the above-mentioned light transmission tube, a reflection layer is formed between the tubular cladding and the core in a strip shape along the length direction of the tube, and strong light passing through the inside of the core having the largest light quantity is reflected in the strip shape. The light is reflected by the layer and is emitted as strong light with high directivity from the tube-side peripheral surface on the side opposite to the reflective layer. Light-diffusing particles are used as the reflective layer of these linear luminous bodies. When light hits these light diffusing particles, they are scattered in all directions (longitudinal direction of rod, circumferential direction), but in the circumferential direction, narrowing the width of the reflective layer increases the directivity (lens in the circumferential direction). In addition to the effect), the brightness on the side surface of the rod is improved by this amount, but the effect as expected is not obtained, and there is a problem that it cannot be applied to a product requiring remarkably high brightness.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Under such circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to solve various problems in the prior art and achieve the following objects. That is, according to the present invention, by forming the light reflection film in the light reflection groove, the light reflection groove is made into a mirror surface, the directivity is enhanced, and the leakage of light to the back surface of the groove can be prevented. An object of the present invention is to provide a high-performance linear luminous body and a method for efficiently producing the linear luminous body.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides the following linear light-emitting body and its manufacturing method.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a light-transmitting portion having a light incident portion at least at one end and a light reflecting groove having a light reflecting surface facing the light incident portion is formed on a circumferential side surface along the axial direction. In a linear light-emitting body including at least a flexible rod-shaped body, a light-reflecting film is formed on a light reflection groove of the translucent rod-shaped body and a land portion other than the light reflection groove. It is the body.
The invention of claim 2 has a light incident portion at least at one end,
A linear light-emitting body comprising at least a light-transmissive rod-shaped body having a light-reflecting groove provided with a light-reflecting surface facing the light-incident portion on a circumferential side surface along the axial direction, A linear light-emitting body having a light-reflecting film formed on a light-reflecting surface. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light-transmissive rod-shaped body having a light-incident portion at least at one end, and a light-reflecting groove having a light-reflecting surface facing the light-incident portion formed on a circumferential side surface along the axial direction. In the linear light-emitting body having at least: a light-reflecting film is formed on the light-reflecting surface after polishing in the light-reflecting groove. In the invention of claim 4, the surface roughness (Ra) of the light reflecting surface after polishing is 1.0.
The linear luminous body according to claim 3, wherein the linear luminous body has a thickness of not more than μm. The invention according to claim 5 is the linear film according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light reflection film is a metal film selected from silver, nickel, chromium, iron, titanium, gold, aluminum and alloys thereof. It is a luminous body. In the invention of claim 6, the light reflection groove has groove walls at both ends of the light reflection surface.
The linear luminous body according to any one of 1. The invention according to claim 7 is the linear light-emitting body according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the groove walls are arranged opposite to each other at both ends of the light reflection groove in parallel to the axial direction of the linear light-emitting body. The invention according to claim 8 is the linear luminous body according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the groove wall is positioned in a direction substantially normal to the groove bottom. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the light reflection groove is any one of a V-shaped groove and a V-shaped groove having opposite conical shapes at both ends thereof. Is. The invention according to claim 10 is the linear light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light reflection groove has an apex angle of 60 to 120 degrees. The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that the linear luminous body has a translucent clad having a refractive index lower than that of the translucent rod-shaped body and covering the translucent rod-shaped body. The linear luminous body according to any one of 1. The invention according to claim 12 is the linear luminous body according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the brightness of the reflected light from the light reflection groove in the direction facing the light reflection groove is 500 cd / m ² or more. . In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the shape on the side facing the light reflection groove side is either a part of a perfect circle or a part of an ellipse.
The linear luminous body according to any one of 1. A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the linear light-emitting body according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the linear light-emitting body has a light-emitting body that irradiates the light incident portion of the light-transmissive rod-shaped body with light. The invention of claim 15 is the linear light-emitting body according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is used as a vehicle lamp. The invention of claim 16 is multicolored.
16. The linear light-emitting body according to any one of items 1 to 15. According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a linear light-emitting body having at least one light incident portion and at least a light-transmitting rod-shaped body having a light-reflecting film formed on the circumferential side surface along the axial direction. A method for manufacturing, wherein a transfer film comprising a base film and a light-reflecting film layer that can be transferred is formed inside a light-transmissive rod-shaped body by injection molding. The method for producing a linear light-emitting body is characterized in that the light-reflecting film of the transfer film is transferred to the light-transmitting rod-shaped body at the same time when the light-transmitting rod-shaped material is injected into the mold and injected.
The invention of claim 18 has at least one light-transmissive rod-shaped body having a light incident portion at one end and a light-reflecting groove having a light-reflecting film formed on the surface on the circumferential side surface along the axial direction. A method for producing a linear luminous body, comprising a transfer film having a light-reflecting film layer that can be transferred on a base film, and having a shape corresponding to the light-reflecting groove of the translucent rod-shaped body. Insert into a transparent rod-shaped injection molding mold for molding,
A method for producing a linear light-emitting body, characterized in that the light-reflecting film of the transfer film is transferred to the light-reflecting groove of the light-transmitting rod-shaped body at the same time when the light-transmitting rod-shaped material is injected and injected. According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, the light reflection film is made of silver, nickel, chromium,
The method for producing a linear light-emitting body according to claim 17, which is a metal film selected from iron, titanium, gold, aluminum and alloys thereof.

According to the present invention, the light transmitting groove is provided with a light incident portion at least at one end and a light reflecting groove having a light reflecting surface facing the light incident portion is formed on the circumferential side surface along the axial direction. In a linear light-emitting body having at least a rod-shaped body, a light-reflecting groove of the translucent rod-shaped body and a light-reflecting film formed on a land portion other than the light-reflecting groove, a light-reflecting surface of the light-reflecting groove or To form a light-reflecting film on the light-reflecting surface after polishing, in this case, in particular,
By forming the light-reflecting film with a metal film selected from silver, nickel, chromium, iron, titanium, gold, aluminum and alloys thereof, the light-reflecting groove is made into a mirror surface and the directivity is enhanced, and at the same time, Light leakage can be prevented, brightness is remarkably improved, the angular distribution of emitted light in the axial direction is optimized, and highly directional line-shaped strong light that is approximately perpendicular to the axial direction can be obtained, as well as safety and heat resistance. A linear luminous body having excellent weather resistance and cost performance can be obtained.

According to the method for producing a linear luminous body of the present invention, a transfer film having a light-reflecting film layer capable of being transferred is formed on a base film, and a transparent film having a shape corresponding to the translucent rod-shaped body is provided inside. It is inserted into an injection molding die for molding a light-transmissive rod-shaped material, and at the same time when the light-transmissive rod-shaped material is injected and injected, the light-reflecting film of the transfer film is transferred to the light-transmissive rod-shaped material, or on the base film. A transfer film formed by forming a transferable light-reflecting film layer is inserted into a light-transmissive rod-shaped injection molding mold having a shape corresponding to the light-reflective groove of the light-transmissive rod inside. The step of forming the light reflecting film can be omitted by transferring the light reflecting film of the transfer film to the light transmitting rod at the same time as injecting and injecting the light transmitting rod-shaped material, and mass production is possible. Therefore, the cost can be reduced.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. <Linear Light-Emitting Body> FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the linear light-emitting body. The linear light-emitting body 10 is a transparent rod-shaped body 1.
A reflector 7 provided at one end of the light-transmitting rod-shaped body 1 in the longitudinal direction, and a light source 12 such as an LED arranged face-to-face at the other end.
Is equipped with. In addition, 15 is a housing.

In this linear light-emitting body 10, the light source 12 (light-emitting body) is provided only at one end of the light-transmitting rod-shaped body 1. In this case, it is preferable to provide the reflector 7 at the other end surface. In addition, in the present invention, light sources may be provided at both ends of the translucent rod-shaped body 1.

The shape of the side (lens portion) facing the light reflection groove side in the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the light-transmissive rod-shaped body 1 is appropriately selected depending on the use and purpose of the linear light-emitting body. It can be selected, but it is preferably either a part of a perfect circle or a part of an ellipse.

The transparent rod-shaped body 1 is not particularly limited,
Although it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as shown in FIG. 2, the transparent rod-shaped body 1 having a light incident portion at least at one end, and the refractive index lower than that of the transparent rod-shaped body 1. And a transparent clad 3 that covers the transparent rod-shaped body.

As shown in FIG. 2, a large number of light reflecting grooves 8 for reflecting the incident light from the light incident portion are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the transparent rod 1 at predetermined intervals. The light reflecting groove 8 is provided so as to penetrate the clad 3 so as to reach the transparent rod-shaped body 1.

The light reflecting groove 8 of the linear luminous body is shown in FIG.
As shown in (A) and (B), the light reflection groove has a groove bottom 8
It has groove walls 8b, 8b intersecting with a at both ends (that is, both ends of the light reflection groove are stopped). Further, it is preferable that the groove bottom 8a extends in a direction substantially normal to the axial direction of the translucent rod-shaped body, and the groove walls 8b and 8b are positioned in a direction substantially normal to the groove bottom 8a.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, both ends of the groove have an inverted conical shape, and the groove walls 8b and 8b are deviated from the direction substantially normal to the groove bottom 8a. I don't mind.
Since the light reflection groove has the groove walls intersecting the groove bottom at both ends in this way, the groove width of the light reflection groove 8 can be adjusted to be short, and the emission angle distribution in the circumferential direction can be optimized. .

As shown in FIG. 5, the light reflecting groove 8 of the linear luminous body has an axis orthogonal to the axial direction of the light-transmissive rod-shaped body 1,
Angle θ formed by the light reflection surface 8c in the light reflection groove
The (degree) is preferably 30 ≦ θ ≦ 60, more preferably 40 ≦ θ ≦ 60, and further preferably 45 ≦ θ ≦ 55. If the angle θ is too small, the distribution of the emitted light is biased to the light source side, while if it is too large, the distribution of the emitted light is biased to the other end side of the light source, and in any case the directivity is reduced,
In some cases, the brightness becomes low and the object of the present invention cannot be achieved.

The cross-sectional shape of the light reflection groove 8 is preferably a V shape or an inverted conical shape, but it does not necessarily have to be bilaterally symmetrical in the normal direction, and the distance from the light incident portion and the light source It is preferable to appropriately adjust the cross-sectional shape according to the number of arrangements and the like.

That is, when the light source is provided at one end of the light-transmissive rod-shaped body, the angle θ (degree) gradually increases as the distance from the light incident portion increases (the light reflection surface of the light reflection groove is the light source). It is preferable that the distance from the light emitting element increases as the distance from the angle increases.) By this, the light emission amount distribution in the longitudinal direction of the linear light-emitting body is equalized.

Therefore, if the cross-sectional shape of the light reflection groove is symmetrical in the normal direction, the apex angle of the light reflection groove is
Although it is twice the angle θ, the apex angle of the light reflection groove is preferably included in the present invention, as described above, since it includes a case where the angles formed by the normal lines of the light reflection surfaces of the respective light reflection grooves are different. Is preferably in the range of 60 to 120 degrees, particularly 90 to 110 degrees.

When light sources are provided at both ends of the light-transmissive rod-shaped body, it is preferable that the light-reflecting surface of the light-reflective groove be inclined toward the center of the light-transmissive rod-shaped body. ,
The light emission amount distribution in the longitudinal direction of the linear light-emitting body is equalized.

The light reflection groove 8 is normally formed by the process shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7B, it is formed so as to come to the normal line position in the axial direction of the translucent rod-shaped body 1. However, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the translucent rod-shaped body is formed. It can also be formed to have a slight angle from the normal to the body 1 in the axial direction. Although not shown, the light reflection groove 8 is not shown in FIG.
An angle may be provided in the opposite direction to (B).

In the present invention, as shown in FIG.
When the light source 12 such as an LED is arranged on one side, it is preferable to increase the arrangement density of the light reflection grooves 8 as the distance from the light source 12 increases. By doing so, the distribution of the emitted light amount in the longitudinal direction of the linear light emitter can be easily equalized.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, LEDs are provided at both ends.
When arranging the light sources 12, 12 such as, for example, it is preferable to increase the arrangement density of the light reflection grooves 8 toward the central portion of the linear light-emitting body. The emitted light amount distribution in the direction is easily equalized.

The width of the light reflection groove is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 2 to 8 mm and the groove depth is 0.1 to 5 mm. In this case, when a light source such as an LED is arranged on one side, the width of the light reflection groove becomes wider as the distance from the light source increases,
Moreover, it is preferable to increase the groove depth. In addition, L at both ends
When a light source such as an ED is arranged, it is preferable that the width of the light reflection groove be wider and the groove depth be deeper toward the center of the linear light emitter. Furthermore, the groove spacing is the position of the groove from the light source,
Although it varies depending on the strength of the light source, whether the light source is provided at one end or both ends, and the length of the translucent rod-shaped body, etc., it is usually preferably 0.2 to 4 mm.

The light reflecting groove can be formed by forming a convex portion corresponding to the light reflecting groove on the surface of the molding die by electric discharge machining or the like, and forming the light-transmissive rod-like body at the time of injection molding or extrusion molding. It can also be formed by directly grinding.

The light-reflecting surface of the light-reflecting groove is polished to bring it closer to a mirror surface. In this case, the surface roughness (Ra) of the light reflecting surface in the light reflecting groove after polishing is 1.0 μm or less, and particularly 0.5 μm.
It is preferably m or less, and the lower limit is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 μm or more. In addition,
The surface roughness (Ra) is measured according to JIS B0601.

A method for achieving the surface roughness of the light reflecting surface as described above can be achieved by polishing the light reflecting groove. The polishing method is not particularly limited, and a desired surface roughness can be obtained with sandpaper, an abrasive, or the like.

In the present invention, as described above, for the light-reflecting surface after polishing or the light-reflecting surface not subjected to polishing,
A light reflecting film is formed. The light reflecting film may be formed not only on the light reflecting surface of the light reflecting groove but also on the entire light reflecting groove, or on the light reflecting groove and the land portion other than the light reflecting groove. In this case, it is more preferable to form a light-reflecting film on the light-reflecting surface that has been subjected to the polishing treatment, from the viewpoint of preventing scattering in the rod length direction.

The light reflecting film is not particularly limited, but for example, silver, nickel, chromium, iron, titanium, gold,
A metal film selected from aluminum and these alloys is preferable, and among these, silver and aluminum are preferable.

The metal film is not particularly limited, and can be formed by a method such as vapor deposition, reflection coating application, and metal foil adhesion. Before forming the metal film, it is desirable to subject the light reflecting surface to a primer treatment, an adhesive treatment with an adhesive, a chemical treatment, or an oxidation treatment in advance. The thickness of the metal film is not particularly limited, but it is usually preferably 0.1 to 30 μm. Further, as will be described later, a light reflecting film (metal film) can be formed on the surface of the light reflecting groove at the same time when the light-transmitting rod-shaped body is formed by the in-mold forming method.

In the linear luminous body thus constructed, the light entering from the left end face of the translucent rod-shaped body is scattered by the light reflecting groove having the light reflecting film formed on the light reflecting surface, and the light is reflected. There is little loss from the side peripheral surface of the ring-shaped light emitter, and side emission is efficiently performed,
The brightness of the reflected light from the light reflection groove in the direction opposite to the light reflection groove is 500 cd / m ² or more, preferably 600 c
A high brightness of d / m ² or more, more preferably 800 cd / m ² or more can be achieved.

Here, a transparent material having a higher refractive index than the material (cladding material) forming the light-transmitting clad is used as the material forming the light-transmitting rod-shaped body, and generally, a plastic or an elastomer is used. It is appropriately selected and used according to the purpose.

Specifically, a solid material is preferable as the material forming the light-transmitting rod-shaped body, and examples thereof include polystyrene, styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, (meth) acrylic resin, polymethylpentene, and allyl. Glycol carbonate resin, spirane resin, amorphous polyolefin, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyarylate, polysulfone, polyallylsulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetherimide, polyimide, diallyl phthalate, fluororesin, polyester carbonate, norbornene resin (ARTON) Examples include transparent materials such as alicyclic acrylic resin (Opttrez), silicone resin, acrylic rubber, and silicone rubber, and one of these may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

The clad material can be selected from transparent materials having a refractive index lower than that of the translucent rod-shaped body, and examples thereof include organic materials such as plastics and elastomers.

Examples of the glad material include polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethyl (meth) acrylate, fluorinated polymethyl (meth) acrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and polyvinyl alcohol. ,
Polyethylene-polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, fluororesin, silicone resin, natural rubber, polyisoprene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene copolymer, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, acrylic rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer Examples thereof include polymer (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, fluororubber and silicone rubber.
These 1 type can be used individually or in combination of 2 or more types.

Of the materials and the clad materials that form the translucent rod-shaped body, polystyrene, polycarbonate, styrene- (meth) are used as the core material in terms of transparency, optical characteristics such as refractive index, and processability. Acrylic copolymer (MS
Polymer) and the like, and the clad material is preferably a (meth) acrylic polymer.

The diameter of the light-transmissive rod-shaped body 1 is not particularly limited, but is usually about 2 to 30 mm, preferably about 5 to 15 mm. The thickness of the translucent clad 3 is usually 0.05 to 4 mm, preferably about 0.2 to 2 mm.

<Production Method of Linear Light-Emitting Body> As a production method according to the first embodiment of the linear light-emitting material of the present invention, a transfer film formed by forming a transferable light-reflecting film layer on a base film is used. , A light-reflecting film of the transfer film, which is inserted into an injection-molding die for molding a light-transmissive rod-shaped body having a shape corresponding to the light-transmissive rod-shaped body, and at the same time injection-injects the light-transmissive rod-shaped material. Is transferred to the translucent rod-shaped body (so-called in-mold molding method).

In this case, the light-transmitting rod-shaped body may or may not have a light-reflecting groove formed therein. A light reflection film is formed on the land other than the reflection groove and the light reflection groove. On the other hand, when the light reflection groove is not formed, only the light reflection film is formed along the longitudinal direction of the outer peripheral surface of the translucent rod-shaped body.

Further, as the method for producing the linear light-emitting body according to the second aspect of the present invention, a transfer film having a light-reflecting film layer capable of being transferred is formed on a base film, and the transfer film is provided inside the transfer film. The light-transmissive rod-shaped material is injected and injected into the light-transmissive rod-shaped injection molding die having a shape corresponding to the light-reflecting groove of the rod-shaped body. A light-transmissive rod-shaped body having a light-incident portion at least at one end by transfer to a light-reflecting groove of a transparent rod-shaped body and having a light-reflecting groove formed on the surface on a circumferential side surface along the axial direction. Is manufactured (in-mold molding method).
According to this method, the light reflecting film is also formed on the land portion other than the light reflecting groove.

In this case, the base film is not particularly limited, but polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or the like is preferable. The light reflecting film layer is preferably a metal film selected from silver, nickel, chromium, iron, titanium, gold, aluminum and alloys thereof, and among these, silver and aluminum are more preferable.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C as an example, in the in-mold die 20 composed of the movable die 21 and the fixed die 22, the movable die 2 is used.
1 is provided with a shape (convex portion 25) for forming a light reflection groove on the peripheral side surface along the axial direction of the translucent rod-shaped body, and by being joined to the fixed mold 22, the inside of the translucent rod-shaped body is transparent. A cylindrical cavity for forming the optical rod-shaped body is formed. Note that 23
Is a transfer film, 24 is a light-reflecting film layer, and 26 is an injection gate opened to the cavity.

First, the transfer film 23 is accurately positioned by a transfer film feeding device (not shown), and is inserted into a mold as shown in FIG. 10 (A). The transfer film 23 is deformed by closing the mold and is covered with the convex portion 25 of the movable mold without any gap (FIG. 10).
(B)). Then, the resin material is injected from the gate 26 of the fixed mold, so that the heat pressure causes the light reflecting film to be transferred to the light reflecting groove and the land portion, and at the same time, the translucent rod-shaped body is formed (FIG. 10). (C)). Then, by repeating the above steps, continuous mass production is performed.

According to this method, the light-transmitting rod-shaped body can be injection-molded, and at the same time, the light-reflecting film can be formed in the light-reflecting groove with high transfer accuracy. Therefore, the step of forming the light-reflecting film is omitted. In addition to being able to do so, mass production is possible and cost can be reduced.

As a method for producing the linear luminous body, in addition to the production methods according to the first and second aspects, a transparent rod-shaped material is introduced into an extruder to obtain a transparent rod-shaped body. Extrude the material into a mold with a cylindrical cavity inside,
If necessary, the clad material can be manufactured by an extrusion molding method in which the clad material is simultaneously extruded into a tube shape covering the translucent rod-shaped body.

In this case, the light-transmissive rod-shaped molding die is formed in a shape corresponding to the light-reflecting groove.
A light reflection groove is formed on the peripheral side surface along the axial direction of the translucent rod-shaped body. Then, a linear light-emitting body is manufactured by forming a metal film (light-reflecting film) on the light-reflecting groove as it is or after polishing, by a method such as vapor deposition, application of a reflective coating, and adhesion of a metal foil. You can

The linear luminous body of the present invention is an LE used for a light source.
By changing the color of D, it is possible to emit light of various colors, and multicoloring is possible. For example, RGB three-color LED
Is used, red (R), green (G), blue (B), white (R +
G + B), yellow (R + G), purple (R + B), and cobalt blue (G + B) can be changed in seven colors.

The linear luminous body of the present invention, as described above,
The angular distribution of the emitted light in the circumferential direction is optimized, and it is possible to radiate light from the side circumferential surface with high directivity without loss, and line-shaped light emission with excellent safety, heat resistance, weather resistance, and cost performance. As the body can be realized, neon tube replacements (eg game consoles, slingshots, etc.), architectural lighting components (eg stairs, handrail lighting, bathtub handrails, etc.), road materials (eg road signs, signs, stop lines, Road tacks),
Automotive parts (eg doors, steps, tail lights,
Widely used for side mirrors, indoor and outdoor lighting, etc., toys, etc. Among these, it is suitable for automobile parts.

Examples of use for the automobile parts include those shown in FIGS. 11 to 23 below. Figure 1
1 and 12 show a linear light-emitting body 10 including the translucent rod-shaped body 1 arranged on the side surface of a headlight 30 of an automobile. According to this, the linear light-emitting body 10 can perform multicolor display, and can also function as a turn signal by blinking. 12 is a light source, 1
5 is a housing.

13 and 14 show a linear light-emitting body 10 including the translucent rod-shaped body 1 arranged on the back side of a folding side mirror 31 of an automobile. According to this, since the design is excellent and the linear light-emitting body can display in multiple colors, it is possible to play a role as a turn signal by blinking. In FIG. 14, 12 is a light source and 15 is a housing.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show three linear light-emitting bodies 10 including the light-transmitting rod-shaped body 1 arranged in a backlight 32 of an automobile. Since the light-transmissive rod-shaped body 1 can be freely curved, it can be attached smoothly according to the shape of the vehicle body. In addition, 12 in FIG. 16 is a light source,
Reference numeral 15 is a housing.

17 to 19 show a linear light-emitting body 10 including a ring-shaped light-transmitting rod-shaped body 1 arranged in a headlight 33 of an automobile. 18 (A), (B)
As shown in FIG. 3, sockets 15 each having a light source 12 inside are attached to both ends of the ring-shaped light-transmitting rod-shaped body 1. Further, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, cut portions are formed at two radial positions of the ring-shaped translucent rod-shaped body 1, and the light source 12 is arranged at the cut portions. . In FIGS. 18 and 19, 12 is a light source and 15 is a housing.

20 and 21 show three linear light-emitting bodies 10 including the light-transmitting rod-shaped body 1 arranged on a modified headlamp 33 of a wagon. Since the light-transmissive rod-shaped body 1 can be freely curved, it can be attached smoothly according to the shape of the vehicle body. In FIG. 21, 12 is a light source and 15 is a housing.

22 and 23 show a high mount stop lamp 40 attached to the rear portion of the vehicle, and FIG.
It is a conventional lamp-type high mount stop lamp 40. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a state in which the linear light-emitting body 10 is attached as the high mount stop lamp 40.
Incidentally, reference numeral 41 in the figure is a window glass. When the linear light-emitting body 10 of the present invention shown in FIG. 23 is used for a high-mount stop lamp, it has no protruding portion as compared with a conventional stop lamp, does not take up space, and is excellent in design.

Although the linear light-emitting body of the present invention has been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0060]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be specifically described below by showing Examples and Comparative Examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following Examples.

Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) was prepared using a 200t type injection molding machine.
The pellets were placed in a rod mold having a convex portion for forming a light-reflecting layer along a lengthwise direction on a part of an inner surface of φ14 mm and a length of 20 cm, at a screw temperature of 220 to 240 ° C. and a mold temperature of 60 ° C. Injection molding was carried out to produce a translucent rod-shaped body.

A groove width of 5 mm, a groove depth of 0.5 mm, a groove interval of 3.5 mm, and a groove number of 5 were formed on the outer peripheral surface of the obtained translucent rod-shaped body.
Seven V-shaped grooves are evenly formed in the axial direction. The light-reflecting surface of the V-shaped groove is polished to have a surface roughness (Ra) of 0.2.
μm, and Ag or Al is applied to the light-reflecting surface after polishing.
Was vapor-deposited (Example 1) and a metal film was not formed (Comparative Example 1). The surface roughness was measured with a laser interference microscope (manufactured by Keyence Corporation).

With respect to the obtained translucent rod-shaped body, four LEDs (red, HPWT-DH00) were used as a light source, and light was incident from one side, and the 29th groove position (10 cm from the light source side).
Regarding the luminance viewing angle characteristics of, the viewing angle is set to the front (0
The brightness distribution in the length direction and the brightness distribution in the circumferential direction when changing from ± 60 degrees to ± 60 degrees are Minolta color difference meter CS100.
Was measured using. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3 and FIGS.

[0064]

[Table 1] Luminance distribution in the length direction

[0065]

[Table 2] Circumferential brightness distribution

[0066]

[Table 3] Relationship between axial length and brightness

[Example 2 and Comparative Example 2] A luminance distribution in the longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that an inverted conical groove was used as the light reflecting groove instead of the V-shaped groove. The luminance distribution, the relationship between the axial length and the luminance were measured. The results are shown in Tables 4 to 6 and FIGS. 27 to 29. The inverted conical groove has a groove width of 3.0 to 4.0 mm, a groove depth of 0.5 mm, and a groove interval of 3.
It is 5 mm, and the surface roughness (R
a) is 0.2 μm, and with respect to the light-reflecting surface after polishing,
One obtained by vapor deposition of Ag or Al (Example 2) and one not formed with a metal film (Comparative Example 2) were obtained.

[0068]

[Table 4] Luminance distribution in the length direction

[0069]

[Table 5] Circumferential brightness distribution

[0070]

[Table 6] Relationship between axial length and brightness

[0071]

According to the present invention, by forming the light reflection film in the light reflection groove, the light reflection groove (light reflection surface) is made into a mirror surface, the directivity is enhanced, and the light leaks to the back surface of the groove. Can be prevented, the brightness is significantly improved, the angular distribution of the emitted light in the axial direction is optimized, and highly directional line-shaped strong light that is approximately perpendicular to the axial direction can be obtained, while also providing safety, heat resistance, and weather resistance. It is possible to obtain a linear luminous body having excellent properties and cost performance.

Further, according to the manufacturing method of the present invention, the light reflecting film of the transfer film is transferred onto the light transmitting rod at the same time as the injection molding of the light transmitting rod, so that the light reflecting film is formed in the light reflecting groove. It is possible to omit the step of forming the structure, enable mass production, and reduce the cost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a linear luminous body of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a translucent rod-shaped body.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view (A) for explaining the shape of a light reflection groove, and FIG. 3 (B) is a perspective view.

FIG. 4 is (A) a schematic sectional view and (B) a perspective view for explaining the shape of another light reflection groove.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an angle formed by a light reflection surface of a light reflection groove and an orthogonal axis.

FIG. 6 is a plan view (A) and a side view (B) showing an example of a light reflection groove.

7 (A) is a plan view and FIG. 7 (B) is a side view showing an example of another light reflection groove.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of the linear luminous body of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing an example of another linear luminous body of the present invention.

10 (A) to 10 (C) are explanatory views showing a method for manufacturing a linear light-emitting body of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a usage example in which a linear luminous body is arranged on a side surface of a headlight of an automobile.

FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of the headlight part of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a usage example in which a linear luminous body is arranged on the back side of a folding side mirror of an automobile.

FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of the side mirror section in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a usage example in which a linear luminous body is arranged in a backlight of an automobile.

16 is a partially enlarged view of the backlight unit in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a usage example in which a linear luminous body formed in a ring shape is arranged in a headlight of an automobile.

18A is an enlarged view of the linear light emitter of FIG. 17, and FIG. 18B is a side view of the linear light emitter of FIG.

19A is an enlarged view of the linear light-emitting body of FIG. 17, and FIG. 19B is a side view of the linear light-emitting body of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a usage example in which a linear luminous body is arranged in a side light of an automobile.

FIG. 21 is a partially enlarged view of the side portion of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view showing a high mount stop lamp attached to a rear portion of a conventional vehicle.

FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a state in which the linear luminous body of the present invention is used as a high mount stop lamp.

FIG. 24 is a graph showing the luminance distribution in the length direction of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

FIG. 25 is a graph showing the luminance distribution in the circumferential direction of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

FIG. 26 is a graph showing the relationship between the axial length and luminance of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

FIG. 27 is a graph showing the luminance distribution in the length direction of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2.

28 is a graph showing the luminance distribution in the circumferential direction of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2. FIG.

FIG. 29 is a graph showing the relationship between the axial length and luminance in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Translucent rod-shaped body 3 clad 8 Light reflection groove 8c Light reflection surface 10 Linear light emitter 12 light sources 14 Land 15 housing 20 In-mold die 21 Movable mold 22 Fixed mold 23 Transfer film 24 Light reflection film layer 25 convex 26 gates

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) F21Y 101: 02 F21Q 1/00 E

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A translucent rod-shaped body having a light incident portion at least at one end thereof, and a light reflecting groove having a light reflecting surface facing the light incident portion formed on a circumferential side surface along the axial direction. A linear light-emitting body having the light-emitting groove, wherein a light-reflecting film is formed on the light-reflecting groove of the light-transmitting rod-shaped body and a land portion other than the light-reflecting groove. 2. A light-transmissive rod-shaped body having a light incident portion at least at one end thereof, and a light reflecting groove having a light reflecting surface facing the light incident portion formed on the circumferential side surface along the axial direction. A linear light-emitting body having a light-reflecting film formed on a light-reflecting surface of the light-reflecting groove. 3. A light-transmissive rod-shaped body having a light-incident portion at least at one end thereof, and a light-reflecting groove having a light-reflecting surface facing the light-incident portion formed on the circumferential side surface along the axial direction. A linear light-emitting body having a light-reflecting film formed on a light-reflecting surface of the light-reflecting groove after polishing. 4. The linear luminous body according to claim 3, wherein the surface roughness (Ra) of the light reflecting surface after polishing is 1.0 μm or less. 5. The linear luminous body according to claim 1, wherein the light reflection film is a metal film selected from silver, nickel, chromium, iron, titanium, gold, aluminum and alloys thereof. . 6. The linear light-emitting body according to claim 1, wherein the light reflection groove has groove walls at both ends of the light reflection surface. 7. The linear light-emitting body according to claim 1, wherein the groove walls are arranged opposite to each other at both ends of the light-reflecting groove in parallel to the axial direction of the linear light-emitting body. 8. The linear light-emitting body according to claim 1, wherein the groove wall is located in a direction substantially normal to the groove bottom. 9. The linear luminous body according to claim 1, wherein the light reflection groove is one of a V-shaped groove and a V-shaped groove whose both ends have an inverted conical shape. 10. The linear light emitter according to claim 1, wherein the light reflection groove has an apex angle of 60 to 120 degrees. 11. The linear luminous body has a light-transmitting clad that has a lower refractive index than the light-transmitting rod-shaped body and covers the light-transmitting rod-shaped body. The linear light-emitting body according to claim 2. 12. The linear luminous body according to claim 1, wherein the brightness of the reflected light from the light reflection groove in the direction facing the light reflection groove is 500 cd / m ² or more. 13. The cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the shape of the side facing the light reflection groove side is either a part of a perfect circle or a part of an ellipse. The linear light-emitting body according to. 14. The linear light-emitting body according to claim 1, further comprising a light-emitting body that irradiates light on a light-incident portion of the translucent rod-shaped body. 15. The use as a vehicle lighting device according to claim 1.
15. The linear light-emitting body according to any one of 1 to 14. 16. The linear light-emitting body according to claim 1, which is multicolored. 17. A linear light-emitting body having a light-incident portion at least at one end thereof and at least a light-transmissive rod-shaped body having a light-reflecting film formed on the circumferential side surface along the axial direction is manufactured. A method for injection molding a translucent rod-shaped body having a transfer film formed by forming a transferable light-reflecting film layer on a base film, the inside having a shape corresponding to the translucent rod-shaped body. A method for producing a linear light-emitting body, characterized in that the light-reflecting film of the transfer film is transferred to the light-transmitting rod-shaped body at the same time that the light-transmitting rod-shaped material is injected and injected. 18. A linear shape having at least one light-incident portion, and at least a light-transmissive rod-shaped body having a light-reflecting groove having a light-reflecting film formed on the peripheral side surface along the axial direction. A method of manufacturing a light-emitting body, comprising a transfer film having a light-reflecting film layer formed on a base film, the light-transmitting film having a shape corresponding to the light-reflecting groove of the light-transmitting rod. Characterized in that the light-reflective film of the transfer film is transferred to the light-reflective groove of the light-transmitting rod-shaped body at the same time when the light-transmitting rod-shaped material is injected and injected into the injection-molding die for molding the light-transmitting rod-shaped body. A method for producing a linear light emitter. 19. The light-reflecting film comprises silver, nickel, chromium,
The method for producing a linear light-emitting body according to claim 17, which is a metal film selected from iron, titanium, gold, aluminum and alloys thereof.