JP2012204547A - Illumination device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an illumination device capable of reducing density in laser light which has just been output even if a light conversion member falls off, thereby maintaining a desired level of safety.SOLUTION: An illumination device 1 includes a light source 10 and a wavelength conversion member 30. The illumination device 1 further comprises an angle broadening portion 40 which broadens an output angle of excited light output from an output end surface 10a toward the wavelength conversion member 30 by separating the angle broadening portion 40 from the wavelength conversion member 30 when the wavelength conversion member 30 falls off from an optical axis 11 of the light source 10.

Description

  The present invention relates to an illuminating device that reduces the density of laser light immediately after being emitted from a light source when the light conversion member falls off the optical axis of the light source.

In recent years, small illuminating devices combining an excitation light source and a phosphor have been developed. Such an illuminating device is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.
Patent Document 1 discloses a light emitting device capable of emitting light having a wavelength different from that of light emitted from an optical fiber and having a high light output, and a light emitting device used therefor.

  The light emitting device 100 is shown in FIG. The light emitting device 100 includes an optical fiber holding member 120 (ferrule) that holds the optical fiber 110, a light conversion member 140 such as a phosphor, and an inner hole into which the optical fiber holding member 120 and the light conversion member 140 can be inserted. And a cap 130.

The cap 130 has an opening 132 disposed at one end of the inner hole through which light converted by the light conversion member 140 can be taken out, and at least one locking portion 131 protruding toward the inside of the opening 132. And have.
When the light conversion member 140 is disposed in the inner hole of the cap 130, if there is at least one locking portion 131, the light conversion member 140 is fixed to the inner hole of the cap 130 and shields light generated by the locking portion 131. Is alleviated.

  In general, as a suitable light source that enters the optical fiber and emits light from the light conversion member, it has a light emitting point of the same size as the optical fiber, is close to parallel light, and enters the optical fiber with high efficiency. For example, semiconductor laser light is used.

JP 2008-147289 A

In patent document 1 mentioned above, since the latching | locking part 131 shields light, the thing as small as possible is good. However, if the locking portion 131 is small, the light conversion member 140 may fall off the cap 130.
Further, the light conversion member 140 generates heat when it emits light, and due to the heat generation, the fixing force between the members, for example, the light conversion member 140 and the inner hole, decreases, and the light conversion member 140 may fall off the cap 130.

  As described above, the light conversion member 140 may fall off the cap 130 depending on the member and the usage method. When the light conversion member 140 falls off, there is a possibility that the laser light in a state of maintaining the density immediately after being emitted from the light source may irradiate the eyes of the user, for example, and the desired safety may not be maintained. If the desired safety cannot be maintained, a burden is placed on the user, for example, the laser light may damage the optic nerve. Thus, it is necessary to reduce the density of the laser light immediately after being emitted from the light source, if necessary.

  The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and provides an illuminating device that can maintain the desired safety by reducing the density of laser light immediately after emission even if the light conversion member falls off. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the object, the present invention is provided with a light source that emits excitation light, and is disposed in front of an emission end face of the light source and on an optical axis of the light source with respect to an emission direction of the excitation light. A wavelength conversion member that emits light having a peak wavelength different from the excitation light by converting the wavelength of the excitation light as desired by irradiation, and the emission when the wavelength conversion member falls off the optical axis In order to reduce the density of the excitation light immediately after being emitted from the end face, the wavelength converting member is separated from the adjacent member in the front when the wavelength converting member is dropped from the optical axis, so that There is provided an illuminating device comprising: an angle expanding unit that expands an emission angle of the excitation light emitted toward the wavelength conversion member.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if a light conversion member falls, the illumination device which can reduce the density of the laser beam immediately after radiate | emitted and can maintain desired safety | security can be provided.

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a lighting device before assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a schematic view of the assembled lighting device. FIG. 1C is a schematic view of the illuminating device when the wavelength conversion member is detached from the optical axis from the state shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the fixing member. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the progression of excitation light when a gap exists between the emission end face and the incident end face of the wavelength conversion member. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a lighting device according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of a lighting device according to a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram of a lighting device according to a third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 5A is a schematic view of a lighting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a schematic view of the illuminating device when the wavelength conversion member is detached from the optical axis from the state shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a lighting apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the emission end face and the incident end face of the wavelength conversion member in the present embodiment. FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the optical fiber viewed from the emission end face side. FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the wavelength conversion member viewed from the incident end face side. FIG. 6E is a front view of the emission end face shown in FIG. 6C. 6F is a front view of the incident end face shown in FIG. 6D. FIG. 7A is a schematic view of a lighting device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a schematic view of the illumination device when the wavelength conversion member is dropped from the optical axis from the state shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 8 shows a conventional light emitting device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1st Embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, FIG. 2, and FIG. In the following, in the traveling direction of the excitation light, the front side in the traveling direction is referred to as the front, and the rear side in the traveling direction is referred to as the rear. A direction orthogonal to the optical axis 11 of the light source 10 is defined as a side 11a. The optical axis 11 is also the optical axis of the optical fiber 13 included in the light source 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, the illuminating device 1 includes, for example, a light source 10 that emits excitation light, and light emitted from the light source 10 in front of the emission end face 10a of the light source 10 with respect to the emission direction of the excitation light. It has a wavelength conversion member 30 that is disposed on the shaft 11 and emits light having a peak wavelength different from that of the excitation light by converting the wavelength of the excitation light as desired by being irradiated with the excitation light.

  The light source 10 of the present embodiment includes, for example, a laser 12 that emits excitation light and an optical fiber 13 that is a light guide member that guides excitation light emitted from the laser 12. The light source 10 includes an optical element such as a lens (not shown) that collects the excitation light emitted from the laser 12 on the optical fiber 13.

The laser 12 emits light that excites and emits light, for example, excitation light. The laser 12 is, for example, an LED or a semiconductor laser that is small in size, has low power consumption, and has high incident efficiency of excitation light into the optical fiber 13.
The light source 10 has an emission end face 10 a that emits excitation light toward the wavelength conversion member 30. The emission end face 10 a is disposed at the forefront in the light source 10. In the present embodiment, the emission end face 10a is the end face 13a of the optical fiber 13 on the wavelength conversion member 30 side. The emission end face 10 a is an end face adjacent to the incident end face 30 a of the wavelength conversion member 30 when the wavelength conversion member 30 is disposed on the optical axis 11.

  The optical fiber 13 has a characteristic of efficiently guiding the excitation light, and is made of, for example, glass or plastic. The optical fiber 13 is connected to the laser 12 and is disposed on one end face which is an incident end face on which the excitation light emitted from the laser 12 is incident and the wavelength conversion member 30 side, and the guided excitation light is emitted. It has the other end surface 13a which is the output end surface 10a mentioned above. The end face 13a side of the optical fiber 13 is held by an optical fiber holding member 15 (ferrule). Thereby, the periphery of the emission end face 10a (end face 13a) is held by the optical fiber holding member 15.

  The optical fiber holding member 15 holds the emission end face 10 a side so that the emission end face 10 a (end face 13 a) is disposed substantially in the same plane as the end face 15 a of the optical fiber holding member 15. The optical fiber holding member 15 has a hole 15 b into which the optical fiber 13 is fitted or bonded in order to hold the end surface 13 a side of the optical fiber 13. The hole 15 b penetrates the optical fiber holding member 15 in the axial direction of the optical fiber holding member 15. Such an optical fiber holding member 15 has a cylindrical shape. The optical fiber holding member 15 is made of zirconia, glass, metal, or the like.

  The wavelength conversion member 30 is disposed so as to be adjacent to the emission end face 10 a of the light source 10. The wavelength conversion member 30 includes a fluorescent particle (not shown) that emits light having a wavelength different from the excitation light (for example, fluorescence) as illumination light by absorbing the excitation light, and a mold that transmits the excitation light and the fluorescence with high efficiency. Member 31. The wavelength conversion member 30 preferably has fluorescent particles dispersed in the mold member 31. When the wavelength conversion member 30 is disposed on the optical axis 11, the mold member 31 is adjacent to the emission end face 10a at the rear, and transmits excitation light and light having a peak wavelength different from that of the excitation light. The mold member 31 has substantially the same refractive index as that of the emission end face 10 a, that is, the optical fiber 13, specifically, the core member (not shown) of the optical fiber 13.

  When the wavelength converting member 30 is connected to a holding main body 71 and a holding cap 73, which will be described later, and the wavelength converting member 30 is disposed on the optical axis 11, the incident light into which the excitation light emitted from the emission end face 10a enters. It has an end face 30a. When the wavelength conversion member 30 is disposed on the optical axis 11, the incident end surface 30 a is disposed in front of the emission end surface 10 a with respect to the emission direction of the excitation light, and the incident end surface 10 a and the optical fiber holding member 15. Adjacent to the end face 15a. The incident end face 30 a is also an end face of the mold member 31. The incident end face 30a has a size that is at least larger than that of the outgoing end face 10a. In the present embodiment, the incident end face 30a has substantially the same size as the end face 15a of the optical fiber holding member 15.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the illumination device 1 is a member that is adjacent in the front when the wavelength conversion member 30 is dropped from the optical axis 11 of the light source 10, for example, wavelength conversion. By being separated from the member 30, the angle expanding unit 40 that expands the emission angle (radiation range) of the excitation light emitted from the emission end face 10 a of the light source 10 toward the wavelength conversion member 30 is provided.

  The angle expanding portion 40 of the present embodiment is directly formed on the emission end face 10a, and specifically, is an emission end face 10a having an uneven shape. Thus, the angle expanding part 40 is integral with the emission end face 10 a, that is, the optical fiber 13. The angle enlarging unit 40 reduces the density of the excitation light immediately after being emitted from the light source 10 (exit end face 10a) when the wavelength conversion member 30 is dropped from the optical axis 11 of the light source 10. Therefore, in the angle expanding unit 40, the wavelength converting member 30 is dropped from the optical axis 11 of the light source 10, the angle expanding unit 40 is separated from, for example, the wavelength converting member 30, and the angle expanding unit 40 is exposed by the separation. When only air is present in front of the enlarged portion 40, the excitation light is diffused. That is, the angle enlarging unit 40 emits the excitation light in a state where the emission angle of the excitation light emitted from the emission end face 10a is enlarged.

  If the emission end face 10a has a planar shape, it does not function as the angle expanding portion 40. When the emission end face 10a has a planar shape, when the emission end face 10a is separated from the wavelength conversion member 30 and exposed, the excitation light is emitted from the end face in a state close to parallel light. The excitation light may cause a burden on the user, such as damaging the user's optic nerve. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent this, as described above, the emission end face 10a has a concavo-convex shape, and the angle expanding portion 40 is the emission end face 10a having a concavo-convex shape. At this time, the angle enlarging unit 40 reduces the density of the excitation light when emitted from the emission end face 10a to a desired safety level. This safety level is an excitation light in a state that can prevent the user from being burdened by the excitation light, such as irradiating the user's eyes and damaging the optic nerve of the user. The density is shown.

  In the angle expanding portion 40, the pitch and height of the irregularities are preferably in the order of several tens of μm to sub-microns in order to diffuse the excitation light. The unevenness may be formed, for example, by spraying a solution for dissolving the optical fiber 13 on the emission end face 10a, or directly on the emission end face 10a by a sandblasting method.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the illumination device 1 is dropped from the optical axis 11 of the light source 10 together with the wavelength conversion member 30, and the wavelength conversion member 30 is arranged on the optical axis 11 of the light source 10. It further has an angle expansion function canceling portion 50 disposed so as to be adjacent to the front of the angle expansion portion 40 when provided. When the angle expanding function canceling unit 50 is disposed adjacent to the front of the angle expanding unit 40, the incident angle of the excitation light incident on the angle expanding function canceling unit 50 is incident on the angle expanding unit 40. The function of the angle enlargement unit 40 is canceled so as to follow (follow) the incident angle before the operation. The angle expansion function canceling unit 50 of the present embodiment also serves as the wavelength conversion member 30 (mold member 31) described above, and is integral with the wavelength conversion member 30.

  When disposed on the optical axis 11 of the light source 10, the angle expansion function canceling unit 50 that is the wavelength conversion member 30 is adjacent to the emission end face 10 a that is the angle expansion unit 40. In this case, the angle expansion function canceling unit 50 causes the excitation light to be incident on the wavelength conversion member 30 that is the angle expansion function canceling unit 50 in a state of being guided by the optical fiber 13, that is, in a state close to parallel light. In order to secure a desired amount of light incident on the wavelength conversion member 30, the function of the angle expanding unit 40, that is, the function of expanding the emission angle is negated.

  The angle expanding function canceling portion 50 that is the wavelength converting member 30 is the mold member 31 described above. The angle expanding function canceling unit 50 in this case is incident on the wavelength conversion member 30 in order to secure a desired light amount incident on the wavelength conversion member 30, that is, without leaking the excitation light guided by the optical fiber 13. Therefore, as described above, the light emitting end face 10 a, that is, the optical fiber 13, specifically, has the same refractive index as the core member of the optical fiber 13.

  When such an angle expanding portion 40 is disposed on the optical axis 11 of the light source 10, as described above, the angle expanding portion 40 is adjacent to the concavo-convex shape emitting end surface 10a (angle expanding portion 40), and the emitting end surface 10a (angle expanding). Part 40) and press against each other.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the angle expansion function canceling portion 50 that is the wavelength conversion member 30 (mold member 31) prevents the gap 17 from being generated between the emission end face 10 a and the wavelength conversion member 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the contact end face 10a is formed of, for example, a silicon resin that can be elastically deformed according to the shape of the exit end face 10a (angle expanding portion 40) by being pressed by the exit end face 10a. Alternatively, the angle enlarging function canceling portion 50 may be formed of a gel-like member or a sol-like member that is capable of flowing according to the shape of the emission end face 10a (the angle enlarging portion 40) when pressed. Since the exit end face 10a (the angle expanding portion 40) has a concavo-convex shape, when the angle enlarging function canceling portion 50 is pressed by the exit end face 10a, only the pressed portion (incident end face 30a) is the exit end face 10a. (Follows) and deforms into a concavo-convex shape. At this time, the angle expansion function canceling portion 50 is optically substantially free of an interface as shown in FIG. 1B, and in a state where there is no gap 17 as shown in FIG. 3 between the exit end face 10a. In close contact with the emission end face 10a (angle enlarged portion 40). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the excitation light is diffusely reflected by the gap 17, and the amount of excitation light incident on the wavelength conversion member 30 is reduced, thereby preventing the illumination light from becoming dark.

  In addition, when the angle expansion function cancellation part 50 which is the wavelength conversion member 30 falls off from the optical axis 11 of the light source 10 as described above, it is separated from the angle expansion part 40 which is the emission end face 10a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting device 1 fixes the relative position between the emission end face 10 a that is the angle widening section 40 and the wavelength conversion member 30 that is the angle widening function canceling section 50, and further, It further has a fixing member 70 that fixes the wavelength conversion member 30 in a state of being pressed against each other. The fixing member 70 includes a holding main body 71 that holds the optical fiber holding member 15 on the emission end face 10a side, which is the angle expanding portion 40, and a wavelength conversion member 30 that is the angle expanding function canceling portion 50. And a holding cap 73 for holding. The holding main body 71 has a structure that fits with the holding cap 73 and does not easily come off once connected to the holding cap 73. For example, the holding main body 71 has, for example, one of a convex portion and a concave portion, and the holding cap 73 has the other of the convex portion and the concave portion. In order to fix the angle enlarging unit 40 and the angle enlarging function canceling unit 50 in a pressed state, the holding main body 71 and the holding cap 73 are fixed by one side being pushed into the other and fitted together. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the holding body 71 has a cylindrical shape having a bottom 71a. The holding main body 71 has a space portion 71b having substantially the same size as the optical fiber holding member 15 inside, and the optical fiber holding member 15 is fitted into the space portion 71b. In addition, an opening 71c into which the optical fiber 13 can be inserted is formed in the bottom 71a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the holding cap 73 has a cylindrical shape having a bottom 73a. The holding cap 73 has a space portion 73b having substantially the same size as the wavelength conversion member 30, and the wavelength conversion member 30 is fitted into the space portion 73b. Further, an opening 73c through which the fluorescence emitted from the wavelength conversion member 30 passes is formed in the bottom 73a.

  The holding main body 71 and the holding cap 73 are fitted to each other so that the wavelength conversion member 30 is disposed on the optical axis 11.

  In the direction of the optical axis 11, the sum of the length of the space portion 71 b in the holding main body portion 71 and the length of the space portion 73 b in the holding cap 73 is equal to the emission end face 10 a (angle expanding portion 40) and the wavelength conversion member 30 (angle extending function cancellation). The length of the optical fiber holding member 15 and the length of the wavelength conversion member 30 in a state before the emission end face 10a and the wavelength conversion member 30 come into contact with each other so that the relative position is fixed in a state where the butt portions 50) are pressed against each other. It is shorter than the sum with Sato.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1C, the above-described convex portions and concave portions are arranged on the edge of the holding main body portion 71 and the edge of the holding cap 73. Further, when the holding main body 71 and the holding cap 73 are separated by an external force such as an impact, the emission end face 10a that is the angle widening portion 40 and the wavelength conversion member 30 that is the angle widening function canceling portion 50 are damaged, deformed, or disassembled. The holding main body 71 is separated from the output end face 10a, which is the angle widening section 40, and the output end face 10a, which is the angle widening section 40, and the wavelength conversion member, which is the angle widening function canceling section 50, so that the entire surface is exposed. The holding cap 73 is fitted in the vicinity of the contact portion 30. In other words, the fitting position between the convex portion and the concave portion, in other words, the holding main body portion 71 and the holding cap 73 is such that the emission end face 10a that is the angle widening portion 40 and the wavelength conversion member 30 that is the angle widening function canceling portion 50. It is located on the side 11a of the contact position and is close to it. Furthermore, in other words, in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis 11, the fitting positions of the holding main body 71 and the holding cap 73, the emission end face 10 a that is the angle widening portion 40, and the angle widening function canceling portion 50. The position where the wavelength conversion member 30 contacts is disposed on the same straight line and is close to the position.

Next, the operation method of this embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the optical fiber 13 is fitted or bonded to the hole 15 b of the optical fiber holding member 15. At this time, the optical fiber holding member 15 holds the emission end face 10 a side so that the emission end face 10 a is disposed substantially in the same plane as the end face 15 a of the optical fiber holding member 15. 1A, the optical fiber holding member 15 is fitted into the space 71b of the holding body 71, and the wavelength conversion member 30 is fitted into the space 71b of the holding cap 73.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 1B, one of the convex portion and the concave portion is pushed into the other so that the convex portion and the concave portion are fitted, and the holding main body portion 71 and the holding cap 73 are fixed. Thereby, the relative position of the output end face 10a that is the angle expanding portion 40 and the wavelength conversion member 30 that is the angle expanding function canceling portion 50 is fixed. At this time, the wavelength conversion member 30 is disposed on the optical axis 11, and the incident end face 30a of the wavelength conversion member 30 is adjacent to the end face 15a of the optical fiber holding member 15 including the emission end face 10a.

  The sum of the length of the space 71 b in the holding main body 71 and the length of the space 73 b in the holding cap 73 is the length of the optical fiber holding member 15 in a state before the emission end face 10 a and the wavelength conversion member 30 are in contact with each other. It is shorter than the sum of the length of the wavelength conversion member 30. Therefore, as described above, when the holding main body 71 and the holding cap 73 are fixed, and the relative position between the emission end face 10a and the wavelength conversion member 30 is fixed, the emission end face 10a (the angle expanding portion 40) and the wavelength conversion member. 30 (angle expansion function cancellation part 50) is fixed in a pressed state.

  At this time, the angle enlarging function canceling portion 50 that is the wavelength converting member 30 is elastically deformed following the shape of the angle expanding portion 40 that is the emission end face 10 a that presses the wavelength converting member 30. In other words, the angle expansion function canceling portion 50 is deformed into a concavo-convex shape and optically has almost no interface, and there is no gap 17 between the output end surface 10a and the output end surface 10a (angle expansion). Part 40).

  Further, at this time, the holding main body 71 is fitted with the holding cap 73 in the vicinity where the emission end face 10a that is the angle widening portion 40 and the wavelength conversion member 30 that is the angle widening function canceling portion 50 are in contact.

  In this state, the laser 12 emits excitation light. The excitation light enters the optical fiber 13 from one end face (incident end face) of the optical fiber 13, is guided by the optical fiber 13, and is emitted toward the wavelength conversion member 30 from the emission end face 10 a.

  Since the emission end face 10a which is the angle expansion unit 40 has an uneven shape, the emission angle (radiation range) of the excitation light is enlarged and the excitation light is emitted. At this time, the angle enlarging function canceling portion 50, which is the wavelength conversion member 30, is in close contact with the emission end face 10a, and cancels the function of the angle enlarging portion 40, that is, the function of expanding the emission angle (radiation range). Specifically, the wavelength conversion member 30 is configured so that the incident angle of the excitation light incident on the angle expansion function canceling unit 50 conforms (follows) the incident angle before entering the angle expansion unit 40. Cancel the function. As a result, the excitation light enters the wavelength conversion member 30 in a state close to parallel light, and a desired amount of light entering the wavelength conversion member 30 is ensured. Further, since the angle expanding function canceling unit 50 has substantially the same refractive index as that of the optical fiber 13 (the output end surface 10a), the excitation light emitted from the output end surface 10a which is the angle expanding unit 40 does not leak. The light enters the wavelength conversion member 30 that is the enlargement function canceling unit 50.

  In this state, the wavelength conversion member 30 converts the wavelength of the excitation light as desired, and emits light having a peak wavelength different from the excitation light (for example, fluorescence) forward as illumination light.

  The wavelength conversion member 30 (angle expansion function canceling portion 50) is pressed by the emission end surface 10a (angle expansion portion 40) and elastically deformed into an uneven shape following the shape of the emission end surface 10a (angle expansion portion 40). It is in close contact with the emission end face 10a (angle expanding portion 40). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the gap 17 is prevented from being generated between the emission end face 10 a and the wavelength conversion member 30, and the excitation light is irregularly reflected by the gap 17, and the amount of excitation light incident on the wavelength conversion member 30 is reduced. The illumination light is prevented from being darkened.

  As described above, the holding main body 71 is fitted with the holding cap 73 in the vicinity where the emission end face 10 a that is the angle widening portion 40 and the wavelength conversion member 30 that is the angle widening function canceling portion 50 are in contact. ing. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1C, when the holding main body 71 and the holding cap 73 are separated by an external force such as an impact, for example, the output end face 10a that is the angle expanding portion 40 and the wavelength conversion member that is the angle expanding function canceling portion 50 30 is separated without being broken, deformed or disassembled, and the entire exit end face 10a, which is the angle widening portion 40, is exposed. At this time, the wavelength conversion member 30 falls off from the optical axis 11.

  And since the output end face 10a which is the angle expansion part 40 has an uneven shape, the excitation light is not emitted in a state close to parallel light, but the excitation light emission angle (radiation range) is expanded and the excitation light is emitted. Is emitted, and the excitation light is diffused. Thereby, the density of the excitation light immediately after exiting from the exit end face 10a is reduced to a safe level by the angle enlarging unit 40. This prevents the user from being burdened by excitation light, such as damaging the user's optic nerve.

  Thus, in this embodiment, even if the wavelength conversion member 30 falls off from the optical axis 11, the excitation light is expanded by expanding the emission angle (radiation range) of the excitation light by the angle expansion unit 40 that is the emission end face 10 a. Since it can be emitted, the excitation light can be diffused, and the density of the excitation light immediately after being emitted from the emission end face 10a can be reduced. Thereby, in this embodiment, it can prevent that a user is burdened by excitation light, and can maintain desired safety | security.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by directly forming the angle expanding portion 40 on the emission end face 10a, the emission angle (radiation range) of the excitation light immediately after being emitted from the emission end face 10a can be enlarged to emit the excitation light. Thereby, in this embodiment, the density of the excitation light immediately after radiate | emitting from the output end surface 10a can be reduced, and higher safety | security can be maintained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the exit end face 10a is formed in a concavo-convex shape, the excitation light can be emitted with an increased exit angle of the excitation light without emitting the excitation light in a state close to parallel light, for example. The density of the excitation light immediately after being applied can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the wavelength conversion member 30 is disposed on the optical axis 11, the angle expansion function canceling unit 50 cancels the angle expansion function canceling the exit angle expanded by the angle expanding unit 40. The function of the angle enlarging unit 40 can be canceled so that the incident angle of the excitation light incident on the unit 50 follows (follows) the incident angle before entering the angle enlarging unit 40. Thereby, in this embodiment, excitation light can be made to enter into the wavelength conversion member 30 in the state close | similar to parallel light, and the desired light quantity which injects into the wavelength conversion member 30 is securable.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the angle expansion function canceling unit 50 also serves as the wavelength conversion member 30, so that when the wavelength conversion member 30 falls off the optical axis 11, the angle expansion unit 40 does not perform useless operation. The exit end face 10 a can be exposed, and the wavelength conversion member 30 can be quickly functioned as the wavelength conversion member 30 by being disposed on the optical axis 11. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the angle expansion function canceling unit 50 also serves as the wavelength conversion member 30, a member that functions only as the angle expansion function canceling unit 50 can be deleted, and as a result, the number of parts can be reduced, and the illumination device 1 can be made compact.

  In the present embodiment, the angle expansion function canceling portion 50 can be deformed or flowed following the shape of the angle expansion portion 40, and the angle expanding portion 40 and the angle expansion function canceling portion 50 are pressed by the fixing member 70. It can be fixed with. Thereby, in this embodiment, since the angle expansion function canceling unit 50 can be in close contact with the angle expansion unit 40, the emission end face 10a that is the angle expansion unit 40 and the wavelength conversion member 30 that is the angle expansion function cancellation unit 50 are provided. It is possible to prevent the gap 17 from being generated, to prevent irregular reflection of the excitation light, to prevent a decrease in the amount of excitation light incident on the wavelength conversion member 30, and to prevent the illumination light from becoming dark.

  In the present embodiment, one of the convex portion and the concave portion in the holding main body 71 and the holding cap 73 is pushed into the other to fit the convex portion and the concave portion. Further, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber holding in the state before the emission end face 10a and the wavelength conversion member 30 are in contact with the sum of the length of the space 71b in the holding main body 71 and the length of the space 73b in the holding cap 73. It is shorter than the sum of the length of the member 15 and the length of the wavelength conversion member 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, it can fix in the state which pressed the angle expansion part 40 and the angle expansion function cancellation part 50, and can improve the adhesiveness of the angle expansion part 40 and the angle expansion function cancellation part 50. FIG. .

  In the present embodiment, the holding main body 71 and the holding cap 73 are fitted in the vicinity of the contact between the angle expanding portion 40 and the angle expanding function canceling portion 50. Thus, in the present embodiment, when the holding main body 71 and the holding cap 73 are separated by an external force such as an impact, the output end face 10a that is the angle expanding portion 40 and the wavelength conversion member 30 that is the angle expanding function canceling portion 50 Are separated from each other without breakage, deformation or disassembly. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the emission end face 10a is exposed, the angle expansion unit 40 does not break, deform, or decompose, so that the angle expansion unit 40 functions normally, and as a result, as described above, The exit angle of the excitation light can be enlarged and emitted. Thereby, in this embodiment, the density of the excitation light immediately after radiate | emitted from the output end surface 10a can be reduced. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the whole output end surface 10a which is the angle expansion part 40 can be exposed reliably, the angle expansion part 40 can be functioned reliably.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by making the refractive index of the angle expanding function canceling unit 50 substantially the same as the refractive index of the optical fiber 13, the wavelength conversion member 30 is not leaked without exciting light guided by the optical fiber 13. Incident light can be secured.

  In the present embodiment, the optical fiber holding member 15 can easily handle the optical fiber 13, and the output end face 10a and the wavelength conversion member 30 can be easily fixed.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the optical fiber holding member 15 and the space part 71b can be made into the substantially same magnitude | size, the optical fiber holding member 15 can be fitted in the space part 71b, and wavelength conversion and the space part 71b are substantially the same. The wavelength conversion can be fitted into the space portion 71b. Thereby, in this embodiment, the illuminating device 1 can be assembled easily.

Next, a first modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4A.
For example, the end surface 13a is a flat surface. Moreover, the angle expansion part 40 of this modification has an optical member 41 made of glass, for example, which is bonded to the end face 13a of the optical fiber 13 which is the tip of the light source 10 and has a concavo-convex emission end face 10a. . The diameter of the optical member 41 matches the core diameter of the optical fiber 13.

  In the present modification, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained also by the optical member 41. Moreover, in this modification, it is not necessary to process the optical fiber 13 directly, it can prevent that the optical fiber 13 whole is wasted by the defect of a process, and can be made cheap.

Next, a second modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4B.
The angle expanding portion 40 in this modification is an emission end face 10a having a concave shape. At this time, the emission end face 10a is a spherical surface. At this time, the incident end face 30a of the wavelength conversion member 30 which is the angle expanding function canceling portion 50 facing the outgoing end face 10a has a convex shape having a size to be fitted into the concave outgoing end face 10a. . Or the wavelength conversion member 30 which is the angle expansion function cancellation part 50 may have a convex shape so that it may become longer than the length (depth) of the output end surface 10a in the optical axis 11 direction.

Next, a third modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4C.
The entire end surface 15a of the optical fiber holding member 15 including the emission end surface 10a that is the angle expanding portion 40 may have a concave shape. At this time, the entire end surface 15a is a spherical surface. Further, at this time, the entire incident end face 30a of the wavelength conversion member 30 which is the angle expanding function canceling portion 50 facing the end face 15a has a convex shape having a size to be fitted into the concave end face 15a. Alternatively, the incident end face 30a of the wavelength conversion member 30 may have a convex shape so as to be longer than the length (depth) of the end face in the optical axis 11 direction.

Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. In addition, about the structure same as 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same referential mark as 1st Embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the illuminating device 1 is adjacent to the output end face 10 a that is the angle expanding portion 40 of the present embodiment at the rear when the wavelength conversion member 30 is disposed on the optical axis 11. It further has a buffer member 33 to be used.
In addition, the wavelength conversion member 30 of the present embodiment absorbs excitation light, emits light having a wavelength different from that of the excitation light (for example, fluorescence) forward as illumination light, and a buffer member 33 and the rear. And a mold member 35 that transmits excitation light and fluorescence with high efficiency.

  The wavelength conversion member 30 is connected to the emission end face 10 a via the buffer member 33. The wavelength conversion member 30 preferably has fluorescent particles dispersed in the mold member 35. The mold member 35 is, for example, a silicone resin, an epoxy resin, or glass.

  The angle expansion function canceling unit 50 of this embodiment also serves as the buffer member 33. The buffer member 33 transmits the excitation light toward the mold member 35 with high efficiency. Similarly to the wavelength conversion member 30 (mold member 31) of the first embodiment, the buffer member 33 is pressed by the emission end surface 10a, and thus elastically follows the shape of the emission end surface 10a (angle expanding portion 40). For example, it is made of deformable silicon resin. Alternatively, like the wavelength conversion member 30 of the first embodiment, the buffer member 33 is a gel-like member or a sol that can flow according to the shape of the emission end face 10a (the angle expanding portion 40) when pressed. These members may be used.

  The buffer member 33 and the mold member 35 are arranged so that the excitation light guided by the optical fiber 13 enters the wavelength conversion member 30 without leaking, so that the output end face 10a, that is, the optical fiber 13, more specifically, the optical fiber 13 It has substantially the same refractive index as a core member (not shown).

  The hardness of the mold member 35 is not particularly limited.

Since the operation method of this embodiment is substantially the same as the operation method of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.
In the present embodiment, when the wavelength conversion member 30 is disposed on the optical axis 11, the buffer member 33, which is the angle expansion function canceling unit 50, has the emission end face 10 a (an angle expansion unit) that presses the buffer member 33. It is elastically deformed following the shape of 40). That is, the buffer member 33 is deformed into a concavo-convex shape, optically substantially free of an interface, and in a state where there is no gap 17 between the buffer end surface 10a and the output end surface 10a (angle expanding portion 40). In close contact. Therefore, the gap 17 is prevented from being generated between the emission end face 10a and the buffer member 33, the excitation light is diffusely reflected by the gap 17, the amount of excitation light incident on the wavelength conversion member 30 is reduced, and the illumination light becomes dark. It is prevented.

  Further, since the buffer member 33 that is the angle expansion function canceling unit 50 and the mold member 35 have substantially the same refractive index as the optical fiber 13, the excitation light guided by the optical fiber 13 leaks. Without being incident on the wavelength conversion member 30.

  In this state, the wavelength conversion member 30 converts the wavelength of the excitation light as desired, and emits light having a peak wavelength different from the excitation light (for example, fluorescence) forward as illumination light.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, in this embodiment, since there is no restriction | limiting in the hardness of the mold member 35, the freedom degree of the mold member 35 can be improved and the illuminating device 1 can be made cheap. In the present embodiment, for example, the buffer member 33 is made of a soft material, so that the mold member 35 is required to have a dispersibility, a transparency, and a high heat resistance for uniformly dispersing the phosphor with respect to the mold member 35. A material having a function can be selected.

Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F. In addition, about the structure same as 1st, 2 embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same referential mark as 1st, 2nd embodiment.
The wavelength conversion member 30 that is the angle expansion function canceling unit 50 of the present embodiment includes fluorescent particles and a mold member 35 (not shown). The wavelength conversion member 30 (mold member 35) has a concavo-convex shape so as to be fitted to the concavo-convex emission end face 10a.

  The uneven | corrugated shaped output end surface 10a which is the angle expansion part 40 of this embodiment is shape | molded by the uneven | corrugated 1st metal mold | die, for example. The uneven wavelength conversion member 30 is formed by an uneven second mold that is negative-positive inverted with respect to the first mold. The wavelength conversion member 30 is formed by pouring resin into a second mold having the optical fiber 13 and solidifying it. The optical fiber 13 may be directly formed on the uneven wavelength conversion member 30.

  6C, FIG. 6D, FIG. 6E, and FIG. 6F, the output end face 10a and the wavelength conversion member 30 of the present embodiment are aligned with each other for fitting and free in the direction around the optical axis 11. In order to leave a degree, it is preferable that the center is formed around the center 10b of the exit end face 10a, and more specifically, has concentric irregularities centered on the center 10b of the exit end face 10a.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F, in the radial direction of the emission end face 10a, the intervals between the ridges 10d and the grooves 10e on the emission end face 10a are the same. There is no need to be (uniform), and when the wavelength conversion member 30 falls off the optical axis 11 and the excitation light is emitted from the emission end face 10a, interference of the excitation light is prevented, and the excitation light is diffused and emitted. In order to achieve this, random (non-uniform) is preferable. This also applies to the uneven crest 30d and the groove 30e in the wavelength conversion member 30.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D, in the direction of the optical axis 11, the lengths of the concavo-convex crests 10d and the grooves 10e on the emission end face 10a are different from those of a convex lens or a Fresnel lens. In order to prevent the light from being condensed, random (non-uniform) is preferable. This also applies to the uneven crest 30d and the groove 30e in the wavelength conversion member 30.

  The hardness of the mold member 35 is not particularly limited.

Since the operation method of this embodiment is substantially the same as the operation method of the first and second embodiments, detailed description thereof is omitted.
Thus, in this embodiment, the same effect as the first and second embodiments can be obtained. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the unevenness | corrugation of the output end surface 10a and the unevenness | corrugation of the wavelength conversion member 30 fit, the output end surface 10a which is the angle expansion part 40, and the wavelength conversion member 30 which is the angle expansion function cancellation part 50 The relative position can be directly and firmly fixed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the unevenness of the emission end face 10 a and the unevenness of the wavelength conversion member 30 are fitted, the length of the space portion 71 b in the holding main body portion 71 in the direction of the optical axis 11 and the space portion 73 b in the holding cap 73. There is no need to consider the length, and the degree of freedom in designing the fixing member 70 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the output end face 10a and the wavelength conversion member 30 are formed such that the unevenness of the output end face 10a and the unevenness of the wavelength conversion member 30 are formed concentrically, and the center of the unevenness is positioned at the center of the output end face 10a. By positioning the center of the projections and depressions at the center of the end face of the wavelength conversion member 30, the fitting and positioning can be performed while ensuring the degree of freedom in the direction around the optical axis 11, and the lighting device 1 can be easily assembled. .

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the radial direction of the emission end face 10a, the intervals between the uneven crests 10d and the grooves 10e are made non-uniform so that interference of excitation light is prevented and the excitation light is diffused. It can be emitted.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, it can prevent that excitation light condenses by making each length in the uneven | corrugated peak part 10d and the groove part 10e in the output end surface 10a random in the optical axis 11 direction.

Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In addition, about the structure same as 1st, 2 and 3 embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same referential mark as 1st, 2 and 3 embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the exit end face 10a has an uneven shape, and the portion of the wavelength conversion member 30 (incident end face 30a) facing the exit end face 10a has an uneven shape. The emission end face 10 a and the wavelength conversion member 30 are bonded by a chemical adhesive 51. In the chemical adhesive 51, particles 51 a having substantially the same refractive index as the chemical adhesive 51 are dispersed. The particles 51a preferably have a diameter on the order of several tens of μm to a submicron order, similar to the pitch and height of the irregularities on the exit end face 10a and the entrance end face 30a.

The angle enlarging unit 40 in the present embodiment has an emission end face 10a, particles 51a, and an incident end face 30a. In other words, the emission end face 10a, the particles 51a, and the incident end face 30a also serve as the angle expanding portion 40.
Moreover, the angle expansion function canceling part 50 in the present embodiment is the chemical adhesive 51 excluding the particles 51a.
The hardness of the mold member 35 included in the wavelength conversion member 30 is not particularly limited.

  The chemical adhesive 51 and the particles 51a enter the wavelength conversion member 30 without scattering the excitation light guided by the optical fiber 13, so that the emission end face 10a, that is, the optical fiber 13, more specifically, the optical fiber 13 is used. The core member (not shown) has substantially the same refractive index.

Since the operation method of this embodiment is substantially the same as the operation method of the first, second, and third embodiments, detailed description thereof is omitted.
In the present embodiment, when the wavelength conversion member 30 falls off from the optical axis 11, all the chemical adhesives 51 stick to the incident end surface 30 a of the wavelength conversion member 30, and the emission end surface is a part of the angle expanding portion 40. The end face 15a of the optical fiber holding member 15 including 10a is exposed. Alternatively, all of the chemical adhesive 51 sticks to the end face 15a of the optical fiber holding member 15, and the incident end face 30a that is a part of the angle expanding portion 40 is exposed. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7B, a part of the chemical adhesive 51 sticks to the end face 15a, the other part of the chemical adhesive 51 remains stuck to the incident end face 30a, the chemical adhesive 51 is divided, and the angle The particles 51a that are part of the enlarged portion 40 are exposed. At this time, the particles 51a themselves are not divided.

  As described above, when the chemical adhesive 51 is divided, a part of the plurality of particles 51a is exposed to the air, so that an uneven shape is formed on the end surface. Therefore, the excitation light is emitted with the emission angle (radiation range) enlarged by the emission end face 10a and diffused.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the same effect as the first, second, and third embodiments can be obtained. In this embodiment, the chemical adhesive 51 does not require the emission end face 10a and the wavelength conversion member 30 to be adjacent to each other at the time of assembly. Even in this state, the chemical adhesive having substantially the same refractive index as that of the optical fiber 13 is used. By the agent 51, the excitation light guided by the optical fiber 13 can be incident on the wavelength conversion member 30 without further leakage, and the amount of light can be ensured more reliably.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the relative position between the emission end face 10a that is a part of the angle widening portion 40 and the wavelength conversion member 30 can be directly and firmly fixed by the chemical adhesive 51 that is the angle widening function canceling portion 50. .

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Illuminating device, 10 ... Light source, 10a ... Output end surface, 11 ... Optical axis, 13 ... Optical fiber, 13a ... End surface, 15 ... Optical fiber holding member, 15a ... End surface, 30 ... Wavelength conversion member, 30a ... Incident end surface, 40 ... An angle enlargement part, 50 ... An angle enlargement function cancellation part, 70 ... A fixing member, 71 ... A holding main-body part, 73 ... A holding cap.

Claims (15)

A light source that emits excitation light;
The excitation light is arranged in front of the emission end face of the light source and on the optical axis of the light source with respect to the emission direction of the excitation light, and the excitation light is converted into a desired wavelength by being irradiated with the excitation light. A wavelength conversion member that emits light having a peak wavelength different from that of light;
In order to reduce the density of the excitation light immediately after being emitted from the emission end face when the wavelength conversion member is dropped from the optical axis, the wavelength conversion member is moved forward when the wavelength conversion member is dropped from the optical axis. An angle expanding unit that expands an emission angle of the excitation light emitted from the emission end face toward the wavelength conversion member by being separated from an adjacent member,
An illumination device comprising:   The said angle expansion part is directly formed in the said output end surface, or the said angle expansion part is an optical member which is arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of the said light source, and has the said output end surface. Lighting device.   The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the angle enlargement portion is the emission end face having an uneven shape.   The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the angle expansion portion is the emission end face having a concave shape. When the wavelength converting member is dropped from the optical axis together with the wavelength converting member, and the wavelength converting member is disposed on the optical axis, the angle enlarging function is disposed so as to be adjacent to the front of the angle expanding portion. Further comprising
When the angle expansion function canceling unit is disposed adjacent to the front of the angle expansion unit, the incident angle of the excitation light incident on the angle expansion function cancellation unit is incident on the angle expansion unit. 5. The illumination device according to claim 3, wherein the function of the angle enlargement unit is canceled so as to conform to an incident angle before being performed. The wavelength conversion member is a mold that is adjacent to the emission end face behind the wavelength conversion member when the wavelength conversion member is disposed on the optical axis, and transmits the excitation light and light having a peak wavelength different from that of the excitation light. Having a member,
The lighting device according to claim 5, wherein the angle expansion function canceling portion also serves as the mold member. When the wavelength conversion member is disposed on the optical axis, further comprising a buffer member adjacent to the emission end face at the rear,
The wavelength conversion member is adjacent to the buffer member at the rear, and has a mold member that transmits light having a peak wavelength different from the excitation light and the excitation light.
The illumination device according to claim 5, wherein the angle expansion function canceling unit also serves as the buffer member.   The illumination device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the angle expansion function canceling portion is deformed or flows following the shape of the angle expansion portion.   It further has a fixing member that fixes the relative position between the angle expanding portion and the angle expanding function canceling portion, and further fixes the angle expanding portion and the angle expanding function canceling portion in a pressed state. The lighting device according to claim 8. The fixing member is
A holding main body part that holds the angle-enlarged part so as to be included;
A holding cap for holding the angle expanding function canceling part;
Have
In order to fix the angle enlarging part and the angle enlarging function canceling part in a pressed state, either one of the holding part main body part and the holding cap is pushed into the other and is fitted to each other. The lighting device according to claim 9.   The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein the holding member main body is fitted with the holding member cap in a vicinity where the angle widening portion and the angle widening function canceling portion are in contact with each other. .   The illumination device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the angle expansion function canceling portion has a concavo-convex shape or a convex shape to be fitted to the angle expansion portion.   The lighting device according to claim 12, wherein the angle widening portion is formed around a center of the emission end face. The angle expansion function canceling portion has a chemical adhesive that bonds the emission end face and the wavelength conversion member,
In the chemical adhesive, particles having substantially the same refractive index as the chemical adhesive are dispersed,
The wavelength conversion member has a concavo-convex shape or a convex shape on an incident end surface facing the emission end surface,
The illumination device according to claim 5, wherein the angle expansion unit includes the particles, the emission end surface, and the incident end surface of the wavelength conversion member.   The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the angle expansion function canceling unit has substantially the same refractive index as the angle expansion unit.

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