JP2013058410A - Lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lighting device utilizing fluorescent light from a phosphor in which power consumption of an excitation light source can be suppressed as much as possible.SOLUTION: The lighting device 10 includes: a light source unit 11 which includes an excitation light source 21 for emitting excitation light L, a converging means 22 for converging the excitation light L emitted from the excitation light source 21, and a case 23 for holding the excitation light source 21 and the converging means 22 and emits the excitation light L having directivity to the outside; a transparent member 12 which is transparent to the excitation light L emitted from the excitation light source 21; and a phosphor 13 which is held by the transparent member 12 and emits fluorescent light f by the excitation light L emitted from the excitation light source 21. The light source unit 11 is installed to irradiate the excitation light L to the phosphor 13 through the transparent member 12.

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting device used for indoor lighting and decorative lighting.

  A typical prior art is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a lighting device 100 according to the conventional technique.

  The illumination device 100 according to the related art includes a semiconductor laser 101 that emits laser light 104 as excitation light, a rectangular plate-like transparent member 102 that is transparent to the laser light 104 emitted from the semiconductor laser 101, and the thickness of the transparent member 102. And a phosphor 103 containing a fluorescent material which is attached to one surface 102a perpendicular to the direction and which is excited by a laser beam 104 to emit fluorescence.

  The illuminating device 100 operates the semiconductor laser 101 disposed in the vicinity of the one end face 102b parallel to the thickness direction of the transparent member 102, so that the laser beam 104 is incident on the inside of the transparent member 102 through the one end face 102b. By irradiating the phosphor 103, the phosphor 103 can emit light.

JP 2004-200120 A

  As in the illumination device 100 according to the related art, an illumination device that uses light emission of a phosphor is required to emit the phosphor with high emission intensity. In the case of the illumination device 100 according to the related art, the laser light 104 that is excitation light is configured to be directly incident on the inside of the transparent member 102 from the semiconductor laser 101, so that it is widely used in addition to the direction toward the phosphor 103. The laser light 104 spreads and the proportion of light that does not contribute to light emission increases. Therefore, in order to cause the phosphor to emit light with high emission intensity, the light output of the excitation light source must be increased, and there is a problem that the power consumption of the excitation light source increases.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an illuminating device that utilizes the light emission of a phosphor and that can suppress the power consumption of an excitation light source as much as possible.

The present invention includes an excitation light source that emits excitation light, a condensing unit that condenses the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source, and a casing that holds the excitation light source and the condensing unit and has directivity. A light source unit that emits light,
A transparent member transparent to excitation light emitted from the excitation light source;
A phosphor that is held by the transparent member and emits fluorescence by excitation light emitted by the excitation light source;
The illumination device is characterized in that the light source unit is arranged to irradiate the phosphor with excitation light through the transparent member.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the condensing unit condenses the excitation light so that almost all of the excitation light incident on the transparent member is irradiated onto the phosphor.

In the present invention, the excitation light source is a semiconductor laser that emits laser light as excitation light.
The condensing means is a lens or a curved mirror.

In the present invention, the excitation light source is a semiconductor laser that emits laser light as excitation light.
The light source unit further includes an optical member that converts laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser into non-coherent light,
The condensing means is a lens or a curved mirror that condenses the non-coherent light converted by the optical member.

In the present invention, the excitation light source is a light emitting diode,
The optical member is a lens that collects excitation light emitted from the light emitting diode.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the excitation light source emits excitation light having a wavelength range of 370 nm to 460 nm.

  Further, the present invention is a protective member that is provided in a predetermined portion on the outer surface of the transparent member, and prevents excitation light incident on the inside of the transparent member from being emitted to the outside through the predetermined portion. Is further provided.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the protection member is a member that does not transmit the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source but transmits the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the excitation light incident on the inside of the transparent member is configured to be totally reflected at the interface between the transparent member and the external space before irradiating the phosphor. To do.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the light source unit further includes a reflecting mirror for changing the emitting direction of the excitation light.

  According to the present invention, the light source unit does not transmit the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source but transmits the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor, and the light receiving element capable of detecting the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source. And further comprising.

In the present invention, the transparent member comprises a flat plate member having a pair of main surfaces perpendicular to the thickness direction and a plurality of side surfaces parallel to the thickness direction,
The light source unit is installed such that excitation light enters the transparent member through one side surface of the transparent member.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the light source unit emits the excitation light at an angle such that the excitation light incident on the transparent member travels along the main surface while repeating total reflection at the interface between the transparent member and the external space. A light guide member for making the light incident on the transparent member is further provided.

  According to the present invention, the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source realized by a semiconductor laser, an LED, or the like is incident on the transparent member holding the phosphor after the directivity is enhanced by the condensing means. Therefore, the proportion of light that contributes to the light emission of the phosphor can be increased. That is, the phosphor can be irradiated using the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source efficiently. Thereby, compared with the case where the condensing means is not provided, the light output of an excitation light source can be suppressed, and therefore the power consumption of an excitation light source can be suppressed.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the illuminating device 10 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light source unit 11 with which the illuminating device 10 is equipped. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a phosphor 13 in the illumination device 10. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the illuminating device 30 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the illuminating device 40 of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light source unit 41 with which the illuminating device 40 is equipped. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light source unit 51 with which the illuminating device 50 of the 4th Embodiment of this invention is equipped. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the illuminating device 60 of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light source unit 61 with which the illuminating device 60 is equipped. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the illuminating device 70 of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the illuminating device 80 of the 7th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a light source unit 81 provided in the illumination device 80. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a phosphor 85 in the illumination device 80. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the illuminating device 90 of the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the light source unit 91 with which the illuminating device 90 is equipped. It is sectional drawing of the illuminating device 90 when cut | disconnecting by the cut surface S1 in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the fluorescent substance 85 vicinity in the illuminating device 90. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the illuminating device 90 when it cut | disconnects by the cut surface S2 in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the illuminating device 100 which concerns on a prior art.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a lighting device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the light source unit 11 provided in the illumination device 10. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the phosphor 13 in the illumination device 10.

  The illumination device 10 according to the present embodiment is held by a light source unit 11 that emits excitation light L, a transparent member 12 that is transparent to the excitation light L and visible light emitted from the light source unit 11, and the transparent member 12. The phosphor 13 that emits fluorescence f when irradiated with the excitation light L and the protective member 14 are included.

  The transparent member 12 is a member having translucency, and is realized by, for example, a colorless acrylic resin. In this embodiment, the transparent member 12 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and has a pair of main surfaces 12a perpendicular to the thickness direction and four side surfaces 12b parallel to the thickness direction. The shape of the transparent member 12 is not limited to a rectangular plate shape, and may be, for example, a cylindrical shape or a hemispherical shape.

  The transparent member 12 is configured to be able to hold a phosphor 13 to emit light. In the present embodiment, the transparent member 12 is provided with an insertion hole 12c into which the phosphor 13 is fitted. The insertion hole 12c is provided at a position appropriately selected according to the design of the lighting device 10 or the like.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, insertion holes 12c are provided at three locations. These insertion holes 12c are formed by punching a plate-like transparent member 12 in the thickness direction, and in this embodiment, penetrate through in the thickness direction as shown in FIG.

  The shape and size of each insertion hole 12c are appropriately selected based on the shape and size of the phosphor 13 to be held. For example, when the phosphor 13 is inserted into the insertion hole 12c, the phosphor 13 and the transparent member The shape and size may be selected so that 12 fits with no gap, or the shape and size may be selected so that phosphor 13 and transparent member 12 fit loosely.

  In the latter case, in order to prevent the phosphor 13 from being easily detached from the transparent member 12, for example, the phosphor 13 and the transparent member 12 are bonded using a colorless and transparent adhesive. Also good.

  In this embodiment, since the fluorescent substance 13 to be held is formed in a substantially columnar shape as will be described later, each insertion hole 12c is defined by a right cylindrical inner peripheral surface accordingly. Yes.

  The phosphor 13 is a member including a fluorescent material that emits fluorescence f by the excitation light L emitted from the light source unit 11, and is configured, for example, by sealing the fluorescent material with a silicone resin or the like.

  As the fluorescent material, a green fluorescent material that emits green light upon receiving the excitation light L emitted from the light source unit 11, a red fluorescent material that emits red light, a blue fluorescent material that emits blue light, and the like are appropriately selected and used. It is done. When the phosphor 13 is formed, only one type of these fluorescent materials may be sealed, or a plurality of different types of fluorescent materials may be combined and sealed.

  As described above, the phosphor 13 is formed in a shape that can be inserted into the insertion hole 12 c provided in the transparent member 12. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, one end portion in the axial direction of the right circular cylinder is formed in a shell shape that is tapered by a curved surface such as a hemispherical surface.

  The phosphor 13 is preferably formed in such a shape that one end in the axial direction is tapered by a curved surface such as a hemispherical surface. Examples of such a shape include a shape in which a cross section when cut along a virtual plane including a central axis extending in the longitudinal direction is an ellipse, a rhombus, or a wedge.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the light source unit 11 includes an excitation light source 21 that emits excitation light L, a condensing unit 22 that condenses the excitation light L emitted from the excitation light source 21, and an excitation light source 21 and a condensing unit 22. And a box-shaped housing 23 to be held.

  The excitation light source 21 is a light source that emits, as excitation light L, light in a wavelength band that can cause the fluorescent material sealed in the phosphor 13 to emit light. In this embodiment, a semiconductor that emits laser light as the excitation light L. It is realized by a laser.

  More specifically, an InGaN-based semiconductor laser having a wavelength of 405 nm is used and is configured to operate with an optical output of about 1 W. The excitation light source 21 is preferably one that emits excitation light L in a wavelength band of 370 nm or more and 460 nm or less, such as the semiconductor laser, but is not limited thereto.

  The condensing means 22 is a member having a function of condensing the excitation light L emitted from the excitation light source 21 at a predetermined spread angle, and is disposed in front of the excitation light source 21 (downstream in the emission direction of the excitation light L). Is done. In this embodiment, the condensing means 22 is realized by a collimator lens that converts laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser into substantially parallel light.

  The case 23 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped member in which a space for accommodating the excitation light source 21 and the condensing means 22 is formed, and takes out the excitation light L from the excitation light source 21 accommodated therein. It has one wall surface part 23b in which a through hole 23a is formed.

  The excitation light source 21 and the condensing means 22 are positioned so that their optical axes coincide with each other, and the excitation light L is emitted to the outside through a through hole 23a formed in one wall surface portion 23b. It is held in the body 23.

  In this embodiment, the light source unit 11 is provided with three sets of excitation light sources 21 and condensing means 22, and individually irradiates the three phosphors 13 held on the transparent member 12 with the excitation light L. It is configured as follows. More specifically, the excitation light L incident on the transparent member 12 is directly irradiated onto the phosphor 13.

  The protection member 14 is a member for preventing the excitation light L incident on the inside of the transparent member 12 from leaking out of the transparent member 12. In this embodiment, the protection member 14 is configured by a plate colored black so as not to transmit light.

  The protection member 14 is laid by a method such as sticking so as to cover a predetermined portion of the outer surfaces 12a and 12b exposed to the outside in the transparent member 12. In the present embodiment, the three side surfaces 12 b except the one side surface 12 b facing the light source unit 11 are laid so as to cover each.

  In the illumination device 10 according to the present embodiment, the phosphor 13 is arranged such that one end formed in a tapered shape is arranged on the one main surface 12a side with respect to each insertion hole 12c provided in the transparent member 12. And the light source unit 11 is installed on one side surface 12b of the transparent member 12. The illumination device 10 is provided with a power supply circuit for supplying power to each excitation light source 21 from an internal power supply or an external power supply. Each excitation light source 21 is supplied with power from the power supply by a switch operation by a user. As a result, the excitation light L is emitted.

  The excitation light L emitted from the excitation light source 21 is condensed when passing through the condensing means 22 arranged in front of the excitation light source 21, whereby the excitation light L having directivity passes through the through hole 23a. Are emitted from the light source unit 11 to the outside. The excitation light L emitted to the outside enters the transparent member 12 via the one side surface 12b and is irradiated to the corresponding phosphor 13. Thereby, the fluorescent material is excited and the fluorescent light f is emitted from the fluorescent material 13.

  By operating in this way, the illumination device 10 can cause the phosphor 13 to emit light despite the absence of wiring and electronic circuit components around the phosphor 13. Can give surprises and strange feelings. Such an illuminating device 10 can be suitably used as, for example, indoor lighting or decorative lighting.

  The illumination device 10 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the excitation light L emitted from the excitation light source 21 is condensed by the condensing unit 22 and then irradiated to the phosphor 13. The phosphor 13 can be irradiated using L efficiently.

  Here, the difference in performance depending on the presence / absence of the light collecting means 22 will be described with an example. A semiconductor laser having a horizontal FFP (Far Field Pattern) of 10 ° and a vertical FFP of 40 ° is used as the excitation light source 21, the distance between the phosphor 13 and the semiconductor laser is set to 200 mm, and a bullet-shaped fluorescent light is used. Assume that the body 13 has dimensions of an axial length of 20 mm and a diameter of 5 mm.

  When a collimator lens is installed as the light condensing means 22 as in this embodiment, 80% or more of the light emitted from the semiconductor laser is formed by forming parallel light having a major axis of 1 mm or less by the collimator lens. The phosphor 13 can be irradiated.

  On the other hand, when the condensing means 22 is not installed as in the prior art, even if the laser beam is irradiated so that the major axis direction of the laser beam coincides with the axial direction of the phosphor 13, it is emitted from the semiconductor laser. Only about 5% of the emitted light can irradiate the phosphor 13.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, since the phosphor 13 can be irradiated efficiently using the excitation light L, the phosphor can be compared with the case of the prior art in which the light collecting means 22 is not provided. It is possible to suppress the light output of the excitation light source 21 that is necessary for causing the light 13 to emit light with a desired light emission intensity.

  Further, in the illumination device 10 according to the present embodiment, since the phosphor 13 is formed in a shape in which one end portion in the axial direction is tapered by a curved surface such as a hemispherical surface, the one end portion functions as a lens. be able to. By utilizing the function as a lens and emitting the fluorescence f to the viewer side as much as possible, the excitation light source 21 is further compared with the case where one end is not formed into a shape that is tapered by a curved surface. Power consumption can be suppressed.

  In the illumination device 10 according to the present embodiment, since the protective member 14 is laid so as to cover the side surface 12b of the transparent member 12, the semiconductor device and the collimator lens are delicately applied to the illumination device 10 due to impact. Even if the laser beam emitted from the light source unit 11 is directed in a direction different from the preset direction, the laser beam is externally exposed from the side surface 12b of the transparent member 12. Can be prevented as much as possible. Note that the side surface 12a does not leak to the outside only when the direction of the laser beam is slightly shifted. This is because the laser beam is totally reflected at the side surface 12a. For example, when the refractive index of the transparent member 12 is 1.5, the critical angle at the interface between the transparent member 12 and the external space (air) is 41.8 °. Not totally reflected.

  Although laser light emitted from a semiconductor laser has a risk of causing damage when directly incident on the human eye, according to the present embodiment, the laser light incident on the transparent member 12 may be emitted to the outside. As much as possible, safety can be improved.

  Further, by covering only the side surface 12b, the main surface 12a facing the viewer can be maintained transparent to visible light, so that the original purpose of giving the viewer a surprise or a strange feeling is provided. Can be achieved.

  In the above-described embodiment, a semiconductor laser is used as the excitation light source 21 and the phosphor 13 is irradiated with coherent light as the excitation light L. However, not only coherent light but also non-coherent light is applied to the phosphor 13. The light source unit 11 may be configured to irradiate.

  For example, an optical member such as a diffusing plate may be provided in front of the light emitting portion of the semiconductor laser so as to make the laser light incoherent. Alternatively, a light emitting diode (LED) may be used as the excitation light source 21 instead of a semiconductor laser. Thus, by using non-coherent light as the excitation light L, safety can be further improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, a collimator lens is used as the condensing unit 22, but any unit having a function of condensing the excitation light L emitted from the excitation light source 21 may be used. For example, a curved mirror is used. You can also

  Moreover, in said embodiment, although comprised so that the excitation light L which injected into the transparent member 12 may be directly irradiated to the fluorescent substance 13, not only this but the excitation light L which injected into the transparent member 12 is comprised. By making it enter with the incident angle more than a critical angle with respect to the interface of a transparent member and external space, before irradiating to the fluorescent substance 13, after making it totally reflect in this interface, it is comprised so that the fluorescent substance 13 may be irradiated. May be.

  In the above embodiment, the protective member 14 made of a black colored plate is laid on the side surface 12b. However, the protective member 14 is not limited to this, and the wavelength of the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser. A filter member having the property of not transmitting only the band light may be used. In this case, the filter member can be provided not only on the side surface 12b but also on the main surface 12a. As a result, the main surface 12a facing the viewer can be kept transparent to visible light, and even if laser light is incident on the main surface 12a at a critical angle or less, the main surface 12a is exposed to the outside. Release can be prevented.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the illumination device 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The illuminating device 30 according to the present embodiment is similar to the illuminating device 10 of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In the illumination device 10 according to the first embodiment, the phosphor 13 is held by being embedded in the transparent member 12, but in the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment, the phosphor 13 is placed on the flat side surface 12b. It is comprised so that it may be held by.

  Therefore, the phosphor 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape so that it can be easily placed on the side surface 12b. Thus, since the phosphor 33 is simply placed on the flat side surface 12b, the phosphor can be easily detached from the one side surface 12b by lifting it up by hand.

  Moreover, in the illuminating device 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, although the protection member 14 was provided in the side surface 12b, in the illuminating device 30 which concerns on this embodiment, this protection member 14 is not provided. Therefore, when the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment places the phosphor 33 at a predetermined position on the one side surface 12b, that is, a position where the excitation light L from the light source unit 11 is irradiated, the phosphor 33 is placed. Can emit light. As described above, since the phosphor 33 emits light simply by placing the phosphor 33 on the side surface 12b where no wiring and electronic circuit components are present in the surrounding area, it is possible to give a viewer a surprise or a strange feeling.

  In this embodiment, since the excitation light L is emitted to the outside from the side surface 12b on which the phosphor 33 is placed, it is necessary to prevent danger even if it directly enters the human eye. . Therefore, when a laser is used as the excitation light source 21, the optical output is set to an oscillation wavelength and output conforming to Class 1 described in Japanese Industrial Standard “Laser Product Radiation Safety Standards” JIS C 6802, or collected with the excitation light source 21. This can be dealt with by providing a diffusion plate or the like, which is an optical member for making the laser beam incoherent between the optical means 22. Further, an LED may be used as the excitation light source 21.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the illumination device 40 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the light source unit 41 provided in the illumination device 40. The illuminating device 40 according to the present embodiment is similar to the illuminating device 10 of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In the illuminating device 10 according to the first embodiment, the excitation light source 21 is provided for each phosphor 13 held by the transparent member 12. However, in the illuminating device 40 according to the present embodiment, a set of excitation light sources 21 is provided. In addition, the plurality of phosphors 13 are configured to emit light using the light collecting means 22.

  Specifically, the light source unit 41 of the present embodiment includes, in addition to the pair of excitation light sources 21 and the condensing means 22, a reflection mirror 42 that specularly reflects the excitation light L from the excitation light source 21 and a reflection mirror 42. And a drive unit 43 that rotates around the axis J1.

  The reflecting mirror 42 is a plate-like member having a flat mirror surface formed on one surface, and is installed to be rotatable around the predetermined axis J1. The pair of excitation light sources 21 and condensing means 22 are respectively held in the casing 23 so as to emit the excitation light L toward the mirror surface of the reflecting mirror 42.

  The drive unit 43 is realized by, for example, a motor, and the reflecting mirror 42 is set in a predetermined angle range (a range of the rotation angle θ) so that all the phosphors 13 held on the transparent member 12 can be irradiated. And rotate around the predetermined axis J1. In the present embodiment, the predetermined axis J1 is set to coincide with the thickness direction of the transparent member 12 according to the arrangement of the three phosphors 13.

  In the illumination device 40 according to the present embodiment, when power is turned on by a switch operation by a user, power is supplied to the excitation light source 21, excitation light L is emitted from the excitation light source 21, and power is supplied to the drive unit 43. Is supplied, and the reflecting mirror 42 starts to rotate. Thereby, the emission direction of the excitation light L emitted from the light source unit 41 continuously varies in the predetermined angle range as the reflecting mirror 42 rotates. Thereby, each fluorescent substance 13 can be irradiated sequentially by one set of excitation light source 21 and condensing means 22.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the excitation light source 21 for each phosphor 13, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Since a certain amount of time is required for the fluorescent material to be attenuated after being excited and excited by the excitation light L, the respective phosphors 13 emit light simultaneously by appropriately setting the rotation speed of the reflecting mirror 42. It can also be made.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the light source unit 51 provided in the illumination device 50 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device 50 according to the present embodiment is similar to the lighting device 40 of the third embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  The illumination device 40 according to the third embodiment is configured to change the emission direction of the excitation light L by rotating the reflecting mirror 42 while the excitation light source 21 is always operated. The illumination device 50 according to the embodiment is configured to operate the excitation light source 21 only when the emission direction of the excitation light L matches the direction in which the phosphor 13 can be irradiated.

  Specifically, the light source unit 51 of the present embodiment is a detection that can detect the rotation angle θ of the reflecting mirror 42 in addition to the pair of excitation light source 21 and the condensing means 22, the reflecting mirror 42, and the driving unit 43. And a control unit 53 that controls driving of the drive unit 43 and the excitation light source 21 according to a control program stored in advance.

  The detection unit 52 is realized by a rotary encoder or the like, detects the rotation angle θ of the reflecting mirror 42, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 53. The control unit 53 operates the driving unit 43 according to the control program, and operates / stops the excitation light source 21 based on the detection result transmitted from the detection unit 52.

  More specifically, the control unit 53 applies the excitation light source 21 only when the rotation angle θ matches the predetermined angle (or angle range) based on the detection result transmitted from the detection unit 44. A process for supplying power is executed.

  Here, the predetermined angle (or angle range) is the rotation angle θ when the phosphor 13 can be irradiated with the excitation light L reflected by the reflecting mirror 42, and the fluorescence in the transparent member 12. It is determined based on the arrangement of the body 13 and stored in the memory of the control unit 53 in advance.

  In the illumination device 50 according to the present embodiment, when the power is turned on by a switch operation by the user, power is supplied to the drive unit 43, the reflecting mirror 42 starts to rotate, and the rotation angle θ of the reflecting mirror 42 is set. The excitation light source 21 emits light only when the predetermined angle (or angle range) matches, and when it does not match, the power supply is cut off and the operation of the excitation light source 21 is stopped. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the tilt of the reflecting mirror 42 is configured to control the operation / stop of the excitation light source 21 depending on whether or not the phosphor 13 can be irradiated, the excitation is performed. The power consumption of the light source 21 can be further suppressed.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the illumination device 60 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the light source unit 61 provided in the illumination device 60. The lighting device 60 according to the present embodiment is similar to the lighting device 50 of the fourth embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In the illuminating device 50 according to the fourth embodiment, the rotation angle θ of the reflecting mirror 42 when operating the excitation light source 21 is stored in advance in the memory of the control unit 53, but the illuminating device 60 according to the present embodiment. Then, it is not necessary to store in advance the rotation angle θ of the reflecting mirror 42 when the excitation light source 21 is operated, and it can be automatically acquired.

  Specifically, the light source unit 61 of the present embodiment emits the phosphor 13 in addition to the set of the excitation light source 21 and the condensing means 22, the reflecting mirror 42, the drive unit 43, the detection unit 52, and the control unit 53. The light receiving element 62 that detects the fluorescence f and transmits the detection result to the control unit 53 and the excitation light L that is provided in front of the light receiving element 62 and is emitted from the excitation light source 21 is blocked, and the fluorescence f from the phosphor 13 The filter element 63 which permeate | transmits.

  In addition, a through hole 23c for guiding the fluorescence f from the phosphor 13 to the light receiving element 62 held in the casing 23 is formed in one wall surface portion 23b of the casing 23. The light receiving element 62 and the filter element 63 is arranged facing the through hole 23c.

  The illumination device 60 according to the present embodiment has a rotation angle acquisition mode for acquiring the rotation angle θ of the reflecting mirror 42 when operating the excitation light source 21, and the user selects the rotation angle acquisition mode. The rotation angle acquisition process is started.

  In the rotation angle acquisition process, the excitation light source 21 is operated, and the reflection mirror 42 is rotated around the axis line J1 at a predetermined rotation speed while the excitation light L is emitted. When the phosphor 13 is irradiated while the emission direction of the excitation light L varies with the rotation of the reflecting mirror 42, the phosphor 13 emits fluorescence f. A part of the fluorescence f at this time passes through the through hole 23 c and is detected by the light receiving element 62.

  The detection result by the light receiving element 62 and the detection result by the detection unit 52 are transmitted to the control unit 53, and based on these, the rotation angle θ of the reflecting mirror 42 when the fluorescence f exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected is acquired. Then, the rotation angle θ when the excitation light source 21 is operated is stored in the memory.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the rotation angle θ of the reflecting mirror 42 that can excite the phosphor 13 can be automatically acquired, the arrangement of the phosphor 13 in the transparent member 12 is changed. Even when the transparent member 12 itself installed in the light source unit 61 is replaced with another transparent member having a different arrangement of the phosphor 13, the power consumption of the excitation light source 21 can be suppressed.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a lighting device 70 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The illuminating device 70 according to the present embodiment is similar to the illuminating device 60 of the fifth embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In the illumination device 70 according to the present embodiment, a mirror surface 71 is formed on the inner surface side of the one side surface 12b of the transparent member 12, and the phosphors 13 and 13 held at positions that become blind spots using the reflection on the mirror surface 71, 33 is also configured to be able to irradiate the excitation light L.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, the freedom degree of the installation position of the fluorescent substance 13 hold | maintained at the transparent member 12 can be improved.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a lighting device 80 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the light source unit 81 provided in the illumination device 80. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the phosphor 85 in the illumination device 80. The illuminating device 80 according to the present embodiment is similar to the illuminating device 60 of the fifth embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In the illumination device 60 according to the fifth embodiment, the phosphor 13 is embedded in the transparent member 12, and the emission direction of the excitation light L is configured to vary one-dimensionally along a predetermined direction. In the illuminating device 80 according to the present embodiment, the excitation light L is irradiated so that the excitation light L is irradiated to the plurality of phosphors 85 attached to appropriate positions on the main surfaces 12 a of the transparent member 12. The emission direction is two-dimensionally varied.

  Specifically, the light source unit 81 of the present embodiment is provided with a drive unit 83 that rotates the reflecting mirror 42 about an axis J1 and an axis J2 orthogonal to the axis J1. The detection unit 52 is configured to detect a rotation angle θ around the axis J1 and a rotation angle φ around the axis J2. Moreover, the illuminating device 80 which concerns on this embodiment does not provide the protection member 14 on the main surface 12a and the side surface 12b of the transparent member 12 similarly to the illuminating device 30 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and excitation light L is transparent. It is configured to be discharged to the outside of the member 12. The phosphor 85 is configured to be easily pasted and peeled from the transparent member 12.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the phosphor 85 that can be easily attached and peeled is configured to be installed on the surface of the transparent member 12, the arrangement of the phosphor 85 can be changed, and the shape and size can be changed. It is easy to change to another phosphor 85 having a different angle, and the degree of freedom of the installation position of the phosphor 85 held by the transparent member 12 can be further improved. Further, even when the arrangement is changed as described above, the rotation angle when the excitation light source 21 is operated can be easily acquired again.

  In this embodiment as well, the excitation light L is emitted from the side surface 12b to the outside in the same manner as the illumination device 30 according to the second embodiment, so that there is no danger even if it is directly incident on the human eye. It is necessary to. Therefore, when a laser is used as the excitation light source 21, the optical output is set to an oscillation wavelength and output conforming to Class 1 described in Japanese Industrial Standard “Laser Product Radiation Safety Standards” JIS C 6802, or collected with the excitation light source 21. This can be dealt with by providing a diffusion plate or the like, which is an optical member for making the laser beam incoherent between the optical means 22. Further, an LED may be used as the excitation light source 21.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a lighting device 90 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view showing the light source unit 91 provided in the illumination device 90. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 90 when cut along the cutting plane S1 in FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the phosphor 85 in the illumination device 90. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 90 when cut along the cut surface S2 in FIG. The lighting device 90 according to the present embodiment is similar to the lighting device 80 of the seventh embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In the illumination device 80 according to the seventh embodiment, the phosphor 85 is attached to the main surface 12a of the transparent member 12, and the excitation light L is incident on the transparent member 12 through the one side surface 12b of the transparent member 12. Although comprised, in the illuminating device 80 which concerns on this embodiment, the fluorescent substance 85 is stuck on the main surface 12a of the transparent member 12, and the excitation light L is transmitted to the transparent member 12 via any one main surface 12a. It is comprised so that it may inject.

  In the illumination device 80 according to the seventh embodiment, since the excitation light L is incident through the one side surface 12b, it is possible to directly irradiate the phosphor 85 with the excitation light L incident on the transparent member 12. However, in this embodiment, since the excitation light L is incident on the transparent member 12 through the main surface 12a, the excitation light L is irradiated to the phosphor 85 that is attached at a position away from the light source unit 91. Therefore, it is necessary to guide the light while totally reflecting the inside of the transparent member 12.

  For example, when the refractive index of the transparent member 12 is 1.5, the critical angle at the interface between the transparent member 12 and the external space (air) is 41.8 °, but light is directly transmitted from the air to the transparent member 12. Once incident, even if the incident angle is increased as much as possible, it is theoretically impossible for the excitation light L incident on the transparent member 12 to be incident on the interface at a critical angle or more.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a light guide member 95 having a refractive index substantially equal to that of the transparent member 12 is installed in close contact with the main surface 12 a of the transparent member 12. The excitation light L from the excitation light source 21 is made incident on the transparent member 12 via the.

  Specifically, the light guide member 95 has a flat one surface 95a and an inclined surface 95b that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the one surface 95a, and is installed so that the one surface 95a faces the transparent member 12. Is done. When installing, it is preferable that the light guide member 95 and the transparent member 12 are in close contact with each other by interposing an adhesive grease 96 therebetween.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent a minute air layer from being formed between the light guide member 95 and the transparent member 12. The contact grease 96 preferably has a refractive index substantially equal to that of the light guide member 95, and is realized by, for example, transparent silicon grease.

  With respect to the light guide member 95 installed in this way, the excitation light source 21, the condensing means 22, and the reflecting mirror 42 can make the excitation light L incident substantially perpendicular to the inclined surface 95 b of the light guide member 95. Installed as possible.

  In this embodiment, since a semiconductor laser is used as the excitation light source 21, the diffusion plate 97 that is an optical member for making the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser incoherent is condensed with the excitation light source 21. It is provided between the means 22.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18, in order for the light receiving element 62 to receive the fluorescence f emitted from the phosphor 85 and guided while totally reflecting the inside of the transparent member 12, the light receiving element 62 and the transparent member 12. Between the two, the light guide member 95 is installed using the contact grease 96. The light receiving element 62 and the filter element 63 are installed so as to face the inclined surface 95 b of the light guide member 95.

  With this configuration, the illumination device 90 according to the present embodiment can cause the excitation light L reflected by the reflecting mirror 42 to enter the transparent member 12 with almost no refraction. As a result, the excitation light L can be incident on the interface between the transparent member 12 and the air at an incident angle greater than the critical angle, and the excitation light L emitted from the light source unit 91 can be incident on the surface of the transparent member 12. It can be guided to the far side along the direction. Therefore, even if the light source unit 91 is installed on the main surface 12a of the plate-like transparent member 12, the excitation light L can be applied to the phosphor 85 attached to the main surface 12a. .

  Therefore, as in the above-described embodiment, the phosphor 85 emits light despite the absence of wiring and electronic circuit components around the phosphor 85, so that the viewer is surprised and wondered. Can be given.

  According to this embodiment, when the light source unit 91 cannot be installed on the side surface 12 b of the transparent member 12, for example, when a show window glass or the like installed in an existing building is used as the transparent member 12. Even if it exists, the illuminating device 90 is easily realizable only by attaching the light source unit 91 and the fluorescent substance 85 to the transparent member 12. FIG. For example, when a show window glass is used as the transparent member 12, the light source unit 91 and the phosphor 85 are installed on the main surface 12a disposed on the store interior.

  In the present embodiment as well, when the excitation light source 21 is operated by executing the rotation angle acquisition process after the light source unit 91 and the phosphor 85 are installed on the main surface 12a of the transparent member 12. By acquiring the rotation angle of the reflecting mirror 42, the power consumption of the illumination device 90 can be suppressed as much as possible.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the phosphor 85 that can be easily attached and peeled is configured to be installed on the surface of the transparent member 12, the arrangement of the phosphor 85 can be changed, and the shape and size can be changed. It is easy to change to a different phosphor. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the phosphor 85 to be installed even when it is used for a show window glass or the like that may be frequently required.

  In this embodiment, the diffusion plate 97 is used as an optical member that converts laser light into non-coherent light. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a resin mixed with filler may be provided in front of the excitation light source 21. Good. Further, instead of using these optical members, a reflecting mirror 42 whose surface is satin-finished may be used. Alternatively, the excitation light source 21 may be an LED instead of a semiconductor laser.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Illuminating device 11 Light source unit 12 Transparent member 13 Phosphor 14 Protective member 21 Excitation light source 22 Condensing means 23 Case L Excitation light f Fluorescence

Claims (13)

An excitation light source that emits excitation light, a condensing unit that condenses the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source, and a light source that emits directional excitation light including a casing that holds the excitation light source and the condensing unit Unit,
A transparent member transparent to excitation light emitted from the excitation light source;
A phosphor that is held by the transparent member and emits fluorescence by excitation light emitted by the excitation light source;
The lighting device, wherein the light source unit is installed so as to irradiate the phosphor with excitation light through the transparent member.   The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the condensing unit condenses the excitation light so that substantially all of the excitation light incident on the transparent member is irradiated onto the phosphor. The excitation light source is a semiconductor laser that emits laser light as excitation light,
The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the condensing unit is a lens or a curved mirror. The excitation light source is a semiconductor laser that emits laser light as excitation light,
The light source unit further includes an optical member that converts laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser into non-coherent light,
The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the condensing unit is a lens or a curved mirror that condenses the non-coherent light converted by the optical member. The excitation light source is a light emitting diode;
The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the condensing unit is a lens that condenses the excitation light emitted from the light emitting diode.   The illumination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the excitation light source emits excitation light in a wavelength range of 370 nm to 460 nm.   A protective member provided at a predetermined portion on the outer surface of the transparent member, and for preventing excitation light incident on the inside of the transparent member from being emitted to the outside through the predetermined portion; The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination device is a light source.   The lighting device according to claim 7, wherein the protection member is a member that does not transmit excitation light emitted from the excitation light source but transmits fluorescence emitted from a phosphor.   The excitation light incident on the inside of the transparent member is configured to be totally reflected at the interface between the transparent member and the external space before being irradiated to the phosphor. The lighting device according to any one of 8.   The illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light source unit further includes a reflecting mirror for changing an emission direction of the excitation light.   The light source unit further includes a filter element that does not transmit excitation light emitted from the excitation light source but transmits fluorescence emitted from a phosphor, and a light receiving element that can detect excitation light emitted from the excitation light source. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein The transparent member comprises a flat plate member having a pair of main surfaces perpendicular to the thickness direction and a plurality of side surfaces parallel to the thickness direction,
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit is installed such that excitation light is incident on the transparent member through one side surface of the transparent member. The transparent member comprises a flat plate member having a pair of main surfaces perpendicular to the thickness direction and a plurality of side surfaces parallel to the thickness direction,
The light source unit is installed so that excitation light is incident on the transparent member through one main surface of the transparent member,
The light source unit causes the excitation light to enter the transparent member at an angle such that the excitation light incident on the transparent member travels along the main surface while repeating total reflection at the interface between the transparent member and the external space. The illuminating device according to claim 1, further comprising a light guide member.

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