JP2013093200A - Lighting device, lighting unit, and lighting equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lighting device that can easily control light distribution characteristics in a width direction of a road, a lighting unit, and lighting equipment.SOLUTION: In the lighting device, an optical lens 1 diffuses light emitted from a light emitting surface by being reflected with a light reflecting surface in a diffusion direction orthogonal to both an optical axis and a designated direction, and condenses light directly emitted from the light emitting surface by being incident from a light incident surface in a light-condensing direction separating from the optical axis to a designated direction side, and diffuses the light in the diffusion direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to an illumination device and an illumination unit that are applied to a road light, a crime prevention light, a street light, a tunnel light, and the like, and an illumination device.

  Many lighting devices are installed outdoors for traffic safety and crime prevention. For example, in road lighting such as road lights or tunnel lights, it is illuminated for the purpose of ensuring that the driver can grasp the road condition reliably and that the visibility from being disturbed by light from the lighting device during driving. Evaluation values for the average brightness, uniformity of brightness, glare, etc. are defined.

  In general, road lights in Japan are often used at an installation height of about 7 to 10 m and an installation interval of about 30 to 40 m, and tunnel lights are used at an installation height of about 5 m and an installation interval of about 12 to 15 m. There are many. The characteristics of the light distribution required for these illuminating devices are such characteristics that they have a peak in the vicinity of ± 60 ° from the illuminating device and cut light of ± 75 ° or more. In addition, the characteristics of lighting devices according to road conditions in each country are also required overseas. In order to realize such a light distribution characteristic and clear a higher standard among prescribed values required for road lights and tunnel lights, it is necessary to precisely control the light distribution of the lighting device.

  As a technique for controlling the light distribution characteristics of the lighting device, there is a method described in Patent Document 1. The illumination device described in Patent Document 1 includes an optical lens composed of a flat surface and a spheroid, and realizes wide-angle light distribution by a combination of one light source and an optical lens.

JP 2010-177028 A

  However, when the illumination device described in Patent Document 1 is used for road illumination, unnecessary light for illuminating a place other than the road is generated, or the illumination distribution is not uniform. Control of light distribution is not sufficient. As a result, the mounting angle and installation position of the lighting device are greatly limited.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an illumination device, an illumination unit, and an illumination apparatus capable of easily controlling the light distribution characteristics in the width direction of the road. There is.

  In order to solve the above problems, an illumination device according to the present invention includes a light source, a light incident surface on which light from the light source is incident, and a light emitting surface that emits light incident from the light incident surface. An optical device, wherein the optical lens collects light that is incident from the incident surface and is directly emitted from the output surface away from the optical axis of the light source toward a predetermined direction. Condensing light in the light direction and having a light reflecting surface disposed on the opposite side of the predetermined direction with respect to the light incident surface and reflecting light incident from the light incident surface in the light collecting direction. It is a feature.

  According to said structure, by using the illuminating device which concerns on this invention, the emitted light from an illuminating device can be condensed in the condensing direction which leaves | separates to a predetermined direction side from an optical axis. In particular, when the lighting device is applied to a lighting device used for road lighting such as a road light or a tunnel light, the predetermined direction of the lighting device is a width direction of the road, and the diffusion direction is a traveling direction of the road (lane direction). ), The light can be collected in a predetermined width region in the width direction of the road.

  Moreover, since the light which protrudes from the width of the road which should be originally illuminated can be converted into an effective illumination light for illuminating the road by using an illumination device, an efficient illumination device can be realized. As a result, the degree of freedom in controlling the illumination light in the width direction of the road is increased, and the illumination conditions can be adjusted more finely. In addition, even when the installation angle of the illumination device is determined in advance, the degree of illumination in the width direction of the road can be changed using only the optical lens, so that a desired light distribution can be easily obtained.

  Moreover, in the illumination device according to the present invention, even when an arrayed LED light source having a large light source area is used, the illumination device does not become large because an optical lens is formed to correspond to each LED light source. As a result, it is possible to realize an illuminating device having excellent light distribution characteristics without causing an increase in size of the illuminating device on which the illumination device is mounted.

  In the illumination device according to the present invention, the optical axis is a cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens along a plane that passes through the optical axis and the predetermined direction, and the optical axis is from the light incident surface to the light emitting surface. It is characterized in that it is located on the light reflecting surface side from the position where the distance in the direction of the optical axis is the largest.

  According to said structure, the light from an illuminating device can be illuminated on the opposite side to a light reflection surface by offsetting an optical axis to the light reflection surface side. Further, by offsetting the optical axis to the light reflecting surface side, the light source and the light reflecting surface are close to each other, so that light near the horizontal emitted from the light source can also be reflected in a predetermined direction by the light reflecting surface.

  Further, in the illumination device according to the present invention, in the cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens at a plane passing through the optical axis and the predetermined direction, the straight line intersects the plane perpendicular to the optical axis and the cut surface. The distance in the direction of the optical axis to the light incident surface decreases as the distance from the light reflecting surface decreases.

  According to the above configuration, out of the light incident from the light incident surface and emitted from the light exit surface as it is, the light emitted from a position close to the optical axis is emitted toward a predetermined direction with a large light distribution angle. On the other hand, light emitted from a position away from the optical axis is emitted in a predetermined direction with a small light distribution angle. Thereby, the illuminance distribution of the light emitted from the lighting device toward the predetermined direction can be made more uniform.

  Moreover, in the illumination device according to the present invention, in the cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens at a plane passing through the optical axis and the predetermined direction, the direction of the optical axis from the light incident surface to the light emitting surface is determined. The distance is characterized by becoming smaller as it approaches the optical axis.

  According to said structure, the light which injects from a light-incidence surface and is radiate | emitted from a light-projection surface is diffused largely in a spreading | diffusion direction, and is radiate | emitted, Therefore An illumination device can implement | achieve wide light distribution.

  In the illumination device according to the present invention, the optical lens diffuses light from the light source incident on the light incident surface in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis and the predetermined direction. .

  According to said structure, by using the illuminating device which concerns on this invention, the emitted light from an illuminating device can be largely diffused now in the spreading | diffusion direction orthogonal to both an optical axis and a predetermined direction. In particular, when the lighting device is applied to a lighting device used for road lighting such as a road light or a tunnel light, the predetermined direction of the lighting device is a width direction of the road, and the diffusion direction is a traveling direction of the road (lane direction). ), The illumination range in the traveling direction of the road can be expanded.

  Moreover, in order to solve said subject, the illumination unit which concerns on this invention is equipped with one of the illumination devices mentioned above, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to the above configuration, by integrally forming the illumination device on the plate-like member, the light emitted from one illumination device is guided through the plate-like member and emitted from the other illumination device. Can improve the light utilization efficiency. In addition, since the optical lens can be formed by injection molding, a lighting unit that is easily unitized can be manufactured.

  In order to solve the above problems, an illumination unit according to the present invention includes a light source, a light incident surface on which light emitted from the light source is incident, and a light emission surface that emits light incident from the light incident surface. An optical lens, and the optical lens condenses the light incident from the light incident surface in a condensing direction away from the optical axis of the light source, and in a diffusion direction orthogonal to the optical axis. A first illumination device that diffuses and emits light from the light exit surface and a second illumination device that is any one of the illumination devices described above are arranged at regular intervals.

  According to said structure, while combining the 1st lighting device and the 2nd lighting device, while condensing the light radiate | emitted from the light source in the condensing direction which leaves | separates to the predetermined direction side from an optical axis, light It is possible to diffuse the light in the diffusion direction orthogonal to both the axis and the predetermined direction, and to irradiate light on the side opposite to the predetermined direction side. Therefore, it is suitable when it is required to irradiate light on the opposite side while condensing the light of the lighting device in a predetermined direction.

  Moreover, in order to solve said subject, the illuminating device which concerns on this invention is equipped with one of the illumination devices or illumination units mentioned above, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to said structure, the compact illuminating device which can control the light distribution characteristic in the width direction of a road easily can be provided.

  According to the illumination device of the present invention, it is possible to control the light distribution characteristics in one direction and the other two directions orthogonal to the one optical lens by only one optical lens, and to optimize the light distribution characteristics. Therefore, if the illuminating device provided with the illuminating device according to the present invention is used, the illuminating device having a light distribution and illuminance suitable as an illuminating device used for road lighting such as a road light or a tunnel light without using a reflector or the like. Can be realized.

  In addition, even when the light source area becomes large due to a plurality of light sources, the lighting device according to the present invention is compact, so that the lighting device equipped with the lighting device according to the present invention causes an increase in size of the device. It is possible to realize excellent light distribution characteristics without any problems.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cut surface which cut | disconnected the illuminating device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention by the yz plane. (A) is the figure which looked at the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from yz plane, (b) is the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from xy plane. (C) is the figure which looked at the illuminating device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from xy plane, (d) is the implementation of this invention in the position near from an optical axis. It is a figure which shows the cut surface which cut | disconnected the illuminating device which concerns on one form by the surface parallel to xz plane, (e) is implementation of this invention in the position away from the optical axis on the opposite side to the light reflective surface. It is a figure which shows the cut surface which cut | disconnected the illuminating device which concerns on one form by the surface parallel to xz plane. (A) is a figure which shows the refraction and reflection of the light in the yz plane of the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (b) is the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the refraction of light in xy plane, (c) is a figure which shows the refraction of light in xz plane of the illuminating device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the cut surface which cut | disconnected the illuminating device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention by the yz plane. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cross section of the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a figure which shows the general view of the lighting unit which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (b) shows what integrally formed the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention with the plate-shaped member. It is a figure and (c) is a figure which shows the cross section of what integrally formed the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention with the plate-shaped member. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the illuminating device provided with the illumination unit which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the installation state of the illuminating device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) is the figure which looked at the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from xz plane, (b) is the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from xy plane. It is the figure seen, (c) is the figure which looked at the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from xy plane, (d) is the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention It is a figure which shows the cut surface which cut | disconnected yz plane. (A) is a figure which shows the refraction of the light in yz plane of the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (b) is x- of the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows refraction of light in y plane, (c) is a figure which shows refraction of light in xz plane of the illuminating device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the illuminating device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which has a projection part. (A) It is a figure which shows the general view of the lighting unit which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (b) shows what integrally formed the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention with the plate-shaped member. It is a figure and (c) is a figure which shows the cross section of what integrally formed the lighting device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention with the plate-shaped member. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the illuminating device provided with the illumination unit which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the installation state of the illuminating device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following embodiments. In the following description, members having the same function and action are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the cut surface of the optical lens is defined as the major axis, and the direction orthogonal thereto is defined as the minor axis. In the following description, for convenience of description, each direction and each surface will be described using the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis shown in the drawing. The + x-axis direction is the x-axis arrow direction shown in the figure, and the -x-axis direction is the direction opposite to the x-axis arrow direction shown in the figure, both of which are the major axis direction of the optical lens. It is. On the other hand, the + y axis direction is the arrow direction of the y axis shown in the figure, and the −y axis direction is the direction opposite to the arrow direction of the y axis shown in the figure. Axial direction. Further, the + z-axis direction is a z-axis arrow direction shown in the figure, and the -z-axis direction is a direction opposite to the z-axis arrow direction shown in the figure. Axial direction. Here, the optical axis is the central axis of the three-dimensional outgoing light beam of the light emitted from the light source.

  The xz plane is a plane that includes the x-axis and the z-axis, includes the major axis, and is a plane that is perpendicular to the minor axis. On the other hand, the yz plane is a plane that includes the y-axis and the z-axis, includes the minor axis, and is a plane that is perpendicular to the major axis. The xy plane is a plane including the x axis and the y axis, and is a plane including the major axis and the minor axis.

[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of lighting device)
First, the configuration of the lighting device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the lighting device 30 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cut surface obtained by cutting the lighting device 30 according to the present embodiment along the yz plane. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the lighting device 30 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the illumination device 30 includes an optical lens 1 and a light source 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical lens 1 has a light collecting direction in which light emitted from the light source 2 is separated from the optical axis S of the light source 2 in a predetermined direction T (in the case of FIG. 1, + y axis direction). It is a member that collects light in U and diffuses it in a diffusion direction (in the case of FIG. 1, ± x-axis direction) orthogonal to both the optical axis S and the predetermined direction T. As shown in FIG. 3A, the optical lens 1 has a light incident surface 3a, a light reflecting surface 3b, and a light emitting surface 3c. The light incident surface 3a is a surface on which light emitted from the light source 2 is incident. The light reflecting surface 3b is disposed on the side opposite to the predetermined direction T of the light incident surface 3a (in the case of FIG. 1, the −y axis direction side), and the light incident from the light incident surface 3a. The surface which reflects in the condensing direction U which leaves | separates to said predetermined direction T from an optical axis is said. The light emitting surface 3c is a surface from which light incident from the light incident surface 3a and light reflected from the light reflecting surface 3b are emitted.

  The optical lens 1 has a shape in which a protrusion 4 is integrally formed on a side surface on the short axis direction side of a convex shape obtained by cutting a spheroid along a plane parallel to the long axis, and the convex surface. And the surface of the projection part 4 is said light-projection surface 3c. In addition, a concave first concave portion 7 and a second concave portion 8 that are recessed toward the light emitting surface 3c are formed on the surface of the optical lens 1 opposite to the light emitting surface 3c. Forms the light incident surface 3a, and the second recess 8 forms the light reflecting surface 3b. The second recess 8 that forms the light reflecting surface 3 b is formed inside the protrusion 4.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the first recess 7 forming the light incident surface 3a is light from a straight line P where the xy plane and the yz plane intersect at a cut surface cut along the yz plane. The distance in the + z-axis direction to the incident surface 3a is formed so as to increase as it approaches the light reflecting surface 3b. The straight line P where the xy plane and the yz plane intersect is a straight line parallel to the y-axis passing through the installation surface 3 d of the optical lens 1. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, in the cut surface cut along the xy plane, the width (± x-axis direction width) of the light incident surface 3a approaches the light reflecting surface 3b. It is formed so as to become smaller (ie, in a tapered shape).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the second concave portion forming the light reflecting surface 3b is light from a straight line where the xy plane and the yz plane intersect at a cut surface cut along the yz plane. It is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the optical axis so that the distance in the + z-axis direction to the reflecting surface 3b increases as the distance from the optical axis increases. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, in the cut surface cut along the xy plane, the width of the light reflecting surface 3b (± x-axis direction width) increases as the distance from the optical axis increases. (That is, in a tapered shape). The light reflecting surface 3b is formed at a position where the light from the light incident surface 3a can be reflected toward the predetermined direction and emitted from the light emitting surface 3c.

  The depth in the + z-axis direction of the concave portion forming the light incident surface 3a in the cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens 1 along the yz plane increases as the distance from the light reflecting surface 3b approaches. The thickness of the optical lens 1 in the + z-axis direction at the cut surface cut along the z plane is large at the central portion of the illumination device 30. On the other hand, the thickness of the optical lens 1 at the cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens 1 along the xz plane (the thickness in the radial direction of the first recess 7) is smaller at the center than at both ends. For this reason, the optical lens 1 forms a convex lens (condensing lens) on the cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens 1 along the yz plane, and the optical surface is cut off when the optical lens 1 is cut along the xz plane. The lens 1 is a concave lens (diffuse lens).

  Here, in the illumination device 30, the optical axis S of the light source 2 is offset to the light reflecting surface 3b side. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, the optical axis S is in the + z-axis direction from the light incident surface 3a to the light emitting surface 3c on the cut surface obtained by cutting the illumination device 30 along the yz plane. It is located closer to the light reflecting surface 3b than the position where the distance is the largest (that is, the position where the thickness of the optical lens 1 in the + z-axis direction is the largest). In the present embodiment, the position passing through the central portion of the first recess 7 in the cut surface cut along the yz plane has the largest distance in the + z-axis direction from the light incident surface 3a to the light emitting surface 3c. Is the position.

  Thus, by offsetting the optical axis S of the light source 2 to the light reflecting surface 3b side, the light from the lighting device 30 is opposite to the light reflecting surface 3b (that is, a predetermined direction T side (+ y axis direction side). )) Can be illuminated. That is, it becomes possible to condense the emitted light from the light source 2 at a position (condensing direction U) that is separated from the direction of the optical axis S of the light source 2 in the + y-axis direction. In addition, since the light source 2 and the light reflecting surface 3b approach each other by offsetting the optical axis S to the light reflecting surface 3b side, light near the horizontal emitted from the light source 2 is also collected in the light collecting direction U side by the light reflecting surface 3b. Can be reflected.

  In the above, the specific shape of the optical lens 1 is shown with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, but this is merely an example, and the optical lens 1 is not necessarily limited thereto. You may have a shape. That is, the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment is disposed on the opposite side of the light source 2, the light incident surface 3a on which light from the light source 2 is incident, and the predetermined direction T with respect to the light incident surface 3a, and the light A light reflecting surface 3b that reflects the light incident from the incident surface 3a in the light collecting direction U away from the optical axis S of the light source 2 toward the predetermined direction T; the light incident from the light incident surface 3a; And an optical lens 1 having a light exit surface 3c that emits light reflected by the light reflecting surface 3b. The optical lens 1 emits light that is incident from the light incident surface 3a and directly emitted from the light exit surface 3c. It is only necessary that the light is condensed in the light collecting direction U away from the direction of the optical axis S in the predetermined direction T and diffused in the diffusion direction.

(Various members of lighting devices)
As the optical lens 1, it is preferable to use, for example, polystyrene resin, methacrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, glass, or the like in addition to acrylic resin. However, there is no particular limitation, and any material that has good transparency in the visible light region and high transmittance is suitable. Moreover, if it is a shape like the optical lens 1 which concerns on this Embodiment, it is possible to manufacture in large quantities by the method by injection molding etc.

  On the other hand, as the light source 2, an LED can be used, and a light source such as a semiconductor laser can be applied, but there is no particular limitation. The shape of the light source 2 may be rotationally symmetric as in the lighting device 30, or may be a shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped instead of rotationally symmetric.

(Light input and output)
Next, emission of light incident on the optical lens 1 from the light source 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating light refraction and reflection in the yz plane of the lighting device 30. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating light refraction in the xy plane of the lighting device 30. FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating light refraction in the xz plane of the lighting device 30.

  First, light refraction and reflection in the yz plane of the lighting device 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4A, most of the light emitted from the light source 2 is incident on the light incident surface 3a and is emitted as it is from the light emitting surface 3c (arrows A and B). On the cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens 1 along the yz plane, the optical lens 1 is a convex lens (condensing lens), and therefore light that is incident from the light incident surface 3a and is emitted from the light emitting surface 3c as it is. Is condensed in the condensing direction U that is away from the optical axis to the + y-axis direction side (predetermined direction T side) and is emitted from the light exit surface 3c. That is, light that enters from the light incident surface 3a and passes through the region between the light incident surface 3a and the light emitting surface 3c is separated from the direction of the optical axis S toward the + y-axis direction side (predetermined direction T side). The light is condensed in the condensing direction U and emitted from the light exit surface 3c. Here, the light collection direction U is not a specific direction but is a general term for a plurality of direction groups that are separated from the optical axis to the + y-axis direction side (predetermined direction T side) as indicated by arrows A to C. It is. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the light emitted from the light emitting surface 3c is collected in a region V having a predetermined width away from the direction of the optical axis S in the + y-axis direction.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 4A, the cut surface obtained by cutting the illumination device 30 along a plane parallel to the yz plane is from a straight line P parallel to the y axis on the installation surface 3 d of the optical lens 1. The distance in the + z-axis direction to the incident surface 3a increases as it approaches the optical axis S of the light source 2, and decreases as it moves away from the optical axis S. In other words, the incident surface 3a is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the light source 2 so as to approach the installation surface 3d as the distance from the optical axis S increases in the + y-axis direction. Thereby, the light from the light source 2 having an emission angle that is small with respect to the optical axis S is refracted in the + y-axis direction with respect to the optical axis at a relatively small refraction angle because the incident angle on the incident surface 3a is small. (Arrow A). In addition, the light from the light source 2 having an emission angle that is large with respect to the optical axis has a larger incident angle on the light incident surface 3a than the light indicated by the arrow A. Refraction proceeds in the axial direction (arrow B).

  Thereby, in the cut surface cut by a plane parallel to the yz plane shown in FIG. 4A, the light incident on the light incident surface 3a is condensed in the + y axis direction away from the direction of the optical axis S. The light is emitted to U and collected in a region V having a predetermined width in the y-axis direction.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, a part of the light emitted from the light source is emitted to a region between the light incident surface 3a and the light reflecting surface 3b (arrow C). This light is incident from the light incident surface 3a and is reflected by the light reflecting surface 3b in the light collecting direction U away from the optical axis to the + y-axis direction side (predetermined direction T side). Thereafter, the light reflected by the light reflecting surface 3b is emitted from the light emitting surface 3c. That is, the light incident from the light incident surface 3a and passing through the region between the light incident surface 3a and the light reflecting surface 3b is separated in the + y axis direction side (predetermined direction T side). The light is reflected by U and emitted from the light exit surface 3c.

  In this way, the light that is originally emitted to the −y axis direction side of the lighting device 30 and becomes unnecessary light also separates toward the + y axis direction side (predetermined direction T side) by the light reflecting surface 3b. It can be utilized by reflecting in the light direction U. Therefore, the light use efficiency of the lighting device 30 can be improved, and the amount of light for illuminating a desired region can be increased.

  Subsequently, the refraction of light in the xy plane and the xz plane of the lighting device 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4B, of the light emitted from the light source 2, light other than that reflected by the light reflecting surface 3b is incident on the light incident surface 3a and emitted from the light emitting surface 3c ( Arrows D1-D4). At this time, on the cut surface cut along the xy plane, the thickness of the optical lens 1 (the thickness in the ± x-axis direction) increases toward the central portion of the illumination device 30. For this reason, the optical lens 1 acts as a condensing lens on the cut surface cut along the xy plane. The light traveling in the ± x axis direction through the optical lens 1 is collected in a region V having a predetermined width in the y axis direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, in the cut surface obtained by cutting the illumination device 30 along the xz plane, the thickness of the optical lens 1 in the radial direction of the first recess 7 passing through the light source 2 is on the optical axis. Since it becomes smaller as it gets closer, the optical lens 1 acts as a concave lens (diffuse lens) on the cut surface cut along the xz plane. Accordingly, the light emitted from the light emitting surface 3c is emitted after being greatly diffused in the ± x axis directions (arrows E1 and E2).

  As described above, the light that is incident from the light incident surface 3a and is emitted from the light emitting surface 3c is condensed in the region V having a predetermined width in the y-axis direction and is also diffused and emitted in the ± x-axis direction. The

  As described above, by using the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment, the emitted light from the illumination device 30 is directed to the + y-axis direction side (predetermined direction T side) from the direction of the optical axis S of the light source 2. And a diffusion direction (± x-axis) that is perpendicular to both the optical axis S and the predetermined direction T. Direction), the emitted light can be diffused to illuminate a wide area.

  In particular, when the lighting device 30 is applied to a lighting device used for road lighting such as a road light or a tunnel light, the y-axis direction of the lighting device 30 is the width direction of the road, and the x-axis direction is the road traveling direction (lane axis). (Direction), the illumination range in the traveling direction of the road can be expanded, and light can be condensed in the width direction of the road (the region V having a predetermined width in the y-axis direction). Therefore, the installation interval of the lamps connecting the lighting devices can be widened. In addition, the degree of freedom in controlling the illumination light in the width direction of the road is increased, and the lighting conditions can be adjusted more finely. In addition, even when the installation angle of the lighting device is determined in advance, the degree of illumination in the width direction of the road can be changed with the optical lens 1 alone, making it easy to obtain a desired light distribution.

  Moreover, since the light which protrudes from the width of the road which should be originally illuminated can be used after being converted into effective illumination light for illuminating the road by using the illumination device 30, an efficient illumination device can be realized. .

  As described above, according to the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment, the light distribution characteristics in one direction and the other two directions orthogonal to the one direction are controlled by only one optical lens 1, and the light distribution characteristics are optimized. Can be Therefore, by using the lighting device including the lighting device 30 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a lighting device having a light distribution and illuminance suitable as a lighting device used for road lighting without using a reflector or the like. Can do.

  Further, even when the light source 2 becomes plural and the light source area becomes large, the lighting device 30 according to the present embodiment is compact. Therefore, in the lighting device equipped with the lighting device 30, the size of the device is increased. It is possible to realize excellent light distribution characteristics without incurring.

(Shape of light reflecting surface)
The light reflecting surface 3b is preferably a total reflecting surface that totally reflects the light incident from the light incident surface 3a in the light collecting direction U. If the second recess 8 is a region of a substance having a lower refractive index than the optical lens 1 (for example, an air layer), the optical lens 1 side is on the boundary surface (light reflecting surface 3b) between the second recess 8 and the optical lens 1. When the incident angle of the light incident from is larger than the critical angle, it is totally reflected by the light reflecting surface 3b. At this time, the second concave portion 8 does not need to be an air layer, and may be any material having a refractive index lower than that of the optical lens 1.

  Any shape may be used as long as it is a light reflecting surface 3b satisfying such a condition. For example, the light reflecting surface 3b having the shape shown in FIGS. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C are diagrams illustrating cut surfaces obtained by cutting the lighting device 30 along the yz plane.

  As shown to Fig.5 (a), when the light reflection surface 3b cut | disconnects the illuminating device 30 in a yz plane, it may be a shape which becomes a linear cross section. At this time, the light reflecting surface 3b can totally reflect the light incident from the light incident surface 3a in the condensing direction U that is away from the optical axis S to the + y-axis direction side (predetermined direction T side). It is necessary that the angle be such that the reflected light can be emitted from the light exit surface 3c. By making the light reflecting surface 3b capable of totally reflecting incident light in this way, the light incident from the light incident surface 3a passes through the region between the light incident surface 3a and the light reflecting surface 3b. Almost all of the light to be transmitted can be totally reflected in the light collecting direction U that moves away to the + y-axis direction side (predetermined direction T side). Therefore, the light leaking through the light reflecting surface 3b and leaking to the −y axis direction side can be reduced.

  In addition to the above shape, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the light reflecting surface 3b has a curved cross section when the lighting device 30 is cut along the yz plane. It may be a simple shape. At this time, the light reflecting surface 3b can totally reflect the light incident from the light incident surface 3a in the light collecting direction U that is away from the optical axis to the + y-axis direction side (predetermined direction T side). It is necessary to have a curved surface that can reflect the reflected light from the light exit surface 3c. For example, in the case of a curved cross section that protrudes toward the light exit surface 3c as shown in FIG. 5B, the amount of light totally reflected on the + y axis direction side (predetermined direction T side) is increased. Can do. In particular, compared with the case of having a linear cross section as shown in FIG. 5A, the totally reflected light can be diffused and emitted in a wide area. Therefore, part of the light can be reflected also on the + z-axis direction side and the −y-axis direction side. That is, it is suitable when it is desired to irradiate a part of light also on the side opposite to the predetermined direction T side (−y axis direction side). Conversely, in the case of a curved cross section that is concave on the light exit surface 3c side as shown in FIG. 5C, compared to the case of having a linear cross section as shown in FIG. The reflected light can be condensed in the condensing direction U that moves away from the optical axis S to the + y-axis direction side (predetermined direction T side). That is, it is suitable for increasing the light collection rate in the light collection direction U.

  By the way, the optical lens 1 is provided with the second concave portion 8 in order to form the light reflecting surface 3b which is a total reflection surface, but the concave portion such as the second concave portion 8 is formed in order to form the light reflecting surface 3b. There is no need to form. That is, an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the light source 2 and satisfies the total reflection condition may be formed on the boundary surface between the optical lens 1 and air (the side surface of the optical lens 1). Therefore, the protrusion 4 is not essential. In the present embodiment, since it is assumed that the plurality of optical lenses 1 are integrally molded into a plate shape, the light reflecting surface 3b is formed by providing the second recess 8 so that the mold is removed during molding. In the case where the plurality of optical lenses 1 are molded separately, the mold is removed even if the second recess 8 is not formed. Therefore, the second recess 8 is formed to form the light reflecting surface 3b. There is no need to provide it.

  In the above, an example in which the light reflection surface 3b is a total reflection surface has been described, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The light reflecting surface 3b may be a reflecting surface that has been processed to reflect light such as mirror processing.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3B, the light reflecting surface 3b is formed in a tapered shape on the cut surface cut along the xy plane. At this time, the tapered portion is shaped so that the width in the ± x-axis direction increases as it moves away from the incident surface 3a toward the −y-axis direction side, so that the light totally reflected by the light reflecting surface 3b is ± x The light can be emitted by being greatly diffused in the axial direction. Conversely, by making the tapered portion such that the width in the ± x-axis direction decreases with increasing distance from the incident surface 3a to the −y-axis direction, the light totally reflected by the light reflecting surface 3b is changed in the ± x-axis direction. The light can be emitted without being diffused so much.

  As described above, by changing the shape of the light reflecting surface 3b in various ways, the light distribution characteristics obtained by the lighting device 30 are different. Therefore, what is necessary is just to select the shape of the light reflection surface 3b suitably according to the light distribution characteristic to obtain with the illuminating device 30. FIG. In addition, the shape of the light reflection surface 3b in the cut surface cut | disconnected by xy plane is not limited to the said taper shape.

(Shape of light exit surface)
Since the incident angle of the light reaching the end of the light emitting surface 3c on the ± x-axis direction side is large, a part of the light returns to the inside without being emitted to the outside. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that the end of the light emitting surface 3c on the ± x axis direction side (the end of the spheroid in the long axis direction) is cut. This is because the end portion on the ± x-axis direction side of the light exit surface 3c is cut so that the incident angle at which the light reaching the end portion on the ± x-axis direction side enters the light exit surface 3c becomes small. This is because it becomes easier to emit the light as described above. That is, Fresnel reflection can be further reduced.

(Configuration of lighting unit)
As described above, the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment collects the light emitted from the light source 2 away from the optical axis S of the light source 2 toward the predetermined direction T side (+ y axis direction side). It is a member that collects light in the light direction U and diffuses it in a diffusion direction (± x-axis direction) orthogonal to a plane including the optical axis S and the predetermined direction T. Therefore, when it is required to irradiate light on the side opposite to the predetermined direction T side (−y-axis direction side), the light is also applied to the side opposite to the predetermined direction T side (−y-axis direction side). It is preferably used in combination with an illumination device that can emit light. As such an illumination device, for example, an illumination device 30 ′ as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be cited. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the illumination device 30 ′ according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view showing a cross section of the illumination device 30 ′ according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the illumination device 30 'includes an optical lens 1' and a light source 2 '. The optical lens 1 'corresponds to the optical lens 1 having no recess corresponding to the light reflecting surface 3b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the optical lens 1 ′ has a light incident surface 3 a ′ and a light emitting surface 3 b ′. The optical lens 1 ′ has a convex shape obtained by cutting a spheroid along a plane parallel to the major axis, and the convex surface is the light exit surface 3 b ′. Further, a concave portion recessed on the light exit surface 3b ′ side is formed on the surface opposite to the light exit surface 3b ′ of the optical lens 1, and this recess forms the light entrance surface 3a ′. Forming. Since the optical lens 1 ′ does not have a surface corresponding to the light reflecting surface 3 b of the optical lens 1, compared with the optical lens 1, the side opposite to the predetermined direction T side (−y-axis direction side) is more Can be irradiated.

  In the above, the specific shape of the optical lens 1 ′ has been shown with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, but this is only an example, and the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the optical lens 1 ′ is not necessarily limited thereto. May have various shapes. That is, the illumination device 30 ′ according to the present embodiment includes a light source 2 ′, a light incident surface 3a ′ on which light emitted from the light source 2 ′ is incident, and a light emission that emits light incident from the light incident surface 3a ′. An optical lens 1 ′ having a surface 3 b ′, and the optical lens 1 ′ compares light incident from the light incident surface 3 a ′ with respect to the optical lens 1 on the side opposite to the predetermined direction T (−y It is only necessary that the light can be emitted from the axial direction side.

  By combining these illumination devices 30 and 30 ′, the light emitted from the light sources 2 and 2 ′ is condensed in a condensing direction U away from the optical axis S in a predetermined direction T side (+ y axis direction side). And diffuse in the diffusion direction (± x-axis direction) orthogonal to both the optical axis S and the predetermined direction T, and also on the side opposite to the predetermined direction T side (−y-axis direction side) Light can be irradiated. Therefore, the light from the lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ is condensed on the predetermined direction T side (+ y axis direction side), but also on the side opposite to the predetermined direction T side (−y axis direction side). This is suitable when light irradiation is required.

  When combining these lighting devices 30 and 30 ′, both the lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ may be arranged on a plate-like member at regular intervals, and as shown in FIG. The lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ arranged at regular intervals may be integrally formed on the plate-like member 5. As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the integral formation means that the optical lenses 1 and 1 ′ and the plate-like member 5 are integrated, and the optical lenses 1 and 1 ′ are made plate-like. It is to be formed on the plate-like member 5 with the same material as the member 5 (FIG. 8B is a view of the integrally formed member viewed from the light incident surfaces 3a and 3a ′ side). By arranging this integrally formed light source 2 and 2 ′, as shown in FIG. 8A, it is possible to obtain a lighting unit 60 in which a plurality of lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ are unitized. In this case, since the plate-like member 5 is made of the same material as the optical lenses 1 and 1 ′, the light emitted from one illumination device 30 or 30 ′ is guided through the plate-like member 5, and the other The light can be emitted from the illumination device 30 or 30 ′, and the light utilization efficiency can be increased. Further, since the plurality of optical lenses 1 and 1 'can be formed at a time by injection molding, the illumination unit 60 that is unitized can be easily manufactured.

  Although FIG. 8 shows a configuration in which the lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ are alternately arranged, the configuration is not necessarily limited thereto. Therefore, the arrangement and the number of the lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ may be changed as appropriate according to the light distribution characteristic desired to be obtained by the lighting unit 60. Needless to say, the lighting unit 60 may be configured by only the lighting device 30.

(Example of application to lighting equipment)
Below, a specific example in the case of applying the illumination unit 60 according to the present embodiment to an illumination device will be shown. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the lighting device 40 including the lighting unit 60.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the lighting device 40 includes a lighting unit 60 including a plurality of lighting devices 30 and 30 '. The lighting unit 60 is configured by arranging or integrally forming a plurality of lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ in a matrix on the plate-like member 5. In FIG. 9, as an example, eight lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ are arranged per row (± x axis direction) and eighteen per column (± y axis direction), and a total of 144 lighting devices 30 and 30 are arranged. Here is an example where 'is placed. In addition, the illuminating device 40 shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and the illuminating device 40 which concerns on this Embodiment is not limited to this. The number of lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ mounted on the lighting unit 60 can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the luminous flux required for the lighting device 40.

  In the lighting device 40, the lighting unit 60 is stored in the housing 6, and the plurality of lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ are arranged so as to be exposed from one surface of the housing 6. A power supply device (not shown) and the like are stored in the housing 6 together with the illumination unit 60.

  An example in the case of applying this lighting device 40 as road lighting is shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an installation state of the lighting device 40. As shown in FIG. 10, it is preferable to apply the illuminating device 40 to a linear pole road light. This is because the illumination unit 60 condenses the light emitted from the light sources 2 and 2 ′ in the condensing direction U away from the optical axis S in a predetermined direction T side (+ y axis direction side). This is because light can be irradiated also on the side opposite to the predetermined direction T side (−y-axis direction side), which is suitable for a road lamp standing at the end of the road like a linear pole. In this case, it is assumed that the ± x axis direction of the lighting device 40 is parallel to the traveling direction of the roadway (lane axis direction). By doing so, in the illumination device 40 according to the present embodiment, the illumination unit 60 collects the light emitted from the light sources 2 and 2 ′ on the width direction side (+ y axis direction side) of the roadway, The light can be diffused in the traveling direction (± x axis direction) of the roadway, and light can also be irradiated to the sidewalk side (−y axis direction side) on the shoulder side of the roadway. In this way, by using the illumination device 40 equipped with the illumination unit 60 in which the illumination devices 30 and 30 ′ are combined, different light distributions on the roadway side (+ y axis direction side) and the sidewalk side (−y axis direction side). The light distribution characteristics can be controlled so as to obtain a distribution, and the light distribution can be optimized. Therefore, since a desired light distribution can be realized, it is possible to realize a road lamp having high performance capable of satisfying specifications required for road lighting.

  Further, in the illumination devices 30 and 30 ′, even when an arrayed LED light source having a large light source area is used, the optical lenses 1 and 1 ′ are formed so as to correspond to the LED light sources. 30 'does not become large. As a result, it is possible to realize the lighting device 40 having excellent light distribution characteristics without causing an increase in size of the lighting device 40 on which the lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ are mounted.

  As described above, the illumination device 40 illustrated in FIG. 9 is an example, and the illumination device 40 according to the present embodiment is not limited to this. Accordingly, the number and arrangement of the lighting devices 30 and 30 ′ constituting the lighting unit 60 are appropriately changed according to the light distribution characteristics required in the road lighting, and the road side (+ y axis direction side) and the sidewalk side (−y It is preferable to perform light distribution control on the axial direction side.

[Second Embodiment]
(Configuration of lighting device)
Next, the configuration of the illumination device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the lighting device 31 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the lighting device 31 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the illumination device 31 includes an optical lens 11 and a light source 12. The optical lens 11 condenses the light emitted from the light source 12 in a predetermined range in the first direction (in the case of FIG. 11, a predetermined range in the y-axis direction) and in both the optical axis and the first direction. It is a member that diffuses in a second direction that is orthogonal (in the case of FIG. 11, the ± x-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 12A, the optical lens 11 has a light incident surface 13a and a light emitting surface 13b. The light incident surface 13a is a surface on which light emitted from the light source 12 is incident. The light exit surface 13b refers to a surface that emits light incident from the light incident surface 13a.

  The optical lens 11 has a convex shape obtained by cutting a spheroid along a plane parallel to the major axis, and the convex surface is the light emitting surface 13b. Further, a concave portion 17 is formed on the surface of the optical lens 11 opposite to the light exit surface 13b. The concave portion 17 is formed on the light exit surface 13b side. The recess 17 forms the light entrance surface 13a. doing.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, the concave portion 17 forming the light incident surface 13a has a light incident surface from a straight line Q where the xy plane and the yz plane intersect with each other at the cut surface cut along the yz plane. The distance to 13 a is formed to be the smallest at the end of the lighting device 31 on the −y axis direction side. Particularly, the distance from the straight line Q where the xz plane and the yz plane intersect to the light incident surface 13a is the other side (+ y axis) than the one side (the end on the −y axis direction side) with respect to the optical axis. The direction side end) is relatively large. The straight line Q where the xy plane and the yz plane intersect is a straight line parallel to the y-axis passing through the installation surface 13 c of the optical lens 11. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, in the cut surface cut along the xy plane, the width of the light incident surface 13a (± x-axis direction width) is the end on the + y-axis direction side. It is formed so as to be largest at the portion and smallest at the central portion of the lighting device 31 (that is, in a tapered shape).

  The depth in the + z-axis direction of the recess 17 forming the light incident surface 13a in the cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens 11 along the yz plane is the smallest at the end on the −y-axis direction side. The thickness of the optical lens 11 in the + z-axis direction at the cut surface cut along the yz plane is large at the central portion of the illumination device 31. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 (d), the thickness of the optical lens 11 (the thickness in the radial direction of the concave portion 17) at the cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens 11 along the xz plane is greater at the center than at both ends. It is getting smaller. Therefore, the optical lens 11 forms a convex lens (condensing lens) on the cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens 11 along the yz plane, and the optical surface is cut off when the optical lens 11 is cut along the xz plane. The lens 11 is a concave lens (diffuse lens).

  Here, in the lighting device 31, the optical axis is offset in the + y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction. Specifically, the optical axis is a position where the distance in the + z-axis direction from the light incident surface 13a to the light emitting surface 13b is the largest on the cut surface obtained by cutting the illumination device 31 along the yz plane (that is, the optical lens). 11 in the + y-axis direction or −y-axis direction than the position where the thickness in the + z-axis direction is the largest). In this way, by offsetting the optical axis in the + y-axis direction or the −y-axis direction, when the light from the lighting device 31 is offset in the + y-axis direction side, in the −y-axis direction side, in the −y-axis direction. When offset to the side, the + y axis direction side can be illuminated.

  Although the specific shape of the optical lens 11 has been described above with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, this is merely an example, and the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. You may have the shape of. That is, the lighting device 31 according to the present embodiment includes the light source 12, the light incident surface 13a on which the light emitted from the light source 12 is incident, and the light emitting surface 13b that emits the light incident from the light incident surface 13a. An optical lens 11 having light incident from the light incident surface 13a is condensed within a predetermined range in a first direction orthogonal to the direction of the optical axis, and is also applied to the optical axis of the light source 12 and the first direction. An optical lens 11 that diffuses in a second direction orthogonal to both, and the optical lens 11 includes a light incident surface 13a at a cut surface that includes the optical axis and is cut along the plane orthogonal to the second direction. To the light exit surface 13b has a maximum point where the distance in the direction of the optical axis is the largest, and the distance on the other side of the cut surface in the first direction relative to the maximum point is the above distance. Is relatively large Bayoi.

(Various members of lighting devices)
Also in the present embodiment, as the optical lens 11, it is preferable to use, for example, an acrylic resin, a polystyrene resin, a methacrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, or glass. However, there is no particular limitation, and any material that has good transparency in the visible light region and high transmittance is suitable. Moreover, if it is a shape like the optical lens 11 which concerns on this Embodiment, it is possible to manufacture in large quantities by the method by injection molding etc.

  On the other hand, as the light source 12, an LED can be used, and a light source such as a semiconductor laser can be applied, but there is no particular limitation. The shape of the light source 12 may be rotationally symmetric as in the lighting device 31, or may be a rectangular parallelepiped or the like instead of rotationally symmetric.

(Light input and output)
Next, emission of light incident on the optical lens 11 from the light source 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating light refraction in the yz plane of the lighting device 31. FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating light refraction in the xy plane of the lighting device 31. FIG. 13C is a diagram illustrating light refraction in the xz plane of the lighting device 31.

  First, refraction of light in the yz plane of the lighting device 31 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13A, most of the light emitted from the light source 12 is incident from the light incident surface 13a and is emitted as it is from the light emitting surface 13b (arrows F and G). On the cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens 11 along the yz plane, the optical lens 11 forms a convex lens (condensing lens), and therefore light that enters the light incident surface 13a and exits from the light exit surface 13b as it is. Is refracted to the z-axis side at the light incident surface 13a, and further refracted in the direction approaching the optical axis at the light emitting surface 13b and emitted from the light emitting surface 13b.

  As described above, the light emitted from the light emitting surface 13b can be condensed within a predetermined range in the y-axis direction by being refracted and emitted toward the z-axis side.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 12A, in the cut surface cut along the yz plane, the distance from the straight line Q where the xz plane and the yz plane intersect to the light incident surface 13a is as follows: The other side is relatively larger than the one side with respect to the axis (in the case of FIG. 12, the -y axis direction side is relatively smaller than the + y axis direction side). Therefore, as it approaches the + y-axis direction side from the central portion of the illumination device 31, the light emitted from the light exit surface 13b has a relatively large incident angle with respect to the light entrance surface 13a, so that the refraction angle increases (arrow F). On the other hand, as the light exits from the central portion of the illumination device 31 toward the −y-axis direction, the light emitted from the light exit surface 13b has a smaller incident angle with respect to the incident surface 13a than the light indicated by the arrow F, and a smaller refraction angle. (Arrow G).

  As described above, light emitted from the position where the depth in the + z-axis direction of the light incident surface 13a is relatively deep among the light incident from the light incident surface 13a and emitted from the light emitting surface 13b as it is. Is longer from the z-axis in the traveling direction to the y-axis side (+ y-axis direction), whereas the light incident surface 13a is emitted from a position where the depth in the + z-axis direction is relatively shallow. Light travels a relatively small distance from the z-axis to the y-axis (−y-axis direction) in the traveling direction.

  Subsequently, the refraction of light in the xy plane and the xz plane of the lighting device 31 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13B, the light emitted from the light source 12 enters the light incident surface 13a and is emitted from the light emitting surface 13b (arrows H1 and H2). At this time, as shown in FIG. 12B, the thickness of the optical lens 11 (the thickness in the ± x-axis direction) increases toward the central portion of the illumination device 31 on the cut surface cut along the xy plane. It is getting bigger. For this reason, the optical lens 11 acts as a condensing lens on the cut surface cut along the xy plane. The light traveling in the ± x axis direction through the optical lens 11 is condensed within a predetermined range in the y axis direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12D, in the cut surface obtained by cutting the illumination device 31 along the xz plane, the thickness of the optical lens 11 in the radial direction of the concave portion 17 passing through the light source 2 approaches the optical axis. Accordingly, the optical lens 11 acts as a diffusing lens on the cut surface cut along the xz plane. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting surface 13b is emitted after being greatly diffused in the ± x axis directions (arrows I1 and I2).

  Thus, the light that is incident from the light incident surface 13a and is emitted from the light emitting surface 13b is greatly diffused and emitted in the ± x-axis directions. As a result, the illumination device 31 can collect the light emitted from the light emitting surface 13b within a predetermined range in the y-axis direction, and at the same time, can realize light distribution that is diffused widely in the ± x-axis direction.

  In particular, when the lighting device 31 is applied to a lighting device used for road lighting such as a road lamp or a tunnel lamp, the y-axis direction of the lighting device 31 is the width direction of the road, and the x-axis direction is the road traveling direction (lane axis). (Direction), the illumination range in the traveling direction of the road can be expanded and the light can be condensed in the width direction of the road (within the predetermined range in the y-axis direction). Therefore, the installation interval of the lamps connecting the lighting devices can be widened. Further, this increases the degree of freedom in controlling the illumination light in the width direction of the road, and enables finer adjustment of the illumination conditions. In addition, even when the installation angle of the lighting device is determined in advance, the degree of illumination in the width direction of the road can be changed only by the optical lens 11, so that a desired light distribution can be easily obtained.

  As described above, according to the lighting device 31 according to the present embodiment, the light distribution characteristics in one direction and the other two directions orthogonal to the one direction are controlled by only one optical lens 11, and the light distribution characteristics are optimized. Can be Therefore, by using the lighting device including the lighting device 31 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a lighting device having a light distribution and illuminance suitable as a lighting device used for road lighting without using a reflector or the like. Can do.

  In addition, even when the light source 12 becomes plural and the light source area becomes large, the lighting device 31 according to the present embodiment is compact, so that in the lighting device equipped with the lighting device 31, the size of the device is increased. It is possible to realize excellent light distribution characteristics without incurring.

(Use of protrusions)
Since the lighting device 31 according to the present embodiment does not have the light reflecting surface 3b like the lighting device 30 according to the first embodiment, the unnecessary light is emitted in the + y-axis direction or the −y-axis direction. Will be generated. Therefore, the illumination device 31 may have a protrusion that can reflect light that is emitted in the + y-axis direction or the −y-axis direction and becomes unnecessary light to the ± x-axis direction side. An example of such a protrusion is shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the lighting device 31 having the protrusion 14.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the projecting portion 14 is a reflective surface (first reflective surface, first reflective surface) having a V-shaped cross section that is convex to the + y axis direction side when the lighting device 31 is cut along the xy plane. 2 reflection surfaces). The light emitted from the light source 2 in the −y-axis direction is reflected by the reflection surface toward the ± x-axis direction and emitted. Thus, light that is originally emitted in the −y-axis direction and becomes unnecessary light can be utilized by being reflected and emitted to the ± x-axis direction side. Therefore, the light utilization efficiency of the lighting device 31 can be improved, and the illumination rate of the lighting device 31 can be improved. That is, when the lighting device 31 is applied to a lighting device used for road lighting such as a road light or a tunnel light, the projection device 14 is provided on the lighting device 31 with respect to light that protrudes from the width of the road to be originally illuminated. Since it can be used after being converted into effective illumination light for illuminating the road, an efficient illumination device can be realized.

  In addition, the shape of the projection part 14 may be any shape, and is not limited to this. Therefore, the protrusion 14 may have any shape as long as it can reflect light that is emitted in the + y-axis direction or the −y-axis direction and becomes unnecessary light to the ± x-axis direction side. Moreover, in FIG. 14, although the projection part 14 is provided in the one side (-y-axis direction side) of the lighting device 31, it is not necessarily limited to this, The other side (+ y-axis direction side) of a lighting device May be provided on both sides.

(Shape of light exit surface)
Since the incident angle of the light reaching the end of the light exit surface 13b on the ± x-axis direction side is large, a part of the light returns to the inside without being emitted to the outside. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, it is preferable that the end of the light exit surface 13b on the ± x axis direction side (the end of the spheroid in the long axis direction) is cut. This is because the end portion on the ± x-axis direction side of the light exit surface 13b is cut so that the incident angle at which the light reaching the end portion on the ± x-axis direction side enters the light exit surface 13b is reduced. This is because it becomes easier to emit the light as described above. That is, Fresnel reflection can be further reduced.

(Configuration of lighting unit)
When the lighting device 31 described above is unitized, the lighting device 31 may be arranged and used on a plate-like member at a constant interval, or as shown in FIG. The lighting device 31 arranged in (1) may be integrally formed on the plate-like member 5. The integral formation means that the optical lens 11 and the plate-like member 15 are integrated as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, and the optical lens 11 is made of the same material as the plate-like member 15. It is to be formed on the plate-like member 15 (FIG. 15B is a view of the integrally formed member viewed from the light incident surface 13a side). By arranging this integrally formed element on the light source 12, as shown in FIG. 15A, an illumination unit 61 in which a plurality of illumination devices 31 are unitized can be obtained. In this case, since the plate-like member 15 is the same material as the optical lens 11, the light emitted from one illumination device 31 is guided through the plate-like member 15 and emitted from the other illumination device 31. It is possible to increase the light use efficiency. Moreover, since the optical lens 11 can be formed at a time by injection molding, the illumination unit 61 that is unitized can be easily manufactured.

(Example of application to lighting equipment)
Below, a specific example in the case of applying the illumination unit 61 according to the present embodiment to an illumination apparatus is shown. FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the illumination device 41 including the illumination unit 61.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the lighting device 41 includes a lighting unit 61 including a plurality of lighting devices 31. The lighting unit 61 is configured by arranging or integrally forming a plurality of lighting devices 31 on the plate-like member 15 in a matrix. In FIG. 16, as an example, eight lighting devices 31 are arranged per row (± x-axis direction) and eighteen per column (± y-axis direction), and a total of 144 lighting devices 31 are arranged. An example is shown. In addition, the illuminating device 41 shown in FIG. 16 is an example, and the illuminating device 41 which concerns on this Embodiment is not limited to this. About the number of the illumination devices 31 mounted in the illumination unit 61, it can change suitably with the magnitude | size of the light beam requested | required of the illuminating device 41. FIG.

  In the lighting device 41, the lighting unit 61 is stored in the housing 16, and the plurality of lighting devices 31 are arranged so as to be exposed from one surface of the housing 16. A power supply device (not shown) and the like are stored in the housing 16 together with the illumination unit 61.

  An example in the case where this illuminating device 41 is applied as road illumination is shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an installation state of the lighting device 41. As shown in FIG. 17, the lighting device 41 is preferably applied to an arm-shaped pole road light. This is because the illumination device 31 condenses the light emitted from the light source 12 within a predetermined range in the first direction (± y-axis direction) and is orthogonal to both the optical axis and the first direction. This is because it is a member that diffuses in the direction (± x-axis direction), and is therefore suitable for a road lamp that is protruding toward the roadway side (+ y-axis direction side) like an arm-shaped pole. In this case, the ± x axis direction of the illumination device 40 is set to be parallel to the traveling direction (lane axis direction) of the roadway. By doing so, in the illumination device 41 according to the present embodiment, the illumination unit 61 causes the light emitted from the light source 12 to be condensed on the roadway portion in the roadway width direction (± y-axis direction), and the roadway Can be diffused in the direction of travel (± x-axis direction). In this way, by using the illumination device 41 equipped with the illumination unit 61 composed of the illumination device 31, the light distribution characteristic is controlled so as to obtain a light distribution that illuminates the roadway portion, and the light distribution is optimized. Can do. Therefore, since a desired light distribution can be realized, it is possible to realize a road lamp having high performance capable of satisfying specifications required for road lighting.

  Even when an LED light source having an array shape with a large light source area is used in the illumination device 31, the optical lens 11 is formed so as to correspond to each LED light source, so the illumination device 31 does not become large. As a result, it is possible to realize the lighting device 41 having excellent light distribution characteristics without causing an increase in size of the lighting device 41 on which the lighting device 31 is mounted.

  Note that as described above, the illumination device 41 illustrated in FIG. 16 is an example, and the illumination device 41 according to the present embodiment is not limited to this. Therefore, according to the light distribution characteristics required in road illumination, the number and arrangement of the illumination devices 31 constituting the illumination unit 61 are appropriately changed to control the light collection range (distribution range) in the road width direction (± y axis direction). It is preferable to perform light control.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, although the example which applies the illuminating device provided with the illuminating device which concerns on each embodiment above to a road light or a tunnel light is given, it is not necessarily limited to this. The lighting device according to each embodiment and a lighting device including the lighting device can be widely used for outdoor lighting such as crime prevention light, street light, park light, and signboard lighting, or other lighting.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical lens 1 'Optical lens 2 Light source 2' Light source 3a Light incident surface 3a 'Light incident surface 3b Light reflecting surface 3b' Light emitting surface 3c Light emitting surface 3d Installation surface 4 Projection part 5 Plate-shaped member 6 Case 7 1st 1 concave portion 8 second concave portion 11 optical lens 12 light source 13a light incident surface 13b light emission surface 13c installation surface 14 protrusion 15 plate-like member 16 housing 17 concave portion 30 illumination device 30 ′ illumination device 31 illumination device 40 illumination device 41 illumination Device 60 Lighting unit 61 Lighting unit

Claims (9)

A light source;
An optical lens having a light incident surface on which light from the light source is incident, and a light emitting surface that emits light incident from the light incident surface;
A lighting device comprising:
The optical lens is
Light that is incident from the incident surface and directly emitted from the light exit surface is condensed in a condensing direction that is away from the optical axis of the light source toward a predetermined direction, and
An illumination device having a light reflecting surface that is disposed on the opposite side to the predetermined direction with respect to the light incident surface and reflects light incident from the light incident surface in the light collecting direction.   The optical axis is a position where the distance in the direction of the optical axis from the light incident surface to the light exit surface is the largest in a cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens along a plane passing through the optical axis and the predetermined direction. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination device is located closer to the light reflecting surface.   In a cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens at a plane passing through the optical axis and the predetermined direction, the direction of the optical axis from the straight line intersecting the plane perpendicular to the optical axis and the cut surface to the light incident surface. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the distance decreases as the distance from the light reflecting surface increases.   In a cut surface obtained by cutting the optical lens along a plane passing through the optical axis and the predetermined direction, a distance in the direction of the optical axis from the light incident surface to the light emitting surface becomes smaller as the optical axis is approached. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein   5. The optical lens according to claim 1, wherein the optical lens diffuses light from the light source incident on the light incident surface in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis and the predetermined direction. The lighting device described.   A lighting unit comprising a plurality of the lighting devices according to any one of claims 1 to 5 integrally formed on a plate-like member. A light source; and an optical lens having a light incident surface on which light emitted from the light source is incident and a light exit surface that emits light incident from the light incident surface, wherein the optical lens is incident from the light incident surface. And a first illumination device for condensing the light in a condensing direction away from the optical axis of the light source and diffusing in a diffusion direction orthogonal to the optical axis and emitting from the light exit surface;
The lighting unit formed by arrange | positioning the 2nd lighting device which is a lighting device of any one of Claims 1-5 at a fixed space | interval.   The illuminating device provided with the illuminating device of any one of Claims 1-5.   A lighting device comprising the lighting unit according to claim 6.

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