JP2013111372A - Illumination device and endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a low-cost and compact illumination device generating fluorescence having a plurality of wavelength bands by one wavelength conversion member.SOLUTION: This illumination device 1 includes: a light source 21 emitting exciting light E; a phosphor 22 emitting fluorescence Fx, Fy having a spectrum different from the exciting light E from a plurality of regions of the surface by being excited by the exciting light E from the light source 21; and filters 23, 24 converting the fluorescence Fx, Fy emitted from the plurality of regions into light having spectra different from each other.

Description

  The present invention relates to an illumination device used as a light source for a projector or the like, and an endoscope system including the same.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an illumination device that emits fluorescence having a wavelength different from that of excitation light by irradiating a wavelength conversion member having a phosphor with excitation light emitted from a semiconductor light source (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

JP 2008-311532 A

  However, according to the illumination device described in Patent Document 1, only one wavelength band of fluorescence can be obtained with one wavelength conversion member. Therefore, in order to obtain fluorescence in a plurality of wavelength bands, the number of wavelength conversion members required for the required number of wavelength bands is inconvenient, resulting in an increase in cost and an increase in size of the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an inexpensive and small illumination device that can generate fluorescence of a plurality of wavelength bands with a single wavelength conversion member, and an endoscope system including the same. For the purpose.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.
The first aspect of the present invention emits fluorescence having a spectrum different from that of the excitation light from a plurality of regions on the surface by being excited by at least one light source that emits excitation light and the excitation light from the light source. And a spectrum conversion means for converting the fluorescence emitted from the plurality of regions into light having different spectra.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the wavelength of the excitation light emitted from the light source is converted by being incident on the wavelength conversion member, and fluorescence having a spectrum different from that of the excitation light is generated on the surface of the wavelength conversion member. Ejected from the area. Thus, the fluorescence emitted from the plurality of regions is converted into light having different spectra by the spectrum conversion means.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to generate fluorescence of a plurality of wavelength bands with one wavelength conversion member, and it is possible to realize an inexpensive and small illumination device. Further, by extracting fluorescence from a plurality of regions on the surface of the wavelength conversion member, it is possible to effectively utilize the fluorescence that has been lost in the conventional illumination device, and to improve the utilization efficiency of excitation light.

The said aspect WHEREIN: It is good also as providing the synthetic | combination means which synthesize | combines the light of a mutually different spectrum converted by the said spectrum conversion means.
By comprising in this way, the light of a spectrum which mutually differs can be synthesize | combined and it can be set as the light of the color according to uses, such as white light, for example.
In the above aspect, the spectrum conversion unit may be a combining unit that combines lights having different spectra.

In the above aspect, the synthesizing unit may synthesize light having different spectra converted by the spectrum converting unit and excitation light from the light source.
With this configuration, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in color selection while improving the intensity of the combined light that is finally emitted. Specifically, for example, green light and red light can be extracted by the spectrum conversion unit, and the blue light can be directly acquired from the light source, and can be combined by the combining unit and emitted as white light. In this case, for example, a blue LED has high emission intensity, and thus is more efficient than extracting blue light from the wavelength conversion member. As a result, the intensity of white light finally obtained can be improved.

The said aspect WHEREIN: It is good also as providing the injection | emission member which is arrange | positioned between the said wavelength conversion member and the said spectrum conversion means, and inject | emits the fluorescence from the said wavelength conversion member as parallel light.
By comprising in this way, the fluorescence produced | generated in the wavelength conversion member can be reflected and collimated by the inner surface of an injection | emission member. Thereby, the emission efficiency of fluorescence can be improved. Further, when a wavelength conversion filter, for example, is employed as the spectrum conversion means, the incident angle to the filter can be reduced, the influence of the oblique incidence characteristic of the filter can be reduced, and the finally emitted light can be reduced. Strength can be improved.

The said aspect WHEREIN: It is good also as providing the thermal radiation mechanism which discharge | releases the heat | fever generated within the said wavelength conversion member.
By comprising in this way, the heat | fever generate | occur | produced with wavelength conversion in the wavelength conversion member can be transmitted to the thermal radiation mechanism arrange | positioned around the wavelength conversion member, and can be dissipated outside by the thermal radiation mechanism. Note that a heat transfer medium may be provided between the wavelength conversion member and the heat dissipation mechanism. By doing in this way, the heat transfer efficiency to a thermal radiation mechanism can be improved, and the wavelength conversion member can be thermally radiated efficiently.

The said aspect WHEREIN: It is good also as providing the light quantity adjustment mechanism which adjusts the light quantity of the fluorescence inject | emitted from the said several area | region.
With this configuration, the amount of light emitted from the spectrum conversion unit can be arbitrarily changed by adjusting the amount of fluorescence emitted from the plurality of regions by the light amount adjustment mechanism. In this case, by combining the above-described combining means, the color and intensity of the combined light can be adjusted, and combined light having a color and intensity corresponding to the application can be obtained.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the above-described illumination device, an insertion unit that is inserted into a body cavity and guides illumination light from the illumination device, and an imaging unit that images an observation target illuminated by the insertion unit Is an endoscope system.
According to such an endoscope system, since the above-described illumination device is provided, the observation target can be imaged by the imaging unit by emitting light according to the application from the insertion unit, and the observation accuracy of the observation target Can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate fluorescence in a plurality of wavelength bands with one wavelength conversion member, and it is possible to reduce the cost and size of the apparatus.

It is a perspective view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view at the time of seeing from the Z direction of the illuminating device of FIG. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the imaging system which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the fluorescent substance in the illuminating device which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the wavelength characteristic of the fluorescent substance which the fluorescent substance in the illuminating device which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention contains. It is a graph which shows the wavelength characteristic of the fluorescent substance which the fluorescent substance in the illuminating device which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention contains. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on a 1st modification. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on a 2nd modification. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on a 3rd modification. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on a 4th modification. It is a graph which shows the transmission characteristic of the filter of FIG. It is a graph which shows the transmission characteristic of the filter of FIG. It is a graph which shows the transmission characteristic of the dichroic mirror of FIG. It is a spectrum distribution of the synthetic light obtained by the illuminating device of FIG. It is a spectrum distribution of the synthetic light obtained by the illuminating device of FIG. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 11th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on a 5th modification. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 12th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 13th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 14th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the principal part in the illuminating device which concerns on a 6th modification. It is a top view of the principal part in the illuminating device which concerns on a 7th modification. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on 15th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on an 8th modification. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 16th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 17th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illuminating device which concerns on the 17th Embodiment of this invention.

[First Embodiment]
Below, the illuminating device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the illumination device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a light source 21 that emits excitation light E, and a phosphor that emits fluorescence F by converting the wavelength of the excitation light E from the light source 21. (Wavelength conversion member) 22 and filters (spectrum conversion means) 23 and 24 for converting the fluorescence F emitted from the phosphor 22 into light of different spectra.

  The light source 21 is, for example, an LED or an LD (laser diode), and emits excitation light E that excites a fluorescent substance contained in the phosphor 22 as described later. The light source 21 is arranged in the direction perpendicular to the Z direction, that is, the emission direction (X, Y direction) of the fluorescence F of the phosphor 22. Hereinafter, the fluorescence F emitted in the X direction is denoted as Fx, and the fluorescence F emitted in the Y direction is denoted as Fy. In particular, when the emission direction is not limited, it is simply denoted as fluorescence F.

  The phosphor 22 is made of, for example, glass, ceramics, or the like, and contains therein a fluorescent substance that is excited by the excitation light E from the light source 21 to generate fluorescence. In the present embodiment, the phosphor 22 has a cubic shape, an incident surface 22z disposed toward the light source 21 (Z direction), and exit surfaces 22x and 22y disposed toward the X and Y directions. And.

  The incident surface 22z is a surface on which the excitation light E from the light source 21 is incident. The emission surfaces 22x and 22y are surfaces orthogonal to the incident surface 22z, and are surfaces for emitting the fluorescence F generated in the phosphor 22. Further, the surfaces of the phosphor 22 other than the entrance surface 22z and the exit surfaces 22x and 22y are reflection surfaces that reflect the excitation light E and the fluorescence F.

  By having such a configuration, the phosphor 22 converts the wavelength of the excitation light E incident from the light source 21 onto the incident surface 22z to generate fluorescence. The fluorescence F generated in the phosphor 22 is internally reflected by the reflecting surface and guided to the emitting surfaces 22x and 22y.

  The filters 23 and 24 are arranged to face the emission surfaces 22x and 22y of the phosphor 22, respectively. The filter 23 is a wavelength selection filter, and transmits only light in a predetermined band among the fluorescence Fx emitted from the emission surface 22x of the phosphor 22. The filter 24 is a wavelength selection filter having a wavelength transmission band different from that of the filter 23, and transmits only light in a predetermined band different from the fluorescence Fx out of the fluorescence Fy emitted from the emission surface 22 y of the phosphor 22. It has become. By having such a configuration, the filters 23 and 24 convert the fluorescence Fx and Fy emitted from the emission surfaces 22x and 22y of the phosphor 22 into light having different spectra.

The operation of the lighting device 1 according to this embodiment having the above configuration will be described below.
When the light source 21 is driven, the excitation light E emitted from the light source 21 enters the phosphor 22 and excites (wavelength converts) the fluorescent substance contained in the phosphor 22 to generate fluorescence F. Then, the fluorescence F generated in the phosphor 22 is internally reflected by the reflecting surface and is emitted from the emitting surfaces 22x and 22y. Thus, the fluorescences Fx and Fy emitted from the emission surfaces 22x and 22y of the phosphor 22 are converted into light having different spectra by the filters 23 and 24, respectively.

  As described above, according to the illuminating device 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate fluorescence Fx and Fy in a plurality of wavelength bands with one phosphor 22. Thereby, in order to obtain fluorescence of a plurality of wavelength bands, it is possible to realize an inexpensive and small illuminating device as compared with a conventional illuminating device that requires a plurality of wavelength conversion members. Further, by extracting the fluorescence Fx and Fy from the plurality of regions (exit surfaces 22x and 22y) of the phosphor 22, it is possible to effectively utilize the fluorescence that has been lost in the conventional illumination device. The utilization efficiency of can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the filters 23 and 24 are provided on both the emission surfaces 22x and 22y of the phosphor 22. However, the filter may be provided only on one emission surface.
In the present embodiment, the fluorescence F is emitted from the two emission surfaces 22x and 22y of the phosphor 22, but three or more emission surfaces may be provided.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 2 which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, with respect to the illumination device according to each embodiment, the same points as those in the illumination device according to the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the illumination device 2 according to the present embodiment includes a phosphor 22 and a filter 23 in addition to the configuration of the illumination device 1 according to the first embodiment described above (see FIGS. 1 and 2). 24, injection members 25 and 26 are provided respectively.

  The emission members 25 and 26 are connected to the emission surfaces 22x and 22y of the phosphor 22, respectively, and have emission surfaces having a larger area than the emission surfaces 22x and 22y of the phosphor 22. More specifically, the emission members 25 and 26 have side surfaces that are separated from the central axis as they move away from the emission surfaces 22x and 22y of the phosphor 22. By having such a configuration, the emission members 25 and 26 repeat the reflection of the fluorescence incident from the emission surfaces 22x and 22y of the phosphor 22 by the side surfaces to make them parallel, and the direction along the central axis from the emission surface (see FIG. 3 in the direction indicated by arrows Fx and Fy).

  Here, since the phosphor 22 has a refractive index larger than 1, the external quantum efficiency is reduced due to total reflection when the emission members 25 and 26 are not provided. Therefore, the extraction efficiency of the fluorescence Fx and Fy can be improved by making the fluorescence Fx and Fy parallel by the emission members 25 and 26 as in the lighting device 2 according to the present embodiment. In addition, the shape and refractive index of the emission members 25 and 26 are optimized in order to make the fluorescence Fx and Fy parallel.

  Further, the filters 23 and 24 are arranged at the subsequent stage of the injection members 25 and 26. Since the wavelength conversion filter has an oblique incidence characteristic, it is preferable that the fluorescence Fx and Fy are made parallel and then passed through the filters 23 and 24. Therefore, the fluorescence Fx and Fy extracted from the phosphor 22 as in the first embodiment is extracted as compared with the case where the fluorescence Fx and Fy is directly transmitted to the filters 23 and 24 without passing through the emission members 25 and 26. Efficiency can be improved.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 2 according to the present embodiment, the fluorescence Fx and Fy generated in the phosphor 22 can be reflected and collimated by the side surfaces of the emission members 25 and 26. Thereby, the extraction efficiency of the fluorescence Fx and Fy can be improved. In addition, the incident angles of the fluorescent light Fx and Fy to the filters 23 and 24 can be reduced, the influence of the oblique incident characteristics of the filters 23 and 24 can be reduced, and the intensity of fluorescent light finally extracted can be improved. it can.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 3 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the lighting device 3 according to the present embodiment dissipates heat generated in the phosphor 22 in addition to the configuration of the lighting device 2 according to the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 3). A heat dissipating mechanism 27 is provided.

  The heat dissipating mechanism 27 is composed of, for example, a heat transfer member such as metal, has a plurality of heat dissipating fins, and emits heat generated in the phosphor 22 due to wavelength conversion (fluorescence generation by excitation light). It has become. As a specific configuration of the heat dissipation mechanism 27, for example, a method in which a heat sink is directly attached to the phosphor 22 or the phosphor 22 is water-cooled can be considered.

  According to the illuminating device 3 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the heat generated along with the wavelength conversion in the phosphor 22 is transmitted to the heat dissipation mechanism 27 in contact with the phosphor 22, and the heat dissipation mechanism 27 externally transmits the heat. Can be dissipated. Thereby, since the temperature of the phosphor 22 can be kept low, it is possible to use a phosphor having poor temperature characteristics.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 4 which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the illuminating device 4 according to the present embodiment has a fluorescence Fx emitted from the filters 23 and 24 in addition to the configuration of the illuminating device 2 according to the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 3). Light amount adjustment mechanisms 29 and 30 for adjusting the light amount of “, Fy” are provided.

  The light quantity adjustment mechanisms 29 and 30 are constituted by, for example, a flat optical disk (not shown) that transmits part of the fluorescence Fx and Fy, and a motor (not shown) that drives the optical disk to rotate around a normal line. Has been. The optical disk has different transmittances of the fluorescent light Fx and Fy, and is configured by adjoining a plurality of filters (not shown) formed in a semicircular shape.

  With the above configuration, the light amount adjusting mechanisms 29 and 30 drive the motor to rotate the optical disk around the normal line, and place a filter having a desired transmittance on the optical axes of the fluorescence Fx and Fy. Thus, the light amounts of the fluorescence Fx ′ and Fy ′ emitted from the filters 23 and 24 are adjusted.

  The light amount adjusting mechanisms 29 and 30 are not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be a mechanism that moves, for example, filters having different transmittances in a direction perpendicular to the optical axes of the fluorescence Fx and Fy. In the present embodiment, the example in which the two light quantity adjustment mechanisms are provided corresponding to the filters 23 and 24 has been described. However, the light quantity adjustment mechanism may be provided only in the subsequent stage of one of the filters.

  According to the illuminating device 4 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the light amount adjusting mechanisms 29 and 30 adjust the light amounts of the fluorescent light Fx ′ and Fy ′ emitted from the filters 23 and 24 to finally extract them. The amount of fluorescence Fx ″, Fy ″ to be changed can be arbitrarily changed. In this case, by using the combining means described later in the ninth embodiment, the color and intensity of the synthesized light can be adjusted, and the synthesized light having the color and intensity according to the application can be obtained.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, as a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a configuration for incorporating an illumination apparatus according to the present invention into an imaging system such as an endoscope system and acquiring an image will be described with reference to FIG. .
As shown in FIG. 6, the imaging system 5 according to the present embodiment includes a light source unit 31 having an illumination device according to the present invention, an imaging unit (imaging unit) 32, an image monitor 33, an image processing unit 34, An illumination control unit 35 and a light source driving unit 36 are provided.

  The imaging unit 32 is an imaging element such as a CCD, for example, and detects the reflected light from the subject S of the illumination light irradiated by the light source unit 31. That is, the imaging unit 32 functions as a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the subject S. The imaging unit 32 captures the subject S by detecting reflected light from the subject S and outputs an imaging signal to the image processing unit 34.

The image processing unit 34 processes the imaging signal output from the imaging unit 32 and generates an image of the subject S. The image processing unit 34 selects an image process optimal for each illumination mode according to the contents of the input illumination mode instruction signal, and generates an image signal. Further, the image processing unit 34 outputs the generated image of the subject S to the image monitor 33 as an image display signal. Further, the image processing unit 34 outputs the brightness of the image of the subject S to the illumination control unit 35 as a screen brightness signal.
The image monitor 33 displays an image of the subject S on the screen based on the image display signal output from the image processing unit 34.

  In addition to the screen brightness signal output from the image processing unit 34, an illumination mode instruction signal is sent to the illumination control unit 35 from the outside. Here, the illumination mode instruction signal is a signal that instructs to switch the illumination light irradiated from the light source unit 31 to the subject S to, for example, white light, special light, or the like.

The illumination control unit 35 generates a light source control signal based on the screen brightness signal output from the image processing unit 34 and outputs the signal to the light source driving unit 36.
The light source driving unit 36 drives the light source in the light source unit 31 based on the light source control signal output from the illumination control unit 35.

The operation of the imaging system 5 having the above configuration will be described below.
First, the light source driving unit 36 is controlled by a light source control signal from the illumination control unit 35. Then, the lighting control of the light source unit 31 is performed in synchronization with the light source driving signal of the light source driving unit 36, and the subject S is irradiated with highly efficient illumination light. The reflected light from the subject S is detected by the image pickup unit 32, and the image pickup signal obtained there is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 34 and displayed as an image on the image monitor 33.

  The light source control signal described above is configured based on a screen brightness signal, an illumination mode instruction signal, and the like. The screen brightness signal is obtained when the obtained image pickup signal is processed by the image processing unit 34, and is, for example, a signal that indicates a luminance adjustment value of the light source. The illumination mode instruction signal is a signal for switching between illumination modes having a plurality of specific different spectra. For example, under a certain illumination mode, control is performed so that power is supplied only to a specific light source.

  Since the imaging system 5 according to the present embodiment includes the illumination device according to the above-described embodiment, the subject S can be imaged by the imaging unit 32 by emitting light according to the application. Observation accuracy can be improved.

  Note that when an endoscope system is employed as a specific application example of the imaging system 5 according to the present embodiment, it is inserted into a body cavity and guides illumination light from the illumination device according to the above-described embodiment. An insertion unit (not shown) may be provided, and the imaging unit 32 may be configured to image the subject S illuminated by the insertion unit.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, an illuminating device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the illuminating device according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the phosphor 22 is not limited to a cube as in the above-described embodiment, and may be a solid such as a sphere, a cylinder, a triangular pyramid, a cuboid, a triangular prism, or the like. May be.

  According to the illuminating device according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the degree of freedom of the incident region of the excitation light E and the extraction region of the fluorescence F can be improved by making the phosphor 22 have the above three-dimensional shape. it can. The effect when the phosphor 22 has a triangular prism shape will be described later in the seventeenth embodiment.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device concerning the 7th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG.
In the illuminating device according to the present embodiment, the phosphor 22 includes a single type of phosphor as shown in FIG. In this case, the fluorescent material is selected according to the wavelength of the fluorescence desired to be finally obtained. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the phosphor 22 contains a fluorescent material that emits fluorescence F having a peak wavelength of 530 nm.

The phosphor 22 does not contain only a single type of fluorescent material, but may contain a plurality of fluorescent materials as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the phosphor 22 contains a fluorescent substance that emits fluorescence having a peak wavelength of 530 nm and a fluorescent substance that emits fluorescence having a peak wavelength of 630 nm.
Thus, by adopting the phosphor 22 containing a plurality of fluorescent substances, the wavelength band of the finally obtained fluorescence can be widened, and the color rendering properties of the lighting device can be improved.

[Eighth Embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 8 which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, the illumination device 8 according to this embodiment includes a lens 41 between the light source 21 and the phosphor 22 in the configuration of the illumination device 1 according to the first embodiment described above (see FIG. 1). It has.

The lens 41 collects the excitation light E from the light source 21 so as to enter the phosphor 22.
According to the illuminating device 8 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the irradiation area of the excitation light E in the phosphor 22 can be reduced, and the phosphor 22 can be downsized, and thus the illuminating device 8 can be downsized. Can be planned.

[First Modification]
Moreover, in the illuminating device 8 which concerns on this embodiment, it is good also as providing the optical fiber (light guide rod) 42 between the light source 21 and the fluorescent substance 22, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, a plurality of light sources 21 may be provided, and an optical fiber 42 may be provided between each light source and the phosphor 22.
The optical fiber 42 guides the excitation light E from the light source 21 to enter the phosphor 22.

  According to the illuminating device 8 ′ according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom when arranging the light source 21, and to make the device compact and facilitate assembly of the device. Can do. Further, the excitation light E from the plurality of light sources 21 can be made incident on one surface of the phosphor 22, and the intensity of the emitted fluorescence F can be improved.

[Second Modification]
Moreover, in the illuminating device 8 which concerns on this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, it is good also as employ | adopting LED instead of LD as the light source 21. FIG.

[Ninth Embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 9 which concerns on the 9th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13, the illuminating device 9 according to the present embodiment has three emission surfaces for the fluorescence F of the phosphor 22 in the configuration of the illuminating device 4 according to the fourth embodiment described above (see FIG. 5). And a dichroic mirror (spectrum converting means, synthesizing means) 49 for synthesizing the fluorescence F from the respective emission surfaces. In the present embodiment, the filters (wavelength conversion means) 23 and 24 in the above-described fourth embodiment are not provided.

  In the illumination device 9 according to the present embodiment, the phosphor 22 emits the fluorescence F1, F2, and F3 from three surfaces orthogonal to the incident surface of the excitation light E. The fluorescences F1 and F2 are emitted in opposite directions from the surfaces of the phosphor 22 facing each other. The fluorescence F3 is emitted in a direction orthogonal to the fluorescence F1 and F2 on the same plane as the fluorescence F1 and F2.

  On the optical path of the fluorescence F1, the emission member 26, the light amount adjustment mechanism 30, and the mirrors 45 and 46 are arranged. The mirrors 45 and 46 are arranged so as to guide the fluorescence F 1 that has passed through the light amount adjustment mechanism 30 to the dichroic mirror 49.

  An emission member 26, a light amount adjustment mechanism 30, and mirrors 47 and 48 are disposed on the optical path of the fluorescence F2. The mirrors 47 and 48 are arranged so as to guide the fluorescence F <b> 2 that has passed through the light amount adjustment mechanism 30 to the dichroic mirror 49.

An emission member 25, a light amount adjustment mechanism 29, and a dichroic mirror 49 are disposed on the optical path of the fluorescence F3.
The dichroic mirror 49 has a characteristic of transmitting a part of the fluorescence F3 and reflecting a part of the fluorescences F1 and F2 in the transmission direction of the fluorescence F3. By having such characteristics, the dichroic mirror 49 synthesizes the fluorescence F1, F2, and F3 partially and emits them in the same direction.

  Specifically, the dichroic mirror 49 reflects blue light (B band) in the fluorescence F1. The dichroic mirror 49 reflects red light (R band) in the fluorescence F2. The dichroic mirror 49 transmits green light (G band) in the fluorescence F3.

By synthesizing these fluorescences F1, F2, and F3, the dichroic mirror 49 emits white light as synthesized light.
In this case, the light amount adjustment mechanisms 29 and 30 arranged on the optical paths of the respective fluorescences F1, F2, and F3 adjust the light amounts of the respective fluorescences F1, F2, and F3 according to the desired color and light amount of the combined light. It is like that.
In the case of the above configuration, since the excitation light E needs to have a shorter wavelength than the blue light, for example, ultraviolet rays are employed.

  According to the illuminating device 9 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the light amounts of the fluorescent light F1, F2, and F3 that are finally extracted by adjusting the light amounts of the fluorescent lights F1, F2, and F3 by the light amount adjusting mechanisms 29 and 30. The amount of light can be changed arbitrarily. Thereby, the color and intensity | strength of the synthesized light by the dichroic mirror 49 can be adjusted, and the synthesized light of the color and intensity | strength according to a use can be obtained.

[Third Modification]
In the illumination device 9 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the filters (wavelength conversion means) 23 and 24 in the above-described fourth embodiment are provided on the optical paths of the fluorescences F1, F2, and F3. Also good.

  An emission member 26, a filter 24, a light amount adjusting mechanism 30, and mirrors 45 and 46 are arranged on the optical path of the fluorescence F1. The mirrors 45 and 46 are arranged so as to guide the fluorescence F 1 that has passed through the light amount adjustment mechanism 30 to the dichroic mirror 49.

  An emission member 26, a filter 24, a light amount adjustment mechanism 30, and mirrors 47 and 48 are disposed on the optical path of the fluorescence F2. The mirrors 47 and 48 are arranged so as to guide the fluorescence F <b> 2 that has passed through the light amount adjustment mechanism 30 to the dichroic mirror 49.

An emission member 25, a filter 23, a light amount adjustment mechanism 29, and a dichroic mirror 49 are arranged on the optical path of the fluorescence F3.
The dichroic mirror 49 has a characteristic of transmitting the fluorescence F3 and reflecting the fluorescences F1 and F2 in the transmission direction of the fluorescence F3. By having such characteristics, the dichroic mirror 49 synthesizes the fluorescence F1, F2, and F3.

The filter 24 disposed on the optical path of the fluorescence F1 transmits blue light (B band) in the fluorescence F1.
The filter 24 arranged on the optical path of the fluorescence F2 transmits red light (R band) in the fluorescence F2.
The filter 23 disposed on the optical path of the fluorescence F3 transmits green light (G band) in the fluorescence F3.

By synthesizing these fluorescences F1, F2, and F3, the dichroic mirror 49 emits white light as synthesized light.
In this case, the light amount adjustment mechanisms 29 and 30 arranged on the optical paths of the respective fluorescences F1, F2, and F3 adjust the light amounts of the respective fluorescences F1, F2, and F3 according to the desired color and light amount of the combined light. It is like that.
In the case of the above configuration, since the excitation light E needs to have a shorter wavelength than the blue light, for example, ultraviolet rays are employed.

  According to the illumination device 9 ′ according to the present modification having the above-described configuration, the light amount adjusting mechanisms 29 and 30 adjust the light amounts of the fluorescences F1, F2, and F3 emitted from the filters 23 and 24, thereby finally The light quantity of the fluorescence F1, F2, F3 taken out can be changed arbitrarily. Thereby, the color and intensity | strength of the synthesized light by the dichroic mirror 49 can be adjusted, and the synthesized light of the color and intensity | strength according to a use can be obtained. In this case, the filters 23 and 24 extract the light of a predetermined band of the fluorescent light F1, F2, and F3, thereby narrowing the fluorescent light F1, F2, and F3 used for synthesis. The degree of freedom of the spectrum obtained from the synthesized light can be improved.

[Tenth embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 10 which concerns on the 10th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 15, the illumination device 10 according to the present embodiment does not extract the fluorescence F1 from the phosphor 22 in the configuration of the illumination device 9 according to the ninth embodiment described above (see FIG. 13). It is obtained directly from the light source 51 provided separately.

A dichroic mirror (spectrum converting means, combining means) 52 is arranged on the optical paths of the fluorescence F2 and the fluorescence F3.
The dichroic mirror 52 has a characteristic of transmitting a part of the fluorescence F2 and reflecting a part of the fluorescence F3 in the transmission direction of the fluorescence F2. By having such characteristics, the dichroic mirror 52 synthesizes the fluorescence F2 and F3 partially and emits them in the same direction.

A dichroic mirror (combining means) 53 is disposed on the optical path of the combined light F4 from the dichroic mirror 52.
The light source 51 is a light source such as an LED that emits the fluorescent light F <b> 1, and is disposed with the optical axis facing the dichroic mirror 53.

  The dichroic mirror 53 has a characteristic of transmitting a part of the combined light F4 and reflecting the fluorescence F1 from the light source 51 in the transmission direction of the combined light F4. With such characteristics, the dichroic mirror 53 synthesizes a part of the synthesized light F4 (fluorescence F2, F3) and the fluorescence F1.

  Specifically, the dichroic mirror 52 extracts red light from the fluorescence F2 and extracts green light from the fluorescence F3. Further, blue light is acquired from the light source 51 as the fluorescence F1. These fluorescences F1, F2, and F3 are synthesized by the dichroic mirror 53 to generate white light.

Here, since the blue LED (light source 51) has high emission intensity, it is more efficient than extracting blue light from the phosphor 22. As a result, the white light finally obtained can be increased in intensity.
In the present embodiment, since the excitation light needs to have a shorter wavelength than that of green light, for example, a blue light source can be considered as the light source 21. Blue light is less prone to phosphor degradation than ultraviolet light, so the life of the device can be extended.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of color selection while improving the intensity of the combined light finally emitted. Specifically, green light and red light can be extracted by the dichroic mirror 52, blue light can be directly acquired from the light source 51, and these lights can be combined by the dichroic mirror 53 and emitted as white light. In this case, for example, a blue LED has a high emission intensity, and thus is more efficient than extracting blue light from the phosphor 22. As a result, the white light finally obtained can be increased in intensity.

[Fourth Modification]
In addition, in the illuminating device 10 which concerns on this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, it is good also as providing the filters (wavelength conversion means) 23 and 24 in the above-mentioned 4th Embodiment on the optical path of fluorescence F2, F3. .

As shown in FIG. 17, the filter 24 arranged on the optical path of the fluorescence F2 transmits red light (R band) in the fluorescence F2.
As shown in FIG. 18, the filter 23 arranged on the optical path of the fluorescence F3 transmits green light (G band) in the fluorescence F3.

A dichroic mirror (synthesizing means) 52 is disposed on the optical paths of the fluorescence F2 and the fluorescence F3.
As shown in FIG. 19, the dichroic mirror 52 has a characteristic of transmitting red light (R band) while reflecting green light (G band). By having such characteristics, the dichroic mirror 52 synthesizes the fluorescence F2 (R band) transmitted through the filter 24 and the fluorescence F3 (G band) transmitted through the filter 23.

A dichroic mirror (combining means) 53 is disposed on the optical path of the combined light F4 from the dichroic mirror 52.
The light source 51 is a light source such as an LED that emits the fluorescent light F <b> 1, and is disposed with the optical axis facing the dichroic mirror 53.

  The dichroic mirror 53 has a characteristic of transmitting the combined light F4 and reflecting the fluorescence F1 from the light source 51 in the transmission direction of the combined light F4. By having such characteristics, the dichroic mirror 53 synthesizes the synthesized light F4 (fluorescence F2, F3) and the fluorescence F1.

  Specifically, red light is extracted from the phosphor 22 as fluorescence F2, and green light is extracted as fluorescence F3. Further, blue light is acquired from the light source 51 as the fluorescence F1. These fluorescences F1, F2, and F3 are synthesized by the dichroic mirrors 52 and 53 to generate white light.

Here, since the blue LED (light source 51) has high emission intensity, it is more efficient than extracting blue light from the phosphor 22. As a result, the white light finally obtained can be increased in intensity.
In the present embodiment, since the excitation light needs to have a shorter wavelength than that of green light, for example, a blue light source can be considered as the light source 21. Blue light is less prone to phosphor degradation than ultraviolet light, so the life of the device can be extended.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 10 ′ according to the present modification, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of color selection while improving the intensity of the combined light that is finally emitted. Specifically, for example, the green light and the red light can be extracted by the filters 23 and 24, the blue light can be directly acquired from the light source 51, can be synthesized by the dichroic mirrors 52 and 53, and can be emitted as white light. In this case, for example, a blue LED has a high emission intensity, and thus is more efficient than extracting blue light from the phosphor 22. As a result, the white light finally obtained can be increased in intensity.

  Further, by extracting light of a predetermined band of the fluorescence F2 and F3 by the filters 23 and 24, the fluorescence F2 and F3 used for the synthesis can be narrowed, and a desired color of combined light can be obtained. it can. Specifically, according to the illumination device 10 according to the tenth embodiment described above (configuration without the filters 23 and 24), the synthesized light has a spectral distribution in which some wavelength bands overlap as shown in FIG. become. On the other hand, according to the illuminating device 10 ′ (configuration including the filters 23 and 24) according to the present modification, the combined light can be made into a narrow band spectrum distribution as shown in FIG. For example, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of the spectrum obtained from the synthesized light, such as easy to obtain light in a narrow band.

[Eleventh embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 11 which concerns on the 11th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 22, the illuminating device 11 according to the present embodiment also uses the phosphor 22 for red light (fluorescence F5) in the configuration of the illuminating device 10 according to the tenth embodiment described above (see FIG. 15). Instead of taking out, it is obtained directly from the light source 55 provided separately.

The light source 55 is a light source such as an LED that emits the fluorescent light F5, and is disposed with the optical axis directed to a dichroic mirror (spectral conversion means, combining means) 56.
The dichroic mirror 56 has a characteristic of transmitting the fluorescence F5 and reflecting a part of the fluorescence F2 from the phosphor 22 in the transmission direction of the fluorescence F5. By having such characteristics, the dichroic mirror 56 synthesizes a part of the fluorescence F2 and the fluorescence F5.

In the present embodiment, the dichroic mirror 56 disposed on the optical path of the fluorescence F2 reflects yellow light (Y band) in the fluorescence F2.
Similar to the tenth embodiment, the dichroic mirror 52 combines the fluorescence F2 reflected by the dichroic mirror 56, the fluorescence F5 from the light source 55, and a part of the fluorescence F3 from the phosphor 22. It is supposed to be. Further, the dichroic mirror 53 is configured to synthesize the synthesized light F4 (fluorescence F2, F3, F5) and the fluorescence F1.

  Specifically, the dichroic mirror 56 extracts yellow light from the fluorescence F2, and the dichroic mirror 52 extracts green light from the fluorescence F3. Further, red light is acquired from the light source 55 as the fluorescence F5, and blue light is acquired from the light source 51 as the fluorescence F1. These fluorescent lights F1, F2, F3, and F5 are synthesized by the dichroic mirror 53 to generate white light.

  Here, the emission intensity of the blue LED (light source 51) and the red LED (light source 55) is higher than that of the green LED and the yellow LED. Therefore, higher intensity white light can be obtained by extracting green light and yellow light with weak LED emission intensity from the phosphor 22 by the dichroic mirror 56 as in the illumination device 11 according to the present embodiment.

[Fifth Modification]
In addition, in the illuminating device 11 which concerns on this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, it is good also as providing the filter (wavelength conversion means) 23 and 24 in the above-mentioned 4th Embodiment on the optical path of fluorescence F2 and F3. .

The light source 55 is a light source such as an LED that emits the fluorescence F5, and is disposed with the optical axis directed to the dichroic mirror (combining means) 56.
The dichroic mirror 56 has a characteristic of transmitting the fluorescence F5 and reflecting the fluorescence F2 transmitted through the filter 24 in the transmission direction of the fluorescence F5. By having such characteristics, the dichroic mirror 56 synthesizes the fluorescence F2 and the fluorescence F5.

In the present embodiment, the filter 24 arranged on the optical path of the fluorescence F2 transmits yellow light (Y band) in the fluorescence F2.
As in the tenth embodiment described above, the dichroic mirror 52 combines the fluorescence F2 from the phosphor 22, the fluorescence F5 from the light source 55, and the fluorescence F3 from the phosphor 22. Yes. Further, the dichroic mirror 53 is configured to synthesize the synthesized light F4 (fluorescence F2, F3, F5) and the fluorescence F1.

  Specifically, yellow light is extracted from the phosphor 22 as fluorescence F2 by the filter 24, and green light is extracted by the filter 23 as fluorescence F3. Further, red light is acquired from the light source 55 as the fluorescence F5, and blue light is acquired from the light source 51 as the fluorescence F1. These fluorescent lights F1, F2, F3, and F5 are synthesized by dichroic mirrors 52 and 53 to generate white light.

  Here, the emission intensity of the blue LED (light source 51) and the red LED (light source 55) is higher than that of the green LED and the yellow LED. Therefore, higher intensity white light can be obtained by extracting green light and yellow light with low LED emission intensity from the phosphor 22 as in the illumination device 11 ′ according to the present modification.

  Further, by extracting light of a predetermined band of the fluorescence F2 and F3 by the filters 23 and 24, the fluorescence F2 and F3 used for the synthesis can be narrowed, and a desired color of combined light can be obtained. it can. As a result, the degree of freedom of the spectrum obtained from the synthesized light can be improved, for example, it is easy to obtain light in a narrow band.

[Twelfth embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 12 which concerns on the 12th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 24, the illuminating device 12 according to the present embodiment includes an injection member 25, 26 and filters 23, 24 in the configuration of the illuminating device 2 according to the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 3). In between, lenses 61 and 62 for collimating the fluorescence Fx and Fy are provided.

  According to the illuminating device 12 according to the present embodiment having the above configuration, the fluorescence Fx and Fy generated in the phosphor 22 can be collimated not only by the emission members 25 and 26 but also by the lenses 61 and 62. . Thereby, the extraction efficiency of the fluorescence Fx and Fy can be improved. In addition, the incident angles of the fluorescent light Fx and Fy to the filters 23 and 24 can be reduced, the influence of the oblique incident characteristics of the filters 23 and 24 can be reduced, and the intensity of fluorescent light finally extracted can be improved. it can.

[Thirteenth embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 13 which concerns on the 13th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 25, the illumination device 13 according to the present embodiment includes a filter 23 on the exit surface of the ejection members 25 and 26 in the configuration of the illumination device 2 according to the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 3). 24 is deposited.

  According to the illuminating device 13 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the filters 23 and 24 are deposited on the emission surfaces of the emission members 25 and 26. Therefore, the filters 23 and 24 and their holders (not shown) are separately provided. There is no need, and the number of parts can be reduced to reduce the size of the apparatus.

[Fourteenth embodiment]
Next, a lighting device 14 according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 26, the illumination device 14 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of heat dissipation mechanisms 27 around the phosphor 22 in the configuration of the illumination device 3 according to the third embodiment described above (see FIG. 4). Is provided.

  According to the illuminating device 14 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the heat dissipation effect can be improved by providing the plurality of heat dissipation mechanisms 27 around the phosphor 22, and the phosphor 22 is efficiently cooled. be able to.

  In FIG. 18, for convenience of drawing, the heat dissipation mechanism 27 is provided on each of the two surfaces in the XY direction of the phosphor 22. However, the heat dissipation member 27 may be disposed on the surface in the Z direction of the phosphor 22. . Thereby, the heat dissipation effect can be further improved, and the phosphor 22 can be efficiently cooled.

[Sixth Modification]
Further, in the illumination device 14 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the excitation light E incident on the phosphor 22 and the fluorescence generated in the phosphor 22 between the phosphor 22 and the heat dissipation member 27. It is good also as providing the reflection member 64 which reflects.

  Here, if an absorber is provided instead of a reflecting member between the phosphor 22 and the heat radiating member 27, the fluorescence emitted in the minus X direction out of the fluorescence generated in the phosphor 22 cannot be extracted. . Since fluorescence is generated in a spherical wave shape, a large loss occurs. Therefore, the fluorescence emitted in the direction opposite to the extraction surface is guided to the extraction surface by the reflecting member 64, so that the emission efficiency can be increased nearly twice.

  The reflecting member 64 is preferably a member having high heat conductivity. By doing in this way, the heat-transfer efficiency to the thermal radiation member 27 can be improved, and the fluorescent substance 22 can be thermally radiated efficiently.

[Seventh Modification]
Moreover, in the illuminating device 14 which concerns on this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, it is good also as providing said reflection member 64 and the low refractive index medium 65 between the fluorescent substance 22 and the thermal radiation member 27. As shown in FIG. .

  By having such a configuration, when there is the low refractive index medium 65, the fluorescence having an angle with respect to the X axis is totally reflected at the interface between the low refractive index medium 65 and the phosphor 22. The fluorescence that has not been totally reflected is reflected by the reflecting member 64. Since the reflecting member 64 has a loss of about 10%, the fluorescence extraction efficiency can be improved by totally reflecting a part of the fluorescence generated by inserting the low refractive index medium 65.

[Fifteenth embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 15 which concerns on the 15th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 29, the illumination device 15 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the light amount adjusting mechanism 29 is a transmission region (transmission plate) in the configuration of the illumination device 4 according to the fourth embodiment described above (see FIG. 5). It is configured as a rotary filter 69 having 69a and a light blocking area (blocking plate) 69b.

  The rotary filter 69 includes a disk-shaped filter having a transmission region (transmission plate) 69a and a light blocking region (blocking plate) 69b, and a motor 69c that rotates the filter around a normal line.

  In the illumination device 15 according to the present embodiment, when the fluorescence Fx ′ emitted from the phosphor 22 and transmitted through the filter 23 passes through the rotary filter 69, the fluorescence Fx ′ is transmitted through the transmission region (transmission plate) 69a and the light blocking region. The intensity of the finally obtained fluorescence Fx ″ varies depending on the ratio of passing through the (blocking plate) 69b. For example, when the fluorescence Fx ′ passes only through the light blocking region (blocking plate) 69b, the intensity of the obtained fluorescence Fx ″ is zero, and the transmission region (transmitting plate) 69a and the light blocking region (blocking plate) 69b. Is a one-to-one ratio, the intensity of the fluorescence Fx ″ obtained is halved.

  Here, the ratio of passing through the transmission region (transmission plate) 69a and the light blocking region (blocking plate) 69b can be freely changed by rotating the filter by the motor 69c. Further, in the present embodiment, the dimming of the fluorescence Fy is handled by changing the intensity of the excitation light E of the light source 21. Note that the fluorescence Fy may also be dimmed with the same configuration as the rotary filter 69.

  According to the illuminating device 15 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the light amount of the fluorescence Fx ″ finally extracted is adjusted by adjusting the light amount of the fluorescence Fx ′ emitted from the filter 23 by the rotary filter 69. It can be changed arbitrarily. In this case, by providing the dichroic mirror (combining means) in the ninth embodiment, the color and intensity of the synthesized light can be adjusted, and the synthesized light having the color and intensity according to the application can be obtained.

[Eighth Modification]
Further, in the illumination device 15 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, instead of the rotary filter 69, a blocking plate 70a for blocking the fluorescence Fx ′ and the blocking plate 70a are inserted on the optical path of the fluorescence Fx ′. It is good also as providing the light quantity adjustment apparatus 70 provided with the reciprocating mechanism 70b to remove. A specific configuration of the reciprocating mechanism 70b includes a voice coil motor and a crank mechanism.

[Sixteenth Embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 16 which concerns on the 16th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 31, the illuminating device 16 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the excitation light E incident surface of the phosphor 22 and the fluorescence in the configuration of the illuminating device 12 according to the twelfth embodiment (see FIG. 24). The exit surface of Fy is the same surface.

  In the illumination device 16 according to this embodiment, the light source 21 is arranged in the Y direction of the phosphor 22. A dichroic mirror 72 is disposed between the phosphor 22 (lens 62) and the light source 21.

  The dichroic mirror 72 has a characteristic of transmitting the excitation light E from the light source 21 and reflecting the fluorescence Fy generated in the phosphor 22. Specifically, the dichroic mirror 72 has, for example, a characteristic of transmitting B band light and reflecting G band and R band light. As a result, only the blue light of the excitation light E from the light source 21 is transmitted and incident on the phosphor 22, and the green light and the red light can be extracted from the fluorescence Fy generated in the phosphor 22.

  According to the illuminating device 16 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the degree of freedom in arranging the light source 21 is increased by making the incident surface of the excitation light E of the phosphor 22 and the emission surface of the fluorescence the same surface. And the apparatus can be made compact.

[Seventeenth embodiment]
Next, the illuminating device 17 which concerns on the 17th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 32 and FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, in the illumination device 17 according to the present embodiment, the phosphor 22 is configured in a triangular prism shape in the configuration of the illumination device 4 according to the above-described fourth embodiment (see FIG. 5). ing.

  In the illumination device 17 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. 32, the excitation light E from the light source 21 is incident on the phosphor 22 from the Z-axis direction and is emitted from the phosphor 22 in the X direction. The fluorescence Fx is guided to the filter 23 by the emission member 25. The fluorescent light Fx ′ that has passed through the filter 23 passes through the light amount adjustment mechanism 29.

  On the other hand, the fluorescence Fx ′ ″ reflected by the filter 23 is reflected by the triangular prism slope of the phosphor 22 and then guided to the filter 24. Part or all of the fluorescence Fx ″ ″ passes through the filter 24 and passes through the light amount adjustment mechanism 30. Thus, by making the shape of the phosphor 22 into a triangular prism shape, the fluorescence Fx ′ ″ that should have been lost can be effectively used, and the intensity of the finally obtained fluorescence Fx ″ can be improved. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the fluorescence Fy emitted in the Y direction from the phosphor 22 can be said to be the same as the fluorescence Fx, and the fluorescence Fy ′ ″ reflected by the filter 24 can be effectively used. The intensity of the obtained fluorescence Fy ″ can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes design changes and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. . For example, you may apply this invention to embodiment which combined each said embodiment and each modification suitably.

1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 8 ′, 9, 9 ′, 10, 10 ′, 11, 11 ′, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Illumination device 5 Imaging system 21 Light source 22 Phosphor ( Wavelength conversion member)
23, 24 filter (spectrum conversion means)
25, 26 Ejection member 27 Heat radiation mechanism 29, 30 Light amount adjustment mechanism 31 Light source unit 32 Imaging unit (imaging unit)
33 Image monitor 34 Image processor 35 Illumination controller 36 Light source driver 49 Dichroic mirror (combining means)

Claims (8)

At least one light source that emits excitation light;
A wavelength conversion member that emits fluorescence having a spectrum different from that of the excitation light from a plurality of regions on the surface by being excited by excitation light from the light source;
An illumination device comprising: spectrum conversion means for converting fluorescence emitted from the plurality of regions into light having different spectra.   The lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising: a combining unit that combines light having different spectra converted by the spectrum converting unit.   The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the spectrum converting unit is a combining unit that combines lights having different spectra.   The lighting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the synthesizing unit synthesizes light of different spectra converted by the spectrum converting unit and excitation light from the light source.   The illuminating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an emission member that is disposed between the wavelength conversion member and the spectrum conversion unit and emits fluorescence from the wavelength conversion member as parallel light.   The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a heat dissipation mechanism that releases heat generated in the wavelength conversion member.   The illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a light amount adjustment mechanism that adjusts a light amount of the fluorescence emitted from the plurality of regions. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity and guides illumination light from the illumination device;
An endoscope system comprising: an imaging unit that images an observation target illuminated by the insertion unit.

Images