JP2015210890A - Light source device and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light source device capable of detecting leakage of excitation light even in a portion of a light guide member where processing is not performed.SOLUTION: A light source device (1) includes: a laser element (71) which emits excitation light for exciting a fluorescent substance; a light emitting part (78) which receives the excitation light to emit fluorescent light; a multi-mode fiber (77) which guides the excitation light to the light emitting part (78); and at least one fiber light leakage detection unit (18) which detects the excitation light leaked from a side surface of the multi-mode fiber (77).

Description

  The present invention relates to a light source device.

  In recent years, various light source devices have been developed that use white light obtained by exciting a phosphor with excitation light (for example, laser light) emitted from an excitation light source as illumination light.

  Some of these light source devices are provided with a function of controlling the output of excitation light by detecting predetermined light in order to cope with an abnormality in the light source device.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an illuminating device that detects reflected light generated when a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser element is reflected by a fluorescent plate. In the illumination device of Patent Document 1, energization to the semiconductor laser element is controlled using a detection signal generated based on the detected reflected light. This illuminating device aims to cope with exfoliation of the phosphor and deviation of irradiation of excitation light to the phosphor.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an illumination device that detects the output of light emitted from a discharge lamp. In the illumination device of Patent Document 2, the lighting state of the discharge lamp is controlled to a predetermined state in accordance with the detected light output value.

  Furthermore, some of the light source devices described above are configured to detect light leakage in an optical fiber provided as a light guide for excitation light.

  For example, Patent Document 3 discloses a semiconductor laser device that detects leakage of laser light at a bent portion of an optical fiber, which is a portion where light leakage (light bending loss) is large.

  Further, Patent Document 4 discloses an optical signal reader that detects a light leaking from the refractive index modulation structure by providing a refractive index modulation structure on the side by partially damaging the side of the optical fiber. Is disclosed.

  Patent Document 5 discloses a leakage light measuring module that detects light leaking from the joint surface or end surface of two optical fibers joined by shifting a part of each core part.

JP 2011-864432 A (published April 28, 2011) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-21166 (published January 29, 1993) JP 2002-50826 A (published February 15, 2002) JP 2002-156564 A (published May 31, 2002) Japanese Patent No. 5290777 (published on September 18, 2013)

  However, Patent Documents 1 to 5 do not disclose or suggest a configuration for detecting leakage of excitation light from the light guide member (optical fiber) even in a place where the light guide member itself is not processed. .

  For example, in the invention of Patent Document 3, a process of bending an optical fiber is required only for detecting leakage of excitation light. Also in the inventions of Patent Documents 4 and 5, in order to detect the leakage of excitation light, it is necessary to shape the light guide member itself, such as cutting the optical fiber or performing a grating process.

  As described above, in the inventions of Patent Documents 3 to 5, the location of the light guide member capable of detecting the leakage of excitation light is limited to a specific location such as a location where the bending process can be performed, a joint surface, or an end surface. Therefore, there is a problem in that a process for intentionally processing the light guide member itself is required in order to bother creating a location where leakage light can be detected, which increases labor and costs.

  Therefore, in the inventions according to Patent Documents 1 to 5, a step of processing the light guide member itself is necessary so that leakage of excitation light from the light guide member can be detected, and in such a place where such intentional processing is not performed. There is a problem that excitation light leakage cannot be detected.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object thereof is not to process the light guide member itself so that light can be detected, and even in a place where processing is not performed. An object of the present invention is to provide a light source device capable of detecting leakage of excitation light.

  In order to solve the above problems, a light source device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an excitation light source that emits excitation light that excites a phosphor, a phosphor light-emitting unit that emits fluorescence upon receiving the excitation light, and A light guide member that guides the excitation light to the phosphor light-emitting unit; and at least one excitation light detection unit that detects the excitation light leaking from a side surface of the light guide member.

  According to the light source device according to one aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that the leakage of the excitation light can be detected even in a portion where the light guide member is not processed.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the light source device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the light source device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a graph which illustrates the time change of the output of the white light detected in the white light detection unit of the light source device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the process of abnormality detection in the light source device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light-receiving part in the modification of the light source device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the light source device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the light source device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the light source device which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the light source device which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the process of abnormality detection in the light source device which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the display part of the light source device which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention, and its periphery.

Embodiment 1
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(Light source device 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a light source device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the light source device 1.

  The light source device 1 is, for example, an automotive headlamp (vehicle headlamp). Hereinafter, the case where the light source device 1 is a headlamp mounted on an automobile (vehicle) will be described as an example. However, the application of the light source device 1 is not particularly limited, and may be used for any other application.

  The light source device 1 includes an excitation light source detection unit 17 (second excitation light detection unit), a fiber light leakage detection unit 18 (first excitation light detection unit), a white light detection unit 19 (illumination light detection unit), an excitation light source unit 70, A multi-mode fiber 77 (light guide member, first light guide member), a light projecting unit 79, a main control unit 10, a notification unit 80, and a storage unit 90 are provided.

(Excitation light source unit 70)
First, the basic configuration of the light source device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The excitation light source unit 70 includes laser elements 71a to 71e (excitation light sources), a heat radiating unit 72, light receiving units 73a to 73e, optical fibers 74a to 74e, and a connector 76. The excitation light source unit 70 is a member for storing laser elements 71a to 71e as excitation light sources and peripheral devices thereof.

  Each of the laser elements 71a to 71e emits blue laser light having a wavelength of 445 nm and an output of 3 W. The laser beam functions as excitation light that excites a light emitting unit 78 (phosphor light emitting unit) provided inside the light projecting unit 79.

  In the light source device 1, the specification of the multimode fiber 77 is such that when used in combination with the laser elements 71 a to 71 e, the laser light emitted from the laser elements 71 a to 71 e is in an unspecified part of the multimode fiber 77. It is set to leak from the side. Examples of matters to be considered when determining the specifications of a specific multimode fiber include, for example, the material of the multimode fiber, the cladding diameter, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration in which five laser elements 71a to 71e are provided as excitation light sources is illustrated. The five laser elements 71a to 71e may be collectively referred to as the laser element 71.

  The wavelength of the laser light emitted from the laser element 71 may be appropriately selected according to the excitation wavelength of the phosphor particles included in the light emitting unit 78. Further, the number and output of the laser elements 71 may be appropriately selected according to the specifications of the light source device 1.

  The heat radiating portion 72 plays a role of radiating heat generated when the laser element 71 emits laser light. The heat dissipation part 72 is a heat dissipation mechanism such as a heat sink. In order to dissipate heat more effectively, the heat dissipating part 72 is preferably made of a material such as metal or high thermal conductive ceramics.

  The five optical fibers 74a to 74e (second light guide members) are members provided to guide the laser light emitted from each of the laser elements 71a to 71e. Each of the optical fibers 74a to 74e is provided so as to correspond to the laser elements 71a to 71e.

  Laser light emitted from each of the laser elements 71a to 71e is incident on the incident ends of the optical fibers 74a to 74e.

  The bundle fiber 75 is a bundle of five optical fibers 74a to 74e on the emission end side. The connector 76 is a member that optically couples the exit end of the bundle fiber 75 and the entrance end of the multimode fiber 77.

  Therefore, the laser element 71 is optically coupled to the incident end of the multimode fiber 77 via the optical fiber 74, the bundle fiber 75, and the connector 76. For this reason, the laser light emitted from the laser element 71 is introduced into the incident end of the multimode fiber 77.

  Further, five light receiving portions 73a to 73e are provided on the respective side surfaces of the five optical fibers 74a to 74e. The five light receiving portions 73a to 73e may be collectively referred to as the light receiving portion 73. Details of the light receiving unit 73 will be described later.

(Multimode fiber 77)
The multimode fiber 77 functions as a light guide member that guides the laser light emitted from the laser element 71 to the light emitting unit 78 provided inside the light projecting unit 79.

  As described above, the entrance end of the multimode fiber 77 is optically coupled to the exit end of the bundle fiber 75 via the connector 76. The output end of the multimode fiber 77 is optically coupled to the light emitting unit 78.

  The core diameter of the multimode fiber 77 is, for example, 200 μm. However, the core diameter of the multimode fiber 77 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected according to the specifications of the light source device 1.

  In the present embodiment, the light source device 1 functions as a high-power light source device (for example, a headlamp for an automobile) whose excitation light total output is in the watt (W) class, so that the intensity of the laser light leaking to the clad Is relatively large.

  By utilizing this, the specifications of the multimode fiber 77 are such that when used in combination with the laser elements 71a to 71e, the laser light emitted from the laser elements 71a to 71e is the side surface of an unspecified portion of the multimode fiber 77. It is set to leak from.

  Therefore, it is not necessary to process the multimode fiber 77 itself at a specific location where laser light is to be detected.

  However, in the case where an opaque protective coating is provided on the side surface of the clad of the fiber, in order to facilitate the provision of the light detection section, (i) the protective coating is made transparent (providing a transparent coating), or (Ii) A treatment such as peeling off a part of the protective coating (exposing the surface of the cladding) may be performed in advance on the coating close to the light detection unit. In this case, however, it is not necessary to process the multimode fiber 77 itself.

  The light guide member that guides the laser light emitted from the laser element 71 to the light emitting unit 78 is not necessarily limited to the multimode fiber. For example, as the light guide member, a light guide part made of a translucent member such as a single mode fiber, a rod lens, or glass may be used. The type of the light guide member may be determined as appropriate based on the optical design specifications of the light source device 1.

  However, when an optical fiber is used as the light guide member, it is more preferable to use a multimode fiber compared to a single mode fiber.

  This is because the multimode fiber has higher optical coupling efficiency with the laser elements 71a to 71e than the single mode fiber.

  This is because the multimode fiber has a larger core diameter than that of the single mode fiber, and laser beams from the plurality of laser elements 71a to 71e can be incident more easily.

  In addition, since the multimode fiber can simultaneously transmit light of a plurality of modes, there is an advantage that the uniformity of the distribution of the light beam to be guided can be improved.

  For this reason, laser light with a uniform light intensity distribution is emitted toward the light emitting portion 78 from the output end of the multimode fiber. Therefore, white light having a uniform intensity distribution can be obtained from the light emitting portion 78.

  In general, in a configuration in which a phosphor is excited by irradiating a laser beam, there is no problem as long as the laser beam has a slight intensity distribution. However, if the intensity distribution is significantly biased, a partial area of the phosphor is generated. There is a risk that phosphors may be damaged by intensively irradiating high intensity laser light only.

  However, if a multimode fiber is used to irradiate laser light with a more uniform light intensity distribution, the risk of damage to the light emitting section 78 can be reduced.

(Light Projecting Unit 79)
The light projecting unit 79 includes a light emitting unit 78. The light projecting unit 79 is a light projecting optical system configured to project illumination light in a specific direction. Further, a convex lens (not shown) is provided between the emission end face of the multimode fiber 77 in the light projecting unit 79 and the light emitting unit 78. As a result, a near-field image of the output end face of the multimode fiber 77 can be formed on the light emitting unit 78.

  The light emitting section 78 receives the laser light as the excitation light emitted from the laser element 71 and emits fluorescence. Specifically, the phosphor particles contained in the light emitting unit 78 are excited by the laser light, whereby fluorescence is emitted from the light emitting unit 78.

  The light emitting unit 78 receives laser light as an input, and emits fluorescence having a wavelength different from that of the laser light as an output. Therefore, the light emitting unit 78 may be understood as a member having a function of converting the wavelength of the laser light. Therefore, the light emitting unit 78 is also referred to as a wavelength conversion member.

  The light emitting portion 78 contains phosphor particles that emit yellow fluorescence (for example, YAG (yttrium, aluminum, garnet) phosphor particles). Accordingly, the light emitting unit 78 emits yellow fluorescence when the phosphor particles are excited by blue laser light having a wavelength of 445 nm.

  Further, the surface of the light emitting portion 78 may be formed so as to scatter a part of blue laser light having a wavelength of 445 nm. For example, the surface of the light emitting unit 78 may be provided with an uneven shape having a surface roughness Ra = 1 μm.

  Thereby, white light is generated by mixing the yellow fluorescence and the blue laser light. The white light is emitted from the light projecting unit 79 to the outside of the light source device 1 as illumination light.

  The relationship between the color of laser light emitted from the laser element 71 and the color of fluorescence emitted by the light emitting unit 78 is not limited to the above. For example, the laser element 71 may emit invisible laser light having a wavelength of 405 nm to the light emitting unit 78 as excitation light.

In this case, phosphor particles that are excited by laser light having a wavelength of 405 nm include (i) phosphor particles that emit red fluorescence (for example, Eu-activated CaAlSiN ₃ phosphor particles), (ii) Each of phosphor particles that emit green fluorescence (eg, β-SiAlON phosphor particles) and (iii) phosphor particles that emit blue fluorescence (eg, Eu-activated BaMaAl ₁₀ O ₁₇ phosphor particles) are used as appropriate. What is necessary is just to mix | blend by a ratio.

  Thereby, white light is produced | generated by mixing red fluorescence, blue fluorescence, and green fluorescence.

(Main control unit 10)
Next, detailed operations and functions of the light source device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 10 comprehensively controls the operation of the light source device 1. In particular, the main control unit 10 plays a role of controlling operations of the laser element 71, the excitation light source detection unit 17, the fiber light leakage detection unit 18, and the white light detection unit 19.

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 10 includes a white light output determination unit 11 (excitation light detection control unit), a laser light output determination unit 12 (excitation light determination unit), a drive control unit 13 (drive control unit), and a failure. It functions as the information generator 14 (failure information generator).

  In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the laser light output determination unit 12 and the drive control unit 13 are provided separately is illustrated. However, the laser light output determination unit 12 and the drive control unit 13 may be provided integrally.

  The storage unit 90 is a storage device that stores various programs executed by the main control unit 10 and data used by the programs. The function of the main control unit 10 may be realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in the storage unit 90.

(Excitation light source detection unit 17 and light receiving unit 73)
The excitation light source detection unit 17 and the light receiving unit 73 are members provided for detecting the laser light emitted from the laser elements 71a to 71e. In the present embodiment, the excitation light source detection unit 17 is attached to the outside of the casing of the excitation light source unit 70.

  The excitation light source detection unit 17 is connected to the light receiving units 73a to 73e so as to be communicable. As shown in FIG. 1, the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the light receiving units 73a to 73e do not necessarily need to be connected by wire.

  The light receiving unit 73 has a function of outputting an electrical signal (for example, voltage or current) having a magnitude corresponding to the output (intensity) of the received light. In other words, the light receiving unit 73 includes a light receiving element (photoelectric conversion element) that converts an optical signal into an electric signal.

  In the present embodiment, the light receiving element included in the light receiving unit 73 is a photodiode. For this reason, the light receiving unit 73 outputs a photocurrent as an electric signal.

  Each of the light receiving parts 73a to 73e receives the laser light leaking from the optical fibers 74a to 74e, and outputs a photocurrent. For this reason, the photocurrent output from the light receiving units 73a to 73e is used as a signal indicating the detection result of the laser light emitted from the laser elements 71a to 71e.

  In addition, each of the light-receiving parts 73a-73e should just be attached to the arbitrary positions of the side surface of optical fiber 74a-74e, and an attachment position is not specifically limited.

  In addition, as the light receiving element included in the light receiving unit 73, a light receiving element other than the photodiode, such as a phototransistor, an avalanche photodiode, or a photomultiplier tube, may be used. The same applies to the photodiodes provided in the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 and the white light detection unit 19 described later.

  The specifications of the optical fibers 74a to 74e are such that when used in combination with the laser elements 71a to 71e, the laser light emitted from the laser elements 71a to 71e leaks from the side surfaces of unspecified portions of the optical fibers 74a to 74e. Is set to Examples of matters to be considered when determining specific specifications of the optical fibers 74a to 74e include, for example, the material or cladding diameter of the optical fibers 74a to 74e.

  The oscillation wavelength of the laser light emitted from the laser element 71 is within a wavelength range in which the photodiode of the light receiving unit 73 can detect light (that is, a wavelength range of light that can be photoelectrically converted by the light receiving unit 73). The specification of the photodiode of the light receiving unit 73 is selected so as to exist.

  The excitation light source detection unit 17 acquires the value of the photocurrent output from the light receiving unit 73 and gives the value of the photocurrent to the laser light output determination unit 12. That is, the value of the photocurrent output from the light receiving unit 73 is given to the laser light output determination unit 12 via the excitation light source detection unit 17.

  As will be described later, the excitation light source detection unit 17 is controlled by using the white light output determination information provided from the white light output determination unit 11 as a control signal.

(Fiber leak detection unit 18)
The fiber leakage light detection unit 18 is a member provided for detecting laser light (first excitation light) leaking from the side surface of the multimode fiber 77. The fiber leakage detection unit 18 is attached to the multimode fiber 77.

  The fiber leakage detection unit 18 may be attached to any position of the multimode fiber 77, and the attachment position is not particularly limited.

  The fiber light leakage detection unit 18 includes a photodiode as a light receiving element. The photodiode of the fiber leakage detection unit 18 receives the laser beam leaking from the side surface of the multimode fiber 77.

  The photocurrent output from the photodiode is used as a signal indicating the detection result of the laser light leaking from the side surface of the multimode fiber 77.

  Specifications of the photodiode of the fiber leakage detection unit 18 so that the oscillation wavelength of the laser light emitted from the laser element 71 exists within a wavelength range in which the photodiode of the fiber leakage detection unit 18 can detect light. Is selected.

  The value of the photocurrent output from the photodiode of the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 is given to the laser light output determination unit 12.

  As will be described later, the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 is controlled with white light output determination information given from the white light output determination unit 11 as a control signal.

(White light detection unit 19)
The white light detection unit 19 is a member provided for detecting white light emitted from the light emitting unit 78 (that is, illumination light including fluorescence). In the present embodiment, the white light detection unit 19 is attached to the inside of the housing of the light projecting unit 79.

  The white light detection unit 19 includes a photodiode as a light receiving element. The photodiode of the white light detection unit 19 receives white light emitted from the light emitting unit 78. The photocurrent output from the photodiode is used as a signal indicating the detection result of white light emitted from the light emitting unit 78.

  Specification of the photodiode of the white light detection unit 19 so that the peak wavelength of the white light emitted from the light emitting unit 78 exists within the wavelength range in which the photodiode of the white light detection unit 19 can detect light. Is selected.

  The value of the photocurrent output from the photodiode of the white light detection unit 19 is given to the white light output determination unit 11 and the laser light output determination unit 12.

(White light output determination unit 11)
The white light output determination unit 11 acquires the value of the photocurrent from the white light detection unit 19. And the white light output determination part 11 converts the value of the said photocurrent into light output. The value of this light output indicates the output of white light detected by the white light detection unit 19.

  In the white light output determination unit 11, a normal range of white light output is set in advance. The normal range is a range of values that should be determined as appropriate for the output of white light. The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the normal range may be appropriately determined by the designer of the light source device 1 based on, for example, a numerical value range of standard white light illuminance or intensity required as illumination light.

  Moreover, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the normal range are determined by the designer of the light source device 1 based on data obtained by actually measuring the relationship between the laser light output and the white light output detected by the white light detection unit 19. It may be determined.

  The white light output determination unit 11 determines whether or not the white light output is within a normal range. Then, the white light output determination unit 11 generates white light output determination information indicating the determination result and supplies the white light output determination information to the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18.

  The white light output determination information is a control signal for controlling operations of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber leakage light detection unit 18.

  Specifically, when the white light output determination information indicates that the output of white light is within the normal range, the white light output determination information includes the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18. Functions as a trigger signal to stop the operation.

  On the other hand, when the white light output determination information indicates that the white light output is not within the normal range, the white light output determination information indicates the operation of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber leakage light detection unit 18. Functions as a trigger signal to start.

  Note that the white light output determination information may function as a trigger signal for stopping or starting the operation of at least one of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18.

  Further, as will be described later, the white light output determination unit 11 may also provide a white light output determination signal to the failure information generation unit 14.

(Laser light output determination unit 12)
The laser light output determination unit 12 acquires the value of the photocurrent from each of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber leakage light detection unit 18.

  Then, the laser light output determination unit 12 converts the value of the photocurrent into light output. The value of the light output indicates the output of the laser light detected in each of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18.

  The laser light output determination unit 12 is preset with values of a safe range and a dangerous range. The safe range is a range of values that should be determined that the output of the laser light satisfies the safety standard. Further, the danger range is a range of values for which it is determined that the output value of the laser light satisfies the safety standard.

  The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the safety range may be appropriately determined by the designer of the light source device 1 based on, for example, a standard safety standard (for example, JIS standard or IEC standard). Further, the danger range may be determined as a range where the laser output is larger than the safety range, for example.

  Further, the designer of the light source device 1 determines the relationship between the output of the laser light and the output of the laser light detected in each of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber leakage light detection unit 18 by actually measuring the relationship. The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the safe range may be determined.

  The laser light output determination unit 12 determines whether the output of the laser light detected in each of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 is within a safe range.

  In other words, the laser light output determination unit 12 determines whether the output of the laser light detected in each of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 satisfies the safety standard.

  At this time, the safety standard used by the light source device 1 may be set so that the laser light output determination unit 12 can determine whether the necessary safety standard is satisfied. For example, the safety standard used by the light source device 1 may be individually set or detected for the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 according to the design of the system using the light source device 1. You may set with respect to the sum total of a laser beam output.

  Then, the laser beam output determination unit 12 generates laser beam output determination information indicating the determination result, and supplies the laser beam output determination information to the drive control unit 13 and the failure information generation unit 14.

  There are various criteria for determining that the output of the laser beam is dangerous. For example, there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the light emitting unit 78 even when the intensity of the laser light does not change substantially even though the output of white light is significantly lower than the normal range.

  In this case, an abnormality has occurred in the light emitting unit 78, so that a situation is assumed in which the laser light is not converted into white light by the light emitting unit 78 and the laser light is emitted to the outside of the light source device 1.

  Therefore, even when the output of white light is significantly lower than the normal range and the intensity of the laser light does not substantially change, the laser light output determination unit 12 ensures that the output value of the laser light is safe. You may determine with not satisfy | filling a reference | standard.

  That is, the laser light output determination unit 12 determines whether the laser light intensity satisfies a predetermined safety standard based on the relationship between the laser light intensity and the white light intensity detected by the white light detection unit 19. By determining, it may be determined whether or not the output value of the laser beam is safe.

  In the light source device 1, when the white light output determination unit 11 is not provided, the laser light output determination unit 12 satisfies the safety standard based on the result of detecting only the intensity of the laser light. It may be determined whether or not.

  In this case, it is necessary to separately provide a determination mechanism that uses the lighting of the laser element 71 as a trigger for starting the laser light output determination unit 12, but the optical fibers 74a to 74e that guide the laser light emitted from the laser element 71 are provided. Output reduction due to misalignment or the like can be detected.

  The laser light output determination unit 12 is provided as a common member for both the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18, but each of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 is provided. On the other hand, a laser beam output determination unit may be provided individually.

(Drive control unit 13)
The drive control unit 13 acquires laser light output determination information from the laser light output determination unit 12. Then, the drive control unit 13 generates a drive signal based on the laser light output determination information and gives the drive signal to the laser element 71.

  Specifically, the drive signal functions as a control signal for stopping energization of the laser current (drive current) applied to the laser element 71 when the output of the laser beam is in the danger range. In this case, the emission of laser light from the laser element 71 is stopped. Thereby, the safety | security of the light source device 1 is ensured.

  In addition, when the output of the laser light is within a safe range, the drive signal is a laser given to the laser element 71 so that the output of the white light detected by the white light detection unit 19 is a value within the normal range. It functions as a control signal for controlling the current value.

  FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating a temporal change in the output of white light detected by the white light detection unit 19 when the output of the laser light is within a safe range. In the graph of FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents white light output.

  First, at the initial time, the operation of the white light detection unit 19 is started. As shown in FIG. 3, the output of white light may fluctuate gradually from the initial time.

  This is because even when there is no fatal failure in the laser element 71 itself, the output of the laser light emitted from the laser element 71 changes with time or changes in the environmental temperature very slowly. This is because it varies due to natural degradation.

  For this reason, in consideration of temporal fluctuations in the output of laser light, the output of white light is generally set to a value that exceeds a lower limit value of the normal range to some extent.

  However, in the light source device 1, when an abnormality such as misalignment of members or disconnection of the energization cable occurs, the output of white light decreases rapidly. Thereafter, the drive control unit 13 performs a dimming operation (laser current control) for returning the output of the white light.

  Specifically, the drive control unit 13 performs a calculation process for calculating a laser current necessary for returning the output of white light within a predetermined range. Then, the drive control unit 13 gives a drive signal to a laser current drive circuit (not shown) so as to give the laser current to the laser element 71.

  Therefore, based on the result of the arithmetic processing described above, the laser element 71 emits a laser beam having an output corresponding to the adjusted value of the laser current. Then, as described above, the light emitting unit 78 receives the laser light and emits white light.

  As a result, the output of white light returns to a value Pa as close as possible to (i) the output value at the time of factory shipment or (ii) the output value at the time of factory shipment. Therefore, the output of the white light can be adjusted so that both the temporal attenuation of the output of the laser light and the abnormality occurring in the light source device 1 can be dealt with.

  Here, the value of Pa may be appropriately determined by the designer of the light source device 1 based on data obtained by actually measuring the relationship between the laser light output and the white light output.

  In addition, when failure information indicating which laser element is abnormal among the laser elements 71a to 71e is given from the failure information generation unit 14 described later, the drive control unit 13 You may control so that a laser drive current may not be sent only to a laser element.

  For example, when the failure information indicates that an abnormality has occurred only in the laser element 71a, the drive control unit 13 may perform control so that laser light is not emitted only from the laser element 71a. In this way, the operation of the laser element 71 can be selectively controlled by the drive control unit 13.

(Failure information generation unit 14)
The failure information generation unit 14 acquires the laser beam output determination information from the laser beam output determination unit 12. Then, the failure information generation unit 14 generates failure information based on the laser light output determination information, and provides the failure information to the notification unit 80 and the drive control unit 13.

  The failure information is information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the light source device 1. Further, the failure information may be more specific information indicating which member of the light source device 1 is abnormal. As an example, a case will be described in which the failure information is information indicating which laser element among the laser elements 71a to 71e is abnormal.

  In this case, the failure information generation unit 14 may generate the failure information by comparing the outputs of the laser beams leaked from the optical fibers 74a to 74e detected by the light receiving units 73a to 73e.

  For example, when the output of the laser light leaking from the optical fiber 74a is significantly smaller than the output of the laser light leaking from the optical fibers 74b to 74e, the failure information generation unit 14 generates an abnormality in the laser element 71a. The failure information indicating that it is present is generated.

  Further, failure information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the laser element 71a when the output of the laser light leaking from the optical fiber 74a is smaller than the average value of the output of the laser light leaking from the optical fibers 74b to 74e. May be generated.

  The failure information generation unit 14 may further acquire white light output determination information from the white light output determination unit 11. In this case, the failure information generation unit 14 may generate failure information based on both the laser light output determination information and the white light output determination information.

  In addition, the failure information generation unit 14 may acquire the white light output determination information from the white light output determination unit 11 and generate the failure information based only on the white light output determination information.

(Notification part 80)
The notification unit 80 in the present embodiment is a display device that displays various character data, numerical data, images, and the like. The alerting | reporting part 80 is a display panel provided in the driver's seat of the motor vehicle, for example.

  The notification unit 80 displays the failure information acquired from the failure information generation unit 14. For example, the notification unit 80 displays failure information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the laser element 71a. Thereby, it can notify to a user visually that abnormality has generate | occur | produced in the light source device 1. FIG.

  The method for notifying the user of the failure information by the notification unit 80 is not necessarily limited to a visual method. For example, a speaker may be used as the notification unit 80.

  In this case, the failure information acquired from the failure information generation unit 14 is given to the speaker, and the failure information is output as sound from the speaker. Can be notified.

(Flow of abnormality detection processing in the light source device 1)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of abnormality detection processing in the light source device 1. Hereinafter, processes S1 to S10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Prior to the process S1, the light source device 1 is activated by the user. For example, the operation of the light source device 1 is started when the user starts a headlamp of an automobile on which the light source device 1 is mounted.

  First, with the start of the operation of the light source device 1, the white light detection unit 19 is activated (processing S1). As described above, the white light detection unit 19 detects the white light emitted from the light emitting unit 78.

  Subsequently, the white light output determination unit 11 determines whether or not the output of the white light detected by the white light detection unit 19 is a value outside the normal range (processing S2). Then, white light output determination information indicating the determination result is given to the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18.

  If it is determined that the white light output is outside the normal range (YES in step S2), the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 are activated using the white light output determination information as a trigger signal. (Process S3).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the output of the white light is not a value outside the normal range (that is, a value within the normal range) (NO in process S2), the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 are Does not start. And the determination of process S2 is repeated until the condition of YES occurs in process S2.

  As described above, the excitation light source detection unit 17 detects the laser light leaking from the optical fiber 74. The fiber light leakage detection unit 18 detects the laser light leaked from the multimode fiber 77.

  Subsequently, the laser light output determination unit 12 determines whether the output of the laser light detected in each of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 is a value within the safe range (processing S4). ). Then, the laser light output determination information indicating the determination result is given to the drive control unit 13 and the failure information generation unit 14.

  When it is determined that the output of the laser light is within the safe range (YES in process S4), the drive control unit 13 determines that the white light output detected by the white light detection unit 19 is within the normal range. The value of the laser current applied to the laser element 71 is adjusted so as to be a value (processing S5).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the output of the laser beam is not a value within the safe range (that is, a value within the dangerous range) (NO in process S4), the drive control unit 13 is given to the laser element 71. The energization of the laser current is stopped (process S7). And it progresses to process S8 mentioned later.

  Subsequent to the process S5, the white light output determination unit 11 determines whether or not the white light output detected by the white light detection unit 19 is a value within the normal range (process S6).

  When it is determined that the output of white light is a value within the normal range (YES in process S6), the operations of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 are performed using the white light output determination information as a trigger signal. Stopped (process S8).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the output of white light is not within the normal range (NO in process S6), the process returns to process S5.

  Subsequent to step S8, the failure information generation unit 14 provides the notification unit 80 with the failure information generated based on the laser light output determination information. And the alerting | reporting part 80 displays the said failure information (process S9).

  The operations of the above-described processes S2 to S9 are repeatedly performed over the time zone in which the light source device 1 is operating.

  Therefore, when the user stops the engine of the automobile (YES in process S10), the operation of the light source device 1 is stopped, and all the processes are completed.

  On the other hand, if the user has not stopped the automobile engine (NO in process S10), the process returns to process S2. And process S2-S9 is repeated until a user stops the engine of a motor vehicle.

  Note that the above-described processing may be performed so that the operation of the light source device 1 is stopped when the user stops the headlamp. In order to perform such processing, if the light source device 1 detects a failure, a system that maintains the warning of the notification unit 80 so as not to be turned off even if the operation of the light source device 1 is stopped. However, it is possible to reduce power consumption by reducing the operation time of the light source device 1.

(Effect of light source device 1)
In the light source device 1 of the present embodiment, the excitation light emitted from the laser element 71 and the multimode fiber 77 are provided by providing three detection units of the excitation light source detection unit 17, the fiber light leakage detection unit 18, and the white light detection unit 19. Each of the excitation light leaked from the light and the white light emitted from the light emitting unit 78 is detected.

  Thereby, when abnormality occurs in the light source device 1, the failure location can be specified. Also, by identifying the failure location, it is possible to facilitate the elucidation of the cause of the failure.

  Further, in the light source device 1, when it is determined that it is not necessary to stop energization of the laser element 71 with reference to the detected light output value, the light adjustment operation of the laser element 71 is performed.

  Therefore, even when an abnormality occurs in the light source device 1, the light source device 1 can be operated without uniformly stopping the energization of the laser elements 71a to 71e.

  For this reason, according to the light source device 1, if it is determined that it is not necessary to completely stop the operation of the light source device 1 even if some abnormality such as a failure occurs, the light source device 1 is required. As a result, it is possible to satisfy the output value of the illumination light and to ensure the safety of the light source device at the same time.

  Therefore, when the light source device 1 is, for example, a headlamp, the possibility that the headlamp is suddenly turned off while the vehicle is traveling is reduced, and it is possible to continue safe traveling of the vehicle.

  In the light source device 1 of the present embodiment, the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 can be provided at an arbitrary position of the multimode fiber 77. For this reason, it is possible to specify whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the light source device 1 with high accuracy. Accordingly, the manager of the vehicle can quickly deal with repair / replacement of the failed part with reference to the failure information.

  For example, when a laser beam leaking from the side surface of the multimode fiber 77 is detected at a position in the vicinity of the light projecting unit 79, the intensity of the laser beam is the same as the intensity of the laser beam applied to the light emitting unit 78. Strong correlation is expected. For this reason, by detecting the laser beam leaking from the side surface of the multimode fiber 77 at a position in the vicinity of the light projecting unit 79, it is possible to identify an abnormality with high accuracy.

  In the conventional light source device, in order to detect the output of the laser beam, a configuration in which a photodiode is incorporated in a package of the laser element is generally adopted.

  With this configuration, it is possible to monitor the state of the laser element itself, but there is a problem that it is impossible to specify an abnormality other than the failure of the laser element. For example, there has been a problem that it is impossible to detect an abnormality in which the output of laser light applied to the phosphor decreases due to fiber damage.

  For example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, only the abnormality of the light source itself or the abnormality around the phosphor light emitting unit is considered. For this reason, there has been a problem that it is not possible to distinguish between abnormalities caused by causes such as damage to the optical fiber or misalignment inside the excitation light source, and to take an optimum countermeasure.

  However, in the light source device 1 of the present embodiment, by detecting the laser light leaking from the side surface of the multimode fiber 77, it is possible to easily detect an abnormality other than the failure of the laser element.

  Further, in the conventional light source device, it is necessary to process the fiber in order to detect laser light leaking from the fiber. For this reason, processing steps such as bending the fiber, cutting the fiber, or applying a grating to the fiber are necessary.

  Furthermore, the position of the fiber that can detect the leakage of the laser beam is limited only to the position where the above-described processing can be performed. For this reason, there has been a problem that there is a possibility that the position of the fiber where the abnormality has occurred cannot be specified appropriately.

  In addition, when bending loss is generated in the fiber by intentionally bending the fiber, there is a problem that the power consumption of the light source device increases to compensate for the optical loss.

  However, in the light source device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to detect leakage of laser light at an arbitrary position of the fiber without performing the above-described processing on the fiber. For this reason, the processing step can be omitted, and the position of the fiber where the abnormality has occurred can be specified more appropriately.

  In particular, in the light source device 1 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to bend the fiber intentionally, and therefore an increase in fiber bending loss can be prevented. For this reason, the power consumption of the light source device 1 can be suppressed.

  Therefore, the light source device 1 is suitable for use when high power cannot always be used stably. Therefore, the light source device 1 is suitable for a headlamp for automobiles, for example.

  In the conventional standard light source device, most of the laser light is confined inside the fiber. Unless the fiber was subjected to any processing, the intensity of the laser light leaking outside the side surface of the clad was very small.

  However, when a semiconductor laser such as a laser diode is used as an excitation light source, a high-power light source device (for example, a headlamp or a searchlight for an automobile) is configured, so that the intensity of the laser light is relatively large.

  For this reason, in the high-power light source device, the intensity of the laser light leaking outside the side surface of the clad is relatively large even without bending the fiber.

  By utilizing this, when the specification of the optical fiber is used in combination with the output of the laser, the laser light can be set to leak from the side surface of an unspecified portion of the fiber to the outside of the fiber. Examples of matters to be considered when determining specific fiber specifications include fiber material or cladding diameter.

  Therefore, by realizing the light source device 1 as a high-power light source device having a total output of pumping light in the watt (W) class, laser light that leaks outside the side surface of the cladding can be suitably used without processing the fiber. Can be detected.

  More specifically, for example, in an application where (i) a 200 lumen (lm) class light beam is required as illumination light, the total output of laser light as excitation light is 1 to 2 W, and (ii) 1000 lm class light is emitted. In applications that require a light beam, the total output of the laser light can be 5-10 W.

  As described above, the advantages of realizing the light source device 1 as a high output light source device are newly found by the inventors of the present application.

  In the light source device 1 of this embodiment, the leakage of the laser beam is detected by both the detection units of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18.

  However, only the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 may be provided as a detection unit for detecting laser light. However, it is preferable to provide both the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 from the viewpoint of improving the failure identification accuracy.

  Moreover, in the light source device 1 of the present embodiment, the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 are configured to be in a stopped state until the white light output determination unit 11 gives the white light output determination information. ing. Thereby, the power consumption of the light source device 1 can be reduced.

  However, if the supply of power to the light source device 1 is stably secured, the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 may be configured to start operation when the light source device 1 is activated. Good.

  In addition, when a part of the fiber has to be bent due to the structure of the light source device 1, a light receiving element (excitation light source detection unit 17 or fiber light leakage detection unit 18) may be installed in the bent portion of the fiber.

  This is because the leakage accuracy of the laser output can be increased at the bent portion of the fiber, so that the detection accuracy of the light output can be improved.

  However, in the light source device 1 as described above, fiber bending is not essential. From the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in bending loss of the fiber, it is preferable to design the structure of the light source device 1 so that the fiber is not bent as much as possible.

  For this reason, it is preferable to install a light receiving element (excitation light source detection unit 17 or fiber light leakage detection unit 18) at a location where the fiber extends linearly.

  Moreover, in the light source device 1 of this embodiment, the structure by which the white light detection unit 19 was provided in the inside of the light projection part 79 is illustrated. However, the white light detection unit 19 may be attached to the outside of the casing of the light projecting unit 79. Further, the white light detection unit 19 may be fitted into the light projecting unit 79 so as to protrude inside and outside the light projecting unit 79.

  The white light detection unit 19 includes two light receiving elements: a photodiode that detects the wavelength of fluorescence (white light) and a photodiode that detects the wavelength of laser light (blue light). It may be provided.

  In this case, it is possible to detect laser light that has not been subjected to wavelength conversion by the light emitting unit 78 due to peeling of the phosphor in the light emitting unit 78 (for example, a phosphor layer including phosphor particles). It becomes possible.

When the multimode fiber 77 is drawn in the vicinity of the notification unit 80,
Laser light leaked from the multimode fiber 77 is used as a light source for displaying characters or figures in the notification unit 80 (particularly, the portion where failure information is displayed in the notification unit 80) or a light source for a backlight or the like. Also good.

[Modification]
In the light source device 1, the structure of the light receiving unit 73 that detects the laser light leaking from the optical fibers 74 a to 74 e is not particularly limited. For example, as the structure of the light receiving unit 73, the structure of the light receiving unit 73x illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a light receiving unit 73 x as a modification of the light receiving unit 73 of the light source device 1. The light receiving unit 73x includes a reflective mirror 73xr (reflective member), a photodiode 73xp (light receiving element), a transparent window 73xt, a submount 73xm, a stem 73xs, a cap 73xc, and a lead terminal 73xl.

  The light receiving unit 73x is a member that detects the leakage light L1 of the laser light from the optical fiber 74x. By irradiating the light receiving surface 73xps of the photodiode 73xp with the leakage light L1, the leakage light L1 is detected by 73x.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the photodiode 73xp is mounted on the submount 73xm. The submount 73xm is disposed on the stem 73xs.

  The cap 73xc serves to seal the photodiode 73xp. A transparent window 73xt is incorporated in the cap 73xc. The photodiode 73xp can receive the leakage light L1 through the transparent window 73xt.

  In addition, two lead terminals 73xl are provided on the back surface of the stem 73xs (the surface opposite to the surface that supports the submount 73xm). The photodiode 73xp is electrically connected to the outside through the lead terminal 73xl.

  The reflection mirror 73xr has a dome shape. The reflection mirror 73xr is disposed above the light receiving surface 73xps (from the light receiving surface 73xps toward the apex of the dome-shaped shape of the reflection mirror 73xr). The reflection mirror 73xr is perforated so as to penetrate the optical fiber 74x in the horizontal direction.

  According to the configuration of the light receiving unit 73x, the entire direction of the side surface of the optical fiber 74x can be covered inside the light receiving unit 73x. Further, the light that does not directly enter the light receiving surface 73xps among the leakage light L1 is reflected by the reflecting mirror 73xr, so that the light can be directed to the light receiving surface 73xps.

  As a result, the leakage light L1 received by the photodiode 73xp can be increased, so that the leakage light L1 can be detected more effectively.

  The shape of the reflection mirror 73xr is not necessarily limited to the dome shape. The reflection mirror 73xr may be configured to cover the side surface of the optical fiber 74x and reflect the light so that the leakage light L1 is directed to the light receiving surface 73xps. Therefore, the shape of the reflection mirror 73xr may be a spherical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

(Light source device 2)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the light source device 2 of the present embodiment. The light source device 2 of the present embodiment is the same as the light source device 1 of the first embodiment except that (i) the excitation light source detection unit 17 is replaced with the excitation light source detection unit 27 (second excitation light detection unit), and (ii) the excitation light source unit. This is a configuration obtained by replacing 70 with an excitation light source unit 70s.

(Excitation light source unit 70s)
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the excitation light source unit 70 s includes laser elements 71 a to 71 e, a heat radiating unit 72, optical fibers 74 a to 74 e, and a connector 76.

  That is, the excitation light source unit 70s of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the light receiving units 73a to 73e are excluded from the excitation light source unit 70 of the first embodiment.

  Further, in the light source device 2, the excitation light source detection unit 27 is provided inside the excitation light source unit 70s. Specifically, the excitation light source detection unit 27 is attached to the side surface of the bundle fiber 75.

  In the light source device 2 of the present embodiment, since the light receiving units 73a to 73e are not provided, the excitation light source detection unit 27 directly detects the laser light leaking from the side surface of the bundle fiber 75.

  The excitation light source detection unit 27 provides the laser light output determination unit 12 with a photocurrent as a result of detecting the laser light leaking from the side surface of the bundle fiber 75. Thereafter, the laser light output determination unit 12 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment.

(Effect of light source device 2)
The light source device 2 of the present embodiment is realized as a simpler configuration than the light source device 1 of the first embodiment by excluding the light receiving units 73a to 73e.

  Therefore, when it is not necessary to generate failure information for specifying which laser element is abnormal among the laser elements 71a to 71e, the light source device 2 that is a light source device having a simpler configuration is realized. Good. As a result, the number of components of the light source device is reduced, thereby achieving an effect of facilitating maintenance of the light source device and reducing costs.

  When the multimode fiber 77 is drawn into the excitation light source unit 70s, the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 may also be provided in the excitation light source unit 70s.

  Further, the excitation light source detection unit 27 is not necessarily attached to the bundle fiber 75. For example, the excitation light source detection unit 27 may be disposed at an appropriate position in the excitation light source unit 70s. In this case, the excitation light source detection unit 27 detects the laser light leaking into the excitation light source unit 70s.

[Embodiment 3]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

(Light source device 3)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the light source device 3 of the present embodiment. The light source device 3 of the present embodiment is the same as the light source device 1 of the first embodiment, except that (i) the multimode fiber 77 is connected to the multimode fibers 77a and 77b, (ii) the fiber light leakage detection unit 18 is (First excitation light detection unit) and 38b, and (iii) a configuration obtained by replacing the connector 76 with the connector 76a.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the light source device 3 is provided with two multimode fibers 77 a and 77 b as a laser light guide path from the laser element 71 to the light emitting unit 78.

  The incident end of the multimode fiber 77 a is optically coupled to the exit end of the bundle fiber 75. The output end of the multimode fiber 77a is optically coupled to the input end of the multimode fiber 77b via the connector 76a.

  Thus, in the light source device 3, the connector 76a is provided as a member for optically coupling the multimode fibers (that is, the multimode fiber 77a and the multimode fiber 77b).

  In addition, the output end of the multimode fiber 77b is optically coupled to the light emitting unit 78 in the same manner as the output end of the multimode fiber 77 of the first embodiment.

  Further, in the light source device 3, two fiber light leakage detection units 38a and 38b are provided in order to detect laser light leaking from the two multimode fibers 77a and 77b.

  Specifically, the fiber light leakage detection unit 38a is attached to the side surface of the multimode fiber 77a. The fiber light leakage detection unit 38b is attached to the side surface of the multimode fiber 77b.

  Each of the fiber leakage light detection units 38a and 38b provides the laser light output determination unit 12 with a photocurrent as a result of detecting the laser light leaking from the side surfaces of the multimode fibers 77a and 77b. Thereafter, the laser light output determination unit 12 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment.

(Effect of light source device 3)
According to the light source device 3 of the present embodiment, it is possible to cope with a case where it is necessary to provide a plurality of multimode fibers according to the design of the system to which the light source device 1 is applied.

  Specifically, according to the light source device 3 of the present embodiment, a fiber light leakage detection unit is provided for each of a plurality of multimode fibers. For this reason, it is possible to specify which multimode fiber out of the plurality of multimode fibers has an abnormality.

  Therefore, the failure information about which part of the light source device 3 is abnormal can be provided to the user as more detailed information. For this reason, there exists an effect that a user can repair a failure location rapidly.

  In this embodiment, two multimode fibers are used, but the number of multimode fibers is not limited to this. Even if the number of multimode fibers is three or more, a fiber leakage detection unit can be provided for each of the plurality of multimode fibers.

[Embodiment 4]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

(Light source device 4)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the light source device 4 of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the light source device 4.

  The light source device 4 of the present embodiment is obtained by (i) adding the vibration sensor 95 and (ii) replacing the main control unit 10 with the main control unit 40 in the light source device 1 of the first embodiment. It is.

  In addition, the main control unit 40 of the present embodiment functions as a white light output determination unit 11, a laser light output determination unit 12, a drive control unit 13, a failure information generation unit 14, and a vibration determination unit 45 (vibration determination unit). . The main control unit 40 of the present embodiment has a configuration obtained by adding a vibration determination unit 45 to the main control unit 10 of the first embodiment.

(Vibration sensor 95)
The vibration sensor 95 has a function of detecting the magnitude of vibration. For example, an angular velocity sensor is used as the vibration sensor 95.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the light source device 4, the vibration sensor 95 is attached to the outside of the casing of the light projecting unit 79. In this case, the vibration sensor 95 detects the magnitude of vibration generated in the light projecting unit 79. The vibration sensor 95 gives the detected vibration value to the vibration determination unit 45.

  Note that the position where the vibration sensor 95 is attached has more influence on the white light emitted by the light emitting unit 78, which is the light having the strongest correlation with the intensity of the light emitted from the light source device 4 to the outside. It is preferable to set the position in the vicinity of the light emitting unit 78 so that it can be detected appropriately. However, the position where the vibration sensor 95 is attached is not particularly limited.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which only one vibration sensor 95 is provided in the light source device 4 is illustrated, but two or more vibration sensors may be provided.

  Thus, the vibration sensor 95 is provided for detecting vibration transmitted to the light source device 4. When the vibration sensor 95 is provided in the light source device 4, the vibration sensor 95 can directly detect the vibration transmitted to the light source device 4.

  However, the vibration sensor 95 is not necessarily provided directly in the light source device 4. For example, the vibration sensor 95 may be provided in an automobile on which the light source device 4 is mounted. In this case, the vibration sensor 95 indirectly detects vibration transmitted to the light source device 4.

(Vibration determination unit 45)
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the vibration determination unit 45 acquires the value of the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 95. In the vibration determination unit 45, a stable range of vibration values is set in advance.

  The stable range of the vibration value is a range of vibration values in which the white light detection unit 19 stably detects white light. This stable range may be appropriately determined by the designer of the light source device 4 based on, for example, vibration design specifications of an automobile on which the light source device 4 is mounted.

  Further, based on data obtained by actually measuring the relationship among the magnitude of vibration, the output of laser light, the output of white light, and the output of laser light detected by the white light detection unit 19, the designer of the light source device 4 A stable range of vibration values may be determined.

  The vibration determination unit 45 determines whether or not the vibration value detected by the vibration sensor 95 is within a stable range (specifically, whether or not the vibration value is larger than a predetermined value). Then, the vibration determination unit 45 generates vibration determination information indicating the determination result, and gives it to the white light detection unit 19.

  The vibration determination information is a control signal that controls the operation of the white light detection unit 19. Specifically, when the vibration determination information indicates that the vibration value is within the stable range, the vibration determination information functions as a trigger signal for starting the operation of the white light detection unit 19.

  On the other hand, when the vibration determination information indicates that the vibration value is not within the stable range, the vibration determination information functions as a trigger signal for stopping the operation of the white light detection unit 19.

(Flow of abnormality detection processing in the light source device 4)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of abnormality detection processing in the light source device 4. Hereinafter, processes S21 to S31 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Note that the processes S22 to S31 in FIG. 10 are the same processes as the processes S1 to S10 in FIG. For this reason, below, only process S21 and the process before and behind that are demonstrated.

  First, along with the start of the operation of the light source device 4, vibration is detected by the vibration sensor 95. Note that the white light detection unit 19 is not activated immediately after the light source device 4 starts operating. In this respect, the light source device 4 of the present embodiment is different from the light source device 1 of the first embodiment.

  Then, the vibration determination unit 45 determines whether or not the vibration value detected by the vibration sensor 95 is within the stable range (processing S21). Subsequently, the vibration determination unit 45 generates vibration determination information indicating the determination result, and supplies the vibration determination information to the white light detection unit 19.

  If it is determined that the vibration value is within the stable range (YES in process S21), the white light detection unit 19 is activated using the vibration determination information as a trigger signal (process S22).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the vibration value is not within the stable range (NO in process S21), the white light detection unit 19 is not activated. Then, the determination in step S21 is repeated until a YES condition is generated in step S21.

(Effect of light source device 4)
Generally, when excessive vibration occurs in the light source device, it becomes difficult to detect light. In particular, when the light source device is provided in a moving body such as an automobile, there is a problem that light may not be detected properly due to excessive vibration due to traveling of the moving body.

  However, in the light source device 4 of the present embodiment, the white light detection unit 19 can detect white light only when the vibration value detected by the vibration sensor 95 is within the stable range.

  Thereby, according to the light source device 4, even when vibration is generated in the light source device 4, there is an effect that light can be detected appropriately.

In the present embodiment, a configuration in which a vibration sensor 95 is provided in the vicinity of the light projecting unit 79 in order to control the operation of the white light detection unit 19 is illustrated. However, the vibration sensor
It may be provided to control the operations of the excitation light source detection unit 17 and the fiber light leakage detection unit 18.

  For example, a vibration sensor may be provided in the vicinity of the excitation light source unit 70 to control the operation of the excitation light source detection unit 17. Further, a vibration sensor may be provided in the vicinity of the multimode fiber 77 to control the operation of the fiber light leakage detection unit 18.

  Also in this case, when the light source device 4 is vibrated, it is possible to appropriately detect light. Accordingly, when the power sufficient to operate the plurality of vibration sensors can be stably supplied to the light source device 4 and the processing capacity of the main control unit 40 is sufficient, the light source device 4 is configured in this way. May be.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the structure which the vibration determination part 45 produces | generates the vibration determination information which shows the above-mentioned determination result, and gives it directly to the white light detection unit 19 is illustrated.

  However, the vibration determination information may be given to the white light output determination unit 11. In this case, since each detection unit is controlled in consideration of both the vibration state and the white light state, the processing becomes complicated, but detection in a more stable state can be performed. When the processing capacity of the main control unit 40 is sufficient, the light source device 4 may be configured in this way.

[Embodiment 5]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

(Light source device 5)
The light source device 5 of the present embodiment has a configuration obtained by replacing the notification unit 80 with the notification unit 80a in the light source device 1 of the first embodiment.

(Notification part 80a)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the notification unit 80a of the present embodiment and its periphery.

  The notification unit 80a includes a light storage unit 80as and a panel 80at. The panel 80at is made of a light transmissive material. The panel 80at is a display panel provided, for example, in a driver's seat of an automobile. In this case, the display surface of the panel 80at functions as an indicator indicating the driving state of the automobile.

  The phosphorescent unit 80as is provided on the back surface of the panel 80at (the surface opposite to the display surface). The phosphorescent unit 80as may be formed, for example, by applying a phosphorescent material to the back surface of the panel 80at.

  Note that the phosphorescent unit 80as is not necessarily provided so as to be in contact with the panel 80at. For example, the phosphorescent portion 80as may be formed by applying a phosphorescent material to the side surface of the multimode fiber 77.

  In addition, the phosphorescent substance means a phosphor having a property of maintaining fluorescence for a relatively long time (tens of minutes to several hours) even after the reception of excitation light is stopped. That is, the luminous body has a function of storing fluorescence emitted by receiving excitation light. The phosphorescent material may be a known phosphorescent material such as a sulfide phosphor or a rare earth metal phosphor.

  In the present embodiment, the multimode fiber 77 is drawn in the vicinity of the back surface of the notification unit 80a. Therefore, the laser beam L2 leaking from the multimode fiber 77 is irradiated to the phosphorescent unit 80as.

  The light storage unit 80as emits the fluorescence L3 by receiving the laser light L2. As described above, the phosphorescent unit 80as can continue to emit the fluorescence L3 for a long time even after the reception of the laser beam L2 is stopped.

  Thereby, the fluorescence L3 emitted from the phosphorescent unit 80as is used as a light source of the panel 80at.

  In the notification unit 80a, a shutter (not shown) is provided between the multimode fiber 77 and the phosphorescent unit 80as.

  The shutter is configured to open with the failure information acquired from the failure information generation unit 14 as a trigger.

  For this reason, the shutter is closed when no abnormality occurs in the light source device 5. Therefore, when no abnormality has occurred in the light source device 5, the laser light L <b> 2 leaked from the multimode fiber 77 is not irradiated on the light storage unit 80 as.

  Thereby, only when abnormality has occurred in the light source device 5, the failure information can be displayed on the panel 80at by using the fluorescence L3 emitted from the light storage unit 80as.

  The failure information may be displayed on the panel 80at, for example, as the warning lamp 80I is turned on. The display of the failure information is not necessarily limited to the lighting of the warning lamp 80I, and character data indicating the failure information may be displayed on the panel 80at.

(Effect of light source device 5)
In the light source device 5 of the present embodiment, the fluorescence L3 emitted from the phosphorescent unit 80as and used for a long time is used as a light source for displaying failure information on the panel 80at.

  Thereby, even when the operation of the light source device 5 is stopped (for example, when the engine of the automobile equipped with the light source device 5 is stopped), the failure information can be displayed on the panel 80at for a long time.

  For this reason, when a user or a maintenance worker performs the operation | work or communication for dealing with abnormality of the light source device 5, there exists an effect that the convenience can be improved.

[Summary]
The light source device (1) according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an excitation light source (laser element 71) that emits excitation light that excites a phosphor, and a phosphor light emitting unit (light emitting unit 78) that emits fluorescence upon receiving the excitation light. ), A light guide member (multi-mode fiber 77) for guiding the excitation light to the phosphor light emitting part, and at least one excitation light detection part for detecting the excitation light leaking from the side surface of the light guide member (Fiber leakage detection unit 18).

  According to said structure, the position which detects the excitation light which leaked from the light guide member is not limited to the specific position where the light guide member was processed beforehand. For this reason, there is an effect that leakage of excitation light can be detected even at a position where the light guide member is not processed.

  Moreover, since it is not necessary to intentionally bend the light guide member, an increase in bending loss of the light guide member can be prevented. For this reason, there exists an effect that the power consumption of a light source device can be suppressed.

  The light source device according to aspect 2 of the present invention is the light source device according to aspect 1, in which the light guide member is an optical fiber, and the optical fiber has a transparent coating at a position close to the excitation light detection unit. It is preferable to be provided.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that the detection of the excitation light by an excitation light detection part can be performed suitably.

  The light source device according to aspect 3 of the present invention is the light source device according to aspect 1, in which the light guide member is an optical fiber having a clad, and the clad is disposed at a position close to the excitation light detection unit in the optical fiber. Is preferably exposed.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that the detection of the excitation light by an excitation light detection part can be performed suitably.

  In the light source device according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in any one of the aspects 1 to 3, the light guide member is an optical fiber, and at least one of a material of the light guide member and a cladding diameter is It is preferable that the excitation light is set to leak from the side surface of an unspecified portion of the light guide member with respect to the output of the excitation light source.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that the leakage of excitation light can be detected also in the position where the process of a light guide member is not given.

  Moreover, the light source device according to Aspect 5 of the present invention is the light source device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the excitation light detection unit emits the excitation light at a location where the light guide member extends linearly. It is preferable to detect.

  According to said structure, in order to suppress the increase in the bending loss of a light guide member, even when the structure of a light source device is designed so that a light guide member may not be bent as much as possible, excitation light is detected. There is an effect that can be.

  Moreover, the light source device according to Aspect 6 of the present invention is the light source device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the excitation light intensity is predetermined based on the intensity of the excitation light detected by the excitation light detection unit. It is preferable to further include excitation light determination means (laser light output determination unit 12) for determining whether or not the standard is satisfied.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect the possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the light source device by determining that the intensity of the excitation light does not satisfy the predetermined standard.

  The light source device according to aspect 7 of the present invention is the light source device according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 6, wherein the light source device emits illumination light including the fluorescence and has an intensity of the illumination light including the fluorescence. It is preferable to further include an illumination light detection unit (white light detection unit 19) for detection.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that the intensity | strength of the illumination light (white light) radiate | emitted from a light source device is also detectable.

  The light source device according to aspect 8 of the present invention is the light source device according to aspect 7, in which the excitation light determination means determines whether the intensity of the illumination light is within a predetermined range based on the detection result of the illumination light detection unit. And the excitation light determination means is configured to detect the excitation light based on the relationship between the intensity of the excitation light detected by the excitation light detection unit and the intensity of the illumination light detected by the illumination light detection unit. It is preferable to further determine whether the intensity meets a predetermined criterion.

  According to said structure, possibility that abnormality has generate | occur | produced in the light source device is detectable by determining that the intensity | strength of illumination light is not in the predetermined range.

  Moreover, the light source device according to Aspect 9 of the present invention is the light source device according to any one of Aspects 6 to 8, wherein the intensity of the excitation light is predetermined based on the intensity of the excitation light detected by the excitation light detection unit. It is preferable that the apparatus further includes excitation light determination means for determining whether or not the standard is satisfied, and further includes drive control means (drive control unit 13) for controlling the operation of the excitation light source based on the determination of the excitation light determination means. .

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that operation | movement of a light source device can be controlled based on judgment whether the output of excitation light is safe.

  The light source device according to aspect 10 of the present invention is the light source device according to aspect 9, wherein the light source device emits illumination light including fluorescence emitted from the phosphor light emitting unit, and the intensity of the illumination light including the fluorescence. Further comprising an illumination light detection unit for detecting, the drive control means, when the intensity of the excitation light meets the predetermined criterion, and when the intensity of the illumination light is not within a predetermined range, It is preferable to adjust the intensity of the excitation light so that the intensity of the illumination light falls within the predetermined range.

  According to the above configuration, even when it is assumed that an abnormality has occurred in the light source device, if the output of the excitation light is determined to be safe, the operation of the excitation light source is not stopped and the light source is stopped. The operation of the device can be controlled.

  For this reason, there exists an effect that safety | security can be ensured simultaneously, satisfy | filling the output of the illumination light requested | required of a light source device.

  The light source device according to aspect 11 of the present invention is the light source device according to aspect 9, in which the drive control unit is based on the determination of the excitation light determination unit and the intensity of the excitation light does not satisfy the predetermined standard. It is preferable to stop the operation of the excitation light source.

  According to the above configuration, when it is determined that the intensity of the excitation light does not satisfy the predetermined standard (safety standard), the emission of the excitation light from the excitation light source can be stopped. For this reason, there exists an effect that the safety | security of a light source device can be ensured.

  The light source device according to aspect 12 of the present invention is the light source device according to any one of the aspects 7 to 11, wherein the light source device emits illumination light including fluorescence emitted by the phosphor light emitting unit, An illumination light detection unit that detects the intensity of the included illumination light; and an excitation light detection control unit that determines whether the intensity of the illumination light is within a predetermined range based on a detection result of the illumination light detection unit; Preferably, the excitation light detection control means activates at least one of the excitation light detection units when the intensity of the illumination light is not within the predetermined range.

  According to said structure, detection of excitation light can be started only when the intensity | strength of illumination light is not in a predetermined range (when it is assumed that abnormality has arisen in the light source device). For this reason, there exists an effect that the power consumption of a light source device can be reduced.

  The light source device according to aspect 13 of the present invention is the light source device according to any one of the above aspects 6 to 12, wherein the light source device emits illumination light including fluorescence emitted from the phosphor light emitting unit, and includes the fluorescence. An illumination light detector that detects the intensity of the illumination light, and an excitation light determination that determines whether the intensity of the excitation light satisfies a predetermined standard based on the intensity of the excitation light detected by the excitation light detector And excitation light detection control means for determining whether the intensity of the illumination light is within a predetermined range based on the detection result of the illumination light detection unit, the excitation light determination means, and the excitation light detection control means Using the determination result in at least one of the above, failure information generation means (failure information generation unit 14) for generating failure information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the light source device, and a notification unit (80 for notifying the failure information) ) Preferably further comprising a.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that it can alert | report to a user that abnormality has generate | occur | produced in the light source device.

  In the light source device according to aspect 14 of the present invention, in any one of the aspects 1 to 13, the excitation light detection unit is preferably disposed at a plurality of locations of the light guide member.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that the location where abnormality generate | occur | produced in the light guide member can be specified in detail.

  Further, the light source device according to aspect 15 of the present invention is the light source device according to any one of the aspects 1 to 14, provided with a plurality of types of the light guide members and a plurality of the excitation light detection units. The fiber leakage detection unit 18) detects the intensity of the excitation light leaking from the first light guide member (multimode fiber 77), and the second excitation light detection unit (excitation light source detection unit 17) is the second light guide member. It is preferable to detect the intensity of the excitation light leaking from the (optical fibers 74a to 74e).

  According to said structure, in addition to the excitation light leaked from the 1st light guide member, the intensity | strength of the excitation light leaked from the 2nd light guide member can also be detected. For this reason, there is an effect that the excitation light can be detected with higher accuracy.

  In the light source device according to aspect 16 of the present invention, in any one of the aspects 1 to 15, the excitation light source is preferably configured by a plurality of laser elements (71a to 71e).

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that the output of an excitation light source can be suitably set with the number of laser elements.

  Moreover, the light source device which concerns on aspect 17 of this invention is the light receiving part (73a-73e) which detects the said excitation light leaked from each of several 2nd light guide member corresponding to several laser element in the said aspect 16. FIG. It is preferable that the excitation light detecting unit is connected to the light receiving unit so as to be communicable.

  According to said structure, in the light-receiving part, the excitation light leaked from the 2nd light guide member corresponding to each laser element can be detected. Therefore, by providing the detection result of the light receiving unit to the excitation light detecting unit, it is possible to individually identify which laser element has an abnormality.

  The light source device according to aspect 18 of the present invention is the light source device according to aspect 16, further comprising a first light guide member and a second light guide member, and a plurality of light source devices provided to correspond to each of the plurality of laser elements. A bundle fiber (75) is formed by bundling each of the second light guide members at the exit end, and the exit end of the bundle fiber is optically coupled to the entrance end of the first light guide member. The excitation light detection unit is preferably disposed in the vicinity of at least one of the bundle fiber or the first light guide member.

  According to said structure, the radiation | emission end side of an excitation light source and an excitation light detection part can be comprised more simply. Therefore, there is an effect that the configuration of the light source device can be further simplified.

  The light source device according to aspect 19 of the present invention is the light source device according to any one of the aspects 1 to 18, wherein the excitation light detection unit includes a light receiving element (photodiode 73xp) that detects the leaked excitation light, and It is preferable to include a reflection member (reflection mirror 73xr) that covers at least a part of the side surface of the light guide member and reflects the excitation light leaking from the side surface.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that many excitation light can be light-received by the light-receiving part.

  The light source device according to aspect 20 of the present invention is the light source device according to aspect 19, in which the reflecting member is directly on the light receiving surface (73 xps) of the light receiving element among the excitation light leaking from the side surface of the light guide member. It is preferable to reflect light that is not incident and direct the light toward the light receiving surface.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that more excitation light can be light-received by the light-receiving part.

  The light source device according to aspect 21 of the present invention is the light source device according to aspect 13, wherein the notification unit is a display unit, and the light guide member is a back surface that is a surface opposite to the display surface of the display unit. It is preferable that a light storage unit (80as) that stores the fluorescence emitted by receiving the excitation light is provided on the back surface of the display unit.

  According to said structure, the excitation light which leaked from the light guide member can be utilized as a light source of a display part. Further, even when the operation of the light source device is stopped, failure information is displayed on the display unit for a relatively long time because the fluorescence of the phosphorescent unit is maintained.

  For this reason, when abnormality occurs in the light source device, there is an effect that the convenience of the work by the user or the maintenance worker can be improved.

  The light source device according to aspect 22 of the present invention is the light source device according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 21, wherein the vibration value detected by the vibration sensor (95) for detecting vibration transmitted to the light source device is greater than a predetermined value. Vibration determination means (vibration determination section 45) for determining whether the vibration value is larger than the excitation light detection section when the vibration determination means determines that the vibration value is equal to or less than the predetermined value. It is preferable to activate one.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that excitation light can be detected only when the vibration of the magnitude | size which does not affect the accuracy of light detection has generate | occur | produced in the light source device.

  In the light source device according to aspect 23 of the present invention, in any one of the aspects 1 to 22, the light guide member is preferably a multimode fiber.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that excitation light which has intensity distribution with uniform intensity distribution of excitation light can be irradiated to a fluorescent substance light emission part.

  The light source device according to aspect 24 of the present invention is the light source device according to any one of the aspects 1 to 23, wherein the excitation light detection unit detects the excitation light at a location where the light guide member is bent. Also good.

  According to said structure, excitation light can be detected in the bending part of the light guide member where the leakage of excitation light becomes large. For this reason, there exists an effect that the precision of light detection can be improved.

  A vehicle including the light source device according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 24 is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[Additional Notes]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

  The present invention can also be expressed as follows.

  That is, a light source device according to an aspect of the present invention includes (a) an excitation light source unit for exciting a phosphor, (b) a light emitting unit that emits fluorescence when irradiated with light, and (c) an excitation light source unit. And a fiber that guides the light emitted from the light to the light emitting part, and further includes a fiber detection part that measures the light of the light guide fiber.

  In the light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fiber detection unit detects light leaking from the side surface of the clad of the fiber.

  In addition, the light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a detection unit that measures the light emission of the phosphor.

  The light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes an excitation light source detection unit that measures light from the excitation light source unit.

  Further, in the light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the light source device has a determination mechanism that includes at least one of the fiber detection unit and the excitation light source detection unit when the light from the light emitting unit falls below a predetermined output range. Operate one of them.

  Further, in the light source device according to one aspect of the present invention, the light source device has a mechanism for measuring the leakage light of the fiber, the light emission of the phosphor, and the light of the excitation light source unit. It is determined whether to stop energizing the drive current of the excitation light source unit according to at least one of the outputs.

  In the light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a predetermined light output of the phosphor is provided in the light source device determining mechanism so as to satisfy the light output required for the device to which the light source device is applied. The range is stored in advance, and the determination mechanism controls the drive current of the excitation light source unit so that the light emission of the phosphor satisfies a predetermined output range.

  In addition, the light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display portion, and the determination mechanism is at least one of fiber leakage light, phosphor emission, and excitation light source portion light. On the other hand, according to the output of the detector which measured each, abnormality notification is performed on a display part.

  In the light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the light output is measured at a position where the fiber is not a straight line.

  The light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of laser elements as excitation light source units and fibers provided for each laser element, and each of the fibers provided for each laser element. A light receiving unit is provided.

  Further, in the light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fiber provided for each of the plurality of laser elements as the excitation light source unit is bundled at the emission end and connected to the multimode fiber inside the excitation light source. In addition, a light receiving portion is provided in at least one of a bundle portion or a multimode fiber inside the housing.

  In addition, the light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a light receiving unit that detects light of the fiber at a plurality of positions of the fiber that guides the light emitted from the excitation light source unit to the light emitting unit, and determines the light receiving unit. The mechanism identifies where in the fiber the anomaly has occurred.

  In addition, the light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a mechanism that detects vibration, and the determination mechanism is configured to detect an instruction to measure light when the intensity of the detected vibration satisfies a predetermined range. Put out.

  A light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fiber drawn near the display unit and a phosphorescent body provided near or in contact with the fiber, and an excitation light source accumulated in the phosphorescent body. Is used as a light source of the display unit.

  A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes the light source device according to each aspect described above.

  The present invention can be used for a light source device.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Light source device 11 White light output determination unit (excitation light detection control means)
12 Laser light output determination unit (excitation light determination means)
13 Drive control unit (drive control means)
14 Failure information generation unit (failure information generation means)
17, 27 Excitation light source detection unit (second excitation light detection unit)
18, 38a, 38b Fiber leakage detection unit (first excitation light detection unit)
19 White light detection unit (illumination light detection unit)
45 Vibration determination unit (vibration determination means)
71, 71a to 71e Laser element (excitation light source)
73, 73a to 73e, 73x light receiving portion 73xp photodiode (light receiving element)
73xps light-receiving surface 73xr reflective mirror (reflective member)
74a-74e Optical fiber (2nd light guide member)
75 Bundle fiber 77 Multimode fiber (light guide member, first light guide member)
78 Light emitting part (phosphor light emitting part)
80, 80a Notification unit 80as Light storage unit 95 Vibration sensor

Claims (25)

An excitation light source that emits excitation light for exciting the phosphor;
A phosphor light-emitting unit that emits fluorescence in response to the excitation light;
A light guide member that guides the excitation light to the phosphor light emitting unit;
A light source device comprising: at least one excitation light detection unit that detects the excitation light leaking from a side surface of the light guide member. The light guide member is an optical fiber,
2. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein a transparent coating is provided at a position close to the excitation light detection unit in the optical fiber. The light guide member is an optical fiber having a cladding,
2. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the cladding is exposed at a position close to the excitation light detection unit in the optical fiber. The light guide member is an optical fiber,
At least one of the material of the light guide member and the cladding diameter is set such that the excitation light leaks from a side surface of an unspecified portion of the light guide member with respect to the output of the excitation light source. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   5. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the excitation light detection unit detects the excitation light at a location where the light guide member extends linearly. 6.   The light source device further includes excitation light determination means for determining whether the intensity of the excitation light satisfies a predetermined standard based on the intensity of the excitation light detected by the excitation light detection unit. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The light source device emits illumination light including fluorescence emitted by the phosphor light emitting unit,
The light source device according to claim 1, further comprising an illumination light detection unit that detects the intensity of the illumination light including the fluorescence. Excitation light determination means for determining whether the intensity of the excitation light meets a predetermined standard based on the intensity of the excitation light detected by the excitation light detection unit,
The excitation light determination means has a predetermined intensity of the excitation light based on a relationship between the intensity of the excitation light detected by the excitation light detection unit and the intensity of the illumination light detected by the illumination light detection unit. The light source device according to claim 7, further determining whether or not a criterion is satisfied. Excitation light determination means for determining whether the intensity of the excitation light meets a predetermined standard based on the intensity of the excitation light detected by the excitation light detection unit,
9. The light source device according to claim 6, further comprising a drive control unit that controls an operation of the excitation light source based on the determination of the excitation light determination unit. The light source device emits illumination light including fluorescence emitted by the phosphor light emitting unit,
Further comprising an illumination light detector for detecting the intensity of the illumination light containing the fluorescence,
The drive control means, when the intensity of the excitation light meets the predetermined standard, and when the intensity of the illumination light is not within a predetermined range,
The light source device according to claim 9, wherein the intensity of the excitation light is adjusted so that the intensity of the illumination light is within the predetermined range. The drive control means stops operation of the excitation light source when the intensity of the excitation light does not satisfy the predetermined standard based on the determination of the excitation light determination means. The light source device described. The light source device emits illumination light including fluorescence emitted by the phosphor light emitting unit,
An illumination light detector that detects the intensity of illumination light containing the fluorescence;
Excitation light detection control means for determining whether the intensity of the illumination light is within a predetermined range based on the detection result of the illumination light detection unit,
12. The excitation light detection control unit activates at least one of the excitation light detection units when the intensity of the illumination light is not within the predetermined range. The light source device according to 1. The light source device emits illumination light including fluorescence emitted by the phosphor light emitting unit,
An illumination light detector that detects the intensity of illumination light containing the fluorescence;
Excitation light determination means for determining whether the intensity of the excitation light satisfies a predetermined standard based on the intensity of the excitation light detected by the excitation light detection unit;
Excitation light detection control means for determining whether the intensity of the illumination light is within a predetermined range based on the detection result of the illumination light detection unit;
Failure information generation means for generating failure information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the light source device, using a determination result in at least one of the excitation light determination means and the excitation light detection control means;
The light source device according to claim 6, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the failure information.   The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the excitation light detection unit is disposed at a plurality of locations of the light guide member. A plurality of the light guide members and a plurality of the excitation light detection units,
The first excitation light detection unit detects the intensity of excitation light leaking from the first light guide member,
The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the second excitation light detection unit detects the intensity of excitation light leaking from the second light guide member.   The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the excitation light source includes a plurality of laser elements. A plurality of second light guide members provided to correspond to each of the plurality of laser elements, further comprising a light receiving unit that detects the excitation light leaking from each of the plurality of second light guide members;
The light source device according to claim 16, wherein the excitation light detection unit is communicably connected to the light receiving unit. A first light guide member and a second light guide member;
Each of the plurality of second light guide members provided so as to correspond to each of the plurality of laser elements is bundled at the emission end, thereby forming a bundle fiber.
The exit end of the bundle fiber is optically coupled to the entrance end of the first light guide member,
The light source device according to claim 16, wherein the excitation light detection unit is disposed in the vicinity of at least one of the bundle fiber or the first light guide member. The excitation light detector is
A light receiving element for detecting the leaked excitation light;
The light source according to claim 1, further comprising: a reflection member that covers at least a part of a side surface of the light guide member and reflects excitation light leaking from the side surface. apparatus.   The reflecting member reflects light that does not directly enter the light receiving surface of the light receiving element among the excitation light leaking from the side surface of the light guide member, and directs the light to the light receiving surface. The light source device according to claim 19. The notification unit is a display unit,
The light guide member is disposed in the vicinity of the back surface, which is the surface opposite to the display surface of the display unit,
The light source device according to claim 13, wherein a light storage unit that stores fluorescence emitted by receiving the excitation light is provided on a back surface of the display unit. Vibration determination means for determining whether or not a vibration value detected by a vibration sensor that detects vibration transmitted to the light source device is greater than a predetermined value;
When the vibration determination means determines that the vibration value is equal to or less than the predetermined value,
The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein at least one of the excitation light detection units is activated.   The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the light guide member is a multimode fiber.   The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the excitation light detection unit detects the excitation light at a location where the light guide member is bent.   A vehicle comprising the light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

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