JP4207061B2 - Light distribution unit, lighting unit, and lighting system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a light distribution unit, a lighting unit, and a lighting system using semiconductor light emitting elements such as LEDs and laser diodes.

  In recent years, there are various types of white LEDs that realize white light by mixing light of GaN-based or ZnSe-based blue LEDs or GaN-based ultraviolet LEDs and phosphor light excited by the blue light or ultraviolet light. Has been developed. And the illuminating device using such white LED is proposed.

  For example, a conventional lighting device 100 shown in FIG. 16 includes a plurality of LEDs 101 arranged side by side on a substrate 102. The plurality of LEDs 101 emit light by a power supply voltage supplied via the electric wiring 103.

Patent Document 1 discloses an illumination device in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged on a printed circuit board and light from the LEDs is incident on a plurality of optical fibers constituting an optical fiber bundle.
JP-A-12-21206

  In an illumination system using a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED, a part of the electric power supplied to the semiconductor light emitting element becomes heat. When the temperature around the semiconductor light emitting element rises due to this heat, there are adverse effects such as a decrease in internal quantum efficiency of the semiconductor light emitting element, light extraction efficiency of the LED, and shortening of the life of the semiconductor light emitting element. In the conventional lighting device 100 shown in FIG. 16, it is necessary to secure a sufficient amount of light in a limited space. However, if the LEDs 101 are arranged in an overly dense manner, the above-described adverse effects due to heat will occur. Alternatively, when the amount of power supplied to the LED 101 is increased, a large current flows through the wiring, which increases anxiety in terms of disaster prevention such as electric leakage and fire. Further, if the number of LEDs 101 is reduced or the power supplied to the LEDs 101 is suppressed in order to suppress adverse effects due to heat, the lighting device 100 becomes insufficient in light quantity and becomes impractical.

  Moreover, in the illuminating device disclosed by patent document 1, the light quantity adjustment of several LED arrange | positioned on a printed circuit board is collectively performed by the PWM system. However, in this illuminating device, only light quantity adjustment at one illumination position is considered for one illuminating device. Therefore, when illuminating a plurality of illumination positions, a plurality of illumination devices corresponding to the plurality of illumination positions individually adjust the light amount, and efficient light amount adjustment cannot be expected. For example, when building an energy saving system that reuses the heat generated in the LED, the heat generated individually from the plurality of lighting devices is used, and the heat generated in the LED is efficiently reused. Difficult to do.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can efficiently adjust the amount of light at at least two illumination positions, and can efficiently dissipate or reuse the heat generated in the semiconductor light emitting element. It is an object to provide a possible light distribution unit, lighting unit and lighting system.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the light distribution unit according to the present invention is provided in each of a plurality of optical fibers, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, and a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements that constitute at least two optical fiber groups, A plurality of optical connectors that optically connect one end of the plurality of optical fibers and the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to each other, and a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements that are electrically connected to each other. A control unit for controlling, and a phosphor that is optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber, is excited by blue light, and emits visible light having a longer wavelength than the blue light, and at least two optical fiber groups include The plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are blue LEDs including a GaN-based semiconductor.

  In the light distribution unit described above, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements that provide light to at least two different illumination positions can be accommodated in one light distribution unit. Since the semiconductor light-emitting element and the illumination position are isolated via an optical fiber, the light distribution unit has a higher degree of freedom in arrangement of the semiconductor light-emitting element than the conventional illumination device shown in FIG. It is possible to provide as many gaps as necessary. Also, heat from a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements that provide light to at least two illumination positions can be dissipated or reused together. Therefore, according to this light distribution unit, it is possible to efficiently dissipate or reuse the heat generated in the semiconductor light emitting element. Moreover, in this light distribution unit, since the light emission states of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are collectively controlled by the control unit, the light amount can be adjusted efficiently at each illumination position.

  The light distribution unit may further include a battery that is electrically connected to the control unit and supplies a power supply voltage for driving the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to the control unit. This makes it possible to easily equip the moving object with the light distribution unit.

  The light distribution unit may further include a conversion unit that is electrically connected to the control unit, converts an AC power supplied from the outside into a DC power source, and supplies the DC power to the control unit. . Thereby, this light distribution unit can be used suitably in the building etc. to which alternating current power supply is supplied.

  The light distribution unit is electrically connected to the control unit and supplies a power supply voltage for driving the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to the control unit, and is electrically connected to the storage battery to charge the storage battery. A solar cell may be further provided. This makes it possible to operate semi-permanently even without external power supply.

  The light distribution unit further includes a communication unit that is electrically connected to the control unit, receives an instruction signal for instructing the light emission state of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements from the outside, and provides the instruction signal to the control unit. It is good also as providing. Thereby, it is possible to suitably instruct the light distribution unit on the light emission amount and the like at a place away from the light distribution unit (for example, illumination position).

  The light distribution unit may further include a cooling device that cools the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. Thereby, the heat generated in the semiconductor light emitting element can be dissipated more efficiently.

  The light distribution unit may further include at least one of a water heater and a heat accumulator using heat generated from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. Thereby, the heat generated in the semiconductor light emitting element can be suitably reused.

  The light distribution unit may further include a substrate on which a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are mounted, and one or more slots that detachably hold the substrate. Thereby, semiconductor light emitting elements having different numbers, arrangements, emission wavelengths, and the like can be exchanged as necessary.

  In the light distribution unit, it is preferable that the control unit includes a memory in which a program for controlling the light emission state of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements is stored, and a CPU that reads the program from the memory and executes the program. .

  The light distribution unit may be characterized in that the control unit controls the amount of light emitted from each of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements over time. Accordingly, for example, the light distribution unit can perform an energy saving operation by controlling the light emission amount of the semiconductor light emitting element so that the light is turned off when the illumination time exceeds a predetermined time.

  The light distribution unit may further include recording means for recording operation histories of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. Alternatively, the light distribution unit may further include an output terminal for outputting operation history data of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to the outside. By at least one of these, the operation history of the light distribution unit can be used for energy saving system design.

  The light distribution unit may be mounted on a vehicle. Generally, since the space of the lighting device in a vehicle is small and limited, it is difficult to efficiently dissipate heat generated from the lighting device. Since this light distribution unit can dissipate heat efficiently, it is suitable as a lighting device mounted on a vehicle.

  The light distribution unit may further include a color filter or a light diffusion filter optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber. This makes it possible to easily adjust the color tone of the illumination color.

  In the light distribution unit, the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements may be blue LEDs or ultraviolet LEDs. Alternatively, the light distribution unit may be characterized in that the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are blue laser diodes or ultraviolet laser diodes. When, for example, a white LED is used as the semiconductor light emitting element for illumination, the amount of light absorption in the optical fiber differs for each wavelength due to dispersion of the optical fiber, and the emission color in the white LED and the illumination color at the illumination position differ slightly. In addition, when there are at least two illumination positions, the illumination colors at the respective illumination positions are different from each other due to the difference in the length of the optical fiber to each illumination position. Therefore, like this light distribution unit, monochromatic light from blue LED, ultraviolet LED, blue laser diode, ultraviolet laser diode, etc. is sent to each illumination position via optical fiber and converted into white light at each illumination position. Thus, the expected illumination color can be obtained at each illumination position.

  The light distribution unit further includes a phosphor that is optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber and is excited by blue light or ultraviolet light to emit visible light having a longer wavelength than the blue light or ultraviolet light. May be a feature. As a result, a predetermined illumination color can be obtained by, for example, mixing monochromatic light such as blue light or ultraviolet light from the semiconductor light emitting element and light from the phosphor. In addition, the fluorescent substance in the text of the present invention is used as a general term for a solid fluorescent substance, a resin containing fluorescent substance particles, and a fluorescent material thin film formed on the surface of a transparent member.

  Moreover, the illumination unit according to the present invention is an illumination unit that is used together with the above-described light distribution unit and is disposed at the illumination position, and includes a holding unit that holds the other end of the optical fiber included in the optical fiber group. Features. Alternatively, an illumination unit according to the present invention includes a plurality of optical fibers constituting at least two optical fiber groups respectively extending to different illumination positions, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices that are blue LEDs including a GaN-based semiconductor, and a plurality of semiconductors A plurality of optical connectors optically connecting one end of a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to each other; and a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices electrically connected to the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. An illumination unit that is used together with a light distribution unit that includes a control unit that controls a light emission state of each element, and that is disposed at an illumination position, the holding unit holding the other end of the optical fiber included in the optical fiber group; A phosphor that is optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber and is excited by blue light to emit visible light having a longer wavelength than the blue light Characterized in that it comprises a. Thereby, the blue light which is monochromatic light from the light distribution unit and the light from the phosphor can be mixed to obtain a predetermined illumination color.

  The illumination unit may further include a color filter or a light diffusion filter optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber. As a result, the color tone and light distribution of the illumination color can be easily adjusted.

  The illumination unit may further include at least one of light reflecting means and a lens optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber. Thereby, various light distribution designs can be applied to the lighting unit.

  The lighting unit may be mounted on a vehicle. Since this lighting unit is used together with the above-described light distribution unit, heat is efficiently dissipated, so that it is suitable as a lighting device mounted on a vehicle.

  In addition, the illumination system according to the present invention includes any one of the above-described light distribution units and a holding unit that holds the other end of the optical fiber included in the optical fiber group, and is arranged at at least two different illumination positions. And an illumination unit. Alternatively, an illumination system according to the present invention includes a light distribution unit and at least two illumination units, and the light distribution unit includes a plurality of optical fibers constituting at least two optical fiber groups respectively extending to different illumination positions, and A plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices that are blue LEDs including a GaN-based semiconductor, and a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices that are provided in each of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices and optically connect one end of the plurality of optical fibers and the plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices, respectively. The illumination unit is an illumination unit disposed at an illumination position. The illumination unit includes an optical connector and a control unit that is electrically connected to the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements and controls a light emission state of each of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. A holding portion for holding the other end of the optical fiber included in the optical fiber group, and optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber, They are excited by and having a phosphor emitting visible light even in the wavelength longer than 該青 color light. As a result, it is possible to provide an illumination system that can efficiently adjust the amount of light at at least two illumination positions and can efficiently dissipate or reuse the heat generated in the semiconductor light emitting element.

  The lighting system may be mounted on a vehicle, and two of the at least two lighting units may be arranged as headlights. As a result, the light amounts of the two headlights can be adjusted efficiently, and the heat generated by the headlight illumination can be efficiently dissipated.

  In the lighting system, it is preferable that some of the at least two lighting units are arranged as at least one of the indoor lamp and the tail lamp.

  According to the light distribution unit, the lighting unit, and the lighting system according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently adjust the light amount at at least two illumination positions, and to efficiently dissipate or reuse the heat generated in the semiconductor light emitting device. It becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a light distribution unit, a lighting unit, and a lighting system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a lighting system according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the lighting system 1 of the present embodiment includes a light distribution unit 3 and lighting units 5a and 5b. The light distribution unit 3 has a main body 30 and a plurality of optical fibers 7. The plurality of optical fibers 7 constitutes two optical fiber groups 7a and 7b. One ends of the plurality of optical fibers 7 are optically coupled to the main body 30 of the light distribution unit 3. The other end of the optical fiber 7 belonging to the optical fiber group 7a among the plurality of optical fibers 7 is optically coupled to the illumination unit 5a. The other end of the optical fiber 7 belonging to the optical fiber group 7b among the plurality of optical fibers 7 is optically coupled to the illumination unit 5b. The illumination units 5a and 5b are arranged at different illumination positions. In the present embodiment, the optical distribution unit 3 has six optical fibers 7, of which three constitute an optical fiber group 7a and the other three constitute an optical fiber group 7b. .

  The light distribution unit 3 is a device for supplying illumination light to the illumination units 5a and 5b. The main body 30 of the light distribution unit 3 is disposed at a location isolated from the illumination units 5a and 5b, for example. Here, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the light distribution unit 3 of the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the light distribution unit 3 further includes a control unit 31, a conversion unit 33, a communication unit 35, a plug 40, an antenna 42, a heat radiating plate 43, and an LED module 49.

  The LED module 49 includes a substrate 37, semiconductor light emitting elements such as LEDs 39a to 39g, and photo units 41a to 41g. The photo units 41a to 41g are packages with optical connectors provided on the LEDs 39a to 39g, and the LEDs 39a to 39g are mounted on the photo units 41a to 41g, respectively. The photo units 41 a to 41 g are mounted on the substrate 37. The photo units 41a to 41g optically connect one end of the optical fiber 7 and the LEDs 39a to 39g, respectively. That is, the photo units 41 a to 41 g hold one end of the optical fiber 7 so that light from the LEDs 39 a to 39 g is incident on one end of the optical fiber 7. The photo units 41a to 41g may include a condensing lens for condensing light from the LEDs 39a to 39g. Moreover, the photo units 41a to 41g may include a filter for changing the color tone of light from the LEDs 39a to 39g. As the photo units 41a to 41g, those having a small coupling loss are preferable, and those having high heat resistance and weather resistance are preferable.

  Among the LEDs 39a to 39g, the LEDs 39a to 39c are provided corresponding to the optical fibers 7 included in the optical fiber group 7a. Moreover, LED39e-39g is provided corresponding to each of the optical fiber 7 contained in the optical fiber group 7b. As the LEDs 39a to 39g, for example, a bullet-type LED or a surface-emitting type LED can be used. Moreover, as LED39a-39g, LED which light-emits visible lights, such as red, green, and blue, can be used. Among these, as the blue LED, for example, a GaN-based semiconductor or a ZnSe-based semiconductor may be used.

  Moreover, white LED, ultraviolet LED, etc. can also be used as LED39a-39g. As white LED, yellow light from a phosphor excited by blue light from a blue LED and the blue light are mixed to form white light, or a red LED, green LED, and blue LED are provided. Those having a phosphor that emits red light, green light, and blue light when excited by ultraviolet light or the like can be used depending on the application. In the present embodiment, ultraviolet LEDs are used as the LEDs 39a to 39g. As the ultraviolet LED, for example, one made of a GaN-based semiconductor may be used.

  Moreover, as the optical fiber 7, it is good to use the thing with a small transmission loss with respect to the light emission wavelength of LED39a-39g. As the optical fiber 7, a plastic fiber or a quartz fiber can be used depending on the application. In particular, when an LED is used as the semiconductor light emitting element as in this embodiment, the coupling loss between the LEDs 39a to 39g and the optical fiber 7 can be suppressed by using a plastic fiber having a large core diameter and a large NA. As the plastic fiber, a PMMA (polymethyl methacryl) or PC (polycarbonate) fiber may be used. The PC system has high heat resistance, but has a transmission loss larger than that of the PMMA system, and either one may be used depending on the application. When the distance between the main body 30 of the light distribution unit 3 and the illumination unit 5a (5b) is relatively large, HPCF (hard polymer clad fiber), which is a silica-based fiber with a smaller transmission loss, may be used. The length of the optical fiber 7 is a length necessary for wiring and is generally 3 m or more. The transmission loss of the optical fiber 7 is, for example, 400 dB / mm for light having a wavelength of 0.4 to 0.6 μm. km or less, preferably 50 dB / km or less, more preferably 20 dB / km or less. Since HPCF has a smaller core diameter than PC-based and PMMA-based fibers, it is preferable to provide a condensing lens such as a ball lens inside the photo units 41a to 41g when using HPCF. Further, if a microlens is formed on the surface of the LEDs 39a to 39g, or an LED whose light emission direction is adjusted by a photonic crystal slab or photonic crystal crystal using photonic crystal technology, the optical fiber 7 and the LEDs 39a to 39g are used. The coupling efficiency can be increased.

  The substrate 37 is made of, for example, a metal having excellent thermal conductivity such as Cu or Al, a composite material such as Cu-W or Al-SiC, a ceramic such as AlN or BN, a material such as CVD diamond, and the like in the LEDs 39a to 39g. It functions as a heat sink that dissipates heat. The edge of the substrate 37 is in contact with the heat sink 43. The heat radiating plate 43 is provided with a plurality of heat radiating fins exposed to the outside of the main body 30. Heat generated in the LEDs 39 a to 39 g is dissipated to the outside of the main body 30 through the substrate 37 and the heat radiating plate 43. The photo units 41a to 41g may be arranged on the substrate 37 with an appropriate distance from each other in order to enhance the heat dissipation of the LEDs 39a to 39g. In order to dissipate heat from the LEDs 39a to 39g more efficiently, the LEDs 39a to 39g may be flip-chip mounted or face-down mounted in the photo units 41a to 41g.

  The converter 33 is a device for converting the AC power supply P1 supplied from the outside of the light distribution unit 3 into the DC power supply P2. The conversion unit 33 is electrically connected to the plug 40 via the wiring 34a and is also electrically connected to the control unit 31 via the wiring 34b. For example, the plug 40 is inserted into an AC power distribution socket (not shown) provided in a building or the like. The converter 33 receives the AC power supply P1 from the AC power distribution socket via the plug 40 and the wiring 34a. The converter 33 converts the AC power supply P1 into a DC power supply P2 by rectifying the AC power supply P1, and provides the DC power supply P2 to the control unit 31 via the wiring 34b.

  The communication unit 35 is a device for receiving an instruction signal S1 for instructing the light emission state of the LEDs 39a to 39g from the outside of the light distribution unit 3 and providing the instruction signal to the control unit 31. The communication unit 35 is electrically connected to the antenna 42 via the wiring 36a and is also electrically connected to the control unit 31 via the wiring 36b. The antenna 42 receives an instruction signal S1 from the outside of the light distribution unit 3 via radio waves. In the present embodiment, the instruction signal S1 is transmitted from the lighting units 5a and 5b. The communication unit 35 receives the instruction signal S1 and converts the instruction signal S1 into an instruction signal S2 in a form suitable for providing the instruction signal S1 to the control unit 31. The communication unit 35 provides the instruction signal S2 to the control unit 31 via the wiring 36b.

  The control unit 31 is a device for controlling the light emission state of each of the LEDs 39a to 39g. The control unit 31 is electrically connected to the LEDs 39a to 39g via the wirings 38a to 38g, generates the drive voltages Sa to Sg of the LEDs 39a to 39g based on the instruction signal S2 from the communication unit 35, and drives the drive Voltages Sa to Sg are provided to the LEDs 39a to 39g, respectively. In addition to the instruction content of the instruction signal S2, the controller 31 controls the light emission amounts of the LEDs 39a to 39g so as to reduce the heat generation state of the LEDs 39a to 39g based on, for example, the continuous operation time and power consumption of each of the LEDs 39a to 39g. Adjust it. At this time, the control unit 31 considers the required light quantity at each illumination position, for example, mainly suppressing the light emission quantity of the LED that provides light to the illumination position with a low priority, and the total light emission quantity of the LEDs 39a to 39g as a whole. It is good to control. Or if the control part 31 carries out time control of the light emission amount of LED39a-39g so that it may turn off, for example if illumination time becomes more than predetermined time, a light distribution unit can perform energy saving operation suitably.

  The control part 31 is good to be comprised by computer provided with CPU and memory, for example. In this case, the memory stores a program for controlling the light emission states of the LEDs 39a to 39g. Then, the CPU reads the program from the memory and executes it. Moreover, the control part 31 is good to provide recording means, such as a memory which records the operation | movement history of LED39a-39g. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may include an output terminal for outputting the operation history of the LEDs 39 a to 39 g to the outside of the light distribution unit 3. By providing these recording means and output terminals, the operation history of the LEDs 39a to 39g can be taken out, and this operation history can be used for designing an energy saving system.

  Refer to FIG. 1 again. The illumination units 5a and 5b are devices for irradiating the light supplied from the light distribution unit 3 as illumination light. Here, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the illumination unit 5a (5b) of the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the illumination unit 5 a (5 b) includes an optical connector 51, a phosphor 53, a base 55, a remote control signal receiver 57, and a radio wave output terminal 59.

  A plurality of optical connectors 51 and phosphors 53 are provided and are paired with each other. The optical connector 51 and the phosphor 53 are fixed to a flat base 55. In the present embodiment, three optical connectors 51 and three phosphors 53 are provided corresponding to the number of optical fibers 7 constituting the optical fiber group 7a (7b). The optical connector 51 is a holding unit that holds the other end of the optical fiber 7. The optical connector 51 holds the other end of the optical fiber 7 so that the light from the optical fiber 7 is irradiated in the illumination direction (arrow L in the figure).

  The phosphor 53 is excited by ultraviolet light from the LEDs 39a to 39c (39e to 39g) of the light distribution unit 3, and visible light having a longer wavelength than the ultraviolet light (in this embodiment, red light, green light, And blue light). Then, the red light, the green light, and the blue light from the phosphor 53 are mixed to become white light, and the white light is irradiated toward the illumination direction. Note that the emission color of the phosphor 53 may be any one of red light, green light, and blue light, or other colors. For example, when the LEDs 39a to 39c (39e to 39g) of the light distribution unit 3 emit blue light, if the emission color of the phosphor 53 is yellow light, white light can be emitted by mixing the blue light and the yellow light. It can generate suitably. The emission color of the phosphor 53 may be determined according to the preference or necessity of the illumination color. Further, as the phosphor 53, in addition to the solid phosphor, a resin containing phosphor particles, or a material in which a thin film of a phosphor material is formed on the surface of a transparent member may be used. In this embodiment, since LED39a-39c light-emits ultraviolet light, the fluorescent material used for the conventional fluorescent lamp can also be used.

  The remote control signal receiving unit 57 is a device for receiving an instruction signal from a remote controller (not shown). From the remote controller, in addition to lighting on / off, instructions such as light amount adjustment and turn-off time are given. The remote control signal receiving unit 57 receives these instructions from the remote controller as an infrared light signal or radio wave signal, and converts the infrared light signal or radio wave signal into an instruction signal S1 which is an electrical signal. The remote control signal receiving unit 57 transmits the instruction signal S1 on the radio wave from the radio wave output terminal 59. The instruction signal S1 transmitted from the radio wave output terminal 59 is received by the communication unit 35 via the antenna 42 of the light distribution unit.

  The illumination unit 5a (5b) may further include a color filter and a light diffusion filter (not shown). In the present embodiment, when the illumination unit 5a (5b) includes a color filter or a light diffusion filter, these filters are optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber 7 via the phosphor 53. When the illumination unit 5a (5b) includes such a filter, it is possible to easily adjust the color tone and light distribution of the illumination color.

  The illumination unit 5a (5b) may further include a light reflecting means such as a mirror (not shown) or a lens. In the present embodiment, when the illumination unit 5a (5b) includes a light reflecting means or a lens, the light reflecting means and the lens are optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber 7 via the phosphor 53. Since the illumination unit 5a (5b) includes at least one of such light reflecting means and lenses, various light distribution designs can be applied to the illumination unit 5a (5b) such as illumination diffusion, light collection, or reflection. it can.

  The various filters, mirrors, and lenses described above may be provided at the other end of the optical fiber 7 of the light distribution unit 3 on the illumination unit side.

  The illumination system 1 having the above-described configuration operates as follows. First, the remote control signal receiver 57 of the illumination unit 5a (5b) receives a lighting instruction from the remote controller. The remote control signal receiving unit 57 transmits an instruction from the remote controller on the radio wave as an instruction signal S1. The communication unit 35 of the light distribution unit 3 receives the instruction signal S1 from the remote control signal receiving unit 57, converts the instruction signal S1 into the instruction signal S2, and provides the instruction signal S2 to the control unit 31. Based on the instruction signal S2, the control unit 31 sends drive signals Sa to Sc (Se to Sg) to the LEDs 39a to 39c (39e to 39g). The LEDs 39a to 39c (39e to 39g) receive drive signals Sa to Sc (Se to Sg) and emit ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light from the LEDs 39a to 39c (39e to 39g) is incident on one end of the optical fiber 7 constituting the optical fiber group 7a (7b), and reaches the illumination unit 5a (5b) through the optical fiber 7. In the illumination unit 5a (5b), the phosphor 53 is excited by ultraviolet light from the LEDs 39a to 39c (39e to 39g), and red light, green light, and blue light are generated. Then, these lights are mixed to form white light, and this white light is irradiated outside the illumination unit 5a (5b) as illumination light.

  Thereafter, in response to instructions from the remote controller such as turn-off, light amount adjustment, and turn-off time, the drive signals Sa to Sc (Se to Sg) are adjusted in the control unit 31 by the same operation as described above, and the LEDs 39a to 39c. The light emission amount and lighting time of (39e-39g) are controlled. Further, the control unit 31 adjusts the light emission amounts of the LEDs 39a to 39g so as to alleviate the heat generation state of the LEDs 39a to 39g based on the necessary light amount, continuous operation time, power consumption, and the like of each of the LEDs 39a to 39g. The

  The illumination system 1, the light distribution unit 3, and the illumination units 5a and 5b according to the present embodiment described above have the following effects. That is, in the light distribution unit 3 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of LEDs 39 a to 39 g that provide light to the two illumination units 5 a and 5 b can be accommodated in one main body 30. Moreover, since the main body part 30 including the plurality of LEDs 39a to 39g and the illumination units 5a and 5b are isolated via the optical fiber 7, the arrangement of the LEDs 39a to 39g in the light distribution unit 3 is compared with the conventional illumination device. The degree of freedom is high, and it is possible to provide as many spaces between the LEDs 39a to 39g as necessary. Further, the heat from the plurality of LEDs 39 a to 39 g that provide light to the two lighting units 5 a and 5 b can be collectively dissipated by the heat radiating plate 43. Therefore, according to the light distribution unit 3 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently dissipate heat generated in the LEDs 39a to 39g. Moreover, in the light distribution unit 3 by this embodiment, since the light emission state of each of several LED39a-39g is collectively controlled by the control part 31, light quantity can be adjusted efficiently in the illumination units 5a and 5b.

  Further, according to the light distribution unit 3 according to the present embodiment, since light is supplied to each illumination position, a large current does not flow through the wiring, and there is no fear of disaster prevention such as electric leakage or fire. Further, since the light distribution unit 3 can be arranged regardless of the illumination position, the light distribution unit 3 can be installed by selecting a suitable place such as a place with good air permeability. Further, since the light distribution unit 3 includes the LEDs 39a to 39g, the illumination units 5a and 5b do not require equipment such as a control circuit and a power source. For example, the conventional lighting device shown in FIG. 16 requires a drive / control circuit such as an AC / DC converter and a switch for driving the LED. According to the light distribution unit 3 of the present embodiment, all of these functions are housed in the light distribution unit 3, so that the lighting units 5a and 5b can be manufactured lightly and at low cost, and light distribution design and freedom of design are possible. The degree of maintenance can be increased, and maintenance management becomes easier. In particular, when a large number of small lights such as movie theater seats guiding lights and building crime prevention lights are installed, the use of the light distribution unit 3 of the present embodiment makes it possible to combine the control circuits of the respective lights. It is. In addition, when the user is tired of the design of the lighting units 5a and 5b, only the lighting units 5a and 5b need to be replaced. Since the lighting units 5a and 5b do not include LEDs, they are less harmful and can be easily recycled.

  The light distribution unit 3 is electrically connected to the control unit 31 as in the present embodiment, converts the AC power supply P1 supplied from the outside into the DC power supply P2, and supplies the DC power supply P2 to the control unit 31. It is preferable that a conversion unit 33 is provided. Thereby, the light distribution unit 3 can be suitably used in a building or the like to which AC power is supplied.

  The light distribution unit 3 is electrically connected to the control unit 31 as in the present embodiment, and receives an instruction signal S1 for instructing the light emission state of the LEDs 39a to 39g from the outside and controls the instruction signal. It is preferable that the communication unit 35 provided to the unit 31 is provided. Thereby, it is possible to suitably instruct the light distribution unit 3 on the light emission amount at a place (for example, an illumination position) away from the light distribution unit 3.

  Moreover, it is preferable that LED39a-39g is ultraviolet LED like this embodiment. When, for example, white LEDs are used as the LEDs 39a to 39g, the light absorption amount in the optical fiber 7 varies depending on the wavelength due to dispersion of the optical fiber 7, and the emission color in the LEDs 39a to 39g and the illumination color in the illumination unit 5a (5b) are different. Slightly different. Moreover, the illumination colors in the respective illumination units are different from each other due to the difference between the length of the optical fiber 7 to the illumination unit 5a and the length of the optical fiber 7 to the illumination unit 5b. Therefore, as in the light distribution unit 3 according to the present embodiment, if the monochromatic light from the ultraviolet LED is sent to the illumination units 5a and 5b via the optical fiber 7 and converted into white light by the phosphor 53, the illumination unit The expected illumination color can be obtained in 5a and 5b. This effect is not limited to the ultraviolet LED, and the same effect can be obtained by using a blue LED. Further, when the length of the optical fiber 7 is relatively short, a white LED may be used.

  In addition, the illumination units 5a and 5b are optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber 7 and excited by ultraviolet light or blue light from the LEDs 39a to 39g as in the present embodiment. It is preferable to include a phosphor 53 that emits visible light having a long wavelength. Thereby, a predetermined illumination color can be obtained by, for example, mixing visible light from the phosphor 53 excited by ultraviolet light or blue light from the LEDs 39a to 39g. In addition, since the lighting units 5a and 5b are arranged separately from the main body 30 of the light distribution unit 3, the phosphor 53 is isolated from the LEDs 39a to 39g, and the phosphor 53 is heated from the LEDs 39a to 39g. No need to be affected. Therefore, deterioration (decrease in transmittance and light emission efficiency) of the phosphor 53 can be suppressed, and the life and reliability can be improved.

  The illumination system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a light distribution unit 3 and two illumination units 5a and 5b arranged at different illumination positions. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an illumination system that can efficiently adjust the amount of light at two illumination positions and can efficiently dissipate heat generated in the LEDs 39a to 39g.

(First modification)
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a first modification of the light distribution unit 3 according to the above-described embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the light distribution unit 3a according to the present modification further includes a cooling device 44 in addition to the configuration of the light distribution unit 3 of the above-described embodiment. The cooling device 44 is a device for cooling the LEDs 39a to 39g, for example, a system such as air cooling or water cooling. In the present modification, the cooling device 44 is provided on the substrate 37. Thus, when the light distribution unit 3 includes the cooling device 44, the heat generated in the LEDs 39a to 39g can be dissipated more efficiently.

(Second modification)
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating a second modification of the light distribution unit 3 according to the above-described embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the light distribution unit 3b according to the present modification further includes a water heater 48 in addition to the configuration of the light distribution unit 3 of the above-described embodiment. The water heater 48 is a device that warms water by heat from the LEDs 39a to 39g. Further, the light distribution unit 3b according to this modification includes a heat radiating plate 46 instead of the heat radiating plate 43 of the light distribution unit 3 of the above-described embodiment. The heat sink 46 provides the water heater 48 with heat transmitted from the LEDs 39 a to 39 g through the substrate 37. In the water heater 48, the cold water C flowing into the pipe is warmed by the heat from the heat radiating plate 46, and is provided as hot water H to the outside. Thus, when the light distribution unit 3b includes the water heater 48, the heat generated in the LEDs 39a to 39g can be suitably reused. The method of reusing the heat generated in the LEDs 39a to 39g is not limited to the water heater 48. For example, the heat generated in the LEDs 39a to 39g is used for heating or the like by a heat storage using a heat storage material such as paraffin. You can also

(Third Modification)
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a third modification of the light distribution unit 3 according to the above-described embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the light distribution unit 3 c according to this modification includes a battery 45 instead of the conversion unit 33 and the plug 40 of the light distribution unit 3 of the above-described embodiment. The battery 45 is electrically connected to the control unit 31 via the wiring 47 and supplies the control unit 31 with a DC power source P3 for driving the LEDs 39a to 39g. As the battery 45, for example, a rechargeable storage battery (battery) or a dry battery may be used. As described above, the light distribution unit 3c includes the battery 45, whereby the moving object can be easily equipped with the light distribution unit 3c. Furthermore, if the light distribution unit 3c is made relatively small, it can be carried.

(Fourth modification)
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating a fourth modification of the light distribution unit 3 according to the above-described embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the light distribution unit 3d according to this modification includes a storage battery 63 instead of the conversion unit 33 and the plug 40 of the light distribution unit 3 of the above-described embodiment. The light distribution unit 3d according to this modification further includes a solar cell 62. The storage battery 63 is electrically connected to the solar cell 62 via the wiring 61a and is also electrically connected to the control unit 31 via the wiring 61b. The solar battery 62 receives sunlight to generate electric power P4, and sends the electric power P4 to the storage battery 63 via the wiring 61a. The storage battery 63 is charged by the power P4 from the solar battery 62. The storage battery 63 supplies the control unit 31 with a power supply voltage P5 for driving the LEDs 39a to 39g. Thus, by providing the light distribution unit 3d with the solar battery 62 and the storage battery 63, it becomes possible to operate semi-permanently even without external power supply.

(Fifth modification)
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating a fifth modification of the light distribution unit 3 according to the above-described embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, the light distribution unit 3e according to the present modification further includes a slot 67 in addition to the configuration of the light distribution unit 3 of the above-described embodiment. The light distribution unit 3e includes a plurality of LED modules 49a and 49b. The slot 67 detachably holds the substrate 37 of the LED module 49a or 49b, and the LED module 49a and the LED module 49b can be exchanged with each other. In this modification, the LED module 49a has the same configuration as the LED module 49 of the above-described embodiment. In addition, the LED module 49b includes four LEDs 65a to 65d instead of the LEDs 39a to 39g of the LED module 49 of the above-described embodiment. The LEDs 65a to 65d are LEDs having different emission wavelengths from the LEDs 39a to 39g, for example. The LEDs 65a and 65b correspond to the optical fiber group 7a, and the LEDs 65c and 65d correspond to the optical fiber group 7b, respectively.

  Thus, by providing the light distribution unit 3e with the slot 67, LED modules having different numbers, arrangements, emission wavelengths, and the like of LEDs can be exchanged as necessary or according to preference. Further, by providing a plurality of slots 67, it becomes easy to provide expandability such as an increase in the number of LEDs.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the illumination system according to the embodiment and the modification described above. As shown in FIG. 9, the illumination system of the above-described embodiment and modification can be used as a lighting device in a house. In the present embodiment, the light distribution unit 3 further includes optical fiber groups 7c and 7d in addition to the optical fiber groups 7a and 7b. Moreover, the illumination system of the present embodiment further includes illumination units 5c and 5d in addition to the illumination units 5a and 5b. In the present embodiment, the main body 30 is arranged outdoors. And illumination unit 5a-5c is arrange | positioned at the ceiling or the wall surface so that the room may each be illuminated. The illumination unit 5d is used as a backlight for a liquid crystal screen.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the illumination system according to the embodiment and the modification described above. As shown in FIG. 10, the lighting system according to the above-described embodiment and modification can be used as a lighting device for each door in an apartment house such as an apartment. In this embodiment, the lighting system includes a plurality of light distribution units 3b according to the second modification described above. And the optical fiber bundle 7e is extended toward each door from the main-body part 30 of each light distribution unit 3b. The optical fiber bundle 7e includes an optical fiber group extending to at least two units (six units in this modification). In each house, lighting units having different purposes and shapes are used, and these lighting units are centrally managed in the light distribution unit 3b. The light distribution unit 3b may be controlled by communication using radio waves from each door.

  A pipe extending from the water heater 48 (see FIG. 5) of the light distribution unit 3b is connected to the hot water tank 48a. As in this embodiment, according to the lighting system described above, the heat generated by the lighting of each door in the apartment can be efficiently reused.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third example of the illumination system according to the embodiment and the modification described above. As shown in FIG. 11, the illumination system according to the above-described embodiment and modification can be used as an illumination device for a vehicle such as an automobile. In this embodiment, the lighting system includes the light distribution unit 3c of the third modification described above. That is, the light distribution unit 3c of the present embodiment is supplied with power from a battery mounted on the vehicle. In addition, the light distribution unit 3 c of this embodiment is cooled by the cooling device 71. As the cooling device 71, for example, an automobile radiator may be used. The light distribution unit 3c includes optical fiber groups 7a to 7e extending from the main body 30 toward the illumination units 5a to 5e. These optical fiber groups 7a to 7e may be integrated as an optical harness. The illumination units 5a and 5b are arranged as left and right tail lamps, respectively. The illumination unit 5c is arranged as an indoor lamp. The illumination units 5d and 5e are arranged as left and right headlights, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, the optical fiber groups 7d and 7e extending to the illumination units 5d and 5e (headlights) are provided in a high-temperature engine room, and therefore it is preferable to use optical fibers having high heat resistance as necessary.

  As in the present embodiment, the above-described illumination system is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, so that the light amounts of the two headlights, the room lamp, and the tail lamp can be adjusted efficiently. In general, a headlight or the like has a small accommodating portion and poor heat dissipation. However, according to the present embodiment, heat generated by illumination of the headlight, the room light, and the taillight is efficiently generated by a cooling device such as a radiator. Can be dissipated.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of the illumination system according to the above-described embodiment and modifications. As shown in FIG. 12, the illumination system according to the embodiment and the modification described above can be used as a portable illumination device. In this embodiment, the lighting system includes the light distribution unit 3c of the third modification described above. That is, the light distribution unit 3c includes a battery 45 (see FIG. 6). The light distribution unit 3c includes optical fiber groups 7a and 7b extending from the main body 30 toward the illumination units 5a and 5b. In this embodiment, the illumination unit 5a is arranged as a headlamp. The lighting unit 5b is arranged as a flashlight.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of the illumination system according to the embodiment and the modification described above. As shown in FIG. 13, the illumination system according to the above-described embodiment and modification can be used as a streetlight or a traffic light. In the present embodiment, the lighting system includes the light distribution unit 3d of the fourth modification described above. That is, the light distribution unit 3d includes a solar battery 62 and a storage battery (not shown, see FIG. 7), and is a mechanism for storing electric power in the daytime. The main body 30 of the light distribution unit 3d is embedded in the ground so as not to obstruct traffic. The light distribution unit 3d includes optical fiber groups 7a to 7d extending from the main body 30 toward the illumination units 5a to 5d. In this embodiment, the lighting unit 5a is arranged as a street lamp. The lighting units 5b to 5d are arranged as a blue light, a yellow light, and a red light of a traffic light, respectively.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a sixth example of the illumination system according to the above-described embodiment and modifications. As shown in FIG. 14, the illumination system according to the above-described embodiment and modification can be used as illumination for an attic of a house or illumination of a machine room in the ground. In a place such as an attic or a machine room that is narrow and poorly permeable, it is preferable to use the present illumination system in which the main body 30 of the light distribution unit 3 can be freely arranged. That is, the heat generated from the LED can be suitably dissipated by arranging the main body 30 in a place with good air permeability such as outdoors or a vent. Further, the lighting units 5a and 5b are small in size because they do not require a power source or a control circuit, and can be suitably installed even in a narrow place. In addition, as an optical fiber group extending to a narrow place such as an attic or a machine room, a thin optical fiber cable such as a so-called under carpet type that can be used in a narrow space is preferably used.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a seventh example of the illumination system according to the above-described embodiment and modifications. As shown in FIG. 15, the illumination system according to the embodiment and the modification described above can be used as an illumination device for an aquarium. In the present embodiment, the lighting units 5 a and 5 b are disposed in the water tank 86. The main body 30 of the light distribution unit 3 is disposed outside the water tank 86. The lighting units 5a and 5b of the above-described embodiments and modifications do not need to be provided with an electric circuit or a power source, and thus have relatively high water resistance and do not require a special waterproof function. Therefore, when it is desired to illuminate the inside of the water tank 86 as in the present embodiment, the illumination units 5a and 5b can be suitably illuminated if arranged in the water tank 86. When the optical fiber group 7a or 7b is in contact with water, an optical fiber having high water resistance may be used.

  The light distribution unit, the illumination unit, and the illumination system according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various other modifications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiments and examples, the illumination unit has a radio wave output end, and sends an instruction signal by radio waves to the light distribution unit. The method of transmitting the instruction signal is not limited to this, and the instruction signal may be transmitted as an optical signal via a communication optical fiber that connects the illumination unit and the light distribution unit, and communication wiring that connects the illumination unit and the light distribution unit. It may be transmitted as an electrical signal via Alternatively, an instruction signal may be transmitted directly from the remote controller or personal computer to the light distribution unit. In particular, by using a personal computer, it becomes easy to adjust the light distribution by adjusting the light quantity balance of the semiconductor light emitting element, or to perform the energy saving operation by controlling the light quantity and lighting / extinguishing time.

  In the above-described embodiments and examples, LEDs are cited as the semiconductor light emitting elements of the light distribution unit. However, for example, laser diodes can also be used as the semiconductor light emitting elements.

  In addition, the control unit of the light distribution unit preferably includes a CPU, a memory, and the like. However, the light emitting of the semiconductor light emitting element is transmitted and received between the computer provided outside the light distribution unit and the control unit in the light distribution unit. The computer may perform part of the state control.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a lighting system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating the light distribution unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the illumination unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a first modification of the light distribution unit according to the above-described embodiment. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating a second modification of the light distribution unit according to the above-described embodiment. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a third modification of the light distribution unit according to the above-described embodiment. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating a fourth modification of the light distribution unit according to the above-described embodiment. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating a fifth modification of the light distribution unit according to the above-described embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the illumination system according to the embodiment and the modification described above. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the illumination system according to the embodiment and the modification described above. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third example of the illumination system according to the embodiment and the modification described above. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of the illumination system according to the above-described embodiment and modifications. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of the illumination system according to the embodiment and the modification described above. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a sixth example of the illumination system according to the above-described embodiment and modifications. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a seventh example of the illumination system according to the above-described embodiment and modifications. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a conventional lighting device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Lighting system 3, 3a-3e ... Light distribution unit, 5a-5d ... Lighting unit, 7 ... Optical fiber, 7a-7d ... Optical fiber group, 7e ... Optical fiber bundle, 30 ... Main-body part, 31 ... Control part 33 ... Conversion unit, 35 ... Communication unit, 37 ... Substrate, 39a-39g ... LED, 40 ... Plug, 41a-41g ... Photo unit, 42 ... Antenna, 43, 46 ... Heat sink, 44 ... Cooling device, 45 ... Battery, 48 ... Water heater, 49, 49a, 49b ... LED module, 51 ... Optical connector, 53 ... Phosphor, 55 ... Base, 57 ... Remote control signal receiver, 59 ... Radio wave output terminal, 62 ... Solar cell, 63 ... Storage battery, 67 ... slot.

Claims (23)

A plurality of optical fibers constituting at least two optical fiber groups;
A plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements;
A plurality of optical connectors provided in each of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, and optically connecting one end of the plurality of optical fibers and the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, respectively;
A controller that is electrically connected to the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements and controls a light emission state of each of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements;
A phosphor that is optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber, is excited by blue light, and emits visible light having a longer wavelength than the blue light;
The at least two optical fiber groups respectively extend to different illumination positions;
The light distribution unit, wherein the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are blue LEDs including a GaN-based semiconductor.   The light distribution unit according to claim 1, further comprising a battery that is electrically connected to the control unit and supplies a power supply voltage for driving the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to the control unit.   2. The converter according to claim 1, further comprising a conversion unit that is electrically connected to the control unit, converts an AC power source supplied from the outside into a DC power source, and supplies the DC power source to the control unit. Light distribution unit. A storage battery that is electrically connected to the control unit and supplies a power supply voltage for driving the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to the control unit;
The light distribution unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a solar battery that is electrically connected to the storage battery and charges the storage battery.   And a communication unit that is electrically connected to the control unit, receives an instruction signal for instructing a light emission state of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements from the outside, and provides the instruction signal to the control unit. The light distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The light distribution unit according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling device that cools the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements.   The light distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one of a water heater and a heat accumulator using heat generated from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. A substrate on which the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are mounted;
The light distribution unit according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one slot that detachably holds the substrate. The control unit is
A memory storing a program for controlling a light emission state of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements;
The light distribution unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a CPU that reads the program from the memory and executes the program.   The light distribution unit according to claim 9, wherein the control unit time-controls the light emission amount of each of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements.   The light distribution unit according to claim 1, further comprising recording means for recording operation histories of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements.   The light distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an output terminal for outputting operation history data of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to the outside.   It is mounted in a vehicle, The light distribution unit as described in any one of Claims 1-12 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The light distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising at least one of a color filter and a light diffusion filter optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber. It is used with the light distribution unit as described in any one of Claims 1-14, It is an illumination unit arrange | positioned in the said illumination position,
An illumination unit comprising: a holding unit that holds the other end of the optical fiber included in the optical fiber group. A plurality of optical fibers constituting at least two optical fiber groups respectively extending to different illumination positions; a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements that are blue LEDs including a GaN-based semiconductor; and the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, respectively. A plurality of optical connectors that optically connect one end of a plurality of optical fibers and the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, respectively, and a light emitting state of each of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements that are electrically connected to the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements An illumination unit that is used in combination with a light distribution unit including a control unit for controlling
A holding unit for holding the other end of the optical fiber included in the optical fiber group;
And a phosphor that is optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber and is excited by blue light to emit visible light having a longer wavelength than the blue light.   The illumination unit according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising at least one of a color filter and a light diffusion filter optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber.   The illumination unit according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising at least one of a light reflecting unit and a lens optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber.   The lighting unit according to claim 15, wherein the lighting unit is mounted on a vehicle. The light distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
An illumination system comprising: holding units that hold the other ends of the optical fibers included in the optical fiber group, and at least two illumination units arranged at different illumination positions. A light distribution unit;
Comprising at least two lighting units;
The light distribution unit is:
A plurality of optical fibers constituting at least two optical fiber groups respectively extending to different illumination positions;
A plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements that are blue LEDs including a GaN-based semiconductor;
A plurality of optical connectors provided in each of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, and optically connecting one end of the plurality of optical fibers and the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, respectively;
A controller that is electrically connected to the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements and controls a light emission state of each of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements;
The lighting unit is a lighting unit arranged at the lighting position,
A holding unit for holding the other end of the optical fiber included in the optical fiber group;
And a phosphor that is optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber and is excited by blue light to emit visible light having a longer wavelength than the blue light. Mounted on the vehicle,
The lighting system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein two of the at least two lighting units are arranged as headlights. The lighting system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein some of the at least two lighting units are arranged as at least one of a room lamp and a tail lamp.

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