WO2008069237A1

WO2008069237A1 - Illumination device

Info

Publication number: WO2008069237A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/073497
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tatsuya Kogure; Nobuaki Haga; Naoki Ito; Masami Aihara; Kazutaka Ito
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-12-07
Filing date: 2007-12-05
Publication date: 2008-06-12
Also published as: JP4886793B2; JPWO2008069237A1

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To provide an illumination device in which a plurality of illuminating portions can be illuminated with different hues using a small number of light sources. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] Main light guide paths (11, 21) guide light of different hues emitted from different light sources. Light guide paths (11b, 11c) branched from the main light guide path (11) are connected with illuminating portions (31b, 31c) and light guide paths (21b, 21c) branched from the main light guide path (21) are connected with the illuminating portions (31b, 31c). Since the cross-sectional areas (A1, A2) of the branch light guide paths (11b, 11c) are different from each other and the cross-sectional areas (A3, A4) of the branch light guide paths (21b, 21c) are different from each other, the ratios of the quantity of light given to the illuminating portions (31b, 31c) are different from each other. The illuminating portions (31b, 31c) can thereby be illuminated with different hues.

Description

Specification

Illumination device

Technical field

The present invention relates to an illuminating device that illuminates operation units and the like of various electronic devices, and more particularly to an illuminating device that can illuminate a plurality of illuminating units with different hues.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an illuminating device that can indirectly illuminate an illuminating unit located away from a light guide.

Background art

[0003] Various electronic devices such as audio devices and portable electronic devices are provided with a light guide member that guides light emitted from a light source such as an LED to the operation surface. In general, a button or a display portion of a fixed character or number stamped on an operation surface is illuminated with the light.

Conventionally, this type of illumination device has a structure in which an illumination member such as an acrylic plate is attached to the back side of the operation surface of an electronic device, and the light from the light source is guided by the illumination member. However, this structure requires a space for arranging the illumination member on the back side of the operation surface, and it is difficult to reduce the thickness of the electronic device.

[0005] Patent Document 1 below discloses an optical waveguide member having a relatively thin structure. In this optical waveguide member, a core layer for propagating light is formed so as to be surrounded by a clad layer, and this core layer is branched into a plurality of parts and connected to each of a plurality of illumination parts. Then, the light emitted from one light source is guided into the core layer, and the light is branched in the core layer and provided to a plurality of illumination units. However, in this optical waveguide member, the light emitted from one light source illuminates the plurality of illumination parts, so the hues of the light emitted from the plurality of illumination parts are the same. That is, it is not possible to illuminate each illumination unit with a different hue.

Next, in the light guide for illumination described in Patent Document 2, red light is applied from one light source to one of the two light guide path portions formed of acrylic resin. Thus, yellow light is given to the other light guide path portion from the other light source. The light guided by each light guide section is mixed in the mixed color illumination section so that orange light is emitted. The However, the light emitted from the illumination light guide is only red and yellow, which are light emission colors of the light source, and orange, which is a single mixed color.

Patent Document 1: JP-A-6-347785

Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-53017 In addition, in the conventional illumination device described in Patent Document 1, etc., a plurality of core layers are divided to illuminate a plurality of illumination portions with a small number of light sources. In addition, each branch-shaped core layer terminal is individually connected to the illumination unit. As described above, in the case where the terminal of the core layer is individually connected to the illumination unit, it is necessary to form a core layer branched in a branch shape according to the number of illumination units, and the pattern of the core layer becomes complicated. Not only that, when light passes through many branches, the light leaks from the core layer and the energy is attenuated and lost, so a light source with a higher output than necessary is used.

V, or increase the number of light sources.

[0007] In addition, in the illumination device, since one illumination unit is connected to a terminal of one core layer, a plurality of core layers of one path form a light guide path over a predetermined path. It is not possible to illuminate the illuminating part simultaneously. In addition, it is difficult to illuminate a plurality of illumination units with different amounts of light by the core layer of one path.

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and provides an illumination device capable of illuminating a plurality of illumination units with different hues by combining and using light from different light sources. That is what I mean.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an illumination device that can have a thin configuration.

[0010] Further, the present invention provides an illuminating device that makes it possible to easily form a light guide path so that the illuminating section can be illuminated, and to simultaneously illuminate a plurality of illuminating sections with a light guide path extending over one path. It is very interesting to provide it.

Means for solving the problem

[0011] The first aspect of the present invention provides a plurality of light sources that emit light of different hues, a light guide formed of a light-transmitting material on which light from the light source is incident, and a position around the light guide do it A cladding layer having an absolute refractive index lower than that of the light guide, and a plurality of illumination parts illuminated by light guided by the light guide,

A plurality of lights having different hues emitted from different light sources and guided by different light guide paths are provided to both the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit of the illumination units, and the first illumination unit The illumination unit and the second illumination unit are illuminated with a hue that combines the hues of the light guided by the light guide path,

The amount of light applied to the first illumination unit from the light guide that guides light of the same hue and the amount of light applied to the second illumination unit are different from each other, so that the hue of the light in the first illumination unit is different. And the hue of the light in the second illumination part are different from each other.

For example, in the present invention, a plurality of light guides that guide light of different hues are connected to the illumination unit, and the first illumination unit of the light guides that guide light of the same hue is connected to the illumination unit. The cross-sectional areas of the connected portion and the portion connected to the second illumination portion are different.

[0013] Alternatively, in the present invention, the light guide section is separated from each light guide path, and leakage light from the light guide path is given to the light guide section, and the light guide path that guides light of the same hue is provided. The amount of light applied to the first illumination unit is different from the amount of light applied to the second illumination unit from the light guide path.

[0014] For example, the light guide path is bent in the vicinity of the illumination section, and leakage light from the bent section of the light guide path is given to the illumination section. Of the light guide paths that guide light of the same hue The curvature is different between the bent portion facing the first illumination portion and the bent portion facing the second illumination portion.

[0015] In the illumination device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the illumination unit may illuminate the illumination unit with a hue different from the hue of the light of the light source by combining the light of different hues emitted from a plurality of light sources in the illumination unit. it can. In addition, by combining different amounts of light guided from the same light source for each illuminating unit, it is possible to illuminate with different hues depending on the location while applying light from the same light source. Therefore, a limited number of light sources can be used to illuminate with a variety of colors with different hues for each illumination section. [0016] The second aspect of the present invention provides a plurality of light sources that emit light having different hues, a light guide formed of a light-transmitting material on which light from the light source is incident, and a position around the light guide A clad layer having an absolute refractive index lower than that of the light guide, and a plurality of illumination parts illuminated by light guided by the light guide,

A plurality of light guides that guide light of different hues emitted from different light sources are connected to the same illumination unit, and the illumination unit illuminates with a hue that combines the hues of the light guided by the light guides. The cross-sectional area of the light guide path at the connection portion between the illumination unit and the light guide path is different for each light guide path that guides light of a different hue.

[0017] A third aspect of the present invention provides a plurality of light sources that emit light having different hues, a light guide formed of a light-transmitting material on which light from the light source is incident, and a position around the light guide A clad layer having an absolute refractive index lower than that of the light guide, and a plurality of illumination parts illuminated by light guided by the light guide,

A plurality of light guide paths that guide light of different hues emitted from different light sources are provided with bent portions that bend in the vicinity of the illumination section, and light forces of different hues that are guided by the respective light guide paths leak from the bent sections. Is provided to the illumination unit,

The curvature of the bent portion is different for each light guide that guides light of different hues.

[0018] In the second and third aspects of the present invention, the amount of light given to one illumination unit is different for each light guide path. Therefore, the illumination unit can be illuminated with a hue other than an intermediate color of a plurality of hues of light emitted from the light source. It is also possible to change the hue of light emitted from the illumination unit slightly by changing the amount of light applied to the illumination unit for each light guide.

[0019] In the present invention, it is preferable that the light guides for guiding light of different hues are formed orthogonal to each other.

[0020] When light guides that guide light of different hues are orthogonal, the frequency with which the colors of each hue are combined can be reduced, and multiple light guides can be formed in the same plane, making the illumination device thinner. Easy to do. [0021] The present invention relates to a light source, a light guide formed of a translucent material on which light from the light source is incident, and a clad positioned around the light guide and having a lower absolute refractive index than the light guide And an illumination part that is illuminated with the light guided by the light guide, and the illumination part is located away from the light guide with the clad layer in between, and from the light guide The illuminating section can be illuminated with light leaking into the cladding layer.

[0022] In the illumination device described above, the light guide path can be easily formed because the illumination section that directly connects the light guide path to the illumination section can be illuminated. In addition, it is possible to simultaneously illuminate a plurality of illumination units with a light guide that runs along one path.

For example, according to the present invention, the light guide path is formed with a leakage bent portion facing the illumination portion, and light leaked from the leakage bending portion is given to the illumination portion.

[0024] In this way, it is possible to illuminate the illumination part positioned away from the light guide only by providing the bent part in the light guide. In addition, the amount of light given to the illumination portion can be adjusted by changing the curvature of the leakage bent portion.

[0025] Alternatively, the present invention may be such that a reflection part is provided in the light guide path to reflect the light guided in the light guide path toward the illumination part! /. Les.

For example, in the present invention, a plurality of the light guide paths are provided, light of different colors is guided to each of the light guide paths, and leakage light from the plurality of light guide paths is given to the illumination section. Can be made.

[0027] Further, in the present invention, the two light guide paths for guiding light of different hues cross each other, and the illumination section is provided on the side of the cross section of the light guide paths, and leaks from the cross section. The light of two hues may be synthesized by the illumination unit.

[0028] In the above configuration, light leaking from the intersection of the light guide path can be used effectively.

In the present invention, a reflection surface for directing leaked light to the illumination unit may be provided outside the light guide, or the leaked light may be outside the light guide. A shielding part that prevents a part of the light from reaching the illumination part may be provided.

[0029] By providing the reflection surface, it is possible to effectively illuminate the illuminating section by effectively using the light leaking from the light guide path. In addition, the amount of light given to the illumination unit by the shielding unit can be adjusted. [0030] Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of illuminating portions are opposed to a single light guide path passing through a predetermined path, and leakage light beams having different amounts of light are given to the plurality of illuminating portions. It is composed as that.

[0031] For example, by changing the curvature of the leakage bent portion formed in the light guide path or by changing the reflectivity of the reflection surface provided in the light guide path, it is possible to give different amounts of light to the plurality of illumination sections. . It is also possible to illuminate a plurality of illumination units with different hues by giving light of a plurality of types of hues to the plurality of illumination units and changing the light amounts thereof.

The invention's effect

[0032] In the present invention, when illuminating a plurality of illumination parts with different light sources, it is possible to change the hue for each illumination part S, and various hues can be displayed with the minimum number of light sources. . In addition, it is possible to illuminate with various hues other than the intermediate colors of the light hues of the plurality of light sources. In addition, it is easy to make the illumination device thinner.

[0033] In the present invention, the light guide can be easily formed because the light guide can be illuminated by the structure in which the light guide is separated from the light guide. Since the illumination unit can be disposed at a position away from the light guide path, the illumination unit can be provided in a place where it is difficult to wire the light guide path. It is also possible to simultaneously illuminate a plurality of illuminating parts with a light guiding path that runs along one path. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the light loss at the branching portion where it is not necessary to branch the light guide path into a number of branches. It is also possible to combine light of different hues.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the overall structure of the illumination device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the illuminating device 1 of FIG. 1 taken along the line II-II, FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the illuminating device 1 of FIG. 1 taken along the line III-III, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the illumination device 1 taken along line IV-IV.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the illumination device 1 has a substrate 2. The substrate 2 is a synthetic resin substrate that is not practically encapsulated, a film-like synthetic resin substrate that can be easily encased, or a metal substrate. A lower clad layer 3 is provided on the surface of the substrate 2, and a core layer 4 is provided on the lower clad layer 3. The core layer 4 is covered with the upper cladding layer 5. The absolute refractive index of the core layer 4 is higher than the absolute refractive indexes of the lower cladding layer 3 and the upper cladding layer 5. The absolute refractive index of the lower cladding layer 3 and the upper cladding layer 5 is higher than the absolute refractive index of air. The core layer 4 is made of a translucent resin such as polymethylmetatalylate (PMMA) resin, high refractive index epoxy resin, other phenol resin or acrylic resin! The light transmittance of these translucent resins forming the core layer 4 is 95% or more and is substantially a transparent resin. The lower clad layer 3 and the upper clad layer 5 are formed of phenol resin, acrylic resin, fluorine-containing epoxy resin, or the like.

[0037] The laminated body in which the lower cladding layer 3, the core layer 4, and the upper cladding layer 5 are laminated is thin, and the thickness tl of the lower cladding layer 3, the thickness t2 of the core layer 4, and the upper cladding layer 5 shown in FIG. The total thickness t3 is less than 300 m. For example, the sum of the thickness tl and the thickness t3 is 50 m, the thickness t2 is 50 m, and the total thickness of the laminate is about 100 m.

As shown in FIG. 1, a light guide path branched into a plurality of parts is formed by patterning the core layer 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the width dimension W of the core layer 4 constituting the light guide is 80 μm, but this width dimension W is arbitrary, and is preferably 100 in or less, more preferably 50 in It is as follows.

[0040] For example, the lower clad layer 3 is formed by applying a molten synthetic resin layer on the surface of the substrate 2 by a technique such as spin coating. After the lower clad layer 3 is cured, a light-transmitting resin melted thereon is formed by a spin coating method or the like and cured, and then a part of the light-transmitting resin is left in the exposure and development process to form the pattern shown in FIG. A light guide is formed. Further, the upper clad layer 5 is formed by covering and curing with a melted synthetic resin layer.

[0041] Alternatively, the lower clad layer 3 is formed of a synthetic resin film, a film of a translucent resin material patterned in the shape of the light guide is transferred thereon, and the synthetic resin film is overlaid thereon. Thus, the upper cladding layer 5 may be formed.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the light guide formed by the core layer 4 is Y1 at the end on the XI side.

The right main light guide 11 extends linearly in the Y2 direction, and the left main light guide 12 extends linearly in the Y1 Y2 direction at the end on the X2 side. A central main light guide 20 is provided between the right main light guide 11 and the left main light guide 12. During ~ The central main light guide 20 has a branch part 23 at the end on the Y1 side, and is branched into a right branch main light guide 21 and a left branch main light guide 22.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the Y1 side end of the right main light guide 11 is opposed to the bare chip 25R of the light emitting diode, and the Y1 side end of the central main light guide 20 is the light emitting diode. The bottom chip 25G is opposed to the Y1 side end of the left main light guide path 12, and the bottom chip 25B of the light emitting diode is opposed. Each bare chip 25R, 25G, 25B is a semiconductor element such as a PN junction, and is mounted on the illumination device 1 in an unpackaged state.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the bare chip 25G is mounted. The substrate 2 is formed with a recess 2a that is recessed from the surface thereof, and the bare chip 25B is housed in the recess 2a and fixed with an adhesive or the like. The electrode layer provided on the bare chip 25B and the conductive patterns 2b and 2c formed on the surface of the substrate 2 are individually connected by wire bonding 26a and 26b. Then, it is covered with a core layer 4 that forms a bare chip 25G force central main light guide 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper surface 25 B 1 of the bare chip 25 B is further away from the substrate 2 than the boundary surface between the lower cladding layer 3 and the core layer 4. Therefore, the light emitted from the bare chip 25B is guided into the core layer 4 constituting the central main light guide 20 with a small loss.

In FIG. 3, bare chip 25 B is covered with a transparent cover resin, and this cover resin may be in contact with core layer 4.

Alternatively, a packaged light emitting diode may be used as a light source and disposed in the recess 2a.

Alternatively, light from the packaged light emitting diode may be incident from the end face of the core layer 4.

[0048] The structure in which the bare chips 25R and 25B shown in FIG. 1 are mounted on the substrate 2 is the same as the mounting structure of the bare chip 25G shown in FIG.

[0049] The bare chip 25R emits red light and has an emission wavelength in the range of 625 to 740 nm. The bare chip 25G emits green light, and the emission wavelength is in the range of 500 to 565 nm. The bare chip 25B emits blue light and has an emission wavelength in the range of 450 to 485 nm. Right main light guide Red light propagates in the path 11, and blue light propagates in the left main light guide path 12. Green light propagates through the central main light guide 20, the right branch main light guide 21 and the left main light guide 22 branched from now on.

[0050] Between the right main trunk light guide 11 and the right branch main light guide 21, four illumination parts 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d are arranged at intervals in the Y1-Y2 direction. Between the right branch main light guide 21 and the left branch main light guide 22, four illumination parts 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are arranged at intervals in the Y 1 12 direction! /. Between the left branch main light guide path 22 and the left main light guide path 12, four lights, lights 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d forces are arranged with gaps in the Y1-Y2 direction.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion where the illumination portion 31a is provided, and the light S is provided with a circular light scattering member 6 in the illumination portion 31a. The light scattering member 6 is a member in which a filler is mixed inside a transparent resin and light can be diffusely reflected inside. The filler is white inorganic oxide powder or metal powder. The light scattering member 6 is formed at the same height as the core layer 4 constituting each of the light guides 11, 12, 21, 22. All the ffi lights 31b to 31d, 32a to 32d, and 33a to 33d except for the illumination 31a shown in FIG. 4 (this is also provided with a light scattering member 6!).

As shown in FIG. 1, the right main light guide 11 is formed with branch light guides 11 a, l ib, 11 c, and id that branch toward the Χ2 direction. 1a, l ib, 11c, and l id are connected to the illumination units 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d, respectively. The right branch main light guide 21 is formed with branch light guides 21a, 21b, 21c separated in the XI direction, and the branch light guides 21a, 21b, 21c are respectively applied to the illumination parts 31a, 31b, 31c. It is connected. 4 shows a structure in which the core layer 4 constituting the branched light guide 11a and the core layer 4 constituting the branched light guide 21a are joined to the illumination part 31a.

[0053] The illumination units 31b and 31c are provided with red light emitted from the bare chip 25R and green light emitted from the bare chip 25G, and the illumination units 31b and 31c are provided with red light and green light. Are illuminated with the synthesized intermediate color. Note that only the red light emitted from the bare chip 25R is given to the illumination unit 31d, and the illumination unit 31d is illuminated in red.

As shown in FIG. 1, a transverse light guide 52 is branched from the left main light guide 12, and this transverse The terminal part 52a of the light guide 52 is connected to the illumination part 31a. The illumination unit 31a is provided with red light emitted from the bare chip 25R, green light emitted from the bare chip 25G, and further blue light emitted from the bare chip 25B. Therefore, the illumination unit 3 la is illuminated with white light by combining red, green, and blue light.

As shown in FIG. 1, the left main light guide 12 is formed with a branch light guide 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d force S that branches in the XI direction, and the branch light guide 12a, 12b , 12c, 12d are connected to the illumination units 33a, 31b, 31c, 31d, respectively. The left branch main light guide path 22 is formed with branch light guide paths 22a, 22b, and 22c that branch in the X2 direction, and the branch light guide paths 22a, 22b, and 22c are respectively connected to the illumination units 33a, 33b, and 33c. It is connected.

[0056] The illumination units 33a and 33c are given blue light emitted from the bare chip 25B and green light emitted from the bare chip 25G, and the illumination units 33a and 33c are provided with blue light and green light. Is illuminated with the synthesized intermediate color. Note that only the blue light emitted from the bare chip 25B is given to the illumination unit 33d, and the illumination unit 33d is illuminated in blue.

[0057] A transverse light guide 51 is branched from the right main light guide 11, and a terminal part 51a of the transverse light guide 51 is connected to the illumination part 33b. The illumination unit 33b is provided with the green light emitted from the bare chip 25G, the blue light emitted from the bare chip 25B, and the red light emitted from the bare chip 25R. Therefore, in the illumination unit 33b, red, green, and blue lights are combined and illuminated with white light.

[0058] The branch light guide 22d branched from the left branch main light guide 22 is connected to the illumination part 32a located in the center, and the branch light branched from the left branch main light guide 22 is connected to the light 32c. The optical path 22e is connected. A branch light guide 21d branched from the right branch main light guide 21 is connected to the illumination part 32b located in the middle and in the middle of the Y direction. As described above, the green light emitted from the bare chip 25G is given to the three central illumination units 32a, 32b, and 32c, and the illumination units 32a, 32b, and 32c are illuminated in green.

[0059] The terminal part l ie of the right main light guide 11 and the terminal part 12e of the left main light guide 12 are connected to the illumination part 32d provided at the center Y2 end. Further, the terminal part 21e of the right branching main light guide 21 and the terminal part 22f of the left branching main light guide 22 are in contact with the illumination part 32d. It has been continued. Therefore, the illumination unit 32d is provided with red light emitted from the bare chip 25R, green light emitted from the bare chip 25G, and blue light emitted from the bare chip 25B. Therefore, the illumination unit 32d is illuminated by a white system that is a composite color of red, green, and blue.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the connection state between the light guides 31b and 31c shown in FIG. 1, and the respective light guide paths. In FIG. 7, the crossing light guide 51 branched from the right main light guide 11 is omitted in the middle of the illumination unit 31b and the illumination unit 31c.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, the width of the light guide is partially different, and the cross-sectional area A1 of the branched light guide 1 lb branched from the right main light guide 11 and the right main guide The cross sectional area A2 of the branched light guide 11c branched from the optical path 11 is different from each other. The cross-sectional area A3 of the branched light guide 21b branched from the right branch main light guide 21 and the cross-sectional area A4 of the branched light guide 21c branched from the right branch main light guide 21 are also different from each other.

That is, the light generated by the bare chip 25R force is guided into the right main light guide 11 and provided to the illumination unit 31b and the illumination unit 31c, and the red light amount provided to the illumination unit 31b and the illumination unit The amount of red light given to 31c is different. Further, the green light emitted from the bare chip 25G is guided into the right branching main light guide 21 and provided to the illuminating unit 31b and the illuminating unit 31c, and the green light amount provided to the illuminating unit 31b and the illuminating unit 31c. The amount of green light given to is different.

[0063] In addition, the ratio between the cross-sectional areas A1 and A3 and the ratio between the cross-sectional areas A2 and A4 are different from each other, and the combined ratio of the red light quantity and the green light quantity given to the illumination section 31b and the illumination section 31c The composite ratio of the red light quantity and the green light quantity given to is different from each other. Therefore, the illumination unit 31b and the illumination unit 31c are both illuminated with an intermediate color between red and green, but the hue ratio (hue) is different between the illumination of the illumination unit 31b and the illumination of the illumination unit 31c because the composition ratio of the light amounts is different. ) Is different. In the example of FIG. 7, the illumination unit 31b is illuminated with a yellowish green color, and the illumination unit 31c is illuminated with an orange color.

[0064] Thus, the right main light guide 11 is given light of one hue from the bare chip 25R, and the right branch main light guide 21 is given light of one hue from the bare chip 25G. Nevertheless, the plurality of illumination parts 31b and 31c are illuminated with different types of hues. The ability to shine S Furthermore, the cross-sectional area A1 of the branched light guide LIB that guides the red light to the illuminating part 31b and the cross-sectional area A3 of the branched light guide 21b that guides the green light to the same illuminating part 31b are different from each other. The amount of red light given to 31b is different from the amount of green light. This is the same for the illumination part 31c. Therefore, it is possible to illuminate each of the illumination parts 31b and 31c with yellowish green or orange colors other than yellow, which is an intermediate color between red and green.

[0065] In FIG. 1! /, Arranged on the X2 side! /, Connected to the illumination parts 33a, 33c! /, The cross-sectional area of the branch light guide 22a and the cross-sectional area of the branch light guide 22c Are different from each other, and the sectional area of the branched light guide 12a connected to the illumination parts 33a and 33c is different from the sectional area of the branched light guide 12c. Therefore, the amount of green light given to the illumination units 33a and 33c is different from each other, and the amount of blue light given to the illumination units 33a and 33c is also different from each other. Further, the ratio of the green light quantity and the blue light quantity given to the same illumination part is different for each of the illumination parts 33a and 33c. Therefore, the illumination units 33a and 33c are illuminated with different hues.

[0066] Similarly, in the illumination part 31a, the cross-sectional area of the branch light guide 1 la connected thereto, the cross-sectional area of the branch light guide 21a, and the cross-sectional area of the terminal part 52a of the transverse light guide 52 are different. is doing . As a result, the amounts of red light, green light, and blue light given to the illumination unit 31a are adjusted, and the hue of white light illuminated by the illumination unit 31a is adjusted. The same applies to the illumination unit 33b. In addition, by making the combined ratio of red, green, and blue light different between the illumination unit 31a and the illumination unit 33b, the illumination unit 31a and the illumination unit 33b have the same white system, and the power and hue are subtle. It can be changed to illuminate.

[0067] Next, red light emitted from the bare chip 25R, green light emitted from the bare chip 25G, and blue light emitted from the bare chip 25B are input to the illumination unit 32d located on the center Y2 side. All given. Therefore, the illumination unit 32d emits light in a white color. However, the cross-sectional area of the terminal l ie of the right main light guide 11, the cross-sectional area of the terminal 12 e of the left main light guide 12, and the terminal 21 e of the right branch main light guide 21 and the left branch main light guide 22 , 22f are made different, and each cross-sectional area is arbitrarily selected, so that the illumination part 32d has a strong red color, a white system with a high color temperature, a white system with a low bluish color temperature, etc. It is possible to illuminate by selecting a hue freely. [0068] In addition, the white hues of the illuminating unit 31a, the illuminating unit 33b, and the illuminating unit 32d may be set to be the same, or the hue and color temperature may be set by making the light quantity ratios of red, green, and blue different from each other. They may be different from each other.

In FIG. 7, light traveling in the light guide is schematically shown by a broken line. The absolute refractive index of the core layer 4 forming the light guide is higher than that of the lower cladding layer 3 and the upper cladding layer 5. Therefore, the light traveling in the right-hand main light guide 11 that extends linearly and in the right-hand main light guide 21 that also extends linearly has a critical angle with respect to the boundary surface between the core layer 4 and the cladding layers 3 and 5. It enters at the above incident angle and proceeds while being totally reflected at the boundary surface.

[0070] Branch light guide 11a, l ib, 11c, l id, branch light guide 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, branch light guide 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, branch light guide 22a shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 , 22b, 22c, 22d,

22e is formed such that the curvature of the bent portion is small (the radius of curvature is large). Similarly, the curvatures of the bent portions of the terminal portions l i e, 12e, 21e, and 22f and the bent portions of the terminal portions 51a and 52a are also formed small. That is, the curvature is determined so that the light traveling in the linear light guide does not enter the boundary portion of each bent portion at an angle less than the critical angle or can reduce the probability of entering. Yes. Therefore, it is difficult for light to leak into the core layers 4 and the clad layers 3 and 5 at each bent portion.

As shown in FIG. 1, the illumination device 1 is provided with an indirect illumination unit 41 at a position farther to the Y2 side than the right main light guide 11 and farther to the Y2 side than the left main light guide 12. An indirect illumination section 42 is provided at the position. In addition, an indirect illumination unit 43 is provided on the Y1 side of the central part at a position away from the branch part 23 of the central main light guide 20 to the Y2 side. The indirect illumination units 41, 42, 43 are formed by disposing the light scattering member 6 in the same manner as the illumination unit 31a shown in FIG.

[0072] A leakage bent portion llg is formed at the end of the right main light guide 11 on the Y2 side, and this leaked bent portion llg faces the indirect illumination portion 41 with the upper cladding layer 5 interposed therebetween. Yes. Similarly, a leakage bent portion 12g is formed at the Y2 side end of the left main light guide path 12, and this leakage bent portion 12g faces the indirect illumination portion 42 with the upper cladding layer 5 interposed therebetween. Yes.

[0073] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the facing portion between the leakage bent portion 12g and the indirect illumination portion 42. Leaking The boundary surface 12gl between the core layer 4 and the upper cladding layer 5 on the side facing the indirect illumination portion 42 in the curved portion 12g has a radius of curvature rl of the radius of curvature at the bent portion such as the branched light guide 11a. It's getting smaller enough. Therefore, the partial force S of the blue light that has been totally reflected at the boundary surface in the left main light guide 12 and enters the boundary surface 12gl at an angle less than the critical angle. This light component passes through the boundary surface 12gl, passes through the upper cladding layer 5, is given to the indirect illumination unit 42, and the indirect illumination unit 42 is illuminated in blue. The radius of curvature of the leaky bent portion l lg provided in the right main optical waveguide 11 is set to be sufficiently small like the leak bent portion 12g. Therefore, a part of the red light traveling in the right main light guide 11 leaks and leaks from the bent portion l lg, passes through the upper cladding layer 5 and is given to the indirect illuminator 41, and the indirect illuminator 41 Illuminated with red light.

[0074] The indirect illumination unit 41 can be disposed away from the right main light guide 11 and the indirect illumination unit 42 is disposed away from the left main light guide 12, so that the right main light guide 11 and the left main light guide 11 are disposed. Wiring of the light guide can be simplified because it is not necessary to provide the light guide 12 with a branched light guide that branches toward the respective illumination parts 41, 42.

Further, the number of branches of the light guide path can be reduced, and light loss can be prevented.

[0075] Further, it is possible to illuminate the indirect illuminators 41 and 42 with a part of the light guided in the right main optical waveguide 11 and the left main optical waveguide 12, and provide the remaining light to the illuminator 32d.

That is, it is possible to illuminate a plurality of illumination parts without providing a branch part in each of the right main light guide path 11 and the left main light guide path 12.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of the branching portion 23 and the indirect illumination portion 43 of the central main light guide 20.

In the branch portion 23, a leakage bent portion 21g bent toward the right branch main light guide path 21 and a leak bent portion 22g bent toward the left branch main light guide path 22 are formed. The curvature radius r2 of the boundary surface 21gl facing the indirect illumination portion 43 of the leakage bending portion 21g and the curvature radius of the boundary surface 22gl facing the indirect illumination portion 43 of the leakage bending portion 22g are the bending portions of the branched light guide 11a and the like. It is sufficiently smaller than the radius of curvature.

[0078] Therefore, a partial force of light emitted from the bare chip 25G and guided into the central main light guide 20 is incident on the boundary surface 21gl and the boundary surface 22gl at an angle less than the critical angle, The light passes through the boundary surface 21gl and the boundary surface 22gl, passes through the upper cladding layer 5, and is indirectly illuminated. Given to part 43. Therefore, the indirect illumination unit 43 is illuminated in red.

[0079] In this way, a part of the light guide path is bent with a large curvature (a small radius of curvature), and the indirect illumination part is spaced apart from the bent part, so that one of the light passing through the light guide path can be obtained. The light of the part can be used to illuminate the indirect illumination part. In other words, a light emitting part can be illuminated with a part of the light in the light guiding path that forms a branching part that branches the light guiding path, and further connects the branched light guiding path directly to the lighting part. It becomes possible. In addition, the ratio of the amount of light that leaks from the leakage bend to the indirect illumination portion and the amount of light that travels in the light guide without leaking from the leakage bend must be adjusted by changing the curvature of the leak bend. Can do.

[0080] Further, it is also possible to mix colors by giving light leaked from the leakage bent portion to the indirect illumination portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, leakage bent portions 15a and 16a having large curvatures are formed in two light guides 15 and 16, respectively, and both leakage bent portions 15a are intermediate between the leakage bent portions 15a and 16a. , 16a is formed at a position away from 16a.

[0081] If the hue of the light guided from the light source to the light guide path 15 and the hue of the light guided from the light source to the light guide path 16 are different, the light leaked from the leakage bent portion 15a and the light leaked from the leakage bent portion 16a The indirect illumination unit 45 is illuminated with light that is different from the hue of the light guided into the light guide 15 and the color of the light guided into the light guide 16. The

Here, by making the curvatures of the leakage bent portion 15a and the leakage bent portion 16a different from each other, the amount of light given from the light guide path 15 to the indirect illumination portion 45 and the light amount given from the light guide path 16 to the indirect illumination portion 45 are changed. The power S can be made different from the amount of light emitted. By selecting the curvature and changing the light amount, the indirect illumination unit 45 can be illuminated with light of various hues. Alternatively, the indirect illuminating part 45 is also illuminated by making the curvatures of the leaky bent part 15a and the leaky bent part 16a the same or different and changing the cross-sectional areas of the leaky bent part 15a and the leaky bent part 16a. The hue of light can be changed.

[0083] Further, a plurality of inflections are formed in the light guide 15 and the light guide 16, respectively, so as to face both the leakage bends of the light guide 15 and the leak bends of the light guide 16. Form a part. Then, the curvature of the leakage bent portion is changed in both the light guide path 15 and the light guide path 16 for each opposed indirect illumination portion, or the cross-sectional area of the leakage bent portion is changed for each opposed indirect illumination portion. As a result, the plurality of indirect illumination portions where the light guide 15 and the light guide 16 are opposed to each other are connected to each other. Can be illuminated with different hues.

[0084] In FIG. 11, the three light guides 17, 18, and 19 have leakage bent portions 17a, 18a, and 19a, respectively, and between the leakage bent portions 17a, 18a, and 19a, from the respective leakage bent portions. A remote indirect lighting section 46 is provided. In the light guide path 17, the light guide path 18 and the light guide path 19, light of different colors is guided, and the respective light leaks from the bent portions 17a, 18a and 19a and passes through the upper cladding layer 5. And provided to the indirect illumination unit 46. When red light is guided to the light guide path 17, green light is guided to the light guide path 18, and blue light is guided to the light guide path 19, the indirect illumination unit 46 is illuminated with white light.

[0085] By selecting and setting the curvature of the leakage bent portions 17a, 18a, and 19a or by selecting and setting the cross-sectional area, the indirect illumination unit 46 is illuminated with light of a white color and a different hue. Is possible. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, by providing shielding layers 47a and 47a that do not transmit light between the leakage bent portion 18a and the leakage bent portion 19a and the indirect lighting portion 46, the indirect lighting portion from the leakage bending portion 18a. The amount of light given to 46 and the amount of light given to the indirect illumination unit 46 from the leakage bent portion 19a may be set, and thereby the hue of the light illuminated by the illumination unit 46 may be adjusted.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, two leakage lights can be mixed without providing a bent portion.

In FIG. 12, an indirect illumination unit 47 is provided with a space between the linearly extending light guide path 55 and the linearly extending light guide path 56. The light guide 55 is provided with a reflection surface 55a, and the light guided in the light guide 55 is reflected by the reflection surface 55a, passes through the upper cladding layer 5, and is given to the indirect illumination unit 47. Similarly, the light guide path 56 is provided with a reflection surface 56a, and the light guided in the light guide path 56 is reflected by the reflection surface 56a, passes through the upper cladding layer 5, and is given to the indirect illumination section 47.

[0087] Lights of different hues are guided into the light guide 55 and the light guide 56, and light of two hues are combined by the indirect illumination unit 47, and the indirect illumination unit 47 is light guided into the light guide 55 Are illuminated with light of a different hue from the hue of the light guided into the light guide 56. Here, in the same manner as shown in FIG. 7, when a plurality of indirect illumination parts are illuminated by the same light guides 55 and 56, the reflection surfaces 55a, 56a and the indirect illumination parts are separated for each indirect illumination part. It is possible to change the reflectivity of the reflecting surfaces 55a and 56a by changing the distance or for each indirect illumination part. . With this configuration, the plurality of indirect illumination portions are illuminated with light S having different hues.

[0088] Further, as another embodiment, as in the illumination unit 31d shown in FIG. 1, in the vicinity of the illumination unit to which the light guide is directly connected, the leakage bent portion of the light guide or the reflection shown in FIG. A light is leaked from a leakage bent portion or a reflection surface to the illumination portion, and light directly given from the light guide to the illumination portion and leakage light indirectly given to the illumination portion are You can also set the hue by combining them in the illumination section! /.

As shown in FIG. 1, the illumination device 1 includes a plurality of main light guides 11, 12, and 20 and branch light guides branched from these forces, and further includes transverse light guides 51, 52 is formed. All these light guides are formed at the same height from the surface of the substrate 2.

Therefore, the transverse light guide 51 intersects the right branch main light guide 21 and the left branch main light guide 22 at a right angle. The transverse light guide 52 also intersects the left branch main light guide 22 and the right branch main light guide 21 at right angles.

FIG. 13 shows an enlarged portion of the intersection between the transverse light guide 51 and the right branch main light guide 21. The core layer 4 constituting the transverse light guide 51 and the core layer 4 constituting the right branch main light guide 21 are formed at the same height position, and therefore the inside of the transverse light guide 51 in the X2 direction. The traveling light and the light traveling in the Y2 direction through the right branching main light guide path 21 cross each other at the intersection. However, since the light traveling in the transverse light guide 51 travels while repeating total reflection at the boundary surface between the transverse light guide 51 and the upper cladding layer 5, it is converted into red light traveling in the transverse light guide 51. The green light traveling in the right branching main light guide 21 is not combined as a color. The same applies to light traveling in the Y2 direction through the right branch main light guide 21.

That is, when the two light guide paths are crossed in an orthogonal relationship, even light of different colors can travel independently of each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to form light guides in which light of different colors travel at different heights, and it is possible to form a light guide with a complicated path as shown in FIG. 1 in a thin region.

However, it cannot be avoided that a part of light leaks into the upper clad layer 5 from the intersection of the two light guide paths orthogonal to each other. Therefore, Fig. 14 shows the transverse light guide 52 and the left branch. An example in which the leak light from the crossing point in the main light guide path 22 is used for indirect illumination is shown enlarged.

[0094] In the transverse light guide 52, the light travels in the XI direction while being totally reflected at the boundary surface with the upper cladding layer 5, but part of the light is at the corner of the boundary surface within the intersection. And leaks into the upper cladding layer 5. Similarly, the light traveling in the Y2 direction in the left branch main light guide 22 hits the corner of the boundary surface at the intersection and leaks into the upper cladding layer 5.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 14, the light that has traveled through the transverse light guide 52 and leaked from the crossing point is reflected by the total reflection surfaces 53a and 53b embedded in the upper cladding layer 5, and the left branching trunk. The light that travels in the light guide path 22 and leaks from the crossing point is reflected by the total reflection surfaces 54a and 54b embedded in the upper cladding layer 5, and the reflected light is applied to the indirect illumination unit 48. The indirect illumination unit 48 is illuminated.

[0096] In this case, by changing the amount of reflected light between the total reflection surfaces 53a and 53b that reflect the light of one hue and the total reflection surfaces 54a and 54b that reflect the light of the other hue, Light is illuminated by the indirect illumination unit 48 by adjusting the ratio of the blue light amount provided from the light guide 52 to the indirect illumination unit 48 and the green light amount provided from the left branch main light guide 22 to the indirect illumination unit 48. It is possible to adjust the hue of light. In addition, when the indirect illumination units 48 shown in FIG. 14 are provided at a plurality of locations, in each indirect illumination unit 48, the combination ratio of the blue light amount and the green light amount is changed, and the plurality of indirect illumination units are changed. Illuminate with different hues.

[0097] Modifications of the present invention will be described below.

5 and 6 show other structures of the illumination unit 31a and the indirect illumination unit. In the example shown in FIG. 5, in the illuminating part 31a, a total reflection surface 61 inclined at 45 degrees is formed inside the core layer 4, and a light scattering member 62 is disposed above the total reflection surface 61. In this configuration, the light traveling in the respective light guides is efficiently reflected by the total reflection surface 61 and combined with the light scattering member 62. In FIG. 6, an optical member 63 having an absolute refractive index lower than that of the core layer 4 is provided in the illumination unit 31a, and a Fresnel lens 63a is formed on the surface of the optical member 63. Even if the optical member 63 is transparent, a filler may be mixed therein to exhibit a light scattering effect. Further, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the light guides 71, 72, and 73 that guide red, green, and blue light are formed at different heights so as not to cross each other. In addition, a light scattering member 74 that synthesizes light that has passed through the respective light guides 71, 72, 73 in the illumination unit may be provided. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15B, total reflection surfaces 71a, 72a, 73a may be formed in the respective light guides 71, 72, 73, and the respective lights may be reflected toward the light scattering member 75. .

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an illumination device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 2] An enlarged cross-sectional view of the illumination device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the illumination device shown in FIG.

[FIG. 4] An enlarged cross-sectional view of the illumination device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another structure of the illumination part,

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another structure of the illumination part,

FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view showing a connection part between a plurality of illumination parts and a branched light guide,

[FIG. 8] An enlarged plan view showing the indirect illumination part and the leakage bent part,

[Fig. 9] An enlarged plan view showing the indirect illumination portion and the leakage bent portion,

[Fig. 10] Explanatory drawing of the illumination part that synthesizes the light leaked from the leaky bending part,

[Fig. 11] Explanatory drawing of the illumination part that synthesizes the light leaking from the leaking bending part,

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an illumination unit that synthesizes light leaked from two light guides,

FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view showing the intersection of the light guides,

FIG. 14 is an enlarged plan view showing the intersection of the light guide and the indirect illumination part,

[FIG. 15] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing a three-layer light guide,

Explanation of symbols

[0100] 1 Illumination device

2 Board

3 Lower cladding layer

4 Core layer

5 Upper cladding layer

11 Right main light guide 11a, lib, 11c, lid Branch light guide

12 Left main light guide

12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Branch light guide

17, 18, 19 Light guide

17a, 18a, 19a Leakage bend

20 Central main light guide

21 Right branch main light guide

21a, 21b, 21c, 21d Branch light guide

22 Left branch main light guide

22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e Branch light guide

31a, 31b, 31c, 31d Illuminator

32a, 32b, 32c, 32d Illuminated part & 3 &, 33b, 33c, 33d Illuminated part llg, 12g, 21g, 22g Leaked bent part

Intermittent illumination

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A plurality of light sources that emit light of different hues, a light guide formed of a light-transmitting material on which light from the light source is incident, and positioned around the light guide and more than the light guide A cladding layer having a low absolute refractive index, and a plurality of illumination parts illuminated by light guided by the light guide path,

The amount of light applied to the first illumination unit from the light guide that guides light of the same hue and the amount of light applied to the second illumination unit are different from each other, so that the hue of the light in the first illumination unit is different. The illumination device is characterized in that the hue of light in the second illumination unit is different from each other.

[2] A plurality of light guides that guide light of different hues are connected to the illumination unit, and a part of the light guides that guide light of the same hue is connected to the first illumination unit; 2. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the portion connected to the second illumination portion is different.

[3] The light guides are separated from the light guides, and leakage light from the light guides is given to the light guides. The light guides that guide light of the same hue are supplied to the first light guides. 2. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of light provided is different from the amount of light provided from the light guide path to the second illumination unit.

[4] The light guide path is bent in the vicinity of the illumination section, and leakage light from the bent section of the light guide path is given to the illumination section. Of the light guide paths that guide light of the same hue, 4. The illuminating device according to claim 3, wherein the bent portion facing the first illuminating portion and the bent portion facing the second illuminating portion have different curvatures.

[5] A plurality of light sources that emit light of different hues, a light guide formed of a light-transmitting material on which light from the light source is incident, and positioned around the light guide and more than the light guide A cladding layer having a low absolute refractive index, and a plurality of light beams illuminated by light guided by the light guide. An illumination unit,

A plurality of light guides that guide light of different hues emitted from different light sources are connected to the same illumination unit, and the illumination unit illuminates with a hue that combines the hues of the light guided by the light guides. Is,

The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the light guide path at a connection portion between the illumination unit and the light guide path is different for each light guide path that guides light of a different hue.

[6] A plurality of light sources that emit light of hues different from each other, a light guide formed of a light-transmitting material on which light from the light source is incident, and positioned around the light guide and more than the light guide A cladding layer having a low absolute refractive index, and a plurality of illumination parts illuminated by light guided by the light guide path,

The illumination device characterized in that the curvature of the bent portion is different for each light guide that guides light of different hues.

7. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the light guides that guide light of different hues are formed orthogonal to each other.

[8] A light source, a light guide formed of a translucent material into which light from the light source is incident, a cladding layer positioned around the light guide and having a lower absolute refractive index than the light guide, An illumination unit that is illuminated with light guided by the light guide path, and

The illumination part is located away from the light guide path with the clad layer interposed therebetween, and the illumination part can be illuminated with light leaking from the light guide path into the clad layer. Illumination device.

9. The illumination device according to claim 8, wherein a leakage bent portion that faces the illumination portion is formed in the light guide path, and light leaked from the leakage bent portion is given to the illumination portion.

10. The illumination device according to claim 8, wherein a reflection part is provided in the light guide path to reflect the light guided in the light guide path toward the illumination part.

[11] A plurality of the light guide paths are provided, and light of different hues is guided to the respective light guide paths. 9. The illumination device according to claim 8, wherein leakage light from a plurality of light guide paths is provided to the illumination unit and synthesized.

[12] The two light guides for guiding light of different hues cross each other, the illumination unit is provided on the side of the crossing part of the light guides, and light of two hues leaking from the crosses The illumination device according to claim 8, synthesized in the illumination unit.

13. The illumination device according to claim 8, wherein a reflection surface for directing leaked light to the illumination unit is provided outside the light guide path.

14. The illumination device according to claim 8, wherein a shielding part that prevents a part of leaked light from reaching the illumination part is provided outside the light guide path.

15. The light emitting device according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of illuminating portions are opposed to a single light guide path passing through a predetermined path, and different amounts of leakage light are given from the light guide path to the plurality of illuminating portions. Illumination device.