Light emitting module

Abstract

This allows for the miniaturization of the overall illumination area of ​​multiple beams. The light-emitting module includes: a first light-emitting device and a second light-emitting device, each having multiple semiconductor laser elements that emit laser beams at intervals along the slow axis of the laser beams; a first optical unit having one or more first reflective members with multiple reflective surfaces for incident on the multiple laser beams, emitting the multiple laser beams with a smaller interval along the slow axis; a second optical unit having multiple second reflective members with multiple reflective surfaces for incident on the multiple laser beams, reflecting the multiple laser beams emitted at intervals along the fast axis more than twice, emitting them with a smaller interval and a smaller width along the fast axis of each laser beam; and a focusing lens for focusing the multiple laser beams emitted via the first and second optical units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to light-emitting modules. Background Technology

[0002] There are optical control techniques that allow light emitted from a light-emitting element to illuminate multiple optical surfaces that impart optical effects such as reflection and refraction, thereby obtaining the desired light. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling the beam width of a laser beam to a desired size using optical components such as prisms and lenses.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-179247 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention will solve

[0007] A technique has been disclosed that enables the overall illumination area of ​​multiple beams emitted from multiple emission positions to be minimized.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] The light-emitting module of the embodiment includes: a first light-emitting device having a plurality of first semiconductor laser elements that respectively emit first laser beams, and emitting the plurality of first laser beams at intervals spaced apart by a first distance in the slow axis direction of the first laser beams; a second light-emitting device having a plurality of second semiconductor laser elements that respectively emit second laser beams, and emitting the plurality of second laser beams at intervals spaced apart by a second distance in the slow axis direction of the second laser beams, and arranged in an arrangement with the first light-emitting device in the fast axis direction; and a first optical unit having one or more first reflective members having a plurality of reflective surfaces provided for incident on the plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams, such that the interval between the plurality of first laser beams arranged in the slow axis direction is greater than the first distance. The first optical unit has a plurality of second reflective elements, each having a plurality of reflective surfaces for incident on the plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams, which reflect the first laser beam and the second laser beam emitted from the second light-emitting device at a third distance in the fast axis direction, respectively, and emit them at an interval smaller than the third distance and with a reduced width in the fast axis direction; and a condenser lens that focuses the plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams transmitted through the first optical unit and the second optical unit.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to the present invention, the overall illumination area of ​​multiple lights can be reduced, for example, a light-emitting module that generates emitted light using the reduced multiple lights can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the light-emitting module in the implementation method.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view illustrating the constituent elements inside the frame of the light-emitting module configured in the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 From Figure 2 The three-dimensional diagram of the state of the first optical unit is omitted.

[0015] Figure 4 From Figure 2 The top view showing the state of flexible wiring is omitted.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the V-V section line.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the optical function of the first optical unit.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the optical function of the second optical unit.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the light-emitting device according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a perspective view illustrating the various components inside the light-emitting device arranged in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a top view of the light-emitting device according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the first reflective component in the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the light-emitting unit in the implementation method.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the first light-emitting width, the second light-emitting width, the first center-to-center distance, the second center-to-center distance, the first outer edge-to-outer edge distance, and the second outer edge-to-outer edge distance of the embodiments.

[0025] Figure 14This is a diagram illustrating an example of the simulation results of the light-emitting module in an implementation method.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing another example of the simulation results of the light-emitting module in the implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In this specification or technical solution, the term "polygon" refers to any shape that is a polygon, including triangles, quadrilaterals, or other polygons, as well as shapes formed by rounding, chamfering, corner beveling, or rounding the corners of polygons. It is not limited to corners (the ends of sides); shapes formed by processing the middle portions of the sides are also called polygons. In other words, shapes that retain the polygonal form but undergo partial processing are included in the definition of "polygon" as described in this specification and technical solution.

[0028] This applies not only to polygons, but also to terms describing specific shapes such as trapezoids, circles, and concave / convex shapes. The same applies to the treatment of the sides that form the shape. That is, even if the corners or middle parts of a side have been modified, the modified portion is still included in the interpretation of "side." Furthermore, when distinguishing between a "polygon" or "side" without local modifications and the modified shape, it is labeled "strict," for example, written as "strict quadrilateral," etc.

[0029] In this specification or technical solution, terms such as up and down, left and right, front and back, front and back, and inside and outside only describe relative positions, orientations, directions, etc., and may not be consistent with the relationships in use.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, arrows are sometimes used to indicate directions such as the X, Y, and Z directions. The direction of these arrows is matched across multiple drawings of the same embodiment.

[0031] In this specification, for example, when describing constituent elements, the term "component" or "part" is sometimes used. A "component" refers to an object that is physically treated as a single unit. An object that is physically treated as a single unit can also be referred to as an object treated as a component in the manufacturing process. On the other hand, a "part" refers to an object that may not be physically treated as a single unit. For example, "part" is used when a portion of a component is extracted.

[0032] Furthermore, the distinction between "component" and "part" used above does not imply a conscious limitation of the scope of claims in the interpretation of the theory of equality. That is, even if a constituent element is described as a "component" in the claims, the applicant does not believe that, solely based on this, it is necessary to physically treat that constituent element as a single unit in the application of the present invention.

[0033] In this specification or claims, when multiple instances of a particular element exist and are distinctly represented, the elements are sometimes distinguished by the designations "first" and "second." The objects of distinction between this specification and the claims may differ. Therefore, even if the claims contain elements marked with the same designations as this specification, the objects defined by those elements may not be consistent between this specification and the claims.

[0034] For example, if there are constituent elements in this specification distinguished by the designations "first," "second," and "third," and these constituent elements, designated as "first" and "third" in this specification, are described in the claims, it is sometimes appropriate to use "first" and "second" in the claims to distinguish them for ease of understanding. In this case, the constituent elements designated as "first" and "second" in the claims refer to the constituent elements designated as "first" and "third" in this specification, respectively. Furthermore, this rule is not limited to constituent elements; it can be reasonably and flexibly applied to other objects as well.

[0035] Hereinafter, a method for carrying out the present invention will be described. Specific methods for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The method for carrying out the present invention is not limited to this specific method. That is, the illustrated embodiments are not the only way to implement the present invention. For ease of understanding, the size and positional relationships of the components shown in the drawings are sometimes exaggerated.

[0036] <Implementation Method>

[0037] The light-emitting module 1 of the embodiment will be described. Figures 1 to 13 This is an illustrative example of how the light-emitting module 1 is represented. Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the light-emitting module 1. Figure 2 It is a perspective view used to illustrate the various constituent elements of the space disposed inside the frame 10 of the light-emitting module 1. Figure 3 From Figure 2 The state of the first optical unit 30A is further omitted in the stereoscopic view. Figure 4 From Figure 2 The top view of the flexible wiring 2B state is further omitted. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the V-V section line. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the optical effects brought about by the first optical unit 30A. Figure 6 based on Figure 5 The cross-section is shown, with the light path indicated by shaded lines. For clarity, in... Figure 5 The shading lines representing the cross-section are omitted. Figure 7This is a schematic diagram illustrating the optical effects of the second optical unit 30B. The optical path is represented by shaded lines. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the light-emitting device 20. Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional diagram used to illustrate the internal components of the light-emitting device. Figure 10 This is a top view of the light-emitting device 20. Additionally, the area illuminated by the light emitted from the light-emitting device 20 is shown in shaded lines. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the first reflective component 31. Figure 12 This is a 3D view of the light-emitting unit 2. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the parameters of the first light-emitting width, the second light-emitting width, the first center-to-center distance, the second center-to-center distance, the first outer edge-to-outer edge distance, and the second outer edge-to-outer edge distance described in the following embodiments. The shaded lines indicate... Figure 10 For the same irradiated area, the center point of the irradiated area may also be indicated as needed.

[0038] The light-emitting module 1 has multiple components. These components include a frame 10, one or more light-emitting devices 20, one or more optical units 30, a condenser lens 40, and an optical fiber 50.

[0039] The light-emitting module 1 may have multiple light-emitting devices 20, including a first light-emitting device 20A and a second light-emitting device 20B. The light-emitting module 1 may have multiple optical units 30, including a first optical unit 30A and a second optical unit 30B.

[0040] The light-emitting module 1 may also have other constituent elements. For example, the light-emitting module 1 may also have light-emitting devices separately from the plurality of light-emitting devices 20. The light-emitting module 1 may also not have some of the constituent elements listed herein.

[0041] First, let's explain each component. (Frame 10)

[0042] Within the frame 10, a space (hereinafter referred to as the configuration space) is provided on its inner side for configuring other constituent elements. In other words, the frame 10 can be said to be a constituent element that defines the configuration space. Preferably, the frame 10 is constructed such that gas from outside the frame cannot easily enter the configuration space. For example, the frame 10 may also be formed in a way that makes the configuration space a sealed space.

[0043] The frame 10 has a mounting surface for mounting other components, one or more side surfaces surrounding the mounting surface, and a first surface located above and facing the mounting surface. The frame 10 has a light emitting part 12 that allows light to pass from the configuration space to the outside of the frame 10.

[0044] The frame 10 specifies a configuration space where, when viewed from above, the maximum length in the first direction is greater than the maximum length in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, the first direction is equal to the X direction, and the second direction is equal to the Y direction.

[0045] The frame 10 can be formed using aluminum alloy as the main material. For example, the frame 10 can also be formed using zinc alloy, magnesium alloy, or copper alloy as the main material. The main material refers to the material that accounts for the largest proportion by weight or volume in the formed object. When an object is formed from a single material, that material is the main material. That is, a material being the main material includes cases where that material accounts for 100% of the total material.

[0046] (Light-emitting device 20)

[0047] The light-emitting device 20 includes one or more components, including at least one light-emitting element 21. The light-emitting device 20 may include multiple components, including one or more light-emitting elements 21, a package 22, one or more bases 25, one or more reflective components 26, and one or more lens components 27.

[0048] The light-emitting device 20 may also have other constituent elements besides these. For example, the light-emitting device 20 may further have light-emitting elements separate from the plurality of light-emitting elements 21. The light-emitting device 20 may also not have some of the constituent elements listed here.

[0049] When viewed from above, package 22 has a rectangular shape with a long side and a short side. In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, the long side of package 22 is equal to the Y-direction, and the short side of package 22 is equal to the X-direction.

[0050] The interior of the package 22 provides space for configuring other components of the light-emitting device 20. This space may be a sealed space. The package 22 may, for example, consist of a light-shielding base member 23 forming a recess and a light-transmitting cover member 24 covering the recess.

[0051] One or more light-emitting elements 21 are disposed within the space inside the package 22. One or more reflective components 26 are disposed within this space. One or more bases 25 are disposed within this space. One or more light-emitting elements 21 are mounted on one or more bases 25.

[0052] A semiconductor laser element can be used in the light-emitting element 21. However, the light-emitting element 21 is not limited to a semiconductor laser element; a light-emitting diode (LED) or similar device can also be used. When a semiconductor laser element is used in the light-emitting element 21, it is preferable that the space inside the package 22 is sealed in an hermetically tight manner. This helps to suppress light quality degradation caused by dust accumulation.

[0053] The light-emitting element 21 is disposed on the mounting surface of the package 22 (hereinafter, the mounting surface of the frame is referred to as the first mounting surface, and the mounting surface of the package 22 is referred to as the second mounting surface to distinguish them), and emits light to the side. A light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 21 is provided on the side of the light-emitting element 21. The light-emitting surface is not limited to the side of the light-emitting element 21, for example, it can also be provided on the upper surface.

[0054] Light emitted from the emitting surface of the light-emitting element 21 illuminates the reflecting surface of the reflecting component 26. The light reflected by the reflecting component 26 travels upward and exits to the outside of the package 22. The light exiting to the outside of the package 22 passes through the lens component 27 and exits to the outside of the light-emitting device 20.

[0055] The light-emitting element 21 can be, for example, a light-emitting element that emits blue light, a light-emitting element that emits green light, or a light-emitting element that emits red light. The light-emitting element 21 can also be a light-emitting element that emits other colors of light.

[0056] Blue light refers to light whose peak emission wavelength is in the range of 420nm to 494nm. Green light refers to light whose peak emission wavelength is in the range of 495nm to 570nm. Red light refers to light whose peak emission wavelength is in the range of 605nm to 750nm.

[0057] One or more lens components 27 are disposed above the package 22. One or more lens components 27 are fixed to the package 22. One or more lens surfaces are provided by one or more lens components 27.

[0058] Light passing through one or more lens components 27 is collimated and then emitted. The lens surfaces are designed to collimate the light incident on the lens component 27. The collimated light exits from the respective lens surfaces provided by the one or more lens components 27.

[0059] The light-emitting device 20 emits multiple beams of light. These multiple beams of light are emitted from the light-emitting device 20 at predetermined intervals in a predetermined direction. The multiple beams of light are collimated and emitted from the light-emitting device 20. The light-emitting device 20 emits multiple beams of light as collimated beams.

[0060] The light-emitting device 20 emits multiple lights based on light emitted from one or more light-emitting elements 21. The multiple lights can be light emitted from different light-emitting elements 21. The light-emitting device 20 can have more than three light-emitting elements 21.

[0061] On a plane perpendicular to the direction of light travel, an illumination area having a first luminous width and a second luminous width perpendicular to the first luminous width is defined by the light emitted from the light-emitting device 20. The first luminous width is larger than the second luminous width. The maximum amplitude within the luminous area on this plane can be set as the first luminous width.

[0062] In the illustrated light-emitting device 20, multiple light-emitting elements 21 are arranged side by side. The device 20 has four light-emitting elements 21. A predetermined distance is left between adjacent light-emitting elements 21. The multiple light-emitting elements 21 are arranged at equal intervals. The direction in which the multiple light-emitting elements 21 are arranged is equal to the Y-direction. All light-emitting elements 21 are semiconductor laser elements.

[0063] In the illustrated light-emitting device 20, multiple beams of light are emitted at predetermined intervals in the Y direction. These multiple beams are arranged at equal intervals from the light-emitting device 20. The direction of the arrangement of the multiple beams is equal to the Y direction. The first light-emitting width is equal to the X direction, and the second light-emitting width is equal to the Y direction.

[0064] A semiconductor laser element, as an example of a light-emitting element 21, will be described. The light (laser beam) emitted from the semiconductor laser element has diffusion. Diverging light is emitted from the emission end face of the semiconductor laser element. The emission end face of the semiconductor laser element may be referred to as the light emission surface of the light-emitting element 21.

[0065] The light emitted from a semiconductor laser element forms an elliptical far-field pattern (hereinafter referred to as "FFP") on a surface parallel to the light emission surface. FFP refers to the shape and intensity distribution of the emitted light at the position away from the emission surface.

[0066] Light passing through the center of the elliptical shape of the FFP, in other words, light with peak intensity in the FFP's intensity distribution, is called light traveling along the optical axis, or light passing through the optical axis. Furthermore, in the intensity distribution of the FFP, light with a value of 1 / e relative to the peak intensity value is considered to travel along the optical axis. 2 Light of the above intensities is called the primary component of light.

[0067] The shape of the FFP (Flat Form-Off Phenomenon) emitted from a semiconductor laser element is an ellipse where the stacking direction is longer than the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction on a plane parallel to the light emission end face. The stacking direction refers to the direction in which multiple semiconductor layers, including the active layer, are stacked in the semiconductor laser element. The direction perpendicular to the stacking direction can also be called the planar direction of the semiconductor layer. Alternatively, the major axis of the elliptical shape of the FFP can be called the fast axis direction of the semiconductor laser element, and the minor axis direction can be called the slow axis direction.

[0068] Based on the light intensity distribution of FFP, 1 / e of the peak light intensity 2The angle of light diffusion based on the peak light intensity is used as the light diffusion angle of a semiconductor laser element. The light diffusion angle is calculated by dividing the peak light intensity by 1 / e. 2 In addition to the light intensity, it is sometimes calculated from, for example, the light intensity at half the peak light intensity. In this specification, when referred to only as the "diffusion angle of light," it refers to 1 / e of the peak light intensity. 2 The light intensity is the diffusion angle of the light. It can be said that the diffusion angle along the fast axis is larger than the diffusion angle along the slow axis.

[0069] Semiconductor laser elements that emit blue or green light can include those comprising nitride semiconductors. Examples of nitride semiconductors include GaN, InGaN, and AlGaN. Semiconductor laser elements that emit red light can include those comprising InAlGaP, GaInP, GaAs, and AlGaAs semiconductors.

[0070] In the illustrated light-emitting device 20, the fast axis of the laser beam emitted from the light-emitting device 20 is equal to the X-direction, and the slow axis is equal to the Y-direction. Multiple beams emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 are emitted from the light-emitting device 20 in such a manner that at least the main portions of the beams do not overlap. By ensuring that the main portions of the beams do not overlap, arranging the beams along the slow axis reduces the size of the package 22 compared to arranging them along the fast axis.

[0071] In the illustrated light-emitting device 20, the irradiation area of ​​the laser beam can be defined based on the light from the main part. The first emission width can be set as the width of the laser beam in the fast axis direction of the light from the main part, and the second emission width can be set as the width of the laser beam in the slow axis direction of the light from the main part.

[0072] The illustrated light-emitting device 20 includes multiple bases 25 in a one-to-one relationship with multiple light-emitting elements 21. The light-emitting device 20 also includes multiple reflective components 26 in a one-to-one relationship with the multiple light-emitting elements 21. The light-emitting device 20 includes a lens component 27 having the same number of lens surfaces as the multiple light-emitting elements 21.

[0073] In this light-emitting device 20, a plurality of reflective components 26 are arranged in the same direction as the plurality of light-emitting elements 21. A plurality of lens surfaces are arranged in the same direction as the plurality of light-emitting elements 21. Multiple beams of light are emitted from the light-emitting device 20 in parallel. In the same direction as the plurality of light-emitting elements 21, multiple beams of light are emitted from the light-emitting device 20 in parallel.

[0074] (First optical unit 30A)

[0075] The first optical unit 30A has one or more reflecting elements 31 (hereinafter referred to as first reflecting elements 31). Multiple reflecting surfaces 31A are provided by one or more first reflecting elements 31. The multiple reflecting surfaces 31A are not on the same plane and are parallel to each other. The multiple reflecting surfaces 31A are provided on the same side of the first optical unit 30A. When viewed from above from a direction perpendicular to the plane parallel to the reflecting surface 31A, the multiple reflecting surfaces 31A are positioned in a non-overlapping position, but may partially overlap.

[0076] The first reflecting component 31 has a stepped shape, with reflecting surfaces 31A formed on each of the continuous steps. The first reflecting component 31 is a stepped structure reflector that forms multiple stepped shapes and has reflecting surfaces 31A on each step.

[0077] The multiple planes that form steps in the first reflective component 31 are called step surfaces. It can be said that the first reflective component 31 includes multiple step surfaces that form steps. If one side of the continuous steps is designated as the lower layer and the other side as the upper layer, then the multiple step surfaces include at least the upper surface of the lower layer, the upper surface of the upper layer, and the side surface that intersects with the upper surfaces of both sides.

[0078] The upper surface of a step is called the step top surface, and the side surface is called the step side surface. A stepped staircase requires at least two step top surfaces and at least one step side surface. The step side surface intersects with two consecutive step top surfaces. The step top surfaces and step side surfaces intersect perpendicularly to each other, but they may not be perpendicular.

[0079] The first reflective component 31 has a bottom surface located on the opposite side of the upper surface of the step. Multiple step surfaces form a stepped shape with the bottom surface as a reference. An outer surface intersecting the upper surface of the step is located on the opposite side of the side of the step intersecting the upper surface of the top step, and an outer surface intersecting the upper surface of the step is located on the opposite side of the side of the step intersecting the upper surface of the bottom step. Multiple step surfaces are located between these two outer surfaces.

[0080] Multiple reflective surfaces 31A are disposed on the upper surfaces of multiple steps. Reflective surfaces 31A are respectively disposed on the upper surfaces of the steps of a continuous staircase. For a specific wavelength of light, the reflectivity of the reflective surface 31A is 90% or more, preferably 95% or more, and even more preferably 99% or more. While a higher reflectivity is preferred, it is a parameter that can be appropriately set as long as sufficient light for use is obtained. The above-mentioned reflectivity values ​​are non-limiting conditions.

[0081] On a certain step surface, the direction along which the step is formed is called the step direction. For example, in the light-emitting module 1 shown in the figure, on a plane parallel to the upper surface of the step, the direction perpendicular to the intersection of the upper surface of the step and the side surface of the step is the step direction on the upper surface of the step. On a plane parallel to the side surface of the step, the direction perpendicular to the intersection of the upper surface of the step and the side surface of the step is the step direction on the upper surface of the step.

[0082] The length of the upper surface of the step in the step direction is greater than the length of the side surface of the step that intersects the upper surface in the step direction. The length of the upper surface of the step in the step direction is more than three times the length of the side surface of the step that intersects the upper surface in the step direction.

[0083] (Second optical unit 30B)

[0084] The second optical unit 30B has multiple reflecting elements 32 (hereinafter referred to as second reflecting elements 32). Multiple reflecting surfaces 33 are provided using the multiple second reflecting elements 32. The multiple reflecting surfaces 33 include one or more first reflecting surfaces 33A and one or more second reflecting surfaces 33B. The surface shapes of the first reflecting surface 33A and the second reflecting surface 33B are different curved surfaces.

[0085] The plurality of second reflective elements 32 includes a reflective element 32A having a first reflective surface 33A and a reflective element 32B having a second reflective surface 33B. The plurality of second reflective elements 32 may also include second reflective elements 32 having two or more reflective surfaces 33. The plurality of second reflective elements 32 may also include second reflective elements 32 having only one reflective surface 33.

[0086] For example, the first reflecting surface 33A is formed in a concave columnar shape, and the second reflecting surface 33B is formed in a convex columnar shape. A plurality of second reflecting components 32 include a concave columnar mirror having the first reflecting surface 33A and a convex columnar mirror having the second reflecting surface 33B.

[0087] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, the second optical unit 30B consists of three second reflective components 32. It comprises two second reflective components 32 with a first reflective surface 33A and one second reflective component 32 with a second reflective surface 33B. The two second reflective components 32 in the former are concave cylindrical mirrors, while the one second reflective component 32 in the latter is a convex cylindrical mirror. The number of second reflective components 32 with the first reflective surface 33A is greater than the number of second reflective components 32 with the second reflective surface 33B.

[0088] (Condensing lens 40)

[0089] A condenser lens 40 is a lens used to focus incident light onto a specified point or area. A condenser lens 40 is, for example, a plano-convex lens.

[0090] (Fiber optic cable 50)

[0091] Optical fiber 50 has an optical fiber connecting an inlet and an outlet. Light incident through the inlet propagates inside the optical fiber and exits through the outlet. The diameter of the fiber core (hereinafter referred to as the fiber diameter) at, for example, the inlet of optical fiber 50 is 400 μm or less. The fiber diameter can be set in the range of 150 μm to 300 μm. Alternatively, the fiber diameter can be set in the range of 150 μm to 250 μm. It can also be a smaller fiber diameter.

[0092] (Light-emitting module 1)

[0093] Next, we will explain the light-emitting module 1.

[0094] In the light-emitting module 1, one or more light-emitting devices 20 are arranged in the configuration space of the frame 10. The one or more light-emitting devices 20 are arranged on the mounting surface. The light-emitting devices 20 are configured such that the lens component 27 faces the first surface side of the frame 10. Multiple lights are emitted upward from the light-emitting devices 20.

[0095] Four light-emitting elements 21 are arranged in a 2x2 grid within the configuration space of the frame 10. This is not limited to 2x2; for example, it could be 3x2 or 3x3. The light-emitting elements 21 can be arranged in N rows and M columns (N≥2 and M≥2, where N and M are natural numbers) and positioned on the mounting surface. In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, eight light-emitting elements 21 are arranged in a 4x2 grid.

[0096] Within the configuration space of the frame 10, four lights arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns emit from one or more light-emitting devices 20 in a predetermined direction (e.g., upward). This is not limited to 2 rows and 2 columns; for example, it could be 3 rows and 2 columns or 3 rows and 3 columns. Multiple lights are arranged in N rows and M columns (N≥2 and M≥2, where N and M are natural numbers) and travel in the predetermined direction. The four lights may not travel in the same direction. For example, they may travel upward while moving closer to or further away from each other. Preferably, the travel directions of the four lights are symmetrical. In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, eight lights arranged in 4 rows and 2 columns travel upward and in the Z direction.

[0097] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, multiple light-emitting elements 21 are arranged such that the row direction is equal to the X direction. Multiple light-emitting elements 21 are also arranged such that the column direction is equal to the Y direction.

[0098] When defining the distance between two adjacent light beams, both the distance between their centers and the distance between their outer edges can be considered. The midpoint of the first emission width can be used as the center of the light beam to calculate the distance between the centers of two adjacent beams. Similarly, the midpoint of the second emission width can be used as the center of the light beam to calculate the distance between the centers of two adjacent beams. The distance between the outer edges can be calculated based on the outer edges of the illuminated areas of the two beams. When the illuminated areas of two adjacent beams overlap, the distance between their outer edges is zero.

[0099] The center-to-center distance based on the first luminous width is called the first center-to-center distance, the center-to-center distance based on the second luminous width is called the second center-to-center distance, the outer edge distance based on the first luminous width is called the first outer edge distance, and the outer edge distance based on the second luminous width is called the second outer edge distance to distinguish them.

[0100] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, the center-to-center distance in the row direction is equal to the first center-to-center distance, the center-to-center distance in the column direction is equal to the second center-to-center distance, the outer edge distance in the row direction is equal to the first outer edge distance, and the outer edge distance in the column direction is equal to the second outer edge distance. Figure 13 In the figure, the first light-emitting width, the second light-emitting width, the first center-to-center distance, the second center-to-center distance, the first outer edge distance, and the second outer edge distance are respectively illustrated by the reference numerals W1, W2, C1, C2, E1, and E2.

[0101] Multiple lights emitted from one or more light-emitting devices 20 have different first and second center-to-center distances at their emission points. At the emission point, the first center-to-center distance is longer than the second center-to-center distance. These distances can also be the same.

[0102] At the emission point, the first center-to-center distance is greater than the first emission width of either of two adjacent light beams. At the emission point, the second center-to-center distance is greater than the second emission width of either of two adjacent light beams. That is, it can be said that there is a gap between two adjacent light beams. In other words, it can be said that both the first and second outer edge distances are values ​​greater than 0.

[0103] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, a plurality of light-emitting devices 20 are arranged. Among the plurality of light-emitting devices 20 are a first light-emitting device 20A and a second light-emitting device 20B arranged in a row direction. The first light-emitting device 20A and the second light-emitting device 20B are arranged in a column direction. The direction in which the first light-emitting device and the second light-emitting device are arranged is equal to the X-direction. The direction in which the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 of the light-emitting device 20 are arranged is equal to the Y-direction.

[0104] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 (hereinafter referred to as first light-emitting elements) of the first light-emitting device 20A and the plurality of light-emitting elements 21 (hereinafter referred to as second light-emitting elements) of the second light-emitting device 20B are arranged with equal spacing (distance between first outer edges) in each row. The spacing (distance between second outer edges) of the plurality of first light-emitting elements is the same as the spacing (distance between second outer edges) of the plurality of second light-emitting elements. These spacings may also be different.

[0105] For example, Figure 12 As shown, if a light-emitting unit 2, on which a first light-emitting device 20A and a second light-emitting device 20B are mounted, is manufactured on a wiring substrate, the installation of the light-emitting module 1 becomes easier. The illustrated light-emitting unit 2 also includes a wiring connector 2A from which the two light-emitting devices 20A are centrally powered. In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, a flexible wiring 2B is connected to the wiring connector 2A.

[0106] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements 21 is emitted upwards from one or more light-emitting devices 20 with their optical axes parallel to each other. This parallelism includes a difference within ±2 degrees. The direction of travel of the multiple collimated beams emitted from one or more light-emitting devices 20 is equal to the Z-direction.

[0107] In the light-emitting module 1, a first optical unit 30A is arranged in the configuration space of the frame 10. The first optical unit 30A is positioned above one or more light-emitting devices 20. Light emitted from the light-emitting devices 20 illuminates the first optical unit 30A. The light emitted from the light-emitting devices 20 is reflected by the reflective surface 31A of the first optical unit 30A.

[0108] In the light-emitting module 1, multiple lights emitted from one or more light-emitting devices 20 illuminate multiple reflective surfaces 31A and are reflected by the multiple reflective surfaces 31A. The multiple reflective surfaces 31A have the reflectivity characteristics described in the description of the first optical unit 30A for the light emitted from one or more light-emitting devices 20.

[0109] When viewed from above, the centers of the second emission widths of the multiple beams arranged in the column direction overlap with the different reflecting surfaces 31A. The multiple beams arranged in the column direction respectively illuminate different reflecting surfaces 31A.

[0110] When viewed from above, the center of the first emitting width of each of the multiple lights arranged in the row direction overlaps with the same reflective surface 31A. In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, for each of the multiple lights, the main portion of the light illuminates one of the multiple reflective surfaces 31A and also illuminates the other reflective surfaces 31A.

[0111] The reflective surface 31A is disposed at an angle relative to the mounting surface. The plurality of reflective surfaces 31A are arranged in a column direction when viewed from above. The plurality of reflective surfaces 31A arranged in the column direction are disposed higher as they move from one end of the reflective surface 31A toward the other end of the reflective surface 31A.

[0112] Multiple beams of light emitted from a light-emitting device 20 illuminate a first reflective element 31. The first reflective element 31 has a number of reflective surfaces 31A that are equal to or greater than the number of beams emitted from the light-emitting device 20. Installation is facilitated by aligning one first reflective element 31 with one light-emitting device 20.

[0113] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, the first optical unit 30A is composed of a first reflective component 31. One first reflective component 31 corresponds to two light-emitting devices 20. Alternatively, one light-emitting device 20 may correspond to one first reflective component 31.

[0114] The first optical unit 30A emits multiple beams of light that are reflected by multiple reflective surfaces 31A. The light emitted from the first optical unit 30A travels along a column direction. Multiple beams of light arranged in a vertical direction are emitted from the first optical unit 30A. These multiple beams of light arranged in a vertical direction are also multiple beams of light arranged in the direction of the second emission width.

[0115] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, multiple light beams arranged with a second light-emitting width are aligned along the Z direction and emitted from the first optical unit 30A. The multiple light beams emitted from the first optical unit 30A travel in the Y direction. All multiple light beams emitted from the first optical unit 30A remain collimated.

[0116] The distance between the second outer edges of the plurality of lights emitted from the first optical unit 30A and arranged in the direction of the second emission width is smaller than the distance between the second outer edges of the plurality of lights arranged in the direction of the second emission width at the emission point of one or more light-emitting devices 20. That is, the plurality of lights emitted from one or more light-emitting devices 20 at intervals of a predetermined distance along the direction of the second emission width are emitted from the first optical unit 30A with reduced intervals. As a result, the overall illumination area of ​​the plurality of lights arranged in the direction of the second emission width can be reduced.

[0117] The distance between the first outer edges of the plurality of lights emitted from the first optical unit 30A and arranged in the direction of the first emission width is the same as the distance between the first outer edges of the plurality of lights arranged in the direction of the first emission width at the emission point of one or more light-emitting devices 20. Therefore, it can also be said that the first optical unit 30A reduces the overall illumination area of ​​the plurality of lights.

[0118] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, multiple lights emitted from the first light-emitting device 20A at predetermined intervals along the slow axis direction are emitted from the first optical unit 30A at reduced intervals, and multiple lights emitted from the second light-emitting device 20B at predetermined intervals along the slow axis direction are emitted from the first optical unit 30A at reduced intervals.

[0119] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, the first optical unit 30A has one or more first reflective components 31 on which multiple reflective surfaces 31A are disposed for incident on multiple laser beams (hereinafter referred to as first lasers) emitted from the first light-emitting device 20A and multiple laser beams (hereinafter referred to as second laser beams) emitted from the second light-emitting device 20B. Furthermore, the first optical unit 30A makes the spacing between the multiple first laser beams arranged along the slow axis direction smaller than the distance when they are emitted from the first light-emitting device 20A, and makes the spacing between the multiple second laser beams arranged along the slow axis direction smaller than the distance when they are emitted from the second light-emitting device 20B, thereby emitting multiple first laser beams and multiple second laser beams from the first optical unit 30A.

[0120] The distance between the second outer edges of the plurality of lights emitted from the first optical unit 30A in the direction of the second emission width is 0 μm or more and less than 500 μm. This distance between the second outer edges is at least 300 μm smaller than the distance between the second outer edges at the emission points of one or more light-emitting devices 20. The second emission width of the light emitted from the light-emitting device 20 is preferably 250 μm or more and 500 μm or less. Thus, it is more effective to reduce the overall illumination area of ​​the plurality of lights by narrowing the distance between the second outer edges.

[0121] In the light-emitting module 1, a second optical unit 30B is arranged in the configuration space of the frame 10. The second optical unit 30B is arranged above and to the side of one or more light-emitting devices 20. Light emitted from the light-emitting device 20 illuminates the second optical unit 30B. Light emitted from the first optical unit 30A illuminates the second optical unit 30B. Light reflected by the reflective surface 33 exits from the second optical unit 30B.

[0122] Light incident on the second optical unit 30B is reflected more than twice before exiting from the second optical unit 30B. The light incident on the second optical unit 30B then illuminates the first reflecting surface 33A, is reflected by the first reflecting surface 33A, and then illuminates the second reflecting surface 33B. The first reflecting surface 33A converts the light incident on it into convergent light and reflects it. The reflected convergent light travels towards the second reflecting surface 33B. The second reflecting surface 33B converts the light incident on it into collimated light and reflects it. The light collimated by the second reflecting surface 33B exits from the second optical unit 30B.

[0123] The distance between the first outer edges of the plurality of lights emitted from the second optical unit 30B, arranged in the direction of the first emission width, is smaller than the distance between the first outer edges of the plurality of lights arranged in the direction of the first emission width at the emission point of one or more light-emitting devices 20. That is, the plurality of lights emitted from one or more light-emitting devices 20 at predetermined intervals along the direction of the first emission width have their intervals reduced when emitted from the second optical unit 30B. As a result, the overall illumination area of ​​the plurality of lights arranged in the direction of the first emission width can be reduced.

[0124] The distance between the first outer edges of the plurality of lights emitted from the second optical unit 30B and arranged in the direction of the first emitting width is smaller than the distance between the first outer edges of the plurality of lights emitted from the first optical unit 30A and incident on the second optical unit 30B in the direction of the first emitting width.

[0125] The first emission width of the multiple lights emitted from the second optical unit 30B is smaller than the first emission width at the emission point of one or more light-emitting devices 20. That is, the multiple lights emitted from one or more light-emitting devices 20 are emitted from the second optical unit 30B with a reduced first emission width. As a result, the overall illumination area of ​​the multiple lights arranged in the direction of the first emission width can be narrowed.

[0126] The distance between the second outer edges of the plurality of lights emitted from the second optical unit 30B and arranged in the direction of the second emission width is the same as the distance between the second outer edges of the plurality of lights emitted from the first optical unit 30A and arranged in the direction of the second emission width. Therefore, it can also be said that the second optical unit 30B reduces the overall illumination area of ​​the plurality of lights.

[0127] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, multiple beams of light incident on and exiting the first optical unit 30A are incident on the second optical unit 30B. That is, the light first enters the first optical unit 30A and then enters the second optical unit 30B. Alternatively, the light-emitting module can be designed so that the light first enters the second optical unit 30B and then enters the first optical unit 30A.

[0128] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, multiple beams emitted from the first light-emitting device 20A and the second light-emitting device 20B at predetermined intervals along the fast axis direction are emitted from the second optical unit 30B with reduced intervals and width along the fast axis direction.

[0129] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, the second optical unit 30B has multiple second reflective components 32, each having multiple reflective surfaces 33 into which multiple first laser beams and multiple second laser beams are incident. The second optical unit 30B reflects the first laser beam and the second laser beam emitted from the second light-emitting device at a predetermined distance from the first laser beam in the fast axis direction more than twice, and emits them from the second optical unit 30B at intervals smaller than the predetermined distance and with a reduced width in the fast axis direction for each laser beam.

[0130] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, second reflective members 32 are arranged with first reflective surfaces 33A reflecting multiple light emitted from the first light-emitting device 20A and second reflective members 32 with first reflective surfaces 33A reflecting multiple light emitted from the second light-emitting device 20B. By using the two second reflective members 32, the position of the first reflective surfaces 33A relative to the multiple light emitted from the first light-emitting device 20A and the position of the first reflective surfaces 33A relative to the multiple light emitted from the second light-emitting device 20B can be adjusted respectively, thereby improving accuracy.

[0131] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, one of the two second reflective components 32 having a first reflective surface 33A reflects multiple lights emitted from the first light-emitting device 20A but does not reflect multiple lights emitted from the second light-emitting device 20B. The other second reflective component 32 reflects multiple lights emitted from the second light-emitting device 20B but does not reflect multiple lights emitted from the first light-emitting device 20A.

[0132] In the illustrated light-emitting module 1, multiple beams of light emitted from the first light-emitting device 20A and multiple beams of light emitted from the second light-emitting device 20B are reflected in the second reflective component 32, which has a second reflective surface 33B. In this second reflective component 32, since multiple incident beams converge, they are easily concentrated and reflected by a single reflective surface 33. If different second reflective components 32 are configured, spacing is required; however, if there is only one second reflective component 32, the spacing between the light emitted from the first light-emitting device 20A and the light emitted from the second light-emitting device 20B can be smaller than the spacing required when they are configured separately.

[0133] In the light-emitting module 1, a condenser lens 40 is disposed in the configuration space of the frame 10. Multiple lights incident on and exiting the first optical unit 30A, and multiple lights incident on and exiting the second optical unit 30B, are incident on the condenser lens 40. The condenser lens 40 concentrates the multiple lights passing through the first optical unit 30A and the second optical unit 30B.

[0134] In the light-emitting module 1, the optical fiber 50 is connected to the light-emitting section 12 of the frame 10. The optical fiber 50 is, for example, installed at the outlet of the frame 10. Multiple beams of light passing through the condenser lens 40 are incident on the optical fiber 50. Multiple beams of light focused by the condenser lens 40 are incident on the inlet of the optical fiber 50. The light incident from the inlet of the optical fiber 50 propagates within the optical fiber and exits from the outlet.

[0135] In the light-emitting module 1, multiple beams of light focused by the condenser lens 40 are incident on the optical fiber 50. Considering the crosstalk during actual manufacturing, the smaller the overall illumination area of ​​the multiple beams incident on the condenser lens 40, the smaller the illumination area in the entrance of the optical fiber 50 can be. By using the first optical unit 30A and the second optical unit 30B to reduce the overall illumination area of ​​the multiple beams, the diameter of the optical fiber in the entrance of the optical fiber 50 can be reduced.

[0136] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates an example of the results of simulating multiple beams of light illuminating the entrance of fiber 50 in the illustrated light-emitting module 1. The circle in the diagram can be considered as the diameter of the fiber at the entrance of fiber 50. In this diagram, a result was obtained that allows eight beams to be focused and incident on a fiber diameter of 207 μm. Figure 15 The installation deviation ratio is shown. Figure 14 The simulation results for a larger light-emitting module 1 are shown in the figure. In this figure, a result was obtained where eight beams could be focused and incident on an optical fiber with a diameter of 242 μm. Under the assumption of an ideal light-emitting module 1, a result was obtained where an incident optical fiber diameter of 169 μm was achieved.

[0137] Based on these simulation results, the light-emitting module 1 of the embodiment can cause 6 to 12 or more rays emitted from one or more light-emitting devices 20 to be incident on an optical fiber with a diameter of 150 μm to 300 μm. It can also cause 6 to 10 or more rays emitted from one or more light-emitting devices 20 to be incident on an optical fiber with a diameter of 150 μm to 250 μm. By utilizing the technology disclosed in the light-emitting module 1, it is not limited to these conditions; more light can also be incident on an optical fiber with a smaller diameter.

[0138] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the light-emitting device of the present invention is not strictly limited to the light-emitting device of the embodiments. That is, the present invention can be implemented without being limited to the shape and structure of the light-emitting device disclosed in the embodiments. It is not necessary to fully possess all the constituent elements for application. For example, if a part of the constituent elements of the light-emitting device disclosed in the embodiments is not described in the claims, the freedom of design for that part of the constituent elements, such as substitution, omission, shape modification, and material change, is recognized, and the invention described in the claims is determined on this basis.

[0139] Industrial availability

[0140] The light-emitting devices described in each embodiment can be used in lighting, projectors, vehicle headlights, head-mounted displays, displays, etc.

[0141] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0142] 1. Light-emitting module

[0143] 10. Frame

[0144] 12 Light exit part

[0145] 20 Light-emitting devices

[0146] 20A First Light-Emitting Device

[0147] 20B Second Light-Emitting Device

[0148] 21 Light-emitting elements

[0149] 22 package

[0150] 23 base components

[0151] 24. Cover components

[0152] 25 abutment

[0153] 26 Reflective components

[0154] 27 Lens components

[0155] 30 optical units

[0156] 30A First Optical Unit

[0157] 31 First reflecting component

[0158] 31A Reflector

[0159] 30B Second Optical Unit

[0160] 32 Second Reflecting Component

[0161] 32A Reflector

[0162] 32B Reflector

[0163] 33 Reflective surface

[0164] 33A First Reflector

[0165] 33B Second Reflector

[0166] 40 Condensing Lens

[0167] 50 fiber optic cables

[0168] 2 light-emitting units

[0169] 2A Wiring Connector

[0170] 2B Flexible cabling

Claims

1. A light emitting module, characterized in that have: A first light-emitting device having a plurality of first semiconductor laser elements that respectively emit first laser beams, and emitting the plurality of first laser beams at intervals spaced apart by a first distance in the slow axis direction of the first laser beams; The second light-emitting device has a plurality of second semiconductor laser elements that respectively emit second laser beams, and emits the plurality of second laser beams at intervals of a second distance in the slow axis direction of the second laser beams, and is arranged in a manner similar to the first light-emitting device in the fast axis direction; A first optical unit has one or more first reflective components with multiple reflective surfaces for incident on the plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams, such that the interval between the plurality of first laser beams arranged in the slow axis direction is smaller than the first distance, and the interval between the plurality of second laser beams arranged in the slow axis direction is smaller than the second distance, and emits the plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams. The second optical unit has a plurality of second reflective components with a plurality of reflective surfaces for incident on the plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams. The first laser beam and the second laser beam emitted from the second light-emitting device at a third distance from the first laser beam in the fast axis direction are reflected more than twice, and emitted at an interval smaller than the third distance and with a reduced width in the fast axis direction of each laser beam. as well as A focusing lens that focuses the plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams transmitted through the first optical unit and the second optical unit.

2. The light-emitting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an optical fiber into which the plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams are incident, which are focused by the focusing lens.

3. The light-emitting module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams are all composed of more than six laser beams. The diameter of the optical fiber into which the plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams are incident is greater than 150 μm and less than 300 μm.

4. The light-emitting module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first optical unit is a stepped reflector with multiple stepped shapes and a reflective surface provided on each step. The plurality of second reflective components include a first concave cylindrical reflector and a convex cylindrical reflector.

5. The light-emitting module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of second reflecting components further include a second concave cylindrical reflecting mirror. In the first concave cylindrical reflector, the plurality of first laser beams are reflected, while the plurality of second laser beams are not reflected. In the second concave cylindrical reflector, the plurality of second laser beams are reflected, while the plurality of first laser beams are not reflected. In the convex cylindrical reflector, the plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams are reflected.

6. The light-emitting module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first distance is the same as the second distance.

7. The light-emitting module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The plurality of first laser beams and the plurality of second laser beams emitted from the first optical unit are incident on the second optical unit.

8. The light-emitting module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first light-emitting device generates collimated light and emits the plurality of first laser beams. The second light-emitting device forms collimated light and emits the plurality of second laser beams.

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