Light irradiation module

Abstract

To provide a light irradiation device capable of increasing the quantity of light integrated on an irradiation target.SOLUTION: A light irradiation module comprises a substrate, (n) ((n) is an integer equal to or greater than 2) pieces of wiring patterns formed on the substrate, and a plurality of LED elements. Each wiring pattern includes first to third belt-like parts, a first connection part connecting the first belt-like part with the second belt-like part, and a second connection part connecting the second belt-like part with the third belt-like part. Between the second belt-like part and the third belt-like part of a (i)th ((i) is an integer from 1 to n-1) wiring pattern, the first belt-like part of a (i+1)th wiring pattern is disposed. The plurality of LED elements is disposed on the second belt-like part and the third belt-like part of each wiring pattern. One electrode of each LED element is connected with the second belt-like part or the third belt-like part right below the electrode, and the other electrode of the LED element disposed in the second belt-like part and the third belt-like part of the (i)th wiring pattern is connected with the first belt-like part of the (i+1)th wiring pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light irradiation module provided with a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements on a substrate.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an ultraviolet light irradiation device has been used to cure an ultraviolet curable ink used as an ink for offset sheet-fed printing.

[0003] As the ultraviolet light irradiation device, conventionally, a lamp-type irradiation device using a high-pressure mercury lamp, a mercury xenon lamp, etc. as a light source has been known. However, in recent years, due to the demands for power consumption reduction, long life, and device size reduction, instead of the conventional discharge lamp, an ultraviolet light irradiation device using an ultraviolet LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light source has been put into practical use (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a light irradiation module (ultraviolet light irradiation device) described in Patent Document 1. FIG. 7(a) is a plan view of the light irradiation module, and FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing a wiring pattern (hatched portion) on the substrate 1 of the light irradiation module. As shown in FIG. 7, the light irradiation module described in Patent Document 1 includes a substrate 1 and a plurality (40 in FIG. 7(a)) of LED elements 3 placed on the surface of the substrate 1. Further, on the substrate 1, a power supply pattern 6, a grounding pattern 7, and a plurality of wiring patterns 8 are formed.

[0005] As shown in Figure 7(b), each wiring pattern 8 is composed of a strip-shaped portion 8a extending linearly in the X-axis direction, a first projection 8b projecting trapezoidally from the strip-shaped portion 8a in the Y-axis direction, and a second projection 8c projecting trapezoidally from the strip-shaped portion 8a in a direction opposite to the Y-axis direction. The first projection 8b and the second projection 8c of each wiring pattern 8 are formed alternately along the X-axis direction, with the second projection 8c of an adjacent wiring pattern 8 positioned between the first projection 8b of each wiring pattern 8, and the first projection 8b of an adjacent wiring pattern 8 positioned between the second projection 8c of each wiring pattern 8. Furthermore, the power supply pattern 6 has a strip-shaped portion 6a that extends linearly in the X-axis direction, and a trapezoidal projection 6b that protrudes from the strip-shaped portion 6a between the second projections 8c of adjacent wiring patterns 8 in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the grounding pattern 7 has a strip-shaped portion 7a that extends linearly in the X-axis direction, and a trapezoidal projection 7c that protrudes from the strip-shaped portion 7a between the first projections 8b of adjacent wiring patterns 8 in a direction opposite to the Y-axis direction.As shown in Figure 7(a), in this embodiment, each wiring pattern 8 has five LED elements 3 arranged corresponding to five first projections 8b, and five LED elements 3 are arranged on the strip-shaped portion 8a at positions corresponding to five second projections 8c. Furthermore, the power supply pattern 6 has five LED elements 3 arranged corresponding to five projections 6b, and five LED elements 3 are arranged at positions corresponding to the second projections 8c of adjacent wiring patterns 8 in the Y-axis direction. As described above, 10 LED elements 3 are arranged in two rows along the Y-axis on each wiring pattern 8 and power supply pattern 6, resulting in a staggered arrangement of 40 LED elements 3 on the substrate 1. The anode terminal of each LED element 3 is bonded to the wiring pattern 8 directly below it (specifically, the first protrusion 8b or strip-shaped portion 8a) or the power supply pattern 6 (specifically, the protrusion 6b or strip-shaped portion 6a) via die bonding agent, and the cathode terminal 4 of each LED element 3 is electrically connected via wire 5 to the strip-shaped portion 8a or second protrusion 8c of the adjacent wiring pattern 8 or the strip-shaped portion 7a or protrusion 7c of the grounding pattern 7. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6881874 specification [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Thus, in the configuration shown in Figure 7, by arranging the LED elements 3 in a staggered pattern, when the light irradiation module moves relative to the object being irradiated in the Y-axis direction, ultraviolet light can be evenly irradiated without gaps over an area corresponding to the movement width of the light irradiation module.

[0008] However, in order to arrange the LED elements 3 in a staggered pattern, and to arrange the substrates in Figure 7 in the X-axis direction (left-right direction) so that the arrangement of the LED elements 3 is continuous and regular, it is necessary for the LED elements 3 to be arranged in two rows in the Y-axis direction on each wiring pattern 8 and power supply pattern 6. Therefore, an even number of LED elements 3 must be placed on each wiring pattern 8 and power supply pattern 6 (that is, an even number of LED elements 3 must be connected in parallel), which creates constraints on the electrical circuit design.

[0009] Furthermore, in such light irradiation modules, in order to increase the process speed of the object being irradiated, To improve the light energy density per unit time and per unit area. This is required. However, in order to increase the integrated light output, it is necessary to make the arrangement pitch of the LED elements 3 in the Y-axis direction as narrow as possible. In the configuration shown in Figure 7, the wire 5 is drawn out in the Y-axis direction and connected to the adjacent wiring pattern 8 or the grounding pattern 7, so there are physical constraints on making the arrangement pitch of the LED elements 3 in the Y-axis direction as narrow as possible.

[0010] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to increase the degree of freedom in electrical circuit design and to narrow the arrangement pitch of LED elements in the Y-axis direction (direction of movement of the object being illuminated). To improve the light energy density per unit time and per unit area.The objective is to provide a light irradiation module that enables this. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above objective, the light irradiation module of the present invention comprises a substrate defined by a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, n wiring patterns (where n is an integer of 2 or more) formed on the substrate along the first direction, and a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting) arranged on the wiring patterns and emitting light in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions. A light irradiation module comprising a diode element, wherein each wiring pattern comprises first to third strip-shaped portions extending in a second direction and spaced apart in a first direction, a first connection portion electrically connecting the first strip-shaped portion and the second strip-shaped portion, and a second connection portion electrically connecting the second strip-shaped portion and the third strip-shaped portion, wherein the first strip-shaped portion of the (i+1)th wiring pattern is positioned between the second strip-shaped portion and the third strip-shaped portion of the i-th wiring pattern (where i is an integer from 1 to n-1), and a plurality of LED elements are positioned on the second and third strip-shaped portions of each wiring pattern along the second direction, with one electrode of each LED element electrically connected to the second or third strip-shaped portion directly below it, and the other electrode of the LED elements positioned in the second and third strip-shaped portions of the i-th wiring pattern electrically connected to the first strip-shaped portion of the (i+1)th wiring pattern.

[0012] With this configuration, since the LED elements are arranged on the second and third strip-shaped portions extending in the second direction, it becomes possible to narrow the arrangement pitch of the LED elements in the second direction to a range where the LED elements do not come into contact with each other. To improve the light energy density per unit time and per unit area. This allows for the following: The number of LED elements connected in parallel can be adjusted by the number of LED elements placed on the second and third strip sections, and the number of LED elements connected in series can be adjusted by the number of wiring patterns, thus increasing the design flexibility of the electrical circuit.

[0013] Furthermore, from another perspective, the light irradiation module of the present invention comprises a substrate defined by a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, n wiring patterns (n ​​is an integer of 3 or more) formed on the substrate along the first direction, and a plurality of LED elements arranged on the wiring patterns and emitting light in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, wherein each wiring pattern comprises first to third strip-shaped portions extending in the second direction and spaced apart in the first direction, a first connection portion electrically connecting the first strip-shaped portion and the second strip-shaped portion, and a second connection portion electrically connecting the second strip-shaped portion and the third strip-shaped portion of the i-th (i is an integer from 1 to n-2) wiring pattern The (i+1)th wiring pattern is arranged between the (i)th and (i)th sections, the (i+1)th wiring pattern is arranged between the (i)th and (i)th sections, the (i+1)th wiring pattern is arranged between the (i)th and (i)th sections, the (i+1)th wiring pattern is arranged between the (i)th and (i)th sections, the (i)th)th wiring pattern is arranged between the (i)th and (i)th sections, the plurality of LED elements are arranged on the (i)th section of each wiring pattern along the (i)th section, one electrode of each LED element is electrically connected to the (i)th section directly below it, and the other electrode of an LED element arranged on the (i)th section of the (i)th section is electrically connected to the (i)th section or the (i)th section.

[0014] With this configuration, since the LED elements are arranged on the third strip-shaped portion extending in the second direction, it becomes possible to narrow the arrangement pitch of the LED elements in the second direction to a range where the LED elements do not come into contact with each other. To improve the light energy density per unit time and per unit area. This is possible. Furthermore, the number of LED elements connected in parallel can be adjusted by the number of LED elements placed on the third strip-shaped section, and the number of LED elements connected in series can be adjusted by the number of wiring patterns, thus increasing the flexibility of electrical circuit design.

[0015] Furthermore, when multiple LED elements arranged in each wiring pattern are considered as a group of LED elements, it is desirable that each group of LED elements be arranged at predetermined intervals along the first direction.

[0016] In each LED element group, it is desirable that the arrangement pitch of each LED element in the first direction is wider than the arrangement pitch in the second direction.

[0017] Moreover, it is desirable to further include a cylindrical lens arranged to cover each LED element group.

[0018] In addition, when a plurality of light irradiation modules are connected in the first direction, it is desirable that the interval in the first direction between the closest LED element groups between adjacent light irradiation modules is substantially equal to a predetermined interval.

[0019] Also, it is desirable that a plurality of LED elements are aligned in a row along the second direction.

[0020] Furthermore, it is desirable that a plurality of LED elements are aligned in a plurality of rows along the second direction.

[0021] In addition, it is desirable that the first connection portion is a strip pattern extending in the first direction between the first strip portion and the second strip portion.

[0022] Moreover, it is desirable that the second connection portion is a strip pattern extending in the first direction between the second strip portion and the third strip portion.

[0023] Also, it is desirable that the light irradiation module moves relative to the irradiation object irradiated with light in the second direction.

[0024] From another perspective, the light irradiation module of the present invention includes a substrate defined by a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, n wiring patterns (n is an integer of 2 or more) formed along the first direction on the substrate, and a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements disposed on the wiring patterns and emitting light in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. In the light irradiation module, each wiring pattern includes a first to third strip-shaped portions extending in the second direction and arranged at intervals in the first direction, a first connection portion electrically connecting the first strip-shaped portion and the second strip-shaped portion, and a second connection portion electrically connecting the second strip-shaped portion and the third strip-shaped portion. <> According to such a configuration, the degree of freedom in the design of the electric circuit can be increased. <>

Effects of the Invention

[0025] <> As described above, according to the present invention, the degree of freedom in the design of the electric circuit is increased, and the arrangement pitch of the LED elements in the Y-axis direction (the moving direction of the irradiation object) is narrowed. <> Improve the light energy density per unit time and per unit area. A light irradiation module capable of achieving this is realized. <>

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] <> <> [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a light irradiation module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. <> <> [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a light irradiation module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. <> <> [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a light irradiation module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. <> <> [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a light irradiation module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. <> <> [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a light irradiation module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. <> <><00001​​​​​ [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0028] (First embodiment) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a light irradiation module 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(a) is a plan view showing a configuration in which the light irradiation modules 10 of this embodiment are connected, Figure 1(b) is an enlarged plan view of the light irradiation module 10, and Figure 1(c) is a wiring pattern diagram of the light irradiation module 10. The light irradiation module 10 of this embodiment is a device that is mounted on an ultraviolet light irradiation device or the like to irradiate an object with ultraviolet light, and generally, one or more light irradiation modules 10 are arranged on a base (for example, a heat sink) not shown and housed in an ultraviolet light irradiation device. In this specification, the direction of propagation of ultraviolet light emitted from the light irradiation module 10 is defined as the Z-axis direction, the direction in which the wiring pattern 18 extends (left and right direction in Figure 1) is defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction (up and down direction in Figure 1) is defined as the Y-axis direction for explanation.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1(a), the light irradiation module 10 of this embodiment is configured so that multiple light irradiation modules 10 can be connected in the X-axis direction, and the arrangement of the LED elements 13 is continuous among the connected light irradiation modules 10 (that is, the arrangement pitch p of the LED elements 13 in the X-axis direction is maintained).

[0030] As shown in Figure 1(b), the light irradiation module 10 of this embodiment comprises a substrate 11 and a plurality of LED elements 13 (220 in Figure 1(b)) placed on the surface of the substrate 11.

[0031] The substrate 11 is a rectangular ceramic substrate made of, for example, aluminum nitride, which has high thermal conductivity. A power supply pattern 16, a grounding pattern 17, and a plurality of (10 in Figure 1) wiring patterns 18a to 18j are formed on its surface.

[0032] The power supply pattern 16, the grounding pattern 17, and the wiring patterns 18a to 18j are thin films of metal (e.g., copper, gold) that supply power to the LED element 13. The power supply pattern 16 is a pattern that is electrically connected to the power terminals (not shown) of an external power supply device (not shown). In this embodiment, it consists of a first power supply pattern 16a extending in the X-axis direction along the upper edge of the substrate 11, a second power supply pattern 16b extending in the Y-axis direction along the left edge of the substrate 11, a third power supply pattern 16c extending parallel to the second power supply pattern 16b at a distance from the second power supply pattern 16b in the X-axis direction, and a fourth power supply pattern 16d extending along the lower edge of the substrate 11 from the left edge to approximately the center of the substrate 11 (Figure 1(c)). Furthermore, the grounding pattern 17 is a pattern that is electrically connected to the grounding terminal (not shown) of an external power supply unit. In this embodiment, it consists of a first grounding pattern 17a that extends from approximately the center of the substrate 11 towards the right side of the substrate 11 along the lower edge of the substrate 11, and a second grounding pattern 17b that extends in the Y-axis direction along the right side of the substrate 11 (Figure 1(c)). Furthermore, each wiring pattern 18a to 18j has a shape resembling an S-shape rotated 90 degrees clockwise, and is composed of a first strip-shaped portion 18a1 to 18j1 extending linearly in the Y-axis direction, a second strip-shaped portion 18a2 to 18j2, a third strip-shaped portion 18a3 to 18j3, a first connection portion 18a4 to 18j4 that electrically connects the first strip-shaped portion 18a1 to 18j1 and the second strip-shaped portion 18a2 to 18j2 at their ends in the Y-axis direction, and a second connection portion 18a5 to 18j5 that electrically connects the second strip-shaped portion 18a2 to 18j2 and the third strip-shaped portion 18a3 to 18j3 at their ends in the direction opposite to the Y-axis (Figure 1(c)). In this specification, wiring patterns 18a to 18j may be collectively referred to as "wiring pattern 18," the first strip-shaped sections 18a1 to 18j1 may be collectively referred to as "first strip-shaped section 18-1," the second strip-shaped sections 18a2 to 18j2 may be collectively referred to as "second strip-shaped section 18-2," and the third strip-shaped sections 18a3 to 18j3 may be collectively referred to as "third strip-shaped section 18-3."

[0033] As shown in Figures 1(b) and 1(c), in this embodiment, the first strip portions 18b1 to 18j1 of adjacent wiring patterns 18b to 18j are arranged between the second strip portions 18a2 to 18i2 and the third strip portions 18a3 to 18i3 of each wiring pattern 18a to 18i. In other words, when wiring patterns 18a to 18j are designated as the 1st to 10th wiring patterns 18 in order, the 1st strip portion 18-1 of the i+1th wiring pattern 18 is positioned between the 2nd strip portion 18-2 and the 3rd strip portion 18-3 of the i-th wiring pattern 18 (where i is an integer from 1 to 9). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first strip portion 18a1 of the wiring pattern 18a is positioned between the second power supply pattern 16b and the third power supply pattern 16c, and the second grounding pattern 17b is positioned between the second strip portion 18j2 and the third strip portion 18j3 of the wiring pattern 18j (i.e., the tenth wiring pattern 18).

[0034] As shown in Figure 1(b), 10 LED elements 13 are arranged on the second power supply pattern 16b, the third power supply pattern 16c, and the second strip-shaped portions 18a2-18j2 and the third strip-shaped portions 18a3-18j3 of each wiring pattern 18a-18j at a predetermined arrangement pitch (for example, about 2 mm) along the Y-axis. The LED elements 13 arranged on the second power supply pattern 16b, the third power supply pattern 16c, and the second strip-shaped portions 18a2-18j2 and the third strip-shaped portions 18a3-18j3 of each wiring pattern 18a-18j are aligned in the X-axis direction at a predetermined arrangement pitch p (for example, about 3.5 mm). In other words, the LED elements 13 of this embodiment are arranged in an overall configuration of 22 (in the X-axis direction) × 10 (in the Y-axis direction), aligned in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, each LED element 13 on the second power supply pattern 16b located on the leftmost side (negative side in the X-axis direction) is positioned at a distance of p / 2 from the left edge of the substrate 11, and each LED element 13 on the third strip portion 18j3 of the wiring pattern 18j located on the rightmost side (positive side in the X-axis direction) is positioned at a distance of p / 2 from the right edge of the substrate 11. When multiple light irradiation modules 10 are connected in the X-axis direction, the arrangement relationship of the LED elements 13 is continuous among the connected light irradiation modules 10 (that is, the arrangement pitch p of the LED elements 13 in the X-axis direction is maintained) (Figures 1(a), (b)). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arrangement pitch of each LED element 13 in the Y-axis direction is made narrower than the arrangement pitch p in the X-axis direction, so that the irradiation intensity in the X-axis direction is substantially uniform, Improve light energy density per unit time and per unit area. They are making it happen.

[0035] Each LED element 13 has, for example, a rectangular shape in plan view with dimensions of 2.0 mm (length in the X-axis direction) × 2.0 mm (length in the Y-axis direction) (Figure 1(b)), and is equipped with a cathode terminal 14 on its upper surface and an anode terminal (not shown) on its lower surface. The anode terminal (one electrode) of each LED element 13 is bonded to the second power supply pattern 16b, the third power supply pattern 16c, the second strip-shaped portion 18a2~18j2, or the third strip-shaped portion 18a3~18j3 directly below it via a die bond agent (not shown). The die bond agent is a material used to mechanically and electrically bond the LED element 13 to the second power supply pattern 16b, the third power supply pattern 16c, the second strip-shaped portion 18a2~18j2, or the third strip-shaped portion 18a3~18j3, and is, for example, a conductive silver (Ag) paste. Furthermore, the cathode terminal 14 (other electrode) of each LED element 13 is electrically connected to the first strip-shaped portions 18a1 to 18j1 of adjacent wiring patterns 18a to 18j via a wire 15 that is drawn out in the X-axis direction. In other words, when wiring patterns 18a to 18j are designated as the 1st to 10th wiring patterns 18 in order, the cathode terminals 14 of the LED elements 13 located in the second strip portion 18-2 and the third strip portion 18-3 of the i-th wiring pattern 18 (where i is an integer from 1 to 9) are electrically connected to the first strip portion 18-1 of the adjacent i+1th wiring pattern 18. Furthermore, the cathode terminals 14 of the LED elements 13 located in the second power supply pattern 16b and the third power supply pattern 16c are electrically connected to the first strip portion 18a1 of the adjacent wiring pattern 18a, and the cathode terminals 14 of the LED elements 13 located in the second strip portion 18j2 and the third strip portion 18j3 of the wiring pattern 18j (i.e., the tenth wiring pattern 18) are electrically connected to the adjacent second ground pattern 17b.

[0036] As described above, in the light irradiation module 10 of this embodiment, 10 LED elements 13 arranged in the second power supply pattern 16b and 10 LED elements 13 arranged in the third power supply pattern 16c are connected in parallel, and 10 LED elements 13 arranged in the second strip sections 18a2 to 18j2 of each wiring pattern 18a to 18j and 10 LED elements 13 arranged in the third strip sections 18a3 to 18j3 are connected in parallel. Then, each of the 20 LED elements 13 connected in parallel is connected in series by the first strip sections 18a1 to 18j1 of each wiring pattern 18a to 18j. In other words, when each of the 20 LED elements 13 connected in parallel is considered as a group of LED elements, 11 groups of LED elements 13 are connected in series, and each group of LED elements is arranged at a predetermined interval along the X-axis. Therefore, by connecting the power terminal (not shown) of an external power supply (not shown) to the power supply pattern 16, and the ground terminal (not shown) of the external power supply to the ground pattern 17, and applying a predetermined drive voltage Vp, 220 LED elements 13 can be driven simultaneously. If the operating voltage Vf of each LED element 13 is 5(V), then the total drive voltage Vp for the light irradiation module 10 will be Vp = 5(V) × 11 groups = 55(V).

[0037] As described above, in the light irradiation module 10 of this embodiment, LED elements 13 are arranged in the second power supply pattern 16b, the third power supply pattern 16c, the second strip-shaped sections 18a2 to 18j2, and the third strip-shaped sections 18a3 to 18j3, which extend linearly in the Y-axis direction, and the cathode terminals 14 of each LED element 13 are connected to the first strip-shaped sections 18a1 to 18j1 via wires 15 that are drawn out in the X-axis direction. Therefore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the arrangement pitch of the LED elements 13 in the Y-axis direction can be narrowed to a range where the LED elements 13 do not come into contact with each other, and is not subject to the physical constraints of the conventional (Figure 7). In other words, it becomes possible to freely set the density of the LED elements 13 in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, 20 LED elements 13 per group are connected in parallel using 10 wiring patterns 18a to 18j, and 11 groups of LED elements 13 are connected in series. However, by appropriately increasing or decreasing the number of wiring patterns 18, the number of LED elements (number of groups) can be changed as needed. In other words, the degree of freedom in designing the electrical circuit is increased. As described above, the light irradiation module 10 of this embodiment is configured so that multiple light irradiation modules 10 can be connected in the X-axis direction, and the arrangement of the LED elements 13 is continuous among the connected light irradiation modules 10 (that is, the arrangement pitch p of the LED elements 13 in the X-axis direction is maintained) (Figure 1(a)). Therefore, ultraviolet light with substantially uniform irradiation intensity in the X-axis direction is emitted from the connected light irradiation modules 10, and by connecting multiple light irradiation modules 10 in the X-axis direction, the irradiation width in the X-axis direction can be freely set.

[0038] The above describes embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of its technical concept.

[0039] For example, in the light irradiation module 10 of this embodiment, 220 LED elements 13 were described as being arranged in a configuration of 22 (X-axis direction) x 10 (Y-axis direction), but there are no restrictions on the number of LED elements 13 or the number of rows, and they can be appropriately selected according to the specifications.

[0040] Furthermore, although the LED element 13 in this embodiment has been described as emitting ultraviolet light, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the LED element 13 may emit light in the visible or infrared range.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the LED elements 13 are arranged in the second power supply pattern 16b, the third power supply pattern 16c, and the second strip-shaped portions 18a2 to 18j2 and third strip-shaped portions 18a3 to 18j3 of each wiring pattern 18a to 18j, which extend linearly in the Y-axis direction. However, the configuration is not necessarily limited to this, and for example, LED elements 13 may also be arranged in the first connection portions 18a4 to 18j4 and the second connection portions 18a5 to 18j5 of each wiring pattern 18a to 18j. In this case, the cathode terminals 14 of each LED element 13 arranged in the first connection portions 18a4 to 18j4 and the second connection portions 18a5 to 18j5 are connected to the adjacent first strip-shaped portions 18a1 to 18j1 via wires 15 that are drawn out in the Y-axis direction.

[0042] (Second embodiment) Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating the schematic configuration of a light irradiation module 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The light irradiation module 20 of this embodiment differs from the light irradiation module 10 of the first embodiment in that the arrangement pitch of the LED elements 13 in the Y-axis direction is narrower than that of the light irradiation module 10 of the first embodiment, for example, set to about 1.3 mm.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the LED elements 13 of this embodiment are arranged in the second power supply pattern 16b, the third power supply pattern 16c, and the second strip-shaped portions 18a2-18j2 and third strip-shaped portions 18a3-18j3 of each wiring pattern 18a-18j, respectively, which extend linearly in the Y-axis direction, similar to the light irradiation module 10 of the first embodiment (Figures 1(c) and 2). Therefore, the arrangement pitch of the LED elements 13 in the Y-axis direction of this embodiment can be freely set within a range where the LED elements 13 do not come into contact with each other, according to the specifications. Light energy density per unit time and per unit area It becomes possible to configure this setting.

[0044] (Third embodiment) Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating the schematic configuration of a light irradiation module 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The light irradiation module 30 of this embodiment differs from the light irradiation module 10 of the first embodiment in that the 10 LED elements 13a to 13j arranged in the Y-axis direction are arranged in a zigzag pattern. More specifically, the LED elements 13a to 13j in this embodiment are arranged in the second power supply pattern 16b, the third power supply pattern 16c, and the second strip-shaped portions 18a2 to 18j2 and the third strip-shaped portions 18a3 to 18j3 of each wiring pattern 18a to 18j, similar to the light irradiation module 10 of the first embodiment (Figures 1(c) and 3). However, the LED elements 13a, 13c, 13e, 13g, and 13i are shifted to the negative side in the X-axis direction relative to the LED elements 13b, 13d, 13f, 13h, and 13j. In other words, the LED elements 13a, 13c, 13e, 13g, and 13i are arranged in a single line in the Y-axis direction, and the LED elements 13b, 13d, 13f, 13h, and 13j are arranged in a single line in the Y-axis direction (i.e., the LED elements 13a to 13j are arranged in multiple rows along the Y-axis direction).

[0045] With this configuration, ultraviolet light can be evenly (uniformly) irradiated onto an object that is moving relatively in the Y-axis direction.

[0046] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a light irradiation module 40 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4(a) is an enlarged plan view of the light irradiation module 40, and Figure 4(b) is a wiring pattern diagram of the light irradiation module 40. The light irradiation module 40 of this embodiment differs from the light irradiation module 30 of the third embodiment in that the second power supply pattern 16b, the third power supply pattern 16c, the first strip-shaped portions 18a1 to 18j1, the second strip-shaped portions 18a2 to 18j2, the third strip-shaped portions 18a3 to 18j3 of each wiring pattern 18a to 18j, and the fourth power supply pattern 16d are formed in a zigzag shape according to the arrangement of the LED elements 13a to 13j.

[0047] Thus, the second power supply pattern 16b, the third power supply pattern 16c, the first strip-shaped portions 18a1-18j1, the second strip-shaped portions 18a2-18j2, the third strip-shaped portions 18a3-18j3 of each wiring pattern 18a-18j, and the fourth power supply pattern 16d, which extend linearly in the Y-axis direction, do not necessarily have to be linear, but can have a shape that extends in the Y-axis direction, depending on the arrangement of the LED elements 13a-13j.

[0048] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a light irradiation module 50 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5(a) is a plan view showing a configuration in which the light irradiation modules 50 of this embodiment are connected, Figure 5(b) is an enlarged plan view of the light irradiation module 50, and Figure 5(c) is a wiring pattern diagram of the light irradiation module 50. The light irradiation module 50 of this embodiment differs from the light irradiation module 10 of the first embodiment in that the shapes of the power supply pattern 16A, the grounding pattern 17A, and the multiple (10 in Figure 5) wiring patterns 18Aa to 18Aj are different, and the arrangement of the LED elements 13 is different.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5(a), the light irradiation module 50 of this embodiment, like the light irradiation module 10 of the first embodiment, is configured so that multiple light irradiation modules 50 can be connected in the X-axis direction, and the arrangement relationship of the LED element group 13G is continuous among the connected light irradiation modules 50 (that is, the arrangement pitch p in the X-axis direction of the LED element group 13G is maintained).

[0050] The power supply pattern 16A is a pattern that is electrically connected to the power terminals (not shown) of an external power supply device (not shown). In this embodiment, it consists of a first power supply pattern 16Aa that extends along the lower edge of the substrate 11 from the left edge of the substrate 11 toward approximately the center of the substrate 11, and a second power supply pattern 16Ab that extends along the left edge of the substrate 11 in the Y-axis direction (Figure 5(c)). Furthermore, the grounding pattern 17A is composed of a first grounding pattern 17Aa extending in the X-axis direction along the upper edge of the substrate 11, a second grounding pattern 17Ab extending in the Y-axis direction along the right edge of the substrate 11, a third grounding pattern 17Ac extending parallel to the second grounding pattern 17Ab at a distance from the second grounding pattern 17Ab in the negative X-axis direction, and a fourth grounding pattern 17Ad extending along the lower edge of the substrate 11 from the right edge of the substrate 11 to approximately the center of the substrate 11 (Figure 5(c)). Furthermore, each wiring pattern 18Aa to 18Aj has a shape like an E rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, and is composed of a first strip-shaped portion 18Aa1 to 18Aj1 extending linearly in the Y-axis direction, a second strip-shaped portion 18Aa2 to 18Aj2, a third strip-shaped portion 18Aa3 to 18Aj3, and a first connecting portion 18Aa4 to 18j4 that electrically connects the first strip-shaped portion 18Aa1 to 18Aj1, the second strip-shaped portion 18Aa2 to 18Aj2, and the third strip-shaped portion 18Aa3 to 18Aj3 at the positive or negative end in the Y-axis direction (Figure 5(c)). In this specification, wiring patterns 18Aa to 18Aj may be collectively referred to as "wiring pattern 18A," the first strip-shaped sections 18Aa1 to 18Aj1 may be collectively referred to as "first strip-shaped section 18A-1," the second strip-shaped sections 18Aa2 to 18Aj2 may be collectively referred to as "second strip-shaped section 18A-2," and the third strip-shaped sections 18Aa3 to 18Aj3 may be collectively referred to as "third strip-shaped section 18A-3."

[0051] As shown in Figures 5(b) and (c), in this embodiment, the first strips 18Ab1 to 18Aj1 of adjacent wiring patterns 18Ab to 18Aj are arranged between the second strips 18Aa2 to 18Ah2 and the third strips 18Aa3 to 18Ah3 of each wiring pattern 18Aa to 18Ah, and the third strips 18Aa3 to 18Ah3 and each wiring pattern 18Ac to 18Aj Between the first strip-shaped sections 18Ac1 to 18Aj1, the second strip-shaped sections 18Ab2 to 18Ai2 of each wiring pattern 18Ab to 18Ai are arranged, and between the first strip-shaped sections 18Ac1 to 18Ah1 of each wiring pattern 18Ac to 18Aj and the second strip-shaped sections 18Ab2 to 18Ai2 of each wiring pattern 18Ab to 18Ai, the third strip-shaped sections 18Ab3 to 18Ai3 of each wiring pattern 18Ab to 18Ai are arranged. In other words, when wiring patterns 18Aa to 18Aj are sequentially designated as the 1st to 10th wiring patterns 18A, the 1st strip portion 18A-1 of the (i+1)th wiring pattern 18A is positioned between the 2nd strip portion 18A-2 and the 3rd strip portion 18A-3 of the i-th wiring pattern 18A (where i is an integer from 1 to 8), the 2nd strip portion 18A-2 of the (i+1)th wiring pattern 18A is positioned between the 3rd strip portion 18A-3 of the i-th wiring pattern 18A and the 1st strip portion 18A-1 of the (i+2)th wiring pattern 18A, and the 3rd strip portion 18A-3 of the (i+1)th wiring pattern 18A is positioned between the 1st strip portion 18A-1 and the 2nd strip portion 18A-2 of the (i+2)th wiring pattern 18A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second power supply pattern 16Ab is positioned between the first strip portion 18Aa1 and the second strip portion 18Aa2 of the wiring pattern 18Aa (i.e., the first wiring pattern 18A), and a third grounding pattern 17Ac is positioned between the second strip portion 18Aj2 and the third strip portion 18Aj3 of the wiring pattern 18Aj (i.e., the tenth wiring pattern 18A).

[0052] As shown in Figure 5(b), the LED elements 13 are arranged in a 2 (X-axis direction) × 10 (Y-axis direction) configuration on the second power supply pattern 16Ab and the third strip-shaped portions 18Aa3 to 18Aj3 of each wiring pattern 18Aa to 18Aj. In this embodiment, the 20 LED elements 13 arranged on the second power supply pattern 16Ab and the third strip-shaped portions 18Aa3 to 18Aj3 of each wiring pattern 18Aa to 18Aj form a group of LED elements 13G, and each LED element group 13G is aligned at a predetermined arrangement pitch p (for example, about 7.0 mm) in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the LED element group 13G on the second power supply pattern 16Ab located on the leftmost side (negative side in the X-axis direction) is positioned at a distance of p / 2 from the left edge of the substrate 11, and the LED element group 13G on the third strip portion 18Aj3 of the wiring pattern 18Aj located on the rightmost side (positive side in the X-axis direction) is positioned at a distance of p / 2 from the right edge of the substrate 11. When multiple light irradiation modules 50 are connected in the X-axis direction, the arrangement relationship of the LED element groups 13G is continuous among the connected light irradiation modules 50 (that is, the arrangement pitch p in the X-axis direction of the LED element groups 13G is maintained) (Figures 5(a), (b)). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arrangement pitch of each LED element group 13G in the Y-axis direction is made narrower than the arrangement pitch p in the X-axis direction, so that the irradiation intensity in the X-axis direction is substantially uniform, Improve light energy density per unit time and per unit area. They are making it happen.

[0053] Each LED element 13, similar to the first embodiment, has a rectangular shape in plan view, for example, 2.0 mm (length in the X-axis direction) × 2.0 mm (length in the Y-axis direction) (Figure 5(b)), and is equipped with a cathode terminal 14 on its upper surface and an anode terminal (not shown) on its lower surface. The anode terminal (one electrode) of each LED element 13 is bonded to the second power supply pattern 16Ab or the third strip-shaped portion 18Aa3~18Aj3 directly below it via a die bond agent (not shown). The cathode terminal 14 (the other electrode) of each LED element 13 is electrically connected to the second strip-shaped portion 18Ab2~18Aj2 or the third strip-shaped portion 18Ab3~18Aj3 of the adjacent wiring patterns 18b~18j via a wire 15 drawn out in the X-axis direction. In other words, when wiring patterns 18Aa to 18Aj are sequentially designated as the 1st to 10th wiring patterns 18A, the cathode terminal 14 of the LED element 13 located in the third strip portion 18A-3 of the i-th wiring pattern 18A (where i is an integer from 1 to 9) is electrically connected to the first strip portion 18A-1 or the second strip portion 18A-2 of the adjacent i+1th wiring pattern 18A. Furthermore, the cathode terminal 14 of the LED element 13 located in the second power supply pattern 16Ab is electrically connected to the first strip portion 18Aa1 or the second strip portion 18Aa2 of the adjacent wiring pattern 18Aa, and the cathode terminal 14 of the LED element 13 located in the third strip portion 18Aj3 of the wiring pattern 18Aj (i.e., the tenth wiring pattern 18A) is electrically connected to the adjacent second ground pattern 17Ab or the third ground pattern 17Ac.

[0054] As described above, in the light irradiation module 50 of this embodiment, 20 LED elements 13 arranged in the second power supply pattern 16Ab are connected in parallel, and 20 LED elements 13 arranged in the third strip sections 18Aa3 to 18Aj3 of each wiring pattern 18Aa to 18Aj are connected in parallel. Then, each of the 20 LED elements 13 connected in parallel (i.e., the LED element group 13G) is connected in series by the first strip sections 18Aa1 to 18Aj1 and the second strip sections 18Aa2 to 18Aj2 of each wiring pattern 18Aa to 18Aj. In other words, each of the 20 LED elements 13 connected in parallel is treated as a group of LED elements 13G, and 11 LED element groups 13G are connected in series, with each LED element group 13G arranged at a predetermined interval along the X-axis.

[0055] As described above, in the light irradiation module 50 of this embodiment, the LED element group 13G is arranged in the second power supply pattern 16Ab and the third strip-shaped portion 18Aa3~18Aj3, which extend linearly in the Y-axis direction, and the cathode terminal 14 of each LED element 13 is connected to the first strip-shaped portion 18Aa1~18Aj1 or the second strip-shaped portion 18Aa2~18Aj2 via a wire 15 that is drawn out in the X-axis direction. Therefore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the arrangement pitch of the LED elements 13 in the Y-axis direction can be narrowed to a range where the LED elements 13 do not come into contact with each other, and is not subject to the physical constraints of the conventional (Figure 7). In other words, it becomes possible to freely set the density of the LED elements 13 in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, 20 LED elements 13 per group are connected in parallel using 10 wiring patterns 18Aa to 18Aj, and 11 LED element groups 13G are connected in series. However, by appropriately increasing or decreasing the number of wiring patterns 18A, the number of LED element groups 13G can be changed as needed. In other words, the degree of freedom in designing the electrical circuit is increased. As described above, the light irradiation module 50 of this embodiment is configured so that multiple light irradiation modules 50 can be connected in the X-axis direction, and the arrangement of the LED element group 13G is continuous between the connected light irradiation modules 50 (that is, the arrangement pitch p of the LED element group 13G in the X-axis direction is maintained) (Figure 5(a)). Therefore, ultraviolet light with substantially uniform irradiation intensity in the X-axis direction is emitted from the connected light irradiation modules 50, and by connecting multiple light irradiation modules 50 in the X-axis direction, the irradiation width in the X-axis direction can be freely set.

[0056] (Sixth embodiment) Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a light irradiation module 60 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 6(a) is a plan view and Figure 6(b) is a perspective view. The light irradiation module 60 of this embodiment differs from the light irradiation module 50 according to the fifth embodiment in that it is equipped with a plurality of cylindrical lenses 65 on the light irradiation module 50 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6(b), the cylindrical lens 65 of this embodiment is a plano-convex cylindrical lens that has power in the X-axis direction and no power in the Y-axis direction, and is arranged to cover the 11 LED element groups 13G of the light irradiation module 50.

[0058] With this configuration, the divergence angle of ultraviolet light emitted from each LED element group 13G can be narrowed (adjusted) in the X-axis direction, thus enabling irradiation of ultraviolet light with a more uniform intensity in the X-axis direction.

[0059] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1: Circuit board 3: LED element 4: Cathode terminal 5: Wire 6: Power supply pattern 6a: Band-shaped portion 6b:Protrusion 7: Grounding pattern 7a: Band-shaped portion 7c:Protrusion 8: Wiring Pattern 8a: Band-shaped portion 8b: 1st protrusion 8c: 2nd protrusion 10: Light irradiation module 11: Circuit board 13: LED element 13G: LED element group 13a: LED element 13b: LED element 13c: LED element 13d: LED element 13e: LED element 13f: LED element 13g: LED element 13h: LED element 13i: LED element 13j: LED element 14: Cathode terminal 15: Wire 16: Power supply pattern 16A: Power supply pattern 16Aa: First power supply pattern 16Ab: Second power supply pattern 16a: First power supply pattern 16b: Second power supply pattern 16c: Third power supply pattern 16d: Fourth power supply pattern 17: Grounding pattern 17A: Grounding pattern 17Aa: First grounding pattern 17Ab: Second grounding pattern 17Ac: Third grounding pattern 17Ad: Fourth grounding pattern 17a: First grounding pattern 17b: Second grounding pattern 18: Wiring Pattern 18-1: First band-shaped area 18-2: Second band-shaped area 18-3: Third band 18A: Wiring pattern 18A-1: First band-shaped section 18A-2: Second band-shaped section 18A-3: Third band-shaped section 18Aa: Wiring pattern 18Aa1: First band-shaped section 18Aa2: Second band-shaped area 18Aa3: Third band-shaped area 18Aa4: First connection section 18Ab: Wiring pattern 18Ab1: First band-shaped area 18Ab2: Second band-shaped area 18Ab3: Third band 18Ac: Wiring Pattern 18Ac1: First band-shaped area 18Aj: Wiring pattern 18Aj2: Second band-shaped area 18Aj3: Third band-shaped area 18a: Wiring pattern 18a1: First band-shaped area 18a2: Second band-shaped area 18a3: Third band 18a4: First connection section 18a5: Second connection section 18b: Wiring pattern 18b1: First band-shaped area 18c: Wiring pattern 18d: Wiring pattern 18e: Wiring Pattern 18f: Wiring pattern 18g: Wiring pattern 18h: Wiring pattern 18i: Wiring Pattern 18j: Wiring pattern 18j2: Second band-shaped area 18j3: Third band-shaped area 20: Light irradiation module 30: Light irradiation module 40: Light irradiation module 50: Light irradiation module 60: Light irradiation module 65: Cylindrical lens

Claims

1. A light irradiation module including: a substrate defined by a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; n (n is an integer of 2 or more) wiring patterns formed on the substrate along the first direction; and a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements disposed on the wiring patterns and emitting light in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, Each of the wiring patterns is first to third band portions extending in the second direction and spaced apart in the first direction; a first connection portion that electrically connects the first strip portion and the second strip portion; a second connection portion that electrically connects the second band portion and the third band portion, the first band portion of the (i+1)th wiring pattern is disposed between the second band portion and the third band portion of the i-th wiring pattern (i is an integer from 1 to n-1); the plurality of LED elements are arranged on the second band portion and the third band portion of each of the wiring patterns along the second direction; one electrode of each of the LED elements is electrically connected to the second strip portion or the third strip portion directly below, the other electrodes of the LED elements arranged on the second band portion and the third band portion of the i-th wiring pattern are electrically connected to the first band portion of the (i+1)-th wiring pattern; A light irradiation module comprising:

2. A light irradiation module including: a substrate defined by a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; n (n is an integer of 3 or more) wiring patterns formed on the substrate along the first direction; and a plurality of LED elements disposed on the wiring patterns and emitting light in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, Each of the wiring patterns is first to third band portions extending in the second direction and spaced apart from one another in the first direction; a first connection portion that electrically connects the first strip portion and the second strip portion; a second connection portion that electrically connects the second band portion and the third band portion, the first band portion of the (i+1)th wiring pattern is disposed between the second band portion and the third band portion of the i-th wiring pattern (i is an integer from 1 to n-2); the second band portion of the (i+1)th wiring pattern is disposed between the third band portion of the i-th wiring pattern and the first band portion of the (i+2)th wiring pattern; the third band portion of the (i+1)th wiring pattern is disposed between the first band portion and the second band portion of the (i+2)th wiring pattern; the plurality of LED elements are arranged on the third belt-shaped portion of each of the wiring patterns along the second direction, One electrode of each of the LED elements is electrically connected to the third strip portion directly below, the other electrode of the LED element arranged on the third strip portion of the i-th wiring pattern is electrically connected to the first strip portion or the second strip portion of the (i+1)-th wiring pattern; A light irradiation module comprising:

3. 3. The light irradiation module according to claim 1, wherein when the plurality of LED elements arranged on each wiring pattern are treated as a group of LED elements, each LED element group is arranged at a predetermined interval along the first direction.

4. 4. The light irradiation module according to claim 3, wherein in each of the LED element groups, an arrangement pitch of the LED elements in the first direction is wider than an arrangement pitch of the LED elements in the second direction.

5. 4. The light irradiation module according to claim 3, further comprising a cylindrical lens arranged so as to cover each of the LED element groups.

6. 4. The light irradiation module according to claim 3, wherein when a plurality of the light irradiation modules are connected in the first direction, a distance in the first direction between the LED element groups that are closest to each other between adjacent light irradiation modules is approximately equal to the predetermined distance.

7. 3. The light irradiation module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of LED elements are aligned in a line along the second direction.

8. 3. The light irradiation module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of LED elements are aligned in a plurality of rows along the second direction.

9. 3 . The light irradiation module according to claim 1 , wherein the first connection portion has a strip-shaped pattern extending in the first direction between the first strip-shaped portion and the second strip-shaped portion. 4 .

10. 3 . The light irradiation module according to claim 1 , wherein the second connection portion has a strip-shaped pattern extending in the first direction between the second strip-shaped portion and the third strip-shaped portion. 4 .

11. 3. The light irradiation module according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiation module moves in the second direction relative to an irradiation object irradiated with the light.

12. A light irradiation module including: a substrate defined by a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; n (n is an integer of 2 or more) wiring patterns formed on the substrate along the first direction; and a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements disposed on the wiring patterns and emitting light in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, Each of the wiring patterns is first to third band portions extending in the second direction and spaced apart from one another in the first direction; a first connection portion that electrically connects the first strip portion and the second strip portion; a second connection portion that electrically connects the second band portion and the third band portion; A light irradiation module comprising:

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