Light source modules and lighting fixtures

The light source module optimizes element placement to form equilateral triangles, addressing color unevenness in mixed light output, enhancing uniformity in lighting fixtures.

JP2026058671APending Publication Date: 2026-04-06TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-25
Publication Date
2026-04-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing lighting fixtures struggle with color unevenness when mixing red light with light of a different color, particularly in applications like stages and studios.

Method used

A light source module design where multiple light-emitting elements, including red and other colored elements, are arranged to form equilateral triangles with specific spacing and positioning to minimize color unevenness, with each element's placement optimized to reduce interference.

Benefits of technology

The arrangement effectively reduces color unevenness in mixed light output, ensuring more uniform illumination across surfaces.

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Abstract

To provide a light source module that can reduce color unevenness in the emitted light when red light and light of a different color are mixed and emitted. [Solution] The light source module of the embodiment comprises a plurality of red first light-emitting elements and three or more second light-emitting elements of a different color from red, each of which forms an equilateral triangle with two corresponding elements among the other second light-emitting elements. The length of each side of the equilateral triangle corresponds to three times the width dimension of the light-emitting elements. When a score is defined by adding twice the number of first light-emitting elements whose center points are less than or equal to the width dimension to the number of first light-emitting elements whose center points are greater than one and less than or equal to two times the width dimension, the sum of the scores of the three second light-emitting elements forming the equilateral triangle becomes 15 or more.
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Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a light source module and a lighting fixture.

Background Art

[0002] In lighting fixtures used in stages, studios, etc., light from a light source module enters an illumination optical system. Then, the illumination optical system guides the light incident from the light source module and irradiates the guided light onto an irradiation surface or the like. Further, as a lighting fixture, there is one in which a plurality of types of light-emitting elements that emit light of different light colors with respect to each other are provided in the light source module. In such a lighting fixture, the illumination optical system mixes colors of light by condensing the light incident from two or more types of light-emitting elements of the light source module. Then, the illumination optical system irradiates the mixed light onto an irradiation surface or the like.

[0003] In a lighting fixture that irradiates light mixed as described above, it is required to reduce color unevenness in the light irradiated onto an irradiation surface or the like. In particular, when irradiating light by mixing red light and light of a light color different from red, it is required to reduce color unevenness in the irradiated light.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a light source module and a lighting fixture capable of reducing color unevenness in the irradiated light when irradiating light by mixing red light and light of a light color different from red.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the embodiment, the light source module comprises a substrate and multiple types of light-emitting elements, the multiple types of light-emitting elements being mounted on the substrate. The multiple types of light-emitting elements comprise multiple first light-emitting elements that emit red light, and three or more second light-emitting elements that emit light of a different color than red. Each second light-emitting element forms an equilateral triangle with two corresponding elements among the other second light-emitting elements, with sides defined by imaginary lines connecting their center points, and each side of the equilateral triangle having a length equivalent to three times the width dimension of each light-emitting element. When a score is defined for each second light-emitting element by adding twice the number of first light-emitting elements whose center points are less than or equal to the width dimension, to the number of first light-emitting elements whose center points are greater than one and less than or equal to two times the width dimension, the sum of the scores of the three second light-emitting elements forming the equilateral triangle is 15 or more. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a light source module and lighting fixture that can reduce color unevenness in the irradiated light when red light and light of a different color are mixed and irradiated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lighting fixture according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light source module according to the embodiment, viewed from the side that emits light in a direction along the optical axis. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of three or more light-emitting elements (second light-emitting elements) that emit green light in the example light source module shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the scores defined for each of the light-emitting elements (which are of a different type from the first light-emitting element) in the example light source module shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the light source module of Comparative Example 1, viewed from the side that emits light in a direction along the optical axis. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the light source module of Comparative Example 2, viewed from the side that emits light along the optical axis. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the light emitted using the light source module of Comparative Example 1, converted to grayscale, in a verification related to the embodiment, etc. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing, in grayscale, the light emitted using the light source module of Comparative Example 2 during verification related to the embodiment, etc. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram showing, in grayscale, the light emitted using the example light source module shown in Figures 2 to 4 during verification related to the embodiment, etc. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The light source module (2) of the embodiment comprises a substrate (21) and multiple types of light-emitting elements (22), the multiple types of light-emitting elements (22) being mounted on the substrate (21). The multiple types of light-emitting elements (22) comprises multiple first light-emitting elements (22A) that emit red light, and three or more second light-emitting elements (22B) that emit light of a different color than red. Each of the second light-emitting elements (22B) forms an equilateral triangle (T) with two corresponding second light-emitting elements (22B) of the other, with an imaginary line connecting their center points as side (I), and each side (I) of the equilateral triangle (T) has a length equivalent to three times the width dimension (Wa) of each light-emitting element (22). When a score (η) is defined for each of the second light-emitting elements (22B) by adding twice the number (Ma) of first light-emitting elements (22A) whose distance between their center points is greater than 1x the width dimension (Wa) and 2x the width dimension (Wa) (Mb), the sum of the scores (η) of the three second light-emitting elements (22B) forming an equilateral triangle (T) (ηsum) becomes 15 or more. This makes it possible to suppress circumferential color unevenness and reduce color unevenness in light emitted by mixing red light with light of other colors.

[0010] In the light source module (2) of the embodiment, none of the first light-emitting elements (22A) are positioned where the sides (I) of the equilateral triangle (T) pass through. This further reduces color unevenness in light emitted by mixing red and non-red light colors.

[0011] In the light source module (2) of the embodiment, a light-emitting element (22) is located on the substrate (21) When the area on which the second light-emitting element (22B) is mounted is equally divided into three or more regions (R) in the circumferential direction of the substrate (21), one equilateral triangle (T) is formed in each of the three or more regions (R). This further reduces color unevenness when irradiated with light that is a mixture of red and other colors.

[0012] In the light source module (2) of the embodiment, each of the second light-emitting elements (22B) forms one equilateral triangle (T) only with two corresponding elements among the other second light-emitting elements (22B), and does not form an equilateral triangle (T) with any other second light-emitting elements (22B). This further reduces color unevenness in light emitted by mixing red and non-red light colors.

[0013] In the light source module (2) of the embodiment, one or more of the first light-emitting elements (22A) are arranged in the area enclosed by the sides (I) of the equilateral triangle (T). This makes it easy to realize an arrangement pattern in which many first light-emitting elements (22A) are arranged near each of the second light-emitting elements (22B) that form the equilateral triangle (T). Therefore, it is easy to realize an arrangement pattern of light-emitting elements (22) in which color unevenness is reduced when light is irradiated by mixing red and non-red light colors.

[0014] In the light source module (2) of the embodiment, one or more of the first light emitting elements (22A) are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the substrate (21) with respect to any of the second light emitting elements (22B). Thereby, an arrangement pattern in which many first light emitting elements (22A) are arranged in the vicinity of each of the second light emitting elements (22B) forming an equilateral triangle (T) can be easily realized. Therefore, an arrangement pattern of the light emitting elements (22) in which color unevenness is reduced in the light irradiated by mixing red light and light of a light color other than red can be easily realized.

[0015] The lighting fixture (1) of the embodiment includes the above-described light source module (2) and a lighting optical system (5). The lighting optical system (5) includes one or more optical components (11, 12, 13, 15, 16), guides the light incident from the light source module (2), and irradiates the guided light. Thereby, even when red light and light of a light color other than red are mixed and irradiated, color unevenness can be reduced in the irradiated light.

[0016] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings and the like.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of the lighting fixture 1 according to the embodiment. The lighting fixture 1 is used, for example, in a stage, a studio, or the like. The lighting fixture 1 is, for example, any one of a moving light, a spotlight, a horizon light, a border light, a floodlight, a downlight, and the like.

[0018] In an example of FIG. 1, the lighting fixture 1 includes a light source module 2, a heat sink 3, and a lighting optical system 5. The lighting optical system 5 includes one or more optical components. In the example of FIG. 1, the lighting optical system 5 includes a collimator lens 11, a condenser lens 12, an aperture body 13, a diffusion optical component 15, and a projection lens 16 as optical components. In the lighting fixture 1, the light source module 2, the heat sink 3, the lighting optical system 5, and the like are arranged, for example, inside a housing (not shown). Further, the lighting fixture 1 is provided with a power source (not shown) for supplying power to the light source module 2 and the like.

[0019] In the light source module 2 and the illumination optical system 5, the optical axis C is defined. Each optical component of the light source module 2 and the illumination optical system 5 is arranged such that its central axis is coaxial or substantially coaxial with respect to the optical axis C. The light source module 2 comprises a substrate 21 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 mounted on the substrate 21. The substrate 21 has a pair of main surfaces: a substrate surface (first substrate surface) 25 facing the side where the illumination optical system 5 is located, and a substrate surface (second substrate surface) 26 facing the opposite side from where the illumination optical system 5 is located. In the light source module 2, the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 are installed on the substrate surface 25 facing the side where the illumination optical system 5 is located. The optical axis C is virtually defined, for example, from the center of the light-emitting region where the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 are arranged, in the direction in which the light from the light-emitting elements 22 is most strongly irradiated (in this embodiment, perpendicular to the substrate surface (first substrate surface) 25 of the substrate 21).

[0020] Each of the light-emitting elements 22 may be an LED or a light-emitting element other than an LED. In the light source module 2, each of the light-emitting elements 22 performs a light-emitting operation when power is supplied from the power source. The light source module 2 then emits the light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements 22 toward the side where the illumination optical system 5 is located. In this embodiment, the multiple light-emitting elements 22 of the light source module 2 are composed of multiple types of light-emitting elements 22 that emit light of different colors relative to each other.

[0021] In the example shown in Figure 1, the heat sink 3 is attached to the substrate 21 of the light source module 2. The heat sink 3 is adjacent to (in contact with) the light source module 2 from the side opposite to the side from which light is emitted. When light is emitted from the light-emitting element 22 in the light source module 2, the heat generated in the light source module 2 is transferred to the heat sink 3. As a result, the heat generated in the light source module 2 is dissipated through the heat sink 3.

[0022] Light from the light source module 2 enters the illumination optical system 5. The illumination optical system 5 then guides the light that entered from the light source module 2 and irradiates the illumination surface with the guided light. In the example illumination optical system 5 shown in Figure 1, the components are arranged in the following order from the side closest to the light source module 2: collimator lens 11, focusing lens 12, aperture body 13, diffusing optical component 15, and projection lens 16. The collimator lens 11 is positioned adjacent to the light source module 2 from the side from which the light is emitted, and opposite the light source module 2 from the side from which the light is emitted. The collimator lens 11 refracts or reflects the light that entered from the light source module 2, so that the direction of propagation is aligned with the optical axis C. That is, the direction of propagation of the light emitted from the collimator lens 11 is parallel or approximately parallel to the optical axis C.

[0023] In the illumination optical system 5, the aperture body 13 is positioned away from the collimator lens 11 on the opposite side of the light source module 2, and the focusing lens 12 is positioned between the collimator lens 11 and the aperture body 13. In the example shown in Figure 1, the focusing lens 12 is positioned away from the aperture body 13 on the side where the light source module 2 is located, and is positioned adjacent to the collimator lens 11 on the opposite side of the light source module 2. The focusing lens 12 then faces the collimator lens 11 on the opposite side of the light source module 2. An aperture 17 is formed in the aperture body 13, and the central axis of the aperture 17 is coaxial or approximately coaxial with the optical axis C.

[0024] The focusing lens 12 is, for example, a Fresnel lens, and focuses the incident light. Light from the collimator lens 11 is incident on the focusing lens 12 along the optical axis C. The focusing lens 12 focuses the light incident on the collimator lens 11 toward the aperture 17 of the aperture body 13. At this time, the light is focused so that the light emitted from the focusing lens 12 converges at the focal point of the focusing lens 12, and the light is focused so that the light from the focusing lens 12 passes through the aperture 17. In addition, when light is emitted from two or more types of light-emitting elements 22 that emit light of different colors relative to each other in the light source module 2, the light is mixed by focusing the light with the focusing lens 12.

[0025] In the illumination optical system 5, the diffusing optical component 15 is positioned near the aperture body 13, on the opposite side from the light source module 2, and away from the focusing lens 12. Light from the focusing lens 12 is incident on the diffusing optical component 15, and the diffusing optical component 15 diffuses the light incident on from the focusing lens 12. For example, either a fly-eye lens or a diffuser plate can be used as the diffusing optical component 15.

[0026] Furthermore, the projection lens 16 is positioned on the opposite side of the aperture body 13 and diffuse optical component 15 from the focusing lens 12 and light source module 2. Light that has passed through the aperture 17 and diffuse optical component 15 is incident on the projection lens 16. The projection lens 16 irradiates the illumination surface, etc., with the light incident from the aperture 17 and diffuse optical component 15. As a result, in the lighting fixture 1, the light emitted from the projection lens 16 irradiates the illumination surface, etc. Either a Fresnel lens or a plano-convex lens can be used as the projection lens 16.

[0027] In one example shown in Figure 1, the diffusing optical component 15 is adjacent to the aperture 17 from the side opposite to where the light source module 2 is located, that is, from the side where the projection lens 16 is located. Therefore, the light emitted from the focusing lens 12 is diffused by the diffusing optical component 15 after passing through the aperture 17. In another example, the diffusing optical component 15 is adjacent to the aperture 17 from the side where the light source module 2 and the focusing lens 12 are located. In this case, the light emitted from the diffusing optical component 15, that is, the light diffused by the diffusing optical component 15, passes through the aperture 17.

[0028] In one embodiment, the projection lens 16 is movable along the optical axis C. As the projection lens 16 moves, the distance from the aperture body 13 and the diffuse optical component 15 to the projection lens 16 along the optical axis C changes. In this configuration, the closer the projection lens 16 gets to the aperture body 13 and the diffuse optical component 15, the wider the illumination range of the light from the projection lens 16 on the illumination surface. In another example, the light source module 2, heat sink 3, collimator lens 11, focusing lens 12, aperture body 13, and diffuse optical component 15 move together along the optical axis C, causing the distance from the aperture body 13 and the diffuse optical component 15 to the projection lens 16 along the optical axis C to change.

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light source module 2 according to an embodiment, viewed from the side that emits light in a direction along the optical axis C. Figure 2 shows the arrangement of multiple types of light-emitting elements 22 on the substrate surface 25 of the substrate 21. Here, in the light source module 2 and the substrate 21, the direction along the optical axis C, that is, the direction along the central axis of the light source module 2, is defined as the axial direction, and the direction around the optical axis C is defined as the circumferential direction (directions indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2). Furthermore, in the light source module 2 and the substrate 21, the direction that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to both the axial and circumferential directions is defined as the radial direction. In addition, in the light source module 2 and the substrate 21, the side approaching the radial optical axis C (central axis) is the inner circumferential side, and the side moving away from the radial optical axis C is the outer circumferential side.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the multiple types of light-emitting elements 22 of the light source module 2 include multiple light-emitting elements (first light-emitting elements) 22A that emit red light, and three or more light-emitting elements (second light-emitting elements) 22B that emit light in a different color than red. The light-emitting elements 22B emit, for example, green light. In this case, the light-emitting elements 22A emit monochromatic light such that the peak wavelength is in the wavelength range of 646 nm or more and 666 nm or less, and the light-emitting elements 22B emit monochromatic light such that the peak wavelength is in the wavelength range of 510 nm or more and 550 nm or less. In the example in Figure 2, the multiple types of light-emitting elements 22 include one or more light-emitting elements that emit light in a different color than the light-emitting elements 22A and 22B. That is, in addition to the two types of light-emitting elements 22A and 22B, the multiple types of light-emitting elements 22 include one or more types of light-emitting elements 22C that are different from the light-emitting elements 22A and 22B. In one example, the multiple types of light-emitting elements 22 include, in addition to the red-emitting element 22A and the green-emitting element 22B, one or more types of light-emitting elements that emit light of a color other than red or green (for example, a blue-emitting element, a cyan-emitting element, an amber-emitting element), and a white-emitting element, as light-emitting elements 22C. The light-emitting elements 22C may also include multiple types of light-emitting elements that emit different colors.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 2, mounting holes 27 for attaching screws, etc., are formed on the substrate 21 of the light source module 2. In the substrate 21 of the example shown in Figure 2, mounting holes 27 are formed in three locations on the substrate surface 25. On the substrate surface 25 of the substrate 21, no light-emitting elements 22 are placed at each of the locations where the mounting holes 27 are formed. In Figure 2, etc., light-emitting elements 22A are shown as circles with hatching corresponding to red, that is, circles with vertical hatching, and light-emitting elements 22B are shown as circles with hatching corresponding to green, that is, circles with diagonal hatching. In Figure 2, etc., light-emitting elements 22C of a different type from light-emitting elements 22A and 22B are shown as white circles, and the mounting holes 27 are shown as black circles. Note that the mounting holes 27 may be provided in a configuration of 0 to 2 locations, or in a configuration of 4 or more locations.

[0032] Furthermore, each of the multiple light-emitting elements 22 has a width dimension Wa, which is a dimension along the substrate surface 25. For multiple light-emitting elements 22 mounted on the substrate 21, regardless of type, the width dimension Wa is the same or approximately the same size as each other. In Figure 2, the diameter of the circle representing each of the light-emitting elements 22 corresponds to the width dimension Wa. Also, each of the mounting holes 27 has a hole width dimension Wb, which is a dimension along the substrate surface 25. For multiple mounting holes 27, the hole width dimension Wb is the same or approximately the same size as each of the mounting holes 27, and in this embodiment, the hole width dimension Wb of each mounting hole 27 is the same or approximately the same size as the width dimension Wa of each of the light-emitting elements 22. In Figure 2, the diameter of the circle representing each of the mounting holes 27 corresponds to the hole width dimension Wb.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 2, each of the light-emitting elements 22 is circular or approximately circular when viewed from the side from which light from the light source module 2 is emitted, but this is not the only example. In one example, each of the light-emitting elements 22 is square or approximately square when viewed from the side from which light from the light source module 2 is emitted. In this example, if the shape of each of the light-emitting elements 22 viewed from the side from which light is emitted is a square or rectangle, where the lengths of the two diagonals are the same, the length of the diagonals of the square corresponds to the width dimension Wa of each of the light-emitting elements 22. If the shape of each of the light-emitting elements 22 viewed from the side from which light is emitted is a rhombus or parallelogram, where the lengths of the two diagonals are different, the length of the longer of the two diagonals of the square corresponds to the width dimension Wa of each of the light-emitting elements 22.

[0034] Furthermore, each of the multiple light-emitting elements 22A is not adjacent to any of the other light-emitting elements 22A. Therefore, for each light-emitting element 22A, the distance between its center points and any of the other light-emitting elements 22A is greater than the width dimension Wa of the light-emitting element 22. In one example, for each light-emitting element 22A, the distance between its center points and any of the other light-emitting elements 22A is 1.5 times or more the width dimension Wa of the light-emitting element 22. In the example in Figure 2, there is one or more light-emitting elements 22B, 22C, and mounting holes 27 of a different type from the light-emitting element 22A between each light-emitting element 22A and any of the other light-emitting elements 22A. Here, for each light-emitting element 22, the center of the circle shown in Figure 2 corresponds to the center point. Also, for two adjacent light-emitting elements 22, the distance between their center points is the same as or approximately the same as the width dimension Wa of the light-emitting element 22.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 2, in the light source module 2, an array of elements is formed in which two or more light-emitting elements 22 are arranged along the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. In the example shown in Figure 2, an array of elements is formed along each of the imaginary bounding lines α1 to α7, forming seven arrays of elements. Each bounding line passes through the center of each light-emitting element 22. The seven arrays of elements are arranged concentrically with the optical axis C as the center or approximate center. In the example shown in Figure 2, the arrays of elements are arranged in the following order from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side of the substrate 21: the array of elements along bounding line α1, the array of elements along bounding line α2, the array of elements along bounding line α3, the array of elements along bounding line α4, the array of elements along bounding line α5, the array of elements along bounding line α6, and the array of elements along bounding line α7. In this embodiment, the bounding box α1 is defined as the smallest equilateral triangle, the bounding box α2 is defined as the hexagon enclosing the bounding box α1, and thereafter, the bounding box αX is defined as the hexagon enclosing the bounding box α(X-1). (In this embodiment, X is an integer between 3 and 7.)

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 2, the element rows along the enclosed lines α1, α3, α5, and α7 do not contain any light-emitting elements 22A that emit red light. Furthermore, the element rows along the enclosed lines α1, α3, α4, α6, and α7 do not contain any light-emitting elements 22B that emit green light. Therefore, each of the element rows along the enclosed lines α1, α3, and α7 consists only of light-emitting elements 22C of a different type than light-emitting elements 22A and 22B.

[0037] Furthermore, since the element rows along the enclosed lines α6 and α7 do not each contain an element light-emitting element 22B, each element light-emitting element 22A included in the element row along the enclosed line α6 is positioned on the outer periphery side of the substrate 21 with respect to any of the element light-emitting elements 22B. Therefore, in the example in Figure 2, one or more of the element light-emitting elements (first element light-emitting elements) 22A are positioned on the outer periphery side of the substrate 21 with respect to any of the element light-emitting elements (second element light-emitting elements) 22B. That is, one or more element light-emitting elements 22A located on the outermost periphery side of the element light-emitting elements 22A are positioned on the outer periphery side of the substrate 21 with respect to one or more element light-emitting elements 22B located on the outermost periphery side of the element light-emitting elements 22B.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 2, the area enclosed by the bounding line α2 forms a hexagon, and the bounding line α2 forms six sides E2a and E2b of the hexagon. Within the bounding line α2, three sides E2a and three sides E2b are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the substrate 21. Three light-emitting elements 22 are placed at the positions through which each side E2a of the bounding line α2 passes, and are arranged in the order of light-emitting elements 22B, 22C, and 22A in a counterclockwise direction (towards arrow Y1) with respect to the optical axis C in Figure 2. Then, two light-emitting elements 22 are placed at the positions through which each side E2b of the bounding line α2 passes, and are arranged in the order of light-emitting elements 22A, 22B in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the optical axis C in Figure 2.

[0039] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 2, the area enclosed by the bounding line α4 forms a hexagon, and the bounding line α4 forms six sides E4a and E4b of the hexagon. Within the bounding line α4, three sides E4a and three sides E4b are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the substrate 21. Five light-emitting elements 22 are placed at the positions through which each side E4a of the bounding line α4 passes, and are arranged in the order of light-emitting elements 22C, 22A, 22C, 22A, 22C in a counterclockwise direction (towards arrow Y1) with respect to the optical axis C in Figure 2. Then, four light-emitting elements 22 are placed at the positions through which each side E4b of the bounding line α4 passes, and are arranged in the order of light-emitting elements 22C, 22C, 22A, 22C in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the optical axis C in Figure 2.

[0040] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 2, the area enclosed by the bounding line α6 forms a hexagon, and the bounding line α6 creates six sides E6a and E6b of the hexagon. Within the bounding line α6, three sides E6a and three sides E6b are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the substrate 21. Seven light-emitting elements 22 are placed at the positions through which each side E6a of the bounding line α6 passes, and are arranged in the order of light-emitting elements 22A, 22C, 22A, 22C, 22A, 22C, 22A, and 22A in a counterclockwise direction (towards arrow Y1) with respect to the optical axis C in Figure 2. Then, six light-emitting elements 22 are placed at the positions through which each side E6b of the bounding line α6 passes, and are arranged in the order of light-emitting elements 22A, 22C, 22C, 22A, 22C, 22A, and 22A in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the optical axis C in Figure 2.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 2, each of the red-emitting light-emitting elements 22A is positioned as described above. By arranging the light-emitting elements 22A in this way, no single element 22A is adjacent to any of the other elements 22A. In other embodiments, the arrangement of the light-emitting elements 22A is not limited to the arrangement shown in the example in Figure 2. However, in all cases, no single element 22A is adjacent to any of the other elements 22A. Furthermore, for each of the light-emitting elements 22A, the distance between their center points is greater than the width dimension Wa of the light-emitting element 22A.

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of three or more green-emitting light-emitting elements (second light-emitting elements) 22B in the example light source module 2 shown in Figure 2. In Figure 3, the light source module 2 is shown as viewed from the side that emits light along the optical axis C. Also in Figure 3, the light-emitting elements 22A, 22B, 22C and the mounting holes 27 are indicated by hatching, etc., as in Figure 2.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, each of the three or more light-emitting elements 22B forms an equilateral triangle T with two corresponding elements among the other light-emitting elements 22B, with side I being a virtual line connecting their center points. In the example in Figure 3, nine light-emitting elements 22B are provided, and three equilateral triangles T are formed. In this embodiment, every light-emitting element 22B that is implemented forms an equilateral triangle T with two corresponding elements among the other light-emitting elements 22B. That is, the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 do not include any light-emitting elements 22B that do not form an equilateral triangle T with any of the other light-emitting elements 22B.

[0044] In each equilateral triangle T, each of the three sides I has a length equivalent to three times the width dimension Wa of the light-emitting element 22. Also, none of the red-emitting light-emitting elements 22A are placed at positions through which the sides I of the equilateral triangle T pass. In each equilateral triangle T, light-emitting elements 22B are placed at positions corresponding to the three vertices. In each equilateral triangle T formed in the example in Figure 3, at positions through which each of the sides I passes, a light-emitting element 22C and two corresponding mounting holes 27 are placed between two light-emitting elements 22B. At a position through which one side I passes, two light-emitting elements 22C are placed between two light-emitting elements 22B placed at positions corresponding to the vertices. At another position through which one side I passes, one light-emitting element 22C and one mounting hole 27 are placed between two light-emitting elements 22B placed at positions corresponding to the vertices.

[0045] Furthermore, in a preferred example such as the one shown in Figure 3, each of the light-emitting elements (second light-emitting elements) 22B forms one equilateral triangle T only with two corresponding elements among the other light-emitting elements 22B, and does not form an equilateral triangle T with any other light-emitting elements 22B. In other words, each of the light-emitting elements 22B is arranged such that no multiple distinct equilateral triangle T vertices are formed by a single light-emitting element 22B relative to each other. For this reason, in this preferred example, the number of light-emitting elements 22B mounted on the substrate 21 is any multiple of 3.

[0046] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 3, when the portion of the substrate 21 on which the light-emitting element 22 is mounted is equally divided into three regions R in the circumferential direction of the substrate 21, one equilateral triangle T is formed in each of the three regions R by three light-emitting elements 22B. In the example shown in Figure 3, each of the three regions R extends along the circumferential direction of the substrate 21 over an angular range of 120° or approximately 120°. The number of light-emitting elements 22B mounted on the substrate 21 is nine.

[0047] In one example, when the portion of the substrate 21 on which the light-emitting element 22 is mounted is equally divided into four or more regions R in the circumferential direction of the substrate 21, one equilateral triangle T consisting of three light-emitting elements 22B is formed in each of the four or more regions R. Therefore, in a preferred example of the embodiment, when the portion of the substrate 21 on which the light-emitting element 22 is mounted is equally divided into N regions R (where N is a natural number of 3 or more) in the circumferential direction of the substrate 21, one equilateral triangle T consisting of three light-emitting elements 22B is formed in each of the N regions R. Each region R is defined such that its central angle is (360 / N)° or approximately (360 / N)° along the circumferential direction of the substrate 21, and the number of light-emitting elements 22B mounted on the substrate 21 is (3 × N).

[0048] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 3, one corresponding light-emitting element 22A is placed in the area enclosed by the three sides I of each equilateral triangle T. That is, in each equilateral triangle T, one light-emitting element 22A is placed inside the equilateral triangle T with respect to side I. Therefore, one or more red-emitting light-emitting elements 22A are placed in the area enclosed by the three sides I of any of the equilateral triangles T. However, in any of the equilateral triangles T, no light-emitting elements 22A are placed at positions through which side I passes.

[0049] Furthermore, for each of the light-emitting elements 22B and 22C other than the light-emitting element 22A, a score η is defined based on the positional relationship with respect to the light-emitting element 22A. For each of the light-emitting elements 22B and 22C, if there is one or more light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is less than or equal to the aforementioned width dimension Wa, the score η is increased by 2 for each of the one or more light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is less than or equal to the width dimension Wa. In other words, for each of the light-emitting elements 22B and 22C, the score η is increased by the number of adjacent light-emitting elements 22A × 2 if there is one or more adjacent light-emitting elements 22A (whose distance between their center points is less than or equal to the width dimension Wa).

[0050] Furthermore, for each of the light-emitting elements 22B and 22C, if there is one or more light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is greater than 1 and less than 2 times the width dimension Wa, the score η is increased by 1 for each of the one or more light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is greater than 1 and less than 2 times the width dimension Wa. In one example, the score η for each of the light-emitting elements 22B and 22C is increased by the number of light-emitting elements 22A whose position is between only one of the light-emitting elements 22B, 22C, and mounting holes 27, multiplied by 1, if there is one or more light-emitting elements 22A whose position is between only one of the light-emitting elements 22B, 22C, and mounting holes 27.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 3, for the light-emitting element 22B located at position β1, the score η is increased by 2 each by the light-emitting elements 22A located at positions β2 and β3, and by 1 each by the light-emitting elements 22A located at positions β4 and β5. Therefore, the score η for the light-emitting element 22B located at position β1 becomes 6. Similarly, for the light-emitting element 22B located at position β6, the score η is increased by 2 by the light-emitting element 22A located at position β7, and by 1 each by the light-emitting elements 22A located at positions β4, β5, β8, and β9. Therefore, the score η for the light-emitting element 22B located at position β6 becomes 6.

[0052] As described above, by defining the respective scores η for the light-emitting elements 22B and 22C, the score η for each of the light-emitting elements 22B and 22C is defined as the sum of twice the number Ma of light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is less than or equal to the width dimension Wa, and the number Mb of light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is greater than one time and less than or equal to twice the width dimension Wa. That is, the relationship η = 2 × Ma + Mb holds.

[0053] In one example, the score η of each light-emitting element 22B and 22C is increased by 1 for each of the one or more light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is greater than 1 and less than 2 times the width dimension Wa, provided there is one or more light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is greater than 1 and less than 2 times the width dimension Wa. Then, for each of the light-emitting elements 22B and 22C, the score η is defined as the sum of twice the number of light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is less than or equal to the width dimension Wa, and the number of light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is greater than 1 and less than 2 times the width dimension Wa. In this case, the score η of each of the light-emitting elements 22B and 22C is not increased by the light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is 2 times the width dimension Wa.

[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the scores η defined for each of the light-emitting elements 22B and 22C, which are of a different type from the light-emitting element (first light-emitting element) 22A, in the example light source module 2 of Figure 2. In Figure 4, the light source module 2 is shown as viewed from the side that emits light in the direction along the optical axis C. Also, in Figure 3, the light-emitting elements 22A, 22B, 22C and the mounting holes 27 are shown with hatching etc. in the same way as in Figures 2 and 3.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 4, for each of the three equilateral triangles T, two of the three light-emitting elements 22B forming the equilateral triangle T are positioned at a location where the aforementioned score η is 6, and the remaining one of the three light-emitting elements 12B forming the equilateral triangle T is positioned at a location where the score η is 5. In this embodiment, the sum of the scores η of the three light-emitting elements 22B forming the equilateral triangle T, ηsum, is 15 or greater, which is the reference value (first reference value) ηsumref. The condition that "the sum of the scores η of the three light-emitting elements 22B forming the equilateral triangle T, ηsum, is 15 or greater" is also referred to as "condition φ1". Therefore, the three light-emitting elements 22B forming the equilateral triangle T are positioned at locations that satisfy condition φ1.

[0056] In one example, the aforementioned condition φ1 is satisfied, and the score η of each of the three light-emitting elements 22B forming the equilateral triangle T is equal to or greater than the reference value (second reference value) ηref. The reference value ηref is set to, for example, 5. In the example in Figure 4, for each of the equilateral triangles T, the score η of each of the three light-emitting elements 22B forming the equilateral triangle T is 5 or greater, and is equal to or greater than the reference value ηref.

[0057] Furthermore, in one example, as described above, when the portion on which the light-emitting element 22 is mounted is equally divided into three or more regions R in the circumferential direction of the substrate 21, one equilateral triangle T is formed in each of the three or more regions R by the three light-emitting elements 22B. In each region R, the three light-emitting elements 22B are arranged in the arrangement pattern that maximizes the sum of the scores η of the three light-emitting elements 22B, ηsum, among the arrangement patterns of the three light-emitting elements 22B that can form an equilateral triangle T. Also, if there are multiple arrangement patterns in each region R that maximize the sum of the scores η of the three light-emitting elements 22B, the three light-emitting elements 22B are arranged in one of the multiple arrangement patterns that maximize the sum ηsum.

[0058] For example, suppose that in each of the regions R, the arrangement pattern that maximizes the sum ηsum is the one that results in a total value ηsum of 17. In this case, in each of the three or more regions R, the three light-emitting elements 22B are arranged in one of the arrangement patterns that results in a total value ηsum of 17 for the scores η of the three light-emitting elements 22B that form an equilateral triangle T. The arrangement of the three light-emitting elements 22B in an arrangement pattern that results in a total value ηsum of 17 also satisfies the aforementioned condition φ1.

[0059] Furthermore, the position where the score η is maximized among the positions where the aforementioned score η is defined is defined as the maximum score position. In the example in Figure 4, the position where the score η is 7 corresponds to the maximum score position. There may be only one maximum score position, or there may be multiple. In one example, one or more of the three light-emitting elements 22B that satisfy the aforementioned condition φ1 and form an equilateral triangle T are placed at the maximum score position.

[0060] Here, Comparative Examples 1 and 2 will be described as comparative examples to the embodiments. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 1, viewed from the side that emits light along the optical axis C. As shown in Figure 5, in the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 1, a plurality of red-emitting light-emitting elements 22A are arranged in the same positions as in the examples in Figures 2 to 4. In Comparative Example 1 as well, when the portion on which the light-emitting elements 22 are mounted is equally divided into three regions R in the circumferential direction of the substrate 21, three green-emitting light-emitting elements 22B are arranged in each of the three regions R. However, in Comparative Example 1, the arrangement pattern of the three light-emitting elements 22B in each of the regions R differs from that of the embodiments.

[0061] In Comparative Example 1, in each region R, the three light-emitting elements 22B form a triangle Ta, rather than the equilateral triangle T described above. In each region R, one of the three light-emitting elements 22B is positioned in a location where there are almost no red-emitting elements 22A nearby. That is, there are almost no light-emitting elements 22A near the light-emitting elements 22B positioned at positions γ1, γ2, and γ3. Therefore, the light-emitting elements 22B positioned at positions γ1, γ2, and γ3 have a low score η.

[0062] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 2, viewed from the side that emits light along the optical axis C. As shown in Figure 6, in the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 2, multiple red-emitting elemental light-emitting elements 22A are arranged in the same positions as in the examples in Figures 2 to 4. In Comparative Example 2, when the portion on which the elemental light-emitting elements 22 are mounted is equally divided into three regions R in the circumferential direction of the substrate 21, three green-emitting elemental light-emitting elements 22B are arranged in each of the three regions R, that is, three elemental light-emitting elements 22B that form an equilateral triangle T, in the same positions as in the examples in Figures 2 to 4. Therefore, in Comparative Example 2, as in the examples in Figures 2 to 4, three equilateral triangles T are formed by nine elemental light-emitting elements 22B.

[0063] However, in Comparative Example 2, in addition to the nine light-emitting elements 22B mentioned above, three more light-emitting elements 22B are provided, with light-emitting elements 22B positioned at positions γ4, γ5, and γ6, respectively. The light-emitting elements 22B positioned at positions γ4, γ5, and γ6 do not form an equilateral triangle T with any of the other light-emitting elements 22B. Furthermore, there are almost no light-emitting elements 22A in the vicinity of the light-emitting elements 22B positioned at positions γ4, γ5, and γ6. For this reason, the aforementioned score η is low for the light-emitting elements 22B positioned at positions γ4, γ5, and γ6.

[0064] Furthermore, as verification related to the embodiments, the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 1, the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 2, and the light source module 2 of the example in Figures 2 to 4 of the embodiments were used to irradiate the surface. In the verification, only two types of light-emitting elements 22A and 22B were made to emit light from the light-emitting element 22, and the red light from light-emitting element 22A and the green light from light-emitting element 22B were mixed and irradiated. In addition, in Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and the example in Figures 2 to 4, the mixed light was irradiated using a common illumination optical system 5. Then, the irradiated light was observed for each of Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and the example in Figures 2 to 4.

[0065] Figure 7 is a grayscale representation of the light emitted using the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 1 in a verification related to the embodiment. Figure 8 is a grayscale representation of the light emitted using the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 2 in a verification related to the embodiment. Figure 9 is a grayscale representation of the light emitted using the example light source module 2 of Figures 2 to 4 in a verification related to the embodiment. In each of Figures 7 to 9, the parts of the emitted light that are closer to red become closer to black, and the parts that are closer to green become closer to white.

[0066] In the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 1, as described above, there are almost no light-emitting elements 22A near the light-emitting elements 22B located at positions γ1, γ2, and γ3, respectively. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, in the light irradiated using the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 1, the red light was weaker in regions ε1, ε2, and ε3 compared to regions δ1, δ2, and δ3. As a result, circumferential color unevenness occurred in the irradiated light, and the color unevenness was noticeable.

[0067] Furthermore, in the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 2, as described above, the light-emitting elements 22B positioned at positions γ4, γ5, and γ6 do not form an equilateral triangle T with any of the other light-emitting elements 22B. In addition, there are almost no light-emitting elements 22A in the vicinity of the light-emitting elements 22B positioned at positions γ4, γ5, and γ6. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, in the light irradiated using the light source module 2 of Comparative Example 1, the green light was stronger and the red light was weaker in regions ε4, ε5, and ε6 compared to regions δ4, δ5, and δ6. This resulted in circumferential color unevenness in the irradiated light, and the color unevenness was noticeable.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when irradiated using the example light source module 2 in Figures 2 to 4, almost no circumferential color unevenness occurred. However, even when irradiated using the example light source module 2 in Figures 2 to 4, the green light was stronger in region ω1 near the center compared to region ω2 covering the outer periphery of region ω1. However, the color unevenness between regions ω1 and ω2 is radial color unevenness and occurs in a concentric pattern. For this reason, the color unevenness between regions ω1 and ω2 was not noticeable when irradiated using the example light source module 2 in Figures 2 to 4. Therefore, by arranging the light-emitting elements 12A and 12B in the arrangement pattern of the example in Figures 2 to 4, color unevenness in light irradiated with a mixture of red and green was reduced compared to Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0069] In the light source module 2 of the aforementioned embodiment, each of the three or more light-emitting elements (second light-emitting elements) 22B forms an equilateral triangle T with two corresponding elements among the other light-emitting elements 22B, with an imaginary line connecting their center points forming side I. Each side I of the equilateral triangle T has a length equivalent to three times the width dimension Wa of each light-emitting element 22. When a score η is defined for each light-emitting element 22B by adding twice the number of light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is less than or equal to the width dimension Wa (first light-emitting elements) 22A, to the number of light-emitting elements 22A whose distance between their center points is greater than one time and less than or equal to twice the width dimension Wa, the sum of the scores η of the three light-emitting elements 22B that form the equilateral triangle T, ηsum, becomes 15 or more. With this configuration, as described above in the verification related to the embodiment, it becomes possible to suppress circumferential color unevenness in light irradiated with a mixture of red and green light, and to reduce color unevenness.

[0070] In one preferred example of the embodiments described above, none of the red-emitting light-emitting elements 22A are positioned where the side I of an equilateral triangle T passes through. In another preferred example, when the portion of the substrate 21 on which the light-emitting elements 22 are mounted is equally divided into three or more regions R in the circumferential direction of the substrate 21, one equilateral triangle T is formed in each of the three or more regions R by three light-emitting elements 22B. Furthermore, in another preferred example, each light-emitting element 22B forms one equilateral triangle T only with two corresponding elements among the other light-emitting elements 22B, and does not form an equilateral triangle T with any other light-emitting elements 22B. By applying any of these configurations, color unevenness is further reduced in light irradiated with a mixture of red and green light.

[0071] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, one or more light-emitting elements 22A are arranged in the area enclosed by the sides I of the equilateral triangle T. In a preferred embodiment, one or more light-emitting elements 22A are arranged on the outer periphery of the substrate 21 relative to each of the light-emitting elements 22B. By applying any of these configurations, it becomes easy to realize an arrangement pattern in which many light-emitting elements 22A are arranged near each of the light-emitting elements 22B that form the equilateral triangle T. This makes it easy to realize an arrangement pattern in which the score η of each of the light-emitting elements 22B that form the equilateral triangle T is high. Therefore, it becomes easy to realize an arrangement pattern of light-emitting elements 22 in which color unevenness is reduced when illuminated with a mixture of red and green light.

[0072] In the embodiments described above, the light-emitting element 22B was described as a light-emitting element that emits green light, but the light-emitting element 22B can be any light-emitting element that emits light of a different color than red. In this case as well, by arranging the light-emitting elements 22A and 22B in the light source module 2 in the same manner as in any of the embodiments described above, it is possible to reduce color unevenness in the light emitted by mixing red light and the light of the light-emitting element 22B. For example, in a configuration in which the light-emitting element 22B emits cyan light, by arranging the light-emitting elements 22A and 22B in the light source module 2 in the same manner as in any of the embodiments described above, it is possible to reduce color unevenness in the light emitted by mixing red light and cyan light.

[0073] According to at least one of these embodiments, the light source module comprises a plurality of red first light-emitting elements and three or more second light-emitting elements of a different color, each of which forms an equilateral triangle with two corresponding elements among the other second light-emitting elements. The length of each side of the equilateral triangle corresponds to three times the width dimension of the light-emitting elements. If a score is defined by adding twice the number of first light-emitting elements whose center points are less than or equal to the width dimension to the number of first light-emitting elements whose center points are greater than one and less than or equal to two times the width dimension, the sum of the scores of the three second light-emitting elements forming the equilateral triangle becomes 15 or more. This makes it possible to provide a light source module and lighting fixture that can reduce color unevenness in the irradiated light when mixing red light and light of a different color.

[0074] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1...Lighting fixture, 2...Light source module, 5...Lighting optical system, 21...Substrate, 22A...Light-emitting element (first light-emitting element), 22B...Light-emitting element (second light-emitting element), T...Equilateral triangle, I...Side, Wa...Width dimension, Ma, Mb...Number, η...Score, ηsum...Total value.

Claims

1. circuit board and; The device comprises a plurality of first light-emitting elements that emit red light, and three or more second light-emitting elements that emit light of a different color from the red light, and a plurality of types of light-emitting elements mounted on the substrate; It is equipped with, Each of the second light-emitting elements forms an equilateral triangle with two corresponding elements in another second light-emitting element, with sides defined by imaginary lines connecting their center points. Each of the sides of the equilateral triangle has a length equivalent to three times the width dimension of each of the light-emitting elements. When a score is defined for each of the second light-emitting elements by adding twice the number of first light-emitting elements whose distance between their center points is less than or equal to the width dimension, to the number of first light-emitting elements whose distance between their center points is greater than one time and less than or equal to twice the width dimension, the sum of the scores of the three second light-emitting elements forming the equilateral triangle becomes 15 or more. Light source module.

2. The light source module of claim 1, wherein none of the first light-emitting elements are positioned at a location through which the sides of the equilateral triangle pass.

3. The light source module according to claim 1, wherein when the portion of the substrate on which the light-emitting element is mounted is equally divided into three or more regions in the circumferential direction of the substrate, one equilateral triangle formed by three second light-emitting elements is formed in each of the three or more regions.

4. The light source module of claim 1, wherein each of the second light-emitting elements forms one equilateral triangle only with two corresponding elements among the other second light-emitting elements, and does not form an equilateral triangle with any other second light-emitting elements.

5. The light source module according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the first light-emitting elements are arranged in the area enclosed by the sides of the equilateral triangle.

6. The light source module according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the first light-emitting elements are arranged on the outer periphery side of the substrate with respect to any of the second light-emitting elements.

7. A light source module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An illumination optical system comprising one or more optical components, which guides light incident from the light source module and irradiates with the guided light, A lighting fixture equipped with the following features.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Illuminating device

    JP2023142874A