Cover for light-emitting element and method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover

Abstract

The present invention provides a light-emitting element cover that has a configuration different from that of Patent Documents 1 and 2, and that allows light emitted from the light-emitting element to be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from one or two sides along the depth direction of the space housing the light-emitting element. [Solution] The light-emitting element cover (1) has one or two transparent glass side glass plates (21) that constitute one of the four side walls surrounding the rectangular parallelepiped light-emitting element housing space (2) or two opposing side walls, a base portion (31) that constitutes the side walls other than those formed by the side glass plates (21) and is connected to the side glass plates (21), and an upper plate (41) that is perpendicular to the four side walls, connected to the base portion (31), and fixed to the end faces of one or two side glass plates (21) perpendicular to the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover for a light-emitting element used for sealing a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode or a laser diode disposed on a substrate, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for the purpose of preventing deterioration of a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode or a laser diode, a technique is known in which a light-emitting element on a substrate is covered with a cover and the cover is connected to the substrate to seal the light-emitting element and keep the inside in a dry environment. Such a cover for a light-emitting element is at least partially transparent so as to transmit light emitted from the light-emitting element. The covers for light-emitting elements described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape in terms of outer shape and the space for accommodating the light-emitting element, and have one or two transparent plates constituting one of the four side walls surrounding the accommodating space or two opposing side walls. Light emitted from the light-emitting element is radiated to the outside of the cover for the light-emitting element from this transparent plate. The surface of this transparent plate along the depth direction of the space for accommodating the light-emitting element is fixed to other parts of the cover for the light-emitting element (see FIG. 8).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Similar to the light-emitting element covers described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a need for a light-emitting element cover that can radiate light emitted from a light-emitting element from one or two side walls, but has a different configuration from Patent Documents 1 and 2. Furthermore, there is a need for such a light-emitting element cover to be easily mass-producible.

[0005] The present invention has a configuration different from Patent Documents 1 and 2, and aims to provide a light-emitting element cover that can radiate light emitted from a light-emitting element to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from one or two side walls along the depth direction of the space housing the light-emitting element. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover that has a configuration different from that of Patent Documents 1 and 2, and that allows for the easy mass production of a light-emitting element cover capable of radiating light emitted from a light-emitting element to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from one or two side walls along the depth direction of the space housing the light-emitting element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The light-emitting element cover of the present invention has the following configuration. A light-emitting element cover used to seal a light-emitting element on a substrate, comprising: one or two transparent glass side plates that constitute one of four side walls or two opposing side walls surrounding a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped light-emitting element housing space for housing the light-emitting element; a base portion that constitutes a side wall other than the side wall formed by the one or two side glass plates among the four side walls surrounding the light-emitting element housing space and is connected to the one or two side glass plates; and a top plate that is perpendicular to the four side walls surrounding the light-emitting element housing space, located on the opposite side of the opening leading to the light-emitting element housing space, connected to the base portion, and fixed to the one or two side glass plates so as to cover at least a portion of the end faces of the one or two side glass plates perpendicular to the depth direction of the light-emitting element housing space.

[0007] This configuration allows light emitted from a light-emitting element sealed within a light-emitting element cover to be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover through one or two side glass plates that make up one of the four side walls of the cover or two opposing side walls. The side glass plates have end faces perpendicular to the depth direction of the light-emitting element housing space fixed to top plates perpendicular to the four side walls. Therefore, the light-emitting element cover of the present invention has a different configuration from the light-emitting element covers of Patent Documents 1 and 2, while still being able to radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from one or two side walls along the depth direction of the light-emitting element housing space. In this invention, the top plate does not necessarily have to be located on top of the light-emitting element cover when using a light-emitting element.

[0008] (2) The light-emitting element cover of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration of (1) above. The upper plate is fixed to the base portion such that it covers the end face of the base portion perpendicular to the depth direction of the light-emitting element housing space.

[0009] This configuration is not found in the light-emitting element covers of Patent Documents 1 and 2. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the side walls along the depth direction of the light-emitting element housing space and the upper wall perpendicular to the side walls are not fixed together. Therefore, the light-emitting element cover of the present invention has a configuration that is further different from the light-emitting element covers of Patent Documents 1 and 2, while still allowing light emitted from the light-emitting element to be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from one or two side walls along the depth direction of the light-emitting element housing space. Furthermore, with the above configuration, since the top plate is fixed to the base, the material of the top plate can be different from that of the base. Also, a transparent glass plate can be used as the top plate. In this case, the light emitted from the light-emitting element sealed in the light-emitting element cover can be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from either the one or two side glass plates that make up one or two side walls, or from the top plate perpendicular to the side walls.

[0010] (3) The light-emitting element cover of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration of (2) above. The aforementioned top plate is made of glass and is transparent.

[0011] With this configuration, the light emitted from the light-emitting element sealed in the light-emitting element cover can be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from either the one or two side glass plates that make up one or two side walls, or from the top plate perpendicular to the side walls.

[0012] (4) The light-emitting element cover of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to at least one of the above configurations (1) to (3). The base portion is fixed to a surface that is flush with and continuous with the surface forming the light-emitting element housing space in one or two side glass plates.

[0013] This configuration allows for a larger surface area for the side glass plate. This enables the light emitted from the light-emitting element sealed within the light-emitting element cover to be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from a wider area of ​​the side wall along the depth direction of the light-emitting element housing space.

[0014] (5) The method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover of the present invention has the following configuration. A method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover having a rectangular parallelepiped space, used to encapsulate a light-emitting element on a substrate, comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of holes that are openings on one or both sides of a base plate and extend in the X direction along both sides of the base plate, arranged in parallel in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction at predetermined intervals; forming a first intermediate body in which one or two transparent glass side glass plates are fixed to one or both sides of the base plate so as to cover at least a portion of each of the openings of the holes in the base plate; and forming the first intermediate body The process includes: forming a plurality of porous bodies by cutting with a plurality of planes perpendicular to the X direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the X direction, including at least one plane that passes through the portion of the plurality of holes covered by one or two side glass plates; forming a second intermediate body by fixing one of the two planes perpendicular to the X direction of at least one of the plurality of porous bodies to a top plate; and generating a plurality of covers for the light-emitting elements by cutting the second intermediate body with at least one plane perpendicular to the Y direction and not passing through the holes.

[0015] According to the above manufacturing method, one or two side glass plates constitute one of the four side walls surrounding the space for housing the light-emitting element of the light-emitting element cover, or two opposing side walls. Therefore, a light-emitting element cover is manufactured that can radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element sealed in the light-emitting element cover to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from one or two side glass plates that constitute one or two side walls of the light-emitting element cover. In the light-emitting element cover, the end faces of the side glass plates perpendicular to the depth direction of the space for housing the light-emitting element are fixed to the top plate that constitutes the top wall perpendicular to the four side walls of the light-emitting element cover. Furthermore, according to the above manufacturing method, a number of light-emitting element covers equal to the number of porous bodies formed from the first intermediate can be manufactured from one first intermediate, multiplied by the number of holes formed in the base plate. Therefore, according to the manufacturing method for light-emitting element covers of the present invention, it is possible to easily mass-produce light-emitting element covers that have a different configuration from the light-emitting element covers of Patent Documents 1 and 2, while being capable of radiating light emitted from the light-emitting element to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from one or two side walls along the depth direction of the space in which the light-emitting element is housed. In this invention, the top plate does not necessarily have to be located on top of the light-emitting element cover when using a light-emitting element.

[0016] (6) The method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration of (5) above. The holes are formed to penetrate the base plate and open on both sides of the base plate, and there are two side plates fixed to the base plate, one of the two side glass plates fixed to the base plate so as to cover at least a portion of the opening of each hole on one side of the base plate, and the other of the two side glass plates fixed to the base plate so as to cover at least a portion of the opening of each hole on the other side of the base plate.

[0017] According to the above manufacturing method, a light-emitting element cover can be easily mass-produced in which light emitted from a light-emitting element sealed within the light-emitting element cover can be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from either of the two side glass plates that constitute the two opposing side walls of the light-emitting element cover.

[0018] (7) The method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover of the present invention may have the following configurations in addition to the configuration of (5) above. The holes are formed to open on one side of the base plate, and there is one side plate fixed to the base plate, the side glass plate being fixed to the base plate such that it covers at least a portion of the openings of each hole on one side of the base plate.

[0019] According to the above manufacturing method, a cover for a light-emitting element that can radiate the light emitted from the light-emitting element sealed in the cover for a light-emitting element to the outside of the cover for a light-emitting element from a side glass plate constituting one side wall of the cover for a light-emitting element can be easily mass-produced.

[0020] (8) The manufacturing method of the cover for a light-emitting element of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration of (5) above. The upper plate is made of glass and is transparent at the time of cutting the second intermediate body.

[0021] According to the above manufacturing method, a cover for a light-emitting element that can radiate the light emitted from the light-emitting element sealed in the cover for a light-emitting element to the outside of the cover for a light-emitting element from one or two side glass plates constituting one side wall or two opposing side walls of the cover for a light-emitting element and an upper plate constituting an upper wall perpendicular to the side wall of the cover for a light-emitting element can be easily mass-produced.

[0022] (9) The cover for a light-emitting element of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to at least one of the configurations of (5) to (8) above. Before forming the second intermediate body, at least one through hole extending in the Y direction is formed in the upper plate, and at least two of the porous bodies arranged at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction in the upper plate are fixed so that at least a part of the through hole is disposed between two adjacent porous bodies when viewed in the X direction, to form the second intermediate body. The second intermediate body includes at least one surface passing through the at least one through hole and the at least two porous bodies, and is cut by a plurality of surfaces perpendicular to the Y direction, not passing through the hole portion, and arranged at a predetermined interval in the Y direction, to form the plurality of covers for light-emitting elements.

[0023] With this configuration, when the second intermediate is cut by a plane that passes through at least one through-hole and at least two porous bodies, without passing through the holes, the second intermediate can be separated into at least four parts by this cut plane and at least one through-hole. Therefore, it is not necessary to cut the second intermediate by a plane that passes between two adjacent porous bodies. In other words, since it is not necessary to cut the second intermediate along the surface of the side glass plate, the second intermediate can be easily cut without damaging the transparent surface of the side glass plate. Furthermore, before cutting the first intermediate, that is, before dividing the side glass plate into multiple parts, processing such as mirror finishing to make the surface of the side glass plate transparent can be efficiently performed. Therefore, the light-emitting element cover can be mass-produced more easily. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The light-emitting element cover of the present invention has a configuration different from that of Patent Documents 1 and 2, and can radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from one or two side walls along the depth direction of the space housing the light-emitting element. Furthermore, the method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover of the present invention has a configuration different from that of Patent Documents 1 and 2, and allows for the easy mass production of a light-emitting element cover that can radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element to the outside of the light-emitting element cover from one or two side walls along the depth direction of the space housing the light-emitting element. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a light-emitting element cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the use of a light-emitting element cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows some steps in the method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows some other steps in the method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]This figure illustrates a light-emitting element cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows some steps in the method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows some other steps in the method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention, specifically a cover for a light-emitting element and a method for manufacturing the same. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a conventional light-emitting element cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] [First Embodiment] A light-emitting element cover 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a method for manufacturing the same will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 2 shows an example of how the light-emitting element cover 1 is used. The light-emitting element cover 1 is used to encapsulate a light-emitting element 1001, such as a light-emitting diode or laser diode, on a substrate 1002. The light-emitting element cover 1 has a light-emitting element housing space 2 for housing the light-emitting element 1001. The light-emitting element cover 1 is connected to the substrate 1002 while covering the light-emitting element 1001 on the substrate 1002, thereby encapsulating the light-emitting element 1001 on the substrate 1002. Note that the usage of the light-emitting element cover of the present invention (substrate size, number of light-emitting elements, etc.) is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

[0027] 1. Cover for light-emitting element The light-emitting element cover 1 will be explained using Figures 1(a) to 1(e). Figure 1(b) is a cross-sectional view of the light-emitting element cover 1 along the line B1-B1 in Figure 1(a), Figure 1(c) is a cross-sectional view of the light-emitting element cover 1 along the line C1-C1 in Figure 1(a), Figure 1(d) is a view of the light-emitting element cover 1 along the arrow D1 in Figure 1(a), and Figure 1(e) is a view of the light-emitting element cover 1 along the arrow E1 in Figure 1(a).

[0028] The light-emitting element housing space 2 of the light-emitting element cover 1 is rectangular in shape. The three mutually perpendicular directions defining the light-emitting element housing space 2 are defined as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. The depth direction of the light-emitting element housing space 2 is defined as the X direction. The outer shape of the light-emitting element cover 1 is rectangular in shape. The ratio of the lengths in the X, Z, and Y directions of the light-emitting element housing space 2, and the ratio of the lengths in the X, Z, and Y directions of the outer shape of the light-emitting element cover 1 are not limited to those shown in Figure 1.

[0029] The light-emitting element cover 1 has one side glass plate 21, a base portion 31, and one top plate 41. The base portion 31 is connected to the side glass plate 21. The top plate 41 is connected to the side glass plate 21 and the base portion 31. Although not shown in Figure 1, the light-emitting element cover 1 may have a conductive layer 51 (see Figure 4) on the end face on the opening side that connects to the light-emitting element housing space 2. The conductive layer 51 is electrically connected to the substrate 1002. The conductive layer 51 includes, for example, at least one of chromium, copper, nickel, gold, and tin. The conductive layer 51 may have a multilayer structure. The thickness of the conductive layer 51 may be constant or may vary depending on the position.

[0030] 1-1. Side glass plate The side glass plate 21 constitutes one of the four side walls surrounding the light-emitting element housing space 2. The side glass plate 21 is perpendicular to the Z direction. In other words, the direction perpendicular to the side glass plate 21 is defined as the Z direction. The surface of the side glass plate 21 that forms the light-emitting element housing space 2 (hereinafter referred to as the inner surface) and the surface opposite to it (hereinafter referred to as the outer surface) are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0031] The side glass plate 21 is provided to transmit light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 (see Figure 2) sealed within the light-emitting element housing space 2. The side glass plate 21 is made of glass. In this specification, "made of glass" means having glass as its main component. In this specification, "glass" means glass having an amorphous structure (non-crystalline structure). Examples of glass having an amorphous structure include borosilicate glass, quartz glass (silica glass), aluminosilicate glass, and multi-component optical glass. The glass material used to form the side glass plate 21 has sufficient transmittance to the wavelength of light emitted by the light-emitting element 1001 (see Figure 2). The side glass plate 21 may have an anti-reflective coating forming at least one of its inner surface and outer surface. The anti-reflective coating may be provided on the entire surface of the light-emitting element cover 1.

[0032] The side glass plate 21 is transparent. The transparency of the side glass plate 21 means that it is configured to suppress light scattering on its surface. In other words, the inner and outer surfaces of the side glass plate 21 are transparent. The end faces perpendicular to the X direction and the end faces perpendicular to the Y direction of the side glass plate 21 do not have the same level of transparency as the inner and outer surfaces of the side glass plate 21. In Figures 1(a) and 1(c), the transparent surfaces (inner and outer surfaces) of the side glass plate 21 are shown with dot hatching. Also, in Figures 1(b) and 1(d), the transparent surfaces (inner and outer surfaces) of the side glass plate 21 are shown with thick lines. The inner and outer surfaces of the side glass plate 21 are smooth to ensure transparency. Methods for smoothing (making transparent) the glass surface include, for example, mirror polishing, fire polishing, and molten glass coating.

[0033] 1-2. Base section The base portion 31 constitutes the remaining three of the four side walls surrounding the light-emitting element housing space 2. The surface of the base portion 31 that forms the light-emitting element housing space 2 (hereinafter referred to as the inner surface) and the surface opposite to it (hereinafter referred to as the outer surface) are each U-shaped. The base portion 31 may be made of glass or ceramic. The base portion 31 is fixed to the side glass plate 21. The base portion 31 may be fixed directly to the side glass plate 21 or fixed via a bonding material. The method of direct fixing may be, for example, heat welding or laser welding. The base portion 31 is fixed to a surface of the side glass plate 21 that is flush with and continuous with the surface that forms the light-emitting element housing space 2. That is, two end faces located at one end of the base portion 31 in the Z direction are fixed to a surface of the side glass plate 21 perpendicular to the Z direction. Two of the outer surfaces of the base portion 31 that are perpendicular to the Y direction are flush with the two end faces of the side glass plate 21.

[0034] The base portion 31 does not need to be transparent. In other words, the inner and outer surfaces of the base portion 31 do not need to be transparent. From a productivity standpoint, the inner and outer surfaces of the base portion 31 do not have the same level of transparency as the inner and outer surfaces of the side glass plate 21.

[0035] 1-3. Top plate The top plate 41 is perpendicular to the four side walls surrounding the light-emitting element housing space 2 and is located on the opposite side of the opening leading to the light-emitting element housing space 2. The surface of the top plate 41 that forms the light-emitting element housing space 2 (hereinafter referred to as the inner surface) and the surface opposite to it (hereinafter referred to as the outer surface) are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the X direction. The top plate 41 may be made of glass or ceramic. The top plate 41 is fixed to the side glass plate 21 and the base portion 31. The top plate 41 may be directly fixed to the side glass plate 21 and the base portion 31, or it may be fixed via a bonding material. The direct fixing method may be, for example, heat welding or laser welding. The top plate 41 is fixed to the side glass plate 21 so as to cover the end face of the side glass plate 21 perpendicular to the X direction. The top plate 41 is fixed to the base portion 31 so as to cover the end face of the base portion 31 perpendicular to the X direction. The outer surface of the side glass plate 21 is flush with the end face located at one end of the top plate 41 in the Z direction. One surface of the outer surface of the base portion 31 that is perpendicular to the Z direction is flush with the end face located at the other end of the top plate 41 in the Z direction. Two surfaces of the outer surface of the base portion 31 that are perpendicular to the Y direction are flush with the two end faces located at both ends of the top plate 41 in the Y direction.

[0036] The top plate 41 does not need to be transparent. In other words, the inner and outer surfaces of the top plate 41 do not need to be transparent. From a productivity standpoint, the inner and outer surfaces of the top plate 41 do not have the same level of transparency as the inner and outer surfaces of the side glass plate 21. Furthermore, the end faces of the top plate 41 perpendicular to the Z direction and perpendicular to the Y direction do not have the same level of transparency as the inner and outer surfaces of the side glass plate 21. Therefore, even if the material of the top plate 41 and the side glass plate 21 is the same, and the top plate 41 and the side glass plate 21 are heat-welded together to form a single unit, when the light-emitting element cover 1 is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the side glass plate 21 (Z direction), the boundary between the outer surface of the side glass plate 21 and the end face of the top plate 41 can be seen.

[0037] 1-4. Technical Effects The light-emitting element cover 1 of the first embodiment provides the following technical effects.

[0038] Figure 9(a) shows a conventional example 1 light-emitting element cover 80 having a configuration similar to that of the light-emitting element cover described in Figures 6 and 10 of Patent Document 1. The light-emitting element cover 80 has a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space 81 in which a light-emitting element (not shown) is housed. The light-emitting element cover 80 has a transparent glass plate 82 that forms one of the four side walls surrounding the space 81, and a base portion 83. The glass plate 82 has a surface along the depth direction (X direction) of the space 81 that is fixed to the base portion 83. Light emitted from the light-emitting element (not shown) sealed in the light-emitting element cover 80 is radiated from the glass plate 82 to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 80.

[0039] The light-emitting element cover 1 of the first embodiment can radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 1 from a side glass plate 21 that constitutes one of the four side walls of the light-emitting element cover 1. The side glass plate 21 has an end face perpendicular to the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2 fixed to a top plate 41 perpendicular to the four side walls. Therefore, the light-emitting element cover 1 has a different configuration from the light-emitting element cover 80 of the conventional example 1, yet it can radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 1 from one side wall along the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2.

[0040] The top plate 41 is fixed to the base portion 31 so as to cover the end face of the light-emitting element housing space 2 of the base portion 31 that is perpendicular to the depth direction (X direction). This configuration is not present in the light-emitting element cover 80 of the conventional example 1. Therefore, the light-emitting element cover 1 has a configuration that is further different from the light-emitting element cover 80 of the conventional example 1, while still being able to radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 1 from one side wall along the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the top plate 41 is fixed to the base portion 31. Therefore, the material of the top plate 41 can be different from that of the base portion 31.

[0041] The base portion 31 is fixed to a surface of the side glass plate 21 that is flush with and continuous with the surface forming the light-emitting element housing space 2. This configuration allows for a larger area of ​​the side glass plate 21. As a result, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 can be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 1 from a wider area of ​​the side wall along the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2.

[0042] 2. Method for manufacturing a cover for a light-emitting element Next, the manufacturing method of the light-emitting element cover 1 of the first embodiment will be described using Figures 3 and 4. Here, the manufacturing method when a conductive layer 51 (see Figure 4) is provided on the opening end face of the light-emitting element cover 1 will be described. The manufacturing method of the light-emitting element cover 1 includes a base plate preparation step, a first intermediate formation step, a porous body formation step, a second intermediate formation step, a conductive layer formation step, and a cover formation step. The series of steps are carried out in this order. Note that if the conductive layer 51 is not provided, the conductive layer formation step is omitted. Each step will be described below. The X, Y, and Z directions in Figures 3 and 4 correspond to the X, Y, and Z directions in Figure 1, respectively.

[0043] 2-1. Base plate preparation process In the base plate preparation step, as shown in Figure 3(a), a plurality of holes 30a are formed in the base plate 30. The base plate 30 becomes the base portion 31 of the plurality of light-emitting element covers 1. The plurality of holes 30a are formed to open only on one side of the base plate 30. Each hole 30a is linear and extends in the X direction along both sides of the base plate 30. The plurality of holes 30a are arranged in parallel in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction with a predetermined interval between them. In Figure 3(a), there are three holes 30a formed in the base plate 30, but there may be two or four or more. In Figure 3(a), both ends of the plurality of holes 30a in the X direction are located at the edge of the base plate 30, but both ends or one end of the plurality of holes 30a in the X direction do not have to be located at the edge of the base plate 30. In Figure 3(a), the shape of the base plate 30 is rectangular, but it is not limited to this, and may be circular, for example.

[0044] 2-2. First intermediate formation step In the first intermediate formation step, as shown in Figure 3(b), one side glass plate 20 is fixed to one side of the base plate 30. The side glass plate 20 becomes the side glass plate 21 of the multiple light-emitting element covers 1. The side glass plate 20 is fixed to the base plate 30 so as to cover at least a portion of the opening of each hole 30a on one side of the base plate 30. In Figure 3(b), the side glass plate 20 covers the entire opening of each hole 30a, but it may also cover only a portion of the opening of each hole 30a in the X direction. In Figure 3(b), the length of the side glass plate 20 in the X and Y directions is the same as the length of the base plate 30 in the X and Y directions, but it may be different. In Figure 3(b), the shape of the side glass plate 20 is rectangular, but it is not limited to this, and may be circular, for example. The side glass plate 20 may be fixed directly to the base portion 31, or it may be fixed via a bonding material.

[0045] Before fixing, the surface of the side glass plate 20 facing the base plate 30 (one of the two surfaces perpendicular to the Z direction) is transparent. In the first intermediate formation step, the surface of the side glass plate 20 opposite to the base plate 30 after fixing (the other of the two surfaces perpendicular to the Z direction) may be polished. In this case, a mirror finish may be applied to ensure the required transparency (smoothness). Instead of a mirror finish, a fire polish or molten glass coating may be applied after polishing. After fixing, a fire polish or molten glass coating may be applied to this surface without polishing. In any case, after fixing, when both sides of the side glass plate 20 become transparent, a first intermediate 71 is formed in which the transparent side glass plate 20 is fixed to the base plate 30. Also, if both sides of the side glass plate 20 (the two surfaces perpendicular to the Z direction) are transparent before fixing, polishing or transparency (smoothing) processing may not be performed after fixing. In this case, once the plates are fixed together, a first intermediate body 71 is formed in which the transparent side glass plate 20 is fixed to the base plate 30. In addition, during the first intermediate body formation process, the side of the base plate 30 opposite to the side glass plate 20 after fixing may be polished.

[0046] 2-3. Porous body formation process In the porous body formation process, as shown in Figure 3(c), the first intermediate body 71 is cut by a plurality of planes K(K1~K8) perpendicular to the X direction to form a plurality of porous bodies 72. In Figure 3(c), there are eight cutting planes K, but there may be more or fewer. The plurality of cutting planes K(K1~K8) are arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval in the X direction. The plurality of cutting planes K(K1~K8) are set so that each porous body 72 has a portion of each of the plurality of holes 30a and a portion of the side glass plate 20.

[0047] At least one of the multiple cross-sections K passes through the portion of the multiple holes 30a covered by the side glass plate 20. Note that passing through the portion of the multiple holes 30a covered by the side glass plate 20 means that the cross-section K passes through the multiple holes 30a and the portions of the side glass plate 20 that cover each of the multiple holes 30a. In Figure 3(c), all of the multiple cross-sections K (K1 to K8) pass through the portion of the multiple holes 30a covered by the side glass plate 20. If both ends or one end of the multiple holes 30a in the X direction are not located at the edge of the base plate 30, and / or if the side glass plate 20 covers only a portion of the opening of each hole 30a in the X direction, then the two end cross-sections K or one end cross-section K of the multiple cross-sections K do not need to pass through the portion of the multiple holes 30a covered by the side glass plate 20. For example, if the side glass plate 20 covers only a portion of the opening of each hole 30a in the X direction, one of the multiple cut surfaces K may be set in the vicinity of one end of the side glass plate 20 in the X direction, at a position that passes only through the base plate 30 and not through the side glass plate 20.

[0048] In Figure 3(c), the multiple cross-sections K are set such that both ends of the first intermediate body 71 in the X direction each form a porous body 72. However, the first intermediate body 71 may be set so that neither end or one end in the X direction forms a porous body 72.

[0049] In the porous body formation process, before cutting the first intermediate body 71 with multiple planes K perpendicular to the X direction, both ends or one end of the first intermediate body 71 in the Y direction may be cut with a plane perpendicular to the Y direction. In the porous body formation process, after cutting the first intermediate body 71 into a plurality of porous bodies 72, both or one of the two faces of the porous bodies 72 perpendicular to the X direction may be polished.

[0050] 2-4. Second intermediate formation step In the second intermediate formation step, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), a second intermediate 73 is formed by fixing a plurality of porous bodies 72 to a single top plate 40. The top plate 40 becomes the top plate 41 of a plurality of light-emitting element covers 1. In Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the number of porous bodies 72 fixed to a single top plate 40 is two, but it may be three or more. In Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the number of porous bodies 72 fixed to a single top plate 40 is less than the number of porous bodies 72 formed from a single first intermediate 71, but it may be the same. One of the two faces of the porous body 72 perpendicular to the X direction is fixed to the top plate 40. The plurality of porous bodies 72 are fixed to the top plate 40 in a state where they are arranged side by side with spacing in the Z direction.

[0051] The top plate 40 has at least one through-hole 40a formed in advance that penetrates the top plate 40. Each through-hole 40a is linear and extends in the Y direction. In Figures 4(a) and 4(b), there are multiple through-holes 40a, but if there are two porous bodies 72 fixed to the top plate 40, there may be only one through-hole 40a. When there are multiple through-holes 40a, the multiple through-holes 40a are arranged in parallel in the Z direction perpendicular to the Y direction with a predetermined interval between them. The multiple porous bodies 72 are fixed to the top plate 40 such that the through-holes 40a are positioned between two adjacent porous bodies 72 when viewed in the X direction.

[0052] In Figures 4(a) and 4(b), multiple through holes 40a are formed such that, when viewed in the X direction, through holes 40a are located on both sides of each porous body 72 in the Z direction. In the first embodiment, instead of forming the two through holes 40a on both sides of the multiple through holes 40a, the length of the top plate 40 in the Z direction may be shortened, and the ends of two or one porous body 72 in the Z direction may be aligned with both ends or one end of the top plate 40 in the Z direction. In this case, the number of through holes 40a formed in the top plate 40 may be just one.

[0053] In Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the length of the through-hole 40a in the Y direction is the same as the length of the porous body 72 in the Y direction, but it may be longer. Alternatively, the length of the through-hole 40a in the Y direction may be shorter than the length of the porous body 72 in the Y direction, as long as it is greater than or equal to the value obtained by multiplying the length of the light-emitting element cover 1 in the Y direction by the number of holes 30a in one porous body 72.

[0054] In the second intermediate formation step, one of the two faces of the porous body 72 perpendicular to the X direction may be fixed to the upper plate 40, and then the other face may be polished.

[0055] 2-5. Conductive layer formation process In the conductive layer formation process, as shown in Figure 4(c), a conductive layer 51 is formed on the surfaces perpendicular to the X direction of the multiple porous bodies 72 fixed to the upper plate 40. The method for forming the conductive layer 51 is not particularly limited. The conductive layer 51 may be formed, for example, using a photolithography method.

[0056] After the conductive layer formation step and before the next cover formation step, an anti-reflective coating (not shown) may be formed on at least both sides of the side glass plate 20 of the second intermediate 73 perpendicular to the Z direction. The anti-reflective coating may also be formed on the entire surface of one side of the second intermediate 73.

[0057] 2-6. Cover Forming Process In the cover formation process, as shown in Figure 4(d), the second intermediate body 73 is cut along multiple planes L(L1~L4) perpendicular to the Y direction to form multiple light-emitting element covers 1. In Figure 4(d), there are four cut planes L, but there may be more or fewer. The multiple cut planes L(L1~L4) are arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval in the Y direction. The multiple cut planes L(L1~L4) do not pass through the holes 30a. Of the multiple cut planes L(L1~L4), at least one cut plane L(L2, L3), excluding the two cut planes L(L1, L4) at both ends, passes between two adjacent holes 30a in the Y direction.

[0058] At least one of the multiple cross-sections L passes through the multiple porous bodies 72 and at least one through-hole 40a. In Figure 4(d), all of the multiple cross-sections L (L1 to L4) pass through the multiple porous bodies 72 and at least one (multiple in Figure 4(d)) through-hole 40a. Depending on the length of the porous body 72 in the Y direction, the two cross-sections L at both ends or the cross-section L at one end of the multiple cross-sections L do not need to pass through the multiple porous bodies 72. For example, if the length of the porous body 72 in the Y direction is the same as or approximately the same as the length of the light-emitting element cover 1 in the Y direction multiplied by the number of holes 30a in one porous body 72, the two cross-sections L at both ends of the multiple cross-sections L may be set to pass only through the top plate 40 without passing through the porous bodies 72. Depending on the length of the through hole 40a in the Y direction, at least one of the multiple cut surfaces L, either the two end cut surfaces L or the cut surface L at one end, does not need to pass through the through hole 40a.

[0059] 2-7. Technical Effects The manufacturing method for the light-emitting element cover 1 of the first embodiment provides the following technical advantages.

[0060] According to the manufacturing method of the first embodiment, the side glass plate 20 constitutes one of the four side walls (side glass plate 21) surrounding the light-emitting element housing space 2 of the light-emitting element cover 1. Therefore, a light-emitting element cover 1 is manufactured that can radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 1 from one side glass plate 20 that constitutes one of the side walls of the light-emitting element cover 1. In the light-emitting element cover 1, the end face of the side glass plate 20 perpendicular to the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2 is fixed to the top plate 40 which constitutes the top wall (top plate 41) perpendicular to the four side walls of the light-emitting element cover 1. Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of the first embodiment, a number of light-emitting element covers 1 equal to the number of holes 30a formed in the base plate 30 multiplied by the number of porous bodies 72 formed from the first intermediate body 71 can be manufactured from one first intermediate body 71. Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of the first embodiment, a light-emitting element cover 1 can be easily mass-produced that has a different configuration from the light-emitting element cover 80 of the conventional example 1 (see Figure 9(a)), while being capable of radiating light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 1 from one side wall along the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2.

[0061] In the manufacturing method of the first embodiment, by forming at least one through hole 40a in the top plate 40 before forming the second intermediate body 73, when the second intermediate body 73 is cut by a single surface L that passes through at least one through hole 40a and at least two porous bodies 72, without passing through the hole 30a, the second intermediate body 73 can be separated into at least four parts by this cut surface L and at least one through hole 40a. Therefore, it is not necessary to cut the second intermediate body 73 by a surface that passes between two adjacent porous bodies 72. In other words, since it is not necessary to cut the second intermediate body 73 along the surface of the side glass plate 20, the second intermediate body 73 can be easily cut without damaging the transparent surface of the side glass plate 20. Furthermore, before cutting the first intermediate body 71, that is, before dividing the side glass plate 20 into multiple parts, processing such as mirror finishing to make the surface of the side glass plate 20 transparent can be efficiently performed. Therefore, the light-emitting element cover 1 can be mass-produced more easily.

[0062] [Second Embodiment] Next, a light-emitting element cover 101 and its manufacturing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. The light-emitting element cover 101 is used to seal the light-emitting element 1001 on the substrate 1002, similar to the light-emitting element cover 1 of the first embodiment (see Figure 2). The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and components identical to those described in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0063] 1. Cover for light-emitting element The light-emitting element cover 101 will be described using Figures 5(a) to 5(e). Since Figures 5(a) to 5(e) correspond to Figures 1(a) to 1(e) of the first embodiment, their description will be omitted. The light-emitting element cover 101 has two side glass plates 21 and 161, a base portion 131, and one top plate 41. The base portion 131 is connected to the two side glass plates 21 and 161. The top plate 41 is connected to the two side glass plates 21 and 161 and the base portion 131. Although omitted in Figure 5, similar to the light-emitting element cover 1 of the first embodiment, the light-emitting element cover 101 may have a conductive layer 51 (see Figure 7) on the end face on the opening side.

[0064] 1-1. Side glass plate The two side glass plates 21 and 161 constitute two opposing side walls among the four side walls surrounding the light-emitting element housing space 2. Side glass plate 161 is perpendicular to the Z direction. Like side glass plate 21, side glass plate 161 is provided to transmit light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 (see Figure 2) sealed within the light-emitting element housing space 2. Side glass plate 161 is made of glass and is transparent. The material of side glass plate 161 may be the same as or different from the material of side glass plate 21.

[0065] 1-2. Base section 131 The base portion 131 constitutes the remaining two of the four side walls surrounding the light-emitting element housing space 2. The base portion 131 is composed of two plate-like members. The base portion 131 is fixed to two side glass plates 21 and 161. More specifically, the base portion 131 is fixed to surfaces of the two side glass plates 21 and 161 that are flush with and continuous with the surfaces forming the light-emitting element housing space 2. In other words, both end faces in the Z direction of the two plate-like members constituting the base portion 131 are fixed to surfaces of the two side glass plates 21 and 161 that are perpendicular to the Z direction. The material and surface properties of the base portion 131 are the same as those of the base portion 31 in the first embodiment.

[0066] 1-3. Top plate The top plate 41 is fixed to the two side glass plates 21 and 161 and the base portion 131. The top plate 41 is fixed to the side glass plate 161 so as to cover the end face of the side glass plate 161 perpendicular to the X direction. The inner and outer surfaces of the top plate 41 do not have the same level of transparency as the inner and outer surfaces of the side glass plate 161. Also, the end faces of the top plate 41 perpendicular to the Z direction and perpendicular to the Y direction do not have the same level of transparency as the inner and outer surfaces of the side glass plate 161. Therefore, even if the material of the top plate 41 and the side glass plate 161 is the same, and the top plate 41 and the side glass plate 161 are heat-welded together to form a single unit, when the light-emitting element cover 101 is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the side glass plate 161 (Z direction), the boundary between the outer surface of the side glass plate 161 and the end face of the top plate 41 can be seen.

[0067] 1-4. Technical Effects The light-emitting element cover 101 of the second embodiment provides the following technical effects.

[0068] Figure 9(b) shows a conventional example 2 light-emitting element cover 180 having a configuration similar to that of the light-emitting element cover described in Figures 13 and 14 of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. The light-emitting element cover 180 has a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space 81 in which a light-emitting element (not shown) is housed. The light-emitting element cover 180 has two transparent glass plates 82 and 184 that constitute two opposing side walls among the four side walls surrounding the space 81, and a base portion 183. The surfaces of the two glass plates 82 and 184 along the depth direction (X direction) of the space 81 are fixed to the base portion 183. Light emitted from the light-emitting element (not shown) sealed in the light-emitting element cover 180 can be radiated from the two glass plates 82 and 184 to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 180.

[0069] The light-emitting element cover 101 of the second embodiment can radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 101 from two side glass plates 21 and 161 that constitute two opposing side walls among the four side walls of the light-emitting element cover 101. The side glass plates 21 and 161 have end faces perpendicular to the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2 fixed to the top plate 41 perpendicular to the four side walls. Therefore, the light-emitting element cover 101 has a different configuration from the light-emitting element cover 180 of the conventional example 2, yet it can radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 101 from two side walls along the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2.

[0070] The top plate 41 is fixed to the base portion 131 so as to cover the end face of the base portion 131 perpendicular to the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2. This configuration is not present in the light-emitting element cover 180 of the conventional example 2. Therefore, the light-emitting element cover 101 has a configuration that is further different from the light-emitting element cover 180 of the conventional example 2, while still allowing light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 to be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 101 from two side walls along the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2.

[0071] Since the base portion 131 is fixed to a surface that is flush with and continuous with the surface forming the light-emitting element housing space 2 in the two side glass plates 21 and 161, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0072] 2. Method for manufacturing a cover for a light-emitting element Next, a method for manufacturing the light-emitting element cover 101 of the second embodiment will be described using Figures 6 and 7. Here, a method for manufacturing the light-emitting element cover 101 in which a conductive layer 51 (see Figure 7) is provided on the opening end face will be described.

[0073] The manufacturing method for the light-emitting element cover 101 of the second embodiment includes, similar to the first embodiment, a base plate preparation step, a first intermediate formation step, a porous body formation step, a second intermediate formation step, a conductive layer formation step, and a cover formation step. Note that if the conductive layer 51 is not provided on the opening end face of the light-emitting element cover 101, the conductive layer formation step is omitted. Hereinafter, each step will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, and steps that are the same as or equivalent to the first embodiment will not be described.

[0074] 2-1. Base plate preparation process In the base plate preparation step, as shown in Figure 6(a), a plurality of holes 130a are formed in the base plate 130. The base plate 130 becomes the base portion 131 of the plurality of light-emitting element covers 101. The plurality of holes 130a are formed to penetrate the base plate 130 and open on both sides of the base plate 130. Each hole 130a is linear and extends in the X direction along both sides of the base plate 130. The plurality of holes 130a are arranged in parallel in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction with a predetermined interval between them. The ends of the plurality of holes 130a in the X direction are not located at the edges of the base plate 130. In Figure 6(a), there are three holes 130a formed in the base plate 130, but there may be two or four or more. In Figure 3(a), the shape of the base plate 130 is rectangular, but it is not limited to this, and may be circular, for example.

[0075] 2-2. First intermediate formation step In the first intermediate formation step, as shown in Figure 6(b), two side glass plates 20 and 160 are fixed to both sides of the base plate 130. The two side glass plates 20 and 160 become the two side glass plates 21 and 161 of the multiple light-emitting element covers 101. The two side glass plates 20 and 160 are fixed to the base plate 130 so as to cover at least a portion of the opening of each hole 130a. In Figure 6(b), the side glass plate 20 covers only a portion of the opening of each hole 130a in the X direction on one side of the base plate 130, but it may cover the entire opening of each hole 130a on one side of the base plate 130. In Figure 6(b), the side glass plate 160 covers only a portion of the opening of each hole 130a in the X direction on the other side of the base plate 130, but it may cover the entire opening of each hole 130a on the other side of the base plate 130.

[0076] The surface properties of the two side glass plates 20 and 160 before and after fixing are the same as the surface properties of the side glass plates 20 and 160 in the first embodiment. In Figure 6(b), the lengths of the side glass plate 20 in the X and Y directions are the same as the lengths of the side glass plate 160 in the X and Y directions, but they may be different. In Figure 6(b), the lengths of the two side glass plates 20 and 160 in the X direction are shorter than the length of the hole 130a in the X direction, but they may be the same or longer. In Figure 6(b), the lengths of the two side glass plates 20 and 160 in the Y direction are the same as the length of the base plate 130 in the Y direction, but they may be different.

[0077] 2-3. Porous body formation process In the porous body formation process, as shown in Figure 6(c), the first intermediate body 171 is cut by a plurality of planes M (M1 to M7) perpendicular to the X direction to form a plurality of porous bodies 172. In Figure 6(c), there are seven cutting planes M, but there may be more or fewer. The plurality of cutting planes M (M1 to M7) are arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval in the X direction. The plurality of cutting planes M (M1 to M7) are set so that each porous body 172 has a portion of each of the plurality of holes 130a, a portion of the side glass plate 20, and a portion of the side glass plate 160.

[0078] At least one of the multiple cross-sections M passes through the portion of the multiple holes 130a covered by two side glass plates 20 and 160. In Figure 3(c), at least one of the multiple cross-sections M1 to M7, excluding the two end cross-sections M1 and M7, passes through the portion of the multiple holes 130a covered by two side glass plates 20 and 160, while cross-sections M1 and M7 pass through the multiple holes 130a and the portions between the holes 130a of the base plate 130, and do not pass through the two side glass plates 20 and 160.

[0079] 2-4. Second Intermediate Formation Process ~ Cover Formation Process Figures 7(a) to 7(d) show the second intermediate formation step, the conductive layer formation step, and the cover formation step. The second intermediate formation step, the conductive layer formation step, and the cover formation step are the same procedures as in the first embodiment, so their explanation is omitted. In the second intermediate formation step, a second intermediate 173 is formed by fixing a plurality of porous bodies 172 to a single top plate 40. In the cover formation step, the second intermediate 173 is cut along a plurality of surfaces L (L1 to L4) to form a plurality of light-emitting element covers 101.

[0080] 2-5. Technical Effects The manufacturing method for the light-emitting element cover 101 of the second embodiment provides the following technical advantages.

[0081] According to the manufacturing method of the second embodiment, the two side glass plates 20 and 160 constitute two opposing side walls (side glass plates 21 and 161) of the four side walls surrounding the light-emitting element housing space 2 of the light-emitting element cover 101. Therefore, a light-emitting element cover 101 is manufactured that can radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 101 from the two side glass plates 20 and 160 that constitute the two side walls of the light-emitting element cover 101. In the light-emitting element cover 101, the end faces of the side glass plates 20 and 160 perpendicular to the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2 are fixed to the top plate 40 which constitutes the top wall (top plate 41) perpendicular to the four side walls of the light-emitting element cover 101. Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of the second embodiment, a number of light-emitting element covers 101 obtained by multiplying the number of holes 130a formed in the base plate 130 by the number of porous bodies 172 formed from the first intermediate body 171 can be manufactured from one first intermediate body 171. Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of the second embodiment, a light-emitting element cover 101 can be easily mass-produced, which has a different configuration from the light-emitting element cover 180 of the conventional example 2, and which can radiate light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 101 from two side walls along the depth direction (X direction) of the light-emitting element housing space 2.

[0082] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the second embodiment, by forming at least one through hole 40a in the upper plate 40 before forming the second intermediate 173, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0083] [Examples of modifications to the first and second embodiments] The first and second embodiments can be implemented with modifications as follows, for example. In the following descriptions of modifications, components that are the same as or similar to those described in the first or second embodiment will be referred to by the same reference numerals as in the first or second embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0084] 1. Example of change 1 As an example of modifications to the light-emitting element covers 1 and 101 of the first and second embodiments, the top plate 41 may be made of glass and transparent. In other words, the inner and outer surfaces of the top plate 41 may be transparent. When this modification is made to the light-emitting element cover 1 of the first embodiment, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 can be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 1 from either the side glass plate 21 or the top plate 41. When this modification is made to the light-emitting element cover 101 of the second embodiment, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 can be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 1 from either of the two side glass plates 21, 161 or the top plate 41.

[0085] In the method for manufacturing the light-emitting element covers 1 and 101 with the above modifications, the top plate 40 is made of glass and is transparent at the time the second intermediate 73 (or second intermediate 173) is cut. That is, both sides of the top plate 40 (two sides perpendicular to the X direction) are transparent at the time the second intermediate 73 (or second intermediate 173) is cut. More specifically, before the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) is fixed to the top plate 40, the side of the top plate 40 facing the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) (one of the two sides perpendicular to the X direction) is transparent. After the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) is fixed to the top plate 40, the side of the top plate 40 opposite to the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) (the other side of the two sides perpendicular to the X direction) may be polished. In this case, a mirror finish may be applied to ensure the required transparency (smoothness). Alternatively, instead of mirror polishing, fire polishing or molten glass coating may be applied after polishing. After fixing the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) to the top plate 40, fire polishing or molten glass coating may be applied to this surface without polishing. Also, if both sides of the top plate 40 (two surfaces perpendicular to the X direction) are transparent before fixing the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) to the top plate 40, polishing or transparency (smoothing) processing may not be performed after fixing the porous body 72 (or porous body 172).

[0086] By making this modification to the manufacturing method of the first embodiment, a light-emitting element cover 1 can be easily mass-produced in which the light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 can be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 1 from either the side glass plate 20 or the top plate 40. By making this modification to the light-emitting element cover 101 of the second embodiment, a light-emitting element cover 101 can be easily mass-produced that allows the light emitted from the light-emitting element 1001 to be radiated to the outside of the light-emitting element cover 101 from either of the two side glass plates 20, 160 or the top plate 40.

[0087] 2. Example of change 2 As an example of a modification of the light-emitting element cover 1 in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 8(a), the outer surface of the side glass plate 21 may be configured to protrude in the Z direction more than the end face located at one end of the top plate 41 in the Z direction. The amount of protrusion of the outer surface of the side glass plate 21 is less than the thickness of the side glass plate 21. The external shape of the light-emitting element cover 1 with this modification is substantially a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Although not shown in the figures, as an example of a modification to the light-emitting element cover 101 of the second embodiment, the outer surfaces of the two side glass plates 21 and 161 may be configured to protrude in the Z direction more than the two end faces located at both ends of the top plate 41 in the Z direction. The amount of protrusion of the outer surfaces of the side glass plates 21 and 161 is less than the thickness of the side glass plates 21 and 161. The external shape of the light-emitting element cover 101 with this modification is approximately a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0088] In the method for manufacturing the light-emitting element cover 1 (or light-emitting element cover 101) with the above modifications, for example, as shown in Figure 8(b), multiple through holes 40a may be formed in the top plate 40 such that the spacing between the through holes 40a is shorter than the length of the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) in the Z direction. Then, when viewed in the X direction, a portion of the through holes 40a in the Z direction is positioned between two adjacent porous bodies 72 (or porous body 172), and the other portion of the through holes 40a overlaps with the porous bodies 72 (or porous body 172) in the top plate 40.

[0089] 3. Example of change 3 As an example of modifications to the light-emitting element covers 1 and 101 of the first and second embodiments, contrary to modification example 2 described above, one or two end faces of the top plate 41 may be configured to protrude in the Z direction beyond the outer surface of one side glass plate 21 or two side glass plates 21 and 161. The amount of protrusion of the top plate 41 may be small enough that the outer shape of the modified light-emitting element covers 1 and 101 becomes approximately a rectangular parallelepiped. The amount of protrusion of the top plate 41 may be larger than that.

[0090] In a method for manufacturing the light-emitting element cover 1 (or light-emitting element cover 101) with the above modifications, for example, multiple through holes 40a may be formed in the top plate 40 such that the spacing between the through holes 40a is longer than the length of the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) in the Z direction. Then, multiple porous bodies 72 (or porous body 172) may be fixed to the top plate 40 such that, when viewed in the X direction, the through holes 40a are positioned between two adjacent porous bodies 72 (or porous body 172), and the through holes 40a are separated in the Z direction from each of the porous bodies 72 (or porous body 172).

[0091] 4. Example of change 4 As an example of a modification to the manufacturing method of the light-emitting element covers 1 and 101 of the first and second embodiments, only one porous body 72 or porous body 172 may be fixed to one upper plate 40. In this case, without forming through holes 40a in the upper plate 40, the length of the upper plate 40 in the Z direction may be the same as or approximately the same as the length of the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) in the Z direction. The porous body 72 (or porous body 172) may then be fixed to the upper plate 40 such that the entire or almost entire area of ​​the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) in the Z direction is covered by the upper plate 40. Alternatively, two through holes 40a may be formed in the upper plate 40, and the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) may be fixed to the upper plate 40 such that part or all of the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) in the Z direction is positioned between the two through holes 40a when viewed in the X direction. Alternatively, one through-hole 40a may be formed in the top plate 40, and the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) may be fixed to the top plate 40 such that, when viewed in the X direction, part or all of the porous body 72 (or porous body 172) in the Z direction is positioned between the through-hole 40a and the Z-direction end of the top plate 40.

[0092] Although the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and their modifications have been described above as preferred embodiments of the present invention, the present invention can be modified in various ways as long as they are within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1, 101: Cover for light-emitting element, 2: Space for housing light-emitting element, 20, 21, 160, 161: Side glass plate, 30, 130: Base plate, 30a, 130a: Hole, 31, 131: Base part, 40, 41: Top plate, 40a: Through hole, 71, 171: First intermediate body, 72, 172: Porous body, 73, 173: Second intermediate body

Claims

1. A light-emitting element cover used to enclose a light-emitting element on a substrate, One or two transparent glass side plates that constitute one of the four side walls surrounding the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped light-emitting element housing space for housing the light-emitting element, or two opposing side walls. A base portion is provided that constitutes a side wall other than the one or two side glass plates among the four side walls surrounding the light-emitting element housing space, and is connected to the one or two side glass plates, A light-emitting element cover comprising: a top plate that is perpendicular to the four side walls surrounding the light-emitting element housing space, located on the opposite side of the opening leading to the light-emitting element housing space, connected to the base portion, and fixed to the one or two side glass plates such that it covers at least a portion of the end faces of the one or two side glass plates perpendicular to the depth direction of the light-emitting element housing space.

2. The light-emitting element cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper plate is fixed to the base portion so as to cover the end face of the base portion perpendicular to the depth direction of the light-emitting element housing space of the base portion.

3. The light-emitting element cover according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper plate is made of glass and is transparent.

4. The light-emitting element cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the base portion is fixed to a surface of one or two side glass plates that is flush with and continuous with the surface forming the light-emitting element housing space.

5. A method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover having a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space, used to encapsulate a light-emitting element on a substrate, A step of forming multiple holes that are openings on one or both sides of a base plate and extend in the X direction along both sides of the base plate, with these holes arranged in parallel in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction at predetermined intervals, A step of forming a first intermediate body in which one or two transparent glass side plates are fixed to one or both sides of the base plate so as to cover at least a portion of the openings of each of the holes in the base plate, The first intermediate body is cut by a plurality of planes that include at least one plane passing through the portion of the plurality of holes covered by one or two side glass plates, and which are perpendicular to the X direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the X direction, thereby forming a plurality of porous bodies. A step of forming a second intermediate by fixing one of the two faces perpendicular to the X direction of at least one of the plurality of porous bodies to the upper plate, A method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover, comprising the step of cutting the second intermediate body with at least one plane perpendicular to the Y direction and not passing through the hole to produce a plurality of the light-emitting element covers.

6. The aforementioned holes are formed to penetrate the base plate and open on both sides of the base plate. The number of side plates fixed to the base plate is two, One of the two side glass plates is fixed to the base plate such that it covers at least a portion of the openings of each of the holes on one side of the base plate. The method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover according to claim 5, characterized in that the other of the two side glass plates is fixed to the base plate such that it covers at least a portion of the openings of each of the holes on the other surface of the base plate.

7. The aforementioned hole is formed to open on one side of the base plate, The number of side plates fixed to the base plate is one, The method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover according to claim 5, characterized in that the side glass plate is fixed to the base plate such that it covers at least a portion of the openings of each of the holes on one side of the base plate.

8. The method for manufacturing a light-emitting element cover according to claim 5, characterized in that the upper plate is made of glass and is transparent at the time the second intermediate is cut.

9. Before forming the second intermediate, at least one through hole extending in the Y direction is formed in the upper plate. The second intermediate body is formed by fixing at least two of the porous bodies, which are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction, to the upper plate such that at least a portion of the through-hole is positioned between two adjacent porous bodies when viewed in the X direction. A method for manufacturing a light-emitting cover according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the second intermediate body is cut by a plurality of planes that include the at least one through hole and at least one plane passing through the at least two porous bodies, are perpendicular to the Y direction, do not pass through the hole, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y direction to form the plurality of light-emitting covers.

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