Light-emitting device

Abstract

To provide a light-emitting device in which a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in one row are divided into two or more groups that can be driven independently and are electrically connected.SOLUTION: A light-emitting device includes a base having a mounting surface including an arrangement area, a plurality of first wirings, and a plurality of second wirings, a plurality of light-emitting element including one or more first light emitting elements, one or more second light emitting elements, and one or more third light emitting elements, and arranged in two rows and N columns (N≥2) in the arrangement region, one or more relay members including one or more first relay members arranged in a region between rows of the plurality of light emitting elements arranged in two rows and N columns in the arrangement region, a plurality of wirings for the first light emitting elements that electrically connect one or more of the first light emitting elements in series, a plurality of wirings for the second light emitting elements electrically connecting one or more second light emitting elements in series, and a plurality of wirings for the third light emitting elements electrically connecting one or more third light emitting elements in series, and the plurality of wirings for the first light emitting element includes wirings joined to the first relay member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light emitting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a light emitting device in which a relay member is disposed between a laser element and a lead terminal, and a wire for electrically connecting the laser element to the lead terminal is connected to the relay member, and electrical connection is achieved via the relay member. Patent Document 1 also discloses an embodiment in which a plurality of laser elements are arranged in a matrix, and a plurality of laser elements arranged in one row are electrically connected in series, and the plurality of laser elements can be driven independently on a row-by-row basis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2018-190750 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A light emitting device is provided in which a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in one row are divided into two or more groups that can be driven independently and are electrically connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A light emitting device disclosed in an embodiment includes a base having a mounting surface including an arrangement area, a plurality of first wirings provided at a position away from the arrangement area in a first direction, and a plurality of second wirings provided at a position away from the arrangement area in a direction opposite to the first direction, one or more first light emitting elements, one or more second light emitting elements, and one or more third light emitting elements, the plurality of light emitting elements being arranged in two rows and N columns (N≧2) within the arrangement area, each having a light emission point above the mounting surface, one or more relay members including one or more first relay members arranged in an area between the rows of the plurality of light emitting elements arranged in two rows and N columns within the arrangement area, a plurality of first light emitting element wirings electrically connecting the one or more first light emitting elements in series to two of the plurality of first wirings and second wirings, and one or more third light emitting elements being connected to two of the plurality of first wirings and second wirings. and a plurality of wirings for third light-emitting elements that electrically connect the one or more third light-emitting elements in series to two of the plurality of first wirings and second wirings, wherein the wirings for second light-emitting elements and the wirings for third light-emitting elements are not joined to at least one of the two wirings that electrically connect the one or more first light-emitting elements in series, the wirings for second light-emitting elements and the wirings for third light-emitting elements are not joined to at least one of the two wirings that electrically connect the one or more second light-emitting elements in series, the wirings for first light-emitting elements and the wirings for third light-emitting elements are not joined to at least one of the two wirings that electrically connect the one or more third light-emitting elements in series, and the wirings for first light-emitting elements include wiring that is joined to the first relay member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a light emitting device in which a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in one row are divided into two or more groups that can be driven independently and are electrically connected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a light emitting device according to each embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the light emitting device according to each embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the light emitting device taken along line III-III in FIG. 2, with some components omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the wiring state of the light emitting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view for explaining an example of the definition of the inter-row area, the in-row area, and the out-row area in the light-emitting device according to each embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating the wiring of a light emitting device according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating the wiring of a light emitting device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating the wiring state of a light emitting device according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating the wiring state of a light emitting device according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating the wiring state of the light emitting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating the wiring state of a light emitting device according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top view illustrating the wiring state of a light emitting device according to a second modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a light-emitting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a top view illustrating an example of conventional wiring for the light emitting element according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a top view for explaining another example of conventional wiring for the light emitting element according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a top view illustrating an example of wiring for light emitting elements in the light emitting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a top view illustrating another example of wiring for the light emitting elements in the light emitting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is a top view illustrating another example of wiring for the light emitting elements in the light emitting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15D is a top view for explaining another example of wiring for the light emitting elements in the light emitting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15E] FIG. 15E is a top view illustrating another example of wiring for the light emitting elements in the light emitting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15F] FIG. 15F is a top view for explaining another example of wiring for the light emitting elements in the light emitting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a diagram comparing the temperature characteristics of the optical output in the wiring examples of FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a diagram comparing the temperature characteristics of forward voltage in the wiring examples of FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B. [Figure 16C] FIG. 16C is a diagram comparing the temperature characteristics of the forward voltage in the wiring examples of FIGS. 15B, 15C, and 15D. [Figure 16D] FIG. 16D is a graph comparing the temperature characteristics of forward voltage in the wiring examples of FIGS. 15A, 15E, and 15F. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In this specification and claims, polygons such as triangles and quadrilaterals are referred to as polygons, including shapes in which the corners of the polygons have been rounded, chamfered, corner-cut, rounded, etc. Furthermore, shapes in which processing has been applied not only to the corners (edges of the sides) but also to the middle portions of the sides are also referred to as polygons. In other words, shapes in which partial processing has been applied while retaining the polygonal base are included in the interpretation of "polygon" described in this specification and claims.

[0009] The same applies to words that describe specific shapes, such as trapezoids, circles, and irregularities, not just polygons. The same also applies when dealing with the sides that form the shape. In other words, even if the corners or middle part of a side are processed, the interpretation of "side" includes the processed part. Note that when distinguishing a "polygon" or "side" that has no processing from a processed shape, the word "strict" is added, for example, "strict quadrangle."

[0010] Furthermore, in this specification or claims, descriptions such as up and down, left and right, front and back, front and back, front and back, etc. merely describe relationships such as relative positions, orientations, directions, etc., and do not necessarily correspond to the relationships during use.

[0011] In addition, directions such as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction may be indicated using arrows in the drawings, and the directions of these arrows are consistent among multiple drawings relating to the same embodiment.

[0012] Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "component" and "part" may be used when describing components, for example. A "component" refers to an object that is physically handled as a single unit. An object that is physically handled as a single unit can also be said to be an object that is handled as a single part in the manufacturing process. On the other hand, a "part" refers to an object that does not need to be physically handled as a single unit. For example, the term "part" is used when referring to a portion of a component.

[0013] The distinction between "component" and "part" above does not indicate a conscious intention to limit the scope of rights in the interpretation of the doctrine of equivalents. In other words, even if a component is described as a "component" in the claims, this does not mean that the applicant recognizes that treating this component as a single physical unit is essential for the application of the present invention.

[0014] Furthermore, in this specification or claims, when there are multiple elements of a certain type and they need to be distinguished from one another, the elements may be prefixed with "first" or "second." Furthermore, the objects distinguished between the specification and the claims may differ. Therefore, even if the claims describe elements with the same prefixes as the specification, the objects identified by these elements may not be the same between the specification and the claims.

[0015] For example, if there are elements in this specification that are distinguished by the notation "first," "second," and "third," and the elements marked "first" and "third" in this specification are described in the claims, the elements may be distinguished by the notation "first" and "second" in the claims for clarity. In this case, the elements marked "first" and "second" in the claims refer to the elements marked "first" and "third" in this specification, respectively. Note that this rule is not limited to elements, and can be applied rationally and flexibly to other objects as well.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described. Furthermore, specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments for carrying out the present invention are not limited to these specific embodiments. In other words, the illustrated embodiments are not the only embodiments in which the present invention can be realized. Note that the sizes and positional relationships of components shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0017] First Embodiment A light emitting device 1 according to a first embodiment will be described. FIGS. 1 to 5 are drawings for explaining an exemplary embodiment of the light emitting device 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the light emitting device 1. FIG. 2 is a top view of the light emitting device 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2. Note that components arranged on the base 12 are omitted in FIG. 3 to avoid cluttering the drawing. FIG. 4 is a top view for explaining wiring that electrically connects multiple light emitting elements provided in the light emitting device 1. FIG. 5 is a top view showing an example of the definition of inter-row regions, intra-row regions, and extra-row regions, which will be described later, in the light emitting device 1.

[0018] The light emitting device 1 includes a plurality of components, including a base 10, a plurality of light emitting elements 20, a plurality of submounts 30, one or a plurality of relay members 40, a plurality of reflecting members 50, a plurality of wirings 60, a sealing member 70, and a lens member 80.

[0019] The light emitting device 1 may include other components. For example, the light emitting device 1 may include an additional light emitting element in addition to the plurality of light emitting elements 20. Furthermore, the light emitting device 1 may not include some of the components listed here.

[0020] First, each component of the light emitting device 1 will be described.

[0021] (Base 10) The base 10 has a base portion 12 and a sidewall portion 14. The base portion 12 has a mounting surface on which other components are mounted. The sidewall portion 14 surrounds the mounting surface. The mounting surface is the upper surface of the base portion 12, and the sidewall portion 14 forms a sidewall that extends above the mounting surface.

[0022] The base 12 has a protrusion 12a. That is, the base 12 has a first surface, a second surface located above the first surface, and one or more side surfaces connecting the first surface and the second surface. The second surface can be a mounting surface. The sidewall can be formed laterally than the second surface. That is, the sidewall portion 14 can be formed so as to surround the entire second surface.

[0023] In the base 12, the area surrounded by the sidewall 14 has a rectangular shape. The rectangle may have a long side length ranging from 15 mm to 35 mm and a short side length ranging from 10 mm to 25 mm. The long side may be 1.4 to 2.5 times the short side. In the illustrated example of the substrate 10, the long side is parallel to the X direction and the short side is parallel to the Y direction.

[0024] When viewed from above, the mounting surface is rectangular. The long sides of this rectangle are parallel to the long sides of the area surrounded by side wall portion 14, and the short sides of this rectangle are parallel to the short sides of the area surrounded by side wall portion 14. The long sides of this rectangle can be 0.75 times or more and less than 1 time the long sides of the area surrounded by side wall portion 14. The short sides of this rectangle can be 0.7 times or more and less than 1 time the short sides of the area surrounded by side wall portion 14.

[0025] The base 12 and the side wall 14 may be made of different materials. For example, the base 12 may be made of a base member formed primarily using any of copper, copper tungsten, copper molybdenum, steel, and iron, and the side wall 14 may be made of a wall member formed primarily using any of steel and iron. As a specific example, the substrate 10 may be formed by joining a base member whose primary material is oxygen-free copper with a wall member whose primary material is mild steel having a carbon content in the range of 0.12% to 0.30%.

[0026] The term "major material" refers to the material that accounts for the largest proportion by weight or volume of the target structure. Note that if the target structure is formed from a single material, that material is the major material. In other words, when a material is the major material, it means that the proportion of that material can be 100%.

[0027] In addition, when the base 12 and the sidewalls 14 are made of different materials as described above, warping of the mounting surface can be suppressed by having the base 12 have a shape with the convex portions 12a. The shape of the base 10 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a flat plate. A flat base 10 does not have the sidewalls 14.

[0028] The base 10 further has a plurality of wirings 16. The plurality of wirings 16 includes first wirings 161 and second wirings 162 that face each other across the mounting surface. The plurality of wirings 16 includes a plurality of first wirings 161. The plurality of wirings 16 includes a plurality of second wirings 162. The plurality of wirings 16 includes the same number of second wirings 162 as the plurality of first wirings 161.

[0029] Each of the wirings 16 has an inner wiring region provided inside the sidewall and an outer wiring region provided outside the sidewall. The inner wiring region and the outer wiring region of the wiring 16 are electrically connected. For example, the wiring 16 is provided so as to penetrate the sidewall portion 14.

[0030] The wiring 16 may be, for example, a lead pin that penetrates the sidewall portion 14. Alternatively, the wiring 16 may be, for example, a metal film provided on the upper surface of the base 10. The wiring 16 may be formed using, for example, a metal such as kovar, copper, or iron as a main material.

[0031] (Light emitting element 20) The light-emitting element 20 emits light. The light-emitting element 20 has an upper surface, a lower surface, and one or more side surfaces, one or more of which serve as light-emitting surfaces from which light is emitted. The light-emitting element 20 emits light from one or more emission points on the light-emitting surface. These points are referred to as light-emitting points. A specific example of the light-emitting element 20 is a semiconductor laser element.

[0032] For example, a light emitting element that emits blue light, a light emitting element that emits green light, or a light emitting element that emits red light can be used as the light emitting element 20. Note that a light emitting element that emits light of another color may also be used as the light emitting element 20.

[0033] Here, blue light refers to light whose peak emission wavelength is in the range of 420 nm to 494 nm, green light refers to light whose peak emission wavelength is in the range of 495 nm to 570 nm, and red light refers to light whose peak emission wavelength is in the range of 605 nm to 750 nm.

[0034] Here, the semiconductor laser element will be described. When viewed from above, the semiconductor laser element has a rectangular outer shape with one opposite side as the long side and the other opposite side as the short side. The semiconductor laser element is formed by stacking multiple semiconductor layers, including an active layer, from the bottom surface to the top surface. A side surface including one of the two short sides of the rectangle becomes the emitting end surface from which light is emitted. The emitting end surface of the semiconductor laser element can be said to be the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 20. The top and bottom surfaces of the semiconductor laser element have larger areas than the emitting end surface.

[0035] Light (laser light) emitted from a semiconductor laser element has a divergence. Diverging light is emitted from the emitting end face of the semiconductor laser element. The light emitted from the semiconductor laser element forms an elliptical far-field pattern (hereinafter referred to as "FFP") on a plane parallel to the emitting end face of the semiconductor laser element. FFP refers to the shape and light intensity distribution of the emitted light at a position away from the emitting end face.

[0036] Here, the light passing through the center of the elliptical shape of the FFP, in other words, the light with peak intensity in the light intensity distribution of the FFP, is referred to as the light traveling along the optical axis or the light passing through the optical axis. Also, in the light intensity distribution of the FFP, the light with peak intensity is referred to as the light traveling along the optical axis or the light passing through the optical axis. 2 The light having the above intensity is called the main part of the light.

[0037] The FFP shape of the light emitted from a semiconductor laser element is an ellipse that is longer in the stacking direction than in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. The stacking direction is the direction in which multiple semiconductor layers, including the active layer, are stacked in a semiconductor laser element. The direction perpendicular to the stacking direction can also be called the in-plane direction of the semiconductor layers. The long axis direction of the elliptical shape of the FFP can also be called the fast axis direction of the semiconductor laser element, and the short axis direction can also be called the slow axis direction of the semiconductor laser element.

[0038] The light emitted from the semiconductor laser element is divergent light. Here, based on the light intensity distribution of the FFP, the peak light intensity is 1 / e 2 The angle at which light with this light intensity spreads is defined as the light spread angle of the semiconductor laser element. The light spread angle is 1 / e of the peak light intensity. 2 In the explanation of this specification, when simply referring to the "angle of light", it is assumed that the angle is 1 / e of the peak light intensity. 2 The divergence angle of light at a light intensity of 1000 nm is defined as the divergence angle of light in the fast axis direction.

[0039] Examples of semiconductor laser elements that emit blue light or green light include semiconductor laser elements that contain nitride semiconductors. Examples of nitride semiconductors that can be used include GaN, InGaN, and AlGaN. Examples of semiconductor laser elements that emit red light include those that contain InAlGaP-based, GaInP-based, GaAs-based, and AlGaAs-based semiconductors.

[0040] (Submount 30) The submount 30 has a bottom surface, a top surface, and one or more side surfaces. The width of the submount 30 in the vertical direction is smallest. The submount 30 is configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the shape is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped. The submount 30 can be formed using, for example, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, or silicon carbide as its main material.

[0041] (Relay member 40) The relay board 40 has a bottom surface, a top surface, and one or more side surfaces. The width of the relay board 40 in the vertical direction is smallest. The relay board 40 is configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the shape is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped. The relay board 40 can be formed using, for example, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, or aluminum oxide as a main material.

[0042] (Reflective member 50) The reflecting member 50 has a light-reflecting surface that reflects light. The reflecting member 50 has a lower surface and an upper surface, and the light-reflecting surface is inclined with respect to the lower surface of the reflecting member 50. In other words, the light-reflecting surface is neither perpendicular nor parallel to the lower surface of the reflecting member 50. The light-reflecting surface is flat and forms an inclination angle of 45 degrees with respect to the lower surface of the reflecting member 50. Note that the light-reflecting surface does not have to be flat, and the inclination angle does not have to be 45 degrees.

[0043] The reflecting member 50 can be formed using glass, metal, or the like as the main material. The main material is preferably a heat-resistant material, and examples of the main material that can be used include glass such as quartz or BK7 (borosilicate glass), and metal such as aluminum. The reflecting member 50 can also be formed using Si as the main material. If the main material is a reflective material, the light-reflecting surface can be formed from the main material. When the light-reflecting surface is formed separately from the main material, the light-reflecting surface can be formed by depositing, for example, a metal film such as Ag or Al, or a dielectric multilayer film such as Ta2O5 / SiO2, TiO2 / SiO2, or Nb2O5 / SiO2.

[0044] The light reflecting surface has a reflectance of 90% or more for the peak wavelength of light irradiated onto the light reflecting surface. This reflectance may also be 95% or more. Note that the reflectance here is 100% or less or less than 100%.

[0045] (Wiring 60) The wiring 60 is composed of a conductor having a linear shape with joints at both ends. In other words, the wiring 60 has joints at both ends of the linear portion that are joined to other components. The wiring 60 is used for electrical connection between two components. For example, a wire made primarily of metal can be used as the wiring 60. Examples of metals include gold, aluminum, silver, and copper.

[0046] (Sealing member 70) The sealing member 70 has an upper surface and a lower surface. The sealing member 70 has a light-transmitting portion with high light transmittance from the upper surface to the lower surface. Here, having high light transmittance means that the light transmittance is 80% or more. However, it is not necessary for the light transmittance to be 80% or more for all wavelengths.

[0047] The sealing member 70 may be configured to include a frame member having one or more openings and one or more light-transmitting members covering the one or more openings. In this case, the frame member does not need to have high light-transmitting properties. The light-transmitting members include a light-transmitting portion.

[0048] The light-transmitting portion of the sealing member 70 can be formed mainly from a light-transmitting material such as glass, sapphire, quartz, etc. The main material of the frame member can be, for example, metal.

[0049] (lens member 80) The lens member 80 has an upper surface, a lower surface, side surfaces, and a plurality of lens surfaces. The plurality of lens surfaces are provided on the upper surface side. The plurality of lens surfaces are arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and N columns (N is a natural number of 2 or more). The plurality of lens surfaces may also be provided on the lower surface side.

[0050] The upper and lower surfaces are flat. The lens surfaces intersect with the upper surface. The lens surfaces are surrounded by the upper surface in a top view. In a top view, the lens member 80 has a rectangular outer shape. The lower surface of the lens member 80 is rectangular.

[0051] Here, the portion of lens member 80 that overlaps with multiple lens surfaces in a top view is referred to as the lens portion. The portion of lens member 80 that overlaps with the top surface in a top view is referred to as the non-lens portion. When the lens portion is bisected by an imaginary plane including the top surface, the lens surface side is referred to as the lens-shaped portion, and the bottom side is referred to as the flat-plate-shaped portion. The bottom surface of the lens portion is a part of the bottom surface of lens member 80.

[0052] The lens member 80 has high light transmittance. The entire lens portion is formed to have high light transmittance. The lens member 80 can be formed using a light-transmitting material such as glass or synthetic quartz as the main material.

[0053] (Light-emitting device 1) Next, the light emitting device 1 including the above-mentioned components will be described.

[0054] In the light emitting device 1, a plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged on a base 10. The plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged on the mounting surface of the base 10. The light emission points of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 are all located above the mounting surface. The plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged within an arrangement area of ​​the mounting surface. In other words, an area within the mounting surface that can surround the plurality of light emitting elements 20 arranged on the mounting surface can be defined as the arrangement area.

[0055] The plurality of light-emitting elements 20 are arranged in a matrix. The plurality of light-emitting elements 20 are arranged in 2 rows and N columns (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2). The light emission points of the N light-emitting elements 20 arranged in the same row may be arranged at equal intervals in the row direction. Note that the light-emitting device 1 may further arrange a plurality of light-emitting elements so that the overall arrangement is a matrix of three or more rows. Similarly, the plurality of light-emitting elements may be arranged so that the number of columns is greater than N.

[0056] The distance between adjacent light emitting elements 20 in the row direction is 1.2 mm or more and 4 mm or less. The distance between adjacent light emitting elements 20 in the row direction is smaller than the distance between adjacent light emitting elements 20 in the column direction. The distance between adjacent light emitting elements 20 in the column direction is 4 mm or more and 8 mm or less.

[0057] In the illustrated example of the light emitting device 1, the row direction in this matrix is ​​parallel to the X direction, and the column direction is parallel to the Y direction. Semiconductor laser elements are used as the light emitting elements 20. The plurality of light emitting elements 20 are arranged in 2 rows and 7 columns. It is preferable to arrange the plurality of light emitting elements 20 in three or more columns. This allows the length direction of the arrangement area to correspond to the length direction of the mounting surface, and allows the plurality of light emitting elements to be arranged in an efficient manner.

[0058] If the placement area is used as a base point, the first wiring 161 and the second wiring 162 are provided at positions spaced apart from the placement area in opposite directions. The multiple first wirings 161 are provided at positions spaced apart from the placement area in the first direction, and the multiple second wirings 162 are provided at positions spaced apart from the placement area in the direction opposite to the first direction.

[0059] In the illustrated example of the light emitting device 1, the first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction are parallel to the X direction. The same number of first wirings 161 and second wirings 162 as the number of rows of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 arranged in a matrix are provided. In other words, each of the first wirings 161 and the second wirings 162 is made up of two wirings 16.

[0060] The plurality of light-emitting elements 20 include one or more first light-emitting elements 20A, one or more second light-emitting elements 20B, and one or more third light-emitting elements 20C. The first light-emitting element 20A, the second light-emitting element 20B, and the third light-emitting element 20C are electrically connected so that they can be driven independently. Details of this connection will be described later.

[0061] The first light-emitting element 20A, the second light-emitting element 20B, and the third light-emitting element 20C emit light of different colors selected from red light, green light, and blue light.

[0062] The first light-emitting elements 20A emit light of the same color. The difference in peak wavelength of the emitted light among the first light-emitting elements 20A is within 30 nm. The same can be said for the second light-emitting elements 20B and the third light-emitting elements 20C.

[0063] The plurality of first light-emitting elements 20A may include two or more first light-emitting elements 20A each having a peak wavelength of light that differs in a range of 3 nm to 10 nm. The difference in peak wavelength is preferably 3 nm to 5 nm. For example, when the laser light emitted from the light-emitting device 1 is used for image display, speckle noise can be reduced by emitting light of the same color but with different peak wavelengths. Similarly, the second light-emitting element 20B and the third light-emitting element 20C may be configured to emit multiple light beams with different peak wavelengths.

[0064] In the illustrated example of the light-emitting device 1, the first light-emitting elements 20A are located in the first to seventh columns of the second row, the second light-emitting elements 20B are located in the first, second, sixth, and seventh columns of the first row, and the third light-emitting elements 20C are located in the third to fifth columns of the first row. The first light-emitting elements 20A emit red light, the second light-emitting elements 20B emit green light, and the third light-emitting elements 20C emit blue light.

[0065] In the illustrated example of the light emitting device 1, the plurality of first light emitting elements 20A includes a first light emitting element 20A emitting light having a peak wavelength of a first wavelength and a first light emitting element 20A emitting light having a peak wavelength of a second wavelength that is longer than the first wavelength. The second wavelength is longer than the first wavelength by 3 nm or more and 10 nm or less. The plurality of first light emitting elements 20A further includes a first light emitting element 20A emitting light having a peak wavelength of a third wavelength that is longer than the second wavelength. The third wavelength is longer than the second wavelength by 3 nm or more and 10 nm or less.

[0066] Preferably, the third wavelength is greater than the first wavelength by 3 nm or more and 10 nm or less. Furthermore, the second wavelength is greater than the first wavelength by 3 nm or more and 5 nm or less, and the third wavelength is greater than the second wavelength by 3 nm or more and 5 nm or less. By keeping the difference between the maximum and minimum peak wavelengths of light among multiple light-emitting elements that emit light of the same color to 10 nm or less, it is possible to emit light within a range in which the color tone does not change significantly.

[0067] The plurality of light-emitting elements 20 are arranged so that their light-emitting surfaces face sideways. The plurality of light-emitting elements 20 are arranged side by side so that their light-emitting surfaces face the same direction. Note that the same direction here includes the case where the light-emitting surfaces are within a range of ±5 degrees when viewed from above. In the illustrated example of the light-emitting device 1, the light-emitting surfaces of the light-emitting elements 20 are parallel to the X direction and perpendicular to the Y direction. Furthermore, the optical axes of the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 20 are parallel to the Y direction.

[0068] Each light emitting element 20 is disposed on a submount 30. The light emitting element 20 is disposed on the mounting surface via the submount 30. A plurality of light emitting elements 20 are disposed on a plurality of submounts 30. The submounts 30 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the light emitting elements 20.

[0069] The plurality of submounts 30 include two or more submounts 30 that are different in size from each other when viewed from above. In the illustrated example of the light emitting device 1, the first light emitting element 20A is bonded to the submount 30 with the larger area of ​​the two submounts 30 that are different in size. This can improve heat dissipation for the first light emitting element 20A.

[0070] The plurality of reflective members 50 are disposed on the base 10. The plurality of reflective members 50 are disposed on the mounting surface of the base 10. The plurality of reflective members 50 are disposed within an arrangement area of ​​the mounting surface. In other words, the arrangement area can be an area within the mounting surface that can surround the plurality of reflective members 50 and the light-emitting elements 20 disposed on the mounting surface.

[0071] The multiple reflecting members 50 reflect the light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 20. The light reflected by the reflecting members 50 travels upward. The light-reflecting surface of the reflecting members 50 is inclined at a 45-degree angle with respect to the traveling direction of the light passing through the optical axis. The light passing through the optical axis is reflected by the reflecting members 50 and travels in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface. This direction is parallel to the Z direction.

[0072] The plurality of reflecting members 50 reflects a major portion of the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 20. Hereinafter, the reflecting member 50 that reflects a major portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 20 may be referred to as the reflecting member 50 corresponding to the light-emitting element 20.

[0073] The multiple reflective members 50 are configured to include one or more reflective members 50 corresponding to one or more first light-emitting elements 20A, one or more reflective members 50 corresponding to one or more second light-emitting elements 20B, and one or more reflective members 50 corresponding to one or more third light-emitting elements 20C.

[0074] The reflective members 50 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the light-emitting elements 20. The multiple reflective members 50 are arranged in a matrix. The multiple reflective members 50 are arranged in 2 rows and N columns (N is a natural number of 2 or greater). The N reflective members 50 arranged in the same row may be arranged at equal intervals. The multiple reflective members 50 may include reflective members 50 corresponding to the multiple light-emitting elements 20 arranged consecutively.

[0075] For example, the multiple reflective members 50 may include reflective members 50 corresponding to multiple first light-emitting elements 20A arranged in succession, reflective members 50 corresponding to multiple second light-emitting elements 20B arranged in succession, and reflective members 50 corresponding to multiple third light-emitting elements 20C arranged in succession.

[0076] The light reflecting surface of the reflecting member 50 reflects 90% or more of the light that is irradiated onto the main part. The light emitting device 1 does not necessarily have to have the reflecting member 50. In this case, for example, the light emitting end surface of the light emitting element 20 faces upward.

[0077] One or more relay boards 40 are disposed on the base 10. The one or more relay boards 40 are disposed on the mounting surface of the base 10. The one or more relay boards 40 include one or more first relay boards 40A that are disposed in the inter-row regions of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 arranged in 2 rows and N columns.

[0078] The inter-row area is the area between the rows of multiple components arranged in 2 rows and N columns, and is the area between the components in the first row and the components in the second row. Therefore, it is possible to define the inter-row area between the multiple light-emitting elements 20 arranged in two rows, the inter-row area between the multiple reflective members 50 arranged in two rows, the inter-row area between the multiple light-emitting elements 20 arranged in the first row and the multiple reflective members 50 arranged in the second row, and the inter-row area between the multiple reflective members 50 arranged in the first row and the multiple light-emitting elements 20 arranged in the second row. Hereinafter, these areas will be referred to as the first inter-row area, the second inter-row area, the third inter-row area, and the fourth inter-row area, respectively.

[0079] The inter-row area is an area sandwiched between two imaginary lines parallel to the row direction in a top view. These two imaginary lines are an imaginary line passing through the position of the components arranged in multiple columns in the first row that is closest to the second row, and an imaginary line passing through the position of the components arranged in multiple columns in the second row that is closest to the first row. Note that in Figure 5, a first inter-row area A1 is shown by hatching as an example of an inter-row area.

[0080] One or more first relay members 40A are arranged in an area where the first interline area, the second interline area, the third interline area, and the fourth interline area overlap. One or more first relay members 40A are arranged in the interline area of ​​the third interline area or the fourth interline area that does not include multiple light emitting elements 20 and multiple reflective members 50 within that area.

[0081] The one or more relay boards 40 include one or more second relay boards 40B arranged in an off-row region of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 arranged in two rows and N columns. The off-row region is an area that does not include any of the components arranged in multiple columns in one of the two rows, with a virtual line parallel to the row direction passing through the farthest position from the other row among the components arranged in multiple columns in that row as its boundary.

[0082] Therefore, it is possible to define an off-line area based on the plurality of light-emitting elements 20 lined up in the first row, an off-line area based on the plurality of reflective members 50 lined up in the first row, an off-line area based on the plurality of light-emitting elements 20 lined up in the second row, and an off-line area based on the plurality of reflective members 50 lined up in the second row. Hereinafter, these will be referred to as the first off-line area, the second off-line area, the third off-line area, and the fourth off-line area, respectively. In Figure 5, the first off-line area A3 is shown hatched as an example of an off-line area.

[0083] The one or more relay boards 40 include one or more third relay boards 40C to which one end of a wiring 60, the other end of which is joined to the wiring 16, is joined. The third relay board 40C is arranged at a position away from the light emitting element 20 located at the end of the plurality of light emitting elements 20 arranged in the row direction, in the direction opposite to the arrangement direction of the adjacent light emitting element 20. In contrast to the third relay board 40C, the first relay board 40A and the second relay board 40B may be relay boards 40 to which wiring 60, neither of whose ends is joined to the wiring 16, is joined.

[0084] In addition to the inter-row area and the out-of-row area, an in-row area can also be defined. The in-row area is an area sandwiched between the inter-row area and the out-of-row area specified based on the components arranged in multiple columns in the same row. In FIG. 5, as an example of an inter-row area, an in-row area A2 based on the light-emitting elements 20 arranged in the first row is shown by hatching. This in-row area A2 is an area sandwiched between a first inter-row area A1 and a first out-of-row area A3.

[0085] 4 shows an example of the light emitting device 1 in which the relay member 40 is arranged in an in-row region based on the light emitting elements 20 arranged in the first row. Also shown is an example of the light emitting device 1 in which the relay member 40 is arranged in an in-row region based on the reflective members 50 arranged in the first row.

[0086] The plurality of wirings 60 are provided so that the plurality of light-emitting elements 20 are electrically connected to the plurality of wirings 16. The plurality of wirings 60 include a plurality of first light-emitting element wirings 60A that electrically connect one or a plurality of first light-emitting elements 20A in series to two wirings 16 out of the plurality of first wirings 161 and the plurality of second wirings 162.

[0087] The multiple wirings 60 include multiple wirings 60B for second light-emitting elements that electrically connect one or multiple second light-emitting elements 20B in series to two wirings 16 out of the multiple first wirings 161 and the multiple second wirings 162.

[0088] The multiple wirings 60 include multiple third light-emitting element wirings 60C that electrically connect one or multiple third light-emitting elements 20C in series to two wirings 16 out of the multiple first wirings 161 and the multiple second wirings 162.

[0089] The first light-emitting element wiring 60A is joined to each of two wirings 16 that electrically connect one or more first light-emitting elements 20A in series. Furthermore, the second light-emitting element wiring 60B and the third light-emitting element wiring 60C are not joined to at least one of the two wirings 16.

[0090] The second light-emitting element wiring 60B is joined to each of two wirings 16 that electrically connect one or more second light-emitting elements 20B in series. Furthermore, the first light-emitting element wiring 60A and the third light-emitting element wiring 60C are not joined to at least one of the two wirings 16.

[0091] The third light-emitting element wiring 60C is joined to each of two wirings 16 that electrically connect one or more third light-emitting elements 20C in series. Furthermore, the first light-emitting element wiring 60A and the second light-emitting element wiring 60B are not joined to at least one of the two wirings 16.

[0092] The plurality of wirings 16 includes a wiring 16 to which the first light-emitting element wiring 60A, the second light-emitting element wiring 60B, and the third light-emitting element wiring 60C are joined. This wiring 16 is one of the plurality of first wirings 161 and the plurality of second wirings 162.

[0093] The plurality of first light-emitting element wirings 60A includes wirings 60 bonded to the first relay board 40A. Note that this first relay board 40A may be a first relay board 40A based on any of the first to fourth inter-row regions. The plurality of first light-emitting element wirings 60A includes wirings 60 bonded to one or more first relay boards 40A and wirings 60 bonded to one or more first light-emitting elements 20A or one or more submounts 30 on which one or more first light-emitting elements 20A are mounted.

[0094] The one or more first light-emitting elements 20A are electrically connected to two first wirings 161. The multiple first light-emitting element wirings 60A are joined to one or more first relay members 40A located on the opposite side of the one or more first light-emitting elements 20A, with one or more reflective members 50 corresponding to the one or more first light-emitting elements 20A interposed therebetween.

[0095] In addition, the multiple wirings 60A for the first light-emitting element are joined to one or more first light-emitting elements 20A and one or more first relay members 40A so as to surround one or more reflective members 50 corresponding to one or more first light-emitting elements 20A.

[0096] In the illustrated example of the light emitting device 1, the plurality of first light emitting element wirings 60A are joined so as to connect, in order, the first wiring 161 of the two first wirings 161 that is closer to the first light emitting element 20A to the plurality of first light emitting elements 20A lined up in the row direction, the plurality of relay members 40, and the other first wiring 161. Furthermore, there is no first light emitting element wiring 60A that passes between adjacent reflective members 50 of the plurality of reflective members 50 lined up in the row direction corresponding to the plurality of first light emitting elements 20A.

[0097] The plurality of second light-emitting element wirings 60B includes wirings 60 bonded to the second relay board 40B. The second relay board 40B is a second relay board 40B disposed in an out-of-row area based on the second light-emitting element 20B, or a second relay board 40B disposed in an out-of-row area based on the reflecting member 50 corresponding to the second light-emitting element 20B. The plurality of second light-emitting element wirings 60B includes a plurality of wirings 60 bonded to one or more second relay boards 40B and a plurality of wirings 60 bonded to one or more second light-emitting elements 20B or one or more submounts 30 on which one or more second light-emitting elements 20B are mounted.

[0098] One or more second light-emitting elements 20B are electrically connected to one first wiring 161 and one second wiring 162. The multiple second light-emitting element wirings 60B are joined to one or more second relay members 40B located on the opposite side of one or more third light-emitting elements 20C, with one or more reflective members 50 corresponding to one or more third light-emitting elements 20C sandwiched therebetween. The multiple second light-emitting element wirings 60B include second light-emitting element wirings 60B joined to relay members 40 located between two reflective members 50 corresponding to the second light-emitting elements 20B and the third light-emitting elements 20C, which are adjacent to each other in the row direction. This relay member 40 is a second relay member 40B located in an off-row area based on the second light-emitting element 20B. This allows electrical connection of the second light-emitting elements 20B to be achieved while avoiding the third light-emitting elements 20C.

[0099] In the illustrated example of the light emitting device 1, one or more second light emitting elements 20B are arranged in one direction from the third light emitting element 20C, and one or more second light emitting elements 20B are arranged in the opposite direction from the third light emitting element 20C in the same row. If these are referred to as the second light emitting element 20B on one side and the second light emitting element 20B on the other side, respectively, then the multiple second light emitting element wirings 60B are joined so as to connect the first wiring 161 to the second light emitting element 20B on one side, the multiple relay members 40, the second light emitting element 20B on the other side, and the second wiring 162 in that order.

[0100] The plurality of third light-emitting element wirings 60C includes wirings 60 joined to the first relay board 40A. Note that this first relay board 40A may be a first relay board 40A based on any of the first to fourth interrow regions. The plurality of third light-emitting element wirings 60C includes wirings 60 joined to one or more first relay boards 40A that are located further in the row direction than the third light-emitting element 20C that is closest to the first wiring 161, in the direction in which the first wiring 161 is provided. The plurality of third light-emitting element wirings 60C also includes wirings 60 joined to one or more first relay boards 40A that are located further in the row direction than the third light-emitting element 20C that is closest to the second wiring 162, in the direction in which the second wiring 162 is provided.

[0101] One or more third light-emitting elements 20C are electrically connected to one first wiring 161 and one second wiring 162. In the inter-row region, the multiple third light-emitting element wirings 60C are bonded to one or more first relay boards 40A that are located closer to the third light-emitting element 20C in the column direction than the first relay board 40A to which the first light-emitting element wiring 60A is bonded. The multiple third light-emitting element wirings 60C include a third light-emitting element wiring 60C bonded to a relay board 40 disposed between the second light-emitting element 20B and the third light-emitting element 20C that are adjacent to each other in the row direction. The one or more first relay boards 40A include a first relay board 40A bonded to one end of a wiring 60 bonded to the third light-emitting element 20C or the submount 30 on which the third light-emitting element 20C is mounted, and bonded to the other end of a wiring 60 bonded to the first relay board 40A to which the first light-emitting element wiring 60A is bonded.

[0102] In the example of the light-emitting device 1 shown in the figure, multiple wirings 60C for the third light-emitting element are joined in the following order: first wiring 161, one or more first relay members 40A, multiple third light-emitting elements 20C arranged in the row direction, one or more first relay members 40A, and second wiring 162.

[0103] The one or more relay members 40 include a relay member 40 to which a first light-emitting element wiring 60A and a second light-emitting element wiring 60B are joined. The multiple wirings 60 include a wiring 60 that is both the first light-emitting element wiring 60A and the second light-emitting element wiring 60B. This simplifies the wiring.

[0104] The one or more relay members 40 include a relay member 40 to which the first light-emitting element wiring 60A and the third light-emitting element wiring 60C are joined. The first relay member 40A may also be included as this relay member 40. The multiple wirings 60 include a wiring 60 that is both the first light-emitting element wiring 60A and the third light-emitting element wiring 60C. This allows the two current paths to merge at a desired position in the inter-row region.

[0105] The relay member 40 to which the first light-emitting element wiring 60A and the second light-emitting element wiring 60B are joined can be different from the relay member 40 to which the first light-emitting element wiring 60A and the third light-emitting element wiring 60C are joined, thereby making it possible to adjust the number of wirings joined to one relay member 40.

[0106] In this manner, when the current paths are configured to merge, the multiple wirings 60 include a wiring 60 that functions only as the first light-emitting element wiring 60A, a wiring 60 that functions only as the second light-emitting element wiring 60B, a wiring 60 that functions only as the third light-emitting element wiring 60C, and a wiring 60 that functions as at least the first light-emitting element wiring 60A and the second light-emitting element wiring 60B. The multiple wirings 60 may further include a wiring 60 that functions as at least the first light-emitting element wiring 60A and the third light-emitting element wiring 60C. The multiple wirings 60 may also include a wiring 60 that functions as the first light-emitting element wiring 60A, the second light-emitting element wiring 60B, and the third light-emitting element wiring 60C.

[0107] The multiple relay members 40 include a relay member 40 where the current paths for the first light-emitting element 20A, the second light-emitting element 20B, and the third light-emitting element 20C converge. The third relay member 40C may be an example of this relay member 40. The wiring 60 joined to the first relay member 40A does not include a wiring 60 that functions as the first light-emitting element wiring 60A, the second light-emitting element wiring 60B, and the third light-emitting element wiring 60C.

[0108] In the illustrated example of the light-emitting device 1, the current paths electrically connecting the multiple first light-emitting elements 20A to the two wirings 16 include a first path electrically connecting only the first light-emitting elements 20A, a second path electrically connecting only the first light-emitting elements 20A and the third light-emitting element 20C, and a third path electrically connecting the first light-emitting element 20A, the second light-emitting element 20B, and the third light-emitting element 20C. The physical lengths of the paths decrease in the order of the first path, the second path, and the third path. The path length of the first path is at least twice the sum of the path lengths of the second path and the third path.

[0109] In the light emitting device 1, the multiple relay members 40 include relay members 40 whose area in top view is smaller than that of the submount 30. The area in top view of all of the multiple relay members 40 can be made smaller than that of the submount 30. This allows for convenient selection of the number and positions of the multiple relay members 40 to be placed in the inter-row region.

[0110] The number of relay members 40 arranged in the light emitting device 1 can be more than 2×N. The number of relay members 40 arranged in the light emitting device 1 can be more than the number of the plurality of light emitting elements 20. The number of relay members 40 arranged in the light emitting device 1 can be more than the number of the plurality of submounts 30.

[0111] The relay 40 is formed of the same material as the submount 30 or the same main material as the submount 30. The relay 40 may be formed using a main material different from that of the submount 30. In this case, it is preferable that the submount 30 has a higher thermal conductivity than the relay 40. While it is preferable to consider the heat dissipation properties of the submount 30 with respect to the heat generated by the light emitting element 20, there may be cases where the relay 40 may have a lower thermal conductivity than the submount 30 because the light emitting element 20 is not mounted on the relay 40.

[0112] The sealing member 70 seals the space in which the plurality of light-emitting elements 20 are arranged. The light-emitting elements 20 can be arranged in the space sealed in an airtight state. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the quality of light from being caused by dust accumulation in the light-emitting elements 20.

[0113] The sealing member 70 is placed on the side wall of the base 10. The upper surface of the side wall and the lower surface of the sealing member 70 are joined. The frame member of the sealing member 70 is joined to the side wall. The light reflected by the reflecting member 50 is transmitted through the sealing member 70. The main part of the light passes through the light-transmitting portion of the sealing member 70 and is emitted from the sealing member 70. 90% or more of the main part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 is emitted from the sealing member 70.

[0114] The lens member 80 is positioned above the plurality of light-emitting elements 20. The lens member 80 is disposed above the sealing member 70. The lens member 80 is bonded to the sealing member 70. The lens member 80 is bonded using, for example, a UV-curable adhesive. When a UV-curable adhesive is used, the mounting position of the lens member 80 can be adjusted and then bonded at a desired position.

[0115] The lens member 80 is arranged so that light emitted from each light emitting element 20 passes through each lens surface and is emitted.

[0116] <Modification of the first embodiment> Next, light emitting devices according to modifications of the first embodiment will be described. Several modifications are presented below, and the light emitting devices of each modification differ from the light emitting device 1 of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements 20. Therefore, due to the different arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements 20, there are also differences in the method of connecting the wiring 60 and the arrangement of the relay member 40.

[0117] In the light emitting devices of each modification, the base 10, the reflecting member 50, the sealing member 70, and the lens member 80 are the same as those in the light emitting device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same can be said about these components as those described in the light emitting device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0118] In the light emitting devices of the respective modifications, the explanation of each component of the light emitting element 20, the submount 30, the relay member 40, and the wiring 60 is the same as the explanation of each component in the first embodiment.

[0119] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the light emitting device according to each modification, and Fig. 2 is a top view of the light emitting device according to each modification. In each modification, the inter-row area, in-row area, and out-row area are defined in the same way as in the light emitting device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0120] 6 to 9 are drawings relating to each of the modified examples described below. With regard to each modified light emitting device, the content that has already been described for the light emitting device 1 of the first embodiment, and which does not cause inconsistencies when compared with the drawings of the modified example, can also be said to the modified light emitting device.

[0121] <First Modification> 6 is a top view illustrating wiring that electrically connects a plurality of light-emitting elements included in a light-emitting device 1A according to a first modification. In the illustrated example of light-emitting device 1A, the first light-emitting elements 20A are located in the first to seventh columns of the second row, the second light-emitting elements 20B are located in the first to third columns and the sixth and seventh columns of the first row, and the third light-emitting elements 20C are located in the fourth and fifth columns of the first row. The first light-emitting elements 20A emit blue light, the second light-emitting elements 20B emit red light, and the third light-emitting elements 20C emit green light.

[0122] In the light emitting device 1A, the second light emitting elements 20B are arranged on both sides of the third light emitting element 20C so as to sandwich the third light emitting element 20C. With respect to the second light emitting elements 20B arranged on both sides, the peak wavelength of the light emitted from the second light emitting element 20B arranged on one side is greater than the peak wavelength of the light emitted from the second light emitting element 20B arranged on the other side by a range of 3 nm to 10 nm.

[0123] A plurality of second light-emitting elements 20B are arranged on one side, and a plurality of second light-emitting elements 20B are arranged on the other side. The peak wavelengths of the light emitted from the second light-emitting elements 20B arranged on one side are aligned within a range of less than 3 nm. The peak wavelengths of the light emitted from the second light-emitting elements 20B arranged on the other side are aligned within a range of less than 3 nm.

[0124] The number of second light-emitting elements 20B arranged on one side is greater than the number of second light-emitting elements 20B arranged on the other side, and the peak wavelength of the emitted light is shorter. For example, when red light-emitting elements are used, the light-emitting element with the shorter peak wavelength has a better relative luminous efficiency, so increasing the number of light-emitting elements with the shorter peak wavelength can make the light appear brighter.

[0125] When mounted on the submount 30, the electrode on the top surface of the first light-emitting element 20A in the light-emitting device 1 is different from the electrode on the top surface of the first light-emitting element 20A in the light-emitting device 1A. In the light-emitting device 1, the wiring 60 is bonded to the submount 30 on which the first light-emitting element 20A located at the end of the multiple first light-emitting elements 20A arranged in the row direction is mounted, and to the first relay 40A. In the light-emitting device 1A, the wiring 60 is bonded to the top surface of the first light-emitting element 20A located at the end of the multiple first light-emitting elements 20A arranged in the row direction, and to a relay 40 (hereinafter referred to as a fourth relay 40D) located outside the inter-row region. In the illustrated light-emitting device 1A, the fourth relay 40D is located in the fourth out-of-row region. By arranging the fourth relay 40D in this manner, the wiring 60 can be bonded so as not to be positioned on the optical path of light reflected by the reflecting member 50.

[0126] <Second Modification> 7 is a top view illustrating wiring that electrically connects multiple light-emitting elements provided in a light-emitting device 1B according to a second modification. The light-emitting device 1B is similar to the light-emitting device 1 in the arrangement of the first light-emitting element 20A, the second light-emitting element 20B, and the third light-emitting element 20C and in the color of the emitted light.

[0127] In the light emitting device 1B, the plurality of first light emitting elements 20A include a first light emitting element 20A emitting light having a peak wavelength of a first wavelength, a first light emitting element 20A emitting light having a peak wavelength of a second wavelength, and a first light emitting element 20A emitting light having a peak wavelength of a third wavelength. Hereinafter, these will be simply referred to as the first wavelength first light emitting element 20A, the second wavelength first light emitting element 20A, and the third wavelength first light emitting element 20A, respectively.

[0128] In the light emitting device 1B, the number of first light emitting elements 20A of the first wavelength is greater than the number of first light emitting elements 20A of the second wavelength, and the number of first light emitting elements 20A of the first wavelength is greater than the number of first light emitting elements 20A of the third wavelength.

[0129] The plurality of first-wavelength first light-emitting elements 20A includes a first light-emitting element 20A disposed between a second-wavelength first light-emitting element 20A and a third-wavelength first light-emitting element 20A. The plurality of first light-emitting elements 20A includes a second-wavelength first light-emitting element 20A disposed between two first-wavelength first light-emitting elements 20A. The plurality of first light-emitting elements 20A includes a third-wavelength first light-emitting element 20A disposed between two first-wavelength first light-emitting elements 20A.

[0130] Among the plurality of first light-emitting elements 20A arranged side by side, the peak wavelengths of the emitted light of adjacent first light-emitting elements 20A differ from each other in the range of 3 nm to 10 nm. The plurality of first light-emitting elements 20A are arranged so that the same wavelengths from the first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength are not arranged adjacent to each other.

[0131] In the illustrated light emitting device 1B, the peak wavelength of the emitted light from the first light emitting element 20A of the first wavelength is 640 nm or less. The peak wavelength of the emitted light from the first light emitting element 20A of the third wavelength is 645 nm or more. Among the multiple first light emitting elements 20A, the difference in peak wavelength between the first light emitting element 20A with the smallest peak wavelength and the first light emitting element 20A with the largest peak wavelength is 10 nm or less. The first light emitting elements 20A of the first wavelength are arranged at both ends of the multiple first light emitting elements 20A arranged in the row direction and between both ends. The first light emitting elements 20A of the second wavelength and the first light emitting element 20A of the third wavelength are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first light emitting element 20A of the first wavelength arranged between both ends.

[0132] In the light emitting device 1B, the direction of current flow is opposite to that of the light emitting device 1. In the light emitting device 1, the wiring 60 is bonded to the submount 30 on which the edge first light emitting element 20A of the multiple first light emitting elements 20A arranged in the row direction is mounted, and to the first relay 40A. In the light emitting device 1B, the wiring 60 is bonded to the top surface of the edge first light emitting element 20A of the multiple first light emitting elements 20A arranged in the row direction, and to the first relay 40A. This first relay 40A is disposed between two reflective members 50. This first relay 40A is disposed in an intra-row region based on the reflective member 50 corresponding to this first light emitting element 20A. In the light emitting device 1B, the wiring 60A for the first light emitting element passes between adjacent reflective members 50 of the multiple reflective members 50 arranged in the row direction corresponding to the multiple first light emitting elements 20A. By arranging the first relay 40A in this manner, the number of relays 40 can be reduced.

[0133] <Third Modification> 8 is a top view illustrating wiring electrically connecting a plurality of light-emitting elements included in a light-emitting device 1C according to a third modification. In the illustrated example of light-emitting device 1C, the first light-emitting elements 20A are located in the first, fourth, and seventh columns of the second row, the second light-emitting elements 20B are located in the first through seventh columns of the first row, and the third light-emitting elements 20C are located in the second, third, fifth, and sixth columns of the second row. The first light-emitting elements 20A emit blue light, the second light-emitting elements 20B emit red light, and the third light-emitting elements 20C emit green light.

[0134] In the light emitting device 1C, one or more second relay members 40B are arranged in the off-row regions on both sides of the inter-row region in the column direction. The light emitting device 1C has one or more second relay members 40B arranged in the first off-row region or the second off-row region, and one or more second relay members 40B arranged in the third off-row region or the fourth off-row region. The light emitting device 1C shown in the figure has one or more second relay members 40B arranged in the second off-row region and multiple second relay members 40B arranged in the third off-row region.

[0135] The light emitting device 1C has a plurality of first light emitting elements 20A arranged at both ends in the row direction and between these ends, and a plurality of third light emitting elements 20C arranged so as to sandwich the first light emitting elements 20A arranged between the ends. The plurality of third light emitting elements 20C and the other plurality of first light emitting elements 20A are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first light emitting element 20A arranged between the ends.

[0136] The relationship between wavelength and arrangement of the plurality of second light-emitting elements 20B aligned in the row direction in the illustrated light-emitting device 1C is the same as that of the plurality of first light-emitting elements 20A in the light-emitting device 1 or the plurality of first light-emitting elements 20A in the light-emitting device 1B. In the light-emitting device 1C, the second light-emitting elements 20B of the first wavelength, the second light-emitting elements 20B of the second wavelength, and the second light-emitting elements 20B of the third wavelength are aligned in the same manner as the plurality of first light-emitting elements 20A in the light-emitting device 1B.

[0137] In the light emitting device 1C, one or more first light emitting elements 20A are electrically connected to one first wiring 161 and one second wiring 162, one or more second light emitting elements 20B are electrically connected to two second wirings 162, and one or more third light emitting elements 20C are electrically connected to one first wiring 161 and one second wiring 162.

[0138] <Fourth Modification> 9 is a top view illustrating wiring that electrically connects a plurality of light-emitting elements provided in a light-emitting device 1D according to a fourth modification. In the light-emitting device 1D, a first light-emitting element 20A, a second light-emitting element 20B, and a third light-emitting element 20C are arranged in one row. The first light-emitting element 20A, the second light-emitting element 20B, and the third light-emitting element 20C are arranged in each of two rows. In the first and second rows, light-emitting elements 20 that emit light of the same color are arranged in the same column.

[0139] In the illustrated example of light-emitting device 1A, the fifth to seventh columns of row 1 and the fifth to seventh columns of row 2 are first light-emitting elements 20A, the third and fourth columns of row 1 and the third and fourth columns of row 2 are second light-emitting elements 20B, and the first and second columns of row 1 and the first and second columns of row 2 are third light-emitting elements 20C. Furthermore, first light-emitting element 20A emits red light, second light-emitting element 20B emits blue light, and third light-emitting element 20C emits green light.

[0140] In the light emitting device 1D, the second relay boards 40B are arranged in two rows in the out-of-row region. One or more second relay boards 40B are arranged in each of the two rows. A current path passing through one or more second relay boards 40B arranged in the first row and a current path passing through one or more second relay boards 40B arranged in the second row electrically connect the light emitting elements 20 that emit light of different colors.

[0141] In the light emitting device 1D, one or more first relay members 40A are arranged in the inter-row region to electrically connect the first light emitting elements 20A in the first and second rows. One or more first relay members 40A are arranged in the inter-row region to electrically connect the second light emitting elements 20B in the first and second rows. One or more first relay members 40A are arranged in the inter-row region to electrically connect the third light emitting elements 20C in the first and second rows.

[0142] In the light emitting device 1D, the relay member 40 to which the wiring 60 that is both the first light emitting element wiring 60A and the second light emitting element wiring 60B is joined is not placed in the first inter-row region. The relay member 40 to which the wiring 60 that is both the first light emitting element wiring 60A and the third light emitting element wiring 60C is joined is not placed in the first inter-row region. The relay member 40 to which the wiring 60 that is both the second light emitting element wiring 60B and the third light emitting element wiring 60C is joined is not placed in the first inter-row region.

[0143] Second Embodiment Next, a light emitting device 2 according to a second embodiment will be described. FIGS. 1 to 3 and 10 are drawings for explaining an exemplary embodiment of the light emitting device 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the light emitting device 2. FIG. 2 is a top view of the light emitting device 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a top view for explaining the state of wiring that electrically connects a plurality of light emitting elements provided in the light emitting device 2. In the second embodiment, the inter-row area, in-row area, and out-row area have the same definitions as those described for the light emitting device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0144] The light emitting device 2 includes a plurality of components. These components include a base 10, a plurality of light emitting elements 20, a plurality of submounts 30, one or a plurality of relay members 40, a plurality of reflecting members 50, a plurality of wirings 60, a sealing member 70, and a lens member 80. The light emitting device 2 may include other components. Furthermore, the light emitting device 2 may not include some of the components listed here.

[0145] Of the above-mentioned descriptions of the light-emitting device 1 and each component of the first embodiment, the same can be said for the light-emitting device 2 as long as there is no inconsistency when compared with the drawings of Figures 1 to 3 and 10 relating to the light-emitting device 2.

[0146] In the light emitting device 2, the plurality of light emitting elements 20 include one or more first light emitting elements 20A and one or more second light emitting elements 20B. The first light emitting element 20A and the second light emitting element 20B are electrically connected so that they can be driven independently.

[0147] The first light-emitting element 20A and the second light-emitting element 20B emit light of the same color. The first light-emitting element 20A and the second light-emitting element 20B emit light of a color selected from red light, green light, and blue light. For example, the first light-emitting element 20A and the second light-emitting element 20B emit blue light.

[0148] For example, compared to connecting all the light emitting elements 20 arranged in the row direction in series and driving the light emitting elements 20 in different rows individually, the overall size of the light emitted by each driving can be contained within an area that is closer to a square, which may be preferable for optical control.

[0149] Alternatively, the first light-emitting element 20A and the second light-emitting element 20B may emit light of different colors. The first light-emitting element 20A and the second light-emitting element 20B emit light of different colors selected from red light, green light, and blue light. For example, the first light-emitting element 20A emits blue light, and the second light-emitting element 20B emits green light.

[0150] In the illustrated example of the light-emitting device 2, the first light-emitting elements 20A are located in the first row, columns 1 to 5, and the second row, columns 1 to 5, while the second light-emitting elements 20B are located in the sixth and seventh columns of the first row, and the sixth and seventh columns of the second row. The first light-emitting elements 20A emit blue light, and the second light-emitting elements 20B emit green light.

[0151] With respect to the plurality of light emitting elements 20 arranged in a matrix, in each of two adjacent rows, both the first light emitting elements 20A and the second light emitting elements 20B are arranged in the same row. Furthermore, in each of two adjacent rows, a plurality of the first light emitting elements 20A and a plurality of the second light emitting elements 20B are arranged in the same row.

[0152] 10 shows an example of the light emitting device 2 in which the relay member 40 is arranged in an area within a row based on the reflective members 50 arranged in the first row. Also shown is an example of the light emitting device 2 in which the relay member 40 is arranged in an area within a row based on the reflective members 50 arranged in the second row.

[0153] In the light emitting device 2, the first light emitting element wiring 60A is joined to two first wirings 161 of the plurality of wirings 16, and the second light emitting element wiring 60B is joined to two second wirings 162 of the plurality of wirings 16. The first light emitting element wiring 60A is not joined to any of the plurality of second wirings 162, and the second light emitting element wiring 60B is not joined to any of the plurality of first wirings 161.

[0154] When viewed from above, a relay member 40 to which the wiring 60A for the first light-emitting element is joined and a relay member 40 to which the wiring 60B for the second light-emitting element is joined are arranged between two imaginary lines parallel to the column direction that pass through each of the first light-emitting element 20A and the second light-emitting element 20B adjacent to each other in the row direction (in Figure 10, the first light-emitting element 20A in the fifth column and the second light-emitting element 20B in the sixth column).

[0155] Between these two imaginary lines, the relay member 40 to which the first light-emitting element wiring 60A is joined is arranged in the inter-row region, and the relay member 40 to which the second light-emitting element wiring 60B is joined is arranged in the out-of-row region. In the example of the light-emitting device 2 shown in the figure, the relay member 40 to which the first light-emitting element wiring 60A is joined is arranged in the first inter-row region A1, and the relay members 40 to which the second light-emitting element wiring 60B is joined are arranged in each of the first out-of-row region and the third out-of-row region.

[0156] Except for the third relay member 40C, the relay members 40 to which the first light-emitting element wiring 60 is joined are not arranged in either the region where the first off-row region and the second off-row region overlap, or the region where the third off-row region and the fourth off-row region overlap. One or more relay members 40 to which the second light-emitting element wiring 60 is joined, and which are not the third relay member 40C, are arranged in each of the region where the first off-row region and the second off-row region overlap, and the region where the third off-row region and the fourth off-row region overlap.

[0157] When the arrangement area of ​​the first light-emitting element 20A and the second light-emitting element 20B adjacent to each other in the row direction is divided into two by a virtual line passing through the first light-emitting element 20A and parallel to the column direction, in the area that does not include the second light-emitting element 20B, the wiring 60B for the second light-emitting element and the relay member 40 to which the wiring 60B for the second light-emitting element is joined are not arranged.

[0158] When the arrangement area of ​​the first light-emitting element 20A and the second light-emitting element 20B adjacent to each other in the row direction is divided into two by a virtual line passing through the second light-emitting element 20B and parallel to the column direction, in the area that does not include the first light-emitting element 20A, the wiring 60A for the first light-emitting element and the relay member 40 to which the wiring 60A for the first light-emitting element is joined are not arranged.

[0159] <Modifications of the second embodiment> Next, light emitting devices according to modifications of the second embodiment will be described. Several modifications are presented below, and the light emitting devices of each modification differ from the light emitting device 2 of the second embodiment in the arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements 20. Therefore, due to the different arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements 20, there are also differences in the method of connecting the wiring 60 and the arrangement of the relay member 40.

[0160] In the light emitting devices of each modification, the base 10, the reflecting member 50, the sealing member 70, and the lens member 80 are the same as those in the light emitting device 2 of the second embodiment. Therefore, the same can be said about these components as those described in the light emitting device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0161] In the light emitting devices of the respective modifications, the explanation of each component of the light emitting element 20, the submount 30, the relay member 40, and the wiring 60 is the same as the explanation of each component in the first embodiment.

[0162] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the light emitting device according to each modification, and Fig. 2 is a top view of the light emitting device according to each modification. In each modification, the inter-row area, in-row area, and out-row area are defined in the same way as in the light emitting device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0163] 11 and 12 are drawings relating to each of the modified examples described below. With regard to each modified light emitting device, the content that has already been described for the light emitting device 2 of the second embodiment and that does not cause inconsistencies when compared with the drawings of the modified example also applies to the modified light emitting device.

[0164] <First Modification> 11 is a top view illustrating wiring that electrically connects a plurality of light-emitting elements included in a light-emitting device 2A according to a first modification. In the illustrated example of the light-emitting device 2A, the first light-emitting elements 20A are located in the first row and the first to fourth columns, and the second row and the first to fourth columns, and the second light-emitting elements 20B are located in the fifth to seventh columns of the first row and the fifth to seventh columns of the second row.

[0165] As shown in the second embodiment and this first modified example, the first light-emitting element 20A can be arranged on one side and the second light-emitting element 20B on the other side across multiple rows, with two specific adjacent columns as the boundary, and the two specific columns can be selected as appropriate.

[0166] <Second Modification> 12 is a top view illustrating wiring that electrically connects a plurality of light-emitting elements provided in a light-emitting device 2B according to a second modification. In the illustrated example of light-emitting device 2B, the first light-emitting elements 20A are located in the first row and the first to third columns and the second row and the first to fourth columns, and the second light-emitting elements 20B are located in the fourth to seventh columns of the first row and the fifth to seventh columns of the second row.

[0167] In the light emitting device 2B, an equal number of first light emitting elements 20A and a equal number of second light emitting elements 20B are arranged in two rows and M columns (M is a natural odd number greater than or equal to 3). In addition, only in the central column of the M columns (the column whose number is M+1 divided by 2), the first light emitting elements 20A are arranged in one of the two rows and the second light emitting elements 20B are arranged in the other row. In the other columns, either the first light emitting elements 20A are arranged in both of the two rows, or the second light emitting elements 20B are arranged in both of the two rows.

[0168] The relay member 40 to which the first light-emitting element wiring 60A is joined and the relay member 40 to which the second light-emitting element wiring 60B is joined are arranged between two imaginary lines parallel to the column direction that pass through the light-emitting elements 20 arranged in the columns on both sides of the central column. In the inter-row region, the relay member 40 to which the first light-emitting element wiring 60A is joined is arranged in the region between these two imaginary lines.

[0169] <Third embodiment> A light-emitting device 3 according to a third embodiment will be described. FIGS. 13 to 16D are diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the light-emitting device 3. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a light-emitting element 20 in the light-emitting device 3. FIGS. 14A and 14B are top views illustrating examples of conventional wiring for the light-emitting element 20. FIGS. 15A to 15F are top views illustrating examples of wiring for the light-emitting element 20 in the light-emitting device 3. Note that in FIGS. 13 to 15F, the waveguide 22 is indicated by a dashed line. FIG. 16A is a graph comparing the temperature characteristics of light output for the wiring examples of FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B. FIG. 16B is a graph comparing the temperature characteristics of forward voltage for the wiring examples of FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B. FIG. 16C is a graph comparing the temperature characteristics of forward voltage for the wiring examples of FIGS. 15B, 15C, and 15D. FIG. 16D is a graph comparing the temperature characteristics of forward voltage in the wiring examples of FIGS. 15A, 15E, and 15F.

[0170] 1 to 9 also serve as drawings for explaining the light emitting device 3. The explanation of the light emitting devices of the first embodiment and each modified example also serves as an explanation of the light emitting device 3. However, among the explanations of the light emitting devices of the first embodiment and each modified example described above, any content that causes a contradiction between the drawings relating to the light emitting device 3 among FIGS. 13 to 16D and the following explanation of the light emitting device 3 does not apply to the explanation of the light emitting device 3.

[0171] The light emitting device 3 includes a plurality of components, including a base 10, one or more light emitting elements 20, one or more submounts 30, one or more relay members 40, one or more reflecting members 50, a plurality of wirings 60, a sealing member 70, and a lens member 80.

[0172] The light emitting device 3 may include other components. The light emitting device 3 does not have to have the same structure as the light emitting devices of the first embodiment and each modification. The invention disclosed by the light emitting device 3 according to the second embodiment can be applied to other light emitting devices as well, including a light emitting device in which a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a row are electrically connected and divided into two or more groups that can be driven independently.

[0173] The one or more light-emitting elements 20 included in the light-emitting device 3 include a light-emitting element 20 having two or more light emission points 21 on its light emission surface. For example, the light-emitting element 20 is a semiconductor laser element. In the light-emitting device 3, the first light-emitting element 20A can be the light-emitting element 20 having two or more light emission points 21. For convenience, the light-emitting device 3 will be described below assuming that the first light-emitting element 20A is this light-emitting element 20. Note that instead of the first light-emitting element 20A, or similar to the first light-emitting element 20A, the second light-emitting element 20B or the third light-emitting element 20C may have two or more light emission points 21 on its light emission surface.

[0174] The first light-emitting element 20A has two or more waveguides 22, each corresponding to a different light emission point 21. Each of the two or more waveguides 22 extends in a direction perpendicular to the light emission surface when viewed from above. Note that "perpendicular" here includes a difference of ±5 degrees. Furthermore, the waveguides 22 do not have to be provided so as to extend perpendicular to the light emission surface.

[0175] 13 shows a light-emitting element 20 having two light emission points 21 (a first light emission point 21A and a second light emission point 21B). Also shown is the light-emitting element 20 having a first waveguide 22A corresponding to the first light emission point 21A and a second waveguide 22B corresponding to the second light emission point.

[0176] 14A and 14B illustrate a conventional manner in which wiring 60 is bonded to a first light-emitting element 20A having two light emission points 21 and two waveguides 22. As shown in these figures, the wiring 60 is bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A intersecting with the light emission surface so that the bonding positions are directly above each waveguide 22. Furthermore, the wiring 60 is bonded directly above each waveguide 22 so that the number of wirings 60 is equal.

[0177] This type of joining is thought to be based on the technical idea that by joining the wiring 60 to each waveguide 22 as evenly or symmetrically as possible, current flows evenly, preventing bias in the light output and the electrical load on each waveguide 22, and ensuring stable operation of the light-emitting element.

[0178] On the other hand, depending on the magnitude of the current input to the first light-emitting element 20A, it may be preferable to connect multiple wires 60 to the first light-emitting element 20A, rather than one. This leads to the idea of ​​connecting the wires 60 as shown in Figures 14A and 14B. That is, according to this technical concept, the number of wires 60 connected to the first light-emitting element 20A is an integer multiple of the number of waveguides 22. For example, if it is desired to have two wires 60 in relation to the input current, one may arrive at the idea of ​​providing two wires 60 for each waveguide 22, taking into consideration the electrical load on each waveguide 22.

[0179] 15A to 15F illustrate examples of such conventional embodiments and embodiments of joining wiring 60 that are not based on the technical concept thereof. The joining embodiments illustrated here can be applied to a light emitting device 3 in which two to five wires 60 are joined to the upper surface of one first light emitting element 20A. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a light emitting device 3 in which six or more wires 60 are joined to the upper surface of one first light emitting element 20A.

[0180] A plurality of wirings 60 are bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A in the light-emitting device 3. The wirings 60A for the first light-emitting element include a plurality of wirings 60 bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A. Note that the plurality of wirings 60 bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A described here may be limited to wirings 60 that are bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A at one end and bonded to a common component other than the first light-emitting element 20A at the other end. In other words, the plurality of wirings 60 do not need to include wirings 60 that are bonded to different components at the other end. For example, if the plurality of wirings 60 bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A include a plurality of wirings 60 that are bonded to the submount 30 at the other end and a plurality of wirings 60 that are bonded to a Zener diode at the other end, the latter may be excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0181] As shown in Figures 15A to 15F, the number of wirings 60 joined to the upper surface of one first light-emitting element 20A is two or more. Also, as shown in Figures 15B to 15D, the number of wirings 60 joined to the upper surface of one first light-emitting element 20A is three or more. In this way, the number of wirings 60 joined to the upper surface of one first light-emitting element 20A may be an even number or an odd number. In other words, a configuration can be adopted in which an odd number of wirings 60 are joined to a light-emitting element 20 having two waveguides 22.

[0182] In the light-emitting device 3, in a top view, the number of wirings 60 in the region where the bonding position on the top surface of the first light-emitting element 20A overlaps with the first waveguide 22A and the number of wirings 60 in the region where the bonding position overlaps with the second waveguide 22B are both zero, or if at least one of them is present, these numbers are not the same. Figures 15A, 15B, 15E, and 15F show examples of the former (all zero), while Figures 15C and 15D show examples of the latter (one or more, but not the same number). Note that the bonding position refers to the center point of the bonding shape of the wirings 60 bonded to the top surface.

[0183] The bonding positions of the multiple wirings 60 bonded to the top surface of the first light-emitting element 20A are in the region between a virtual line (hereinafter referred to as a first virtual line) that passes through a point of the first waveguide 22A closest to the second waveguide 22B and is perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, and a virtual line (hereinafter referred to as a second virtual line) that passes through a point of the second waveguide 22B closest to the first waveguide 22A and is perpendicular to the light-emitting surface. Note that the region between the first virtual line and the second virtual line does not include the areas on the first virtual line and the second virtual line. Figures 15A, 15B, 15E, and 15F show this example. By setting the bonding positions of the wirings 60 in this region, the wirings 60 can be bonded more stably than, for example, bonding the wirings 60 to the edge of the top surface of the first light-emitting element 20A.

[0184] With respect to the plurality of wirings 60 bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A, the bonding positions of the plurality of wirings 60 to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A are either only in the region that includes the second waveguide 22B in a top view, separated by a first imaginary line, or only in the region that includes the first waveguide 22A in a top view, separated by a second imaginary line. Note that the identification of these regions does not include the areas on the first imaginary line or the second imaginary line. Figure 15D shows an example of the former, and Figure 15C shows an example of the latter.

[0185] With respect to the plurality of wirings 60 bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A, the number of wirings 60 having bonding positions in a region that does not include the second waveguide 22B when viewed from above when the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A is bisected along a first imaginary line is zero, and the number of wirings 60 having bonding positions in a region that does not include the first waveguide 22A when the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A is bisected along a second imaginary line is zero. Note that the identification of these regions does not include areas on the first imaginary line or the second imaginary line. Figures 15A, 15B, 15E, and 15F show this example.

[0186] With respect to the multiple wirings 60 bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A, when the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A is divided in half along a virtual line (hereinafter referred to as a third virtual line) that is the midpoint between the first virtual line and the second virtual line, the number of wirings 60 having bonding positions in the region on the first waveguide 22A side and the number of wirings 60 having bonding positions in the region on the second waveguide 22B side are both 0, or are not the same if at least one of them is present. Note that the area on the third virtual line is not included in specifying these regions.

[0187] On the top surface of the first light-emitting element 20A, in the direction perpendicular to the light emitting surface, the distance between the wiring 60 closest to the light emitting surface and the wiring 60 farthest from the light emitting surface is greater than the absolute value of the difference between the distance between the light emitting surface and the wiring 60 closest to the light emitting surface and the distance between the surface opposite the light emitting surface and the wiring 60 farthest from the light emitting surface. All of Figures 15A to 15F, except for Figure 15E, show this example.

[0188] In the direction perpendicular to the light emitting surface, the distance between the plurality of wirings 60 joined to the upper surface of the first light emitting element 20A is 200 μm or more and 500 μm or less. The number of the plurality of wirings 60 joined to the upper surface of the first light emitting element 20A is the number obtained by dividing the length in the direction perpendicular to the light emitting surface of the first light emitting element 20A by 500 μm (decimals are rounded down) or more and the number obtained by dividing the length by 200 μm (decimals are rounded down).

[0189] The experimental results shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D will be discussed below. In the experiments shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D, a semiconductor laser element emitting laser light with an emission peak wavelength of 643 nm was used as the first light-emitting element 20A. Five first light-emitting elements 20A were prepared for each of the bonding modes of the wiring 60 shown in FIGS. 15A to 15F, and the average of the five measurements was plotted as the measurement result in FIGS. 16A to 16D. Temperature characteristics were measured at 25°C, 45°C, and 60°C, respectively. The temperature was determined by driving the semiconductor laser element in a sealed package and measuring the temperature of the package.

[0190] 16A, even if the number of wires 60 bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A was changed, no significant difference was observed in the temperature characteristics of the optical output [W]. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed compared to the conventional bonding mode of the wires corresponding to each waveguide 22. In other words, it can be said that even if the bonding mode is not the conventional one, there is no significant effect on the temperature characteristics of the optical output Po [W].

[0191] As shown in FIG. 16B, the forward voltage Vf [V] tends to increase as the number of wires 60 bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A decreases. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in the rate of change of Vf with temperature (the slope of each line in FIG. 16B). Reducing the number of wires 60 not only reduces manufacturing costs but also shortens manufacturing time, improving productivity. Striking a balance with the increase in Vf, the number of wires 60 bonded to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element 20A is preferably between three and five.

[0192] As shown in Figure 16C, when viewed from above, if the direction perpendicular to the light-emitting surface is defined as the up-down direction, no significant difference was observed when the same number of wires 60 were arranged closer to the center, the right, or the left. Furthermore, in each of Figures 15B to 15D, we checked whether there was a bias in the emitters that failed by increasing the applied current, but no different tendency or pattern was observed between the closer to the center, the right, and the left. In other words, it is believed that even when the wires 60 were arranged closer to either side of the center, there was no significant bias in the current applied to the waveguides 22 closer to the wires 60 and the waveguides 22 further away.

[0193] As shown in Fig. 16D, Vf is lower when the same number of wires 60 are joined as in Fig. 15A or 15F than when the same number of wires 60 are joined as in Fig. 15E. Fig. 15E differs from Figs. 15A and 15F in that multiple wires 60 are joined at close intervals near the light emitting surface. Comparing Fig. 15A, in which multiple wires 60 are joined at wide intervals near the light emitting surface, with Fig. 15F, in which multiple wires 60 are joined at close intervals far from the light emitting surface, it is thought that the relationship between the distance to the light emitting surface, the interval or distance between the multiple wires 60, the distance to the surface opposite the light emitting surface, and other factors may affect the temperature characteristics of Vf.

[0194] In the illustrated light-emitting device 3, a light-emitting element 20 having two waveguides 22 is exemplified, but the joining mode of the wiring 60 described in the second embodiment can be applied even to a light-emitting element 20 having three or more waveguides 22.

[0195] For example, when viewed from above, on the top surface of a light-emitting element 20 having two or more waveguides 22, the number of wirings 60 within the area where the junction position overlaps with each waveguide 22 is zero for each waveguide 22, or if there is at least one of them, the numbers are not the same.

[0196] Furthermore, for example, the bonding positions of the multiple wirings 60 bonded to the upper surface of the light emitting element 20 having two or more waveguides 22 are located in the middle region when the upper surface of the light emitting element 20 is divided into thirds by imaginary lines parallel to the direction in which the waveguides 22 extend, as viewed from above. In addition, the number of wirings 60 whose bonding positions are located in the regions at both ends is zero, or if there is at least one of them, the numbers are not the same.

[0197] Furthermore, since it is not based on conventional bonding modes, the number of wires 60 bonded to the upper surface of a light-emitting element 20 having two or more waveguides 22 can be made smaller than the number of waveguides 22 multiplied by two. In this case, the wire diameter (Φ diameter) of the wires 60 is preferably 50 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The larger the wire diameter, the higher the current that can be stably input, so it is set to 50 μm or more. Furthermore, it is preferably set to 100 μm or less so that the bonded shape of the wires on the upper surface of the light-emitting element 20 does not become too large.

[0198] Furthermore, in a light-emitting element 20 having two or more waveguides 22, the thickness of the electrode to which the wiring 60 is bonded can be 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. Furthermore, it is preferable to set the thickness of this electrode to 0.3 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less. Ensuring a sufficient electrode thickness facilitates current spreading. For example, due to the strength of the substrate, semiconductor laser elements including GaAs-based semiconductors may require thicker electrodes than semiconductor laser elements including GaN-based semiconductors. When the light-emitting element 20 having two or more waveguides 22 is a GaAs-based semiconductor laser element, it can be said that it is well suited to the wiring bonding mode of this embodiment.

[0199] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the light-emitting device of the present invention is not strictly limited to the light-emitting devices of each embodiment and each modification. In other words, the present invention can be realized without being limited to the external shape and structure of the light-emitting device disclosed in each embodiment or each modification. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied without necessarily including all necessary and sufficient components. For example, if the claims do not recite some of the components of the light-emitting device disclosed in the embodiments, the claims allow for the design freedom of those components by those skilled in the art, such as substitution, omission, modification of shape, and change of material, and specify that the invention described in the claims applies. [Industrial Applicability]

[0200] The light emitting device according to each embodiment can be used in projectors, vehicle headlights, head-mounted displays, lighting, displays, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 1, 2, 3 Light-emitting device 10 Base 12 Base 12a Convex part 14 Side wall 16 Wiring 161 1st wiring 162 2nd wiring 20 Light-emitting element 20A First light-emitting element 20B Second light-emitting element 20C Third light-emitting element 21 Light emission point 21A 1st light output point 21B 2nd light output point 22 Waveguide 22A 1st waveguide 22B 2nd waveguide 30 Submount 40 Relay member 40A First relay component 40B Second relay member 40C Third relay member 40D 4th relay member 50 Reflective material 60 Wiring 60A Wiring for first light-emitting element 60B Wiring for second light-emitting element 60C Wiring for third light-emitting element 70 Sealing member 80 Lens components A1 interline area A2 inline area A3 Extra-line area

Claims

1. a base having a mounting surface including an arrangement area, a plurality of first wirings provided at positions spaced apart from the arrangement area in a first direction, and a plurality of second wirings provided at positions spaced apart from the arrangement area in a direction opposite to the first direction; a plurality of light-emitting elements including one or more first light-emitting elements, one or more second light-emitting elements, and one or more third light-emitting elements, the light-emitting elements being arranged in two rows and N columns (N≧2) within the arrangement region with a direction parallel to the first direction as a row direction, and each having a light emission point above the mounting surface; one or more relay members including one or more first relay members arranged in an area between rows of the plurality of light emitting elements arranged in two rows and N columns within the arrangement area; a plurality of first light-emitting element wirings that electrically connect the one or more first light-emitting elements in series to two of the plurality of first wirings and second wirings; a plurality of second light-emitting element wirings that electrically connect the one or more second light-emitting elements in series to two wirings among the plurality of first wirings and the plurality of second wirings; a plurality of third light-emitting element wirings that electrically connect the one or more third light-emitting elements in series to two of the plurality of first wirings and the plurality of second wirings; Equipped with the second light-emitting element wiring and the third light-emitting element wiring are not joined to at least one of the two wirings that electrically connect the one or more first light-emitting elements in series, the first light-emitting element wiring and the third light-emitting element wiring are not joined to at least one of the two wirings that electrically connect the one or more second light-emitting elements in series, the first light-emitting element wiring and the second light-emitting element wiring are not joined to at least one of the two wirings that electrically connect the one or more third light-emitting elements in series, the plurality of first light-emitting element wirings include wirings joined to the first relay member.

2. The light emitting device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of first wirings and the plurality of second wirings is composed of two wirings.

3. The light emitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the first light emitting element, the second light emitting element, and the third light emitting element emit light of different colors.

4. The light emitting device according to claim 3 , wherein the first light emitting element, the second light emitting element, and the third light emitting element emit light of different colors selected from red light, green light, and blue light.

5. 5. The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the first wiring for the light emitting element, the second wiring for the light emitting element, and the third wiring for the light emitting element are joined to one of the plurality of first wirings and second wirings.

6. the one or more relay members include a relay member to which the first light-emitting element wiring and the second light-emitting element wiring are joined, The light emitting device according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of first light emitting element wirings includes wirings that also serve as the second light emitting element wirings.

7. the one or more first relay members include a relay member to which the first light-emitting element wiring and the third light-emitting element wiring are joined, The light emitting device according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of first light emitting element wirings includes a wiring that also serves as the third light emitting element wiring.

8. 8. The light-emitting device according to claim 5, wherein the current path electrically connecting the plurality of first light-emitting elements to the two wirings is configured to include a first path electrically connecting only the first light-emitting element among the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element, a second path electrically connecting only the first light-emitting element and the third light-emitting element, and a third path electrically connecting the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element.

9. The light emitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the first light emitting element, the second light emitting element, and the third light emitting element are arranged in one row.

10. the first light-emitting element is a semiconductor laser element having an upper surface, a light-emitting surface having two or more light-emitting points including at least a first light-emitting point and a second light-emitting point, a first waveguide corresponding to the first light-emitting point, and a second waveguide corresponding to the second light-emitting point; the plurality of first light-emitting element wirings include three or more wirings joined to the upper surface of the first light-emitting element, 10. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from above, the number of wirings in the area where the bonding position on the top surface of the first light-emitting element overlaps with the first waveguide and the number of wirings in the area where the bonding position on the top surface of the first light-emitting element overlaps with the second waveguide are both zero, or are not the same number when at least one of them is present.

11. 11. The light-emitting device according to claim 10, wherein the three or more wirings have bonding positions with the top surface of the first light-emitting element in an area between a first virtual line that passes through a point of the first waveguide closest to the second waveguide and is perpendicular to the light-emitting surface, and a second virtual line that passes through a point of the second waveguide closest to the first waveguide and is perpendicular to the light-emitting surface.

12. The light emitting device according to claim 10 , wherein the number of the first light emitting element wirings joined to the upper surface of the first light emitting element is 3 or more and 5 or less.

13. a base having a mounting surface including an arrangement area, a plurality of first wirings provided at positions spaced apart from the arrangement area in a first direction, and a plurality of second wirings provided at positions spaced apart from the arrangement area in a direction opposite to the first direction; a plurality of light-emitting elements including one or more first light-emitting elements and one or more second light-emitting elements, the light-emitting elements being arranged in two rows and N columns (N≧2) within the arrangement region, each having a light emission point above the mounting surface; one or more relay members including one or more first relay members arranged in an area between rows of the plurality of light emitting elements arranged in two rows and N columns within the arrangement area; a plurality of first light-emitting element wirings that electrically connect the one or more first light-emitting elements in series to the two first wirings; a plurality of second light-emitting element wirings that electrically connect the one or more second light-emitting elements in series to the two second wirings; Equipped with the second light-emitting element wiring is not joined to either of the two first wirings that electrically connect the one or more first light-emitting elements in series, the first light-emitting element wiring is not joined to either of the two second wirings that electrically connect the one or more second light-emitting elements in series, the plurality of first light-emitting element wirings include wirings joined to the first relay member.

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