LED lamp

Abstract

An LED lamp (1) that can be used in a low-temperature environment, comprising: an LED lamp unit (2) that has an LED element; a housing (3) that houses the LED lamp unit (2); and a transparent cover member (4) that transmits light from the LED lamp unit (2). The LED lamp (1) is also provided with an infrared absorption member (infrared absorption layer (6)) that absorbs infrared rays from the LED lamp unit (2) and generates heat, at a position at which heat generated by the infrared absorption member (infrared absorption layer (6)) is conducted to the transparent cover member (4). The LED lamp (1) makes it possible to heat the transparent cover member (4) and solve problems resulting from use in a low-temperature environment.

Description

LED lamp

[0001] The present invention relates to an LED lamp that can be used in low-temperature environments.

[0002] For a long time, halogen bulbs have been the mainstream light source for conventional automotive headlamps (headlights). Halogen bulbs have the property of generating heat when emitting light. Therefore, the transparent cover, which is the outermost component of the headlight, is heated by the heat generated by the halogen bulb. Therefore, even if snow adheres to the transparent cover component when driving in snowfall, the heated transparent cover component melts the snow. As a result, the headlight light is less likely to be blocked by snow adhering to the transparent cover component.

[0003] In response to this, headlights in recent years have been shifting to LED lamps that use LED lamp units as the light source. LED lamps generate significantly less heat when emitting light than halogen bulbs. Therefore, when driving in snow, snow that has adhered to the transparent cover member remains accumulated without melting. As a result, the light from the headlights is blocked by the snow that has accumulated on the transparent cover member.

[0004] Furthermore, forklifts used in freezing and refrigerating facilities may experience condensation on their headlights when they are moved from the low-temperature environment of a freezing or refrigerating warehouse to a room-temperature facility. Furthermore, if the forklift is moved in this state to the low-temperature environment of a freezing or refrigerating warehouse, the water droplets on the headlights will freeze. In this case, the light from the headlights will be blocked by the condensation and freezing. Condensation and freezing on headlights are particularly problematic for autonomous forklifts, as the light from the headlights is necessary for accurate sensor operation.

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses a snow-melting device for rear combination lamps installed at the rear corners of a vehicle, which connects the air inside the vehicle interior to the trunk room and blows the air inside the trunk room onto the outer surface of the rear combination lamp.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-74753

[0007] However, a snow melting system for LED lamps used in headlights, etc. was not known.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide an LED lamp that can be used in low-temperature environments and that is capable of heating a transparent cover member.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, firstly, the present invention provides an LED lamp that can be used in low-temperature environments, comprising an LED lamp unit having an LED element, a housing that accommodates the LED lamp unit, and a transparent cover member that transmits light from the LED lamp unit, wherein an infrared absorbing member that absorbs infrared rays from the LED lamp unit and generates heat is provided in a position where the heat generated by the infrared absorbing member is conducted to the transparent cover member, and / or the transparent cover member itself absorbs infrared rays from the LED lamp unit and generates heat (Invention 1).

[0010] In the above invention (Invention 1), first, when the LED lamp unit emits light, the infrared absorbing member absorbs the infrared rays contained in the light and generates heat. The heat generated by the infrared absorbing member is conducted to the transparent cover member, causing the transparent cover member to heat up. Second, when the LED lamp unit emits light, the transparent cover member absorbs the infrared rays contained in the light and generates heat. As a result, even if snow, ice, or condensation droplets adhere to the transparent cover member, the heated transparent cover member can remove the snow, ice, droplets, etc. As a result, the light from the LED lamp unit is prevented from being blocked by snow, ice, droplets, etc. that adhere to the transparent cover member.

[0011] In the above invention (invention 1), it is preferable that the infrared absorbing member is transparent (invention 2).

[0012] In the above inventions (Inventions 1 and 2), it is preferable that the infrared absorbing member or the transparent cover member contains at least one infrared absorbing material selected from the group consisting of cesium tungsten oxide, lanthanum hexaboride, tin-doped indium oxide, and antimony-doped tin oxide (Invention 3).

[0013] In the above inventions (Inventions 1 to 3), it is preferable that the infrared absorbing member is provided between the LED lamp unit and the transparent cover member (Invention 4).

[0014] In the above inventions (Inventions 1 to 4), the infrared absorbing member is preferably a layered infrared absorbing layer (Invention 5).

[0015] In the above invention (Invention 5), it is preferable that the infrared absorbing layer is laminated directly or indirectly on the transparent cover member (Invention 6).

[0016] In the above invention (Invention 6), it is preferable that the infrared absorbing layer is laminated on the transparent cover member on the side of the LED lamp unit (Invention 7).

[0017] In the above inventions (Inventions 5 to 7), it is preferable that a weather-resistant layer is laminated directly or indirectly on the infrared absorbing layer (Invention 8).

[0018] In the above inventions (Inventions 5 to 8), it is preferable that an abrasion-resistant layer is laminated directly or indirectly on the infrared absorbing layer (Invention 9).

[0019] In the above inventions (Inventions 5 to 9), it is preferable that a heat insulating layer is laminated directly or indirectly on the infrared absorbing layer (Invention 10).

[0020] The LED lamps according to the above inventions (Inventions 1 to 10) may be used for mobile objects (Invention 11), buildings (Invention 12), lighting (Invention 13), signs (Invention 14), signal lights (Invention 15), traffic lights (Invention 16), displays (Invention 17), outdoors (Invention 18), or indoors (Invention 19).

[0021] According to the LED lamp of the present invention, the transparent cover member can be heated.

[0022] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an LED lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. An LED lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention is an LED lamp that can be used in low-temperature environments, and includes an LED lamp unit having an LED element, a housing that houses the LED lamp unit, and a transparent cover member that transmits light from the LED lamp unit. The LED lamp according to this embodiment includes an infrared absorbing member that absorbs infrared rays from the LED lamp unit and generates heat, located in a position where the heat generated by the infrared absorbing member is conducted to the transparent cover member (first embodiment), or the transparent cover member itself absorbs infrared rays from the LED lamp unit and generates heat (second embodiment). Note that the LED lamp according to this embodiment may include both the first and second embodiments.

[0024] The light emitted by an LED lamp unit typically contains infrared rays. In the LED lamp (first embodiment) according to this embodiment, when the LED lamp unit emits light, the infrared absorbing member absorbs the infrared rays contained in the light and generates heat. The heat generated by the infrared absorbing member is conducted to the transparent cover member, causing the transparent cover member to heat up. Furthermore, in the LED lamp (second embodiment) according to this embodiment, when the LED lamp unit emits light, the transparent cover member absorbs the infrared rays contained in the light and generates heat. As a result, even if snow, ice, or condensation droplets adhere to the transparent cover member, the heated transparent cover member can remove the snow, ice, droplets, etc. As a result, the light from the LED lamp unit is prevented from being blocked by snow, ice, droplets, etc. adhering to the transparent cover member.

[0025] The LED lamp according to the present embodiment can be used in low-temperature environments, and is not particularly limited to indoor or outdoor applications, as long as it is suitable for applications where snow or ice may accumulate or where condensation may occur. For example, the LED lamp may be used in mobile objects such as vehicles, ships, aircraft, and drones, or in buildings, lighting, traffic lights, signposts, signs, and displays installed outdoors or in refrigeration / freezing facilities. Examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to, automobiles, forklifts, motorcycles, bicycles, and trains. In particular, forklifts used in refrigeration / freezing facilities may develop condensation on their headlights when moved from the low-temperature environment of a refrigerated warehouse to a room-temperature facility. Furthermore, if the forklift is moved in this state to the low-temperature environment of a refrigerated warehouse, the water droplets on the headlights may freeze. However, the use of the LED lamp according to the present embodiment prevents the headlight light from being blocked by condensation or freezing. This allows for accurate operation of sensors using headlight light, particularly in self-driving forklifts.

[0026] Hereinafter, as a preferred embodiment, an LED lamp as an automobile headlamp (headlight) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the LED lamp 1 (first form) of this embodiment includes an LED lamp unit 2, a housing 3 that accommodates the LED lamp unit 2, and a transparent cover member 4 that transmits light from the LED lamp unit 2.

[0028] The LED lamp unit 2 includes an LED element 21, a reflecting mirror 22 that reflects light from the LED element 21, and a lens 23 that adjusts the direction of the light from the reflecting mirror 22. The LED lamp unit 2 is fixed to the housing 3 via a lamp unit support member 31.

[0029] The housing 3 has an opening on the front side (the side that emits light as a headlight), and a transparent cover member 4 is installed to cover the opening. The transparent cover member 4 is fixed to the housing 3, for example, by fitting into a slit provided in the housing 3.

[0030] In the LED lamp 1 according to this embodiment, a weather-resistant layer 5, an infrared absorbing layer 6, and a scratch-resistant layer 7 are laminated in this order on the inner surface of the transparent cover member 4. In this configuration, heat generated by the infrared absorbing layer 6 is conducted to the transparent cover member 4.

[0031] The weather-resistant layer 5, the infrared absorbing layer 6, and the scratch-resistant layer 7 may be provided on the entire inner surface of the transparent cover member 4, or on a part of the inner surface. In this embodiment, the weather-resistant layer 5 and / or the scratch-resistant layer 7 are not necessarily required and may be omitted.

[0032] The weather-resistant layer 5 is a layer that mainly improves the weather resistance of the infrared absorbing layer 6 and suppresses deterioration in low-temperature environments, and is preferably a coating layer formed by coating a material containing an additive that imparts weather resistance and a binder. Examples of additives that can impart weather resistance include ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers, antioxidants, and oxygen absorbers. More specifically, the coating layer is preferably formed by coating a material that contains at least one of an ultraviolet absorber, a light stabilizer, an antioxidant, and an oxygen absorber, and a binder, and it is particularly preferable that the coating layer be a transparent coating layer.

[0033] From the viewpoint of the SDGs, a material with a high biomass content, a material that can be recycled or reused, or a recycled or reused material may be used as the material constituting the weather-resistant layer 5. Furthermore, it is also preferable that the weather-resistant layer 5 contains an additive such as an additive that prevents yellowing, and is also preferably made of a material that prevents the occurrence of blisters.

[0034] Examples of binders that can be used in the weather-resistant layer 5 include synthetic resin binders such as polyester resin, modified nylon resin, chlorinated ethylene vinyl alcohol, chlorinated polypropylene, chlorinated polyethylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, acrylic resin, urethane acrylate resin, cellulose resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyurethane resin, butyral resin, diallyl phthalate resin, vinyl chloride resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, silicone resin, etc. One type of binder may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0035] Examples of ultraviolet absorbers that can be used in the weather-resistant layer 5 include benzophenone-based compounds, benzotriazole-based compounds, triazine-based compounds, cyanoacrylate-based compounds, and salicylic acid ester-based compounds. One type of ultraviolet absorber may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. The amount of ultraviolet absorber used is preferably 0.001 to 30% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.01 to 15% by mass, of the materials constituting the weather-resistant layer 5.

[0036] Examples of light stabilizers that can be used in the weather-resistant layer 5 include hindered amine light stabilizers, benzophenone light stabilizers, and benzotriazole light stabilizers. These light stabilizers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The amount of the light stabilizer used is preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.01 to 1% by mass, of the materials that constitute the weather-resistant layer 5.

[0037] Examples of antioxidants that can be used in the weather-resistant layer 5 include phosphorus-based antioxidants, phenol-based antioxidants (a preferred example is dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT)), and sulfur-based antioxidants. One type of antioxidant may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. The amount of antioxidant used is preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.01 to 1% by mass, of the material that constitutes the weather-resistant layer 5.

[0038] Examples of oxygen absorbers that can be used in the weather-resistant layer 5 include inorganic oxygen absorbers such as reducing metal compounds, and organic oxygen absorbers. One type of oxygen absorber may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. The amount of oxygen absorber used is preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.01 to 1% by mass, of the materials that constitute the weather-resistant layer 5.

[0039] The thickness of the weather-resistant layer 5 is not particularly limited, but is usually preferably 1 to 10,000 μm, more preferably 5 to 5,000 μm, particularly preferably 10 to 1,000 μm, and even more preferably 10 to 500 μm.

[0040] The weather-resistant layer 5 may be laminated to the transparent cover member 4 via a desired adhesive layer (pressure-sensitive adhesive layer), or may be laminated directly to the transparent cover member 4. When the weather-resistant layer 5 is laminated directly to the transparent cover member 4, the material that constitutes the weather-resistant layer 5 can be applied to the transparent cover member 4 to form the weather-resistant layer 5.

[0041] The infrared absorbing layer 6 absorbs infrared rays contained in the light emitted by the LED lamp unit 2 and generates heat. The infrared absorbing layer 6 may be made of any material that can perform this function. In this embodiment, the infrared absorbing layer 6 must be transparent, but it does not have to be transparent depending on the location where it is provided.

[0042] The infrared absorbing layer 6 may be, for example, a coating layer formed by coating a material containing an infrared absorbing material and a binder, a film into which the infrared absorbing material is kneaded, or an adhesive layer containing the infrared absorbing material and an adhesive (including the concept of a pressure-sensitive adhesive).

[0043] From the viewpoint of the SDGs, a material with a high biomass content, a material that can be recycled or reused, or a recycled or reused material may be used as the material constituting the infrared absorbing layer 6. Furthermore, the infrared absorbing layer 6 preferably contains an additive such as an additive that prevents yellowing or an additive that imparts weather resistance, and is also preferably made of a material that prevents the occurrence of blisters.

[0044] Examples of the infrared absorbing material include inorganic infrared absorbers such as tin oxide, indium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, chromium oxide, zirconium oxide, nickel oxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, antimony oxide, lead oxide, bismuth oxide, cesium tungsten oxide, lanthanum hexaboride, tin-doped indium oxide, and antimony-doped tin oxide, and organic infrared absorbers such as phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanines, and anthraquinones. One type of infrared absorbing material may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0045] The infrared absorbing layer 6 preferably contains, as an infrared absorbing material, at least one selected from the group consisting of cesium tungsten oxide, lanthanum hexaboride, tin-doped indium oxide, and antimony-doped tin oxide. Commercially available cesium tungsten oxide products include "CWO" (registered trademark) manufactured by Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. These infrared absorbing materials are characterized by high infrared absorption efficiency and easy heat generation while maintaining high transmittance for visible light.

[0046] The content of the infrared absorbing material in the infrared absorbing layer 6 is 0.01 to 100 g / m per unit area of ​​the infrared absorbing layer 6. ２ It is particularly preferred that the density is 0.1 to 10 g / m ２ It is preferable that:

[0047] Examples of binders that can be used in the infrared absorbing layer 6 include the same materials as the binders that can be used in the weather-resistant layer 5. The binders may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0048] Films that can be used for the infrared absorbing layer 6 are films into which an infrared absorbing material has been kneaded, and examples thereof include polyester films such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate, polyolefin films such as polyethylene and polypropylene, cellulose films such as triacetyl cellulose, polyurethane films, polyvinyl chloride films, polyvinylidene chloride films, polyvinyl alcohol films, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer films, polystyrene films, polycarbonate films, acrylic resin films, norbornene resin films, and cycloolefin resin films; and plastic films such as laminates of two or more of these. The plastic film may be uniaxially or biaxially stretched.

[0049] The film preferably contains additives such as additives that prevent yellowing and additives that impart weather resistance, and is also preferably made of a material that prevents the occurrence of blisters.

[0050] Examples of adhesives that can be used for the infrared absorbing layer 6 include acrylic adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, epoxy adhesives, polyester adhesives, and polyester-polyurethane adhesives. Examples of pressure-sensitive adhesives (adhesives) that can be used for the infrared absorbing layer 6 include acrylic adhesives, polyester adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, rubber adhesives, and silicone adhesives.

[0051] The thickness of the infrared absorbing layer 6 is preferably 0.01 to 10,000 μm, more preferably 0.1 to 1,000 μm, and even more preferably 1 to 100 μm.

[0052] When the infrared absorbing layer 6 is a coating layer, the material constituting the infrared absorbing layer 6 may be applied to the weather-resistant layer 5 (or the transparent cover member 4 if the weather-resistant layer 5 is omitted) to form the infrared absorbing layer 6. When the infrared absorbing layer 6 is a film, it may be laminated to the weather-resistant layer 5 (or the transparent cover member 4 if the weather-resistant layer 5 is omitted) via a desired adhesive layer (pressure-sensitive adhesive layer). When the infrared absorbing layer 6 is an adhesive layer, the weather-resistant layer 5 (or the transparent cover member 4 if the weather-resistant layer 5 is omitted) and the scratch-resistant layer 7 (for example, a film having a hard coat layer) may be bonded via the infrared absorbing layer 6.

[0053] The scratch-resistant layer 7 is a layer for imparting scratch resistance to the infrared absorbing layer 6. The scratch-resistant layer 7 can be formed, for example, of a hard coat layer, a film having a hard coat layer, or a film having scratch resistance. In this embodiment, the scratch-resistant layer 7 needs to be transparent.

[0054] From the viewpoint of the SDGs, a material with a high biomass content, a recyclable or reusable material, or a recycled or reused material may be used as the material constituting the scratch-resistant layer 7. The scratch-resistant layer 7 also preferably contains additives such as an additive that prevents yellowing and an additive that imparts weather resistance, and is also preferably made of a material that prevents the occurrence of blisters.

[0055] The hard coat layer is usually made of a curable material, and may be thermosetting or active energy ray-curable. If it is thermosetting, it is made of a cured coating composition containing a thermosetting compound as an essential component and, optionally, a leveling agent, a filler, etc. If it is active energy ray-curable, it is made of a cured coating composition containing an active energy ray-curable compound as an essential component and, optionally, a leveling agent, a filler, a photopolymerization initiator, etc. As the active energy ray-curable compound, a multifunctional (meth)acrylate is preferably used. In this specification, the term "(meth)acrylate" refers to both acrylate and methacrylate. The same applies to other similar terms.

[0056] The film may be the same as the film in the case where the infrared absorbing layer 6 is a film having an infrared absorbing material kneaded therein. Examples of the scratch-resistant film include a hard coat film.

[0057] When the scratch-resistant layer 7 is a hard coat layer, the thickness of the scratch-resistant layer 7 is preferably 0.1 to 100 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 60 μm, particularly preferably 1 to 30 μm, further preferably 1.5 to 20 μm, and of these, preferably 2 to 10 μm. When the scratch-resistant layer 7 is a film having a hard coat layer or a film having scratch resistance, the thickness of the scratch-resistant layer 7 is preferably 0.1 to 100 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 60 μm, particularly preferably 1 to 30 μm, further preferably 1.5 to 20 μm, and of these, preferably 2 to 10 μm.

[0058] The pencil hardness of the abrasion-resistant layer 7 (scratch hardness measured by the pencil method in accordance with JIS K5600-5-4:1999) is preferably B or higher, more preferably HB or higher, particularly preferably F or higher, and even more preferably H or higher. The pencil hardness is preferably 10H or lower, more preferably 8H or lower, particularly preferably 6H or lower, and even more preferably 4H or lower.

[0059] When the scratch-resistant layer 7 is a hard coat layer, the material constituting the hard coat layer may be applied to the infrared absorbing layer 6 (when the infrared absorbing layer 6 is not an adhesive layer) to form the scratch-resistant layer 7. When the scratch-resistant layer 7 is a film having a hard coat layer or a film having scratch resistance, and the infrared absorbing layer 6 is not an adhesive layer, the scratch-resistant layer 7 may be laminated to the infrared absorbing layer 6 via a desired adhesive layer (pressure-sensitive adhesive layer). When the scratch-resistant layer 7 is a film having a hard coat layer or a film having scratch resistance, and the infrared absorbing layer 6 is an adhesive layer, the scratch-resistant layer 7 may be laminated to the weather-resistant layer 5 (or the transparent cover member 4 when the weather-resistant layer 5 is omitted) via the infrared absorbing layer 6.

[0060] Although not shown, in this embodiment, a transparent heat insulating layer may be laminated on the inner surface of the scratch-resistant layer 7. The transparent heat insulating layer is a layer that, due to its heat insulating properties, prevents a decrease in the temperature of the heated infrared absorbing layer 6 (infrared absorbing member).

[0061] The transparent heat insulating layer is not particularly limited as long as it transmits light from the LED lamp unit 2 without any problems. For example, it may be a transparent porous layer, a film having a transparent porous layer, or a layer containing hollow particles or porous particles. Examples of transparent porous layers include polymer layers having a porous structure. Examples of porous structures include those derived from the microphase separation structure of block copolymers. Examples of layers containing hollow particles include resin layers containing hollow silica-shelled microparticles.

[0062] The thickness of the transparent heat insulating layer is not particularly limited, but is usually preferably 1 to 1000 μm, particularly preferably 5 to 500 μm, and further preferably 10 to 100 μm.

[0063] The transparent heat insulating layer may be laminated on the scratch-resistant layer 7 (or on the infrared absorbing layer 6 when the scratch-resistant layer 7 is omitted) via a desired adhesive layer (pressure-sensitive adhesive layer), for example.

[0064] Here, the housing 3 may be made of a material having heat insulation properties or may include a member having heat insulation properties, thereby improving the heat retention of the air surrounded by the housing 3 and the transparent cover member 4 and suppressing a decrease in the temperature of the heated infrared absorption layer 6.

[0065] In the LED lamp 1 according to this embodiment, when power is supplied to the LED lamp unit 2 from an external source, the LED elements 21 emit light. The light is reflected by the reflector 22 and emitted forward through the lens 23. When the LED lamp unit 2 emits light in this manner, the infrared absorbing layer 6 absorbs the infrared rays contained in the light and generates heat. The heat generated by the infrared absorbing layer 6 is conducted to the transparent cover member 4 via the weather-resistant layer 5, heating the transparent cover member 4. As a result, even if snow, ice, or condensation droplets adhere to the transparent cover member 4, the snow, ice, droplets, etc. can be removed by the heated transparent cover member 4. As a result, the light from the LED lamp unit 2 is prevented from being blocked by snow, ice, droplets, etc. adhering to the transparent cover member 4.

[0066] In this embodiment, the laminate having the weather-resistant layer 5, the infrared absorbing layer 6, and the scratch-resistant layer 7 can be attached to the transparent cover member 4, for example, by a fastening member, without using an adhesive or the like.

[0067] In another embodiment, the infrared absorbing layer 6 may be laminated on the outside of the transparent cover member 4. In this case, for example, the layers may be laminated in the following order: transparent cover member 4 / infrared absorbing layer 6 / weather-resistant layer 5 / scratch-resistant layer 7, and a transparent heat insulating layer may be interposed between the infrared absorbing layer 6 and the weather-resistant layer 5, or between the weather-resistant layer 5 and the scratch-resistant layer 7. Even in such an embodiment, the weather-resistant layer 5 and / or the scratch-resistant layer 7 (and the transparent heat insulating layer) may be omitted.

[0068] In yet another embodiment, the infrared absorbing layer 6 may be provided apart from the transparent cover member 4 without being laminated on the transparent cover member 4. For example, a member supporting the infrared absorbing layer 6 (and other layers) may be disposed between the transparent cover member 4 and the lens 23 of the LED lamp unit 2. Even in this case, the heat generated by the infrared absorbing layer 6 (infrared absorbing member) can be conducted to the transparent cover member 4 via the air surrounded by the housing 3 and the transparent cover member 4.

[0069] In yet another embodiment, the infrared absorbing layer 6 may be disposed in a location other than between the transparent cover member 4 and the lens 23 of the LED lamp unit 2, where the infrared absorbing layer 6 is exposed to light (infrared rays) from the LED lamp unit 2. Even in this case, the heat generated by the infrared absorbing layer 6 (infrared absorbing member) can be conducted to the transparent cover member 4 via the air surrounded by the housing 3 and the transparent cover member 4. In this embodiment, the infrared absorbing layer 6 does not have to be transparent.

[0070] In yet another embodiment, the infrared absorbing layer 6 may be provided inside the LED lamp unit 2 .

[0071] In the LED lamp of the second embodiment, the infrared absorbing layer 6 is omitted from the LED lamp 1 according to the above embodiment. On the other hand, the transparent cover member 4 has the function of absorbing infrared rays from the LED lamp unit 2 and generating heat.

[0072] In this configuration, when the LED lamp unit 2 emits light, the transparent cover member 4 absorbs the infrared rays contained in the light and generates heat. As a result, even if snow, ice, or condensation droplets adhere to the transparent cover member 4, the snow, ice, droplets, etc. can be removed by the heated transparent cover member 4. As a result, the light from the LED lamp unit 2 is prevented from being blocked by snow, ice, droplets, etc. that adhere to the transparent cover member.

[0073] The transparent cover member 4 is usually made of transparent plastic or glass, and in this embodiment, an infrared absorbing material is kneaded into these materials. The type and content of the infrared absorbing material are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0074] The transparent cover member 4 also preferably contains additives such as additives that prevent yellowing and additives that impart weather resistance.

[0075] The above-described embodiments have been described to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiments is intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0076] In this specification, when it is stated that "X to Y" (X and Y are any numbers), it means "X or more and Y or less" unless otherwise specified, and also means "preferably greater than X" or "preferably smaller than Y". Furthermore, when it is stated that "X or more" (X is any number), it means "preferably greater than X" unless otherwise specified, and when it is stated that "Y or less" (Y is any number), it also means "preferably smaller than Y" unless otherwise specified.

[0077] The LED lamp according to the present invention can be suitably used as, for example, an automobile headlamp (headlight).

[0078] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 LED lamp 2 LED lamp unit 21 LED element 22 Reflector 23 Lens 3 Housing 31 Lamp unit support member 4 Transparent cover member 5 Weather-resistant layer 6 Infrared absorbing layer 7 Scratch-resistant layer

Claims

1. An LED lamp that can be used in low-temperature environments, comprising: an LED lamp unit having an LED element; a housing that contains said LED lamp unit; and a transparent cover member that transmits light from said LED lamp unit, wherein an infrared absorbing member that absorbs infrared rays from said LED lamp unit and generates heat is provided in a position where the heat generated by said infrared absorbing member is conducted to said transparent cover member, and / or said transparent cover member itself absorbs infrared rays from said LED lamp unit and generates heat.

2. The LED lamp according to claim 1, wherein the infrared absorbing member is transparent.

3. The LED lamp of claim 1, wherein the infrared absorbing member or the transparent cover member contains at least one infrared absorbing material selected from the group consisting of cesium tungsten oxide, lanthanum hexaboride, tin-doped indium oxide, and antimony-doped tin oxide.

4. The LED lamp according to claim 1, wherein the infrared absorbing member is provided between the LED lamp unit and the transparent cover member.

5. The LED lamp according to claim 1, wherein the infrared absorbing member is a layered infrared absorbing layer.

6. The LED lamp according to claim 5, wherein the infrared absorbing layer is laminated directly or indirectly on the transparent cover member.

7. The LED lamp according to claim 6, wherein the infrared absorbing layer is laminated on the transparent cover member on the side of the LED lamp unit.

8. The LED lamp according to claim 5, wherein a weather-resistant layer is laminated directly or indirectly on the infrared absorbing layer.

9. The LED lamp according to claim 5, wherein a scratch-resistant layer is laminated directly or indirectly on the infrared absorbing layer.

10. The LED lamp according to claim 5, wherein a heat insulating layer is laminated directly or indirectly on the infrared absorbing layer.

11. The LED lamp according to claim 1, which is for use in a mobile device.

12. The LED lamp according to claim 1, which is for use in buildings.

13. The LED lamp according to claim 1, which is used for lighting purposes.

14. The LED lamp according to claim 1, which is used for signs.

15. The LED lamp according to claim 1, which is used as a marker lamp.

16. The LED lamp according to claim 1, which is used for a traffic light.

17. The LED lamp according to claim 1, which is used for a display.

18. The LED lamp according to claim 1, which is for outdoor use.

19. The LED lamp according to claim 1, which is for indoor use.