JP2012074354A - Lighting system, headlight, and moving body - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lighting system capable of changing an illuminating direction while restraining from becoming larger.SOLUTION: The headlight (lighting system) 2 is provided a fluorescent member 14 on which laser light emitted from semiconductor laser elements 11 is irradiated, an actuator 16 to move a laser light-irradiation position of the fluorescent member 14 and to stop it thereafter, and a reflecting mirror 30 having a concave-shaped reflecting surface 31 for reflecting light emitted from the fluorescent member 14.

Description

  The present invention relates to an illuminating device, a headlamp, and a moving body, and more particularly to an illuminating device, a headlamp, and a moving body using a laser generator that emits laser light.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an illumination device using a laser generator that emits laser light is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 discloses an ultraviolet LD element (laser generator) that functions as a laser light source, a phosphor (fluorescent member) that converts laser light emitted from the ultraviolet LD element into visible light, and a visible light emitted from the phosphor. A light source device (illumination device) including a reflecting mirror (light projecting member) that reflects light is disclosed.

  In this light source device, a predetermined region in front of the light source device is illuminated by providing a reflecting mirror that reflects visible light emitted from the phosphor.

JP 2003-295319 A

  By the way, the headlamp (illuminating device) of the automobile (moving body) may change the illumination direction according to the traveling state of the automobile. For example, there is a case where the illumination direction of the headlamp is changed so as to face the traveling direction of the vehicle by using a technique called AFS (Adaptive Front-Lighting System).

  However, when the light source device of Patent Document 1 is applied to a headlight of an automobile, it is necessary to change the direction of the reflecting mirror (light projecting member) in order to change the illumination direction of the light source device. For this reason, since the member for changing the direction of a reflective mirror is needed, there exists a problem that the whole headlamp enlarges.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an illumination device and a headlamp that can change the illumination direction while suppressing an increase in size. And to provide a moving body.

  To achieve the above object, an illumination apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a laser generator that emits laser light, a light emitting member that emits light by being irradiated with laser light emitted from the laser generator, and An irradiation position changing unit that moves the irradiated position irradiated with the laser light of the light emitting member and stops after the movement, and a light projecting member that projects the light emitted from the light emitting member.

  In the illumination device according to the first aspect, as described above, the irradiation position changing unit that moves the irradiation position irradiated with the laser light of the light emitting member and stops after moving is provided. Thereby, the illumination direction (direction of the light radiate | emitted outside from an illuminating device) can be changed only by changing the irradiated position of a light emitting member by an irradiation position change part. For this reason, since it is not necessary to provide the member for changing the direction of a light projection member in order to change the illumination direction of an illuminating device, it can suppress that the whole illuminating device enlarges.

  Note that moving the irradiated position and stopping after the movement does not continue to scan the irradiated position with the laser beam, but moves the irradiated position to a desired position, Is intended to be substantially stationary. Substantially stationary includes a state in which the irradiated position is swung in a range narrower than the moving range at the moving destination. In addition, it can be said that the operation of returning the irradiated position after instantaneously stopping at the moving destination is moved substantially to the moving destination by moving the irradiated position to a desired position.

  Moreover, in order to change the irradiation position of the light emitting member, it is only necessary to change the traveling direction of the laser beam, so that the irradiation position changing unit can be downsized.

  Further, in the illumination device according to the first aspect, as described above, by using the laser generator, it is possible to easily narrow (smallen) the irradiated region to which the laser beam of the light emitting member is irradiated. Thereby, the irradiation position of the light emitting member can be easily changed (moved) by changing the traveling direction of the laser light.

  In the illumination device according to the first aspect, the light projecting member preferably includes a first reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface that reflects light emitted from the light emitting member.

  In the illumination device according to the first aspect, preferably, the light projecting member includes a light projecting lens that controls the light emitted from the light emitting member.

  In the lighting device according to the first aspect, preferably, the light emitting member includes a fluorescent member.

  In the illumination device in which the light projecting member includes the first reflecting mirror, the light emitting member is preferably formed so as to spread in a predetermined direction intersecting the depth direction of the reflecting surface, and the irradiated position of the light emitting member is The irradiation position changing unit changes at least the predetermined direction. If comprised in this way, the illumination direction of an illuminating device can be easily changed by changing the irradiated position of a light emitting member.

  In the illumination device in which the light projecting member includes the first reflecting mirror, the reflecting surface is preferably formed in a shape having a focal point, and the light emitting member is a region including the focal point of the reflecting surface or the focal point of the reflecting surface. It is arranged in the vicinity. If comprised in this way, the illumination direction of an illuminating device can be easily carried out by changing the irradiation position of a light emitting member from the focus (or the vicinity of a focus) of a reflective surface to the position different from a focus, for example. Can be changed.

  Further, if the irradiated position of the light emitting member is positioned at the focal point of the reflecting surface, light (illumination light) emitted from the illumination device to the outside can be easily converted into, for example, parallel light or condensed.

  In the illuminating device in which the light emitting member is disposed in a region including the focal point of the reflecting surface or in the vicinity of the focal point of the reflecting surface, preferably, the irradiation position changing section The irradiated position of the light emitting member is changed so that the distance up to is changed. If comprised in this way, the illumination direction of an illuminating device can be changed easily.

  In the illumination device in which the light emitting member is disposed in a region including the focal point of the reflective surface or in the vicinity of the focal point of the reflective surface, preferably, the reflective surface is at least a part of one of a paraboloid and an elliptical surface. It is formed to include. If comprised in this way, the light (illumination light) radiate | emitted from an illuminating device can be easily made into a parallel light, or can be condensed by positioning the irradiated position of a light emitting member in the focus of a reflective surface. .

  In the illumination device according to the first aspect, preferably further includes a light guide member that guides the laser light emitted from the laser generator to the light emitting member, and the irradiation position changing unit changes the angle of the light guide member, The irradiated position of the light emitting member is changed. If comprised in this way, the illumination direction of an illuminating device can be changed easily by changing the angle of a light guide member.

  In order to change the irradiation position of the light emitting member, it is only necessary to change the angle of the light guide member such as a lens, for example, and therefore the irradiation position changing unit can be easily downsized.

  In the illumination device including the light guide member, preferably, the light guide member includes at least one of a lens that transmits laser light and a second reflecting mirror that reflects laser light. If comprised in this way, in order to change the irradiation position of a light emitting member, it is only necessary to change the angle of a lens or a 2nd reflective mirror, Therefore An irradiation position change part can fully be reduced in size.

  In the illumination device in which the light guide member includes a lens, preferably, the light guide member includes a collimator lens that collimates laser light emitted from the laser generator. If comprised in this way, the to-be-irradiated area | region of a light emitting member can be narrowed (small) easily.

  In the illumination device in which the light projecting member includes the first reflecting mirror, preferably, the reflecting surface is formed in a shape having a focal point and a vertex, and the focal point of the reflecting surface is located in the vicinity of the vertex of the reflecting surface. The light emitting member is arranged in the vicinity of the vertex of the reflecting surface. If comprised in this way, the direction which radiate | emits the exterior of the light reflected by the 1st reflective mirror can be changed into one side easily.

  Further, by positioning the focal point of the reflecting surface in the vicinity of the vertex of the reflecting surface, the reflecting surface has a deep vertex (focal point) position and a depth with a small diameter of the opening (portion where illumination light is emitted to the outside). It can be formed into a hole shape. Thereby, most of the light emitted from the light emitting member can be emitted to the outside after being reflected by the reflecting surface. As a result, the direction (illumination direction) of most of the light emitted from the light emitting member can be controlled. In addition, it is possible to suppress an increase in the spread angle of light emitted outside without passing through the first reflecting mirror.

  In the illumination device in which the light projecting member includes the first reflecting mirror, preferably, the light emitting member is disposed at the boundary between the inside and the outside of the first reflecting mirror. If comprised in this way, the direction which radiate | emits the exterior of the light reflected by the 1st reflective mirror can be changed into one side easily.

  In the illumination device in which the light projecting member includes the first reflecting mirror, preferably, the light emitting member is formed so as to spread in the depth direction of the reflecting surface, and the irradiated position of the light emitting member is determined by the irradiation position changing unit. At least in the depth direction. If comprised in this way, the illumination direction of an illuminating device can be easily changed by changing the irradiated position of a light emitting member.

  In the illumination device in which the light projecting member includes the first reflecting mirror, the lighting device further includes a holding member having a holding surface to which the light emitting member is attached, and the reflecting surface connects one of a paraboloid and an ellipsoid with a focal point and a vertex. It is formed in the shape divided | segmented by the surface which cross | intersects an axis | shaft, The holding surface of a holding member may be formed so that it may spread in the predetermined | prescribed direction crossing the axis | shaft which connects a focus and a vertex.

  In this case, the holding member preferably has a function of transmitting light emitted from the light emitting member. If comprised in this way, the light which permeate | transmitted the holding member can be utilized as illumination light.

  In the illumination device in which the light projecting member includes the first reflecting mirror, preferably, the light projecting member further includes a holding member having a holding surface to which the light emitting member is attached. Is formed in a shape that is divided by a plane that intersects the axis that connects the two and the plane that is parallel to the axis that connects the focal point and the apex. It is formed so as to spread in the extending direction. If comprised in this way, a 1st reflective mirror and an illuminating device can be reduced in size.

  In this case, preferably, the holding member is made of metal. If comprised in this way, since the heat | fever which generate | occur | produces in a light emitting member can be radiated to a holding member, it can suppress that a light emitting member becomes high temperature.

  The illumination device according to the first aspect preferably further includes an output adjustment unit that adjusts the output of the laser generator, and the output adjustment unit is configured to synchronize with the change in the irradiated position of the light emitting member. It has a function to adjust the output. If comprised in this way, since the illumination intensity of an illumination area | region (area | region which an illuminating device illuminates) can be controlled, it can suppress that an illumination area becomes too dark (or bright).

  The illumination device according to the first aspect preferably further includes an irradiation area changing unit for changing the area of the irradiated region irradiated with the laser light of the light emitting member. If comprised in this way, the area of the illumination area | region of an illuminating device can also be changed.

  In the illumination device according to the first aspect, the laser generator preferably includes a semiconductor laser element. If comprised in this way, an illuminating device can be reduced in size easily.

  A headlamp according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the illumination device having the above-described configuration. If comprised in this way, the headlamp which can change an illumination direction can be obtained, suppressing enlarging.

  A moving body according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the headlamp having the above-described configuration. If comprised in this way, the moving body which can change an illumination direction can be obtained, suppressing enlarging.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain an illuminating device, a headlamp, and a moving body that can change the illumination direction while suppressing an increase in size.

1 is a plan view schematically showing an overall configuration of an automobile provided with a headlamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view for demonstrating the laser beam which permeate | transmits the collimating lens shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the reflective mirror and fluorescent member shown in FIG. 1 from upper direction. It is the front view which showed the structure of the reflective mirror and fluorescent member shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which looked at the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 1 from upper direction. It is the front view which showed the structure of the reflective mirror and fluorescent member shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the illumination direction of the headlamp shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the illumination area | region of the headlamp shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the laser beam which permeate | transmits the collimating lens shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which looked at the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 1 from upper direction. It is a top view for demonstrating the illumination direction of the headlamp shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the illumination area | region of the headlamp shown in FIG. It is the side view which showed roughly the whole structure of the motor vehicle provided with the headlamp by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the reflective mirror shown in FIG. 13, and a fluorescent member from upper direction. It is the front view which showed the structure of the reflective mirror shown in FIG. 13, and a fluorescent member. It is sectional drawing which looked at the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 13 from upper direction. It is a top view for demonstrating the illumination direction of the headlamp shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the illumination area | region of the headlamp shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which looked at the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 13 from upper direction. It is a top view for demonstrating the illumination direction of the headlamp shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the illumination area | region of the headlamp shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the reflecting mirror and fluorescent member of the headlamp by 3rd Embodiment of this invention from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the reflecting mirror and fluorescent member of the headlamp by 4th Embodiment of this invention from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the reflecting mirror and fluorescent member of the headlamp by 5th Embodiment of this invention from the side. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the reflective mirror and fluorescent member shown in FIG. 24 from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the reflecting mirror and fluorescent member of the headlamp by 6th Embodiment of this invention from the side. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the reflective mirror shown in FIG. 26, and the fluorescent member from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 26 from the side. It is sectional drawing which looked at the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 26 from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 26 from the side. It is sectional drawing which looked at the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 26 from upper direction. It is the side view which showed roughly the whole structure of the motor vehicle provided with the headlamp by 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is the front view which showed the structure of the reflective mirror and fluorescent member shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which looked at the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 32 from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 32 from upper direction. It is a top view for demonstrating the laser beam which permeate | transmits the collimating lens shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the laser beam which permeate | transmits the collimating lens shown in FIG. It is the front view which showed the structure of the reflective mirror and fluorescent member shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which looked at the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 32 from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the reflecting mirror and holding member of the headlamp by the 1st modification of this invention from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the reflecting mirror of the headlamp by the 2nd modification of this invention from the side. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure around the fluorescent member of the headlamp by the 3rd modification of this invention from upper direction. It is the front view which showed the structure of the reflective mirror shown in FIG. 42, and a fluorescent member. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure around the fluorescent member of the headlamp by the 4th modification of this invention from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure around the fluorescent member of the headlamp by the 5th modification of this invention from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the headlamp by the 6th modification of this invention from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the structure of the headlamp by the 7th modification of this invention from the upper direction.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In order to facilitate understanding, hatching may be performed even in a cross-sectional view, or hatching may be performed even in a cross-sectional view.

(First embodiment)
First, with reference to FIGS. 1-5, the structure of the motor vehicle 1 provided with the headlamp 2 by 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automobile 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a headlamp 2 that illuminates the front in the traveling direction when traveling at night and the like, and a steering wheel and wheels (not shown). And a rudder angle detector 3 for detecting the rudder angle. The automobile 1 is an example of the “moving body” in the present invention, and the headlamp 2 is an example of the “illuminating device” in the present invention.

  The headlamp 2 is arranged on a plurality of (for example, ten) semiconductor laser elements 11 that function as laser light sources, an output adjustment unit 12 that adjusts the output of the semiconductor laser elements 11, and the laser light emission side of the semiconductor laser elements 11. The light guide member 20 that guides the laser light, the condensing lens 13 disposed between the semiconductor laser element 11 and the light guide member 20, and the laser light guided by the light guide member 20 are irradiated. It includes a fluorescent member 14, a holding member 15 that holds the fluorescent member 14, and a reflecting mirror 30 that has a concave reflecting surface 31 that reflects light emitted from the fluorescent member 14 forward. The semiconductor laser element 11 is an example of the “laser generator” in the present invention, and the fluorescent member 14 is an example of the “light emitting member” in the present invention. The reflecting mirror 30 is an example of the “light projecting member” and the “first reflecting mirror” in the present invention.

  For example, one headlamp 2 is provided at each of the left and right front ends of the automobile 1.

  The semiconductor laser element 11 has a function of emitting laser light having coherence. Each semiconductor laser element 11 is accommodated in a package having a diameter of about 5.6 mm, for example. The semiconductor laser element 11 is configured to emit blue laser light having a center wavelength of about 445 nm, for example. Each semiconductor laser element 11 is configured to obtain a high output of about 1 W or more by CW (Continuous Wave) driving.

  The output adjustment unit 12 is configured to adjust the power supplied to the semiconductor laser element 11 and adjust the output of the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 11. The output adjustment unit 12 is connected to a control unit (not shown) that controls the entire headlamp 2, and adjusts the power supplied to the semiconductor laser element 11 based on a control signal from the control unit. It may be configured.

  Moreover, the output adjustment part 12 has a function which adjusts the output of the semiconductor laser element 11 synchronizing with the change of the irradiated position to which the laser beam of the fluorescent member 14 is irradiated so that it may mention later.

  The condensing lens 13 has a function of condensing the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 11 and causing the laser light to enter the optical fiber 21 of the light guide member 20.

  The light guide member 20 includes a plurality of optical fibers 21 disposed to face the condenser lens 13, a collimator lens 22 disposed to face the laser light emission surface of the optical fiber 21, and the light of the laser light transmitted through the collimator lens 22. It is comprised by the reflecting mirror 23 arrange | positioned on the road. The collimating lens 22 is an example of the “lens” and “collimating lens” in the present invention.

  Each optical fiber 21 is formed of, for example, a core portion having a diameter of about 125 μm and a clad portion that covers the outer peripheral surface of the core portion. Further, the laser light emitting surface side portions of the plurality of optical fibers 21 are bundled.

  The collimating lens 22 has a diameter of about 6 mm, for example. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the collimating lens 22 has a function of transmitting laser light emitted from the optical fiber 21 as parallel light. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the collimator lens 22 is formed by the actuator 16 so as to rotate in a left-right direction (α1 direction and α2 direction) within a predetermined angle range. The actuator 16 is an example of the “irradiation position changing unit” in the present invention.

  The actuator 16 is electrically connected to the rudder angle detector 3 and has a function of adjusting the angle of the collimating lens 22 with respect to the axial direction of the optical fiber 21 based on the rudder angle detected by the rudder angle detector 3. Have. A control unit (not shown) that controls the entire headlamp 2 is provided between the actuator 16 and the rudder angle detector 3, and the control unit is based on a detection signal from the rudder angle detector 3. You may comprise so that a control signal may be output to the actuator 16. FIG.

  In the first embodiment, as will be described later, the actuator 16 has a distance from the focal point F1 of the reflecting surface 31 of the reflecting mirror 30 (see FIG. 3) to the irradiated position where the laser light of the fluorescent member 14 is irradiated. It has a function to move (change) the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 14 in the horizontal direction (X direction) so as to change, and to stop after the movement. The X direction is an example of the “predetermined direction” in the present invention.

  Note that moving the irradiated position and stopping after the movement does not continue to scan the irradiated position with the laser beam, but moves the irradiated position to a desired position, Is intended to be substantially stationary. Substantially stationary includes a state in which the irradiated position is swung in a range narrower than the moving range at the moving destination. In addition, it can be said that the operation of returning the irradiated position after instantaneously stopping at the moving destination is moved substantially to the moving destination by moving the irradiated position to a desired position.

  The reflecting mirror 23 has a function of reflecting the laser light from the collimating lens 22 toward the fluorescent member 14.

  In the first embodiment, the reflecting mirror 23 is disposed in front of the fluorescent member 14 (on the light emission direction side of the reflecting mirror 30). That is, the laser beam from the semiconductor laser element 11 is irradiated to the fluorescent member 14 from the front side. Thereby, even if the fluorescent member 14 is detached from the holding member 15 for some reason, for example, it is possible to prevent the laser light from being emitted forward as it is.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the fluorescent member 14 spreads in a direction orthogonal to (intersects with) the depth direction of the reflecting surface 31 of the reflecting mirror 30 (the direction in which the axis connecting the vertex V1 of the reflecting surface 31 and the focal point F1 extends). It is formed as follows. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the fluorescent member 14 is formed in an elongated shape extending in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) (X direction) when viewed from the front. Note that the fluorescent member 14 may be formed in, for example, a circular shape as viewed from the front, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

  Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, the irradiation position (for example, center position of the irradiation area to which the laser beam of the fluorescent member 14 is irradiated) is irradiated, for example, an automobile as described later. 1 is changed (moved) in the X direction according to the traveling state.

  In addition, since the light emitted from the fluorescent member 14 is emitted from the fluorescent member 14 in all directions, there is light emitted forward (outside) without passing through the reflecting mirror 30, but in this specification, mainly reflected The light emitted forward through the mirror 30 will be described.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the fluorescent member 14 is disposed at the boundary between the inside and the outside of the reflecting surface 31 (the reflecting mirror 30). 3 and 4, the fluorescent member 14 is disposed in a region including the focal point F1 of the reflecting surface 31 of the reflecting mirror 30, and the center O1 of the fluorescent member 14 is the focal point F1 of the reflecting surface 31. Is almost the same. The fluorescent member 14 may be disposed in the vicinity of the focal point F1 of the reflecting surface 31 of the reflecting mirror 30.

The fluorescent member 14 is prepared by, for example, kneading phosphor particles of (Y, Gd) ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ : Ce into a UV curable resin at a weight ratio of about 15%, and using the UV curable resin. It is formed by applying to the holding member 15 with a thickness of about 0.5 mm and curing.

Moreover, the phosphor of (Y, Gd) ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ : Ce has a function of converting a part of the laser light from the semiconductor laser element 11 into yellow light (visible light). The yellow light and the blue light whose wavelength is not converted by the phosphor are mixed to obtain white light.

  The holding member 15 is formed of, for example, a glass plate having translucency. The holding member 15 only needs to have a function of transmitting at least light emitted from the fluorescent member 14.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the holding member 15 has a holding surface 15a to which the fluorescent member 14 is attached. The holding surface 15 a is formed so as to spread in a direction (X direction) orthogonal to (crossing) the depth direction of the reflecting surface 31 of the reflecting mirror 30. The holding member 15 is attached to the opening 31 a of the reflecting surface 31 of the reflecting mirror 30.

  The reflecting mirror 30 includes a reflecting surface 31 having an opening 31a formed on the front side. The reflecting surface 30 is coated with, for example, silver or aluminum.

  Further, as will be described later, the reflection surface 31 is formed so that the direction of emission of the light reflected by the reflection surface 31 is changed by changing the irradiation position of the fluorescent member 14. Yes. Specifically, the reflecting surface 31 is formed by a parabolic surface, for example. In other words, the reflecting surface 31 is formed in a shape obtained by dividing the parabolic surface by a surface orthogonal to (intersecting) the axis connecting the focal point F1 and the vertex V1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the reflection surface 31 has a diameter (= D1) of about 90 mm and a depth (= H1) of about 22.5 mm. The reflective surface 31 has a focal point F1 and a vertex V1, and the focal point F1 of the reflective surface 31 is located at a portion about 22.5 mm away from the vertex V1 of the reflective surface 31.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the reflecting mirror 30 receives light from the center O1 of the fluorescent member 14 (see FIG. 3) (the portion of the fluorescent member 14 positioned at the focal point F1 of the reflecting surface 31 (see FIG. 3)). It is formed so as to be collimated and reflected forward.

  However, actually, the light emitting portion of the fluorescent member 14 (the irradiated region irradiated with the laser light of the fluorescent member 14) has a certain size (for example, a diameter of about 2 mm). Although light emitted from the reflecting mirror 30 is not completely parallel light, in this specification, in order to simplify the description, it may be described that parallel light is emitted from the reflecting mirror 30.

  Next, the operation of the headlamp 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 to 12.

  In a state where the automobile 1 is traveling straight in the front direction, the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 11 and guided by the light guide member 20 is centered on the fluorescent member 14 as shown in FIGS. O1 (irradiated position P1 of the fluorescent member 14) is irradiated. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 30 becomes substantially parallel light and is emitted in the front direction of the automobile 1 (direction orthogonal to the X direction).

  As described above, since the fluorescent member 14 actually has a certain size, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 30 illuminates the illumination area S1 (hatched area) in FIG. become.

  On the other hand, when the automobile 1 makes a right turn, for example, a steering wheel (not shown) is operated by the driver, and a steering angle is given to the automobile 1. At this time, the steering angle of the automobile 1 is detected by the steering angle detector 3 (see FIG. 1). Based on the steering angle detected by the steering angle detector 3, the angle of the collimating lens 22 (see FIG. 1) is changed by the actuator 16 (see FIG. 1).

  Specifically, when the steering angle is given to the automobile 1 on the right side (X1 direction side), for example, the angle of the collimating lens 22 is changed leftward (α1 (see FIG. 1) direction) by the actuator 16. The That is, the angle of the collimating lens 22 is changed from the state shown in FIG. 2 to the state shown in FIG. And the advancing direction of a laser beam is changed.

  Thereby, the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 14 is changed (moved) by about 10 mm from P1 to P2 (see FIG. 6), and stopped at that position. That is, the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 14 is changed (moved) in the X2 direction (the direction opposite to the X1 direction), and the distance from the focal point F1 of the reflecting surface 31 to the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 14 changes. 10 and 11, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 30 is emitted obliquely forward to the right. In addition, arrow A1 of FIG. 11 has shown the optical axis (part with the largest light beam among the lights reflected by the reflective mirror 30) of the light reflected by the reflective mirror 30. FIG.

  Further, in the headlamp 2 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the light reflected in the vicinity of the vertex V1 of the reflecting surface 31 has the largest change angle, about 24 degrees on the right side (X1 direction side). ). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 11, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 30 is approximately 4.4 m (= W1) right from the front, approximately 10 m (= L1) ahead of the headlamp 2 (automobile 1). The area will be illuminated.

  Further, as described above, since the fluorescent member 14 actually has a certain size, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 30 illuminates the illumination area S2 (hatched area) in FIG. become.

  Thus, when the irradiation position of the fluorescent member 14 is changed, not only the illumination direction is changed, but also the area of the illumination region is changed. For this reason, when the state of FIG. 7 (FIG. 8) is changed to the state of FIG. 11 (FIG. 12), the area of the illumination region increases, so that the illumination region S <b> 2 becomes dark. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the output adjustment unit 12 increases the output of the laser light emitted from each semiconductor laser element 11 in synchronization with the change (movement) of the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 14, and the illumination region The illuminance is kept substantially constant.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the illumination position of the headlamp 2 (the direction of light emitted from the headlamp 2 to the outside) is changed by changing the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 14 using the actuator 16. ) Can be changed. Thereby, in order to change the illumination direction of the headlamp 2, since it is not necessary to provide the member for changing the direction of the reflective mirror 30, it can suppress that the headlamp 2 whole enlarges. .

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the irradiated region of the fluorescent member 14 can be easily narrowed (smaller) by using the laser beam as the excitation light. Thereby, the irradiation position of the fluorescent member 14 can be easily changed (moved) by changing the traveling direction of the laser light.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the fluorescent member 14 is disposed in the region including the focal point F <b> 1 of the reflecting surface 31. As a result, the irradiation position of the fluorescent member 14 is changed (moved) easily from the focal point F1 (irradiation position P1) of the reflecting surface 31 to a position (irradiation position P2) different from the focal point F1. The illumination direction of the illumination lamp 2 can be changed.

  Further, when the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 14 is positioned at the focal point F1 (irradiated position P1) of the reflecting surface 31, the light (illumination light) emitted from the headlamp 2 to the outside can be easily converted into parallel light. can do.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the irradiation position of the fluorescent member 14 is changed by the actuator 16 so that the distance from the focal point F1 of the reflecting surface 31 to the irradiation position of the fluorescent member 14 changes. . Thereby, the illumination direction of the headlamp 2 can be changed easily.

  Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, the illumination direction of the headlamp 2 can be easily changed only by changing the angle of the collimating lens 22 as mentioned above.

  In order to change the irradiation position of the fluorescent member 14, it is only necessary to change the angle of the collimating lens 22, so that the actuator 16 can be easily downsized.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the light guide member 20 is provided with the collimating lens 22 that collimates the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 11. Thereby, the irradiated region of the fluorescent member 14 can be narrowed (smaller) more easily.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a case where the focal point F101 of the reflecting surface 131 is located in the vicinity of the vertex V101, unlike the first embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIGS. 13-16, the structure of the motor vehicle 101 provided with the headlamp 102 by 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the automobile 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a headlamp 102 and a steering angle detector 3 that detects the steering angle of the automobile 101. The automobile 101 is an example of the “moving body” in the present invention, and the headlamp 102 is an example of the “illuminating device” in the present invention.

  The headlamp 102 includes a plurality of (for example, ten) semiconductor laser elements 111, an output adjustment unit 12, a light guide member 20, a condenser lens 13, a fluorescent member 114, a holding member 115, and a reflective surface 131. And a reflecting mirror 130 having The semiconductor laser element 111 is an example of the “laser generator” in the present invention, and the fluorescent member 114 is an example of the “light emitting member” in the present invention. The reflecting mirror 130 is an example of the “light projecting member” and the “first reflecting mirror” in the present invention.

  The semiconductor laser element 111 is configured to emit blue-violet laser light having a center wavelength of about 405 nm, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the fluorescent member 114 spreads in a direction perpendicular to (intersects with) the depth direction of the reflecting surface 131 of the reflecting mirror 130 (the direction in which the axis connecting the vertex V101 of the reflecting surface 131 and the focal point F101 extends). It is formed as follows. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the fluorescent member 114 is formed in an elongated shape extending in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) (X direction) when viewed from the front.

  14 and 15, the fluorescent member 114 is disposed in a region including the focal point F101 of the reflecting surface 131 of the reflecting mirror 130, and the center O101 of the fluorescent member 114 is the focal point F101 of the reflecting surface 131. Is almost the same.

The fluorescent member 114 is, for example, a mixture of a phosphor particle of Ce ³⁺ activated α-SiAlON and a phosphor particle of CaAlSiN ₃ : Eu ²⁺ is kneaded into a UV curable resin at a weight ratio of about 30%. The UV curable resin is applied to the holding member 115 with a thickness of about 0.2 mm and cured.

Further, the phosphor of Ce ³⁺ activated α-SiAlON has a function of converting laser light from the semiconductor laser element 111 into blue-green light (visible light) having a center wavelength of about 520 nm. Further, the phosphor of CaAlSiN ₃ : Eu ²⁺ has a function of converting laser light from the semiconductor laser element 111 into red light (visible light) having a center wavelength of about 630 nm. And white light is obtained by mixing these lights.

  The holding member 115 is formed of a metal plate having high thermal conductivity made of aluminum, copper, or the like, and has a function of transmitting heat generated by the fluorescent member 114 to the reflecting mirror 130. The holding surface 115a of the holding member 115 may be subjected to silver plating or the like, and may have a function of reflecting light emitted from the fluorescent member 114.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the holding member 115 is attached in the vicinity of the vertex V <b> 101 of the reflecting surface 131 of the reflecting mirror 130.

  Here, in the second embodiment, the reflecting surface 131 of the reflecting mirror 130 is formed in a deep hole shape, and the aspect ratio (depth / diameter) is 1 or more. Specifically, the reflective surface 131 has a diameter (= D101) of about 60 mm and a depth (= H101) of about 80 mm. Further, the focal point F101 of the reflecting surface 131 is located in the vicinity of the vertex V101 of the reflecting surface 131 (a portion away from the vertex V101 by about 2.8 mm). That is, the fluorescent member 114 is disposed in the vicinity of the vertex V101 of the reflecting surface 131 (the reflecting mirror 130).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the reflecting mirror 130 has a through hole 130a, and the fluorescent member 114 is irradiated with laser light through the through hole 130a.

  In the second embodiment, the reflecting mirror 130 is formed so as to reflect the light emitted from the fluorescent member 114 to the side (front side) irradiated with the laser light forward.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the reflecting mirror 130 converts the light from the center O101 of the fluorescent member 114 (the portion of the fluorescent member 114 located at the focal point F101 of the reflecting surface 131) into parallel light and reflects it forward. Is formed.

  The remaining structure of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the headlamp 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 16 to 21.

  In a state where the automobile 101 is traveling straight in the front direction, the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 111 and guided by the light guide member 20 is centered on the fluorescent member 114 as shown in FIGS. O101 (irradiated position P101 of the fluorescent member 114) is irradiated. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 130 becomes substantially parallel light and is emitted in the front direction of the automobile 101 (direction orthogonal to the X direction).

  Actually, since the fluorescent member 114 has a certain size, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 130 illuminates the illumination area S101 (hatched area) in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the automobile 101 makes a right turn, for example, a steering wheel (not shown) is operated by the driver, and a steering angle is given to the automobile 101. At this time, the rudder angle of the automobile 101 is detected by the rudder angle detector 3 (see FIG. 13). Then, based on the steering angle detected by the steering angle detector 3, the angle of the collimating lens 22 (see FIG. 13) is changed by the actuator 16 (see FIG. 13).

  Specifically, when the steering angle is given to the automobile 101 on the right side (X1 direction side), for example, the angle of the collimator lens 22 is changed to the right direction (α2 (see FIG. 1) direction) by the actuator 16. The And the advancing direction of a laser beam is changed.

  Thereby, the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 114 is changed (moved) by about 5 mm from P101 (see FIG. 16) to P102 (see FIG. 19). As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 130 is emitted obliquely forward to the right. Note that an arrow A101 in FIG. 20 indicates the optical axis of the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 130 (the portion having the largest luminous flux among the lights reflected by the reflecting mirror 130).

  In the headlamp 102 of the second embodiment, the light whose angle is most changed by the reflecting surface 131 is changed to the right side (X1 direction side) by about 9.4 degrees. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 20, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 130 is about 10 m (= L101) ahead of the headlamp 102 (the automobile 101) and about 1.7 m (= W101) from the front to the right side. The area will be illuminated.

  In practice, since the fluorescent member 114 has a certain size, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 130 illuminates the illumination area S102 (hatched area) in FIG.

  Other operations in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, the focal point F101 of the reflective surface 131 is positioned in the vicinity of the vertex V101 of the reflective surface 131, and the fluorescent member 114 is disposed in the vicinity of the vertex V101 of the reflective surface 131. Thereby, the direction in which the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 130 is emitted to the outside can be easily changed to one side.

  Further, by positioning the focal point F101 of the reflecting surface 131 in the vicinity of the vertex V101 of the reflecting surface 131, the reflecting surface 131 has a deep hole shape having a deep vertex V101 (focal point F101) position and a small diameter (= D101). Can be formed. Thereby, most of the light emitted from the fluorescent member 114 can be emitted to the outside after being reflected by the reflecting surface 131. As a result, the direction (illumination direction) of most of the light emitted from the fluorescent member 114 can be controlled. In addition, it is possible to suppress an increase in the spread angle of light emitted outside without passing through the reflecting mirror 130.

  In the second embodiment, since the holding member 115 is made of metal as described above, the heat generated in the fluorescent member 114 can be radiated to the holding member 115, so that the fluorescent member 114 has a high temperature. Can be suppressed.

  Further, in the second embodiment, as described above, the light emitted from the fluorescent member 114 to the side irradiated with the laser light (front side) is reflected by the reflecting mirror 130. The fluorescent member 114 has the brightest portion irradiated with the laser light and the largest amount of emitted light. Therefore, as described above, the light emitted from the fluorescent member 114 to the side irradiated with the laser beam (front side) is reflected by the reflecting mirror 130, whereby the first embodiment (irradiating the laser beam from the fluorescent member 14). The light use efficiency can be improved as compared with the case where the light emitted to the opposite side (rear side) is reflected by the reflecting mirror 30.

  Other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, with reference to FIG. 22, a case where the laser beam is irradiated from the rear side of the fluorescent member 214 will be described, unlike the first embodiment.

  In the headlamp according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 22, an opening 230 a is formed in a portion of the reflecting mirror 230 including the vertex of the reflecting surface 231. The reflecting mirror 230 is an example of the “light projecting member” and the “first reflecting mirror” in the present invention.

Similarly to the fluorescent member 114 of the second embodiment, the fluorescent member 214 is, for example, a mixed powder of Ce ³⁺ activated α-SiAlON phosphor particles and CaAlSiN ₃ : Eu ²⁺ phosphor particles, about 30 % Is kneaded into a UV curable resin at a weight ratio, and the UV curable resin is applied to the holding member 15 with a thickness of about 0.2 mm and cured. The fluorescent member 214 is an example of the “light emitting member” in the present invention.

  In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the semiconductor laser element 111 is used as a laser light source.

  In the third embodiment, the laser light is applied to the fluorescent member 214 from the rear side through the opening 230a of the reflecting mirror 230.

  The remaining structure of the third embodiment is similar to that of the aforementioned first embodiment.

  The operation and effect of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, with reference to FIG. 23, a case where the laser beam is irradiated from the rear side of the fluorescent member 314 will be described, unlike the second embodiment.

  In the headlamp according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 23, an opening 330a is formed in a portion of the reflecting mirror 330 including the vertex of the reflecting surface 331. The reflecting mirror 330 is an example of the “light projecting member” and the “first reflecting mirror” in the present invention.

Similarly to the fluorescent member 14 of the first embodiment, the fluorescent member 314 is, for example, a phosphor particle of (Y, Gd) ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ : Ce and a UV curable resin at a weight ratio of about 15%. The UV curable resin is applied to the holding member 115 with a thickness of about 0.5 mm and cured. The fluorescent member 314 is an example of the “light emitting member” in the present invention.

  In the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the semiconductor laser element 11 is used as a laser light source.

  The holding member 315 is formed of a glass plate having translucency, for example. Note that the holding member 315 only needs to have a function of transmitting at least laser light.

  In the fourth embodiment, the laser light is applied to the fluorescent member 314 from the rear side through the opening 330 a of the reflecting mirror 330.

  The remaining structure of the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the aforementioned second embodiment.

  The operation and effect of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the fifth embodiment, a case where the reflecting mirror 430 is not provided on the lower side of the fluorescent member 414, unlike the second embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the headlamp according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 24, the reflecting surface 431 of the reflecting mirror 430 is a surface orthogonal (intersecting) with the paraboloidal surface to the axis connecting the vertex V401 and the focal point F401. And a shape divided by a plane parallel to the axis connecting the vertex V401 and the focal point F401.

  That is, the reflecting mirror 430 is formed in a shape obtained by cutting substantially the lower half of the reflecting mirror 130 of the second embodiment, and the reflecting mirror 430 is not provided below the fluorescent member 414. The fluorescent member 414 is an example of the “light emitting member” in the present invention, and the reflecting mirror 430 is an example of the “light projecting member” and the “first reflecting mirror” in the present invention.

  The reflecting mirror 430 has a through hole 430a, and the fluorescent member 414 is irradiated with the laser light through the through hole 430a.

  In the fifth embodiment, the holding member 415 is disposed so as to cover the lower side of the reflecting mirror 430. That is, the holding surface 415a of the holding member 415 is formed so as to extend in the depth direction of the reflecting surface 431 of the reflecting mirror 430 (the direction in which the axis connecting the vertex V401 and the focal point F401 extends) and the X direction (see FIG. 25). ing.

  The holding member 415 is formed of a metal plate and has a function of radiating heat transmitted from the fluorescent member 414 or transmitting the heat to the reflecting mirror 430. Note that the holding surface 415 a of the holding member 415 may have a function of reflecting light emitted from the fluorescent member 414.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the fluorescent member 414 is formed in an elongated shape extending in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) (X direction).

  24 and 25, the fluorescent member 414 is disposed in a region including the focal point F401 of the reflecting surface 431 of the reflecting mirror 430. The center O401 of the fluorescent member 414 is the focal point F401 of the reflecting surface 431. Is almost the same.

Similarly to the second and third embodiments, the fluorescent member 414 is, for example, about 30% mixed powder of phosphor particles of Ce ³⁺ activated α-SiAlON and phosphor particles of CaAlSiN ₃ : Eu ^2+. The UV curable resin is kneaded into the UV curable resin at a weight ratio, and the UV curable resin is applied to the holding member 415 with a thickness of about 0.2 mm and cured.

  In the fifth embodiment, as in the second and third embodiments, the semiconductor laser element 111 is used as the laser light source.

  The remaining structure and operation of the fifth embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned second embodiment.

  In the fifth embodiment, as described above, the reflecting surface 431 (reflecting mirror 430) is divided by a plane intersecting the axis connecting the focal point F401 and the vertex V401, and the focal point F401 and the vertex V401 are divided. Are formed in a shape divided by a plane parallel to the axis connecting the two. Thereby, the reflecting mirror 30 and the headlamp 2 can be reduced in size.

  The other effects of the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the sixth embodiment, referring to FIGS. 26 to 31, unlike the fifth embodiment, the fluorescent member 514 is formed so as to extend in the depth direction of the reflecting surface 531 of the reflecting mirror 530. Will be described.

  First, with reference to FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the structure of the headlamp by 6th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  In the headlamp according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the fluorescent member 514 has a depth direction of the reflecting surface 531 of the reflecting mirror 530 (the axis connecting the vertex V501 and the focal point F501). It is formed in an elongated shape extending in the extending direction. The fluorescent member 514 is an example of the “light emitting member” in the present invention, and the reflecting mirror 530 is an example of the “light projecting member” and the “first reflecting mirror” in the present invention.

  In the sixth embodiment, the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 514 is changed (moved) in the depth direction of the reflecting surface 531. Note that the irradiation position of the fluorescent member 514 may be changed (moved) in the depth direction of the reflecting surface 531 by, for example, rotating the collimating lens 22 up and down by the actuator 16.

  Other structures of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the fifth embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the headlamp will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In a state where the headlamp is set as, for example, a traveling headlamp (high beam), as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the laser beam is emitted from the fluorescent member 514 (see FIGS. 26 and 27). The portion (irradiation position P501) corresponding to the focal point F501 of the reflecting surface 531 is irradiated. Thereby, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 530 becomes substantially parallel light and is emitted in the front direction of the automobile. At this time, the illumination area illuminated by the headlamp is relatively narrow.

  On the other hand, the driver operates a changeover switch (not shown) to switch between the driving headlight (high beam) and the passing headlight (low beam), and the headlight is set as the passing headlight (low beam). In this case, the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 514 is changed (moved) from P501 to P502 (see FIGS. 30 and 31).

  In the sixth embodiment, a control unit (not shown) is provided between the changeover switch (not shown) and the actuator 16, and the control unit is controlled by the actuator 16 based on a changeover signal from the changeover switch. You may comprise so that a signal may be output.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 30, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 530 is emitted downward from the horizontal direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 31, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 530 is emitted forward in the right direction (X1 direction) side and the left direction (X2 direction) side. For this reason, the illumination area which a headlamp illuminates becomes wide.

  The other operations in the sixth embodiment are the same as those in the fifth embodiment.

  In the sixth embodiment, the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 514 is changed in the depth direction of the reflecting surface 531 as described above. Even if comprised in this way, the illumination direction of a headlamp can be changed easily.

  The other effects of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the fifth embodiment.

(Seventh embodiment)
In the seventh embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 32 to 39, the case where the area of the irradiated region of the fluorescent member 614 is also changed will be described, unlike the first to sixth embodiments.

  First, with reference to FIGS. 32-34, the structure of the motor vehicle 601 provided with the headlamp 602 by 7th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  An automobile 601 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention includes a headlamp 602 and a rudder angle detector 3 that detects the rudder angle of the automobile 601 as shown in FIG. The automobile 601 is an example of the “moving body” in the present invention, and the headlamp 602 is an example of the “illuminating device” in the present invention.

  The headlamp 602 includes a plurality of (for example, ten) semiconductor laser elements 111, an output adjustment unit 612, a light guide member 620, a condenser lens 13, a fluorescent member 614, a holding member 115, and a reflecting surface 131. And a reflecting mirror 130 having The fluorescent member 614 is an example of the “light emitting member” in the present invention.

  As will be described later, the output adjustment unit 612 outputs the output of the semiconductor laser element 111 in synchronization with the change in the area of the irradiated region irradiated with the laser light of the fluorescent member 614 and the change in the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 614. It has a function to adjust.

  The light guide member 620 includes a plurality of optical fibers 21, a collimating lens 622, and a reflecting mirror 623. The reflecting mirror 623 is an example of the “second reflecting mirror” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the collimator lens 622 is formed by an actuator 616 so as to move a predetermined distance along the axial direction of the optical fiber 21 in the front-rear direction (Z1 direction and Z2 direction). The actuator 616 is an example of the “irradiation area changing unit” in the present invention.

  The actuator 616 is electrically connected to the rudder angle detector 3 and has a function of adjusting the position of the collimating lens 622 in the axial direction of the optical fiber 21 based on the rudder angle detected by the rudder angle detector 3. Have. Thereby, as will be described later, the area of the irradiated region to which the laser beam of the fluorescent member 614 is irradiated is changed by the actuator 616.

  The reflecting mirror 623 has a function of reflecting the laser light from the collimating lens 622 toward the fluorescent member 614.

  In the seventh embodiment, the reflecting mirror 623 is formed by the actuator 617 so as to rotate in the left-right direction (β1 direction and β2 direction) within a predetermined angle range. The actuator 617 is an example of the “irradiation position changing unit” in the present invention.

  The actuator 617 is electrically connected to the rudder angle detector 3 and has a function of adjusting the angle of the reflecting mirror 623 based on the rudder angle detected by the rudder angle detector 3. Thereby, the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 614 is changed, for example, in the X direction by the actuator 617.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the fluorescent member 614 is formed, for example, in a circular shape when viewed from the front.

The fluorescent member 614 is, for example, a mixture of Ce ³⁺ activated α-SiAlON phosphor particles and CaAlSiN ₃ : Eu ²⁺ phosphor particles as in the second, third, fifth, and sixth embodiments. The powder is kneaded into a UV curable resin at a weight ratio of about 30%, and the UV curable resin is applied to the holding member 415 with a thickness of about 0.2 mm and cured.

  The remaining structure of the seventh embodiment is similar to that of the aforementioned second embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the headlamp 602 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 and 34 to 39.

  In a state where the automobile 601 is traveling straight in the front direction, the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser element 111 and guided by the light guide member 620 is the center of the fluorescent member 614 as shown in FIGS. O601 (irradiated position P601 of the fluorescent member 614) is irradiated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 34, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 130 becomes substantially parallel light and is emitted in the front direction of the automobile 601 (direction orthogonal to the X direction).

  On the other hand, when the automobile 601 makes a right turn, for example, a steering wheel (not shown) is operated by the driver, and a steering angle is given to the automobile 601. At this time, the steering angle of the automobile 601 is detected by the steering angle detector 3 (see FIG. 32). Then, based on the steering angle detected by the steering angle detector 3, the angle of the reflecting mirror 623 (see FIG. 32) is changed by the actuator 617 (see FIG. 32).

  Specifically, when the steering angle is given to the automobile 601 on the right side (X1 direction side), for example, the angle of the reflecting mirror 623 is changed to the left side (β1 (see FIG. 32) direction) by the actuator 617. The

  Thereby, the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 614 is changed (moved) from P601 (see FIG. 34) to P602 (see FIG. 35). Then, as shown in FIG. 35, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 130 is emitted obliquely forward to the right.

  Here, in the seventh embodiment, when the rudder angle of the automobile 601 is detected by the rudder angle detector 3 (see FIG. 32), the actuator 616 (see FIG. 32), the position of the collimating lens 622 is changed.

  Specifically, for example, when a steering angle is given to the automobile 601 on the right side (X1 direction), the collimator lens 622 is moved by the actuator 616 in the front-rear direction (Z1 direction or Z2 direction) along the axial direction of the optical fiber 21. ) Is moved a predetermined distance. That is, the collimating lens 622 is moved from the position of FIG. 36 to the position of FIG. 37, for example.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 37, the laser light transmitted through the collimator lens 622 travels with a predetermined spread angle γ601. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the area of the irradiated region S602 of the fluorescent member 614 is larger than the area of the irradiated region S601.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 39, for example, the light emitted from the position P602a of the irradiated region S602 of the fluorescent member 614 is compared with the light emitted from the center position (irradiated position) P602 of the irradiated region S602. Output to the right. The light emitted from the position P602b of the irradiated region S602 is emitted to the left as compared with the light emitted from the center position (irradiated position) P602 of the irradiated region S602. Thereby, the area of the illumination area | region of the headlamp 602 becomes larger.

  That is, in the seventh embodiment, it is possible to control the area of the illumination area of the headlamp 602 to be larger (or smaller) by increasing (or decreasing) the area of the illuminated area of the fluorescent member 614. .

  The other operations in the seventh embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment.

  In the seventh embodiment, as described above, the actuator 617 for changing the angle of the reflecting mirror 623 and the actuator 616 for changing the area of the irradiated region of the fluorescent member 614 are provided. Thereby, both the illumination direction of the headlamp 602 and the area of the illumination area can be controlled (changed).

  Other effects of the seventh embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the headlamp of the present invention is used in an automobile has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the headlamp of the present invention is not limited to an airplane, a ship, a robot, a motorcycle, or a bicycle. Or, it may be used for other moving objects.

  In the above embodiment, the semiconductor laser element and the phosphor are configured so as to emit white light.However, the present invention is not limited to this, and emits visible light other than white light. You may comprise a semiconductor laser element and fluorescent substance.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a semiconductor laser element is used as a laser generator that emits laser light has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a laser generator other than a semiconductor laser element may be used. .

  Moreover, the numerical value shown by the said embodiment is an example, and each numerical value is not limited.

  In addition, the center wavelength of the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser element of the above embodiment and the type of phosphor constituting the fluorescent member can be appropriately changed.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the light guide member was shown about the example comprised by the optical fiber, the collimating lens, and the reflective mirror, this invention is not limited to this, A light guide member is an optical fiber, as needed. You may comprise using one or two of a lens (collimating lens) and a reflective mirror.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which provided the light guide member in order to guide the laser beam radiate | emitted from the semiconductor laser element to the fluorescence member was shown, this invention is not limited to this, A light guide member is shown. It does not have to be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the irradiation position of the fluorescent member is changed by changing the angle of the collimating lens or the reflecting mirror has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the laser light emitting end of the optical fiber is not limited thereto. The irradiation position of the fluorescent member may be changed by changing the angle or the angle of the semiconductor laser element.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment showed about the example which changed the irradiation position of the fluorescent member in the depth direction of a reflective surface, or the direction orthogonal to the depth direction of a reflective surface, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the holding surface of the holding member is inclined, the surface of the fluorescent member (or the holding surface of the holding member) is formed in a spherical shape, and the irradiation position of the fluorescent member is set to the depth direction of the reflecting surface and the reflecting surface. You may change to both directions with the direction orthogonal to the depth direction.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the fluorescent member is disposed in the region including the focal point of the reflecting surface has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the fluorescent member may be disposed in the vicinity of the focal point of the reflecting surface. Good.

  Moreover, although the example which formed the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror by the paraboloid was shown in the said embodiment, this invention is not limited to this, You may form a reflective surface by a part of ellipsoid. Further, the reflecting mirror may be formed of a CPC (Compound Parabolic Concentrator) type reflecting mirror.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, when reflecting the light radiate | emitted to the opposite side to the side which irradiated the laser beam from the fluorescent member with a reflective mirror (in the case of the said 1st and 4th embodiment), a fluorescent member is ( _{Y, Gd) 3 Al 5 O} 12: forming a phosphor of Ce, if to be reflected by the reflecting mirror the light emitted to the side irradiated with laser light from the fluorescent member (the second, third, fifth, 6 and 7), an example in which the fluorescent member is formed of a phosphor of Ce ³⁺ activated α-SiAlON and a phosphor of CaAlSiN ₃ : Eu ²⁺ is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. First, when the light emitted from the fluorescent member to the side opposite to the side irradiated with the laser light is reflected by the reflecting mirror, the fluorescent member is made of Ce ³⁺ activated α-SiAlON phosphor and CaAlSiN ₃ : Eu ²⁺ fluorescent material. Formed by the body , If to be reflected by the reflecting mirror the light emitted to the side irradiated with laser light from the fluorescent member, the fluorescent member, (Y, Gd) 3 Al 5 O 12: may be formed by phosphor _Ce.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the fluorescent member was shown about the example formed with fluorescent substance particles and resin, this invention is not restricted to this, If fluorescent member contains fluorescent substance, various materials and It can be formed by a method. For example, the fluorescent member may be formed of phosphor particles and an adhesive or glass other than resin. Further, the fluorescent member may be formed by sintering or press molding the phosphor particles.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the fluorescent member (the focal point of the reflecting surface) is arranged at the boundary between the inside and the outside of the reflecting surface or the apex of the reflecting surface is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Instead, the fluorescent member (the focal point of the reflecting surface) may be disposed between the inner and outer boundaries of the reflecting surface and the vicinity of the vertex of the reflecting surface. That is, the fluorescent member (the focal point of the reflecting surface) may be disposed at the center of the reflecting surface (reflecting mirror). In this case, the holding member may be formed of a metal plate.

  Further, for example, in the second and seventh embodiments, the holding member may be formed of a glass plate having translucency. Moreover, in the said embodiment, you may form a holding member by members other than a glass plate and a metal plate.

  Further, for example, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, an example in which the holding member is disposed inside the reflecting mirror (reflecting surface) is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is shown in FIG. The headlamp according to the first modification of the present invention may be configured. In other words, the rear portion of the reflecting mirror 730 from the fluorescent member 314 may be cut out, and the holding member 715 may be disposed outside the reflecting mirror 730 (reflecting surface 731).

  In the fifth and sixth embodiments, when the focal point of the reflecting surface is located in the vicinity of the apex, the paraboloid is divided by a plane orthogonal to (intersecting) the axis connecting the apex and the focal point, And although the example which formed the reflective surface of the reflective mirror in the shape divided | segmented by the surface parallel to the axis | shaft which connects a vertex and a focus was shown, this invention is not limited to this. For example, when the focal point F801 of the reflecting surface 831 of the reflecting mirror 830 is located at the boundary between the inside and the outside of the reflecting surface 831 as in the headlamp according to the second modification of the present invention shown in FIG. In addition, the reflecting surface 831 has a shape in which the paraboloid is divided by a plane orthogonal to (intersects) the axis connecting the vertex V801 and the focal point F801, and divided by a plane parallel to the axis connecting the vertex V801 and the focal point F801. May be formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 41, the fluorescent member 814 may be irradiated with laser light from a rear oblique direction.

  In the seventh embodiment, the collimator lens 622 is moved in the Z1 direction (or Z2 direction) using the actuator 616 in order to control (change) both the area of the illumination area and the illumination direction of the headlamp. The example in which the angle of the reflecting mirror 623 is changed using the actuator 617 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the actuator 616 may be configured to move the collimating lens 622 in the Z1 direction (or Z2 direction) and change the angle of the collimating lens 622.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although shown about the example which changed the irradiated position (illumination direction of a headlamp) of the fluorescent member based on the steering angle of a motor vehicle, this invention is not limited to this, The steering angle of a motor vehicle Further, the irradiated position of the fluorescent member (the illumination direction of the headlamp) may be changed based on the vehicle speed. In this case, a vehicle speed detector that detects the vehicle speed of the automobile may be provided.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example using a reflective mirror (1st reflective mirror) as a light projection member was shown, this invention is not limited to this. For example, like a headlamp according to the third modification of the present invention shown in FIG. 42, a light projecting lens 940 (for example, a convex lens) that controls and projects light emitted from the fluorescent member 114 is used as the light projecting member. May be. In this case, the projection lens 940 may be arranged so that the center of the projection lens 940 coincides with the center of the fluorescent member 114 when viewed from the front. Further, as in the second embodiment, a holding member 115 and a fluorescent member 114 made of a metal plate having high thermal conductivity may be used. Then, laser light may be irradiated from the front side of the fluorescent member 114. Also, as shown in FIG. 43, the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 114 is changed (moved) from P901 to P902 and stopped at that position. Even when the projection lens 940 is used as the projection member as in the third modification of the present invention, the illumination direction of the headlamp is changed by changing the irradiated position of the fluorescent member 114. Can do.

  Further, for example, as in a headlamp according to a fourth modification of the present invention shown in FIG. 44, laser light is irradiated from the rear side of the fluorescent member 314 using the light projecting lens 940, the fluorescent member 314, and the holding member 315. May be.

  Further, for example, as in the headlamp according to the fifth modification of the present invention shown in FIG. 45, the reflecting mirror 930 and the light projecting lens 940 may be used as the light projecting member. In this case, the reflecting surface 931 of the reflecting mirror 930 may be formed of an elliptical surface. Then, the first focal point (focal point closer to the reflective surface 931) F901a of the reflective surface 931 (ellipsoidal surface) and the center O1 of the fluorescent member 14 are matched, and the second focal point (reflective surface) of the reflective surface 931 (elliptical surface) is obtained. The focal point F901b far from 931) and the focal point F902 of the light projecting lens 940 may coincide with each other. If comprised in this way, the light which passed the focus F901b (F902) and entered into the light projection lens 940 will be emitted from the light projection lens 940 ahead as parallel light.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a fluorescent member containing phosphor particles that emit light (fluorescence) having a longer (larger) center wavelength than excitation light is used as the light emitting member. Not limited to this. For example, a wavelength conversion member that emits light (for example, visible light) having a central wavelength shorter (smaller) than excitation light (for example, infrared light) such as a substance that emits light by multiphoton excitation or a so-called up-conversion phosphor A light emitting member may be used. Further, without using the wavelength conversion member, for example, a light emitting member containing a scatterer that simply scatters visible laser light may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the collimating lens 22 and the reflecting mirror 623 are rotated in order to change the irradiation position of the fluorescent member. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in a headlamp according to a sixth modification of the present invention shown in FIG. 46, a laser element unit 910 in which the semiconductor laser element 11 and the condenser lens 13 are integrated with each other is replaced with a motor 911 (irradiation position changing unit). The irradiation position of the fluorescent member 314 may be changed (moved) by sliding it in the X direction using, for example.

  Further, for example, a headlamp according to a seventh modification of the present invention shown in FIG. 47 may be used. That is, a plurality of semiconductor laser elements 11 are provided and arranged so that each semiconductor laser element 11 irradiates a separate position of the fluorescent member 314. Then, the irradiation position of the fluorescent member 314 may be changed (moved) by turning on only one arbitrary semiconductor laser element 11 (emitting laser light). Needless to say, the structure shown in FIGS. 46 and 47 can be applied even when a projection lens is used as the projection member.

1, 101, 601 Automobile (mobile)
2,102,602 Headlamp (lighting device)
11, 111 Semiconductor laser element (laser generator)
12, 612 Output adjustment unit 14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 814 Fluorescent member (light emitting member)
15, 115, 315, 415, 715 Holding member 15a, 115a, 415a Holding surface 16, 617 Actuator (irradiation position changing part)
20, 620 Light guide member 22 Collimating lens (lens)
30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 730, 830, 930 Reflective mirror (light projecting member, first reflective mirror)
31, 131, 231, 331, 431, 531, 731, 831, 931 Reflecting surface 616 Actuator (irradiation area changing unit)
623 Reflector (second reflector)
940 Projection lens (projection member)
911 motor (irradiation position changing part)
F1, F101, F401, F501, F801, F901a, F901b Focus P1, P2, P101, P102, P501, P502, P601, P602, P901, P902 Irradiated position S601, S602 Irradiated area V1, V101, V401, V501, V801 vertex

Claims (23)

A laser generator for emitting laser light;
A light emitting member that is irradiated with laser light emitted from the laser generator and emits light;
An irradiation position changing unit that moves the irradiated position of the light emitting member to which the laser light is irradiated and stops after the movement;
An illumination device comprising: a light projecting member that projects light emitted from the light emitting member.   The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light projecting member includes a first reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface that reflects light emitted from the light emitting member.   The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light projecting member includes a light projecting lens that controls light emitted from the light emitting member.   The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting member includes a fluorescent member. The light emitting member is formed so as to spread in a predetermined direction intersecting the depth direction of the reflecting surface,
The illumination device according to claim 2, wherein the irradiated position of the light emitting member is changed at least in the predetermined direction by the irradiation position changing unit. The reflective surface is formed in a shape having a focal point,
The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting member is disposed in a region including a focal point of the reflecting surface or in the vicinity of the focal point of the reflecting surface.   The said irradiation position change part changes the irradiated position of the said light emitting member so that the distance from the focus of the said reflective surface to the irradiated position of the said light emitting member may change. Lighting device.   The lighting device according to claim 6, wherein the reflection surface is formed to include at least a part of one of a paraboloid and an ellipsoid. A light guide member for guiding laser light emitted from the laser generator to the light emitting member;
The illumination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation position changing unit changes an irradiation position of the light emitting member by changing an angle of the light guide member.   The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein the light guide member includes at least one of a lens that transmits the laser light and a second reflecting mirror that reflects the laser light.   The illumination device according to claim 10, wherein the light guide member includes a collimator lens that collimates laser light emitted from the laser generator. The reflective surface is formed in a shape having a focal point and a vertex,
The focal point of the reflecting surface is located in the vicinity of the vertex of the reflecting surface;
The lighting device according to any one of claims 2 and 5 to 8, wherein the light emitting member is disposed in the vicinity of a vertex of the reflecting surface.   The lighting device according to any one of claims 2, 5 to 8, and 12, wherein the light emitting member is disposed at a boundary between the inside and the outside of the first reflecting mirror. The light emitting member is formed so as to spread in the depth direction of the reflecting surface,
14. The illumination according to claim 2, wherein the irradiation position of the light emitting member is changed at least in the depth direction by the irradiation position changing unit. apparatus. A holding member having a holding surface to which the light emitting member is attached;
The reflecting surface is formed in a shape obtained by dividing one of a paraboloid and an ellipsoid by a surface intersecting an axis connecting the focal point and the vertex,
The holding surface of the holding member is formed so as to extend in a predetermined direction intersecting with an axis connecting the focal point and the apex. The lighting device according to item.   The lighting device according to claim 15, wherein the holding member has a function of transmitting light emitted from the light emitting member. A holding member having a holding surface to which the light emitting member is attached;
The reflecting surface is formed in a shape in which one of a paraboloid and an ellipsoid is divided by a plane intersecting an axis connecting the focal point and the apex, and divided by a plane parallel to the axis connecting the focal point and the apex. Has been
The holding surface of the holding member is formed so as to extend in a direction in which an axis connecting the focal point and the apex extends, and the holding surface is any one of claims 2, 5 to 8, and 12 to 16. Lighting equipment.   The lighting device according to claim 17, wherein the holding member is made of metal. An output adjustment unit for adjusting the output of the laser generator;
The said output adjustment part has a function which adjusts the output of the said laser generator synchronizing with the change of the irradiated position of the said light emitting member, The any one of Claims 1-18 characterized by the above-mentioned. Lighting device.   The illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising an irradiation area changing unit for changing an area of a region to be irradiated with the laser light of the light emitting member.   21. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the laser generator includes a semiconductor laser element.   A headlamp comprising the illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.   A moving body comprising the headlamp according to claim 22.

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