WO2012105314A1

WO2012105314A1 - Illuminating device

Info

Publication number: WO2012105314A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/050893
Authority: WO
Inventors: 佳恵清水; 谷尻　靖; 山口　宏
Original assignee: コニカミノルタオプト株式会社
Priority date: 2011-02-04
Filing date: 2012-01-18
Publication date: 2012-08-09
Also published as: JPWO2012105314A1; JP5768821B2; CN103348183A

Abstract

In order to obtain an illuminating device (1A-1K) that is capable of exhibiting intended light distribution characteristics and highly efficient illumination in spite of the use of a compact configuration, this illuminating device comprises a light source (a point light source (2)) and an illuminating optical system having a T-shaped cross section, and illuminates light in two different directions simultaneously, said illuminating optical system comprising an entrance part where light emitted from the point light source enters, first and second light paths for guiding the light incident on the entrance part in two different directions in a divided manner, and first and second exit parts for emitting the light that has been guided in the divided manner. The illuminating device is configured such that illuminating light comprising a combination of first light, which is reflected off a first reflecting section and a second reflecting section, and second light, which is reflected off the second reflecting section without involving the first reflecting section, is emitted from each of the first and second exit parts.

Description

Lighting equipment

The present invention relates to an illuminating device, for example, an illuminating device that is disposed in a showcase or the like and is suitable for illuminating a product displayed in the showcase.

Conventionally, fluorescent lamps have been widely used to illuminate products placed in showcases and displayed in showcases. Fluorescent lamps are generally used as illumination by converting electric energy into visible radiation, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation and emitting visible light. At that time, since heat loss occurs, there is a problem that not only the fluorescent lamp itself but also the displayed product is heated by the radiant heat from the fluorescent lamp, and the light source of the lighting device for the showcase is not necessarily preferable. That's not true.

In recent years, along with improvement in luminous efficiency and increase in the amount of emitted light, lighting devices using LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), which are considered to be environmentally friendly with long life and low power consumption, are being put into practical use. Since the blue LED chip was developed, a white LED light source that emits white light by combining the blue LED chip and a phosphor that is excited by light from the LED chip and emits excitation light of a predetermined wavelength, A white LED light source that synthesizes white light using three primary color LED chips of a blue LED chip, a green LED chip, and a red LED chip has been developed.

For this reason, an LED illumination device provided with this white LED light source is used as the illumination device. In particular, as a lighting device for a display shelf such as a showcase, it is sought to use an LED light source that consumes less power and generates less heat. For example, a showcase that already has LED lighting that illuminates the display room from above is already available. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, there has already been proposed a showcase in which an LED light source is disposed in a price rail provided at the front end of a display shelf and the upper and lower sides of the shelf are irradiated via a reflector provided on the front side of the light source ( For example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-206665 A JP 2010-78251 A

By the way, in the method of illuminating from the upper part of the shelf toward the lower part as in the showcase described in Patent Document 1, the horizontal plane illuminance value of the shelf plate increases, but the vertical plane illuminance value decreases, resulting in consumption. The front of the product that becomes a clue when the person selects the product becomes relatively dark. In addition, there is a problem that shadows are generated by illumination from above, and it is difficult to see a product package to be viewed.

Moreover, in the structure which illuminates the upper and lower sides of the shelf simultaneously with one LED light source as in the showcase described in Patent Document 2, it is possible to efficiently illuminate with a small number of light sources. The number of points can be suppressed and cost reduction can be achieved. However, since the product is illuminated by the reflected light from the reflector installed on the front side of the shelf, the product is only illuminated by changing the direction of the light emitted from the light source. The directivity control and light distribution control of illumination light cannot be performed.

Therefore, when tall products such as milk cartons and beverage bottles are displayed on the shelf, the illumination light from the upper side and the illumination light from the lower side are difficult to reach around the middle of the product on which a clean trademark or logo is printed. Therefore, there is a possibility that the effect of appealing to the consumer's sight and arousing purchase will be reduced.

Also, if the reflector is enlarged in order to illuminate a wide area, the lighting device unit becomes larger or the thickness becomes thicker, which causes a problem of deterioration in design.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an illuminating device that has a desired light distribution characteristic and is capable of highly efficient illumination even with a compact configuration. .

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a light source, an incident portion that receives light emitted from the light source, and a first light that branches and guides light incident on the incident portion in two different directions. An illuminating device that includes a second optical path and first and second emitting portions that emit branched and guided light and has an illumination optical system having a T-shaped cross section, and simultaneously illuminates two different directions The illumination optical system includes a first reflecting unit disposed in proximity to the incident unit and a second reflecting unit disposed to face the incident unit, the first and second emitting units. Thus, the first light reflected by the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion and the second light reflected by the second reflecting portion without passing through the first reflecting portion are combined. It is characterized by emitting each illumination light.

According to the above configuration, by using the illumination optical system having a T-shaped cross section, the light is incident from the incident part, reflected at least once by the first reflecting part, and then reflected at least once by the second reflecting part. A light beam having two types of optical paths: a light beam guided to the exit portion and a light beam incident from the incident portion and reflected by the second reflection portion without being reflected by the first reflection portion and guided to the first and second exit portions Illumination light can be configured with a high-efficiency illumination device having desired directivity characteristics and light distribution characteristics. For example, by superimposing the directivity characteristics of two light beams, it is possible to realize an illuminating device that can efficiently illuminate only a necessary region even when a light source having a large divergence angle is used. Therefore, even if it is a compact structure, the illuminating device which has a desired light distribution characteristic and can perform highly efficient illumination can be obtained.

Further, the present invention provides the illumination device having the above-described configuration, wherein the illumination optical system includes a third reflection unit that faces the second reflection unit, and the third reflection unit receives light from the second reflection unit and again receives the light. The light is reflected toward the second reflecting portion and then emitted from the emitting portion. According to this configuration, it is possible to further increase the optical path length, and it is possible to provide the emission unit at a position where a desired part is illuminated. Therefore, it is possible to realize an illumination device that can efficiently illuminate a necessary area.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the illumination device having the above-described configuration is provided with a light beam branching portion that branches light emitted from the light source into light directed to the first and second emission portions. According to this configuration, the illumination light emitted from the light source can be efficiently branched into illumination light for the first emission part and the second emission part having an optical path directed in substantially opposite directions.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the illumination device having the above-described configuration, the light beam branching portion is disposed at a position facing the light source of the second reflecting portion, and is configured by a substantially V-shaped convex reflecting surface. According to this configuration, the light that is emitted from the light source, incident from the incident portion, and directly reaches the second reflecting portion without being reflected by the first reflecting portion or the third reflecting portion is reflected by the V-shaped convex reflecting surface. The specific direction can be efficiently illuminated by reflecting the light toward the first emission part side and the second emission part side.

Moreover, this invention is an illuminating device of the said structure, The said illumination optical system is the 3rd surface which becomes the incident surface in which the light radiate | emitted from the said light source injects, the 2nd surface along said 2nd reflection part, and the said emission part. And a light guide having a surface. According to this configuration, by disposing the light guide in the optical path, the illumination light can be controlled by refraction on each surface of the light guide, so that a higher performance and higher efficiency illumination device can be realized.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the illumination device configured as described above, a light beam branching portion is formed by providing a refractive surface having a substantially V-shaped cross section at a position of the incident surface facing the light source. According to this configuration, the illumination light emitted from the light source is directly received and branched in two different directions, so that the light can be efficiently guided to the respective emission units.

In the illumination device having the above structure according to the present invention, the third surface is inclined by 1 to 30 degrees from a parallel position with respect to the second surface, and the distance between the second surface and the third surface increases as the distance from the light source increases. Is characterized by gradually narrowing. According to this configuration, the illumination light emitted from the emission surface can be obtained by giving the inclination of the third surface substantially parallel to the second surface and the thickness decreasing from the light source toward the tip of the emission surface. The light can be emitted at an angle along the second surface, and a wide area can be efficiently illuminated even if the width of the illumination optical system is narrow.

In the illumination device having the above-described configuration, the third surface is inclined by 50 to 80 degrees from a parallel position with respect to the second surface, and the distance between the second surface and the third surface increases as the distance from the light source increases. Is characterized by narrowing. According to this configuration, by setting the inclination of the third surface to an angle close to the vertical direction of the second surface, the illumination light emitted from the emission surface can be illuminated with high efficiency in the direction close to the second surface. Can do.

In the illumination device having the above-described configuration, the second reflecting portion may include a diffusing portion that reflects the incident light while diffusing the incident light in a predetermined angle range at a portion that reflects the reflected light toward the emitting portion. It is characterized by being. According to this configuration, since the light diffused in the predetermined angle range by the second reflecting portion is emitted from the emission surface, it is possible to emit illumination light with improved illuminance unevenness and color unevenness. In addition, since the diffusing unit is provided in a portion close to the emitting unit, the illumination light can be efficiently guided to the vicinity of the emitting unit.

In the illumination device having the above-described configuration, the second surface includes a diffusing portion that reflects the incident light while diffusing the incident light in a predetermined angle range at a portion that reflects the reflected light toward the emission surface. It is characterized by that. According to this configuration, even if an illumination optical system including a light guide having a diffusing portion on the reflection surface is used, the light diffused in a predetermined angle range is emitted from the emission surface, so that uneven illuminance and uneven color are reduced. Improved illumination light can be emitted.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the illumination device configured as described above, the second reflecting portion is an inclined surface that reflects incident light while diffusing it in a predetermined angle range. According to this configuration, since the light distribution control angle can be expanded by inclining the second reflecting portion, an illuminating device that can efficiently illuminate a necessary region can be realized.

In the illumination device having the above-described configuration, the illumination optical system includes a plurality of the light sources arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the T-shaped section at a predetermined interval, and has a long emission portion along the longitudinal direction. It is a feature. According to this configuration, it is possible to illuminate widely in the longitudinal direction of the illumination optical system with high illuminance using a plurality of light sources. In addition, since it has an optical path that guides light while repeatedly reflecting, even if the arrangement pitch of multiple light sources arranged side by side is wide, it can reduce illumination unevenness in the longitudinal direction and illuminate uniformly. Therefore, the cost can be reduced.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the light source is a point light source in the illumination device having the above-described configuration. The point light source here refers to a light source in which, for example, the size of the light emitting surface for emitting light in the horizontal direction is sufficiently small compared to the size of the illumination optical system. With this size, the specific direction can be efficiently illuminated.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the point light source is an LED light source in the illumination device having the above configuration. According to this configuration, a highly efficient lighting device can be realized using an LED light source with high illuminance, low power consumption, and low heat generation.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the illumination device having the above configuration, the LED light source is disposed in a V-groove portion having a substantially V-shaped cross section formed on the incident surface. According to this structure, even if it uses LED light source with a big emission angle by arrange | positioning in a V-groove part, it can inject into an optical path | route efficiently and can implement | achieve a highly efficient illuminating device.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the illumination device configured as described above, the light source is a light source including a light emitting surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the T-shaped cross section. According to this configuration, when a plurality of point light sources are used, a single light source can be used by using a light source having a light emitting surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the T-shaped cross section. The assembly adjustment is easy and the cost is low.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the illumination device having the above-described configuration, the illumination device is mounted on a tip portion of a plate-like body and illuminates both sides of the plate-like body. According to this configuration, a compact illumination device that can efficiently illuminate specific directions on both sides of the plate-like body can be realized.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the illumination device having the above-described configuration, the plate-like body is a shelf board, and the top and bottom of the shelf board are illuminated simultaneously. According to this structure, it can attach to the front-end | tip of the shelf board of a showcase, and can efficiently illuminate the goods side of the upper and lower sides of a shelf board widely.

According to the present invention, using the illumination optical system having a T-shaped cross section, the first light reflected by the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion without passing through the first reflecting portion. Since the illumination light combined with the second light reflected by the light is emitted from the first and second emission parts, respectively, high-efficiency illumination having desired directivity characteristics and light distribution characteristics is possible. Become. Therefore, even if it is a compact structure, the illuminating device which has a desired light distribution characteristic and can perform highly efficient illumination can be obtained.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of 1st embodiment of the illuminating device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of 2nd embodiment of the illuminating device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of 3rd embodiment of the illuminating device which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the whole illumination apparatus shape shown in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows 4th embodiment of the illuminating device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of 5th embodiment of the illuminating device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows 6th embodiment of the illuminating device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of 7th embodiment of the illuminating device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of 8th embodiment of the illuminating device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the 9th embodiment of the illuminating device which concerns on this invention. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows 10th Embodiment of the illuminating device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic side view of a tenth embodiment. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which attached the illuminating device which concerns on this invention to the shelf board front-end | tip. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which attached the illuminating device which concerns on this invention to the shelf board front-end | tip. It is the schematic explanatory drawing which attached the illuminating device which concerns on this invention to the showcase which has a multistage shelf board. It is a top view which shows an example of the light source formed by arranging a plurality of LED light sources densely. It is a side view of the light source shown to FIG. 14A. It is a top view which shows the other example of the light source formed by closely arranging a plurality of LED light sources. It is a side view of the light source shown to FIG. 15A. It is a schematic perspective view which shows an example of the illuminating device provided with the light guide which has the light source which arranges the LED light source densely severally. It is a schematic perspective view which shows an example of the illuminating device provided with the light guide which has a light source which consists of a cold cathode tube.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Moreover, the same code | symbol is used about the same structural member, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

<First embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of the lighting device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, for simplicity of explanation, the light source is described as a point light source, but a light source other than the point light source, for example, a planar light source or a linear light source may be used. 1A includes a point light source 2 and two optical paths that branch and guide light emitted from the point light source 2 in two different directions and have a T-shaped cross section. The illumination optical system 10A is provided. Therefore, the illumination optical system 10A includes an incident portion 1Aa that receives light emitted from the point light source 2, and a first optical path that branches and guides the light incident on the incident portion 1Aa in two different directions. 1Ab, a second optical path 1Ac, a first emission part 1Ad for emitting branched and guided light, and a second emission part 1Ae.

In addition, the illumination optical system 10A includes a first reflecting portion 11A disposed close to the incident portion 1Aa, and a second reflecting portion 12A disposed opposite to the incident portion 1Aa. The first reflecting portion 11A and the first reflecting portion 11A Illumination light in which the first light reflected by the second reflecting portion 12A and the second light reflected by the second reflecting portion 12A without passing through the first reflecting portion 11A are combined. It injects from two injection parts.

Therefore, by using the illumination optical system 10A having a T-shaped cross section, the first and second light beams are incident from the incident portion 1Aa, reflected at least once by the first reflecting portion 11A, and then reflected at least once by the second reflecting portion 12A. Two types of optical paths: a light beam guided to the emission part and a light beam incident from the incident part 1Aa and reflected by the second reflection part 12A without being reflected by the first reflection part 11A and guided to the first and second emission parts Illumination light can be configured with a luminous flux having a high efficiency, and a highly efficient illumination device having desired directivity characteristics and light distribution characteristics can be realized. For example, by superimposing the directivity characteristics of two light beams, it is possible to realize an illuminating device that can efficiently illuminate only a necessary region even when the point light source 2 having a large divergence angle is used. Therefore, even if it is a compact structure, the illuminating device which has a desired light distribution characteristic and can perform highly efficient illumination can be obtained.

Further, a third reflecting portion 13A is provided opposite to the second reflecting portion 12A, and the third reflecting portion 13A receives light from the second reflecting portion 12A and reflects it again toward the second reflecting portion 12A, and then exits. By emitting from the part, the optical path length can be further increased, and the emitting part can be provided at a position where a desired part is illuminated. Therefore, it is possible to realize an illumination device that can efficiently illuminate a necessary area.

The point light source 2 is, for example, an LED light source, and is a white LED light source that emits white light by combining a blue LED chip and a phosphor that is excited by light from the LED chip and emits excitation light of a predetermined wavelength. By using this, the illumination optical system 10A can be applied as an optical path of an illumination device that emits white light. As the size of the white LED light source, for example, a size of about 0.6 mm × 1.2 mm is widely used.

Of the light emitted from the point light source 2 composed of an LED light source, the first light reflected by the second reflecting portion 12A without passing through the first reflecting portion 11A is indicated by a solid line in the drawing from the first emitting portion 1Ad. The second light emitted in the arrow DAa direction (optical path A) and reflected by the first reflecting portion 11A and the second reflecting portion 12A is emitted from the first emitting portion 1Ad in the arrow DBa direction indicated by the broken line in the drawing. (Optical path B).

The optical path B includes the first reflecting portion 11A that functions only in the optical path B in addition to the optical path common to the optical path A. Therefore, by controlling the inclination and length of the first reflecting portion 11A, the directivity at the emitting portion is set. Characteristics and light distribution characteristics can be controlled independently of the optical path A.

For example, the light beam passing through the optical path A and the light beam passing through the optical path B are overlapped by controlling to emit in substantially the same direction as in the optical path A and the optical path B emitted from the first emitting unit 1Ad shown in the figure. As a result, the intensity of the illumination light can be increased and the desired direction can be efficiently illuminated.

Therefore, even when a point light source having a large divergence angle is used, an illumination optical system capable of efficiently illuminating a desired direction can be configured.

<Second embodiment>
Next, the illuminating device 1B of 2nd embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. This illuminating device 1B is also configured to include a point light source 2 and an illumination optical system 10B having a substantially T-shaped cross section, and an incident portion 1Ba that receives light emitted from the point light source 2 and the incident light. A first optical path 1Bb and a second optical path 1Bc for branching and guiding the light incident on the part 1Ba in two different directions; a first exit part 1Bd for emitting the branched and guided light; It is an illuminating device that includes the emitting unit 1Be and that simultaneously illuminates two different directions.

However, the first reflecting portion 11B is inclined so that the light path A and the light path B are emitted in different directions, and lighting having two different light distribution centers of gravity from one point light source is enabled. It is an example. For example, the light distribution angle of the illumination light emitted from the emission unit can be controlled by inclining the first upper reflection surface 11Ba and the first lower reflection surface 11Bb. For example, it is possible to change the light distribution angle by inclining so that the distance between them becomes narrower as the distance from the light source increases.

That is, of the light emitted from the point light source 2 composed of an LED light source, the first light reflected by the second reflecting portion 12B without passing through the first reflecting portion 11B is solid line in the figure from the first emitting portion 1Bd. The second light emitted in the direction of the arrow DAb indicated by (optical path Ab) and reflected by the first reflecting portion 11B and the second reflecting portion 12B is emitted from the first emitting portion 1Bd in the direction of the arrow DBb indicated by the broken line in the figure. (Optical path Bb).

If it is said structure, it will become the illuminating device 1B which branches and guides the light inject | emitted from the point light source 2 installed in incident part 1Ba up and down the figure, and irradiates each in a wide range.

In this way, the inclination of the first reflecting portion 11B that reflects the light emitted from the point light source 2 and the second reflecting portion 12B that is provided in a close position surrounding the point light source 2 arranged in the incident portion. It is possible to control the light distribution characteristics by changing the inclination of the emitting portion which changes depending on the length of the third reflecting portion 13B and the length of the third reflecting portion 13B.

The illumination device that guides the light emitted from the point light source 2 to two different exit surfaces via the optical path having a T-shaped cross section has been described above. It is also possible to form using Next, an illumination device having an illumination optical system provided with a light guide will be described.

<Third embodiment>
FIG. 3 shows an illuminating device 1C according to a third embodiment using the light guide 3C.

The light guide 3C has at least an incident surface on which light emitted from the point light source is incident, a second surface serving as a reflecting portion, and a third surface serving as an emitting portion. The light guide 3C is preferably applied to, for example, an illuminating device that is attached to the tip of a shelf and illuminates the top and bottom of the shelf at the same time, and splits the light emitted from one point light source 2 in two different directions. And guiding it. In this way, since the products displayed on the shelf are illuminated from two directions, upper and lower, it is difficult to produce a shadow, and the object surface can be illuminated uniformly.

A light guide 3C according to this embodiment includes an incident portion 31C, a first light guide portion 32C (corresponding to a first optical path), and a second light guide portion 33C (corresponding to a second optical path). The cross section is T-shaped, which is emitted in the direction, and is made of, for example, a translucent member (PMMA: acrylic) having a refractive index of about 1.5. Therefore, the total reflection angle is about 42 degrees.

A first reflector 11C (a general term that combines the first upper reflector 11Ca and the first lower reflector 11Cb) is provided to hold the incident portion 31C corresponding to the T-shaped shaft section. The LED substrate 21 on which the LED light source constituting the shaped light source 2 is mounted is fixed. The light guide 3C, the first reflecting plate 11C, and the LED substrate 21 are long members whose longitudinal direction is the direction penetrating the drawing, and a plurality of point light sources 2 made of LED light sources are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction. The configuration is

The incident portion 31C has a V-groove incident surface on the surface facing the point light source 2, and the first incident surface 31Ca and the second incident surface 31Cb that diverge the light beam in two different directions are in a V-groove shape. Crossed. In other words, a light splitting portion is formed by providing a refractive surface having a substantially V-shaped cross section at a position facing the point light source 2 on the incident surface. With such a configuration, the light emitted from the point light source 2 is directly received and branched in two different directions, so that each of the emission portions (the first emission surface 32Ca and the second emission surface 33Ca) is efficiently provided. It is preferable because it can guide light.

If the point light source 2 is an LED light source, the LED light source is disposed in a V-groove portion having a substantially V-shaped cross section formed on the incident surface. As described above, by arranging the LED light source in the V-groove portion, even if an LED light source having a large emission angle is used, it can be efficiently incident on the optical path, and a highly efficient illumination device can be realized. .

Further, the second reflecting plate 12C is attached to the surface (second surface) side facing the incident portion 31C, and the third reflecting plate 13C is attached to the back surface portion at a position facing the second reflecting plate 12C. The body part constituting the first light guide part 32C of the light guide 3C is sandwiched between the second reflector 12C and the third reflector 13C. That is, the second reflecting plate 12C and the third reflecting plate 13C are members that define the first optical path.

The light guide 3C is composed of a transparent body having a refractive index of 1 or more as described above. In this embodiment, it is made of PMMA having a refractive index of about 1.5. However, a light guide made of a material other than this may be used, and a transparent resin such as a glass material or acrylic or polycarbonate other than PMMA may be used depending on the application. It may be used.

Between the light guide 3C and all the reflectors is an air layer, and the light guided through the light guide is totally reflected on the light guide surface when the total reflection condition is satisfied according to the refractive index of the light guide 3C. When the light is reflected and does not satisfy the total reflection condition, it once exits the light guide 3C, is reflected by the reflecting plate surface, returns to the light guide again, and is guided to the exit surface.

The intersection angle between the first incident surface 31Ca and the second incident surface 31Cb forming the light beam branching portion of the V-shaped cross section is, for example, 120 degrees. This crossing angle is set in the range of 90 to 150 degrees depending on the light emitting surface size and light emitting angle of the point light source 2, the thickness of the light guide 3C, the emission direction of the illumination light, and the like. The light emitted from the point light source 2 through this light beam branching portion is refracted from the straight traveling direction on the entrance surface having a V-shaped cross section, and in two different directions (for example, upward and downward) with respect to the straight traveling direction. The light is branched to the outgoing light and guided through the light guide toward the exit surface.

In the figure, the main rays of illumination light are indicated by broken lines. The light beam L1 is emitted from the point light source 2, refracted by the first incident surface 31Ca, reaches the second surface without hitting the first upper reflection plate 11Ca, and is reflected by the second reflection plate 12C outside the second surface. After that, the light is repeatedly reflected from the third reflecting plate 13C, guided to the first exit surface 32Ca, refracted and emitted.

The light beam L2 is emitted from the point light source 2, refracted by the second incident surface 31Cb, reaches the second surface without hitting the first lower reflecting plate 11Cb, and is reflected by the second reflecting plate 12C outside the second surface. After that, the light is guided to the second exit surface 33Ca, which is the lower exit surface, and is refracted and emitted.

The light beam L3 is emitted from the point light source 2, refracted by the second incident surface 31Cb, totally reflected by the first lower reflecting plate 11Cb, and reaches the second surface. Thereafter, the light is guided to the first exit surface 32Ca by the behavior substantially the same as that of the light beam L1, and is refracted and emitted.

The light beam L4 is emitted from the point light source 2, is refracted by the first incident surface 31Ca, is totally reflected by the first upper reflection plate 11Ca, and reaches the second surface. Thereafter, the light is guided to the second exit surface 33Ca by the behavior substantially the same as that of the light beam L3, and is refracted and emitted.

Therefore, by optimally setting the distance and length between the first upper reflecting plate 11Ca and the first lower reflecting plate 11Cb, a light beam that behaves similarly to the light beam L1 and a light beam that behaves similar to the light beam L3. By controlling the light distribution characteristics so as to be the desired illumination light distribution characteristics, the light emitted from the point light source 2 can be used efficiently as illumination light without waste, and is bright with high efficiency. An illumination device can be realized. The same applies to the behavior of the light rays L2 and L4.

In this embodiment, the light beams L1 and L3 and the light beams L2 and L4 are controlled to have similar light distribution characteristics. However, by controlling the light distribution characteristics in completely different directions, illumination is performed in a wider range. It is also possible to use a lighting device.

Further, for example, the first emission surface 32Ca that is the upper emission surface is inclined at a predetermined angle, for example, about 20 degrees with respect to the second surface to which the second reflecting plate 12C is attached. Due to this inclination, most of the illumination light reaching the first exit surface 32Ca is refracted and emitted from the traveling direction further upward.

As described above, the inclination angle of the first emission surface 32Ca is preferably inclined from the parallel position by a predetermined angle, for example, about 1 to 30 degrees, preferably 15 to 20 degrees. Moreover, it is preferable that the space | interval of a 2nd surface and a 3rd surface (injection surface) becomes narrow gradually as it leaves | separates from a light source. With such a configuration, the third surface is emitted from the emission surface by giving the inclination of the third surface substantially parallel to the second surface and a thickness that decreases from the light source toward the tip of the emission surface. Illumination light can be emitted at an angle along the second surface, and a wide area can be efficiently illuminated even if the width of the illumination optical system is narrow.

The second exit surface 33Ca, which is the lower exit surface, is inclined at a predetermined angle, for example, 10 degrees, with respect to the second surface to which the second reflector 12C is attached. Due to this inclination, most of the illumination light that has reached the second exit surface 33Ca is emitted as illumination light having a light distribution center on the rear side of the upper illumination.

Since the surface of the object to be illuminated is often arranged near the exit surface, the upper illumination is required to illuminate a wide range. On the other hand, the lower side illumination often illuminates the upper part of the object placed on the shelf below the shelf to which the illumination device is attached, and therefore often has a distance from the object to be illuminated. Therefore, by tilting the light distribution center of the lower illumination to the rear side, it becomes possible to illuminate the objects arranged to the back of the shelf board from the upper side. In other words, the object surface can be illuminated from the front and simultaneously from the top to the back, so that products placed on the shelf can be easily observed.

Further, the inner surface of the second reflecting plate 12C attached to the second surface is preferably a reflecting surface having a diffusing characteristic, and for example, a metal cover whose inner surface is painted white may be used. The degree of diffusion is desirably set to, for example, Gaussian scattering and a diffusion angle σ of about 10 to 30 degrees. If the diffusion angle is too large, the illumination light diverges over a wide angle, which not only illuminates a useless area and lowers the illumination efficiency, but also moves toward the object observer (for example, product purchaser) and observes the object. In some cases, the illumination light may be unnecessary.

It is preferable that the second surface of the light guide 3C to which the second reflector 12C is attached is also a diffusion surface. For example, the surface can be diffused by providing fine irregularities on the surface of the light guide 3C. Also, it is desirable that the degree of diffusion be the same as that of the diffusion surface provided on the inner surface of the second reflecting plate 12C.

Most of the illumination light from the upper exit surface and the lower exit surface is refracted at the exit surface. Therefore, color unevenness may occur in the illumination light depending on the degree of color dispersion of the light guide material. In addition, there is also a light beam that is totally reflected even if it hits the exit surface, faces the second surface at a different angle, is reflected again by the second surface and the second reflecting plate 12C, and exits from the exit surface. Due to the difference in the number of total reflections on the exit surface, the exit direction from the exit surface differs, resulting in uneven illuminance. At this time, by making the inner surface of the second reflecting plate 12C and the second surface of the light guide 3 diffusing, these color unevenness and illuminance unevenness are improved, and a more uniform high-quality illumination device is realized. Can do.

That is, by providing the diffusing portion 14 having a predetermined diffusion characteristic on the second surface side, the light diffused and reflected in a predetermined angle range is guided to the emission surface, and illumination light with reduced color unevenness and illuminance unevenness is emitted. It becomes possible to do. Thus, it is preferable that the second surface is provided with a diffusing portion 14 that reflects the incident light while diffusing the incident light in a predetermined angle range at a portion that reflects the reflected light toward the exit surface. With such a configuration, even if an illumination optical system including a light guide body provided with a diffusing portion on the reflection surface is used, light diffused within a predetermined angle range is emitted from the emission surface. Illumination light with improved color unevenness can be emitted.

Further, a flat portion may be provided on the upper end surface 32Cb of the light guide 3C and covered with the extended surface of the second reflecting plate 12C. If it is such a structure, when this illuminating device 1C is used as an illuminating device for a shelf, even if illumination light is emitted upward from an illuminating device arranged below the observer's viewpoint, This is preferable because the observer is not dazzled and can be easily observed.

Further, a planar portion may be provided on the lower end surface 33Cb of the light guide 3C, and the illumination light may be emitted downward. For example, in the case of a shelf in which the front end position of the shelf plate is arranged on the near side according to the lower stage, the upper front surface of the object may not be illuminated with high quality only by illumination light emitted toward the rear. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the lower stage can be illuminated with higher quality by emitting the illumination light in the direction directly below.

The illumination device 1C is, for example, long as shown in FIG. 4, and has a configuration in which a plurality of point light sources 2 are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction. Further, the cross section is substantially T-shaped, and the length is, for example, about the width of the shelf board to be mounted.

Therefore, in order to uniformly illuminate the entire width of the shelf board, an LED substrate 21 having a length about the width of the shelf board is provided, and a plurality of LED light sources serving as the point light sources 2 are mounted thereon at a predetermined pitch. Yes. However, in the case where the shelf width is wide, it may be configured to be divided into a plurality of substrates and electrically connected to each other. Further, the LED light source installation interval may be set to a length of about the height of the second reflecting plate 12C (the height of the second surface of the light guide 3C).

This is because the light emitted from the adjacent light sources is mixed if the distance is shorter than the optical path length from the point light source 2 to the light emitted from the exit surface. If the interval between the point light sources 2 is widened, the number of the point light sources 2 to be installed can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

However, the longer the installation interval, the easier it is to produce uneven illuminance in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the length is shorter than the optical path length of the illumination light, for example, the height of the second reflector 12C as in this embodiment. It is preferable that the interval is.

In this embodiment, since the cross section is T-shaped, the optical path length from the light source to the exit surface is longer than the width (thickness) of the illumination unit. Therefore, even if the size of the illumination unit is set to be thin in the vertical direction, the installation interval of the point light sources 2 can be set wide, which is advantageous for cost reduction.

It is preferable that both sides of the illumination unit are covered with the side cover 15 so that illumination light is not emitted outward from the left and right end faces of the light guide 3C. Further, the inner surface of the side cover 15 is a reflecting surface, and the illumination light that has reached the side cover 15 is returned again into the light guide 3C, reflected by one of the reflecting surfaces, and then emitted as illumination light from the exit surface. The

As described above, the illumination optical system 10C according to the present embodiment formed by the light guide 3C has a plurality of point light sources 2 arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the T-section, and is long along the longitudinal direction. It has a small injection part. Therefore, it is possible to illuminate widely in the longitudinal direction of the illumination optical system with high illuminance using a plurality of point light sources 2. In addition, since it has an optical path that guides light while being repeatedly reflected, even if the arrangement pitch of a plurality of point light sources 2 arranged side by side is wide, it is possible to uniformly illuminate with reduced uneven illuminance in the longitudinal direction. Since the installation quantity of the shape light source may be small, the cost can be reduced.

The illumination optical system described above is asymmetric in the vertical direction. Further, only the upper side has a back reflecting surface (third reflecting plate 13C), and a long optical path from the light source to the exit surface is secured. The light emitted from the illumination optical system can be efficiently guided to the illumination target by fixing the rear reflection surface to the shelf so that the rear surface of the rear reflection surface is in contact with the end surface of the shelf.

For this purpose, the illuminating device 1C, which includes the point light source 2 and the light guide 3C and is attached to the tip of the shelf, controls the light distribution of the point light source 2 to be bright and efficiently uniform in a desired specific direction. It is possible to illuminate, and it becomes possible to favorably illuminate a product displayed in a showcase having a plurality of shelf boards above and below.

In addition, in order to make this illuminating device 1C have higher illuminance, an LED light source with high luminance may be used for the LED light source that is the point light source 2, or more LED light sources may be installed. 14A and 14B show a light source 40A that is an example of a light source 40 in which a plurality of LED light sources K1, which are white light sources, are densely arranged. 14A is a top view of the light source 40A, and FIG. 14B is a side view of the light source 40A.

The LED light source K1 includes a phosphor 42 that converts blue light 43 into yellow light 44 with a predetermined conversion efficiency on a blue LED 41 having a light emission center 41a that emits blue light 43. A part of the blue light 43 is converted into yellow light 44 and the rest is emitted from the LED light source K1, so that the blue light 43 and the yellow light 44 are mixed to form white light.

The phosphor 42 is formed so as to cover the entire upper part of the blue LED 41. Therefore, when the LED light sources K1 are arranged densely as shown in FIG. 14A, the phosphor 42 portions appear to be arranged continuously even though the light emission centers 41a of the blue LEDs 41 are arranged discretely. Since white light is emitted from the phosphor 42 portion, it looks as if it is a light source having a light emitting surface extending in the direction in which the LED light sources K1 are arranged (X direction in the figure).

It can be said that such a light source is a linear light source or a linearly long surface light source (XY plane). Therefore, in the present invention, it can be said that a light source having a light emitting surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the T-shaped cross section may be used instead of the row of the point light sources 2. In such a light source, the length in the direction (Y direction in the drawing) between the two reflecting surfaces forming the first reflecting portion 11A (see FIG. 1) is preferably as small as possible. In the case of a point light source, it goes without saying that the smaller the length in the direction between the two reflecting surfaces, the better.

That is, the point light source here refers to a light source in which, for example, the vertical and horizontal sizes of the light emitting surface for emitting light in the horizontal direction are sufficiently small compared to the size of the illumination optical system. For example, it refers to a light source in which the length of a point light source in the direction is sufficiently small (for example, one third) with respect to the length in the direction between two reflecting surfaces forming the first reflecting portion 11A. With this size, the specific direction can be efficiently illuminated.

As another example of a light source having a light emitting surface extending in a direction in which LEDs that are point light sources are arranged, there is a light source 40B shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, for example. 15A is a top view of the light source 40B, and FIG. 15B is a side view of the light source 40B. The light source 40 </ b> B includes a substrate 21, a plurality of blue LEDs 41 mounted on the substrate 21, and a phosphor 42 that covers the plurality of blue LEDs 41. A wiring pattern for supplying power to the blue LED 41 is formed on the substrate 21, one electrode of the blue LED 41 is in contact with the wiring pattern, and the other electrode is wire bonded from the wiring pattern. Has been.

Blue LED 41 is supplied with electric power and emits blue light 43 from the light emitting surface. As the blue light 43 travels through the phosphor 42, it is converted into yellow light 44 with a conversion efficiency in accordance with the characteristics of the phosphor 42. The light emitted from the phosphor 42 becomes white light by appropriately mixing the blue light 43 and the yellow light 44, and the light source 40B emits white light.

FIG. 16 shows an example of an illuminating device 1C provided with such a light source 40 (40A, 40B) and a light guide 3C. Another example corresponding to the light source 40 is a thin-line cold cathode tube. A modification of the illuminating device 1C provided with such a light source 50 is shown in FIG. The illuminating device 1C shown in FIG. 17 has a light source 50 made of a cold cathode tube mounted on a light guide 3C.

Next, an illuminating device including a light beam branching section that reliably branches the light emitted from the point light source 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 5 shows an illuminating device 1D according to a fourth embodiment in which the light splitting portion 16 having a V-shaped cross section is provided on the second surface of the light guide and the second reflecting plate. That is, this is an example in which the light guide 3D including the light beam branching portion 16 forms the illumination optical system 10D. Since the configuration other than the light beam branching portion 16 is the same as that of the lighting device 1C described above, it will not be described in detail.

The light beam branching portion 16 has a substantially V-shaped cross section in which the first branch surface 16a and the second branch surface 16b intersect at a predetermined angle, and the light reflected by the first branch surface 16a is passed through the first light guide portion 32D. The light guided to the first exit surface 32Da and reflected by the second branch surface 16b is guided to the second exit surface 33Da via the second light guide 33D.

In order to provide the light beam branching portion 16, a light guide 3D having a V-shaped concave portion on the second surface is used, and a second reflecting plate 12D having a V-shaped convex portion that matches the concave portion is used. It has a configuration that was. In a state where the light beam splitting section 16 is not provided, the light path length from when the light emitted from the light source substantially in the front direction reciprocates between the opposing second reflector and the light source member and is emitted from the emission section. Increases the temperature of the lighting device. Further, there is a high possibility that the light is emitted in an unnecessary direction, and the light use efficiency is also reduced.

In this way, by adding the light beam branching section 16, it becomes possible to turn the distribution center of the illumination light emitted from the upper and lower exit surfaces further upward or downward, and efficiently illuminate a wider range. can do. For this reason, even with a shelf board having a wide space for displaying tall products, it is possible to emit illumination light in a direction in which the products can be easily viewed and to uniformly illuminate the products.

For example, the light is emitted from the point light source 2, is incident from the second incident surface 31Db, is reflected by the first lower reflecting plate 11Db, reaches the second surface, and is reflected by the second reflecting plate 12D outside the second surface. Thereafter, the light beam L1a is repeatedly reflected from the third reflecting plate 13D, guided to the first exit surface 32Da, refracted and emitted from the point light source 2, and is incident from the first incident surface 31Da. After reaching the second surface as it is and reflected by the second reflecting plate 12D outside the second surface, it is repeatedly reflected from the third reflecting plate 13D and guided to the first exit surface 32Da and refracted. And the emitted light beam L1b. Further, light rays L2a and L2b whose light distribution is controlled in a predetermined direction are emitted from the lower side.

Further, it is preferable that the reflecting surface other than the light beam branching portion 16 is a diffusing surface in the same manner as the lighting device 1C described above. For example, a roughened diffusing portion 14 is provided in a portion close to the exit surface. Further, the luminous flux branching portion 16 is used as a mirror surface, and all the light is favorably reflected and guided until reaching the diffusing portion 14, thereby enabling more efficient light distribution control of the illumination light. .

<Fifth embodiment>
FIG. 6 shows an illumination device 1E according to the fifth embodiment. This illuminating device 1E is an example in which both the upper side and the lower side of the bending point 17 facing the point light source 2 of the reflecting surface arranged facing the point light source 2 are inclined outward. It is the structure provided with the 2nd reflecting plate 12E which forms the light guide 3E in which the 2nd surface was bent, and the reflective surface which bent. Further, this bending point 17 becomes a light beam branching portion.

In this way, by tilting the entire reflecting surface to the emission part, the traveling direction of the guided light gradually spreads every time reflection is repeated, and the vertical spread angle of the illumination light finally emitted Can be secured greatly.

Therefore, this reflection surface, that is, the second reflection plate 12F (second reflection portion) is an inclined surface that reflects incident light while diffusing it in a predetermined angle range. Such a configuration is preferable because the light distribution control angle can be expanded by inclining the second reflecting portion, so that an illumination device capable of efficiently illuminating a necessary region can be realized.

Also, the first upper reflecting plate 11Ea and the first lower reflecting plate 11Eb in the vicinity of the light source, and the incident portion 31E of the light guide 3E are inclined so that the distance increases as the distance from the light source increases. Thereby, out of the light emitted from the light source, the light beam emitted in the normal direction with high emission intensity can be efficiently guided to the optical path branched in the vertical direction.

For example, the light is emitted from the point light source 2, is incident from the second incident surface 31Eb, is reflected by the first lower reflecting plate 11Eb, reaches the second surface, and is reflected by the second reflecting plate 12E outside the second surface. Thereafter, the light beam L1a is repeatedly reflected from the third reflecting plate 13E, guided to the first exit surface 32Ea, refracted upward, and emitted from the point light source 2, and the first entrance surface 31Ea. From the second reflection plate 12E outside the second surface, and then repeatedly reflected between the third reflection plate 13E and led to the first exit surface 32Ea, And a light beam L1b that is refracted and emitted downward. Further, light rays L2a and L2b whose light distribution is controlled in a predetermined direction are emitted from the lower side.

As described above, if the reflecting portion is provided with an inclined reflecting surface that is widened as the distance from the light source increases, the light reflected by the inclined reflecting surface is controlled in a direction in which the reflection angle decreases, From the upper and lower emission surfaces, the illumination light is controlled so as to irradiate more rearward in the horizontal direction. Thereby, each of upper side illumination and lower side illumination can illuminate a wider range.

The above-described light guide 3 (3C, 3D, 3E) has been described as a T-shaped light guide having a cross section having an incident portion, a first light guide, and a second light guide. A plate-shaped light guide may be provided in the illumination optical system, and such a configuration example will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Sixth embodiment>
FIG. 7 shows a lighting device 1F of the sixth embodiment. This illuminating device 1F is an example in which a plate-shaped light guide 3F is disposed in a T-shaped illumination optical system, and a first surface on which light emitted from the point light source 2 is incident becomes an incident surface 3Fa. . Further, the upper side of the plate shape is the first light guide portion 32F and the lower side is the second light guide portion 33F.

The light emitted from the point light source 2 located away from the incident surface 3Fa is reflected by the first lower reflecting plate 11Fb, and then reflected by the second reflecting plate 12F and the third reflecting plate 13F of the first light guide portion 32F. The light beams L1a and L1b that are repeatedly reflected and emitted from the first exit portion 32Fa and directly emitted toward the second reflecting plate 12F, and then repeatedly reflected between the third reflecting plate 13F and the first exit portion 32Fa. Including the light beam L1c emitted from. Further, from the lower second emission portion 33Fa, the light beams L2a and L2c that are reflected by the first upper reflection plate 11Fa and then reflected and emitted by the second reflection plate 12F of the first light guide portion 32F are directly emitted. It includes a light beam L2b that is emitted toward the second reflecting plate 12F, reflected by the second reflecting plate 12F, and emitted.

Like the light rays L1a to c and L2a to c described above, the installation position of the point light source 2, the first vertical reflector, the second and third reflectors constituting the T-shaped illumination optical system, and Illumination light having desired light distribution characteristics can be realized by the inclination angle of the exit surface.

Since the lighting device 1F described above uses the plate-shaped light guide 3F, the light guide has a simple light guide structure, and the cost can be reduced while controlling the light distribution of the illumination light.

<Seventh embodiment>
FIG. 8 shows a lighting device 1G of the seventh embodiment. This illuminating device 1G is an example in which a plate-shaped light guide 3G is disposed in a T-section illumination optical system. In addition, the light guide 3G is an example in which the first incident surface 31Ga and the second incident surface 31Gb which are light beam branching portions are provided on the incident surface of the sixth embodiment described above, and the light emitted from the point light source 2 Is efficiently branched into upper and lower light guides.

Therefore, the light guide 3G includes a first incident surface 31Ga intersecting a V-shaped cross section, an incident surface 3Ga formed with a second incident surface 31Gb, a plate-shaped first light guide portion 32G, and a second light guide portion. 33G. Then, the light is emitted from the point light source 2 from the upper first emission portion 32Ga, reflected by the first lower reflection plate 11Gb, and repeatedly reflected by the second reflection plate 12G and the third reflection plate 13G of the first light guide portion 32G. The light L1a emitted and the light L1b incident from the first incident surface 31Ga and repeatedly reflected by the second reflecting plate 12G and the third reflecting plate 13G to be emitted are controlled at a predetermined angle. Light is emitted.

Further, from the lower second emission portion 33Ga, the light is emitted from the point light source 2, reflected by the first upper reflection plate 11Ga, and reflected and emitted by the second reflection plate 12G of the first light guide portion 32G. Illumination light whose light distribution is controlled at a predetermined angle, such as the light beam L2a and the light beam L2b incident from the second incident surface 31Gb and reflected by the second reflecting plate 12G, is emitted.

Moreover, it is preferable that the above-described diffusion portion 14 is provided on the reflection surface of the second reflecting plate 12G and the reflection surface of the light guide 3G, and the diffusion portion 14 diffuses and reflects within a predetermined angle range. It is possible to realize illumination light with improved color unevenness and illuminance unevenness by guiding the emitted light to the exit surface and refracting the exit surface at a predetermined angle.

Since the lighting device 1G described above also uses the plate-shaped light guide 3G, it has a simple light guide structure and can realize an inexpensive and highly efficient lighting device.

Further, even in an illumination optical system that does not use a light guide, a light beam branching portion can be provided and can be branched in two different directions. Eighth and ninth embodiments provided with this light beam branching section will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Eighth embodiment>
The illuminating device 1H of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 9 has an illuminating optical system composed of only a reflecting surface without using a light guide. Further, a light beam branching portion 16 is formed on the second reflecting plate 12H.

Therefore, of the light emitted from the point light source 2, the light that has reached the first branch surface 16a is guided to the upper first light guide portion 1Hb, and the light that has reached the second branch surface 16b is the lower side. Is guided to the second light guide portion 1Hc.

For example, the light is emitted from the point light source 2 and reaches the first branch surface 16a as it is, is reflected toward the third reflecting plate 13H, and is emitted from the light source L1a emitted from the emission unit 1Hd or the point light source 2. Then, the light reaches the first branching surface 16a as it is, and is further reflected as it is toward the emitting portion 1Hd and is emitted by the light beam L1b, the first upper reflecting plate 11Ha, and the first lower reflecting plate 11Hb to be reflected to the second reflecting plate. After reaching 12H and reflected, the light beam L1c is emitted from the emitting portion 1Hd, and the light beam L1d is repeatedly reflected and emitted between the second reflecting plate 12H and the third reflecting plate 13H. Further, light rays L2a, L2b, L2c, L2d and the like whose light distribution is controlled so as to diffuse into a predetermined range are emitted from the lower emission portion 1He.

Further, it is preferable that the above-described diffusing portion 14 is provided on the reflecting surface of the second reflecting plate 12H, and light diffused and reflected by the diffusing portion 14 in a predetermined angle range from the emitting surface by a predetermined angle. By diffusing and emitting in the range, it is possible to realize illumination light with improved illuminance unevenness.

Thus, the second reflecting portion (second reflecting plate 12H) is provided with a diffusing portion that reflects the incident light while diffusing the incident light in a predetermined angle range at a portion that reflects the reflected light toward the emitting portion. Is preferred. With such a configuration, since the light diffused in the predetermined angle range by the second reflecting portion is emitted from the emission surface, it is possible to emit illumination light with improved illuminance unevenness. In addition, since the diffusing unit is provided in a portion close to the emitting unit, the illumination light can be efficiently guided to the vicinity of the emitting unit.

Moreover, the light distribution angle of the illumination light emitted from the emission part can be controlled by inclining the first upper reflector 11Ha and the first lower reflector 11Hb. For example, when the distance between the light sources is inclined so that the distance from the light source becomes narrower, the light distribution angle of the illumination light emitted from the emission unit can be controlled to be smaller than when arranged in parallel. it can.

<Ninth embodiment>
In addition, a light guide may be provided in the optical path of the illumination device 1H. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the illumination device 1K according to the ninth embodiment is provided with a flat light guide 3K.

With this configuration, light refracted at a predetermined angle is emitted from the upper and lower emission surfaces, so that the light distribution angle of the illumination light can be further controlled. In addition, the upper and lower emission surfaces (first emission surface 32Ka, second emission surface 33Ka) are inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, 50 degrees) with respect to the second reflecting plate 12K so that the emitted illumination light approaches the light source. Can be refracted.

Thus, the exit surface (third surface) is inclined by 50 to 80 degrees from the parallel position with respect to the second surface (reflecting surface: second reflecting plate 12K), and the second surface and the third surface as the distance from the light source increases. The interval between and may be narrowed. With such a configuration, by setting the inclination of the third surface to an angle close to the vertical direction of the second surface, the illumination light emitted from the emission surface can be highly efficient in the direction perpendicular to the second surface. Can be illuminated.

For example, the light is emitted from the point light source 2, reflected by the first upper reflecting plate 11Ka and the first lower reflecting plate 11Kb, reaches the first branch surface 16a, is reflected toward the third upper reflecting plate 13Ka, and further After returning to the second surface and being reflected by the second reflecting plate 12K outside the second surface, the light beam L1a emitted from the second emission surface 32Ka or the point light source 2 and emitted as it is to the first branch surface 16a. , And a light beam L1b that is repeatedly reflected and emitted between the third upper reflecting plate 13Ka and the second reflecting plate 12K. Further, light rays L2a, L2b and the like whose light distribution is controlled so as to be refracted at a predetermined angle and emitted from the lower second emission surface 33Ka are emitted.

Further, the light distribution angle of the emitted illumination light can be controlled by inclining the first upper reflector 11Ka and the first lower reflector 11Kb. For example, if the distance between each other is increased as the distance from the light source is increased, the light distribution angle of the illumination light emitted from the emission unit can be controlled to be larger than when arranged in parallel. it can.

By mounting and using the lighting device 1K having the above-described configuration on a plate-like body, for example, the tip of a shelf board, it is possible to realize an illumination apparatus that effectively illuminates the vicinity of a desired portion of an object placed on the shelf board. . For example, an illumination device effective for illuminating the tip end region of the shelf board can be realized.

Further, the lighting device 1K can be used by being mounted on a plate-like body other than the shelf board. For example, by attaching the lighting device G to the upper portion of the partition wall, the both side regions of the partition wall can be effectively used. Can be illuminated. Therefore, an embodiment in which the lighting device 1K is mounted on the upper part of the partition wall will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B.

<Tenth embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 11A, in the tenth embodiment, the lighting device 1K is used by being mounted on the upper part of the partition wall 5A. Moreover, it is set as the structure which accommodates LED board 21 carrying the 1st upper reflecting plate 11Ka, the 1st lower reflecting plate 11Kb, and the point light source 2 in the accommodation recessed part 5Aa formed in the upper part of the partition wall 5A. That is, the projection of the lighting device 1K is fitted and held. In addition, the width of the lighting device 1K is approximately the same as the thickness of the partition wall 5A, and the illumination light is emitted obliquely downward from the inclined emission surfaces on both sides of the light guide 3K.

For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 11B, light beams L3a and L3b whose light distribution is controlled in advance so as to be emitted toward the predetermined region are emitted on the left side of the partition wall 5A, and the predetermined region on the right side in advance. Light rays L4a and L4b whose light distribution is controlled so as to be emitted toward the light source are emitted.

The emission direction of the illumination light can be defined in advance by the configuration of the illumination optical system, so that it is possible to realize a highly efficient illumination device by suppressing unnecessary light without emitting in an unnecessary direction. In addition, the point light sources 2 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface at intervals wider than the thickness of the partition wall 5A. As described above, it is possible to effectively and efficiently illuminate the predetermined regions on both sides of the plate-like body (partition wall 5A) using the lighting device 1K according to the present embodiment.

Next, an example in which the lighting device according to the present embodiment is attached to the tip of the shelf of the showcase and used will be further described with reference to FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 13.

FIG. 12A shows a state in which the lighting device 1C is attached to the tip of the shelf board 5B, and illumination light whose light distribution is controlled at a predetermined angle is emitted to both the upper side and the lower side of the shelf board 5B. Yes. Moreover, 1C of illuminating devices are attached to the front-end | tip part of the shelf board 5B using the attachment member 6. FIG. Further, the front of the product M1 placed on the shelf board 5B is supported by a guard body 8 having an upper guard rod 8a and a lower guard rod 8b fixed to the support member 7 to prevent the product M1 from falling. is doing.

The light emitted from the point light source 2 is guided through the light guide 3C while being reflected by the second reflecting plate 12C and the third reflecting plate 13C of the light guide 3C, and is specified from the upper exit surface. It includes light rays L1a, L1b, and L1c whose light distribution is controlled in the direction. Further, light rays L2a, L2b, L2c, L2d and the like whose light distribution is controlled in a specific direction are emitted from the lower emission surface. At this time, it is good also as a structure which reflects a part of light (for example, light ray L2b) via the reflective surface 6a.

The guard body 8 may be a plate-shaped guard plate made of a transparent resin plate. However, if the guard plate is used, the guard plate is disposed between the lighting device and the product, so that the illumination light is transmitted to the guard plate. The amount of light that is reflected on the surface of the product and illuminates the product is reduced. In addition, if the reflected light enters the eyes of the observer, it becomes dazzling and obstructs the observation of the product.

If a bar-like guard body (guard bar) is used as in this embodiment, the product M1 can be efficiently illuminated without the illumination light being blocked by the guard bar. The guard rod is preferably made of a material having a low reflectance and a large diffusion property. This is because if the reflectance of the guard rod is high, the illumination light is reflected and obstructs the observation of the product M1.

Also, even if the diffusion characteristic is low, the observation of the product is hindered when the reflected light from the guard rod of the illumination light enters the observer's eyes. The cross-sectional shape of the guard rod is preferably circular, and if it is circular, the illumination light diffused and reflected by the guard rod can be spread over a wider range and controlled so as not to hinder product observation.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12B, if the upper guard rod 8a is shifted and disposed forward, the shadow contrast of the guard rod projected on the product surface can be lowered, and higher-quality illumination can be realized. it can.

The lower guard bar 8b is disposed in the vicinity of the tip of the shelf board 5B in order to regulate the position of the product M1, and the upper guard bar 8a is disposed in front of the lower guard bar 8b as long as the product M1 does not fall even if tilted. Thus, a certain interval can be secured from the product M1 whose position is regulated by the lower guard rod 8b.

Moreover, the illumination device according to the present embodiment that can illuminate two different directions can be suitably used for a showcase including a plurality of shelves.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the lighting device 1C1 is mounted on the upper shelf plate 5C, and the lighting device 1C2 is mounted on the lower shelf plate 5D.

In this configuration, the front surface of the product M1a placed on the shelf board 5C is illuminated by the light beam L11a emitted from the lighting device 1C1 attached to the upper shelf board 5C, and the light beam L21a emitted downward is used to illuminate the shelf board. The upper part of the product M2a placed on 5D is illuminated. Further, the front of the product M2a placed on the shelf board 5D is illuminated by the light beam L12a emitted from the lighting device 1C2 mounted on the lower shelf board 5D, and the lower shelf is illuminated by the light beam L22a emitted downward. Illuminate the top of another product placed on the board.

In this way, the upper and lower sides of the shelf can be illuminated at the same time using a single light source, so even a showcase displaying tall products on multiple shelf plates It is preferable because the upper part is effectively illuminated to facilitate observation.

In addition, although it was set as the embodiment using the chip-type LED light source as the point light source 2, other point light sources may be used, for example, a lens-mounted or bullet-type LED light source may be used.

As described above, according to the illuminating device of the present invention, by using the illumination optical system having a T-shaped cross section, the incident light is incident from the incident part and reflected at least once by the first reflecting part. A light beam that is reflected at least once and guided to the first and second exit parts; and a light beam that is incident from the incident part and reflected by the second reflection part without being reflected by the first reflection part; The illumination light can be constituted by a light beam having two types of optical paths, and a highly efficient illumination device having desired directivity characteristics and light distribution characteristics can be realized. For example, by superimposing the directivity characteristics of two light beams, it is possible to realize an illuminating device that can efficiently illuminate only a necessary region even when a point light source having a large divergence angle is used.

That is, by using the illumination device according to the present invention, a compact illumination device that can efficiently illuminate a specific direction on both sides of the plate-like body can be realized. Therefore, even if it is a compact structure, the illuminating device which has a desired light distribution characteristic and can perform highly efficient illumination can be obtained.

Further, by arranging the light guide in the optical path, the illumination light can be controlled by refraction on each surface of the light guide, so that a higher performance and higher efficiency illumination device can be realized.

Therefore, the illuminating device according to the present invention can be suitably applied to an illuminating device for illuminating a tall product placed on a multistage showcase having a plurality of shelf boards on the upper and lower sides.

1A-1K Illumination device 2 Point light source (light source, LED light source)
3C to 3G Light guide 5A Partition wall 5B Shelf 10A to 10D Illumination

optical system

11, 11A to 11H Incident surface 12 Reflecting surface 12Aa to 12Ha First reflecting surface 12Ab to 12Hb Second reflecting surface 13 Ejecting surface 14 Diffusing portion L1, L1a to L1d rays L2, L2a to L2d rays

Claims

A light source, an incident portion that receives light emitted from the light source, and first and second optical paths that branch and guide the light incident on the incident portion in two different directions, and are branched and guided. An illumination device that includes a first and second emission units that emit light and has a T-shaped cross section, and illuminates two different directions simultaneously.
The illumination optical system includes a first reflecting unit disposed in proximity to the incident unit, and a second reflecting unit disposed to face the incident unit,
The first light reflected by the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion from the first and second emitting portions, and the first light reflected by the second reflecting portion without passing through the first reflecting portion. An illuminating device that emits illumination light in which two lights are combined.
The illumination optical system includes a third reflecting portion facing the second reflecting portion, and the third reflecting portion receives light from the second reflecting portion and reflects again toward the second reflecting portion, and then The illuminating device according to claim 1, wherein the light is emitted from the emission unit.
3. The illumination device according to claim 1, further comprising a light beam branching unit that branches light emitted from the light source into light directed to the first and second emission units.
The lighting device according to claim 3, wherein the light beam branching portion is disposed at a position facing the point light source of the second reflecting portion, and is configured by a substantially V-shaped convex reflecting surface.
The illumination optical system includes a light guide having an incident surface on which light emitted from the light source is incident, a second surface along the second reflecting portion, and a third surface serving as the emitting portion. The illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
The illumination device according to claim 5, wherein a light beam branching portion is formed by providing a refractive surface having a substantially V-shaped cross section at a position of the incident surface facing the light source.
The third surface is inclined by 1 to 30 degrees from a parallel position with respect to the second surface, and the distance between the second surface and the third surface is gradually narrowed away from the light source. The illumination device according to claim 5 or 6.
The third surface is inclined by 50 to 80 degrees from a parallel position with respect to the second surface, and the distance between the second surface and the third surface becomes narrower as the distance from the light source increases. Item 7. The lighting device according to Item 5 or 6.
9. The second reflecting portion is provided with a diffusing portion for reflecting incident light while diffusing the incident light in a predetermined angle range at a portion that reflects the reflected light toward the emitting portion. The illuminating device in any one of.
9. The second surface according to claim 5, wherein a diffusion portion that reflects the incident light while diffusing the incident light in a predetermined angle range is provided at a portion that reflects the reflected light toward the exit surface. The lighting apparatus in any one.
The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second reflecting portion is an inclined surface that reflects incident light while diffusing it in a predetermined angle range.
12. The illumination optical system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the light sources are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in a longitudinal direction of a T-shaped cross section, and have a long emission part along the longitudinal direction. The lighting device described in 1.
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a point light source.
The lighting device according to claim 13, wherein the point light source is an LED light source.
The lighting device according to claim 14, wherein the LED light source is disposed in a V-groove portion having a substantially V-shaped cross section formed on the incident surface.
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a light source including a light emitting surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the T-shaped cross section.
The illuminating device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the illuminating device is attached to a front end portion of a plate-like body and illuminates both sides of the plate-like body.
The lighting device according to claim 17, wherein the plate-like body is a shelf board and illuminates the top and bottom of the shelf board simultaneously.